Help India!

By Nawal Ali Watali, TwoCircles.net

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I am a believer but I do not practice Islam enough, as much as required. says Khurram Parvez, a human rights activist in Kashmir.

Ramadan is one of the things that I am particular about. I do not compromise with Ramadan at any point. When I stay outside, for example I was in the Philippines few years back, I made sure I kept with me packed food and water bottles, as all restaurants were closed during Sehri.

More Ramadan stories here twocircles.net/category/ramadan1438
Help India!

By TwoCircles.net Staff Reporter

Three journalists from Delhi were arrested yesterday in Hanumangarh district of Rajasthan, after they tried to report on a Bajrang Dals weapons training camp, which was being operated in the same area.

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Anupam Pandey, Asad Ashraf and Vijay Pandey were detained without any proper explanation and were made to sit in the Hanumangarh Junction police station for hours. The journalists have alleged that police has also misbehaved with them.

The three journalists got a lead earlier that Bajrang Dal, a radical Hindu outift famous for carrying out violence in Public and for its role in Gujarat riots, is running a training camp on weapons operations in Hanumangarh. The journalists headed to the area and started interviewing the trainers and association leaders.

When they finished getting the most crucial part, which is the testimonies, for the story, the people at the training camp started becoming suspicious. They stopped the journalists from leaving and called the Police.

Police from Hanumangarh junction police station reached the hotel where journalists were staying and asked the journalists to come up to Police station, the request to which journalists complied. As the journalists report, Police hurled abusive words at them. When journalists answered the polices questions about purpose of their visit, they were told that they would have come after talking with PRO of Police administration.

In a testimony published on Democracia, Asad Ashraf, wrote, Police came in civil dresses and we were not told of any reason for our arrest or detention. When I called my friends and colleagues from the police custody, my phone was taken away. But by then politicians, journalists and human rights activists have already started calling them (Police) and that helped us in getting released.

Moreover, photojournalist Vijay Pandey and Anupam Pandey told their real name to the Bajrang Dal members, while Asad Ashraf hid his real name to be safe of any kind of possible violence, as Rajasthan recently faced a dark episode of Pehlu Khans lynching.

Journalists have claimed that the they have gathered enough proof of Bajrang Dal arming and giving training of firearms in Hanumangarh area. They gathered the storys key points after taking Bajran Dal goons in their confidence, but they became suspicious about the time when the journalists were about to leave to Delhi.
For over 40 years the worlds fear of the hermit nation North Korea has slowly bubbled to the surface. This anxiety has been further magnified by the recent missile tests being conducted by the country's current ruler Kim Jong-un. Could this provocation be all they have to instill panic and anger from surrounding nations? Or could the possibility of nuclear weapons falling into the hands of a mad dictator be the new reality in our not so distant future?

Do they have the resources necessary to unleash a catastrophic war upon the world?

For the most part, the nation we know as North Korea is hardly one of prosperity.

Rather, a highly choreographed forgery of a land of prosperity whose greatness only appears to extend as far as the surface. Upon closer examination lies a population suffering a never-ending state of oppression and poverty. In short, a situation closely resembling George Orwells 1984.

Is anyone immune to a North Korean strike?

No doubt Asianic counties which are in close proximity to North Korea, most especially South Korea, are going to be the inevitable casualties of a nuclear war. Indeed, the possibility of South Korea being caught in the cross fire is inevitable. However, it is blatantly obvious that Australia, Japan and Indonesia are also feeling the brunt of the tension on the Korean peninsula.

This is clearly illustrated by the meeting that is set to occur on 22 August between the US Vice President Mike Pence and the Prime Minister of Australia Malcom Turnbull. Even though the Trans-Pacific Partnership is said to be the topic of discussion, there is no doubt that the topic of North Korea will also arise. Mr. Pence is also set to meet with the leaders of Japan, Indonesia and South Korea at this time.

Is this heightened state of anxiety for nothing?

History has proven the most catastrophic of tragedies strike when they are completely unexpected. The enemy strikes when we as a society have truly let our guard down. The abundance of soft targets can best be described as numerous.

Are these carefree times natural reactions to peaceful days, or a grave naivety?

Past occurrences have shown us that letting our guard down is hardly an option. Nevertheless, letting our lives be ruled by fear and suspicion is scarcely an option; doing so could only lead to distrust and paranoia. It's easy to state that taking down a nation lacking in resources would be a simple task. However, if that was the case wouldnt it have been over and done with by now instead of prolonging over 40 years? Clearly, North Korea's alliance with China hardly helps the situation. It just makes things even more difficult. The world can merely wait with bated breath.

https://uk.blastingnews.com/politics/2017/05/united-states-must-realize-that-the-mother-of-norths-nuclear-program-is-china-001663545.html

https://uk.blastingnews.com/opinion/2017/04/north-korea-armies-engaged-in-war-games-001652967.html
Well, well! Now here's a turn-up for the books - and one that Tory HQ did not expect. Six weeks ago when the General Election was called the Conservative party were 23 points clear of Labour, today with only five days till polling - and depending on which newspaper you read - that lead has dwindled to between 3 and 7 points. This, of course, throws not only the confident predictions of a Tory landslide on Friday morning into question, but even the question of who gets to sleep at Number 10 that night.

What's gone wrong?

In what has been a very dull campaign where no one has really risen above their game, it is clear that in these closing days no one party has a clear idea of the intent of UK voters.

The Conservative wobble of a couple of weeks ago turned out to be far more toxic than they had anticipated, and they have most certainly lost the high ground. Even at this late stage voters are still unaware of what the party actually stands for. The PM's weakness is that she has been very reluctant to appear in any form of one-to-one debate with anyone, which has proved a weakness, allowing ample ammunition to her detractors, and cries of moral cowardice.

A Labour Resurgence?

Look, no matter what anyone thinks Labour must be saying something right, and certainly the polls are showing that someone is listening. Unfortunately, last Sunday on the Andrew Marr show - which she was warned not to appear on by Mr.

Corbyn - Dianne Abbott did her foot in mouth trick yet again. Making a dreadful muddle of the interview, showing that she is practically incapable of stringing a full sentence together without making some form of gaffe. Unfortunately, her Leader did little better when he appeared on a Friday BBC Newsnight special, espousing his well-meaning but out of step views on the usage of Nuclear weapons.

No matter how he tries it appears he cannot get his head around the fact that if say, North Korea or ISIS launch an attack on us, that we should in no way retaliate. Or have the actual capacity to do so. This said, he appears to be a hit with the voters as he has clawed his way back to within a whisker of Theresa May, and of course, both must be biting their nails at the potential outcome on Thursday.

Hands of the voters

This is a now a two-horse race! Presently the favourite seems to have lost form, while the contender has gained some. The gallop to the line and the eventual winner is now in the hands of the voters of this country and the ballot papers they tick; only they can decide!
London has faced another attack but nothing has been confirmed and ISIL have yet to claim responsibility. It is being talked about as Islamist terrorist incident along London Bridge and Borough Market, with earlier reports that the police were attending an unconnected Stabbing in the Vauxhall area. The news broke of two incidents shortly after 10pm but with little information so far, what do we know of the incident at present?

Police have confirmed that 7 people have been killed and so far, 48 others have been injured, however, that number is still rising.

Three terrorists have been shot dead by police, who believed that they had explosive vests on but they turned out to be fake.

Information is limited

There is little information flying around and most media outlets tend to be repeating the same old news over and over. They will also make news out of essentially nothing to try and grab your attention. But this incident is deplorable by any standards and whilst we dont know what motivated the individuals to commit such a crime, it does share the same tactics previously used by those who have been radicalised.

This will mean most outlets will assume that they were three individuals who have been radicalised by ISIL or affiliates and the public will jump to that conclusion.

However, whilst this hasnt been confirmed, we cannot jump to conclusions. It is understandably frustrating because after every incident people are told not to jump to conclusions, even though those conclusions are almost right every time. But we must remain calm and vigilant because jumping to conclusions can lead to knee-jerk reactions that exacerbate the situation further.

What next for the UK?

Major parties have temporarily suspended their national campaigns to respect those who have lost their lives in the incident. With Theresa May confirming the general election will go ahead on Thursday, both Labour and the SNP have stated that this will not affect national campaigning for long, after some people have questioned whether itll affect the election process.

Labour said that the terrorists want to derail the democratic processes of the country because that is what they dislike, with the SNP stating something similar.

The messages of hope and unity will be flooding in, along with the similar anti-immigration, Islam is evil and all refugees are terrorists rhetoric. But you cannot discount British history in the making of any terrorist, as we have played a significant role in the last 100 years in cultivating the environment in which they were able to thrive. Most of these extremists we see are born within the nation they commit the atrocity and tend to be individuals who have felt disillusioned and unwanted by the nation they call home.

Life will find the way

The British have had a long history of cultivating the environments that terrorists are born, the last 30 years of foreign policy has failed. The last 100 years of foreign policy has failed. Our government needs to act upon this and change the very nature in which we conduct ourselves in the world. The UK will remain sarcastic and largely unaffected but this is designed to further divide us, which it will not because of the British humour that is brutal, sarcastic and wonderful. Already an image is circulating of people running away, with one man, pint in hand and not spilling drop.

We must look at ourselves and the problems we have caused in the world but also it took 8 minutes for the police to respond to the initial incident on London Bridge, it was then essentially over by that point however, they had to keep area cordoned off in case of further incident.

The response of the security services, medical staff and everyone who helped has been on point and as always, they are doing a fantastic job, keeping most of us safe in these troubled times. Remember those who help and those who save lives, because it is those individuals that deserve our attention from now on.
Whilst the media outrage over the attack and of course rightly send their condolences to those who have either lost their lives or know someone who has lost their life. So far, the London attack has not been attributed to ISIL and the attackers have yet to be named. However, reports so far suggest they were radicalised Islamists. Addressing the problem must start with recognising two aspects.

Firstly, there is a problem within the Islamic nations that do little stop radicalisation, secondly, the UKs role over the last century in cultivating the environments that have allowed these despots to gain power.

A plan to late?

Theresa May came out and immediately stated that they must be dealt with straight away and announced a 4-point plan. However, she had 6 years as Home Secretary to do something about it but has failed at every attempt. her statement has been condemned with a former police officer accusing the government of lying about extra police on the street and that the cuts made by theresa May herself have caused a crisis within the police force.

He stated on Sky News, theyre not extra, they are officers that have had their rare leave days cancelled. They have had their 12-hour shifts, that are done routinely, now extended to 16-hours. They are being drawn from other areas. He goes onto say we saw a brilliant response in London, here last night, we saw it in Westminster, a month or so ago.

We saw it in Manchester a couple of weeks ago. If this had happened anywhere else, we would not be seeing that response. It is threadbare elsewhere in the country.

Cross-party coordination and a clear understanding

Tackling an issue such as extremism needs cross-party cooperation and a complete change, Theresa Mays plan misses fundamental issues of tackling extremism.

Firstly, The Guardian has reported the inquiry into foreign funding and support of jihadi groups, authorised by David Cameron, may never be published. The report primarily focuses on Saudi Arabia, whom the PM met with just a few months ago. The inquiry is into revenue streams for extremist groups operating in the UK, but the Home Office have said that the report is incomplete but may never be published due to the contents being very sensitive.

Saudi Arabia are known to fund many mosques in the UK, some of which spout a hard-lined Islamist agendas. There must be a clear and coherent plan that involves working with the Muslim community, not treating them as the problem. Which is so far how the Prevent strategy has been working. Maajid Nawaz called for a counter-extremism coordinator, to coordinate between all government departments, this will help the Prevent strategy be implemented properly.

Along with a clear understanding of the differences between Islamic and Islamism, the former is a value judgement, where by something is endorsed by Islam. Whereas the latter is a political ideology seeking to impose any version of Islam over society.

These ideas must form a basis of a plan that will see a real look at our foreign affairs, how we conduct ourselves as a nation and the understanding of the consequences of our past actions and real investment into the police and security services.
This morning brought news of the third recent terrorist attack to strike the UK in three months. Seven people have been confirmed dead after police responded to reports of multiple stabbings at 10:10 p.m BST last night. The area around Borough Market was packed with people enjoying a Saturday night out in the area's pubs and bars.

Attacking unarmed and innocent members of the public

Earlier on in the evening, a white van drove into pedestrians on London Bridge, following which three individuals jumped from the van as it drove further south, running further into the Southwark area, attacking "unarmed and innocent" members of the public at random, with large blades.

The total number of people injured in the atrocity is now confirmed at forty-eight.

Just eight minutes after the first 999 call had been made, all three suspects were shot dead simultaneously by counter-terror officers. The fast, effective and fearless response of the emergency services has once again been praised universally.

Around twenty individuals, described as "walking wounded" were initially being treated at a hotel close to Liverpool Street Station in the aftermath of the incident, though they have now been moved to nearby hospitals.

Man with canisters strapped to his body

At 1:40 a.m BST, the BBC released a photograph of a man with canisters strapped to his body, lying on the floor outside the Wheatsheaf pub, presided over by a counter-terror officer.

The MET have since confirmed this to be a false device worn by all three suspects, not able to be detonated and simply intended to induce further panic.

In her statement this morning, PM Theresa May said that "things need to change" and attitudes towards extremism simply "cannot carry on as they are.

There is, to be frank, far too much tolerance of extremism in our country."

Calling Islamic extremism "a perversion of Islam" which "cannot be defeated by military action alone" the PM moved on to the need to monitor and "deprive extremists of their safe spaces online."

'One truly United Kingdom'

Theresa May made it clear that unity was the key to mounting an attack against radicalisation, saying "British values are superior to anything offered by the preachers of hate.

We need to live not as segregated groups, but "as one truly United Kingdom - United we will take on and defeat our enemies."

Police raids have been reported to be taking place in Barking this morning, in connection with last night's atrocity.

Both Theresa May and Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn have said that Violence can never be allowed to "disrupt the democratic process", and that their campaigns for the forthcoming election will resume tomorrow.

Those drinking in Katzenjammers Bierhall, a bar in the Borough Market area, were told to remain on the floor for around 30 minutes by police officers passing through the bar. Patrons were informed that the vicinity had been surrounded by armed police. Witnesses have told of injured members of the public coming in off of the street.

An eyewitness who spoke to the BBC News Channel said he would not be deterred by last night's horrific events from enjoying "our way of life", and that he would continue to respect people from "all backgrounds".
Media Coverage of terror incidents are largely misrepresentative of the issue and they largely focus on the West. However, there are wars happening as we live in comfort and can express the views we do. Britain has often disregarded our liberties and freedoms without fully understanding the alternative. This is largely down to media coverage and self-entitlement.

Western values and countries are often called the victims of Islamist extremism, when in fact they hate everyone, including those who support the Islamic ideology.

A global issue

ISIL have claimed to have conducted or inspired over 70 terrorist attacks in 20 different countries, not including Iraq or Syria.

Yet we only hear of a handful of those incidents, but in 2013, Iraq suffered 14 attacks that had an estimated 1,041 dead, with 2,221+ injured. In 2014, Belgium, Australia (twice), Canada (twice), United States and France all saw incidents that left just 6 dead and 12 injured. 2015 saw an escalation of incidents around the world including, Tunisia, Kuwait, Libya, Denmark, Yemen, Lebanon plus many more, that saw 1,020 killed and 2171+ injured and most of those deaths and injuries coming from within Muslim states.

The same trend happened again in 2016, with ISIL claiming responsibility for 1,456+ deaths and 3,505 injured, most of which in nations that are Islamic. 2017 has seen them extend themselves to the UK and the Philippines, the latter seeing 178 killed in May.

The whole year so far has seen 463+ killed and 7,270+ injured, most of which have come in nations outside of Western culture. They have no care for what your beliefs are, they are fascist and want things pure or at least their version of pure.

However, ISIL are weak and they will falter but other Islamist extremists will take their place if we do not change how we conduct ourselves in the world.

Every action has an equal reaction, the world is paying for our Foreign Policy and Conservative government failings to fix the mistakes of the last 50+ years of foreign policy that has seen the rise in extremism.
When youre a veteran globetrotter, youd think youre bound to become jaded to your experiences. 2016 NYU Stern Graduate, Krishna Dosapati invites you to think again.

Dosapati whos visited over twenty countries, before going to Tanzania in summer of 2016 is anything but jaded to her abroad experience. She describes the process of her summer of volunteering in Tanzania. I knew that I wanted to volunteer abroad after graduation, so I did a lot of research on the internet  by looking at ratings and reviews, blogs, etc, she said. It seemed like almost everyone had an incredible experience with IVHQ, and because their programs were the only ones that I found were reasonably priced and available in almost every location around the world, I decided to volunteer with them.

What is IVHQ?

International Volunteer HQ (IVHQ) is an international program bridging the gap between potential volunteers around the world and sites at which they are the most needed.

Dosapati describes the ease of applying to IVHQ. It was not hard at all! IVHQ and other volunteer programs just want genuine young adults to explore their passions by having a hands-on experience abroad, she said. I would say that anyone can really apply as long as they have the passion for it  any student can go as long as they are above the age of 18.

Basic training includes a series of three-step individual learning modules: Know Before You Go, Keeping Safe, and Being a Responsible and Safe Volunteer.

In 2015, IVHQ launched 5 new programs in Europe, Asia, and the Pacific. Dosapati volunteered in Tanzania. Tanzania was my first choice and I was so excited when I was notified on my acceptance.

I want to pursue a career in public policy and international relations, and I therefore felt that I needed to experience what is was like in Africa as I knew there is tremendous amounts of poverty and need there, she said.

A Cross-Cultural Experience

IVHQ brings a dual sense of internationality to its volunteer programs as well.

Both the sites and volunteers brought a cross-cultural exchange that Dosapati enjoyed. It was amazing to be in a house with students from all around the world  Egypt, Belgium, Canada, China, Holland, Australia, and more  who all had the same passion as I did. It was incredible to volunteer as a teacher at an orphanage school.

I taught a class of 20 5-year-olds, and they showered me with more love than I could have ever imagined, she said.

As a travel junkie, Dosapati was also attracted to IVHQs ability to allow their volunteers to travel. They also provide the opportunity to travel over weekends in whatever country you volunteer in, so it gives you a chance to explore the country as well. The program is well organized, and you immediately make friends in a totally unfamiliar country which makes the experience less intimidating, she continued.

Currently, IVHQ consists of over 50,000 volunteers from around the world who have contributed a whopping 800,000 hours of support to community projects abroad, according to IVHQs site, volunteerhq.org.

Inspired by her experience, Dosapati wanted to make a difference from her home in the United States and still remained involved in the organization. After I came home, I fundraised money to help expand the school I volunteered at, she said.

The Power of Social Media

Currently, Dosapati is taking over IVHQs Instagram page (@ivhq) to post about her experience in Tanzania, an experience, a familiar role as she is a longtime manager of her own travel Instagram filled with photography from her abroad adventures (@traveladdictkrishna). They told me they loved my photography during my time there and wanted to share my photos on their page, she said. I was so excited and honored that they let me do a takeover on their Instagram page for several days.

Traveling with a purpose is a feeling that Dosapati believes is invaluable, saying, the experience taught me that no matter who you are and where you are from, at the end of the day, we are all the same.

Follow Dosapatis current adventures at @traveladdictkrishna and International Volunteer HQ @ivhq on Instagram.
Just 24 hours after Republicans in the House of Representatives voted to repeal the Affordable Care Act, critics in the media have piled on. As the backlash continues, Donald Trump is obviously getting frustrated.

Trump on Twitter

For close to a decade, Republicans have built their entire political agenda around one thing; the repeal and replacement of Obamacare. From the day former President Barack Obama signed the Affordable Care Act into law back in January 2009, it was clear that the battle lines had been drawn, and that the political fight would not end anytime soon.

Throughout the entire Obama administration, congressional Republicans voted over 60 times to eliminate the health care law, but it was seen as nothing more than a partisan waste of time as the expected veto was always the end game. However, with the election of Donald Trump, a bright light of hope came shinning down on conservatives, especially with Republicans in majority control of both chambers of Congress. Despite failing to gain support in their first attempt, Trump and the GOP passed their health care bill in the House earlier this week. The reaction was split down party lines, but the media has increased its criticism due to the controversy surrounding the details of the plan. As seen on his Twitter account on May 5, Trump is not pleased with how the press is reporting the story in question.

Wow,the Fake News media did everything in its power to make the Republican Healthcare victory look as bad as possible.Far better than Ocare!  Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) May 5, 2017

Taking to his Twitter account on Friday night was Donald Trump, who once again engaged in a war of words with the media. "Wow,the Fake News media did everything in its power to make the Republican Healthcare victory look as bad as possible," Trump tweeted, before adding, "Far better than Ocare!"

Why is it that the Fake News rarely reports Ocare is on its last legs and that insurance companies are fleeing for their lives? It's dead!  Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) May 5, 2017

In a follow-up tweet, Donald Trump continued to hit back at the alleged "fake news" media.

"Why is it that the Fake News rarely reports Ocare is on its last legs and that insurance companies are fleeing for their lives?" he wrote on Twitter, while noting, "It's dead!"

How the GOP health care bill hurts moms, rape survivors, and poor women https://t.co/o27rFxYRxx  TIME (@TIME) May 5, 2017

Moving forward

While Republicans were able to take their first step in deleting the Affordable Act Care, the journey is far from over.

The bill will now head to the Senate, before it gets sent through several committees, and then finally the president's desk for his stamp of approval. The bill is expected to pass with the GOP in full control, but stranger things have happened during Donald Trump's time in office. As the commander in chief gloats about his short term victory, millions of Americans have expressed fear over what it will mean to potentially have their health insurance taken away from them, and their live's put at risk in the process.
During an apparent celebration of Cinco De Mayo, former Republican governor of Arkansas, Mike Huckabee, decided to give his thoughts on Twitter. Within minutes, social media users fired back over his alleged "racist" remarks.

Huckabee backlash

Cinco de Mayo is a yearly celebration in honor of the Mexican army's surprise victory over the French on May 5, 1862 during the Battle of Puebla. For Americans, the day has transformed into a celebration of Mexican-American culture, which usually includes taking part in cultural actives. With the current tension in American politics, most notably involving immigration, the partisan divide has become apparent when it comes to how Democrats and Republicans see the country.

Since the start of the campaign of Donald Trump, and more so since his election, Hispanics in the United States often feel under attack by those on the political right. That tension was reflected after former Arkansas Gov. Mike Huckabee sent out a tweet on May 5 about Cinco de Mayo, which didn't go over well with many Twitter users.

For Cinco de Mayo I will drink an entire jar of hot salsa and watch old Speedy Gonzales cartoons and speak Spanish all day. Happy CdMayo!  Gov. Mike Huckabee (@GovMikeHuckabee) May 5, 2017

Taking to Twitter on Friday morning, Mike Huckabee made comments that have been labeled as "racist." "For Cinco de Mayo I will drink an entire jar of hot salsa and watch old Speedy Gonzales cartoons and speak Spanish all day," Huckabee tweeted out, before adding, "Happy CdMayo!"

Mike Huckabee's tweets are groundbreaking anti-comedy. He's like a born-again Neil Hamburger. "Drink a bottle of hot salsa?" What the fuck.  Matt Christman (@cushbomb) May 5, 2017

Twitter reaction

In response to Mike Huckabee's tweet, social media wasn't too kind.

"U gonna tweet on Black History Month that you'll eat watermelon & watch Amos & Andy? Ur casual racism here is astounding," journalist Kurt Eichenwald wrote. "How do you say "racist pig" in Spanish?" Greg Olear tweeted out.

@GovMikeHuckabee Why did you feel like saying something super racist was a thing you ought to do today?  UbiGabe  (@UbiGabe) May 5, 2017

@GovMikeHuckabee stick to celebrating your people's culture of wearing khakis from Sears and taking rights away from minorities.  Dan Ozzi (@danozzi) May 5, 2017

"If that's the only thing you know about my culture, you've lived a very, very sad life," managing editor of CNET Gabriel Sama tweeted out.

"If that's the only thing you know about my culture, you've lived a very, very sad life," writer Courtney Enlow wrote on her Twitter feed. "My dude, just typing "'I am racist' is far faster," another Twitter user wrote. "stick to celebrating your people's culture of wearing khakis from Sears and taking rights away from minorities," author Dan Ozzi went on to write.

@GovMikeHuckabee If that's the only thing you know about my culture, you've lived a very, very sad life.  Gabriel Sama (@gabosama) May 5, 2017

.@GovMikeHuckabee U gonna tweet on Black History Month that you'll eat watermelon & watch Amos & Andy? Ur casual racism here is astounding.  Kurt Eichenwald (@kurteichenwald) May 5, 2017

Moving forward

In the hours since the original tweet, hundreds of messages have been left for the former governor, as the rift between the political left and right only continues to widen. As of press time, Mike Huckabee as not yet responded to the backlash over his controversial message.
On Saturday at the London Bridge, a van plowed through a crowd while striking dozens of people. After multiple reports considered the attack an apparent act of terror, Donald Trump decided to offer his thoughts on social media.

Trump on London

In yet another reported act of terrorism, the London Bridge was the location of the latest attack. According to various reports, a van made its way onto the bridge in question on Saturday, striking multiple people in the process. Reuters spoke to an eyewitness who noted that "three men got out with long blades, twelve inches long and went randomly along Borough High Street stabbing people at random." In total, three separate incidents were reported in the area, who two others taking place around the Borough Market, with CNN adding that an attacker entered a nearby restaurant and began stabbing those inside.

As of press time, UK police are on the hunt for at least three suspects, with more than one fatality being confirmed by local authorities. In response, United States President Donald Trump was quickly briefed on what took place, before giving his thoughts during a series of Twitter posts on June 3.

We need to be smart, vigilant and tough. We need the courts to give us back our rights. We need the Travel Ban as an extra level of safety!  Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) June 3, 2017

Taking to his Twitter account not long after the story broke, Donald Trump condemned the attacks in London, while once again calling on his controversial travel ban to be put in place. "We need to be smart, vigilant and tough.

We need the courts to give us back our rights. We need the Travel Ban as an extra level of safety!" Trump tweeted out.

Whatever the United States can do to help out in London and the U. K., we will be there - WE ARE WITH YOU. GOD BLESS!  Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) June 3, 2017

In a follow-up tweet, Donald Trump took a calmer tone by lending support from the United States to those in London.

"Whatever the United States can do to help out in London and the U. K., we will be there - WE ARE WITH YOU. GOD BLESS!" Trump wrote on Twitter. Prior to both tweets, the president re-tweeted the right-wing Drudge Report who ran with the headline "Fears of new terror attack after van 'mows down 20 people' on London Bridge." The attack comes less than two weeks after an Islamic terrorist bombed an Ariana Grande concert in Manchester, only furthering the issues facing Europe over how to handle threats from the Middle East and those inspired by religious terrorist groups.

UPDATE: British police say armed officers were responding to a third incident in the Vauxhall area https://t.co/q8iDhSqzK2 pic.twitter.com/8xkQNsNIIr  CBS News (@CBSNews) June 3, 2017

Twitter reacts

After just seconds of posting his tweets, Donald Trump was instantly hit with his own round of backlash for exploiting the latest terror attacks to push his travel ban. "HOLY F*CK! ARE YOU SERIOUSLY USING A FRESH TERROR ATTACK TO PUSH YOUR DISGUSTING XENOPHOBIC AGENDA?" Jules Suzdaltsev tweeted.

Muslim ban is a bad strategy. Helps radicalize ISIS sympathizers and ends up being their recruiting tool. pic.twitter.com/j88Jpy6Xmz  Adam Best (@adamcbest) June 3, 2017

Seattle #MarchForTruth today.

Just a few thousand people who don't want to be ruled by Russia. pic.twitter.com/6Nz3XTgy1A  Holly O'Reilly (@AynRandPaulRyan) June 3, 2017

IT HAPPENED LESS THAN A FEW HOURS AGO. PEOPLE ARE STILL *DYING*.



This is officially the most heartless and disgusting thing you've tweeted.  Jules Suzdaltsev (@jules_su) June 3, 2017

"F*ck You, Trump," songwriter Holly O'Reilly tweeted out.

"We don't need your unconstitutional Muslim ban. Extra level of discrimination not an extra level of safety," director Adam Best wrote. The negative reaction continued as it was made clear that the partisan divide over the issue wasn't going to end anytime soon.
Reports of a Russian intelligence document sent to former FBI Director James Comey last year, is no doubt more chum for the conspiracy sharks that are now part of today's political climate. As Blasting News reported, the document described an email where former DNC chairwoman Debbie Wasserman-Schultz was mentioned describing a conversation between then Attorney General for the Department of Justice (DOJ), Loretta Lynch, and a Clinton campaign aide named Amanda Renteria. The document claimed that Lynch told Renteria that the DOJ would make sure the FBI's investigation on Hillary Clinton didn't go very far.

Russian intelligence document is 'junk'

The document was sent to the FBI through other channels in the middle of the 2016 presidential primary but by August, the bureau had determined that the document was bogus. The Blasting News article explained how this document forced Fbi Director James Comey to become a political target whether he wanted to or not. But the article also said that the document didn't include any email to show as proof of their "intelligence" which was one of the reasons they determined that it wasn't credible.

Apparently, some intelligence officials "legitimized" the document only to go as far as to the reason for why Comey decided to close their case against Hillary Clinton, however, others have said that the bureau knew it was junk and that they had known this for a long time.

But it also points how far Russian intelligence would go to -- at the very least -- try to insert doubt. It's likely that Russian intelligence was counting that the bureau that would slip up and perhaps distribute such details and, therefore, doubt among American voters.

Trump's propaganda enters FBI's circle

Russian state media is notorious for creating propaganda that distributes President Vladimir Putin's agenda in order to control his citizens and continue to seize power.

President Trump is already trying to mimic the Russian president, as he attempts to keep U.S. media in check by creating propaganda, taking to Twitter to spread untruths and as Blasting News also reported, likely testing out vulnerabilities in the media and government law enforcement to see how far his view of the world can be distributed.

James Comey has since been fired by the President for investigating his connections to Russian officials and possible collusion over interference of the 2016 presidential election. Now, since his firing, other investigations have been building up against the Trump administration where a special prosecutor has now been named as former FBI Director Robert Mueller. James Comey is set to testify before the Senate Intelligence Committee in June.
A powerful explosion thundered in Kabul on Wednesday morning near the presidential palace and the buildings of foreign embassies. Many structures were damaged, including the France and Germany embassies. In the explosion, Death toll rises to at least 90, and around 400 were wounded.

In particular, employees of the British television and radio company BBC, the Afghan television channel Tolo TV, an Afghan security guard of the German embassy, were killed. Among the wounded are the Iranian ambassador, two employees of the Japanese embassy, a guard of the Embassy of Egypt, employees of the Embassy of Germany, and journalists.

Todays attack, which killed at least 80 people and wounded more than 300, is one of the biggest to have hit #Kabul https://t.co/SU8TCupcMA pic.twitter.com/bV7MDx3gyg  Al Jazeera English (@AJEnglish) May 31, 2017

According to the preliminary data of the Ministry of Internal Affairs of Afghanistan, the Bomb was concealed in a water delivery truck. The Taliban has denied the responsibility for the explosion.

Diplomats suffered

According to preliminary data, The explosion occurred in 100m from the Iranian diplomatic mission in Kabul, as well as near the German embassy and the presidential palace.

As a result of the explosion, the Iranian ambassador was wounded in Afghanistan, the news portal Erem News reported.

It is also reported that the damage occurred to the buildings of the Iranian Radio and Television Representative Office and IRNA State News Agency.

The buildings of the embassies of Egypt, China, France, Turkey, the Czech Republic and Germany, the house of the Egyptian Ambassador and other buildings were damaged too.

In a statement issued on Wednesday, German Foreign Minister Sigmar Gabriel said that the staff of the Germany Embassy was injured, and the security guard of the diplomatic mission, who was a citizen of Afghanistan, was killed.

Several minor diplomats and employees of the Pakistani embassy received minor injuries, the Pakistani Foreign Ministry said.

Journalists died in explosion

The BBC reported the death of an employee as a result of an explosion in the capital of Afghanistan, four more journalists of the television company were injured.

BBC statement: pic.twitter.com/FBl4IRi16E  BBC News Press Team (@BBCNewsPR) May 31, 2017

According to the BBC statement on Twitter, Afgan driver Mohammed Nazir died in the explosion following the vehicle bomb in Kabul, as he was driving the journalist's colleagues to the office. Four BBC correspondents were injured and were treated in hospital, their lives are not in danger anymore.

Footage obtained by TOLOnews shows the moment a massive blast rocks downtown Kabul on Wednesday morning pic.twitter.com/nufpPqzuxg  TOLOnews (@TOLOnews) May 31, 2017

The Afghan television channel Tolo News reported the death of a staff member.

Pajhwok Afghan News reported that the journalists of the local TV channel 1TV were injured.

The head of the press service of the Kazakh Foreign Ministry Anuar Zhainakov said that two citizens of Kazakhstan were injured as a result of the explosion. According to Zhainakov, they were in a hotel located 500 meters from the site of the explosion.

In addition, according to him, glass in the embassy of Kazakhstan in Kabul, located one and a half to two kilometers from the epicenter of the explosion, was smashed.

Other countries also condemned the terrorist attack

The Chinese state agency Xinhua reported that a blast wave knocked out the glass on the first floor of its office in Kabul.

Many other countries also condemned the terrorist attack. Afghan President Ashraf Ghani called the incident a terrorist and brutal attack, noting that terrorists are killing innocent people even in the Muslim holy month of Ramadan.
The New York Police Department (NYPD) has launched a massive search early Sunday morning for two assailants  one of which dragged a police officer in the Staten Island area, while in the second incident, an officer was dragged and critically injured in Brooklyn.

Police officer asks driver for ID then gets dragged down the street

According to police sources, the first incident happened at around 4 a.m. on Saturday, where a police officer in Staten Island had been flagged down by a motorist on Victory Boulevard. When the NYPD officer asked the driver for identification, the man, driving a red sedan car with three passengers, then dragged the police officer for a short distance. As reported by the New York Daily News, the vehicle was last seen driving west on Victory Boulevard.

The officer was taken to the Richmond University Medical Center for treatment to cuts on his leg and shoulder.

Police are conducting a massive manhunt after a cop was struck, dragged and seriously injured in a hit-and-run https://t.co/F8SECldfMc  New York Post (@nypost) June 4, 2017

Officer in Brooklyn dragged during traffic stop

The second incident involved a 67th Precinct police officer who attempted to stop a vehicle in East Flatbush, Brooklyn shortly before midnight on Saturday. According to a report by the New York Post, the vehicle was stolen and the driver struck the officer with the car before dragging him along the street. There were three occupants in the stolen car.

The car finally came to a halt on 53th Street close to Church Avenue, where the suspect fled on foot.

The officer was taken to Kings County Hospital where he is in a critical condition and is undergoing surgery, according to NYPD sources.

Police cordoned off several streets around the crime scene, while an NYPD helicopter flew above, searching for the suspect. An ESU team reportedly went to a house in Troy Avenue in East Flatbush, as well as other residences, during their search but as yet no arrests have been made.

Two cops dragged by cars in Brooklyn and Staten Island https://t.co/vEWFrh2PNh pic.twitter.com/axzTYJ5s8B  TopNewsNow (@TOP_NEWSNOW) June 4, 2017

A similar incident occurred in DeKalb County

As reported by WSB-TV in Atlanta, similar incident happened in Decatur, Georgia at the end of May, where two men were arrested after they dragged a DeKalb County Police Department officer after a traffic stop.

The 35-year-old officer, an eight-year veteran with the police department, was taken to Grady Memorial Hospital with head injuries.

You just hear the cop scream, tires squeaking: Police make 3 arrests after officer dragged by car: https://t.co/9g2TBuKY9i pic.twitter.com/puGeU9RFaY  Brian Ferguson (@BFergusonWSB) May 31, 2017

According to Ellis Glover, a witness to the incident, the car hit the officer and the next moment he heard the police officer scream and squealing tires as the car dragged him along the street. According to a police statement, there was a struggle between the police officer and the driver which led to the officer being dragged and thrown away from the car. The two male suspects were arrested within two hours of the incident.
On Friday this week, the U.S Department of Justice announced that a man by the name Claude Shaw from Miramar, Florida has been sentenced to 3 years in prison and to 3 years of supervised release for running a fraudulent lottery scheme that was based in Jamaica. He was also ordered to pay $128,440 in restitution. Claude pleaded guilty in March to his crimes. He confessed that between September 2013 and August 2015, he participated in the scheme to defraud U.S victims to enrich himself.

How Claude committed the crime

Claude made telephone calls to victims in the U.S from Jamaica to inform them they had won $1 million is a lottery.

To receive their winnings, victims were told to pay a certain amount of money. Victims sent over $100,000 to Claude who then sent a portion of the money to Jamaica. Victims never received any lottery winnings after sending the money that was demanded. An inspector working at the U.S Postal Inspection service in Miami Florida stated that there are similar lottery schemes such as this based in Jamaica that target U.S victims and are using U.S mailing services to defraud victims.

Recent lottery scams in the United States

According to usa.gov, common scams in the U.S include housing scams, telephone scams, charity scams, IRS imposter scams, ticket scams, pyramid schemes and lottery scams.

Last month, Michigan police notified the public through the media of a new scam in the area.

The police said criminals are sending victims award notifications with the victim's name as the winner of a significant amount of money. The criminals then inform victims that the lottery is designed to promote the U.S, U.K and E.U governments and other international lottery institutions ahead of the Commonwealth games in 2018.

For the mega lottery to look legitimate, the criminals ensure that multiple fake signatures and stamps appear on the winning notice form, they also give their contact information so that the victim could be informed on how to collect their money. Winners are told to either travel to Madrid, Spain or to have their money delivered to their home or sent to their banking accounts.

Last month, four Jamaicans were charged in the state of North Dakota for their involvement in a multi-million-dollar Lottery Scam that defrauded at least 90 Americans mostly elderly. The criminals collected $5.7 million from their victims. 15 people were arrested for their involvement in the scam.

In mid-March this year, an elderly couple in New York lost $40,000 after they were told they had won U.S $2.5 million and a brand new car. To receive the price money, the couple had to pay tax on their prize money by sending cash, checks and Apple electronics. Investigators said that the criminal involved mostly used Jamaican phone numbers to contact the victims. One news report from Jamaica called such schemes prevalent.
When she was born in 1993 in Thailand, the odds werent in favor of Mee Chang someday graduating from college in the United States.

She is the eighth of 11 children born to Hmong parents, who had left Laos for a Thai refugee camp in the difficult aftermath of the Vietnam War.

Her odds improved at age 3 when her family moved to Wausau in central Wisconsin. However, the role of the female in a traditional Hmong family is in the home, there was little money for college and none of her seven older siblings  two tried  had earned a college degree.

Adding to those challenges, she learned English as a second language while growing up and described herself as a timid person when she came to UW-Stout. It was tough getting out of my comfort zone at first, she said.

Yet, through determination, an impressive work ethic, skill and with steady support from home and on campus, Chang proudly crossed the Johnson Fieldhouse stage Saturday, May 6, with a broad smile and a diploma  a Bachelor of Science degree in apparel design and development from University of Wisconsin-Stout.

It was definitely very hard, but I made it work, she said.

Having grown up with many family responsibilities, she came to UW-Stout well-grounded and that ultimately made the difference in her ability to overcome the obstacles she faced. Im a hard worker. Its important to know what your priorities are. I knew what I needed to do to reach my goals, Chang said. My parents understood how important education is to me, but its still hard being the perfect daughter.

Staying busy wasnt a problem for Chang while at UW-Stout. She exhibited designs in the WEAR Fashion Show on campus, was involved in the Hmong Stout Student Organization, studied for a semester in Japan and volunteered at the Menomonie Boys & Girls Club.

She also worked in the office at ASPIRE-Student Support Services and at Walmart in Menomonie, the latter from 20 to 25 hours a week to help make ends meet. Buying fabric and materials for apparel projects was expensive, she said.

Starting her career in New York





Excited as she is to have her degree and to set an example for her younger siblings and other Hmong students, Chang has even bigger plans for her future.

Beginning June 12, she will start a full-time internship on Seventh Avenue in New York  one of the fashion centers of the world  at the apparel company Csco, also known as Cherry Stix. Csco designs clothing for TJ Maxx and Rue 21. The position could turn into a full-time job.

To leave home and go to the big city is nerve-wracking but exciting at the same time, she said.

Her long-range goal is to create her own clothing brand, with Hmong cultural influences, and open her own store. She would like to develop international connections and get fabric from Thailand, where one of her sisters still lives, and Laos and return some of the profits to those suppliers, a fair trade approach.

As part of that goal, she is interested in going into the Peace Corps. She has a specialization in international studies with her degree.

Her senior design collection blended American and Hmong traditions. A lot of embroidery is sourced in Thailand and from the Hmong. I get a lot of inspiration from my culture, Chang said. I would like to educate the world about who the Hmong people are, get that message out there, through the clothes and let others know what weve done as a people.

Respect from her professors





Chang said UW-Stout and the apparel design and development program have provided a well-rounded education and prepared her for a career in the industry. She chose UW-Stout in part because it was less expensive than many other schools and the opportunities for one-on-one interaction with professors.

She has grown and matured as a garment professional over the four years I have known her, said Associate Dean Gindy Neidermyer, the apparel program director. She started off with quiet resolution and soon developed into a highly engaged, well-respected student and classmate who consistently demonstrated that being true to yourself is key to success. Ms. Changs passion to demonstrate cultural awareness in her products is inspiring and brings about a new level of global awareness for products in the garment industry.

In November, she will exhibit her UW-Stout senior designs in an annual Hmong fashion show in Minneapolis, Fresh Traditions.

Chang was part of the Honors College at UW-Stout, taking special courses and working on an Honors Contract apparel project. Her Honors College adviser, Associate Professor Meriem Chida, was impressed with her integrity, work ethic and creative talent. Chida taught Chang in three classes.

In every class she rose to the top. She is dedicated to excellence in every task she tackles and every project, Chida said. She pushes herself to achieve more, to learn more and I never heard her complain about work. She is a testament to the caliber of the apparel design and development program as well as of the quality of the students we attract here at UW-Stout.

I am excited and happy she is graduating but will surely miss seeing her in my classes, Chida said.

When she heads to New York, Chang will take with her one of the lessons she learned from Chida and a thought that will guide her for years to come. Every person contributes, and everyone plays a role somewhere in todays big world, she said.
According to the Shelby County Sheriffs Office, the incident happened on Thursday in South Fork Drive in Arlington, tennessee. 18-year-old Brennan Fields had been given a .45 caliber pistol as a graduation gift. While playing with his new gift and showing it off, the gun accidentally fired, shooting his girlfriend, 19-year-old Lucinda Luna in the stomach. Luna was reportedly lying on a couch across the room from him at the time. Witnesses at the scene said Fields was in the process of putting the gun away when it fired.

There were reportedly two other people in the room at the time, as well as a toddler.

While Luna was taken to a Memphis hospital, she later died from the gunshot wound.

Lucinda Luna pictures,shot and killed by her boyfriend Brennan Fields https://t.co/FJ2bvYmrHf pic.twitter.com/p394Omy4Dx  infowe (@infowe) June 3, 2017

Teenager had experience with guns

According to police detectives, Lunas father had taken Fields to a local gun shop to pick out the gun as his graduation gift. Karalyn Stubblefield, Luna's friend, told WMC Action News 5 that Fields had experience with guns and owned several. She said he often went to the gun range to practice.

Stubblefield told the news service she had only found out a couple of hours before, so was still distraught. She said they grew up living close to each other and were also close in age and soon became friends.

Stubblefield said Luna was always reading and every time she visited her, Luna would tell her she needed to read this or that book. She told News Channel 3 that her friend was amazingly smart and was really funny, always laughing and giggling.

TN teen accidentally kills girlfriend while playing with graduation gift > https://t.co/k6Moi9DLwE pic.twitter.com/BGUPVyihyo  WAFF 48 (@waff48) June 3, 2017

Teenagers were supposed to hang out that evening

The two girls were supposed to hang out together with friends Thursday night, but when Stubblefield was on her way home, she said all she could see were blue lights and first responders outside Lunas home.

At first, she didnt believe this was real, that someone was playing a joke. However she then saw the window of the house was open and could see police officers walking around inside, so she knew something bad had happened.

TRAGEDY: Tennessee teen accidentally kills girlfriend while playing with graduation gift > https://t.co/bKVWgdPoic pic.twitter.com/MskI8mgkXl  WAFF 48 (@waff48) June 2, 2017

She said the situation was really going to hurt Fields and that he will not get over it for a long time.

She said she was worried about him and for the families too.

The shooting by Tennessee teenager was a tragic accident

According to Shelby County Sheriffs Office spokesperson Earle Farrell, investigators say the shooting was just a tragic accident and that by all indications, there was no intent for him to shoot Luna. Farrell said it was a real tragedy but Fields will most likely not face any charges for the incident.
There is no doubt that the firing of James Comey last month forced Republicans and Democrats come to some agreement in order to improve the former FBI Director's reputation. Blasting News reported on James Comey's last hearing before the Senate Judiciary Committee days before he was fired, where he seemed to successfully fend off being used as a political pawn by both parties. As the article recalls, last year, Comey was targeted by Republicans and Democrats for not indicting Hillary Clinton.

Then later in the year, the FBI was investigating New York congressman Anthony Wiener when he sent a letter to congressional committee leaders -- Democrats and Republicans -- saying that they might have found a connection to their previous investigation on Clinton from emails in the Wiener investigation.

When this information was leaked by a Republican leader, it attempted to cast doubt on a vote for Democratic candidate Hillary Clinton which the Liberal party blames for her losing the election to Donald Trump.

James Comey remains a bi-partisan target

How a dubious Russian document influenced the FBIs handling of the Clinton probe https://t.co/WzcbY2OZuN  Washington Post (@washingtonpost) May 24, 2017

In late May, the Washington Post revealed the details of a document sent to the FBI by Russian intelligence through routes and involving names whose reputations would only infuriate both liberals and conservatives. That route is George Soros' Open Society Foundations, an organization run by a Liberal billionaire who is constantly targeted by right-wing conspiracy theorists as being behind many liberal agendas.

The Washington Post's reportd doesn't seem to make James Comey any less of a target than he's already been.

The article says that the documents submitted by Russian intelligence claim that then chair of the Democratic National Committee (DNC) Debbie Wasserman-Schultz, said that she that then Attorney General for the Justice Department Loretta Lynch told a Clinton campaign staffer that they would make sure the FBI's investigation into Hillary Clinton didn't go too far.

The FBI had determined that the report was not credible but as a matter of it existing, officials said that Comey felt he was forced to announce that he would close the investigation before Loretta Lynch did.

Comey's forced decision

If she were to close the investigation on Clinton, with public knowledge of the document, it would only inflame the narrative that Hillary Clinton and the DOJ were colluding with each other to prevent the investigation from proceeding.

Prior to him announcing that they would not charge Clinton, James Comey was not being used as a political pawn. There is no doubt that Comey was pressed up against the November 8, deadline to make a decision quickly on whether to take the intelligence seriously enough to act on it. It would be in this case that it would still give the appearance of guilt for just seeing the document.

During his last hearing, James Comey expressed that he felt mildy nauseous he might have swung the election over to Trump when he sent the mentioned letter to the congressional committee leadership. During his hearings, the Russian intelligence document was mentioned but the then FBI Director said that they would only talk about the document in a closed hearing. Another hearing was scheduled to take place in early June over a different investigation taking place on the Trump administration.
No longer will the Secret Service disqualify applicants for having used marijuana a number of times in the past. The agency is now following a whole-person concept, is now considering applications who admit using marijuana, and is now allowing those who have experimented with the drug. The agency now focuses on when last use was prior to applying for a position.

Randolph Alles, director of the Secret Service, explained during a press briefing on Thursday that the agency would consider how long ago candidates used marijuana rather how many times.

As an effect of lowering the bar, his aim is to amp staff size from 6,800 to 7,600 by 2019 and to, roughly, 9,600 by 2015.

Alles said hes impressed by the Secret Service agents already on-staff, but, because staffing shortages are affecting morale, more people are needed. The agents are also facing the challenges of protecting President Donald Trump  requiring 24-hour protection at his New York residence and his waterfront resort in Florida, Mar-a-Lago. Also, agents protect members of President Trumps extended family.

Even if no one is inside, the law requires 24-hour protection for the Presidents family and for the properties that the President could be using. Alles said he is pleased with the protection that agents are providing the spread-out family.

Ever-increasing demands on Secret Service agents

Increasing the agencys staff is needed, as well, to bolster unpredictable demands on agents and more problems associated with funds to pay overtime. Last year, Congress approved more funds for overtime costs (last year, as well). The agency needs a permanent fix, Alles said. Without that, pay allowances will max out for an estimated two hundred officers and agents.

At the White House, he said, there wont be easy solutions to dealing with intruders:

In March, a Milpitas, CA, man carrying Mace jumped over the White House fence and roamed the grounds for 17 minutes. He was apprehended near the South Portico entrance. Two agents were fired as a result.

jumped over the White House fence and roamed the grounds for 17 minutes. He was apprehended near the entrance. Two agents were fired as a result. Also in March, a laptop computer with Trump Tower floor plans and the evacuation protocol was stolen from a Secret Service agents car in Brooklyn, NY.

Agents also have to handle six to eight threats a day against President Trump, who receives as many as his predecessors  throughout the past ten years.

Shift in agency's stance on marijuana

Changing the Secret Services drug policy for candidates recognizes that marijuana is more widespread in society today. It allows for a younger pool of applicants, including many who experimented with marijuana as teens.

The Secret Services shift in policy is one that aligns with additional federal law enforcement agencies. Even with the change, however, the process for hiring Secret Service agents for a position that entails standing within feet of a head of state remains strict. That hiring protocol includes a polygraph test, which will have no possibility of being downgraded. Too, the process includes applicant vision tests and credit checks.

Along with its protection workload, Alles said the agency is tasked with investigating and enforcing laws governing cybercrime and counterfeiting. The mission of the Secret Service has chance post 9/11 terrorism against the United States, Alles said. It is more dynamic and more dangerous than in the past
In the mid of mounting threats to security, the United States defense secretary Jim Mattis has reaffirmed Americas commitment to the Asia-Pacific region to anxious allies.

He rephrased a comment of former British Prime Minister Winston Churchill when an attendant at a roundtable dialogue asked whether or not the world was experiencing the destruction of a rule-based disposition initiated by the U.S. during World War Ii.

Options on North Korea

Mattis said bear with us, to ministers of defense and military officials from more than 22 countries in a ballroom.

Once weve completely use up all available options, the Americans will do the needful. We are there and will continue to be there, he said.

The planners of the yearly Shangri-La Dialogue Asian Security Summit noted three possible flashpoints posing threat to security and stability in the region: North Koreas missile and nuclear weapons program, Chinas military activities in the South China Sea and Islamist extremism.

However, President Trumps pursuit of his America First policy has created doubt over the United States future role in Asia. The United States has shown the strongest military influence in the Asia-Pacific region since the end of World War II.

US allies concern

Australian Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull demonstrated his disappointment over the U.S.

recent exit from the Paris Climate pact and the Trans-Pacific Partnership  a multilateral trade agreement that was meant to join the U.S. economically, with allies from 12 Asian nations. However, The Australian PM urged fellow allies to exercise patience with the new U.S. government.

We should be mindful not to hastily interpret an aim to engage on different terms as one to engage at all, Turnbull said on Friday night.

On his part Mattis vowed on Saturday the United States would remain engaged on North Korea, describing the regime of Kim Jong Uns missile and nuclear weapons program a clear and present danger.

US commitment to its allies

He further reiterated the U.S. longstanding commitment to defend South Korea and Japan from any aggressive North Korean military and nuclear threat, but he maintained that Beijing must continue on with its pledges to denuclearize the Korean Peninsula by mounting pressure on Pyongyang.

The US government has pledged to engage China on North Korea, but President Trump has repeatedly sounded U.S. resolve to act unilaterally if China fails to act.
The U.S. is pleased by Chinas steps to stop North Korea provocative nuclear program but it will be unacceptable to Washington for Beijing to militarize the islands in the South China Sea, Jim Mattis US Secretary of Defense said at a press briefing on Saturday.

China's help

Mattis statement indicates that the Trump administration is looking forward to working with China to deter Pyongyang from advancing its nuclear weapon programs while countering Beijings occupation in the South China Sea. President Trump's faith in Jinping has caused anxiety among many, fearing Washington could allow China free will to whirl overwhelming influence in the region, according to a report by CNN.

Most of the allies have expressed worries that the U.S. exit from the Paris climate pact and the Trans-Pacific trade partnership is a sign that Washington is diluting its global influence. Mattis said the U.S. is fully committed to its partners; he spoke at Asias premier security forum during the dialogue session. Whether we like it or not, we are all part of the world What a miserable world should we all wane inside our border Mattis said.

U.S. threatened to take action

As soon as we completely use up all possible alternatives, the United States will do the needful, he added, rephrasing a remark by a British war veteran Winston Churchill. So we will always be there and we will be with you.

However, upturning North Koreas missile and nuclear advancement programs have become a top notch policy for Washington, considering Pyongyangs threat to build a nuclear warhead capable of striking the US mainland.

The Trump administration has been mounting intense pressure on China to restrain its reclusive neighbor, threatening all options are available on the table should North Korea continue with its provocative nuclear weapons programs. The US government is motivated by Chinas rekindled effort to co-operate with the international community towards denuclearization, Mattis told the audience.

China's activities in the South China Sea

Definitely, we hope China will come to understand North Korea as a major liability rather than an asset, Mattis said. Meanwhile, Mattis said demanding for Beijings collaboration on Pyongyang did not imply Washington would not oppose Chinas unlawful activities in the South China Sea.

The United Nations Security Council on Friday slammed another round of targeted sanctions on North Korea following its series of missile tests, which was the first ever resolution adopted by the United States and China since the assumption of office by President Donald Trump.
U.S. Defense Secretary James Mattis said in a conference in Singapore that he looks forward expanding military cooperation with Thailand. This is after the Thailand government recently began to embrace democratic policies and governance.

Why did the Philippine relationship with the U.S. grown cold?

Since the assumption of Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte in 2016, the South East Asian nation had began a systematic shift of policy. From being an staunch ally of the United States, Duterte's admin now looks towards china and Russia for economic and military aid.

The strain further worsen when Duterte ranted about the United States offering second-hand weapons to the Philippine army, which is in need of rapid modernization. Duterte, furious at the America's treatment flew to Russia to meet with Vladimir Putin for help. The Russian president showed positive response to Duterte's request and have drafted agreements that will cement the deals that will be made.

How will Thailand's pivot to Washington affect China?

According to Mattis, U.S. policy in Asia is to focus on crisis management, terrorism, nuclear threats and cybercrime. However, the defense secretary also added that China's expansionist ambition in the South China sea is also a source for concern that should be dealt with.

Thailand will work closely with the United States, Australia and New Zealand on securing the regional security in the South China sea. It is not certain what kind of military cooperation will Thailand have with the United States, but Washington and the Pentagon are in need of finding new allies to work with after the Philippines had grown sour.

What is China's response to America's presence in the region?

China continues to protest all U.S. operations made in the South China sea. Beijing states that these operations are in violation of their right of ownership of almost the entire area. Because of this, China is slowly strengthening its bases in the South China sea and its artificial islands.

The South China sea is a major shipping lane for dozens of countries and for Beijing to monopolize this trade route will be devastating. In order to counter this, the United States conducts Freedom of navigation operations in the area to enforce international laws ratified by the United Nations. The moves taken by the U.S. military and navy irritates Beijing threatening to hinder the needed cooperation between to two major countries to stop North Korea from its belligerent stance.
As reported by Blasting News, Saturday saw a brutal Terror Attack in London, where a white van plowed into pedestrians on London Bridge, followed by the terror suspects running through the Borough Market area, stabbing people at random. Seven people have been confirmed dead in the incident, while dozens were injured. It didnt take long for U.S. President Donald Trump to head to Twitter, using the brutal terror attack to promote his controversial travel ban.

Trump sends insensitive tweet following London terror attack

In the tweet Trump said the American people have to be vigilant, smart and tough and that the U.S.

needs the courts to give the people back their rights. As reported by the New York Daily News, he went on to say the travel ban is necessary as an extra level of safety.

We need to be smart, vigilant and tough. We need the courts to give us back our rights. We need the Travel Ban as an extra level of safety!  Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) June 3, 2017

Trump did, however, follow up on Twitter with a second message, saying the U.S. is there to help London and the U.K.

Whatever the United States can do to help out in London and the U. K., we will be there - WE ARE WITH YOU. GOD BLESS!  Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) June 3, 2017

Trump's first tweet came after he spotted a tweet by the Drudge Report, reporting on initial news coming out of London.

Fears of new terror attack after van 'mows down 20 people' on London Bridge...  DRUDGE REPORT (@DRUDGE_REPORT) June 3, 2017

Trump phones U.K. Prime Minister Theresa May following terror attack

Possibly realizing the insensitivity of the U.S. President's initial message, the White House went on to release the wording of a call placed by Trump to U.K.

Prime Minister Theresa May, where he went on to praise the response of the U.K. police and first responders in the incident. Trump went on to offer the full support of the U.S. Government in investigating the terror attack and bringing the terrorists to justice.

Anti-travel ban advocates speak out against Trumps tweet

The deputy legal director of the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU), Cecillia Wang, responded to Trumps insensitive tweet by saying people should be outraged when their president exploits a brutal and violent crime to push what she termed a discriminatory and illegal policy.

Alison Grimes, the Kentucky Secretary of State, reacted in a similar way to Trumps tweet by saying the U.S. president should be offering support to what is a vital ally of the U.S., not using a violent terror attack in that country to spread hate and fear.

Trumps travel ban proposal would affect travelers from seven mainly Muslim countries and has been blocked by the Federal courts. The Trump administration is now pushing for the Supreme Court to reinstate the ban.

London terror attack kills seven and injures 48

In Saturdays London terror attack, seven people died and 48 were injured after the van plowed into pedestrians on the London Bridge, followed by the terror suspects running through the Borough Market area, stabbing people at random. As reported by CBS News, three male terror suspects were killed by London Metropolitan police following the attack.
US President Donald Trump has finally pulled the U.S. from the Paris accord on Climate Change. The decision has been highly questioned and condemned from within and without. Can Trump really withdraw the U.S. from the Paris convention? The Peoples' Republic of China, the EU, India, and the U..S are the four biggest emitters of carbon dioxide into the atmosphere. With the exception of the U.S., the other nations have restated their commitment to the Paris accord besides vowing to decrease their carbon emissions.

The accord was a bad deal

Well, according to Trump, the Paris Accord was a bad deal for the U.S.

The Accord was never ratified by Senate before President Obama hurriedly signed it. Under the US Constitution, a treaty only becomes binding to the U.S. after it has obtained a two-thirds majority in Senate. The president only ratifies the treaty after approval from the Senate. Arguably, this never happened for the Paris Accord on Climate change.

With the exit of the U.S. from the global campaign, the Paris agreement's future remains uncertain. The President of the 22nd Conference on Climate Change, Salaheddine Mezouar has, however, indicated that global actions on climate change will continue. The US withdrawal could massively encourage nations like China and India to continue with their unregulated greenhouse emissions.

The move will drastically dent the progress achieved in curbing global warming.

Obama overlooked the Senate

Former U.S. President Barack Obama led a spirited campaign on climate change. He strongly advocated for nations to cut down on greenhouse emissions by embracing clean energy. Available data however indicates he never got the full support of Senate to make the Paris Accord fully binding on the U S.

So, should Senate stand and watch Trump trample on climate change initiative whose repercussions could be catastrophic for the U S coastlines? Should the president and other conservative hardliners blatantly disregard facts on global warming? These are a few questions io the growing list that climate change activists have to ponder on.

Loopholes in the Accord

With the existing loopholes in the ratification of the Paris Accord, Trump has possibly all the power to dismantle it because it never got the needed backing from Senate before it came it effect. Contrary to the hyped notion that climate change is a hoax, available information indicates that climate change is real and all nations including the U.S. have an obligation cut down on greenhouse emissions. Failure to act now will result in drastic increases in global temperatures and eventual massive meltdown of icebergs which will increase water levels and pose danger to coastlines and islands including Hawaii.
The first time I heard Hillary speak was on a teleprompter at a National Conference during Bill Clinton's second term as president. With then first lady Hillary Clinton and her husband being ardent supporters of Early Childhood Education Programs as a stepping stone for children from lower-income and middle-class families to enter kindergarten at the same level as their peers, she was there to speak on that very subject.

I was there as both a parent with two children in Head Start and as a Kansas Head Start Association and Regional Board Member.

Hillary talked about the book that she had recently had published; "It takes a village to raise a child" and I still remember the passion and conviction in her voice and the way she looked out from that screen with a smile and a promise while sharing excerpts from the book.

The crowd of hundreds fell nearly silent as Hillary shared her dreams for a better future

Her speech wasn't about money or influence. It was about a vision she had for the future of every single American child and family: a future where we were all truly created equal regardless of race or sex, religion or culture, or what country we immigrated from. It was about working together to speak with a shared voice and crossing political lines for the common good.

I am sure mine weren't the only eyes that filled with tears that day.

Two of my personal favorite quotes were about home being a child's first and primary classroom, and the other quote had to do with respecting the choices we make as women and allowing us to reach our full potential. And that was the Hillary I expected to emerge as a presidential candidate.

However, this Hillary, I soon realized seemed to have abandoned her core beliefs and philosophies.

Hillary's campaign became attack against Trump and she's still attacking

For the first few months of the campaign I saw the Hillary Clinton I remembered from the past -- full of fire and a champion of the people. She had good solid ideas on rebuilding the middle class, strengthening education from Pre-K through college, empowering women, and much more.

As Donald Trump began painting Hillary as a crook, in bed with big banks and Wall Street, bowing to special interests, and as being everything that was wrong with Democrats and America, Hillary began responding to his insults in kind, and played right into Trump's hands. The message that had drawn us to her in the first place over the years as a champion for democracy, human rights, women's rights, and American families became lost in the battle of tit for tat with Donald Trump.

Trump used Hillary's remarks about him and his supporters against her

Donald Trump, a master manipulator from his years as a television star on his show "the Apprentice," being in the public eye with the Miss Universe Pageant, and at his casino's and resorts, knew exactly what to do to turn the tables on Hillary Clinton.

Comfortable in front of huge crowds and feeding off the accolades of his supporters and other Republican's once he secured the nomination, Trump quickly used Hillary's insulting responses to his lack of decency and respect for others, to rally rural voters: workers who bought into the lies that Democrats were the cause of all of America's ills, and the religious right who longed for a government that supported their rigid and extreme fundamentalist views.

In the end it cost Hillary Clinton, and the United States dearly. If only Hillary hadn't let Trump goad her into responding in kind and had stuck with the message that embraced what is good and honorable in all Americans, about hope and the promise of a truly great America.

That would have highlighted the fact that she had the class and decency he lacked. Where was the Hillary Clinton who wrote the book "It Takes a Village: and Other Things Children Taught Us?"

Even now Hillary is responding to Trump insults instead of rallying voters

The commencement speech Clinton gave at her Alma Mater, Wellesley College, was full of attacks against the Trump Administration. The same taunting words we hear daily were repeated again and again. This was the time the old Hillary should have re-emerged to remind those graduating students they are the guardians of Democracy and our Civil rights.

Millennials have a great opportunity to stop President Trump and far right Conservative Republicans from destroying what people like Martin Luther King Jr, Susan B Anthony, union organizers who fought for health and safety protections for workers with their blood and sweat, along with many others to change the world.

Grassroots advocacy and a national political movement to rally voters of all ages and encourage them to become candidates at all levels are what will beat Donald Trump, Conservatives, and the religious right, NOT verbal attacks and jokes. As Americans, we are better than that.
Cai Meng/China Daily

Last week, AlphaGo, an artificial intelligence program developed by Googles DeepMind team, beat Chinas top go player Ke Jie in Wuzhen, East Chinas Zhejiang province recently, suggests AI will occupy center stage in the next technological and industrial revolution.

But what is AIs significance for the defense industry? And how to address the security challenges that AI may cause if inappropriately used in the defense sector?

Zhu Qichao is director and professor of the Center for National Security and Strategic Studies, National Univeristy of Defense Technology, China.[Photo/China Daily]

AI is intelligence exhibited by machines that are made to think, work and react like humans in given situations. AI today is a combination of big data, cloud computing and internet of things.

Colossus was a set of computers developed by British codebreakers during World War II to help in the cryptanalysis of the Lorenz cipher. It is thus regarded as the worlds first programmable, electronic, digital computer.

Since then, technologically advanced satellite sensors and wearable equipment have helped improve intelligent sensor and information processing. To manage data and information for maximum advantage, the development of command-and-control system has been on top of the military agenda.

AI has the potential to reshape defense technology and turn science fiction into reality. And the new challenges for defense and security should not be underestimated.

First, AI will make future wars more precise, quicker and crueler. The unmanned system will be widely used by the technologically advanced states to reduce their military casualties, which could pose a greater threat to civilians. And an AI war may undermine the rules of human morality.

Second, AI may never replace human ingenuity. So human ingenuity will be more important than the AI it gives birth to. Like any tool, when used in the wrong way AI can cause a lot of harm and destruction.

Third, AI is far from perfect. In a confrontational environment, AI systems could be invaded or damaged by malware and viruses. Thus, an uncontrollable AI system could end up killing innocent people.

And fourth, because of the coexistence of human-in-the-loop and human-out-of-loop, it is difficult to identify those responsible for faulty missions. For example, those responsible for a humanitarian catastrophe caused by drones may involve the pilot, the computer programmer, the procurement officer, the commander and more. Therefore, it would be more difficult to identify those responsible for AI mistakes than human errors.

Moreover, terrorists could exploit AI and its weaknesses to launch attacks. In an increasingly interconnected world, a cyber attack using AI technology could lead to the hacking of the control systems for nuclear weapons, or chemical and biological weapons.

Many countries are upgrading their defense capabilities by introducing AI technology, but they need to exercise extreme caution while using AI. And since it will become increasingly difficult for a country on its own to ensure absolute security, people should work more closely to respond to international security challenges. To build a community of shared destiny, I have three recommendations.

First, world leaders in military technology should take on more responsibility. A double-track security dialogue should be organized under the aegis of think tanks from all countries to discuss how to strengthen information exchange and sharing, assess the hacking risks in internet of things, estimate the effect of AI proliferation, and prevent wars and conflicts caused by both a sovereign states miscalculation and attacks launched by non-state actors.

Second, in the disaster warning mechanism, global fight against terrorism, crackdown on transnational crime, and the humanitarian assistance missions, every country needs to facilitate deeper cooperation with other countries by using AI technology.

And third, drafting an international law on the use of AI as weapon is very important for avoiding AI abuse. Plus, international organizations should coordinate and cooperate to reach a consensus on how best to implement such a law globally.
It was intended as a vacation for Abby Runge and her family during the Christmas break.

On Wednesday, Dec. 28, on Grand Cayman Island in the Caribbean, Runge and her family were traveling to go snorkeling with sea turtles.

Time was about to stand still for Abby Runge, captain of the Chippewa Falls Senior High School cross country team and lead manager of the schools wrestling team.

I dont remember anything from like an hour before the car crash until (Tuesday) Jan. 10. I think its a blessing for sure; I dont remember anything hurting. For the time I can remember, nothing hurt. I had jaw reconstruction surgery, she said.

I was sitting in the middle, in the back seat. It only had a lap belt. We were hit almost head on, so I hit my head on the center console. But because my jaw broke, it saved my brain from a lot of the impact so I didnt have a very bad concussion, which is pretty lucky,

Shes come a long way since, armed with a positive attitude about life and comforted by being able to lean on good friends and family for support.

So this Wednesday, at 7:30 p.m. in the gymnasium of Chi-Hi, Abby Runge will be part of the graduating class of 2017.

Most people are just so lucky constantly, and I think thats a big thing. Dont take yourself seriously. And when bad things happen, try to flip it around so its not so bad, said Runge, who will be attending the University of Wisconsin-La Crosse this fall, studying chemistry and business.

Her goal is to work for NASA.

I have no idea why, but ever since I was really little I wanted to be an astronaut. Then it changed for a little bit. I wanted to be a teacher. But now Im back to astronaut.

That would have been an nearly impossible goal to think of her achieving on Dec. 28.

The crash

Abby was in the crash along with her parents, Sheri and Tim Runge, brother Jacob (who just finished his sophomore year in college) and sister Mikayla (a high school sophomore).

My dad and sister were pretty much OK, (my) brother had a pretty bad concussion, and my mom broke two vertebrae in her neck, Abby Runge said.

They received care on Grand Cayman until Dec. 30, when they were medivaced to Miami, Florida.

Abbys jaw was broken in two places. She had surgery Jan. 2. I dont remember any of that, she said.

She had two fractures of her pelvis, facial fractures and a fracture around her right eye.

The recovery

Getting well enough to leave the hospital was one thing. Going back to school was another challenge.

It was not so much that I didnt want to be at school, but I felt like I couldnt. I was tired all of the time, and when I first came back, I was on crutches, she said.

And, for a time, her jaw was wired shut.

It was hard to be around people who werent my family. It felt like everybody thought they had to be walking on eggshells around me, and I didnt walk that.

Her friends helped. They stayed with her from 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. the day after she returned home from the hospital.

Texting and talking to them is one thing, but once youre back, you never know whats going to happen. They were all so great. I think that was really what got me through it was knowing I had such a great support system with my friends, family and again with the teachers in this school, she said.

Her teachers return the compliment. One of her teachers, Heather Brandner, said about Runge during the Excellence of Education banquet: Abby is a confident individual, demonstrating both mental and physical strength through perseverance. She is driven and strives to be the best she can be while showing integrity. Abbys compassion for learning and her amazing work ethic push her to succeed in every situation and face any challenges head-on.

When she returned to school, Abby was able to start the second semester fresh.

(I) only had two classes that carried over past the semester, so it was nice to only have to focus on those two things to get caught up. Everything else I could just start over. All of my teachers were so accommodating and supportive.

The future

Abbys upbeat attitude about life left some puzzled.

That was one thing when I came back. I would make jokes about the accident, and people would be like, Can you say that? Yeah, its a joke about me. If I can make jokes about myself, then you can make jokes about me, and then its not serious. And (then) everybody doesnt have to be sad around me all the time, she said.

She said she doesnt like being sad because its not fun. Thats why she would joke about her situation.

Including why the crash turned out to be something positive when she returned to school after the first semester ended.

Yeah, I was in a car accident. But I didnt have to take my finals, she joked.
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.

amyhe@chinadailyusa.com
Police cars close off north entrance to London Bridge next to monument station after van ploughed into pedestrians. [Wang Bo / China Daily]

British security services were scouring the streets of central London for attack suspects after a series of incidents which have left at least one person dead and an unspecified number of people seriously injured.

London's Metropolitan Police said the attacks in London Bridge and Borough Market are terrorist incidents. They are dealing with two incidents amid witness reports of a van mounting a pavement and running down pedestrians on London Bridge. Witness later said that police fired rounds next to Borough Market.

A spokesman for the Prime Minister's office at 10 Downing Street said Theresa May was being kept up to date on the incident and was heading for her office.

Earlier UK Prime Minister Theresa May says the "terrible incident" in London is being treated as "potential act of terrorism".

Police then said they were responding to a third incident at Vauxhall, around three miles away from London Bridge. It was later declared by the police that the incident at is a stabbing and is not connect to the incidents at LondonBridge and Borough Market.

One witness said that three men got out of the van on London Bridge with knives and attacked passers-by.

Armed police entered bars and ordered customers to lie on the ground. Police are continuing to evacuate the area.

BBC reporter Holly Jones, who was on the bridge at the time of the incident, said she saw the van, driven by a man, veered off the road and hit pedestrians while travelling at 50 miles an hour.

Police have issued a warning to Londoners to "run, hide and tell" if they are in danger. This means people should run and hide at a sign of danger and then inform police.

Borough Market is a popular destination, with a number of restaurants in the area.

The incident follows an attack on Westminster Bridge when Khalid Masood killed four pedestrians on Westminster Bridge before stabbing a police officer to death, Masood was then shot dead by police.

The incident also coincided with a concert in Manchester to commemorate the victims of last week's bombing attack in Manchester which killed 22 people.
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by Hong Van

The central region of Viet Nam is frequently hit by natural disasters, especially severe flooding. Every year, during the rainy season, which falls from May to November, the media broadcasts heartbreaking images of people struggling to survive the high waters that sweep away property and livelihoods.

Deeply touched by the losses, two high school students from the northern province of Hung Yen put their heads together and came up with a special bed, able to keep people afloat on water.

Luyen Huy Long, a 10th grader, and Tran Quang Thai, an 11th grader, from Hung Yen Specialised High School, won third prize at the National Technical and Science Competition in March this year for their lifesaving bed.

When I saw floods hitting the central region in 2016 on television and read about it online, I felt very upset. The haunting images of four kids stranded on bits of debris, and elderly people waiting for rescue on their bed, prompted me to do something to help in these disasters, said Long.

Given that a person spends one third of their life in bed, I came up with the idea of making one out of styrofoam so it could float on top of the flood, said Long.

When the annual science competition was announced, Long registered and was paired with Thai, who shared a common interest in science and engineering.

It took four months for the two students to translate their idea into a final product, a floating bed that could carry up to 945 kilograms of weight.

The most difficult part was incorporating all of our ideas into the design. Almost every day, we would meet up after school, spending hours discussing the project, said Long.

The product is very simple. It is literally a combination of a bed and sponge to keep it afloat. It is not highly technical, but the idea by the two students is highly humanitarian, physics teacher Nguyen Vu Anh Tuyet told Viet Nam News.

Float to safety: The bed, which can carry between five and nine people at a time, is 2.1 metres long, 1.2 metres wide and about 40 cm high. It floats thanks to the four sponge layers. VNA/VNS Photo Phuong Hang

Tuyet provided some technical support to the enterprising youngsters.

With the universal physics programme students are equipped with a large amount of knowledge, for example from Archimedes principles of buoyancy, with which students can easily calculate the weight capacity of an object over a surface of water, said Tuyet.

We closely examined the balance of the bed, because in cases of flooding or heavy rain, high winds may make the bed unstable. The balance has to take this into account and be safe for users, said Tuyet.

The bed, which can carry between five and nine people at a time, is 2.1 metres long, 1.2 metres wide and about 40cm high. It floats thanks to four styrofoam layers. In emergencies one can tie the bed to a tree so it isnt swept away, said Thai.

Long said the idea of making a life raft is not new, but incorporating this with a bed means that every family can have one ready in their home. It can be changed and modified to become a lifesaving item with cheap and easily found materials like sponge and plastic bottles.

The product [Longs lifesaving bed] is highly applicable in real life. People in regions that are prone to flooding can buy or make floating beds from the simple materials in daily life. The Department of Science and Technology will help to register brand protection for this product, the antv.com.vn newspaper quoted Director of Hung Yens Department of Science and Technology, Ngo Xuan Thai, as saying,

In the flooding season, the bed can be attached to other single beds with joints to form a big panel that can keep people afloat, said Long.

Plastics may not be cheaper than wood, so we tried wood to start with and are thinking of seeking other materials that could be cheaper. Meanwhile, wood is also safe and popular with local people, said Thai.

As the ingenious lifesaving raft can be made from an existing bed, the total cost falls to just VN1.5 million (US$66), said Thai.

The project was not easy. During our initial testing we had to stand on the bed and float on cold water in winter.

We wanted to make sure it would survive in harsh conditions. So we had to make upgrades for unexpected factors, like strong winds or water currents, said Long.

Long said he would add four anchors to each corner of the bed to make it more stable for users. VNS
By Vuong Bach Lien

BAC KAN  Chu Thi Boi never thought that one day she would be on stage, singing then and playing a an tinh to an audience of hundreds.

But she managed it.

Last week, the young woman impressed the public with a performance of traditional music of the Tay ethnic people from Ban Hon Village in Ba Be District.

Confidently stepping onto the stage, she spoke to hundreds of people gathered in the conference hall at the Bac Kan Hotel about the traditional music of the Tay before performing.

Just a few months ago, Boi didnt know much about those traditional melodies, usually accompanied by a gourd lute called a an tinh. But every thing changed after she took part in a research project about the art of then singing and an tinh, along with 3 women from Ban Hon Village.

She spent time meeting and talking to inhabitants of the village, finding out what they knew about the music. She also met Ma Trung Truc, the only artist in the village playing an tinh, to ask him about the origins of then singing and the way to make this original musical instrument.

The singing has been gradually forgotten in my village and my community, so my research team and I wish to contribute to preserving it along with other people of my region. We also want to present it to other regions, Boi says.

At first, I was afraid that inhabitants in the village would not want to answer my questions, but I was glad to see they were happy to talk and share their love of then singing and an tinh A few wanted to learn how to play an tinh but have not found the time.

Through the project, I made friends with a lot of new people, and was able to learn new skills like taking pictures, interviewing, taking notes. So, I gained confidence and became more active. And in particular, we found solutions to better preserve the traditional music of the Tay people, she adds.

Project strengthens voices of women

The project that Boi and her research team took part in was titled Voice and Rights for Ethnic Minority Women in Viet Nam which covered the Phuc Loc and Banh Trach communes of Ba Be District.

The project conducts research within the community to enhance the abilities and voices of 70 women from the Tay, Dao and Mong ethnic groups in the area. There will be 10,000 expected beneficiaries.

The project is carried out by the Bac Kan Provincial Womens Union, Care International in Viet Nam and the Institute for Studies of Society, Economy and Environment (iSEE). They gave the women cameras and trained them on cultural diversity, photography, recording and participatory research methods.

These women, called "collaborative researchers" take pictures of their daily lives in the commune. They identify problems endemic in their communities, and advocate on issues that affect them to local authorities, the Government and civil society.

The project started in 2015 and will last until 2018, and is expected to be enlarged to other regions.

The EU has also supported the project with a grant of 273,000 euros (US$296,500).

Thirteen community research teams from two communes conducted research on different issues. They include environmental pollution, domestic waste, husbandry of indigenous black pigs, children dropping out of school and traditional costumes of the Tay and Dao, the art of then singing, the an tinh of the Tay, harvest festival of the Dao Tien, and others.

In May 2017, the participatory research methodology and the research results of the groups in two communes were shared with the communities, authorities at all levels, public and social organisations from the central to local level and the press. Based on the research results, groups worked together with community members to propose initiatives to solve the issues.

Ethnic threads: Women from the Dao Tien ethnic group stand in front of a photo panel showcasing their research results on traditional costumes in their community.  VNS Photo Bach Lien

For a better life

Women taking part in the project said they could further learn about issues in their community, learn from the community and be more confident.

Besides familiar work like farming and household chores, the co-researchers began to take photos and interview villagers about issues facing the communities.

Without this project, I wouldnt have learned a lot of things, such as peoples frustration with waste pollution that had never been mentioned before. Through this project, we can give a voice to these problems, says Nong Thi Inh from Thieng iem Village, Phuc Loc Commune.

"When I first took photos, people didnt understand why and didnt want us to take their photos. But when they knew that we were doing research on environmental pollution, they supported us.

"They said there were a lot of people littering, polluting the water, they were really mad at it. Some even waded into the river to bring the plastic bags for me to document. At first I was very shy and didnt enjoy communicating with people. But when I got support from other people, I was really inspired.

Luckily, most of them get support from their husbands and their families.

My child is still small, almost a year old, and hasnt been weaned yet, so when I started doing research, I was really worried, but my husband encouraged me. I was afraid of being criticised by my mother-in-law if I neglected housework, my husband said Dont worry, I will do it for you, my mother cant say anything, confides La Thi oan.

They became much more confident.

I didnt dare to talk to strangers before. Now I can talk to everyone and I feel more confident speaking in front of a crowd, says Sung Thi Hoa.

Many women also learned how to better breed their cattle to bring higher revenues to their families.

Previously, many chicks used to follow their mother and were bitten by harmful insects, becoming sick and perishing. Only two out of 12 chicks survived. Now as I did research about how to raise animals, I learned a new technique from farmers in neighbouring villages on how to take better care of chicks: I should separate them from their mother and warm them with electricity. This proved very efficient and all chicks survived, says Ban Thi Mai.

Based on the findings of the studies, the community found many solutions to the serious community issues: Creating more boarding schools to encourage children to go to school when their houses are too far away from school, the construction of an incinerator to solve pollution from waste, the renovation of downgraded meeting rooms, and the establishment of the singing club of the Dao Tien to preserve their traditional melodies.

Their initiatives were welcomed by local authorities who have promised to do their best to satisfy their demands.

I am surprised to see that women became much more energetic and confident after a short time of involvement with this project. Previously, they used to listen to their husbands. Now many of them make their own decisions about what animals to raise or how to take care of them. Previously, they were shy and often absent during public meetings and never put forward ideas. Now, they are sure of themselves and propose bright initiatives, says Ma Van Xuong, chairman of Banh Trach Communes Peoples Committee.

Ha Thi Lieu, president of Bac Kan Women Union, says she highly appreciates the project, which could strengthen the voices and roles of local women in their families and society. It also allows them to contribute more to the development of society.

The lives of local people have remained difficult, as they rely on agriculture to live. The number of illiterate women is still high.

I hope that the project brings ethnic women, a marginalised group, opportunities to overcome challenges and make positive changes to their lives, she says. VNS
It was a Sunday afternoon in a cafe by Hoan Kiem Lake in Ha Noi. A young man was lighting up a cigarette while holding an infant, possibly his son or daughter, with his other hand. Such a sight isnt rare in Viet Nam, a country where more than 45 per cent of the male population are smokers, according to a report by the Global Adult Tobacco Survey published in 2015.

While the number of smokers has slowly declined in recent years thanks to awareness-raising campaigns that have publicised the harmful effects of cigarettes, not much has been done to change smokers behavior, especially when it comes to exposing their children to second- hand smoke at home or in public.

Studies have shown that second-hand smoke is almost as deadly as first-hand smoke, especially to children. Children with parents who smoke are more likely to suffer from ear infection, bronchitis, pneumonia and poor lung development. Even more severe, second-hand smoke contains some 7,000 chemical toxins, and 60 of them are known to cause cancer.

With nearly one out of two Vietnamese men smoking on a regular basis, many children may be suffering from second-hand smoke at home. The consequences for the well-being of those children may be catastrophic unless major steps are taken to address this issue.

The countrys anti-smoking regulations have made it mandatory for tobacco companies to put horrifying images on packets of cigarettes. The pictures are usually of lung cancer, tooth and gum decay or even photos that hint at male erectile dysfunction. While those ads may remind smokers of the harmful effects of smoking and occasionally scare off potential puffers, they also leave out some inconvenient truths.

A Ha Noi resident, Hanh, who works as a nanny, said her daughter is only 9 months old but has been to the hospitals emergency room four times due to respiratory problems. The baby had weak lungs, the result of being born prematurely and exposed to cigarette smoke from her father, a heavy smoker. They live in a small apartment with poor ventilation, meaning the smoke collects in the rooms.

A doctor told the childs father to stop smoking indoor. Its a small effort a parent can make to protect their kids. Simply step outside when you smoke a cigarette, the doctor said. Ideally you should quit smoking but if you are to continue at least make sure the kid is nowhere around when you smoke.

There are laws prohibiting smoking in public places such as offices, bus stations, parks and hospitals, but little is being done to reinforce them.

A security guardat Giap Bat Bus Station, Nguyen, said there is nothing he can do to stop people from smoking in the waiting area, often in the presence of children and pregnant women. Only the police can fine these smokers and we cannot call them every time someone light up a cigarette, can we? he said.

Nguyen said its a lost cause because when theyre told not to smoke theyll stub it out and light another as soon as the guard turns his back. Its as if the big red No Smoking sign was just for decoration.

The situation is not much better in cafes and restaurants, where adults can be seen happily puffing away when there are children running around. Waiters and waitresses are often too afraid to tell their customers to put out their cigarettes, for fear of repercussion or they are simply told to ignore it by their employers.

I know its not good for the kids and I personally hate the smell, Linh, a waitress working in a cafe on Nguyen Huu Huan Street, said, But the owner doesnt want to do anything about it because he is afraid it may turn customers away.

With very little being done to reinforce the law when it comes to smoking in public, we may have to rely on smokers courtesy to refrain from lighting up around children.

Ive been smoking for almost 15 years but I dont smoke when there are children or pregnant women around. Thats kind of my rule, said Tung, a chain smoker who said he consumed a pack of cigarettes most days. However, he admitted that many of his peers often carry on regardless.

A little bit wont hurt. Thats what many of them would say. I dont agree but its their kids. What else can I do? he said.

Little bits add up, and will hurt eventually if children are continually exposed to smoking at home and in public. With the way things are now, there are almost no safe zones for children to escape the acrid clouds.

I believe that parents will do anything to give their children the best possible future. What we must do is make sure they are aware of the health consequences of second-hand smoking for children. For starters, anti-smoking ads should shift their focus onto the dangerous effect of cigarettes on children.

Smokers often argue that it is within their rights to endanger their health by smoking. We should, therefore, pose the question: is it also within their rights to endanger the life of innocent children around them? -VNS
In secret, behind locked gates, our Nation's Oldest City dumped a landfill in a lake (Old City Reservoir), while emitting sewage in our rivers and salt marsh. Organized citizens exposed and defeated pollution, racism and cronyism. We elected a new Mayor. We're transforming our City -- advanced citizenship. Ask questions. Make disclosures. Demand answers. Be involved. Expect democracy. Report and expose corruption. Smile! Help enact a St. Augustine National Park and Seashore. We shall overcome!
LONDON  A van ploughed into pedestrians and several people were stabbed in central London Saturday, police and witnesses said, leaving "multiple" casualties in what police called a "terrorist" attack days before a general election.

Armed police opened fire during at least two "terrorist incidents" at London Bridge and Borough Market, in the heart of the capitals business district.

Witnesses described a van speeding into pedestrians on London Bridge and then a knife-wielding man sprinting towards a bar packed with revellers enjoying a Saturday night out.

Pictures show medical staff attending to apparent victims of the attack and a helicopter buzzing just metres over London bridge, one of the major arteries in the City business district.

Police responded rapidly with dozens of emergency vehicles and authorities led shellshocked members of the public away from the scene with their hands on their heads.

The attack came more than a week after a suicide bomber killed 22 people at a concert in the northern city of Manchester and days ahead of the June 8 election, where security is a major theme.

It also recalled an attack on Westminster Bridge when 52-year-old British Muslim convert Khalid Mahmood rammed his car into pedestrians before crashing into the barriers surrounding parliament and then stabbing a police officer to death.

Potential act of terrorism

Police said the first reports of a "vehicle in collision with pedestrians on London Bridge" came at 10:08pm local time and were quickly followed by "reports of stabbings in Borough Market," at the south end of the bridge.

"Armed officers responded and shots have been fired," police said.

Prime Minister Theresa May confirmed that the "terrible incident in London" was being treated as "a potential act of terrorism."

She will hold an emergency ministerial meeting later on Sunday and Facebook has activated its safety check function for people in London to let their loved ones know they are safe.

US President Donald Trump offered his help, tweeting "WE ARE WITH YOU. GOD BLESS!"

London Mayor Sadiq Khan condemned the attacks as "barbaric."

Blood on his shoulder

Witnesses on London Bridge reported seeing a van mounting the pavement and hitting pedestrians and a man with a knife running.

"There was a van that crashed into the fences on London Bridge. And then there was a man with a knife, he was running. He came down the stairs and went to the bar," Dee, 26, who was visibly in shock and declined to give her last name, told AFP.

Gerard Kavanar, 46, said he had seen a chef with "blood on his shoulder" in the area.

The London Ambulance Service said "multiple resources" were being sent to the scene. AFP reporters saw two police helicopters over the area and several roads were shut down.

The police were urging the public to run to a place of safety, or hide if they cannot.

Will Heaven, managing editor of The Spectator magazine, said on Twitter he saw "two casualties -- one on pavement, one edge of road" and reported seeing armed police on the bridge.

BBC reporter Holly Jones, who was there at the time of the incident, said she saw a van driven by a man travelling "at about 50 miles (80 kilometres) an hour".

She said about five people were being treated for injuries after the vehicle mounted the pavement and hit them.

"Theres several police boats with torchlights searching the Thames at the moment," she told BBC radio.

She added that she saw a man, who had his shirt off and was in handcuffs, being arrested by police.

Wounded people

Another witness, who gave his name as Alessandro, told BBC radio that he saw a van strike several people on London Bridge.

"I saw this van going left and right, left and right, trying to catch as many people as he could. And people just tried to get out of the way of the van.

"Then I tried to help people, wounded people."

Of the casualties, he said: "Three of them, yes (were conscious), and one guy was not talking at all, was just, like, down."

"There were five or six people that we tried to help, they were young people."

Large blade

Husband and wife Ben and Natalie told BBC Radio 5 Live they were outside Borough Market when they witnessed the incident there.

Ben said: "We saw people running away and then I saw a man in red with a large blade, at a guess 10 inches long, stabbing a man, about three times.

"It looked like the man had been trying to intervene, but there wasnt much he could do. He was being stabbed quite coldly and he slumped to the ground."

Ben said the man then walked towards the Southwark Tavern. He said they saw a metal chair being thrown towards the man.

"Then we heard three gunshots, definitely gunshots, and we ran."  AFP
CEDAR FALLS  In his classic 1925 poem The Hollow Men, T.S. Eliot, a Lost Generation American literary expatriate who worked at Lloyds Bank in London, wrote, Between the idea/And the reality/Between the motion/And the act/Falls the Shadow.

For members of the Iowa Bankers Association The Act is the federal Dodd-Frank Act of 2010. They say it casts a big shadow over the banking industry, in Iowa especially. However well-intentioned it may have been as a response to the 2008 financial crisis, IBA members say, its hollowing out community banking.

In short, its legislative overreach. Its like hitting a fly with a cannon.

That would be a good analogy, said Susan Whitson, vice president and chief financial officer of First National Bank in Waverly and Cedar Falls and past chair of the Iowa Bankers Association.

Honestly, I can say, the extra layer of rules has not helped the Cedar Valley, but taken resources that could have gone to the community to pay to implement these rules, Whitson said.

Its fouling up a good thing in Iowa, a state which IBA President John Sorenson said has been ranked by moneyrates.com as the best state to bank in the nation.

Iowa has the most banks per capita, he said. Thats important in making us the best state to bank, because of the diversity of banks we have. We have banks of all shapes and sizes ... that can meet the financial needs of any Iowa consumer or business.

The number of Iowa-chartered banks has gone from 401 in 2006, pre-Dodd-Frank, to 308 through the second quarter of 2016.

There has been a bit of a decline, and that worries us, Sorenson said. ... We still employ about 20,000 people in the state of Iowa. And a locally owned financial institution, we think, is so important to the community in being a driver of economic growth and jobs.

A lot of University of Northern Iowa finance, accounting and information technology students are hired for internships at community banks.

Bankers are seeing moderate growth around the state, with some improvements in manufacturing as well as the agricultural sector.

Sorenson said theres interest in curtailing regulations in the onerous Dodd-Frank law.

Thats been our biggest problem, Sorenson said. We had this 2,000-page law, 22,000 pages of regulation. These people (his members) had to understand all that. They had to train their staff. They had to update their systems to comply. And obviously, they had the (bank) examiners to deal with at the same time. So we found our industry spending so much time on dotting the Is and crossing Ts and red tape that it takes your focus away from the customers.

We think were at a stage now we can bring that regulatory pendulum back to center, he said.

The IBA is monitoring two pieces of federal legislation, Sorenson said: The TAILOR Act, which stands for Taking Account of Institutions With Low Operation Risk, co-sponsored by U.S. Sen. Joni Ernst, R-Iowa. The bill would tailor business regulations to a banks business model and risk.

The second, the financial CHOICE Act (Creating Hope and Opportunity for Investors, Consumers and Enterpreneuers) has yet to be drafted.

A reduction in regulations now would be a good thing, said Whitson.

An example is the Home Mortgage Disclosure Act, an anti-discriminatory measure.

Its moving this year from 30 points of data to over 200 points of data we have to collect and be able to submit. ... I dont know exactly what the governments going to do with all that extra data. How is it going to help the consumer for all that extra effort?

Kurt Herbrectsmeyer, president of First Security Bank & Trust of Charles City, IBA chairman-elect, said, So much of particularly the mortgage lending has gone away from us making credit decisions and character decisions on neighbors and people we know. Yes, theres credit scores. Yes, theres debit-to-income ratios. But then, you also have people you just know will repay you.

Banks that take more risks may need more oversight. Regulations need to be appropriate for the kinds of risks were actually taking, Herbrectsmeyer said.

The number of foreclosures weve had in our bank over the last 12 or 13 years, I can count on one hand, Whitson said. The rules of Dodd-Frank were to take care of the Wall Street issues, which were as much in insurance as they were in banking. But thats a different market. But theyve applied these rules to everybody.
GUTTENBERG  A Saturday airplane accident caused significant damage to the airplane and a minor injury to the pilot, according to a report by the Federal Aviation Administration.

The incident was reported shortly after 4 p.m. Saturday on Abel Island near Guttenberg. State and Clayton County officials were assisting federal authorities in the investigation.

According to the report, the single-engine Cessna C177 was on approach when it struck a road sign. It landed without incident, the report states.

The aircraft is registered to William Swartz of Davenport, according to the FAA.

Abel Island is on the Mississippi River near Guttenberg. There are residences on the island as well as a runway for airplanes.
DELHI  The former Delhi city clerk accused of stealing city money is now facing federal charges.

The U.S. Attorneys Office filed an information charging Angela Josephine Billings, of Anamosa, with theft from a program receiving federal funds on Friday.

She is scheduled to appear in U.S. District Court in Cedar Rapids on June 9.

Billings had been arrested in December on state theft charges in connection with an audit that found $63,000 in unauthorized pay and $88,000 in credit card charges.

The new charge alleges Billings stole from the city in 2011 when the city received more than $10,000 from federal grant program. That year, Billings took at least $5,000 from the city, the charge alleges.

Federal court records allege Billings embezzled money from the city beginning in March 2007 until January 2015.

Trial on the state charges is tentatively set for later this month.
CEDAR RAPIDS -- U.S. Rep. Dave Loebsack, D-Iowa, wants to give Iowans without any insurance options the chance to buy the same coverage offered to members of Congress and their staffs.

On Friday, he introduced legislation that would allow Americans living in a county with no health insurance choice on the federal exchange access to coverage through the DC Health Exchange  DC Healthlink.

My legislation is not meant to be a permanent fix, but we need to give the folks in Iowa who could lose their insurance an option aside from entering into the states high-risk pool, which is often expensive and provides poor coverage, Loebsack said in a news release.

In April, both Wellmark Blue Cross and Blue Shield and Aetna announced they would stop selling individual health insurance plans on and off the Affordable Care Act exchange in Iowa in 2018, affecting nearly 58,000 people. Both insurers cited high costs and the uncertainty of the ACAs future.

Then in May, Minnesota-based Medica  which sells plans in a majority of Iowa counties  hinted it may follow Wellmark and Aetnas lead, but has not made an official or final decision yet.

The insurer, which has about 14,000 Iowa members, has until mid-June to decide. If Medica were to pull out, that would leave Gundersen Health Plan, which sells plans in only five Iowa counties.

Under the Healthcare Options for All Act, qualified individuals who enroll in the DC Health Exchange would be eligible for any premium tax credit or reduced cost-sharing that they would otherwise be eligible for if they were enrolling in health insurance coverage in the individual market through the Iowa exchange, Loebsacks office said.

According to the DC Healthlink website, 10 medical and dental insurers sell plan on the exchange, including UnitedHealthcare and Kaiser Permanente.

My No. 1 goal throughout the debate over health care insurance has been to ensure Iowans have access to quality, affordable coverage, Loebsack said. If the reports of all insurers pulling out of Iowas exchange do become reality, then it is imperative for those Iowans to have access to health care coverage.

Sen. Claire McCaskill, D-Mo., introduced the same legislation in the Senate.
WATERLOO  Police recovered a stolen car following a pursuit through Waterloo on Saturday, but the driver ultimately got away.

The car chase ended when the fleeing driver turned down Campbell Avenue and met with heavy road construction at the Fletcher Avenue intersection. The suspect veered into a yard and narrowly missed a tree before coming to a stop only feet away from landing in the dirt ditch that had been Fletcher.

He then ran off through yards.

One neighbor said the suspect hopped a fence and briefly acted nonchalant, pretending to do yard work before moving on.

Waterloo police, Black Hawk County sheriffs deputies and state troopers searched the neighborhood.

The car, a Pontiac GTO, had been reported stolen from a business on Airline Highway around 7 a.m. while the owner was working. Around 9 a.m., a Waterloo patrol officer spotted the vehicle near the downtown area, and the chase started.

Osage woman faces burglary charges

CLEAR LAKE  A woman police say went into a Clear Lake home and slammed the occupants head into a wall faces criminal charges.

Shes also accused of keying a car in the complexs parking lot.

Hollie Toppin, 46, of Osage, was charged Thursday with felony third-degree burglary and second-degree criminal mischief.

The alleged incident happened around 11 p.m. May 23 in the 700 block of South Ninth Street.

Toppin grabbed an apartment resident by the neck, slammed the persons head into a wall and also kicked the occupants leg, according to court documents.

She was allegedly seen keying a car in the parking lot. Police say it will cost approximately $1,700 to repair.

Three face drug charges in Chickasaw County

FREDERICKSBURG  Three people have been arrested on misdemeanor drug charges.

The Chickasaw County Sheriffs Office issued a press release saying Shane Dale Maurice Kellogg, 39, Melissa Sailor, 43, both of Fredericksburg and Colton John Kraft, 20, of Ionia all were arrested on complaints of unlawful possession of a prescription drug; possession of a controlled substance and possession of drug paraphernalia, all serious misdemeanors.

The three were arrested after a search warrant was executed at the address Kellogg and Sailor both listed as their residence.

The investigation continues. Deputies were assisted by Nashua police and the Chickasaw County Attorneys office.

Waterloo man

injured in crash

CONRAD  A Waterloo man was hurt in a crash in Grundy County Friday.

The Grundy County Sheriffs Office said a man driving a 2002 Hyundai tried to pass a truck pulling a livestock trailer. But oncoming traffic forced the Hyundai back into its original lane, leading to a crash.

The crash happened around 1:45 p.m. near 330th Street, about two miles southwest of Conrad.

Deputies said 20-year-old Jose Mendoza-Jaramillo of Waterloo was driving the Hyundai. He lost control of his vehicle when he hit the front of the truck. His vehicle went into the ditch and rolled.

First responders took Mendoza-Jaramillo to the hospital in Marshalltown. Authorities did not release the extent of his injuries, and did not say if the other driver suffered injuries.

The crash remains under investigation.

Waterloo boating accident injures one

WATERLOO  One person was injured in a boating accident on the Cedar River Thursday afternoon.

Waterloo firefighters said a motorboat was traveling upstream into the setting sun shortly before 7 p.m. when it collided with a canoe.

The impact threw the canoe operator, 18-year-old Caleb Riechmann of Waterloo, into the water, but he was able to return to his vessel, firefighters said. He suffered scrapes in the collision, according to authorities.

The boats came ashore in the Sherwood Park area on Greenwood Avenue, and the Iowa Department of Natural Resources was called to investigate.
WATERLOO  Changes in Iowas self-defense laws have Sharina Sallis worried.

Sallis, of Waterloo, has a 16-year-old son with autism, and she is concerned he could become a victim of stand your ground, a new provision that allows people to use deadly force when they feel threatened instead of retreating.

Im very worried about him being out in the community, and someone saying they are scared of him, to shoot him, said Sallis, a military veteran and gun owner. Im concerned about people just taking this law and not understanding what the law is about.

Sallis was one of about 30 people who turned out for the Iowa Democratic Black Caucus Town Hall meeting at the Waterloo Center for the Arts on Saturday.

Rep. Ras Smith, D-Waterloo, said concerns over stand-your-ground  one of the elements of a multifaceted firearms rights bill passed into law this year  are valid.

It was written in a way that you could be wrong in your estimation of a threat. You could have a bias that would make it, in your mind, reasonable for you to assume somebodys in danger, and you now have the ability to use lethal or deadly force in that situation, said Smith, who garnered recognition when he showed up on the House floor in a hoodie during debate in March.

Another attendee at Saturdays meeting said she planned to take a concealed carry firearms class because she was concerned for her safety. Rep. Ako Abdul-Samad, D-Des Moines, cautioned the new law feed on fears.

Its really trying to show the phobia, the fear that we have in this country, and the real conversations we have to have. There is fear of African-American males, there is fear of Muslims, there is fear of individuals that look different from white society, Abdul-Samad said.

Saturdays session didnt include a discussion of possible solutions because time ran out. Another meeting will be scheduled in Waterloo. But Smith told attendees to learn about their legislators and push them to address issues they care about.

The most impactful thing we can do is be educated about who we are voting for and get as many people as you can get out and be activated. We have to be involved. We have to vote, Smith said.

The caucus, an arm of the Iowa Democratic Party tasked with motivating black communities to engage in the political process, has been touring Iowa counties, said Chair Jamie Woods of Davenport. The groups next town hall meeting is scheduled for July 15 in Burlington.
U.S. 20 work starts at Jesup

JESUP -- A project to complete hot-mix asphalt paving on U.S. Highway 20 between Interstate 380 and Black Hawk County Road V-65 near Jesup requires closing on- and off-ramps at Black Hawk County roads V-51 and V-65 from 7 p.m. to 6 a.m. nightly beginning Monday, weather permitting, according to the Iowa Department of Transportations New Hampton construction office.

The schedule for the ramp closures:

Monday night: Eastbound U.S. 20 at Black Hawk County Road V-51.

Tuesday night: Westbound U.S. 20 at Black Hawk County Road V-51.

Wednesday night: Eastbound U.S. 20 at Black Hawk County Road V-65.

Thursday night: Westbound U.S. 20 at Black Hawk County Road V-65. Changeable message sign boards will be in place prior to and during the ramp closures to alert motorists.

Part of University closing Monday

CEDAR FALLS -- A section of University Avenue will be closed during daytime ours beginning Monday for up to two weeks for the Greenhill Road extension project.

The closure will be in place between Rasmusson Towing, 9716 University Avenue, and the Hillcrest Park apartments, 9614 University Avenue. The closure will be in effect from approximately 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily for no more than two weeks.

Greenhill Road is being extended from Hudson Road to West 27th Street. A detour and signs will be put in place to route traffic around the construction on Hudson Road, West 27th Street and Union Road.

Also, a new stage of the frontage road work on the University Avenue reconstruction between Cedar Heights Drive and Midway Drive is expected to begin Monday. The south frontage road will close from Clear View Services heading west to the midpoint of the Regions Bank drive through. Access for Blackhawk Rental will be from its existing access onto Cedar Heights Drive. Work is expected to continue for three weeks.

Also, West Sixth Street will be closed from Washington Street to a point 180 feet to the east for four to five weeks as part of reconstruction of West Sixth. The intersection of West Sixth and Washington will remain open.

Hospice plans grief camp

WATERLOO -- The Cedar Valley Hospice will transform the UAW Hall on June 20 into its own Hero City, welcoming children to a superhero-themed grief camp.

The fourth annual camp aims to help children ages 5-13 who are grieving the death of a loved one.

Children will be able to share stories of loved ones with other kids and learn about grief through participating in fun activities related to the theme. Camp will run from 10 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. with a closing ceremony at 2:30 p.m. The days activities are

For more information or to register, call Kassidi 272-2002 by Wednesday.
Political scandals in Brazil, like much in the fast-growing, global food giant, are so bold and so far out of bounds calling them outrageous slanders their perpetrators.

Moreover, the scandals occur so frequently it seems Brazil requires political chicanery and bribery to even function.

The latest evidence involves JBS SA, the Brazilian meatpacker that dominates global poultry and beef exports and is a huge player in the highly integrated U.S. poultry and beef markets.

Surprisingly though, JBSs global reach and financial power arent the main drivers behind its rapid rise; sharp knives are. By its own admission, JBS has skinned nearly as many Brazilian politicians as it has American cattle.

In late April the companys key leaders, Chairman Joesley Batista and his CEO brother Wesley, struck a deal with government prosecutors over their decade-long scheme that paid more than $150 million in bribes to nearly 2,000 politicians, including  allegedly  Brazils current president, Michel Temer, and his two predecessors.

What the Batista boys got for all that fatty tallow was more than enough dough to buy their way into the most lucrative meat market in the world, the U.S.

The key ingredient was the cozy ties to politicians (that) gave the company cheap credit and friendly regulation, noted the May 27 Wall Street Journal. Both led to the U.S. and trouble.

The credit came from BNDES, Brazils development bank. For a decade BNDES gave JBS billions  in subsidized loans (that) left JBS with a sprawling business empire. Most of that new empire  JBS grew from $1.8 billion in revenue in 2007 to $49 billion in 2016  was located in the U.S.

With almost unlimited access to subsidized loans, JBS bought Swift Foods, the third-largest U.S. beef packer, in 2007; then Smithfield Beef Group, the fifth-largest U.S. beef packer in 2008; and, a year later, Pilgrims Pride, Americas second-biggest poultry processor.

According to the brothers plea deal, the cheap government money was available because they agreed to send a share of it to offshore bank accounts tied to Brazilian politicians. Those implicated deny any role, but the Batistas say they have recordings to prove many of their claims.

That scheme came on the heels of another red meat-hard cash scandal in March when several Brazilian meatpackers, including JBS, topped the news for allegedly doling out bribes to inspectors to certify meat that was either rotten or tainted with salmonella as fit for sale. The meat was later sold both in Brazil and abroad.

JBS denied any involvement, but key beef importing nations like Japan, Mexico, the European Union and China suspended Brazilian meat purchases until all gained assurances on quality and safety.

And yet theres another, ongoing scandal; this one as homegrown as it is stupid. With no country of origin labeling, or COOL, for most of the beef and pork sold in the U.S., no American eater knows if the beef they had for dinner or the bacon they had for breakfast came from South Dakota or southern Brazil, Oklahoma or Sonora.

The reason we have no COOL here, claims Big Meat, involves complicated World Trade Organization rules meant to facilitate global trade, not market knowledge or personal choice.

True enough, but influential U.S. commodity groups like the National Cattlemens Beef Association use their money and political clout to keep the rules  and deep financial ties to global meatpackers like JBS  in place and consumers in the dark.

Of course, American eaters could join other, less-flush, less influential American farm and food groups to challenge President Donald America First Trump to change the ignorance-peddling WTO labeling rules to empower buyers, not sellers.

Short of that challenge, though, dont expect any change in COOL because Capitol Hill, like the scandal-ridden Brazilian government, now runs more on money than integrity. The only difference is in Brazil the bribery is usually under the table; here its usually on the table. We just call it campaign contributions.

By either name its still corruption and livestock growers and the meat-buying public here and there are the losers.
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The American Health Care Act, the bill recently passed by the U.S. House, is a storm rolling in from Washington, D.C. Obscured by foggy notions of improved fiscal flexibility for states and broader insurance choices for individuals, the AHCA will in fact hamstring state budgets and wipe out coverage in ways that endanger the health of thousands of Iowans and the financial viability of the 118 community hospitals they count on.

AHCA would effectively end the Affordable Care Acts Medicaid expansion and radically restructure the entire Medicaid program through a per capita cap. It would replace the ACAs premium tax credit and cost-sharing protections with tax credits that would make coverage unaffordable for millions of Americans looking to purchase coverage in the individual market. Taken together, these and other provisions would increase the number of uninsured Americans by 23 million by 2026, according to the Congressional Budget Office.

Because of AHCAs $834 billion in Medicaid cuts, Iowa will bear much more Medicaid cost (an additional $340 million annually), forcing the state to cut Medicaid  or else raise taxes or make cuts to other programs. The 150,000 Iowans who now benefit from Medicaid expansion will cycle off the program, even though they will likely need coverage again if they lose a job or an employer cuts their hours.

Scrambling to balance its budget with far fewer federal dollars, the state will also likely tighten Medicaid eligibility requirements and reduce benefits and provider payments. Meanwhile, the state will have to fully cover any future unexpected Medicaid costs without federal help, ending a 50-year partnership between state and federal government that has responded to unexpected health crises, including hurricanes and floods as well as economic downturns. Again, tightening eligibility and cutting payments are likely responses.

At the same time, some 50,000 Iowans currently in the Affordable Care Act marketplace will face additional, sharp increases in what they must pay to get coverage for deductibles and out-of-pocket costs, as ACA tax credits are replaced with less-generous ones and cost-sharing subsidies are repealed without any substitute. Additionally, with insurers permitted to charge older Iowans as much as five times what they charge younger individuals  instead of three times or more under ACA  older and sicker Iowans will see their premiums soar.

The insurance markets will continue to destabilize, leading the state to seek a federal waiver (which will be immediately granted) allowing insurers to charge people with pre-existing conditions more. With that waiver in place, Iowans signing up for coverage in the AHCA marketplace will be asked for their medical history, leading them to pay either higher premiums or to buy coverage through underfunded high-risk pools. Even employer-based insurance could be impacted as ACA coverage protections are eliminated.

The bottom line is some 200,000 Iowans lose their health care coverage under AHCA, but not their need for health care services. Instead of a personal physician, they will seek care in hospital emergency rooms  the most expensive place to receive health care  and hospital charity care levels will spike, which will ultimately undermine hospitals financial stability and ripple across to privately insured Iowans.

The AHCA steps backwards from what has been achieved since the ACA was enacted and Iowa Medicaid was expanded. And all of it is verified by the recent CBO report.

Despite the claims of proponents, AHCA does not offer real flexibility for states but instead would force them into a fiscal corner with only one way out: severely cut and/or restrict health care coverage, particularly within the Medicaid program, in ways that will ultimately make Iowans less healthy and their hospitals less viable.
Have you ever seen more disgraceful partisanship than whats going on in our government? Nothing else is getting done.

Set aside this cute but sophomoric proclamation: Whats wrong with gridlock in Washington? If they arent getting things done, theyre not spending my money! Im definitely guilty of having made declarations similar to that. But its time I get serious and acknowledge I want a smooth-running government. It doesnt have to be devoid of differences and debate, but should be one that leads eventually to results, even if no single party is totally happy and victorious. Those involved should at least feel somewhat successful, and be adequately satisfied to cooperate in dealing with the next legislative challenge.

While President Barack Obama had a very divisive influence on the country and government operations, he had a lot of bipartisan help from politicians. Rep. Tom Rooney, R-Fla., is one legislator who believes the irreconcilable differences would be reduced if legislative earmarks were reinstated in some form. In 2010 the House Appropriations Committee implemented rules to ban earmarks because they had become synonymous with pork-barrel spending and corruption, according to then-House Speaker John Boehner. If the process were reinstated, it would probably have a different name, new rules and generally be less corruptible. Lets take a closer look.

Legislative earmarks refers to the process of attaching spending allocation instructions to bills being passed. This leads to funds being allocated in a manner favoring certain states or legislative districts. Contrary to what I originally thought, the earmark moratorium hasnt reduced spending because its apparent the same funds are being spent, but now federal bureaucrats are making the allocation decisions. Think about that. The transparency once available, even in the earmarks process, has disappeared. Some legislators once opposed to earmarks now admit the ban has made Washington much more dysfunctional. Legislators have lost some of their purpose  i.e. advocating for their constituents piece of the pie.

Some now consider the earmark process to be an important tool in the bargaining toolbox. Passing legislation was once just a herculean task. Now its often impossible because of gridlock. If something similar to earmarks were reinstated, legislators who might otherwise be irretrievably opposed to a bipartisan compromise would have an opportunity to bring home some bacon (i.e. local projects) to their constituents. It would give incentive for at least limited support and cooperation. Thats the way it used to work.

Some in Congress are quietly considering reinstating a new version of earmarks. Should conservatives support this effort, or would this go against the heart and soul of conservative policy making? Is this just refilling the swamp  something conservatives are fighting hard to drain? Do you think even discussing this is heresy?

But might we be closer to a bipartisan health care solution, or immigration reform, or tax reform, if we had better bargaining flexibility? Would a new and different form of earmarks facilitate the requisite cooperation?

These are interesting questions we should start thinking about.
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By West Kentucky Star Staff

Jun. 03, 2017 | PADUCAH, KY

By West Kentucky Star Staff Jun. 03, 2017 | 08:25 AM | PADUCAH, KY

A traffic stop Friday afternoon in Paducah led to DUI and drug charges for the driver.



According to the McCracken County Sheriff's Department, deputies stopped a van on John Puryear Drive for a traffic violation, and spoke to the driver, 52-year-old Timothy McDowell of Paducah. Deputies learned that McDowell was wanted on a McCracken County warrant, and also suspected that he was under the influence of drugs. McDowell reportedly failed field sobriety tests and was arrested.



Deputies performed a search of his vehicle, which led to the discovery of suspected methamphetamine, drug paraphernalia and other illegal drugs.



McDowell was taken to McCracken County Detention Center, where he faces charges of DUI, failure to have an insurance card, failure to have vehicle registration, failure to use a turn signal, not wearing a seat belt, two counts of possession of a controlled substance 1st degree (one count for meth, one count for drug unspecified), possession of drug paraphernalia, and not having a prescription in the proper container. He also faces the charge from the arrest warrant for failure to appear in court.
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By The Associated Press

Jun. 03, 2017 | LONDON, ENGLAND

By The Associated Press Jun. 03, 2017 | 07:28 PM | LONDON, ENGLAND

Police say a hit-and-run and stabbings on and near London Bridge have been officially declared a "terrorist incident."



Armed officers flooded the busy area of the city after a van struck multiple people on the bridge. Witnesses also reported seeing people being stabbed by at least one man.



Police say the incidents occurred on the bridge and at Borough Market a short distance away.



The force initially said they were also responding to a reported third incident, in the Vauxhall area of London. But they said later that turned out to be an unrelated stabbing.



Police say they are working with Royal Naval Lifeboat Institution to evacuate public from the London Bridge incident.



The BBC says more than one person has been killed.



Downing Street says Prime Minister Theresa May will chair a meeting of the government's emergency response committee on Sunday.



A spokesman for May says the prime minister is in contact with officials and is being regularly updated.



May has not commented yet but in the past she has convened her emergency security Cabinet known as Cobra after major incidents.



Britain's official terror threat had recently been lowered from "critical" after a bombing killed 22 people at an Ariana Grande concert in Manchester.
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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.
Shahzia Sikander in LA Times:

Despite my pluralistic upbringing, I was anxious about encountering my first Jewish family  the Fains, my assigned hosts in Providence. I imagined the inevitable discussion around our respective disparate faiths. As I settled into their home, I was taken aback at the uncanny similarities with my own tight-knit family system: lots of affection, a healthy attitude toward spirituality and an appreciation for communication and education. I babysat their two young children, reading them stories about our different cultures and rituals. Exchanging ideas and understanding each other's Muslim and Jewish faiths were instrumental in building the bonds that still serve us. My 6-year-old son goes to a secular Jewish school in New York where we live, and his godmother is a sculptor and Jewish. I am designing a ketubah for the global Jewish community. My son is fluent in Urdu and deeply connected to his Muslim roots while also speaking Spanish. More than half the children in his kindergarten class are multiracial and multi-religious.

Yet I am dumbfounded that in 2016, here in New York, one of the most diverse cities in the world, it is almost impossible to find a children's book that celebrates a Muslim child's heritage, family, culture and tradition. Why is it that we do not care to assimilate the Muslim American experience in the same effortless ways as we do for other cultural and religious groups? The onus to explain our Pakistani and Muslim heritage has always been on me as an artist as well as a parent. While generating a variety of cultural references for my son to express to his classmates over the past three years, I realized that therein lay an opportunity for us to create our own personal books. Luckily both of us love to draw and I have been able to tap into the lessons ingrained by my father's unwavering commitment to storytelling. Recently the Museum of Modern Art invited me to participate in its children's book line by reflecting from within my unique experience of cross-cultural observation. Movements like #weneeddiversebooks have also been instrumental in bringing to light underrepresented narratives and identities.

More here.
While the pay could be better, benefits of teaching out of this world
The Indian Army has denied Pakistans claim that five Indian soldiers were killed and bunkers were destroyed on Saturday along the Line of Control as claimed by Pakistani army. A purported video of the incident, circulated by Pakistani army, is false and fabricated, the army said.

A tweet from a Pakistani army spokesperson claimed that the five soldiers were killed in cross-border firing on Saturday. Pakistan claimed it was retaliating Indian fire at Tatta Pani Sector. The 27-second video was released.

There has been no casualty on our side. Two civilians, including a woman, however, sustained injuries in the ceasefire violation by Pakistan, which began at 11 pm on Friday and continued till Saturday afternoon. We strongly reacted to it, said an officer.

Pakistans latest claim on Saturday came in the backdrop of widespread reports, though unverified, that five of its soldiers were killed and six injured in retaliatory fire assaults by the Indian Army across the Poonch and Naushera sectors along the LoC last Thursday.

Video clip showing destruction of Indian posts on LOC by Pak Army in response to unprovoked Indian firing on innocent citizens, he said in a brief statement with the video.

This is the second time in two weeks when Pakistan army released such a video.
Actor Akshay Kumar and Badminton player Sayana Nehawal have offered the families of the Central Reserve Police Jawans, who were martyred in the Naxalite attack at Sukuma (Chattisgarh),1 lakh and 50,000 respectively. This aid has angered the Naxalite greatly, as they have issued a threat to them. People who have prevented development are now creating pressure by threatening those who are giving aid to victims. The patriotic citizens should give a fitting answer to them by firmly supporting soldiers and their families. Compared to the army the Naxals are a handful but unless they are eradicated they will create hindrance in the nations development. The work of the Naxals is to loot the rich, buy arms, and control the politicians. Terrorists and Naxalites cause several problems for the nation. Both follow similar way of working.

Sambhaji Koli

(The views expressed by the author in the article are his/her own.)
Americas Ambassador to the UN Nikki Haley has defended President Donald Trumps decision to withdraw from the landmark Paris accord but underlined that the US was committed to curbing climate change.

Just because the US got out of a club does not mean we are not going to care about the environment, Haley said.

Trump had announced this week his decision to withdraw the US from the Paris Agreement on climate change and proposed renegotiation of the deal. The accord was signed by over 190 countries during the previous Obama administration.

The decision has drawn a negative reaction from around the world with world leaders vowed to enhance their commitment to the landmark accord.

Haley, 45, has defended Trumps decision saying he knows climate is changing.

Trump knows that it is changing and that the US has to be responsible for it and that is what we are going to do, Haley said, adding that withdrawing from the Paris agreement will not change the countrys commitment to curbing climate change, the CNN reported.

President Trump believes the climate is changing and he believes pollutants are part of the equation, Haley said.

When asked why the US pulled out of the climate agreement, Haley blamed former President Barack Obama for agreeing to regulations that were too onerous, too strict and ultimately unachievable.

Haley said the regulations from the Paris agreement were disadvantaging the companies.

I knew that as a governor. The jobs were not attainable as long as we lived under those regulations. It was not possible to meet the goals had we attempted to, she said.

Haleys comments are the closest acknowledgement by an administration official since Trump took office that the President  who has called climate change a hoax on multiple occasions  believes global warming is occurring and humanity has a role in it.

When asked in November if he believed human activity was connected to climate change, Trump acknowledged that there is some connectivity.

But he backed away from saying to what extent he believed humans were responsible, adding that it also depends on how much its going to cost our companies.
Aiken, SC (29801)

Today

Rain. High 66F. Winds NE at 15 to 25 mph. Chance of rain 90%. Rainfall near a quarter of an inch. Higher wind gusts possible..

Tonight

Periods of rain. Potential for heavy rainfall. Low around 65F. Winds ESE at 10 to 20 mph. Chance of rain 100%. Rainfall around a half an inch.
I am not Jewish so I wonder if this experience is worthy to share on this website. Judaism is not very much known in my country, Nigeria. The closest (popular) thing we have to Judaism is the content of the Old Testament of the Bible, and maybe my Hebrew name, a gift from my parents who read the Bible so much. But I was fortunate enough to meet a young Jewish woman at a listening communication class in Nigerias University of Ibadan. This happened three years ago, but it has left a lasting impression on me.

That morning our lecturer had been explaining the common myths associated with listening habits and he had given us mind-boggling group tasks. A young man had whistled and said Holy Mary, help your children!

The author

Sarah, the girl who practiced Judaism, had looked at him with a sort of amusement that was almost chastising. The young man had approached our group after class to ask Sarah, quite playfully, why she had looked at him the way she did. And that day, I witnessed firsthand how you can confidently speak up about a seemingly unpopular  and unknown- belief and still earn the respect of those who do not share your views.

Sarah had begun by saying that it is actually wrong to pray to any being other than God. That got some negative reactions from some among us. Sarah explained herself further, using the class that we just had as an example. Who gave us the assignment? she asked.

The lecturer, everyone replied.

And who do give our assignments to when we are done? she asked.

Him! we all replied.

And wouldnt we infuriate the lecturer if we preferred to submit our assignment to his assistant instead?

We all understood her point and got where her argument was headed. All of us but one girl who would have none of it. She said so many despicable things to Sarah, adding that those who practiced Judaism were part of what formed the bane of Christianity.

I expected Sarah to get angry. If she had retorted with a worse response, I would not have been surprised. But Sarah was calm when she said, The perfect faith in one true Creator, blessed be His name, and His love for us all cannot be the bane of Christianity. If we worship in a way that shows love for fellow men, there will be less hatred among people. True love for mankind could not have led to the difficulties of a religion that professed to be platform for the propagation of neighborly love.

We agreed with her again and her response brought the discussion to an end.

I was impressed by the calm way Sarah responded to that angry young womans display of immaturity, and I realized that she had said things that sounded a little like what was in the Ten Commandments, but in a way that showed deep commitment and conviction.

I tried to chat her up now and then before and after classes and I she made me to begin to regard the Old Testament in a different way, with greater respect. She spoke about the Torah too, but what touched me so much was her firm belief in the resurrection of the dead, which I understood to be Gods way of remembering those we had lost to the cold clutches of death. I had not heard about it with this much clarity and assurance in my local Christian fellowship at school. The healthier, more refreshing way she had explained this concept filled me with hope.

I had recently lost my best friend to gunshot wounds inflicted by armed robbers. While I grieved over this fresh pain, Sarahs words kept coming back to me, and she unwittingly helped me to bear that unforgettable loss. I am writing this note in Nigeria as a way of thanking Sarah for sharing her convincing arguments and unwavering faith and showing her my appreciation.
June 1, 2017

Jerusalem, in general, and Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA) personnel, in particular, sighed in relief after Air Force One took off from Ben Gurion Airport on May 23. According to a protocol department official, the organizational aspects of US President Donald Trumps visit were a nightmare. The MFA was informed only minutes before landing that the president was ready to shake the hands of Israeli Cabinet ministers. Other last-minute changes were communicated by the Americans almost every hour. But protocol apart, Trump left behind an Israeli Foreign Ministry concerned first and foremost over issues of content. This sentiment of concern was shared by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, although he kept a smiling poker face until the very end of the visit.

According to a senior Israeli MFA official who took part in some of the meetings, the statements Trump and his close entourage made in private were less encouraging than the presidents public statements.

According to the official, in his talks with Netanyahu, Trump reiterated his administrations staunch support of Israels security and its technological military edge. When talking about the Palestinian issue, he did not go beyond what he said to Netanyahu in the Feb. 15 Oval Office meeting, and he did not mention a two-state solution. Trump was very forthcoming on the issue of curbing Irans nuclear ambitions and also on acting against Irans terror network in Iraq, Syria and Lebanon (Hezbollah). He included Hamas in this context.

The official explained that on the flip side, Trump left the MFA concerned about several issues. A main reason for concern, for both the political and the security establishments, was the unprecedented $110 billion arms deal with Saudi Arabia.

In that context, the ministry noted Trumps extremely positive impression of the Saudi leadership, as well as his positive impressions of Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi and Jordanian King Abdullah II. Trump is clearly leading the Arab Sunni world in a battle against fundamentalist terror and beyond it in a battle over the sphere of regional influence against Iran. The president emphasized time and again the willingness of Saudi King Salman bin Abdul-Aziz Al Saud to begin normalizing relations with Israel in parallel to progress on an Israeli-Palestinian peace deal. In fact, there was only an indirect allusion to the 2002 Arab Peace Initiative during the Trump-Netanyahu meetings, but it was clear to the Israeli interlocutors that Trump has heard about it repeatedly in his meetings in Riyadh.

The Israelis were also concerned over Trumps positive impression of Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas, which does not match Netanyahus assessment of the Palestinian leader.

Lastly, Trump refused to recognize Jerusalem as Israels capital, although he had been asked to do so in the preparatory talks, and he also refused to recognize the existing status quo of the Golan Heights (the boundary created by Israel).

Trump decided to expedite his administrations shuttle diplomacy, and on May 25, he sent his peace process envoy Jason Greenblatt for further talks in Jerusalem and Ramallah. According to the MFA official, Israel is now taking a Trump initiative more seriously, yet expecting it to fall short of the ultimate deal he was originally talking about. Jerusalem assesses that Greenblatts aim is to prepare a summit between Trump, Netanyahu and Abbas with the participation of Sisi, Abdullah and a Saudi representative in order to announce the resumption of direct negotiations.

The official assumes that before such a meeting, Trump may announce guiding principles for such talks but will stay away from any detailed terms of reference for permanent status talks. It is the administrations clear intention to create a link between the fight against the Islamic State and an Israeli-Palestinian peace process, both of which will be led by Trump himself. The official told Al-Monitor that the MFA was under strict instructions not to express the Israeli concern publicly.

On the other side in Ramallah, there was an air of satisfaction with Trumps May 23 visit to Bethlehem. A senior PLO official told Al-Monitor that Trump was clearly under the influence of the Arab interlocutors in Riyadh regarding the centrality of the Palestinian issue to the Arab world. Abbas was also encouraged by the equal weight in Trumps statements between Israel and the Palestinian Authority (PA), and between himself and Netanyahu. Abbas was asked to show flexibility on the conditions for the meeting with Trump and Netanyahu, to stop incitement to violence and to stop financing groups connected to terror. Netanyahu has promised restraint on settlement construction.

And so, in contrast to public impression, in the aftermath of Trumps visit there was more satisfaction in the PA than in Israel with the US administration.
June 4, 2017

Whats left of the Saudi bloc?

Bruce Riedel explains that the Saudi-orchestrated bloc of Sunni Muslim states celebrated at US President Donald Trump's visit to Riyadh is splintering less than two weeks after the summit. There is growing unease with the summit's intense animosity toward Iran and increasing concerns that the Saudis are inflaming the sectarian divide between Sunnis and Shiites. Trump's domestic troubles are also raising doubts over whether Washington is reliable.

There is well established bad blood in the region because of Irans actions throughout the Middle East. But linking Iran, even implicitly, to the Islamic State (IS) and al-Qaeda, in addition to being mistaken, may ultimately serve only to fuel the fires of sectarian conflict and terror, as Trump accused Iran of doing.

Fareed Zakaria wrote in The Washington Post that Trump has adopted the Saudi line on terrorism, which deflects any blame from the kingdom and redirects it toward Iran. A more nuanced and realistic approach to the region would avoid adopting any line on matters of such urgency. For example, Iran is supporting both the Iraqi and Syrian governments against IS and other terrorist organizations. This is not to say Irans intentions in both countries are pure; it is simply to state the flaws in the broad-brush approach to Iran, which also constrains opportunities for cooperation and conflict resolution.

Zakaria cites the Global Terrorism Database at Kings College as revealing that more than 94% of deaths caused by Islamic terrorism since 2001 were perpetrated by the Islamic State, al-Qaeda and other Sunni jihadists. Iran is fighting those groups, not fueling them. Almost every terrorist attack in the West has had some connection to Saudi Arabia. Virtually none has been linked to Iran.

Four terrorist incidents since the Riyadh summit provide further evidence of the hollowness of the charge that Iran is at the core of the threat from those terrorist groups that most threaten the United States, its allies, and so many innocents. IS took responsibility for three terrorist bombings since the summit: for the 23 killed, including many young people, at a concert in Manchester on May 22; for the deaths of 22 Iraqis, including women and children, in a predominantly Shia district of Baghdad, on May 29; and for the murder of at least 7 on London Bridge on June 3. This is in addition to the killing of 29 Coptic Christians in Egypt on May 26 by an al-Qaeda-linked group based in Libya.

Sheikh Tamim bin Hamid Al Thani, the emir of Qatar, quickly broke ranks over the Saudi hard line on Iran after the summit. Riedel writes, The Qatari quarrel is highly visible and has gone on before. It's a repeat performance of the 'uppity' Qataris' challenging their bigger brother. More quietly, Oman has also distanced itself from the Saudi bloc. Sultan Qaboos did not attend the Riyadh summit and his representative did not get a short bilateral meeting with Trump, as did all the other GCC [Gulf Cooperation Council] representatives. Oman has stayed out of the Saudi war in Yemen and has kept open its ties to Iran.  Both Qatar and Oman have economic ties with Iran that constrain their approach to Tehran. But the emir and sultan are also very troubled by the growing sectarian tensions throughout the Islamic world.

And then there is Yemen. At the Riyadh summit, Yemen was referenced mostly as a theater of confrontation and conflict with Iranian proxies. The political process barely got lip service, and the Yemeni people continue to pay the price. On May 30, the UN special envoy for Yemen, Ismael Ould Cheikh Ahmed, said that an agreement to end the conflict is not close, as the besieged Yemeni population is battling an unprecedented cholera outbreak that may reach 130,000, mostly children, in the next two weeks.

Riedel concludes, Saudi largesse will ensure the Sunni alliance does not completely unravel. A core group of states share Riyadh's hatred of the Iranians or are prepared to indulge Riyadh. But many more states are eager to avoid fanning the sectarian divide. They blame both Riyadh and Tehran for stoking tensions. For all of them, their own national interests trump Islamic or Sunni unity.

Hamas considers "resistance" axis

Adnan Abu Amer reports that the Iranian government is seeking to lure Hamas into its "resistance" axis, following the election of Ismail Haniyeh as head of Hamas political bureau last month.

Over the past few years, Hamas may have been wary of its regional relations. It has not been entirely close to Iran, so as not to upset Saudi Arabia and the Sunni states, nor has it cut off all ties with Tehran for fear of the total loss of its financial and military support, which may have decreased but never stopped, although there are no accurate figures, Abu Amer writes.

But the US-Saudi-Islamic summit forced a rethink by the Hamas political leadership, as Trump lumped Hamas with IS, al-Qaeda and Hezbollah. The successive events in the region may have a negative effect on Hamas, as it may see itself in the eye of the regional storm, Abu Amer writes. This might make it prone to new blockade policies, which might push it over the edge into fully restoring its relationship with Iran. Hamas might as well be jumping into a time machine that will take it back to before the estrangement with Tehran in 2012, adopting political positions that will require a new classification of political axis, without any hesitation on Hamas part in terms of normalization with Tehran.

Abu Amer separately notes that Hamas is also seeking improved ties with the Kremlin to counter Israeli and American actions to isolate and contain it. Abu Amer writes, The mutual interests between Hamas and Russia may lie with the latter's desire to form regional alliances to serve its interests and to improve the Russian image vis-a-vis the Muslim world by linking itself to a large Islamic movement such as Hamas. Meanwhile, during the meetings held between 2006 and 2016, it seems Hamas wanted Russia to break the siege imposed on Gaza since 2006. In addition, this helps Hamas become more open to the world in order to ease international pressure.

Abu Amer considers the relationship with Russia as a win for Hamas, but will likely require some adjustment in its policies toward Israel. Developing a relationship with a superpower such as Russia bodes well for Hamas security situation; the movement can use this rapprochement to protect itself against any international pressure, he writes. However, Moscow is not a charity and Hamas will undoubtedly have to show some flexible political positions regarding the conflict with Israel in return. Although Russia has already seen this intention in Hamas new policy document, the movement will have to take action to prove its flexibility.
June 2, 2017

ALEPPO, Syria  There are signs of new life, and hope, in northern Syria.

On May 27, the Violet organization, with the cooperation of the Idlib Provincial Council, launched the Idlib Spring project in light of the de-escalation deal signed May 6 in Astana, Kazakhstan, between the Syrian regime and armed opposition factions. The deal, brokered by Russia and Turkey, has brought a relative calm in opposition-held areas, particularly Idlib city. The agreement establishes four de-escalation zones for a minimum of six months in Idlib province and parts of Aleppo, Hama and Latakia.

The Idlib Spring project is designed to rehabilitate areas shelled by regime forces. It hopes to bring the city back to life as it was before the shelling. The project also aims to rebuild all areas shelled in Idlib city and recondition the citys infrastructure, such as schools, hospitals and public parks. More than 1,500 workers are involved in the project and perform their duties under Violets supervision.

Violet, a humanitarian relief nongovernmental organization, was established in 2014 and receives funding from international, Arab and individual donations. It's noteworthy, however, that the project doesn't include home construction, and no other government or nongovernmental agency has so far announced such plans for Idlib.

About the current efforts, Violet Communications Director Nour Awad told Al-Monitor, As spring season opened, Violet launched Idlib Spring, a huge project in and around Idlib city. With the provincial council's help, on May 27, the newly restored tower clock and surrounding City Clock Square were dedicated, signaling completion of the project's first phase.

The second phase of the project is expected to launch by early June and end in late August. By then, Awad said, "All the public facilities shelled in Idlib city [will be] restored and rehabilitated."

More than 600 workers and 100 volunteers will take part in the renovation works. The organization has already started during the month of Ramadan with preparations for similar projects in other cities in Idlib, such as Maarat al-Numan, Jabal al-Zawiya, Marea and Jarablus near Aleppo. As the work starts in these parts, the overall number of workers will go up to 1,500 and will include both men and women, Awad said.

Civilians welcome Violets project, and a number of young men and women have volunteered. The people of Idlib province see the effort as the first step toward other reconstruction work in their cities that were destroyed by indiscriminate bombing. It also gives them hope that they can live in Syria despite all the tragedies caused by the strikes and siege.

A man using the pseudonym Abu Alaa told Al-Monitor he had fled his city of Aleppo to Idlib city. It is good to see that signs of life have returned to Idlib city. Our hearts were filled with the fear that Idlib would turn into a battlefield for the regime aircraft, as was the case with Aleppo. The shelling was, however, halted and organizations embarked on restoring bombarded districts. We hope that similar projects be implemented in Aleppo city, which the regime has almost ruined.

Abu Alaa added, As a civilian, I hope the war comes to an end and the international community does everything in its power in this regard. I have children and I wish them to grow up under better conditions. I really hope that our cities and villages can be brought to life again. It all depends on [Syrian President] Bashar al-Assad stepping down. If the international community had helped oust [Assad] a long time ago, we would not be experiencing these crises. If it does now, Syria will become better than it was six years ago. We have the talent and youths. One cannot imagine how fast we can rebuild our country.

Syrians hope life will return to their towns and villages. Displaced Syrians in particular hope to return to their houses, which were mostly ruined by the regime air raids, surface-to-surface missiles or barrel bombs. Idlib Spring's signs of beauty are clearly observed in the city, recalling the vibrant streets and alleys prior to the war.

Abbas Shami, who lived in the Madaya city of Rif Dimashq before he fled to Idlib city, told Al-Monitor, As a Syrian citizen, I am overjoyed to see Idlib city residents rehabilitating and reconstructing what the bombardment destroyed. I am saddened, however, for not being able to return along with my family to my hometown, to where I was born and grew up. My house was destroyed in airstrikes.

He added, I hope that one day soon I return to Madaya and help whoever is willing to rebuild the town. We are exhausted by the yearslong war. We want to live in peace, and we hope that peace prevails as soon as possible. We are praying to God to save us from the dark cloud that has persisted" since 2011.
Josh Denny was looking for "ginormous" food, and he found it, along with welcoming and enthusiastic crowds, in downtown Mobile and Fairhope during Memorial Day weekend.

Denny is the host of "Ginormous Food," a Food Network show that airs on Friday nights at 7 p.m. CDT and features "the biggest and best food finds around the country," according to a news release. Currently in its second season of 13 half-hour episodes, the show follows Denny, a standup comedian originally from Philadelphia, on a "culinary journey... to find the intersection of huge and delicious."

Recent episodes have included, in Pittsburgh, the "Six-Pack," a sandwich made of a whole ciabatta loaf stuffed with six giant meatballs; in Phoenix, "El Bandido," measuring a whopping 28 inches; and in Tucson, a 16-inch-wide, chocolate filled glazed doughnut called the "B.F.D."

The first stop in Alabama was Thyme on Section in Fairhope, where an episode was taped during the restaurant's Sunday brunch. On Monday, Memorial Day, LoDa Biergarten in downtown Mobile had issued an invitation on social media for customers to attend the taping and enjoy a "build-your-own badass burger" for $9, as well as half-price draft beers.

On Tuesday, the "Ginormous Food" crew arrived at Von's Bistro in downtown Mobile at around 7:45 a.m., said Von Larson, who owns the restaurant with her husband, Paul. The Larsons opened their first eatery in 2012 in Bayou La Batre, then they bought a food truck in 2014 before opening at 69 St. Michael St. in September of 2015.

Von said she was initially contacted by Food Network about six weeks ago and has been working with various producers on the phone and via Skype ever since.

For her "ginormous" contribution, Von created a play on her spring roll appetizer that she called the "High Roller," filled with Gulf shrimp and local pork belly from Bill E's Small Batch Bacon from Fairhope. William "Bill E" Stitt, the man behind the red-hot bacon, also made an appearance and chatted with the show's host.

"It took four spring roll wrappers to make one," Von said of her supersized starter.

The producers asked her to prepare two other dishes, as well, and she chose the popular Chicken Pad Thai Nachos and Bahn Mi Tacos. Creative combinations of Asian and Southern dishes are Von's specialty. "Our restaurant is a little bit of everything," she said.

The seven-member crew didn't leave until around 5 that evening, Von said. She was told that the show featuring Von's will be the last one of the current season, which began April 28. It should air sometime around the end of July, she said.

"Anything for downtown Mobile," she said of the experience. "The more, the merrier. We love the national platform."
Howard Polin did not storm the beach at Normandy 73 years ago in the bloody, but victorious "D-Day" invasion of Normandy.

His job was to make sure the P-51 Mustang pilots who cleared the skies of Luftwaffe and took out machine gun nests on the cliffs avoided any storms in their way that fateful day.

Polin, now 93, was a 20-year-old Army Air Corps meteorologist attached to the 352nd Fighter Group on June 6, 1944. Their wing of powerful P-51s took off from Bodney Aerodrome in England, and it was Polin and his weather team's job to make sure they got there to provide air support for the ground forces that overwhelmed the Axis troops and liberated France that day.

"My specific job was to brief the pilots on weather conditions en route to the target, over the target and returning from the target," Polin said last week, recalling D-Day just days before Tuesday's 73rd anniversary.

Polin, a native of Philadelphia who has lived in Huntsville for 58 years, had been enrolled at Drexel Institute of Technology (now Drexel University), studying mechanical engineering when his Army Reserve unit was called up in 1942.

He thought he might be an auto mechanic, but the Army Air Corps didn't need educated men like him greasing Jeeps and changing tires. It needed meteorologists to support the air war against the infamous German Luftwaffe.

Supreme Allied Commander Gen. Dwight D. Eisenhower had asked his weather team for a 7-day forecast so he could plan the massive D-Day invasion. In those days, and even today with modern technology, a 3-day forecast was all a good weatherman could produce with any confidence, said Polin.

So meteorologists like Polin studied weather patterns for that area of Europe and determined that June 5 would be an optimum day to strike. As the day drew closer, the weather for June 5 looked sketchy, so the Eisenhower decided that June 6 would be the day, Polin said.

As with any war plan, things didn't turn out perfectly.

"Generally speaking, the weather was not good," Polin said. "D-Day was not as good as predicted, but we were committed and we went in."

One of the 352nd's P-51s crashed on takeoff, killing the pilot, Bob Frascotti, who is now memorialized at the site of what was then Bodney Aerodrome, Polin said.

Otherwise, the wing did its job, chasing Luftwaffe planes out of the area and shooting up machine gun nests set up in the cliffs to mow down the Allies as they came in on landing crafts, parachutes and gliders.

"They were expecting us. They were entrenched. It was not an easy thing," to take the beach that day, Polin said. Many Allied soldiers died storming the beach, he said, but their heroism eventually resulted in the Allies pushing Germany out of France.

Polin was decorated during the war with the European African Middle Eastern Campaign Medal with one Bronze Star, the World War II Victory Medal and the Good Conduct Medal, among others.

Last November, the French Consul General presented him one more medal, the Legion of Honor, for his role in liberating France on D-Day.

He has been back to the site of the former Bodney Aerodrome several times over the years, and the 352nd has held reunions since the 1970s. The Polins have lived in Huntsville since 1959, when Howard brought his wife, Diana, here from Philadelphia so the young mechanical engineer could work on the burgeoning space program.

Intending to stay two years, they fell in love with the city and have lived in the same home on Fagan Springs Drive at the base of Monte Sano for 57 years. Polin has a study decorated with his military memorabilia, which he calls his "war room."

In 2000, as the 352nd veterans were approaching their 80s, they declared it to be the last reunion. It wasn't. Good soldiers never give up.

"Last year (in St. Louis) was the 16th final reunion," said Diana Polin, Howard's wife of 67 years.

Whether it will be the last remains to be seen. Polin said the reunions started out with 400-500 people, mostly relatives and friends and about 50 members of the 352nd.

Last year in St. Louis, there were about 50 people "and I was the only vet there," Polin said.

But the families, he said, don't plan to let the memory of the 352nd fade, even as the airmen pass on.

"They said they were going to keep it going."

Haskins writes about points of pride statewide. Email your suggestions to shaskins@al.com, or tweet them to @Shelly_Haskins using #AlabamaProud

Updated to correct the date of D-Day.
Comedian Bill Maher is apologizing for using a racial slur during a Friday night HBO interview with Sen. Ben Sasse.

"Friday nights are always my worst night of sleep because I'm up reflecting on the things I should or shouldn't have said on my live show," Maher said in a statement issued through his publicist. "Last night was a particularly long night as I regret the word I used in the banter of a live moment. The word was offensive and I regret saying it and am very sorry."

The apology comes after Maher's Friday night interview with Sasse, a Nebraska Republican. Sasse invited Maher to visit his state and come work in the fields. Maher shot back saying "Work in the fields? Senator, I am a house (expletive)."

HBO later issued a statement criticizing Maher's statements.

"Bill Maher's comment last night was completely inexcusable and tasteless. We are removing his deeply offensive comment from any subsequent airings of the show," a company spokesperson said.

Sasse issued his own statement as well, via a series of Tweets.

"I'm a 1st Amendment absolutist. Comedians get latitude to cross hard lines. But free speech comes with a responsibility to speak up when folks use that word. Me just cringing last night wasn't good enough. Here's what I wish I'd been quick enough to say in the moment: 'Hold up, why would you think it's OK to use that word?' The history of the n-word is an attack on universal human dignity. It's, therefore, an attack on the American Creed. Don't use it,'" Sasse said.

Maher's show is currently in its 15th season on HBO, coming to the cable network after leaving ABC in 2002 after he made comments about the U.S. being "cowardly" for bombing the countries tied to the 9/11 terrorist attacks.

The Maher incident comes just days after comedian Kathy Griffin lost sponsors and saw cancelled tour dates after a photo shoot in which she was pictured holding what appeared to be President Trump's severed head. She apologized for the images.
The Staples-Pake building on Thursday, June 1, 2017. The historic former office and bank building is currently undergoing a major renovation into an apartment complex thanks, in part, to the availability of state historic tax credits. (John Sharp/jsharp@al.com).

The Staples-Pake building was built in downtown Mobile before the Civil War, was used as office space for a cotton broker, and then turned into a bank before sitting in deteriorated conditions for years.

But thanks to $1.3 million in state tax credits, the building is undergoing a $5.5 million renovation into loft-style apartments, with commercial space on the ground level.

The project is expected to be completed this year, and add much-needed apartments to downtown Mobile.

"It's another great example of buildings that are bringing a lot of general value to the city because of those credits," said Carol Hunter, spokeswoman with the Downtown Mobile Alliance.

Hunter and supporters of the tax credit are celebrating in the wake of Alabama Gov. Kay Ivey's approval of legislation last week that will reinstitute the state historic preservation tax credit program in 2018.

The legislation, signed into law on May 24, also ends more than a year of sometimes bitter disputes and legislative tussles.

"There were a lot of people who assisted in getting this legislation (approved)," said State Rep. Victor Gaston, R-Mobile, who sponsored HB345, which re-established the program that ran from 2013-2016.

That program fueled the renovation of 52 projects across Alabama, with an estimated investment of $334 million.

New incentive program

The renewed program caps the total amount of tax credits per year at $20 million, and no single project can receive more than $5 million. In the program's previous incarnation, several projects received up to $5 million in tax credits, but no one project received more than that.

There are some differences in the newest version, which will run from 2018-2022. Chief among them is a requirement that 40 percent of the tax credits awarded each year be reserved for counties with 175,000 or fewer people. (That excludes Jefferson, Mobile, Madison, Montgomery, Baldwin, Shelby and Tuscaloosa counties).

The lion's share of the initial tax credit program went toward projects in Birmingham and Mobile - 69 percent of the 52 projects financed through the state program went to the two cities.

The new program, however, stipulates that if all or a portion of the 40 percent is not reserved by the rural counties within the first two quarters of the fiscal year, then any project - regardless of location - can compete for the remainder of the tax credits for that year.

"This gives the smaller populated counties a good opportunity to participate," said Gaston. "If they don't participate, the credits go back for everyone else."

A property eligible to receive the credits needs to be at least 60 years old, a difference of 10 years from the 50-year-old qualification under the previous program and in a similar tax credit system offered by the federal government.

In addition, the new law establishes a Historic Tax Credit Evaluating Committee, made up of state officials, which would be responsible in reviewing each application. The Alabama Historical Commission will set the review cycle for the new group beginning on Jan. 1, 2018. Applications for the tax credit can be accepted beginning Nov. 1.

The committee, which will rank each application, is a different approach from the previous program in which tax credits were doled out on a first-come, first-serve basis.

Program support

Hunter, of the Downtown Mobile Alliance, said she's not sure what to make of the new committee but added that she doesn't have a problem with setting aside a portion of the credits for smaller counties.

Waymond Jackson, senior vice president of public policy with the Birmingham Business Alliance, said he believes the new program provides all areas of Alabama a "fair shot" at the incentive dollars.

Jackson said the previous program added about $200 million in new investment in Birmingham. The result was the rehabilitation and opening of high-profile projects such as the $12.5 million remake of the Lyric Theater.

"I truly think this legislation will be one of those things that for it to stay around (after five years in 2022), that it will need to be successful in all parts of the state," said Jackson.

The inclusion of smaller counties into new program stems from the results of an independent study by experts at the University of Tennessee, who gave the Alabama state historic tax credit program a "B" grade. The study recommended that the tax credit be spread out to more counties.

The study analyzed the program's initial run and was requested by Senate President Pro Tem Del Marsh, who halted an extension of the initial program last year out of concerns over the impact to the state's budget.

Marsh, who has supported a revised program since February, said the goal is to get the state tax credit program to an A grade. The Alabama Historical Commission will be required to report to the Legislature, following the credit's third year, an annual report on its overall economic activity, usage and impact to the state.

'Economic development success'

The halt of the historic tax credit program alarmed city officials in Mobile, Birmingham and elsewhere at a time of increased revitalizations to their core downtown areas.

In Mobile, for instance, the tax credit program was praised for assisting in the overhaul to 155-room Admiral Hotel and the restoration of the previously abandoned Buick Building.

Birmingham has seen revitalization to a host of notable structures, such as the ongoing $62.3 million renovation of the Piztiz Building, the completed $16.7 million restoration of the Redmont Hotel, and a $21 million renovation to the vacant TJ Tower (formerly the Thomas Jefferson Hotel).

Smaller cities did benefit from the initial program, such as Anniston, Demopolis, Decatur, and Pine Apple.

"The renewal of this program will be the difference in Alabama's continued economic development success and will continue to catalyze the rehabilitation of our urban downtowns and rural main streets," said Stephen McNair, owner and consultant with McNair Historic Preservation Inc. of Mobile.

He said that a common misconception exists that many historic rehabilitation projects would move forward without the tax credit program because some developers "have an adoration" for historic preservation.

McNair said that the economic viability of a project is first and foremost of concern among developers, followed by a "love for restoring historic property."

Alabama's state historic tax credit program also keeps it competitive with other southern U.S. states, which offer similar incentives. Mississippi, Louisiana, Georgia, Texas, Virginia and South Carolina all offer - to some extent - tax breaks for developers who take on rehabilitating historic structures.

"If HB345 would had failed to receive passage, there is no question that the success witnessed in downtown Montgomery, Birmingham, Tuscaloosa, and Mobile would have ground to a crawl and the economic halo impact would have never reached rural communities," McNair said.

The program is already seeing interest from developers. In Mobile, Tennessee-based Heritage Land & Development recently bought a large bank building in downtown Mobile next to Bienville Square.

"I feel safe to say on behalf of the developers that, yes, this is a poster child for that historic tax credit bill," said Allan Cameron of NAI Mobile, a real estate broker who was involved in the property deal. "This is an exciting project."
Leaked emails point to strong relationship between the UAE and think tanks closely allied to Israel.

The latest email leaks from the Hotmail account of the United Arab Emirates ambassador to Washington, Yousef al-Otaiba, could threaten Emirati diplomacy and strain regional relations, analysts say.

If the leaked emails are proved to be genuine, they could become a source of stress for the UAE, Khalil Jahshan, executive director of the Arab Center Washington DC, told Al Jazeera.

On Saturday, hackers released what they claimed was the first in a series of emails taken from the inbox of Otaiba. The leaks have revealed a strong relationship between the UAE and think-tanks closely allied to Israel, along with Emirati efforts to tarnish the images of Qatar and Kuwait; Emirati involvement in the failed coup attempt in Turkey; and the UAEs fight against Islamist movements, particularly Hamas and the Muslim Brotherhood.

Speaking to Al Jazeera, legal expert Mahmoud Refaat said the leaked emails serve as living proof of what he described as the Emirates heinous crimes in the region.

The UAE has destroyed entire populations, including the Libyan and the Yemeni people, under the banner of fighting the Muslim Brotherhood, Refaat said.

READ MORE: Hackers leak emails from UAE ambassador to US

Some of the leaked emails include a detailed agenda for a meeting scheduled later this month between officials from the UAE government and representatives of the Foundation for the Defense of Democracies, a pro-Israel think-tank. The agenda includes a joint assessment of the changes that have taken place in Saudi Arabia, which proposes a plan to support Saudi stability and its new policy directions.

The agenda also includes a review of internal Saudi policies, domestic challenges faced by the Saudi leadership, foreign policy and the kingdoms role in stripping legitimacy from worldwide jihad.

The Saudi-focused agenda, according to Al Jazeeras correspondent in Washington, and the fact that the UAE has permitted itself to evaluate the Saudi role in the region indicates that the UAE is attempting to become the United States primary ally and right hand in the Middle East, replacing Saudi Arabia.

Commenting on what the leaks revealed about Emirati efforts to tarnish the image of Kuwait and Qatar, Kuwaiti writer and political analyst Mohammed al-Dosari said that such efforts could lead to the dissolution of the Gulf Cooperation Council.

The GCC is living through a period of confusion caused by media fabrications that have the people of the Gulf as their only victim, Dosari told Al Jazeera.





Otaiba had spoken about the challenges facing the region at a forum hosted by the Center for Strategic and International Studies in Washington in January 2016, stating that the Emiratis were waging a war against so-called extremist movements in many countries. He presented the UAE as the hope for a Middle East where peace, stability and opportunity reigned.

Also contained in Saturdays leaks were emails detailing communications between the UAE and the US that aimed to prevent a meeting by the Islamic resistance movement, Hamas, in the Qatari capital, Doha.

One key figure mentioned in the email leaks was former US defence secretary Robert Gates.

Gates, according to Mohamed Cherkaoui, a professor at the School for Conflict Analysis and Resolution at George Mason University in Virginia, has become a pivotal figure in the public relations efforts of the UAE and the US.

There are also a number of other individuals who were involved, and if their identities were to be revealed, it would threaten Emirati diplomacy, Cherkaoui told Al Jazeera.
Two speeches. Delivered 14 years apart by one British politician, Jeremy Corbyn. Each connected by one word: truth. The shame: the world failed to heed the wisdom of the first speech, and is unlikely to heed the wisdom of the second speech.

On February 15, 2003, before millions who had gathered in Hyde Park, London in solidarity and opposition to the impending invasion of Iraq, Corbyn gave a short, but prescient soliloquy that, in retrospect, stands as his defining moment.





Though his remarks were brief and made in a plain, largely austere setting, the profundity of what Corbyn had to say that day, like all great speeches, still resonates today.

The import of Corbyns statement must be considered in its historical context. Despite the legion of people who stood figuratively and philosophically with the then backbench Labour MP, Corbyn faced a deep and vitriolic thicket of establishment opposition, particularly from Britains rancid reactionary press that universally supported then-Prime Minister Tony Blairs disastrous military misadventure and instinctively libelled the wars opponents as quislings.

Clearly and bravely undeterred, Corbyn spent five eloquent minutes clinically and persuasively dissecting the spurious motives, aims and rationales offered by criminally obstinate Blair and company to launch a war of choice, not necessity.

OPINION: Libya and the Manchester connection

But Corbyns speech arrived at its moral crescendo when he warned the mesmerised throng, and, by, extension, the rest of us, of the calamitous human and geopolitical consequences the obdurate trans-Atlantic architects of the pestilential Iraq invasion would ultimately cause.

His voice rising in plaintive anger, Corbyn said the war would set off a spiral of conflict, of hate, of misery, of desperation that will fuel the wars, the conflict, the terrorism, the depression, and the misery of future generations  the way to free us from the scourge of war is to free ourselves from the scourge of injustice, of poverty, and of misery.

Corbyn, I suspect, takes little satisfaction in knowing that he was right on every count since it is Iraq and its resilient, scarred people that have been perpetually damaged physically, psychologically, geographically and historically by a war without end.

Corbyn was indeed right, yet his once cocky, still unrepentant, army of detractors refuses to accept or even acknowledge they were wrong even after Sir John Chilcots exhaustive autopsy of the diabolical events before, during and after the catastrophic invasion proved, unquestionably, that they were not only patently wrong, but blinded by their hubris and stupidity.

But the seminal lessons of Corbyns memorable speech have failed, not surprisingly, to register with the powers that be in Washington, DC and Europes capitals in the years since.

The scourge of war has accelerated and consumed more countries in the Middle East and North Africa, disfiguring the lives of countless innocents along the wicked way. Meanwhile, the scourge of injustice, poverty and misery has infected the futures of millions more  stateless and adrift, bereft of hope and opportunity.

So, on May 26, in the midst of a fiercely contested election campaign, when, once again, he remains the target of an unrelenting wave of malicious assaults, Corbyn didnt shirk from the challenge. Instead, the Labour party leader seized it, to talk truthfully about how and why it was necessary to respond differently to the kind of killers who murdered children listening to music in Manchester.

OPINION: Mays demagogic streak and the hypocrisy of the media

Corbyns speech was not only an indictment of the failed war on terror and how it has traditionally been waged, but the costly, futile, and equally destructive Western military interventions far beyond Iraqs fractured borders.





In this regard, Corbyn made what many other politicians consider a politically fatal admission: Britain, France and the United States (or their regional proxies) invading and dropping bombs on Afghanistan and other, predominately Arab countries  from Iraq, Syria, Yemen to Libya  year after dreadful year have fuelled, rather than stemmed, the terror visited upon so many, in so many places.

Many experts, including professionals in our intelligence and security services, Corbyn said, have pointed to the connections between wars our government has supported or fought in other countries, such as Libya, and terrorism here at home.

On cue, the same impenitent nexus of politicians and pundits who once assured each other with implacable certainty that the Iraq invasion would be a quick and smashing strategic success, parroted the familiar exculpatory line that the Wests decades-long killing spree in Kabul, Baghdad, Tripoli, or Raqqa, has played no role in triggering terrorism and any suggestion that it has was dismissed as twisted reasoning.

OPINION: UKs snap elections  The Corbyn factor

This specious delusion didnt dissuade Corbyn from pointing a blunt, accusatory finger at the usual gaggle of pundits, presidents and prime ministers who continue to insist that more troops, invasions and bombs are the requisite answer to terror.

The blame is with the terrorists, but if we are to protect our people we must be honest about what threatens our security, Corbyn said, but an informed understanding of the causes of terrorism is an essential part of an effective response that will protect the security of our people, that fights rather than fuels terrorism.

Corbyns prescription was as clear as it was enlightened and echoed what he said in 2003: the old, discredited way of doing things is not only not working, but its feeding the interminable cycle of reciprocal violence that has caused incalculable pain, hardship and suffering, chiefly among Muslims and Arabs.

Corbyn vowed, in the event he becomes prime minister  and if recent opinion polls are an accurate measure, he may prevail  to change what we do abroad.

The implicit meaning of Corbyns pledge was to stop the ceaseless killing, by ceasing the bombing sorties and regime changes.

He is, of course, right. Whether Corbyn gets a chance finally to translate his speeches into action will depend upon whether enough of his countrymen are convinced on June 8 that hes right.









Andrew Mitrovica is an award-winning investigative reporter and journalism instructor.

The views expressed in this article are the authors own and do not necessarily reflect Al Jazeeras editorial policy.




Moroccos February 20th movement may have lost its momentum in recent years, but its legacy is still alive.

The recent protests in the Rif region in Morocco were actually ignited back in October 2016, after the gruesome death of a fishmonger named Mouhcine Fikri. The event very much resembled the death of fruit seller Mohamed Bouazizi in Tunisia, which triggered the Tunisian uprisings leading to the Arab Spring in 2011.

In Morocco, however, protests that emerged within the context of the Arab Spring, the February 20th movement, did not call for a revolution but mainly for reforms, a new constitution, a more democratic government, basic human rights, and an improvement of quality of life. And over the years the movement lost its momentum.





But since Fikris death last year, a new set of protests have started to take place in Moroccos Rif region, known historically for its rebellion against central authority. The shocking photos of Fikri being crushed to death in a rubbish truck after he jumped to protest against the authorities confiscation of swordfish caught out of season were widely circulated in social media and caused public outrage. In time, the protests following his death came to be known as Al-Hirak al-Shaabi or the Popular Movement.

Last week, the protests intensified after several demonstrators were arrested for undermining the security of the state, incitement to commit delinquent acts and crimes, humiliating of public officials, and hostility towards the symbols of the monarchy.

According to official forces, the number of detainees has reached 23, including the movements leader Nasser Zefzafi, who was arrested last week. The Moroccan Association of Human Rights (AMDH), on the other hand, said at least 70 people were arrested in relation to the protests across the country. The protests spread from the northern city of Al-Hoceima to other parts of the country, including Rabat, Casablanca, Tangiers, and Nador.

An alternative to mainstream politicians

The recent web of protests started after Zefzafi interrupted a preachers sermon at a mosque in Al-Hoceima. Mobile phone footage shows Zefzafi called the preacher a liar and asked whether mosques are built to serve God or those in power.

Prosecutors ordered Zefzafis arrest, claiming that he had obstructed, in the company of a group of individuals, the freedom of worship. Yet, many believe that by stating that religion should not be used for political ends, Zefzafi was actually trying to protect the sanctity of the mosque as a place of worship.

INTERACTIVE: What is fuelling unrest in the Rif?

As well as being accused of obstructing the freedom of worship, Zefzafi was also criticised for the lack of structure and eloquence in his intervention at the mosque. The protest leader, who is not a highly educated person, was accused of being a misogynist after making comparisons between the political corruption in the country and the corrupt mores of women, criticising the way women dress and even using language that implies mens ownership of women. This is indeed a worrying discourse, especially for women who are concerned about not losing control over their bodies. But the Hirak Movement recently sent out a more egalitarian message by including a woman, Nawel Ben Aissa, among the leaders of a protest following Zefzafis arrest.

Zefzafi, albeit his lack of education, found resonance among the people of the Rif who designated him as their leader, because he presents an alternative to the well-polished discourses of politicians, whom he considers to be pawns. by

Zefzafi, albeit his lack of education, found resonance among the people of the Rif who designated him as their leader, because he presents an alternative to the well-polished discourses of politicians, whom he considers to be pawns.

Rif activists, who are ethnically Berber, demand jobs, economic development, accountability of the justice system and dignity. They are angry against what they call Hogra  a colloquial Moroccan Arabic term for deprivation of dignity from official abuses or corruption.

Coming from a disenfranchised and marginalised youth living in a region that has traditionally been neglected by the government, these demands are legitimate. However, the government initially accused Rif activists of being separatists and threatening the countrys territorial integrity, while also suggesting that they are externally funded. The activists denied the accusations.

The criticism of the protesters actions, beyond their initial framing by the government as separatists who have external funding and backing, is also embedded in a rhetoric of fitna.

The Arabic word fitna signifies discord. It additionally has a heavy religious connotation that includes the meanings of trial and temptation. The word fitna was used in Facebook posts, phone messages, and politicians statements in the immediate aftermath of Mouhcine Fikris death and it is still being used in relation to the recent protests. Instead of exploring the underlying causes that led poor people to rise up, many in Morocco are choosing to frame these protesters actions as fitna or as an attempt to cause chaos.

Misinformation and the use of force

In Morocco, the act of nonviolent protesting, a basic tenet of any country aspiring to be a democracy, is becoming impeded along with the freedom of expression. Television channels have been misinforming the public by associating the recent rallies with images that have nothing to do with the Popular Movement. And security forces have been clashing with nonviolent protesters.

READ MORE: Moroccos Al-Hoceima protests reflect a heavy legacy

But there are people who are fighting for Moroccos democracy. In a joint statement three political parties condemned media practices that deform the facts about the protest movement. Civil society leaders and intellectuals have come out to condemn the governments use of force and crackdown of activists. They argued that the problems will not be solved though instilling a culture of fear.





In response, the government retracted its original accusations about protestors being separatists that are backed by external forces. The king sent a large delegation of ministers to Al-Hoceima, with promises of billions of Moroccan dirhams to fund projects to boost the local economy and build infrastructure.

Furthermore, the provincial offices of three parties released a joint statement on May 29 expressing that they are greatly preoccupied with the situation and calling for the immediate release of all the Hirak protesters who were arrested.

Refusing to negotiate

Zefzafis response to all this has been interesting: he refused to sit at the negotiation table, prompting some to ask if he was the right person to lead the Hirak movement.

His response however, can also be viewed as a representation of a deeper issue: the loss of trust in government and central authority. Instead of excitement at the prospect of receiving large development funds, the governments proposals were met with indifference in the Rif region. Perhaps this was a result of recent events in Morocco.

READ MORE: Are Morocco and EU heading towards a political impasse?

Following the general election in October last year, the Islamist Justice and Development (PJD) party failed to form a government for 6 months. As a result Moroccos King Mohammed VI replaced Abdelilah Benkirane as prime minister with another member of the PJD, Saad-Eddine El Othmani, in order to end the deadlock.

In response to the move, Din Wa Dunia magazine published an article titled Does the fall of Benkirane sound the death knell of political Islam?. The article suggested that the most popular political party in Morocco is losing its legitimacy.





Perhaps this lack of trust for the political establishment is whats really behind the recent protests in Morocco and what is happening now in 2017 is not completely disconnected from the February 20th movement, which was launched in 2011.

After all, activists this month have been chanting the February 20th movement slogan freedom, dignity, and social justice. Two of the main leaders of Hirak, according to Telquel magazine, were once February 20th movement activists. Furthermore, the people who took to the streets in Moroccan cities in solidarity with the people of the Rif included members of the Amazigh movement, the Islamic movement Al-Adl Wa Al-Ihsane (Justice and Benevolence), and the Democratic Left Federation (FGD)  all of which took part in the he February 20th movement six years ago.

In the days after the arrests of protesters and their leader Zefzafi, 600 lawyers volunteered to defend the detainees, demonstrating that the Hirak movement has the backing of different components of the Moroccan society.

The February 20th movement may have lost its momentum in recent years, but its legacy is still alive in terms of organising tactics and aspirations. It remains to be seen how the country will evolve from this difficult juncture.

Kenza Oumlil is Assistant Professor in Communication and Gender at Al Akhawayn University in Ifrane, Morocco. She holds a PhD in Communication from Concordia University in Montreal, Canada.

The views expressed in this article are the authors own and do not necessarily reflect Al Jazeeras editorial policy.
Georgia offers citizenship to the family of investigative journalist who was taken to Azerbaijan by force from Tbilisi.

The wife of a Tbilisi-based Azeri investigative journalist, who was taken to Azerbaijan against his will and arrested, has turned down Georgias citizenship offer, denouncing the move as a show.

The offer came on Sunday, days after the Georgian government faced accusations of allowing Azerbaijan to crack down on critics from across the border. Georgia denied any involvement.

The abducted journalist, Afgan Mukhtarli, had been investigating Georgian business ties of Azerbaijans President Ilham Aliyevs family, claimed Mukhtarlis wife Leyla Mustafayeva.

On Sunday, Mustafayeva said she would not accept the citizenship offered by Georgias Prime Minister Giorgi Kvirikashvili earlier in the day.

Last year I applied for a Georgian residency permit. I was told I had a high-risk occupation [investigative journalism] and it was not compatible with Georgias national interests. So now that my husband is arrested I am no longer dangerous? she said.

There is no need for turning one journalists arrest, my husbands arrest, into a show  It would be better to instruct the security services to investigate the case properly. My lawyer and I still dont have any information. The case was not discussed with us at all.

Mustafayeva was responding to Kvirikashvilis Sunday speech in which he urged Georgias President Giorgi Margvelashvili to make an exception for Mukhtarlis wife and children and grant them Georgian citizenship within the shortest time possible.

He said Mukhtarlis case was damaging Georgias image, which is absolutely unacceptable.

We will do everything to make sure that every single persons human rights are protected in the country irrespective of the persons nationality, or political views, Kvirikashvili said.

Come clean

Human Rights Watch, an international rights group, has said the Georgian government shares responsibility for [Mukhtarlis] fate and should come clean about its role in his illegal detention and return [to Azerbaijan].

According to HRW, Mukhtarli, 43, told his lawyer, Elchin Sadigov, who spoke to him in custody, that unidentified men who abducted him and beat him spoke Georgian among themselves and addressed him in Russian.

Mukhtarli said that they changed vehicles twice and people in the second vehicle spoke Azeri. He was taken to an Azerbaijani border checkpoint in Balakan district on May 29 where he was told he had illegally crossed the border.

According to him, Azeri authorities staged a trespassing incident in the early hours of May 30 and photographed him. Later, he was handcuffed and transported to Azerbaijans capital Baku.

Azerbaijani law requires a person to show a valid passport before crossing the Azerbaijani-Georgia border, but Mukhtarlis passport remains in Tbilisi, said the HRW report.
Police officers encircled female protesters and prevented others from joining a protest by Hirak movement in Al-Hoceima.

Moroccan authorities stifled a womens protest in the coastal city of Al-Hoceima, campaigning for access to jobs, health services and infrastructure in the northern Rif region.

Police encircled hundreds of female protesters in a public park late on Saturday, impeding others from joining, as the women chanted freedom, dignity and social justice, Reuters news agency reported.

Female police officers and riot police pushed the leader of the protest Nawal Ben Aissa  a prominent member of Hirak  away from the group.

She was accompanied at the protest by the mother of Nasser Zefzafi  the 39-year-old leader of the protest movement who was arrested last week for undermining the security of the state and other criminal acts.

We go to sleep in fear and we wake up in fear, Fatima Alghloubzari, who tried to join the protest, told Reuters.

We never imagined our city would become like this.

READ MORE: Morocco: What is fuelling unrest in the Rif?

One woman fainted after police suppressed the protest.

A heavy security presence has been in place around the citys Sidi Abed square.

According to organisers, police have been increasingly preventing people from joining protests and blocking access since Zefzafis arrest.

Women in northern Morocco were usually confined to their homes. They never participated in politics even if they were educated, Mohamed Chtatou, a political analyst told Al Jazeera.

But now women are leading protests, which is significant.

A daily occurrence

Out of around 40 people who were reported arrested last week, including core members of Hirak, 25 have been referred to the prosecution.

Their trial began on Tuesday but was pushed back to June 6 at the request of their lawyers, who have complained their clients were ill-treated during detention.

Seven suspects were released on bail and another seven were freed without charge.





Initially, Moroccan authorities handled these protests peacefully, but they are becoming ferocious now. They are raiding homes and clamping down on protests  and by doing so, they are sending out a very strong message, Chtatou said.

Political rallies are rare in Morocco and usually heavily policed. But protests in the northern Rif region have been simmering since the death in October of fishmonger Mouhcine Fikri, who was crushed to death inside a garbage truck while trying to salvage fish that had been confiscated by police.

Calls for justice for Fikri evolved into a grassroots movement demanding jobs and economic development, with Zefzafi  himself unemployed  emerging as the leader of Hirak.

Since his arrest, after he interrupted a Friday prayer sermon, protests have become a daily occurrence in the town.

Last week, Moroccan government spokesperson Mustapha El-Khalfi acknowledged that the Hirak protests and demands were legitimate and stated that authorities were speeding up promised infrastructure and development projects for the region.
Long-ruling PM warned of civil war if his party loses, drawing accusations his government is undermining democracy.

Voters in Cambodia are casting their ballots in local polls that are seen as a test for long-ruling Prime Minister Hun Sens popularity and leadership ahead of a general election next year.

While there are 12 parties vying for votes in more than 1,600 communes, the main competition is between Hun Sens Cambodia Peoples Party (CPP) and the largest opposition party, the Cambodian National Rescue Party (CNRP), led by Kem Sokha.

In the lead-up to Sundays vote, Hun Sen, who has run Cambodia for 32 years, warned that the country will descend into civil war if his party loses, drawing sharp accusations that his government is undermining democracy.

Supporters see 64-year-old Hun Sen as a beacon of stability, but opponents accuse him and a coterie of allies of huge self-enrichment, corruption and autocracy.

In recent months, the opposition has been hammered by a crackdown, with critics jailed and Sam Rainsy, Hun Sens main political rival, fleeing overseas to escape charges.

Voters queued at polling stations in the capital, Phnom Penh, before they opened at 7am (00:00 GMT). They close at 3pm (08:00 GMT) and results are expected in the hours after that.

I voted for justice in society, said Chan Dy, 69, told the Reuters news agency.

This election will help to make work happen at the commune level. Corruption is a big problem and thats why I voted to have things work more smoothly, he said, declining to say which party he voted for.





Hun Sen cast his ballot shortly after polls opened in Takhmao, a town on the outskirts of Phnom Penh, where he has a residence and a nearby bodyguard unit stationed.

He declined to speak to media but appeared relaxed, smiling and waving to voters as he passed.

The last time Cambodians went to the polls, in 2013s national elections, the opposition made huge gains, spurred in part by a significant appetite for change among young voters.

The opposition says it only lost that vote because of widespread fraud, something the government denies.

But analysts say that result was a scare for a leader unused to losing and that the recent crackdown on the opposition is an attempt to ensure this does not happen again.

Key vote

Al Jazeeras Wayne Hay, reporting from Phnom Penh, said that although these are only local elections, there is still a lot at stake.

The CNRP feels that it can build on the good results that they had in the last general election four years ago and then carry that forward into the next general election which is coming up in July next year, he said.

In a possible sign of nerves, Hun Sen broke with his tradition of avoiding the campaign trail to lead a massive pro-government rally for his Cambodian Peoples Party (CPP) on Friday in Phnom Penh.

We havent seen Hun Sen on the campaign trail during an election in something like 20 years, so that may well tell us something about how he is feeling about the results of these communal elections, Hay said.

His rhetoric has been typically fiery, typically aggressive leading up to this vote, he added. We heard the defence minister saying people would have their teeth smashed if they contest the results of this vote.

The CNRP also held a rally on Friday but it was noticeably smaller in size.

They have proven particularly popular among young voters who often complain about a culture of corruption that only seems to benefit a wealthy elite or those with the right connections.

Cambodia has one of the worlds youngest populations, with some 70 percent of the country under 30, and their growing political clout is being heavily courted.

Yet the opposition movement has been dented by Hun Sens crackdown, with at least 27 Cambodian human rights defenders and political activists thrown behind bars since 2013, according to a recent Amnesty International report.
Witnesses describe frantic scenes in London after attackers in a van ram into pedestrians and stab others at random.

Witnesses described scenes of panic and chaos in the heart of London on Saturday night following a series of vehicle and knife attacks that left at least seven people dead and dozens more wounded.

The attack began when a white van veered off a road in the UK capital and barreled into pedestrians on London Bridge.

Three men then fled the van with large knives and attacked people at packed bars and restaurants in the nearby Borough Market.

READ MORE: Six killed in car and stabbing attack in London

There was a van that crashed into the fences on London Bridge. And then there was a man with a knife, he was running. He came down the stairs and went to the bar, Dee, 26, who was visibly in shock and declined to give her last name, told the AFP news agency.

Mark Roberts, a 53-year-old management consultant, told the Reuters news agency that at least six people were hit on the bridge.

It looked like he was aiming for groups of people. I froze because I didnt know what to do, he said. It was horrendous.

Hysteria

Colum ODwyer, who was having dinner at a restaurant near Borough Market, described scenes of panic and hysteria.

We saw a father and a son running frantically. We saw the bouncers and the security guards from the nearby pubs and restaurants running into the market, and then running back out in pursuit of quite a large guy, who ran into a pub right beside us, he told Al Jazeera.

We saw somebody inside the pub, knocking over the chairs we had dinner on, ODwyer added.

We heard people talking about someone either trying to stab them or stabbing them  Hysteria pretty much kicked in at that point.

London bridge station is being evacuated #londonbridge pic.twitter.com/ix3OD1V42D  Caroline Breniere (@carolinebrni) June 3, 2017

Al Jazeeras Charlotte Bellis was near the bridge at the time of the incident.

Paramedics had [those injured] on their sides, it was a bloody scene, she said.

Some were injured about 50 metres behind the van, some were injured about 10 metres from where the van stopped.

Al Jazeeras Sarah Kern, who was also close to the scene at the time, said she heard about five or six gunshots and saw crowds fleeing.

They were running down the street. I saw someone in a T-shirt covered in blood.

Big knives

A restaurant worker said he saw three men wielding big knives attack people at random.

Three people, just in front of us. They dont care about nothing, just going like this, he said, gesturing back and forth.

At least three people were stabbed, he said, adding: Are they crazy, or are they on drugs?

Gerard Vowls told The Guardian newspaper that he saw a woman being stabbed by three men at the south end of London Bridge. He said he threw chairs, glasses and bottles at the attackers in a bid to stop them.

They kept coming to try to stab me. They were stabbing everyone. Evil, evil people, he told the newspaper.

I want to know if this girl is still alive. Ive been walking around for an hour and a half crying my eyes out. I dont know what to do.





Alex Shellum at the Mudlark pub near the scene of the attack said a woman had come into the bar bleeding heavily from the neck.

It appeared that her throat had been cut, he told the BBC.

No clue

Italian photographer Gabriele Sciotto, who had been watching the Champions League final at the Wheatsheaf pub in Borough Market, said he saw three men shot just outside the pub.

He captured a picture of one of the attackers wearing what appeared to be canisters strapped to his chest.

The 25-year-old Sciotto said he was on his way home when he saw a man running towards him telling him to turn around and run because there was a terrorist attack.

At first, it didnt look too dangerous, he told the Associated Press news agency.

READ MORE: Libya and the Manchester connection

The men went into Borough Market, but they turned around and ran towards the Wheatsheaf Pub after being confronted by a police officer. Sciotto said suddenly a lot of police came from the other direction.

The attackers had no clue what they were doing. They were scared. The police were scared.

He took the photograph after the men had been shot.

In his picture, a man wearing combat trousers, with a shaved head and the canister belt, could be seen on the ground with two more bodies behind him.

Police said the three suspects were shot within eight minutes of the first call to the emergency services.
Streets in Afghan capital largely empty as residents say they feel unprotected after multiple attacks in recent days.

Today, Kabul looks like the city of the dead, Mohammed Asif Yousufi says solemnly from the photography studio he owns on the outskirts of the Afghan capital.

I have never seen this kind of sadness and fear spread across the city before, Yousufi adds.

He is not alone in feeling like this. Kabul has just suffered one of the bloodiest weeks in years, leaving its streets devoid of life and its residents gripped by fear  and feeling unprotected.

The cycle of violence began on Wednesday when a powerful truck bomb ripped through the citys diplomatic zone.

At least 90 people, mostly civilians, were killed and hundreds were wounded. Officials described the attack as one of the biggest to have hit the capital.

Two days later, residents took to the streets to demand answers from the government, who they accuse of security and intelligence failures. Clashes between protesters and security forces broke out, resulting in the death of at least five people.

On Saturday, Afghan police and intelligence officials urged everyone to stay indoors, citing a threat of possible attacks targeting large gatherings of people.

READ MORE: Kabul blast  Such attacks will never end

In Kabuls Sarai Shamali area, a funeral was taking place at that time for the son of Senator Mohammad Alam Izdyar who was killed in Fridays protests.

Haseeb Motaref was present at the burial ceremony when he heard a first blast as soon as the mullah said: Allahu akbar (God is great).

A few seconds later, the second one; and then the third one.

The triple explosion at the at the Tapa Marshal Fahim cemetery left at least 20 people dead, raising the death toll to more than 100 people dead in just four days of violence  and the numbers are rising.

As the explosion happened, I ran in panic and cried for help as I saw many dead bodies ripped apart, Motaref told Al Jazeera.

Where are the security forces? Where is the police? The Afghan intelligence? Who will protect us?

Pictures of men throwing stones at the remains of a suicide attacker at the cemetery were widely shared on social media.

We are angry, we are sad. The security services, the police are not efficient, Motaref said.

The Taliban, which is fighting the government and foreign forces, issued swift denials that it had any role in the attacks, and instead blamed factional rivalries within the government.

The government accused the Taliban-allied Haqqani Network and Pakistan of the attack.





Amid the rising tension, police locked down much of Kabul city with checkpoints, while armoured vehicles were seen patrolling the streets.

Some shops, restaurants and universities were closed for the day.

People here are demanding answers from the government, Yousufi, the photography studio owner, told Al Jazeera.

We just want peace and security as we had enough of seeing innocent people getting killed.

But Gul Nabi Ahmadzai, Kabul garrison commander, said the threat level had decreased as of Sunday.

There are no reports of any possible attacks today, but we are asking everyone to stay vigilant, he told Al Jazeera.

READ MORE: Kabul blast  Scenes of carnage in Afghan capital

As the number of victims rose, the United Nations and a host of international allies urged for unity and solidarity.

The attack today, conducted by those opportunistically seeking to use these very fragile moments to destabilise Afghanistan, follows so much violence this week, the UN said in a statement after Saturdays explosions.

In the context of so much suffering, now is the time to seek unity and solidarity.

In the first three months of the year, at least 715 civilians were killed across the country, after almost 3,500 in 2016, the deadliest year on record for Afghan civilians.

But despite the recent suffering, Yousufi believes the city will be able to rise from the ashes.

Kabul will be back to normal soon, but we will always be exposed to attacks. I think the government and security services have failed to protect us, he said.

Follow Shereena Qazi on Twitter: @ShereenaQazi

Additional reporting by Fatima Faizi in Kabul, follow her on Twitter @FatmaFaizi
Fifty years into the occupation, Israel controls the Gaza Strip and the West Bank through repression, institutionalised discrimination, and systematic abuses, US-based Human Rights Watch (HRW) has said.

The rights group said on Sunday that Israeli violations included unlawful killings, forced displacement, abusive detention, unjustified restrictions on movement, and continued development of illegal settlements, along with accompanying discriminatory policies against Palestinians.

HRW said that many of Israels abusive practices were carried out in the name of security, adding that Palestinian armed groups have carried out scores of lethal attacks on Israelis, also in violation of international humanitarian law.

READ MORE: Israeli forces shoot Palestinian teen during attack

Whether its a child imprisoned by a military court or shot unjustifiably, or a house demolished for lack of an elusive permit, or checkpoints where only settlers are allowed to pass, few Palestinians have escaped serious rights abuses during this 50-year occupation, Sarah Leah Whitson, Middle East director at HRW, said.

Israel today maintains an entrenched system of institutionalised discrimination against Palestinians in the occupied territory  repression that extends far beyond any security rationale.

As the occupation enters its second half-century, the focus should be on increasing the protection of the rights of the population of the occupied territory, the HRW statement said.

June marks 50 years since Israel conquered and occupied East Jerusalem, the West Bank and the Gaza Strip in the June 1967 war. The Israeli victory was followed by the spread of Jewish settlements throughout the occupied territories.

Settlement growth

Although Israel unilaterally withdrew from Gaza in 2005, currently more than half a million Jewish settlers reside across the West Bank and East Jerusalem in over 230 settlements.

Since 1967, Israeli authorities have expropriated thousands of square kilometres of Palestinian land for settlements and their supporting infrastructure, the group said.





According to the HRW, Israeli troops killed well over 2,000 Palestinian civilians in the last three Gaza conflicts (2008-09, 2012 and 2014) alone.

Many of these attacks amount to violations of international humanitarian law due to a failure to take all feasible precautions to spare civilians. Some amount to war crimes, including the targeting of apparent civilian structures, the group said.

HRW added that Israel has tightened restrictions on the movement of people and goods to and from the Gaza Strip in ways that far exceed any conceivable requirement of Israeli security.

The group also said that Israeli authorities have incarcerated hundreds of thousands of Palestinians since 1967, the majority after trials in military courts, which have a near-100 percent conviction rate.
Fighting breaks despite a four-hour ceasefire, preventing hundreds of residents from leaving besieged city of Marawi.

Hundreds of civilians hoping to flee fighting in the besieged Philippines city of Marawi remained trapped on Sunday after a four-hour ceasefire to evacuate residents was marred by gunfire.

Authorities said they had finally been able to negotiate a truce with fighters linked to the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL, also known as ISIS), but continued clashes throughout the morning meant it was not put into place as expected.

At least 134 people are believed to have been rescued.

READ MORE: Dozens flee ISIL gunmen in besieged Philippine city

President Rodrigo Duterte had asked the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF), a separatist movement based on the island of Mindanao, to help negotiate a peace settlement with the fighters, who are predominantly drawn from the Maute group based in and around Marawi.

Maute is named after its leaders, the Maute brothers, who are cousins of the second wife of Alim Abdulaziz Mimbantas, a MILF leader. The government signed a peace deal with the MILF in 2014.









MILF cadres organised Sundays ceasefire, which was to run from 8am until noon. They roamed the streets with loudhailers urging residents to leave.

But by 9am, gunfire had broken out, deterring residents from joining a mass exodus.

Local authorities said government officials, working through intermediaries, had reached agreement with the fighters to observe the four-hour ceasefire and let the trapped civilians leave.

But the officials failed to secure agreement from their own military for the truce, provincial crisis management committee spokesman Zia Alonto Adiong told the AFP news agency.

He said the military only allowed rescuers to access areas on the fringes of zones held by the fighters, and barred them from entering bombed-out city blocks.

As a result only some 170-plus trapped residents were led to safety on Sunday, according to the military. Speaking to the Reuters news agency, a presidential spokesman put the number of those who were evacuated at 134.

We felt a bit disappointed and betrayed. Were talking about lives of people, my God! Adiong said.

There are 2,000 people who need immediate help (after) 13 days without food.

The battle for Marawi, a city on Mindanao island, began almost two weeks ago and prompted Duterte to declare martial law in the southern region.

Authorities lifted the civilian death toll from 20 to 38 on Sunday  but said all those deaths were caused by the separatist fighters.

A presidential spokesman said 120 fighters had died, along with 38 government forces.

Government forces have bombarded Marawi with air raids and waged fierce street-to-street battles with hundreds of gunmen since they rampaged through the Muslim city of 200,000 on May 23 after the military attempted to arrest their leader, Isnilon Hapilon.

READ MORE: Mindanao crisis  A city on fire

Scores of people made a daring dash for safety on Saturday, including one of Marawis most respected politicians who had hidden 71 Christians in his home and led 144 people through downtown streets strewn with rotting corpses.

Many residents told Reuters that the air raids caused extensive property damage and dozens of civilian deaths.

Duterte said the use of air power had been restrained so far.

I can end this war in 24 hours, he said. All I have to do is to bomb the whole place and level it to the ground.
HRW urges UN to assist disabled people, who are increasingly becoming vulnerable to violence in South Sudans civil war.

Human Rights Watch (HRW) has urged the United Nations and aid groups to assist more than a million disabled people, who are increasingly becoming vulnerable to violence in South Sudans civil war.

People with disabilities and older people are often left behind during attacks and find themselves at much greater risk of starvation or abuse, Shantha Rau Barriga, disability rights director at HRW, said.

This problem is especially acute in South Sudan, where decades of civil war has increased the number of people with disabilities, and where armed forces on both sides target civilians with impunity.

To fulfil their missions, aid organisations should do more to ensure that they are meeting the needs of people with disabilities and older people, HRW said.

UN investigators and rights group have frequently accused both the army and rebels of murder, torture and rape since the civil war began, and say the crimes almost always go unpunished.

Both sides have committed abuses that may qualify as war crimes and crimes against humanity, including looting, indiscriminate attacks on civilians and the destruction of civilian property, arbitrary arrests and detention, beatings and torture, enforced disappearances, rape and gang rape, extrajudicial executions, and killings, HRW says in its latest report.

An estimated 250,000 people with disabilities live in displacement camps in South Sudan, says the World Health Organization (WHO).

The ongoing conflict has fractured the country along ethnic lines  Kiir is an ethnic Dinka, Machar is a Nuer  and forced a quarter of the countrys 12 million population to flee their homes.

The war has left millions of civilians cut off from any aid, HRW says.

READ MORE: Almost four million Sudanese displaced by fighting

Growing refugees

The war has left more than 1.7 million refugees and forced more than two million children to flee their homes.

South Sudan is in the centre of Africa bordered by six countries. It is rich in oil, but after the civil war it is also one of the least developed regions on earth.

One hundred thousand people are starving, and about a million South Sudanese face the risk of famine. Roughly half of the countrys population needs food assistance.

There may be more than 1.2 million people with disabilities in South Sudan. The conditions of fighting and famine in the country have created one of the worlds largest humanitarian crises.
Labour supporters take to the streets to celebrate after early results indicate a comfortable victory for ruling party.

Prime Minister Joseph Muscat has declared victory in Maltas snap election after preliminary results showed his Labour Party heading towards a second mandate.

A sample count of ballots on Sunday showed Labour having a majority of more than 30,000 votes, equivalent to nearly 10 percent of the electorate.

It is clear that the people have chosen to stay the course, said Muscat, who called the snap vote to counter allegations of corruption against his wife and some of his political allies.

Simon Busuttil, the leader of the opposition Nationalist Party, made a telephone call to Muscat to concede defeat in Saturdays election.

As always, we respect the decision of the electorate, Busuttil said in a tweet.

READ MORE: Malta holds early election amid corruption allegations

After the announcement of the preliminary results, Labour supporters took to the streets in celebration, gathering near party clubs and waving flags.

A crowd gathered near the partys headquarters and workers were erecting a stage at the granaries in Floriana, Times of Malta reported.

The turnout was 92 percent of the more than 340,000 eligible voters, the election commission said. Official results are expected later on Sunday.

Muscat, 43, is expected to be sworn in on Monday, after which he will begin forming his new government that will have a five-year mandate.

Corruption allegations

During the election campaign, Muscat promised continuity and greater wealth for a country that has the lowest unemployment rate ever at 4.1 percent  the third lowest in Europe  and in 2016 registered a budget surplus for the first time in three decades.

The victory indicates that there will be no major disruption to the business of the European Union, whose presidency Malta holds until the end of this month.





Allegations of corruption dominated the election.

Shortly after polls closed, Maltas President, Marie-Louise Coleiro Preca, called for a process of reconciliation to begin after what she called a campaign full of aggressive and abusive language both by politicians and the public.

I want to see people returning to open dialogue, which is the basis of a healthy democracy, she said.

Muscat, who has been prime minister since 2013, went to the polls a year after his wife was accused of being the beneficial owner of a secret Panamanian shell company used to bank unexplained payments from Azerbaijans ruling family.

His chief of staff and a government minister have separately admitted having their own, previously undeclared Panama-registered companies, following revelations from last years massive data leak from the Mossack Fonseca legal firm based in the Central American country.

Muscat has come under fire for not sacking the two of them.

The PN had warned that even if Muscat won the election, he would still remain under pressure as magistrates investigate claims of corruption made against him and his ministers.

Muscat has, however, denied any wrongdoing and promised to quit if any evidence emerges of his family having an undeclared offshore account.
Police raid several addresses in east London suburb of Barking after attack at London Bridge left seven dead.

Police have arrested 12 suspects linked to Saturday nights attack in central London, the Metropolitan Police said.

Counterterrorism police raided several addresses in the east London suburb of Barking on Sunday, the force said, adding that searches were continuing there.

Four women were seen being led away by police by an AFP photographer, although it was not clear whether they were among those arrested.

At least seven people died and dozens were injured after attackers drove a van into pedestrians on London Bridge before stabbing people at bars and restaurants in nearby Borough Market on Saturday night.

The attack ended after police shot dead three suspected attackers.

READ MORE: Panic and horror at London Bridge

Metropolitan Police Commissioner Cressida Dick earlier told reporters that she believed the imminent threat from attackers had been ended, but that a fast-moving investigation was still under way.

We have a very large investigation ongoing, and we will be seeking to establish whether anyone else was working with or assisting in any way or helping in the planning of this attack, she said.

London Bridge is a major transport hub and nearby Borough Market is a fashionable warren of alleyways leavened with bars and restaurants that is always bustling on a Saturday night.

The area remained cordoned off and patrolled by armed police and counterterrorism officers on Sunday, with train stations closed.





The attack occurred five days ahead of a parliamentary election and was the third to hit Britain in less than three months. Prime Minister Theresa May said the election would go ahead as planned on Thursday.

It is time to say enough is enough, said May in a televised statement outside her Downing Street office, where flags flew at half-mast.

We cannot and must not pretend that things can continue as they are, May said, calling for a strengthened counter-terrorism strategy that could include longer jail sentences for some offences and new cyberspace regulations.

Al Jazeeras Jonah Hull, reporting from London, said that repeated attacks like this have a huge impact and were deeply unsettling and worrying.

But life does go on  this is an enormous city and from Monday Ive no doubt that people will begin to go about their business as they probably are already, said Hull. They are used now to seeing higher police presence on the streets.

The victims

Thirty-six people injured in the attack remain in hospital and 21 are in a critical condition, said Metropolitan Police Assistant Commissioner Mark Rowley in a statement on Sunday.

Rowley also said a member of the public had suffered a gunshot wound as officers fired on the attackers. The individual is being treated in hospital and is not in a critical condition, Rowley said.

Eight armed officers opened fire as they attempted to stop the knife-wielding attackers and discharged around 50 bullets, he said.

Two French nationals were among those injured in the London attack, the French presidents office said in a statement. Australia said two of its citizens were caught up in the attack and that one was in hospital.

The suspects were wearing what appeared to be suicide vests, but police said they were later established to be fake.

There was no immediate claim of responsibility.

The Islamic State of Iraq and Syria (ISIL, also known as ISIS), losing territory in Syria and Iraq to an advance backed by a US-led coalition, had sent out a call on instant messaging service Telegram early on Saturday urging its followers to carry out attacks with trucks, knives and guns against Crusaders during the Muslim holy month of Ramadan.

London Mayor Sadiq Khan described the incidents as a deliberate and cowardly attack on innocent Londoners.

Harun Khan, Secretary General of the Muslim Council of Britain, said in a statement on Sunday: Muslims everywhere are outraged and disgusted at these cowards who once again have destroyed the lives of our fellow Britons. That this should happen in this month of Ramadan, when many Muslims were praying and fasting only goes to show that these people respect neither life nor faith.

Al Jazeeras Yao Chin, reporting from London, said witnesses saw a white van ram into pedestrians, hitting several people before coming to a halt.

Another witness said three men got out with long blades and randomly started stabbing people along Borough High Street. Other witnesses have also mentioned seeing knife victims, he said.

Police ruled a third incident  a stabbing in Londons Vauxhall area initially thought to be linked to the other two scenes  to be unrelated.

Al Jazeeras Charlotte Bellis was near the bridge at the time of the attack.

Paramedics had [those injured] on their sides. It was a bloody scene, she said.

Some were injured about 50 metres behind the van, some were injured about 10 metres from where the van stopped.

Mays office said she would chair a meeting of the governments COBRA emergency committee on Sunday.

Londons transport authority said London Bridge railway station had been closed at the request of the police.

Three major London hospitals were placed on lockdown shortly after the attack.

Shocking tragedy

The attack came days ahead of a June 8 general election, almost two weeks after 22 people were killed in a bombing at a concert in Manchester.

After that attack, Britains official threat level was raised to critical, meaning an attack may be imminent. Several days later it was lowered to severe, meaning an attack is highly likely.

In March, an attacker ran people down with a vehicle on Westminster Bridge, killing four before stabbing a policeman to death outside Parliament.

World leaders quickly took to social media to offer their support to the people of London.

Faced with this new tragedy, France is now more than ever supporting the UK. My thoughts are with the victims and their loved ones, tweeted French President Emmanuel Macron.

Australias foreign minister described the incidents as a shocking.

US President Donald Trump also tweeted in connection with the London attacks: We are with you. God Bless.

He pledged support for the UK, but also used attacks to argue in favour of his controversial travel ban.
Most political parties suspend campaigning for a day after car and stabbing attack, but far-right UKIP refuses to do so.

Britains general election will go ahead on Thursday, Prime Minister Theresa May said on Sunday after a car and stabbing attack in central London left at least seven people dead and 48 wounded.

Several political parties, including the ruling Conservatives and the main opposition Labour Party, suspended campaigning on Sunday for a day as a mark of respect, May said.

Violence can never be allowed to disrupt the democratic process, so those campaigns will resume in full tomorrow and the general election will go ahead as planned on Thursday, the prime minister said in a televised statement in front of her Downing Street office.

READ MORE: Panic and horror at London Bridge

Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn also expressed his shock and horror for the attacks in the UK capitals London Bridge and Borough Market areas.

Those who wish to harm our people, divide our communities and attack our democracy will not succeed. We will stand together to defend our common values of solidarity, humanity and justice and will not allow terrorists to derail our democratic process, Corbyn said in a statement.





The Scottish National Party and the Liberal Democrats also announced that they were temporarily suspending their campaigns, but Paul Nuttall, the leader of the anti-immigration UKIP, refused to do so because this is precisely what the extremists would want us to do.

Recent attacks

The attack on Saturday came less than two weeks after a deadly suicide bombing at a Manchester concert venue, which killed 22 people, and some three months after an attacker ran down people with a vehicle on Westminster Bridge, killing four before stabbing a policeman to death outside Parliament.

There was no immediate claim of responsibility for Saturdays attack.

READ MORE: World leaders condemn deadly London Bridge attack

In her TV address, May called for tougher measures, including international agreements to regulate cyberspace to help to stop the spread of Islamist extremism, and said Britain needs to become more robust at identifying and stamping it out.

May said that while the recent attacks are not connected, they are all bound by the single evil ideology that says Western values are incompatible with Islam, adding that the perpetrators are inspired to attack  by copying one another.

She has been talking about how things need to change, Al Jazeeras Nadim Baba, reporting from London said, but added that May did not specify any immediate steps.

London is known to be stoical after the previous attacks that took place in the city, notably the seven attacks that targeted public transportation in 2005, he added.

At the same time, the number of recent attacks in the capital has made a lot of people worried.

As it did after the events in Westminster and Manchester, the Muslim Council of Britain (MCB) issued a statement that strongly condemned Saturdays attack.

I am appalled and angered by the terrorist attacks at London Bridge and Borough Market, in my home city. These acts of violence were truly shocking and I condemn them in the strongest terms, Harun Khan, the MCBs secretary general, said.

Muslims everywhere are outraged and disgusted at these cowards who once again have destroyed the lives of our fellow Britons.

That this should happen in this month of Ramadan, when many Muslims were praying and fasting only goes to show that these people respect neither life nor faith.
Leaked emails from the UAE ambassador to the US show a sustained campaign against Qatar and Kuwait.

Qatars official news agency was hacked last week and fake remarks critical of US foreign policy were posted on its website, wrongly attributed to Qatars leader.

Now, a series of emails belonging to the ambassador of the United Arab Emirates to the US have been leaked.

They reveal close coordination between the diplomat and a pro-Israeli think-tank in Washington DC.

The emails also show how ambassador Yousef al-Otaiba and the Foundation for Defense of Democracies (FDD) lobbied in the US against Qatar and Kuwait.

How will this impact US policy in the Gulf?

Presenter: Hashem Ahelbarra

Guests:

Saad Djebbar  international lawyer

Ian Black  visiting senior fellow at the Middle East Centre at London School of Economics and a former Middle East editor for The Guardian newspaper

Mohammed Cherkaoui  professor of Conflict Resolution at George Mason University
He was unlike our current president in many respects: He was extraordinarily indecisive, timid and distracted. He seemed not to know his own country at all, isolated as he was from the public.

But his position was very like that of President Trump in that he had a mob calling for his beheading. That the mob succeeded in their efforts changed European history, effectively bleeding the continents aristocracy to death until royalty was dealt the final coup de grace during WWI and its aftermath.

He, of course, was King Louis XVI, who was guillotined in January of 1793 by Jacobins egged on by the brilliantly evil Maximilien Robespierre.

A cartoon of the dead kings head, bearing an uncanny resemblance to the infamous Kathy Griffin photo of a beheaded Trump and entitled "Matter for Reflection for Crowned Jugglers" soon appeared after the king was dead. Under the depiction of the severed head of king Louis was the line from La Marseillaise, "May an impure blood water our furrows."

Leaders of many of the subsequent variants of the French Revolution, such as the Bolsheviks and Maoists, wind up beheading people, economically, politically, socially and often literally, especially those undesirable classes considered ideologically impure.

Therefore, it is not much of a surprise to see a known figure such as Kathy Griffin, who is very much aligned with the radically ideological Democrats, indicate she wants Trump dead.

It took decades for the Left in America to reveal itself to be as radical as the French Jacobins howling for the execution of the feckless Louis. His father, Louis XV, had seen disaster coming, at one time uttering the famous words, "Apres moi, le deluge" ("After me, comes the flood"). American conservatives have been warning about the leftist inclination to tyranny for decades, some seeing the apogee of the leftist tide during the Obama administration; but knowing a nearly beheaded Left is still capable of dangerous talk and behavior.

As the Elizabethan poet John Donne pointed out, a severed head can still give the appearance of life even as the oxygen drains from the brain. He wrote:

Or as sometimes in a beheaded man, Though at those two Red Seas, which freely ran, One from the trunk, another from the head, His soul be saild to her eternal bed, His eyes will twinkle, and his tongue will roll, As though he beckond and calld back his soul: He grasps his hands, and he pulls up his feet, And seems to reach, and to step forth to meet His soul.

Even so, though the Left has been nearly decapitated, it still natters on as if it has life; as if it has something significant to say. It still does its zombie imitation, hoping to instill dread and fear into the opposition by impersonating real life and vitality.

Ms. Griffins excess is an indicator not only of the deathly fatuity and grossness leftist radicals have been resorted to, but she is also representative of the high tide of an essentially nihilist deluge that has threatened America for decades.

Not even Trumps children are spared. TMZ reported Barron Trump was watching TV when he saw Griffin holding what he thought was his dad's head and started screaming for his mom in a panic. Former Jeopardy whiz Ken Jennings thought Barrons panic amusing.

One is reminded of Marie Antoinette, King Louiss wife. Her children were also treated with callous cruelty, the young dauphin dying of what was almost certainly tuberculosis from being in a dank, dark prison cell for two years. Some historians relate that she could hear her children being beaten by guards. Accused of treason and of sexually abusing her own son, the queen was executed after enduring years of ridicule and baseless accusations, some of which were similar to the accusations leveled at Melania Trump; namely, that she was at one time a prostitute.

In sum, the contemporaneous Left utilizes the same methods as its French progenitors and progeny: ridicule, slander, lies and threats.

The twentieth century is replete with examples.

Josef Stalin decided to hire an assassin to drive an ice pick through the brain of his ideological rival, Leon Trotsky. Mao Tse Tung, hearing of his rival Lin Biaos attempt at a military coup, conveniently arranged for Lins plane to crash as the man tried to flee China. Mao also targeted academia for politically incorrect thinking during the so-called Cultural Revolution. His infamous Red Guards fought against all authorities in every level of society, resulting in chaos and revolt against all law and order.

While here in America presidents are not yet guillotined, the effect desired is the same: effectively killing or completely sidelining an undesirable and ideologically incorrect target one way or another. While utilizing some of Maos tactics, especially in our colleges and universities, here in America, the preferred tactic of the Left is relentless character assassination and the endless manufacture of conspiracy theories designed to render the ideologically impure helpless and to gunk up the legislative and executive processes via what amount to kangaroo courts and the equivalent of Jacobin congressional representatives.

Why? Why the intense hatred and the unbridled desire to decapitate the current administration?

For the Left, Trump seen as illegitimate and the great pretender to the throne, not a duly elected president. He is seen as not belonging to the royal lineage of the Clinton and Obama dynasties. He is considered an imposter, a pretender to the throne, which was to have been forever occupied by the politically correct. He does not spring from nor adhere to the political class of the privileged. His ideas and behavior are not those of the deeply religious progressives, so he is seen as the equivalent of the antipope.

Trump is seen by progressives as an imposter with wholly fabricated claims. He is thought of as having assumed an identity that does not belong to him; namely the identity of the President of the United States. Therefore, being a pretender, he deserves the fate dealt the phony royal Emilian Pougatchiff, who was executed in 1775 during the reign of Catherine II of Russia. Another salutary example is the execution of the Stuart Catholic King Charles I in 1649, whose Catholicism rendered him as illegitimate in the eyes of those seeking the power of the English throne. His son Charles II was a pretender until his restoration to the throne of England eleven years later.

For the fact is that the deeply religio-ideological leftists of America want restoration of their royal lineage as surely as Catholics wanted Bloody Mary and King Charles I on the throne because of their devotion to the Catholic faith; and as surely as Protestants wanted Elizabeth I on the throne because of her faith. Deeply religious wars permit no peaceful yielding of the throne lest the entire edifice come crashing down.

Politics will always be full of both pretense and pretenders; the good and the badoften a mixture of both. Its the human condition. The perfectionism of the politically correct has never allowed error or even nuance. Death to the imperfect. Off with your head.

However, the truth is that President Trump was duly elected and put into office by the Americans who voted for him. He did not seize the office. He was not put there by a coup. He is the legitimate president.

For those who believe the wrong person is in office and that a great pretender is living in the White House, it is high time to remember we do not live under an aristocracy but under the rule of the Constitution of the United States. We do not believe in aristocratic succession to the presidency.

It is high time everyone who desires the exit of any president remembers the great remedy our constitutional republic has firmly in place; a remedy that has been effectively utilized for hundreds of years: Voting to elect the person the American public wishes to be in high office.

Andstop suggesting the guillotining of Donald Trump, the president of the United States of America.

Fay Voshell holds a M.Div. from Princeton Theological Seminary, which awarded her a prize for excellence in systematic theology. She has contributed to many online publications, including American Thinker, RealClearReligion, CNS, Barbwire, National Review and Fox News. She may be reached at fvoshell@yahoo.com
This week, President Trump showed once again that, unlike his predecessor, he reads the fine print, and is not swayed by the unscientific blather of the internationalists who use fine talk to cover power-grabbing, anti-Americanism, and corruption.

He wisely pulled out of the Paris Accord -- something always billed as a perfectly voluntary agreement of nations. Had it been more transparently called a "treaty" the Accord would never have passed even minimal scrutiny and constitutionally mandated Senate approval. So it combines bad science, bad economics, and bad politics.

Here are some of the provisions, not reported by the mainstream press, which underscore that it was no more than a redistribution scheme designed to hamper U.S. competitiveness papered over by gaseous, meaningless platitudes about saving mankind.

It was designed to limit American competitiveness and, at best, could have done virtually nothing to affect the climate while impoverishing us and displacing U.S. workers.

[L] isten to the words of former United Nations climate official Ottmar Edenhofer: "One has to free oneself from the illusion that international climate policy is environmental policy. This has almost nothing to do with the environmental policy anymore, with problems such as deforestation or the ozone hole," said Edenhofer, who co-chaired the U.N.'s Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change working group on Mitigation of Climate Change from 2008 to 2015. So what is the goal of environmental policy? "We redistribute de facto the world's wealth by climate policy," said Edenhofer. For those who want to believe that maybe Edenhofer just misspoke and doesn't really mean that, consider that a little more than five years ago he also said that "the next world climate summit in Cancun is actually an economy summit during which the distribution of the world's resources will be negotiated." Mad as they are, Edenhofer's comments are nevertheless consistent with other alarmists who have spilled the movement's dirty secret. Last year, Christiana Figueres, executive secretary of U.N.'s Framework Convention on Climate Change, made a similar statement. "This is the first time in the history of mankind that we are setting ourselves the task of intentionally, within a defined period of time, to change the economic development model that has been reigning for at least 150 years, since the Industrial Revolution," she said in anticipation of last year's Paris climate summit.

If you had any doubt about the redistribution aim, consider this: To date the U.S. has contributed $1 billion to the Accord's "Green Fund" and all the other signatories have contributed exactly nothing to it.

Neither President Donald Trump nor his secretary of state is confused about the country he represents nor stupid enough to believe that he represents Paris rather than Pittsburgh. Unlike those two, they read the fine print.

If I had a single complaint about Trumps well-presented statement on withdrawing from the Accord, it would be that he neglected to note that the United States has been able to achieve greater environmental protection and energy efficiency precisely because the benefits of our economic system provide needed capital for such advances in environmental protection. Surplus capital put into research and new technologies does more for the planet than surplus cash in the pockets of Euro autocrats and their friends.

By way of example, energy producers and users in the U.S. have also been able to reduce emissions because natural gas is more economical, not because Juncker and his pals ordered it.

In curbing global-warming emissions, economics will pick up where President Donald Trump left off. Trump might have just pulled the U.S. out of the Paris climate accord, an international pact to fight global warming. But market forces will continue to squeeze carbon dioxide out of the U.S. power mix as generators replace costly and aging coal-fired units with cheaper, cleaner-burning natural gas ones, according to William Nelson, an analyst at Bloomberg New Energy Finance. And for every megawatt-hour of electricity produced from gas rather than coal, the U.S. is keeping about 0.6 metric ton of emissions out of the air, he said.

Once again, like Toto in The Wizard of Oz, Trump has drawn away the curtain that hid from the public the knowledge that the Wizard was simply a goofy old fat guy with his hands on the levers.

If Obama really thought the Accord was something Americans wanted, why didnt he follow the Constitution and get Senate approval? His party held the reins then. Maybe because he thought he was too clever?

The Constitution requires the Senate to ratify treaties by a two-thirds supermajority in part to ensure that the United States speaks with a single, consistent voice on the international stage. It was President Obama who offered the world an unwise commitment for which he got nothing in return. It was Obama who refused to submit that commitment for Senate approval because he knew he did not have it.

Did he rely on the blinkered Department of State to help him avoid the clear terms of the Constitution? If the agreement was purely voluntary and did not bind us as treaty would have, why the need to publicly withdraw from It? Well, Andy McCarthy explains the trick Obama tried to pull off:

...in 1970, President Richard M. Nixon signed a monstrosity known as the Vienna Convention on the Law of Treaties. Think of it as the treaty on treaties -- even though you probably thought we already had an American law of treaties. Under Article 18 of the treaty on treaties, once a nation signs a treaty -- or merely does something that could be interpreted as express[ing] its consent to be bound by the treaty -- that nation is obliged to refrain from acts which would defeat the object and purpose of the treaty. In other words, the Constitution notwithstanding, once a presidential administration signs or otherwise signals assent to the terms of an international agreement, the United States must consider itself bound  even though the Senate has not approved it, even though it has not been ratified. If a subsequent president wants to get the United States out from under this counter-constitutional strait-jacket, it is not enough merely to refrain from submitting the treaty to the Senate. The later president must take an affirmative action that withdraws the prior presidents assent. That is why Trump cannot not just ignore the Paris agreement; he needs to openly and notoriously pull out of it.[snip] How does that square with the Constitution? Wrong question. The right one, apparently, is: Who needs the Constitution when you have the State Department? That bastion of transnational progressives advises that, despite the lack of ratification under our Constitution, many of the treaty on treaties provisions are binding as -- what else? -- customary international law. President Trump is taking a significant step in removing the United States from the Paris agreement. But the step should not be significant, or politically fraught, at all. President Obamas eleventh-hour consent to the agreements terms should have been nothing more consequential than symbolic pom-pom waving at his fellow climate alarmists. It should have had no legal ramifications.

The stock market reached new highs after Trumps announcement. Scot Adams tweeted:

Trump pulls out of Paris Accord, stocks rise. Why isn't the end of civilization priced into the market?

As Miss Marple observes:

The most amazing thing about this election is how the curtains have been drawn back and we see people for what they really are. I have never seen anything like it. Most of the political class thrives on deception and role-playing. For some reason, President Trump causes them to blurt out revealing comments and take actions, which reveal who they really are. It's almost like they can't help it. National Review and The Weekly Standard could have simply talked about policy and critiqued some of Trump's platform without anyone thinking a thing about it. Instead, they went all in with mocking and demonizing him and continue to do so today. Why did they do that? What keeps Ben Sasse and Paul Ryan posing as virtuous nebbishes who look down on their own voters? Why does John McCain tour the world like some second rate Bond villain, making snarky comments about the President and hanging out with dubious foreign characters? The democrats are in an even worse position, because they have been revealed not only as elitists but as completely insane. I don't care whether we are talking about Hillary, or Tom Perez, or Debbie Wasserman-Schultz; they come off as completely unhinged. It's the most amazing thing in politics I have ever seen.

No one has proven more unhinged by events than Hillary Clinton. So far, despite taking responsibility for her loss, Hillary has placed the blame on 35 other people, events, and organizations, including her own DNC.

Theres no one else left for her to blame. May I suggest another: aliens from the planet Zorg abducted her would-be voters in Michigan, Wisconsin, and Pennsylvania on election day, then prodded and probed them into voting for Trump.

Like the EU leaders, she is too corrupt, incompetent, and unliked to be elected in her native land. And like them, she is cosseted by her retainers from knowing the truth.

Kyle Smith shows us how far removed from reality Hillary has become and why:

The funniest episode in the protective yet revealing new Hillary Clinton profile arrives when we learn that this sad, unemployed, 69-year-old lady is so desperate to keep her self-image alive that she still employs flunkies and retainers to treat her as though she actually were the president, or the secretary of state, or a president in waiting, or at very least the leader of the opposition. Her longtime loyalists are so happy to bustle around her in the service of maintaining the illusion that, after she takes an hour away from it all to exercise, her communications director, Nick Merrill, breathlessly updates her on everything thats happened in the political world in the last threescore ticks of the minute hand. Her profiler, Rebecca Traister of New York magazine, obviously a great admirer but one who declines to throw herself overboard from reality for the sake of giving Hillary more company bobbing about in the sea of fancy, writes that Clinton listens to the barrage of updates, nodding like a person whose job requires her to be up-to-date on whats happening, even though it does not. Ouch. Hillary Rodham Clinton isnt merely in a state of denial. She has become Bruce Willis in The Sixth Sense. Politically speaking, she is dead, but she doesnt know it. Her staffers are so many Haley Joel Osments -- too kind (and too attached to their salaries) to tell her that her career is over. She doesnt need briefings. She doesnt need to do interviews. She doesnt need to write the book she is writing (after so many indigestible volumes, why bother with one more?). She doesnt need to stake out a politically nuanced position on James Comeys firing or scramble to get out in front of the Resistance parade. She lost two exceedingly winnable presidential campaigns in Hindenburgian fashion. There is no demand for her to run again and there is nothing left for her except to receive whatever ceremonial honors and sinecures may come her way. She has been handed her political retirement papers by the American people. Shes done.

Also dead or almost dead, given the multitude of investigations pending, is her claim that the Russians did it. If you care to know the way in which this was confected and how stupid and counterfactual this is, the very best explanation is here. The meticulously documented timeline makes clear that the corruption and manipulation of the 2016 election (and the months afterward) were the result of Leftist chicanery and not the fault of the Trump team.

What remains of the Russian fairytale is the apparent widespread illegal use of the intelligence agencies and unmasking of Obamas political opposition -- this week, even Senator Lindsey Graham indicated that he, too, had been illegally surveilled and unmasked. In the wake of the Democrats big lie, engendered by Hillary Clintons Norma Desmond-like refusal to acknowledge reality, the Democrats, Obama officials, and their media friends have done more to undermine Americas regard and trust of our intelligence agencies than the Russians could have ever hoped to accomplish.
Starting this Monday, Apple Computer's World Wide Developers Conference (WWDC 2017) is slated to start in San Jose, Calif. The conference is held annually to discuss Apple's new technologies, and software creators are encouraged to interface with Apple Engineers in labs and workshops. Ticket prices this year were $1,599 and since demand exceeds supply, a lottery had to be held to disburse the tickets.

The conference is as much show as technology, and we probably can expect CEO Tim Cook to condemn Trump's pullout from the Paris Climate Agreement. But what has everybody on edge are the rumors that some of the Mac line of products will be updated.

That's important because Apple has let its once-famous  and once-highly regarded  Mac line of computers to lay stagnant. Neither the 27 nor the 21.5 iMac were upgraded in 2016. Worse yet, when the smaller 21.5 iMac was last upgraded in 2015, it did not come with the then -new Skylake processors, but was saddled with the older Broadwell CPUs and offered no graphics card option. Then to add insult to injury, it came with an insultingly slow 5400 RPM hard drive as standard. The state of the art smaller iMac could not be upgraded after purchase, and one had to buy the added RAM and faster storage at Apple's inflated mark up. Still, even if max'd out at 16GB RAM, with the older Broadwell i7 CPU (processor), and with no graphics card option, how could it be considered state of the art?

Then there was Apple's revered Mac Mini, which had not only been the province of those who could not afford the iMac; but more than that, it had been the province of tinkerers. One could easily add RAM and Storage to the Mac Mini. The 2012 Mac Mini was a gem. It had the option of a quad-core processor, and was easily serviceable.

The Internet was full of videos on how to turn the 2012 Mac Mini into a computing beast, with some minor upgrades. This became a cottage industry for geeks; and the Mac Mini fostered a subculture of techie Apple fanboys  rather amazing as Apple prides itself on catering to the technically clueless who just want a turnkey operation. Yet, the Mac Mini was lauded by tinkerers and techies all over the world.

Then came 2014, and Apple no longer offered the quad-core option with the Mac Mini; while also soldering in the RAM, forcing one to pay a premium for the RAM on the original purchase. Added to that, Apple made it very difficult to change the SSD drives, by introducing a second cover plate on the bottom. The 2014 Mac Mini was not as powerful as the earlier 2012 Mac Mini. What was Apple thinking?

Overnight, the older quad-core 2012 Mac Minis became more desirable and more expensive than the newer 2014 models. Even now, the five year-old 2012 Mac Mini commands high prices, and purchasers often prefer the 2012 model over the anemic 2014 model.

But that was 2014. In three years Apple has not updated the Mac Mini.

The tinkers have moved from bypassing Apple's obstinacy to creating a flourishing underground community of Hackintoshes. Hackintoshes are PCs modified by downloadable coding to run Apple's OS operating system, which is no mean trick, as Apple OS was only designed for Apple components. A flurry of coders now run websites where one can learn to install Apple OS Sierra on their PC. Of course, the practice is in a legal gray area, as the Apple EULA (End User License Agreement) obliges users to only run the software on Apple products.

But the Hackintosh results are astounding. Quinn Nelson, at Snazzy Labs, built a homemade Hackintosh for $682 (in 2016) that outperformed not only the 2014 Mac Mini, but also ran the 2012 quad-core Mac Mini into the ground. And Snazzy Labs did not even use a high-end i7 CPU to do it; but only the rather modest i5.

$682 Skylake Mac Mini Hackintosh Build - Snazzy Labs

$682 Hackintosh Mac Mini vs. $1,300 Apple Mac Mini - Snazzy Labs

Of course, some of Snazzy Labs's success could be chalked up to the fact that Snazzy Labs was using a Desktop CPU on their Hackinstosh, not a lower-powered mobile CPU standard on the Mac Mini.

But what does one do with Intel's Skull Canyon NUC which blasts the Mac Mini out of the water with a mobile 6770HQ CPU.

Quinn Nelson then humiliated Apple by building a remarkable Hackintosh for $70 with used parts.

Is a $70 Hackintosh Any Good? - Snazzy Labs

Indeed, people are already making Hackintoshes of Intel NUCs. There are websites such as TonyMacx86.com and Hackintosh.com where one can learn about these techniques.

The techies have leaped onto Apple's lethargy, and are showing everyone how to build a better machine for less money, and still run Apple OS. And the quasi-legitimate practice has now achieved an air of respectability,

After years of waiting for a decent upgrade to Apple's desktop computers, I've given up. I decided to build a PC; then make it work like a Mac. - Death to Apple's Mac Mini: I made a Hackintosh  CNET

While this has been going on for years, Apple still has not updated the Mac Pro, its highest-end machine, since 2013. It has let the Macbook Air die, though there are rumors that it may upgrade the Macbook Air at this WWDC  however that is iffy, and some rumors claim the upgrade will only be a processor; and will not include a better screen.

[I]t wouldnt be a huge surprise to see everything but the processor [on the MacBook Air to] stay the same. - The Verge

What is the point if the screen is not updated?!

Apple has also started soldering RAM in its laptop products, which has infuriated many, forcing them to buy extra RAM upfront at inflated prices. Apple's defense is that low-power RAM has to be soldered on; and without low-power RAM, Apple's legendary laptop battery life would be shorter. There is a germ of truth to that; but what excuse did Apple have for soldering RAM on the smaller iMac or the Mac Mini which run on household electricity? Something is fishy! Only the large iMac remains upgradable in RAM.

Apple has released a low-powered 12 MacBook line of laptops at horrific prices, which are underpowered with tablet processors, and are now being overshadowed by the likes of the formerly cheaper HP, which has now moved in with high end laptops, which the critics are praising.

True, Apple did improve the MacBook Pro with a touch bar almost no one wanted  why not a touch screen  but with price increases that were abusive, and which made the product more expensive than the comparably equipped larger iMac desktop.

Apple seems to have decided that its future is not so much in the hardware, but in the software: iTunes, and apps, etc. Apple regularly updates these, while ignoring much of its signature lines. Apple also focuses more on iPhones and iPads than computers; but even as this MacRumors Buyer's Guide shows, as of now, almost all of Apple products are sorely in need of an update.

As Apple seemingly retreats from the top tier, Microsoft and HP have moved in with high-end products, particularly Microsoft's Surface Pro 4 laptop and Microsoft Surface Studio (which begins at $2,999, only only offers an i5 and 8GB RAM to start, which is criminal) and HP's Envy line of laptops. Unfortunately, Microsoft is copying, and out-gouging, Apple's practice of obscene charges for extra options. HP, thankfully, has not gone that route, and its charges for options seem more reasonable.

Many are blaming Apple's lethargy on Tim Cook, as if he were the problem. Like Vladimir and Estragon waiting for Godot, the disgruntled are waiting for Steve Jobs to return and save Apple's vision. Well, Steve Jobs is not Christ, nor is he even Godot; and he is not returning.

The market has changed. Jobs started the market for micro-portability with the iPod, the iPhone, and the iPad. Apple rode that crest while Jobs was alive. After Jobs died in 2011, the computer (the Mac) end of business started to decline. Apple's revenue from iMacs have slightly declined. Its revenue from iPads have greatly declined. Services and the iPhone make up the bulk of Apple's income. This decline that we see is the result of Jobs's vision, not a contradiction. It was the inevitable result of market forces that Jobs put into play.

Tim Cook has promised updates to the Mac line, but Apple's credibility in that area is now weak. Many people are expecting a lot from the conference. Whatever occurs, I am sure many will be disappointed.

I would love to see a new Mac Mini. Or maybe a refresh of the Macbook Air, with a better screen. I would love to see reasonable prices on all of this. Apple is not selling state of the art any more, just above-average quality.



I am not holding my breath. Apple's inertia is not so much due to bad management as a shift in the industry. Meanwhile, the Hackintosh-ers have taken over. Among techies, building a Hackintosh has moved from a curiosity to a requirement. This will not change. The techies are not only upstaging Apple; but also Intel, as they show what can be done with the new and cheaper Ryzen CPUs.

Steve Jobs will not be at the WWDC this week, not in spirit, not in any way. Apple is changing because the market is changing. The real contest this year will be between AMD and Intel.

Mike Konrad is the pen name of an American who wishes he had availed himself more fully of the opportunity to learn Spanish in high school, lo those many decades ago. He writes on the Arabs of South America at http://latinarabia.com. He also started a small website about small computers at http://minireplacements.com
A powerful, thoughtful article by Holman Jenkins recently appeared in the Wall Street Journal suggesting that the Democrats "may be unpleasantly surprised" by Robert Mueller's investigation of Russia's election meddling. The investigation may backfire, and the illegal leakers who are passing along various tidbits of confidential interactions or messages to the press may be exposed. Further, the ability of the Russians to manipulate James Comey may be another outcome not desired by the Democrats or their anti-Trump accomplices in the press. The independent counsel may uncover the vulnerabilities of the vicious fifth column of Democrats and the MSM who are trying to bring down Trump and even the USA in the process. Jenkins suggests that the inedible garbage the Dems and the media promote may actually lead surprisingly to some delicious truths.

The hope of positive conclusions being reached that will vindicate the Trump administration and embarrass the lefty Democrats and their media accomplices seems ill founded to this writer. The fifth column dedicated to the overthrow of Donald Trump and of American political institutions will never accept a narrative that depicts its original narrative as false.

It cannot be stressed enough or understood deeply enough that we have in the months of these attacks based on innuendo the emergence of a core of hatred of Trump and of the American system that elected him.

If conclusions vindicating Pres. Trump emerge from the independent counsel's investigation, those conclusions will not be embraced either by the Democrats or the MSM. To believe that they would be publicly accepted implies that the Democrats are looking for impartial research to uncover the truth about the innuendo they have been promoting. But the Democrats are not looking for truth. Rather, since the very beginning of the narrative, the drumbeat has been one of accusation. And what is the fruit of this drumbeat of accusation to be? It is to undermine confidence in this administration and in the republic that elected Trump to office. It is an accusatory narrative by the fifth column denouncing Trump as subversive, as engaged in an incredibly complex and malicious cover-up, and as venal to the Nth degree since it is in support of longstanding financial interests in Russia by President Trump and his associates. The narrative is that in pursuit of wealth, Trump has coordinated an attempt to subvert the legal and foreign policy interests of the United States, and that he was trying to get elected on the back of covert Russian support against the Democrats, against Hillary Clinton, and against the world community of nations that depend on a more impartial U.S. government.

Thus, there is a hateful desire for revenge against Trump and against the USA for electing him. All those stinking deplorables mobilized to an unacceptable degree to defeat Hillary. And since those deplorables, just because they are deplorable, are poor judges of character and of the proper goals for the USA, the accusations against Trump are being leveled with mind-boggling persistence, without any supporting facts.

The vox populi acting through our unique constitutional format has repudiated the MSM and the Dems. They cannot believe it. They cannot accept it. They are reacting with the distemper of cornered rats or rabid dogs. Thus, since the Democrats and the MSM are operating out of a subversive and intemperate mindset, any assumption that they will quietly accept any conclusions that do not jibe with that mindset and "go quietly into that good night" is not likely.

However, this writer would like to take us one step farther. The election of Donald Trump may seem to be the last straw in a string of defeats for the cultural Marxists. Over the past eight years, more than three fifths of the states are now governed by the Republicans. The Republicans won the House of Representatives in 2010 and the Senate in 2014. Now they control the Executive Branch as well. Decades of left-wing stealth and politically correct manipulation of the society and of political processes are dying before their eyes.

Cultural Marxism seems so often to have become a permanent and ineluctable force in the American social and political landscape. Tens of millions have asked themselves if these "changes" can really be turned back. Trump's election seems to turn a corner in giving an affirmative answer to that question. In fact, it is a definitive repudiation of decades of drift towards the left.

Thus, Trump's ascendency to the presidency is not the final step to the restoration of America to its God-given identity as a constitutional republic supporting liberty, personal autonomy, responsibility, the sanctity of property, and the Bill of Rights. It is an announcement of events to come. That is the real reason for the spewing forth of so many unfounded, bitter accusations.

In ancient Babylonia, the handwriting on the wall that appeared in the palace of Belshazzar, king of the Chaldeans, announced the end of the Babylonians' rule and the victory of the Persians over them. In parallel fashion, the Trump presidency announces to the entrenched left that their days are numbered, and that an even greater renewal of America, a profound, encompassing repudiation of the left-wing ideology and mindset, is on the horizon.
A refreshing op-ed in the Washington Post by UN Ambassador Nikki Haley as she took the opportunityu to savage the so-called UN Human Rights Council.

Titled, "The UN Human Rights Council Whitewashes Brutality," Haley breaks with the previous administration by calling the HRC what it is; a haven for brutal dictatorships.

Last month, a U.S. Senate subcommittee met to consider whether the United States should remain a part of the council. Expert witnesses shared their viewpoints, not on the question of whether America supports human rights  of course we do, and very strongly. The question was whether the Human Rights Council actually supports human rights or is merely a showcase for dictatorships that use their membership to whitewash brutality. When the council focuses on human rights instead of politics, it advances important causes. In North Korea, its attention has led to action on human rights abuses. In Syria, it has established a commission on the atrocities of Bashar al-Assads regime. All too often, however, the victims of the worlds most egregious human rights violations are ignored by the very organization that is supposed to protect them. Venezuela is a member of the council despite the systematic destruction of civil society by the government of Nicolas Maduro through arbitrary detention, torture and blatant violations of freedom of the press and expression. Mothers are forced to dig through trash cans to feed their children. This is a crisis that has been 18 years in the making. And yet, not once has the Human Rights Council seen fit to condemn Venezuela. Cubas government strictly controls the media and severely restricts the Cuban peoples access to the Internet. Thousands are arbitrarily detained each year, with some political prisoners serving long sentences. Yet Cuba has never been condemned by the council; it, too, is a member. In 2014, Russia invaded Ukraine and took over Crimea. This illegal occupation resulted in thousands of civilian deaths and injuries, as well as arbitrary detentions. No special meeting of the Human Rights Council was called, and the abuses continue to mount. The council has been given a great responsibility. It has been charged with using the moral power of universal human rights to be the worlds advocate for the most vulnerable among us. The United Nations must reclaim the legitimacy of this organization.

It's not so much that the Obama administration and its UN Ambassador, Samantha Power gave the HRC a free pass. They, too, pointed out the nauseating hypocrisy of many members.

But they never questioned the need for the Council. Haley is saying that without significant reforms, the US may pull out of the Council entirely. This would be a blow to the lackeys for dictatorships on the Council because the US is the major funder for the organization.

It's ludicrous that the HRC regularly condemns Israel and the US for violations when both nations have advanced the cause of human rights around the world more than anyone else. It's enraging that Cuba or Vietnam would take the US to task for tragic killings of black men by police, when both nations have a history of massive human rights violations themselves.

Of course, the "occuption" is constantly cited as evidence of Israel's lack of commitment to human rights, despite never a word from the HRC about the Palestinian's bloodthirsty vow to destroy the Jewish state or their numerous terrorist attacks on Israeli civilians.

Reforms should include limiting membership to those states who have demonstrated a committment to human rights in their own nations. True, that would prevent about 80% of the world from participating in the HRC. But at least the Council would become less of a bad joke and have more moral authority to advance human rights across the globe.
There has been a "potential act of terrorism" in London, in which potential terrorists potentially ran over potential infidels with a potential van, and apparently also stabbed potential victims and slashed some people's potential throats.

In response to this potential act, the London police "shepherded" (the word repeated through the British news reports) hundreds of people through the streets with their hands over their heads. No, those being forced to surrender were not the potential terrorists, but the potential victims.

For their own safety, you understand, the innocent citizens of one of history's greatest nations, fountainhead of Western liberty, having been disarmed by their government, and while being continuously surveilled in all their daily activities by government cameras on every street corner, are now being murdered at will, and in quantity, by bloodthirsty peace-loving potential Muslims who have been allowed to occupy their country and live off their welfare state without limits  and the nanny state's response is to demand that all those who haven't yet been run over or slashed walk slowly where police can keep a close eye on them.

The most telling part is one report, on Sky News, explaining the video footage of people walking with their hands over their heads. Asked by the reporter whether the police had demanded this, they say no, they simply thought that would be the "safest" posture. And so hundreds of innocent people, knowing that killers were in the area, and not knowing whence the next attack might occur, were voluntarily assuming a posture of surrender. That, in a nutshell, is the product of a generation of progressive propaganda, nanny-statism, and political correctness. That's the mindset of a people who have been trained to believe that their souls  not their physical survival, but their dignity  have no ultimate value. Welcome to the brave new world.

The next step will come tomorrow, if not sooner: the state will begin issuing harsh warnings against any sort of "Islamophobic" backlash, such as feeling a little nervous when a group of Muslim men enters the restaurant where you are eating dinner or taking a "racist" second glance at a Muslim man behind the wheel of a van.

London is reputed to be the most surveilled city on Earth. And of course, British progressives are just appalled by America's backwardness in continuing to allow private citizens to own firearms. The result of all that state-imposed safety-first paternalism is just what you see: Britons terrorized by religious fanatics with their own less "progressive" notions of paternalism and left with no means, whether moral or physical, of self-defense precisely when their government has ceased to care about defending them.

Oh, and all those liberty-crushing surveillance cameras? They provide wonderful TV footage of mass murder for the six o'clock news, don't they?

Daren Jonescu writes about politics, philosophy, education, and the decline of civilization at www.darenjonescu.com.
Will CNN treat this outrageous verbal assault as seriously as it treated Kathy Griffins outrageous visual assault on a sitting President of the United States? Matthew Wright of the UK Daily Mail reports on a new low for mainstream media commentators.

After US President Donald Trump took to Twitter to use the London terrorist attack to reinforce his call for a United States Muslim travel ban, a CNN host decided to speak out against him.

Reza Aslan, host of CNN's Believer TV, called the president a 'piece of s**t' after Trump used the London tragedy where three Jihadi terrorists killed seven people and injuring 30 more during a horrific knife rampage in central London last night as a means to try to reinforce America.

The tweet from President Trump that sparked the 45-year-old journalist to respond said: 'We need to be smart, vigilant and tough. We need the courts to give us back our rights. We need the Travel Ban as an extra level of safety!'

Here is a bowdlerized verison of Aslans tweet in response:

Born in Iran to parents who fled the Iranian revolution, Aslan was raised in San Francisco and enjoyed a long career as a graduate student, picking up a BA from the Jesuit Santa Clara University, a Master of Theological Studies at Harvard Divinity School, a Master of Fine Arts from the prestigious University of Iowa Writers Workshop, and a PhD in Sociology from the University of California, Santa Barbara, accpording to Wikipedia.

A former professor, he has now turned to being a public intellectual, and a darling of the left.

Aslan has a history of vulgarity, and is a radical leftist more than a Muslim. Paul Austin Murphy explored Reza Aslans Marxist Account of Islam on these pages 3 years ago, revealing him to be providing an ideological linkage between the two factions of the revolutionary left. He is much more than a handsome talking head.

My guess is that CNN will not fire him, claiming it was on Twitter and denying any responsibility for what its on-air hosts say or write elsewhere. Of course, on these grounds, it should not have fired Griffin.

The real reason why Griffin was fired and Aslan will not be is the visceral impact of striking visual images. In my first reaction to Griffin stunt, I wrote that Griffin created an image that can't be unseen, by which I meant that it lingers in the memory more prominently than memory of a nasty word can. The brain processes words and images differently. It would help if there were a video of Aslan saying the nasty word, but mere printed words, as abstractions, must be processed differently than visual data.

There is a lot more talent able to replace Griffin than Aslan. He is much more valuable to the left than a modestly talented comedian.
When Muslims kill people "in the name of Allah," how do liberals react? We know they don't equate the terrorist act with the Islamic religion. So what do they say? Because it is important to know how liberals think, I have donned a hazmat suit and dived deeply into the comments section of the HuffPo and the WaPo to enlighten you.

Pat Dayton Neff  Knightdale, North Carolina Another sad chapter in our current world history. What will it take for all of us to realize all life is important

All of us? We can see the creeping moral equivalence here. Are there also Christians and Buddhists going around running people down in cars and stabbing them?

Stephen Haydel  Senior Software Engineer at Self Employed - Independent Contractor Hate breads Violence.

Is it hate that really "breads" violence? Or is it more specifically Islamic terrorism? It is curious how Mr. Haydel generalizes the causes of violence while relying on pastries to explain the issue.

Zanna T Laws  City of London Polytechnic I suspect it is not even terrorism anymore - simply unevolved males leaping at the chance to be randomly violent.

It's not Islam, it's men's fault! Do you think Zanna is an "evolved" female? If so, does that mean she pays for her own abortions?

Sharon Perkins Joblessness leads to dispair anger and fatalism....the economic imbalances - pervasive world wide - are boiling over into the lives of the everyday person. Until the elite 1-percent) and their heirs are also targetted global economics will be managed without regard to our everyday lives.

The unemployed are doing the killing! Except they are not unemployed. But Sharon Perkins prefers to blame the "one percent" when Muslims come a knockin.'

Yuseff Hilton Simple put, anywhere there is a heavy flow of pedestrian traffic needs to havw barrier erected between the road and the sidewalk, it will mitigate this sort of attack, and reduce Jay-walking.

I think Yuseff is onto something. All we need are concrete barriers on every road in London, and such attacks will never occur again. Except outside of London. And excluding knife and bomb attacks. I guess it's a lot easier to put barriers on every road than to consider the source of these attacks, isn't it?

Pilar Navarro And how many people die from gun violence in America every day? Oops! Thats not terrorism, its gun rights for a few privileged

Ooops! I think Pilar went a little off topic. Guns didn't kill anyone. Muslims did. How Pilar makes the jump from Muslims killing people with knives, to the right to own a firearm is unknown.

Brian Dodge  Michigan State University I wonder if the xenophobic Brexit vote has increased the antipathy felt by terrorists leaning nuts - more people feel they have nothing to lose?

When the British voted to leave the EU, they only made Muslims madder!

Dennis Umphrey Criminals will always commit crimes, the ISIS criminals just use Islam as a excuse to carry out those crimes, true Muslims would not take another life, but then again they have become to terror rock stars because of the Islamophobia to scare the Republican voters into voting for Republican candidates to keep them safe

1) Islamists kill British people. Therefore,

2) Liberals blame Islamophobia.

Rick Shaw  Sydney, Australia It's time England banned Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and any other social media used by terrorists to radicalise young muslims.

Rick is right; the problem is Facebook and Twitter, not Islam.

sdc512 No nation is more responsible for the export of the type of fundamentalism that underlies Islamist extremism than Saudi Arabia. If all of us who decry radical Islamist terrorism would lessen our dependency on oil, we could accomplish more to end that fundamentalist regime, and thereby terrorism, than anything else we could do.

I knew somehow, somewhere, someone would find a way to blame us for terrorism. It's because we buy oil from Arab countries! That justifies terrorism, in this person's "mind."

AdrianMole Trump wastes no time trying to exploit this in order to push his disgusting travel ban. A real president would have confined himself, for now, to expressing concern for the victims.

Trump is to blame! I knew it!

Actually, President Trump should be lauded and chided. Lauded, because he used this occasion to point out the need for his travel ban. And chided, because he is admitting lots and lots and lots of Islamists as refugees.

Low-information Trump supporters believe that the court order suspending his travel ban has forced Trump to let more Muslims into the U.S. Nothing could be further from the truth. The president has full discretion to decide who comes in as refugees, and Trump has been using that discretion to let in lots of Muslims from places like Syria, Somalia, and Sudan. The people who deny Trump's responsibility for refugee admissions have the same grip on reality as the liberals on HuffPo.

Ed Straker is the senior writer at NewsMachete.com.
The mandatory media blindness toward Islam as a motive for terror attacks would be comic, if the propaganda were not so effective in a world full of low information voters. There is only one major religion in the world today whose adherents, by the hundreds of millions, believe that violence against believers of other religions or no religion, can legitimately be attacked. And there is only one religion that is actively killing nonbelievers on a large scale, globally.

Everyone paying attention knows this. It requires considerable mental gymnastics to know the background and yet be baffled by the motives.

Even though the attackers yelled, This is for Allah, as they stabbed restaurant and pub patrons, CNN makes itself look asinine with this coverage of the terror attack: London terror attacks: What we know and don't know.

Whether by choice or at the direction of her superiors, Hilary Whiteman of CNN managed to avoid the words Islam, Muslim, and Allah in her roughly 700-word article on the attacks.

I suppose it will help her keep her job. But has she really informed CNNs patrons of what went down? Are they better prepared for life's perils thanks to CNN's "journalism"?
Chicago's Midway Airport, once the busiest airport in the world, got its name in 1949 when the city fathers decided to rename the Chicago Municipal Airport to memorialize one of the most important military engagements in American military history, the Battle of Midway.

Now the city is considering renaming the facility again - this time, after its favorite son, Barack Obama.

Chicago Tribune:

"We have to, in some way, whether its President Obama or in the other case, Dr. Brazier, acknowledge people who have done significant things. We have an airport, two of them, named after, you know, Midway Airport, OHare Airport, Emanuel said. These are people who have been transformative in the city of Chicago. But we have airports named after battleships. Actually, OHare is named after World War II Navy pilot Edward Butch OHare, and Midway was given its name by city officials in 1949 in remembrance of the 1942 Battle of Midway, a crucial battle in the Pacific during World War II. Emanuel did not take questions from reporters following the forum. Update: Later, Emanuel spokeswoman Kelley Quinn said the mayor has no plans to rename either airport. The mayor gave his answer in acknowledging he erred in seeking to name a North Side high school after the president, when Obama got his start in politics on the South Side. Look, I made a mistake, and I was quick to change it. Im not perfect. When I make a mistake, I hear it and change it, Emanuel said. And I dont have a problem saying that. But I wont make an apology for the fact I think President Obama is a great president. I wanted to honor him. I wanted to be the city to have the first high school named after him. In my rush to do it, I clearly offended people, so I backed off of it. I will never back off of my love and affection for a great president. But I made a mistake.

It's pretty shocking that a Chicago politician would ignore the fierce rivalry between the North and South side when trying to name a high school after the president. Hizzoner ended up ticking off black Chicagoans for no good reason.

But renaming Midway after Obama? The Battle of Midway is considered the most crucial naval engagement of the war in the Pacific. The performance of heroic American aviators, the coolness of our commanders, the technological wizardry that made the battle possible in the first place, and a couple of lucky breaks combined to deliver a massive blow to the enemy from which they never fully recovered.

If one were to imagine a scale upon which was placed Obama's accomplishments on one side, and the accomplishments of the US Navy at the Battle of Midway on the other, how do you think the scales would tip?

A few words about the battle might give you a better idea.

By the beginning of 1942, US codebreakers had broken a large part of one of the Japanese naval ciphers, giving the navy a heads up about Japanese intentions. Using some clever deductions, naval intelligence was able to pinpoint the enemy's next target; Midway Island.

But this was less than 6 months after Pearl Harbor and the Pacific Fleet was still crippled. In an age when it was believed that battleships still ruled the waves, we had only 3 aircraft carriers and a smattering of support vessels to counter the Japanese move.

But the commander of the Pacific Fleet, Admiral Chester Nimitz, sent the carriers to Midway anyway, believing his foreknowledge of Japanese intentions gave him an advantage.

He was right. Japanese commander Admiral Yamamoto had no idea the carriers were within 2000 miles of his invasion fleet when he unleashed a savage attack on our base on Midway. The damage was extensive, but the base was still operational. Yamamoto prepared a second wave to finish off Midway's defenders.

As Yamamoto's planes were in the middle of rearming, word came from a scout plane of the American carriers. But at this point, Yamamoto's fate was sealed. American PBY's had discovered his position and more than 100 planes from the Enterprise, Hornet, and Lexington were zeroing in on the enemy fleet, which included 4 of the aircraft carriers that took part in the Pearl Harbor attack.

The American attack was hastily planned as Admiral Jack Fletcher took the huge gamble of launching his planes at maximum range in order to catch the enemy flat footed. But in so doing, there was little coordination between the bombers and torpedo planes and their fighter escorts. Most squadrons came in piecemeal and were cut to pieces.

But parts of three bomber squadrons managed to penetrate the Japanese defenses and, with Yamamoto's planes in the process of changing their armament from bombs to torpedoes leaving ordanance all over the flight deck, the American planes struck, blowing 3 Japanse carriers completely out of the water and crippling a fourth (it was later scuttled). It was a titanic blow from which Yamamoto and the Japanese navy never recovered.

Now, let's weigh those maginificent accomplishments against the deeds of President Obama.

I thought so.
We've been getting used to the Democrats looking for excuses to explain the 2016 loss. It's getting rather silly, but what do you expect from people who were convinced they were headed to a big victory party on Election Night? Some had bought new dresses and probably tickets to the inauguration.

We understand from Shattered, the book about the Clinton campaign, that they were popping champagne that evening.

Mrs. Clinton said a lot of things the other day about her 2016 loss, from Russia to Comey to even blaming her party:

Clinton said Wednesday in an interview with Recode's Kara Swisher that once she became the Democratic nominee, she inherited "nothing." The Democratic National Committee's data, she said, "was mediocre to poor, nonexistent, wrong. I had to inject money into it." Her comments drew swift rebuttals from some Democratic operatives who built, or worked with, that data.

It left me a bit confused, because I used to hear that the Democrats had the best database in the world. Don't you remember all of those articles about how the Obama Team were just a bunch of tech geniuses in reaching voters through social media? What about all of those stories about the GOP having to do its social media operations to catch up with the Democrats?

Here is one:

After the voters returned Obama to office for a second term, his campaign became celebrated for its use of technology  much of it developed by an unusual team of coders and engineers  that redefined how individuals could use the Web, social media, and smartphones to participate in the political process. A mobile app allowed a canvasser to download and return walk sheets without ever entering a campaign office; a Web platform called Dashboard gamified volunteer activity by ranking the most active supporters; and "targeted sharing" protocols mined an Obama backer's Facebook network in search of friends the campaign wanted to register, mobilize, or persuade. But underneath all that were scores describing particular voters: a new political currency that predicted the behavior of individual humans. The campaign didn't just know who you were; it knew exactly how it could turn you into the type of person it wanted you to be.

So what happened to all of these people? Where did all of these experts go? Did they go to Senator Sanders or refuse to work for Mrs. Clinton? I don't know, but Democrats can't be happy that they are now blamed along with everybody else but the candidate.

It won't be long before Democrats are singing Donny Osmond's "Go away little girl..."

P.S. You can listen to my show (Canto Talk) (YouTube) and follow me on Twitter.
Fifty years ago, the State of Israel won a decisive military victory over the Arab world in the fastest major campaign in the history of warfare. The Six-Day War transformed the relationship between Israel and the world, permanently altered the balance of power in the region, and made the world a safer place.

The forces arrayed against Israel appeared overwhelming. Egypt alone outnumbered Israel by many times, and both Syria and Jordan had armies that appeared on paper to be robust. Beyond that, Arab nations stretching across West Asia and North Africa were added on the scales against Israel, and most of these nations contributed some forces to the conflict.

Israel had fought two wars, in 1948 and in 1956, against its enemies in the region, and Israel had won victories far from conclusive but which preserved, at least, the survival of the Jewish State. Almost from the beginning of the Six-Day War, it was clear that the Israelis were going to fight for an unmistakable and crippling defeat of those who had sworn to destroy their homeland.

Air strikes destroyed the Egyptian Air Force, which was large and had the newest Soviet fighters, in a surprise attack that set the tenor of the whole war. Sharp armored thrusts into Sinai pushed the Egyptian Army all the way back to the Suez Canal.

Jordan lost the West Bank of the Jordan River, despite possessing with the Arab Legion perhaps the finest of the Arab armies in the world. Syria lost the Golan Heights in savage fighting that cost the Israelis dearly but that the Israelis won in a few days.

Before the Six-Day War, Egypt could not only close Suez to Israel, but threaten to close the Straits of Tiran, preventing Israel from using Elath in the Gulf of Aqaba, its only port into the Indian Ocean. Jordan from the lands it held in the West Bank could literally shoot artillery clear across the waist of Israel at some places. The Golan Heights near the Sea of Galilee gave Syria the high ground in any conflict for harassing attacks against Israel.

In six days, all that changed forever. The Straits of Tiran were opened forever for Israeli maritime traffic, and Suez was closed until Egypt and Israel could reach a peace. The lands of the West Bank were lost to Jordan, probably forever, and Jerusalem was placed in Israeli hands. The Golan Heights were now an Israeli bulwark against any future wars by Syria instead of the other way around.

There would be one more way, the 1973 Yom Kippur War, in which the balance of military power changed permanently in the region. Because of the Six-Day War, Israel had something to bargain with in its dealings with Egypt, and the 1977 Camp David Accords were a direct consequence of this acquisition of bargaining power by Israel through military operations.

The Six-Day War also meant that the Arab world, except for the largely face-saving 1973 Yom Kippur War by Egypt, would never again even attempt to defeat Israel militarily. That knowledge gave Israel some flexibility it had never had before, and because young Israelis serving as part-time soldiers in the Israeli Defense Force have no wish to fight any wars except wars for the survival of Israel, the result has been peace among the nations of the region.

Although it was not obvious at the time, the Six-Day War also was one of the earliest victories of the free world in the Cold War. The warplanes the Israeli Air Force flew  Phantoms and Mirages  were clearly superior to the Soviet MiG fighters, and the effectiveness of the Israeli Defense Force, citizen-soldiers in a free democracy, was clearly superior to the regular forces of Soviet proxies.

The sheer speed and ease of Israel's victory stunned the Kremlin, which had assumed that the pilots it had trained fighting in the aircraft it had built could compete with Western military technology and training. Not so. Much like the almost effortless victory of American-led forces in Desert Storm 25 years later, the Six-Day War suggested to the Politburo that all its vast investment had been a waste.

Free democracies hate war, but when they engage, they fight  or ought to fight  to win. That is what Israel rightly did fifty years ago, and because of that, its sons and daughters may never have to fight another war again.
Did you know that June is Gay Pride month? It means we are supposed to celebrate all forms of gay sex--men on men, women on women, all of the above on none of the above, and so on. But President Trump refuses to get with the program, failing to issue a proclamation declaring June as America's month of gay sex.

President Donald Trump has yet to issue a proclamation for Pride Month, breaking a recent tradition that Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender advocacy groups call deeply disappointing but not entirely surprising. June is historically recognized as LGBT Pride Month. Former President Barack Obama issued a federal proclamation every year dating back to 2011, according to White House archives.

This is clearly a violation of President Trump's promise to "Make America Gay Again," so it is understandable why some people are disappointed. How can gay people enjoy sex without the explicit stamp of approval of the federal government? Not to worry, because the Department of Defense still has its eye on the ball (or balls?)

So far this year, the Pentagon office has released materials for Black History Month, Womens History Month and Sexual Assault Awareness and Prevention Month. Despite the lack of an official announcement, military installations around the world are hosting events in honor of Pride Month, according to a list compiled by the American Military Partner Association. The Pentagon will hold its pride celebration on June 12. The Navy put out a service-specific message on Wednesday announcing the start of Pride Month and the Air Force has issued its own poster, according to Matt Thorn, the executive director of OutServe-SLDN, an advocacy group for LGBT troops and veterans.

If I didn't know better, I'd say that gay groups don't merely want tolerance, but actual approval and promotion of their form of sex.

But even if President Trump won't celebrate gay sex month, we can do it here. That's why below you'll find photos from gay pride celebrations all over America. These are photos from the HuffPo that supporters of gay rights feel put LGBT people in a positive light:

Miss Trans New England

Exit questions:

1) What are non-gay people supposed to do during a month dedicated to celebrating gay sex?

2) Do you think President Trump has turned his back on the gay community?

Ed Straker is the senior writer at NewsMachete.com.
Jared Kushner is the latest member of the Trump team to experience a full-blown demonization campaign, but there are already signs that others are in line for the same sort of treatment. Part of the strategy in destroying the Trump insurgency is to let his allies know that they are in for trouble if they persist. The left wants to impugn and, if possible, destroy anyone seen as an enabler of the Trump insurgency.

The Washington Post invested a lot of resources in publishing a nearly 4000 word-long investigation, that generates a conspiracy theory around one of my heroes, David Horowitz, like me, a former leftist who saw and grasped the underlying corruption inherent in leftist ideologies that deny human nature and promise utopia. It thus serves two purposes: adding a new target for other leftists to investigate and attack  putting him on the agenda, as it were  and offering up a fresh conspiracy theory  necessary in the continuing absence of any evidence at all of Russian collaboration with the Trump campaign, a non-crime in itself.

The title of the piece contains a tell on its bias: How a shadow universe of charities joined with political warriors to fuel Trumps rise

There is nothing shadowy about David Horowitz. In fact, in the course of the article he is  dismissedas a bombastic self-promoter by Bill Kristol.

The lengthy piece begins with a breathless account of an event that it portrays as momentous.

The crowd rose to its feet and roared its approval as Sen. Jeff Sessions bounded onto the stage at the Breakers, an exclusive resort in Palm Beach, Fla. Stephen Miller, an aide to the Alabama Republican, handed him a glass trophy honoring his bravery as a lawmaker. Heyyyy! Sessions yelled out to the crowd. The ceremony that day, in November 2014, turned out to be a harbinger: It brought together an array of hard-right activists and a little-known charity whose ideas would soon move from the fringes of the conservative movement into the heart of the nations government. The man behind the event was David Horowitz, a former 60s radical who became an intellectual godfather to the far right through his writings and his work at a charity, the David Horowitz Freedom Center. Since its formation in 1988, the Freedom Center has helped cultivate a generation of political warriors seeking to upend the Washington establishment. These warriors include some of the most powerful and influential figures in the Trump administration: Attorney General Sessions, senior policy adviser Miller and White House chief strategist Stephen K. Bannon.

In the tale that unfolds, David Horowitz is portrayed as the man who brought together Bannon, Sessions, and --- hold your breath  the Mercers, the hedge fund billionaires that Hillary spun a vague, semi-incoherent conspiracy allegation around in her infamous blame-everyone-else speech at Recode:

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 its 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 were in. Trump says, Fine, who cares, right? So Bannon, whod been running the Breitbart operation, supplying a lot of the  untrue, false stories 

The Wapo conspiracy features the Mercers and provides a little more information on who they are. (I suspect most readers already know.) The specific key incident concerns Pat Caddell, the Democrat pollster, who is credited with the blinding insight that inspired the members of the conspiracy to get together and get Donald Trump elected. See, in case it wasnt the Russians, it had to be somebody else:

[Bannon] received an unexpected gift. It came from Patrick Caddell, a veteran Democratic pollster who had once worked for President Jimmy Carter. He was speaking about his recent study of Americans sentiments toward Washington, the economy and the nations future. He said Americans were feeling glum: Two-thirds blamed self-serving elites in both parties for their troubles. They craved an outsider to shake things up. His findings thrilled the crowd, Caddell told The Post in a lengthy interview. He earlier gave a similar account to the New Yorker. Caddell said Bannon arranged for a private briefing the next day, to include Robert and Rebekah Mercer, a hedge fund billionaire and his daughter. For two years, Bannon had worked with the Mercers, who invested millions in Breitbart News. The family also helped Bannon launch a Florida-based charity called the Government Accountability Institute, which describes itself as a nonpartisan investigative organization. Bannon and the Mercers huddled with Caddell in a second-floor lounge at the Breakers. The Mercers were entranced by what they were hearing, Caddell told The Post, and Bannon was ecstatic. Being a basic rabble-rouser, it fit his views, Caddell said. Robert Mercer asked Caddell to confirm the polls findings, offering to pay the costs. Caddell told The Post the follow-up poll did just that. The charities and their media allies began to coalesce around the discontent that Caddell documented.

Full disclosure to readers: time for a confession. I was there. Before the subpoenas arrive, I want to make it clear that I was not at the briefings with the Mercers, though I did speak one-on-one with Pat Caddell, Jeff Sessions, and David Horowitz. I was a panelist on one of the programs at the meeting, as was AT co-founder Richard Baehr. I hope we wont need to hire lawyers. There were hundreds of people there.

It is clear that the WaPo hopes to put the David Horowitz Centers tax exemption up for dispute. But that would require a double standard, since there are far more tax exempt non-profits on the left, that avoid explicit partisan activity, while engaging in political activity. Which means that the IRS will feel plenty of heat and may put Horowitzs charity through hell.
Transfer balls: Manchester United agree terms with Griezmann but dont want him

Transfer balls: Antione Griezmann is not joining Manchester United. United have shelved plans to sing Grizemann (Sun); United interest in Griezmann fades (Express and Mirror); and Ant shoved aside as Jose turns to Lukaku (Daily Star) tells us all we need to know.

Regular tabloid readers will wonder what happened to the deal Griezmann had agreed to:

And then there are the newspapers that co-opt the newsbots into deceiving their readers. Google search engines dont spot the question marks that punctuate utter balls. They read it as fact.

So why is Griezmann no longer on his way to United? Have they elbowed him aside? No. The Mirror notes that Atletico Madrid have been hit with a transfer ban for signing underage players. This means they Spanish side will refuse to sell their star player. So Griezmann stays in Spain.

The Times says hes tying in Spain because United decided instead to pursue a target man in light of Zlatan Ibrahimovics long-term knee injury.

Such are the facts.

Anorak

Posted: 2nd, June 2017 | In: Arsenal, Broadsheets, Sports, Tabloids Comment | TrackBack | Permalink


NATS is working with customers around the world, and says it prides itself on extending its services to the Middle East region. Each year the company handles 2.5 million flights and 250 million passengers in UK airspace alone In addition to providing services to 14 UK airports, and managing all upper airspace in the UK,

ADAFZ has granted licenses to companies from over 38 countries and, through its Government Services Office, has issued more than 2250 employment visas to date.

Located strategically in the Middle East, North Africa and South Asia (MENASA) region.

Adel Al Taheri, acting senior vice president of Abu Dhabi Airports Free Zone and Business City, said: ADAFZ is able to offer its business partners a range of benefits including a 100% duty and tax exemption, foreign ownership, and repatriation of capital and profits, amongst others. Our vision for ADAFZ is for it to be the preferred business destination for international and local organizations in the aviation, airport services, IT, Consultancy Management, logistics and cargo, and freight sectors. Our free zone also offers a hub for all aviation-friendly and light industrial activities seeking to gain advantage from close proximity to the airport for import and export requirements.

Ben Kiff, Director of NATS Middle Eastsaid: "We are delighted to be joining ADAFZ, and look forward to developing our business in Abu Dhabi, as part of our ongoing commitment to the UAE and the region. By positioning us nearer our customers, our operations in ADAFZ will allow us to better serve those we are already working with, as well as those we hope to work with in the future, as Abu Dhabi expands and develops its aerospace ecosystem."


The preparedness of all banks for implementation of GST on July 1, 2017, is a question mark," the IBA has conveyed.

New Delhi: With less than a month left for the rollout of the GST, the Indian Banks' Association (IBA) has informed a Parliamentary panel that lenders are not yet geared up for implementation of the new indirect tax regime.

"Since the GST will be operational from July 1, 2017, banks have to make lot of changes in their systems and other procedures. The preparedness of all banks for implementation of GST on July 1, 2017, is a question mark," the IBA has conveyed to the Parliamentary Standing Committee on Finance.

The IBA further said that several services by banks to customers are centralised while several others are localised. Banks will have to make changes in the existing infrastructure which would be a huge challenge for the banks.

The IBA had taken up the case for central registration, the association added. Touted as the biggest taxation reform since independence, the GST will subsume central excise, service tax, VAT and other local levies to create a uniform market.

The new indirect sales tax is expected to boost the GDP growth by about 2 percentage points and check tax evasion. The powerful GST Council, comprising representative of

Centre and states, has recommended a four-tier tax structure -- 5, 12, 18 and 28 per cent for goods and services.

On top of the highest slab, a cess will be imposed on luxury and demerit goods to compensate the states for revenue loss in the first five years of GST implementation. All the states have agreed for the roll out of the new indirect tax regime from July 1.
The 62-year-old also stressed that regional cinema cannot be put on the same level as Bollywood films.

Mumbai: Veteran actor Kamal Haasan has hit out at the Central Government for announcing 28% tax slab under the GST (Goods and Services Tax) for cinema.

The actor, along with other representatives of the Tamil film industry, held a press conference recently, where he said, "When it comes to the pride of India, it was always regional cinema that stood up for awards in international arenas. Regional cinema contributes to the might of the country. You can't reduce that through taxation."

"I was promised an easy life when the Republic (of India) was formed. Why should I work for the Government? I work for my own sustainability and it is not getting easier. I will have to quit the industry if I am on the highest tax slab," he added.

The 62-year-old also stressed that regional cinema cannot be put on the same level as Bollywood films.
Environment minister Harsh Vardhan said intention behind the notification was not to harm any particular group or influence food habits.

The row over eating beef and cattle trade has sparked a nationwide controversy and protests have been held in several states, including Tamil Nadu, Kerala and Karnataka. (Photo: Representational/AFP)

New Delhi: The government said on Sunday it is open to the suggestions made by various groups on the cattle slaughter notification and was not viewing it as a prestige issue, amid a raging row over the order.

Environment minister Harsh Vardhan said the intention behind the notification was not to harm any particular group, influence food habits or affect slaughter business.

Suggestions that have been submitted will be reviewed. It is not a prestige issue for the government, he told reporters on the sidelines of a function in New Delhi on the eve of World Environment Day.

The minister was asked if these representations were being reviewed and if the government was open to considering alternative views on the issue.

The row over eating beef and cattle trade has sparked a nationwide controversy and protests have been held in several states, including Tamil Nadu, Kerala and Karnataka.

West Bengal chief minister Mamata Banerjee has described the ban as undemocratic and unconstitutional and said her government will not accept it.

On May 30, the Madras high court had stayed for four weeks the enforcement of the contentious notification banning the sale and purchase of cattle at animal markets for slaughter.

The order had come on a petition challenging the bar as inimical to personal liberty, peoples rights to livelihood and an encroachment into matters that are within the domain of the states.

Harsh Vardhan said, Rules under Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act, are not to influence food habits, or affect slaughtering business.

After announcement of the ban under the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act, the environment ministry has received several representations on it asking the government to consider alternative views, he said.

The decision is expected to hit export and trade in meat and leather.

The rules define cattle as a bovine animal including bulls, bullocks, cows, buffaloes, steers, heifers and calves and camels.

Finance minister Arun Jaitley had earlier said that the ban has nothing to do with state laws on cow slaughter and concerns only with the place of sale.

Protests have been held in several parts of Tamil Nadu, including Madurai, Coimbatore, Erode and Hosur. Several activists of a little known Tamil group were detained in Madurai where they had organised a beef-eating contest.

A group of students at IIT-Madras had also held beef- fest at the campus on May 28.

The DMK has slammed the E K Palaniswami government for keeping mum on the matter when neighbouring Kerala and Karnataka had vehemently opposed the notification.
Three incidents of our soldiers being beheaded took place in the Modi regime and the number of ceasefire violations was 1,343.

Lucknow: The Congress on Saturday accused the Modi government of double speak on issues related to national security.

Talking to reporters on Saturday, AICC general secretary Ghulam Nabi Azad said the Bharatiya Janata Party has used national security as its main election plank in 2014 to strike an emotional chord among the voters.

Mr Narendra Modi painted a picture in which the UPA government was portrayed as being useless in dealing with security concerns. We were accused of extending protocol to visiting dignitaries from Pakistan even after they beheaded out soldiers, he pointed out.

The Congress leader said there had been 172 terror attacks in the past three years in which 578 jawans and 877 civilians had been killed in Kashmir and Punjab.

Three incidents of our soldiers being beheaded took place in the Modi regime and the number of ceasefire violations was 1,343.
While five stretches were completed last year, eight roads will be completed by the year-end, 12 by 2018, eight roads by 2019 and six by 2020.

New Delhi: In a very late effort to match up to Chinas roads across the Line of Actual Control (LAC), road building is continuing at a frenzied pace on the Indian side of Arunachal Pradesh to complete strategic Indo-China border roads by 2020.

The objective is three-pronged. Firstly, to ramp up infrastructure to enable Indian troops to move quickly in crisis situations. Secondly, to connect remote areas with the towns and cities and, thirdly, to aid the socio-economic development in these areas where the border population has thinned considerably.

The target is well cut out: To complete 1,788 km of 27 strategic roads in the hilly state with a road quality that would enable easy transport of the Bofors artillery gun as well as of Ashok Leyland Stallion and Smerch/Pinaka vehicles.

While five stretches were completed last year, eight roads will be completed by the year-end, 12 by 2018, eight roads by 2019 and six by 2020.

The task is all the more critical in the backdrop of the ongoing effort to raise a Mountain Strike Corps where the high-altitude force will be equipped, among other military hardware, with the brand new American M-777 howitzers, the deadly Brahmos missile and Apache attack choppers.

The Arunachal Pradesh government has already constituted an empowered committee to resolve issues related to land acquisition, forest and wildlife clearance, allotment of quarries etc.
The Army Chief said he was ready to recruit women as jawans and the matter is being taken up with the government.

Army Chief Gen Bipin Rawat said the process to allow women in combat role, currently an exclusive domain of men, is moving fast (Photo: Representational/PTI)

New Delhi: In a transformational move, the Indian Army is all set to open up combat positions for women, a gender barrier broken by only a few countries globally.

Army Chief Gen Bipin Rawat said the process to allow women in combat role, currently an exclusive domain of men, is moving fast and initially women will be recruited for positions in military police.

"I am looking at women coming as jawans. I am going to start it soon. Firstly, we will start with women as military police jawans," he said, giving details of the move to allow women in the male-dominated positions in the Army.

Currently women are allowed in a number of select areas including in medical, legal, educational, signals and engineering wings of the Army but combat roles are kept off limit for them due to operational concerns and logistical issues.

The Army Chief said he was ready to recruit women as jawans and the matter is being taken up with the government.

"We have already started the process," Gen Rawat said in an exclusive interaction recently.

He said women will have to show grit and strength in taking up challenges in combat role and shattering the glass ceiling.

Very few countries including Germany, Australia, Canada, the US, Britain, Denmark, Finland, France , Norway, Sweden and Israel have allowed women in combat roles.

The roles of military police include policing the cantonments and army establishments, prevent breach of rules and regulations by soldiers, maintaining movement of soldiers as well as logistics during peace and war, handling prisoners of war and extending aid to civil police whenever required.

Creating history, the Indian Air Force, last year, had inducted three women as fighter pilots, less than a year after the government decided to open the fighter stream for women on an experimental basis.

A decision on having women as fighter pilots will be taken after evaluating performance of the three women -- Avani Chaturvedi, Bhawana Kanth and Mohana Singh who are now part of IAF's fighter squadron.

The Indian Navy is currently deliberating on a policy on having women onboard the ships. The Navy allows women in various other segments including in legal, logistics, naval architecture and engineering departments.
Minister releases report card on Modi govts internal security achievements.

New Delhi: Union home minister Rajnath Singh on Saturday said terror outfit ISIS has not been able to set foot in India despite the country having a sizeable Muslim population.

India is the second largest country as far as Muslim population in the world is concerned. I can say with full responsibility that despite such a large population (of Muslims), the ISIS has not been able to set foot, said the home minister.

Barring two terror attacks in Punjab in 2015-16, the security situation in the country had by and large remained under control, the minister said at a press conference here on three years of the Modi government.

The minister also released a report card of the achievements of the Modi government in the field of internal security. More than 90 sympathisers of ISIS had been arrested due to better coordination between state and central security agencies. Five terrorists of the Indian Mujahideen (IM) were given capital punishment as part of the governments focused efforts to check terrorism, he said.

The home ministry has a major responsibility to provide security to the country. I can say that we have, together, provided security to the country. There is an improvement in the security situation in the country. We have been successful in countering the challenges posed by the ISIS, the home minister said.

The ISIS and the Ansar-ul-Ummah, frontal organisation of the Pakistan-based Harkat-ul-Mujahideen group, have been included in the list of banned terrorist organisations. While comparing the previous UPA regime with the NDA tenure, Mr Singh said a total of 239 militants were neutralised from 2011 to 2013. This number has gone up to 369 during 2014-17.

He said there has been 45 per cent reduction in infiltration attempts from Pakistan since the surgical strike by the Army in September 2016, compared to the corresponding six months in the previous year. We will end Pakistan-sponsored terrorism in Jammu and Kashmir and ensure peace, he said.

Mentioning anti-Naxal measures being taken by the government, Mr Singh said there had been 25 per cent reduction in Naxal attacks in 2014-17 as compared to 2011-14. He said a major development is done in Naxal-affected states, including Chhattisgarh.
The Barge Ibis, a 2964 GRT vessel was engaged in operations to prevent sea erosion,south of Old Port Mangalore.

A lifeboat was used to rescue the stranded men instead of the earlier plan to use a helicopter to airlift them. (Photo: Representional/PTI)

Mangaluru: The Coast Guard on Sunday rescued all 27 members aboard the barge that was sinking in the Arabian sea off Ullal coast in Dakshina Kannada district.

Official sources said the Coast Guard had rescued four persons last night and the remaining 23 persons this morning. It was earlier reported that 33 persons were in the

barge.

A lifeboat was used to rescue the stranded men instead of the earlier plan to use a helicopter to airlift them.

The rescue operation, which had been halted due to rough seas last night, resumed at 7 am today, the sources said.

They said four people had been rescued from the sinking barge last night with the aid of Gemini, an inflatable rubber boat along with a diving officer and boarding team of Indian

Coast Guard vessel ICGS Amartya.

However, the rescue operations had to be aborted in the night due to bad weather and light conditions.

The Barge Ibis, a 2964 GRT vessel with a length of 65.58 metre and breadth of 32 metres, with 27 crew, was engaged in operations to prevent sea erosion,south of Old Port Mangalore.

Coast Guard Karnataka received a telephonic message at about 4.45 pm last evening regarding flooding in the barge.

ICGS Amartya had been maintaining its position in the area with continuous communication with Barge Ibis since last evening, the sources said.
Stressing the need to oppose such unilateral moves by the Central government, Sangma said that it was a complete infringement on the rights of states.

Guwahati: Mukul Sangma, the chief minister of Congress-ruled Meghalaya, has started mobilising non-BJP chief ministers against the ban imposed on cattle trade for slaughter, and said that it was also an infringement on rights of the state.

In his bid to mount pressure on the Centre to withdraw the new notification, Mr Sangma, in a letter to his Tripura counterpart Manik Sarkar, said that the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (Regulation of Livestock Markets) Rules, 2017, is an infringement of a states rights to regulate items on List-II of the State List, which include cattle market.

The Centre should have trodden carefully after due consultations with state governments before proposing changes in the regulation of livestock markets, Mr Sangma said.

Stressing the need to oppose such unilateral moves by the Central government, Mr Sangma said that it was a complete infringement on the rights of states.

Referring the theory of cooperative federalism, the Congress chief minister said, The state governments must assert collectively to dissuade the Union government from such actions which directly dilute the federal structure of our great nation. This notification will set a very wrong precedence in negating the spirit of the federal structure. Mr Sangma, in his letter, said that the new rules violated the basic rights of a person to freedom of food choice.
AAP was formed after some prominent India Against Corruption volunteers including Kejriwal changed their track and took a political plunge.

New Delhi: Suspended AAP MLA Kapil Mishra on Saturday announced the launch of 'India Against Corruption-2' to take on Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal.

At an event at the Constitution Club here, Mishra said he will meet Kejriwal at his janta darbar on Monday and demand a probe into alleged irregularities in the Delhi government.

The event was attended by a sizable number of volunteers, most of whom had participated in the original India Against Corruption movement, with which the likes of Anna Hazare and Kejriwal were associated.

Aam Aadmi Party was formed after some prominent India Against Corruption volunteers including Kejriwal changed their track and took a political plunge.

Mishra has been firing salvos at his former mentor with serious allegations of corruption. The party as well as the government have denied all charges levelled by him.

"We will meet Kejriwal at his janta darbar and demand his resignation as well as a probe," Mishra said, adding there should "resignation before investigation."

A resolution was also passed to have a 'Right to Recall' hearing against Kejriwal in his New Delhi constituency and Health Minister Satyendar Jain.

Demanding transparency in AAP's funding, Mishra said the party must put out list of its donors on its website.

Late AAP leader Santosh Koli's mother Kalavati, who also attended the event, demanded a CBI probe to investigate her daughter's death.

Koli, then an AAP candidate from Seemapuri, had met an accident in June 2013 and died. The party calls her a "martyr" who took on the ration mafia in the national capital.
According to NIA sources, searches are underway at four locations in Kashmir and one in Jammu.

Srinagar: In continuation of Saturday's searches by the National Investigation Agency (NIA) at multiple locations here and in Haryana with regard to terror funding by Pakistan, the probe agency on Sunday took up fresh searches at five more locations.

According to NIA sources, searches are underway at four locations in Kashmir and one in Jammu.

During the course of searches, Pakistani currency (a few thousand) and currencies belonging to the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and Saudi Arabia have been found and seized apart from other incriminating material.

The NIA on Saturday initiated raids at 23 places in Kashmir, Delhi and Haryana in connection with funding received from Pakistan for terror and violence in the Valley.

The agency conducted search at the residences and offices of the separatist leaders.

NIA sources said that the agency had earlier registered a Preliminary Enquiry into the case which was later converted into a Regular Case (RC).

"The NIA raids are underway against Hawala operators, and at separatist leaders' house, office and commercial locations," sources said.

Around eight hawala dealers and traders in the national capital were also raided, they added.

Following the raid, the Hurriyat criticised Narendra Modi led National Democratic Alliance (NDA) government over the National Investigation Agency (NIA) crackdown against its leaders.
Lashing out at the BJP, Congress vice-president Rahul Gandhi asserted the secular parties would not allow PM and RSS to impose one culture.

Chennai: The gathering of top leaders of Congress, Left and regional parties to celebrate the 94th birthday of DMK president M. Karunanidhi came out with the strong message on the formation of an anti-BJP front at the national level with every speaker, including DMK working president M.K. Stalin, hitting out at the saffron party and seeking unity of secular democratic forces.

Lashing out at the BJP, Congress vice-president Rahul Gandhi asserted the secular parties would not allow Prime Minister and RSS to impose one culture. They believe India has one idea and one culture, but we completely disagree. We will never allow silencing of more than a billion voices. We are not going to stand and watch. They believe they need not speak or listen to anyone. They do not believe in discussion, but only in crushing the opposition, Mr Gandhi said.

Mr Stalin said: There is a need for another independence struggle. People are ready for it and we are also ready. We will not be the puppets of the BJP.
Two alleged terrorists, Maan Singh and Sher Singh, had been arrested by the BSF last month, when they attempted to pick up the consignment.

Both Gurdial and Balvir have terrorist backgrounds, with criminal cases registered against them in 1992 and 1988. (Photo: Representational/File)

Chandigarh: The Punjab police on Sunday claimed to have busted a terror module by arresting three men, who allegedly had been trained and tasked by Pakistan's ISI to carry out attacks in the country.

In a statement released here, the police claimed that the three accused - Gurdial Singh, Jagroop Singh and Satwinder Singh, were directly linked with the International Sikh Youth Federation (ISYF), an ISI backed outfit.

They had been instructed by Pakistan-based ISYF chief Lakhbir Rode to carry out attacks on certain individuals, said the police in the statement.

According to the police, Gurdial, the chief operative of the group, was also in touch with J&K based militant outfits.

The police also said that during investigation, Jagroop had revealed that he had been imparted training by the ISI to sabotage rail tracks.

Investigations have revealed that a part of the consignment of arms and ammunition seized on May 21 by the BSF, near the international border in Amritsar, was supplied by the ISYF, the police said.

Two alleged terrorists, Maan Singh and Sher Singh, had been arrested by the BSF last month, when they attempted to pick up the consignment.

The police said that Gurdial had been introduced to Rode, who they claimed was staying "in an ISI provided safe-house in the Lahore cantonment," by Germany based Balvir Singh.

Gurdial had met Rode several times during his visits to Pakistan, as part of religious jathas (groups), in the last six to seven years, the police said.

Gurdial allegedly arranged a visa for Jagroop, who too travelled to Lahore with a 'jatha'.

According to the police, during interrogation, the duo revealed that during his stay in Lahore (November 12-21, 2016), Jagroop had also met Rode through Balvir Singh.

Jagroop confessed that he was blindfolded and taken to the ISYF chief at an undisclosed location and imparted a four-day training course by the ISI in handling an AK-47 rifle and smaller weapons, the police said.

He was also trained in techniques of sabotaging railway tracks by loosening the securing and fastening mechanisms of the fish-plates, nuts and bolts, the police statement said.

Both Gurdial and Jagroop were tasked to carry out terror strikes in India and target various individuals, the police said, adding that Rode and his associates had promised to provide them arms and ammunition from across the border.

The interrogation also revealed that during his visits to Pakistan, Gurdial was in regular touch with Balvir, who hails from village Paddi Surat Singh, Mahilpur in Hoshiarpur, the police claimed.

The spokesperson said that Satwinder was also an active member of the group and, along with Jagroop, was directly in touch with his handlers in Pakistan and Germany.

Both Gurdial and Balvir have terrorist backgrounds, with criminal cases registered against them in 1992 and 1988.

A Thompson gun had been recovered from Gurdial in 1992, the police said.

According to the Punjab police, Gurdial hails from Road Majara, Garhshankar in Hoshiarpur district while both Jagroop and Satiwinder are residents of Chandpur Rurki, in Pojewal, Shaheed Bhagat Singh Nagar district.

A 32 bore pistol, with one magazine and 10 cartridges and a .38 bore revolver, with 7 cartridges, was recovered from the suspects, the police said.

While Gurdial and Jagroop were arrested from their homes, Satwinder was apprehended at a checkpoint close to his village in Pojewal police station in Balachaur sub-division, the police claimed.

The spokesperson said the alleged terrorists were nabbed after a meticulous intelligence-led operation of Shaheed Bhagat Singh Nagar District police.

They have been booked u/s 121,121A, 120B of the IPC, Sec 25,54 and 59 of the Arms Act and Sec 15, 16, 17 and 18 of the Unlawful Activities Act, the police said.
The London Bridge and Borough Market attacks killed 6 people. Police said that 3 suspects were shot dead as well.

New Delhi: Shocked over the deadly London terror attacks, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday condemned the deadly incident, while extending his condolences to the bereaved families.

Prime Minister Modi took to Twitter to express his anguish.

"Attacks in London are shocking & anguishing. We condemn them. My thoughts are with families of the deceased & prayers with the injured," he tweeted.

Attacks in London are shocking & anguishing. We condemn them. My thoughts are with families of the deceased & prayers with the injured.  Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) June 4, 2017

Met Police Assistant Commissioner Mark Rowley has confirmed that six people have been killed in the attack on London Bridge and Borough Market. The police have also shot dead the three male suspects behind the stabbings.

Rowley said that police got reports that a vehicle struck people on London Bridge at 10:08 pm local time.

The vehicle continued to drive towards Borough Market where three assailants got out and attempted to stab members of the public, including a police officer.

The attack lasted for eight minutes till the police arrived at the scene and the three assailants were shot dead.

Rowley said the assailants were wearing fake explosive vests.

According to some unconfirmed reports, ISIS has taken responsibility for the attack.

Also, at least 20 others have been injured in the attack which comes less than two weeks after 22 people were killed and scores were injured by a suicide bomber at an Ariana Grande concert in the northern English city of Manchester.

British Prime Minister Theresa May will convene an emergency security Cabinet meet known as Cabinet Office Briefing Room (Cobra) following the terror attacks took place at the London Bridge and the Borough Market, where several people were injured.

The top-level security briefing involves a discussion across departments which are designed to respond to national emergencies.
There have been similar airspace violations in the past too, Superintendent of Police Tripti Bhatt said.

A suspected Chinese helicopter was on Sunday seen flying over Indian territory in Barahoti area of Chamoli district close to Sino-India border. (Representational Image/ AP Photo)

Chamoli (Uttarakhand): A suspected Chinese helicopter was on Sunday seen flying over Indian territory in Barahoti area of Chamoli district close to Sino-India border, prompting authorities to launch a probe.

"One chopper was sighted hovering over Barahoti area violating Indian airspace at 9.15 AM. It remained inside the Indian airspace for nearly four minutes," Chamoli Superintendent of Police Tripti Bhatt said.

"There have been similar airspace violations in the past too. However, we cannot say whether the violation was a deliberate act of recce or an unintentional deviation," the SP said.

The SP said an investigation is underway to ascertain details of the airspace violation.
Naik who joined the Army in 1997 is survived by his wife and a minor daughter, while Manivannan by his parents.

New Delhi: Senior officers of the Army, including Army Chief Gen. Bipin Rawat, paid tributes to the two soldiers, Naik Dipak Kumar Maity and Manivannan G, whom militants had killed in an ambush on Saturday near Qazigund along the Jammu-Srinagar highway.

After paying tributes to the two jawans at the Palam airport, Gen. Rawat commented that for the Army work was worship. Bodies of the two soldiers are being taken to their native places for cremation with full military honours. While Naik Kumar Maity, 43, was from Midnapore in West Bengal, 25-year-old Manivannan was from Thiruvannamalai in Tamil Nadu. Naik who joined the Army in 1997 is survived by his wife and a minor daughter, while Manivannan by his parents.

For any soldier, work is like his religion so work is worship is for us and we must all pay our respect and homage to these brave soldiers who have attained martyrdom in the line of duty, the Army Chief said.

The Army Chief, along with his top brass, had recently visited front locations along the LoC where he was briefed about the operational readiness of the security forces. During the visit, the Army Chief had asked the troops deployed along the Indo-Pak border to remain on high alert and be completely focused on any activity from the other side. Gen. Rawat also held discussions with Jammu and Kashmir governor N.N. Vohra on different aspects related to the prevailing security situation in the Valley.
Tribals say the use of banned pesticides at banana plantations has caused contamination of water resources.

Attapady: With six deaths per 1000 births, Kerala is known to have the lowest mortality rate in India. But the hilly Attapady region in the state seems to have come across as an exception due to a mortality rate of 33 deaths per 1000 births, with seven infant deaths out of 210 births coming between January and May this year.

While the spike in infant deaths is alarming, the worst affected by it are tribals living in 192 hamlets in the region. They are blaming growing banana plantations in the area for infant deaths or congenital diseases and physical deformities found in most children born to Adivasi couples.

They allege that use of prohibited pesticides in banana and areca nut plantations is leading to contamination of soil and water in the area causing miscarriages and infant deaths. Attapadys Nodal Tribal Health Officer has also demanded a thorough investigation into use of pesticides causing birth defects and infant deaths.

While an environmental advocacy group Thanal has discovered use of monocrotophos, known to be highly toxic, in plantations, tribals say that they are at risk due to water contamination due to the absence of a water treatment facility in Attapady.

Banana farmers in the region moved up the hills as cultivable land near the banks of the Bhavani River became scarce. They used pesticides and fertilizers for more yield, and tribals told a leading news portal that these chemicals seeped into land with time and have led to poisoning of local water resources.

Locals complain of several children being taken to hospitals for nausea, headache and fever, they say the water is contaminated since most plantations are on the slope of the river from where adivasis get drinking water. Earlier a study had tied infant deaths to malnutrition.

Thanal found that pesticides used to control mites and locusts contain toxic monocrotophos and phorates which are banned in Kerala since 2011 and are chemicals found in cooking oil at a school in Bihars Chhapra where 23 children died after eating mid day meals in 2013.

Activists demanding restrictions on use of fertilisers said that if this trend continues survival for the original residents of the region, the Adivasis, will become next to impossible.
Cancer experts say it is difficult enough to find cancer DNA in the bloodstream of patients with advanced tumors.

An early stage trial of an ultra-sensitive "liquid biopsy" that scans blood samples for traces of cancer DNA showed it was able to pick up at least one cancer mutation in most of the patients with advanced cancers that were studied.

The findings, presented on Saturday at the American Society of Clinical Oncology meeting in Chicago, show the new test by Grail, a spinoff of gene sequencing company Illumina Inc, can identify bits of cancer DNA in the blood of patients already known to have cancer.

The study is the first of many the company must perform as it aims to develop a blood test to find early stage cancers in people with no symptoms of the disease. "It's an important first step. We show that what we call a high-intensity approach works," said Dr. Pedram Razavi of Memorial Sloan Kettering in New York, who led the study.

Most liquid biopsies use next-generation sequencing to scan blood samples for fragments of tumor DNA in people previously diagnosed with cancer. Such tests, from a host of companies including Guardant Health Inc, Foundation Medicine, Qiagen NV, Genomic Health Inc and Myriad Genetics Inc, offer a non-invasive alternative to standard tissue biopsies and are expected to be a multibillion-dollar market. They are used to identify which genes are driving a person's cancer or measure the effectiveness of treatment.

Cancer experts say it is difficult enough to find cancer DNA in the bloodstream of patients with advanced tumors, but it will be far more challenging to find rare cancer genes in blood from healthy people. To achieve this, Grail's test scans blood samples for mutations in 508 genes, reading each region of the genome some 60,000 times. The company says the process yields 100 times more data than other liquid biopsy approaches.

The company was formed in 2016 with $100 million in investments from Illumina and others including Amazon.com Inc founder Jeff Bezos and Microsoft Corp co-founder and philanthropist Bill Gates. In March, the company said it had raised more than $900 million in financing.

For the feasibility study, researchers from Sloan Kettering and Grail analyzed tissue and blood samples from 124 patients with metastatic breast, lung, and prostate cancers, to see if the blood test detected mutations that were identified in separate tests from tissue biopsies. In 89 percent of patients, at least one genetic change detected in the tumor was also found in the blood.

"Basically, what they're showing is that they can detect in blood the majority of the same mutations that they can detect in tissue of patients with advanced cancer," said Dr. Richard Schilsky, chief medical officer of ASCO, who was not involved in the study. Schilsky said the study is a first step in validating the test, adding diagnosing early stage cancers from a blood test "is a very high hurdle."

Even if Grail proves it can find early stage cancers, such a test could create a challenge for doctors, who would need to find the tumor so it could be removed. Razavi said scientists are already considering that problem, too.

Mark Lee, head of clinical development and medical affairs at Grail, said the company plans to use its test on hundreds of thousands of people with and without cancer to map out the characteristics that distinguish early stage cancers from normal DNA. "The key is going to be data," Lee said.
Instead of fighting over superiority of languages, its time Indians embrace their multilingual culture say city poets and writers.

Language in Mumbai has always has been a prickly predicament. While on one side, the city politicians have long forced the outsiders to learn Marathi, the superiority of the English speaking clan is also quite evident. The battle between the languages has often subdued the rudimentary task of the language  communication  at hand. Instead, it has helped in widening the gulf.

A recent example was when the city mayor, Vishwanath Mahadeshwar, insisted on speaking to a news reporter in Marathi, despite her imploring him to speak in English. The video of the exchange  thats now online  sees the reporter asking Mahadeshwar if he was the mayor of only the Maharashtrian populace in Mumbai, merely because he refused to speak to her in any language beside Marathi. The support the Mumbai mayor received was tremendous for standing his ground.

But can a language be forced down the throat of the outsiders? While many agree that learning the local language is a plus, they maintain the impetus to learn it should come from within.

It should be a natural process, says Hemant Divate, publisher and Marathi poet. When I read books by Russian, French or Spanish writers, I often wished I had known the language. It would make me wonder, how it would sound in the original language, he says. But in a salad bowl like Mumbai, should one be forced to learn a tongue?

Vishwanath Mahadeshwar

We are not forcing anyone to learn Marathi but itll only be an added advantage if they do so, refutes the mayor himself. Say, for instance, for someone who wants to put up a business in Maharashtra, it will only be easier for them to strike a conversation with the customers if they know the language, he adds.

Writer and critic Shanta Gokhale says it is always a plus to be able to understand the local language, if not be able to speak it. I am not a Bengali and I have never lived in Bengal, but still I like the language and I can understand the it. For me, the ideal situation would be two people speaking in two different languages, yet they listen to each other and understand every word, she says.

She also points at the sorry state of the Marathi language education. In schools, she points out, the language is taught so badly that no one can love it. The set texts are not suitable to learn the language, and instead makes it dull.

But the larger problem, according to her, is that Indians, especially in the metropolitan cities, think the nation is merely bilingual. Hindi and English cannot be the only two languages. India is multilingual and we must not forget that. However, its the narrow agendas of the rightist political parties that she cannot sympatise with. The problem is many of these politicians are not quite articulate in English and to cover up their inferiority complex, they end up making such claims.

Speaking about the incident, the mayor defends himself, Im not comfortable with the language and did not want to be misquoted, while I understood what she was saying, I have spent most of my life in a Konkan village and Im not comfortable conversing in the language. It is the case with Hindi too. So instead of being misconstrued and misquoted, I chose to stick to my mother tongue. Also, its always helpful to know the local language as it eases conversations.

Hemant believes it always helps to know the language in Mumbai. Especially while negotiating with cops, it will help if you can speak even broken Marathi. Fortunately or unfortunately, I am a Maharashtrian in the city, and it has given me an edge, at least while communicating with a certain section of the society, he concludes.
With popular fiction getting approval from esteemed educational institutions, we weigh in the pros and cons of the decision.

A mind needs books as a sword needs a whetstone if it is to keep its edge, writes George R.R. Martin, the author of Ice and Fire Series that inspired the show Game of Thrones. And indeed to maintain an edge, the series will be now be taught at Harvard University.

Professor Sean Gilsdorf, a medieval historian, and Racha Kirakosian, assistant professor of German and religion are all set to teach the interdisciplinary 100-level course  The Real Game of Thrones: From Modern Myths to Medieval Models at Harvard. Similarly, closer home, the Council of School Certificate Examination (CISCE) has included the Harry Potter series in the syllabus. But some content will have to be removed from the syllabus if one has to study this course.

Author Anand Neelakantan sees this as a welcome change, Literature has to move with time. It cannot always teach the old classics. There is some popular appeal to Harry Potter and Game of Thrones. And they are popular because they have somehow connected with the audience. So there is nothing wrong with this move. Plus, these are decisions of few people, and are not chosen by a wider group of people. So one cannot stop the change being made. In fact, in my view, some film-scripts should also be included in a curriculum. And novels are a recent form of literature compared to poetry and short stories. So, I guess it is just another way of evolution in literature.

Vasant Sharma, who was an associate professor at Delhi College of Arts and Commerce, agrees, We have to acknowledge that these novels are being liked by everybody. It is important to analyse what appeals to the younger generation. In fact, many serious writers have tried their hands at lighter forms of fiction. Garaham Greene did it. Christopher Marlowe had some comic scenes in his plays, which were not even written by him but were added later. Chronicles of Narnia is another example by C.S. Lewis. So, it all depends on how we see it. You cannot have watertight compartments about what can or cannot be called literature. But of course, there has to be some merit and an art of story telling to it. One needs to study what technique is being used to hold the attention of the readers. Calling such literature as dessert, he further says, We cannot be serious all the time, right? While one cannot advocate junk but such reading different things add to one's pleasure. And sometimes even the lightest of literature strikes you like none other. While I, myself, dont read a lot of it, there is a line from one of Jeffory Archers novels which read: If you allow a man to come close to you, before you know it, he is using your thigh as an armchair. Ill never forget that line. So one does learn many things from everywhere and from every source. Also, there is a difference between really bad literature and light literature.

Books from the Harry Potter series

Echoing similar sentiments, Rahul K. Gairola, assistant professor of English and Comparative Literature at the Indian Institute of Technology, Roorkee shares, Popular literature can be most productive and exhilarating when it challenges the established conventions of the classics. Whether this is through various genres, forms, and media  filmic texts or hypertexts, etc. well have to wait and watch. We have also very well seen graphic novels gaining immense traction in literary studies.

In my Indian Novel in English class at IIT Roorkee, I teach the novel and film of Yann Martels Life of Pi. This is to stretch the very boundaries of what we consider the Indian novel in English even as we survey the elisions and additions in the filmic adaptation of the novel. While Martels novel is certainly not a canonical Indian novel, the film compels us to further interrogate why some kernels of the plot have been left out, and others put in by director Ang Lee. I, thus, believe that popular texts can help us challenge and re-think conventional texts through forms, like the filmic and the digital, as well as transhistorical themes that travel across historical periods and textual evolution, Rahul explains.

Anand Neelakantan

While the literary aspect of these books is debatable, author Ravinder Singh says, I think that these books are not being taught because they are literary works of fiction but because they fall in the mass-market category. So students will understand what is selling and why. These books generate a lot of money and readership. So one may debate that classics are more important but popular literature is one of the branches of English writing.

A still from Games of Thrones

So what happens to the good old classics? The classics themselves are remnants of a body of canonical literature that itself has been institutionalised by very violent histories of domination and colonialism. Thomas Babington Macauley espoused such a view in his 1835 treatise on the institutionalisation of English in India. So, in my view, any literary or cultural text that displaces that canon has the potential for innovation, explains Rahul, adding, The problem, however, is that with Harry Potter and Game of Thrones, the subjects represented and celebrated are again white and European  just as before. So not much has changed then.
The CMO is, at present, running short of officers and, if sources in the government are to be believed, it may soon become officer-less.

New Delhi: Chief minister Arvind Kejriwal may bring in officials from outside Delhi or appoint private persons on co-terminus basis with at least a dozen senior officers declining to work in the Chief Ministers Office (CMO). The CMO is, at present, running short of officers and, if sources in the government are to be believed, it may soon become officer-less.

Sources in the CMO said the CM had approached around 10-12 officers to work in his office, but they politely refused to take up the new assignment, fearing they may also come on the CBI radar since the CMs principal secretary Rajendra Kumar and deputy secretary Tarun Kumar faced action in an alleged graft case. Both officers were suspended following the CBI case in 2016.

In view of dearth of officers in the CMs office, around a dozen bureaucrats were approached, but they declined... The chief minister will have no option but to hire officers from outside Delhi or co-terminus staff to run his office, a source said.
Only a letter of recommendation by Sartaj Aziz will enable a Pakistani national to get a medical visa for India, the EAM had said recently

New Delhi: External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj on Sunday assured a Pakistani man medical visa for his father provided the case was recommended by the country's adviser on foreign affairs Sartaj Aziz.

Taking to twitter to present his case, Saeed Ayub said "I sold half of my assets 4 (for) my father's liver transplant from India and now no medical visa for us. Why only common man suffers."

Swaraj, known for extending a helping hand to people who approach her through social media, said, her sympathies are with him. "We will give you the visa. Sartaj Aziz Sahib should recommend your case."

Only a letter of recommendation by Pakistan Foreign Affairs Advisor Sartaj Aziz will enable a Pakistani national to get a medical visa for India, the External Affairs Ministry had said recently, a condition reflective of the strained ties between the two neighbours.
Shah said the Centre had sanctioned development projects worth Rs 1.5 lakh crore for Kerala.

Thiruvananthapuram: Hitting out at the opposition parties for their criticism on the performance of the three-year old NDA government at the Centre, BJP chief Amit Shah on Saturday claimed that "achhe din" (good days) had indeed arrived for the poor people of the country.

Addressing a meeting of special invitees here, Shah, who is on a three-day visit to Kerala as a part of his 95-day countrywide tour ahead of the 2019 Lok Sabha polls, said the poor, who did not even have the basic facilities, benefited from the 106 schemes of the Centre.

"Achhe din has come for those families," he added.

"My answer to those who ask where is the achhe din, it is there in the houses of those who have received gas, power connections, toilets and opened bank accounts under the Jan Dhan Yojana," said Shah.

In contrast to the previous "corruption-ridden" Congress-led UPA government, the NDA, led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, completed three years without any corruption

charges, he claimed.

The Modi government had unveiled a "new development model" for the country which would benefit all the sections of the society, added Shah.

He said the Army's surgical strikes, following the Uri terror attack in Jammu and Kashmir last year, became possible due to the "strong political decision" taken by the prime minister, which was "lacking" during the previous regime, even though several terrorist attacks had taken place.

He also rubbished the allegation of the opposition that the economic growth of the country had slowed down and claimed that in the last three years, the GDP had touched 7.1 per cent from 4.4 per cent, adding that the "main objective of the BJP is to transform the country into a strong economic power".

Shah said the Centre had sanctioned development projects worth Rs 1.5 lakh crore for Kerala.

The National Democratic Alliance (NDA) had also succeeded in putting an end to "family rule, casteism and politics of appeasement", he claimed.

"You (people of Kerala) are electing either the LDF or the UDF in the state. But, the rule of Communists has come to an end the world over and likewise, the Congress has also lost its mass base," he said, adding that hence, the BJP should be given a chance in the southern state.

Shah, who arrived here in the morning, addressed a series of meetings of the state office-bearers, district presidents and morcha in-charges of the saffron party. He asked those at the meetings to reach out to the minority communities and Dalits in the state.

Soon after arriving here, the BJP chief garlanded the statue of social reformer Ayyankali, who had fought for the rights of the oppressed in Kerala and played a vital role in cleansing the social evils in the society.

"His (Ayyankali's) mammoth efforts to eradicate the caste apartheid through innovation and resistance inspire us even today," he later wrote on Twitter.

Shah also met the heads of the Syro Malankara Catholic church and the Latin church in Kerala.

Cardinal Baselious Cleemis, Major Archbishop of the Syro Malankara Catholic church, and Archbishop Soosa Pakiam, the head of the Latin Catholic church and President of the Kerala Catholic Bishops Conference (KCBC), met the BJP chief.

The meeting was held at the Major Archbishop's house here in the evening.

Shah on Saturday had held talks with church leaders in Kochi, led by Syro Malabar church head Cardinal Mar George Alencherry.
Reportedly, Shah's visit to the state is the part of his 110-day tour across Indian states to prepare the ground for 2019 polls.

Thiruvananthapuram (Kerala): Launching a scathing attack on the Communist Party of India (Marxist)-led state government for the alleged attacks on the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) workers in Kerala, party president Amit Shah on Sunday said the more leftist violence is unleashed upon the saffron party workers in the state, the more the Lotus will blossom here.

Shah said the BJP workers have been struggling in Kerala since years.

Shah made the statement while delivering an address in Trivandrum on the occasion of the foundation laying ceremony of State BJP Office here.

"The foundation of formation BJP government in Kerala is completed today," the BJP president said.

"We will have offices in every district of India by December 2019," he added.

Shah's visit comes at a time when the Centre is facing crisis over its new cattle trade norm.

Banning of beef in the state has sparked outrage against the Centre's order.

Shah landed in Kerala for a three-day tour to prepare for upcoming 2019 polls.

The saffron party has not been able to make a strong electoral footprint in Kerala yet. As in the last year's assembly elections, the BJP doubled its votes by 16 percent and achieved one seat for the first time ever.

Reportedly, Shah's visit to the state is the part of his 110-day tour across Indian states to prepare the ground for 2019 polls.
The CM said her government would allocate Rs 20 crore for MPhil and PhD scholars till the Centre restarts the fellowship funds.

Kolkata: Bengal chief minister Mamata Banerjee has written to the union minister of human resource and development Prakash Javadekar, urging him to restart the non-NET fellowships for M.Phil and Ph.D. scholars, she said on Saturday. The ministry had stopped fellowship funds a few months ago, causing hardship for students seeking to pursue research.

For the last few days, students of universities and colleges are taking part in our administrative review meetings in the districts. During such interactions, they have brought to my notice the distress caused to them due to stoppage of this fellowship scheme by the UGC.

They said that several researchers did not have the money to pay their hostel or mess fees, and some were even faced with the prospect of abandoning their dreams of pursuing research, due to stoppage of non-NET fellowship, the chief minister told reporters at the state secreteriat Nabanna.

She stated in her letter that if research activities were stalled, the development of the state would come to a standstill. Aspirations for higher education are rising. In the larger interest of research, and on behalf of the vast research scholar community of my state and other states, many of them first generation learners, I have written a letter to the MHRD minister, she added.

The chief minister in her Facebook page also highlighted the problem of M.Phil and Ph.D. scholars. I am told, release of funds by UGC under NET-JRF fellowships is erratic or delayed at times, causing uncertainty and distress to the recipients, she posted.

The CM added that her government would allocate Rs 20 crore from Swami Vivekananda Merit cum Means Scholarship (SVMMS) to provide non-NET fellowship to research scholars admitted to M.Phil/Ph.D courses through a fair and transparent selection process.

We are giving Rs 20 crore to research scholars till the union government restarts giving funds, she said.
Of the 650 children, 251 were united with their parents while the rest of the children were handed over to NGOs, police or GRP.

A child help desk monitored by NGO 'Cini Asha' is functioning at Sealdah railway station. (Photo: PTI/Representational)

Kolkata: The Railway Protection Force in the Eastern Railway zone has rescued 650 children from different stations and trains and united 251 out of them with their parents, a spokesman of the railway said here today.

"RPF, Eastern Railway, has made significant performance in respect of rescue of children and their rehabilitation as well as efficient functioning of security help line 182 in addition to its normal security related activities," ER spokesman R N Mahapatra said.

"As a result of its alert and vigilant activities, RPF rescued 650 children from April, 2016 to May, 2017," Mahapatra said.

"Of these children, 251 were united with their parents while the rest of the children were handed over to NGOs, police or GRP," he said.

Child help groups have been established at Howrah station where two child help desks -- 'Child Line NGO' of Don Bosco Ashalayam and 'Little Big Help' are functioning.

A child help desk monitored by NGO 'Cini Asha' is functioning at Sealdah railway station, the spokesman said, adding that another child help group will be set up at Malda station shortly.

Mahapatra said that the RPF has also launched a special campaign -- Operation Muskaan-II, to rescue missing children and has so far succeeded in getting back 71 children, including 3 trafficked children.

"Security help line 182, set up to provide passengers especially women passengers necessary security related assistance, is functioning round the clock at RPF divisional control rooms all over Eastern Railway," Mahapatra said.

Stating that security related grievances are attended to by quickest means either by the nearest RPF post or by train escorting parties, he said "the average response time to attend each complaint is 20 to 25 minutes."

"During 2016-2017, total 397 complaints were received and settled," he said.

"To create awareness amongst passengers regarding the security help line number 182, pamphlets are regularly distributed among passengers and stickers have also been affixed at prominent places at stations as well as in trains.

"RPF teams are also regularly visiting schools and colleges for spreading awareness about the security help line and distributing leaflets containing salient features of the help line," he said.
Varadkar also said that Leo knows very little Hindi and Marathi, as his visits to India have been really short and sparse.

Mumbai: Amid the celebrations of Leo Varadkars victory in the Irelands Prime Ministerial elections, his extended family in Mumbai cannot wait to congratulate him in person. They have already spoken to Varadkar's parents to express their best wishes.

Although the family is planning to visit Ireland to meet him, completing the travel formalities within such a short period of time is a task for them as the official announcement for the position of Prime Minister of Ireland would be made by the end of the month and he would be extremely busy during the time. So, for now their travel plans on a hold.

While speaking to The Asian Age, Shekhar Vardkar, Leos first cousin said, Right now we are keeping our fingers crossed for everything to happen smoothly. It is a great moment of pride for our country that Leo is going to be the Prime Minister of Ireland.

Many members of our family have been working as government servants but Leo is the first person to get into politics and we are really happy that Ireland has elected him on the basis of his talent and abilities without thinking about his caste and creed. He had proved that nothing is impossible, Varadkar added.

Varadkar also said that Leo knows very little Hindi and Marathi, as his visits to India have been really short and sparse.

On Friday night, Leo Varadkar, an Indian-origin doctor and Ireland's first openly gay minister was elected Toiseach, the head of the ruling Fine Gael party in Ireland. At the age of 38, he will succeed the outgoing Prime Minister Enda Kenny.
An official in his order told hairdressers to abide by the newly set rule or face a heavy fine.

Recently, the authorities in Ormara, Balochistan too had imposed a ban on stylish beards. (Photo: Representational/Pixabay)

Quetta: In a bizarre move, authorities in Balochistan's Kharan district have prohibited 'stylish' beards in a recent order warning barbers of a heavy fine.

"All barbers are restricted from cutting beards in a fashionable way which is against the principles of Islam according to all religious scholars. Keep the beards simple. Don't design them," The Express Tribune quoted an order issued by the office of the Kharan District Assistant Commissioner Mohammad Baksh Sajdi on May 29 as saying.

The official in his order told hairdressers to abide by the newly set rule or face a heavy fine.

A copy of the order was also sent to other officers concerned including the deputy commissioner, the district police officer, the tehsildar and area's station house officer.

According to Assistant Commissioner Sajdi, "A maulana in the area had complained about stylish beards and that's why the notification was issued."

He added that the order was later withdrawn as the government said there was no law to issue such an order.

"However, the magistrate has the authority to ban anything, so he summoned the barbers and verbally ordered them to avoid stylish beard cuts."

On Friday, Sajdi was transferred from Kharan to Washuk.

Recently, the authorities in Ormara, Balochistan too had imposed a ban on stylish beards.
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US prez slammed Mayor Sadiq Khan for saying there was 'no reason to be alarmed' after 7 persons were killed and many others were injured.

New Delhi/Washington: United States President Donald Trump has called for ending political correctness in wake of London terror attacks that left seven persons dead and said that the world must get down to the business of security for the people.

"We must stop being politically correct and get down to the business of security for our people. If we don't get smart it will only get worse," Trump tweeted.

We must stop being politically correct and get down to the business of security for our people. If we don't get smart it will only get worse  Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) June 4, 2017

Trump also slammed London Mayor Sadiq Khan for saying that there is no reason to be alarmed! after seven persons were killed and several others injured as three assailants ran over a crowd of people and stabbed several others before being shot dead.

"At least 7 dead and 48 wounded in terror attack and Mayor of London says there is "no reason to be alarmed!" Trump said in a tweet.

At least 7 dead and 48 wounded in terror attack and Mayor of London says there is "no reason to be alarmed!"  Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) June 4, 2017

Sadiq had earlier told the residents of London that there will be additional armed and unarmed police officers on the streets and assured the people that the city remains one of the safest in the world.

He added that there was no reason to be alarmed about an increased police presence on the streets of London.

Trump also focused on the weapons used in the attack by saying, "we are not having a gun debate right now? That's because they used knives and a truck!"
The chaotic video shows officials urging people to 'stay down' as they watch Saturday night revellers cowering behind tables and benches.

Just before the attacks, pubs and bars near London Bridge were teeming with Saturday night revellers, many of them watching the CL final. (Photo: Videograb)

New Delhi: A 38-second mobile video that was shot inside an unidentified restaurant captured the terror and panic among people as the attack in London unfolded early Sunday morning.

The attack took place in central London's Borough Market and 19-century London Bridge across River Thames. Six people have been killed and at least 20 injured in the attack that comes just days ahead of the UK elections.

The much chaotic video shows officials urging people to 'stay down' as people watch Saturday night revellers cowering behind tables and benches. Many people are seen lying down on the floor of the restaurant as police entered the place asking hurrying people to get down immediately.
The Chihuahua state prosecutor's office said the attack was carried out in Ciudad Cuauhtemoc after the assailant arrived in a car.

According to official figures, 484 people have been slain in Chihuahua state during the first four months of this year compared with 306 during the same period in 2016. (Photo: Representational)

Mexico City: Authorities say a gunman attacked a group of people at a bar in northern Mexico, killing six and wounding 22 others.

A statement from the Chihuahua state prosecutor's office said the attack was carried out early on Saturday in Ciudad Cuauhtemoc after the assailant arrived in a car. The authorities are trying to determine who is responsible for the assault.

The border state of Chihuahua has seen an increase in violence this year. According to official figures, 484 people have been slain in Chihuahua state during the first four months of this year compared with 306 during the same period in 2016.
Donald Trump sought to promote US oil and gas production, which has boomed thanks to the rise of hydraulic fracturing in shale.

Washington: By exiting the Paris climate agreement, President Donald Trump says he sought to escape an economic straitjacket that would hinder him from making good on his populist campaign promises and pro-growth agenda.

Elected in no small part thanks to voters in "rust belt" industrial and mining states, Trump pledged as a candidate to breathe new life into traditional sectors like auto manufacturing, steel and coal mining.

He also sought to promote US oil and gas production, which has boomed thanks to the rise of hydraulic fracturing in shale. It was no accident that Trump in his announcement Thursday said he had been elected to represent the "citizens of Pittsburgh, not Paris".

That city in Pennsylvania a state which went narrowly for Trump in November and helped tip the election in his favor is an old industrial stronghold where steel and railroad magnate Andrew Carnegie began his empire in the 19th century.

But the example was perhaps poorly chosen. US Steel, which was partly formed with Carnegie's assets, is now only the 11th largest employer in Pittsburgh, and Democratic Mayor Bill Peduto responded to the comment by pledging to adhere to the Paris agreement's objectives, in spite of Trump.

Trump cited a study by NERA Economic Consulting, which said the Paris agreement "could cost America as much as 2.7 million lost jobs by 2025," including 440,000 jobs in the manufacturing sector.

He did not cite older statistics from the Commerce Department's Bureau of Economic Analysis, which in 2013 estimated there already were 3.5 million "green" jobs in the American economy.

And according to the International Renewable Energy Agency, in 2016, 777,000 people in the United States worked in renewable energy alone, not including hydropower, while job growth was 17 times greater in the sector than for the economy as a whole.

In his announcement, Trump said the Paris deal would add too many constraints to US businesses, especially in energy.

But the decision to exit the Paris agreement was swiftly denounced by the major American companies, including industrial and energy corporations, which have been working for years to reduce their carbon footprints.

"America first" has been Trump's catchphrase, and he said the climate pact put the country at "a very, very big disadvantage" even though the US already had the world's "highest standard of environmental protection." He pointedly did not say that the United States was the world's second largest carbon emitter after China.

The agreement calls for contributions from rich countries to help poor countries switch to sustainable energy. But Trump said Washington will not contribute, pointing to the USD $20 trillion US sovereign debt and saying some cities "cannot hire enough police officers or fix vital infrastructure."

There again, he left out the fact that the United States is the world's largest economy, with 25 percent of global GDP, with an unemployment rate that, as of Friday, was at a 16-year low of 4.3 percent.

Sticking with the Paris agreement could have meant accepting the very things Trump has rejected elsewhere: he has denounced or pledged to renegotiate free trade agreements, claiming they too put the United States at a disadvantage.

Trump also has set about dismantling the legacy of his predecessor Barack Obama, on policies from healthcare to environmental protection, and he has launched a major deregulation push.

Yet much of Trump's domestic agenda so far has met with considerable frustration. He is struggling to get a replacement for Obama's health insurance program through Congress.

His tax plan for the moment remains a policy abstraction, and his administration is bogged down in investigations of possible collusion with the Russian government.

But exiting the Paris agreement required no act of Congress and allowed him to claim victory and say he was making good on promises to the American people.
Trump tweeted: "Whatever the United States can do to help out in London and the U. K., we will be there - WE ARE WITH YOU. GOD BLESS!"

Earlier, with the situation in London still fluid, Trump seized the occasion to plug his thwarted travel ban on people from six mainly Muslim countries. (Photo: AP)

Washington: President Donald Trump offered US help on Saturday to Britain in response to reports of three violent incidents including a vehicle mowing down pedestrians on London Bridge.

"Whatever the United States can do to help out in London and the U. K., we will be there - WE ARE WITH YOU. GOD BLESS!," Trump wrote on Twitter.

Earlier, with the situation in London still fluid, Trump seized the occasion to plug his thwarted travel ban on people from six mainly Muslim countries.

Read: France 'more than ever at Britain's side' after attacks: President Macron

The Justice Department on Thursday went to the Supreme Court to ask that it be reinstated immediately after it has been held up repeatedly in lower courts.

Without mentioning the London events specifically, Trump tweeted: "We need to be smart, vigilant and tough. We need the courts to give us back our rights. We need the Travel Ban as an extra level of safety!"

Trump has been briefed by his national security team on the London Bridge incident, his spokesman Sean Spicer wrote earlier on Twitter. The State Department issued a statement condemning what it called "cowardly attacks targeting innocent civilians."

"We understand UK police are currently treating these as terrorist incidents. The United States stands ready to provide any assistance authorities in the United Kingdom may request," the statement said. "All Americans stand in solidarity with the people of the United Kingdom."
The assailant gunned down 5 men, 3 women after a drinking session on Saturday night turned violent in the village of Redkino in Moscow.

Moscow: A man has been detained after shooting dead eight people in a drunken dispute at a weekend cottage in a village outside Moscow, Russian investigators said Sunday.

The alleged assailant gunned down five men and three women after a drinking session on Saturday night turned violent in the village of Redkino, some 110 kilometres (70 miles) northwest of Moscow, the Investigative Committee said.

"During the get-together there was a domestic dispute between the guests, after which the suspect left and then returned with a hunting rifle," investigators said in a statement, adding that the man had been "drinking spirits". "He fired several shots, as a result of which at least eight people died."

Investigators said the shooter a resident of Moscow born in 1974 was detained on suspicion of mass murder after survivors managed to call the police.
During 2 hours of wide-ranging talks with Macron at the presidential Elysee Palace, Modi invited the French president to visit India.

Paris: French President Emmanuel Macron will visit India towards the end of this year for a meeting of the International Solar Alliance an initiative that is the brain child of Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

During two hours of wide-ranging talks with Macron at the presidential Elysee Palace, Modi invited the French president to visit India.

Macron accepted the invitation and said he will visit New Delhi by the end of the year for an international summit on solar power an area on which France plans closer cooperation with India.

"I will be travelling to India towards the end of this year and convene a meeting of the world solar alliance," Macron said, referring to the International Solar Alliance an alliance of more than 120 countries.

ISA was launched in November 30, 2015, as a coalition of solar resource rich countries jointly by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and then French President Francois Hollande in the presence of the then UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon.

Earlier, Macron greeted Prime Minister Modi with a bear hug in the courtyard of the presidential Elysee Palace when he arrived for the meeting and working lunch.

The Prime Minister thanked President Macron for the warm welcome and congratulated him for the election victory. 39-year-old Macron created history last month by becoming the youngest president of France.
'The global community must compel new US administration to implement its international commitments precisely and completely', Ghasemi said.

Teheran: Iran on Sunday joined the international chorus of criticism against President Donald Trump's decision to withdraw from the Paris climate agreement, saying it would further isolate the United States.

"The withdrawal of the United States from the Paris accord indicates the government's lack of responsibility regarding the global community and it will increasingly isolate them," foreign ministry spokesman Bahram Ghasemi said, according to the IRNA news agency.

Trump announced on Thursday that the United States would withdraw from the 2015 Paris agreement on climate change, joining Syria and Nicaragua as the only non-signatories to the agreement.

"Non-compliance with commitments in the Paris accord by a government which is the second-largest producer of greenhouse gases and is one of the most polluting countries, is unacceptable," said Ghasemi.

Iran faces particular challenges from climate change, having suffered years of worsening drought and dust storms, compounded by poor water resource management.

"The global community must compel the new US administration to implement its international commitments precisely and completely," Ghasemi said. "It is imperative to avoid undermining global agreements such as the Paris agreement, which is a global symbol of joint cooperation and has strengthened multilateralism."

Iran is concerned that Trump may also make good on his threat to pull out of the nuclear deal signed with the United States and five other world powers in 2015 that lifted sanctions in exchange for curbs to Tehran's atomic programme.
by Papa Francesco

The Church is missionary by nature. The world is marked by confusion, disappointment and frustration, and torn by numerous fratricidal wars, and vitally needs the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Indeed, the Gospel helps to overcome narrowness, conflict, racism, tribalism, and to promote everywhere, and among all, reconciliation, fraternity, and sharing. But being Christian is not the result of an ethical choice or a lofty idea, but the encounter with an event, a Person, which gives life a new horizon and a decisive direction.

Vatican City (AsiaNews) - Here is Pope Franciss message for the 91st World Mission Day, which will be celebrated on Sunday, 22 October 2017, titled "Mission at the Heart of the Christian Faith".

Dear Brothers and Sisters,

Once again this year, World Mission Day gathers us around the person of Jesus, the very first and greatest evangelizer (Paul VI, Evangelii Nuntiandi, 7), who continually sends us forth to proclaim the Gospel of the love of God the Father in the power of the Holy Spirit. This Day invites us to reflect anew on the mission at the heart of the Christian faith. The Church is missionary by nature; otherwise, she would no longer be the Church of Christ, but one group among many others that soon end up serving their purpose and passing away. So it is important to ask ourselves certain questions about our Christian identity and our responsibility as believers in a world marked by confusion, disappointment and frustration, and torn by numerous fratricidal wars that unjustly target the innocent. What is the basis of our mission? What is the heart of our mission? What are the essential approaches we need to take in carrying out our mission?

Mission and the transformative power of the Gospel of Christ, the Way, the Truth and the Life

1. The Churchs mission, directed to all men and women of good will, is based on the transformative power of the Gospel. The Gospel is Good News filled with contagious joy, for it contains and offers new life: the life of the Risen Christ who, by bestowing his life-giving Spirit, becomes for us the Way, the Truth and the Life (cf. Jn 14:6). He is the Way who invites us to follow him with confidence and courage. In following Jesus as our Way, we experience Truth and receive his Life, which is fullness of communion with God the Father in the power of the Holy Spirit. That life sets us free from every kind of selfishness, and is a source of creativity in love.

2. God the Father desires this existential transformation of his sons and daughters, a transformation that finds expression in worship in spirit and truth (cf. Jn 4:23-24), through a life guided by the Holy Spirit in imitation of Jesus the Son to the glory of God the Father. The glory of God is the living man (IRENAEUS, Adversus Haereses IV, 20, 7). The preaching of the Gospel thus becomes a vital and effective word that accomplishes what it proclaims (cf. Is 55:10-11): Jesus Christ, who constantly takes flesh in every human situation (cf. Jn 1:14). Mission and the kairos of Christ

3. The Churchs mission, then, is not to spread a religious ideology, much less to propose a lofty ethical teaching. Many movements throughout the world inspire high ideals or ways to live a meaningful life. Through the mission of the Church, Jesus Christ himself continues to evangelize and act; her mission thus makes present in history the kairos, the favourable time of salvation. Through the proclamation of the Gospel, the risen Jesus becomes our contemporary, so that those who welcome him with faith and love can experience the transforming power of his Spirit, who makes humanity and creation fruitful, even as the rain does with the earth. His resurrection is not an event of the past; it contains a vital power which has permeated this world. Where all seems to be dead, signs of the resurrection suddenly spring up. It is an irresistible force (Evangelii Gaudium, 276).

4. Let us never forget that being Christian is not the result of an ethical choice or a lofty idea, but the encounter with an event, a Person, which gives life a new horizon and a decisive direction (BENEDICT XVI, Deus Caritas Est, 1). The Gospel is a Person who continually offers himself and constantly invites those who receive him with humble and religious faith to share his life by an effective participation in the paschal mystery of his death and resurrection. Through Baptism, the Gospel becomes a source of new life, freed of the dominion of sin, enlightened and transformed by the Holy Spirit. Through Confirmation, it becomes a fortifying anointing that, through the same Spirit, points out new ways and strategies for witness and accompaniment. Through the Eucharist, it becomes food for new life, a medicine of immortality (IGNATIUS OF ANTIOCH, Ad Ephesios, 20, 2).

5. The world vitally needs the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Through the Church, Christ continues his mission as the Good Samaritan, caring for the bleeding wounds of humanity, and as Good Shepherd, constantly seeking out those who wander along winding paths that lead nowhere. Thank God, many significant experiences continue to testify to the transformative power of the Gospel. I think of the gesture of the Dinka student who, at the cost of his own life, protected a student from the enemy Nuer tribe who was about to be killed. I think of that Eucharistic celebration in Kitgum, in northern Uganda, where, after brutal massacres by a rebel group, a missionary made the people repeat the words of Jesus on the cross: My God, My God, why have you abandoned me? as an expression of the desperate cry of the brothers and sisters of the crucified Lord. For the people, that celebration was an immense source of consolation and courage. We can think too of countless testimonies to how the Gospel helps to overcome narrowness, conflict, racism, tribalism, and to promote everywhere, and among all, reconciliation, fraternity, and sharing.

Mission inspires a spirituality of constant exodus, pilgrimage, and exile

6. The Churchs mission is enlivened by a spirituality of constant exodus. We are challenged to go forth from our own comfort zone in order to reach all the peripheries in need of the light of the Gospel (Evangelii Gaudium, 20). The Churchs mission impels us to undertake a constant pilgrimage across the various deserts of life, through the different experiences of hunger and thirst for truth and justice. The Churchs mission inspires a sense of constant exile, to make us aware, in our thirst for the infinite, that we are exiles journeying towards our final home, poised between the already and not yet of the Kingdom of Heaven.

7. Mission reminds the Church that she is not an end unto herself, but a humble instrument and mediation of the Kingdom. A self-referential Church, one content with earthly success, is not the Church of Christ, his crucified and glorious Body. That is why we should prefer a Church which is bruised, hurting and dirty because it has been out on the streets, rather than a Church which is unhealthy from being confined and from clinging to its own security (ibid., 49).

Young people, the hope of mission

8. Young people are the hope of mission. The person of Jesus Christ and the Good News he proclaimed continue to attract many young people. They seek ways to put themselves with courage and enthusiasm at the service of humanity. There are many young people who offer their solidarity in the face of the evils of the world and engage in various forms of militancy and volunteering... How beautiful it is to see that young people are street preachers, joyfully bringing Jesus to every street, every town square and every corner of the earth! (ibid., 106). The next Ordinary General Assembly of the Synod of Bishops, to be held in 2018 on the theme Young People, the Faith and Vocational Discernment, represents a providential opportunity to involve young people in the shared missionary responsibility that needs their rich imagination and creativity.

The service of the Pontifical Mission Societies

9. The Pontifical Mission Societies are a precious means of awakening in every Christian community a desire to reach beyond its own confines and security in order to proclaim the Gospel to all. In them, thanks to a profound missionary spirituality, nurtured daily, and a constant commitment to raising missionary awareness and enthusiasm, young people, adults, families, priests, bishops and men and women religious work to develop a missionary heart in everyone. World Mission Day, promoted by the Society of the Propagation of the Faith, is a good opportunity for enabling the missionary heart of Christian communities to join in prayer, testimony of life and communion of goods, in responding to the vast and pressing needs of evangelization.

Carrying out our mission with Mary, Mother of Evangelization

10. Dear brothers and sisters, in carrying out our mission, let us draw inspiration from Mary, Mother of Evangelization. Moved by the Spirit, she welcomed the Word of life in the depths of her humble faith. May the Virgin Mother help us to say our own yes, conscious of the urgent need to make the Good News of Jesus resound in our time. May she obtain for us renewed zeal in bringing to everyone the Good News of the life that is victorious over death. May she intercede for us so that we can acquire the holy audacity needed to discover new ways to bring the gift of salvation to every man and woman.

From the Vatican, 4 June 2017 Solemnity of Pentecost

FRANCISCUS
During Pentecost Mass, Pope Francis noted that the universal Church is both diversity and unity. He slammed the temptation to "take sides and form parties, to be supporters for one side", and become Christians of the right or the left, before being on the side of Jesus, unbending guardians of the past or the avant-garde of the future before being humble and grateful children of the Church. For him, forgiveness is gift to the highest degree; it is the greatest love of all. It preserves unity despite everything, prevents collapse, and consolidates and strengthens. At least 150,000 people were present at the service. A childrens choir from Carpi sang with disabled members miming the words. The pontiff announced his Message for World Mission Day, and mentioned the victims of last nights London attack.

Vatican City (AsiaNews)  Pope Francis celebrate Mass today, the Solemnity of Pentecost. In his homily, the pontiff said that the Spirit, "the Easter Gift par excellence," always achieves "new things", including two important novelties: "Spirit makes of the disciples a new people and he creates in the disciples a new heart.

Pentecost, a celebration centred on the Holy Spirit sent the disciples 50 days after Easter, saw the participation of about 150,000 people, including many in Rome for the Golden Jubilee of Catholic Charismatic Renewal.

The pontiff mentioned two novelties brought by the Spirit: A new people. On the day of Pentecost, the Spirit came down from heaven, in the form of divided tongues, as of fire [that] rested on each of them. All of them were filled with the Holy Spirit, and began to speak in other languages (Acts 2:3-4). This is how the word of God describes the working of the Spirit: first he rests on each and then brings all of them together in fellowship. To each he gives a gift, and then gathers them all into unity. In other words, the same Spirit creates diversity and unity, and in this way, forms a new, diverse and unified people: the universal Church. First, in a way both creative and unexpected, he generates diversity, for in every age he causes new and varied charisms to blossom. Then he brings about unity: he joins together, gathers and restores harmony.

For this to happen, we need to avoid two recurrent temptations. The first temptation seeks diversity without unity. This happens when we want to separate, when we take sides and form parties, when we adopt rigid and airtight positions, when we become locked into our own ideas and ways of doing things, perhaps even thinking that we are better than others, or always in the right. When this happens, we choose the part over the whole, belonging to this or that group before belonging to the Church. We become avid supporters for one side, rather than brothers and sisters in the one Spirit. We become Christians of the right or the left, before being on the side of Jesus, unbending guardians of the past or the avant-garde of the future before being humble and grateful children of the Church. The result is diversity without unity. The opposite temptation is that of seeking unity without diversity. Here, unity becomes uniformity, where everyone has to do everything together and in the same way, always thinking alike. Unity ends up being homogeneity and no longer freedom. But, as Saint Paul says, where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom (2 Cor 3:17).

So, the prayer we make to the Holy Spirit is for the grace to receive his unity, a glance that, leaving personal preferences aside, embraces and loves his Church, our Church. It is to accept responsibility for unity among all, to wipe out the gossip that sows the darnel of discord and the poison of envy, since to be men and women of the Church means being men and women of communion. It is also to ask for a heart that feels that the Church is our Mother and our home, an open and welcoming home where the manifold joy of the Holy Spirit is shared.

The second new thing is a new heart. When the risen Jesus first appears to his disciples, he says to them: Receive the Holy Spirit. If you forgive the sins of any, they are forgiven them (Jn 20:22-23). Jesus does not condemn them for having denied and abandoned him during his passion, but instead grants them the spirit of forgiveness. The Spirit is the first gift of the risen Lord, and is given above all for the forgiveness of sins. Here we see the beginning of the Church, the glue that holds us together, the cement that binds the bricks of the house: forgiveness. Because forgiveness is gift to the highest degree; it is the greatest love of all. It preserves unity despite everything, prevents collapse, and consolidates and strengthens. Forgiveness sets our hearts free and enables us to start afresh. Forgiveness gives hope; without forgiveness, the Church is not built up.

The spirit of forgiveness resolves everything in harmony, and leads us to reject every other way: the way of hasty judgement, the cul-de-sac of closing every door, the one-way street criticizing others. [. . .] Let us ask for the grace to make more beautiful the countenance of our Mother the Church, letting ourselves be renewed by forgiveness and self-correction. Only then will we be able to correct others in charity.

The Holy Spirit is the fire of love burning in the Church and in our hearts, even though we often cover him with the ash of our sins. Let us ask him: Spirit of God, Lord, who dwell in my heart and in the heart of the Church, guiding and shaping her in diversity, come! Like water, we need you to live. Come down upon us anew, teach us unity, renew our hearts and teach us to love as you love us, to forgive as you forgive us. Amen.

Almost to emphasise the diversity of gifts for unity, one of the choirs who took part in the Mass was a childrens choir from Carpi, at least half of whom disabled. During the offertory chant, some sang whilst others mimed the words, dressed in red and wearing white gloves.

After the communion and before the Regina Coeli, Francis announced the publication of his message for World Mission Day, which is celebrated every year in October. "The theme is the mission at the heart of the Christian faith. May the Holy Spirit support the Church's mission in the whole world and strengthen all missionaries of the Gospel."

The Holy Father also spoke about the victims of last nights attack in London, on London Bridge and Borough Market, which left seven people dead and 48 injured. May the Holy Spirit grant peace to the whole world, Pope Francis said, and may He heal the wounds of war and of terrorism, which even this [Saturday] night, in London, struck innocent civilians: let us pray for the victims and their families.
BEIJING (AP)  By backing off the U.S. commitment to address climate change, President Donald Trump leaves an opening for a chief economic rival, China, to expand its increasing dominance in the renewable energy industry. In reacting to Trump's announcement that he was withdrawing the U.S. from the Paris climate accord, China reaffirmed its commitment to the landmark agreement and is poised to spend heavily in coming years on renewables.

Yet the world's most populous country remains heavily reliant on coal to generate electricity and power its steel mills  a habit that could be hard to break without stifling its economic aspirations. Here's a look at some of the trends and challenges that could shape China's  and the world's energy future.

BEIJING'S COMMITTMENT TO CURBING POLLUTION

China's rush to renewables has been driven largely by local pollution from power plants and factories that frequently blankets Beijing and other major cities, endangering public health and driving some residents overseas. Economic opportunity has also played a role, with massive investments in solar and wind helping dramatically drive down the cost for renewables worldwide.

China already accounts for more than one-third of global wind energy capacity. It recently surpassed Germany to become number one in solar capacity.

Renewables employ more than 3.6 million people in China  more than a third of the industry's global total. It plans to add another 13 million jobs in the sector by 2020 with investments of $144 billion in new solar projects, $100 billion in wind and $70 billion in hydropower. That also should help China to reach its commitment under the Paris accord to cap greenhouse gas emissions by 2030.

"China has expressed very clear signals that it wants to take more leadership in terms of promoting trade and global cooperation against climate change," said Frank Yu, a China-based renewables consultant for the firm Wood Mackenzie. "The retreat of the U.S. actually gives China more opportunity to lead these global efforts."

ENERGY STILL DOMINATED BY COAL

Notwithstanding China's embrace of renewables, coal still dominates the nation's fuel mix, accounting for 62 percent of total energy consumption in 2016. Coal production fell over the past several years, with a slowing economy as one factor.

In January, China announced the suspension or cancellation of plans to build an additional 100 coal-fueled power plants. Yet dozens more are still expected to be built and China's also bankrolling plants in other countries. It's by far the largest consumer of coal worldwide, producing 3.41 billion tons of the fuel last year  more than four times the volume in the U.S., the second largest coal consumer. Largely as a result, China is also the top emitter of greenhouse gasses blamed for worsening climate change.

Coal production is rebounding this year, up 2.5 percent during the first four months compared to the same period in 2016, according to China's National Bureau of Statistics.

Trump cited China's continued emissions as one justification for withdrawing from the climate accord, which the Republican said unfairly burdened U.S. industries. A Chinese foreign ministry spokeswoman said Friday in response to Trump's remarks that as a "responsible major power" China would continue to promote the Paris agreement and fulfill its obligation "100 percent."

CONVERTING COAL TO GAS

Coal has suffered a steep and sustained decline in the U.S. since cheap, abundant supplies of cleaner-burning natural gas supplanted it as the main fuel for power generation. China's gas supplies are far more limited, hurting its prospects as a replacement fuel.

One option that's being pursued in the country's western provinces is to convert coal into synthetic natural gas. That could help curb air pollution blamed for urban smog and, researchers say, potentially stave off tens of thousands of premature deaths annually.

But converting coal to gas would also produce more of the carbon dioxide that's the main driver behind climate change, first in manufacturing the gas and again in burning it. Meanwhile, the renewables boom has proven too much for China's electricity grid to fully absorb, causing some energy to go to waste.

___

Follow Matthew Brown on Twitter at twitter.com/matthewbrownap
Twenty-six women motoring journalists decide on F-Pace as both best SUV/Crossover and Supreme Winner for 2016.

Its very hard to win this award! Imagine so many women ever agreeing on anything, joked Sandy Myhre, chairperson of Womens World Car Of The Year (WWCOTY) during the 2016 WWCOTY award presentation held at the Jaguar design centre in Whitley, UK, recently.

Twenty-six women motoring journalists from around the world were jurors for the Womens World Car of the Year. Started eight years ago, this group has grown from strength to strength for an award which is considered to be one of the most coveted in the automotive world.

Dr Ralph Speth, CEO of Jaguar Land Rover (JLR), while accepting the WWCOTY trophy, said, This award is something special! Ian Callum, director of design at JLR, received both SUV/Crossover winner certificate and the Supreme award winner certificate for the F-Pace. He said, Im speechless.

History was made at the 2016 WWCOTY as with 11 of the 26 jurors being present meant it was the first time that so many women motoring journalists from across the world had gathered in one room to decide the winner. The voting process was a rigorous one, with each juror sending in her recommendation of eligible cars, the criterion being the cars had to be sold across at least 10 countries. Once the list was finalised, the voting process went through a series of rounds and finally the category winners and the top honour or the Supreme Winner was decided with the help of auditors Grant Thornton.

Overall, the award ceremony was fun. Jane Roche, manager, global executive events at JLR, said she had never experienced such high energy levels, not to mention the sound level as well.

The event also allowed the journalists some insights into JLRs future, but there is an embargo on writing anything about them. Fiona Pargeter, head of global PR communications, JLR, said, You can say you have had a sneak peek into the future of Jaguar. My only comment is that the future at JLR does look bright.
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Neil Drysdale could have sat in his office at Churchill Downs, consumed by thoughts of what might have been. The Kentucky Derby was over and the mighty Arazi had launched another missile of a move, only to run into the proverbial brick wall, finishing eighth. A 16-1 shot named Lil E. Tee had pulled off the upset, defeating 29-1 shot Casual Lies by only a length. This was the same Casual Lies that was no match for Drysdales colt A.P. Indy in the Santa Anita Derby and Hollywood Futurity.

It was A.P. Indy who was the main hope of the home forces who were looking to derail the Arazi Express and prevent a repeat of the Breeders Cup Juvenile annihilation.

But while the Kentucky Derby drama was being played out on the racetrack, A.P. Indy was in his stall in Barn 41, nursing a foot bruise and quarter crack that forced him to miss the race. Drysdale had the unpleasant task of making the announcement in the backstretch recreation building the morning of the race, along with owner Tomonori Tsurumaki, as Drysdales wife Inger stood nearby attempting in vain to hold back her tears.

Considering how close Casual Lies came to winning the Derby, you would have been hard pressed to find anyone who wasnt totally convinced that A.P. Indy not only would have won the Run for the Roses, he would have proven much the best.

But for Drysdale, there were no what might have beens. His only thoughts were of A.P. Indys foot and getting it to heal in time for the Belmont Stakes.

As he sat in his office with darkness descending on Churchill Downs, a torrential rain whipped through the stable area, with flashes of lightning illuminating the rooftops of the barns. An unperturbed A.P. Indy peered out of his stall, as Drysdale, looking emotionally drained, emerged from his office to check on the colt. A loud crash of thunder sent Casual Lies, who was stabled at the other end of the barn, reeling toward the back of his stall.

The Derby runner-ups owner and trainer, Shelley Riley, was at the post-Derby party at the museum, so Drysdale walked down the shedrow to see how Casual Lies was doing and congratulate Rileys husband Jim on the outstanding performance turned in by their rags-to-riches colt from the Northern California fairs.

Fantastic race, he said sincerely, grabbing hold of Jim Rileys hand and patting him on the shoulder. That was just fabulous. Give Shelley a big hug for me.

Thoughts of what might have been had to have crept into his head at this time, but he showed no signs of it. He just said he was happy that the California form had held up so well.

Im just happy for Shelley and Jim, Drysdale said. They put a lot into this and went out on a limb. I think they deserve all the credit they get. I really do.

The British-born Drysdale had been training on his own for 18 years after working as an assistant for Charlie Whittingham, so he had learned to deal with the disappointments and frustrations of racing and to never look back. The Kentucky Derby was history and the only thing that concerned him now was evaluating A.P. Indys condition and looking to the future.

While most of the Kentucky Derby horses were shipping out, some to Pimlico for the Preakness, Drysdale remained at Churchill Downs, working on A.P. Indys foot.

I was too busy being concerned with his foot to wonder what would have happened in the Derby, Drysdale said. And if you want to know the truth, when we found out it was nothing more than the foot, I was relieved. We were 95-percent sure, but you can never be completely certain there isnt some other injury. We finally diagnosed it as a blind quarter crack in his left front foot. All you can do is write the Derby off and start worrying about the next one  what procedures to carry out, how its going to affect your training plans, where youre going next and how long its going to take to get you there. I was too busy looking after the horse and do the correct thing for him to show any emotions.

Because it was a blind quarter crack, they first had to pinpoint the area that was affected. After they accomplished that they went ahead and equipped the colt with bar shoes and put a fiberglass patch on the foot, which helped protect it. There were even brief thoughts they could make the Preakness if A.P. Indy was able to turn in a scintillating work with the bar shoes and patch. But Drysdale didnt feel the foot had stabilized enough to run him.

A.P. Indy was sent to Belmont to prepare for the Peter Pan Stakes. Drysdale, who admitted it was the fiberglass patch that made a big difference, switched to conventional shoes and ran the colt in the Peter Pan on May 24. Sent off as the 1-2 favorite, he rated beautifully in fifth, and when jockey Eddie Delahoussaye asked him heading into the far turn, A.P. Indy made a powerful three-wide run and was already a half-length in front turning for home. After shaking off a seemingly strong bid from Colony Light, rallying from last, he drew off in the stretch, crossing the wire 5 1/2 lengths in front in a sharp 1:47 2/5 for the 1 1/8 miles.

This was not a typical victory for A. P. Indy, who had a unique grinding style of running, with his head down, making it look as if he wasn't running fast at all. You never saw an explosive burst. He just seemed to appear on the lead. It was like, 'How did he get there?" For him to win the Peter Pan in such brilliant fashion showed just how sharp he was.

If anyone had any doubts who would have won the Kentucky Derby, they were erased in the Peter Pan, especially after Lil E. Tee came up empty in the Preakness, finishing fifth, beaten five lengths by the Kentucky Derby fifth-place finisher Pine Bluff, with Casual Lies again running a solid race, finishing third, beaten 2 1/4 lengths.

There was no doubt that A.P. Indy would be a heavy favorite in the Belmont Stakes. Everything was falling into place. All that was left was for the colt to have his all-important major work. Unfortunately, the night before the work it poured at Belmont, turning the track into a quagmire.

Very few horses dared to train over the track. A visit to the receiving barn, where A.P. Indy was stabled, accomplished nothing, as the horse and trainer were nowhere to be found. With A.P. Indys stall empty and no sign of Drysdale, the only assumption was that he had decided to brave the conditions and was working A.P. Indy anyway. But that did not seem like something Drysdale would do. No one had a clue where they were, as the mystery began to grow. Perhaps he was grazing on the small patch of grass behind the barn, as unlikely as that also seemed. The horse, as expected, wasnt there, but his groom was, casually going about his chores. When asked about the whereabouts of his horse and trainer, he surprisingly said, Hes at Aqueduct.

In one of the boldest and out-of-the-box training moves seen in a long time, Drysdale, on a hunch, had driven to Aqueduct at the crack of dawn before the mad Belt Parkway rush hour, just to see if it had rained as hard there and how the track was. Sure enough it had hardly rained there and the track actually was listed as fast. So Drysdale returned to Belmont, put A.P. Indy on a van, and brought him to Aqueduct to work.

While all the other Belmont starters scheduled to work that day, except for longshot Montreal Marty, remained in their barn, A.P. Indy got in his six-furlong work without a hitch, and on a dry, safe track.

A week later, A. P. Indy, the even-money favorite, hooked up with Preakness winner Pine Bluff in the stretch of the Belmont Stakes, and the pair battled to the wire, with A.P. Indy easing clear late to win by three-quarters of a length, with European invader My Memoirs, recently purchased by Team Valor, closing fast to snatch second in the final strides. A. P. Indys final time of 2:26 flat equaled the second fastest Belmont ever run, along with Easy Goer, with only Secretariat having run faster.

In an ironic twist, Casual Lies, who was highly regarded in the Belmont, pressed the pace, only to tire and finish fifth. It was discovered back at the barn that he, too, had suffered a quarter crack.

A.P. Indy, of course, would go on to win the Breeders Cup Classic and be voted Horse of the Year, eventually being inducted into racings Hall of Fame. He also became one of the most dominant sires of all time.

Neil Drysdale did get his Kentucky Derby victory eight years later when Fusaichi Pegasus captured the roses. The horse he beat, finishing a strong second, was Juddmonte Farms Aptitudea son of A.P. Indy.

Three months later, Drysdale was inducted into the Hall of Fame, joining the horse who helped put him there.
A male driver was killed Saturday night when a Chevy truck slammed into the side of his Ford truck in Sarasota.

Driver killed in collision in Sarasota

Chevy truck slammed into side of Ford pickup

Ford driver died on scene

The crash occurred around 11 p.m. at Fruitville Road and Midwest Parkway in Sarasota.

Police said a white Ford pickup truck was pulling onto the eastbound lanes of Fruitville Road from Midwest when a Chevy Silverado truck hit the Ford's driver side.

The driver of the Ford pickup died at the scene, police said.

The driver of the Chevy was transported to Sarasota Memorial Hospital with minor injuries.

No one was else was injured in the crash.

Police say it is unknown if alcohol or drugs were a factor in the crash.

The crash remains under investigation and police are asking anyone with information to call 941-915-3635.
Dale and Lois Springer watched with enthusiasm Saturday evening as lines of cars made their way through downtown Carlisle at the Ford Parade.

Weve been coming to this show for the past 20 years  Its a weekend ritual for us, Dale Springer said.

The event, sponsored by the Downtown Carlisle Association and Carlisle Events, is billed as the worlds largest all-Ford themed event. It brings together car enthusiasts like the Springers, who made the four-hour trip from their home in southern Maryland to spend the weekend talking about cars.

Its a kind of reunion, Dale Springer said. We all speak the same language.

Lois Springer said she really enjoys the parade, which was added to the event lineup a few years ago.

Dale Springer recalls first coming to the show because he was starting to restore a 1970 Boss 429. He brought the car, now completely restored, to this years show, where he is also a vendor.

I bought the car in 1978, he said. I took it off the road in 1982 and put it in storage  This weekend is the first time the car has been seen in public in 35 years.

He said he is already looking forward to the 2019 show, which will mark the 50th anniversary of the Boss 429.

Theyre very rare, he said. They only built 429 of them in two years, 1969 and 1970.

The show is also a tradition for Paul Leonetti, of Ocean City, New Jersey, who owns a 1964 Ford Falcon Futura convertible and comes to the show every year.

I bought it five years ago this weekend, he said. It had a blown engine, and I towed it home  When I told my wife I was towing it home because it had a blown engine  that was some phone call.

Leonetti said the Falcon isnt a fancy car, but its one that has special meaning for him.

I drove a Falcon in college, he said.

Mikki Williams, of Boiling Springs, was among the people who stopped to look at Leonettis car.

My first car was a 1962 Falcon, she said. It was white with blue interior  a four-door. I think it cost $2,200.

This show is a wonderful thing for Carlisle, she added. You run into people you know. Stores are open, and people are outside eating and drinking. It brings us all together. Weve got to have more things like this.

Susan Lara, of Carlisle, agreed. For her, the show brought back memories of her fathers 1957 Ford Fairlane.

It was black and white, she said. It was black on top and had a gold strip on the side.

The show is also a tradition for Tim Beachley, of Newville, who owns a 1947 Ford Super Deluxe.

Accompanied by his wife, Wendy, and son, Steven, as well as their chihuahua, River, Beachley said he has had the car for nine years.

I really like the old body style, he said. Ive had other muscle cars, but I always liked this body style. I dont have any plans of getting rid of it.

Beachley said he has been bringing cars to the show for the past 25 years and always enjoys a family weekend getaway.
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DUP candidate for East Belfast, Gavin Robinson, and party leader Arlene Foster at the party's general election campaign launch

The DUP and Alliance are preparing for another Titanic showdown in the constituency where the world's most famous liner was built.

Battle lines were first drawn up in East Belfast when Alliance's Naomi Long snatched the seat from the supposedly unsinkable DUP leader Peter Robinson in one of Northern Ireland's greatest electoral shocks in 2010.

But the DUP hit back when new face Gavin Robinson retook the seat following an ill-tempered campaign in 2015.

This time around Mr Robinson and Mrs Long have struck a more conciliatory tone as they join six other candidates aiming to triumph in the constituency dominated by the cranes of the famous ship maker Harland and Wolff.

"I met with (Naomi) a couple of times during the talks process in Stormont. Our politics are different but we both have a job to do. Our paths don't cross that often. We get on and do what we can do," Mr Robinson said.

"The Alliance party are getting a vote in East Belfast there's no doubt about that. But there is a full range of candidates and a full range of choice. That can only be a positive thing."

Mrs Long said she believes the reaction to the previous campaign has "chastened others who tried to run a very negative campaign the last time".

She said: "When I see (Gavin Robinson) I say hello and all the rest ... So yes of course we still speak to each other. At the end of the day we are not children in a playground.

"As far as I am concerned I keep it positive, I keep focused on what Alliance has to offer the constituency and I am not too interested on who my opponents are or anything else because I am not there to fight them, I am there to fight for the people of east Belfast."

On the doorsteps the main issue being raised is concern over the collapse of Stormont, both candidates said.

"There is despair that we do not have devolution," Mrs Long said.

"That may seem like a regional problem but actually there is a local sense of despair because it has a huge impact on our local hospitals, it has a huge impact on our local schools and it is having a huge impact on people employed at Stormont and who often live in the constituency."

Mr Robinson said his constituents keep telling him they want Stormont up and running again.

"It is through Stormont that we believe the people of Northern Ireland benefit. Most regrettably we don't have devolved government right now. It is therefore important we have a strong voice in Westminster ... to stand up for Northern Ireland as part of the UK," he said.

The absence of a unionist pact between the DUP and Ulster Unionists in the area could mean a tougher battle for Mr Robinson.

Ulster Unionist candidate Hazel Legge has dismissed suggestions that her party should have stood aside for the DUP.

"Right at the very outset both Gavin Robinson and Jeffrey Donaldson (senior DUP) politician) said they didn't need a pact, they didn't need the UUP to retain the seat. So on that basis I am running as a candidate to bring out the Ulster Unionist vote," she said.

Mrs Legge said that Mrs Long and Mr Robinson will be tough candidates to beat, but refused to be ruled out of the running.

"Every candidate has an equal chance in this election. It is up to the electorate on the day to decide who they consider to be the best candidate for the job so it could be anyone," she said.

"The UUP are offering a stronger better union for the people of Northern Ireland generally."

While Mr Robinson said the "mood music is good" on the doors for him, Mrs Long is the bookies' favourite to win.

However, she said: "Bookmakers don't win elections - it's voters who win elections."

:: The eight candidates in East Belfast are: Independent, Bobby Beck; Conservative, Sheila Bodel; SDLP, Seamas de Faoite; Ulster Unionist Party, Hazel Legge; Alliance Party, Naomi Long; Green Party, Georgina Milne; Sinn Fein, Mairead O'Donnell; Democratic Unionist Party, Gavin Robinson.
The Alliance Party paused campaigning for 24 hours, while the Ulster Unionists suspended theirs "until further notice" following the attack in London

Parties in Northern Ireland have suspended political campaigning as a mark of respect for the victims of the London terrorist attack.

The Alliance Party paused campaigning for 24 hours, while the Ulster Unionists suspended theirs "until further notice".

Sinn Fein cancelled all election activity for Sunday apart from local canvassing.

Full campaigning is expected to resume on Monday, when the first big debate between the region's party leaders is due to be screened by Northern Ireland television broadcaster UTV.

The debate was postponed in May following the Manchester attack, as a mark of respect.

The DUP's Arlene Foster is the only party leader not due to take part in the televised debate. The party will be represented by deputy leader Nigel Dodds.

Also taking part in the one-hour debate are Sinn Fein's Michelle O'Neill, SDLP's Colum Eastwood, UUP's Robin Swann and Alliance Party's Naomi Long.

Meanwhile, police are investigating abusive Tweets sent to Sinn Fein's North Belfast candidate John Finucane.

Mr Finucane, whose solicitor father Pat was shot dead by loyalists in the family's north Belfast home in 1989, met with senior police about the Tweets on Saturday, he said.

Mr Finucane said the social media posts threatened him and mocked his father's murder.

"These tweets were vile, offensive and warranted police attention.

"On Saturday I met with senior police at a station in Belfast. They agreed with me that the offending tweets encompassed various criminal acts and pledged to conduct a thorough investigation," said Mr Finucane.

He added: "I look forward to assisting police in their enquiries and I trust they will use all powers at their disposal.

"It is important to remember that social media use should never under any circumstances cross into criminality, and when it does so, the appropriate response must follow."

The PSNI said: "Police received a report of a malicious communication on a social media platform and are investigating."
Armed police outside Borough Market, London, near the scene of last night's terrorist incident. Photo: Dominic Lipinski/PA Wire

Armed police on St Thomas Street, London, near the scene of last night's terrorist incident at Borough Market. Photo credit should read: Dominic Lipinski/PA Wire

Armed police are on Borough High Street after an incident around London Bridge (Dominic Lipinski/PA)

A helicopter lands on London Bridge as police are responding to three incidents in the capital, amid reports that a vehicle collided with pedestrians on London Bridge, Scotland Yard said. Photo: Dominic Lipinski/PA Wire

Police are responding to three incidents in the capital (Yui Mok/PA)

A paramedic rushes to the scene as police are dealing with a "major incident" at London Bridge. Photo: Dominic Lipinski/PA Wire

Police officers on Borough High Street as police are dealing with a "major incident" at London Bridge. Photo: Dominic Lipinski/PA Wire

Armed police are on the scene on London Bridge after an incident (Dominic Lipinski/PA)

LONDON, ENGLAND - JUNE 04: Britain's Prime Minister Theresa May addresses the media as she makes a statement, following a COBRA meeting in response to last night's London terror attack, at 10 Downing Street on June 4, 2017 in London, England. (Photo by Leon Neal/Getty Images)

Police forensic officers work on London Bridge in London on June 4, 2017, as police continue their investigations following the June 3 terror attack. Seven people were killed in a terror attack on Saturday by three assailants on London Bridge and in the bustling Borough Market nightlife district, the chief of London's police force said on Sunday. / AFP PHOTO / Daniel LEAL-OLIVASDANIEL LEAL-OLIVAS/AFP/Getty Images

LONDON, ENGLAND - JUNE 04: Armed Police are seen at London Bridge near the scene of last night's terrorist attack on June 4, 2017 in London, England. Police continue to cordon off an area after responding to terrorist attacks on London Bridge and Borough Market where 6 people were killed and at least 48 injured last night. Three attackers were shot dead by armed police. (Photo by Christopher Furlong/Getty Images)

Armed police officers patrol outside The Shard tower and London Bridge railway station in London on June 4, 2017, as police continue their investigations following the June 3 terror attack. Seven people were killed in a terror attack on Saturday by three assailants on London Bridge and in the bustling Borough Market nightlife district, the chief of London's police force said on Sunday. / AFP PHOTO / NIKLAS HALLE'NNIKLAS HALLE'N/AFP/Getty Images

Police vehicles block the acccess to London Bridge in London on June 4, 2017, as police continue their investigations following the June 3 terror attack. Seven people were killed in a terror attack on Saturday by three assailants on London Bridge and in the bustling Borough Market nightlife district, the chief of London's police force said on Sunday. / AFP PHOTO / Daniel LEAL-OLIVASDANIEL LEAL-OLIVAS/AFP/Getty Images

Armed police officers with police dogs patrol outside The Shard tower and London Bridge railway station in London on June 4, 2017, as police continue their investigations following the June 3 terror attack. Seven people were killed in a terror attack on Saturday by three assailants on London Bridge and in the bustling Borough Market nightlife district, the chief of London's police force said on Sunday. / AFP PHOTO / NIKLAS HALLE'NNIKLAS HALLE'N/AFP/Getty Images

A woman reacts after asking a Police officer to lay flowers near London Bridge in London on June 4, 2017, as a tribute to the victims of the June 3 terror attack. Seven people were killed in a terror attack on Saturday by three assailants on London Bridge and in the bustling Borough Market nightlife district, the chief of London's police force said on Sunday. / AFP PHOTO / Daniel LEAL-OLIVASDANIEL LEAL-OLIVAS/AFP/Getty Images

LONDON, ENGLAND - JUNE 04: A police officer looks at floral tributes near the scene of last night's terrorist attack on June 4, 2017 in London, England. Police continue to cordon off an area after responding to terrorist attacks on London Bridge and Borough Market where 7 people were killed and at least 48 injured last night. Three attackers were shot dead by armed police. (Photo by Christopher Furlong/Getty Images)

Police forensic officers on London Bridge following last night's terrorist incident. PRESS ASSOCIATION Photo. Picture date: Sunday June 4, 2017. See PA story POLICE Bridge. Photo credit should read: Andrew Matthews/PA Wire

A man lays flowers on London Bridge after it was reopened following the June 3rd terror attack on June 5, 2017 in London, England. Seven people were killed and at least 48 injured in terror attacks on London Bridge and Borough Market. Three attackers were shot dead by armed police. (Photo by Leon Neal/Getty Images)

An armed police officer is seen on London Bridge after it was reopened following the June 3rd terror attack on June 5, 2017 in London, England. Seven people were killed and at least 48 injured in terror attacks on London Bridge and Borough Market. Three attackers were shot dead by armed police. (Photo by Leon Neal/Getty Images)

A commuter looks at some of the floral tributes on London Bridge after it was reopened following the June 3rd terror attack on June 5, 2017 in London, England. Seven people were killed and at least 48 injured in terror attacks on London Bridge and Borough Market. Three attackers were shot dead by armed police. (Photo by Leon Neal/Getty Images)

(left to right) Fareed Rehman, Usman Saifi and Imam Zishan Ahmed at a vigil in Potters Fields Park, central London in honour of the London Bridge terror attack victims. PA

Abdul Qayum, Chief Imam of East London Mosque, speaking during a press conference at East London Mosque and London Muslim Centre in Whitechapel, east London, following Saturday's terrorist attack. PA

Pupils from Eden Girls' School in Waltham Forest take part in a vigil for the victims of the London Bridge terror attacks, in Potters Fields Park on June 5, 2017 in London, England. (Photo by Dan Kitwood/Getty Images)

A man stands near flowers layed at Potters Fields Park in London on June 5, 2017, after a vigil to commemorate the victims of the terror attack on London Bridge and at Borough Market that killed seven people on June 3. London police made a fresh round of arrests on June 5 after the country's third terror attack in less than three months as Prime Minister Theresa May came under mounting pressure over security three days ahead of elections. The aftermath of June 3 night's rampage, which left seven dead and dozens wounded, dominated the campaign trail. / AFP PHOTO / Chris J RatcliffeCHRIS J RATCLIFFE/AFP/Getty Images

A man stands kneels near flowers laid at Potters Fields Park in London on June 5, 2017, after a vigil to commemorate the victims of the terror attack on London Bridge and at Borough Market that killed seven people on June 3. AFP/Getty Images

Northern Ireland's political leaders have reacted to the London terror attack with DUP leader Arlene Foster saying "democracy will not be thwarted or derailed by terrorism".

Seven people have died in the terrorist incidents in London and three attackers have been shot dead by police, Scotland Yard said.

Police and emergency services were called to London Bridge shortly after 10pm on Saturday, amid reports that a white van had hit pedestrians.

My thoughts are with the families & friends of those who have lost their lives and been injured in the horrific London attacks.  michelle oneill (@moneillsf) June 4, 2017

Thinking of all affected by these horrific incidents in London. Thoughts & prayers also with emergency services at the scene #LondonBridge https://t.co/fJzYnjTQxr  Arlene Foster (@DUPleader) June 3, 2017

My thoughts are with the people of London, the injured and the emergency services as they support those in need.  Robin Swann MLA (@RobinSwannUUP) June 3, 2017

SF condemns London attacks. Sympathy is with victims.  Gerry Adams (@GerryAdamsSF) June 4, 2017

I hope everyone caught up in the incident on London Bridge is OK.  Colum Eastwood (@columeastwood) June 3, 2017

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The white van then continued to drive to Borough Market where three men then left the vehicle and began to stab people in pubs and restaurants.

<< Were you caught up in the attack or know anyone from Northern Ireland who was in the area at the time? Get in touch here or call us on 02890554828 >>

The three attackers involved in the attacks, who were wearing hoax explosive vests, were shot and killed by police within eight minutes of the first call being made.

Parties in Northern Ireland have suspended political campaigning as a mark of respect for the victims.

The Alliance Party paused campaigning for 24 hours, while the Ulster Unionists suspended theirs "until further notice".

Sinn Fein cancelled all election activity for Sunday apart from local canvassing.

Full campaigning is expected to resume on Monday, when the first big debate between the region's party leaders is due to be screened by Northern Ireland television broadcaster UTV.

The debate was postponed in May following the Manchester attack, as a mark of respect.

The DUP's Arlene Foster is the only party leader not due to take part in the televised debate. The party will be represented by deputy leader Nigel Dodds.

Also taking part in the one-hour debate are Sinn Fein's Michelle O'Neill, SDLP's Colum Eastwood, UUP's Robin Swann and Alliance Party's Naomi Long.

Reacting to the attack DUP leader Arlene Foster said: "This morning we pray for those who have been bereaved, the injured and the people of London who have been challenged once again by evil.

"We praise our security services, the police and our emergency services for their swift response and bravery.

"Terrorism depends upon fear and is the enemy of democracy. The United Kingdom is one of the greatest democracies and our Parliament is a beacon of hope around the world. Our democracy will not be thwarted or derailed by terrorism.

"Northern Ireland stands with the people of London."

Sinn Fein leader at Stormont Michelle O'Neill condemned the attacks.

Ms O'Neill said: "The attacks at London Bridge and Borough Market were horrific and I condemn them.

"My thoughts are with the families and friends of all those who have lost loved ones and those who were injured, as well as with the emergency services who attended the scenes of this tragedy.

Sinn Fein has cancelled all election activity for today apart from local canvassing as a mark of respect to those killed and injured.

Alliance Leader Naomi Long has said we must remain strong following the attack.

Mrs Long said: My foremost thoughts and prayers go to the loved ones of those killed in London, as well as anyone else caught up in this horrific attack

My thanks also go to the emergency services, who proved once again they operate without fear or favour in dealing with the incident and its aftermath. As a mark of respect, Alliance is also suspending its General Election campaign for the next 24 hours.

It is difficult to comprehend the mind-set of those who would carry out this terror against people simply out enjoying their weekend. Despite last nights incident and the recent attack in Manchester, we must remain strong and continue to live our lives without fear or trepidation. By doing so, these terrorists can never win.

"London was my second home for five years  it is hugely cosmopolitan, yet made up of many bustling, friendly neighbourhood communities. Despite this horror, I know it will not lose that uniquely London aspect to its character.

Ulster Unionist Party leader Robin Swann said "no matter what the terrorists do, they will not win".

He said: "Once again the United Kingdom has come under attack from terrorists. Our immediate thoughts and prayers must be with the families of those who have been murdered and injured in this terrible terrorist atrocity. These were the wicked actions of terrorist thugs who cowardly targeted innocent people enjoying a night out.

It is a shocking manifestation of the hatred our enemies have for our way of life and the free and democratic society which we hold dear. No matter what the terrorists do, they will not win.

We must be thankful for the heroic actions of the men and women of the Metropolitan Police and Emergency Services who ran towards danger to deal with the aftermath and bring this situation to a rapid end, and also the members of the public who fought the terrorists off. But for their bravery this could have been a lot worse than it already is.

Northern Ireland will stand with the people of London. They have endured terrorism like this before but their spirit will not be broken. London and its people are resilient and will stay strong.

Mr Swann said the UUP will resume their campaign on Monday.

"Our democratic processes and systems are a threat to those who seek their objectives through death and havoc. Their ways have only served to embolden and strengthen our peoples resolve to defeat terrorism no matter where or how it manifests itself", he added.
Queen's University Belfast's Vice-Chancellor Patrick Johnston has died suddenly.

The news of his death came in an email to staff from the university's registrar, James O'Kane on Sunday afternoon.

Professor Johnston's cause of death has not yet been revealed. Queen's University has said more information will be made available.

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In a statement the Queen's University said: "It is, with a deep sense of shock and loss, that I have to announce the untimely and sudden death of our Vice-Chancellor, Professor Patrick Johnston, earlier today.

"We extend our deepest sympathies and condolences to Iseult, his wife, and their four boys, Seamus, Eoghan, Niall and Ruairi, and the wider family circle at this desperately sad time.

"We will provide further updates in due course."

QUB academic and green party councillor John Barry said the news would come as a shock to staff at the Russell group university.

He said: "He was our first locally based Vice-Chancellor in quite some time - and was extremely youthful and energetic. It's a complete shock."

His loss will be felt not just at home here in Northern Ireland but right around the world where he was hugely respected. DUP leader Arlene Foster

Devastated to hear of the sudden passing of my dear friend Paddy Johnston VC QUB, a powerful figure in working to find a cure for Cancer RIP  Alasdair McDonnell (@AlMcDonnellSB) June 4, 2017

Linda Brown, Director of the Institute of Directors Northern Ireland, said: My thoughts and sympathies, and those of everyone at the Institute of Directors, are with Professor Patrick Johnstons family following his untimely death.

As a valued member of the IoD, Professor Johnston made a major contribution to the organisation both in terms of attending and speaking at events over recent years.

Although Vice-Chancellor of Queens University, Belfast for a relatively short time, his legacy will be felt at the institution for many years to come.

His ambitious plans to raise the universitys international appeal and grow income through research showed tremendous vision and leadership, the results of which will make a real difference to the future economic prosperity of Northern Ireland as a whole.

The SDLP's Dr Alasdair McDonnell paid tribute to the "powerful figure" and said he was deeply saddened by news of Professor Johnston's death.

He said: "I am deeply saddened to hear the news of the untimely death of Professor Paddy Johnston. His death is a terrible loss to Queens University, cancer research and Northern Ireland.

Professor Johnston was a powerful figure, working to find a cure for cancer. One of his greatest achievements is undoubtedly leading the establishment of the Centre for Cancer Research and Cell Biology in Belfast.

I express my deepest sympathies and condolences to his family and QUB colleagues at this difficult time.

UUP MLA Alan Chambers said: "Many will remember Patrick particularly for his work in leading the establishment of the Centre for Cancer Research and Cell Biology.

"For his tireless work in this field we are indebted to him."

His loss will be keenly felt also by all those who admired his determination to find a cure for cancer and who respected his decision to return to Belfast to lead the Centre for Cancer Research. Sinn Fein MLA Mairtin O Muilleoir

Professor Johnston from Londonderry was the first person to be appointed President and Vice-Chancellor from within the staff of Queens since the appointment of Sir Peter Froggatt in 1976.

Professor Johnston was regarded as one of the world's leading cancer researchers.

He joined Queens University in 1996 as Professor of Oncology, later leading the establishment of the Centre for Cancer Research and Cell Biology.

Since then CCRCB has revolutionised cancer treatment in Northern Ireland and further afield. It now has 250 researchers from all over the world and was designated a Cancer Research UK Centre in 2009.

Until taking up the post of President and Vice-Chancellor of Queens in March 2014, Professor Johnston was Dean of the School of Medicine, Dentistry and Biomedical Sciences where he led the foundation of a new international Medical School and Institute of Health Sciences.

His own research focus over 25 years has been on the understanding of mechanisms of drug resistance to therapeutic agents.

This resulted in a number of prestigious landmark publications, more than 20 patents and the award of grants of 95m from research and philanthropic bodies including Cancer Research UK, the Medical Research Council, Atlantic Philanthropies, the Department of Health, Social Services and Public Safety and the National Institute of Health.

In 2012 he received a Diamond Jubilee Queens Anniversary Prize from Her Majesty The Queen for the University-led reorganisation of cancer care in Northern Ireland.
People taking part in the March for Independence wave Saltires in Glasgow city centre (Robert Perry/PA)

Thousands of people have taken part in a march in support of Scottish independence.

Organisers All Under One Banner estimate that 17,000 people marched through Glasgow in the event, which they said was the biggest Indy march in Scottish history.

The procession started at Kelvingrove Park in the west end and wound its way through the city centre to Glasgow Green for a rally.

Expand Close People taking part in the March for Independence in Glasgow city centre (Robert Perry/PA) PA Wire/PA Images / Facebook

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Whatsapp People taking part in the March for Independence in Glasgow city centre (Robert Perry/PA)

Supporters waved Saltires and banners as they walked through the city.

All Under One Banner is a pro-independence organisation which organises public processions in support of Scotland regaining Independence.

Some supporters took to social media to share their enthusiasm.

Expand Close Supporters waved Saltires and banners as they walked through the city (Robert Perry/PA) PA Wire/PA Images / Facebook

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Whatsapp Supporters waved Saltires and banners as they walked through the city (Robert Perry/PA)

Writing on the All Under One Banner Facebook page, Steve Davis said: The march was amazing. I felt so proud today. Well done AUOB, while Claire Mack wrote: It was buzzing!! What a great crowd!

Police estimated that between 13,500 and 15,000 people took part in the march and said it appeared to have passed off peacefully.
For many of us going a day without our cell phone is frustrating. A weekend without it ... a real inconvenience. But what about 18 months? Could you silence your phone today, and not pick it for the next year-and-a-half or two years? But many young people do just that while following a different call.

Could you turn off the television, the radio and the Internet for the same amount of time? Can you picture yourself packing a light bag, driving 3,000 miles from home, and then not talking to your parents for the next two years, except on Christmas and Mothers Day?

For four young adult, Elders Marler and Spackman and Sisters Rindlisbacher and Weyburn, all with the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (also known as Mormons) this is just part of being a missionary ... a journey they have accepted to help spread their message whereever their church believes they are needed.

Our purpose, or our mission, is to invite others to have a belief or to come closer to Jesus Christ, Marler said. We are really just here to help others find a more meaningful way of life. So we do community service. We try to get involved as much as we can around peoples houses and in their spiritual lives as well.

But before they started going door-to-door, working in the community and leaving their homes, Marler who is from Rexburg, Idaho; Spackman from Syracuse, Utah; Rindlisbacher from Smithfield, Utah; and Weyburn from Roy, Utah, did a great deal of soul searching, questioning and praying to assure themselves they were taking on a project that was strictly their choice.

Throughout my life I thought about missions, but in our church it really isnt required. So as I thought about it, it was really kind of a 'yes' or 'no' thing, said Weyburn. But one summer I had friends and family asking if I was going to go, so I took it to the Lord and prayed if it was in the plan for me, and the answer was 'yes'. It was in the plan.

For Spackman, the process was similar. He had gone to college for a year and wanted to make sure he was doing it for the right reasons before he committed. For men the mission is a two year commitment, and for the women it is an 18 month commitment.

I had a lot of experience in my family serving as missions, Spackman said. But personally, I went to college for a year to make sure I was choosing it for the right reasons. During that time I studied, I read the scriptures, and I felt the spirit leading me to go out and serve.

According to Marler, when a member of the church believes he or she wants to go on a mission - something that is not required by the church - there are several steps involved.

Our belief is that we have a prophet on Earth. We submit our mission papers to him and his apostles  his councilors  who assign us to where we are needed, Marler said. We were called to the St. Louis Mission, which is a three hour radius from the city, so we have been in Farmington for about four months.

According to both Marler and Spackman, leaving home and arriving in a new community is definitely an experience they both found interesting and exciting.

Coming into a new community and getting to know the people is definitely an interesting experience, Marler said. Its interesting to see the differences in cultures and to get to know people with different backgrounds and different beliefs.

For the two a typical day may seem rather mundane to most people Their normal day is rather low key.

Our day usually begins around 6:30 (with) exercise and (getting) ready for the day, Marler said. We study Scripture for about an hour. We discuss those who are interested in our church and how we can best answer their questions and address their needs. And then from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. we go out doing service and knocking on doors and talking to people.

Both men spoke about the latter, the knocking on doors, and how difficult it can be and what keeps them going to the next home, the next door.

It can be pretty hard, but you do get used to it, Marler said. Its part of the drive. A lot of what our church is centered around is family. Its like the most important unit on Earth. I think that is what helps me. I have seen how much the church has meant to my family, and it drives me to the next door to see if I can help someone elses family.

Its this part of their journey that can be the most frustrating for the two young men, but both seem to accept it as just another day at the office.

There are a lot of things on the Internet about our church that are not true, Marler said. So let me clarify some things. We basically work in the communities to help people. If you are going through some hard times in life, we want to help you. If you are doing a service project, we will help you. We are here to serve people, and to talk to them about Jesus Christ.

Spackman does admit that his mission can get frustrating at times and there are moments when you need to step away.

Every once in a while we get someone who is just rude, but we try to be patient ... to emulate our savior in all we do. But obviously we are not perfect. We get frustrated, so we take a break, go get an ice cream and calm down.

Without a doubt, the four young missionaries are committed to their work, but all four admit to missing some of things they gave up when they left home on this journey.

I would have to say the one thing I miss most of all is my family, Wayburn said. There are other things at home as well, like listening to music. When we are on mission we only listen to our hymns.

In a couple of weeks, Spackman will come to the end of his mission and will head back to Utah. He plans on going back to college, finishing his degree and continuing on with his life ... but with the satisfaction of knowing he reached out and offered a helping hand.

I havent decided on a major yet, but Im thinking about biology, Spackman said. So, Im going to take some more classes, and then hopefully there is a girl somewhere in there and I can start a family.

But for now each of the four will wake up tomorrow far from home, go through their morning routine without checking in on social media or texting friends or family on the latest smartphone, do their reading and praying in preparation for the day, then head out on foot across Farmington to share something so compelling to them that they're willing to go way out of their comfort zone to tell others.

Whether you agree with the message or not, you have to admit it's a kind of commitment rarely seen these days.
Armed police outside Borough Market, London, near the scene of last night's terrorist incident. Photo: Dominic Lipinski/PA Wire

Armed police on St Thomas Street, London, near the scene of last night's terrorist incident at Borough Market. Photo credit should read: Dominic Lipinski/PA Wire

Armed police are on Borough High Street after an incident around London Bridge (Dominic Lipinski/PA)

Emergency personnel tend to the wounded on London Bridge. Photo: Yui Mok/PA Wire

A helicopter lands on London Bridge as police are responding to three incidents in the capital, amid reports that a vehicle collided with pedestrians on London Bridge, Scotland Yard said. Photo: Dominic Lipinski/PA Wire

Police are responding to three incidents in the capital (Yui Mok/PA)

A paramedic rushes to the scene as police are dealing with a "major incident" at London Bridge. Photo: Dominic Lipinski/PA Wire

Police officers on Borough High Street as police are dealing with a "major incident" at London Bridge. Photo: Dominic Lipinski/PA Wire

Armed police are on the scene on London Bridge after an incident (Dominic Lipinski/PA)

Emergency personnel on London Bridge as police deal with an incident (Yui Mok/PA)

LONDON, ENGLAND - JUNE 04: Britain's Prime Minister Theresa May addresses the media as she makes a statement, following a COBRA meeting in response to last night's London terror attack, at 10 Downing Street on June 4, 2017 in London, England. (Photo by Leon Neal/Getty Images)

Police forensic officers work on London Bridge in London on June 4, 2017, as police continue their investigations following the June 3 terror attack. Seven people were killed in a terror attack on Saturday by three assailants on London Bridge and in the bustling Borough Market nightlife district, the chief of London's police force said on Sunday. / AFP PHOTO / Daniel LEAL-OLIVASDANIEL LEAL-OLIVAS/AFP/Getty Images

LONDON, ENGLAND - JUNE 04: Armed Police are seen at London Bridge near the scene of last night's terrorist attack on June 4, 2017 in London, England. Police continue to cordon off an area after responding to terrorist attacks on London Bridge and Borough Market where 6 people were killed and at least 48 injured last night. Three attackers were shot dead by armed police. (Photo by Christopher Furlong/Getty Images)

Armed police officers patrol outside The Shard tower and London Bridge railway station in London on June 4, 2017, as police continue their investigations following the June 3 terror attack. Seven people were killed in a terror attack on Saturday by three assailants on London Bridge and in the bustling Borough Market nightlife district, the chief of London's police force said on Sunday. / AFP PHOTO / NIKLAS HALLE'NNIKLAS HALLE'N/AFP/Getty Images

Police vehicles block the acccess to London Bridge in London on June 4, 2017, as police continue their investigations following the June 3 terror attack. Seven people were killed in a terror attack on Saturday by three assailants on London Bridge and in the bustling Borough Market nightlife district, the chief of London's police force said on Sunday. / AFP PHOTO / Daniel LEAL-OLIVASDANIEL LEAL-OLIVAS/AFP/Getty Images

Armed police officers with police dogs patrol outside The Shard tower and London Bridge railway station in London on June 4, 2017, as police continue their investigations following the June 3 terror attack. Seven people were killed in a terror attack on Saturday by three assailants on London Bridge and in the bustling Borough Market nightlife district, the chief of London's police force said on Sunday. / AFP PHOTO / NIKLAS HALLE'NNIKLAS HALLE'N/AFP/Getty Images

A woman reacts after asking a Police officer to lay flowers near London Bridge in London on June 4, 2017, as a tribute to the victims of the June 3 terror attack. Seven people were killed in a terror attack on Saturday by three assailants on London Bridge and in the bustling Borough Market nightlife district, the chief of London's police force said on Sunday. / AFP PHOTO / Daniel LEAL-OLIVASDANIEL LEAL-OLIVAS/AFP/Getty Images

LONDON, ENGLAND - JUNE 04: A police officer looks at floral tributes near the scene of last night's terrorist attack on June 4, 2017 in London, England. Police continue to cordon off an area after responding to terrorist attacks on London Bridge and Borough Market where 7 people were killed and at least 48 injured last night. Three attackers were shot dead by armed police. (Photo by Christopher Furlong/Getty Images)

Police forensic officers on London Bridge following last night's terrorist incident. PRESS ASSOCIATION Photo. Picture date: Sunday June 4, 2017. See PA story POLICE Bridge. Photo credit should read: Andrew Matthews/PA Wire

A man lays flowers on London Bridge after it was reopened following the June 3rd terror attack on June 5, 2017 in London, England. Seven people were killed and at least 48 injured in terror attacks on London Bridge and Borough Market. Three attackers were shot dead by armed police. (Photo by Leon Neal/Getty Images)

An armed police officer is seen on London Bridge after it was reopened following the June 3rd terror attack on June 5, 2017 in London, England. Seven people were killed and at least 48 injured in terror attacks on London Bridge and Borough Market. Three attackers were shot dead by armed police. (Photo by Leon Neal/Getty Images)

A commuter looks at some of the floral tributes on London Bridge after it was reopened following the June 3rd terror attack on June 5, 2017 in London, England. Seven people were killed and at least 48 injured in terror attacks on London Bridge and Borough Market. Three attackers were shot dead by armed police. (Photo by Leon Neal/Getty Images)

(left to right) Fareed Rehman, Usman Saifi and Imam Zishan Ahmed at a vigil in Potters Fields Park, central London in honour of the London Bridge terror attack victims. PA

Abdul Qayum, Chief Imam of East London Mosque, speaking during a press conference at East London Mosque and London Muslim Centre in Whitechapel, east London, following Saturday's terrorist attack. PA

Flowers near London Bridge following Saturday's terrorist attack. PRESS ASSOCIATION Photo. Picture date: Monday June 5, 2017. See PA story POLICE Bridge. Photo credit should read: Yui Mok/PA Wire

Pupils from Eden Girls' School in Waltham Forest take part in a vigil for the victims of the London Bridge terror attacks, in Potters Fields Park on June 5, 2017 in London, England. (Photo by Dan Kitwood/Getty Images)

A man stands near flowers layed at Potters Fields Park in London on June 5, 2017, after a vigil to commemorate the victims of the terror attack on London Bridge and at Borough Market that killed seven people on June 3. London police made a fresh round of arrests on June 5 after the country's third terror attack in less than three months as Prime Minister Theresa May came under mounting pressure over security three days ahead of elections. The aftermath of June 3 night's rampage, which left seven dead and dozens wounded, dominated the campaign trail. / AFP PHOTO / Chris J RatcliffeCHRIS J RATCLIFFE/AFP/Getty Images

A man stands kneels near flowers laid at Potters Fields Park in London on June 5, 2017, after a vigil to commemorate the victims of the terror attack on London Bridge and at Borough Market that killed seven people on June 3. AFP/Getty Images

A journalist reported missing in the wake of the London terror attack has been found, his friend said.

Geoff Ho, a business editor with the Sunday Express, is in intensive care after allegedly being stabbed.

Friends had tweeted that Mr Ho was put in an ambulance after being injured near the Southwark Tavern.

Friend Isabelle Oderberg tweeted: "We have found Geoff. He is in intensive care.

"Thank you for the RTs and messages. I'll be going offline now until I hear more."

Nora Calder wrote on the social media site: "Geoff Ho, stabbed at Southwark Tavern, taken in Ambulance."

The Metropolitan Police has opened a casualty bureau for anyone concerned about friends or relatives who may be affected on 0800 096 1233 and 020 7158 0197.
Armed police outside Borough Market, London, near the scene of last night's terrorist incident. Photo: Dominic Lipinski/PA Wire

Armed police on St Thomas Street, London, near the scene of last night's terrorist incident at Borough Market. Photo credit should read: Dominic Lipinski/PA Wire

Armed police are on Borough High Street after an incident around London Bridge (Dominic Lipinski/PA)

A helicopter lands on London Bridge as police are responding to three incidents in the capital, amid reports that a vehicle collided with pedestrians on London Bridge, Scotland Yard said. Photo: Dominic Lipinski/PA Wire

Police are responding to three incidents in the capital (Yui Mok/PA)

A paramedic rushes to the scene as police are dealing with a "major incident" at London Bridge. Photo: Dominic Lipinski/PA Wire

Police officers on Borough High Street as police are dealing with a "major incident" at London Bridge. Photo: Dominic Lipinski/PA Wire

Armed police are on the scene on London Bridge after an incident (Dominic Lipinski/PA)

Emergency personnel on London Bridge as police deal with an incident (Yui Mok/PA)

LONDON, ENGLAND - JUNE 04: Britain's Prime Minister Theresa May addresses the media as she makes a statement, following a COBRA meeting in response to last night's London terror attack, at 10 Downing Street on June 4, 2017 in London, England. (Photo by Leon Neal/Getty Images)

Police forensic officers work on London Bridge in London on June 4, 2017, as police continue their investigations following the June 3 terror attack. Seven people were killed in a terror attack on Saturday by three assailants on London Bridge and in the bustling Borough Market nightlife district, the chief of London's police force said on Sunday. / AFP PHOTO / Daniel LEAL-OLIVASDANIEL LEAL-OLIVAS/AFP/Getty Images

LONDON, ENGLAND - JUNE 04: Armed Police are seen at London Bridge near the scene of last night's terrorist attack on June 4, 2017 in London, England. Police continue to cordon off an area after responding to terrorist attacks on London Bridge and Borough Market where 6 people were killed and at least 48 injured last night. Three attackers were shot dead by armed police. (Photo by Christopher Furlong/Getty Images)

Armed police officers patrol outside The Shard tower and London Bridge railway station in London on June 4, 2017, as police continue their investigations following the June 3 terror attack. Seven people were killed in a terror attack on Saturday by three assailants on London Bridge and in the bustling Borough Market nightlife district, the chief of London's police force said on Sunday. / AFP PHOTO / NIKLAS HALLE'NNIKLAS HALLE'N/AFP/Getty Images

Police vehicles block the acccess to London Bridge in London on June 4, 2017, as police continue their investigations following the June 3 terror attack. Seven people were killed in a terror attack on Saturday by three assailants on London Bridge and in the bustling Borough Market nightlife district, the chief of London's police force said on Sunday. / AFP PHOTO / Daniel LEAL-OLIVASDANIEL LEAL-OLIVAS/AFP/Getty Images

Armed police officers with police dogs patrol outside The Shard tower and London Bridge railway station in London on June 4, 2017, as police continue their investigations following the June 3 terror attack. Seven people were killed in a terror attack on Saturday by three assailants on London Bridge and in the bustling Borough Market nightlife district, the chief of London's police force said on Sunday. / AFP PHOTO / NIKLAS HALLE'NNIKLAS HALLE'N/AFP/Getty Images

A woman reacts after asking a Police officer to lay flowers near London Bridge in London on June 4, 2017, as a tribute to the victims of the June 3 terror attack. Seven people were killed in a terror attack on Saturday by three assailants on London Bridge and in the bustling Borough Market nightlife district, the chief of London's police force said on Sunday. / AFP PHOTO / Daniel LEAL-OLIVASDANIEL LEAL-OLIVAS/AFP/Getty Images

LONDON, ENGLAND - JUNE 04: A police officer looks at floral tributes near the scene of last night's terrorist attack on June 4, 2017 in London, England. Police continue to cordon off an area after responding to terrorist attacks on London Bridge and Borough Market where 7 people were killed and at least 48 injured last night. Three attackers were shot dead by armed police. (Photo by Christopher Furlong/Getty Images)

Police forensic officers on London Bridge following last night's terrorist incident. PRESS ASSOCIATION Photo. Picture date: Sunday June 4, 2017. See PA story POLICE Bridge. Photo credit should read: Andrew Matthews/PA Wire

A man lays flowers on London Bridge after it was reopened following the June 3rd terror attack on June 5, 2017 in London, England. Seven people were killed and at least 48 injured in terror attacks on London Bridge and Borough Market. Three attackers were shot dead by armed police. (Photo by Leon Neal/Getty Images)

An armed police officer is seen on London Bridge after it was reopened following the June 3rd terror attack on June 5, 2017 in London, England. Seven people were killed and at least 48 injured in terror attacks on London Bridge and Borough Market. Three attackers were shot dead by armed police. (Photo by Leon Neal/Getty Images)

A commuter looks at some of the floral tributes on London Bridge after it was reopened following the June 3rd terror attack on June 5, 2017 in London, England. Seven people were killed and at least 48 injured in terror attacks on London Bridge and Borough Market. Three attackers were shot dead by armed police. (Photo by Leon Neal/Getty Images)

(left to right) Fareed Rehman, Usman Saifi and Imam Zishan Ahmed at a vigil in Potters Fields Park, central London in honour of the London Bridge terror attack victims. PA

Abdul Qayum, Chief Imam of East London Mosque, speaking during a press conference at East London Mosque and London Muslim Centre in Whitechapel, east London, following Saturday's terrorist attack. PA

Flowers near London Bridge following Saturday's terrorist attack. PRESS ASSOCIATION Photo. Picture date: Monday June 5, 2017. See PA story POLICE Bridge. Photo credit should read: Yui Mok/PA Wire

Pupils from Eden Girls' School in Waltham Forest take part in a vigil for the victims of the London Bridge terror attacks, in Potters Fields Park on June 5, 2017 in London, England. (Photo by Dan Kitwood/Getty Images)

A man stands near flowers layed at Potters Fields Park in London on June 5, 2017, after a vigil to commemorate the victims of the terror attack on London Bridge and at Borough Market that killed seven people on June 3. London police made a fresh round of arrests on June 5 after the country's third terror attack in less than three months as Prime Minister Theresa May came under mounting pressure over security three days ahead of elections. The aftermath of June 3 night's rampage, which left seven dead and dozens wounded, dominated the campaign trail. / AFP PHOTO / Chris J RatcliffeCHRIS J RATCLIFFE/AFP/Getty Images

A man stands kneels near flowers laid at Potters Fields Park in London on June 5, 2017, after a vigil to commemorate the victims of the terror attack on London Bridge and at Borough Market that killed seven people on June 3. AFP/Getty Images

Seven people have died in the terrorist incidents in London and three attackers have been shot dead by police, Scotland Yard said.

Police and emergency services were called to London Bridge shortly after 10pm on Saturday, amid reports that a white van had hit pedestrians.

In total 48 people were taken to five hospitals across London. NHS England says 21 of those people are in a "critical condition".

The white van then continued to drive to Borough Market where three men then left the vehicle and began to stab people in pubs and restaurants.

The three attackers involved in the attacks, who were wearing hoax explosive vests, were shot and killed by police within eight minutes of the first call being made.

Eight police firearms officers fired an "unprecedented" 50 rounds at the three terrorists, Assistant Commissioner Mark Rowley said.

Read More

A member of the public also received a gunshot wound. Mr Rowley said there would be "increased physical measures" on London's bridges to protect the public.

On Sunday morning Metropolitan Police Commissioner Cressida Dick, who condemned the atrocity as "appalling" and "ghastly", said the number of victims from the London attacks had risen to seven.

"We believe that this incident is under control," she said.

Read More

Canadian authorities confirmed one of its citizens had died, while French officials say a French person is among the dead, another is missing and four are seriously injured in hospital.

Officers are treating the attacks as terrorism and additional police are being deployed in the capital.

Twelve people have been arrested in Barking, east London, in connection with the London Bridge attack, the Metropolitan Police Service said.

Read More

<< Were you caught up in the attack or know anyone from NI who was in the area at the time? Get in touch here or call 02890554828 >>

An on-duty British Transport Police officer received "serious injuries" including head, face and leg wounds, as he responded to calls for help from the public.

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The terrorist attacks in London come less than two weeks after the suicide bombing in Manchester - the third terrorist incident to hit the UK since the Westminster attack in March.

Terrorism breeds terrorism Prime Minister Theresa May

Expand Close Emergency personnel tend to the wounded on London Bridge. Photo: Yui Mok/PA Wire PA / Facebook

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Whatsapp Emergency personnel tend to the wounded on London Bridge. Photo: Yui Mok/PA Wire

Prime Minister Theresa May addressed the nation after chairing a meeting of the Government's Cobra emergency committee on Sunday.

Mrs May warned that Britain is in the grip of a spate of copycat terror attacks. Speaking outside Downing Street, Mrs May said that although there was no direct link between the three incidents, "terrorism breeds terrorism".

"In terms of their planning and execution, the recent attacks are not connected but we believe we are experiencing a new trend in the threat we face.

"As terrorism breeds terrorism and perpetrators are inspired to attack, not only on the basis of carefully constructed plots after years of planning and training, and not even as lone attackers radicalised online, but by copying one another and often using the crudest of means of attack."

Read More

Mayor of London Sadiq Khan asked all Londoners and visitors to our city to remain calm and vigilant.

This was a deliberate and cowardly attack on innocent Londoners and visitors to our city enjoying their Saturday night. I condemn it in the strongest possible terms. There is no justification whatsoever for such barbaric acts. Sadiq Khan

The White House press secretary Sean Spicer confirmed on Twitter that US President Donald Trump has also been briefed about the incident.

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Labour Leader Jeremy Corbyn said on Twitter: Brutal and shocking incidents reported in London. My thoughts are with the victims and their families. Thank you to the emergency services.

Tim Farron, the Lib Dem leader, said: Tonights horrific incidents in London remind us how much we owe our emergency services. My thoughts and prayers with everyone affected.

PSNI Chief Constable George Hamilton extended his condolences to all of those who have lost loved ones and to those injured.

Chief Constable Hamilton said: My thoughts and sympathies are with the people of London following this horrendous attack. We also send our support to our colleagues in the Metropolitan Police, City of London Police, British Transport Police and all the emergency services that responded last night.

Northern Ireland's political leaders have reacted with the DUP's Arlene Foster saying "democracy will not be thwarted or derailed by terrorism".

My thoughts are with the families & friends of those who have lost their lives and been injured in the horrific London attacks.  michelle oneill (@moneillsf) June 4, 2017

Thinking of all affected by these horrific incidents in London. Thoughts & prayers also with emergency services at the scene #LondonBridge https://t.co/fJzYnjTQxr  Arlene Foster (@DUPleader) June 3, 2017

My thoughts are with the people of London, the injured and the emergency services as they support those in need.  Robin Swann MLA (@RobinSwannUUP) June 3, 2017

SF condemns London attacks. Sympathy is with victims.  Gerry Adams (@GerryAdamsSF) June 4, 2017

I hope everyone caught up in the incident on London Bridge is OK.  Colum Eastwood (@columeastwood) June 3, 2017

Irish Foreign Affairs Minister Charlie Flanagan said: For the second time in two weeks, the ordinary people of the UK have been subjected to cowardly and barbaric attacks. Ireland stands with the UK and condemns these acts utterly."

The London Bridge area remains cordoned off and London Bridge station remains closed.

London Ambulance said multiple resources attended the incidents.

The London Ambulance Service said: We took 48 patients to five hospitals across London and treated a number of others at the scene for minor injuries.

We sent over 80 of our medics to the scene including ambulance crews, advanced paramedics, specialist response teams and an advanced trauma team from London's Air Ambulance."

The Met had urged people in the affected areas to get to safer areas away from the scenes.

Earlier it tweeted that people must "RUN - to a place of safety. This is a better option than to surrender or negotiate. If there's nowhere to go then...

"HIDE - turn your phone to silent and turn off vibrate. Barricade yourself in if you can.

"TELL - the police by calling 999 when it is safe to do so."

Police also attended an incident in the Vauxhall area, which they no longer believe to be connected to the attacks.

Police have opened a casualty bureau line for people concerned about loved ones on 0800 0961 233.
Malta's prime minister claimed victory Sunday in early elections called to consolidate the government's position after his wife was implicated in the Panama Papers scandal.

He said unofficial results indicate a "sizeable" win for his Labour Party.

Joseph Muscat told Malta's national broadcaster that voters had "chosen the positive campaign of the Labour Party against the negativity and bitterness of the Nationalist Party".

Unofficial results showed the Labour Party with 55% of the vote, in line with its mandate from the previous election in 2013. The National Force coalition placed second, with 44%.

Official results will be released on Monday. A victory would give Labour a second five-year term.

Mr Muscat called the snap election a year early following an investigation into allegations his wife owned a company related to the Panama Papers scandal. They deny wrongdoing.

The Panama Papers leak exposed the identities of the rich and powerful around the world with offshore holdings in Panama, including Mr Muscat's energy minister and chief of staff.

AP
Metropolitan Manila Police Chief Oscar D. Albayalde (right) is joined by Teodora and Fernando Carlos, the parents of casino attacker Jessie Javier Carlos, during a press conference on Sunday, June 4, 2017.

Philippine police identified Sunday the suspect who killed 37 people and himself in Fridays hotel casino attack in Manila as a former government employee who owed millions of pesos in gambling debts.

Metropolitan Manila Police Chief Oscar D. Albayalde named the gunman as former Department of Finance staff Jessie Javier Carlos, 42, a separated father of three. On Friday, Carlos stormed the Resorts World Manila hotel armed with an assault rifle and set fire to gaming tables  the victims died of smoke inhalation and suffocation.

The assault triggered fears of a terror attack in a country already on edge after Islamic State- (IS)-linked militants laid siege to Marawi city in the southern Philippines.

Today, after relentless effort or our operatives to identify the lone gunman in the tragic incident at the Resorts World Manila, Albayalde told a news conference. After backtracking, we have finally established the identity of the perpetrator.

Albayalde said Carlos was fired from the finance department for improperly declaring his personal finances. His ex-wife had earlier requested that he be barred from all gaming floors in Manila because he was heavily indebted due to being hooked in casino gambling.

Carlos owed at least 4 million pesos (about U.S. $82,000) and was said to be desperate, according to police.

Albayalde said Carlos once was considered a high roller meaning he would place bets at a minimum of about $1,000. But he was previously ordered barred from casinos upon the request of family, he said.

Carlos parents were with Albayalde when he confirmed his identity. They cried and apologized to the public and the victims families.

On this note, we also reiterate our prior statements that this is not an act of terrorism, but this incident is confined to the act of one man alone as we have always said, Albayalde said, saying the case is considered closed.

On Friday, Philippine officials challenged ISs claim of responsibility through its Amaq news agency.

An investigation will continue to determine the culpability of the hotel management for allowing the gunman to enter, according to Alayalde.

We shall spare no one of any lapses committed during the incident, he said while appealing to the public to stop speculating that this was linked to acts of terrorism.

Timetable

Security footage released by police showed Carlos getting out of a cab, riding up an elevator and putting on a mask. He forced his way into the second-floor casino, bypassing metal detectors and ignoring an unarmed security officer. Pulling out an M4 assault rifle, he triggered a panic stampede from the casino floor.

Carlos torched gambling tables and fired his gun into the air before making his way into a cashiers box where he grabbed casino chips valued at about 113 million pesos ($2.3 million). Hotel staff said there were over 12,000 guests and employees at the casino complex at that time, considered a peak hour at the casino.

Armed security guards went after him, triggering a brief exchange of gunfire that left him wounded and limping. Later footage showed him with blood on his face resting in a stairwell.

He made his way up the hotels fifth floor, where he forced his way into room 510. He was seen setting hotel linen on fire before going back inside the room where he set himself on fire, according to police.

Marawi gun battles

The attack came more than a week after IS-linked Filipino militants backed by Malaysian, Indonesia and Middle East fighters engaged troops in a deadly gun battles in Marawi on the southern island of Mindanao.

The battles were touched off by efforts by security forces to arrest top Filipino militant Isnilon Hapilon, a leader of the Abu Sayyaf Group, who was spotted in the area. A huge rebel force that included members of the smaller Maute gang and several foreigners surprised the officers.

Military officials said they have recovered 90 percent of the besieged city of 200,000, which has been abandoned except for a few thousand people believed to be trapped in the city center. The gunmen have kidnapped a group of mostly Catholic civilians, led by a priest, who last week aired an appeal to the government to stop the fighting.

More than 120 gunmen, 38 soldiers and 20 civilians have been killed so far in the nearly two-week old violence. More than 1,200 civilians have been rescued and thousands of others escaped the city on their own.
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Starting your day with a cup of mushroom coffee can give a much-needed twist to your daily regimen. Many speak of its benefits, and some even prefer it to regular coffee. But given its unique
Host of the conference, Burmas State Counsellor Aung San Suu Kyi, addressed delegates at the closing ceremony, saying: These agreements were not reached without challenges. They came about after we were able to move beyond two extremes: distraction and excitement.

So, how exciting was the peace conference? What benefits and positive signs can the general public take from this round of negotiations? Shan Herald spoke exclusively to Col. Sai Nguen, Secretary 3 of the Restoration Council of Shan State (RCSS), who represented his organization at the peace summit, which has been dubbed the 21st Century Panglong Conference, or 21CPC.

Question: A debate on the principle that each state and region would accept that there is no-secession from the Union was the hottest point at the 21CPC. Would you explain how the talks transpired?

Answer: No part of territory constituted in the Union such as Regions, States, Union Territories, and Self-Administered Areas shall ever secede from the Union (2008: 10)  that is one of the basic principles of the Union of Myanmars 2008 Constitution, and it was arguably the most debated topic at 21CPC.

Many ethnic people were curious and anxious about the outcome from the summit about this very point. Some of the EPPs [ethnic political parties] and [ethnic armed groups] argued that this clause is not required within the basic principles of the Federal Union, while the military representatives disagreed, saying this matter should be decided upon at the UPDJC [Union Peace Dialogue Joint Committee] Secretariat meeting. For this reason, the conference was extended by a day, and the UPDJC Secretariat meeting was called on May 28. At this meeting, the no-secession clause was the overwhelming point of debate. One of the RCSSs political allies suggested that this controversial topic be dropped.

In the end, we were unable to come to an agreement, and all five political negotiating groups agreed to postpone the discussion to the forthcoming summit.

Q: What do you personally think about the inclusion of a no-secession clause as a basic principle of the constitution?

A: This has much more to do with how respectable a state we are intent on building. No-secession as a basic principle is not compatible with federalism. That clause is simply the voice and demand from four national-level political dialogues convened in four different places, and its inclusion entirely reflects the views of the Tatmadaw (Burmese government forces). In other words, it is merely a reflection of the minority. We still dont have a wide spectrum of opinion, for example from those ethnic people who have not yet convened political dialogue, and from those non NCA-signatory ethnic armed organizations. We have not even held discussions between useach of the provisional groups. We must especially note that that there have been no solid discussions or negotiations resulting in a common agreement among the EAOs and EPPs at this point. For this reason, we request that the non-secession clause is removed from the agenda.

Q: When you dropped the no-secession clause, the government representatives and the Tatmadaw reportedly insisted that the drafting of independent constitutions for states and regions should also be postponed. Is that true?

A: Yes, that is correct. This is a kind of trade-exchange peace process. The message from the government and the Burmese military is that if you want self-determination and a state constitution, you must accept the no-secession clause.

Q: Do you think that the Burmese government and Tatmadaw used give-and-take tactics to turn the situation to their favor?

A: Yes, I do. They should not play this kind of game. It goes against the state counsellors opening remarks at the 21CPC. Daw Aung San Suu Kyi said: We are navigating the nation towards the future, and at every step we will consult with all parties. We will not use force; we will not use give-and-take tactics to advance our political terms. We will discuss, negotiate, and consult with everyone transparently to find common ground that we all can agree upon.

In trust-building, it is very important to be straight forward and commit to your words and deeds. Snr-Gen Min Aung Hlaing said that they will always welcome the non NCA-signatory groups with an open door and open arms. But honestly, I am worried that if such unfair tactics are employed, the door of peace will shut permanently for those non-ceasefire groups.

Q: Prior to the 21CPC being scheduled on May 24-28, the RCSS sent out a very clear message, saying that it is too early to sign any agreement resulting from the summit. Nevertheless, on May 29, the additional day of the conference, Padoh Kwe Htu Win, vice-president of the KNU [Karen National Union], signed a document as a representative of an umbrella group of EAOs. The people of Shan State are curious to know  what is the RCSSs reaction to this?

A: We are responsible for the drafting of the NCA that paved the way for this peace process. We do not want to see the peace process collapse; all EAO stakeholders must help rescue it.

Q: What issues can be rescued?

A: The general EAO opinion is that some of the outcomes of this conference regarding federal principles are incomplete. They merely represent a minority views. That is why we proposed that the basic principles of federalism, debated and agreed at the 21CPC, should only be included in a Union agreement, as a collection of opinion for the time-being, but not as a signal of a final agreement.

On the other hand, our negation counterparts will not accept our proposal, but rather they insist that the NCAs pathway to peace is the only way; therefore we are all obliged to affirm the agreements from this conference.

They argue that the entire peace process cannot proceed if we dont sign. We dont mind if the peace process collapses, was one uncultured statement used during the talks. At that point, we called for a break, then discussed among ourselves [EAO representatives] as to what the next move should be. Although some of the EAOs, including RCSS, did not agree with signing, we respect the majority opinion and the Terms of Reference. Thats why we signed the documents  out of necessity.

Nevertheless, we agreed at the UPDJC Secretariat meeting that the basic principles of federalism that are included in the Union-level agreement are only provisional, and will be amendable as and when is deemed appropriate.

Q: What is your view of the peace conference results?

A: Looking from an NCA perspective, we can certainly say that there is some progress, some significant steps. The NCA Roadmap is now in its fifth out of seven steps. However, from a realistic perspective, we must say that there is no solid tangible outcome yet. Being the most sensitive topic, the security sector has not yet been touched*; we havent even come to the point yet as to what aspects of security can and should be prioritized for discussion.

Q: What is your overall comment about the peace conference?

A: At the negotiation table, everyone should be equal and have the same status. I can say from my own observation at this summit that this did not happen. We also need adequate time for discussions. I think that  whether NCA-signatory or non -signatory, all EAOs should take action collectively and be united.

There is also a need to review the whole NCA Peace Process and Framework for Political Dialogue [FPD]. Obviously, this conference did not follow the procedure of the FPD accordingly. Recklessly obtaining individual opinions and rushing to conclude the decision are among a few examples. According to the NCA implementation procedure, there should be mechanisms properly built into the process. It is also very important that the door of the peace process remains open to those non NCA-signatories. Thank you.

*Stakeholders at the Union Peace Conference discussed five major topics: politics, economics, social issues, land and environment, and security. Reportedly, 37 of 41 points from four of those sectors have been agreed, while the negotiation points on the security sector are yet to be tabled.

By Shan Herald Agency for News (SHAN)
Minority ethnic leaders, democracy activists, legislators and the military have all seen their claims of legitimacy and leadership challenged. Leaders who had long claimed to represent the people have been confronted by those very people.

Some 1,400 representatives from the government, parliament, military, political parties, armed ethnic organizations and civil society participated in the peace talks. The 15 armed ethnic organizations central to the event included eight signatories and seven non-signatories to the Nationwide Ceasefire Accord (NCA). With the whole country watching, the 1,400 representatives had the moral, legal and political mandate to pursue peace for the welfare of their fellow citizens, security, and interethnic harmony and coexistence.

The conferenceand with it the national discoursewas dominated by debates over a federal army, constitutional changes and the right to secession. Both the causes and features of the last half century of conflict were on the table and manifested in clashing ideologies. Representatives to the peace conference have the difficult task of reimagining the three pillars of governance into a system that works for all people. Everything else will be cosmetic if the representatives do not address the underlying legitimacy and structures of power. Without addressing legislative, judicial and executive structures, there will be no way to find a comprehensive solution.

Until now, the fundamental principles of a union or federation have never been articulated in the political frameworks. While there was a fleeting discussion from the birth the country in 1947 until 1961, it was cut short by the coup the following year. A new movement for federalism was built in the Karen Armys jungle headquarters in the 1970s and spread among dissidents through an underground press.

Myanmar marks Union Day every February 12 to celebrate the unity of the Burman and minority ethnic peoples. The question of unity has been debated from different historical perspectives among Burman and non-Burman leaders and writers. After fifty years of searching the model of governance, cooperative federalism has emerged as a broadly desirable system for the country.

The Union will be its best when our old and new leaders respect each groups cultural identity, language, land, and right to self-government. Democratic principles can be fostered when our leaders share a common vision, of human rights and standards based on the value and dignity of all people.

In considering the ongoing debate, it is important not to stay within the conventional boundaries of the colonial or independence periods. We must go back further, to examine the political landscape of Myanmar prior to British rule. The Mon people have lived in lower Burma since before the arrival of Burman people to Yangon (Rangoon), Mawlaymine (Moulmein), Myeik (Mergui) and the Irrawaddy Delta in the early 5th century A.D. The Mon people have been oppressed for over 260 years under Burman and then British rule, but the aspiration for freedom and legitimacy has never diminished in the mindset of the Mon people. The Mon peoples right to self-rule must be addressed in the peace process because a true understanding of the current conflict must include a reckoning with this history in order to foster a stronger union.

The current disagreement at the peace conference stems from not just ideological difference, but also the history of oppression and exclusion since independence. So while the military claims to be fighting ethnic peoples for the non-disintegration of the Union, there is no ignoring the fact that the Union has never truly existed. It has been dominated for 50 years by the Burman ethnic group and has never been responsive to other peoples.

The idea that Myanmar is a real union as claimed by Burman civilian and military leaders is little more than propaganda. The five states that were created by the 1947 constitution and the two new states formed in 1974 have never enjoyed representative government. Even the small concessions to minority ethnic people in the 1947 Panglong Conference fell short, as the process excluded many of the ethnic groups from Lower Bruma, like the Mon, Karen and Arakan. Residents have lived in constant fear of armed conflicts between the military and ethnic resistance groups, and the forced conscription and abuses that the fighting entailed. Many of these native people were forced to flee their homes to seek protection in Thailand, India and other neighbouring countries. There are an estimated two million Burmese people living on the Thai border, both legally and illegally.

Burmas ethnic people have never been granted local administrative power, and the cabinet and parliament are dominated by 25% of seats awarded to the very military fighting them. Freedom of expression is limited by parliamentary procedureeven when minority ethnic members are elected to parliament, they struggle to have their voices heard because of strict procedures. The cosmetic union that has existed does not provide any of the benefits that a truly federal system would, such as healthcare, education, social welfare, security and environmental stewardship.

Australian National Universitys Burma observer Nicholas Farrellys warned in Beyond Burmas Stalemates that what we now need to acknowledge it that the military leadership has crafted a political and economic system that will likely endure well after elections are regularised. Their anticipation is that our lack of attention to Burma ensures that the military and its civilian proxies will be quietly encouraged to continue ruling the country. In truth, the ruling generals manipulate the spirit of the Union to label anyone who objects to their exploitative military state as anti-union. But it is the minority ethnic leaders who have been seeking greater local autonomy for six decades that truly embody unionism.

As the new peace process and framework for political settlement are discussed by the representatives to the peace talks, the aspiration to true unionism should be applauded. But using military pressure to somehow strengthen the Union will not work and should be condemned at all levels of the social and political arena.

At the opening ceremony of the 21st Century Panglong Peace Conference, the commander-in-chief of the military, Senior General Min Aung Hlaing said The Tatmadaw remains committed to trying to secure peace throughout the country via the mechanisms agreed to in the NCA, including building a democratic federal Union based on the results of political dialogues. The Tatmadaw remains loyal to the state and to the people, and the Tatmadaws six-point peace policy, which requires ethnic armed groups accept the 2008 constitution, and agree to disarm. While he may have claim to want to work together with ethnic groups, his tone was not one of trust building, cooperative federalism, or power sharing.

The Burman leadership has been given many opportunities to create a durable peace for over six decades. Needless to say, Burman hardliners have not taken it. Military elites must ask themselves whether forcing a spirit of unionism through military means can possibly bring a durable peace, stability and prosperity. I would argue that the answer is clearly no. Only a genuine dialogue and political consensus built between the regime and non-elected armed and political forces can ever hope to achieve true unity.

True unity for the Union of Myanmar can only be achieved when there is universal respect for all ethnicities and cultures, and all people can participate meaningfully in the national political life of the country. The dream of a strong and peaceful Myanmar will only be achieved with this spirit, embodied in strong institutions born out of a constitution that guarantees self-determination to all minority ethnic people as a Federal Union of Myanmar.

In conclusion, lets us reflect the wisdom of an early national leader, Myanmars first president, Sao Shwe Thaike. In his first address to the new country on the day of independence, he said it is unity which has brought our struggle for independence to this early fruition, and may unity continue to be the watchword for every member of the sovereign, independent republic to be henceforth known as the Union of Burma.

If we bare these words in mind, we can see that the current discord over a federal army, non-cession and constitutional amendments, are small symptoms of the long breakdown in unity. Let us restore that old unity that Sao Shwe Thaik described and begin to rebuild a true union.
Ariana Grande has lead a host of big acts at the One Love concert to raise money for the victims of last month's bombing in Manchester.

The list of celebrities who took to the stage included Mumford and Sons, Pharrell Williams, Miley Cyrus, Take That, Katy Perry and Little Mix.
The Taoiseach Enda Kenny is among the world leaders expressing their shock at the attack in London.

Mr Kenny tweeted last night: "Terrible news coming from London - we stand with our close neighbours again tonight."

Terrible news coming from London - we stand with our close neighbours again tonight. @IrelandEmbGB monitoring the situation.  Enda Kenny (@EndaKennyTD) June 3, 2017

He released a statement this morning that said: "We utterly condemn the cowardly attack in London last night and reject the warped motives and world view behind them. This is sheer madness.

"Ireland will continue to work exceptionally closely with the UK and all of our colleagues on security matters and prevention as far as possible. Full details of this attack are only emerging. I have been in contact with the Tanaiste and Minister for Justice Frances Fitzgerald this morning and will speak to Prime Minister May when appropriate.

"The Irish people stand with our close neighbours once again.

"We continue to closely monitor the situation. Anyone who has serious concerns about loved ones in London can contact the Department of Foreign Affairs in Dublin on 01 408 2000, or the Irish Embassy in London on 00 44 207 235 2171."

The Tanaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality Frances Fitzgerald said: "Last night's attack in London is another depraved and cowardly attack on innocent people. Our first thoughts are with the families of those killed and with the injured victims.

"I have spoken this morning with the Garda Commissioner who briefed me on developments. The Garda Authorities remain in close contact with their counterparts in London and will offer whatever support they can".

Minister for Foreign affairs Charlie Flanagan issued a statement this morning to say: "For the second time in two weeks, the ordinary people of the UK have been subjected to cowardly and barbaric attacks," adding that his department is continuing to closely monitor the situation.

Responding to the horrific attack in London, President of Ireland Michael D. Higgins said: "This latest terrible attack in London will be rightly condemned by all those who believe in the rights of our public to live their lives in the public space.

"To our neighbours in the United Kingdom I send the sympathy and support of the Irish people, and in particular the heartfelt sympathy to the families of those who have lost their lives, and our thoughts and wishes for such recovery as is possible to the injured and their families."

Fine Gael Leader and Minister for Social Protection Leo Varadkar has expressed his shock at the latest attack on civilians in London.

"Once again innocent people have been targeted in the most craven and horrific manner. We extend our solidarity to the people of the UK and condemn this incident in the strongest possible terms.

"The fact that this comes so soon after the Manchester attack only adds to the horror.

"Irish authorities are in constant contact with their counterparts in the UK. If you have any fears regarding family or friends the Department of Foreign Affairs can be contacted on 01 408 2000 and the Irish Embassy in London is at 00 44 207 235 2171."

French President Emanuel Macron said France was "more than ever at Britain's side" after the attacks.

US President Donald Trump has offered his condolences, saying America is ready to help.

The city's mayor Sadiq Khan has described it as "deliberate and cowardly".
A student nurse who escaped the London Bridge terror attack has said she wants to find the taxi driver who saved her life.

Rhiannon Owen was on Borough High Street at a cash machine when a passing taxi driver shouted for her to run.

She said the actions of the unknown man saved her life and allowed her to find shelter in a nearby pub and to alert others to the danger in the process.

Talking to the Press Association the 19-year-old from Nantwich, Cheshire said: "He swerved towards me and screamed 'please run, you've got to run now, get back, get back.

"I turned around and saw this man with this huge blade and I just ran as fast as I could to the nearest pub.

"I shouted into the pub and said to everyone 'you need to get inside'. We all went upstairs for, I don't even know how long, and gunshots started and they went on for ages."

She said the police eventually came and said those inside could leave, but that they had to do so with their hands on their heads.

Describing the scene outside of Applebee's, the establishment in which she took refuge, Ms Owen said: "It was horrible, horrible. People were screaming and crying.

"Emergency services everywhere, blue flashing lights, armed police on every metre of road - it was completely packed."

Quizzed on if she saw anyone with injuries, she said she saw a man "bleeding out".

"The window was smashed and he was on the floor and he was screaming - I think he had been a victim of the stabbing," she added.

Following her ordeal the student nurse said she wants to track down the taxi driver who alerted her to the danger.

In an emotional plea she said: "I don't know who you are, but you saved my life. I could run away because you told me to. Whoever you are I want to say thank you so much."

Ms Owen said there were 30 to 40 people hiding in the upstairs of the pub with her, that they were "terrified" and with the sound of gunshots "everyone jumped to the floor".

She said she is "totally in shock" after what has happened, adding: "I've not even had time to cry because I've not processed anything properly yet."
President Donald Trump used the attacks in London to renew his controversial campaign for a travel ban.

An hour after reports of a van ploughing into people on London Bridge, the US president tweeted: "We need to be smart, vigilant and tough. We need the courts to give us back our rights. We need the Travel Ban as an extra level of safety!"

Mr Trump initially retweeted a Drudge Report item about the attacks, then provided his own message about the travel ban.

A few minutes later he tweeted a message of support for Londoners: "Whatever the United States can do to help out in London and the U. K., we will be there - WE ARE WITH YOU. GOD BLESS!"

Earlier this week, the Trump administration asked the Supreme Court to immediately reinstate its ban on travellers from six mostly Muslim countries and refugees from anywhere in the world.

The administration argues that the US will be safer if the policy is put in place.

Lower courts have blocked the policy, citing various reasons including statements Mr Trump made during the 2016 campaign.

The legal fight pits the president's authority over immigration against what lower courts have said is a policy that purported to be about national security but was intended to target Muslims.

Mr Trump later called Prime Minister Theresa May to offer his condolences.

The White House said the president "praised the heroic response of police and other first responders and offered the full support of the United States government in investigating and bringing those responsible for these heinous acts to justice".

The US State Department issued a statement condemning the attacks as "cowardly".

"The United States stands ready to provide any assistance authorities in the United Kingdom may request," a State Department spokeswoman said.

"Our hearts are with the families and loved ones of the victims. We wish a full and quick recovery to those injured in the attacks. All Americans stand in solidarity with the people of the United Kingdom," she said.

PA
National Australia Bank will advise customers who are overseas on the Aussie dollar cost of making purchases in foreign currency, including fees, as banks try to design apps that can adapt to what their clients are doing.

It is a sign of the shift towards greater automation and "personalisation" in how retail banking services are delivered, as more customers manage their financial needs through a smart phone.

A key gripe of customers when they travel overseas is having to calculate how much a purchase in foreign currency will cost in Australian dollars, NAB says.

In response, the bank says new features on its app will tell customers what exchange rate they will get if they pay on their Visa card, including any fees charged by the bank.
Australia will never have a completely cashless economy, says the man heading the federal government's Black Economy Taskforce Michael Andrew, but it's likely that we will see a limit put on cash transactions at $10,000.

Mr Andrew, who is advising the Turnbull government on how it can claw back up to an estimated $15 billion in lost federal tax revenue and illegitimate welfare payments due to widespread cash economy activity, told Fairfax Media that his final report to government, due in October, was likely to include stronger recommendations around limits.

He said his second report would look deep into the "really dark black economy", as the taskforce was now talking to agencies such as the Australian Federal Police, the Australian Border Force and Australian Crime Commission on issues such as money laundering, terrorism financing and illicit trade.

He said there were many examples of cash still being used for large transactions, especially luxury goods such as vintage cars and fancy boats, as well as private school fees.
It was an understandable reaction given the media attention the convicted drug smuggler's return to Australia received last weekend. But let's be clear, the media stampede was always going to happen.

For the past week social media feeds have been filled with commentary from the general public who claim they "don't care" about Schapelle Corby.

Yes, you read that correctly, but hear me out.

Some of my friends have even asked on Facebook why are we giving a convicted drug smuggler so much attention, while others have argued she's not a celebrity so we should stop turning her into one.

Just to be clear, the term "newsworthy" is not necessarily about the "worthiness" of the subject matter to be given media attention based on any sense of perceived morality, or lack thereof.

News value is determined purely on interest in a story, and in today's click-driven news cycle measuring where the audience is has never been easier. If a story rates well online, you are guaranteed to hear more about it. That's the current state of modern journalism, not just in Australia but around the world.

Just look at her Instagram account. It went from zero followers to 140,000 within 24 hours.

Last week this column looked at the reasons why Schapelle's case has remained in the Australian psyche and dominated the media landscape for so long, with some media professionals putting it down to pure aesthetics and stereotypes: pretty girl next door locked up in rat-infested foreign prison.
A Gold Coast pilot who spent the first half of his career as a "top gun" fighter jet pilot now works to save the lives of Queenslanders both at home and abroad.

LifeFlight's Air Ambulance chief pilot Paul Regli worked as a F18 fighter jet pilot in the Canadian military for 11 years and achieved "top gun" status within that time.

LifeFlight Chief Pilot Paul Regli during his miltary days. Credit:RACQ LifeFlight Rescue

"As far as capability, I ended up as a fighter weapons instructor, which is probably the pinnacle of a fighter pilot's tactical capability," he said.

Despite his extensive experience, the 50-year-old has remained humble, dismissing any comparisons between himself and the main characters from the 1986 film Top Gun, Maverick and Iceman.
There is nothing like the impossible chance of seeing the Tasmanian tiger that gets people into a flurry.

International news outlets were knocking on the door of James Cook University's Distinguished Research Professor Bill Laurance once he announced he was kicking off a field survey in Cape York earlier this year to try to find the extinct Tasmanian tiger, known as the thylacine.

The last known Tasmanian tiger, seen in 1936, the year it died in a Hobart zoo. Credit:Tasmanian Museum

He had heard an account by a long-time camper and outdoorsman from north Queensland who claims he spotted four of the animals one night back in 1983.

"He gave a fair dinkum sounding description of what he had seen," Professor Laurance said.
A British tourist has been flown to hospital after her leg was degloved in a yacht accident in the Whitsundays on Saturday.

The 53-year-old woman from Birmingham had been aboard a 24-metre tourist yacht called the British Defender when her leg became caught in a rope.

Paramedics treated the woman aboard the maxi yacht. Credit:RACQ CQ Rescue

The woman was then dragged along the deck of the boat, smashing into handrails and equipment before her lower leg was degloved about 4.30pm, according to an RACQ CQ Rescue crew spokesman.

A rescue helicopter was dispatched from Mackay and landed on Whitehaven Beach where medical staff got into an inflatable boat to reach the yacht, which was about 500 metres offshore.
Swapping courier companies didn't help. "We've tried a number of courier services over the years and they're all as bad as each other," says Kristy Withers, the founder of Incy Interiors.

Ongoing dramas with couriers damaging her products while being delivered to customers forced a children's furniture retailer to look for a better solution.

Virtually everything Withers' range is flat-packed, but damage was still occurring, she says. "It was diabolical. We naively started manufacturing and fulfilling orders, not even contemplating the potential for our products to be damaged while being delivered."

While Incy Interiors has always been quick to respond to the customer and resolve the issue, it was taking up a huge amount of Withers' time.

Incy Interiors change table and cot.

"Customers were sending us pictures of a parcel that has clearly been run over and everything inside is crushed, and yet the courier has completely ignored the damage and delivered it anyway. Another parcel had a huge forklift hole through the middle of the dresser.

"If they just answered the phone when you call them to resolve an issue, and deliver when you say you're going to, it would be a miracle. I don't understand why courier companies don't think they have to offer the basic services that other small businesses have to."
Bomb squad detectives were called to a bank in Melbourne's outer south-east on Saturday after a man threw a 'smoking' package at the shopfront window about 6.15pm.

A witness outside the National Australia Bank in Main Street, Pakenham, raised the alarm.

A bomb disposal robot at Main Street, Pakenham in front of the National Australia Bank. Credit:Channel 7

The bomb squad used a bomb disposal robot to safely dispose of what it describes as an "unknown package".

Police are now looking for a car that sped away from the scene. It is described as a blue or green Mazda.
Smoke and flames were coming out of a car before it ploughed into a childcare centre in Tarneit in Melbourne's west on Monday morning, police say.

Acting assistant commissioner of road policing Deb Robertson said it was not known what prompted the car to suddenly veer into the large building after police attempted a routine intercept.

The driver died in the bizarre car crash which also destroyed the Kool Kidz childcare centre.

Ms Robertson said a police operational response unit car had been patrolling the area as part of Operation Regnant, which is investigating aggravated burglaries and stolen vehicles.
A sexual predator responsible for a number of assaults on Melbourne's trams over the past year is being hunted by police.

It's believed the man sexually assaulted women on four separate occasions on popular tram routes as they travelled through the CBD.

An image of the man police wish to speak to over assaults on trams in the Melbourne CBD.

In each incident the man approached the victim and inappropriately touched them before leaving the tram. A number of assaults occurred during the evening peak-hour commute.

The first assault took place on the route 109 Box Hill tram on Collins Street about 5.30pm on April 16 last year.
A 25-year-old Zimbabwean man has been handed a 15-month jail term in WA for robbing a delivery driver of $80 in cash and pizzas.

Albert Panashe Bere's partner phoned in the order for four family-sized pizzas, worth $69.90, on February 6 last year and asked for them to be delivered to an address about 75 metres from their Balga home.

Albert Bere told police his family hadn't eaten for a week.

Bere waited at the rear fence of his property for the driver to arrive then ran up to him and threatened him with violence.

Six days later, police searched Bere's home and found the four empty pizza boxes.
Washington: US President Donald Trump has taken to Twitter amid the unfolding deadly drama in London to offer US help to Britain and to promote his controversial travel ban as an extra level of security for Americans.

British police rushed to central London after a van ploughed into pedestrians on London Bridge and reports emerged of multiple stabbings in the nearby Borough Market area. Police said the attacks had been declared terrorist incidents.

"Whatever the United States can do to help out in London and the UK, we will be there - WE ARE WITH YOU. GOD BLESS!" Trump said in the second of two tweets.
London: Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn has fiercely criticised Prime Minister Theresa May, linking her cuts to police numbers when she was home secretary to the London Bridge terror attack.

Mrs May had "ignored" warnings about the effect of the police cuts, he said.

It was a dramatic return to the political fray after a day when the two parties had theoretically suspended national campaigning ahead of Thursday's general election.

Mrs May had used her address outside Downing Street on Sunday morning to announce a new anti-terror policy which she would implement if the Conservatives were re-elected  a move which Labour saw as against the spirit of the political truce.
Theresa May says the London Bridge attack was not just on London - but "was also an attack on the free world".

Speaking to the BBC after a meeting of the government's emergency committee, Ms May defended cuts to police numbers, saying the Metropolitan Police is "well-resourced" and has "very powerful counter-terrorism capabilities".

"We have protected counter terrorism policing budgets, we have also provided funding for an increase in the number of armed police officers," she said.

"But it's also about the powers that we give to the police. We have given increased powers to the police to be able to deal with terrorists - powers which Jeremy Corbyn has boasted he has always opposed."

Speaking later, at an election campaign event, Ms May said Islamist extremism is a "perversion of Islam".

"We must do more, much more, to take on and defeat the evil ideology of Islamist extremism that preaches hatred, sows division and promotes sectarianism," she said.

with Reuters
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.
NJ Weedman got a license to sell NJ legal weed. He almost said no.
ANATOMY OF TERROR

From the Death of Bin Laden to the Rise of the Islamic State

Ali Soufan

W W Norton & Company

359 pages; $27.95

In his revealing and timely new book, Anatomy of Terror, the former FBI special agent Ali Soufan compares Al Qaeda and its vicious spinoff, the Islamic State, to the Hydra from Greek mythology: Cut off one head and two more quickly sprout.

More than a decade and a half after September. 11, and a half-dozen years after the killing of Osama bin Laden, he writes, the cancer of bin Ladenism has metastasised across the Middle East and North Africa and beyond, carried by even more virulent vectors.

Whereas on 9/11 Al Qaeda had around 400 members, he goes on, today it has thousands upon thousands, in franchises and affiliates spread from the shores of the Pacific to Africas Atlantic seaboard. And he notes that bin Ladens 20-something son Hamza  who grew up with a fervour for jihad and a determination to follow in his fathers footsteps  is being prepared for leadership with several of his fathers most trusted lieutenants. Meanwhile, the Islamic State has brought mass murder to Iraq and Syria, and conducted or inspired attacks in more than two dozen countries; the group claimed responsibility for the deadly bombing in Manchester, England.

As he did in his best-selling 2011 book, The Black Banners, Mr Soufan writes with immense knowledge and authority. He was the lead investigator of the bombing of the American destroyer Cole and a supervisor of counterterrorism operations and the investigation of events surrounding September 11. He was instrumental in identifying the September 11 hijackers and Khalid Shaikh Mohammed as the architect of those attacks, and he extracted such crucial information not by torture or enhanced interrogation techniques (EITs), but by building a rapport with his subjects, sparring with them over interpretations of the Quran, and using old-fashioned logic and psychology.

Mr Soufan, who left the FBI in 2005, has been an outspoken critic of the Bush administrations so-called EITs, arguing that torture is both morally wrong and ineffective and dangerous  generating false leads and unreliable information, and helping terrorists find new recruits.

In The Black Banners, Mr Soufan provided a compelling insiders account of American efforts to track down the perpetrators of Sept. 11, and recounted the story of Al Qaeda up through the death of bin Laden. His new book covers some of the same ground, but focuses on that terrorist group after bin Ladens death, and how it and the Islamic State have evolved since  their different philosophies and divergent trajectories, and how the personalities of their leaders have shaped the organisations. Of the relationship between the soft-spoken bin Laden and Abu Musab Al-Zarqawi, the fiery militant who founded the group that would become the Islamic State, Mr Soufan quotes an intelligence officer: It was a case of loathing at first sight.

Much of this has been covered in other . But Mr Soufan brings first-hand, on-the-ground experience hunting down and interrogating Qaeda members.

He lucidly describes the nefarious modus operandi (borrowed, in part, from Saddam Husseins regime) by which ISI  which would be renamed ISIL (Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant) or ISIS (Islamic State of Iraq and Syria), and later simply IS, the Islamic State  began aggressively conquering territory in Iraq and Syria in 2013. It would start, in each town, by opening what appeared to be a religious community centre, then selecting fervent young men to inform on their neighbours and spy on any rival rebel groups in the area.

While gathering intelligence and blackmail material on residents, Mr Soufan explains: ISIL would begin concentrating its fighters in the area  typically foreigners who would have less compunction about killing or subjugating the natives. When the local faction judged that it had amassed enough manpower and enough leverage with the local population, it would go public and seize the municipal government, violently if necessary. Leaders of rival groups would be assassinated, and anyone who opposed ISILs rule would be killed  terror tactics that compelled allegiance from local tribes.

In other chapters, Mr Soufan gives a detailed portrait of Al Qaedas more bureaucratic operation, describing bin Ladens long view of history and his penchant for micromanagement. (Please send me the resumes of all the brothers who might be nominated for high administrative positions now or in the future.)

Such passages give a keen sense of how these terrorist groups operate day to day. Mr Soufan also uses some of the techniques he learned as an interrogator to get inside the heads of his subjects, mapping the factors that lead many to become jihadis, and the ways Al Qaeda and the Islamic State use publicity and propaganda to recruit members and promote their brand.

Know your enemy, he quotes Sun Tzu, adding that empathy is a useful tool in this war  not in the colloquial sense of sharing another persons perspective, but in the clinical sense of being able to see the world through another persons eyes. By understanding Al Qaeda and the Islamic State, he writes, we can better combat the destructive ideology they represent.



2017 The New York Times News Service
An audio clip of a Mumbai-based employee at Capgemini, the French information technology (IT) services entity, fighting with the personnel officer to retain her is an indicator of the human cost of the changes under way in the sector.
Chairman Azim Premji took home 63 per cent less compensation in the financial year 2016-17 (FY17) as Indias third-largest software exporter saw a slowdown in profits due to changes in the business environment and technology.

Premji earned a compensation of $108,026 (around Rs 71.4 lakh) in FY17, down from $292,991 (Rs 1.93 crore) in the year before, according to the companys annual filings with the US Securities and Exchange Commission. The compensation does not include long-term benefits, such as provident fund and pension.

Azim Premji is entitled to a commission at the rate of 0.5 per cent on incremental net profit of Limited for financial year 2017 over the previous year... For the year ended March 2017, commission paid to Premji is nil, it said.

saw its profits drop by 4.69 per cent to Rs 8,514 crore on revenues of Rs 55,418 crore, which jumped 7.34 per cent. In dollar terms, Wipros revenue grew 4.9 per cent to $7.7 billion. Recently, Vishal Sikka, chief executive of Infosys, also saw his variable salary component drop by half after the company slipped on growth targets in the year.

Premji, who owns 73.25 per cent stake in Wipro, is the only executive who earns a commission on profits. All other executives receive variable pay under a quarterly performance-linked scheme based on key parameters of individual or combined performance of the business unit, division or segment or the company.

Rishad Premji, Azim Premjis son and chief strategy officer at Wipro, saw his salary drop by nearly a quarter to $233,479 (around Rs 1.54 crore), as against $3,03,198 (around Rs 2 crore) in FY16. Chief Executive Abidali Neemuchwala, who was elevated to the top job in February 2016, saw his compensation increase by 5.3 per cent to $2.08 million (around Rs 13.7 crore) as against $1.97 million the previous year. He was hired as chief operating officer from larger rival Tata Consultancy Services.
Indias food technology sector has had a trial by fire. After a bloodbath for more than a year and a half, which saw the demise of as many as 20 companies, the sector has emerged stronger and is on the path to become a billion-dollar .
One of the fastest growing chocolate categories in India, the premium segment, is also among the most competitive. And, American major Mondelez, maker of the Cadbury brand, retains its hold here by a wide margin.
Mumbai Indians, the Mukesh Ambani-promoted franchise in the Vivo Indian Premier League (IPL), emerged as the most popular team on Star Indias over-the-top platform Hotstar for the 2017 edition, according to data provided by the digital broadcaster.
A suspected Chinese helicopter was today seen flying over Indian territory in Barahoti area of Chamoli district close to Sino-India border, prompting authorities to launch a probe.

"One chopper was sighted hovering over Barahoti area violating Indian airspace at 9:15 AM. It remained inside the Indian airspace for nearly four minutes," Chamoli Superintendent of Police Tripti Bhatt told PTI.



"There have been similar airspace violations in the past too. However, we cannot say whether the violation was a deliberate act of recce or an unintentional deviation," the SP said.

The SP said an investigation is underway to ascertain details of the airspace violation.
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The Investigation Agency (NIA) conducted fresh searches on Sunday at seven more locations belonging to secessionist and separatist elements, traders and hawala operators suspected of terror funding in Srinagar, Jammu and Gurgaon.

The searches were conducted in Srinagar, Jammu and Gurgaon.

During the course of searches, several bank accounts have been detected and Pakistani currency and currencies belonging to UAE and Saudi Arabia have been found and seized, apart from a lot of other incriminating material like correspondence with jailed troublemakers, suspicious transactions and mobile phones.

Prominent among those raided by the NIA are Tariq Ahmed Khan, ex-President of the LOC Traders Association, Farooq Baggu and Kamal Bittu of Jammu.

Another house of Zahoor Watali at Gurgaon was also searched The concerned are being questioned about the same. Further investigation is continuing.
Union Minister for Water Resources, River Development & Ganga Rejuvenation Uma Bharti on Sunday said it will take 10 years to completely clean the Ganga, and that it would be done in a phased manner.

"In order to ensure clean Ganga, the industrial units which are located on the banks of Ganga will be shifted to other places. The framework of this plan has been drawn. The Uttar Pradesh government is making efforts to shift the tanneries located in Kanpur to other places," said Bharti, who was in Farrukhabad, Uttar Pradesh, to participate in Ganga Dashera celebrations.

She also said once the Ganga is cleaned, mass awareness will be needed to maintain its cleanliness, for which she will herself undertake a 'padyatra' from Gangotri to Ganga Sagar.
Connecting people to nature. That is the theme the United Nations (UN) has chosen for the this year. This is how the UN suggests we celebrate it. It "implores us to get outdoors and into nature, to appreciate its beauty and its importance, and to take forward the call to protect the Earth that we share."
Jewellers across the country are happy with the three per cent rate fixed on gold jewellery under the Goods and Services Tax (GST). The Centre has definitely considered the demand of the gold industry while fixing the rates.

Disclaimer: Views expressed are personal. They do not reflect the view/s of Business Standard.
Connecting people to nature. That is the theme the UN has chosen for the World Environment Day this year. This is how the UN suggests we celebrate it. It implores us to get outdoors and into nature, to appreciate its beauty and its importance, and to take forward the call to protect the Earth that we share.
The Goods and Services Tax (GST) Council on Saturday cleared the pending rules for the rollout of the new indirect tax regime from July 1. The include transition provisions and returns. All states have agreed to the July 1 rollout timeline. "Transition rules have been cleared and everybody has agreed for July 1 roll out," Kerala Finance Minister Thomas Isaac told said.
No meeting like the one in Paris or any law can preserve the environment if people don't come forward to address the issue, Union minister today said on the eve of World Environment Day.

Addressing a function, the minister said it is futile to celebrate World Environment Day if people don't inculcate in themselves the idea of conserving the environment throughout the year and batted for a minimalist lifestyle to save the planet.

He also mooted that the Ministry of Environment and Forest (MoEF) take up the role of a facilitator, and not just a regulator, by initiating proactive steps for conservation of earth with the involvement of people.

"No law or meetings in Paris can protect our environment. It can only happen if people become aware of the issues and do things on their own to protect it. All NGOs should work together to achieve this goal," the minister said.

India has said it is committed to the Paris agreement "irrespective" of the stand taken by any other country after the United States announced its withdrawal from the UN climate deal.

Advocating a change in lifestyle to save environment, especially in the cities, the minister said, "we should learn how to lead simpler lives, simple thought, the concept of early to bed and early to rise, to eat less, to live long".

He urged the people to opt for public transport and cycles more, reduce the use of air-conditioners and work towards realising the Prime Minister's vision of Swachh Bharat and cleanliness.

He also appealed to the people to use water judiciously. He directed the ministry officials to start water conservation in the right earnest in the Environment Ministry itself.

He stressed that the Ministry should "not work only as a regulator, but more like a facilitator in a true sense".

Asking officials to not make it merely "a department for approvals", said that they should initiate steps to save environment and involve children in these endeavours.

He also expressed unhappiness over the way awards were given to mark the day.

"We should do a rethink at these awards that are given out on this day. Why have only three children been awarded? They are being given a very meagre amount, it is unacceptable," he said.

Three students were chosen in different categories for their contribution towards the environment and were given cash rewards of Rs 5000, Rs 6000 and Rs 10,000.

The minister said that the environment ministry should replicate schemes of the ministry of science and technology( (MST). Three lakh students are awarded every year by the MST.

Harsh Vardhan, who headed MST, was given additional charge of MoEF following the demise of Anil Madhav Dave.

He also said that such students should be supported further by the ministry in their future endeavours.

"To inspire the quest for science, the MoEF should look at 'Jigyasa' (curiosity) programme which was created in collaboration with the HRD Ministry, under which school children will come to CSIR (Council of Scientific & Industrial Research) labs to see for themselves the work being done there," he said.

"Our ancestors had given us pure air, water and earth, they had given us rich forests and great soil.

"They had also given us teachings on how to preserve them. If we had kept our environment clean, then we wouldn't need climate change conferences. In order to deliver new India, all our contributions are needed," said .

Books detailing the new discoveries of Zoological Survey of India (ZSI) and Botanical Survey of India (BSI) were released by Harsh Vardhan on the occasion.

A mobile App and Web GIS of Faunal information of Wildlife Sanctuaries for ZSI were also launched by the Minister on the occasion.

A brochure on 'Training Modules for the Pilot: Green Skill Development Programme' was also released.

The UN has chosen the theme of connecting people to nature for the World Environment Day this year.
Odisha has raised the demand for keeping handloom and handicrafts out of the ambit of the goods and serviced tax (GST).
Privatising Air India in one go is a view that has emerged strong among the many that the Narendra Modi government is grappling with regarding the future of the airline.
Economists dont expect the six-member Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) to tinker with policy rates of the (RBI) when it meets this week.

Twelve economists polled by Business Standard ruled out a rate cut by the central bank even as growth numbers slowed down and inflation surprised most on the downside. The MPC is scheduled to meet on Tuesday and Wednesday.

Economic growth fell to 6.1 per cent in the fourth quarter as demonetisation affected consumer spending. The consumer price index-based inflation rate eased to 2.99 per cent as food prices moderated.

Going forward, economists dont see much of a scope for prices to rise in the immediate term, considering the prospects of a good monsoon and largely stable crude oil rates.

This is well below the RBIs rate own target of keeping the inflation rate anchored around 4 per cent. But growth should rebound as the negative effects of the note ban are largely expected to be transitory.

Not many are thinking of a rate cut at this point. It should be a pause, said Kaushik Das, India economist at Deutsche Bank.

All other economists also said the central bank was unlikely to rush with a rate cut seeing the fourth quarter gross domestic product numbers. Low inflation, which HDFC Banks Chief Economist Abheek Barua expected to continue for a few more months, is not necessarily something that would be permanent.

And, therefore, the stance of the policy would still continue to remain neutral, which the central bank adopted in the December policy, having kept the stance at accommodative for many quarters.

CARE Ratings Chief Economist Madan Sabnavis also expected the stance to continue to be neutral.

We expect the language to be a bit cautious. It is not yet clear how the GST (goods and services tax) and the proposed increase in house rent allowance component for government employees would impact inflation. But the monsoon and crude oil parts have already been addressed, said Sabnavis, adding the central bank would rather wait and watch before moving on the rates. Kotak Mahindra Banks Upasna Bhardwaj said the RBIs statement may acknowledge the softer growth and low inflation and therefore the overall tone of the policy could be softer than usual.

Source: Business Standard Survey, Reports

The RBI may highlight that future action would depend on realised inflation print after monsoon and GST implementation, said Soumyajit Niyogi, associate director at India Ratings and Research.

According to Nomuras Chief India Economist Sonal Varma, while both growth and inflation signals were still reeling under the effects of demonetisation, these were transitory.

High-frequency data confirm that growth recovery is getting back on track. Additionally, with a number of other transitory factors also affecting inflation and several uncertainties in the pipeline, it is best to wait for data to stabilise before making any judgement, Varma wrote in her report.

According to Pranjul Bhandari, chief India economist for HSBC, it could be time the RBI adjusted its inflation forecasts to strengthen its credibility.

We expect it to lower its inflation forecast for FY18 at the coming June 7 meeting. We continue to expect the RBI to be on a prolonged pause but with risks of a 25-basis point rate cut in August if certain conditions are met, Bhandari wrote in her report.

A factor helping the central bank in keeping inflation under control was a stable exchange rate. Benign crude oil prices were helping the stability of the currency as well and this would keep the current account deficit under check, according to IndusInd Bank chief economist Gaurav Kapur.

Overall, according to Kapur, a status quo on rates was a foregone conclusion and was widely anticipated.
In what appears to be the first step toward prohibition, Uttarakhand Chief Minister (pictured) on Sunday cancelled licences of the two government-controlled liquor shops in his Doilwala Assembly constituency, near here, in view of widespread agitation by women.
The All India Bank Employees' Association (AIBEA) on Sunday sought Prime Minister Narendra Modi's personal intervention to fill up the vacancies of workman/officer directors on bank boards.

In a letter to Modi, AIBEA General Secretary C H Venkatachalam said the posts of workman and officer directors in the that have fallen vacant from 2014, 2015 and 2016 still remain vacant and there is no representation of employees and officers on the boards of all the .

He noted that they had met Union Minister Arun Jaitley on three occasions with our representation and were assured that the matter is under process and would be expedited "but still nothing has happened so far for the past two years", he said in the letter.

Venkatachalam said the unions have already submitted the panel of names for appointment as Workman/Officer director and the bank managements have also sent in their recommendations.

"We learn that all other formalities have also been completed but yet the appointments are withheld by the Government," he said.

Venkatachalam told IANS that there were 19 government which did not have workman directors and 20 did not have officer directors on their boards.
2383 AIDS and Assisted Living Devices Distributed to 1266 Senior Citizens during camp on Rashtriya Vayoshri Yojana OF M/o Social Justice & Empowerment in Nagpur

2383 Aids and Assisted Living Devices were distributed to 1266 Senior Citizens during a Camp on RASHTRIYA VAYOSHRI YOJANA of Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment at Dr Vasantrao Deshpande Hall, Civil Lines, Nagpur, Maharastra here today. Shri Devendra Fadvanis, Chief Minister of Maharastra in presence of Shri Nitin Jairam Gadkari, Union Minister of Road Transport & Highways and Shipping, Shri Thaawarchand Gehlot, Union Minister for Social Justice and Empowerment and Shri Ramdas Athawale, Minister of State Social Justice and Empowerment distributed these Aids and Assisted Living Devices.

The devices will help the Senior Citizens to overcome their age related physical impairment and to lead a dignified and productive life with minimal dependence on care givers or other members of the family. The ambitious Scheme, first of its kind in the country is expected to benefit 5,20,000 Senior Citizens over a period of the 3 years.

As per the Census figures of 2011, the population of senior citizens in India is 10.38 crore. More than 70% of the population of senior citizens live in rural areas of the country. A sizeable percentage (5.2%) of the senior citizens suffers from some sort of disabilities related to old age.

Projections indicate that the number of elderly population will increase to around 173 million by 2026.
Municipal Solid Waste segregation at source in National Capital Region to be launched tomorrow Country-wide launch in 130 cities with Waste-to-Compost plants functional and coming up Shri M. Venkaiah Naidu to launch in Delhi and Indore

Solid Waste Management in Delhi besides Gurugram, Faridabad, Noida and Ghaziabad is set to turn a new page tomorrow with the launch of segregation of Municipal Solid Waste at source like households, hotels, restaurants etc . henceforth, wet waste will be collected in Green bins and dry waste in Blue bins.This major new initiative to address the problem of solid waste management will be launched in 130 cities where Waste-to-Compost plants are either functional or under construction.Minister of Urban Development Shri M. Venkaiah Naidu will launch the segregation campaign in National Capital Region covering a total of nine urban local bodies including five of Delhi by flagging off segregated waste collection vehicles from Talkatora Indore Stadium in the national capital. Residential Welfare Associations, Hotels and Restaurants who have taken commendable initiatives in this regard will also be felicitated.In the National Capital Region, about 15,000 tonnes of municipal solid waste is being generated every day while about 65 million tones of such waste is produced every day in urban areas of the country.Launch of waste segregation at source is being done in the backdrop of 145 Waste-to-Compost plants becoming functional across the country increasing compost production from 1.50 lakh tones in March, 2016 to 13.13 lakh tones at present.

Another 150 compost making plants are under construction with total compost production capacity of 95 lakh tones per year. Incorrect disposal and burning of solid waste results in emission of climate change causing Greenhouse gases like Methane and Carbon Dioxide to the tune of 12.69 million tones of Carbon Dioxide in the country per year. A recent study revealed that improper solid waste management causes 15 diseases including Hepatitis, Cholera and Malaria. Segregation of dry and wet waste at source leads to removal of carcinogenic and heavy metals from organic waste resulting in production of good quality compost. Segregation also assists in conversion of non-recyclable dry waste to RDF (Refuse Derived Fuel) or energy through Waste-to-Energy/RDF Plants, with minimal amount of inert waste going to landfills. Tirunelveli in Tamil Nadu is the only city so far to have ensured 100% segregation of solid waste at source. Shri Venkaiah Naidu will also launch the waste segregation at Indore tomorrow. In other States, Governors and Chief Ministers will be doing the same. Under Swachh Bharat Mission (Urban), 100% door-to-door collection, transportation and processing of solid waste is targeted by October, 2019. While 100% door-to-door collection and transport of solid waste has been achieved in over 41,000 of the total 81,000 urban wards in the country, processing of such waste is about 22%.
Giving a clarion call to the people of the country and the youth, in particular, Union Minister of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, Dr. Harsh Vardhan has said that the real sentiment behind World Environment Day should not be restricted to a single day, but must pervade every moment of the day, till the World Environment Day next year. Addressing a function on the eve of World Environment Day here today, the Minister emphasised the need to create positive energy and awakening among the people of the country. Dr. Harsh Vardhan urged people to use public transport more, use cycle, reduce the use of air-conditioners and work towards realising the Prime Ministers vision of Swacchh Bharat and cleanliness. He also appealed to the people to use water judiciously and in appropriate amount. He directed that Ministry officials must start water conservation in the right earnest in the Environment Ministry itself. The Minister added that the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change should not work only as a regulator, but more like a facilitator in a true sense. .

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Dr. Harsh Vardhan highlighted that youth programmes such as Jigyasa, which is to be launched soon, in which Kendriya Vidyalaya students are taken to CSIR laboratories, should be replicated in the field of environment also. The Minister also said that Department of Science & Technology and Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change must work together in the field of waste management be it solid waste, plastic waste, or E-waste and in creating waste to wealth and waste to energy. He added that similarly, Ministry of Human Resource Development and MoEFCC can work together to rope in students and harness their strength in spreading messages of positive health and messages for environment protection in the society. The Environment Minister appealed to NGOs, professionals, teachers and students to make environmental protection, nature and biodiversity conservation a strong social movement. Dr. Harsh Vardhan pointed out that children and environmental volunteers must be awarded in a much bigger way next year. .

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The Minister said that our ancestors gave us clean rivers, clean air, rich forests, teachings and wisdom on nature and environment. Dr. Harsh Vardhan pointed out that the worship of nature and its protection is in our DNA. .

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Speaking on the occasion, Secretary, MoEFCC, Shri Ajay Narayan Jha, said that there is a need to spread environmental awareness among all sections of the society. Shri Jha added that protection of environment is an article of faith. The Secretary referred to some key initiatives of the Environment Ministry including Science Express train, which has provided a good opportunity to introduce discussion and dialogue throughout the country. In this context, he also mentioned National Green Corps, one of the largest conservation network and National Nature Camping movement to foster a spirit of adventure and love for nature among the youth. .

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In her welcome address, Additional Secretary, MoEFCC, Dr. Amita Prasad said that World Environment Day is celebrated in more than a 100 countries, as the task of saving environment cannot be handled individually, or by one country. Dr. Prasad also pointed out that the need to connect with Nature is reflected in the Ministrys logo Nature protects, if she is protected". Joint Secretary, MoEFCC, Shri Gyanesh Bharati delivered the Vote of Thanks. .

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Books detailing the new discoveries of Zoological Survey of India (ZSI) and Botanical Survey of India (BSI) were released by Dr. Harsh Vardhan on the occasion. A Mobile App and Web GIS of Faunal information of Wildlife Sanctuaries for ZSI were also launched by the Minister on the occasion. A brochure on Training Modules for the Pilot: Green Skill Development Programme was also released. .

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The Young Environmentalist Award was given away on the occasion. Ms. May Barani Aung, a Class X student from Mamta Modern Senior Secondary School, Vikaspuri, New Delhi, was awarded the first prize for performance in National Poster Making Competition. She received a citation, a trophy and a cash prize from Dr. Harsh Vardhan. National Museum for Natural History (NMNH) organised summer vacation programme for children and brought them close to nature. The students also performed a Skit on the subject Connecting People to Nature. They also took the Green Pledge to protect Earth and its natural resources and to adopt practices that will help in environment protection and minimise wastage of natural resources. Children from Bal Bhawan sang a Prakriti Vandana. .

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The Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change is also celebrating World Environment Day at Dehradun tomorrow. .

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BACKGROUND TO WORLD ENVIRONMENT DAY: .

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World Environment Day on June 5 is a collective call for preserving and conserving nature and environment. The day reminds us of our responsibility towards sustainable use of resources. It is celebrated every year to raise global awareness for taking positive environmental action. It was established by the United Nations General Assembly in 1972 on the day the United Nations Conference on the Human Environment. The first World Environment Day was celebrated in 1973 at Stockholm. Since then it is hosted every year by a different city with a unique theme. This year, it is being hosted by Canada, and the theme for the year is Connecting People to Nature". .

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Over the years, World Environment Day has grown to be a broad, global platform for public outreach that is widely celebrated by stakeholders all over the world. It also serves as the Peoples Day for taking positive action for the environment. The onus is on each and everybody to take actions in their daily lives that will help them minimize those activities that contribute to harming nature and enhance those that make the planet a better place. India is deeply committed to protecting as well as greening the environment. The goal is for this growth to be inclusive and as green as possible. .

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When a withered Yahoo! is absorbed by Verizon Communications in the next week or so, it will be the end of an era for one of the pioneering names of the internet age.
US President took to Twitter amid the unfolding deadly drama in London on Saturday to offer US help to Britain and to promote his controversial travel ban as an extra level of security for Americans.
United States President Donald Trump has called for ending political correctness in the wake of London terror attack that left seven persons dead and said that the world must get down to the business of security of people.

"We must stop being politically correct and get down to the business of security for our people. If we don't get smart it will only get worse," Trump tweeted.

We must stop being politically correct and get down to the business of security for our people. If we don't get smart it will only get worse  Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) June 4, 2017

Trump also slammed London Mayor Sadiq Khan for saying that there is "no reason to be alarmed!" after seven persons were killed and several injured as three assailants ran over a crowd of people and stabbed several before being shot dead.

At least 7 dead and 48 wounded in terror attack and Mayor of London says there is "no reason to be alarmed!"  Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) June 4, 2017

Sadiq had earlier told the residents of London that there will be additional armed and unarmed police officers on the streets and assured the people that the city remains one of the safest in the world.

He added that there was no reason to be alarmed about an increased police presence on the streets of London.

Trump also focused on the weapons used in the attack by saying, "we are not having a gun debate right now? That's because they used knives and a truck!"
The British Police has confirmed of arresting 12 persons in connection with the terror attacks at London Bridge and nearby areas that killed seven people and injured dozens .

"Officers from the Met's Counter Terrorism Command have this morning, Sunday 4 June, arrested 12 people in Barking, east London, in connection with last night's incidents in London Bridge and the Borough Market area. Searches of a number of addresses in Barking are continuing," London's Metropolitan Police said in a statement.

Earlier, condemning the brutal attacks at the London Bridge and nearby, British Prime Minister Theresa May has said that there is "far too much tolerance of extremism in our country".

She said that election will go ahead as planned on Thursday and the national campaigning will resume on Monday.

Asserting that the country is experiencing a new trend of brutal terror, May proposed to review counter-terrorism laws, and suggested longer sentences for some of the offences.

"We will come together and, united, we will take on our enemies, she says. And that's it. We'll post a full summary shortly," The Guardian quoted May as saying.

She said that when it comes to tackling terrorism things have to change.

Highlighting that this was the third terror attack Britain has experienced in three months, after the Westminster and the Manchester Arena attacks, May praised the efforts with which police responded to these terror attacks.

She said five credible attacks since the Westminster attack have been disrupted by the police.

She also outlined four important areas that need to be changed in wake of the new terror attack.

The four important ways which May said needs to be changed were:

Defeating the extreme Islamist ideology by maintenance of a counter-terrorism operation and by persuading people that 'pluralistic British values' are superior.

By not giving the terrorists safe space online for the plotting of terror attacks.

There must be action at home.

To review the counter-terrorism strategy, to ensure the police have the powers they need.

She also said the people need to be more vigilant in identifying and stamping out extremism across society.

May had earlier chaired a meeting of Cobra, the government's emergency committee.

At least seven persons were killed during attacks in two closely connected areas of London on Saturday night.

Three suspected attackers were shot dead by the police.

The incidents took place on London Bridge and in nearby Borough Market.

It was the third terror attack to strike the country this year, after a man drove a car into pedestrians on Westminster Bridge in March and a bomb attack on an Ariana Grande concert in Manchester two weeks ago.

Following the attack, London Mayor Sadiq Khan said the threat level in the country is still "severe".
North Korea on Sunday slammed the latest United Nations (UN) sanctions as "mean" and vowed to press ahead with its missile and nuclear weapons programmes.

The UN Security Council on Friday unanimously adopted a US-drafted resolution imposing new targeted sanctions on a handful of North Korean officials and entities, in response to a series of ballistic missile tests this year that are banned under UN resolutions.

The resolution put North Korea's suspected spy chief, 13 other Pyongyang officials and four entities on a sanctions blacklist, hitting them with a global travel ban and an assets freeze.

The North's foreign ministry "condemns and outrightly rejects the sanctions racket put forth by the United States and the UN Security Council to prevent the strengthening of our nuclear deterrence", a ministry spokesman said.

"(Washington) talked about the possibility of dialogue but it is nonsense to mention dialogue while laying out unfair preconditions and applying maximum pressure," the spokesman said in a statement carried by the official KCNA news agency.

The statement said the latest resolution was said to have been put together by the US and China in the "back room".

It was Washington's "ultimate double standard" to ban other countries from nuclear or missile tests amid its own attempts to modernise the US arsenal.

The US military said last Tuesday that it "successfully intercepted an intercontinental ballistic missile target" in a test conducted amid concerns over the North's weapons program.

Concern over the North's weapons programme intensified after North Korea test-fired yet another ballistic missile last week, the latest in a series of launches in its quest to develop weapons capable of hitting the United States.

It was the third missile test by the nuclear-armed regime in less than three weeks. The North says it needs nuclear weapons to forestall the threat of US attack.

It was "a fatal miscalculation" for the countries behind the sanctions resolution to think they could delay the North's Nuclear forces, the statement said.

"They would squarely see that their mean and indiscreet act would go in just opposite direction to what they want for.
US President Donald Trump has underscored his controversial travel ban on citizens from six Muslim-majority countries in view of today's terror attacks in central London in which six people were killed and 20 injured.

"We need to be smart, vigilant and tough. We need the courts to give us back our rights. We need the Travel Ban as an extra level of safety!" Trump said in a tweet yesterday.

We need to be smart, vigilant and tough. We need the courts to give us back our rights. We need the Travel Ban as an extra level of safety!  Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) June 3, 2017

Trump also retweeted a tweet from Drudge Report which said that there were fears of new terror attack after a van ploughed into pedestrians on London Bridge in a terror attack followed by stabbing incidents in the area.

At least six people were killed and 20 injured today in two terror attacks at central London landmarks in which police shot dead three suspects.

The attack that took place at London Bridge and Borough Market came just days ahead of the general election on June 8.

"Whatever the United States can do to help out in London and the UK, we will be there - we are with you. God bless!" Trump said.

Whatever the United States can do to help out in London and the U. K., we will be there - WE ARE WITH YOU. GOD BLESS!  Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) June 3, 2017

State Department spokesperson Heather Nauert in a statement condemned "the cowardly attacks" targeting innocent civilians in London.

"We understand UK police are currently treating these as terrorist incidents. The United States stands ready to provide any assistance authorities in the United Kingdom may request," she said.

"Our hearts are with the families and loved ones of the victims. We wish a full and quick recovery to those injured in the attacks. All Americans stand in solidarity with the people of the United Kingdom," Nauert said.

The US Department of Homeland Security said it was closely monitoring the ongoing situation in the United Kingdom.

"We are working with our interagency partners and foreign counterparts to gain further insight into reported attacks against civilians on London Bridge and in the surrounding area," it said.

"US citizens in the area should heed direction from local authorities and maintain security awareness. We encourage any affected US citizens who need assistance to contact the US Embassy in London and follow Department of State guidance," the statement said.

The Homeland Security Secretary has been fully briefed on the incidents and the ongoing response.

"At this time, we have no information to indicate a specific, credible terror threat in the United States," the statement said, adding that they are in contact with and stand ready to assist the UK as they respond, investigate and recover.

"We stand resolute with our friends in London and send prayers to the victims. Terror and hate will never triumph," tweeted Paul Ryan, Speaker of the US House of Representatives.

"My heart is with the people of London, the victims of this string of terrorist attacks, and their families. You are all in our prayers," said Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer.

Several US lawmakers condemned the London terror attacks.

"We stand in solidarity with the United Kingdom. Terrorism must not prevail," said Congressman Ted Poe.

"My thoughts and prayers are with the people of London and all of the United Kingdom," tweeted Congresswoman Ann McLane Kuster.

Congressman Eliot L Engel, Ranking Member of the House Committee on Foreign Affairs, said he was shocked by tonight's attacks in London and his heart goes out to all those innocent people affected by this horrific violence.

"As we await details of multiple attacks, the United States must stand ready to help our ally track down the perpetrators and swiftly bring them to justice," he said.

"Tonight is the second attack Great Britain has suffered in just two weeks. During these difficult times, the United States and United Kingdom will remain united in the face of senseless violence in all its ugly forms," Engel said.

"Horrified by news out of #London. My prayers are with the victims & their families, first responders & the British people. #LondonBridge," tweeted Congressman Joe Crowley.

"My heart and soul go out to London tonight. America stands with the people of Great Britain and the victims of the #LondonBridge attack," tweeted Senator Dianne Feinstein.

Today's attacks come after 22-year-old suicide bomber Salman Abedi blew himself up at Manchester Arena on May 22, killing 22 people.

Trump in his executive order had banned visa issuance to citizens of six majority-Muslim countries: Iran, Libya, Somalia, Sudan, Syria and Yemen.
Condemning the attack on the army convoy in Qazigund area of Anantnag district, the Congress party on Sunday urged the Central Government to not make frivolous comments on the backdrop of such unfortunate incidents and negotiate with Pakistan in the regard.

Congress leader Shakeel Ahmed said that Prime Minister Narendra Modi, instead of making statements saying that they wouldn't let the sacrifice of the soldiers go in vein, should go and converse with the estranged neighbour on the issue.

"This is very condemnable. Our soldiers are being attacked time and again. The Indian Government must not just keep on talking frivolously on such matters and should directly speak to Pakistan in the regard," said Ahmed.

Echoing similar sentiment another Congress leader Tom Vadakkan asserted that such attacks cannot be accepted and that the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)-led Centre must send a message across border that India would not tolerate such unwarranted attacks.

"About 300 and counting incursions have occurred. Pakistan must be told, in no uncertain terms, that this is just not acceptable," said Vadakkan.

"We should send out a message that we will not suffer this kind of activity, like the Guerrilla operations Pakistan is carrying out against our armed forces. A message from the current Government must go that this kind of attack will not be tolerated," he added.

Two jawans were martyred after heavily Armed terrorists attacked an Army convoy in the Qazigund area of Anantnag district yesterday.

The Army convoy, which was on its way to Jammu from Srinagar, was indiscriminately fired upon by militants near the Lower Munda toll post.

According to reports, militant outfit Hizbul Mujahideen has claimed responsibility for the attack.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
A Canadian was amongst those killed in a terror attack on London Bridge and nearby areas in which seven persons were killed and many others injured.

"Canada strongly condemns the senseless attack that took place last night in London, United Kingdom, which killed and injured many innocent people," Prime Minister Justin Trudeau later said in a statement.

Confirming the death of a Canadian in last night's terror attack in London, Trudeau said, "I am heartbroken that a Canadian is among those killed."

"We grieve with the families and friends of those who have lost loved ones, and wish all those injured a speedy and full recovery," he said.

Trudeau said that such hateful acts would not deter them and would only strengthen their resolve against terrorism.

He said Canada would continue to work together with the United Kingdom and all its allies to fight terrorism and bring perpetrators to justice.

"Londoners and people across the United Kingdom have always displayed strength and resilience in the face of adversity. We recently witnessed this after the attacks in Manchester and in the Westminster area of London. This time will be no different," he said.

"The Government of Canada will not comment further at this time out of respect for the family," he added.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
Prime Minister Narendra Modi has said that India wants to carry along everyone with development, adding that the nation believes in 'Sabka Saath Sabka Vikas' not only at domestic level but also at international level.

"We believe in 'Sabka Saath Sabka Vikas' (Cooperation of all, development for all). This is not just for domestic programmes but also for international cooperation. We want to carry everyone along for development," the Prime Minister said during a panel discussion at the St. Petersburg International Economic Forum.

He shared the stage with Russian President Vladimir Putin and the leaders of Austria and Moldova.

"When we talk about today then we will have to focus on the present as things have changed since 20-30 years. It is not the same bipolar as before when nations were aligned either with the United States or the former Soviet Union. Today the entire is inter-connected and inter-dependent. Therefore, you can see that every country is in some way or the other connected with each other," Prime Minister Modi added.

"There will be some dispute related issues and at some place there will be collaboration as well but everybody is walking together. The bond between Russia and India is based on faith and trust," the Prime Minister asserted.

He said that the 24-page St. Petersburg Declaration, released on Thursday after the summit with the Russian President, is a testament to India-Russia relation.

"I know the world will minutely scrutinize every word for future direction of our relations. Like Russia and China, it is true that we also have a border dispute with China. But in the last 40 years, not a single bullet has been fired because of it," Prime Minister Modi said.

He added that despite the differences, New Delhi and Beijing have come together on the BRICS platform to create two financial institutions, one headed by China where India is a partner and one BRICS Bank where the two regional superpowers are collaborators.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
Union Minister of State for Parliamentary Affairs and Agriculture and Farmers Welfare S. S. Ahluwalia has said that both India and Norway should work towards strengthening cooperation in areas such as, combating international terrorism, maritime cooperation, climate change, renewable energy, waste management, fisheries, agriculture, exchange of technology on horticulture and organic farming etc.

Ahluwalia led an Indian Parliamentary delegation on a three-day visit to Norway for promoting and strengthening parliamentary relations between the two countries.

The visit, which concluded late last night, is expected to further strengthen bilateral relations between India and Norway.

During the visit, the Indian delegation met Monica Mland, Minister of Trade and Industry, Marit Berger Rsland, State Secretary for Foreign Affairs, Government of Norway, Anniken Huitfeldt, Chair of the Standing Committee on Foreign Policy and Defence and Gunnar Gundersen, Deputy Chair of the Standing Committee on Business and Industry of Parliament of Norway and also visited the Norwegian Institute of Bio-economy Research (NIBIO), As, Norway.

Speaking on the global threat of terrorism, Ahluwalia stated that it constitutes one of the most serious threats to international peace and security, hinders the enjoyment of human rights, and undermines social and economic development of democratic societies.

The Minister highlighted the need for the international community to combat terrorism, which are well- connected, well-educated well-funded, well-armed and well-trained.

"India strongly condemns terrorism and there could be no tolerance for states sheltering, arming, training, or financing terrorists," Ahluwalia reiterated.

Noting that both countries have supported each other in several initiatives in the United Nations and other multilateral fora, Ahluwalia highlighted the need for strengthening this cooperation and even further deepen the interaction on several issues in the United Nations.

The Minister also expressed sincere appreciation for the Norwegian Government's valuable support for India's candidature for a permanent membership of reformed UN Security Council, as well as at the NSG.

In the field of fisheries, Ahluwalia stated that introduction of Recirculation Aquaculture Systems (RAS) is fairly new to India, whereas, Norwegian companies have expertise in this high-tech production technique.

"India looks to Norway for exchange of knowledge and technical expertise to develop Recirculation Aquaculture Systems (RAS)", the Minister said.

The Indian Delegation also interacted with the Indian community and representatives at a reception hosted by Ambassador of India to Norway Debraj Pradhan.

The Parliamentary delegation comprised of the Members of Parliament - Bhartruhari Mahtab, MP(LS), BJD; Heena Vijaykumar Gavit, MP(LS), BJP; Amdayala Paddu Jithender Reddy, MP(LS), TRS; Chandrakant Bhaurao Khaire, MP(LS), Shiv Sena; Ram Kumar Verma MP(RS), BJP; Manchacheri Kuppadakkath Raghavan MP(LS), INC; Palanivel Kumar, MP(LS) AIADMK; Chintakunta Munaiah Ramesh, MP(RS), TDP; Mohammed Faizal Padippura MP(LS), NCP and Yerram Venkata Subba Reddy, MP(LS), YSRCP - and Secretary, Parliamentary Affairs Rajiv Yadav.

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The Defence Experts on Sunday condemned the recent terror attack in London that claimed seven lives and said that the Islamic States of Iraq and Syria (ISIS) is radicalizing the migrant Muslim youth settled in Europe very fast to carry out their plan to take over West.

Defence Expert Major General (Retd.) D. K. Mehta said that the ISIS is planning to take over the West and for that they have gathered adequate support of Muslims in France and Spain.

"The boys who have carried out the attack were from immigrant families. They are not educated. They have been drilled that if you die they will go to heaven due to which they carry out such operations. The ISIS is radicalizing the Muslim youth in Europe very fast," Defence Expert Major General (Retd) D.K. Mehta told ANI.

Another Defence Expert Lt. General Retd. Rameshwar Roy told ANI that the worldwide phenomena of terrorism are here to stay now.

"The population that has got displaced has moved to Europe. They have got the shadows of the conflict which are going and therefore quite likely that their motivation hasn't ended. They are likely to carry out this kind of attack in some form or the other," he added.

Meanwhile, the British Police have confirmed the arrest of 12 persons in connection with the terror attacks at London Bridge and nearby areas that killed seven people and injured dozens others.

"Officers from the Met's Counter Terrorism Command have this morning, Sunday 4 June, arrested 12 people in Barking, east London, in connection with last night's incidents in London Bridge and the Borough Market area.

Searches of a number of addresses in Barking are continuing," London's Metropolitan Police said in a statement.

Earlier, condemning the brutal attacks at the London Bridge and nearby, British Prime Minister Theresa May has said that there is "far too much tolerance of extremism in our country".

She said that election will go ahead as planned on Thursday and the campaigning will resume on Monday.

Asserting that the country is experiencing a new trend of brutal terror, May proposed to review counter-terrorism laws, and suggested longer sentences for some of the offences.

"We will come together and, united, we will take on our enemies, she says. And that's it. We'll post a full summary shortly," The Guardian quoted May as saying.

She said that when it comes to tackling terrorism things have to change.

Highlighting that this was the third terror attack Britain has experienced in three months, after the Westminster and the Manchester Arena attacks, May praised the efforts with which police responded to these terror attacks.

She said five credible attacks since the Westminster attack have been disrupted by the police.

She also outlined four important areas that need to be changed in wake of the new terror attack

The four important ways which May said needs to be changed were:

 Defeating the extreme Islamist ideology by maintenance of a counter-terrorism operation and by persuading people that 'pluralistic British values' are superior.

 By not giving the terrorists safe space online for the plotting of terror attacks.

 There must be action at home.

 To review the counter-terrorism strategy, to ensure the police have the powers they need.

She also said the people need to be more vigilant in identifying and stamping out extremism across society.

May had earlier chaired a meeting of Cobra, the government's emergency committee.

At least seven persons were killed during attacks in two closely connected areas of London on Saturday night.

Three suspected attackers were shot dead by the police.

The incidents took place on London Bridge and in nearby Borough Market.

It was the third terror attack to strike the country this year, after a man drove a car into pedestrians on Westminster Bridge in March and a bomb attack on an Ariana Grande concert in Manchester two weeks ago.

Following the attack, London Mayor Sadiq Khan said the threat level in the country is still "severe".

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Army Chief General Bipin Rawat on Sunday paid homage to the two soldiers who lost their lives in an attack by terrorists in Qazigund district of Jammu and Kashmir yesterday.

General Rawat told ANI that everybody must pay homage to these brave soldiers who sacrificed their lives for the nation.

The Army Chief said, "I wish to inform you that for a soldier, work is his religion and therefore, we are often told that work is worship. Therefore, without mincing words any further, we must all pay our respect and homage to these brave soldiers who have attained martyrdom in the call for duty."

Two Army personnel were killed and four injured in an attack by terrorists on Army convoy in Jammu and Kashmir's Qazigund district yesterday.

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Met Police Assistant Commissioner Mark Rowley has confirmed that six people have been killed in the attack on London Bridge and Borough Market.

The police have shot dead the three male suspects behind the stabbings.

Rowley said that police got reports that a vehicle struck people on London Bridge at 10:08 p.m. local time.

The vehicle continued to drive towards Borough Market where three assailants got out and attempted to stab members of the public, including a police officer, reports the CNN.

The attack lasted for eight minutes till the police arrived at the scene and the three assailants were shot dead.

Rowley said the assailants were wearing fake explosive vests.

According to some unconfirmed reports, ISIS has taken responsibility for the attack.

Also, at least 20 others have been injured in the attack which comes less than two weeks after 22 people were killed and scores were injured by a suicide bomber at an Ariana Grande concert in the northern English city of Manchester.

British Prime Minister Theresa May will convene an emergency security Cabinet meet known as Cabinet Office Briefing Room (Cobra) following the terror attacks took place at the London Bridge and the Borough Market, where several people were injured.

The top-level security briefing involves a discussion across departments which is designed to respond to national emergencies.

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The Uttarakhand Police on Sunday arrested an official of former Jaspur Sub-Divisional Magistrate and recovered gold, silver jewellery, bank passbooks, credit cards and files in connection with the NH-74 scam.

A day after D. Senthil Pandiyan, who unearthed the NH-74 scam in Uttarakhand, was removed as Kumaon Commissioner, the Congress Party hads intensified its stir against what it claimed was the Centre's attempt to target the official.

A revenue clerk who helped in misplacing seven files in the NH-74 scam was arrested on April 14.

The Uttarakhand Government had earlier ordered the suspension of another Provincial Civil Services (PCS) officer in connection with the Rs. 270 crore compensation scam in NH 74.

The government had ordered the suspension of the PCS officer posted at Bajpur on the basis of the inquiry report sent to it on behalf of Commissioner D. Senthil Pandian.

Earlier this month, newly-elected Uttarakhand Chief Minister Trivendra Singh Rawat wrote to the Centre demanding a Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) probe in the NH-74 scam.

The Chief Minister also suspended six Sub-Divisional Magistrate (SDM)-level officials with immediate effect.

Irregularities worth Rs. 240 crore were detected in the acquisition of farmland for the purpose of the proposed NH-74 between 2011-2016.

As per reports, most of the land in question is located in Jaspur, Kashipur, Bajpur and Sitarganj areas.

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Pakistan's Ambassador to United Nations, Maleeha Lodhi has urged Afghanistan to stop blaming Pakistan for terror attacks on its soil and instead focus its attention to overcome the deteriorating security situation in the country.

In an interview with Voice of America, she said that Pakistan is ready to help address the shared threat of violent extremists to the region, but Afghanistan should desist from externalizing its internal problems, reports Radio Pakistan.

Lodhi said the surge in violence in Afghanistan seems to indicate the spreading influence of the Islamic State adding that the rapid slide in the security situation is troubling not only for Afghanistan but for all its neighbours.

She said the timing of the attacks on Kabul suggests those who carried them out want to sabotage any renewed effort towards a negotiated peace.

The envoy further noted that terrorism and violent extremism are a common enemy and need a joint resolve to fight it.

Her remarks come after Afghan intelligence officials suggested the Pakistan based Haqqani network - militants allied with the Taliban - carried out the recent attack near the diplomatic area in Kabul with support of Pakistan.

Wednesday's attack near Kabul's heavily protected diplomatic area killed at least 90 people and injured over 350 others.

It was one of the deadliest in Kabul in recent years. A tanker truck packed with explosives was detonated close to the German embassy near Zanbaq Square.

Buildings, including a number of embassies, were damaged and more than 50 vehicles destroyed in the explosion.

Meanwhile, UN envoy to Afghanistan Tadamichi Yamamoto called for measures to halt the cycle of violence following deadly attacks in Afghanistan.

Tadamichi Yamamoto urged all members of the international community to help put an end the cycle of violence and support the foundations of a lasting peace.

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Patients nearing the end of their lives because of a "life-limiting illness," such as cancer or heart disease, may not feel medically abandoned if their doctor wants to take them off the cholesterol-lowering statins, according to a recent study.

The findings are important because little is known about the best way to manage chronic medications for patients with a life-limiting condition, including data regarding patient attitudes toward "deprescribing."

Deprescribing medications has the potential to improve outcomes in some cases, but patient concerns over being taken off statin drugs have not been reported.

Statins are a class of drugs that work by blocking the liver enzyme responsible for cholesterol production, thus reducing the buildup of plaque on artery walls that can lead to a stroke or heart attack. The drugs are highly effective but not without side effects for some patients, the most common being muscle pain that ranges from mild to severe.

Jon Furuno of the Oregon State University/Oregon & Science University College of Pharmacy, joined collaborators from around the United States in a study that included nearly 300 patients whose average age was 72 and whose life expectancy was one to 12 months. The patients were participants in a clinical trial to determine the safety and benefit of discontinuing statin therapy.

Fifty-eight percent were cancer patients, 8 percent had cardiovascular disease, and 30 percent had some other life-limiting diagnosis. The patients gave responses to a nine-item questionnaire designed to quantify potential benefits and concerns associated with discontinuing statins.

"We know these patients are on a lot of medications," Furuno said. "There's a lot of concern that patients will feel like doctors are giving up on them if they start to discontinue some of their medications, that there's something comforting about continuing to take their medications, and this gives us some indication of what patients feel about the risks and benefits of deprescribing."

Less than 5 percent of study participants expressed concern that deprescribing statins indicated being abandoned by their doctor, and many could see benefits of going off their statin, including spending less on medications (63 percent); the potential for being able to stop taking other meds also (34 percent); and having a better overall quality of life (25 percent).

Cardiovascular patients were particularly likely to envision quality-of-life benefits arising from statin discontinuation.

"Hopefully this will help inform prescribers who might be tentative to address this topic with their patients," Furuno said. "As a patient's prognosis changes and we think they have a relatively short lifespan left, it really requires risk/benefit re-examination of everything we're doing for them, medications and everything else. There may still be benefits, but have the benefits changed or has the risk/benefit ratio changed?"

"A lot of our work is trying to better inform the evidence base for medication use at the end of life, and patient perceptions are really important in trying to honor what the patient wants and what the family wants."

Furuno noted that the primary limitation of this study is that all of the questionnaire respondents had also agreed to participate in a trial that involved possibly being chosen at random to go off statins - thus, they were all at least somewhat open to the idea of deprescribing.

The study appears in Journal of Palliative Medicine.

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The Investigation Agency (NIA) continued to carry out raids against in Srinagar and Jammu on Sunday.

The NIA on Saturday initiated raids at 23 places in Kashmir, Delhi and Haryana in connection with funding received from Pakistan for terror and violence in the Valley.

The agency conducted search at the residences and offices of the separatist leaders.

NIA sources told ANI that the agency had earlier registered a Preliminary Enquiry into the case which was later converted into a Regular Case (RC).

"The NIA raids are underway against Hawala operators, and at separatist leaders' house, office and commercial locations," sources told ANI.

Around eight hawala dealers and traders in the capital were also raided, they added.

Following the raid, the Hurriyat criticised Narendra Modi led Democratic Alliance (NDA) government over the National Investigation Agency (NIA) crackdown against its leaders.

However, Minister of State Home Hansraj Ahir assured that the action against separatism in Kashmir won't stop till the separatists are taught the real meaning of 'Azadi'.

Syed Ali Geelani, Mirwaiz Umar Farooq and Mohammad Yasin Malik, in a joint statement, alleged that the NIA has been given the task "just to drag and involve Hurriyat leadership into fabricated cases to pressurise the leadership".

"All these state sponsored tactics won't deter us from pursuing our mission, nor these coercions, suppressive and aggressive measures will make us to surrender," said the statement.

The Hurriyat alleged that "India has simultaneously launched a propaganda war to discredit leadership and (Kashmiri) people's struggle for which tremendous sacrifices have been made".

The Hurriyat leadership said that "it is their (centre's) frustration and we will continue to pursue our cause and won't budge in front of such dogmatic elements".

The Hurriyat leadership also warned Delhi of dire consequences "if all these harassing measures are not stopped forthwith and said that if these unnecessary raids are not stopped, people will take to streets and resent these arbitrary measures with their full might and will".
A suspected Chinese helicopter was sighted flying above Indian territory in Chamoli district, close to Sino-India border.

The helicopter was traced yesterday at around 9.15 a.m.

Superintendent of Police (SP) Chamoli Tripti Bhatt told ANI, "The helicopter violated Indian airspace for over three to five minutes".

The violation, whether intentional or unintentional, has compelled the authorities to launch an investigation.

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Congress vice-president Rahul Gandhi on Sunday cornered the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and its ally Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) while reiterating that the Opposition stands united and would fight together against their 'one idea' policy.

"These RSS and BJP ideas need to be crushed. That is why we came to Tamil Nadu because we wanted to tell the people of Tamil Nadu and India that India is not one idea. The one idea of RSS is never ever going to crush thousands of different ideas in India. The opposition stands united and it will fight together and defeat the BJP and RSS," Rahul said at press conference here.

Further taking a dig at the saffron party and right wing organization, Rahul said the BJP believes that the only people who should be in power in India are people who believe in RSS.

Stating that cultural imperialism of the BJP is not acceptable to the people of India, Rahul said, "The central idea we are fighting is the idea of RSS. We are not going to allow one single idea of RSS to invade this country. We are going to fight the RSS together."

Reiterating the same, the Congress vice-president yesterday said the BJP and RSS won't be allowed to impose only one idea in the country.

He was speaking at the 94th birthday celebrations of Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) president M. Karunanidhi here.

"The BJP and RSS believe there is only one idea and one culture that should run India, but we completely disagree with them. We'll never allow silencing of more than billion Indian voices," said Gandhi.

Gandhi also said that "we value the Tamil language because we understand that Tamil language, Tamil culture, Tamil thinking makes India stronger".

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World leaders are offering condolences and extending their support in the global fight against terrorism, following the terror attacks in London that killed six people and injured dozens .

"Following latest #London incidents with horror. Thoughts and prayers are with the victims and their families. Please stay safe," tweeted President of the European Union (EU) Commission.

Following latest #London incidents with horror. Thoughts and prayers are with the victims and their families. Please stay safe.  Jean-Claude Juncker (@JunckerEU) June 3, 2017

"Our prayers and resolute solidarity are today as always with the people of Britain in the face of the shocking terrorist attacks in London," tweeted Australian Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull.

Our prayers and resolute solidarity are today as always with the people of Britain in the face of the shocking terrorist attacks in London.  Malcolm Turnbull (@TurnbullMalcolm) June 4, 2017

Attacks in London are shocking & anguishing. We condemn them. My thoughts are with families of the deceased & prayers with the injured.  Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) June 4, 2017

French President Emmanuel Macron also condemned the attack.

The attack started last night when a van rammed into pedestrians on London Bridge and ended with multiple stabbings at restaurants nearby.

It was the third terror attack to strike the country this year, after a man drove a car into pedestrians on Westminster Bridge in March and a bomb attack on an Ariana Grande concert in Manchester two weeks ago.

Following the attack, London Mayor Sadiq Khan said the threat level in the country is still "severe".
From walking sticks to wheelchairs, from hearing aids to spectacles, a total of 1,266 senior citizens here were on Sunday provided with more than 2,000 devices to lead a better life, an official statement said.

These devices were distributed at a camp organised by the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment on "Rashtriya Vayoshri Yojana".

"The proposal for formulation of a scheme for providing physical aid and assisted-living devices for senior citizens belonging to Below Poverty Line (BPL) category was announced in the union budget 2015-16. Pursuant to this, the 'Rashtriya Vayoshri Yojana'" has been formulated," said a Ministry statement.

The devices have been distributed to help the senior citizens to overcome their age-related physical impairment and to lead a dignified and productive life with minimal dependence on care givers or other members of the family, it said.

As per the census figures of 2011, the population of senior citizens in India is more than 10 crore and around 70 per cent of them live in rural areas.

A sizeable percentage (5.2 per cent) of the senior citizens suffers from some sort of disabilities caused as a result of old age. Projections indicate that the number of elderly population will increase to around 173 million by 2026.

This scheme is expected to benefit around 5,20,000 senior citizens over a period of three years, according to the statement.

--IANS

mg/vd

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The probe into the sensational fake doctor cases in West Bengal has taken a fresh twist with the CID arresting a "gastroenterologist" who has been treating patients in a renowned corporate hospital for over two decades by submitting an allegedly bogus registration number and MBBS degree, an official said on Sunday.

"We arrested Ajay Tewary from his clinic in Kolkata's Khidirpore area on Saturday. His letterhead claims that he is a consultant gastroenterologist with the Kothari Medical Centre.

"However, we found that he had submitted a bogus registration number with the Medical Council of India and had no MBBS degree. He only possesses a B.Com Honours degree," said a CID source on Sunday.

The Kothari Medical Centre website lists Tewary at the top of its list of specialists in the gastro-medicine department as an "interventional endoscopist" possessing an MBBS degree.

The sources said during grilling, Tewary claimed he obtained a homoeopathy degree from Assam.

"But that does not entitle him to serve as an interventional endoscopist. Also the letterhead was false," said the source.

Tewary joined Kothari in 1996, and had a soaring private practice in multiple chambers in various points of the city.

On Friday, the CID had nabbed another allegedly fake doctor, Suvendu Bhattacharya, from neighbouring Howrah district.

Last week, the CID had rounded up another physician Naren Pandey, who passed himself off as an allergy and asthma specialist in one of the city's top private clinics, Bellevue Clinic. In his Facebook profile, Pandey claims he studied at Xinjiang Medical University, but according to CID officers, he was a unani doctor and had neither a specialisation in allergy and asthma nor an MBBS degree.

The fake doctor racket came to the fore on May 3 when the CID arrested two practitioners employed in government-run hospitals in north Bengal's Alipurduar and North Dinajpur districts.

On May 25, Rameshchandra Baidya was arrested for his alleged involvement in supplying fake certificates.

--IANS

ssp/vd

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Indian celebrities, including Shruti Haasan, Neha Dhupia, Anubhav Sinha and Salim Merchant, were shocked and disturbed with the news of terror attacks in London. They have urged the people to stay calm and united.

Six people were killed and 48 others injured in two terror strikes in London in which three male attackers were shot dead by the police. The attack began on London Bridge when a white transit-style van drove into a crowd of people on Saturday. This is the third terror attack in the UK since March.

Here's what the stars tweeted:

Shekhar Kapur: As terror continues in UK despite best anti terror force in world, the solution must lie in preventing radicalisation... In a global world terrorism knows no boundaries. Its a virus that needs a global cure. It's no longer just 'their' problem #LondonBrige.

Rahul Dholakia: It's no more breaking news; it's 'Heart Breaking News' ...Pray for London #UnitedWeStand

Shekhar Ravjiani: Our thoughts and prayers are with you.Stay safe. Stay strong. And don't let fear into your hearts. Don't let them win.

Shruti Haasan: Cannot believe this happened to beautiful London...My prayers to everyone.

Parineeti Chopra: Cannot believe this is happening so often now. Praying for peace everywhere!

Neha Dhupia: Another terror attack... Another day when innocent lives are lost... another day when you wake up and question what's the world coming to?

Salim Merchant: Just landed in Paris and shocked to read about the London attack. When will all this end? I have a feeling the weapon industry is feeding this

Anubhav Sinha: Stay safe London. Stay calm because they want you to panic. Keep loving because they want you to hate.

Onir: What a horrible news to start the day with? 6 people slain in 'terrorist incidents' on London Bridge.

Vivek Agnihotri: Even I don't believe in Islamic terror. But what do I do when I see 'Allahism' of terror? London, I feel your pain.

Akshara Haasan: Once again London sees terror. It's so sad. Please be safe, be aware of any doubtful activities etc. Its truly sad to see pain so soon.

Armaan Malik: Sad to see these happenings around the world... Not sure if prayers are enough anymore.

Aftab Shivdasani: Another shocking and disturbing attack in London. Some serious measures need to be taken to stop this. Prayers for the victims.

Prateik Babbar: Thoughts and prayers are with the friends and families of victims... #PrayForLondon

Hansika: I'm sending my thoughts and prayers to everyone in London. Please Stay Safe everyone.

--IANS

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Megastar Amitabh Bachchan has landed in south European country Malta to join the shoot of Vijay Krishna Acharya's "Thugs of Hindostan", which also stars Aamir Khan and Katrina Kaif.

"In the early hours of Mumbai morning, stepping on to the vehicle of air transport for distant land, to begin the shooting of 'Thugs of Hindostan' in Malta," Bachchan posted on his blog.

The film went on the floors in Malta last month.

Explaining the travel route, he wrote: "Over the waters of the Arabian Sea and on to the sand coloured land of Doha, where we pick up some gasoline for the onward journey. And then on to Malta, flying over Saudi Arabia, over Cairo in Egypt, turning right on to the Mediterranean and driving in the skies straight to the island of Malta."

"I immediately find myself overdressed and uncomfortable, for the dress of the day is nothing beyond the knees," Big B added.

Being made on a lavish budget, the movie features high octane action to be shot on a ship.

An international crew has been working hard to create these elaborate ships.

The film also stars "Dangal" fame Fatima Sana Sheikh.

--IANS

hp/rb/vt

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A special advisor to Brazilian President Michel Temer has been arrested in a corruption investigation, police said.

In a police video released last month, the adviser Rodrigo Rocha Loures was seen receiving a suitcase containing 500,000 reais ($150,000) in cash that prosecutors say was a bribe from the owner of the world's largest meatpacking company, JBS, Xinhua news agency reported.

Investigators are now seeking to determine if Rocha Loures received the money on behalf of Temer to defend the interests of the JBS in the government.

The presidential office has not commented on the arrest that took place on Saturday.

The owner of JBS reportedly turned over a tape in which Temer can seemingly be heard signing off on bribes and indicating that Rocha Loures could help the company with certain issues.

The Supreme Court has ordered an investigation against Temer and Rocha Loures for corruption, criminal organization and obstruction of justice, triggering the worst political crisis.

--IANS

ksk

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The frequency of sightings of the Himalayan brown bears in Lahaul Valley of Himachal Pradesh is increasing, warming the hearts of conservationists and naturalists since it indicates the species is thriving at elevations ranging from 15,000 to 20,000 feet above the mean sea level in the Himalayan terrain.

Forest guard Shiv Kumar said he photographed a sloth of five brown bears, comprising two females and three cubs, last week in Tindi forests, adjoining Pangi in Chamba district.

He photographed another female bear and her two cubs in the same area in May.

Kumar, who first captured a snow leopard on film through camera trap in the Lahaul Valley, told IANS that the Himalayan brown bears can also be sighted in Pattan and Miyar valleys in the district.

However, its cousin, the black bear, can be seen only on Pattan slopes which are covered with thick coniferous forests.

"The bear droppings are common in the fields these days. But they rarely attack humans. Their attacks on domestic animals increase by April end when they come out of hibernation," said octogenarian Hira Dorjey, a resident of Thirot village.

State wildlife officials agreed that the brown bear numbers are increasing, though exact data on the Himalayan brown bear is not available in the absence of wildlife census in Lahaul.

Divisional Forest Officer Jai Ram Thakur attributes the rise in wildlife -- both mammal and avian species -- to increasing green cover in the picturesque Lahaul Valley, populated mainly by Buddhists, who breed sheep and goats.

Taking the help of villagers, especially the women, in protecting the forests has been a great success in the landlocked Lahaul Valley in Lahaul-Spiti district, which remains cut off for at least five months from the rest of the world from December due to heavy snow.

Forest Department officials said over 140 'mahila mandals' or women's groups in 28 panchayats in the valley have been guarding the forests through community participation.

These groups impose fines of Rs 5,000 on those caught axing trees, with offenders even facing a social boycott.

Besides the Himalayan brown and black bear, other rare wildlife mammal species found in these rocky regions at altitudes of 2,800 metres or about 9,100 feet are the snow leopard, Tibetan wolf, blue sheep, ibex, red fox, musk deer, marmot, pika, weasel, palm civet, and yellow throated marten, besides 85 bird species, including the Himalayan griffon and bearded vulture.

According to Kumar, many of the bird species come for summer migration.

"I think some of the birds use Lahaul as a stopover during migration to Kashmir," said Kumar, who has been working in the region for over a decade now.

Admitting that there could be a good possibility of brown bear sightings in Lahaul, wildlife expert Bipan C. Rathore, who has been working on this species in the Kugti Wildlife Sanctuary in Chamba district since 2002, told IANS that the Lahaul area needs to be scientifically studied.

He favours starting a programme in the entire Pangi range to take care of restoring or preserving the habitat of the brown bear. The Pangi range separates Chamba district from the Lahaul Valley.

Rathore said he spotted brown bears four times on a single day in May in different areas of the Kugti sanctuary.

Among the four species of bears in India, the Himalayan brown bear has the smallest spatial distribution and is found in low densities in alpine regions of the greater and trans-Himalayan regions of the country.

(Vishal Gulati can be contacted at vishal.g@ians.in)

--IANS

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(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
Chinese application users on Sunday defied the internet censorship by sharing images of military tanks, instead of bikes, on the bike-sharing application, to recall the Tiananmen protests' 28th anniversary.

A picture being shared on WeChat messaging application replicates the map of Beijing that is used by the bicycle-hiring application, but instead showing images of military tanks instead of bicycles at the locations where they are hired, reports Efe.

In the image, 10 "tanks" appear in Chang'an Avenue, north of Tiananmen Square, in a clear reference to the pro-democracy demonstrations during June 3-4, 1989 when the army entered the city to disperse thousands of demonstrators, leaving a number of civilians dead.

So far, the image, as well as a few others that are similar, has escaped the censorship, which has blocked most of the materials related to the event also deemed a massacre.

The government, as usual during the time of the Tiananmen anniversary, has stepped up efforts to prevent the commemoration of the event and major social networks have implemented temporary measures to ensure the same.

For example, this week, Weibo - the Chinese Twitter - informed its users abroad that they will not be able to share photos and videos until June 5 due to an upgrade of its systems, coinciding with the anniversary.

To date, there has never been a confirmation on the exact numbers of casualties during the protests between June 3 and 4 in Beijing although estimated numbers by different sources range between hundreds and thousands.

The Communist regime, having disseminated no information about the incident, considers the chapter closed.

--IANS

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(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
Nepali Congress President Sher Bahadur Deuba was the sole candidate to run for the office of the Prime Minister, Parliament Secretariat has said.

Any member of Parliament willing to contest the election was asked to register his or her candidacy for the Prime Minister's Office at the Parliament Secretariat, Xinhua news agency reported.

As the deadline expired on Saturday, Deuba was the only member to have filed his nomination.

Earlier in the day, Communist Party of Nepal (Maoist Centre) Chairman Pushpa Kamal Dahal proposed Deuba for the post of the Prime Minister, while Nepali Congress senior leader Ram Chandra Poudel and leaders from other four political parties backed Deuba.

Media reports said Deuba was set to become the Prime Minister with majority votes in the house this week.

Deuba needs 297 votes in the 593-member Parliament to win. His Nepali Congress party holds 207 seats while the CPN (Maoist Centre) has 82 seats.

Some other small parties have also thrown their weight behind Deuba's candidacy.

Deuba, 70, served as the Prime Minister from 1995 to 1997, from 2001 to 2002, and from 2004 to 2005.

Nepal decided to form a new government on the basis of majority votes as per the call by President Bidya Devi Bhandari following the failure of major parties to form a consensus government.

The new prime ministerial election in the Himalayan nation comes after Prachanda stepped down on May 24 in keeping with the accord on rotational prime ministership his party had with the Nepali Congress.

--IANS

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(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
At least 13,000 people in Assam have been affected by flood, officials said on Sunday. Also, landslides triggered by incessant rain disrupted rail connectivity to the state's Barak Valley region.

Assam State Disaster Management Authority officials said at least 13,000 people have been affected due to the year's first wave of floods in 28 villages in Lakhimpur, Jorhat and Biswanath districts, in the past 24 hours.

Besides, landslides in the hilly Dima Hasao district snapped rail link to Barak Valley. The Northeast Frontier Railway (NFR) had to cancel a passenger train to Silchar from Lumding on Saturday after landslides affected the hill section.

The water level in Brahmaputra river has indicated an increasing trend and is flowing above the danger level in Nimatighat, prompting the officials to suspend ferry services to the island district of Majuli from Jorhat.

Ferry services have been suspended in some other stretches as well due to the increasing water level in Brahmaputra river.

The Assam government has already instructed the officials in flood-prone districts to arrange relief and rescue materials in case of emergency situations.

The army, along with the civil administration, also carried out a joint exercise on flood rescue titled "Megh Rahat" in Dharamtul area in Morigaon district.

The exercise aimed to ensure collective mutual benefit of all participants, who ranged from the army and State Disaster Rescue Force (SDRF) personnel to local population including school children.

--IANS

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South Korea's Agricultural Ministry confirmed on Sunday the detection of a fresh bird flu case, which is highly pathogenic, at a poultry farm in the port city of Busan.

The authorities conducted tests on 6,000 birds in the farm after some of the birds died after being brought from another part of the country, Yonhap agency reported.

The ministry would carry out further analysis and it has also decided on culling all the birds at the infected farm and restricting movement in the area to control the outbreak, reports Efe.

The birds that died were from Gunsan region and sold to poultry farms across the country.

Following a bird flu outbreak in November 2016, the South Korean authorities culled more than 33 million birds, making it the most extensive containment effort ever carried out in the country.

The mass culling caused a shortage of eggs in the country for months, forcing South Korea to import around 25 million eggs from the US and Spain.

--IANS

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Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh on Sunday warned Pakistan over its repeated attempts to disturb peace in Kashmir, saying the Indian forces won't count bullets if Pakistan fires even once.

"Pakistan is trying to disturb peace and tranquility in Jammu and Kashmir time and again, but this practice will not continue for long," Singh said a public meeting in this Himachal Pradesh town.

The Indian Army has been given permission not to keep an account of bullets "if Pakistan fires one bullet", he added.

The Minister's statement comes a day after two Indian Army soldiers were killed in a militant ambush of an Army convoy on the Jammu-Srinagar National Highway.

He said India cannot forget the supreme sacrifice made by its security men.

Rajnath Singh was on a day-long visit here to attend Bharatiya Janata Party's Tridev Sammelan aimed at strengthening and mobilising party cadres.

Besides Union Health Minister J.P. Nadda, Rajnath Singh was accompanied by two-time former Chief Minister Prem Kumar Dhumal and his son Anurag Thakur, who is member of Parliament from Hamirpur.

This Congress-ruled state is slated to go to the polls in November.

Taking a jibe at the Virbhadra Singh-led state government, Rajnath Singh accused it of not utilising adequately the central funds for development.

He claimed the National Democratic Alliance government at the Centre had been liberal in sanctioning projects and funds but corruption was too rampant in the state.

Last month, BJP President Amit Shah was in Kangra district to mobilise party workers.

--IANS

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(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
Iran's Supreme Leader on Sunday called for settling issues in the region through dialogue.

"Foreigners, including Saudi Arabia, should stop their interference in the internal affairs of Syria, Yemen and Bahrain," Xinhua quoted Khamenei as saying.

He added that the people of these states should decide the fate of their countries through political dialogue.

Certain foreign states should also stop sending arms to the terrorists inside the crisis-stricken regional countries, Khamenei stressed.

The Iranian leader also condemned what he called the "illogical" presence of Saudi Arabia in Bahrain and said the Bahraini government must engage in negotiations with the people of the country.

Khamenei regretted that people in some Muslim countries, including Yemen, Syria, Bahrain and Libya, are facing numerous problems even in the holy fasting month of Ramadan.

The leader warned that enemies are waging "proxy wars" in Syria, Bahrain and Yemen as well as other parts of the Muslim world.

Khamenei also called on Saudi Arabia to stop what he called "crimes against the innocents" in Yemen.

"Saudi Arabia makes a mistake by bombing Yemeni people," he said.

"Saudi Arabia is better to know that even if they insist on their current policy for 10 or 20 years, they won't be able to defeat Yemeni people"This is a crime that they are committing against the innocent people in Yemen which will bear no fruit," he added.

Khamenei also criticised US President Donald Trump for casting support for Saudi Arabian rulers.
The Philippine police on Sunday identified the lone gunman who attacked a casino in Manila last week.

The man was identified as Jessie Javier Carlos, 42, a Filipino citizen and a former employee of the Department of Finance, Xinhua news agency reported.

Carlos, armed with an automatic rifle, stormed the Resorts World Manila casino and hotel in the early hours of June 1. He fired shots and set alight gambling tables.

Carlos later committed suicide.

Thirty-six people also lost their lives due to suffocation in the smoke from the fire.

"He was heavily indebted due to being hooked to casino gambling, according to his immediate family," a police officer said.

"He has a bank account with an outstanding debt of 4 million pesos ($80,000) and several other non-bank related debt," the officer said.

Carlos used to work as a tax specialist of the Department of Finance and was dismissed from service in 2014 for failing to disclose all of his assets.

Carlos' civil service eligibility was also cancelled, his retirement benefits forfeited and he was perpetually disqualified from reemployment in the government.

The suspect has three children, but was separated from his wife.

The police have ruled out that the attack was terror related.

"On this note, we also reiterate our prior statements that this is not an act of terrorism," the police officer said, adding that it was a case of a botched robbery.

--IANS

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(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
Mexico's Veracruz has made a bid to sign Argentine international striker Lucas Pratto from Brazilian outfit Sao Paulo, the player's agent said.

Pratto has scored nine goals in 16 appearances for Sao Paulo, whom he joined from their Brazilian rival Atletico Mineiro in January, reports Xinhua news agency.

Despite settling in quickly at his new club, the 28-year-old is prepared to listen to offers, his agent Matias Lahorca said on Saturday.

"(Veracruz President) Fidel Kuri has sent me a proposal and he is very interested in signing a player like Lucas Pratto," Lahorca was quoted as saying by Globo Esporte.

"It's not going to be easy because he recently moved to Sao Paulo and is the club captain. But Veracruz have been watching him for a long time and know that he would be a great signing," he added.

--IANS

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(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
An Amuzgo Indian woman who works as a broadcaster for Radio y Television de Guerrero (RTG) in the southern Mexican city of Ometepec was attacked by gunmen and wounded, state officials said.

Marcela de Jesus Natalia, who was shot as she left the RTG offices on Saturday, was in serious condition, Guerrero state security spokesman Roberto Alvarez Heredia said, Efe reported.

Two gunmen shot the broadcaster and then fled in a white automobile with tinted windows, eyewitnesses said.

The 54-year-old Natalia, who was shot in the head, was initially taken to the General Hospital in Ometepec and later flown to the Pacific port city of Acapulco.

Doctors decided not to operate "since the bullet did not affect any of the vital parts of the brain and she is expected to recover", Alvarez Heredia said.

"However, she is listed in serious condition," the state security official said.

The Guerrero Attorney General's Office was investigating the shooting and has notified other agencies involved in protecting journalists.

The National Human Rights Commission said in a statement that it asked Guerrero's government to protect the broadcaster and her relatives, and it called for a thorough investigation of the shooting.

The hit on Natalia took place in the wake of meetings held by Guerrero's government in Acapulco and Chilpancingo to unveil new protocols for protecting journalists.

Natalia, a former head of the Integrated Family Development System in her hometown of Xochistlahuaca, has been employed by RTG-Ometepec for 15 years, working on radio programmes in the Amuzgo language.

--IANS

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(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
Police in Pakistan's Sindh province, for the first time ever, have recruited 40 women in its Counter-Terrorism Department and Rapid Response Force, the media reported on Sunday.

Not only women from major cities but also from rural backgrounds were selected after various tests, interviews and medical examination, police officials told Dawn news on Saturday, adding that they would receive training from Pakistan Army.

After six months of training, the women recruited as police constables would be part of the regular police force.

"After advertisement in newspapers in October 2016, a total of 50,562 candidates applied for the post of constables and finally 30,821 appeared in physical test," said an official citing details of the recruitment process.

"After different tests, interviews and medical examination finally 1,507 were selected who would be joining the force soon. The new recruits would become part of regular force hopefully after six-month training," he said.

The official termed the recruitment of women as a "positive sign".

According to the National Police Bureau, out of 391,364 police personnel across Pakistan, only 5,731 are women, reports Dawn news.

--IANS

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(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
A leading Pakistani newspaper on Sunday urged the government to pull out of the Saudi-led military alliance, saying its anti-Iran stance was harmful to Islamabad's interests.

The Dawn said in an editorial that Pakistan's decision to participate in the Islamic Military Alliance or IMA and to allow former Army chief General Raheel Sharif to accept a Saudi offer to militarily head it "appear to have been taken in haste".

The alliance "may have some counter-militancy aims but it is also increasingly clear that it has been conceived by the kingdom as an anti-Iran alliance", the Dawn said.

The editorial said the Muslim world did need leadership and coordination in the fight against militancy, terrorism and extremism and theoretically the IMA could be a meaningful platform. But it should have involved the entire Islamic world.

"The IMA is plainly the anti-thesis of that, and, therefore, a potentially dangerous and destabilizing alliance.

"The Saudi leadership has explicitly stated that Iran is a threat to Saudi Arabia and countries allied with it.

"President Trump and his administration have explicitly embraced the Saudi-led IMA as a potential counter to the influence of Iran in the Middle East."

The Dawn said Pakistan cannot afford to be part of "an overtly sectarian military alliance and membership and leadership of the IMA is inimical to the historical and future strategic interests of this country.

"While a close relationship with Saudi Arabia is warranted, better relations with Iran are necessary too.

"The government, the military leadership and Gen Sharif must urgently reconsider their position."

--IANS

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(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
Congress Vice President Rahul Gandhi on Sunday slammed Prime Minister Narendra Modi for going back on a promise made in Tirupati temple to grant special category status to Andhra Pradesh.

He asked Modi what kind of Hindu he is, who breaks his promises and tells lies to people.

"Modiji talks of Hindu dharma. He says 'I am protector of Hindu dharma'. I want to ask what kind of Hindu he is to break promises made in Tirupati and speak lies to people," said Gandhi while reminding him of his promise in 2014 to grant special status to Andhra for 10 years.

The Congress leader was addressing a public meeting here Sunday night along with leaders of Samajwadi Party, Janata Dal-United, the DMK and the Communist Party of India to demand the Central government fulfil its commitment made to Andhra Pradesh at the time of bifurcation.

Gandhi said there was some pressure from Modi and BJP on Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu and YSR Congress Party leader Y.S. Jaganmohan Reddy as both had compromised with the Centre over the issue.

"They may have some fear in their heart and that is why they are not standing with the people," he said.

"This is the special package," he remarked in an obvious reference to the special package announced by the Centre last year in lieu of the promised special category status.

Gandhi said special status would have benefited the state to the tune of thousands of crores as 90 percent of the funds coming from the Centre would have been in the form of grants.

Stating that the promise of special package was made by Manmohan Singh in his capacity as the Prime Minister of the country, he said it was the right of the people of Andhra Pradesh.

He promised that granting special status would be the first task of the government of Congress and its allies in 2019.

Recalling that the previous UPA government led by Congress had declared Polavaram a national project, the Congress leader said Chandrababu Naidu entered into a deal with the present government under which the state government will construct the project.

"This is because if the government of India spends the money to build this project, nobody will get a commission," he said.

Samajwadi Party leader Akhilesh Yadav and Janata Dal-United leader Sharad Yadav said if Naidu was sincere in getting special status for the state, he should set this as the precondition for Telugu Desam Party's support in the election for the President.

Sharad Yadav said Bihar was also demanding special status and it would stand with the people of Andhra Pradesh for this cause.

CPI General Secretary S. Sudhakar Reddy and DMK leader N.R. Elango slammed Modi government for failing to fulfill its promises including special status to Andhra Pradesh.

--IANS

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Researchers from the US have developed a safe, affordable and environment friendly method that can 'instantly recharge' batteries of electric and hybrid vehicle.

The process, presented at the recently held International Society for Porous Media 9th International Conference in Rotterdam, the Netherlands, takes time similar to refuelling a car at a gas station.

"The biggest challenge for industry is to extend the life of a battery's charge and the infrastructure needed to actually charge the vehicle. The greatest hurdle for drivers is the time commitment to keeping their cars fully charged," said John Cushman from Purdue University, who co-founded Ifbattery LLC (IF-battery).

The innovation could expedite the adoption of electric and hybrid vehicles by eliminating the time needed to stop and re-charge a conventional electric car's battery and dramatically reducing the need for new infrastructure to support re-charging stations.

"Ifbattery is developing an energy storage system that would enable drivers to fill up their electric or hybrid vehicles with fluid electrolytes to re-energise spent battery fluids much like refuelling their gas tanks," added Eric Nauman, co-founder of Ifbattery.

The spent battery fluids or electrolyte could be collected and taken to a solar farm, wind turbine installation or hydroelectric plant for re-charging.

--IANS

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Suspected Islamists rammed a van into a group of unsuspecting pedestrians and tourists on the London Bridge and later launched knife attacks at nearby pubs, killing seven people and injuring 48. Police shot dead all three suspects.

Some of the wounded, including a police officer, were reportedly in critical condition. Police said 12 suspects have been arrested in connection with the terror attack.

The Saturday night mayhem in the heart of London came less than a fortnight after a young British suicide bomber detonated a powerful bomb in the Manchester Arena just when an American concert had ended, killing 22 people and injuring more than 100.

It all began when a white transit-style van speeding toward the London Bridge Tube station drove into people including foreigners enjoying a pleasant weather around 10 p.m., sending one man flying some 20 feet in the air.

In no time, four or five people were on the ground, dead or dying, witnesses told the media.

The vehicle continued to drive towards Borough Market, just south of the bridge, where three assailants got out and began stabbing civilians at a restaurant as well as police officers who tried to stop them, the BBC reported.

One attacker was seen with "a big knife" attacking people in the Borough Market whose pubs and restaurants were packed.

Armed officers who reached the scene within eight minutes after getting the first call gunned down the suspects, who wore fake bomb vests.

By then, however, the terrorists -- who like the dead have not been identified by name or nationality -- had done the damage.

One of them barged into a crowded pub and repeatedly stabbed a young woman.

An eyewitness, Gerard, told the BBC: "They were running up shouting 'This is for Allah'. They stabbed this girl maybe 10 times, 15 times."

Others in the pub fought off the terrorist with chairs and bottles, forcing him to exit.

Some of the wounded were in critical condition, including a French citizen. Among the foreigners attacked were two Australians, a New Zealander and his French girlfriend and some other French citizens.

The attack triggered panic in the tourist area. People fled the scene, in some places with their hands raised on police instructions. The ruling Conservative Party immediately suspended its nation-wide election campaign.

London Bridge Tube station and the London Bridge were closed from both directions. Authorities said additional police and officers would be deployed across London in the coming days.

Metropolitan Police Assistant Commissioner Mark Rowley said: "We are treating this as a terrorist incident." A Traffic Police officer, an off-duty officer and two more officers were injured as they took on the terrorists before their armed colleagues arrived.

British Prime Minister Theresa May said: "It's time to say enough is enough." She said the counter-terrorism strategy would be reviewed, the election campaign would resume on Monday and the parliamentary elections would be held as planned on June 8.

This is the third terror attack in Britain since March.

On March 22, six people, including a lone attacker, were killed and at least 50 people were injured in a similar attack on Westminster Bridge near Parliament. Then came the Manchester horror.

London Mayor Sadiq Khan said he was "appalled and furious that these cowardly terrorists would deliberately target innocent Londoners", reports the Guardian.

President Donald Trump offered help to Britain and reiterated his call for a travel ban on citizens entering the US from select countries.

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who returned home early on Sunday after a four-nation European tour, denounced the killings of the innocents and offered condolences to the victims.

--IANS

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(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
Six policemen have been killed and nine others wounded in insider attacks in southern Kandahar and central Uruzgan provinces in Afghanistan, the media reported on Sunday.

Two policemen killed six of their colleagues and injured five others in the Haji Arab area of Kandahar city on Saturday night, a security official told Pajhwok News on condition of anonymity.

The attackers, who tried to flee, were shot dead by the security forces.

Separately, four more policemen were injured in infighting in central Uruzgan province. Police officer Abdul Qavi Umari said a clash erupted among policemen on Saturday evening.

Four policemen were injured in the incident, he said.

Insider attacks in the past had claimed the lives of security personnel in Kandahar and other parts of the war-battered country.

--IANS

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(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
Last week, Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan told The Hindu that for the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), the is its principal enemy. He said the BJP was scared of the . This comes when the is in power in only Tripura and Kerala, and currently in the throes of a decline in its legislative strength, both at the Centre and in states. Since the Communist Party of India (Marxist) elected Sitaram Yechury as its head (general secretary), in April 2015, the party has kept itself in the background, while its unseen hand has been a catalyst to forge unity of the secular left against the Narendra Modi governments policies and actions, particularly in the social sphere. In an interaction with Archis Mohan, CPI (M) General Secretary Sitaram Yechury talks about five distinct issues the Left is flagging:
The electoral college numbers for the presidential polls are stacked against the Opposition, with a top Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader even claiming that his partys candidate would win by over 115,000 votes.
Congress vice-president met Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) supremo M. Karunanidhi here to greet him on his 94th birthday.

Rahul reached Chennai yesterday in order to participate in the grand birthday celebrations of Karunanidhi.

Showering praises on the DMK chief, Rahul said, "When he (Karunanidhi) speaks it is not only Karunanidhiji speaking; it is the voice of the people of Tamil Nadu".

Wishing him on his birthday, Rahul said Karunanidhi draws his strength and courage from the deep love that he shares with the people of Tamil Nadu.

Rahul also thanked Karunanidhi's son and DMK working president M K Stalin for his hospitality.

"Thank you Stalin ji for your kind hospitality. It was wonderful seeing you & meeting your lovely family @mkstalin," Rahul tweeted.

Thank you Stalin ji for your kind hospitality. It was wonderful seeing you & meeting your lovely family @mkstalinhttps://t.co/k5nM2eISWO  Office of RG (@OfficeOfRG) June 3, 2017

Rahul's visit is being seen as a bid to club the opposition together ahead of the 2019 Lok Sabha polls.
Congress Vice President on Sunday stated that he was brushed off by Defence Minister Arun Jaitley months ago, when he had warned him that the Centre is heading towards 'setting Kashmir on fire'.

"Around six, seven months ago, Mr Arun Jaitley came to see me and I told him that they are mishandling Kashmir and they are going to set Kashmir on fire. And Jaitley brushed me aside and said that Kashmir is peaceful," Rahul told the media here.

Asserting that the Centre and Prime Minister Narendra Modi are 'mishandling' Kashmir, he added saying that the NDA Government is creating a problem for the country by their incompetence and trying to utilise Kashmir as a political asset.

"Kashmir is India's strength and they are making it India's weakness," he added.

Rahul's assertion comes after a day of Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh assuring that a solution for the Kashmir unrest will be chalked out at any cost, while adding that all the impediments coming in between the better future of Kashmir will be removed.

"We will find a permanent solution to Kashmir. It might take some time because the problem which has been prevailing since 1947, the solution to it cannot be taken out with just a snap. We will remove all the impediments for a better future of Kashmir. The nature which has given talent in the hands of the people of Kashmir will be used for the development of the Valley and country. Nature has not given those hands to pelt stones," he said.

Rajnath also hinted towards the process of dialogue, saying the Government will talk to anybody who wants to initiate talks.

"The situation in Kashmir has seen a lot of improvement and we can assure that the government will get the situation under control. Despite having a large Muslim population, ISIS has been unable to establish a hold in India," Singh said when addressing the media in New Delhi.

Further lauding the Centre's governance, Singh further stated that under the Modi government, the situation in Jammu and Kashmir situation has improved a lot as 368 terrorists have been neutralized since 2014.

"After the surgical strikes by the Indian Army in September last year infiltration in Jammu and Kashmir has come down 45 percent. I assure that we will bring an end to Pakistan sponsored terrorism in Jammu and Kashmir and establish peace and tranquility in the state," Rajnath added.
British police arrested a dozen people in a widening terrorism investigation after attackers using a van and large knives turned a balmy evening of nightlife into a bloodbath and killed seven people in the heart of London. The Islamic State group claimed responsibility today.

Although the attackers were also dead, authorities raced to determine whether they had accomplices, and Prime Minister Theresa May yesterday warned that the country faced a new threat from copycat attacks.

The country's major political parties temporarily suspended campaigning with only days to go before the general election. May said the vote would take place as scheduled Thursday because "violence can never be allowed to disrupt the democratic process."



The assault unfolded over a few terrifying minutes late Saturday, starting when a rented van veered off the road and barreled into pedestrians on busy London Bridge.

Three men then got out of the vehicle with large knives and attacked people at bars and restaurants in nearby Borough Market until they were shot dead by police.

"They went 'This is for Allah,' and they had a woman on the floor. They were stabbing her," witness Gerard Vowls said. Florin Morariu, a Romanian chef who works in the Bread Ahead bakery, said he saw people running and some fainting. Then two people approached another person and "began to stick the knife in ... And then I froze and I didn't know what to do."



He said he managed to get near one attacker and "hit him around the head" with a bread basket.

"There was a car with a loudspeaker saying 'go, go' and they (police) threw a grenade. ... And then I ran," he said. London police said officers killed the attackers within eight minutes of arriving at the scene. Eight officers fired some 50 rounds, said Assistant Commissioner Mark Rowley, the force's head of counterterrorism.

Islamic State's statement today from its Aamaq agency claimed the group's "fighters" were responsible, according to the SITE Intelligence Group. IS has urged supporters to weaponize vehicles in attacks against the West.

It was the third attack in Britain this year that Islamic State has claimed after a similar attack on Westminister Bridge in March and the Manchester concert bombing two weeks ago and one of several involving vehicles in Europe, including last year's Bastille Day rampage in the French city of Nice.

The three attackers Saturday were wearing what appeared to be suicide belts, but the belts turned out to be fake.

Investigators were working to determine whether others assisted them, Rowley said.

A bystander was also wounded by the gunfire, but the civilian's injuries were not believed to be critical.

Forty-eight people, including two police officers, were treated at hospitals. Twenty-one remained in critical condition yesterday. Among the wounded were German, French and Spanish citizens, officials said.

Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said a Canadian was among the dead. A French national was also confirmed dead.

Counterterrorism officers raided several addresses in Barking, an east London suburb, and arrested 12 people there yesterday, police said.

Neighbors at the site of one raid in Barking said a man who lived there resembled one of the attackers shown in photographs.

"He's lived here for about three years," Damien Pettit said. "He's one of our neighbours. I've said hello in passing more than 50, 60 occasions. He has two young kids. He was a very nice guy."



Armed officers also conducted a raid in the East Ham area of the city. Video showed police shouting at someone: "Get on the balcony. Stand up and show us your hands!"



The rampage was the third major attack in Britain in the past three months, including a similar vehicle and knife attack on Westminster Bridge in March that left five people dead.

On May 22, a suicide bomber killed 22 people and injured dozens at an Ariana Grande concert in Manchester, in northwest England. Grande and other stars performed last night at a benefit concert for victims under tight security in Manchester.

"I don't feel or smell or hear or see any fear in this building. All we feel here tonight is love, resilience, positivity," said Pharrel Williams, who performed alongside Miley Cyrus.

The Islamic State group claimed responsibility for the Manchester bombing, but there was no immediate claim of responsibility for the London attack, which the prime minister linked to Islamic extremism.

May said the attacks were not directly connected, "but we believe we are experiencing a new trend in the threat we face" as "terrorism breeds terrorism" and attackers copy one another. She said five credible plots have been disrupted since March.

"It is time to say, enough is enough," she said. Britain's official terrorism threat level was raised from "severe" to "critical" after the Manchester attack, meaning an attack may be imminent. Several days later it was lowered again to "severe," meaning an attack is highly likely.

Home Secretary Amber Rudd said yesterday that the level would remain at severe because police believe there are no perpetrators still on the loose.

London Bridge and a large area on the south bank of the River Thames remained cordoned off yesterday, and police told people to avoid the area.

Hours earlier, the area packed with bars and restaurants around the foodie magnet of Borough Market had been a scene of panic, as people barricaded themselves in pubs and restaurants or fled through the streets.

Medics treated the wounded near the market as shocked people cried and shouted around them. Police officers yelled at people to run from the area, and blasts were heard as officers performed a series of controlled explosions.

Renan Marquese, a sous-chef at a tapas restaurant, said he was working when he heard chaotic sounds outside.

"When I open the door I see three dead people on the floor," he said. "People running everywhere, police shouting to run away."



He said that he helped a man and his partner, even taking the woman into his arms because she was too upset to walk properly. He said it took him 20 minutes to carry her across the bridge, stumbling all the way.

"It was really scary," he said.

Amid the violence and fear were stories of compassion and heroism. The British Transport Police said one of their officers, among the first to arrive, took the attackers on armed only with his baton and was seriously wounded. He was later described as being in stable condition with injuries that were not life-threatening.

Witnesses described how passers-by threw chairs and beer glasses at the attackers in an attempt to stop them. Richard Angell, who was in a restaurant, said he looked out and saw "a guy who is throwing a table at somebody, and it's very unclear about what is happening. And it turns out to be a heroic guy who saw what was happening and just bombarded these terrible cowardly people with stuff."



Vowls also saw people striking back at the attackers and said he joined in.

"I went 'Oi, terrorists, cowards, Oi!'" he told The Associated Press. Then he picked up a chair.

"I chucked it, but I think I missed one of them, and then I picked up a stool, and I threw it at him. And he looked at me. He started running towards me, and then he decided not to. "Then I was screaming at them, picking up bottles from a beer barrel. I was just throwing it at them, trying to get them to chase me so I could get them out into the main road where the police could see them and obviously take them down.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
Two Muslim students were allegedly sent home by a US school for wearing hijabs because they were not carrying a 'note' from parents to prove that they had donned the headscarves for religious reasons.

Hajah Bah and Fatmata Mansaray, both cousins and students of Freedom High School, Virginia, allege that the school administrators harassed them over their decision to don hijabs, eventually prompting apologies from Prince William school division leaders.

Bah and Mansaray were quoted as saying by Inside NoVA that they were approached by a school administrator on Thursday and told that they would need a note from a parent to prove they were wearing the head coverings for religious reasons.

When they pushed back against that assertion, they were sent to the principal's office and ultimately dismissed from the school for the day.

"Normally, I don't wear the hijab at school, but this time I did because Ramadan fell during the school year and I was fasting," Bah was quoted as saying.

"But why do I need a note if it's my religion?" she said.

As the word of the incident reached school division leaders, spokesman Phil Kavits said they, "immediately determined that it runs counter to the PWCS (Prince William County Public Schools) commitment to diversity."



He said school officials have already apologised to both girls and their families, and the division has posted an apology online.

PWCS was quoted by WJLA-TV as saying in a statement, "We regret the circumstances that led a Freedom High School administrator to question students about wearing a hijab or ask for proof of their religious reasons.

"The request was inconsistent with the PWCS commitment to diversity and religious freedom, and we apologise to anyone it may have offended."



Mansaray also contended that Thursday's incident was far from the first time she has been accosted by administrators over her head covering.

"I would explain that it's for a religious purpose, and they didn't care. I'd wear my hijab to school, and I'd be constantly told to take off my hijab," she said.

Mansaray said she and her parents were initially reluctant to secure a note proving she was wearing the hijab for religious reasons, as they "did not feel it was right".

But she felt she eventually "had to cave in" and delivered a note to the school's office. However, she claimed her encounters with administrators continued.

Since the incident, Bah and Mansaray said they have both received apologies from the school system, and have even seen an outpouring of support from their fellow students.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
Polling for Patna Municipal Corporation (PMC) today passed off peacefully barring some stray incidents with around 46 per cent voter turnout.

Polling was also held in 17 wards of Barsoi Nagar Panchayat in Katihar district besides one ward (ward number 32) of Munger Municipal Corporation.

"About 46 per cent voting was recorded in today's polls for Patna Municipal Corporation (PMC) till 5 pm. Voter turnout was 71 per cent in Barsoi Nagar Panchayat while the turnout was 62 per cent in ward number 32 of Munger Municipal Corporation," State Election Commissioner A K Chouhan told reporters here.

Polling was conducted at 75 wards of PMC where 46 per cent of 1665017 voters exercised their franchise in today's polls at 1512 polling stations.

Prominent among those who cast their votes included RJD chief Lalu Prasad, his wife Rabri Devi, his minister son Tej Pratap Yadav, senior BJP leader Sushil Kumar Modi and others.

Chouhan, who was accompanied by Commission's Secretary Durgesh Nandan, said that the polling was hampered for a few minutes at some polling booths in the state capital due to EVMs developing some problems. Polling was conducted after replacing the EVMs.

The Commission also received an incident of clash between two rival groups in ward number 08, he said adding that steps were being taken to lodge FIR in this regard.

Police had to resort to mild lathicharge to disperse the crowd which had created a noisy scenes to protest against the deletion of their names from voters' list at polling station number 15 and 16 in ward number 10 of the capital, he said.

The fate of 1008 candidates in PMC was sealed in EVMs, the Commissioner said adding the counting of votes of PMC will be taken up on June 9.

The administration today made a preventive arrest of 130 people besides seizing 98 vehicles, he said.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
Three knife-wielding attackers wearing fake suicide vests unleashed a terror rampage through central London, plowing a high-speed van into pedestrians on the iconic London Bridge before stabbing revellers in a nearby market, killing seven people and injuring 48.

In the attack, just days before the general election on June 8, a white van veered off the road and barreled into pedestrians on busy London Bridge last night at around 10 pm local time.

Three men then fled the van wielding large knives and attacked people indiscriminately at bars and restaurants in nearby Borough Market shouting "This is for Allah", witnesses said.

Seven people were killed in the attack, and at least 48 were taken to the hospital, the Metropolitan police said.

The attack unfolded quickly as armed police rushed to the scene and within eight minutes shot dead the three male attackers who were wearing what looked like explosives which later turned out to be fake.

"Armed officers responded very quickly and bravely, confronting three male suspects who were shot and killed in Borough Market. The suspects had been confronted and shot by the police within eight minutes of the first call.

"The suspects were wearing what looked like explosive vests but these were later established to be hoaxes," said Mark Rowley, Met Police Assistant Commissioner and the UK's anti-terrorism lead.

"We are treating this as a terrorist incident and a full investigation is already underway, led by the Met's Counter Terrorism Command," he said, urging people with information and images to contact the police.

There was no immediate claim of responsibility for the latest attack to hit Britain.

Several gunshots were heard in the area and the British Transport Police said one of its officers was seriously injured and hospitalised with non-life-threatening injuries after being stabbed as he responded to the incident.

The area that came under attack last night is one of the London's most popular hangout areas for a weekend with bars, restaurants and clubs.

Hundreds of people were sent into panic as they were advised by police to "run, tell, hide" - the standard Met Police anti-terror advice - as the attackers stabbed people indiscriminately on the streets and in bars and restaurants.

The area has been cordoned off for investigations, andtheled by the Met Police's Counter Terrorism Command, working with British Transport Police, City of London Police, the London Ambulance Service and the London Fire Brigade.

"We are reviewing and planning to strengthen our policing stance across London over the forthcoming days, and there will be additional police and officers deployed across the capital," Rowley said, calling on the public to remain vigilant.

Prime Minister Theresa May described the incidents as "dreadful events" and today chaired a meeting of the government's Cobra emergency committee.

She said in a statement: "Following updates from police and security officials, I can confirm that the terrible incident in London is being treated as a potential act of terrorism.

"This is a fast moving investigation. I want to express my huge gratitude to the police and emergency services who are on the scene. Our thoughts are with those who are caught up in these dreadful events."



The flag at Downing Street is flying at half-mast as a mark of respect to the victims of the aand theruling Conservative party has announced that it has suspended its national election campaign for Sunday, with plans to review during the course of the day.

London Mayor Sadiq Khan called it "a deliberate and cowardly attack on innocent Londoners".

"We will never let the terrorists win or cower our citizens," he said.

The Indian High Commission in London has set up a Public Response Unit for any Indians caught up in the attack.

"Any Indians injured/affected during the London Bridge 'major incident' and at Borough Market may reach off-office hours Public Response Unit. We shall endeavour to extend all possible assistance to all affected and to their families and friends in this difficult hour," an Indian High Commission statement said.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi condemned the attacks in London, terming them as "shocking".

"Attacks in London are shocking & anguishing. We condemn them. My thoughts are with families of the deceased & prayers with the injured," the Prime Minister said in a tweet.

The latest terror attack, just four days before the general election on June 8, comes less than two weeks after a suicide bomber, Salman Abedi, targeted a Manchester concert on May 22, killing 22 people.

The Manchester attack stopped election campaigning for three days as troops were deployed to the streets and the UK's terror threat level was raised to "critical", meaning an attack was "imminent".

Britain's terror threat was lowered back to "severe", which meant that an attack was highly likely.

It is the third terrorist attack in the UK this year, with the last attack in London in March when terror suspect Khalid Masood rammed a car into pedestrians near the UK Parliament, killing five people, including a police officer on guard being stabbed before being shot dead.

Jeremy Corbyn, the Opposition Labour leader, tweeted on Sunday night: "Brutal and shocking incidents reported in London. My thoughts are with the victims and their families. Thank you to the emergency services."



Tim Farron, the Liberal Democrat leader, said: "Tonight's horrific incidents in London remind us how much we owe our emergency services. My thoughts and prayers with everyone affected."



Nicola Sturgeon, the Scottish First Minister and SNP leader, wrote on Twitter: "Dreadful news from London. My thoughts are with all those affected.
The National Executive of the AAP, the second-highest decision-making body of the party, in its meeting today decided to strengthen the organisation across the country on the lines of Delhi.

The NE also decided to stage a country-wide protest to highlight farmers' plight on June 10 and demand a loan-waiver for them.

The meeting, headed by AAP's National Convenor Arvind Kejriwal, was also attended by senior leader Kumar Vishwas, who is believed to be upset with the party leadership.

"The party has decided...To hold protests wherever farmers are suffering. Be it Maharashtra, where they are throwing away their produce in protest, or Punjab, where 60 of them have committed suicide since Amarinder Singh has taken charge (in March) as the CM.

"We will protest in Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh and wherever the farmers are not getting their due," Singh told reporters after the NE meet.

Singh said no decision was taken as to whether the party would contest the Gujarat state polls later this year.

He parried questions on allegations levelled by suspended Delhi MLA Kapil Mishra, who has been firing salvos at the party leadership.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
A day after local police were pelted with stones and some vehicles were torched allegedly by agitating farmers in Bijalpur area here, the administration today said it suspects involvement of "anti-social elements" in the incident in which two police personnel were injured.

As violence broke out last night, police cane-charged a group of people, believed to be protesting farmers, who were forcefully blocking the road in Bijalpur adjacent to the local fruit vegetable market.

DIG Harinarayanchari Mishra had said two policemen were injured in stone-pelting by farmers.

"Protesting farmers were stopping the vehicles in Bijalpur area. When police cane charged them, they started hurling stones at police personnel and vehicles passing from the road. They also set some vehicles on fire," Mishra said, adding that the situation came under control after police fired tear gas shells at the mob.

However, district collector P Narhari today told PTI the people involved in the last night's incident were not farmers.

Farmers, especially in western part of the state, launched the 11-day stir on June 1 demanding implementation of 20-odd demands raised by them, including fixing of minimum support price (MSP) of vegetables like potatoes, onions etc.

They have been trying to disrupt the supply of milk, fruits and vegetables to various cities.

The district collector said the situation in Bijalpur is under control now with the deployment of additional police force.

"We have the information that those involved in yesterday's incident were some trouble-makers and anti-social elements and not the protesting farmers. We will file criminal cases against such people and deal with them strictly," Narhari added.

Meanwhile, the leader of agitating farmers and Kisan Sena secretary Jagdish Rawalia has condemned the violence, alleging that some "trouble-makers" who wanted to discredit farmers and their agitation were involved in last night's violence.

Besides fixing of the MSP of vegetables, the agitators have demanded the purchase of agricultural produce should not be allowed below the stipulated MSP at APMCs. They also want the state government to waive agricultural loans and keep the rising prices of farm equipment and machinery in check.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
The Indian Army has been given a free hand to deal with any attempt by Pakistani troops to disturb peace in the country, Home Minister Rajnath Singh today said.

Addressing Tridev Sammelan, a conclave of booth-level office-bearers of the assembly constituencies within the Hamirpur Lok sabha seat, he warned the neighbouring country against any misadventure.

"Indian forces will not count bullets while replying to any provocation by Pakistan," he said.

His statement comes a day after two Indian soldiers were killed in an ambush attack on an Army convoy by militants on the Jammu-Srinagar National Highway.

"Pakistan has been making repeated efforts to disturb the peace and tranquility in J&K...Our forces will give appropriate reply to such provocations," he added.

Stating that militancy has come down in all parts of the country, he said the government is committed to eliminate terrorism and "our forces are on alert round the clock and sacrificing their lives in fighting terrorists".

He called upon BJP workers to oust the Congress government in the state in the upcoming Assembly polls. Singh said he was confident his party would win the elections and form the next government.

The state goes to poll later this year.

Accusing the Virbhadra Singh government of not utilizing the funds given by the NDA government, Singh said rampant corruption too was hampering development in the state.

He said, the Centre would do its best to help Himachal Pradesh in accelerating its developmental activities.

Union Health Minister JP Nadda, former state chief minister Prem Kumar Dhumal, state BJP chief Sat Pal Satti, and state party in-charge Mangal Pandey attended the conclave.

Nadda said, under the present Congress dispensation, the state has witnessed one of the "darkest periods" since Independence.

He accused the CM of indulging in corruption and spending most of his time in securing bails and facing court cases rather than working for the welfare of the masses.

Dhumal demanded quota for Himachalis in recruitments in paramilitary forces and asserted that their contribution in guarding the borders has been immense.

Satti pitched for making Rajnath Singh the party's star campaigner for the upcoming state elections.

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Action star Arnold Schwarzenegger was told he was "too creepy" for leading roles in Hollywood.

The 69-year-old actor, who shot to fame after "Hercules in New York", was warned he could never be a leading man because of his Austrian dialect and bulky frame, reported Femalefirst.

"They used to say 'your body is too big'. This is the 1970s and people like Dustin Hoffman and Al Pacino and Woody Allen, they are sex symbols. I said 'Oh Jesus'.

"Then they said 'Plus your accent gives me the creeps. We can use you maybe to play a Nazi or something like that'," Schwarzenegger says.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
Bangladeshi authorities have confiscated half a tonne of gold from a top jeweller, officials said today, amid a crackdown on a booming smuggling trade.

Customs officials raided five outlets of Apan Jewellers over several days last month and seized around 500 kilograms of gold and half a kilogram in diamonds.

"We asked the owners to provide legal receipts (for the gold) but they failed to provide anything," Customs Intelligence and Investigation Department chief Moinul Khan told reporters.

Gold smuggling in Bangladesh is at a record high. Authorities say a sizeable amount is sold to unscrupulous local jewellers, who avoid paying high import duties by buying on the black market.

Authorities have seized 1.1 tonnes of gold at the country's airports in the past three years -- an unprecedented haul. Much of the gold was smuggled by human "mules", sometimes inside their rectums.

The gold confiscated from the jewellers during the raid has been handed to the central bank and will be sold at auction, an official said.

The raids occurred after the son of Apan's owner allegedly bragged of his wealth after he was arrested in connection with a separate high-profile case.

Investigators looking into the source of the family's wealth found a huge stash of unreported gold worth nearly 2.5 billion taka (USD 31.2 million).

Bangladesh does not have any gold mines of its own, and relies on imports to fashion rings and other treasures for its booming middle class.

The country has imposed strict quotas and high customs duties on gold, effectively choking off legal bullion imports for flourishing jewellery outlets.

The local jewellers' association wants the government to allow the bulk import of bullion at a reasonable tax rate.

The association denies wrongdoing and describes raids at jewellers and other businesses as "conspiracies" to destroy the industry, which it says employs 2.2 million people.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
Legendary Kathak exponent Pt Birju Maharaj believes in being rooted to classical traditions though new thoughts keep coming to his mind.

"Classical is tradition. I don't change traditions, But new thoughts keep coming to my mind on creating new things", the 'Padma Vibhushan' and 'Sangeet Natak Akademi Award' recipient told PTI on the sidelines of a dance programme here yesterday.

Speaking about his views on fusion in dance with different genres merged in one presentation, Birju Maharaj said, "I think I don't like fusion. If they still do, it is for them."



"I will keep myself rooted to my gharana while creating different rhythms. I can tell you about an experience in Spain where I had created different rhythms with my leg. And the Spanish co-artiste and others were amazed," he said.

Asked about the secret that keeps him going after so many years, the legendary exponent of Lucknow Kalka-Bindadin gharana of Kathak, said, "This is all because I love to dance and I appreciate in what I do."



"I was also very lucky to see all three - my father and guru Acchan Maharaj and my two uncles Shambhu Maharaj and Lachhu Maharaj - perform in the family. They taught me to love dance. I am the seventh generation dancer in my family," he said.

Asked about the purity of dance, he said, "Every artiste is searching for the beauty of rhythm."



"The purity lies there in this search. It is all about how beautifully we capture every moment of nature, say the blossoming of a big tree," he said.

Pt Maharaj, who is always on the look out for new compositions, said, "My disciple for years Saswati Sen and me have been composing new stories in Kathak. As every day passes by, we find the zeal to put up new things."



The classical dance exponent came to the city to attend a dance programme 'Kathak Pravaha', with his disciple Saswati Sen.

The dance competition was aimed at promoting classical Kathak dance and create interest among the spectators and dancers, who are generally hooked to reality shows now a days.

"There is rhythm in every moment of life. We should never feel the disconnect with rhythm of life," he told the participants.

About 'riyaz' he said, "Everyone talks about riyaz but you should remember it is not akin to lifting stones. It is a continuous process to understand the nuances of beauty, to be immersed in absolute happiness.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
British Prime Minister Theresa May along with her husband Philip has paid a visit to the Swaminarayan Mandir in north-west London, the largest Hindu temple outside India, days ahead of the UK general election to be held on June 8.

May, 60, visited the temple in Neasden and offered flower petals at the central shrine of Bhagwan Swaminarayan yesterday, a temple spokesperson said.

After meeting young and old volunteers of BAPS Swaminarayan Sanstha, she also met with leaders of other Hindu organisations, the spokesperson said.

In a 20-minute speech, May told around 2,000 worshippers to help her make Britain the "world's great meritocracy".

"I say to all British Hindus and Indians, come with me as we make Britain the world's great meritocracy. Come with me as we build a truly global Britain, and help me build those vital links with India. Come with me as we build a stronger, fairer and more prosperous vision for us all," she said.

May also praised UK-Indians for being "inspiring role models across all walks of life" and said their achievements were built "on the very best of British and Indian values".

May was accompanied by her husband Philip and both removed their shoes before entering the temple, the spokesperson said, adding that she was presented with a traditional memento before her departure.

May visited the temple for the second time yesterday. In March 2013, she was guest of honour and keynote speaker to mark International Women's Day.

The visit came during May's last weekend campaigning as the UK gears up to vote in the snap general election she called earlier this year on June 8.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
The Border Security Force



(BSF) has seized FICN with a face value of Rs 4.98 lakh from Malda district, a BSF release said today.

The BSF had planned a special ambush on June 3 night after the officials received an information regarding smuggling of FICN in Mirik-Sultanpur near the Indo-Bangla border.

Around 11.45 pm yesterday the BSF's operation party observed some movement on both sides of the fence.

The miscreants on the Bangladesh side threw one packet over the fence.

The miscreants from Indian side tried to collect the packet.

Immediately, the BSF's ambush party challenged the miscreants on the Indian side and chased them. At this, the miscreants fled the scene.

The ambush party recovered one packet after carrying out a thorough search.

A total number of 249 FICN with a face value of Rs 4.98 lakh in denominations of Rs 2000 notes were found in the packet.

The seized FICN was handed over to the Kaliachak police station for further action, a BSF statement said.

The BSF's South Bengal Frontier has seized FICN of face value of Rs 27,96,000 (including this seizure) and apprehended three smugglers during the year 2017.

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The ban on sale of cattle for slaughter, which has cast a shadow on the leather industry and created concern among importers, could pave the way for American cattle hide to India in the long run, Calcutta Leather Complex Tanners Association president Ramesh Juneja said.

"A few days back American consulate officials in Kolkata called me up and inquired about the situation on the ban," he told PTI.

If buffaloes are not excluded from the ban list, Indian exporters will be bound to import hide to meet their commitments. Buffalo hides account for in excess of 50 per cent of the leather demand, he said.

"India has never imported hides so far and has met the demand from domestic supplies. US produces a lot of cattle hide but due to high labour cost they don't produce leather goods," he said.

However, the hide, skin and leather industry in the US is growing in recent times and according to reports in 2016, the country has exportered cattle hide and semi-proceed leather products worth $2 billion.

"The hides and skins industry is a major success story for US agriculture and exports. The industry has positioned itself well to capitalize on a highly dynamic, integrated global leather marketplace," President of the US Hide, Skin and Leather Association Stephen Sothmann was quoted in a report.

China is the largest importer of cattle hide from the US. Other large destinations include Korea, Mexico, Vietnam and the European Union.

Juneja said that West Bengal has a hide stock which will last for two months and major leather fashion brands were concerened.
To curb charging of "unreasonable" fees and levying of "hidden" costs, the CBSE has sought data from private schools about their fee structure and increase carried out in recent years.

The move comes weeks after the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) warned private schools against turning into "shops" by selling uniform and books in their premises.

"We have told the schools that they should not charge unreasonable fees. The charges should be reasonable and there should be no hidden costs as that is the more irritating part for the parents," Union HRD Minister Prakash Javadekar told PTI in an interview.

He said the CBSE has sought data from schools about their fee structure and increase in fees.

"Many schools have sent it and the data is being analysed. Schools which haven't sent it, have been sent reminders and penalised," he said.

The minister, however, did not thrown light on the penalty measures for schools found guilty of overcharging and having hidden costs in their fees structure.

Overcharging by schools and increase in fees every year have been a subject of concern, often raised by the parents.

Gujarat had last month introduced "Gujarat Self-Financed Schools (Regulation of Fees) Bill, 2017" to regulate the charging of exorbitant fees.

The bill empowers the Gujarat government to constitute four 'fee regulatory committees', one each for the state's four zones, to determine "fees for admission to any standard or course of study in self-financed schools".

The fee structure proposed in the bill for primary, secondary and higher secondary schools is Rs 15,000, Rs 25,000 and Rs 27,000 per year, respectively.

Schools that wish to charge more will have to approach the regulatory committee, which will have jurisdiction over all private schools, whether affiliated to the Gujarat board, the CBSE or international boards.

The bill had also caught the interest of several states as also that of the Centre with education ministers from Uttar Pradesh and Maharashtra and Javadekar asking for copies of the bill from Gujarat Education Minister Bhupendrasinh Chudasama.

"There are private schools which are charging Rs 250, Rs 2,500, Rs 25,000 and Rs 2.5 lakh also. That is a choice which has to be made by the parents.

"We value private investment as it contributes to the GDP, but schools should not be overcharging," Javadekar said.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
The government is looking at "alternatives" available to make Air India and other public sector units more competitive and profitable, Union minister Jayant Sinha has said.

The future course of action for the loss-making airline, which is surviving on taxpayers' money, is being actively looked at by the government and a decision on the possible privatisation is likely in three months.

"Our objective is to transform the public sector carrier to a great global airline and we are doing whatever possible in this regard," the Minister of State for Civil Aviation told reporters here yesterday.

To a question on privatisation, he said the government was studying alternatives to strengthen the public sector units, including Air India, and make them "competitive and profitable".

Asked why private airliners are operating more on profitable routes than Air India, Sinha said that route network, which was not optimised for long, was finalised after long discussions.

He said the present government had made efforts to optimise route network based on viability during the last three years and was viewing the new routes such as Washington DC, Copenhagen and Ranchi-Kolkata as profitable.

"We have made efforts to optimise route network on favourable routes with an intention to make the airline more competitive and profitable. The Air India also procured new aircraft to achieve the goal," he said.

Union Finance Minister Arun Jaitley and his Civil Aviation counterpart Ashok Gajapathi Raju last week discussed the future course for debt-ridden Air India, with senior officials indicating that a decision on privatisation will be taken within three months.

Appreciating the initiatives taken by the government, Sinha said its efforts had resulted Air India, which was incurring loss for the past ten years, to make Rs 105 crore operating profit last year.

On Opposition's allegations that employment opportunities during the last three years have drastically come down in the country, Sinha said on the contrary jobs had registered an increase in the organised sector.

However, he said, the data in the unorganised sector was not clear even though the job opportunities increased in this sector too.

He said a committee had been formed to study the prevailing status of employment generated and the opportunities.

Clarifying his stand on the employment generated during the last three years, the minister said labourers were not available to work in projects under MNREGA as they moved out to other places to work for more money.

Labourers in Ramgarh and Hazaribagh districts were not available for MNREGA, which pays Rs 175 per day, as they were working in construction sites at wages ranging between Rs 300 to Rs 400 per day.

Claiming that the development work is going on rapidly across sectors, Sinha said the government had decided to invest Rs 8.5 lakh crore on railways, Rs 8 lakh crore on infrastructure, including roads, and Rs 2 to 2.5 lakh crore on airports to increase the facilities for the masses.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
Senior JD(U) leader Sharad Yadav has indicated that opposition parties will fight the presidential poll if the BJP proposes a candidate with strong Hindutva leanings, suggesting that those who believe in 'love jihad' are not bound by the Constitution.

Yadav, seen as one of the choices of the Congress-led opposition if it fights the poll next month, said a consensus on the BJP-led NDA candidate can emerge if the name proposed by the ruling alliance believes in the Constitution and is bound by the constitutional propriety.

"If they (BJP) propose a name who believes in the Constitution, who understands it and believe in its propriety, then there can be a consensus. We will talk," the Rajya Sabha member told PTI.

Asked to elaborate, he spoke of 'love jihad' and 'ghar wapsi', two issues linked to some Hindutva organisations, and said these run against the Constitution.

"In their three years of rule they have done things outside the Constitution, like 'love jihad'. Where is it written in the Constitution? Our Constitution, in fact, allows adults to marry people of their choice irrespective of castes and religions.

"They have attacked this concept. They do nothing to remove caste barriers but practise 'ghar wapsi'. Opposition parties will support a candidate who believes in the Constitution," he said.

Opposition parties have been in talks to put up their own candidate for the election to the top constitutional post and Congress chief Sonia Gandhi had recently hosted a lunch in which 17 parties, including the Left, the SP, the BSP, the RJD and the JD (U), had participated.

BJP president Amit Shah had recently said his party will speak to opposition parties over its choice of the presidential candidate after it consults its allies.

He had, however, sidestepped a query on whether he will seek a consensus, saying "consensus is a word which is used in many ways".

The numbers in the electoral college favour the ruling NDA, more so after it won the Uttar Pradesh Assembly polls with a massive majority and later drew support from the YSRCP, an Andhra-based party.

The TRS, which is in power in Telangana, has hinted that it may support the NDA, which also hopes to get backing from both factions of the AIADMK in the poll.
The Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) today urged the Centre to declare sanitary napkins manufactured by Indian companies a tax-free commodity.

A 12-per cent tax is set to levied on sanitary napkins under the Goods and Services Tax (GST) regime, which is slated to come into play from July 1.

MNS leader Shalini Thackeray met Union Finance Minister Arun Jaitley here and urged him to do away with GST and other cesses with regard to the "environment-friendly" sanitary napkins.

The party said Jaitley had assured Thackeray that he would look into it.

"There is no point in creating awareness till the sanitary napkins are made affordable. If they are taxed under GST, it would amount to the women being taxed for a commodity they need desperately," a statement quoted Thackeray as saying.

During the meeting with the finance minister, the MNS leader also submitted a charter of her party listing out all of its demands to ensure that the women got a reprieve from the "severe" tax pressure on sanitary napkins.

Thackeray, who was accompanied by MNS secretary Pramod Patil, requested Jaitley to bring the "environment-friendly" sanitary napkins under the Essential Commodities Act, so that their price could be capped.

She also urged the finance minister to encourage the schools to install sanitary napkin vending machines.

In this regard, Thackeray said, the government could ask the global sanitary napkin manufacturers to install these machines and incinerators in educational institutes under their corporate social responsibility (CSR) activities.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
Former environment minister Jairam Ramesh has described as "unfortunate" the withdrawal of the US from the Paris climate deal, but advised the Indian government not to take "panga" or confront the Americans over the issue.

He, however, urged Prime Minister Narendra Modi to send a clear message to US President Donald Trump, in a meeting expected next month, for "painting" India as a "bad guy" while pulling out of the agreement.

"Modi should make the point to Trump that you have withdrawn and painted us as the bad guys. We account for only about 4.5 to 5 per cent of the emissions, whereas you account for 16 per cent," Ramesh told PTI in an interview.

"If you have got out of Paris (deal), you got out for your own reasons. Don't blame it on us. And that is the message that he has to send," he said.

Trump had announced the decision of the US to withdraw from the Paris climate accord and renegotiate the deal agreed upon by over 190 countries during the previous Barack Obama administration.

He had said New Delhi would get billions of dollars for meeting its commitment under the treaty and it, along with Beijing, would double its coal-fired power plants in the years to come, gaining a financial advantage over the United States.

"Politically what Trump has done is disastrous. It erodes America's moral standing, it erodes America's political standing in the world. But in operational terms, it may not mean very much actually," Ramesh said.

He said the USwas a big trading partner with60 per cent of India's software exports to the country worth USD90 billion and there was a large Indian community there, which was very influential, very rich, very resourceful.

"We can't...We should not take panga with the US," he said.

"Don't confront for the sake of confrontation. We should make it a point that we are deeply disappointed that the US has not only rejected top-down Kyoto, but also rejected bottom up Paris. We should give a clear message", he said.

Ramesh said he felt that China, a leading emitter, would now certainly use this opportunity to show themselves as the good guys.

"The Chinese President recently went to Davos and talked about globalisation. I think the Chinese will use this as an opportunity for taking a high moral ground," he said.

The senior Congress leader expressed anguish over the fate of amendments made toMontreal Protocol in Kigali last year to phase down climate damaging HFCs in view of Trump's stand on the Paris climate treaty.

"I hope the Montreal Protocol is safe, the Kigali amendments are safe. Because the HFC issues, because if you are able to control the emissions of HFCs, that itself contributes 0.5 degree Celsius out of that 2 degree Celsius", he said.

Noting that Trump has spoken only on the Paris accord, he said nobody has talked about the Montreal Protocol because that is equally important as methane and HFCs are far more potent than even CO2.

"My hope is that the Montreal amendments which allow countries to phase down HFCs will survive. What may not survive is US financing. The US is not going to finance any green technology, the Green Climate Fund, the US may not even finance the fund that is there in the Montreal Protocol," he said.

He saidIndia's response to the climate change challenge has to be linked with the country's multiple vulnerabilities-- the monsoon, the glaciers, the forests and the coastal areas.

"We should not be taken by what other countries are doing. India will have to do its own. Frankly if an economy is at seven per cent, eight per cent per year, we should not depend on finances from any other countries", he said.

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The Vadodara Municipal Corporation (VMC) will press into service 40 e-rickshaws to closely monitor cleanliness in the city.

The launch of these vehicles, to be held tomorrow at Mahatma Gandhinagar town hall, coincides with the World Environment Day.

"These e-rickshaws will move in different areas of the city to ensure cleanliness. A sanitary worker will double up as a driver and also pick up garbage as and when he spots it," municipal commissioner Vinod Rao told PTI.

"An official, who will be accompanying the worker, will carry a challan book to penalise individuals or establishments found littering," he said.

On the occasion importance of waste segregation will be highlighted and a mass pledge will be taken to separate waste at source, said Rao.

"We have provided dustbin facilities to people in all the 12 wards of the city for effective implementation of waste segregation," said the civic chief.

Ranjanben Bhatt BJP MP from Vadodara said "Cleanliness was very close to Mahatma Gandhi's heart. The best tribute that we can pay to Bapu when we celebrate his 150th birth anniversary in 2019 is by keeping the city clean."



Vadodara mayor Bharat Dangar said "Now the time has come to devote ourselves to cleanliness of our city."



Vadodara city generates 1,200 tonnes of waste per day, said a civic official.

The city was ranked tenth on the Swachh Bharat index this year.

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A fire today broke out at a nationalised bank in MG road here, official sources said.

Six fire tenders fought the blaze in the vacant Syndicate Bank Branch, situated on ground floor at M G Road, for over an hour, according to fire brigade sources.

No casualties has been reported in the incident and the situation is under control, they said.

The cause of fire and extent of damage are being ascertained, sources said.

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Members of Forum For IT Employees will meet Karnataka IT Minister Priyank Kharge tomorrow to seek government intervention to stop 'arbitrary' IT layoffs and press for withdrawal of its decision to exempt IT companies from labour law, among various demands.

"Karnataka IT Minister has agreed to meet FITE members tomorrow. Among other demands, we will ask the minister to reconsider the government's decision to exempt IT companies from labour law and bring it under the provisions of the Industrial Disputes Act," Rajesh of FITE BengaluruChapter told PTI here.

Rajesh said the cabinet had in October 2013 decided to exempt IT companies from labour law for further five years.

The attempt by the state to bring the sector under the law in March 2013 had caused panic among software companies, which are just slowly recovering from a global economic slump.

Among other demands, FITE members will also seek intervention of Karnataka and central government to address illegal and 'arbitary' termination of IT professionals by companies, including Tech Mahindra and Infosys, Rajesh said.

"The state and central governments must intervene and demand that firms abide by labour laws and end the layoffs. It also should instruct companies to stop arbitrary layoffs," he said.

Rajesh also said the government should take stringent measures such as revoking benefits given by it to IT companies in the name of job creation for decades.

"FITE is also demanding companies put an end to forced resignations and follow formal procedures and modes of communication," Rajesh said.

Companies should also focus on retraining and increase up-skilling efforts instead of laying off employees, he added.

Companies must limit working hours, as for now, they are working for 12 to 14 hours a day, Rajesh said.

After petitioning Telengana, Maharashtra and Tamil Nadu governments, FITE approached the labour commission in Bengaluru to submit a petition in this regard.

Earlier, Kharge had expressed willingness to meet IT employees associations.

In a recent interview to PTI, he had also said the government would look into the matter and provide legal assistance if affected or laid off employees approach it like their counterparts in Tamil Nadu, Maharashtra and Telengana.

Kharge had also urged the affected professionals to lodge a complaint with the labour department.

Moreover, All India IT Employees Association President Syed Muqueemuddin had shot off an email to Kharge, seeking an urgent meeting to request the government to take appropriate corrective actions and brief him on the current situation, including layoffs.

Muqueemuddin has been in touch with various associations to organise a united front to hold talks with the government to resolve their problems.

He said the united front would urge the government to hold an open house discussion by inviting all stakeholders, including IT captains and employees.

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Four people were killed when a Cessna aircraft crashed into a snow-covered mountain in central Japan, local police said today.

The single-propeller plane with four people on board plunged into Japan's Northern Alps in Tateyama yesterday, police said.

Police received an emergency call from a man believed to be one of the four people - all men aged from 21 to 57 - on board the small plane, they said.

"Two people, including the captain, are unconscious and the remaining two others are stuck but conscious," a Toyama prefectural official had told AFP yesterday after they received the distress call.

But bad weather and thick fog hampered rescue efforts and prevented emergency workers, including a rescue helicopter, from locating the aircraft, police said.

It was fourteen hours after the distress call when rescuers finally spotted the aircraft on the snowy mountain slope at a height of about 2,300 metres (7,545 feet), police and reports said.

The four men were then taken to hospital where they were confirmed dead, police said.

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Chancellor Angela Merkel said today that Germany was "resolutely at Britain's side" after the attack in London that left six people dead and almost 50 injured.

"Today we are united across borders in horror and mourning, but also in determination," Merkel said in a statement. "For Germany, I reiterate that in the fight against all forms of terrorism, we are resolutely at Britain's side.

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India's mustard honey exports are likely to be hit if genetically modified (GM) mustard seed is allowed for commercial cultivation as it is harmful for the honey making industry, an expert said.

The country's mustard honey is in more demand in the global market. Almost the entire domestic production of about 40,000 tonnes is shipped to countries like the US and Europe, as per government data.

"GM mustard will impact pollen and nectar collection by honey bees. This will result in lower mustard honey production and exports," Honey bee expert Yogeshwar Singh told PTI.

This will also disturb India's export market as the importing nations might impose further stringent shipment norms for honey and make the trade difficult, he said.

Presently, the US and Europe ask for non-GM labelled honey, for which samples are tested in two private testing agencies in Germany and thereafter the shipments are undertaken. Even, testing costs are also high, he added.

Echoing the views, Shiv Gramodyog Sansthan Secretary Devrat Sharma said about 50 kg honey is produced by honey bees from desi mustard crop, while it is only 25 kg from hybrid mustard crop due to reduction in the flowering period.

There is a need to protect domestic honey makers industry, being promoted by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in a big way to boost farmers' income, he said.

About 90,000 tonnes of honey of all varieties is produced annually in the country. There are about 30 lakh honey bee colonies and five lakh people are engaged in the business.

Last month, an expert panel -- Genetic Engineering Appraisal Committee (GEAC) -- has recommended use of GM mustard seed for commercial cultivation, a final decision on which is yet to be taken by the Environment Ministry.

Meanwhile, there is lot of protest against it by green- activists and honeybee industry.

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India made a measured start against Pakistan to be 46 for no loss in 9.5 overs before rain stopped play in the marquee clash of the Champions Trophy here today.

Openers Rohit Sharma and Shikhar Dhawan were batting on 25



And 20 after seeing out a testing spell from pacer Mohammad Amir.

Pakistan started with pace of Amir and left-arm spin of Imad Wasim.

While Amir conceded 14 runs in four overs, the Indian batsmen were more comfortable against Wasim, who gave away 27 runs in 4.5 overs.

Pacer Hasan Ali conceded five runs in the only he bowled before rain arrived at Edgbaston.

Pakistan won the toss and elected to field.

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There are about 1,200 Islamic State (IS) group operatives in the Philippines, including foreigners of whom 40 are from Indonesia, the Indonesian defence minister told an international security forum today.

Speaking in Singapore amid a bloody standoff between Philippine troops and militants fighting under the IS flag in Marawi city, Defence Minister Ryamizard Ryacudu called the militants "killing machines" and urged full-scale regional cooperation against them.

"I was advised last night, 1,200 ISIS in the Philippines, around 40 from Indonesia," Ryacudu told the Shangri-La Dialogue, using another name for the IS group.

The threat of heightened terrorism, including the impending return of hundreds of Southeast Asian fighters who fought with IS in Syria and Iraq, has been a hot-button issue at the three-day Singapore summit also attended by US Defense Secretary Jim Mattis.

Hundreds of Islamist gunmen rampaged through Marawi, a largely Muslim city of 200,000 in the south of the mainly Catholic Philippines, on May 23 after government forces attempted to arrest their leader, Isnilon Hapilon.

Up to 50 gunmen are still controlling the city centre nearly two weeks after the start of fighting that has killed 177 people including 120 militants.

"How can we tackle these foreign fighters? We have to be comprehensive," said Ryacudu, a retired general.

"We have to find... Complete ways but we must exercise caution, they are killing machines. Their aim is to kill other people so that's why it's our responsibility that we have common understanding, consensus and common proceedings on how to fight these foreign fighters."



Philippine Defense Undersecretary Ricardo David, speaking at the same forum, said the 1,200 figure for total IS fighters in the Philippines mentioned by Indonesia was new to him.

"I really don't know, my figure is about 250-400, a lot less," he told reporters.

But David said there were 40 foreign IS fighters among those who seized parts of Marawi, eight of whom have been killed by government forces.

Earlier, Philippine officials said the slain foreign fighters were from Malaysia, Indonesia, Yemen, Saudi Arabia and Chechnya.

"Our intelligence estimates that there are about 40 foreigners that fought in the Marawi incident," David said.

The Philippine official added that the foreign fighters used "back channels" in the Sulu and Celebes Seas near the borders of the Philippines, Indonesia and Malaysia to enter the southern island of Mindanao and link up with local terror groups.

"That's why they were able to muster the operations in the area of Marawi," David said.

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In a first, Irdai has terminated the membership of an actuary of state-owned non-life insurer National Insurance Company (NIC) for alleged wrongdoings.

The penal action came after the regulator found wrongdoings by actuary Manalur Sandilya in preparing the balance sheet of NIC for the 2015-16 fiscal.

While preparing the balance sheet, the actuary had not calculated the amount of provisioning against the claims correctly, according to Irdai charges.

"Actual provisioning for motor third party commercial vehicle for the year was at 130 per cent, whereas the actuary had provided 46.58 per cent only. The actuary had submitted before Irdai that the most likely provisioning should have been Rs 7,293 crore, whereas he had certified Rs 3,030 crore, thereby causing a shortfall of Rs 4,263 crore in the company's balance sheet," an Irdai statement said.

The under-reserving by the actuary has resulted in the shortfall of Rs 4,263 crore in the NIC's reserve for future provisioning -- called IBNR or incurred but not reported in insurance parlance -- in the financial statements of the insurer as on March 31, 2016.

According to Irdai, the actuary cannot unilaterally decide to understate the IBNR figures in the name of 'policyholders interest' without consulting the board of the insurer and the authority.

If the actuary had given the complete and correct picture on IBNR reserves, it would have enabled the board of the insurer to take timely and appropriate corrective actions in consultation with the authority for saving the interest of policyholders, it said.

"Shandilya, one of the senior most actuaries in India, was our panel actuary as on March 31, 2016, as we did not have a full-time appointed actuary at that point of time," Sanath Kumar, chairman and managing director, National Insurance Company, told PTI.

On the solvency crisis the company has been facing, he said that interests of policy holders were never at any risk at any point of time, as NIC has a large networth and off- balance sheet assets as well as real estate.

According to Kumar, the solvency margin is calculated on book value, while if calculated on fair value more than it would be close to 3:1.

"National Insurance is more than sufficiently covered against all liabilities as evidenced by our asset liability management framework. We had duly factored all liabilities while taking a call to strengthen our reserves over a period of time with care that obligation to policy holder's was never compromised at any cost," Kumar said.

As a matter of fact, the Kolkata-based insurer is today struggling to do business with a lower solvency of 1.3 against the regulatory requirement of 1.5.

"Though this may perhaps be the first time that a regulatory authority has taken action against an actuary for omission and commission in the country, there have been such instances in other markets," K K Srinivasan, former member, Irdai said.

The world over inadequate reserves for claims are a major reason for insurance industry's insolvencies, he said.

An actuary, Srinivasan said, can certainly be held responsible for not ensuring solvency of an insurer at all times. The action taken by Irdai will have a salutary effect of the functioning of actuaries.

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Pakistani forces said today they have killed a number of key commanders of the Islamic State group in an operation based on intelligence reports that the militants were holding two Chinese nationals abducted from the restive Balochistan province last month.

The operation was carried out in the mountaneous Mastung district after intelligence reports said the group was holding the Chinese nationals kidnapped on May 24 from Jinnah Town of the provincial capital Quetta. Jinnah Town is one of the affluent residential areas where Chinese NGOs teach mandarin.

"We received information that the two Chinese language teachers kidnapped from Quetta were being held in the hills of Mastung," Balochistan government spokesman Abdul Kakar said.

"The pair was not found but at least 12 militants were killed in the gun battles," according to a security official.

The official said the vehicles used in the kidnapping of the Chinese nationals were found at the hideout however. The security operation began on Friday and was still on.

The security forced did not identify those killed in the operation, but Dawn newspaper reported that they included the top leadership of the Islamic State group in Pakistan.

Suicide vests, weapons and explosives were also recovered from the scene, which Pakistani officials said could have been used for launching terror attacks in the province.

Seven Pakistani soldiers were injured in the operation, and two were said to be critical, another official said.

Official sources said the operation was the biggest since 2015 when Lashkar-e-Jhangvi leader Malik Ishaq and his associates were killed in Punjab province.

Pakistan officially denies any organised presence of IS in the country but the terrorist group has support among local extremists and has been involved in several militant attacks.

The kidnapping of the Chinese nationals has raised concerns in Beijing over the multi-billion dollar investment in Pakistan. During the incident last month, one Chinese woman had managed to escape when the abductors fired in the air to disperse onlookers but they managed to get hold of two others.

The abduction forced the Chinese embassy in Islamabad to evacuate 10 of its nationals from Quetta and send them home.

Chinese interest in mineral-rich Balochistan has spiked with the USD 50 billion China-Pakistan Economic Corridor, which links Pakistan's deep-water Gwadar port to Xinjiang in China.

China has asked Pakistan to improve security, especially in Balochistan where it is building the strategic Gwadar port.

On May 13, ten labourers working on a linking road project of the Gwadar port were shot dead by motorcycle-borne gunmen.

A day earlier, a suicide bombing targeted the convoy of Deputy Chairman of Senate Maulana Abdul Ghafoor Haideri. The attack in Mastung - the same area where the security operation was carries out today - killed 26 people.

Pakistan has deployed a Maritime Security Force and Special Security Division to protect locals and foreigners working on projects under the CPEC, including Gwadar.

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The information technology (IT) employees associations on Sunday sought to allay fears of Infosys founder N R Narayana Murthy towards trade unionism, saying they do not believe in 'hartals' and lockouts, but "compassionate unionism," where problems are addressed in a holistic manner.

"We totally disagree with Narayana Murthy's fear over a formation of unions. We believe in compassionate unionism, where the problems are addressed in a holistic manner, without causing much harm to the IT sector," Forum For IT Employees Vice-President Vasumathi told PTI in an interview.

"If Murthy speaks about compassionate capitalism, why shouldn't we be talking about compassionate unionism? IT professionals across the board are not keen on strikes and violent protests," she said.

Murthy had told a business news channel that unionism may appear to be a good solution, but in the long-term, it will fall into the hands of people, whose decision may not be in the best interest of IT industry, which is not good for youngsters and IT leaders.

He also said IT leaders should embrace compassionate capitalism if not the affected people who have lost jobs will embrace unions.

All India IT Employees Association President Muqeemuddin said there are several mechanisms, other than hartals and strikes, to put pressure on the government, one of the most potent being the social media.

"Social media plays a very important role in galvanising people and putting tremendous pressure on the system and governments. We have seen it happen for ourselves. Many people who were laid off got in touch with us via social media to talk about the injustice meted out to them," he said.

However, the IT employees associations have backed Murthy's call to IT to protect the jobs of youngsters by asking senior executives to take pay cuts.

"I do not understand how compassion goes hand in hand with capitalism where the main aim is to earn profits.However, it is a welcome sign that a person like Narayana Murthy has shown some concern over IT layoffs," Vasumathi said.

Lauding Murthy's pay-cut remarks, Muqeemuddin urged the Infosys Co-Founder to donate some money earned through various stock and deposit portfolios to Infosys to protect youngsters who lose jobs due to automation and artificial intelligence.

"By sharing some money with the company, this way he can show the world that he is really concerned about the well-being of IT professionals," he said.

Rajesh of FITE Bengaluru Chapter also welcomed Murthy's call to IT leaders to invest heavily in new training programmes to re-skill a large number of youngsters.
Chief Minister Raghubar Das on Sunday said that has attracted an investment of Rs 700 crore, which will create employment opportunities in the state.

"The objective of the government is to ensure that the benefit of development reaches each and every household. We are chalking out strategies for the development of villages so as to improve the lives of people," Das said at the inauguration of Devnad Damodar Mahotsav in Sangi village.

"An investment of Rs 700 crore is being made in the state which would create employment opportunities," the chief minister said.

Das said, "Mineral rich is a rich state but its people have remained poor due to political instability in the state."



"The government's intention is to put the state back on track of development by utilising its natural resources," he said.

Emphasising the need to preserve environment, Das said, "Rivers are our lifeline and it is our responsibility to preserve it. People are polluting rivers and uprooting trees for personal interest which is affecting the environment."



Referring to the naxal issue, the chief minister said that they are the biggest hindrance in the path to development.

Das appreciated efforts taken by state minister Saryu Roy in making Damodar river pollution free.

"90 per cent of the Devnad Damodar river has become pollution free," he said.
The Lahore Museum has recently discovered 50 rare ethnographic masks made by Schlangintweits, the three brothers of Munich, during their tour to India from 1854-1858.

According to a museum official, the masks could be the Schlangintweits' only surviving ones out of total 275 the brothers made. Their services were hired for the research project by the East India Company.

The museum had corresponded with the Indian Museum, Calcutta, British Museum, V&A Museum, British Library and Dublin Museum for sharing information about these masks, but none of them had such valuable collection of the Schlangintweits' ethnographic masks.

"The discovery is termed as a great achievement of curatorial staff regarding survival of the world's tangible cultural heritage," Lahore Museum's Senior Research Officer Iffat Azim said.

Azim said the ethnographic contributions of the Schalagintweit brothers were employed by the East India Company to carry out the survey work were of immense significance.

"The Munich brothers had prepared 275 ethnographic facial masks and transported them to the UK along with various specimens of zoology, botany, geology and ethnography, eg 251 specimens of Indian fabric etc, for further investigation by scientists," she said.

"We are working on a detailed research article related to the Schlangintweits and their efforts to gauge the multiethnic society of India, keeping in view their caste, occupations, religion and sex," she said, adding the masks are on display at the Lahore Museum.

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Hospitality chain Lemon Tree Hotel Company is planning to add up to 15 hotels with over 1,200 rooms across India by the end of next fiscal.

The company, which has 40 hotels with 4,300 rooms in 24 cities across the country, is looking at Siliguri, Mumbai, Patna, Amritsar, Gangtok, Jammu, Lucknow, Kolkata and Coimbatore for its new properties.

"We plan to open up to 15 hotels across India by the end of next fiscal year as part of our expansion plans. This would add over 1,200 rooms to our present room inventory," Lemon Tree Hotel Company President Vikramjit Singh told PTI.

When asked about the investment for the expansion, Singh did not share details saying these hotels would be a mix of company-owned and managed properties.

Lemon Tree Hotels is also focusing on the leisure destinations going forward.

"We are aiming to tap the leisure destinations with a focus on domestic travellers as they constitute around 85 per cent of our customers across the chain," Singh said.

Founded in 2002 by Patu Keswani, the company has hotels under four brands -- Lemon Tree Premier, which is an upscale brand; Lemon Tree Resorts, a leisure segment brand; Lemon Tree Hotels, a midscale brand and the economy brand Red Fox Hotels.

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Chinese archaeologists have found a famous temple that remained hidden for nearly a millennium in China's southwestern Sichuan province.

The Fugan Temple, located in downtown Chengdu, was a famous temple that lasted from the Eastern Jin Dynasty (317- 420) to the Southern Song Dynasty (1127-1279).

Daoxuan, a famous Tang Dynasty (618-907) monk, once wrote that an official rite to pray for rain to end a persistent drought was held in front of the temple, and it rained as if the prayers had been heard in heaven.

The story was the record of how the temple got its name, Fugan, which means "perceive the blessing."



The popular Tang Dynasty poet Liu Yuxi left a poem to commemorate the temple's renovation, describing its heavenly appearance.

The poem further noted the temple's important role at that time, state-run Xinhua agency reported.

However, the building was worn down during the later period of the Tang and Song dynasties, with all traces of the temple disappearing during wars.

Archaeologists unearthed more than 1,000 tablets inscribed with Buddhist scriptures and over 500 pieces of stone sculpture as well as glazed tiles with inscriptions.

"We have only excavated a part of the temple's area, but already have a glimpse of its past glory," said Yi Li, who led the excavation project.

He said they have found the temple's foundation, ruins of surrounding buildings, wells, roads and ditches.

During the excavation, archaeologists found some 80 ancient tombs scattered near the temple, dating back to Shang and Zhou dynasties (1600-256 BC). In the temple's surroundings, they have unearthed large amounts of household tools and utensils and building materials dating back to various periods from the Song to Ming dynasties.

Chengdu became an economic and cultural centre in western China during the Sui and Tang dynasties.

The temple's discovery could greatly contribute to the study of the spread of Buddhism in China during that time, said Wang Yi, director of the Chengdu Cultural Relic Research Institute.

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It is not a bad thing for us, that the route known as the Goldene Strae or the Golden Road as we will get to know it- has escaped the attention of so many. It has been spared being overrun by hordes of tourists and as you will discover the
A man allegedly shot at a 20-year-old woman before shooting himself in Basedi police station area in Dholpur district, police said today.

While 26-year-old Devesh Sharma, a resident of Kallupura village, succumbed to his injuries, the woman was rushed for treatment to a government hospital in Dholpur, SHO Basedi Sitaram Meena said.

"Following the incident which took place yesterday, we have booked the family members of both the man and the woman after a complaint was lodged by them," he said.

The SHO said that according to preliminary investigation, the duo was in a relationship.

The body of the deceased has been handed over to his family members after post-mortem.

The cause behind the incident is yet to be ascertained and further investigation is on.

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Union minister Maneka Gandhi, who was diagnosed with gallstones, today underwent surgery at the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) here.

An official said the minister, 60, was doing fine although she was still 'very weak'.

"She will be discharged from the hospital in the next three to four days," he said.

The women and child development (WCD) minister was admitted to the AIIMS on June 2 after she had complained of stomach pain while on a visit to her constituency Pilibhit.

The BJP leader was taken to a hospital in Pilibhit where an ultrasound detected gallstone.

Maneka was then rushed to Delhi.

"She had just one stone, but it was a very large one and had resulted in a major inflammation and severe pain," the official said.

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Slamming the Congress for incorrectly labelling Jammu and Kashmir as "India occupied Kashmir" in its booklet, Union minister M Venkaiah Naidu today said people would never forgive the party for such a mindset.

In a major gaffe, the Congress yesterday released a booklet with an incorrect map of the country.

Page 12 of the 16-page booklet titled 'Rashtriya Suraksha par Aanch', which was distributed by the Congress, showed the entire state labelled as "Indian Occupied Kashmir" in the context of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC).

The incident occurred during a conference of the opposition party in Lucknow to highlight the shortcomings of the Narendra Modi government during its three years of rule.

"While the people of the country were celebrating three years of a new India in the making, the Congress party came out with an official publication that described India as having occupied Kashmir and thereby conceding Kashmir to Pakistan," Naidu told reporters here.

He noted that the Congress had recently asked the central government to come out with a final solution over Kashmir.

"Perhaps, the final solution they have in mind is that let Kashmir be given to Pakistan so that we all live in peace. This mindset has been reflected in their official booklet released in Lucknow yesterday," the information and broadcasting minister said.

"Is it for this that hundreds of our brave soldiers have given up their lives over the years defending our sovereignty and territorial integrity?" he asked.

"People can never forgive the Congress for this mindset which is now a part of their official publication," the senior BJP leader said.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
Logistics firm North Eastern Carrying Corporation (NECC) is embarking on an expansion drive with plans to double its reach to 500 locations across India in the next three to four years to tap opportunities after GST implementation.

The company, which has a strong presence in East and North East, is gearing up to penetrate deeper in the region, while seeking to strengthen presence in South.

It is also looking to foray into air cargo category by 2018, a segment which it considers is underserved at present.

In line with its expansion programme, NECC plans to add up to 100 new trucks in the next one to two years to its existing fleet of 150 vehicles.

"GST will change the way logistics operate, specially in the road transportation segment where we are very strong. Clients will be looking for players who can deliver across different destinations," NECC Director Utkarsh Jain told PTI.

He said at present the logistics industry is extremely price competitive and fragmented with regional players even offering rates which are not sustainable.

"Once GST is implemented, there will be considerable opportunity for logistic companies having requisite size, capabilities and reach," Jain added.

The company is looking to leverage on its proven capabilities in critical segments like mining, FMCG and pharmaceuticals and by expanding presence and reach, he said.

To tap the opportunities, he said the company is gearing up to expand its reach to "500 locations across India in the next three to four years from the current 250".

Jain said the company has a strong presence in the East and North East markets and is "looking to penetrate deeper into the market there".

In the South also, he said: "We already have a presence and our aim is to expand further by adding more locations".

As part of the company's strategy, he said the firm intends to strengthen its fleet of trucks.

"We have a strength of 150 trucks at present. We may be looking to add 50 to 100 more in the next one to two years," he said while declining to comment on investments for the purpose.

On widening of NECC's services, Jain said the company is considering to enter air logistics segment.

"It may happen by 2018. This is a segment which is currently under served. There will not be requirement for major investments as it is about networking with carriers as we already have presence in many cities," Jain said.

When asked about revenue growth, he said: "For FY18, we are looking at 10-12 per cent".

In 2016-17, the company had posted revenue of Rs 548.69 crore as compared to Rs 539.75 crore in 2015-16, up 1.66 per cent.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
Following are the highlights at 1900 hours today:



GENERAL



Srinagar/Jammu: The National Investigation Agency (NIA) probing the funding of subversive activities in Kashmir conducts fresh raids in the residences of separatists leaders and other locations in the state and seized foreign currency, say NIA officials. (DEL 17)



New Delhi: Army Chief Gen Bipin Rawat and top brass of the force pays tributes to the two soldiers who were killed in a militant attack near Qazigund on the Srinagar-Jammu national highway. (DEL 14)



New Delhi: Two helicopters of the People's Liberation Army of China hovered over Chamoli district in Uttarakhand yesterday, triggering concern in India's security establishment about the PLA's fourth such incursion into Indian airspace since March this year. (DEL 11)



New Delhi: The government says it is open to the suggestions made by various groups on the cattle slaughter notification and was not viewing it as a prestige issue, amid a raging row over the order. (DEL 9)



New Delhi: Army Chief Gen Bipin Rawat says the process to allow women in combat role, currently an exclusive domain of men, is moving fast and initially women will be recruited for positions in military police. (DEL 8)



New Delhi: External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj assures a Pakistani man medical visa for his father provided the case was recommended by the country's adviser on foreign affairs Sartaj Aziz. (DEL 20)



New Delhi: Union minister Maneka Gandhi, who was diagnosed with gallstones, undergoes surgery at the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) here. (DEL 18)



Chennai: Congress Vice-President Rahul Gandhi says the opposition would unitedly "fight and defeat" the BJP and RSS's attempts to "thrust one idea" on a country that celebrates diversity. (MDS 6)



Kochi: Former environment minister Jairam Ramesh has describes as "unfortunate" the withdrawal of the US from the Paris climate deal, but advises the Indian government not to take "panga" or confront the Americans over the issue. (MDS 3)



Balasore (Odisha): India successfully test-fires an indigenously developed quick reaction surface-to-air short range missile from a test range along the Odisha coast. (CAL 1)



LEGAL



New Delhi: The state consumer commission asks the Indian Railways to pay Rs 75,000 to a man for the inconvenience he suffered when his reserved seat was occupied by unauthorised persons for most part of his journey. (LGD 4)



New Delhi: A dispute between novelist Chetan Bhagat and a royal family of Bihar over alleged depiction of the princely state of Dumraon in poor light and use of objectionable words in his novel "Half Girlfriend" has been settled in a Delhi court after the writer offered an apology saying the work was based on "fiction". (LGD 6)



FOREIGN



London: Three knife-wielding attackers in fake suicide vests unleashed a terror rampage in the British capital, plowing a van into pedestrians on the iconic London Bridge before stabbing revellers in a nearby market, killing seven people for which Prime Minister Theresa May blamed the "evil ideology of Islamist extremism". (FGN 33)



Kathmandu: The parliamentary voting to elect veteran politician Sher Bahadur Deuba as the 40th prime minister of Nepal had to be postponed till Tuesday as the main political parties failed to forge a consensus to conduct the House proceedings. (FGN 32)



Karachi: Pakistani forces says they have killed a number of key commanders of the Islamic State group in an operation based on intelligence reports that the militants were holding two Chinese nationals abducted from the restive Balochistan province last month. (FGN 28)



London: Britain's main parties suspended their election campaign for the general polls for the second time in two weeks after a terror attack in London, which killed seven persons and injured 48 others. (FGN 21)



London: A 21-year-old British man dubbed "Jihadi Jack" has been captured by Kurdish fighters in Syria where he was accused of joining the Islamic State terror group, media reports say. (FGN 19)



Islamabad: The Pakistan Army released a video purportedly showing "destruction" caused by it to the Indian military posts across the Line of Control, the second such video in two weeks amidst a flare-up in border tensions.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
Samajwadi Party leader Shivpal Yadav today said he has no plans to take Amar Singh in his proposed Samajawadi Secular Front and that he had also opposed his rejoining the party last year.

"I was not in favour of Amar Singh joining SP again. I knew he will not be getting due respect and one should avoid...You can ask anyone I was not in his favour", Yadav told PTI.

Amar was termed as an "outsider" by SP president Akhilesh Yadav during he state assembly polls.

The Samajwadi Party (SP) had in May 2016 declared Amar Singh as its candidate for the Rajya Sabha elections taking him back to the party, six years after his expulsion.

Amar was expelled from the SP along with then Rampur MP Jaya Prada in February 2010 on charges of anti-party activities, after which he established his own party - Lok Manch.

In 2014, however, Amar Singh and Mulayam were again seen together at a function in Lucknow, after which they kept meeting frequently.

Amar was expelled on Jan 1 this year at the SP national convention when Akhilesh became SP president.

Asked whether he would consider taking Amar in his front Shivpal said, "There is no plan as such to take him. We will take along all the 'samajwadis' (socialists), who are feeling neglected".

Shivpal said, "He is open to do anything for unity within the family. If they (Akhilesh and others) want they can sit with 'netaji' (Mulayam). I want to ensure that netaji gets due respect. And for this I am ready for any placement".

Holding "sycophancy and backbiting" responsible for the dispute within the family, Shivpal said, "all will be well if the family is united. There is no reason for dispute within the family. Our first priority will be to unite the family".

On his decision to form the 'Samajwadi Secular Front', which will be headed by Mulayam, SP legislator Shivpal said that it will bring the party on the "right track".

Maintaining that he is still in the party and will only try to strengthen it, Shivpal, who has been at odds with nephew and SP chief Akhilesh Yadav, however had made it clear that he was forming just a "front" and not a political party.

"We will constitute the Samajwadi Secular Front in July to bring the SP on the right track. We will formally announce it at a meeting in Lucknow", Shivpal said.

"SP patron Mulayam will be the national president of the front and I would be its convenor," he said.

On possibility of the Front jumping in the political arena in the future in case family dispute did not settle down, Shivpal said, "There are no elections right now. The next poll is in 2019 (Lok Sabha polls) and then in 2022 (UP assembly polls). We will decide in later stage what situation arises".

The Samajwadi Party has witnessed a prolonged factional fight that began before the Uttar Pradesh Assembly elections with Akhilesh and Shivpal camps on the opposite sides.

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Outgoing Prime Minister Joseph Muscat has retained power in Malta after a general election overshadowed by corruption allegations against his Labour Party administration, a sample count of ballots showed today.

The preliminary results showed a clear enough trend for Muscat, 43, to declare victory. "It is clear that the people have chosen to stay the course," he said as Labour supporters took to the streets in celebration.

The victory means there will be no major disruption to the business of the European Union, whose rotating presidency Malta holds until the end of his month.

Muscat, who has been premier since 2013, went to the polls a year early after his wife was implicated in one of a series of alleged corruption cases arising from the so-called Panama Papers data leak.

He has denied any wrongdoing and promised to quit if any evidence emerges of his family having secret offshore bank accounts used to stash kickbacks -- as had been alleged by a high-profile blogger with a record of correctly highlighting previous scandals in the island nation.

Muscat had also come under fire for failing to sack his chief of staff Keith Schembri and government minister Konrad Mizzi after they were forced to admit to having had undeclared offshore companies set up for them by Panama law firm Mossack Fonseca.

But the allegations had little impact amongst Labour's loyal base against a backdrop of a booming economy and the lowest unemployment the country of 430,000 people has ever known.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
Outgoing Prime Minister Joseph Muscat has retained power in Malta with a commanding victory in an early general election called against a backdrop of corruption allegations against his Labour Party administration.

A sample count of ballots today showed a clear enough trend for Muscat, 43, to make an early declaration of victory.

Projections suggested Labour had won 55 per cent of the vote on a 92-per cent turnout, which will translate into a majority of up to nine seats in the 71-seat one chamber parliament.

"It is clear that the people have chosen to stay the course," he said, urging Maltese to unite after a divisive campaign as Labour supporters took to the streets in celebration.

Simon Busuttil, leader of the opposition Nationalist Party (PN), called Muscat to concede defeat. "As always, we respect the decision of the electorate," he said in a Tweet.

The victory means there will be no major disruption to the business of the European Union, whose rotating presidency Malta holds until the end of this month.

It was the first time since Malta became independent from Britain in 1964 that Labour, now located in the mainstream of European social democracy, has won back-to-back elections.

Muscat, who has been premier since 2013, went to the polls a year early after his wife was implicated in one of a series of alleged corruption cases.

All of them arose from information contained in the Panama Papers, a massive data leak from the Mossack Fonseca law firm that specialises in establishing secretive offshore companies and bank accounts for wealthy individuals from across the globe.

Muscat denies any wrongdoing and has promised to quit if any evidence emerges of his family having secret accounts used to bank kickbacks -- as had been alleged by a high-profile blogger with a record of correctly highlighting previous scandals in the island nation.

Muscat had also come under fire for not sacking his chief of staff Keith Schembri and government minister Konrad Mizzi after they admitted having previously undeclared companies set up for them by Mossack Fonseca.

But the allegations had little impact among Labour's loyal base against a backdrop of a booming economy and the lowest unemployment the country of 430,000 people has ever known.

Busuttil had framed the vote as a choice between change and allowing Malta's international reputation, and its prosperity, to be shredded as a result of the taint of corruption damaging investment.

A former academic, Busuttil may now face a challenge for the leadership of his party with the preliminary count suggesting Muscat's was nearly as commanding as it was when he swept to power in 2013.

Since then, the former journalist has presided over an investment-led boom that has seen Malta's growth accelerate to three times the eurozone average and pushed government finances into a surplus.

Muscat also oversaw legislation introducing civil unions for same-sex couples and other anti-discrimination measures, and strong backing from the LBGT community has helped to underpin his electoral success.

In his second term, Muscat has promised to leverage the country's healthy finances to fund the biggest infrastructure project in its history, a 700-million-euro scheme to resurface every road in the densely-populated island nation.

He is also promising tax cuts and pension increases for working and middle class voters.

His election win will not however make the corruption issue go away with magistrates still looking into whether kickbacks were paid to members of his inner circle in relation to an investment-based citizenship scheme, a gas supply deal with China and the granting of bank licences.

Those probes will be watched closely in Brussels against a backdrop of mounting interest in the activities of Malta's financial services sector.

Germany in particular is demanding clarification of the status of nearly 2,000 Malta-registered companies it suspects were established as vehicles for illegal tax avoidance by major German corporations.

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Pakistan today called terrorism a global "menace" that needs to be tackled with collective effort and cooperation as it strongly condemned the terror attack in London which claimed six lives.

At least six people were killed and 30 others injured in a terror attack at two central London landmarks in which police shot dead three suspects.

"We are deeply shocked and saddened by the horrific act of terrorism in London in which, reportedly, six innocent people have been killed and dozens have sustained injuries," the Foreign Office said.

Terrorism is a global menace and hence a common challenge that needs to be tackled with collective effort and cooperation, it said.

It said Pakistan strongly "condemns" the terrorist attack and sympathise with the people and the UK.

"Our heart goes out to the victims and their families. We express our deepest condolences to the bereaved families at the loss of their beloved ones and pray for the speedy recovery of those injured. We stand in solidarity with them in their hour of grief," it said.

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Consumer electronics major Panasonic India is eyeing a revenue of Rs 1,150 crore from the business- to-business (B2B) segment in the current fiscal at a growth of 35 per cent, a company official said.

"For this year 2017-18, we are targeting around Rs 1,150 crore from the system sales division (the B2B business). Last year, we were around Rs 850 crore," Panasonic India Director B2B Vijay Wadhwan told PTI.

Globally, majority of Panasonic's topline comes from B2B but it is only in India that the consumer division contributes more.

In India, the B2B segment contributes close to 10 per cent of Panasonic's overall business.

The Japanese firm has presence in India in 10 product lines, including projectors, panels, high-definition video conferencing, security systems, rugged laptops (under the 'Toughbook' brand), among others in the B2B segment.

For the B2B division, almost 37-40 per cent of the business comes from imaging business. The solution network contributes around 30 per cent, signage business 20 per cent while the remaining comes from Toughbooks and Toughpads.

"We are seeing growth in all the categories. Security in India has become very important not only in government and enterprises, but even for homes we are seeing a huge deployment. That is one segment which we see is going to be a huge growth driver. For Toughbooks and Toughpads we are seeing a lot of projects coming up," he said.

The company is seeing demand from banking, financial services and insurance (BFSI) sector and homeland security. It is also seeing traction from e-governance projects, retail and education sectors.

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Congress leader Rahul Gandhi today attacked the Modi government over its Kashmir policy, accusing it of mishandling the issue and turning the state, which was the country's "strength", into its "weakness".

"They are creating a problem for this country by their incompetence and by trying to utilise Kashmir as a political asset," Gandhi told reporters here.

The government of India and the Prime Minister "are completely mishandling Kashmir. Kashmir is India's strength and they are making it India's weakness," he said, blaming the Modi government for the current unrest in the Valley.

The Congress Vice President said he had told Union Minister Arun Jaitley about six-seven months back that they were "mishandling Kashmir and they are going to set it afire".

"But Mr Jaitley brushed me aside and said Kashmir is peaceful," said Gandhi, who had yesterday attended an event to celebrate the 94th birthday of DMK chief M Karunanidhi.

He said the opposition would unitedly "fight and defeat" the attempts of the BJP and the RSS to "thrust one idea" on a country that celebrates diversity.

"We are not going to allow one single idea of the RSS - the bankrupt idea, to invade this country and we are going to fight the RSS together," he said.

Opposition parties stood united in this task to defeat the BJP and the RSS, he added.

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Britain's Prince Harry will begin his five-day visit to Singapore and Australia today to hold charity events including one that supports children living in Africa.

In Singapore, Harry will stage the Sentebale Polo Cup in aid of his charity of the same name, and will later travel to Australia to launch the 2018 Invictus Games which will be hosted by Sydney.

The charity polo match has become an important annual fund-raising event for Sentebale, a charity which works with children in Lesotho and Botswana who are coming to terms with being HIV positive, have AIDS or have lost their parents to the disease.

"Since Sentebale was founded in 2006, the charity has reached thousands of children and young people in Lesotho, and latterly in Botswana, who have been struggling to come to terms with living with the HIV by addressing their mental health and wellbeing, Press Association, Cathy Ferrier, Sentebale's chief executive officer, said.

"It is our ambition to see a reduction in the number of new HIV infections and AIDS-related deaths amongst adolescents in southern Africa, by putting youth first and equipping them with skills and relevant wraparound support that they need to lead healthy, productive lives," she said.

A 2004 gap year trip to the landlocked African nation of Lesotho inspired the prince to set up his charity two years later with the country's Prince Seeiso, younger brother of King Letsie III.

In November 2015 Sentebale opened its 2 million pounds Mamohato Children's Centre in Lesotho to scale up its Mamohato camps, a residential project providing psychological, social and practical support to children struggling to cope with being HIV positive.

In Sydney on Wednesday, the prince will attend events to celebrate the city's hosting of the 2018 Invictus Games, the international sporting competition for wounded, injured and sick service personnel and veterans founded by the prince in 2014.

The Invictus Games, which this year will be held in Toronto, Canada, has been the other main long-term focus of Harry's public work, and he is patron of the Invictus Games Foundation, which oversees the delivery of the tournament.

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Public sector banks, including SBI, Bank of Baroda and IDBI Bank, plan to raise Rs 58,000 crore through equity dilution during the current fiscal to meet Basel-III norms and clean up their balance sheets.

Leading the pack, country's largest lender SBI plans to raise Rs 15,000 crore through share sale and expects this to complete by the year-end, probably through a qualified institutional placement (QIP).

"This is something for which we have everything in place but we will go when we find the market is conducive," SBI Chairperson Arundhati Bhattacharya has said.

Besides, Bank of Baroda and Central Bank of India plans to raise Rs 6,000 crore and Rs 65,000 crore from capital markets, respectively.

Oriental Bank of Commerce and IDBI Bank have taken board's approval for raising Rs 5,000 crore each through equity dilution, while Mumbai-based Union Bank of India plans to Rs 4,950 crore during the current fiscal.

Raising funds from the market will ease the pressure on the exchequer of pumping in capital. As per the Indradhanush plan, need to raise Rs 1.10 lakh crore from markets, including follow-on public offer, to meet Basel-III requirements, which will kick in from March 2019.

This will be over and above Rs 70,000 crore will get as capital support from the government. Of this, the government has already infused Rs 50,000 crore in the past two fiscals and the remaining will be pumped in by the end of 2018-19.

In the Budget speech on February 1, Minister Arun Jaitley announced capital infusion of Rs 10,000 crore for the current fiscal.

"In line with the Indradhanush road map, I have provided Rs 10,000 crore for recapitalisation of in 2017-18. Additional allocation will be provided, as may be required," Jaitley had said.

PSU banks require capital for meeting Basel-III norms and cleaning of balance sheet as non-performing assets (NPAs) have reached unacceptably high levels. These banks are saddled with non-performing assets or bad loans to the tune of a staggering Rs 6 lakh crore.

Bad loans rose by over Rs 1 lakh crore in the first nine months of last fiscal to Rs 6.07 lakh crore by 31 December 2016. Gross NPA of PSBs stood at Rs 5.02 lakh crore at the end of March 2016, up from Rs 2.67 lakh crore at the end of March 2015.

Corporation Bank and Syndicate Bank have lined up fund raising plan of Rs 3,500 crore each, while Bank of Maharashtra has taken board's approval for raising Rs 2,000 crore.

SBI, in 2014, had raised Rs 8,032 crore by selling shares through qualified institutional placement (QIP), largely aided by state-owned life insurer LIC.

The bank sold 5.13 crore shares at an average price of Rs 1,565, which was the lower side of the price band it had set.

Besides, Canara Bank had also raised about Rs 1,250 crore from the rights issue to its shareholders last fiscal.
In a transformational move, the Indian Army is all set to open up combat positions for women, a gender barrier broken by only a few countries globally.

Army Chief Gen said the process to allow women in combat role, currently an exclusive domain of men is moving fast and initially, women will be recruited for positions in the military police.

"I am looking at women coming as jawans. I am going to start it soon. Firstly, we will start with women as military police jawans," he said, giving details of the move to allow women in the male-dominated positions in the Army.

Currently women are allowed in a number of select areas including in medical, legal, educational, signals and engineering wings of the Army but combat roles are kept off limit for them due to operational concerns and logistical issues.

The Army Chief said he was ready to recruit women as jawans and the matter is being taken up with the government.

"We have already started the process," Gen Rawat told PTI in an exclusive interaction recently.

He said women will have to show grit and strength in taking up challenges in combat role and shattering the glass ceiling.

Very few countries including Germany, Australia, Canada, the US, Britain, Denmark, Finland, France , Norway, Sweden and Israel have allowed women in combat roles.

The roles of military police include policing the cantonments and army establishments, prevent breach of rules and regulations by soldiers, maintaining movement of soldiers as well as logistics during peace and war, handling prisoners of war and extending aid to civil police whenever required.

Creating history, the Indian Air Force, last year, had inducted three women as fighter pilots, less than a year after the government decided to open the fighter stream for women on an experimental basis.

A decision on having women as fighter pilots will be taken after evaluating performance of the three women -- Avani Chaturvedi, Bhawana Kanth and Mohana Singh who are now part of IAF's fighter squadron.

The Indian Navy is currently deliberating on a policy on having women onboard the ships. The Navy allows women in various other segments including in legal, logistics, naval architecture and engineering departments.
Punjab police today claimed to have busted a third terror module within a fortnight after arresting three persons who were allegedly trained by Pakistan's ISI and tasked to carry out attacks in the country.

The accused Gurdial Singh, Jagroop Singh and Satwinder Singh were arrested yesterday. They were directly linked to the International Sikh Youth Federation (ISYF), an ISI-backed outfit.

"They were trained by the ISI and tasked to carry out terror attacks and target various 'anti-panthic and anti-Sikh forces/individuals' by Pakistan-based ISYF chief Lakhbir Rode, and Harmeet Singh alias Happy alias PHD," a Punjab police spokesperson said.

He said that the "major breakthrough" was achieved by the security forces, who were maintaining vigil on the occasion of the 33rd anniversary of Operation Bluestar (a military operation carried out to flush out terrorists holed up in the Golden Temple in 1984).

According to police, preliminary investigations have revealed that on May 21 the BSF had seized a consignment of arms and ammunition from near the international border in Amritsar. It was supplied by the ISYF.

Two persons, Maan Singh and Sher Singh, had been arrested by the BSF last month, when they were trying to pick up the consignment.

Gurdial is a resident of Road Majara in Garhshankar in Hoshiarpur while Jagroop and Satwinder of Chandpur Rurki in Pojewal of Shaheed Bhagat Singh Nagar, the spokesperson said.

A .32 bore pistol, with one magazine and 10 cartridges, and a .38 bore revolver, with seven cartridges, were recovered from them, he said.

While Gurdial and Jagroop were arrested from their native places, Satwinder from a police check-point close to his village in Pojewal police station in Balachaur sub-division.

Gurdial was the chief operative of this terror module and introduced to Lakhbir Singh Rode, who the police claimed was staying "in a ISI provided safe house in Lahore cantonment", by one Germany-based Balvir Singh Sandhu.

Gurdial had met Rode several times during his visits to Pakistan, as part of religious 'jathas' (groups), in the last six-seven years, the spokesperson said.

During his last visit to Pakistan in November 2016, Gurdial had allegedly arranged a visa for Jagroop Singh and also travelled to Lahore with a 'Jatha'.

During interrogation, the duo revealed that during his stay in Lahore (November 12-21, 2016), Jagroop met Rode and Harmeet through Balvir.

Jagroop also confessed that he was taken blindfolded to the ISYF chief, at an undisclosed location, and imparted a four-day training course by the ISI in handing AK-47 rifle and small weapons.

He was also trained in techniques of sabotaging railway tracks, the spokesperson said, adding that both Gurdial and Jagroop were tasked to carry out terrorist attacks in India and also motivated to target various "anti-panthic and anti- Sikh forces/individuals".

Rode and his associates had promised to provide them arms and ammunition across the border in India.

During interrogation they also revealed that Gurdial was in regular touch with Balvir, who originally hails from village Paddi Surat Singh in Mahilpur in Hoshiarpur during his visits to Pakistan.

Gurdial had also been in touch with some militant groups in Jammu and Kashmir.

The spokesperson said that Satwinder was also an active member of this 'action group' and, along with Jagroop, he was directly in touch with his "mentors" in Pakistan and Germany.

He said that both Gurdial and Balvir have terrorist backgrounds. They have criminal cases registered against them in 1992 and 1988. A Thompson make gun had been recovered from Gurdial in 1992.

The spokesperson said that the alleged terrorists were arrested following a meticulous intelligence-led operation of Shaheed Bhagat Singh Nagar district police.

They have been booked under the provisions of the IPC including for waging a war against the state, and relevant provisions of the Arms Act and the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act.

He said further investigations are on in this case.

On May 21, in a joint operation with BSF, Punjab police had busted a terror module alleged to have links to Canada and Pakistan after arresting two persons.

The security forces had also seized a huge cache of arms from them, who were arrested from Indo-Pak border area while trying to recover the weapons pushed into the Indian territory from Pakistan.

On May 30, police had claimed to have arrested four youths, including a woman, and busted a terror module that was planning to indulge in violence and targeted killings under the banner of 'Khalistan Zindabad' to fan communal violence in the state.

Congress leaders Jagdish Tytler and Sajjan Kumar, as well as those responsible for incidents of sacrilege/desecration were alleged to be on the radar of the highly radicalised youth, police claimed.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
Social Justice Minister Thawar Chand Gehlot today launched the 'Rashtriya Vayoshri Yojana', a welfare scheme for the empowerment of senior citizens.

Under the yojna, which has been already launched in Andhra Pradesh and Madhya Pradesh recently, senior citizens belonging to BPL category will be provided with physical aids and assisted-living devices for health-related ailments.

Gehlot said a budget of Rs 483 crore has been earmarked for the scheme for this year.

"Our ministry is committed towards welfare of all in the society. A provision of Rs 483 crore is earmarked in this year's budget for the scheme and we aim to cover 260 districts in the country by next year," he said.

As many as 1,500 beneficiaries from Nagpur district have already been covered under the scheme.

On the occasion, chief minister Devendra Fadnavis attacked the previous UPA-led government for working "for the welfare of its ministers and not the people."



"Our democracy is a democracy of welfare state. But the previous government for many years thought that this welfare state is for the welfare of its ministers, MPs and MLAs. But, our government is working for the welfare of the people," he said.

Meanwhile, Gehlot this morning performed groundbreaking ceremony (bhoomi pujan) of a Composite Regional Centre (CTC) at the Government Medical College and Hospital here, which will work for persons with disabilities.

At the function, Gehlot said a artificial limbs manufacturing unit and a hostel for students belonging to OBC category would be set up in the city.

Land for these two projects will be alloted by the state government, the minister said.

He also apprised that his ministry was providing financial assistance of up to Rs 4 lakh to the needy patients for ailments such as cancer, cochlear implant among others.

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Directors of companies that have not been carrying out business for a long time are set to be disqualified from holding directorship in any registered firm for up to five years, as part of the government's intensified efforts against the black money menace.

are dubious entities that are generally used for laundering illegal wealth.

With nearly three lakh companies already under the scanner, the government is preparing to initiate stringent steps against the erring entities, including striking off their names and taking action against directors concerned, according to sources.

Apart from serving show cause notices to companies that have been not submitting their financial statements under the Companies Act for a long time, the Corporate Affairs Ministry is in the process of preparing a database of shell firms which would further help in curbing illegal business activities.

Sources said that action would be taken against the directors of the defaulting companies including, disqualification of directors under the provisions of the Companies Act, 2013.

According to the Section 164 of the Act  which is implemented by the ministry  a person shall not be eligible to hold directorship on various grounds including that he was a director of a company that has not filed financial statements or annual returns for continuous three financial years.

Already, the ministry has identified 2.96 lakh companies which have not submitted their financial statements for a continuous period of two or more financial years. Prima facie, these entities have been found to not be conducting any business activities.

By way of show cause notices to various companies, the ministry has sought to know why their names should not be struck off and strict action would follow in case the responses are not satisfactory.

After completing the due process, regulatory action would start from this month onwards, sources had said.

The Registrars of Companies (RoCs) in various states and union territories have issued notices to more than two lakh firms under the Companies Act, 2013, according to information available with the ministry.

These notices have been issued under Section 248 of the Act. This section pertains to striking off names of companies on certain grounds.

RoC can seek explanation from a company if the latter has not commenced business within one year of getting incorporated under the Act.

Notice is also issued if a particular company has not been carrying out business for at least two continuous financial years and has not applied for dormant status.

There are nearly 16 lakh registered companies in the country.
The single women pension scheme providing Rs 1,000 financial assistance per month to single women was launched across Telangana today.

Pension sanction orders were handed over to beneficiaries by Telangana Deputy Chief Ministers Kadiyam Srihari and Mohammad Mahmood Ali, other Ministers and by MLAs constituency-wise at different functions organised across the state.

Officials have identified 1,08,302 beneficiaries in 31 districts.

Telangana Chief Minister K Chandrasekhar Rao had earlier announced disbursement of pension of Rs 1,000 per month for single women, who have no support.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
Industrial and military explosives manufacturer Solar Industries India (SIIL) is expecting Rs 100 crore revenue from its defence business this fiscal as it eyes 20 per cent increase in total income.

"We are bullish about the government's initiatives in the defence sector. It is not only focusing on strengthening it but is also promoting indigenous defence production.

"We already have an order book of Rs 142 crore in the defence business and we expect a topline of Rs 100 crore from this segment this fiscal," the company's Chief Financial Officer Nilesh Panpalliya told PTI here.

He said the government's 'strategic partnership programme' and Defence Procurement Procedure 2016 guidelines are expected to give boost to indigenous manufacturers.

"In March this year, the government floated RFP's for procurement of eight types of ammunition items like large calibre gun propellants, tank ammunition, artillery fuzes, rockets and gun ammunition. As we manufacture these products we intend to participate in these tender processes," Panpalliya said.

Currently, SIIL's defence business contributes nearly one per cent of the total revenues. However, with the company expecting to bag new orders, which are likely to be awarded in the next one year, it is hopeful that the defence segment's contribution could increase significantly.

The company entered into the defence sector four years ago and has set up India's first HMX plant in private sector, a large composite propellant plant and facilities for producing various other products like pyros and war heads.

The facility manufactures HMX and HMX based compositions like Octol, Oma and Okfol for high explosive anti-tank ammunition and missiles like Akash, LR Sam, Invar and Konkur.

He further said the company is eyeing a 20 per cent increase in its total income this fiscal, backed by the growing demand for industrial explosives in the coal mining as well as infrastructure segments.

For fiscal 2016-17, SIIL's gross sales increased by 9 per cent to Rs 1,711.28 crore from Rs 1,574.01 crore in FY16.

"Coal and Power Ministry's target of achieving one billion tonnes of coal production from CIL by FY20 will create demand of 80 million tonnes of explosives and we will capitalise this demand with our existing capacity," Panpalliya said.

Similarly, there is renewed focus on infrastructure and housing sectors. "Both put together, we see a healthy growth in demand for our products. Our total order book is around Rs 800 crore and we expect that to go up given these opportunities," Panpalliya said.

Besides, the company also has manufacturing units in Turkey, South Africa, Nigeria and Zambia, and the revenues from exports contribute to nearly 28 per cent of the total income.

"The demand in overseas market is showing signs of improvement and there is a boost in the India's infrastructure segment, which is beneficial for us," he added.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
Army Chief Gen has given a thumbs up to the strategic partnership model rolled out by the government to rope in leading private players for defence production, calling it a "big ticket" move to push modernisation of India's armed forces.

Gen Rawat said the new model is expected to fast track Army's modernisation plan as it will bring new technologies and help implement major military manufacturing projects.

The Army has been pressing for updating its weapons systems considering the evolving security scenario in the region and Gen Rawat said the SP model will help the Army in replacing its ageing fleet of tanks and critical weapons.

"The strategic partnership model is a big ticket thing. It will help the modernisation of armed forces. We have to gradually think of replacing our tanks. In the next seven to eight years, some of our old systems will have to be replaced. It is good to start the process now. Because for production to take place, you need time," the Army Chief told PTI in a recent interaction.

Under the new model, government will allow Indian private sector companies to form joint ventures with foreign defence majors to build fighter aircraft, helicopters, submarines and main battle tanks in India.

Referring to the Army's modernisation programme, Gen Rawat expressed happiness over its progress and referred to arrival of two ultra-light howitzers from the US and also about the Dhanush 155-mm artillery gun developed by the DRDO.

"The modernisation programme is moving. It is on fast track. It cannot happen overnight. It is a process," he said, adding the artillery modernisation programme was going on "very very well".

After a 30-year wait for new artillery guns since the Bofors scandal, the Army last month received the first two howitzers from the US as part of an order for 145 long-range guns.

Gen Rawat said modernisation of the armed forces must be a continuous process, adding the Navy and the Air Force are going to benefit significantly from the SP model.

"Modernisation is a process which must continue and must happen at all times. You will always have some equipment in the Army which is reaching the stage of obsolescence," he said.

Talking about the need to look for new technology for the Army, he said, "You keep getting future technology and future technology becomes current and current will become obsolete. It is a cycle."

The government unveiled the much-awaited strategic partnership (SP) model last week which is aimed at setting up world-class production facilities in India to manufacture submarines, fighter jets and battle tanks.

Asked about his recent comments that the armed forces are not getting their due share of resources, Gen Rawat said he made the remarks as the defence budget was little less than expected, but added that SP model will offset the shortage.

"The government is going ahead with SP model. It is also goining for government-to-government contracts (for military procurement). These steps will help us," Gen Rawat said.

Last month, the Army Chief lamented that the spending on defence is considered a "burden" by many in the country and the military is not getting its due share.

India's defence budget for 2017-18 was Rs 2.74 lakh crore, which is 1.63 per cent of GDP. China's defence budget is close to three per cent of its GDP.

There has been a feeling among security experts and the defence establishment that the modernisation of armed forces is taking place at a very slow pace and that government has not been allocating adequate funds for it in the last few years.

Asked about the report of the committee headed by Lt General (retd) D B Shekatkar, he said some of the recommendations are being considered for implementation in a phased manner.

"We are working towards it," he said.

The committee was appointed in May last year to recommend steps for enhancing combat capability and rebalancing defence expenditure and it had submitted its report to the then Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar in December 2016.
Over 1,500 people were injured after a bomb scare triggered a stampede among Juventus fans watching the Champions League final in Turin, local authorities said on Sunday.

AFP reporters witnessed the chaotic scenes that ensued in a packed square 10 minutes before the end of the match on Saturday evening.

The panic seemed to have been triggered by fireworks being let off and one or more people shouting that a bomb had exploded -- a notion that quickly filtered through the crowd.

BREAKING: There has been an explosion in the fan park in #Turin where fans were watching the Champions League final pic.twitter.com/AUNx7gVKtw  Kevin W. (@kwilli1046) June 4, 2017

The incident compounded a miserable night for supporters of Juventus, who lost the Cardiff final 4-1 to Real Madrid.

It also underlined the impact recent acts of terror are having on a jittery public across Europe and the problems now faced by organisers of any mass gathering of people following the Bataclan, Paris and Manchester concert attacks.

The scare in Turin came just minutes before another deadly attack unfolded in London with assailants driving a van into pedestrians on London Bridge and assailants going on a stabbing spree before being shot dead by police.

Most of the injured in Turin were treated for cuts and bruises but seven had to be admitted to emergency units at local hospitals.

Local media reported that a seven-year-old boy was in a coma with severe chest injuries after being trampled in the crush.

Several thousand fans had turned up to watch the match on a giant screen erected by the local authorities in the city's Piazza San Carlo.

As fear took hold, a rush towards exit points quickly accelerated and the square emptied so quickly it was left strewn with hundreds of shoes ripped off people's feet as they ran.

"We heard a noise, then there was a movement of people like a wave and everyone started falling over each other," said Luca, one of the fans caught up in the drama.

"I have got blood on me from the people who fell on top of me, people were screaming, jumping over each other," he told AFPTV. "It was really awful - we really thought it was Manchester again."

The incident compounded a miserable night for supporters of Juventus, who lost the Cardiff final 4-1 to Real Madrid.

Some of the injuries occurred after a railing around the entrance to an underground car park beneath the square gave way under the weight of the crush.

Local media cited older Juventus supporters present as saying the panic had evoked painful memories of the 1985 Heysel disaster, in which 39 mostly Italian fans died when fans were crushed by a collapsing wall before the start of that year's European Cup final, against Liverpool.

Another fan, Giulio, said he had been knocked to the ground. "Everyone just trampled over me. I got separated from all my friends. I don't have the slightest idea what happened."

Fellow supporter Filippo took refuge in a restaurant in a neighbouring square. "They gave us something to drink and we stayed there until it was calm outside and we went back to find the shoe my daughter had lost."

"It was very stressful," added Gaetan. "With everything that is going on nowadays, it's only to be expected. We just panicked and tried to get out of there.
Major textile industry bodies today welcomed the decision of fixing reasonable GST rates to most of the categories and thanked Union Finance minister, Arun Jaitley for initiating faster decisions on the subject.

In his reaction, Regional Chairman Federation of Indian Exporters' Organisation (FIEO) Southern Region, A Shaktivel said that the lower GST rates across the products which are having high export potential will go a long way in promoting "Make in India".

The leather and footwear sector, Pharmaceuticals, food products, textiles got fair deal in taxation, Sakthivel said in a statement here.

On textile, he said that announcement of lower rates of GST for Fabrics, Natural Fibre, Apparels and Made-ups will enable increased value addition, employment and exports and propel domestic production across the sectors.

Sakthivel also said that the simplified procedure of job works by allowing movement of goods by Challan only will go a long way in developing supporting eco system much needed for garment industry's competitiveness.

Indian textile industry estimated at 120 Billion Dollars worth today, can reach 230 Billion Dollars by 2020, if further focus was given, so that export of raw materials including fibre and yarn can be replaced with more value added products.

Tirupur Exporters' Association (TEA) also thanked Jaitley for considering the requisition and helping to fix GST rate at five per cent for garments including cotton, cotton yarn and fabrics.

This would help the predominantly cotton based textile industry to grow and also increase exports, TEA president, Raja M Shanugham said in a release today.

However, he expressed disappointment for fixing the GST rate at 18 per cent for synthetic Fibre and Fabrics and noted that the garments units may find it difficult in offsetting Input Tax Credit.

The exporters were also concerned about the service tax fixed for job working units at 18 per cent where more than 80 per cent of garment exporting units in Tirupur cluster are carrying out the job working activities, he said and sought to exempt the the job working units in payment of Service Tax.

In a statement, Indian Texpreneurs Federation Secretary, Prabhu Dhamodharan said that the uniform and lowest slab GST in cotton segment up to fabric stage will make the textile manufacturing sector efficient and trigger growth across the country.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
A 'political confusion' has prevailed in Tamil Nadu and the Congress workers should get their act together and seize this 'opportunity', party Vice- President Rahul Gandhi said today.

"Tamil Nadu in my mind is very important. Here you have the DMK, the AIADMK, but overall in Tamil Nadu, my feeling and understanding is that there is a political confusion," he told party functionaries at TNCC headquarters here.

Gandhi made the remarks a day after sharing the dais with key ally DMK Working President M K Stalin on the occasion of the 94th birthday celebration of DMK chief M Karunanidhi.

Party sources quoted Gandhi as saying that this was the opportunity for the Congress, which has been out of power in the state in the past five decades.

"Do you agree with that? There is confusion. Youngsters in Tamil Nadu are not able to clearly see what the future is," he told the gathering, the sources told PTI.

"I think this is an opportunity for the Congress party but only if the party grabs this opportunity," Gandhi said.

He said that he met all the senior leaders today and told them his views clearly. "I said we are a family, our biggest problem is our family members go and speak to the press instead of speaking inside (the party)," he said.

At a time when the DMK was leaving no stone unturned to take on the ruling AIADMK (Amma) over a slew of issues, he said the most important thing all senior Congress leaders should do was to meet and connect with the people.

Apparently taking a dig at faction ridden state unit, he said, the "party (state unit)" says, however, "wait some time, we are preparing, we are coming... We getting ready to come."



Gandhi said that he will be visiting the state again in one or two months, adding he was ready to come to the districts.

"I want to help you fulfil the dream of a strong Congress party in Tamil Nadu. My doors are open to you anytime. It is very important for me that my relationship and my family's relationship is maintained and becomes strong (in the state)."



He told the workers not to be worried about what the AIADMK, the DMK, and the PMK were doing. "Worry about what the Congress is doing and do your job."



Tamil Nadu Congress Committee President Su Thirunavukkarasar and Congress Legislature Party leader K R Ramasamy pledged that the party state unit would work together, the sources said.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
A plastic-laden truck caught fire at a toll naka near Chandvad town in the district on Mumbai-Agra highway today, police said.

The truck, with a Tamil Nadu registration number, was headed towards Malegaon when the incident occurred after it stopped to play the toll, an official said, adding that short circuit could be the cause behind the fire.

According to the official, the blaze almost gutted the truck, and also spread to the toll plaza.

It was brought under control after fire tenders from nearby locations rushed to the spot.

The incident resulted into traffic snarls on the busy highway for some time, police said.

Meanwhile, police dismissed as untrue the rumours that the truck was set ablaze by farmers who are agitating for various demands.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
Flexible packaging major Uflex is foraying into aseptic liquid packaging segment besides adding more products as it aims an overall volume growth of 15 per cent this fiscal.

The company expects its Sanand-based septic liquid packaging manufacturing plant, where it is investing around Rs 580 crore, to be operational this fiscal.

"Overall volume-wise, we might grow 15 per cent or so this year (fiscal)," Uflex Group President (Corporate Finance and Accounts) R K Jain told PTI.

"We may expect a growth of 15 per cent in the top line, and bottomline may be 20 per cent plus," he added.

The company had unveiled the brand Asepto TM for liquid packaging in January this year.

"We are working on certain machine parts also...We would bring the new technology for printing process and now we are working on some new machine development and printing technology..." Jain said.

Uflex posted a total consolidated revenue of Rs 6,504.79 crore for FY 2016-17 last week. Its net profit for the year was at Rs 348.46 crore, up 11.03 per cent.

"Last year (FY 2016-17) we have grown, volume wise, 9 to 10 per cent and in the bottom line around 11 to 12 per cent. I think overall, it might be better than what we have grown last year," Jain said.

Presently, half of the company's revenue comes from the overseas market, where it is expecting a revival in the packaging film segment.

Over implementation of the new tax regime under GST, Jain said: "(There) might be little slow down in the industry for one or two months after implementation of GST".

"As far as we are concerned, we are quite bullish about the industry for its growth prospects and everything," he added.

Headquartered in Noida, Uflex has manufacturing facilities in India, the UAE, Mexico, Poland, Egypt and the USA.

Aseptic packages are made by laminating poly-ethylene with paperboard and aluminium foil, which ensures that food remains free from bacteria and other harmful microorganisms for a period of at least 8 months at room temperature.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
A constable posted at Karhal Gate police outpost was today arrested for allegedly misbehaving with a teenage girl last month, the police said.

The 16-year-old girl had gone to the police outpost on May 25 to enquire about a case when the policeman misbehaved with her. The incident was also recorded on a mobile phone, they said.

The clipping went viral on social media following which the state government ordered strict action against the constable.

Superintendent of Police Rajesh S said Constable Ishwari Prasad was arrested after an FIR was lodged against him at Mainpuri Police Station on charges on outraging the modesty of a woman.

"The accused has been booked under various sections including POCSO ACT. He has also been suspended," spokesman Director General of Police (DGP) Rahul Srivastava said in Lucknow.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath today said that his government has brought in "uniformity" in power supply across the state, unlike the previous governments which favoured "only five districts" at the cost of the remaining ones.

He said that when the BJP-led government took over in the state, a major challenge before it was to bring to an end the VIP culture in power supply.

"We have come up with a policy of electricity supply which will uniformly benefit all 75 districts of UP and not just five districts," he said here at a function where he inaugurated a number of new power sub-stations and dedicated to the public some existing ones upon upgrade.

"We take pride in the fact that on the birth anniversary of Ambedkar last month, we brought in a policy which ensures that all district headquarters will get 24 hours power supply while for tehsil headquarters it will be 20 hours and 18 hours for rural areas," he said.

The firebrand BJP leader did not name any party while speaking about the "VIP culture".

However, his comments came in the light of allegations faced by the Samajwadi Party and the BSP, which have alternately ruled the state for more than a decade, that native districts of their top leaders used to be disproportionately favoured in power supply.

Adityanath said that his government had inherited a system wherein replacement of faulty transformers used to take months in rural areas and several days in urban localities.

"We decided to change that. Now people can lodge complaints regarding the transformer in their locality on a toll-free number and action will be guaranteed within 24 hours," he said.

The chief minister said that his government was also striving to solve the problem of low voltage in rural areas, which was particularly stark in impoverished regions like Bundelkhand.

"Things are looking up and we are confident that by October, 2018 we will be able to provide 24 hours' power supply to every nook and corner of Uttar Pradesh," he said.

Speaking at the same function, state Power Minister Shrikant Sharma claimed that the government had achieved success in curbing the menace of power theft and upgrade of obsolete transformers.

The chief minister is on a two-day visit of the city which will conclude this evening after a meeting with officials, including the chief secretary and the director general of police.

Issues such as law and order and development activities in all districts falling under the Allahabad division would be reviewed.

Earlier, in the morning, Adityanath paid a visit to the Swaroop Rani Nehru hospital, accompanied by state Health Minister Siddharth Nath Singh, to take stock of the services there.

He also inspected a "malin basti" (slum area) in Nevada locality of the city and gave instructions to officials, in the presence of city mayor Abhilasha Gupta, with regard to cleanliness and hygiene.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
At a time when questions are being raised by Hindu right wing groups on the contribution of Mughal rulers to India, experts from Uzbekistan, Babur's birthplace, are here to study about him and the era to trace the historical links between the two countries.

A team of researchers from the Central Asian country visited the National Museum which has a vast repository of information on Mughal rulers, including rare manuscripts about Babur, who founded the Mughal empire that reigned for over three centuries.

The experts are working on the project 'Cultural Legacy of Uzbekistan in the Art Collections of the World' where teams are gathering Uzbeki historical material from across the world.

"The team had come in April and their aim is to document material related to the Mughal era, primarily.

"Babar was born in Andijan, (a city of Farghana province of Uzbekistan) and we have a lot of material on him and the Mughal dynasty in India. Another team will visit the museum too and we are happy to help them out," said Dr BR Mani, Director General, National Museum which is under the ministry of culture.

Babur, in fact, never visited Uzbekistan after he came to India and spent his life in his adopted country. At the museum, the Uzbek experts are particularly interested in manuscripts of the Holy Quran, scribed in Uzbekistan, which were presented to the Mughal emperors, as is evident from the royal seals on the cover page.

Also of interest are 15 illustrated folios of the Baburnama, which is Babur's biography, in Turkish.

"India is one of the friendliest countries for us. It was a real pleasure to visit. It is especially gratifying to realise that the culture of such a great country is connected with ours.

"So far, work with India has just begun. We are planning to publish 1-2 albums in India depending on the results of the work," said Professor Andrey Zybkin, the Uzbeki project coordinator, in an email reply to PTI.

Uzbekistan takes pride in Babur's contribution and has declared February 14 as Babur Day.

However, while there is a wealth of knowledge that Uzbekis are looking to gather from India, a section in India feels that Mughal rulers were "invaders" and historians did not project their true picture.

"Babar had looted the country. The Mughals were nothing but invaders. They remained outsiders till the end of their rule. In fact, the Ram temple in Ayodhya was demolished by them," alleged Mohan Yadav, co-convener of BJP's art and culture cell.

In 2015, Delhi's central Aurangzeb Road was renamed after A P J Adbul Kalam, the former Indian president. BJP leaders have also backed a proposal to rename Akbar Road, named after a 16th century Mughal king, after Maharana Pratap, a Hindu ruler who fought the Mughals.

This year, another change was recommended - to rename Babur Road in the capital after Lt Ummer Fayaz, the officer who was killed by militants in his home state of Jammu and Kashmir on May 9.

In February this year, the BJP-led government in Rajasthan backed a proposal to rewrite history taught at the university level to say that Rajput warrior-king Maharana Pratap won the Battle of Haldighati against the Mughal army of Akbar led by his general Man Singh, despite historical evidence suggesting otherwise.

Historian Audrey Truschke, who was on the receiving end of a social media backlash ever since her book 'Aurangzeb: The Man and The Myth' was published earlier this year, says that modern attacks on the Mughals have little to do with India's past and everything to do with India's present.

"In the current political environment, it serves many anti-Muslim, Hindutva interests to label the Mughals as "invaders" and portray them as destroyers of Indian culture, which is invariably reduced to a narrow band of Hindu culture in this worldview.

"Such views also obscure Indian history. In reality, India was shaped by the Mughals in cultural, linguistic, political, and economic terms. Even the self-identity of many Hindus today is informed by Mughal ideas," said Truschke.

The Hindu right wing cannot change the past, and its reach outside of India's borders is limited, she argued.

"As a result, one possible impact of eroding historical knowledge within India may be to cede Indian history to those who work outside of its borders. It is a sad state of affairs," she added.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
Industrial and military explosives manufacturer Solar Industries India (SIIL) is expecting Rs 100 crore revenue from its defence business this fiscal as it eyes 20 per cent increase in total income.

"We are bullish about the governments initiatives in the defence sector. It is not only focusing on strengthening it but is also promoting indigenous defence production.

"We already have an order book of Rs 142 crore in the defence business and we expect a topline of Rs 100 crore from this segment this fiscal," the companys Chief Financial Officer Nilesh Panpalliya told PTI here.

He said the governments strategic partnership programme and Defence Procurement Procedure 2016 guidelines are expected to give boost to indigenous manufacturers.

"In March this year, the government floated RFPs for procurement of eight types of ammunition items like large calibre gun propellants, tank ammunition, artillery fuzes, rockets and gun ammunition. As we manufacture these products we intend to participate in these tender processes," Panpalliya said.

Currently, SIILs defence business contributes nearly one per cent of the total revenues. However, with the company expecting to bag new orders, which are likely to be awarded in the next one year, it is hopeful that the defence segments contribution could increase significantly.

The company entered into the defence sector four years ago and has set up Indias first HMX plant in private sector, a large composite propellant plant and facilities for producing various other products like pyros and war heads.

The facility manufactures HMX and HMX based compositions like Octol, Oma and Okfol for high explosive anti-tank ammunition and missiles like Akash, LR Sam, Invar and Konkur.

He further said the company is eyeing a 20 per cent increase in its total income this fiscal, backed by the growing demand for industrial explosives in the coal mining as well as infrastructure segments.

For fiscal 2016-17, SIILs gross sales increased by 9 per cent to Rs 1,711.28 crore from Rs 1,574.01 crore in FY16.

"Coal and Power Ministrys target of achieving one billion tonnes of coal production from CIL by FY20 will create demand of 80 million tonnes of explosives and we will capitalise this demand with our existing capacity," Panpalliya said.

Similarly, there is renewed focus on infrastructure and housing sectors. "Both put together, we see a healthy growth in demand for our products. Our total order book is around Rs 800 crore and we expect that to go up given these opportunities," Panpalliya said.

Besides, the company also has manufacturing units in Turkey, South Africa, Nigeria and Zambia, and the revenues from exports contribute to nearly 28 per cent of the total income.

"The demand in overseas market is showing signs of improvement and there is a boost in the Indias infrastructure segment, which is beneficial for us," he added.


The government has welcomed foreign investors with modern technology to set up steel plants in India as the country aims to increase the output to 300 million tonnes (MT) by 2030.

"If somebody comes with a new technology with any joint venture or some company from abroad wants to put their plant they are also welcome," Steel Minister Chaudhary Birender Singh told PTI.

"The ministry is quite open to this. Any transfer of technology will be welcomed. May be they can have joint ventures, they can have MoUs," the minister said.

The government aims to more than triple the crude steel output in the country from current 97 MT to 300 MT.

"In such a situation they would be coming with a new technology....In this sector even 100 per cent FDI is allowed. So they have all their funds utilised for that. That means this would also serve to have sufficient FDI...Our target by 2030 is 300 MT. We are going to create this capacity," the minister said.

In 2016-17, Indias crude steel production was at 97.385 MT, registering a growth of 8.5 per cent over the year-ago period.

SAIL and ArcelorMittal have already inked a pact to set up a Rs 5,000-crore auto-grade steel plant. The joint venture is in final stage and is progressing fast. It will produce high-end steel based on latest technology.

In March, the steel minister had said that SAIL and ArcelorMittal will resolve differences over setting up of this plant.

The two companies had inked a pact in May 2015 to explore the possibility of setting up an automotive steel manufacturing unit under JV arrangement.

The proposed JV will construct world-class facilities that will offer technologically advanced steel products for Indias rapidly growing automotive sector.


As expected, there is a couple of new tax categories added under the proposed Goods and Services Tax (GST) regime. Gold, silver and processed diamonds would be taxed at 3% under the GST as against the lowest tax bracket of 5% proposed earlier. Apart from this new tax rate, rough diamonds would be taxed at 0.25%.

With this, there are now seven tax slabs under the GST - nil, 0.25% (for uncut diamond), 3% (for gold, silver and processed diamond), 5%, 12%, 18% and 28% -- making the new tax regime much more complex than it was earlier conceived.

Announcing the new tax rate at the conclusion of the GST Council meeting in New Delhi today, Finance Minister Arun Jaitley said," At present, gold has 1% excise duty and in many states 1% VAT (Value Added Tax). In some states, the VAT is more than 1%. There was an extensive debate (on rate of tax on gold in the meeting and between 2% and 5%, there was almost a vertical. Therefore, we finally reached a consensus of taxing gold and gold jewellery at 3%."



On rough diamond, the finance minister said that a nominal rate of 0.25% was levied to keep the audit trail.

Already, the proposed GST has come under criticism for having five tax slabs and different cesses levied on items kept in the highest tax slab of 28%, the two new tax rates would make the tax structure more complex.

Suresh Nair, Tax Partner, EY, said, "Inspite of a near vertical division, the GST Council manages a consensus on rate of tax on gold at 3%. This adds on to another new tax rate under GST regime. It would be interesting to watch the trade community reaction in the transition phase given that the GST rate in most states could be higher than the overall current effective tax rate on gold. States with higher VAT rate would be hopeful of compensation from the Centre to bridge the gap, if otherwise not taken care of."

Meanwhile, the World Gold Council has welcomed the step to apply 3% GST on gold by calling it an 'encouraging step in the current context to stabilise the industry, it has said that with the current import duty of 10% the total tax on gold is still high and will continue to have an impact on the jewellery industry. Therefore, it has asked to bring down the import duty on gold.
Public sector banks, including SBI, Bank of Baroda and IDBI Bank, plan to raise Rs 58,000 crore through equity dilution during the current fiscal to meet Basel-III norms and clean up their balance sheets.

Leading the pack, countrys largest lender SBI plans to raise Rs 15,000 crore through share sale and expects this to complete by the year-end, probably through a qualified institutional placement (QIP).

"This is something for which we have everything in place but we will go when we find the market is conducive," SBI Chairperson Arundhati Bhattacharya has said.

Besides, Bank of Baroda and Central Bank of India plans to raise Rs 6,000 crore

and Rs 65,000 crore from capital markets, respectively.

Oriental Bank of Commerce and IDBI Bank have taken boards approval for raising Rs 5,000 crore each through equity dilution, while Mumbai-based Union Bank of India plans to Rs 4,950 crore during the current fiscal.

Raising funds from the market will ease the pressure on the exchequer of pumping in capital. As per the Indradhanush plan public sector banks need to raise Rs 1.10 lakh crore from markets, including follow-on public offer, to meet Basel-III requirements, which will kick in from March 2019.

This will be over and above Rs 70,000 crore banks will get as capital support from the government. Of this, the government has already infused Rs 50,000 crore in the past two fiscals and the remaining will be pumped in by the end of 2018-19.

In the Budget speech on February 1, Finance Minister Arun Jaitley announced capital infusion of Rs 10,000 crore for the current fiscal.

"In line with the Indradhanush road map, I have provided Rs 10,000 crore for recapitalisation of banks in 2017-18. Additional allocation will be provided, as may be required," Jaitley had said.

PSU banks requires capital for meeting Basel-III norms and cleaning of balance sheet as non-performing assets (NPAs) have reached unacceptably high levels. These banks are saddled with non-performing assets or bad loans to the tune of a staggering Rs 6 lakh crore.

Bad loans rose by over Rs 1 lakh crore in the first nine months of last fiscal to Rs 6.07 lakh crore by 31 December 2016. Gross NPA of PSBs stood at Rs 5.02 lakh crore at the end of March 2016, up from Rs 2.67 lakh crore at the end of March 2015.

Corporation Bank and Syndicate Bank have lined up fund raising plan of Rs 3,500 crore each, while Bank of Maharashtra has taken boards approval for raising Rs 2,000 crore.

SBI, in 2014, had raised Rs 8,032 crore by selling shares through qualified institutional placement (QIP), largely aided by state-owned life insurer LIC.

The bank sold 5.13 crore shares at an average price of Rs 1,565, which was the lower side of the price band it had set.

Besides, Canara Bank had also raised about Rs 1,250 crore from rights issue to its shareholders last fiscal.


The photo made available by U.S. space firm SpaceX on June 3, 2017 shows the company's Falcon 9 rocket launching at the Kennedy Space Center in Florida, the United States. U.S. space firm SpaceX on Saturday launched supplies to the International Space Station, including an experiment from a Chinese university that will test the effects of space environments on DNA. (Xinhua)

WASHINGTON, June 3 (Xinhua) -- SpaceX on Saturday launched a shipment of supplies for the astronauts living at the International Space Station, carrying for the first time an experiment independently designed by China.

The SpaceX Dragon cargo spacecraft lifted off on the company's Falcon 9 rocket at 5:07 p.m. EDT (2107 GMT) from the Kennedy Space Center in Florida.

About 10 minutes later, SpaceX successfully landed the rocket's first stage at the company's Landing Zone 1, just south of the launch site at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, as part of its effort to develop fully reusable rockets.

On this trip, the Dragon will deliver almost 6,000 pounds (2,700 km) of supplies, including solar panels, tools for Earth-observation and equipment to study neutron stars. If all goes well, it will arrive at the space station on Monday.

CHINESE EXPERIMENT

Among the cargo is a 3.5-kilogram device from the Beijing Institute of Technology that sought to answer questions like "Does the space radiation and microgravity cause mutations among antibody-encoding genes and how does it happen?"

The Chinese payload was first reported in 2015, when an agreement was reached with NanoRacks, a Houston-based company that offers services for the commercial utilization of the space station.

Under the agreement, NanoRacks will deliver the device to the U.S. side of the space station and astronauts there will conduct studies using the device in about two weeks, data from which will be sent back to the Chinese researchers.

There is a U.S. law in place, known as the Wolf amendment, that bans cooperation between the U.S. space agency NASA and Chinese government entities, but this deal is purely commercial and therefore considered legal.

NASA spokesperson Kathryn Hambleton confirmed to Xinhua that there is a Chinese experiment that is launched on this mission, known as SpaceX CRS-11.

"NASA complied with all legal requirements to notify the Congress of this activity, and all of the ISS partners approved the inclusion of the experiment," Hambleton said in an email.

"This is not the first Chinese experiment on the International Space Station (ISS)," the spokesperson said. "Chinese scientists have been investigators and co-investigators on international experiments conducted on the ISS, including for the Alpha Magnetic Spectrometer investigation on ISS."

GOOD STEP

However, Professor Deng Yulin, who led the Chinese research, said that this is the first time an ISS experiment has been independently designed and fabricated in China.

"This cooperation does not violate any laws and regulations, including the Wolf amendment. We do it in an open and visible way," Deng told Xinhua. "This is a new model of cooperation that we can follow in the future."

"We think it's really an important research and they have done a great job," Mary Murphy, senior internal payloads manager of NanoRacks, told Xinhua, calling the cooperation between the two "a good example."

Leroy Chiao, a former Chinese-American NASA astronaut and ISS commander, highlighted the significance of the Chinese project.

"I think this is a good step forward," Chiao said. "I have always believed that cooperation is the best way forward for both the U.S. and China, particularly using civil space exploration as an avenue."

Joan Johnson-Freese, a space policy analyst at the U.S. Naval War College, said that it evidences the growing importance of commercial space.

"Space is no longer just the purview of government activity," Johnson-Freese said. "Space is developing as an area of commercial activity, much like cars and computers, which is a big change from the past."

SpaceX CRS-11 was the 11th of up to 20 missions to the space station that the California-based company will fly for NASA. It also marked the first time that SpaceX has launched a spaceship that has been used on a previous mission to the space station.
Says Watts on his LinkedIn page: A lot has changed since I started working at Pusher. Which became Publicis Pusher. Which became, eventually, Marcel Sydney. I got married! I grew up (and out)! I got way, way better at my job. Our team grew, and our work got great.

Today (Friday) is my last with the team, so I wanna say thanks. To Kim and Michael for hiring me. For the advice and knowledge of Iona Macgregor and Gavin Levinsohn. For the long hours and great work of Grace, Megan and Maddison. And Pierce and Humyara for keeping me organised most of the time. To Knox for being smarter than me, but being polite enough not to say it.
Saturday, June 3, 2017 at 8:09PM

Following the horrific attack in Manchester, Ariana Grande is coming back with some of her famous friends (Coldplay, Katy Perry, Miley Cyrus, and Pharrell Williams, to name a few) to hold a benefit concert for the city. If you cant be there, the gig will be live-streamed at 2 p.m. Eastern on Facebook, iHeartRadio, Twitter, and YouTube. Twitter is even including a dedicated donation tab that youll be able to see alongside the concert feed. But if you dont have time or dont want to catch the concert, you can still donate directly to the British Red Crosss Manchester fund. All proceeds from the show will go toward the "We Love Manchester Emergency Fund," in partnership with the British Red Cross and Manchester City Council.

Source: Engadget
BRICS Media Forum to be held in Beijing next week

BEIJING, June 3 (Xinhua) -- The BRICS Media Forum, to be held in Beijing from June 7 to 8, will be attended by the leaders of 25 media groups from Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa.

The attendees will discuss topics including multimedia innovation for media development, as well as media outlets' duty and social responsibility.

The forum next week aims to improve the high-end dialogue platform for the mainstream media of BRICS countries, as well as advance innovation and promote fairness and justice of international public opinion.

During the forum, there will be a BRICS Media Joint Photo Exhibition to show the development and cooperation achievements of BRICS.

Proposed by Xinhua, the forum is jointly organized by the mainstream media groups of BRICS countries.

China, which took over the BRICS presidency this year, will host the Ninth BRICS Summit in September in Xiamen, Fujian Province.
"One example we talked about is a photo of a Muslim woman who would normally wear her hijab and her community expects her to wear her hijab but if she is photographed not wearing that in an outside situation where her community would expect her to wear that she would regard that as an intimate image even though if you or me had that photograph taken we wouldn't find it objectionable.
Baker is extremely interested in communication, the way we do it, how we seem to do so much of it, and how, in our increasingly connected world, we can be so easily misunderstood or fail to say what we really mean.
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 ...
Vice President of the Academy of Military Science of the Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA) He Lei (R) meets with Russian Deputy Defense Minister Alexander Fomin in Singapore, June 3, 2017. The China-Russia comprehensive strategic partnership of coordination is at its all-time high, Lt. Gen. He Lei, vice president of the Academy of Military Science of the Chinese People's Liberation Army said while meeting with Russian Deputy Defense Minister Alexander Fomin. (Xinhua/Then Chih Wey)

SINGAPORE, June 3 (Xinhua) -- Chinese and Russian officials spoke highly of the military ties between the two countries on Saturday as they met on the sidelines of the Shangri-La Dialogue being held in Singapore.

The China-Russia comprehensive strategic partnership of coordination is at its all-time high, Lt. Gen. He Lei, vice president of the Academy of Military Science of the Chinese People's Liberation Army said while meeting with Russian Deputy Defense Minister Alexander Fomin.

Leaders of the two countries paid much attention to bilateral military cooperation, laying a solid political foundation for the healthy and steady development of the military ties between the two countries, He said.

In recent years, the two militaries have worked together to implement the important consensus reached between leaders of the two countries and push for the pragmatic cooperation and exchange between the two militaries with new achievements, he said.

The two militaries have seen deepening ties and higher level cooperation, the senior Chinese military officer said.

Fomin, for his part, attributed the healthy and steady development of bilateral military ties to close relationship between the leaders of the two countries, the independent foreign policies pursued by the two countries and their shared views on the multipolar world, among other key issues.

The two militaries have been conducting high-level cooperation, and the two sides have been in close cooperation in the fields of joint military exercise, military competition and military technology, he said.

Russia and China should continue to boost strategic coordination and further strengthen ties between the two countries and two militaries, Fomin said.
Insurance Innovators Summit

16 November 2022

QEII Centre, London

Number of days: 2



Insurance Innovators is bringing together a global community of 850+ senior executives, from the most innovative incumbents to the freshest insurtechs, to define the future of the industry.

Find out more
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.

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You are our people. You Care. We Care2.
LONDON, June 3 (Xinhua) -- About 20 people were injured after a van reportedly ploughed into pedestrians on London Bridge, amid unconfirmed reports of gunfire and stabbing, British media reported.

The vehicle is reported to have mounted the pavement at the scene Saturday evening, Mirror reported in its website.

"We are dealing with an incident on London Bridge, when we have more information we will update this twitter feed," the Metropolitan police said in its Twitter account.

Transport for London said the the police have closed London Bridge and the area around it due to a major police incident. "London Bridge: The station is closed and trains are non stopping at the request of the police," it said.

One witness told the BBC: "There was a white van driver speeding into several people. It carried on across the pavement around the traffic and towards the Shard area."

Some netizens witnessed the incident tweeted that they saw people got injured and the police has come to deal with it.

One witness wrote on Twitter: 'Passerby says 15-20 people have been run over. Another says 7 or 8.'

"Horrific scene at London Bridge... bodies strewn over the pavement. B&Q van mounted the pavement. I feel sick," Ben Leo said in Twitter.

Armed police are said to be at the scene while people have been seen fleeing the central London landmark. London Ambulance Service said multiple resources were attending the area.
BEIJING, June 3 (Xinhua) -- The following is the full text of the list of outcomes of the 19th China-EU Summit:

H.E. Li Keqiang, Premier of the State Council of the People's Republic of China, H.E. Donald Tusk, President of the European Council, and H.E. Jean-Claude Juncker, President of the European Commission, met in Brussels on 1 and 2 June 2017 for the 19th China-EU Summit. Premier Li and President Juncker jointly attended the China-EU Business Summit, China-EU SMEs Matchmaking Event and China-EU Dialogue on Innovation Cooperation.

The leaders of the two sides applauded the positive outcomes of the summit, and commended the fruitful progress of China-EU relations in politics, economy, culture, people-to-people and other fields. Following the principles of mutual respect, equality, mutual trust and mutual benefit, the two sides will continue to make full use of the 70 or so China-EU dialogue and cooperation mechanisms, including the Summit, the High-Level Strategic Dialogue, the High-Level Economic and Trade Dialogue and the High-Level People-to-People Dialogue, enhance the partnerships for peace, growth, reform and civilization, and further expand bilateral, regional and global cooperation.

China and the EU reached a series of new cooperation initiatives on deepening China-EU Comprehensive Strategic Partnership for mutual benefit, which include the following:

1. The leaders of the two sides agreed that as comprehensive strategic partners, strengthening China-EU cooperation in all respects is of greater strategic importance than ever before. The two sides committed themselves to upholding the purposes and principles of the UN Charter, safeguarding the WTO rules and fostering an open world economy.

2. The two sides acknowledged the unprecedented level of maturity attained in China-EU relations. The EU reaffirmed its commitment to the One-China principle. China reaffirmed its support for European integration.

3. The EU supported China's commitment to comprehensively deepening reform and its implementation of the 13th Five-Year Plan for economic and social development. China expressed its support for the EU's efforts to promote growth, investment and regulatory reform. The two sides will fully implement the China-EU 2020 Strategic Agenda for Cooperation, strengthen synergies between their respective development strategies, and push forward China-EU cooperation.

4. The two sides applauded the successful outcomes of the 7th China-EU High-Level Strategic Dialogue, and agreed to continue to conduct consultation and dialogue on foreign policy and regional affairs, and further enhance security and defense cooperation through the regular Security and Defense Dialogue. The two sides exchanged views on international and regional hotspot issues of shared interest.

5. The two sides agreed to hold ad-hoc expert level consultations on counter-terrorism, and promote multilateral and bilateral cooperation on countering violent extremism and terrorism through the Global Counter-Terrorism Forum and the Financial Action Task Force. The two sides welcomed the signing of the agreement on strategic cooperation between the Chinese Ministry of Public Security and Europol on 19 April 2017.

6. The two sides agreed to enhance synergies between the Belt and Road Initiative and the Investment Plan for Europe, and welcomed the signing of the Memorandum of Understanding Aiming at Facilitating a Co-investment Framework by China's Silk Road Fund and the European Investment Fund and the establishment of the China-EU Joint Investment Fund. The two sides committed to pushing forward relevant cooperation in the framework of multilateral development institutions such as the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank, the European Investment Bank and the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development.

7. The two sides committed to working closely with the German Presidency and other members of the G20 to ensure that the forthcoming summit in Hamburg will, building on the G20 Hangzhou Summit, deliver successful outcomes and contribute to strong, sustainable, balanced and inclusive growth.

8. The two sides discussed the EU's fulfillment of its obligations under Article 15 of China's WTO Accession Protocol and expanded common understanding on this issue. China underscored that the EU should honor its Article 15 obligations and send a signal of respecting international rules to the international community and market. The EU said it is in the process of amending the relevant legislation and commits to doing so in a non-discriminatory manner and consistent with WTO rules.

9. The two sides reiterated the importance of strengthening the WTO's central role in the multilateral trading system, committed to safeguarding the rules-based, transparent, non-discriminatory, open and inclusive multilateral trade system and welcomed the entry into force of the Trade Facilitation Agreement. The two sides agreed to work for a successful WTO Ministerial Conference in Buenos Aires in December 2017.

10. The two sides committed to holding the 7th High-Level Economic and Trade Dialogue (HED) before the end of 2017. As instructed by the leaders, the 7th HED should address issues of shared interest to the two sides in a balanced way.

11. The two sides viewed the ongoing Investment Agreement negotiations as a top priority. The two sides reaffirmed their commitment to speeding up negotiations in a cooperative and pragmatic spirit with a view to reaching an ambitious and balanced outcome as early as possible, in order to establish and maintain a friendly, predictable, business-conducive policy environment for investors from both sides.

12. The two sides signed the Joint Communique between the Ministry of Commerce of the People's Republic of China and the Directorate General for Agriculture and Rural Development of the European Commission on the Negotiation of the Agreement on Cooperation and Protection of Geographical Indications. Both sides expressed the intention to conclude the negotiations within 2017 and agreed to publish their respective GI names for opposition on 3 June 2017.

13. The two sides welcomed the preparatory meeting of the China-EU Steel Trade Mechanism held on 18 May 2017, and agreed that the China-EU Steel Trade Mechanism should, in accordance with the consensus of the 18th China-EU Summit, focus on steel trade. The two sides committed to resolving steel trade frictions through friendly consultations and mutually beneficially cooperation.

14. The two sides signed the Administrative Arrangement for the Intellectual Property Cooperation Project "IP Key China" between the Ministry of Commerce of the People's Republic of China and the European Commission. The two sides reaffirmed their full support for the China-EU IP Dialogue and committed to reinforcing their joint efforts in fighting infringement of intellectual property rights and to deepening cooperation on intellectual property issues.

15. The two sides welcomed the progress achieved under the China-EU Connectivity Platform, including improving customs clearance facilitation, enhancing harmonization of technical rules and standards in transport, strengthening cooperation in low-carbon and smart transportation, conducting investment and financing cooperation, and promoting substantial progress on viable demonstration projects.

16. The two sides welcomed the progress achieved under the Joint Statement on 5G cooperation of 2015 and committed to enhancing cooperation on cyber issues through the China-EU Cyber Taskforce, the China-EU Digital Economy and Cyber Security Expert Working Group and other mechanisms.

17. The two sides signed the Enhancing China-EU Trade Security and Facilitation Strategic Framework for Customs Cooperation 2018-2020 between the Government of the People's Republic of China and the European Union with the objective of enhancing customs connectivity, strengthening customs regulation, combating illicit trade and facilitating lawful trade.

18. The two sides reaffirmed the importance of addressing climate change and their commitment under the 2015 Paris Agreement, and agreed to step up cooperation to promote its implementation.

19. The two sides commended the progress achieved in the exchange and cooperation between their cities and companies on urbanization policies since the launch of the China-EU urbanization partnership five years ago, and reaffirmed their readiness to implement the Joint Declaration on the China-EU Partnership on Urbanization and take the partnership to a new level. The two sides held the 10th China-EU High-Level Regional Policy Dialogue and the 12th Seminar with the goal of supporting more cities and regions to participate in China-EU Regional Policy cooperation.

20. The two sides approved the Implementation of the China-EU Roadmap on Energy Cooperation/Work Plan 2017-2018, and agreed to focus cooperation on the making of energy policies and energy efficiency standards, low-carbon energy technologies, renewable energy, energy supervision and energy interconnection.

21. The two sides agreed to work towards signing the Memorandum on China-EU Circular Economy Cooperation and advance Inter-governmental Policy Dialogue and practical cooperation between enterprises, with the priorities on emission permit, environment management and economic transition through environmental protection, and supported the establishment of the China-EU Water Policy Dialogue.

22. The two sides welcomed the outcomes of the 8th meeting of the China-EU Bilateral Coordination Mechanism on Forest Law Enforcement and Governance, and committed to strengthening cooperation on such issues as desertification, wildlife trafficking, biodiversity protection, deforestation and prevention of illegally harvested timber from entering the market.

23. The two sides signed the Administrative Agreement between the Ministry of Science and Technology of China (MOST) and the European Commission on a co-funding mechanism for the period 2018-2020 to support collaborative research and innovation projects under joint flagship initiatives and in other areas, and the Research Framework Arrangement between the Chinese Academy of Sciences and the European Commission Joint Research Center. The two sides commended the success of the 3rd Innovation Cooperation Dialogue held on 2 June 2017 in Brussels, and expressed the readiness to continue research and innovation cooperation based on the principle of equality and mutual benefit.

24. The leaders of the two sides welcomed the progress made in the negotiations on the Bilateral Aviation Safety agreement and Horizontal agreement and encouraged the timely conclusion of these negotiations.

25. The two sides agreed to hold the 4th round of the High-Level People-to-People Dialogue in November 2017 in China, and committed to strengthening exchanges in the areas of education, culture, media, youth, gender equality and sport.

26. The two sides agreed to further strengthen the China-EU Migration and Mobility Dialogue and the implementation of its roadmap, and committed to streamlining the procedures of short-stay visa application for all non-diplomatic passport holders from both sides. To this end, the two sides agreed to hold expert consultations every three months.

27. The two sides reiterated their satisfaction with the discussions under the first China-EU Legal Affairs Dialogue, and agreed to hold the next China-EU Legal Affairs Dialogue before the end of 2017 and carry out exchanges and cooperation under the principles of equality, mutual trust, mutual respect, inclusiveness, mutual learning and mutual benefit.

28. The two sides expressed appreciation for the outcomes of the 2012-2017 China-EU Disaster Risk Management cooperation project, and agreed to continue to promote the building and development of the China-EU Institute of Emergency Management (CEIEM) and actively explore new areas of cooperation on emergency management.

29. The two sides agreed to hold a successful 2017 China-EU Blue Year and work towards the building of a China-EU Blue Partnership focusing on ocean management and other cooperation priorities.

30. The two sides signed the Arrangement on the Implementation of the 2018 China-EU Tourism Year between the China National Tourism Administration of the People's Republic of China and the Directorate-General for Internal Market, Industry, Entrepreneurship and SMEs of the European Commission, and agreed to hold a successful 2018 China-EU Tourism Year, with a view to improving the travel and tourism experience of the two peoples and creating more opportunities for economic cooperation.
What do Formula One drivers do when theyre done competing in Formula One? The answer varies, but when it comes to former world champions, it basically comes down to whatever they want.



Take Jenson Button, for example. The 2009 Formula One World Champion stepped out of the cockpit at McLaren at the end of last season, and has since only been taking the plum assignments.

Last week, for example, he came back out of retirement only to race in the Monaco Grand Prix and let his former wingman Fernando Alonso see what it was like to race in the Indy 500  under Honda power, of course.

Now itll be Jensons turn to try a different kind of racing  namely Super GT, Japans ever-popular sports/touring car series, where hell be driving a GT500-spec Honda NSX. And not in just any race, either: Jenson will be driving this August in the Suzuka 1000 km race, the longest and most prominent round on the calendar and Japans equivalent, you might say, to the 24-hour races at Le Mans or Daytona.

Its no coincidence that hell be driving a Honda there, either. Button spent the bulk of his F1 career driving for the Japanese automakers previous works team, and is seen as having been instrumental in bringing it back into F1 for its current partnership with McLaren. For the 620-mile race on the Suzuka circuit, hell be driving for Team Mugen and sharing the car with regular drivers Hidekah Mutoh and Daisuke Nakasima  neither of which has won a GT500-class race yet. Honda has won the race three times this decade with the previous HSV-010 GT in 2010, 2011, and 2013, while the Lexus RC F has dominated for the past three years. Itll be interesting to see if Button can help it clinch the race this year.
Audis engineers were testing a prototype of the 2019 A7 in the Austrian Alps, when suddenly the car caught fire in front of our spys camera.



Apparently this Audi A7 mule suffered from some sort of catastrophic failure while pulling a dead weight trailer up the Alps and flames started shooting from between the hood and the windshield.

Once the flames were spotted, Audis engineers pulled over and managed to get all of their things out of the car in time. A roadside service employee tried to put the fire out with a handheld extinguisher but this wasnt enough to stop the flames from devouring the prototype.

The fire required only 15 to 20 minutes to completely destroy the car, with the fire department showing up and extinguishing the fire. Luckily, no one was hurt.

An incident like this is a stark reminder of the development testings importance, as it allows carmakers to pinpoint possible faults of their new models, before they launch them into the market.

The upcoming 2019 Audi A7 will be based on the latest and much lighter MLB-Evo platform that is already used in models such as the Q7. Its design will reportedly be heavily inspired by the Audi Prologue Concept but well have to wait until the end of the year at least to see if this is true.

Photo Credits: CarPix for CarScoops

PHOTO GALLERY
There was a while there when Ferrari was coming up with new nameplates to go with its alphanumeric model names  or at least drawing inspiration from fresh sources.



It named some models after places (like Maranello, Modena, and Italia) or even institutions within its own organization (like Fiorano and Scaglietti) that are important to the marque.

But these days its been reviving nameplates from its own archives instead. Thats how new models have received names like Lusso, California, Superfast, Superamerica, TdF, and even GTO.

The question on our minds, then, is what the Prancing Horse marque will pull out of the history books next. Here are five of our best guesses, with a little bit of contextual history on when the name was used last. Dont be surprised to see at least one of them on the back of a new Ferrari in the near future.

Dino

Without a doubt, the most pervasive rumor surrounding Ferrari has concerned the return of the Dino. The name belonged to Enzo Ferraris son who died at age 24 (due to complications resulting from his muscular dystrophy) and for whom a range of mid-engined six- and eight-cylinder models was dedicated  the most memorable of which was arguably the 246 GT. The line ended in 1986, and pretty much ever since, the Prancing Horse marque has been rumored to be bringing it back on a new entry-level model.

Monza

A four-cylinder Ferrari? There was a time when that was a reality, embracing a lighter weight than the twelve, eight, or even six-cylinder models for which the marque has become known. Arguably most notable among them was the 750 Monza which looked like a lighter version of the 250 Testa Rossa and got its name when Mike Hawthorn and Umberto Maglioli drove it to victory upon its debut at the legendary circuit in 1955. (It was also the car in which Alberto Ascari crashed and died that same year.)

One of the worlds first racing circuits and the longtime home of the Italian Grand Prix, the Monza name could be due for revival under the Prancing Horse marque  particularly if the current trend in engine downsizing ever prompts it to go back to four cylinders, however unlikely that may seem.

Europa

Another naming trend has had Ferrari zooming out geographically, as it were. In 1996 it launched the Maranello. In 99, the Modena. In 2009, the Itaia. So whats next? Europa, perhaps.

The name was used on a derivative of the legendary 250 series, with sophisticated (if somewhat sober) bodywork to serve as a long-wheelbase grand tourer. It could make a suitable name for whatever comes next after the GTC4 Lusso, and would be a better choice, in our eyes at least, than bringing back the oft-maligned Mondial.

Testarossa

For those of us who grew up in the 1980s, the Testarossa remains the very embodiment of the Ferrari supercar: pop-up headlights, wide tail, strong curves, and those instantly recognizable side strakes.

With its boxer twelve engine mounted amidships, it remained in production from 1984 until its eventual demise (as the F512 M) in 1996. Of course that wasnt the first time application of the name  from the Italian for redhead due to its red cam cover  tracing back to the pontoon-fendered 250 Testa Rossa from 1957.

In our book, either would make a suitable icon for Ferrari to revive in the future, though it may be a while before theyre ready to embrace the spirit of the Eighties again in Maranello.

Daytona

This may come as a surprise, but Ferrari never made a Daytona. It made a 365 GTB/4 which was only unofficially dubbed by the public as the Daytona. As the story goes, the press (thats us) had already named the model as such, in honor of the marques 1-2-3 finish at the 24 Hours of Daytona the previous year, before Ferrari revealed the model in 1968.

The manufacturer may or may not have been planning to call it that from the get-go, but Enzo (in his notorious intractability) wasnt about to have his mind made up for him. All the same, the name has legendary cachet to it, and with the namesake founder now long since departed, Ferrari would be apt to bring it back  officially this time.
Over 65 per cent of the 46.2 million Takata airbag inflators recalled in the United States have not been repaired, according to a recent report.



Nationwide recalls of the airbags commenced in 2015 after it was discovered that the inflators could explode with excessive force and send metal shrapnel throughout a vehicles interior. At least 16 deaths and over 180 injuries worldwide have been blamed on the inflators.

According to Senator Bill Nelson of Florida, just 15.8 million inflators in the U.S. had been repaired through mid-May. Nelson says that an additional 8.8 million owners have received recall notices but that repairs were delayed due to the limited availability of parts, Reuters reports.

In a statement, Nelson called on President Trump to nominate a candidate to head the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) to lead the recalls.

Were in desperate need of a leader who will commit to resolving this Takata mess, he said.

The NHTSA revealed in December 2016 that by 2019, 64 million Takata airbags will need to be recalled in the United States. In February, Takata agreed to pay $1 billion to resolve an investigation into its inflators after pleading guilty to charges of criminal wrongdoing in the U.S.

PHOTO GALLERY
Photo: Contributed - @PatHemsworth Alleged Moncton shooter

UPDATE 7:40 P.M.

The RCMP says three of its officers were killed in Moncton, N.B., by a man armed with guns and two other officers were injured as the Mounties conducted a manhunt across the city's north end on Wednesday night for the shooter.

The RCMP tweeted that three of its officers were "mortally wounded" and police spokesman Paul Greene confirmed that they are dead.

Greene said the two RCMP officers who were taken to hospital suffered non life-threatening injuries.

The RCMP said on Twitter that they were looking for 24-year-old Justin Bourque of Moncton.

The police force tweeted an image of a suspect wearing military camouflage and wielding two guns.

Const. Damien Theriault said police are urging people in the area to stay inside their homes and lock their doors. Drivers were also asked to stay out of the area.

"We're advising people to stay inside until further notice," Theriault said.

The RCMP released its first information on the shooting at about 9:15 p.m. through Twitter.

It confirmed the deaths of the three officers on Twitter at 11 p.m., tweeting: "3 officers mortally wounded by shooter. 2 officers sustained non life threatening injuries. Shooter still actively sought."

Sean Gallacher, who lives near the area where police were concentrating their search, said he heard what he now believes were gunshots but initially thought his daughter had dropped some toys on the floor above him.

"I was downstairs and heard a few bangs," said Gallacher, 35.

"I went to check but she hadn't dropped anything. Then I heard the news and realized what it actually was."

The Horizon Health Network, the province's largest health authority, said on its Twitter feed that two patients were taken to the Moncton Hospital with gunshot wounds.

"TMH is restricting visitors to those with critically ill family members. All others are asked to refrain from visiting at this time," the health board said in a subsequent tweet.

Premier David Alward offered his thoughts and prayers to those affected by the shooting.

"I was shocked and saddened to learn of tonight's tragic situation in Moncton," he said in a statement.

Federal Public Safety Minister Steven Blaney tweeted that he was also "shocked by the tragedy" in Moncton and that his "Thoughts and prayers with our frontline @rcmpgrcpolice officers and families."

Theriault said the search for the suspect was concentrated in the area of Ryan Street and Hildegarde Road.

His voicemail later said that the RCMP were searching for the suspect in the area of the Moncton Coliseum.

UPDATE 7:20 P.M.

The RCMP says three of its officers were killed in Moncton, N.B., by a man armed with guns and two other officers were injured as the Mounties conducted a manhunt across the city's north end on Wednesday night for the shooter.

The RCMP tweeted that three of its officers were "mortally wounded" and police spokesman Paul Greene confirmed that they are dead.

Greene says the two RCMP officers who were taken to hospital suffered non life-threatening injuries.

The RCMP said on Twitter that they were looking for 24-year-old Justin Bourque of Moncton.

The police force tweeted an image of a suspect wearing military camouflage and wielding two guns.

Const. Damien Theriault says police are urging people in the area to stay inside their homes and lock their doors.

Drivers were also asked to stay out of the area.

UPDATE 7 P.M.

A manhunt was underway late Wednesday in the north end of Moncton for a man armed with guns after an undisclosed number of people were shot, including RCMP officers, the Mounties said.

The RCMP in New Brunswick said on its Twitter feed that they were looking for 24-year-old Justin Bourque of Moncton. The police force tweeted an image of a suspect wearing military camouflage and wielding two guns.

RCMP spokesman Paul Greene said two RCMP officers were taken to hospital with non life-threatening injuries.

The Horizon Health Network, the province's largest health authority, said on its Twitter feed that two patients were taken to the Moncton Hospital with gunshot wounds.

"TMH is restricting visitors to those with critically ill family members. All others are asked to refrain from visiting at this time," the health board said in a subsequent tweet.

Const. Damien Theriault said police were urging people in the area to stay inside their homes and lock their doors. Drivers were also asked to stay out of the area.

"We're advising people to stay inside until further notice," Theriault said.

Federal Public Safety Minister Steven Blaney tweeted, "Shocked by the tragedy in #Moncton. Thoughts and prayers with our frontline @rcmpgrcpolice officers and families."

Theriault said the search for the suspect was concentrated in the area of Ryan Street and Hildegarde Road.

His voicemail later said that the RCMP were searching for the suspect in the area of the Moncton Coliseum.

Sean Gallacher, who lives near the area where police were concentrating their search, said he heard what he now believes were gunshots but initially thought his daughter had dropped some toys on the floor above him.

"I was downstairs and heard a few bangs," said Gallacher, 35.

"I went to check but she hadn't dropped anything. Then I heard the news and realized what it actually was."

ORIGINAL:

The RCMP in New Brunswick said a manhunt was underway late Wednesday in the north end of Moncton for a man armed with guns after an undisclosed number of people were shot.

Const. Damien Theriault said police were urging people in the area to stay inside.

"We're advising people to stay inside until further notice," Theriault said.

Theriault would not confirm reports that a police officer had been shot.

He said the search for the suspect was concentrated in the area of Ryan Street and Hildegarde Road.
Photo: Pinterest

When I got pregnant with my first child, I experienced a strange phenomenon. Suddenly, it was as if every woman on the planet was pregnant, or had recently given birth.

OK, perhaps that is a bit of an exaggeration, but everywhere I looked there were either expecting moms, or newly created ones. It wasnt until years later that I discovered the reason for this.

It wasnt that there was a sudden wave of pregnancies. These women had always been there, I just hadnt noticed them.

Your mind absorbs far more information than it processes. Anything that doesnt get processed and sent to your consciousness, stays in your subconscious.

There are many different statistics about the amount of information your mind takes in, versus the amount that gets processed.

For the sake of argument, lets use 40,000 bits per second get absorbed, but only 400 per second get processed. The numbers may vary depending on the study you read, but every source agrees that we take in far more information than we are ever aware of.

I hadnt planned to get pregnant, so up until the moment the dot on the stick turned pink, anything that had to do with pregnancy and babies was filed away. I wasnt interested in such things, so there was no reason to draw my attention to them.

Instead my mind processed the things I was focusing on like marriage, clothes, and school-aged children. The minute I started to think about being pregnant, my mind began to process everything that related to my thoughts.

What you think about is what you notice, but it is important to understand that there is so much more going on that you dont notice, or become conscious of.

This explains why teachers recommend to students that if they dont know the answer on a multiple-choice test, to go with their first instinct. There may be relevant information in your subconscious mind that you arent aware of.

Your mind likes alignment between your thoughts and your reality, so it strives to give you evidence to support whatever you think about, or believe. The realization that what we focus on is what we notice around us, was such a game changer for me.

If you believe you are living a horrible life, your mind will process any information that supports those thoughts. Anything that might illustrate goodness in your life, will remain filed away.

If you are currently single and would like a relationship, dont focus on not having a significant other. If you do, you will notice this fact repeatedly throughout your day.

If you dont like your job and are desperate for a new one, dont spend your time focusing on all the negative things about your work, and how much you hate it, unless you want to be reminded of this constantly.

Focus on anything, and your mind will work tirelessly to support you.

Now that you are aware of this fact, you can use it to your advantage. It doesnt take very much to shift your focus just enough to be positive about the things you want to change, rather than negative.

If you want a new relationship, dont focus on not having one, focus on being ready for one. Think about how perfect you are for the right person. Focus on the optimistic belief that he or she is looking for you too.

If you want a new job, focus on the type of job you are looking for, not the one you want to leave.

It is incredibly easy for us to say what we dont want in life, but have you taken time to get clear on what you do?

If not, this is a good first step. Ensure your mind processes information that will help you create what you want, not find more of what you dont want.

Awareness is necessary for transformation. If you want to feel happier about your life, decide what you want to be surrounded by, and let your mind help you prove it to be true.

This article is written by or on behalf of an outsourced columnist and does not necessarily reflect the views of Castanet.
Photo: CTV

The Tsilhqot'in Nation is commending the Law Society of British Columbia for removing the statue of a controversial, historic judge from its lobby.

The society previously featured the statue of Judge Matthew Begbie, who wrongfully convicted six Tsilhqot'in War Chiefs of murder in 1864, sentencing them to death by hanging.

The law society announced in April that it would remove the statue that is a negative symbol of the province's colonial past and replace it with a more inclusive image.

At the time, Law Society President Herman Van Ommen said the move is an important step in the journey toward reconciliation with Indigenous peoples in B.C.

Chief Joe Alphonse says the Tsilhqot'in continue to honour the six War Chiefs who defended their territory and traditional way of life against a foreign aggressor.

The First Nation is calling on the provincial government to follow the Law Society and remove Begbie's name from all public places.

"In this time of truth and reconciliation, Indigenous history and experiences can no longer be ignored," Alphonse says.
Photo: Contributed Cache Creek Fire Chief Clayton Cassidy.

Hundreds of firefighters gathered in Cache Creek Saturday to pay tribute to one of their own.

A silent procession of professional and volunteer firefighters wound through the streets of the B.C. Interior community in honour of Fire Chief Clayton Cassidy who died tragically last month.

It's believed Cassidy, 59, was swept away when he went to inspect the swollen creek on May 5.

His body was found on May 28, not far from where he had gone missing.

After floods hit the area in May of 2015, Cassidy worked hard to help residents whose homes were damaged. He was given a Medal of Good Citizenship by the provincial government for his service.

There wasn't a dry eye in the house when his three sons rose to speak.

Ken Cassidy said the loss of their father was unfair and sudden, and saying goodbye is impossible, while Kevin Cassidy said he wished there was a bigger word than thank you for the people who spent weeks looking for their father.

Clayton Cassidy's widow Rose was presented with his helmet and the family received a rolling salute from firefighters lining the streets as they left.

His son Derek Cassidy said he hoped others, especially firefighters, learn from the tragedy, and take caution in risky situations.

"Never go at it alone, especially if you think there's a type of risk involved. Having someone with you can save your life," he said.

Cache Creek Mayor John Ranata has previously said his death is a tragedy that will live with the community for years to come.

- with files from The Canadian Press
(File photo/Xinhua)

BEIJING, June 3 (Xinhua) -- Automotive vehicles have emerged as a major source of China's air pollution, according to a report released by the Ministry of Environmental Protection (MEP) on Saturday.

China had 295 million automotive vehicles on its roads as of the end of last year, emitting pollutants weighing about 44.725 million tonnes, down 1.3 percent year on year, the report showed.

Analysis of air pollutants of 15 major Chinese cities showed that local mobile emitters, a category that includes vehicles, contributed to about 13.5 percent to 41 percent of total fine particle concentration, according to Liu Bingjiang, a senior official with MEP.

The MEP will enhance supervision on the production, use and elimination of automotive vehicles to reduce air pollution, Liu added.
Photo: CTV This sinkhole appeared Saturday morning at the entrance to Granville Island under the Granville Street Bridge.

A sinkhole at the entrance to Granville Island in Vancouver is causing traffic woes on a sunny Saturday.

The sinkhole appeared underneath the Granville Street Bridge. City officials said a pipe under the road burst, and the waste it was carrying to a nearby pump station began bubbling to the surface.

The 30-foot-wide hole caught the attention of many perplexed people passing by.

We saw lots of water running that way so we didnt know what it is, one woman riding her bike said.

The vehicle disruption proved to be a problem for tour buses who take visitors to the popular tourist destination.

Despite the vehicular mayhem, businesses on the island stayed open for business.

Crews are currently working on fixing the problem.

- with files from CTV
Photo: Contributed

There's been an up tick of bear activity on the Sunshine Coast and the Conservation Officer Service says mother nature is to blame.

Dean Miller says the drastic change from the colder weather to hot temperatures is delaying berry productions

He says the public should be on guard around this time of year because bears are fully out of hibernation.

People should keep all attractants such as food and garbage for bears sealed and indoors.
Photo: David Ogilvie

Emergency crews were called to a single-vehicle accident on the Westside Saturday evening.

Witnesses tell Castanet a compact car travelling south on Highway 97 took the exit onto Grizzly Road and went over the island, hit the centre posts in the middle of the road before hitting the posts on the right side of the road.

It is believed to be only minor injuries in the mishap.

There is no word on any charges stemming from the incident.
A Vancouver pup is being hailed as a hero with its induction into the Purina Animal Hall of Fame.

Pint-sized Leo saved the life of his owner just 10 days after she brought him home.

The Biewer Yorkshire Terrier was one of three dogs inducted into the hall of fame, and won $5,000 for owner Brittany Cosgrove, a medal of honour, and free dog food for a year.

On New Year's Eve 2016, Cosgrove and Leo had just returned to their downtown apartment after a flight from Ottawa.

Leo's frantic barking woke Cosgrove at 2 a.m. and alerted her to a fire in their home.

The fire forced 30 residents from the building, but luckily everyone got out safely.

"It was Leo's persistent barking and perseverance to wake Brittany that began this crucial chain of events," Purina said in bestowing the honour.

"His keen intuition to recognize the dangerous nature of the fire  new sights, sounds and smells he had never encountered before as a puppy  is what led everyone to safety."

 with files from CTV Vancouver
Photo: CTV

UPDATE: 6:15 a.m.

A police standoff in Surrey concluded peacefully late Saturday night with the arrest of a man following a shooting.

The standoff ended at 11:50 p.m. after a heavy police presence was reported on the 1300 block of 176th Street.

The Lower Mainland Emergency Response Team contained the area while negotiators contacted the suspect.

About 7:15 p.m., RCMP responded to a report of a shooting and found one man who had been shot. The victim was taken to hospital and is in stable condition.

The incident is believed to be targeted, and the subjects known to each other.

Traffic in the area was closed down for several hours during the standoff.

ORIGINAL: 10 p.m.

RCMP have converged on an unfolding police incident in Surrey.

The nature of the incident, on the 1300 block of 176th Street, is not yet known.

Roads are closed in the immediate area, including 176th Street, between 16th Avenue and 8th Avenue. Transit in the area is also affected.

A large police police presence, with multiple cruisers, can be seen on the closed section of 176th.

Police are asking the public to stay out of the area.
A demonstration is held to protest against U.S. President Donald Trump's decision to withdraw from the Paris Agreement, outside the White House in Washington D.C. June 1, 2017. Donald Trump said on Thursday that he has decided to pull the U.S. out of the Paris Agreement, a landmark global pact to deal with climate change. (Xinhua/Yan Liang)

RABAT, June 3 (Xinhua) -- Salaheddine Mezouar, the president of the 22nd Conference of the parties to the UN Convention on Climate Change (COP22), said global climate action will continue despite the decision of U.S. President Donald Trump to withdraw from the Paris Agreement, local media reported on Saturday.

"Despite this decision, climate action remains undeniable and irreversible. Our collective efforts to fight climate change don't stop, not here, not today, quite the contrary they accelerate," the daily Le Matin cited a statement from Mezouar.

"We will maintain our spirit of collaboration and ambition adopted in the Marrakech Proclamation and we will continue to pursue our collective efforts to fully implement the Paris Agreement," he added.

"Today, we reaffirm, more than ever, our commitment to collective action for our climate and sustainable development, in particular for the most vulnerable. The future of our children and our planet depends on us," he concluded.
(Photo/Chinanews.com)

MANILA, June 3 (Xinhua) -- The Chinese Embassy in the Philippines confirmed on Saturday that five Chinese nationals were among 38 people died in an attack on a Manila casino hotel.

The Chinese victims included one from the Chinese mainland and four from Taiwan, according to the embassy.

The Chinese Embassy has maintained contact with local police and the attacked hotel since the incident happened early Friday.

The lone gunman stormed the Resorts World Manila around midnight Thursday, firing shots inside the casino hotel and setting gaming tables on fire. He was among the 38 dead, most of whom died of suffocation.

The Chinese Embassy expressed their concern and asked the Philippine side to speed up investigation. The embassy also extended deepest condolences to the victims and would provide assistance to their relatives.

Philippine Presidential Spokesperson Ernie Abella said Saturday that all indications in the Resorts World Manila pointed to a criminal act by an apparently emotionally disturbed individual, ruling out a terrorist act although the Islamic State group claimed responsibility.

Abella said Philippine police had conducted an initial investigation, showing that the gunman did not shoot any civilian but only fired shots at LED televisions, burned gambling tables, and stole gambling chips before he burned and shot himself.

UPDATE: Manila casino attacker was gambling addict, say local police
(Photo/CGTN)

London police have said that two incidents which took place late on Saturday are terrorist incidents.

"At 0025hrs 4/6/17 the incidents at #LondonBridge & #BoroughMarket were declared as terrorist incidents," police posted on its official Twitter account.

The Sun newspaper reported that up to seven people were killed.

The initial attack began as a van plowed into pedestrians on the iconic London Bridge around 10pm local time.

Reports suggest that as many as 3 suspects, armed with knives, then emerged from the van and began attacking people in the popular tourist area in central London.

Initial suggestions are that a number of people have been stabbed, with more than one fatality confirmed.

Local authorities say a 3rd stabbing incident at the time of the attacks, which took place about a kilometer away from the site of the first attacks, is not related.

Metropolitan police in the UK have not confirmed the number of casualties at this point, or whether arrests have been made.

However, police have confirmed that officers have fired shots in the incident.

Reports from the scene have suggested at least one arrest may have been made shortly after the initial incident involving the van.

London Mayor Sadiq Khan has condemned the incidents, describing them as "a deliberate and cowardly attack on innocent Londoners."

The mayor issued a statement early on Sunday in which he urged the public to remain calm as the situation is still unfolding.

A timeline for the incident:

The Latest on an incident on London Bridge (all times local):

2:47 a.m.

The London Ambulance Service says more than 20 people have been injured in the vehicle and knife attack in the London Bridge area.

The service says "we have taken at least 20 patients to six hospitals across London." Several other people were treated at the scene for less serious injuries.

It is urging people only to call an ambulance in an emergency as they treat victims of the attack.

2:20 a.m.

The U.S. State Department says that the "United States condemns the cowardly attacks targeting innocent civilians in London this evening."

State Department spokeswoman Heather Nauert said Saturday evening: "The United States stands ready to provide any assistance authorities in the United Kingdom may request."

She said: "Our hearts are with the families and loved ones of the victims. We wish a full and quick recovery to those injured in the attacks. All Americans stand in solidarity with the people of the United Kingdom."

The agency's statement was similar in tone to a tweet from President Donald Trump earlier in the evening: "Whatever the United States can do to help out in London and the U. K., we will be there - WE ARE WITH YOU. GOD BLESS! "

___

2:15 a.m.

Australia's foreign minister describes the incidents at London Bridge and London's Borough Market as a "shocking situation."

Foreign Minister Julie Bishop says in a statement: "We stand ready to support the British government as it responds to these attacks and our thoughts are with those injured and their families."

The Australian Government is seeking to determine if any Australians are involved or affected in any way.

___

2:10 a.m.

The editor of the Sun tweeted that the newspaper has confirmed the blasts heard outside its offices were police-controlled explosions.

The blasts occurred at 1:23 a.m. and 1:25 a.m.

A third explosion was heard a few minutes later near The Shard, an iconic skyscraper close to London Bridge, the Sun reported. Several fire engines were parked outside the building at the time of the blast.

___

1:55 a.m.

The Sun newspaper reported that two explosions were heard outside the paper's offices near London Bridge. The blasts, which occurred at 1:23 a.m. and 1:25 a.m., are believed to have been controlled explosions carried out by police, the newspaper said.

A third explosion was heard a few minutes later near The Shard, an iconic skyscraper close to London Bridge, the Sun reported. Several fire engines were parked outside the building at the time of the blast.

___

1:50 a.m.

As in Manchester two weeks ago, Londoners were quick to offer assistance to those caught up in the attacks at London Bridge and Borough Market.

Phaldip Singh, who describes himself as an entrepreneur and youth activist, tweeted that Sikh Gurdwaras were open to provide food and shelter for those affected by the attacks. Gurdwaras are places of worship that traditionally serve simple meals to anyone, regardless of their religion.

The Royal Oak pub in Southwark opened its doors to people evacuated from hotels inside the area cordoned off by police. At least one minicab company tweeted an offer of free rides for people stranded in the area.

___ 1:40 a.m.

London Mayor Sadiq Khan has condemned the incidents at London Bridge and on Borough Market, describing them as "a deliberate and cowardly attack on innocent Londoners."

The mayor issued a statement early Sunday in which he urged the public to remain calm as the situation is still unfolding.

He says that his thoughts are with everyone affected.

"This was a deliberate and cowardly attack on innocent Londoners and visitors to our city enjoying their Saturday night," Khan said. "I condemn it in the strongest possible terms. There is no justification whatsoever for such barbaric acts."

___

1:15 a.m.

U.S. President Donald Trump is arguing in favor of his controversial travel ban as London authorities respond to reports of a string of attacks.

London authorities are investigating reports that a vehicle has hit pedestrians on London Bridge. Two other incidents also are being reported.

Trump began tweeting about the attacks an hour or so after initial news reports. One tweet read: "We need to be smart, vigilant and tough. We need the courts to give us back our rights. We need the Travel Ban as an extra level of safety!"

Federal courts have blocked Trump's travel ban on six mostly Muslim countries and refugees from anywhere in the world. His administration is asking the U.S. Supreme Court to reinstate it.

Trump also tweeted a pledge of help and support for London.

__

1:05 a.m.

Police say a hit-and-run and stabbings on and near London Bridge have been officially declared a "terrorist incident."

Armed officers flooded the busy area of the city after a van struck multiple people on the bridge. Witnesses also reported seeing people being stabbed by at least one man.

Police say the incidents occurred on the bridge and at Borough Market a short distance away.

The force initially said they were also responding to a reported third incident, in the Vauxhall area of London. But they said later that turned out to be an unrelated stabbing.

___

12:55 a.m.

Police say they are working with Royal Naval Lifeboat Institution to evacuate public from the London Bridge incident.

Police say a vehicle reportedly ran down pedestrians on London Bridge, and there were reports of stabbings nearby.

The BBC says more than one person has been killed.

British Prime Minister Theresa May says the incident "is being treated as a potential act of terrorism."

__

12:42 a.m.

British Prime Minister Theresa May says an incident involving a vehicle and reported stabbings in London "is being treated as a potential act of terrorism."

May says it is a "fast-moving investigation" and her thoughts are with those caught up in the "dreadful events."

Police say a vehicle reportedly ran down pedestrians on London Bridge, and there were reports of stabbings nearby. They has also responded to an incident in another area of London, Vauxhaul.

The BBC says more than one person has been killed.

_____

12:36 a.m.

Jeremy Corbyn, the head of the Labour Party, said on Twitter: "Brutal and shocking incidents reported in London. My thoughts are with the victims and their families. Thank you to the emergency services."

___

12:19 a.m.

Downing Street says Prime Minister Theresa May will chair a meeting of the government's emergency response committee on Sunday.

A spokesman for May says the prime minister is in contact with officials and is being regularly updated.

May has not commented yet but in the past she has convened her emergency security Cabinet known as Cobra after major incidents.

Britain's official terror threat had recently been lowered from "critical" after a bombing killed 22 people at an Ariana Grande concert in Manchester.

___

12 a.m.

London police say they are responding to reports that a vehicle hit pedestrians on London Bridge and that there were stabbings at busy Borough Market nearby.

Soon after they responded to another incident in the Vauxhall area, over a mile away.

The Metropolitan Police says armed officers have been sent to the scenes and shots were fired. They did not say if officers fired the shots.

The force has tweeted a warning telling people in the area to run to safety, hide and then call police if it is safe to do so.

___

11:50 p.m.

A spokesman for Prime Minister Theresa May says she is being briefed on the incident at London Bridge.

The spokesman says the prime minister is in contact with officials and is being regularly updated.

May has not commented yet but in the past she has convened her emergency security Cabinet known as Cobra after major incidents.

Britain's official terror threat had recently been lowered from "critical" after a bombing killed 22 people at an Ariana Grande concert in Manchester.

U.S. President Donald Trump's spokesman says Trump has been briefed by his national security team and he will be provided with updates.

___

11:40 p.m.

British transport police say there are reports of multiple casualties following a major incident on London Bridge.

Nick Brandon of the British Transport Police control room says he has received reports of an incident possibly involving a knife and a vehicle.

Witnesses have reported seeing people hit by a vehicle on London Bridge. Police say they're responding to an incident there and another at Borough Market, a busy area of pubs and restaurants nearby.

He said the seriousness of the injuries is not yet known.

___

11:30 p.m.

London police are treating injured people on a small street some 500 meters (yards) southwest of London Bridge, where witnesses say pedestrians were hit by a vehicle and police say they are responding to an incident.

Britain's Press Association news agency says members of the public were told to run away as fast as they could from the area, which is filled with restaurants and pubs.

Nick Archer, who was in the London Bridge area, says he came out of a bar and looked to his left and saw a man lying on the ground. He thought the person had been drinking, but then police vans flew by.

___

11:25 p.m.

London police say they are responding to an incident at Borough Market, a popular tourist area with restaurants and bars a short distance from London Bridge, where a vehicle is reported to have hit pedestrians.

The Metropolitan Police force says armed officers are responding at both scenes.

Witnesses have reported seeing injured people on the ground on the bridge. Police have closed a nearby railway station and told people to get away from the area.

___

11:10 p.m.

London's transportation authority has closed three London Underground stations near London Bridge, where police say they are dealing with an incident and witnesses report seeing a vehicle hitting pedestrians.

An eyewitness tells Sky News he saw people who seemed to have been run over and people being placed in an ambulance covered in blankets.

London Metropolitan Police have said only that they are dealing with an incident on the bridge, and London Mayor Sadiq Khan tweeted that people should follow police on Twitter for updates.

Another eyewitness tells Sky he heard a burst of gunfire during the incident.

___

11 p.m.

British police say they are dealing with an "incident" on London Bridge.

Witnesses report a vehicle hitting pedestrians and injured people on the ground.

Transport for London says busy London Bridge station has been closed at the request of police.
Three Floyds and Mikkeller joined forces in 2015 to open a WarPigs brewpub in Copenhagen. (Three Floyds)

The fourth Floyd has arrived. His name is Mikkeller.

Three Floyds and Danish brewer Mikkel Borg Bjergso, founder of the renowned Mikkeller beer brand, are teaming up for a new operation in the U.S., WarPigs Brewing, which will launch in Chicago this week.

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WarPigs will begin with three beers on draft and in 12-ounce cans: Lazurite IPA, Salmon Pants Lager and Foggy Geezer Hazy IPA (a nod to the hottest style going in craft beer right now).

The first kegs of Lazurite IPA will be tapped at the WarPigs Brewing launch party 6 p.m. Friday at Emporium Arcade Bar's Wicker Park location (1366 N. Milwaukee Ave.). The lager and Hazy IPA will be available on draft by the end of June and in cans by September.

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Because Three Floyds's Munster, Ind., brewery is at production capacity, WarPigs is being made under contract at Great Central Brewing Co. in Chicago and Wisconsin Brewing Co. in Verona, Wis. Three Floyds founder Nick Floyd and brewmaster Chris Boggess are overseeing production.

Three Floyds and Mikkeller joined forces in 2015 to open a WarPigs brewpub in Copenhagen. All three beers coming to the U.S. have previously been available there.

Asked whether a WarPigs brewpub could open in Chicago, a brewery spokeswoman said, "It could happen."

WarPigs Brewing will be distributed in and around Chicago by Windy City Distributing, which also distributes Three Floyds and dozens of other top craft beers. WarPigs is also looking to distribute in Indiana, Minnesota, Ohio and Wisconsin.

Here's more information on each beer, supplied by the brewery:

WarPigs Lazurite India Pale Ale (6.8 percent alcohol)

Eat. Watch. Do. Weekly What to eat. What to watch. What you need to live your best life ... now. >

One of WarPigs Brewpub's flagship beers created by 3 Floyds' Nick Floyd and Chris Boggess, and Mikkeller's Mikkel Borg Bjergso and Kyle Wolak, who started as a dishwasher at 3 Floyds and worked his way up to head brewer at WarPigs Copenhagen. A bright and juicy American IPA. Grapefruit, stone fruit, citrus and herbal aromas. A full malt body to balance the long-lasting bitterness.

WarPigs Salmon Pants Lager (5.3 percent)

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Grainy malt aromas mixed with floral, citrus and melon notes. A light body and a dry finish.

WarPigs Foggy Geezer Hazy India Pale Ale (6.8 percent)

Super fruity and dank with a firm bitterness. Citrus, peach and tropical fruit aromas.

jbnoel@chicagotribune.com

Twitter @joshbnoel
Toddlers are irrational creatures. How else to explain why my 2 1/2-year-old daughter flat out refuses to eat macaroni and cheese. She loves macaroni, demanding that we use the short little elbows found in the blue-boxed Kraft mac and cheese, but she honestly prefers when I mix the cooked noodles with butter and, I kid you not, some soy sauce. I call this mixture "plain noodles," and she falls for it every time. You can decide whether I'm a terrible parent or not.

Needless to say, my family now has a whole cache of powdered cheese packets on hand, just waiting for some practical use. But what can you do with a product that was scientifically engineered in a laboratory to be used for one specific purpose? Well, you start sprinkling the bright orange substance on random items and see what happens.

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First, I should point out that the powder is more than just dried cheese, but you probably already guessed as much. Of course, it's tempting to go in the other direction and assume the powder contains nothing but unnatural substances with four-syllable names. But the ingredient list happens to be on the box.

The first four ingredients in Kraft's cheese sauce mix are whey, milkfat, milk protein concentrate and salt. Hey, so far so good! It's only toward the end of the list that you run into sodium triphosphate, citric acid, lactic acid and sodium phosphate. Renowned food scientist Harold McGee explains in "On Food and Cooking" that those ingredients are the bedrock of the processed cheese industry. They help "new, partly ripened, and fully ripened cheeses" melt together into a "homogeneous mass" that melts "nicely when cooked." Not exactly the most appetizing thought, but at least they have a purpose.

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What does this all mean in practical purposes? In some ways the powder is a salty umami bomb, ready to add a savory depth to anything it touches. But the powder doesn't necessarily enjoy playing with others. First of all, there's the bright orange hue, which casts everything in a neonlike glow. And as soon as you add a liquid and heat to the party, the powder will remember its one true purpose and form the familiar sauce.

Here are some ideas for exploiting the unique properties of Kraft's cheese powder.

Use the cheese sauce packets from boxes of Kraft Macaroni and Cheese Dinner for five hacks, elevating favorite foods with the cheesy, salty flavors. (Michael Tercha / Chicago Tribune)

Cheesy bloody mary

The bloody mary can handle all manner of oddball ingredients, but it's almost embarrassing to admit how well cheese powder works here. The trick is to line the edge of the glass with the powder, as you would with salt for a margarita. That way, each sip gets a rush of salty cheese powder.

Pour the cheese powder onto a plate and spread into an even layer. Use a quartered lemon to wet the rim of a glass. Turn the glass upside down and press into the cheese powder to coat the entire rim. Fill the glass with ice. Add 4 ounces of tomato juice, 2 ounces of vodka, 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce, 1 ounce lemon juice. Stir until cold. Sprinkle a pinch of cheese powder on top.

Cheesy popcorn

This is a no-brainer. Unlike the cheese popcorn purchased from a store, you can devour this while it's still warm.

Toss freshly popped popcorn in a bowl with melted butter. Sprinkle a cheese packet over the popcorn. Toss until all the kernels are evenly coated. If you're using microwaved popcorn with the butter already added (and why not), just add the powdered cheese to the bowl and toss.

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Cheesy eggs

The orange powder adds a creamy consistency, without completely overwhelming each bite in this very simple scramble.

Whisk together 2 eggs and 2 tablespoons of cheese powder in a bowl. Melt 2 tablespoons butter in a skillet over medium heat. Pour in the eggs and cook, stirring every few seconds, until eggs have set.

Faux Doritos

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At first, this sounded simple, but getting the powder to adhere to the chips required some testing. Plus, to get the right flavor profile of Doritos, you'll need to add some paprika and cayenne for color and a smidge of heat.

The easiest way is to spread some tortilla chips (about 8 cups) on a baking sheet and either spray them with baking spray or brush both sides lightly with canola oil. Add all of the cheese packet, 1 tablespoon of paprika and 1/2 teaspoon cayenne to a large zip-top bag and shake until thoroughly mixed. Add the chips, and toss until each chip is evenly coated. Spread the chips back on the sheet pan, and sprinkle more of the powder from the bag on top of each. Bake in a 300-degree oven until warm, about 10 minutes.

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Cheesy drop biscuits

Thanks to that recent Beyonce shoutout, it's OK again to profess your secret love for the cheddar biscuits at Red Lobster. But if you have a cheese packet at home, making them yourself turns out to be rather easy. The results will have a slightly unnatural orange glow, but that's a small price for something so incredibly easy to make.

Heat the oven to 400 degrees. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Cut 1 stick of butter into small cubes. Toss butter in a large bowl with 2 cups flour, 2 teaspoons baking powder, 1/2 teaspoon salt and 1 cheese packet. (Add more if you want more cheesy flavor.) Use your fingers to mix butter into the flour mixture, until it forms a coarse meal. Pour in 1 cup milk, and stir gently until just combined. Arrange 1/4-cup scoops of the dough on the baking sheet. Transfer to the oven and bake until lightly browned on top, around 15 minutes.

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Twitter @nickdk
Police work the scene where an officer was shot in the hand near the 8100 block of South Maryland Avenue Saturday, June 3, 2017 in Chicago. (Armando L. Sanchez/Chicago Tribune) (Armando L. Sanchez/Chicago Tribune)

A Chicago police officer and an armed gunman each suffered a gunshot wound during a scuffle that turned into a shootout Saturday night.

As the two struggled to get control of a gun, the officer was shot in the hand and that officer's partner shot back at the man, critically injuring him inside an East Chatham apartment building, authorities said.

The man was running from police about 11:10 p.m. after officers saw him drinking outside in the 8100 block of South Maryland Avenue, Chicago police said. When officers approached him the man ran off, into a nearby apartment building.

The man ducked into a stairwell and that's when the officers, who were chasing him, saw a gun and tried to get it away from him, said First Deputy Superintendent Kevin Navarro. A gun was later found there.

The wounded officer, whose name has not been released, is a two-year department veteran detailed from the Calumet police district on the Far South Side to the Summer Mobile Patrol, according to Chicago police spokesman Anthony Guglielmi.

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After he was shot, other officers on the same call applied a tourniquet and used an emergency first aid kit to contain the bleeding, authorities said. He then was taken to Advocate Christ Medical Center in Oak Lawn where he is awaiting surgical consult on the injury to his hand, Guglielmi said Sunday morning. He was listed in good condition.

A second officer was taken to Little Company of Mary Hospital to be checked for injuries, according to the Chicago fire department. The man was taken to Stroger Hospital in critical condition with multiple gunshot wounds, a fire department spokesman said.

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Police didn't immediately have an age for the man. It's not clear whether any charges are pending against him.

Relatives of the man gathered outside Stroger Hospital declined to comment. They complained that police were chasing the man, and they could be heard shouting.

The apartment building is located in a residential block behind a commercial strip of restaurants, grocery stores and laundromats that line 81st Street.

A man who was in his home near the apartment building where the shooting took place said he heard "a couple shots," went outside and saw "a lot of commotion." Others came to street corners near the police tape and pulled out their cellphones and started taking pictures and recording video.

The shooting involved officers assigned to the special Summer Mobile Patrol, Chicago police spokesman Anthony Guglielmi said.

on Friday. In that incident, officers said Lewis fired a shot at their unmarked squad car as they were responding to a call of a person with a gun in an alley. The night before, officers from the same unit were involved in the fatal shooting of a 17-year-old boy, Corsean Lewis, in the Washington Park neighborhood on Friday. In that incident, officers said Lewis fired a shot at their unmarked squad car as they were responding to a call of a person with a gun in an alley.

The Summer Mobile Patrol unit was rolled out last week in an effort to tamp down the expected uptick in violence seen during the warmer months. It was created last year and at any given time it is staffed by some of the "several hundred" officers assigned to the detail from across the city.

The Independent Police Review Authority is investigating both weekend shootings. A spokeswoman did not immediately respond to requests for comment.

As is customary for all officer-involved shootings, the officers involved will be placed on routine administrative duty for 30 days.

Asked whether police bosses were reminding officers to be vigilant after two straight police-involved shootings, Guglielmi said:

"At every roll call, officers are briefed on safety and district intelligence issues and reminded of the importance of supporting and backing each other up. The most dangerous thing you can ask anyone to do is to engage a bad guy with a gun. Every single night our officers confront armed and potentially dangerous individuals, which demonstrates their commitment and personal dedication to making this city safer."
Clarence Dunner, 37, is charged in a shooting that left a 64-year-old woman and a 42-year-old wounded in Rogers Park has been charged, authorities said. (Chicago police photo / )

A man caught as he tried to run away from an early Friday shooting that left a 64-year-old woman and a 42-year-old man wounded in Rogers Park has been charged, authorities said.

Clarence D. Dunner, 37, of the 900 block of North Laramie Avenue, is being held without bail in Cook Count Jail on charges of attempted murder and aggravated battery with a firearm in the shooting about 12:40 a.m. Friday in the 1600 block of West Jonquil Terrace, according to police and court records.

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The male victim was standing in an alley when a gunman came up and opened fire, hitting him in the buttock and back, police said.

The woman was in an apartment, but a bullet broke through her window and hit her.

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Both victims were taken to Presence St. Francis Hospital in Evanston, where their conditions were stabilized.

Family told WGN-TV that the woman had just gone to bed when the bullet came through her first-floor apartment's window. She was treated and released from St. Francis. Witnesses told WGN-TV that Dunner was caught as he tried to run away.

Police said a suspect was arrested and a gun taken into evidence soon after the shooting.

It was the fifth shooting on Jonquil Terrace, a three-block-long street at the north edge of the city, in the past year, and the eighth since the Tribune began tracking all Chicago shootings in late 2011. In April, Darlis Nkolomoni, 18, was shot to death less than two blocks east.

WGN-TV contributed.
Democratic governor hopeful Chris Kennedy on Sunday said J.B. Pritzker doesn't "deserve" to hold the state's highest office, citing comments his opponent made to then-Gov. Rod Blagojevich during phone conversations recorded by federal agents in 2008.

The FBI recordings, first reported by the Tribune last week, captured Pritzker asking Blagojevich to appoint him state treasurer should the office become open. In one conversation, Blagojevich sought a campaign donation, with Pritzker replying he didn't "think we should even talk about it," but also saying at one point, "I hear ya."

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Kennedy, appearing on WGN 720-AM on Sunday, seized on that remark.

"See, a guy like J.B. Pritzker, they catch him on tape and he's talking about maybe swapping money for an appointment with Gov. Blagojevich and he's using insider language, he's using code words like, 'I hear ya, I hear ya,'" Kennedy said.

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"I mean, anybody who's ever watched 'Goodfellas' or one of those mob movies knows that they're not going to come out and say, 'If you give me this, I'll give you that.' They use code language and that's part of it," he said.

Kennedy, a member of the iconic Massachusetts political family, also criticized Pritzker for laughing when Blagojevich learns from him that a bank once headed by Penny Pritzker failed over an overreliance on subprime loans.

"Superior Bank turned out to be an inferior bank," Blagojevich remarked in one recording, speaking about the bank, which failed in 2001.

"Inferior. Exactly, exactly. Very good," Pritzker said. "I like that. Inferior Bank. I haven't thought about that. That's a good one."

Kennedy called it a "sick thing" when Pritzker "laughs at his sister's failure, when Blagojevich makes fun of his sister's bank going down and he laughs about that." Kennedy added, "When you're part of somebody's family, you don't laugh at their failure."

Kennedy also said Pritzker was laughing at the crisis created by subprime lending for mortgages that were offered to the poor who could not afford them, "destroying not only that house that's now vacant and abandoned, but the entire block so that people move away, and then they close the local school and now the entire neighborhood is circling the drain.

"And he and Blagojevich think that that's funny. And no one who thinks that stuff is funny deserves to be the governor of the state of Illinois," Kennedy said.

Pritzker responded with a statement that condemned Kennedy for attacking his family, saying he "expected my opponents to throw everything at me during the course of this campaign."

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But, Pritzker said, "I certainly didn't expect Chris Kennedy, who knows more than anyone what it's like to grow up with your family in the public limelight, to attack me and my family. I'm running for governor on my life's work in business and the community, not my family's, and I hope that Chris would begin to do the same."

The back-and-forth between the two candidates came a day after Tom Balanoff, who heads the politically active Service Employees International Union Local 1, offered some advice for Pritzker and two other Democratic governor candidates, state Sen. Daniel Biss of Evanston and Northwest Side Ald. Ameya Pawar: "Don't eat each other up because one of you are going to come out of this and we've got to beat" Republican Gov. Bruce Rauner.

Indeed, the Saturday SEIU forum found Pritzker, Biss and Pawar largely focusing on Rauner rather than one another. Kennedy did not attend because of a family graduation but sent a brother-in-law as a surrogate.

Pawar, the 47th Ward alderman, went so far as to accuse Rauner of racism over the governor's call to suspend the immigration of refugees from war-torn Syria into Illinois after 130 people were killed in a series of terrorist attacks in Paris in November 2015.

"Let's start by recognizing a simple truth. No human being is illegal," Pawar told a few hundred people at Plumbers Hall on the Near West Side.

"And here's the other thing. It's true, Donald Trump is a racist, he's a bigot, he's a xenophobe  but so is Bruce Rauner because this is the same governor, the same governor, who wanted to ban Syrian refugees before Donald Trump called for it. That's immoral," Pawar said.

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Asked to respond to Pawar's comments, the Rauner campaign issued a general statement criticizing the Democratic candidates for governor.

Biss told union members that Rauner is a chief problem in trying to get equitable school funding for Chicago and school districts across the state.

"Bruce Rauner, who is trying to torpedo the Chicago Public School district, who's trying to break the Chicago Teachers Union, who wants to take apart that district so they can privatize it and make his friends in the charter school business wealthy, and he is doing it on purpose, and he is fighting tooth and nail to hurt Chicago schoolchildren," Biss said.

Pritzker touted endorsements he already has received from organized labor, primarily from trade unions, and said his effort is aimed not only at winning the governor's office but also at electing more Democrats to the General Assembly to bolster its majorities.

"We also need to win at every level. We need more state legislators who stand for a progressive income tax. We need more state senators who will stand up for a progressive income tax, and that's why I'm not just running this campaign about winning for governor, I'm running this campaign about Democrats winning all up and down the ticket," he said.

All four of the major campaigns for the Democratic governor nomination expressed support for a graduated income tax to replace the state's current flat-rate tax, something that would require a state constitutional amendment to be approved by voters. The campaigns also agreed on a $15 minimum wage rate, improved school funding and legislation that would prevent law enforcement officials from cooperating with federal immigration authorities.

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Balanoff, the union's president, said no endorsement is planned soon. He urged the state's umbrella organization for organized labor, the Illinois AFL-CIO, to also take a wait-and-see attitude. Elements of labor already aligned with Pritzker have been pushing for an early endorsement.

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Twitter @rap30
People run after an explsion that targeted afuneral in Kabul, Afghanistan on June 3, 2017. (Jawad Jalali / EPA)

At least six people were killed Saturday when a trio of suicide bombers struck a funeral attended by senior government officials, just three days after a powerful truck bomb in one of the most heavily guarded parts of the capital killed 90 people and wounded more than 450.

The string of high-profile attacks has raised serious concerns about the ability of Afghan authorities and security forces to provide even the most basic levels of protection for its citizens.

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Wahid Mujro, spokesman for the Public Health ministry, said 87 people were wounded when three explosions rocked a cemetery where Salim Ezadyar, the son of a senior Afghan parliamentarian, was about to be buried. Ezadyar was one of several people killed Friday when police clashed with protestors who were demanding better security in the capital.

Afghanistan's chief executive Abdullah Abdullah was in attendance at the funeral and appeared live on television afterward. He said the explosions came from a trio of suicide bombers and demanded an investigation into how the attackers were able to get so close to a funeral attended by senior government officials.

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Abdullah also called for an investigation into whether police used live fire against protestors on Friday.

The nature of Friday's demonstration shifted when protesters  many calling for the country's leadership to resign  attempted to move closer to the palace and some rushed police, who fired warning shots and used water cannons and eventually tear gas in attempt to disperse the crowd. The city's police chief said some demonstrators fired weapons in the direction of his men.

A member of Parliament said Friday that eight protesters had been shot dead, while a hospital official said four corpses were brought to his facility. Police said Friday two protesters were killed and 25 police injured but would not comment on the number of fatalities when asked to clarify the death toll Saturday.

Meanwhile on Saturday, Gen. Murad Ali Murad, deputy interior minister, urged demonstrators to disperse because of a high security threat level in the country. He also called on members of the public not to join the demonstration.

President Ashraf Ghani, meanwhile, met with senior security officials during an emergency security meeting. A statement from the president's office said the meeting called for an investigation into the nature of the deadly violence at the protest.

Ghani spoke briefly on television and call for national unity.

"Terrorist groups plot to sow chaos. Their aim is to create poor governance and disorder in communities," he said. "We must not let ourselves fall into the trap that the enemies have brought to our country."

Most of the casualties from the truck bombing were civilians, including women and children, officials have said. But the dead also included Afghan security guards at multiple the facilities, including the U.S. Embassy.

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A U.S. State Department official said 11 American contractors were wounded, none with life-threatening injuries.

No one has claimed responsibility for the attack, which came in the first week of the Muslim holy month of Ramadan.
Chinese ambassador to Mexico, Qiu Xiaoqi (photo/Chinese Embassy in Mexico)

MEXICO CITY, June 3 (Xinhua) -- The Chapultepec Park Zoo in Mexico City Saturday received a special award from China for its conservation and care of pandas.

"The pandas are magnificent ambassadors of friendship that have joined our countries for over 40 years," said Qiu Xiaoqi, Chinese ambassador to Mexico, at the award ceremony at the pandas' enclosure in Chapultepec Park.

He said this event showed bilateral relations were better than ever and that Mexico was a strategic partner with excellent political ties with China.

At the ceremony, Mexico City's Secretary of Environment Tanya Muller said the city views "biodiversity and conservation as very important."

The pandas' enclosure now is home to Shuan Shuan, daughter of Pe Pe and Ying Ying, who will turn 30 on June 15, and Xin Xin, daughter of Tohui, who will turn 27 on July 1.

Pe Pe and Ying Ying were one of the most prolific breeding panda pairs in captivity, having given birth to seven cubs. Among them, Tohui became the most emblematic panda in Mexico before passing away in 1983.

The average life span of pandas in the wild is 15 years, while those in captivity enjoy a much longer life due to better nutrition and living conditions.

According to Claudia Lewy, the director general of zoos and wild life in Mexico City, each panda here receives special treatment and has their own carer and area.

Besides eating 15 kg of bamboo, Shuan Shuan and Xin Xin are also served special food every day, including a dish of Mazuri animal feed, fiber, cooked rice, apples and carrots.
Several NATO member countries and the European community have imposed sanctions on Russia and some of Putins friends for invading Ukraine. But Ukraine was the second invasion by Russia. The first was Georgia, when Russia lopped off a third of the country, and it only got lip service. Now he is threatening Estonia, so NATO sent a brigade to it and the other Baltic States. His plan is to take back the Warsaw Pact countries. Then, with a weakened NATO, perhaps he takes the rest of Europe by coercion and from within by internal dissension.

The short game is to keep us from defending Eastern Europe. A secondary purpose is to create so much dissension here that our attention will be inward. The playbook for this strategy was written in 1930s Germany. A few radical right people took control of the government and we know what happened. Like it or not NATO has to stand together against Russia.

 Chuck Johnson, Morris
Keith McCawley holds the ring his grandfather wore on the day he was killed in an explosion at the Joliet Arsenal, and was used to identify him. (Susan DeMar Lafferty/Daily Southtown)

In June 1942, World War II was raging in the Pacific, the Battle of Midway was under way and closer to home in Will County, 48 people were killed and another 46 injured in an explosion at the Joliet Army Ammunitions Plant in Elwood. It was the greatest loss of civilian life at a munitions plant during the war.

A statue of a munitions worker, lunchbox in hand, was erected in 2001 near the entrance to the Abraham Lincoln National Cemetery to honor those killed and hurt as well as the thousands who worked at the arsenal through three wars  World War II, Korea and Vietnam.

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It was here that family of the fallen gathered with members of the Midewin Heritage Association on Saturday afternoon to honor those who gave their lives to the war effort and to commemorate the 75th anniversary of the June 5, 1942, blast that rocked the entire region, from Waukegan to Watseka, in the wee hours of a Friday morning.

All that Keith McCawley has left of the grandfather he never knew, Lawrence A. McCawley, is the ring he wore to work that day. That's how the family identified his remains; the stone the ring once held was lost in the explosion.

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The Army compensated families who lost loved ones with a one-time payment of $5,000, McCawley said.

Nancy Rossmiller, of Plainfield, came to remember her great "Uncle Dean," Harold Dean Harper, her grandmother's younger brother, who was only 20 years old.

"There were no remains. He was blown to bits," she said.

"It's wonderful that they did this. They sacrificed a lot," Rossmiller said of Saturday's memorial. She said she doubts her family members are aware of the statue honoring the munitions workers, but she plans to let them know.

Bernie Levati was not alive when his uncle Frank Levati, the oldest of the four brothers in his father's family, was killed. The other three boys served overseas during the war and all returned unharmed, she said. Only Frank, who remained at home, died.

"The loss goes farther than that. I never got to meet my grandfather, who died a year and a half later of a broken heart," Levati said.

Families had to visit a warehouse at Cass and Joliet Streets in Joliet to identify their husbands, sons and brothers by their body parts, he said.

"Basically, there were just pieces of people," Levati said. "My dad said my grandfather was never the same after that."

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Levati later worked briefly at the arsenal, during the summer of 1967, and said it was "spooky" to return to the site.

The arsenal was the biggest employer in Will County at that time, and this explosion was the "biggest tragedy in Will County," he said.

The Joliet Arsenal once spanned 23,542 acres along Route 53 in Elwood, housed 1,391 buildings and employed about 22,000 workers at its peak production in the 1940s, manufacturing TNT, according to historical and news accounts.

The explosion occurred at what was known as the Elwood Ordnance Plant, in building 10, where anti-tank mines were being loaded into railroad boxcars to be shipped.

"In an instant it became a 12-foot deep crater," said Lorin Schab, president of the Midewin Heritage Association.

The explosion was ruled an accident by a Will County coroner's jury, but the exact cause was never determined, he said.

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"What we do know is the workers were doing more than a just a job. They were helping fight the war," Schab said. "They were on the homefront, supporting fathers and sons on the war front."

Efforts to erect the statue as a memorial to the munitions workers was spearheaded by Elmo Younger, of Morris, who worked at the arsenal then, but on a different shift, loading materials into a warehouse.

Expand Autoplay Image 1 of 20 Jan. 20, 1958: A fully-automated shell-filling line designed and built by Mechanics Research Department of American Machine & Foundry Company for the Joliet Arsenal. Key stations along the assembly line were observed on five television monitors by a single-operator seated at a remote console. (Tribune Archive photo / Chicago Tribune)

He was at home in Joliet when he heard the blast at 2:43 a.m. that June 5 morning, and he knew there had been an explosion at the plant, he said. When he reported to work at 8 a.m., there was "debris scattered in different places."

"No one was allowed to go there because they were still finding body parts," he said. Younger was drafted into the Army in December 1942, and served three and a half years in Europe, achieving the rank of sergeant.

When he returned and learned nothing had been done to recognize the munitions workers, he launched a fundraising campaign to honor what he calls "homefront heroes."

The name of each worker is carved into the base of the statue, along with the names of two other workers killed at the arsenal in another explosion in 1945.

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The statue was erected in 2001, but stolen in 2005, according to historical accounts. Younger said "an anonymous donor from Morris" provided funds for another statue, which was installed in 2008. (The original statue was later found in a silo in Braceville in 2008, and is now the property of the village of Elwood, Schab said.)

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Today the statue stands on land donated by CenterPoint Intermodal Center, which abuts Lincoln Cemetery, visible on the north side of Hoff Road as visitors drive into the cemetery.

On this 75th anniversary, Younger donated it to the Midewin National Tallgrass Prairie. It will eventually be relocated to "its rightful place where the tragedy took place" to make sure "this history is not lost," Midewin Supervisor Wade Spang said.

"It is so significant that this piece of hallowed ground is part of Midewin's history," Spang said. "A lot happened here during the Army's days and lot is happening now as we are restoring the prairie, which this will be part of.

"It will stay here so people can see it forever and forever," he said.

The arsenal stopped production in 1976 and closed for good in the 1990s. Much of the land has been turned over to the U.S. Forest Service to be restored as the Midewin National Tallgrass Prairie. Another 1,000 acres was given to the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs for the national cemetery, and 2,000 acres have become the CenterPoint Intermodal Center.

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Families had a backdrop of warm weather and a sunny sky at the Pride Family Picnic celebrating the annual North Shore Pride Fest in Highwood Saturday.

Those gathered at Everts Park on Highwood Avenue enjoyed the food and drinks, as children bounced in a bouncy house and played with bubbles on the playground.

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Highwood resident Cheryl Wollner said she was pleasantly surprised when she spotted a rainbow flag waving from a picnic table Saturday. It felt welcoming, the 24-year-old said.

Wollner, who identifies as homoromantic asexual, had been planning on finding a quiet spot to read, but instead joined the group who invited her to sit on the grass and enjoy the festivities.

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"I'm really excited by this because I've been to the Chicago Pride (Parade), but I didn't know there were small pockets of events like this one," Wollner said, adding that she loves to meet new people, both queer and straight.

The family friendly activity was followed by a Taste the Rainbow Pub Crawl for adults at six area bars, where colored-themed drinks were served.

This is the second year the North Shore Pride Fest included the picnic, which aims to include more be more inclusive, said Florencia Lagos, organizer and founder of North Shore Pride Fest.

While the pub crawl is usually well-attended and has been growing each year, Lagos said organizers wanted the celebrations to be open to the younger crowd and families outside of the LGBTQ community, too.

"The picnic is a more open and welcoming event for all type of families to be together, embracing everyone's differences," Lagos said.

For 15-year-old Lily Rubin of Highland Park, the picnic was an opportunity to celebrate pride month, for which she's been wearing a pride shirt each day, she said.

On Saturday, Rubin was dressed in a black tank top with a rainbow and the words: Celebrate Your True Colors. The picnic was exciting, she said, because it's one of the first pride events she's been able to attend.

"A lot of events are targeted for older people, like at bars and clubs, so this is nice that its open to all ages. I love it," Rubin said.

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The celebrations and display of support for the LGBTQ community kicks off Pride Month, said D.R. Smith, a Celebrate Highwood board member.

The month of June is significant, Smith said.

"It's commemorating the Stonewall Riots that marked the beginning of the civil rights movement for the LGBTQ community," Smith said.

The violent demonstrations took place in New York on June 28, 1969 and catapulted the issue of sexual liberation into the spotlight.

On Saturday, Smith said during what he sees as a political climate of intolerance, "It's even more important the (LGBTQ) community is visible, especially in family friendly settings."

Yadira Sanchez Olson is a freelance reporter for the News-Sun.
The Color Guard kicks off the La Grange Pet Parade. ( Mike Mantucca/Pioneer Press )

More than a thousand people lined up Saturday on La Grange Road to march in the 71st Annual Pet Parade.

The parade featured the Jesse White Tumblers, local marching bands, the fifth-grade kings and queens, a princess float and other loud and colorful sights.

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Brothers Brandon and Brent Rodrigo were near the front of the parade with a banner to represent Boy Scout Troop 216. Both boys said this was their first year marching, and they clutched water bottles in one hand to keep from dehydration on such a hot day.

"It's kind of exciting and shocking," Brent Rodrigo said. "I'll try to find my friends to wave to."

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Another marcher, Kim Swanson, is the leader of the Girl Scout Troop 5119 in Highland Park. Swanson prepared two girls holding the banner for their section to stand in the right position.

"It'll be a lot of fun," she said.

Clark Williamson won first prize in the costume contest for dressing up his dog, Willie, as a baby toy and then decorating a crib to match.

"It's exciting," he said.

Williamson said that this wasn't his first time marching in the parade.

"I've done it before with different animals," he said.

Bill and Laura Hoglund dressed up as Mr. and Mrs. Claus. Laura Hoglund said that they were invited down from Wisconsin for the "our own holiday" theme for the parade.

A member of Sokol Spirit of Brookfield performs. ( Mike Mantucca/Pioneer Press )

She also said that she loved dressing up to see the kids' reactions.

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"They love Santa and we send out kisses and tell them put out cookies," she said. "We're just going to bring the love."

The junior grand marshal, Isabella Jackson, was dressed up in a bright red and white polka-dot dress.

"I wanted to wear red because it's my favorite color," she said.

Isabella sat in the back of a convertible and held a large bag of butterscotch candies to throw out to all of her friends.

"I already ate some," she laughed.

Gail Jeffrey brought her kindergarten class along with friend, Anne Stasi, to sell water bottles.

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"I do Sunday school at First United Methodist Church and we're trying to raise money to refurbish our organ," Jeffrey said.

Stasi said that people were bound to buy water bottles with temperatures reaching the upper 80s.

"It's hot but it's better than rain. Last year it was raining," she said.

Stasi also said that the Pet Parade is not a new idea to her.

"I grew up in La Grange so I've been coming here a long time," she said. "Before I would usually work on Saturday but now I take it off. ... I like the bands and my favorite is the Jesse White Tumblers."

Stasi has now attended the past 12 parades in a row and plans to be back next year.
Why these young voters in Pueblo want to get more youth involved in voting
People evacuate near the London Bridge in London, Britain, on June 3, 2017. Unidentified attackers drove a van into pedestrians on London Bridge Saturday night and stabbed people in the nearby Borough Market area. British authorities have classified the incidents as terrorist attacks. (Xinhua/Xu Hui)

LONDON, June 4 (Xinhua) -- Unidentified attackers drove a van into pedestrians on London Bridge Saturday night and stabbed people in the nearby Borough Market area. British authorities have classified the incidents as terrorist attacks.

"At 0025hrs 4/6/17 the incidents at #LondonBridge & #BoroughMarket were declared as terrorist incidents," police posted on its official Twitter account on Sunday.

Six people have been killed and three suspects shot dead by police after terror attack at London Bridge and Borough Market, local police said early Sunday.

The London Ambulance Service said that at least 20 people were being treated across London following terror incidents.

In the first incident, at least one person died after the van ploughed into pedestrians on London Bridge, BBC reported, quoting police on site.

Witnesses said a white van ran into people on a pavement at a high speed.

They said three men got of the van and attacked people with knives on the bridge.

British Transport Police confirmed that there were "a number" of casualties and said there was an "incident that possibly involved a van and a knife."

About 15 minutes later, police said they were responding to a second and third incident involving stabbing at Borough Market area and Vauxhall, south of London Bridge. It said later the third one at Vauxhall was not related to the two previous incidents.

Borough Market, next to London Bridge, was busy at the weekend night with lots of people enjoying food and drinks in the bars.

Peter Rhodes, London Ambulance Service Assistant Director of Operations, said at least 20 people were injured in the attack.

"We can confirm we have taken at least 20 patients to six hospitals across London following the incident at London Bridge," he said in a statement released on Sunday.

"We have also treated a number of people at the scene for less serious injuries," he added.

British Prime Minister Theresa May said she was following updates from police and security officials, and confirmed that the attack in London "is being treated as a potential act of terrorism."

London Mayor Sadiq Khan condemned the attack in a statement released on Sunday.

"It was a deliberate and cowardly attack on innocent Londoners and visitors to our city enjoying Saturday night. I condemn it in the strongest possible terms. There is no justification whatsoever for such barbaric acts," he said.

Armed police have been deployed around London Bridge which is already closed.
A Chinese cargo plane carrying emergency humanitarian relief arrived in Sri Lanka on Saturday, which was hit by floods and landslides earlier this week.

The relief items, including tents, bed sheets, life jackets, blankets and rain boots, were handed over to Sri Lanka's Disaster Management Minister Anura Priyadarshana Yapa and Foreign Minister Ravi Karunanayake by Chinese Ambassador Yi Xianliang.

Speaking at the Bandaranaike International Airport, minutes after arrival of the Air China flight, both the Sri Lankan ministers thanked China's prompt assistance to help the island nation.

"China has been ready to help us during our hour of need and we have received a lot of aid and financial support from China. These relief items which were received today will be distributed to the affected families in five districts which were the worst hit," Minister Yapa said.

Foreign Minister Karunanayake, while thanking the Chinese government and its people on behalf of the Sri Lankan government and people, said China had responded spontaneously when Sri Lanka called for help.

"We requested the international community and China was there as a ready friend. They have been with us right throughout and have been assisting us at this hour of need," Karunanayake said.

The minister said that to date, 211 people had been killed since severe rains from May 26 caused floods and landslides in many districts.

Ambassador Yi said the Chinese government and people stood ready to assist and support Sri Lanka during this time of need.

He said China will continue to support and provide the best to Sri Lanka. "China will always stand up for Sri Lanka even during difficult times," the ambassador said.
Qiu Yong, the president of Tsinghua University, addresses the opening ceremony in Beijing on June 3. [Photo/China.org.cn]

Tsinghua PBCSF Global Finance Forum 2017, opening in Beijing on June 3 under the theme of "Economic Globalization and Financial Stability," provided an opportunity to explore ways of improving the financial risk management system and enhancing the financial sectors competitiveness, risk-resistance and stability amid economic globalization.

The two-day event, co-hosted by the PBC School of Finance (PBCSF) and the National Institute of Financial Research (NIFR) of Tsinghua University, has attracted a large number of representatives from political, business and academic communities.

"I hope this forum can yield more important and influential outcomes, which will boost the progress of Chinas financial theories and practices, as well as sound and sustained development of the financial sector," said Qiu Yong, the president of Tsinghua University at the opening ceremony.

Americas economic policy, generating a huge impact on global financial stability, is one of the important focuses of the forum. In this regard, Zhu Min, the chairman of NIFR and former deputy managing director of the IMF, said, "Trumps economic policies add uncertainties to economic globalization and global financial market."

Amid slow economic recovery and low growth expectancy, Chinas Belt and Road Initiative is standing out as a new driver for the global economy.

Adair Lord Turner, the chairman of Institute for New Economic Thinking, said, "The Belt and Road Initiative will exert profound influence on both real economy and financial economy."

Tu Guangshao, the general manager of China Investment Corporation observed that "the Belt and Road Initiative not only boosts the demand for investment but also offers an important platform for cross-border investment."

Comprised of seven sessions, this forum will offer Chinas plans for global financial stability, economic recovery and sustainable development, as Chen Yulu, the vice governor of the Peoples Bank of China noted in his keynote speech.

The first day of the forum also witnessed the inauguration of the Research Center for Capital Market and Corporate Finance, NIFR.
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The BRICS Media Forum, to be held in Beijing from June 7 to 8, will be attended by the leaders of 25 media groups from Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa.

The attendees will discuss topics including multimedia innovation for media development, as well as media outlets' duty and social responsibility.

The forum next week aims to improve the high-end dialogue platform for the mainstream media of BRICS countries, as well as advance innovation and promote fairness and justice of international public opinion.

During the forum, there will be a BRICS Media Joint Photo Exhibition to show the development and cooperation achievements of BRICS.

Proposed by Xinhua, the forum is jointly organized by the mainstream media groups of BRICS countries.

China, which took over the BRICS presidency this year, will host the Ninth BRICS Summit in September in Xiamen, Fujian Province.
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The photo made available by U.S. space firm SpaceX on June 3, 2017 shows the company's Falcon 9 rocket launching at the Kennedy Space Center in Florida, the United States. [Photo/Xinhua]

SpaceX on Saturday launched a shipment of supplies for the astronauts living at the International Space Station, carrying for the first time an experiment independently designed by China.

The SpaceX Dragon cargo spacecraft lifted off on the company's Falcon 9 rocket at 5:07 p.m. EDT (2107 GMT) from the Kennedy Space Center in Florida.

About 10 minutes later, SpaceX successfully landed the rocket's first stage at the company's Landing Zone 1, just south of the launch site at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, as part of its effort to develop fully reusable rockets.

On this trip, the Dragon will deliver almost 6,000 pounds (2,700 km) of supplies, including solar panels, tools for Earth-observation and equipment to study neutron stars. If all goes well, it will arrive at the space station on Monday.

Chinese experiment

Among the cargo is a 3.5-kilogram device from the Beijing Institute of Technology that sought to answer questions like "Does the space radiation and microgravity cause mutations among antibody-encoding genes and how does it happen?"

The Chinese payload was first reported in 2015, when an agreement was reached with NanoRacks, a Houston-based company that offers services for the commercial utilization of the space station.

Under the agreement, NanoRacks will deliver the device to the U.S. side of the space station and astronauts there will conduct studies using the device in about two weeks, data from which will be sent back to the Chinese researchers.

There is a U.S. law in place, known as the Wolf amendment, that bans cooperation between the U.S. space agency NASA and Chinese government entities, but this deal is purely commercial and therefore considered legal.

NASA spokesperson Kathryn Hambleton confirmed to Xinhua that there is a Chinese experiment that is launched on this mission, known as SpaceX CRS-11.

"NASA complied with all legal requirements to notify the Congress of this activity, and all of the ISS partners approved the inclusion of the experiment," Hambleton said in an email.

"This is not the first Chinese experiment on the International Space Station (ISS)," the spokesperson said. "Chinese scientists have been investigators and co-investigators on international experiments conducted on the ISS, including for the Alpha Magnetic Spectrometer investigation on ISS."

Good step

However, Professor Deng Yulin, who led the Chinese research, said that this is the first time an ISS experiment has been independently designed and fabricated in China.

"This cooperation does not violate any laws and regulations, including the Wolf amendment. We do it in an open and visible way," Deng told Xinhua. "This is a new model of cooperation that we can follow in the future."

"We think it's really an important research and they have done a great job," Mary Murphy, senior internal payloads manager of NanoRacks, told Xinhua, calling the cooperation between the two "a good example."

Leroy Chiao, a former Chinese-American NASA astronaut and ISS commander, highlighted the significance of the Chinese project.

"I think this is a good step forward," Chiao said. "I have always believed that cooperation is the best way forward for both the U.S. and China, particularly using civil space exploration as an avenue."

Joan Johnson-Freese, a space policy analyst at the U.S. Naval War College, said that it evidences the growing importance of commercial space.

"Space is no longer just the purview of government activity," Johnson-Freese said. "Space is developing as an area of commercial activity, much like cars and computers, which is a big change from the past."

SpaceX CRS-11 was the 11th of up to 20 missions to the space station that the California-based company will fly for NASA. It also marked the first time that SpaceX has launched a spaceship that has been used on a previous mission to the space station.
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Syria's President Bashar al-Assad said the situation in Syria is witnessing big improvement, largely due to the retreat of the terror-designated groups.

The situation on the ground has become much better than what it used to be before, from a military perspective, Assad said during an interview, whose content was published by state news agency SANA on Saturday.

The president's remarks came as the Islamic State (IS) group is losing ground on several fronts, mainly in the Syrian desert in central Syria, the countryside of Aleppo province, and last but not least in the Raqqa province, the de facto capital of IS.

He also mentioned the retreat of the al-Qaida-linked Nusra Front.

Still, Assad said the military perspective is not enough, adding that terrorist ideology that is being spread in the region constitutes the biggest and most dangerous challenge.

He said defeating the terror groups relies on halting their support by countries such as Turkey, Qatar, Saudi Arabia and the Western ones like the United States, Britain and France.

Earlier in the day, the Syrian army and allied fighters have captured 1,400 square km from the IS in the Syrian desert over the past 24 hours, according to SANA.

It also said that at least 1,200 IS fighters were killed during a wide-scale military offensive in Aleppo.
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Former Brazilian lawmaker Rodrigo Rocha Loures, a special advisor to Brazilian President Michel Temer, was arrested on Saturday in a corruption investigation that also implicates the president, police said.

In a police video released last month, Rocha Loures was seen receiving a suitcase containing 500,000 reais (150,000 U.S. dollars) in cash that prosecutors say was a bribe from the owner of the world's largest meatpacker JBS company.

Investigators are now seeking to determine if Rocha Loures received the money on behalf of Temer to defend the interests of the JBS in the government.

The presidential office has not commented on the arrest of the former aide.

The owner of the JBS company reportedly turned over a tape in which Temer can seemingly be heard signing off on bribes and indicating that Rocha Loures could help the company with certain issues.

The Supreme Court has ordered an investigation against Temer and Rocha Loures for corruption, criminal organization and obstruction of justice, triggering the worst political crisis in Brazil since Temer took office last year.
Two elders show wrist bands with barcode in Hengyang, Central China's Hunan province, June 3, 2017. Using a smartphone to scan the barcode on band will help read the holder's personal information. The band is designed to help the elders in case they get lost and are unable to provide the information of contact. [Photo/Xinhua]
URUMQI - Tajinisa looks forward to attending an upcoming family day at her daughter's company.

When her daughter Goharnisa was recruited by a nearby food processing company in 2012, it marked a milestone in the family's struggle to get out of poverty.

"Thanks to her job, we now have a well-decorated house and fresh lamb in our fridge ready to be eaten," said Tajinisa. "I can't wait to see where she works."

The family live in a remote village in Hotan County, a poor area of northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region.

Goharnisa works as a team leader, managing workers who sort dates and nuts.

"Our Xinjiang specialty products are sold across the country, including Beijing and Shanghai, which makes me feel connected to those big cities," she said.

Her monthly salary is 4,300 yuan ($630), 1,300 yuan more than the annual income of the entire family of five before 2012.

China has been intensifying efforts to assist poor rural residents, including those of the country's ethnic minority groups.

According to a white paper issued by the State Council Information Office Thursday, by the end of 2016, less than 10 percent of Xinjiang's population live in poverty.

The number of people registered as living below the poverty line in the region had dropped from 2.61 million in 2013 to 1.22 million by the end of 2016.

The region has vowed to take part in the national effort to lift all Chinese out of poverty by 2020.

Southern Xinjiang has been the focus of poverty-relief programs, with more funding and social resources directed to the area. Ten special projects involving employment-based poverty reduction have been implemented, according to the white paper.

In the most impoverished prefectures of Kashgar and Hotan, a target has been set to find jobs for 100,000 people in the next three years, meaning more families like Goharnisa's will have a chance to raise their incomes.

Xinjiang's state-owned companies are required to offer 10,000 jobs, with the families of farmers and herders prioritized for recruitment, according to regional authorities.

Guozhichu food company, where Goharnisa works, is located in a remote rural area some 200 km away from the county seat of Yutian. The company and three other companies under a state-owned group recruited a total of 215 local residents in late May.

Muharem Abla, one of the new employees, is being trained to sort dates, making 2,000 yuan a month during her probation period.

"My neighbors are jealous and often ask me when the company will offer more jobs," she said with a smile. Most of the new workers were previously housewives.

"I'm so proud that I can earn a considerable salary without being away from home," she said.

Turuwenjan, a sociologist with Xinjiang Academy of Social Sciences, said state-owned companies should hire more local residents and train unskilled ethnic minority groups, rather than bring in migrant workers from other regions.

Private companies should also be encouraged to do the same with tax reductions and exemptions, he said.

"Employment is vital to people's livelihood, as well as regional stability," Turuwenjan said.
Performers from the Daur ethnic group participate in an opera depicting the lives of their people, during the annual celebration of Kumule Festival in Qiqihar, Heilongjiang province, on June 3, 2017. Thousands of ethnic people and tourists from around the world attended the celebration.[Photo/Xinhua]
Baku, Azerbaijan, June 4

Trend:

Azerbaijans Charge d'Affaires in Australia Eljan Habibzade and Azerbaijans Honorary Consul in Australia Aydan Rzayeva met with Australian Minister for International Development and the Pacific Concetta Fierravanti-Wells, the Azerbaijani Foreign Ministry said.

The Australian minister was informed about Azerbaijans political and economic success, the projects implemented in energy, transport and other sectors, the Armenia-Azerbaijan Nagorno-Karabakh conflict, occupation policy.

Azerbaijans representatives thanked for Australias fair position in supporting the sovereignty and territorial integrity of the country.

In her turn, Fierravanti-Wells once again stressed the Australian governments unchanged position of supporting Azerbaijans territorial integrity and sovereignty.

The Australian minister also expressed great interest in expanding relations with Azerbaijan in political, trade and economic areas. Fierravanti-Wells stressed the importance of developing interparliamentary cooperation, which is an important component of interstate relations.

The sides also discussed prospects for cooperation in the non-oil sector, which is one of the priorities of Azerbaijan's economic policy. The need for developing cooperation in such areas as agriculture, tourism, IT and the use of Australia's experience in these areas was stressed.

The Australian minister was also informed about the policy of multiculturalism and tolerance in Azerbaijan.

Fierravanti-Wells added that as Australian former deputy minister for multiculturalism affairs, she understands the importance of promoting multicultural values in the current world conditions and supported Azerbaijan's efforts in that direction.

Moreover, the 25th anniversary of establishing diplomatic relations between Australia and Azerbaijan has been marked this year. The importance of mutual visits for strengthening relations and developing cooperation was also stressed during the meeting.
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Editor's note: A pilot guideline issued by the Supreme People's Court stipulates that drunken driving that doesn't cause serious harm should be exempt from conviction or criminal punishment, sparking a heated debate. Forum readers share their opinions.

ceciliazhang (China)

Regardless of the outcome, drunk drivers need to lose their license and have criminal penalties in place to discourage the practice. Driving drunk can kill and pose serious threats to people's lives. They should be held accountable for themselves, regardless of how much they drink.
When it comes to nuclear threats in the Asia-Pacific region, China faces the most daunting nuclear environment. The nuclear problem that China faces is not only confined to the Democratic People's Republic of Korea's nuclear program, but also includes the deployment of other strategic offensive and defensive capabilities that could damage the strategic stability among major nuclear-weapon states.

Yao Yunzhu is a retired major general and director emeritus of the Center on China-America Defense Relations, Academy of Military Science, PLA.[Photo/China Daily]

As far as the Korean Peninsula nuclear issue is concerned, three pints are very important. First, the peninsula faced a nuclear problem even before the DPRK developed its nuclear capability. During the Cold War, the "nuclear umbrellas" of the Soviet Union and the United States covered both Koreas. Russia withdrew its umbrella over the DPRK after the end of the Cold War. The US did not, although it withdrew all the tactical nuclear weapons from the peninsula. The change in the power balance and labeling of the DPRK as one of the "rogue states" and "state sponsors of terrorism" that form an "axis of evil" instilled in Pyongyang a deep sense of insecurity, which in turn made it believe that only nuclear weapons can guarantee its national security.

The international community, including China, has made great efforts to persuade the DPRK to abandon its nuclear program, and some initial efforts were successful. But in the end, due to the deep-rooted hostilities between the DPRK and the US those efforts didn't yield the desired result. For the US, it is hard to accept the DPRK, let alone a nuclear-armed DPRK. The DPRK, on its part, is convinced that only by developing nuclear weapons can it deter the US from overthrowing the existing regime.

So the US and the DPRK hold the key to resolving the issue.

Second, China is a major stakeholder in the security of the peninsula. Nuclearization in any form is detrimental to China's national interests. The DPRK's nuclear program and its nuclear tests pose a threat to China. And the peninsula nuclear issue has prompted the US and its allies to adjust their military deployment in Northeast Asia, expand their joint military drills, deploy ballistic missile defense systems, and disrupt the military balance in the region as well as the strategic stability between China and the US.

The growing probability of military conflicts is a threat to China's security and economy. Besides, Pyongyang's nuclear program is in violation of several UN Security Council resolutions and the nuclear nonproliferation treaty.

And third, China was not, is not and will not be, a bystander in the peninsula nuclear issue. It has devoted itself to resolving the issue as a stakeholder. From 2003 to 2007, China made concerted efforts to push forward the negotiation process, first through the three-party talks and then the Six-Party Talks. The latter produced the September 19 Joint Statement in 2005, which set a "road map" for the DPRK's comprehensive denuclearization and the peace process on the peninsula.

Recently, China proposed a "suspension-for-suspension" mechanism, which calls for Pyongyang to suspend its nuclear program and Washington and Seoul to suspend their massive military drills. This could bring the two key players (the US and the DPRK) back to the negotiating table, and thus start the "dual-track" process which China had proposed earlier, that is, parallel progress in denuclearization and establishment of a peace mechanism on the peninsula.

The "suspension for suspension" proposal serves the near-term goal of reducing tensions on the peninsula, while the "dual-track approach" will pave the road for denuclearization by initiating the peace process.

Thus China has provided a framework for addressing the issue and is open to suggestions from all sides, as long as they are conducive to restarting the negotiations, achieving the goal of denuclearization and maintaining peace and stability on the peninsula.
The present situation in the Asia-Pacific region is generally stable and positive. Promoting peace, pursuing stability and seeking development are the strategic goals and common aspiration of most countries in the region. Yet regional security issues are becoming complex and diverse. Multiple, transnational and interconnected security issues tend to break out abruptly. And lingering issues heat up from time to time, while non-traditional security challenges appear one after another. All these pose grave threats to regional stability and prosperity.

He Lei is a lieutenant general and vice-president of the Academy of Military Science, PLA, China.[Photo/China Daily]

The regional challenges are a reflection of three deep-seated problems which have been disrupting regional security for a long time.

President Xi Jinping has proposed to build a community of shared destiny for humankind, and advocated an Asian security concept featuring common, comprehensive, cooperative and sustainable security, which offer new ideas about how to break the security dilemma in international relations, create a new pattern for security cooperation in the Asia-Pacific, and maintain lasting peace in the region.

China pursues a foreign policy of peace, proposes and takes the lead in practicing the Asian security concept, and has always worked to contribute to and maintain international and regional peace. Although China faces multiple security challenges, it firmly follows the path of peaceful development. And despite modernizing its military, China remains committed to resolving international disputes through peaceful negotiation on the basis of equality, irrespective of how big or small the countries involved are.

China has strived to develop and improve friendly and cooperative relations with other countries in the Asia-Pacific. China-US relations are forging ahead positively and steadily. The Beijing-Moscow comprehensive strategic partnership, too, is progressing smoothly. The China-India strategic and cooperative partnership for peace and prosperity has also been deepening. And taking history as a mirror and looking to the future, Beijing remains committed to improving relations with Tokyo.

China has advocated new thoughts on settling complex hotspot issues in the region.

On the South China Sea issue, it has put forward a dual-track approach, that is, countries directly involved peacefully resolving the disputes through negotiation and China and ASEAN jointly upholding peace and stability in the region. In fact, on May 18, China and the 10 member states of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations adopted a code of conduct framework, laying a solid foundation for the final agreement on a full code of conduct.

On the Korean Peninsula issue, Beijing has proposed a suspension-for-suspension initiative, which means the suspension of nuclear and missile tests by the Democratic Peoples Republic of Korea and the suspension of large-scale joint military exercises by the United States and the Republic of Korea.

Aiming at fostering a favorable environment for maintenance of regional peace, China has put forward the Belt and Road Initiative. By improving connectivity in the fields of policy coordination, infrastructure, trade, finance, and people-to-people exchange, it aims to complement the development strategies of the economies along the Silk Road Economic Belt and the 21st Century Maritime Silk Road, and promote common development. And the high attendance at the Belt and Road Forum for International Cooperation in Beijing shows the initiative has evoked positive response from the international community.

It is important to perceive the building of a community of shared destiny in the present tense, not the future tense. As President Xi has said: Never have we seen such close interdependence among countries as today, such fervent desire of people for a better life, and never have we had so many means to prevail over difficulties. So lets work together and blaze a new trail of Asia-Pacific security featuring joint construction and mutual benefit.
At the last Shangri-La Dialogue and at other workshops in the Asia-Pacific region, how to enhance maritime confidence-building measures or prevent conflict at sea have always been hot topics.

Zhou Bo is a senior colonel and director of security cooperation, Office for International Military Cooperation, Ministry of National Defense. [Photo/China Daily]

But security on land, especially in Northeast Asia, has worsened and become more serious than maritime security. Quite a few countries have maritime disputes with more than one country. However, the current situation in the East China Sea and the South China Sea is by and large stable.

But how to avoid conflict at sea?

Territorial disputes must be resolved through peaceful negotiation. China not only upholds this principle but also practices it. China has resolved its land border disputes issues with 12 neighboring countries which accounts for 90 percent of Chinas land border. China has also resolved maritime delimitation in the Beibu Gulf with Vietnam. On the South China Sea issue, China and some ASEAN member states have resolved to settle their disputes through negotiations between states directly concerned in accordance with international laws and the 1982 UN Convention on the Law of the Sea. In fact, last month China and the Philippines started the first round of direct bilateral talks on the South China Sea issue, and senior diplomats of China and ASEAN agreed to a framework for the Code of Conduct in the South China Sea.

Military activities near the coast of a country which could consider them unfriendly or even hostile should be reduced and avoided. This is the most direct and effective way of avoiding a conflict at sea. Although there are different interpretations of UNCLOS, it clearly stipulates that in exercising their rights of freedom of navigation and overflight, states shall have due regard to the rights and duties of the coastal state and shall comply with the laws and regulations of that coastal state. As early as 1998, China made clear in its Law on the Exclusive Economic Zone and the Continental Shelf that all states shall, on the premise that they comply with international law and the laws and regulations of the Peoples Republic of China, enjoy the freedom of navigation in and flight over its EEZ. About 100,000 ships transit through the South China Sea each year and no countries have complained that the freedom of navigation of their ships has been affected. So there is no need to turn freedom of navigation into an issue and impose one countrys understanding of this concept upon others. We hope those countries honor their promise of not taking sides and stop conducting joint patrol or exercises in the sensitive waters.

International rules and norms must be observed. All countries must implement the 1972 Convention on the International Regulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea and member states of the Western Pacific Naval Symposium should honor the 2014 Code of Conduct for Unplanned Encounters at Sea (CUES) and avoid collision. And the Chinese and the US militaries should further enhance the Mutual Notification Mechanism of Major Military Activities and Rules of Behavior for Safety of Maritime and Air Encounters to avoid conflict and confrontation.

Dialogues and exercises designed to avoid dangerous maritime and air activities should be encouraged. Chinas Ministry of Defense has established a direct communication mechanism with the US, Russia, the ROK and Vietnam. China has also conducted extensive dialogues and consultations with many other countries. In 1998, China and the US established a consultation mechanism to strengthen military maritime safety, and have conducted a few exercises on CUES. And Beijing and Tokyo have held many rounds of consultations on establishing a maritime and air liaison mechanism. We hope Japan will demonstrate flexibility and work with China for an early conclusion of the mechanism.

The Chinese military has attended all the meetings on maritime security cooperation under the ASEAN Regional Forum and ASEAN Defense Ministers Meeting-Plus its Eight Dialogue Partners. And Beijing is ready to explore the possibility of setting up a China-ASEAN defense communication mechanism. We believe all these consultations, dialogues and cooperation have promoted maritime security and will help avoid maritime conflict.
Thomas L. Friedman brought his new book Thanks for Being Late and made a speech during a meeting held by the Center for China and Globalization in Beijing on Friday. [Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn]

Thomas L. Friedman, the American journalist who is a three-time Pulitzer Prize winner and the author of the international best-selling book, The World is Flat, predicts that many cities and states in the United States will continue to work on the Paris agreement and pursue a low-carton future against the backdrop of US President Donald Trump's decision last Thursday for the country to withdraw from the Paris climate agreement.

Trump's announcement that the United States was quitting the Paris climate accord, a signature achievement of former President Barack Obama's two terms in office, was met with defiance from business titans and dozens of mayors who vowed to continue to support the goals of the accord to reduce global warming.

Elon Musk, Tesla and SpaceX CEO Tweeted after Trump's announcement that he was "departing presidential councils". Disney CEO Robert Iger followed him, calling his departure from the president's advisory council a matter of "principle." California Governor Jerry Brown blasted Trump's decision to leave the Paris accord, describing it as a "crazy decision".

Speaking of Brown's state, Thomas Friedmen quipped, "the real opposition party in the United States is not the Democratic Party, it actually has no power. The real opposition party is the state of California, because it has real power."

California has its own environmental rules and 30 other states and two Canadian provinces have basically followed their own environmental rules.

"So if Trump can go to Detroit, and say to Detroit, 'Make every gas guzzler you want. Boys, party like it's the 1960s.' But you can't sell one in California," Friedman added.

In his latest book Thanks for Being Late, Friedman puts forward an interesting theory that the only engine big enough to impact Mother Nature is Father Greed. People change when they have to  not when told to  and falling natural gas and clean energy prices give them the impetus to do that.

"Technology drives down the price of natural gas and other forms of clean energy every day. Wind and solar now is almost competitive in some places with coal. California has more green-tech workers than the entire workers in the coal industry in the US, "Friedman said.

In Friedman's opinion, to a degree, the market is already at work on this, because some venture capitalists and companies understand that clean-tech is going to be the next great global industry.

It explains the choice of corporate titans to hit back at Trump's decision to quit the Paris climate deal.

"Utility companies now don't want to go back coal," Friedman said.
Police cars close off north entrance to London Bridge next to monument station after van ploughed into pedestrians. [Wang Bo / China Daily]

British security services were scouring the streets of central London for attack suspects after a series of incidents which have left at least one person dead and an unspecified number of people seriously injured.

London's Metropolitan Police said they are dealing with two incidents amid witness reports of a van mounting a pavement and running down pedestrians on London Bridge. Witness later said that police fired rounds next to Borough Market.

Police then said they were responding to a third incident at Vauxhall, around three miles away from London Bridge. However it was later announced that the local underground station, which had been closed, was reopened.

One witness said that three men got out of the van on London Bridge with knives and attacked passers-by.

Armed police entered bars and ordered customers to lie on the ground. Police are continuing to evacuate the area.

BBC reporter Holly Jones, who was on the bridge at the time of the incident, said she saw the van, driven by a man, veered off the road and hit pedestrians while travelling at 50 miles an hour.

Police have issued a warning to Londoners to "run, hide and tell" if they are in danger. This means people should run and hide at a sign of danger and then inform police.

A spokesman for the Prime Minister's office at 10 Downing Street said Theresa May was being kept up to date on the incident and was heading for her office.

Borough Market is a popular destination, with a number of restaurants in the area.

The incident follows an attack on Westminster Bridge when Khalid Masood killed four pedestrians on Westminster Bridge before stabbing a police officer to death, Masood was then shot dead by police.

The incident also coincided with a concert in Manchester to commemorate the victims of last week's bombing attack in Manchester which killed 22 people.
People leave the area after an incident near London Bridge in London, Britain June 4, 2017. [Photo/Agencies]

The deadly vehicle and knife attack on London Bridge and in nearby Borough Market is the latest attack in Europe in recent years. Here are some of recent major ones:

May 22, 2017: A suicide bomber killed 22 people and injured dozens during an Ariana Grande concert at Manchester Arena in northern England.

April 7, 2017: A man driving a hijacked beer truck struck pedestrians at a Stockholm department store, killing 4 people.

March 22, 2017: A man drives his rented SUV into pedestrians at London's Westminster Bridge, killing four people. The attacker then stabbed a police officer to death.

Dec 19, 2016: A hijacked truck plows through a Christmas market in Berlin, killing 12.

July 14, 2016: A truck driver targets Bastille Day revelers in Nice, killing 86.

March 22, 2016: Suicide attacks on the Brussels airport and subway kill 32 and injure hundreds. The perpetrators have been closely linked to the group that carried out earlier attacks in Paris.

 Nov 13, 2015: Islamic State-linked extremists attack the Bataclan concert hall and other sites across Paris, killing 130 people. A key suspect in the attack, 26-year-old Salah Abdeslam, is arrested in Brussels on March 18, 2016.

 Feb 14, 2015: A gunman kills Danish filmmaker Finn Noergaard and wounds three police officers in Copenhagen. A day later the gunman, Omar El-Hussein, attacks a synagogue, killing a Jewish guard and wounding two police officers before being shot dead.

 Jan 7-9, 2015: A gun assault on the Paris offices of the satirical magazine Charlie Hebdo and an attack on a kosher grocery store kills 17 people. Al-Qaida in the Arabian Peninsula claims responsibility for the attack, saying it was in revenge for Charlie Hebdo's depictions of the Prophet Muhammad.

 May 24, 2014: Four people are killed at the Jewish Museum in Brussels by an intruder with a Kalashnikov. The accused is a former French fighter linked to the Islamic State group in Syria.

 May 22, 2013: Two al-Qaida-inspired extremists run down British soldier Lee Rigby in a London street, then stab and hack him to death.

 March 2012: A gunman claiming links to al-Qaida kills three Jewish schoolchildren, a rabbi and three paratroopers in Toulouse, southern France.

 July 22, 2011: Anti-Muslim extremist Anders Behring Breivik plants a bomb in Oslo then launches a shooting massacre on a youth camp on Norway's Utoya island, killing 77 people, many of them teenagers.

 Nov 2, 2011: The offices of Charlie Hebdo in Paris are firebombed after the satirical magazine runs a cover featuring a caricature of the Prophet Muhammad. No one is injured.

 March 2, 2011: Islamic extremist Arid Uka shoots dead two U.S. airmen and injures two others at Frankfurt airport after apparently being inspired by a fake internet video purporting to show American atrocities in Afghanistan.

 July 7, 2005: 52 commuters are killed in London when four al Qaida-inspired suicide bombers blow themselves up on three subway trains and a bus.

 March 11, 2004: Bombs on four Madrid commuter trains in the morning rush hour kill 191 people.

AP
Baku, Azerbaijan, June 4

By Elmira Tariverdiyeva  Trend:

Azerbaijans Embassy in the UK is checking whether Azerbaijani citizens are among victims and injured in the terrorist attacks that occurred in London, Azerbaijans Foreign Ministry told Trend.

Azerbaijan's embassy is in contact with local authorities to obtain more accurate information.

The UK has suffered two terrorist attacks, leaving six people dead and 30 injured after a band of assailants in a van mowed down pedestrians on London Bridge before attacking others with knives in a crowded nearby market area.
Cambodia's Prime Minister and president of Cambodian People's Party (CPP) Hun Sen looks at the ballot box after casting his vote during local elections in Kandal province, Cambodia June 4, 2017. [Photo/Agencies]

KANDAL, Cambodia - Since early Sunday morning, Cambodian voters have queued at polling stations across the country, waiting their turns to cast ballots in the 4th commune elections.

Cambodians are confident that their votes will bring good leaders to their villages and communes.

"The election is crucial to electing good commune chiefs and councilors who care about the people and devote their physical and mental energies to commune and village development," 56-year-old businesswoman Seang Chantheng told Xinhua after casting her vote at a polling station in the southern Kandal province.

She revealed that she voted for the ruling Cambodian People's Party (CPP) since the party has brought full peace and development to the country.

"The party I trust, the party I have always supported is the Cambodian People's Party and today I voted for the party," she said.

Eang Dane, 19, a high-school student in the capital of Phnom Penh, said she also cast her ballot for the CPP and believed that only leaders from the CPP could bring real development to the grassroots people.

"It was the first time I have voted, I'm really happy," she told Xinhua after voting at a station in Phnom Penh. "I love the CPP because the party has brought peace and development to our country."

Dane was confident that the CPP would continue to win the elections for further development in communes and villages, especially the development of roads, bridges, schools and hospitals.

Kim Sokhonn, a 46-year-old housewife who voted at a polling station in Kandal province, said she felt free to vote for the party she liked, and there was no intimidation.

"I hope that all political parties will accept the election results. I don't want to see the situation like it was in 2013," she told Xinhua, referring to the national elections in July 2013 in which the main opposition Cambodia National Rescue Party (CNRP) did not recognize the election results and staged mass protests for months.

Twelve political parties have contested in Sunday's elections, with the ruling CPP and the opposition CNRP being the major contestants, according to the National Election Committee (NEC).

CPP President and Cambodian Prime Minister Samdech Techo Hun Sen voted at a polling station near his mansion in Kandal province, roughly 10 km south of the capital on Sunday, while CNRP President Kem Sokha cast his ballot in Phnom Penh.

Hun Sen said during an election campaign on Friday that he was confident that the CPP would continue to win the majority in the polls.

"There is only the CPP that has sufficient capacity to govern Cambodia and to maintain the country's peace and development," he said, adding that the party has more than 5 million members.

Approximately 7.87 million eligible voters are expected to vote in the elections which are held to elect 11,572 commune chiefs and councilors for the kingdom's 1,646 communes.

The preliminary election results are expected on Sunday evening and the official results will be released 21 days after the votes.

Held every five years, the commune elections are seen as a bellwether of the ruling party's support ahead of the national elections in July 2018.

In the last commune elections in June 2012, the CPP gained 61.9 percent of the votes, compared to about 30.6 percent for the opposition.
LONDON - Britain was struck again as unidentified attackers driving a van ran over pedestrians and stabbed them on Saturday night in London, leaving at least six people killed.

It came less than two weeks after the Manchester suicide bombing that killed 22 and injured 116 others.

Observers said the attacks may cast shadow on the upcoming general election, scheduled for June 8, as people become more concerned with security than other issues.

ATTACKERS SHOT DEAD

London police said they began to receive reports that a vehicle had struck pedestrians on London Bridge at 22:08 (2108 GMT) on Saturday.

Witnesses said a white van ran into people on a pavement at a high speed, and then three men jumped out of the van and attacked the public with long blades.

"The vehicle continued to drive from London Bridge to Borough Market. The suspects then left the vehicle and a number of people were stabbed," said Mark Rowley, assistant commissioner of London Metropolitan Police.

Borough Market, next to London Bridge, was busy at the weekend night with lots of people enjoying food and drinks in the bars.

Six people were killed and three suspects were shot dead by police, police said early Sunday.

The London Ambulance Service said that more than 30 people were being treated across London following the attacks.

Photos taken on site show that a possible attacker lay on the ground with canisters strapped to his body and dozens of people who were caught up in the attack were escorted to safety by police.

The Counter Terrorism Command is conducting investigation and additional police and officers will be deployed across London, Rowley said.




Police say seven people were killed and 48 others injured when a white van mowed down pedestrians on London Bridge in the city's centre, and three attackers wearing fake suicide bombs were shot dead after stabbing several victims at nearby Borough Market.

Prime Minister Theresa May held an emergency meeting of COBRA, the government committee that coordinates intelligence matters and afterwards said:

"The whole of the country needs to come together to counter this extremism. We need to review our counter-terrorism strategy, to see police have everything they need."

She added: "It is time to say enough is enough."

Britain's Prime Minister Theresa May speaks outside 10 Downing Street after an attack on London Bridge and Borough Market left 7 people dead and dozens injured in London, Britain, June 4, 2017. [Photo/Agencies]

May said the three recent attacks in the UK - in Westminster, Manchester and London Bridge  in the recent months were not connected, but said attackers could be inspiring and copying each other.

She said: "We are experiencing a new trend in the threat we face as terrorism breeds terrorism."

May confirmed that Thursday's general election will go ahead, and her ruling Conservative Party and the opposition Labour Party had agreed to would temporarily suspend national campaigning for a day, although UKIP said it would carry on as usual, because halting the campaign "was precisely what the terrorists want us to do," accord to leader Paul Nuttall.

Last night's attack followed a suicide bomb at an Ariana Grande pop concert in Manchester when 22 people, mainly young pop fans, were killed and 116 injured.

In March five people were killed when a man, later identified by police as a suspected Islamic extremist, drove a car at pedestrians on nearby Westminster Bridge before being shot dead by police.

Contact the writer at chris@mail.chinadailyuk.com
SINGAPORE - Non-traditional threats to security in the Asia-Pacific region had taken the center stage of the 16th Shangri-La Dialogue which concluded here on Sunday, with participants calling for concerted efforts to address them.

At the three-day dialogue which opened on Friday evening, defense ministers, officials and experts from Asia-Pacific countries shared the same view that terror threat is on the rise and spreading, members of extremist groups are sneaking into the region and large-scale cyber attacks are nothing new.

TERROR THREAT ON RISE AND SPREADING IN ASIA-PACIFIC

As Europe has become a frequent target of terror attacks in recent years, a number of countries in the Asia-Pacific have also fallen victim, including Pakistan, Malaysia, Indonesia, Thailand, the Philippines and Afghanistan.

The car bomb explosion targeting government buildings and foreign embassies in central Kabul on May 31 left at least 90 people dead and 400 others injured.

The deadly attack targeting the convoy of Pakistani Senate's Deputy Chairman Molana Abdul Ghafoor Haideri in southwestern province of Balochistan killed at least 25 and inured 35 others on May 12.

These incidents have underscored the severity of terrorism in the region. It also tells that no country in the region can assume it will be spared from terror attacks.

In a plenary speech at the security forum on Sunday, Singaporean Defense Minister Ng Eng Hen said: "Closer to home, terrorism is our biggest security concern in Southeast Asia" and the threat in the region has heightened, including for Singapore, and is likely to worsen.

MEMBERS FROM EXTREMIST GROUPS SNEAKING INTO ASIA-PACIFIC

Just on the eve of Ramadan, the Islamic State (IS) called for an "all-out war" on the West. Participants at the forum warned that there is potential return of IS fighters from the Middle East as they are losing ground there.

Last week, IS-linked militants in the Philippines attempted to seized part of Marawi city in Mindanao, attacking innocents and killing police and military, and taking worshipers hostage, forcing President Rodrigo Duterte to cut short his visit and return home to handle the crisis. Mindanao is till under martial law.

IS also claimed responsibility for the brutal bombings that killed three police officers at a Jakarta bus station in late May.

US Secretary of Defense James Mattis said Saturday in a plenary session at the forum that violent extremist organizations, fighters returning from the Middle East and local individuals radicalized by malicious ideologies, seek to gain ground in Southeast Asia.

The Singaporean defense minister said: "We know at least 31 terrorists groups in this region have pledged allegiance to IS, and there is evidence of increasing transnational cooperation among regional terror groups."

LARGE-SCALE CYBER ATTACKS NOTHING NEW IN ASIA-PACIFIC

The worldwide ransomware cyber attacks in May hit many countries in Asia-Pacific, with the National University of Singapore and two major hospitals in Indonesia experiencing nightmare.

Media reports said the latest cyber attacks undermined computers of at least two employees of the National University of Singapore (NUS), including a researcher who worked on a security project funded by the Ministry of Defense.

NUS computer science research fellow Prosanta Gope's computer was hacked after he clicked on a link from another colleague whose computer had also been hacked, the reports said.

Fortunately, no signs of data loss were detected.

At least two major hospitals in Indonesia were hit in the attack.

Dharmais Hospital and Harapan Kita Hospital in Jakarta were affected by the "ransomware," said Semuel Pangerapan, a director general at Indonesia's Communication and Information Ministry.

The hospitals canceled all surgeries planned for the day.

"A generation of criminals and terrorists is using a new generation of technology, attempting to divide us by exploiting platforms designed to bring us together," Australian Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull noted Friday evening in his keynote speech to open the security forum.

To win the war on multi-fronts, defense ministers, officials and experts called for concerted and coordinated efforts to deal with the challenges, including improving security mechanism, sharing intelligence and preventing extremists from entering the region.
Foreign Ministry says US, Japan out of line in comments about Nansha Islands

China strongly opposes irresponsible remarks concerning China made by the defense ministers of the United States and Japan at the Shangri-La Dialogue in Singapore, a Foreign Ministry spokeswoman said on Sunday.

Hua Chunying said in a news release published on the ministry's website that China has indisputable sovereignty of the Nansha Islands and its surrounding waters and has been consistently seeking to peacefully resolve disputes through negotiations and discussions.

She reiterated that China strongly opposes some nations' flexing their military muscles and threatening and challenging China's sovereignty and the safety in the South China Sea under the guise of freedom of navigation and flight. The spokeswoman also said it is China's genuine and lawful right to deploy necessary defense facilities on its own islands and reefs in the South China Sea.

Hua urged some "nations outside the region" to stop making irresponsible remarks, to respect efforts at safeguarding the peace and stability in the South China Sea and to play a constructive role in this regard.

Her remarks were in response to a question on how China views the comments about China from US Defense Secretary James Mattis and Tomomi Inada, Japan's defense minister, at the Shangri-La Dialogue that concluded on Sunday afternoon.

Mattis and Inada accused China of disregarding "rules-based order" and creating tensions in their addresses made during the event.

This year's Shangri-La Dialogue, also called the 16th Asia Security Summit and held by the London-based think tank International Institute for Strategic Studies, was attended by 22 ministerial-level delegates and 12 chiefs of defense departments, as well as senior military officials and academics from 39 countries and regions.

The People's Liberation Army delegation to the Shangri-La Dialogue also made clear the Chinese military's pursuit of common security and its commitment to peaceful means to address disputes in the Asia-Pacific region, PLA researchers attending the event said.

Zhou Bo, director of the security cooperation center under the Defense Ministry's Office for International Military Cooperation, said on Sunday representatives from the PLA clearly and comprehensively explained China's stances toward issues concerning the East and South China seas and exposed some nations' real intentions.

"I told the audience to a special session that China made a national law to ensure the lawful use of waterways nearly 20 years ago and that some countries have been condemning China for compromising 'freedom of navigation' even as they themselves refuse to ratify the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea," Zhou said.

Chinese delegates also reminded participants that despite the PLA's constantly improving capabilities in the past decades, it has never taken advantage of its strength to stir up trouble outside the country's borders, he added.

"Moreover, we updated the attendees on our efforts and achievements in building mutual trust as well as boosting communication and exchange," Zhou said.

Lieutenant General He Lei, vice-president of the PLA Academy of Military Science and head of the PLA delegation, told the audience on Saturday that China is always committed to resolving international disputes through peaceful negotiations and opposes to the use or threat of force.

He said China has always held that countries, big or small, are equal and issues should be settled through consultation on the basis of equality. On the South China Sea issue, China insists on peacefully resolving disputes through negotiation and consultation by countries directly involved. China will also work with ASEAN to uphold peace and stability in the region, He said.

zhaolei@chinadaily.com.cn
Workers checkon Ocean Farm 1 on Saturday, when it was delivered to its Norwegian owner.RAO RAO/XINHUA

China is delivering the world's first batch of intelligent offshore ocean farming facilities to Norway, designed to enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of the country's aquaculture industry, the equipment's manufacturer and analysts said on Sunday.

China Shipbuilding Industry Corp, one of the country's major State-owned shipbuilders by revenue, will create and export six offshore fish farms to its Norwegian client to help upgrade salmon farming there.

CSIC delivered the first such facility, Ocean Farm 1, to its Norwegian client, Kverva-based SalMar ASA, in Qingdao on Saturday. The second batch of orders for another five units was sealed in April, with a combined value of more than $300 million.

It is the world's first offshore salmon farming equipment built on the same principle as semisubmersible installations used in the offshore oil and gas drilling sector, according to Hu Wenming, chairman of CSIC.

Unlike traditional fish farming facilities, the ocean farm embodies advanced technologies including automatic fishing, hydrological monitoring, deep-sea positioning and biological light adjustment systems.

Ocean Farm 1 comprises a slack-anchored, semisubmersible and rigid structure with a high degree of stability. It is intended for offshore installation in waters at 100 to 300 meters in depth. All fish-handling operations can be performed on board, without recourse to external service vessels or equipment.

With a 25-year lifespan, the facility can resist powerful typhoons and is able to cultivate 1.5 million fish a year. It requires only three to seven employees to operate and ensures a fish death rate of fewer than 2 percent. It has more than 20,000 sensors and over 100 monitors and control units.

"It is highly possible for more marine production companies from countries such as the United States, Canada, Denmark, Ireland and the United Kingdom to purchase such facilities if they can prove themselves reliable and advanced," said Dong Liwan, a professor at Shanghai Maritime University.

In the eyes of Yang Zhigang, chairman of CSIC's Wuchang group, the project is a perfect combination of the Norwegian aquaculture industry and Chinese offshore engineering technologies. The facility can be another trailblazer for Chinese manufacturers to further tap the European market under the backdrop of the Belt and Road Initiative.

As the Norwegian government and companies are keen to drive deep-sea aquaculture to further prevent fish diseases and pursue sustainable growth, the market for intelligent marine aquaculture equipment is getting a big shot in the arm, said Wang Yu, president of research institute for offshore engineering products at CSIC Wuchang.

Ocean Farm 1 will be positioned in Frohavet, off the coast of central Norway, in the second half of 2017. It will be utilized for research purposes, as well, with a particular focus on biological conditions and fish welfare, said Trond Williksen, chief executive at SalMar ASA.

"Leading Chinese shipyards are in a better position to compete with rivals in South Korea or Singapore, especially in the fields of ultra-deep-water semisubmersible drilling rigs, manned submersibles and others civilian and military-oriented businesses," said Dong, from Shanghai Maritime University.

He said there is less competition in these areas as only a few shipyards are capable of manufacturing complex offshore engineering products. Big data and internet-based information technologies also will help upgrade their capabilities to innovate and make their products more intelligent.

"China and Norway are highly complementary in their economic developments, with great potential in fisheries, shipping building, environmental protection and oil and gas exploitation," said Xing Houyuan, a member of the expert committee of the Beijing-based China Council for the Promotion of International Trade.
The below post was written by Richard Bistrong, who recently returned from a long China trip where he met with all sorts of companies to assist them in their compliance efforts. Richard is CEO of Front-Line Anti-Bribery LLC and a contributing editor of the FCPA Blog (a truly great blog, BTW). In 2010 he pleaded guilty to a conspiracy to violate the FCPA and served fourteen-and-a-half months at a U.S. federal prison camp. He now consults, writes and speaks about compliance issues. He was named to Compliance Weeks list of Top Minds in 2017 and was one of Ethispheres 100 Most Influential in Business Ethics in 2015.

In todays compliance environment, though we see a robust debate on what the new US administration might mean for anti-bribery compliance, the new ISO standard, and the recent DOJ Evaluation of Corporate Compliance Programs memo, those werent on anyones what keeps me up at night moments during my recent visits to China. Yes, those are all meaningful topics for the field of practitioners, but from conversations at graceful Buddhist restaurants (with thanks to my hosts for indulging my vegan preferences) to live engagements and panels, much of the focus was on the what happens when local customs conflict with the rules dilemma. And thats not to say that theres an inherent conflict in China between ethical business practices and commercial success, but in an emerging market environment, with a young, dynamic and engaged workforce, the challenge is daunting, and not to be ignored.

The Importance of Defining Success. Compliance programs in China, like anywhere else, address the importance of lawful and ethical conduct, but during my visits, I saw a profound focus around how to execute on both values and objectives, in an environment where people are extremely focused on success, and the rewards of success. This desire to succeed manifests itself in a way thats much different in an emerging economy than in a developed one. Employment with western based brands are coveted jobs, and commercial teams are anxious to demonstrate their ability to execute on financial objectives  in other words, to succeed. But that goal driven model often widens whats a cultural and operational disconnect between the support functions at HQ and those forward based teams which are deployed in less supervised locales. And you cant bridge those gaps with compliance paperwork and contracts.

Servant Leadership. One executives initiative was to call on mid-level leadership to be servant leaders. That really captured my attention, as he empowered his executive teams to push power down into the organization instead of up. As defined in The Center for Servant Leadership, a servant-leader focuses primarily on the growth and well-being of people and the communities to which they belong. Though traditional leadership generally involves the accumulation and exercise of power by one at the top of the pyramid, servant leadership is different. The servant-leader shares power, puts the needs of others first and helps people develop and perform as highly as possible. Yet another reminder as to why its so exciting to be back in the field  these are the business practices that one can only learn via immersion, and you dont get that from the home office.

As to some more of the challenges, yes, anti-corruption was a big part of it, but not the only part. In China, corruption can intersect a work-force in both directions, as bribe payers as well as receivers. Commercial personnel who are responsible for dealer, intermediary and distributor networks might be subjected to requests for bribes, passed through those third parties to government officials  a set-up thats familiar. But in China, employees are also exposed to the receiving side of corruption, as dealers might want to curry favor for discounts, product allocations or marketing allowances through corrupt offers.

In an environment based on relationships and hierarchy, thats a complexity that might be hard to appreciate unless you are in front of it. Its much more than anti-corruption compliance; its about ethical conduct in a broader sense, on hours and off. And those offers dont come, or they dont start, with brown bags of cash or numbered off-shore accounts. A dealer offering his beach flat for a holiday weekend to an employee might seem innocent enough, until a situation arises where that dealer might need a special allowance or discount. Its a peril that often hides under the radar of friendship and association. Its part of whats called the dangerous charm of third parties. After all, who wants to say no to a friend?

Thats just part of how I engaged in a discussion where there was an appreciation and focus on how to develop a commercial workforce free of conflict of interest, and how to inspire commercial leaders to embrace their roles as brand ambassadors. And those efforts were backed up, including by my own experience, with a you cant hide bad conduct behind your third parties, and what you dont know can hurt all of us. We spent a lot of time sharing with the workforce how they have an obligation to know the values and integrity of the people they do business with, and not to switch their ethical radar off after the third-party vetting process. In China, with state investment and divestment in industry and commercial entities, risk can quickly change over the life of a relationship.

In sum, those are just a few of the elements to which I was honored to engage. Having spent the better part of ten years living and working overseas 250 days a year, this was my first visit to mainland China. It left me wanting more, to return, and to read more about Chinas role in todays global economy along with its internal struggles as to how that gets implemented. China is experiencing what I heard called the new normal, where the period of exponential growth is slowing down, creating yet new challenges for commercial teams to succeed in a tightening marketplace. Its a fascinating place, I found it personally contagious, and felt privileged to play some role in how to engage and inspire Chinas commercial and compliance leaders to work together as each others ambassadors.
(Photo : US Army) U.S. Army M1A2SEPV2 Abrams arrive in Poland to strengthen NATO.

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Russia appears terrified of the 4,600 NATO fighting men recently deployed to the Baltic States off its western border and has threatened to take unspecified measures to punish the alliance for this temerity.



"NATO is building a new military security situation that we cannot ignore, that we should address using our own military instruments," said Alexander Grushko, Russia's ambassador to NATO in Brussels.



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He refused to reveal what kind of measures Russia plans to take, saying only "NATO's movements will not be left without a response in terms of military planning."



And, in an insulting statement, Grushko said only Russia can ensure peace in Europe, which is tantamount to saying the only way to quell a ravenous bear is to let it eat everything in sight.



"If Europe is really interested in improving its own security, it is simply not possible to do it without Russia," said Grushko.



He also noted the U.S. increased defense spending in Europe by 40 percent in its 2018 budget.



Grushko also asked why NATO is boosting its defense spending when their combined defense budgets are already greater than Russia and China together. It's a statement that only means NATO shouldn't defend itself against Russia, which is making preparations to invade the Baltic States.



All the three Baltic States are members of NATO and under Article 5 of the North Atlantic Treaty, which brought NATO into existence, the invasion of one member state is tantamount to an invasion of NATO as a whole.



Article 5 states:



"The Parties agree that an armed attack against one or more of them in Europe or North America shall be considered an attack against them all and consequently they agree that, if such an armed attack occurs, each of them, in exercise of the right of individual or collective self-defense recognized by Article 51 of the Charter of the United Nations, will assist the Party or Parties so attacked by taking forthwith, individually and in concert with the other Parties, such action as it deems necessary, including the use of armed force, to restore and maintain the security of the North Atlantic area."



Twelve NATO Member States have deployed a combined 4,600 troops to Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania (together called the Baltic States) and Poland. Four NATO battle groups will become combat-ready within two weeks.



NATO described its deployment to the Baltics and Poland as a deterrent move aimed at countering aggression by Russia, which seized Crimea (which is part of Ukraine) in 2014.



"NATO is a defensive alliance and we do not seek confrontation with Russia," said NATO spokesman Piers Cazalet.



"NATO had no plan to deploy forces in the region before Russia's illegal annexation of Crimea."



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TagsRussia, NATO, Alexander Grushko, Baltic States
(Photo : Indian Navy) INS Kalvari at her launching.

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India's newest and most sophisticated diesel electric-submarines -- INS Kalvari (S50) and INS Khanderi (S51) -- will both be commissioned into the Indian Navy with the year.



Both stealth boats are among the six members of the Kalvari-class being built in India. The Kalvari-class is based on the French Scorpene-class boats. It was designed by French naval defense and energy company DCNS and is being manufactured by Mazagon Dock Ltd (MDL) in Mumbai under Project 75.



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INS Kalvari will be commissioned in either July or August. The commissioning of the INS Khanderi is scheduled for December.



INS Khanderi was launched on Jan.12, and is undergoing rigorous tests and trials at harbor and at sea, both surfaced and submerged.



The four other boats in the Kalvari-class are INS Vela (S52), which is to be launched this October and three other boats without formal names: S53, S54 and S55. INS Vela and the three other boats are all under construction.



All boats in the Kalvari-class are hunter killer submarines designed to destroy enemy submarines and warships. They come armed with 18 heavyweight torpedoes or Varunastra torpedoes or SM.39 submarine-launched Exocet anti-ship missiles and 30 mines in place of torpedoes.



They have a speed of 37 km/h submerged; can dive to 350 meters and have a surfaced range of 12,000 km.



INS Kalvari is going through its final phase of trials and "we are hopeful that in July-August we will take delivery," said Admiral Sunil Lanba, Chief of the Naval Staff of the Indian Navy.



Kalvari test-fired a torpedo last May 27 and navy sources said it was the last major test before the submarine joins the navy. Last March, Kalvari test-fired an unspecified Made in India anti-ship missile for the first time.



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TagsIndia, INS Kalvari (S50), Indian Navy, Scorpene-class, hunter-killer submarine, INS Khanderi (S51), Kalvari-class
(Photo : US Army) GBI mounting an EKV.

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The successful interception of an intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) target by a kill vehicle last May 30 ensures the United States' domination of the world, said an interesting analysis appearing in the website of the People's Liberation Army (PLA).



The U.S. success might also motivate India to accelerate work on perfecting its decade-old Ballistic Missile Defense Program to counter ballistic missile attacks from China.



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This ICBM interception "indicated progress in America's strategic defense technology, but it's not good news for maintaining the current strategic balance among major powers in the world," said the author, Senior Colonel Wang Mingzhi, a professor at the Air Force Command College of the People's Liberation Army Air Force (PLAAF).



Col. Wang noted the current strategic balance among the contending world powers (the U.S. versus China and Russia) "is largely based on the capability of Mutually Assured Destruction (MAD) of the second nuclear attack, which is effective in preventing nuclear war and ensuring strategic stability."



First applied during the late 1940s in the Cold War, MAD is a doctrine of military strategy and national security policy in which a full-scale use of nuclear weapons by two or more opposing sides will cause the complete annihilation of both the attacker and the defender.



It is based on the theory of deterrence, which holds the threat of using nuclear weapons against an enemy prevents the enemy's use of those same weapons. The development of a missile defense system by one side will violate the MAD doctrine and destabilize the situation, because the side that does so won't have to fear the consequences of a second strike by its enemy.



This is the situation China (and Russia) see themselves as being trapped in, hence their furious opposition to THAAD, Patriot and the Ground-Based Midcourse Defense (GMD) that was used in the May 30 intercept.



GMD is the United States' anti-ballistic missile system for intercepting incoming warheads in space, during the midcourse phase of ballistic trajectory flight.



Col. Wang argued the "enhancement of America's missile defense capability will, in theory, undermine the effectiveness efficacy of nuclear strikes launched by its main strategic rivals (Russia and China), thus consolidating its own domination."



This state of affairs will also goad other countries into developing their own "strategic penetration technology at a faster pace or enhance their own strategic defense capability, which will exert a new impact on international security," an obvious reference to India.



The Indian Ballistic Missile Defense Program seeks to develop and deploy a multi-layered ballistic missile defense system to protect India from ballistic missile attacks by Pakistan and China.



It consists of two land and sea-based interceptor missiles: the Prithvi Air Defense (PAD) missile for high altitude interception, and the Advanced Air Defense (AAD) Missile for lower altitude interception. The two-tiered shield should be able to intercept any incoming missile launched from 5,000 kilometers away.



Despite being developed over the past 10 years, the program is not yet fully operational.



On May 30, an "ICBM-class target" fired toward the U. S. mainland from Kwajalein Atoll in the Marshall Islands was destroyed over the Pacific Ocean by an "Exoatmospheric Kill Vehicle" (EKV) in a test meant to demonstrate the effectiveness of U.S. anti-ballistic missile defenses.



The target fired from the Ronald Reagan Ballistic Missile Defense Test Site on Kwajalein Atoll in the Marshall Islands, 6,600 km from the mainland was "successfully intercepted" at 3:30 p.m. ET by a Ground-Based Interceptor (GBI) launched from Vandenberg Air Force Base in California.



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Tagsintercontinental ballistic missile, kill vehicle, United States, People's Liberation Army, Ballistic Missile Defense Program, India, Senior Colonel Wang Mingzhi, Mutually Assured Destruction, Mad, Prithvi Air Defense (PAD) missile
Baku, Azerbaijan, June 4

Trend:

President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev has extended condolences to Prime Minister of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland Theresa May over casualties after a terror act in London.

We were deeply saddened by the news of casualties and injuries as a result of a terror act in London, said President Aliyev in his letter.

This bloody incident is yet another reminder that terrorism is evil and that it is necessary and important to resolutely and consistently fight it in all its manifestations, he noted.

I share your grief, and on my own behalf and on behalf of the people of Azerbaijan, extend my deepest condolences to you, families and loved ones of those who died and the whole people of the United Kingdom, and wish the injured the swiftest possible recovery, President Aliyev added.
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When a Central Texas police department needed help finding theft suspects, they invoked famous imagery from the movie "Top Gun" aviators.

Three women, two wearing "the iconic aviator glasses," were caught on surveillance footage exiting a Valero Corner Store in Seguin March 25 with less than $100 of stolen merchandise. The Seguin Police Department posted a plea on Facebook Friday for the public's help in locating the perpetrators.

"Cue the theme song to the movie 'Top Gun.' We don't have Lt. Pete 'Maverick' Mitchell or LTJG," Officer Contreras began the Facebook post.

RELATED: 3 S.A. men arrested in connection with multiple Central Texas hardware store burglaries

Contreras said in the post that the woman wearing white in the footage "assisted a juvenile in a theft."

"The female made it a teachable time for the juvenile for all of the wrong reasons. The juvenile, who will not be shown, grabbed a few items and handed it to the female in white while they were inside the store," the officer said. "Once it was given to her, they left the store without paying."

Days after the theft, the group of women were recognized in the corner store, and caused a disturbance.

READ ALSO: South Texas authorities arrest 18 in sting that netted more than $40K, 200 gambling machines

"Maybe singing Kenny Loggins' 'Danger Zone.' Who knows," the officer wrote. "We would like to identify them and make sure they don't "buzz" through stores taking things. Instead, it would be entertaining to arrest anyone who is involved in this incident and tell them... 'Negative, Ghost Rider, the pattern is full.'"

Those with information on the group of women can contact Detective Brown at: 830-379-2123.

"Make them famous," Contreras said at the end of the post.

kbradshaw@express-news.net

Twitter: @kbrad5
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This wasn't Mary Ochoa's first protest. When she was in college, she protested with her sorority. It was different then. It was 1968. She was trying to stop the war in Vietnam.

Decades after her protesting days were done, she's taking to the streets again. This time, she was part of Saturday's Houston Rally for Truth, demanding an investigation into President Donald Trump's administration and its potential ties to Russia.

"For a while, everything was OK," Ochoa said. "Different parties took turns leading. But this? This is categorically different."

Ochoa and a small crowd battled a steady downpour and rolling claps of thunder. Huddled under a gazebo to stay dry, protesters held up signs and listened to speeches.

Rep. Al Green, D- Houston, arrived at the rally flanked by members of the Capital Police, providing extra security after death threats were left on his office voicemail.

Green was the first member of Congress to call for Trump's impeachment on the House floor.

"No amount of rain, no amount of intimidation, no amount of ugliness will prevent us from standing up for truth," Green called out.

He repeated impeachment has to happen and the only way it will is if it comes from the bottom up.

Events like this and another rally planned for July will "show the will of the people," Green said. "And then Congress will change."

Rallies were held in more than 100 cities across the country Saturday. The coordinated protests are the latest in a series of marches and rallies occurring since Trump's election.

Previous rallies were about women's rights, advocating for support of science and demanding the release of Trump's tax returns.

Unlike some other recent protests against the Trump administration, there was no counter-protest or show of support from those backing the president.

Instead, there was a steady stream of speakers from a collection of left-leaning groups, such as Houston Women's March, Indivisible Houston, and Black Lives Matter.

One of the speakers was 18-year-old Michael Floyd, the newly elected member of the Pearland ISD school board.

"This isn't about Republicans or Democrats," Floyd said. "This is an issue of whether you're a patriot or not"

Floyd stood out in a crowd where many had Vietnam War protest experience.

Debbie Cobb marched then too. When the nationwide women's march happened, she made sure to make her way to Austin to take part.

"It was the same people as in the 70s," Cobb said.

She leaned against a brick column, cheering and shouting along with the speeches. Cobb had an "I love Jesus" lanyard around her neck.

"The Bible says do what your hands find to do," Cobb said. "My hands can find to do this. I can be here. I can do this."
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Whenever a politician travels anywhere high profile, political motives are suspected.

That's certainly the case on Twitter with the announcement that Vice President Mike Pence will visit NASA in Houston on Wednesday, June 7.

Pence, a Republican, has been an outspoken opponent of scientific findings on climate change and has questioned the deadly effects of smoking and the link to cancer.

PLAYING AROUND: Lego released amazing replica of Saturn V rocket

His boss, President Donald Trump, has been much in the news lately, pulling the United States out of the Paris climate change agreement and in the past calling the idea of climate change a hoax. Story continues below.





So, when Twitter got wind of Pence planning to visit a science Mecca such as NASA, well the social media outlet was having none of it.

MOON BAG: Price for NASA artifact pegged between $2 million and $4 million

Many of the tweets focused on Pence and Trump's prior comments (and a few featured adult language that won't be repeated here).

Twitter

Suffice to say, the idea of someone with a history of questioning scientific findings isn't all that palatable to many Twitter users.

Scroll through the gallery above to see how Twitter reacted to Vice President Mike Pence's planned visit to NASA in Houston.
Baku, Azerbaijan, June 4

Trend:

"SABAH Graduate" event has been held at Heydar Aliyev Center.

Vice-President of the Heydar Aliyev Foundation Leyla Aliyeva attended the event. Leyla Aliyeva first viewed "I`m SABAH" exhibition. Young people shared their innovative ideas with Leyla Aliyeva.

SABAH groups were established in 34 specializations in 7 state higher education institutions in 2014-2015 academic year. SABAH groups now enroll more than 2300 students in 46 specializations in 11 higher education institutions. A total of 722 SABAH students graduated in 2016-2017 academic year.

Minister of Education Mikayil Jabbarov read out First Vice-President Mehriban Aliyeva`s message to SABAH graduates.

SABAH graduates  student at Baku State University Gunay Imanzade and student at Azerbaijan Technical University Shahin Khalilov  highlighted study process in SABAH groups.

Minister of Education Mikayil Jabbarov highlighted reforms carried out in Azerbaijan`s education sector under the leadership of President Ilham Aliyev.

He also praised First Vice-President Mehriban Aliyeva`s attention to education and youth.

The minister said SABAH project is designed to create long-term and comprehensive conditions for quality changes in the education system.
The summers final Live on the Waterfront concert was held Wednesday evening at Prince Arthurs Landing. The popular series in Thunder Bay has completed nine weekly shows that began on July 13. Wednesdays concert was unique as it was held one hour later in the evening to mesh with the 10 p.
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CLEVELAND, Ohio - Ohio's top proponent of nursing homes fears that Gov. John Kasich's proposed cuts to Medicaid will slice into the facilities' staffing levels.

Peter Van Runkle is the executive director of the Ohio Health Care Association, which represents hundreds of nursing homes in the state. He said most staffing levels in Ohio are predicated on Medicaid.

The tax-supported program pays about $2.7 billion this year to care for about 50,000 of the more than 75,000 residents in Ohio nursing homes. This year, Medicaid will pay nursing homes an average of $193 a day for each resident's care. In many cases, residents who are financially able pick up some of that.

Van Runkle said he fears that the amount will be cut by 4 percent, to $186 a day, in Kasich's budget.

"Absolutely, this would hurt us,'' Van Runkle said. "We can only hire so many people with the money that we receive from the government.''

Kasich's administration has pushed to join more than 20 other states that dropped what it calls the "one-size-fits-all reimbursement'' and rely instead on managed-care plans, a move that would give nursing homes financial motivation to improve quality and staffing. Managed-care plans deal directly with a patient's network of providers, including doctors, hospitals and nursing homes.

"The way nursing homes are paid now, there is no incentive to do good work,'' said Greg Moody, the director of the Office of Health Transformation.

Van Runkle disagrees with Moody. He said the state already has an incentive-based program for meeting higher standards. He said the Ohio Department of Medicaid deducts $1.79 from the $193 per diem paid to nursing homes for a resident's care.

That money, which has reached about $30 million, is then pooled, he explained. State Medicaid officials then divide the pool among nursing homes that meet quality standards. The more standards they meet, the greater their share from the pool.

Moody, however, said the standards are so low that most nursing homes receive what they put into the pool. Kasich's administration is proposing a new structure that provides even greater rewards to care facilities that meet established standards.

The Ohio House passed the budget, but it pulled Kasich's plan and sought a delay of the managed-care issue until 2021. The budget is pending in the Ohio Senate, where Kasich hopes the managed-care plan would be resurrected.

John Schnelle, a professor of medicine at Vanderbilt University, said government reimbursement is an important factor, but it is not the only factor. He said some homes offer higher staffing than others with the same reimbursement mix.

"If government reimbursement is the key reason behind staffing, then it fails to explain why there are major differences in the staffing levels of nursing homes,'' Schnelle said. "Some do quite well. Others do not.''
Baku, Azerbaijan, June 4

By Khalid Kazimov  Trend:

Irans Foreign Ministry has condemned last nights terror attack in London where seven people were killed and 48 others injured.

Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman Bahram Qasemi has called the world for joining efforts to fight against terrorism and extremism, IRNA news agency reported.

He expressed his sympathy for the relatives of the victims of the terror attack and warned against growing terror attacks across the globe.

BBC has reported that a white van hit pedestrians on London Bridge at about 22:00 BST on Saturday, then three men got out and stabbed people in nearby Borough Market.

The three attackers, who wore fake bomb vests, were shot dead by police.
CLEVELAND, Ohio - Genevieve Gipson has spent more than 60 years teaching aides how to provide empathetic care to nursing home residents.

In that time, she has never faced a tougher fight than the one that greets her students every day in facilities across Ohio: chronic understaffing.

"We're in a crisis,'' said Gipson, a registered nurse and the director of the National Network of Career Nursing Assistants, a professional organization in Norton. "We're seeing aides work three consecutive, 12-hour shifts."

In 2015, 70 percent of Ohio nursing homes were staffed below what researchers say is necessary to provide safe, compassionate care. A Plain Dealer analysis of the most recent federal nursing home data also found that across the country, 62 percent of nursing homes were below that level.

For residents of the facilities, low staffing levels mean increased risk of falls, developing bedsores and urinary tract infections, and failure to obtain necessary treatment in emergencies, according to state records and published reports.

To determine adequate levels, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services measure staffing using a standard called "hours per resident day.'' Numerous studies and interviews with researchers indicate that nursing staffs should provide an average of 4.1 hours of care for a resident each day.

Ohio's nursing homes averaged 3.9 hours, the newspaper found. Dozens of facilities could not provide 3 hours of care per resident day.

Advocates for nursing home residents have criticized Ohio lawmakers for failing to serve a population that, in many cases, cannot care for itself. They said the state's minimum staffing standards need to be increased significantly, as they contribute to low levels of care. Ohio calls for its 960 nursing homes to provide a minimum of 2.5 hours of care per resident a day, which researchers said is exceedingly low.

"It's dangerous; there's no doubt about it,'' said Charlene Harrington, a professor emeritus in the School of Nursing at the University of California at San Francisco who has authored studies on staffing levels at nursing homes. "People should not accept this. Ohio shouldn't be this low. The staffs of nursing homes just don't have the time to get everything done. They're working under incredible conditions.''

The Plain Dealer's analysis found:

Compared nationally, the state's average hours per resident day ranked 35

Nonprofit nursing homes in Ohio tended to have significantly better staffing. They offered an average of 4.47 hours of care per resident day, compared to the average of 3.77 hours that for-profit facilities offered.

The nursing homes in the state with the highest number of hours per resident day had the highest ratios of registered nurses. Researchers say registered nurses should provide 45 minutes of care per day to each resident. The nursing homes with the most hours of care per resident offer three times that.

But not everyone sees the hours of care per resident day as an accurate metric. Paul McCartney, a Cincinnati attorney who represents nursing homes, said the average amount of resident care does not provide an accurate portrayal of a nursing home.

"The obsessive focus on numeric staffing levels takes away from the very good care that most residents receive in Ohio nursing homes,'' McCartney said.

But in many cases, the metric hits the mark.

Take Evergreen Manor Nursing Home in Montpelier in Northwest Ohio, one of the lowest-staffed care centers in the state. In late 2015, the for-profit facility was so short-staffed that its aides began waking the facility's 58 residents at 3:45 a.m. to ensure that everyone would be up in time for breakfast, a state inspection report shows.

Oftentimes, just two or three aides cared for all 58 residents, which, in many cases, prevented residents from obtaining regular showers, the report said. Even worse, inspectors found, two residents with incontinence remained in their soaked beds for long periods of time.

The staffing metric for a day in late 2015 was 2.36, below the state's minimum of 2.5 hours per resident day. Evergreen Manor's administrator did not return messages seeking comment.

Examining staffing levels

While researchers and the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services recommend a total nursing staffing level of 4.1 hours per resident day, others disagree. Several experts, including Harrington, of the University of California at San Francisco, and John Schnelle, a professor of geriatric medicine at Vanderbilt University, said they believe the staffing level should be even higher, at 4.5 hours per resident day.

The reasoning, they said, stems from hospitals releasing patients sooner and thus more residents entering nursing homes today needing far greater help to get out of bed, eat and bathe than 15 years ago, when researchers came up with the recommended level of 4.1 hours of care per resident.

In Ohio, 84 percent of the nursing homes in 2015 delivered care at a rate below 4.5 hours per resident day, The Plain Dealer found. That's compared with 78 percent across the country.

"There is no question that nursing homes throughout Ohio are systemically understaffed to the point of being incapable of providing necessary and sometimes life-sustaining care to residents,'' said Cleveland attorney Michael Hill, who represents nursing home residents and their families. "The understaffing of nursing homes in Ohio is a patient-safety crisis.

"I have had numerous aides, nurses and other staff members tell me during the course of lawsuits that they wish they could have more help, that they would love to provide the care that they're supposed to, but they simply don't have the resources to do so.

"When a patient is injured, it is easy to blame nursing staff and aides, but the real source of the problem often stems from a much higher source, often managerial or administrative.''

Northeast Ohio care levels

In Northeast Ohio, two nursing homes were among the lowest ranking in terms of care in the state in 2015: Sapphire Health and Rehabilitation in Akron with 2.67 hours of care per resident day and Falls Village Skilled Nursing and Rehabilitation in Cuyahoga Falls with 2.69 hours, The Plain Dealer's analysis of federal data shows.

Sapphire did not return calls for comment. In a statement, Falls Village said the data used to calculate the staffing levels is two years old and is not indicative of current levels. The nursing home also said it "is an advocate for providing high-quality care to all nursing home residents. It currently has a five-star rating in quality measures,'' a reference to one of the criteria in the Nursing Home Compare star system.

Two facilities among the highest ranking of staffing were the Saber Skilled Nursing Unit in Barberton, with 6.65 hours per resident day, and Kendal at Oberlin, at 6.59 hours.

"We don't want to be the highest-staffed; we want to be the most appropriately staffed for our residents' needs,'' said Barbara Thomas, the chief executive officer of Kendal at Oberlin.

One issue that sets Kendal at Oberlin and Saber Skilled Nursing Unit apart: They have two of the highest averages in the state for the staffing of registered nurses, according to the newspaper's analysis and interviews.

"It's rare to find a nursing home that provides RNs 24/7,'' said Liana Keter, Saber's administrator. "We have an RN on every shift.''

The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services suggest that registered nurses provide 45 minutes of care per day for a resident. Kendal at Oberlin and Saber Skilled Nursing Unit offered about three times that, records show.

Nonprofit staffing

Saber Skilled Nursing Unit is a for-profit facility. Kendal at Oberlin is a nonprofit. The Plain Dealer's analysis found that 47 of the 100 highest-staffed nursing homes in Ohio were nonprofit. Of the least-staffed 100 nursing homes, only four were nonprofit.

"That's what most studies find,'' said Toby Edelman, the senior policy attorney for the Center for Medicare Advocacy in Washington, D.C. "Nonprofits are more likely to be independent. They get to make decisions in the facility, not from a corporate office.

"They tend to spend more on staff, as well as food and supplies. They aren't returning money to shareholders. That's not to say there aren't problems. There are.

"But if there is more staff, there are fewer problems.''

Current and former nursing home employees agree.

Many told The Plain Dealer that staffing levels of registered nurses, licensed practical nurses and nurse's aides greatly need to be increased. They said some nursing staff members struggle to get a break during their shifts because they cannot keep up with residents' needs.

"The good ones won't even take a break,'' said Anne Mueller, who worked as an aide in nursing homes in Wooster and Parma for 17 years before quitting in November 2015 because of the pressures of overstaffing.

More are following.

"Unfortunately, my mind, body and soul could not take any more of one person trying to do several jobs at once because of understaffing,'' said a registered nurse who requested anonymity because she continues to work in the healthcare field. "Mandatory overtime was nearly a daily occurrence. I left.''

For Gipson, the leader of the National Network of Career Nursing Assistants, hears complaints from aides in Ohio and across the nation. About 70 percent of those criticisms stem from understaffing, she said.

Nurse's aides provide nearly all of the hands-on care in nursing homes. They wash, lift and feed residents. In Ohio, they are required to take only a 75-hour course prior to beginning work. But few employees face more daunting challenges, according to The Plain Dealer's analysis.

Researchers said nurse's aides should provide 2.8 hours of care a day per resident. Kendal at Oberlin provides 2.86 hours a day, but some of the lowest-staffed nursing homes provide about half that.

National Nursing Assistants Week begins June 15. The message the National Network of Career Nursing Assistants hopes to communicate are issues aides see daily: safe handling of residents and staffing issues.

"Something needs to be done on the state level,'' Gipson said. "I would hope to see in my lifetime that we address this issue. People - parents and grandparents - are living out their lives in conditions where one aide has more than 20 residents to care for. It's not right.''

Daniel Simmons-Ritchie of PennLive contributed to the computer analysis and research for this story.

As part of the series, A Critical Choice, The Plain Dealer would like to hear about your experiences with nursing homes. Contact reporters John Caniglia at jcaniglia@plaind.com and Jo Ellen Corrigan at jcorrigan@plaind.com.

To file a complaint with the Ohio Department of Health over nursing home care, here is the link: https://www.odh.ohio.gov/-/media/ODH/ASSETS/Files/ltc/nursing-homes---facilities/Complaint-Form.pdf?la=en
CLEVELAND, Ohio -- A 21-year-old woman was shot early Saturday morning in the city's South Collinwood neighborhood. The shooting happened about 2 a.m. on East 140th Street just south of Coit Road, Cleveland police spokeswoman Jennifer Ciaccia said.

The victim's condition was unknown late Saturday afternoon. She was taken to University Hospitals in a private vehicle, Ciaccia said.

While the circumstances of the shooting remained unknown, the victim became the latest in a string of seemingly unrelated shootings that victimized young women in the city.

Two women, Shonna Adams, 21, and Jamila Carter, 22, died after being shot Monday while driving in the city's Central neighborhood, according to police.

The shooting happened about 8:50 p.m. Monday on Cedar Avenue at East 28th Street.

That same day a 17-year-old girl was shot in the face and shoulder by a 17-year-old boy. She was laying in bed talking to him when his gun went off as he was playing with it. He ran from the scene.

A 30-year-old woman was shot along with a 50-year-old man Thursday at Westburn Avenue and Hillsboro Road. One man was taken into custody in connection with the shooting.

If you'd like to comment on this story, visit Saturday'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.
WASHINGTON (AP) -- President Donald Trump is launching a major push for a $1 trillion overhaul of the nation's roads and bridges, a key item on his agenda that's been stymied in Congress and overshadowed by White House controversies.

Trump plans a series of events this coming week to highlight his effort to modernize American infrastructure -- the highway, waterway, electrical and airway systems on which the nation operates. His campaign for public and private funding for the projects is expected to run from the White House, where he'll speak about upgrading air traffic control, to Ohio on inland waterways and through meetings with mayors, governors and Transportation Department officials.

The Trump administration has struggled to gain traction on many of its economic policies. Job growth has slowed in recent months instead of accelerating as the president predicted. Trump has said he has tax legislation moving through Congress but his effort has been stalled and no bill has been written. His budget plan released during his foreign trip included math errors that enabled the White House to falsely claim that its tax plan would deliver both faster growth and a balanced budget.

Trump's agenda has been overshadowed by ongoing probes into whether Trump campaign officials or associates colluded with Russian officials to influence the 2016 election, as well as scrutiny over Trump's firing of FBI Director James Comey -- who is scheduled to testify on Capitol Hill on Thursday.

And other policies on the agenda, such as health care and taxes, come first on a fast-closing legislative calendar.

But modernizing the nation's infrastructure remains a challenge with broad public support.

Trump's push to revamp deteriorating roads, bridges, airports and railways aims to unlock economic growth and succeed in an area where his predecessor, former President Barack Obama, was repeatedly thwarted by a Republican-led Congress.

"It doesn't matter who you are, whether you are farmer in the Midwest, or a mother driving your kids to and from school, or a worker or a college kid flying back and forth to school, you're affected by infrastructure," said White House economic adviser Gary Cohn in a conference call with reporters.

Cohn said the nation was "falling behind and the falling behind is affecting economic growth in the United States. The president wants to fix the problems and he doesn't want to push these liabilities into the future."

Trump on Monday is set to outline his legislative principles for overhauling the air traffic control system, using a White House address to propose separating air traffic control operations from the Federal Aviation Administration, a key priority for U.S. airlines.

The president plans to travel to Ohio on Wednesday to address ways of improving levees, dams and locks along inland waterways that are crucial to agricultural exports. His visit is expected to include a speech expected to touch on partnering with states and local governments.

Cohn said governors and mayors are scheduled meet with Trump at the White House on Thursday for a listening session focused on the efficient use of tax dollars for infrastructure projects.

On Friday, Trump will visit the Transportation Department to discuss regulatory changes related to roads and railways. Trump has noted that the approval process for permits frequently can drag on for a decade and has pressed to shorten the length of the review process.

Trump's focus on infrastructure follows the government's monthly jobs report, which showed hiring slowing down in May. The economy has added an average of 121,000 jobs over the past three months, down from a monthly average of nearly 187,000 last year despite Trump's promotion of his economic prescriptions.

On infrastructure, the administration has pointed to plans for a package of tax breaks meant to help spur $1 trillion in new spending on roads, bridges and other construction during the next decade. It also would drastically shorten project approval times. According to Trump's budget proposal, the funding would come from $200 billion in tax breaks over nine years that would then -- in theory -- leverage $1 trillion worth of construction.

A senior White House official has said the infrastructure plan might also incentivize local governments to sell their existing infrastructure to private firms.

But Democrats have warned that the Trump budget reduces infrastructure spending elsewhere, including cuts to Amtrak subsidies, the elimination of an infrastructure investment program started under Obama and a more than $90 billion drop-off in congressional support for the Highway Trust Fund over 10 years.

Democrats have also been critical of Trump's interest in forging public-private partnerships instead of more traditional spending on infrastructure projects. At the same time, many conservative Republicans have been wary of the idea of a massive government investment.

And with Republicans in control of Congress, Democrats have shown little appetite for working with the president as he faces inquiries into Russia and takes a combative approach overall, from Comey's firing to the withdrawal from the Paris climate agreement.

"If the obstructionists want to get together with me, let's make them non-obstructionists," Trump said Thursday, discussing his plans to exit the Paris climate pact. "We will all sit down and we will get back into the deal. And we'll make it good, and we won't be closing up our factories, and we won't be losing our jobs."

__

By Ken Thomas and Josh Boak
BAINBRIDGE TOWNSHIP, Ohio -- The people's right to amend the Ohio Constitution through the ballot initiative is under attack.

The right of citizens to propose and pass amendments to the Ohio Constitution through the ballot initiative process was wisely added to our constitution by the people over a century ago, but some politicians now think they know better.

The Ohio Constitutional Modernization Commission was created by the General Assembly in 2012 to recommend constitutional amendments for the legislature to place on the ballot, but, problematically, the commission is filled with politicians and lobbyists. Thus, commission recommendations must be scrutinized for fidelity to the public good versus the special interests of political insiders.

On May 11, a subcommittee of the commission formally approved a recommendation to add extraordinary burdens and restrictions on citizen-initiated amendments -- but those same burdens and restrictions would not apply to amendments proposed by the politicians in the legislature.

The full commission held its first hearing on the subcommittee recommendation on May 11. No member of the commission voiced any objection to the proposed burdens and restrictions to be heaped upon the citizen's initiative.

The commission will hold its second hearing on this matter on June 8, with a possible vote on whether to recommend the proposal for General Assembly action.

The double standards are breathtaking -- and no other state has such unfair rules.

Consider if there were two identical amendments -- one proposed by the people, the other proposed by the legislature. The new rule would require that a citizen's amendment receive 55 percent of the popular vote, while the identical legislative amendment would require only 50 percent.

What's more, the citizen's amendment would be restricted to appear only on November election ballots in even-numbered years, while the identical amendment from the legislature could be put on the ballot in a low-turnout, off-year election when fewer voters are paying attention.

The proposal would require that a citizen's amendment be reviewed by the Ohio Ballot Board before it is even certified to be on the ballot. The Ballot Board could split up the citizen's amendment into multiple petitions, which would likely kill grass-roots efforts before they even start. But a proposed legislative amendment with the identical text is not subject to such review ... and who is on the Ballot Board? That's right ... more politicians!

The Ballot Board is a politicized entity with the Ohio secretary of state and legislators comprising most of its members. Tampering with the text of a citizen's petition by the Ballot Board injects political interference into the exercise of the initiative, while violating the people's freedom of speech.

Further, under the proposed rule, a citizen-initiated measure requires the Ballot Board to act prior to the circulation of petitions to set the ballot title, explanation, and language, while no so such early action is required for a legislatively referred measure.

An amendment proposed by a joint resolution of the legislature is not subject to such pre-review by the Ballot Board. Legislators would not stand for such interference with their legislative freedom and prerogatives ... and neither should the people.

These changes are another example of politicians making one set of rules for themselves and another set of rules for the people. During my time in the Ohio House of Representatives, I witnessed firsthand how the majority political party would manipulate the legislative process for political advantage.

The use and availability of the ballot initiative process by citizens should be carefully guarded and any attempt to limit this power of the people should be rejected.

The hostility of self-serving elected officials to the competing and independent power of the people's initiative is well-known. In recent years, the legislature has passed a number of statutes to stifle the initiative power.

In last year's lame duck session, the General Assembly passed an egregious law, hidden in a bill about foreclosure, which authorizes county boards of elections to ban a citizen-initiated local issue from the ballot if the board "judges" any portion of it violates the Ohio Constitution. Besides being an outrageous interference with the people's right of initiative, this violates a fundamental principle of American governance, the separation of powers, by flagrantly usurping judicial power.

The commission's pending recommendation to limit the people's power to initiate and enact constitutional amendments strikes at the heart of our democracy and the ability of the people of Ohio to shape the constitutional framework of their government.

We should know how Ohio's next governor stands on this threat to democracy and the rights of the people. All candidates for governor should publicly announce their position. Refusal to take a stand should tell voters who sides with the politicians and who sides with the people.

The commission should nip this ill-conceived proposal in the bud by rejecting the recommendation to add burdens and restrictions to the initiated amendment process.

Former Ohio Rep. Matt Lynch was a Bainbridge Township trustee from 2008 to 2011 and has practiced law in the township for 35 years in a family law firm. He and his wife Laura are parents of five and grandparents of 10. Lynch served in the Ohio House until December 2014 and ran unsuccessfully in the GOP primary in 2014 and 2016 for the 14th District congressional seat held by U.S. Rep. Dave Joyce.

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PARMA, Ohio - On a beautiful sunny Saturday morning June 3, a committed group of volunteers and city officials from Parma, Parma Heights and Brooklyn got dirty cleaning up the Big Creek watershed.

Sponsored by Big Creek Connects and the Cuyahoga Soil & Water Conservation District, the 19th annual Clean Up concentrated on the Snow Road Picnic Area, the "Kingdom" area north of the Brooklyn Fire Department and Brookfield Park in Cleveland.

In Brooklyn, Mayor Katie Gallagher and Councilwoman Kathleen Pucci were on hand to help the volunteers, including members of Boy Scout Troop 319. The troop is sponsored by the Local Firefighters Union 1145, with Lt. Jeff Lee as their chartered organization representative. Scoutmaster Carl Senal drove an ATV up and down the path to the creek and brought back the larger pieces of garbage.

A group of ten students from Adjunct Professor Justin Glanville's "Natural History of Cleveland" class at Cleveland State University helped out.

In Parma, Council President Sean Brennan led a group of volunteers north to Brookpark Road, while Parma Heights Councilman-at-large Jim McCall went south with a group.

Members of Boy Scout Troop 221 from St. Charles Borromeo participated in the clean-up efforts and got a lesson in stormwater runoff from Big Creek Connects Executive Director Bob Gardin.

Jeff DeLuca, the manager of the Metroparks Brookside and Big Creek Reservations, was on hand to help out in the collection of garbage and debris picked up by the 40 volunteers.

Members of the CLE Peach Photography Environmental Action Clean Up Hiking Group were also part of the effort.

Marco's Pizza in Brooklyn and Guys Pizza Company in Parma donated sheets of pizza for lunch.

"I want to thank all of the volunteers who made this year's Big Creek Clean Up another successful event," Gardin said. "It was great to see participants of all ages getting involved.

"I want to give special thanks to Brooklyn Mayor Gallagher, Councilwoman Pucci, Parma Council President Brennan and Parma Heights Councilman McCall," Gardin 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.
Car theft and break-in, Barclay Boulevard: An unlocked 2016 BMW station wagon was rummaged through at the owner's the night of May 25 at the owner's home. The keys to the owner's other car, 2013 Cadillac Escalade, were inside it. The Cadillac was then stolen. It was recovered in Solon May 27.

Theft, Hilliard Boulevard: Someone stole $462 cash from a student's wallet May 26 at Westlake High School. He left it unattended for a short while. Another student was suddenly flush with cash in precisely the same amount and denominations that were missing, according to police. The money was confiscated and a juvenile court prosecutor will decide whether to file charges.

Theft, Sperry Drive: A Texad man's two wallets were stolen May 27 from his motel room. The wallets contained cash and credit cards. Numerous friends, family, and staff had been in and out of the room.

Impaired driving: An 11-year-old boy took some of his intoxicated 45-year-old mom's pain medication May 28 at a relative's Westlake home. The child was upset due to his parents' martial separation. He was taken to St. John Medical Center by ambulance where his sober dad also responded. Mom was told not to drive. Police notified Child Protective Services and information is being forwarded to the city prosecutor. The mother did not follow police instructions and was observed driving back to the home 90 minutes later. She was arrested for operating a vehicle while impaired and recorded 0.13 on an alcohol breath test.

Counterfeit bills, Main Street: Twelve counterfeit $100 bills were passed May 28 at a Main Street store. Three men used them to buy items and receive real currency in change. Staff suspects that the purchases will be returned for cash at another of the chain's stores.

Thefts, Detroit Road: Two Road residents had items taken from their neighboring apartments May 29. The first had a U.S. flag stolen from her balcony. The second had 14 solar lights taken from his patio.

Property damage, Bradley Road: A resident's 2008 Chevrolet HHR was damaged in his driveway May 27. The rear window was shattered and the passenger door mirror broken.

Disorderly conduct, Bradley Road: A 2000 Chevrolet pickup was left in the driveway of a stranger's home May 30. A 37-year-old Broadview Heights man was passed out in the passenger seat and officers arrested him for disorderly conduct while intoxicated and having an open container.

Fraud: A Silveridge Trail man suspects that his business trip to New Orleans in February was the start of problems with his bank account. Fifteen withdrawals totaling over $2,200 were made May 10-17, all in New Orleans. Some occurred at an ATM he used there, although he still has his card. He reported the thefts May 30. Information was also sent to New Orleans police.

If you'd like to comment on this story, visit Saturday's crime and courts comments section.

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LONDON (AP) -- Terror struck at the heart of London on Saturday night as attackers killed six people in a series of vehicle and knife attacks before police shot them dead.

The assault began when a van veered off the road and barreled into pedestrians on London Bridge. Three men fled the van with large knives and attacked people at bars and restaurants in nearby Borough Market, police and witnesses said. More than 30 victims were treated at London hospitals and a number of other patients were treated for less serious injuries.

The violence turned a summery night in an area packed with revelers into a scene of panic and chaos, with officers running through crowded streets screaming for people to flee. Lifeboats on the River Thames helped evacuate the area.

The Metropolitan Police force declared the attacks "terrorist incidents." Assistant Commissioner Mark Rowley said that while they believe all the attackers were killed, the investigation continued.

"We believe three people were involved, but we still have got some more inquiries to do to be 100 percent confident in that," he said.

As dawn broke over the capital, a large area on the south bank of the River Thames remained cordoned off. Police told people to avoid the area, leaving tourists and revelers struggling to get home.

Only hours before, bursts of gunfire echoed through the streets -- likely from armed police -- and at least three blasts rang out as officers performed controlled explosions. One image taken by a witness showed a man on the ground surrounded by police; he appeared to be wearing a vest with canisters attached to it.

"The suspects were wearing what looked like explosive vests," Rowley said. "But these were later established to hoaxes."

Gerard Vowls told The Guardian newspaper that he saw a woman being stabbed by three men at the south end of London Bridge. He said he threw chairs, glasses and bottles at the attackers in a bid to stop them.

"They kept coming to try to stab me . They were stabbing everyone. Evil, evil people," he told the newspaper. "I want to know if this girl is still alive. I've been walking around for an hour and a half crying my eyes out. I don't know what to do."

Bartender Alex Martinez said he hid in a garbage bin for a half hour when a man stormed the restaurant where he worked, which was nearly full.

"I saw that man with a knife in his hand and after that a man started screaming so I knew something wrong was happening," he said.

Medics treated the injured near the market as shocked people cried and shouted around them. Police officers yelled at people to run from the area.

Simon Thompson told Sky News that he was just outside Borough Market when he saw crowds fleeing.

"We ran for like 100 meters and then saw loads of police cars turned up and there was kind of a period of quite intense gunfire," he said. "I hid in a restaurant basement for about an hour. ... Police told us to get out and then there was more gunfire."

Police received the first call of reports of a vehicle hitting pedestrians on London Bridge at 10:08 p.m. (2108 GMT). Rowley said the attackers were dead in eight minutes.

Multiple witnesses reported a vehicle veering off the road and hitting as many as six pedestrians.

Soon after, reports started coming in of stabbings at Borough Market, a nearby area full of bars and restaurants surrounding a popular food market.

Photographer Gabriele Sciotto said he was on his way home from a pub when he saw a man running toward him telling him to turn around and run because there was a terrorist attack. As a documentary filmmaker, though, his instincts were to keep going.

The 25-year-old said that at first, "it didn't look too dangerous."

The men went into Borough Market, but then turned around and ran toward the Wheatsheaf Pub after being confronted by a police officer, he said, and suddenly a lot of police came from the other direction.

The attackers "had no clue what they were doing. They were scared. The police were scared," he said.

After one of the men was shot, Sciotto, captured a photo of the suspect on the ground wearing what appeared to be canisters strapped to his chest.

Police initially said officers were also responding to a third incident, in the Vauxhall neighborhood, but later said that turned out to be an unrelated stabbing.

Police tweeted a warning telling people in the area to run to safety, hide and then call police if it is safe to do so. They asked Londoners to "remain calm but be alert and vigilant."

Prime Minister Theresa May confirmed the attack "is being treated as a potential act of terrorism" and said her thoughts were with "those who are caught up in these dreadful events." May's office said she would chair a meeting of the government's COBRA emergency committee on Sunday.

As thousands of people flooded from the area of the attacks -- many unable to get home with nearby subway stations shut -- locals were quick to offer assistance.

The Royal Oak pub, near the area of the attacks, opened its doors to people evacuated from hotels. At least one taxi company offered free rides to people stranded in the area. Phaldip Singh, who describes himself as an entrepreneur and youth activist, tweeted that Sikh temples were open to provide food and shelter for those affected.

It was the third attack to hit Britain in as many months.

In March, a British convert to Islam ran down people with a vehicle on Westminster Bridge, killing four, then stabbed a policeman to death outside Parliament.

On May 22, a British suicide bomber killed 22 people and injured dozens at an Ariana Grande concert in Manchester. After that attack, Britain's official threat level from terrorism was raised to "critical," meaning an attack may be imminent. Several days later it was lowered to "severe," meaning an attack is highly likely.

A charity concert for victims of the Manchester attack, featuring Grande and other stars, is due to be held in the northwest English city on Sunday.

Grande, who visited victims of the Manchester attack in the hospital on Friday, found herself confronted with another terror attack.

She tweeted: "Praying for London."

A charity concert for victims of the Manchester attack, featuring Grande and other stars, is due to be held in the northwest English city on Sunday.
Asia led the way with 125 instances of piracy, while West Africa had 95.

A new report from watchdog group Oceans Beyond Piracy says seafaring incidents involving kidnap for ransom jumped last year.

A masked Somali pirate stands near a Taiwanese fishing vessel that washed up on shore after the pirates were paid a ransom and released the crew, in the once-bustling pirate den of Hobyo, Somalia. Farah Abdi Warsameh | AP

Across the world, pirates are setting sail on the high seas again, costing shippers and insurers hundreds of millions of dollars, after declining since the 2009 hijacking of the Maersk Alabama off Horn of Africa. Once contained by international policing efforts, piracy appears to be staging a comeback. According to a new report from watchdog group Oceans Beyond Piracy, seafaring incidents involving kidnap for ransom jumped last year, with West Africa and Asia becoming prime targets. The latter's Sulu and Celebes Seas, neither of which saw any attacks at all in 2015, combined for 21 in 2016, the organization said in its State of Maritime Piracy report. Overall, Asia led the way with 125 instances of piracy, while West Africa had 95: Those figures included armed robbery, hijackings, kidnappings and ship boardings.

The shores of Africa remain attractive to pirates, with an estimated 90 percent of all its exports and imports moving across the high seas. In East Africa alone, where Capt. Richard Phillips' Maersk Alabama was hijacked in 2009, pirates originating from Somalia cost businesses nearly $2 billion last year in ransoms, security, insurance and other preventative measures. The hijacking was depicted in the 2013 movie "Captain Phillips," starring Tom Hanks. In 2009, Somali pirates established a "stock market" in Haradheere, a small fishing village northeast of Mogadishu, to fund their hijacking activities off the Horn of Africa. More recently, Somali outlaws successfully hijacked a commercial oil ship for the first time in five years, underscoring the rising dangers to vessels sailing the high seas. Gerry Northwood, the COO at MAST, the maritime risk management consultancy, told CNBC there is still a considerable danger to commercial vessels. "If presented with an opportunity, pirate investors will gladly return to the business model which proved so lucrative between 2008 and 2010," said Northwood, a former Royal Navy counter-piracy commander. He referred to a time frame where piracy was rampant, reflected in the $7 billion the shipping industry was forced to cough up in 2010, according to OBP data.

'Dipping their toe in the water once more'
Colorado has the highest average elevation of any state, but it also has the lowest unemployment rate.

While the national unemployment rate dropped to 4.3 percent in May, the lowest since 2001, Colorado's jobless rate is the nation's lowest at 2.3 percent.

Colorado Gov. John Hickenlooper says his booming economy is the result of efforts to make the Centennial State more "pro-business." He adds his state has "one of the lowest business income tax levels at just a little over 4.6 percent."

"We worked very hard to reduce red tape, to try to attract young entrepreneurs."

In an interview with CNBC's "On The Money," Hickenlooper said, "More than anything we wanted Colorado to think of itself as a place, not just for outdoor recreation, but a place to go and start a business. "

The governor says one of the growing industries in Colorado is clean energy. "We have over 2,000 companies that do either renewable energy or clean tech."

While last week President Donald Trump announced the U.S. will leave the Paris climate accord, Hickenlooper called it "a serious mistake on several levels."

"In the short term," he tells CNBC, "more than 60, 000 employees" work in the clean energy sector in his state. "If that begins to contract or kind of be squelched, that's obviously not good for Colorado."

Globally, Hickenlooper says Trump's decision " leaves a vacuum."



"We have always been the world leader in, not just business, but all kinds of issues. "

And with this move, he says other countries, "China, or India, or the European Union or others are going to fill in that leadership role. Our strongest allies are bitterly disappointed, and I think that will hurt our business over the long term. "

Pot Power

Since becoming the first state to legalize recreational marijuana in 2012, that industry has been growing like the plant itself.

That year, Hickenlooper was opposed to the measure, but it passed by a 55 percent to 45 percent vote.

Last year, the state took in $198.5 million in tax revenue from in-state marijuana sales of $1.3 billion. That's up from $699.2 million in sales in 2014 and $996.2 million in 2015 sales.

Hickenlooper says it's "too soon to know" if there's a downside to drug legalization. "We don't see more people doing more marijuana in Colorado after legalization. It's through a regulated process now."

"But we haven't seen a big spike in teenage consumption, we haven't seen a big spike in any consumption."

He stressed the need to keep the size of the marijuana business in perspective.

"We have a $28 billion state budget overall, and $200 million is just a drop in the bucket there."

"On the Money" airs on CNBC Saturday at 5:30 a.m. ET, or check listings for air times in local markets.
Baku, Azerbaijan, June 4

By Khalid Kazimov  Trend:

A senior government official has said that the administration is considering a proposal on creating three new ministries in the country.

Vice President for Parliamentary Affairs Hosseinali Amiri has said that the proposal on creating the new ministries would go to parliament over the current week, IRNA news agency reported.

According to the report, under the proposal two ministries of transportation as well as housing will be created out of the current Ministry of Roads and Urban Development.

The Ministry of Industry, Mine and Trade will form the two independent ministries of industry and mine as well as trade.

In the meantime, The Ministry of Sport and Youth will be divided into the ministry of sport and an organization for youth affairs.
People flee as police attend to an incident near London Bridge in London, Britain, June 4, 2017.

"We are working with our inter-agency partners and foreign counterparts to gain further insight into reported attacks against civilians on London Bridge and in the surrounding area," DHS said, in a statement.

The U.S. Department of Homeland Security said late Saturday that it is working with counterparts in the U.K. on the attacks in London after assailants mowed down pedestrians on London bridge and then went on a knife attack rampage in nearby Borough Market.

At the same time, Homeland Security said it did not see an immediate link from the attack toa threat in the U.S.

"The Secretary (John Kelly) has been fully briefed on the incidents and the ongoing response. At this time, we have no information to indicate a specific, credible terror threat in the United States."

The U.S. State Department also condemned the attacks.

"We understand U.K. police are currently treating these as terrorist incidents," State Department spokeswoman Heather Nauert said, in a statement. "The United States stands ready to provide any assistance authorities in the United Kingdom may request."

Metropolitan Police Chief Cressida Dick said the help would be welcomed even after an incident last month at the G7 in which May admonished Trump for an apparent intelligence sharing breach.

"We have a good working relationship with American colleagues," Dick said, adding that normal practice is to work with them and that is the assumption going forward.

In a tweet, U.S. House Speaker Paul Ryan also offered support.

"We stand resolute with our friends in London and send prayers to the victims. Terror and hate will never triumph."

Japan has issued a travel advisory warning its nationals to avoid places of what it calls potential targets in London, including sightseeing spots, department stores, markets, concert venues and political rallies. The Foreign Ministry says Japanese visitors should "pay close attention to the surroundings, and leave quickly if any suspicious signs are seen."

Australian Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull said that two Australians were directly affected in the attack with one hospitalized as he also condemned the incident.

"This attack is yet another cruel example of the new reality in which we live, the ever-present threat of murderous Islamist terrorists, intent to harm our communities, our way of life and the freedoms we hold dear," Turnbull said.

German Chancellor Angela Merkel said she was dismayed by the attack and that German was firmly at Britain's side.

Russian President Vladimir Putin sent a telegram to May suggesting joint efforts to fight terrorism should be stepped up.

 The Associated Press and Reuters contributed to this report.
Armed men mowed down several pedestrians on London Bridge late Saturday before being shot dead by police, killing at least seven in what officials described as an act of terror, Britain's third major attack in as many months.

Police flooded London streets after a van jumped the road and struck dozens of civilians, then headed to nearby Borough Market, a commercial area filled with bars and restaurants. They left the vehicle and stabbed people in those establishments before being shot down by security forces.

The London police reported that three attackers, wearing fake explosive vests, were shot dead by armed response officers and believe that there were no more attackers than those killed. London Ambulance told Reuters that 48 injured people were sent to hospitals across London into early Sunday morning in the UK, several of them in critical condition.

"We are treating this as a terrorist incident and a full investigation is already underway, led by the Met's Counter Terrorism Command," Metropolitan Police Assistant Commissioner Mark Rowley said in a statement.

"We are reviewing and planning to strengthen our policing stance across London over the forthcoming days, and there will be additional police and officers deployed across the Capital," Rowley added.

He said that the van struck people on London Bridge around 10:00 p.m. local time on Saturday and continued to Borough Market where a number of people were stabbed by the assailants, including an on-duty British Transport Police officer who responded to the incident at London Bridge.

The three assailants were "confronted and shot by the police within eight minutes of the first call," Rowley said, adding that what looked like explosive vests on the attackers turned out to be "hoaxes."

London Metropolitan Police Chief Cressida Dick later told reporters on Sunday that the death toll now stood at seven confirmed dead, adding the the area of the attack is now cordoned off and everyone advised to stay inside until police get in touch.

The London Bridge overground and underground stations will remain closed and he repeated that police presence in the city will be heavy in key areas, Dick said, adding the identity of the attackers remains unknown.

Our "understanding" is that 3 people were involved, Dick told a press conference, but that "we must make sure there isn't."

Britain's counter-terrorism command is leading the investigation into the attacks, the police were quoted as saying earlier.

Britain is still reeling from a terror attack at a Manchester concert that left dozens dead and put the country on a high state of alert ahead of Parliamentary elections next week. British Prime Minister Theresa May called an urgent security meeting and was joined by London Mayor Sadiq Khan in condemning the attacks.

Khan later added that the terrorism threat level remains at "severe" - meaning an

attack is highly likely - and said that the police presence in the city will be increased from Sunday.

Khan on Twitter.

Saturday's attack comes just days ahead of a June 8 U.K. parliamentary election that has tightened unexpectedly in recent days. While May is expected to keep her majority, several polls have suggested her Conservative Party has slowly surrendered a once commanding lead.

A new attack, coming on the heels of the Manchester bombing, could once again shake up the political terrain.

On Sunday, the Conservatives, Labour and the Scottish National parties among others agreed to suspend national campaigning for the day, according to Reuters, though some local campaigning will continue. But the UK Independence Party said it would refuse to stop campaigning because "disrupting our democracy is what the extremists want."
President Donald Trump said on Saturday that the U.S. should be "smart and tough" in the face of terror, adding that a presumed terror attack in London bolstered the need for courts to approve his proposed travel restrictions on six Muslim-majority countries.

Shortly after the attack, Trump posted on Twitter that the U.S. would support Britain, which is still reeling from last month's bombing at a Manchester concert. However, the president also suggested that his travel ban should be swiftly enacted as an "extra level of safety" against terror.

We need to be smart, vigilant and tough. We need the courts to give us back our rights. We need the Travel Ban as an extra level of safety!

The terror attack at a Manchester concert left dozens dead and put the country on a high state of alert ahead of Parliamentary elections next week. In a statement, Prime Minister Theresa May said Saturday's incident was being treated as a "potential act of terrorism." In addition to his call for the travel ban, Trump expressed sympathy and solidarity for the U.S.'s closest European ally.

Whatever the United States can do to help out in London and the U. K., we will be there - WE ARE WITH YOU. GOD BLESS!

The Trump administration was rebuffed by federal courts and the U.S. Justice Department on an initial travel ban earlier this year. The White House then proposed a narrower second version that imposed a ban on travel from Iran, Sudan, Syria, Libya, Somalia, and Yemen for 90 days. During that period, the government was to assess the reliability of background information from those countries that the State Department uses to evaluate whether to issue a visa.

Yet the order has never been enforced, and the government must now persuade the Supreme Court that it will be permanently harmed if it can't begin enforcement right away.

Several British news outlets, including The Spectator and the BBC, cited eyewitness reports that a van accelerated, then jumped off the road and hit several people on the bridge. Metropolitan Police said via Twitter that police had been dispatched to respond to reports of a stabbing, in addition to the car collision and at least one other instance of violence.
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Administrator Scott Pruitt holds up a miner's helmet that he was given after speaking with coal miners at the Harvey Mine on April 13, 2017 in Sycamore, Pennsylvania.

Pruitt's comment reflected language frequently used by climate change skeptics, who acknowledge that the climate is changing, but say such shifts in global temperatures have occurred throughout the course of Earth's history, and cannot be directly attributed to human activity.

Pruitt, however appeared hedge by saying Trump believes "the climate changes." That is not the same as backing the EPA's conclusion, reached prior to Pruitt's appointment, that carbon dioxide emissions from human activity are the primary cause of global warming.

"Well, frankly, George, I think the whole question is an effort to get it off the point and the issue of whether Paris is good for this country or not. And the president has indicated the climate changes," Pruitt said.

Environmental Protection Agency Administrator Scott Pruitt on Sunday refused to say whether he knows if President Donald Trump believes in climate change.

Pruitt, who advised Trump to leave the Paris Agreement, reiterated his claim that his discussions with Trump focused on the economic impact of the treaty on the U.S. economy and not the president's views on global warming.

In media appearances, several of the president's surrogates have also evaded the question, following Trump's decision to exit the international accord aimed at mitigating the effects of climate change.

White House Press Secretary Sean Spicer said on Friday he had not had the opportunity to talk to Trump about his views. White House councilor Kellyanne Conway also told Stephanopoulos on Friday he should ask Trump himself about his views.

Interior Secretary Ryan Zinke, who is charged with executing Trump's effort to expand drilling on federal land, told CNN he does not believe climate change is a hoax, but could not speak for the president.

US Ambassador to the UN Nikki Haley bucked the trend, saying Trump does believe that human activity plays some part in climate change during an interview on CNN's "State of the Union" that aired on Sunday.

"President Trump believes the climate is changing and he believes pollutants are part of the equation," she said.

Trump appears unwilling to put himself in jeopardy with his base, because most conservatives either agree with his past climate change denial, or are not invested in the issue enough to object, said David Konisky, associate professor at Indiana University's School of Public and Environmental Affairs.

"I do think the refusal to acknowledge climate change as a serious problem facing the United States and the world, as well as the reckless decision to pull out of the Paris Agreement, does risk alienating moderate Republicans and Independents," Konisky told CNBC in an email.

However, denying the importance of tackling climate change  and even its existence  will remain politically viable until more Americans demand climate action, and punish politicians who refuse to act, Konisky said.
Speaking on the sidelines of this year's Shangri-La Dialogue , an annual gathering of defense ministers, Mercier said NATO "needs to develop a better big data approach, cloud-like architectures and make an extensive use of AI."

The 68 year-old military alliance is committed to exploring technological advancements, with effective mobilization of data and human capital among its key areas of focus, said General Denis Mercier, NATO's Supreme Allied Commander Transformation.

The North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) believes in incorporating artificial intelligence in its decision-making process, a senior official told CNBC.

Members of the British Duke of Lancaster's Regiment, left, plan their movements against the enemy while a member of the Estonian Scouts Battalion looks on in a forest during the NATO "Spring Storm" military exercises.

AI could be used within anti-access area denial systems, he said, referring to global defense structures designed to destroy or prevent enemy forces from entering land, sea or air spaces.

"The key issue is the distribution of data  how we can, through that, empower subordinate levels of command, when it's necessary, to take action."

"That's not what we do today but this is really what we need to be available to do in the future."

A good way of dealing with these integrated and highly complex systems is looking at the technological tools available that can help NATO "build architectures to make these systems work together."

The prospect of AI delivering strategic verdicts on key NATO issues was "the next step," he stated.

President Donald Trump has criticized NATO members for failing to contribute more to defense spending but Mercier said the issue wasn't a contentious one.

Sharing the burden of defending the North Atlantic community is a defining concept of NATO, Mercier stated. "This is not new," he said pointing to the Washington Treaty  the organization's founding agreement  as an example.

Article 3 of the Treaty stipulates members must maintain and develop an individual and collective capacity to resist armed attack. Thus, the responsibilities lie with the nations, Mercier said.
Vitamins and supplements. Fitness apps. Home health care services for the elderly. Concierge medical groups.

These products and services might not appear to have very much in common, but they all sit on the peripheries or edges of the traditional health care system.

And Silicon Valley's entrepreneurs and venture firms can't get enough of them.

Founders often talk about about how challenging it can be to break into the multi-trillion dollar medical sector. Health care startups face regulatory hurdles, long sales cycles and a high burden of proof  and that means it can take more than a decade to make a return.

As a result, many venture-backed entrepreneurs are looking instead at opportunities on the fringes of the health care system, such as cash-only health services that don't require insurance or tests and apps that aren't regulated by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.

For tech investors, these opportunities hold the chance of an outsized return in five years or less. That often valuations on par with consumer Internet start-ups.

"Less regulation means faster time to market, more flexible marketing options, and a broader customer base," said Jon Sakoda, general partner at New Enterprise Associates.

Sakoda's firm has made several bets in the non or less-regulated health sector including Ritual, maker of vitamins by subscription, and Pager, an app for people to schedule a doctor's visit to their home. (NEA also invests in more traditional health start-ups through its biopharma fund).
President Donald Trump speaks during an announcement in the Rose Garden of the White House in Washington, D.C., on Thursday, June 1, 2017.

President Donald Trump on Sunday criticized London Mayor Sadiq Khan for his response to Saturday's deadly terror attacks in the British capital, a remark that a spokesperson for the mayor dismissed as "ill-informed."

In an early morning tweet, Trump referred to the number of dead and wounded in the attack on London Bridge, and appeared to chide Khan for telling Londoners not to be alarmed. The tweet took a portion of the mayor's message to residents out of context.

@realDonaldTrump: At least 7 dead and 48 wounded in terror attack and Mayor of London says there is "no reason to be alarmed!"

Trump was referring to an earlier statement by Khan, in which the mayor told citizens that "Londoners will see an increased police presence today and over the course of the next few days. There's no reason to be alarmed."

Khan also stated that London would not be cowered by terrorism, telling the city that the threat level remains at severe.

"Severe means an attack across the country is still highly likely," he said, warning citizens to be vigilant.

@SadiqKhan: We are all shocked and angry today - but this is our city. We will never let these cowards win and we will never be cowed by terrorism.

In response to Trump's tweet on Sunday, a spokesperson for Khan said, "The Mayor is busy working with the police, emergency services and the government to coordinate the response to this horrific and cowardly terrorist attack and provide leadership and reassurance to Londoners and visitors to our city."

The spokesperson added that Khan "has more important things to do than respond to Donald Trump's ill-informed tweet that deliberately takes out of context his remarks urging Londoners not to be alarmed when they saw more police  including armed officers  on the streets."

Some British politicians were quick to back Khan and denounce Trump's comment.

Trump's tweet showed he has little regard for the "special relationship" between Britain and the United States, said Tim Farron, leader of Britain's Liberal Democrats.

"Sadiq Khan has showed calm and dignified resolve in the face of these cowardly terrorist attacks. He is more of a statesman than Trump will ever be," he said in a statement.

Conservative British Parliament member Penny Mordaunt tweeted out a printout of Khan's comments and said he was "right to provide reassurance."

@PennyMordaunt: Here's what @SadiqKhan actually said. He is right to provide reassurance. I'm standing with resilient London & him.
Leader of Islamic Revolution Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei says the Islamic Revolution gave identity and independence to Iranian society by toppling the previous tyrannical regime, PressTV reported.

Ayatollah Khamenei made the remarks when addressing a ceremony held to mark the 38th passing of founder of the Islamic Republic, Imam Khomeini.

Stressing the grandeur of Imam Khomeinis personality the Leader noted that every effort must be made to prevent distortion of Imam Khomeinis personality and ideas through repetition of ideas cherished by him.

If something that is true is not repeated with all details and specifications, it may be gradually distorted. Most of you know that there are motivations for distorting the personality of the Imam and distorting the revolution, which was the greatest feat of the honorable Imam, the Leader added.

The Leader said the secret of the success of Imam Khomeinis movement was that he managed to bring the youth and all people into the arena and keep them there.

Ayatollah Khamenei noted that Imam Khomeinis ideas, including freedom, social and economic justice, and encouraging the nation to get rid of US domination were among major factors, which attracted the Iranian youth to the revolution.

The Leader stated that as a result of Imams ideas, young people even in those countries that are subservient to the United States, like Saudi Arabia, cherish the idea that their country must be freed from US domination.

Ayatollah Khamenei went on to note that the Islamic Revolution, which was led by Imam Khomeini, was not merely change of government and its goal was not merely to oust one group from power and replace it with another group.

The Leader said previous movements in Iran had failed because they sought to achieve a minimum level of goals, but Imams movement pursued maximum goals and succeeded.
There is a natural reluctance to link terror attacks, which should draw people of all persuasions together, to general elections, in which politicians and parties must differ  always robustly, sometimes fiercely. Yesterdays murder of six innocent people by terrorists suddenly puts the knockabout business of electioneering into perspective: the last looks small as it pauses today in the shadow of murder. It seems wrong to put yesterday evenings horrifying attack in London and Thursdays poll across the whole country into the same sentence.

Or, rather, it would do, were it not that the London atrocity follows the Manchester horror. Less than a fortnight ago, teenage girls were targeted by a suicide bomber. Twenty-two people were killed and 160 injured. As we write, the identity of the three terrorists were who targeted London Bridge and Borough Market is not known. Nor is it clear whether or not they had support from a larger cell. But it is surely no coindence that two mass assaults on innocent people have been unleashed since this election campaign began. There may be more before it ends. Furthermore, Ramadan is happening  and it is a preferred season for Islamist terror attacks.

This is not to argue that ISIS or Al Qaeda want a particular outcome. But it is to claim that they want to destabilise our liberal democracy at one of the moments in its workings when it is most on public display. Islamist terrorists have form: in 2004, they targeted Spains general election, killing almost 200 people and injuring around 2000 in the Madrid train bombings. The atrocities were followed by Jose Maria Aznar and the Popular Party being swept out of government. The aim of terrorists is to create fear, panic, chaos  and the terror from which they take their name. The objective of Islamist ones is to do so as part of what they believe to be a holy war.

As we publish, yesterdays attack looks less like those Spanish bombings, or even the Manchester one, than the kind of rolling assaults that we have seen in Paris and Mumbai, whereby a gang comes to kill and be killed. Some may find it reassuring that this particular one does not appear to have been armed with automatic weapons. They will also draw comfort from police claims that three terrorists were shot dead within eight minutes of the attack begining. None the less, there appears to have been no advance intelligence of the assault and the police, as the horror raged on, tweeted run, hide, tell  the procedure for a mass assault  for the first time in Britain.

You may or may not agree that the Islamists who drove cars at innocents, and reportedly slashed at them with knives, were targeting this weeks election  as well as anyone they could find on London Bridge and in Borough Market. However, it is now beyond dispute that Britain is no longer an exception  insulated by superior community relations and better policing work from the kind of mass murders seen in France and Belgium. Marchs Westminster Bridge attack was a sign that twelve lucky years were coming to an end. Manchester two weeks ago and London last night confirmed it.

The security services have consistently warned that 7/7 would eventually be followed by further successful attacks. They were right. It was also inevitable that terrorists would target London, the home of Britians political and media elites. (The offices of News UK, the successor of News International, are in London Bridge Street.) They understand well that news of murder in the capital will hit these harder than news of murder in Manchester: doubtless it shouldnt, but it will. And it is evident that no present restriction on guns nor future crackdown on knives could guarantee safety: as we have discovered, terrorists can simply run amok with cars instead.

There are three main possible security responses to the threat, and to the recent killings. The first is to stick to the present strategy: thats to say, beefing up the security service and police capability, so that it seeks to cover more of the 23,000 subjects of interest, recruiting what this site calls an army of spies and informers. A merit of this approach is that it comprehends the scale of the challenge, and appreciates that there is no easy answer to the menace of Islamist terror  a threat as alarming, in its own distinctive way, not only to the traditional, classical Islam, but to the children of Britains Muslim majority, who it aims to recruit.

But it will not satisfy voters indefinitely if mass attacks continue and intensify. It is not impossible to imagine them reaching a point at which offers of hospitality to those stranded overnight, hashtags of defiance, floral tributes, poems, mass rallies and self-deprecating jokes are not enough, together with deserved tributes to the police and emergency services. To say so is not to criticise any of these reflexes. ConservativeHome reads them less as signs of complacency than evidence of knowingness  of a deep, intuitive, unarticulated understanding that the struggle against Islamist extremism is likely to last at least as long as that against communism.

The second option is what we might call Arrest and Intern. Control orders, banging suspects up in Belmarsh, and TPIMs are varitants of this approach. The first and the third have been proved to be vulnerable: forms of house arrest and tagging are no security substitute for prison. And like the second, they have proved vulnerable to British judges applying the norms of the ECHR and Human Rights Act. For this reason, Theresa May wanted to leave the European Court as recently as last summer. Fear of the effects of doing so on Scotland and Northern Ireland drove her off that position. Downing Street is chary of tipping opinion north of the border towards independence.

But even if the ECHR could be magicked away, and a British Bill of Rights cast so as to offer terrorists no legal bolt-holes, the arrest and intern option is problematic. Our only recent experiment with internment, in Northern Ireland in the 1970s, did not end well. There are practical questions, such as where and how one would accomodate thousands of suspects. There are moral ones about depriving people of their liberty on what may be no more than hearsay or suspicion. And there are political ones about whether mass arrest would simply serve as a recruiting sergeant for more terror, thus making the threat to security worse than before.

This sites sense is that there is no public consensus for such a leap in the dark  yet, anyway. The third option is Bug and Charge. It would be founded on sweeping away restrictions on the availability of intercept evidence in court. This was the approach of the Party when it was in opposition. It has foundered on opposition from the security services and police, based on their view of the adversarial nature of our legal system, and its possible consequences. But it would allow more suspects to be charged and convicted. Some Ministers claim that it would march in step with a warrant system aimed at requiring those who hold the data of suspects to disclose records.

This could be a workable alternative to foolish notions of breaking encryption. Bug and charge would also avoid the clash with Parliament and the courts that attempting to breach the ECHR would bring with it. And it would begin to address the scandal of terrorists from Syria wafting back into the county on British passports. The response of Official Britain to this latest assault seems to be: suspend campaigning and discourage debate. This is the wrong way round. Campaigning should resume as possible, and security options should be probed.
A Canadian national is among the seven people who were killed by three attackers who drove a van at pedestrians and stabbed others in the London Bridge area of London, Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said on Sunday, Reuters reported.

"Canada strongly condemns the senseless attack that took place last night in London, United Kingdom, which killed and injured many innocent people. I am heartbroken that a Canadian is among those killed," Trudeau said in a statement.
CORNWALL, Ontario  The Escape Room at the SD&G Cornwall Jail celebrated its Grand Opening on Friday, June 2.

The Escape Room had a soft opening three weeks ago and will be running right up to Halloween this year.

SD&G Warden Jim Bancroft was at the event and praised new United Counties of SD&G Tourism Coordinator Shauna Baggs for helping bring this unique activity to the jail.

Shauna took this on without a lot of previous experience, he said. She took this job by the horns and today is one of the really good results.

Baggs worked closely with Escape Manor, the company that designs the Escape Room puzzles. Escape Manor has been operating for three years and has done Escape Room events at the Ottawa Museum of Nature and the Diefenbunker.

There have been several groups of people who have already experienced the Escape Room. Each group starts by being sentenced to imprisonment and hanging by the court judge. After they are lead away and locked-up, the group then have to figure out how they will make their escape. If successful, they will earn their exoneration.

Its an interactive experience that gets people out of their comfort zones, said Escape Manor team member Billy Rogers. Its a throwback to the good old days when you had to make your own fun.

The Escape Room runs every weekend, with a special event planned for Halloween.
Hundreds of young people clashed with riot police in northern Morocco Friday, following a general strike called by activists demanding the release of a protest leader.

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 arrest sparked protests in the neglected Rif region of northern Morocco, where demonstrators have been demanding more development and railing against corruption, repression and unemployment.

Demonstrators on the streets of Imzouren threw stones at officers, who in turn used water cannon and charged the protestors in a bid to disperse them and bring down their improvised barricades.

It was not immediately possible to confirm if any demonstrators or police had been injured in the clashes.

In the port city of Al-Hoceima most shops were shuttered for the second day of a three-day general strike called by Al-Hirak.

Al-Hoceima and surrounding areas have been shaken by social unrest since the death last October of 31-year-old fishmonger Mouhcine Fikri.

He was crushed in a rubbish truck as he protested against the seizure of swordfish caught out of season.

Al-Hirak also urged supporters to boycott mosques on Friday, the main day of worship, and to pray instead on the streets as a form of protest against sermons sanctioned by state.

Zefzafi was detained along with others on Monday for "attacking internal security", after a warrant for his arrest issued a week ago Friday sparked turmoil in Al-Hoceima, a city of 56,000 inhabitants.

He is also accused of having interrupted the sermon of an imam in the main mosque of the city, accusing him of inciting the congregation against the protest movement.

Correspondents said most mosques in Al-Hoceima were full for the weekly prayer, except for one near Zefzafi's house.

In Imzouren, residents worshipped on the street outside the mosque, according to footage posted online.

Zefzafi's arrest has sparked angry but mostly peaceful protests for more than a week, with thousands of people taking to the streets where security forces have been heavily deployed.

On Friday protesters gathered on the streets of Al-Hoceima for an eighth straight night, but their numbers were down on previous evenings.

Demonstrators chanted slogans such as "We are all Zefzafi" and the protest broke up around midnight without incident.

Government spokesman Mustafa El-Khafli said authorities have detained around 40 people since last Friday, 31 of whom are still under arrest, the official MAP news agency reported.

Core members of Al-Hirak were among those arrested.

"The doors to dialogue remain open with civil society," El-Khalfi was quoted as saying by MAP.

He said 700 sit-ins have taken place over the past seven months in the Rif, including 150 in Al-Hoceima.

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The world must unite in opposing terrorist groups and those who provide funding and support of all kinds, the Egyptian foreign ministry said in a statement

Egypt has called for concerted international efforts to fight terrorist organizations and weaken their sources of support in the wake of Saturday's attacks in London that killed at least seven people and injured 48.

"Egypt renews its call to all countries of the world to unify against the phenomenon of terrorism, and those who back terrorist organizations with support, finance and arms, confirming Egypt's full solidarity with the British government and people in these hard times," said the Egyptian foreign ministry in a statement on Sunday.

The ministry condemned in the "strongest terms" the two terrorist incidents at London Bridge and Borough Market on Saturday.

Assailants drove a van into pedestrians at high speed on London Bridge on Saturday night before stabbing revellers on nearby streets, in what police described as a suspected terrorist attack.

London Bridge is a major transport hub and nearby Borough Market is a fashionable warren of alleyways packed with bars and restaurants, always bustling on a Saturday night.

Egypt also extended its condolences to "the government and the people of its friend the United Kingdom," while wishing a speedy recovery to those injured.

The statement added that the incident represents a new episode in a recent string of terrorist attacks around the world, confirming that all societies and people are being targeted by terrorist groups.

Earlier in May, during the Arab Islamic American Summit in Riyadh, Egyptian President Abdel-Fattah El-Sisi said that eradicating terrorism means putting an end to their sources of financial and ideological support.

El-Sisi said that tackling terrorism thoroughly means confronting "those countries that supply, train, arm and provide political and ideological cover to terrorists".

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A woman from Forestdale feels "oh so lucky" to have escaped the London terrorist attacks after she saw a young woman "fleeing" towards her, "clutching her neck" due to being stabbed, before she was locked in a pub with 150 people for their own safety.

Melanie King, 57, had been out with friends near Waterloo and along the South Bank yesterday (Saturday, June 3) and she was walking towards London Bridge station to head back home when the horrifying attacks took place.

A young woman who had been stabbed in the neck by one of the three terrorists, who killed seven people and injured dozens more before being shot dead by police, was "freaking out" as she ran towards Ms King and her friend.

It was only when she then looked towards London Bridge and saw a "row of red buses lined up with blue police lights everywhere" and heard the sound of sirens getting louder that she realised a very serious situation was ongoing.

Ms King said: "We were walking to London Bridge, so I could get a train and my friends a bus, and as we rounded the corner into Borough Market I stopped at a pub to go to the toilet.

"It was at that point that I came back out of the pub that the young woman was running towards us. She was screaming and in a panicked state.

"She was freaking out, you could tell she was fleeing from someone, and clutching her neck with her hand from where she had quite clearly been stabbed.

"There was a group of seven to eight people to the side of this young woman heading towards us to, with one of them in particular being commanding saying that they 'had to get out of the area'.

"I walked forward another 10 yards. It was then that I realised something really serious was happening because all I could see was a row of red buses lined up by London Bridge and blue police lights everywhere. The sound of sirens was getting louder and there was a lot of yelling."

Ms King and her friends were ordered to go into a pub, The Old Thameside Inn, at Pickfords Wharf in Clink Street, along with the young woman who had been attacked.

Once they were inside, the pub was locked and they went down into the basement, where there were about 150 people, while armed police patrolled upstairs.

"While part of me thought that we would be sitting ducks down in the basement if a terrorist managed to get into the pub, I definitely felt safe in the knowledge that there were armed police upstairs," she added.

After about 45 minutes people were evacuated from the pub in single file under instruction from armed police.

The group continued under order along the river and up onto Southwark Bridge, at which point they were told to run to get to the middle of the bridge and then to run to the other side as quickly as possible.

Ms King said: "We must have been one of the last pubs or restaurants to be evacuated as everywhere else, along the streets, was empty.

"I cannot begin to praise the police enough for the way they handled the situation. The instructions they gave us were so to the point that it was like a military operation.

"There was an armed officer every five to 10 metres as we were evacuated from the area and every single one of them was completely focused. They guided us to safety.

"It is all still a big shock to have been there.

"I was saying to my friends that we were oh so lucky not to have got hurt, or worse. If I hadn't stopped to go to the toilet in one of the pubs we would have been walking right into Borough Market when the attack happened.

"It was a little bit too close for comfort. I feel desperately sorry for those injured and killed."
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There are probably many theories as to why Gov. Dannel Malloy chose to announce so early in his second term that he would not seek a third. For now, Im going with this one: Hes done with politicking. Now he can tell it like it is.

Granted, blunt talk is something Malloy excels at, and it drives everyone nuts. Hes a difficult man, fixated myopically on his way of doing things, come hell or high water. His unpopularity comes from a mix of bad choices and bad luck. At least as important, however, is that hes so hard to like.

But unlikable people can transform into beacons of truth amid crises, and Connecticut is facing a historic one. Not only are we in a fiscal black hole (about $5 billion over the next two years), but we suffered the loss of wealth and prestige when General Electric left Fairfield for Boston.

And now comes Aetna.

The 164-year-old insurance giant, based in Hartford, is said to be considering departure as well. It hasnt made a final decision, but Hartford Mayor Luke Bronin said Wednesday: Aetna decided a long time ago to relocate (its) corporate headquarters out of Connecticut. Obviously, time will tell.

Meanwhile, some will blame the states business climate for Aetnas pending decision, as they did after GE moved out. They will call for tax cuts for businesses, fewer regulations and a litany of familiar demands we have come to expect.

Thing is, business climate isnt why GE left. The companys motivations are being blurred, confused and misrepresented by parties with an interest in blurring, confusing and misrepresenting GEs motivations. It left for the same reasons Aetna is thinking about leaving.

Glory be to God that Capitol reporter Ken Dixon, of Hearst Connecticut Media, got out in front of this silly narrative to report Aetnas thinking: Connecticut cannot offer the employee pool it needs to thrive in the 21st century.

Im certain Aetna wouldnt mind having its state and local taxes slashed. But Im also certain that if talent is the reason for leaving, to innovate and compete deep into this century, low taxes are just not going to cut it. Same with virtually any incentive. Indeed, Malloy didnt go without trying. He offered Aetna CEO Mark Bertolini all manner of goodies. But all the grants, cheap forgivable loans and other breaks arent going to compare to needing good, smart, talented people.

Nothing is certain yet, but Boston is being floated as the place Aetna might land. Boston is no tax haven, of course, but it has world-class institutions of higher learning, vibrant arts, nightlife and culture, and a modernized infrastructure.

Not that Hartford should be Boston. But Hartford cant come close to competing, and neither can Connecticuts other urban centers. Their infrastructures are crumbling. Their economies are stagnant. Their tax bases have fled to the suburbs. And their schools continue to struggle.

Cue Dan the Truth Teller.

Now that Malloy doesnt have to play nice, he has squeezed concessions out of state employees accustomed to goodies given away by past governors and legislative sessions. He is just now starting to put pressure on Connecticuts wealthiest towns, most of them represented by Republicans, explaining in his myopically fixated way theyre not only going to get less from Hartford but theyre going to have to give more, too.

All of that sounds about right to me, and fair. The Republicans cant expect public unions to sacrifice if rich towns are unwilling to sacrifice. Same thing the other way around. The larger point, though, may seem less fair, perhaps wrong.

Cities are more important than small towns. Thats sounds offensive given our tradition of home rule and local control. But I think Malloy is right to privilege cities  perhaps wrong in the politics but right on the economics. The trick is selling the idea that cities are good for everyone if only everyone could see the long-term benefits of investing in them.

I doubt losing Aetna will bring us to that point. Everyone in Hartford is focused right now on the fiscal crisis. But if other firms leave for similar reasons, thats going to hurt, a lot.

Pain can be helpful.

Hopefully, it wont hurt too much.

John Stoehr is a lecturer in political science at Yale University. He can be reached at johnastoehr@gmail.com.
Katie Burke

Sacred Heart University has named Katie Burke, senior strategist and chief of staff at Edelman, a global communications marketing firm, to its board of trustees. The Norwalk resident was previously CEO of Katie Burke Communications and also served as executive vice president of marketing and communications at Nielsen, a global information, data and measurement company. Her career began in Connecticut as a staff member for former U.S. Rep. Christopher Shays and she later worked for former New York City Mayor Rudy Giulianis presidential campaign and California Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger.

Christian Morris

Family ReEntry, a Bridgeport-based nonprofit that assists families affected by the criminal justice system, has named Christian Morris to its board of directors. Morris, of Westport, is co-founder of SmartPath Labs and former executive vice president of CometaWorks. He has also served on the board of Sound Affects, a nonprofit organization that fights cancer. The board of Family ReEntry seeks to advise the organization in supporting individuals who are re-entering society after incarceration.

Randi Nelson

Randi Nelson, an associate attorney at Westport-based Nusbaum & Parrino, has recently been named a Connecticut 10 Best Family Law Attorney for Client Satisfaction, and a 2017 Americas Most Honored Professionals Award. At Nusbaum & Parrino, Nelson is involved with the full spectrum of client representation, including drafting and prosecution of pre- and post-judgment motions, conducting and managing discovery, witness examinations during court hearings, and the negotiation and drafting of separation agreements and other agreements submitted to the court.
Reda Hegazy, general director of the high-school exams, said the leaks were genuine but the culprits 'would be identified within minutes'

Egypt's high-school final examinations were hit by an attempt at online cheating on Sunday, just 90 minutes into the first examination, with a version of the Arabic exam paper leaked on social media, Ahram's Arabic news website reported.

The paper was published on so-called "cheating pages" online, a scenario similar to last years leaks during the same Thanweya Amma finals.

Although the paper leaked on Sunday did not contain any answers, it hinted at a possible repeat of last year's scenario, whereby questions were leaked first, closely followed by answers.

For the past two years, test questions for several courses were leaked on a Facebook page titled "Chao Ming Cheats", with the education ministry mandating that students retake exams, a decision that sparked student protests in several governorates.

The general director of the Thanweya Amma exams, Reda Hegazy, told Al-Ahram that Sunday's leak was genuine, and that the operations committee at the education ministry would identify those responsible "within minutes".

Secondary school exams started across Egypt on Sunday morning, with 592,000 students taking exams in Arabic language and religion in various governorates, including Cairo, Alexandria, Assiut and Mansoura. Al-Ahram said that 109 students would be taking their examinations while in detention.

Around 91,000 students are sitting exams in greater Cairo, with schools and exam committees protected by personnel from the interior ministry, the governorate and civil defence bodies, Al-Ahram reported.

Another version of the Arabic exam paper was leaked on Saturday, said the report, but a source at the examination operations committee said it was a fake.

Hegazy said that any student found with a mobile phone in an examination could be banned from exams for a year, while exam supervisors and heads of the exam committees would also face legal action.

Earlier on Sunday, Hegazy said he was confident that there would be no repeat of the widespread leaks of last year, since various measures taken by the ministry enable them to identify those responsible within five minutes. In such cases, he said, exam papers can be replaced within three hours.

Hegazy warned those behind the Chao Ming page that they will not be able to leak exams. Addressing those resonsible, he said, "Don't lie to the students to take their money."

In June 2016, Egyptian police arrested an 18-year-old student allegedly responsible for administering three Facebook pages bearing the slogan "Chao Ming helps Thanaweya Amma cheat", all of which had leaked questions and answers for the exams.

Prosecutors ordered the detention of 12 education ministry personnel in connection with the leaks, and their trial is ongoing. The accused were employed in the ministry's examinations centre and the printing house responsible for printing the exam papers.

The largest Chao Ming Facebook page has over 750,000 followers and was created in 2012. It has leaked question papers from many exams, often striking a few minutes after the official examination starting times, with answers usually posted online shortly thereafter.

Some students are believed to use their smart phones inside the exam rooms to view the answers.

The page had been blocked by authorities, but it later came back into operation.



More security

The government has taken several steps to avoid a repeat of last year's exam disruption, following assurances last year from Egypts President Abdel-Fattah El-Sisi that the problem would be solved.

Along with stricter security surrounding examination papers, the ministry has altered the exam procedure, with students now required to submit their answers on the question sheet, as opposed to the previous system, in which answers were submitted on a separate sheet.



The new system is intended to prevent students sneaking test papers out of examination halls during toilet breaks, for example.

In December, Prime Minister Sherif Ismail said that Thanaweya Amma exam-paper printing would now be overseen by "a sovereign body", indicating the possible involvement of a high-level security body. He added that the government has earmarked EGP 100,000 for new equipment to test security and anti-cheating measures at high schools.

The premier stressed that there would be "no complacency in dealing with all the negative phenomena that occur during exams."

The results of the Thanaweya Amma exams dictate which colleges, if any, students are eligible to attend. Nearly 500,000 students sit the high-school examinations in Egypt each year.

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BRIDGEPORT  Eyes closed, feet flat on the floor, Youri Guerrier, 13, tried hard to clear his mind, never peeking.

The only sound was teacher Karl Krauss voice, encouraging this class of seventh-graders on the second floor of an old brick school building to focus on their breathing, forget about their morning, dont think about the day ahead.

If your mind wanders, count your breaths, Krauss urged during the 5-minute session cushioned in between second and third period at The Bridge Academy Charter School.

The mindfulness exercise, is aimed at increase ones ability to focus and think. It is one of several tools being used to help revive one of the states first charter schools, which was put on probation by the state Department of Education for poor test scores and high suspension rates.

In 2016, under the new Common Core test, 18 percent of Bridge seventh and eighth-graders scored at grade level on the state test, sharply lower than the 43 percent proficiency achieved under the states mastery test given in 2014. In math, 5 percent of Bridge middle school students achieved proficiency in 2016, compared to 47 percent under the old test.

In both cases in 2016, a smaller percentage of Bridge students passed the test than did so in traditional public schools in Bridgeport.

Bridge, located on Kossuth Street, has been given a three year renewal instead of the standard five, but really has just one year to show improvement. The school is doubling down on reading instruction, carving out room to help disruptive students refocus.

More Information The Bridge Academy's Corrective Action Plan Goals: Bridge will increase proficiency in reading and math by 20 percent by the Spring 2018. Bridge will reduce yearly suspension rate from 18 to 9 percent and the overall number of suspensions from 120 to 60 during 2017-18. See More Collapse

There is an all-hands-on-deck approach, the kinds that has been the schools hallmark.

We are still a safer, closer, warmer place, Principal and Director Tim Dutton said of the school he helped create.

A change of approach

In the beginning the idea was college prep  give them mentors; make them all apply to college.

Over time, the school realized that is not why parents sent their kids to The Bridge.

They send them here because, I think, we have a reputation of doing well with tougher kids, said Rachel Allison, another Bridge founder.

Charter schools were still a new concept in 1997. The state was looking for fresh ways to promote innovation and student diversity when it joined a growing movement to let public schools exist outside the control of local school boards.

Dutton and Allison started Bridge with former State Rep. Felipe Reinoso. They were teachers assigned to the freshmen cluster at Warren Harding High School and were tired of seeing freshmen classes of 500 shrink to 250 by senior year.

We wanted to give all those ninth-grade dreams a better springboard, Allison said.

Dutton felt he was on the forefront of a civil rights battle for urban education. Still does.

Neither looked too far into the future.

We try to be the boy scouts in business and keep going, Dutton said, acknowledging Our application wouldnt get a second look today.

Held accountable

A few Connecticut charter schools have closed or been shut down over the past two decades, but 2015 was a particularly rough year. The operator of a Hartford-based charter management group was caught lying about his credentials and not conducting background checks. Other charter schools were cited for suspending twice the number of students as traditional public schools.

Rules were tightened. Bridge is the fourth charter school put on probation by the state in recent years.

Students, alumni and parents at Bridge come to its defense. In a first-period Algebra II class, a junior approaches a visitor in the back of the room and brushes by, asking, Are you going to shut us down, miss?

John Rodriguez, Bridges new executive board president, said it takes time to bring students entering at far below grade level in the seventh grade up to where they need to be.

If you look at the graduating class. We have an excellent graduating class, he said. The job will be accomplished.

Teachers are always on top of the kids, said Atlagracia Hilario, parent if a seventh-grader. I hope this school stays for a long time, because I want my other kids to come here.

Bria Jackson, a Bridge senior, said her transition when she arrived in seventh grade was hard, but worth it.

They shaped me to be a better person, Jackson said. I could complain about the reading points and the math facts and uniforms, but they all make you smarter.

Some students are happy with the college prep they receive. Others say it could be better.

It wasnt what I needed it to be, said Kierra Montalvo, a senior and second in her class. I know at a point its our responsibility to take care of things. But you need someone to tell you what is FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid). We needed more guidance to understand.

Montalvo is going to the University of Connecticut in the fall. Her sister, Karina Montalvo, graduated from Bridge five years ago, and now from UConn. The elder sister doesnt see probation as such a bad thing.

I think there is nothing wrong with trying to get people to do better. Maybe it is just the kind of kick they needed, she said.

Getting down to work

Class periods are an hour long. Teachers are all certified.

In Katherine Lynchs 12th-grade English class, stacks of Hamlet and The Odyssey line a chalk board.

Only six people did (the) assignment due yesterday, she admonishes the class.

The schools curriculum has always been filled with reading. Now that the seriousness of the Common Core curriculum and its emphasis on complex texts have sunk in, the focus is on making sure students know how to read. A good number didnt when they arrived as seventh-graders.

Krauss, a math teacher, has been teaching at Bridge for 17 of its 20 years. He starts the day with an ice breaker-type exercise called Circle of Power and Respect that is also in the schools new bag of tricks.

It gives them a soft landing to their day, he said.

Then students return to their seats, grab computerized tablets from a cart and start poring over the multiplication of fractions in groups.

We know many of you are on the path for mastering this concept, Krauss said.

Students work off check lists that allow them to progress at their pace, changing activities once they show mastery.

It allows top students not to be held back and leaves others more time, Krauss said.

When classes switch for guided reading, the middle school breaks into small groups to talk about the book they are collectively reading. A group led by Anika Knox is reading Messenger by Lois Lowney.

Its getting good and wierd, Knox said. Students start talking about characters and words the author chose.

Before Bridge, Allison said, some students had read one or two books a year. Now, on average, they read 30, she said.

Our proficiency level is quite low... but they they showed tremendous growth last year, Allison said.

Staying small

Unlike many charter schools, The Bridge never franchised. The school started off small and still is, with 281 students across grades 7-12.

Two decades and 620 high school graduates later, being one of the first charter schools in the state probably hurts Bridges cause more than it helps.

I mean, how did you get into this position? said Joe Vrabely, a state Board of Education member.

Vrabely supports schools of choice  charter, magnet or technical high schools. But he told Dutton that without better test scores, he would vote to revoke The Bridges charter.

Its not that they should be held to a higher standard, Vrabely said. It has to be at least as good as the districts.

Terry Jones, a state school board member from Shelton, said he continues to view charter schools as filling an important niche.

But the data from Bridge is disappointing, Jones said.

Jones, a farmer by profession, is most familiar with Common Ground in New Haven, also one of the states first charter schools.

What they accomplish in New Haven is nothing short of a miracle, Jones said.

Common Ground, with no middle school, doesnt take the state Smarter Balanced test. Last spring, 30 percent of Common Ground juniors met proficiency in reading on the SATs, same as The Bridge.

Dutton points out that most of his graduates go to college, and many stay.

Of the class of 2014, 82 percent went onto a second year of college, he said.

The corrective plan Bridge filed with the state calls for more course rigor and increased proficiency in each grade by 20 percent between 2016 and 2018.

The hope is to get the school on track, said Desi Nesmith, chief turnaround officer for the state Department of Education.

I think we are going to see improvements within the year, Dutton said.
Griffin Hospitals Community Health Resource Center, 130 Division St., Derby, is offering two programs on mental health in June.

Dr. Ben Zigun, chair of Griffin's Psychiatry Department, and Susan Cutillo, director of Psychiatric Services will present Lets stamp out stigma: an overview of behavioral services at Griffin Hospital at 6 p.m. Tuesday, June 13. This talk is open to the community and will cover general topics in mental health as well as behavioral health services offered at Griffin Hospital.

From 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Saturday, June 24, John Saccu, director of the Derby Bureau of Youth Services, and Lorrie McFarland, master level prevention educator with the Alliance for Prevention & Wellness, will present Mental Health First Aid, an 8-hour training course for those caring for individuals with behavioral health issues.

These programs are part of a series of free, educational forums hosted by the Community Health Resource Center in an effort to help improve the health of the community.

To register for either program or for more information, call Kerry or Deborah at 203-732-7399.
SEYMOUR  Firefighters are mourning the loss of a cherished member who died suddenly Saturday.

Kirk W. Mike Weldon died at Griffin Hospital at age 54. The Seymour resident and graduate of Ansonia High School volunteered at fire companies in both communities until his death  Citizens Engine Co. #2 in Seymour and Charters Hose Co. #4 in Ansonia.

He joined Citizens in 2002, said Timm Willis, the Seymour Fire Departments public information officer. I remember that because I joined right before him and always gave him a hard time for being the new guy even though he was older than me, Willis said.

At the time of his death, Weldon was a fire police officer, directing traffic at fire scenes. Citizens President Jimmy Lombardi said Weldon was always willing to help out at any fire department event, including Founders Day, an annual event took place Sunday and raised funds for the Seymour Land Trust Legion Pool. Lombardi said Weldon was at the fire station Saturday morning, hours before he died, looking to help put the finishing touches on the event.

He was the type of person who, when something needed doing, he would be the first to help out, Lombardi said.

Citizens paid tribute to Weldon in a post on its Facebook page on Saturday. If you knew Mikey  and EVERYBODY knew Mikey  you loved him, read the post. His one-of-a-kind personality always kept us laughing. Tonight, our thoughts and prayers are with Mike's family as they struggle to deal with this tragedy.

The post was shared by several other pages, including the main Seymour Fire Department page and the Derby Fire Department page.

According to his obituary, Weldon had a long career in public service. He worked for the United States Postal Service as a letter carrier for the Stratford and Bridgeport offices for 11 years, until the time of his retirement. Following retirement, he worked as a crossing guard for the Town of Seymour for five years. In addition to his wife of 27 years, he is survived by his cherished daughter, Brianna Weldon of Seymour and several siblings, nieces, nephews and other relatives.

A Mass of Christian Burial will take place at 10 am. Thursday, in the Church of the Assumption, 61 North Cliff St., Ansonia. Interment will follow in Mountain Meadows Cemetery, Seymour. Family and friends may call at the Wakelee Memorial Funeral Home, 167 Wakelee Ave., Ansonia, on Wednesday, from 4 to 7 p.m. Contributions may be made to Charters Hose Co. #4, 4 Murray St., Ansonia, CT 06401 or Citizens Engine Co. #2, 26 DeForest St., Seymour, CT 06483. Online condolences may be made at www.wwakeleememorial.com.
Thirty-two workers from Tourah Portland Cement Company were handed prison sentences of three years with labour on Sunday, having been convicted of crimes relating to an illegal protest earlier this year.

A Cairo misdemeanor court found the workers guilty of "using force and resisting authorities" after the order was given to disperse their weeks-long protest.

In April, the factory workers announced a sit-in to protest the company's decision to lay them off after 10 to 15 years of service. They complained that the company had failed to pay money owed to them, treating them as contractors rather than employees.

Maadi prosecution ordered the dispersal of the sit-in and the detention of the workers, who were charged with intimidation, resisting the authorities, assaulting an official and using force during the dispersal.

The defendants were arrested by security forces inside the company's factory on 22 May, ending the 55-day sit-in

Protests without a police permit are illegal in Egypt, having been outlawed by a protest law enacted in 2013.

Article 19 of the law stipulates a minimum of two years in prison and a fine of EGP 50,000 for those found guilty of illegal assembly.



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Egypt's Foreign Minister Sameh Shoukry received on Sunday a delegation from parliaments Foreign Relations Committee ahead of its upcoming visit to the United States within the next few days.

Foreign Ministry spokesman Ahmed Abu Zeid said the meeting involved a discussion of US-Egyptian relations and ways of developing ties with the US in all fields.

Shoukry said that the delegation's trip to the US is of particular importance given the developments at last months Arab Islamic American Summit in Riyadh.

The delegation will brief American officials on the domestic developments in Egypt, Cairo's stance on regional and international issues of common interest, as well as counterterrorism efforts.

In May, during the Arab Islamic American Summit in Riyadh, Egyptian President Abdel-Fattah El-Sisi said that eradicating terrorism means putting an end to its sources of financial and ideological support.

El-Sisi said that tackling terrorism thoroughly means confronting "countries that supply, train, arm and provide political and ideological cover to terrorists."

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A delegation from the Palestinian movement Hamas headed to Cairo on Sunday for talks with Egyptian officials, sources told Ahram Online.

The delegation is headed by Hamas political bureau leader in Gaza Yahya Sinwar and Gazas Deputy Minister of Interior Tawfik Abu Naim.

Gaza and Cairo sources told Ahram Online that the Palestinian delegation, which includes prominent Hamas leader Rouhi Moshtahi, will meet with top officials in Egyptian intelligence.

Leading Hamas figure Salah Al-Bardaweil said in a press statement that the "visit comes in light of the ongoing communication and organisation with the Egyptian brothers."

Al-Bardaweil also said that the talks with Egyptian officials would focus on enhancing bilateral relations with Cairo as well as the latest developments regarding the Palestinian cause.

The delegation will discuss the humanitarian situation in the besieged Gaza Strip as well as Egypt's role in alleviating the siege.

The visit to Cairo is the first by a Hamas delegation since the February election of the movements new political bureau.

A former official in Egyptian intelligence told Ahram Online that the new leader of Hamas political bureau in Gaza Yahya Sinwar, as well as other newly elected leaders of the organisation, enjoys good relations with Cairo.

Sinwar was released from Israeli prison in 2011 as part of a prisoner exchange, which Cairo reportedly played a pivotal role in facilitating.

Sources say that the Sunday visit is expected to improve relations between Egypt and Hamas in light of the recent coordination between the two to secure the Gaza border.

Over the past few years, security officials in Cairo have said that militants cross into North Sinai through the Gaza border to carry out attacks on Egyptian security forces.

Egypt has also accused members of Hamas of involvement in the 2015 assassination of Egyptian prosecutor-general Hisham Barakat.

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A glistening silver Jaguar glides up Downing Street. Beyond the wrought iron gates, the crowd roars its approval. Camera shutters chatter, almost drowning out the whirring helicopters. The car stops, and a figure emerges. He's wearing a dark suit and a red tie. He pauses, as if taking in the moment. Then he walks slowly up to the famous black door, and turns. The TV lights illuminate his greying beard and beaming smile. Prime Minister Jeremy Corbyn has arrived for his first day in office.

If you believe the polls, this could happen in five days. If you listen to the excited chatter of the Corbynites, it will happen. 'It feels like the 2015 leadership election. Impossible becoming inevitable,' one leading pro-Corbynite commentator tweeted. Trump. Brexit. We are poised to step through the political looking-glass once again.

I haven't found a single person - not one - who believes the 'Labour surge' is real

Except we're not. Over the past week I've spoken to Labour MPs and Tory MPs. I've spoken to Cabinet Ministers, Shadow Ministers, backbenchers, advisers and activists. I haven't found a single person - not one - who believes the 'Labour surge' is real. The most optimistic Labour assessment I've had is from a Shadow Minister who said: 'We've recovered a bit. But Theresa May is still going to win with a majority of 50 or 60.' The most pessimistic Tory analysis is: 'The social care screw-up did hit us. It's definitely going to take the shine off a little.'

My own view is that despite the twists and turns of this increasingly surreal campaign, Corbyn will struggle to significantly exceed the 31 per cent Ed Miliband achieved in 2015, while Theresa May is locked in with about 45 per cent of the vote. Anything less than a Conservative majority in excess of 100 seats would be surprising.

Corbyn will struggle to significantly exceed the 31 per cent Ed Miliband achieved in 2015

Which should come as a relief to many. As someone voting Tory in a General Election for the first time, and who's spent over two years chronicling Corbyn's slow, cold asphyxiation of his once great party, it should come as a relief to me. But whatever the result, it will not.

This General Election has been the most depressing of my life. Yes, it's been framed in part by the horrors of Manchester. But even before those terrible events, it was an election defined by mediocrity. Actually, not mediocrity, but by the utter disdain displayed by those who aspire to lead towards those they seek to lead. This campaign was called at a time and place of Theresa May's choosing. And it has found her out. She's been fearful of close public engagement. Until she finally hit her stride in Friday's TV leaders' debate, she's seemed incapable of articulating an argument or vision beyond her tightly scripted speeches or sound-bites. As one Labour MP observed: 'She just hasn't got the bandwidth to be Prime Minister.'

The day before the Election was called, I identified some of these weaknesses, alongside the prediction that Theresa May's premiership would effectively end with the conclusion of the Brexit negotiations. Even though she is set to win, I stand by it. Her first Election as Prime Minister will be her last.

But whatever her failings, they are nothing when set aside those of her opponent. During this campaign it has become fashionable to complain 'what a terrible choice the British people have in front of them'. The British people do not have a terrible choice in front of them. They have no choice.

Jeremy Corbyn cannot govern Britain. The nation knew that the moment the Labour Party elected him as leader. Indeed, even the Labour Party knew that the moment they elected him.

Yes, he may be benefiting from a mild up-tick in rebelliousness among 18 to 24-year olds. That's fine - rebelling is what 18-year olds do. But the British people as a whole know what their job is now.

They will not put the man who ran the Stop The War coalition in control of the nuclear deterrent. They will not place the man who laid flowers on the grave of the Palestinian who helped castrate Israeli athletes at Munich in charge of protecting our children from terrorists.

Whatever Theresa May's failings, they are nothing when set aside those of her opponent

THEY will ensure the man who plans so much additional public spending even he can no longer remember the true figure, fails in his bid to get his hands on the nation's finances. In other words, they will do what has to be done, and save their country from its politicians.

Which is why I will feel no sense of relief on June 9. Because we cannot keep doing this. We cannot keep forcing voters to perform a game of electoral Russian Roulette - loading one chamber of the gun with a Trump or a Corbyn or a Le Pen, and ordering them to pull the trigger.

Tasked with halting the Corbynite advance on Downing Street, May has faltered. On Thursday, the British people will come to her rescue. They will not do so again.

Tensions between John McDonnell and Diane Abbott have burst into the open, with reports the acidic Shadow Chancellor has been trying to shut down Abbott's media briefings. McDonnell allies say Abbott is a liability, but I understand the feud has its origins in the 2010 Labour leadership election. 'John wanted to run as the Left's candidate, but Diane told him it couldn't be another white man,' a Labour insider tells me. 'John's never forgotten that.' It'll be interesting to see where the two line up when the battle over the Corbyn succession begins.

Tory candidates were bemused this week to receive an email from Phillip Blond - the political guru behind Red Toryism and David Cameron's 'Big Society' - demanding that they back a Labour policy opposing fixed-odds betting terminals. Blond implores: 'Our high streets should be at the heart of our economic and social fabric, providing places of work and places of collective expression.' According to one candidate: 'Phillip's a lot more red than Tory these days.' Could a dramatic last-minute political defection be on the cards?
Bucking the trend: Teenage pregnancies have actually fallen following government cuts in sex education and birth control

Can we now scrap so-called sex education and all the rest of the condom-waving and pill-pushing designed to appease and spread the permissive society?

This week we learned the amazing fact that teenage pregnancies have fallen following government cuts in spending on sex education and birth control.

This is exactly the opposite of what the sex education maniacs predicted would happen when the cuts were made.

Yes, you read that correctly. In 1999, the Blair government began a multi-million-pound splurge on teen pregnancy co-ordinators, sexual health clinics and sex classes in schools. But as it tailed off, teen pregnancies went down.

Yet the sex-ed maniacs never give up. Even as I write, a brilliantly organised and sustained campaign is under way to make sex education universal and compulsory and to extend it to primary schools. Youd think it had been a great success.

Not so. A new look at the hard figures by Professor David Paton, of the Nottingham University Business School, and Liam Wright, of the University of Sheffield, explodes these claims.

What research we have shows that sex education may increase knowledge, but does not lead to restraint.

So it is worth asking whether this mass of morally relaxed material, in which free and easy sex is portrayed as normal, actually makes casual sex among the young more likely.

This research comes as no surprise to me. I have been getting into trouble for years for pointing out that decades of harm reduction, giveaways of contraceptive pills with no questions asked, and ever-lower age limits, have not achieved their stated aim.

The clearest signs of this have been the almost unending climb of abortion figures since the 1960s, and the epidemic of diseases such as chlamydia.

Casual, loveless sex, the tragedy of unwanted children, the incessant massacre of the unborn and the spread of sexually transmitted diseases have continued to grow over time.

Of course they have. The research points out that birth control will reduce the risk of pregnancy for sex acts which would have occurred anyway.

But teenagers, given easier access to birth control, may be led either into starting to have sex, or having sex more frequently.

Sex education did not really get going in this country until the 1950s. It began very cautiously.

In 1963, the city of Norwich boosted its school sex education because the number of babies born outside marriage had risen to 7.7 per cent, compared with 5.9 per cent nationally.

A bad dose of Christian bashing Channel 4 has won much modish praise for screening the laughable anti-Christian fantasy The Handmaids Tale, starring a gloriously sulky and smug Elisabeth Moss. This drama started life as a heavy-handed novel by a politically correct Canadian, Margaret Atwood. In her fable, fanatical evangelical Christians take over the USA, and turn it into a tyranny in which they enslave fertile women, raping them once a month in the presence of their wives. Dangerous fantasy: Elizabeth Moss stars in Channel 4's The Handmaid's Tale This has not actually happened at all since Ms Atwood wrote her cult book 32 years ago, despite there being lots of evangelical Christians in the USA, and it seems pretty unlikely to take place. Perhaps this is because evangelical Christians arent actually like this. In an embarrassing and lengthy scene in the first episode, the heroine is duly raped. Just in case any of us didnt get the message, the crime takes place to the background of church organ music, gradually swelling into the sound of a full choir singing Onward Christian Soldiers. In case any viewers still dont understand the point (Christians are bad!), the rapist reads chunks out of the Bible as he proceeds. As usual, I await a similar drama from Channel 4 or any other major TV station, in which Muslims, who have actually set up a state in which women are subjugated, forced to wear demeaning clothing and are enslaved sexually, are portrayed as critically as Christians always are by our new cultural elite. I repeat a warning Ive given before. Those who seek to drive Christianity out of our society may be unpleasantly surprised when they find out what actually replaces it. Advertisement

This was typical of the sort of arguments advanced at the time. Now, it is quite normal for babies to be born outside marriage, in Norwich and everywhere else.

Did sex education, which generally refuses to be judgmental and bypasses parents by handing out contraceptives to the young without their knowledge, help to make it so?

Is that, in fact, its real purpose? It was first introduced by Hungarian communists during their brief 1919 revolution, openly aimed at undermining the morals of Roman Catholic schoolgirls.

Basically, they used state power so they could talk dirty to children. Its advocates here, from the 1930s onwards, have come from the radical Left, with their incessant desire to interfere in peoples private lives.

They claimed that parents could not do the job properly. Well, the schools do it a lot worse, as we plainly see.

It is time that the sex education lobby was subjected to some serious questioning about what its true aim is, and whether it is any good at what it does.

Who in British politics will dare challenge these grim-jawed zealots, who march onwards even when the facts are against them?

The reason behind that BBC bias...

I no longer believe theres a silent majority of patriotic conservatives. Decades of comprehensive schooling have done their work, and a squidgy emotive Leftism is the default position of most people under 45. So Im not surprised or dismayed by the audience on the BBCs Question Time.

These audiences are also picked from people who are interested in politics, who are mostly activists and mostly Leftist. The audience on Radio 4s Any Questions, who arent selected, are far less predictable.

Even so, this story is interesting. Tory businessman David Stoneman tells me that he tried for years to be part of the QT audience.

Ayes to the left: The debate rumbles on over BBC's Question Time audience being biased

He filled in the online forms with commendable honesty. He was never asked on. But then he decided to be naughty. He passed himself off as a militant trade unionist train-driver who backed the Leave campaign and opposed fracking.

Almost immediately, the people who assemble the QT audiences were in touch wanting to know more.

Alas, his nerve failed him and he didnt go through with it. Quite right, too, I suppose. We wouldnt want people gaming the system.

Television may come calling after politics

I thought Jeremy Corbyns interview of Jeremy Paxman went quite well the other night.

The bearded cyclist shouldnt have interrupted the very important Great Paxo quite so much, but Mr Corbyn, grandfatherly old Sinn Fein sympathiser that he is, definitely has a future as a TV personality if other possibilities dont work out.

Rock on - but not at the expense of living in peace

The thing I will remember about Panamanian despot Manuel Noriega is that he was driven out of the embassy where hed sought sanctuary by loud rock music.

It was a brilliant tactic. But it was also an admission that loud rock music is an offensive weapon, and a means of torture.

Since then it has often been used as such. And those councils which greedily license rock concerts in parks near peoples homes should be reminded of that.

Nobodys pleasure is important enough to justify ruining someone elses peace.
A private investigator who has made a fortune and become a pseudo-celebrity from exposing love rats has ironically admitted to having an affair herself.

Rebecca Jane, 32, from Manchester, runs The Lady Detective Agency and investigates unfaithful husbands, missing spouses, stolen money, child maintenance fraud and even lost ferrets.

However, the entrepreneur and mother-of-two has admitted that she went behind her second husband's back and had an 18-month fling with her engaged neighbour.

Rebecca Jane, 32, from Manchester, is a private investigator who runs The Lady Detective Agency and investigates unfaithful husbands. In an ironic twist of fate, she has admitted to cheating on her own husband with her neighbour

In a candid interview with The Mirror, Rebecca, who is also an author and TV presenter, admits she feels huge amounts of guilt for her ex-husband, as well as her lover's fiance, but confirms she would 'do it all again'.

She told the paper: 'Ive never said Im a saint and I feel hypocritical in a really big way but no one has an affair if they are entirely happy. I fully deserved it.

'If confronted, Id have admitted it was all completely accurate. But Id do it all again. I think everything happens for a reason and I think this man was brought into my life to teach me what love is.'

Rebecca Jane founded her agency after she suspected her first husband of cheating on her while she was pregnant with their baby in 2006 but was left disheartened when no male investigators would 'take her seriously'.

In a candid interview with The Mirror, Rebecca, who is also an author and TV presenter, admits she feels huge amounts of guilt for her ex-husband, pictured on their wedding day in 2012

The mother-of-two has admitted that she went behind her second husband's back and had an 18-month fling with her engaged neighbour, pictured. He left his fiance and Rebecca left her husband but the couple broke up last year

Rebecca and a friend formed The Lady Detective Agency in 2009, and now the firm has operations nationwide. She established the agency when she suspected her husband of cheating on her while she was pregnant with their baby in 2006 and no male private investigators would take her concerns seriously

So the property developer from Manchester took matters into her own hands, recruiting a group of friends to carry out surveillance on her suspect spouse, tracking him to a pub and sitting outside in a car watching him through binoculars.

Rebecca and a friend formed The Lady Detective Agency in 2009, and now the firm has operations in Manchester, London and Stockholm, where they investigate unfaithful husbands, missing spouses, stolen money, child maintenance fraud and even lost ferrets.

Rebecca also found the time to remarry in 2012 - and produced another baby, Peaches, a sister to Paris.

The property developer took matters into her own hands, recruiting a group of friends to carry out surveillance on her suspect spouse, tracking him to a pub and sitting outside in a car watching him through binoculars. After catching her first husband out, she went on to re-marry but ended up cheating on him with her neighbour

Despite their passionate affair, Rebecca's relationship with her neighbour didn't work out. He has gone on to find a new girlfriend but Rebecca, who has penned a book and starred on This Morning, is single

However, she ended up falling for her neighbour in 2013 and the pair spent months sneaking off to country hotels for secret trysts, both telling their respective partners they were working away.

Her lover cancelled his own wedding and Rebecca divorced her husband in 2015; he has since found a new love.

Despite their passionate affair, Rebecca's relationship with her neighbour didn't work out and they broke up last year. Whilst he has gone on to find a new girlfriend, Rebecca is single.
Theresa May displayed some painful looking bunions as she removed her shoes on a visit to Shri Swaminarayan Mandir in Neasden on Saturday evening - just hours before the terror unfolded in London Bridge.

The Prime Minister, who has expressed her 'huge gratitude' to the emergency services who were on London Bridge within two minutes of last night's attack beginning, made an impassioned plea to British Hindus and Indians.

Resplendent in a peach blazer and brown tailored trousers, she asked them to help her make Britain the 'world's great meritocracy' - just days before the General Election.

Theresa May displayed some painful looking bunions as she removed her shoes on a visit to Shri Swaminarayan Mandir in Neasden on Saturday evening

She made the comments during a visit to Shri Swaminarayan Mandir in Neasden, north-west London on Saturday evening, one of the biggest Hindu temples outside India.

In a 20-minute speech to a crowd of around 2,000 worshippers gathered in the main hall she said: 'I say to all British Hindus and Indians, come with me as we make Britain the world's great meritocracy.

'Come with me as we support all Hindu faith groups. Come with me as we build a truly global Britain, and help me build those vital links with India.

'Come with me as we build a stronger, fairer and more prosperous vision for us all.'

Mrs May was accompanied by her husband Philip, with both removing their shoes before entering as a customary mark of respect.

It is the PM's last weekend campaigning before the public cast their votes in the snap General Election she called earlier this year.

The Prime Minister was in high spirits as she asked British Hindus and Indians to help her make Britain the 'world's great meritocracy' - just days before the General Election

May was on a visit to Shri Swaminarayan Mandir in Neasden, north-west London on Saturday evening, one of the biggest Hindu temples outside India

In a 20-minute speech to a crowd of around 2,000 worshippers gathered in the main hall she said: 'I say to all British Hindus and Indians, come with me as we make Britain the world's great meritocracy'

The PM was accompanied by her husband Philip, with both removing their shoes before entering as a customary mark of respect

Prime Minister Theresa May has expressed her 'huge gratitude' to the emergency services who were on London Bridge within two minutes of last night's attack beginning

The general election will go ahead on Thursday despite some public calls for a postponement because Britain is legally 'locked in', David Davis said today.

The Brexit Secretary said he believed the public would want the poll to go ahead undeterred by the terrorist attack, which killed seven and left 48 injured.

Metropolitan Police Commissioner Cressida Dick today urged people to carry on with this 'normal lives' and not to 'overreact'.

Theresa May has today expressed her 'huge gratitude' to the emergency services who were on London Bridge within two minutes of last night's attack beginning.

Mrs May described the events in the capital as a 'fast moving potential terror attack' and added that 'our thoughts are with those who are caught up in these dreadful events.'

A van ploughed into pedestrians on London Bridge before men armed with knives attacked packed bars and restaurants.

The general election will go ahead on Thursday despite some public calls for a postponement because Britain is legally 'locked in', David Davis said today

Six people were killed and at least 48 are thought to be injured, police said. The three attackers were also shot dead during just eight minutes of violence.

The Conservative Party announced this morning they are suspending their national election campaign following last night's attack in Central London.

A senior party spokesman said national events were being suspended on Sunday and a decision on further campaigning would be taken later in the day.

It is the second time the campaign for the June 8 poll has been interrupted by atrocities, following a three day pause after the suicide bomb attack in Manchester.

The Tory spokesman said: 'The Conservative party will not be campaigning nationally today. We will review as the day goes on and as more details of the attack emerge.'

Prime Minister Theresa May and her husband Philip were given a tour of the Hindu temple, BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir, in Neasden

Theresa May met members of the public during her visit to the Hindu temple

The Prime Minister, who has expressed her 'huge gratitude' to the emergency services who were on London Bridge within two minutes of last night's attack beginning, made an impassioned plea to British Hindus and Indians

Home Secretary Amber Rudd said the attacks were 'targeted at people enjoying their evening with friends and family'.

London Mayor Sadiq Khan condemned the 'barbaric' and 'horrific' event as 'deliberate and cowardly'.

'My thoughts are with everyone affected, and I'd like to thank the brave men and women of our emergency services who were first on the scene and will be working throughout the night,' he said in a statement.

TERROR TIMELINE 10.08pm Police were called to reports of a vehicle hitting pedestrians on London Bridge Terrorists got out of car and ran to Borough Market stabbing people 10.16pm Three terrorists shot dead in Borough Market 22.32pm London Bridge station is closed 11pm Police said another incident was happening in Vauxhall as the station was reportedly evacuated 12.25am the incidents at London Bridge and Borough market & were declared as terrorist incidents 12.55am police said the incident at Vauxhall was a stabbing and not connected to the terrorism Advertisement

'I am in close contact with the Met Commissioner and senior officers and am being kept updated on all developments. I will be attending the Government's emergency Cobra meeting later this morning.'

Leaders asked people to avoid the London Bridge area.

While the situation was still unfolding, Mr Khan asked both Londoners and visitors to 'remain calm and vigilant' and to report anything suspicious to the police.

He said: 'We don't yet know the full details, but this was a deliberate and cowardly attack on innocent Londoners and visitors to our city enjoying their Saturday night. I condemn it in the strongest possible terms.

'There is no justification whatsoever for such barbaric acts.'

During the incident the Metropolitan Police asked Londoners to 'run, hide, tell'.

Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn called the news 'brutal and shocking' in a tweet.

'My thoughts are with the victims and their families,' he wrote. 'Thank you to the emergency services.'

Tim Farron, leader of the Liberal Democrats, said: 'Tonight's horrific incidents in London remind us how much we owe our emergency services.

'My thoughts and prayers with everyone affected.'

Former Ukip leader Nigel Farage tweeted he was 'very close to London Bridge when incident happened'.

'Sounds like another disaster,' he added.

US President Donald Trump has also tweeted condolences and support.

'Whatever the United States can do to help out in London and the U.K, we will be there - WE ARE WITH YOU. GOD BLESS!.' he wrote.

The US State Department said America 'condemns the cowardly attacks targeting innocent civilians in London this evening'.

During the incident the Metropolitan Police asked Londoners to 'run, hide, tell'

Nicola Sturgeon tweeted her condolences to the people affected by the attack in London Bridge

Spokeswoman Heather Nauert said: 'The United States stands ready to provide any assistance authorities in the United Kingdom may request.

'Our hearts are with the families and loved ones of the victims. We wish a full and quick recovery to those injured in the attacks.

'All Americans stand in solidarity with the people of the United Kingdom.'

Australia's foreign minister Julie Bishop said: 'We stand ready to support the British Government as it responds to these attacks and our thoughts are with those injured and their families.'

French President Emmanuel Macron added: 'France is more than ever at the side of the United Kingdom in response to this new tragedy.

'My thoughts are with victims and their loved ones.'
A ScotRail customer has blasted the 'total joke of a company' after her 420 Louboutin shoes were ruined following a cancelled service.

Gwen Watson Smith, 45, fumed that her 420 heels were 'wasted' after catching the heel of her designer shoe whilst getting off a train that the firm 'decided to cancel' in a seething Facebook post on the company's wall.

Gwen got on a train on Friday morning at Bathgate, West Lothian, with her husband David, 54. However, they were soon told that the train they were on had been cancelled due to signalling errors and therefore had to get back off.

As Gwen struggled with her bags and her husband's wheelchair, she caught the heel of her pink Louboutins as she got off, ruining the pricey shoes.

She's now faced with the prospect of sending the shoes down to a specialist shop in London to have them fixed, adding to the 420 she spent to buy them.

A ScotRail customer has blasted the 'total joke of a company' after her 420 Louboutin shoes were ruined following a cancelled service. Gwen Watson Smith fumed that her 420 heels were 'wasted' after catching the heel of her designer shoe whilst getting off a train that the firm 'decided to cancel'

Gwen got on a train on Friday morning at Bathgate, West Lothian, with her husband David, 54, right. However, they were soon told that the train they were on had been cancelled and as she struggled with her bags and her husband's wheelchair, she caught the heel and ruined the pricey shoes

She posted a picture of her ruined shoes to the ScotRail Facebook page on Friday with the caption: '42O pair of Louboutins wasted after getting off train that you decided to cancel.

'No buses available either. Total joke of a company. Bathgate-Edinburgh.'

Gwen added that she was 'p***** off' with the staff, noting that only an old couple helped her with her husband's wheelchair. 'Hope one day they try using trains with a wheelchair,' she added.

Speaking about the incident, Gwen said: 'We got to the train station as we were going to an NHS training day in Fife where we would give feedback to GP's about our experience.

'My husband had a heart attack in 2015 and is waiting on a transplant so that's why we were going.

'However, when we were on the train at Bathgate station, we were told trains were stuck at Partick and there had been a signalling error at Haymarket so the train we were on was now cancelled.

Gwen Watson Smith, 45, fumed that her 420 heels were 'wasted' after catching the heel of her designer shoe whilst getting off a train that the firm 'decided to cancel' in a seething Facebook post on the company's wall. Facebook users were quick to react to her post. Marie Jenna Shaw commented: 'Oh no that's awful'

'It was a busy train and I had my handbag and my husband had his medication on his lap. It fell to the ground and people wouldn't move to get out the way.

'It was pandemonium as we got off and then I obviously caught my shoes. I'm going to have to take them to the cobblers but it's unlikely they'll want to touch them.

'When I bought them from Harvey Nichols, they gave me a card which recommended a specialist down in London to fix them, so I'll most likely have to send them down there.'

Harvey Nichols gave her this card which recommended a specialist in London to fix them

Facebook users were quick to react to her post.

Marie Jenna Shaw commented: 'Oh no that's awful.'

Kirsty Johnstone wrote: 'Oh my god, bet you were greeting?'

Whilst Johnny Petselli added: 'Recommend you buy sensible shoes for such eventualities.'

A spokesman for ScotRail said: 'We've been in touch with Gwen to obtain some more details on her journey, so we can investigate exactly what happened.'

MailOnline has contacted ScotRail for further comment and is awaiting response.
Wendy Halletts first office was a small table on the landing of her three-bedroom terraced house. She had a phone and a computer  and two pre-school children downstairs with a childminder.

Eventually we got the loft done and I actually got a room to work in, with a door, she says. But at first it was a pretty tight squeeze.

From that cramped beginning in 1999, Wendy built a business now responsible for 70 million worth of clothes and jewellery sales in department stores across the UK.

Today, her fashion concession firm, Hallett Retail, employs 500 people, including 60 in a Manchester warehouse and 35 in the London head office.

Today, Wendy Hallett's fashion concession firm, Hallett Retail, employs 500 people, including 60 in a Manchester warehouse and 35 in the London head office

But far more challenging than an awkward workspace was Wendys diagnosis at the age of 39 with the rare blood cancer Hodgkin lymphoma in 2004. The business was then five years old  still small, but beginning to take off  and the children were at primary school and both aged under ten.

It was a terrifying time and very emotional because I had such young children, she says, now 53. But looking back, oddly perhaps, I dont resent it at all. It helped shape me.

Its a cliche, but you do learn that life can be very short. So when I was healthy again, I thought, lets just go for it. It made me less risk-averse because, frankly, you might as well live life to the full.

Six months of aggressive chemotherapy later, Wendy was exhausted and frail, but beginning to see light at the end of the tunnel. The business, on the other hand, was almost flat-lining.

Her successful rebuild, indeed her determination to expand, won her a prestigious NatWest Everywoman Award in 2011, one of a series of awards for female entrepreneurs. The Daily Mail sponsors its Aphrodite Mumpreneur Award, for women who have started a business while their children are under 12 years old.

Wendys early career was in retail; at one point she was the manager of the flagship Topshop store in Oxford Circus.

Yet when Wendy had her second child (Hamish came three years after Megan), she knew she wanted to work more flexibly. My mother died of breast cancer when I was seven, and I was determined to be there for my children because I knew what it was like not to have a mum around.

At the same time, I did very much want, and need, to stay working. But finding flexible work in 1999 was virtually impossible. I had to be full-time and working really long hours in order to get the level of work I was qualified to do, she says.

My mother died of breast cancer when I was seven, and I was determined to be there for my children because I knew what it was like not to have a mum around - Wendy Hallett

So Wendy decided to pursue her own ideas, eventually settling on the concession concept that would become Hallett Retail  a grouping of many small clothing and jewellery brands into one portfolio that is sold into stores including Debenhams and House of Fraser, with Hallett responsible not for stock, but for shop fitting and retail staff.

In effect, she became a middle-woman between fashion labels too small to do their own deals, and the big High Street and out-of-town showcases where women shop.

Wendys business began to do well almost immediately.

I quite quickly got a number of big stores involved and it started to snowball. But I was still working from home and I began to find the thing almost running out of my control, especially the financial side.

When I started to have breathing problems, thats what I put it down to: stress.

For five months before her diagnosis, things were certainly not right and she remembers ploughing through payroll duties while feeling really bad and yet knowing she had responsibilities to staff.

When I first started... the thing I found most difficult was billing: asking for money, and then chasing it up. That was a confidence issue, and a particularly female one

The shock of diagnosis was quickly replaced by frustration with chemo-induced hair-loss and the reluctant acknowledgement she couldnt lead the business until she was well again. How you look affects your confidence. The whole business at that point was built around me, but I had to withdraw from it. Hallett Retail survived  just. But for Wendy, life couldnt simply resume as normal.

To help power up the business, she hired her husband, Kevin, 52, an accountant and IT specialist.

And she told her PA to make an absolute rule: Everything to do with the children went in the diary first, and then I worked around that. I was quite ruthless about it.

Wendy, however, was still very much the business figurehead. She became harder-nosed, too. When I first started... the thing I found most difficult was billing: asking for money, and then chasing it up. That was a confidence issue, and a particularly female one.

Later on, however, she says: I found that some men were quite surprised at how tough I could be in negotiations.

Meanwhile, juggling home and work became easier once she rejected the concept of fixed hours. I dont believe in working just to be seen to be working, she says. When the kids were small, I always had Friday off, and I made sure I was back at home by 3.30pm on Monday, too.

At Hallett Retail, all staff can work flexibly, whether theyre parents or not.

A passion for hiking and the Yorkshire Dales fills her downtime now the children are 19 and 22 and no longer need help with homework at the kitchen table.

Its a different kitchen nowadays in any case. Hallett Retails success not only gave Wendy the time with her children she craved, but paid for a much bigger house, too, with a much bigger landing.
It's not often you'd expect a Michelin Star chef to champion any form of frozen produce.

But when Michel Roux Jr was asked to select his favourite supermarket apple pie following a blind taste test, Aunt Bessie's boxed version beat best-sellers from Sainsbury's and Morrisons' in-house bakeries to win his seal of approval.

It was the only frozen pie among four supermarket bestsellers sampled by the chef for new Channel 4 show Tried and Tasted: The Ultimate Shopping List, along with fellow experts including food critic Jay Rayner and First Dates maitre d Fred Sirieix.

Asked to rate the pies according to appearance, aroma, texture and taste, Aunt Bessie's was tied for first position with the twice as expensive bramley apple pie from Marks & Spencer's chilled aisle - and Jay Rayner declared the frozen pie 'reminds me of all I was deprived of as a child'.

Michelin Star chef Michel Roux Jnr forgoes posh and pricey food for something cheaper, yet still tasty

Frozen apple pie by Aunt Bessie's (1.50) was tied with Marks & Spencer chilled version (3), with Michel advising cream is best with cold pie and ice cream served hot

Baker and award-winning Eat Naked delicatessen owner Stacie Stewart praised the short crust pastry of the Aunt Bessie's bake on the show, which was proclaimed 'proper short'.

An apple pie from Sainsbury's in-store bakery was torn apart by the experts, who branded it 'mushy' and criticised the dessert's 'soggy bottom'.

The cheapest pie, from Morrisons' in-house bakery, also failed to impress.

During the taste test, Lucy suggested it was the Morrisons' pie that had been baked from frozen, only to learn she was wrong.

HOW THE EXPERT PALATES RANKED SUPERMARKET PIES Joint first was Aunt Bessie's Bramley Apple Pie (frozen). The judges liked the 'buttery' short crust pastry (27p per 100g)

(frozen). The judges liked the 'buttery' short crust pastry (27p per 100g) It was tied with Marks & Spencer 's Bramley Apple Pie (chilled). The panel said it 'looked expensive' (62p per 100g)

's Bramley Apple Pie (chilled). The panel said it 'looked expensive' (62p per 100g) Ranked joint third was the Bramley Apple Pie from Sainsbury's in-house bakery, which was criticised for its 'soggy bottom' (25p per 100g)

in-house bakery, which was criticised for its 'soggy bottom' (25p per 100g) Tied for third was Morrisons ' in-house bakery's version, which also failed to impress the judges (19p per 100g) Advertisement

Stacie instantly recognised the most expensive pie on the list as Marks & Spencer's produce.

But Michel Roux Jr said that while it looked good, it didn't taste as good as its frozen rivel.

'What's interesting is Aunt Bessie's is half the price of the M&S one,' he added when the results were unveiled and the two desserts were tied in first.

Stacie confessed: 'Because I'm such a snob, I would have gone for the Marks and Spencer one without tasting them.'

Supermarkets Aldi, Tesco, Morrisons, Marks & Spencer, Sainsburys, Lidl, Waitrose and Iceland were also pitted against each other in the blind taste testing, as the judges sampled pasta, sausages, lamb shanks, coffee and whisky.

To make things fair the packaging was removed from the food, and each dish meticulously prepared by a chef according to the manufacturers' instructions.

Throughout the series the foodie experts will put a wide array of supermarket shoppers' favourite buys to the test in a bid to compile the 'ultimate' shopping list.

The hope is that Michel Roux can help shoppers to learn what's truly worth splashing out on.

The tasters called Sainsburys (1) 'mushy' and thought it was a budget pie voting it in last place

Stacie Stewart, Fred Sirieix, Michel Roux, Lucy Alexander and Jay Rayner. Channel 4 Tried and Tasted

Tried and Tasted: The Ultimate Shopping List begins on Tuesday June 6th on Channel 4
The Handmaids Tale

Sunday, Channel 4

Rating:

Broken

Tuesday, BBC1

Rating:

Pity my poor one star, which hasnt had a drama to get its teeth into for ages. The one star is not workshy. The one star is always raring to go. But its been laid off, in effect, because so much has been first-rate. (For docudrama see Three Girls and Little Boy Blue and, for melodrama, The Replacement and Apple Tree Yard and, for police procedural, Line Of Duty.)

This week I was hoping to give the one star a good run, as it so needs a good run. (I dont know if youve ever had to live with an under-exercised one star but it will chew the furniture.) I had even promised it would get a good run soon. But this week proved yet another disaster. I had been hopeful.

The Handmaids Tale is one of my favourite novels, so theyre bound to mess that up, but get this: its incredible. Itll blow you away. Sorry, one star. Bummer. Shall we play cards?

The Handmaids Tale, a ten-parter adapted from Margaret Atwoods novel, is anchored by a devastating central performance from Elisabeth Moss, is filmed as if Vermeer were behind the camera, and creates a world so disturbingly real and a language so disturbingly real  blessed are the fruit; praised be  that even though you may wish to look away, you cant.

It just feels so terrifyingly true, as if its actually happening out there. And I thought Id say all that before saying, yes, its feminist, and yes, its an unflinching depiction of what happens when unchecked patriarchy is allowed to tip into fascism, and yes, its pretty dark. But dont be put off as it is also storytelling at its most compelling.

The Handmaids Tale, a ten-parter adapted from Margaret Atwoods novel, is anchored by a devastating central performance from Elisabeth Moss

Set at some point in the future, Moss plays Offred, a handmaid in Gilead, the brutally repressive, misogynistic totalitarian estate that seems to have emerged after some environmental disaster has led to plummeting birth rates.

Offred is one of the few women who is still fertile, and her job is to reproduce. The narrative flips in time, from before, when she had a husband and daughter, and a name (June), to her training at The Red House  oh God, poor Janine  to her current position as handmaiden to a Commander who solemnly rapes her while she lies rigid on the lap of his barren wife.

I could list distressing scene after distressing scene: The Savaging; the hangings; oh God, poor Janine. But listed out of context itll sound like a horrific endurance test whereas, when you are watching, its anything but.

This has such emotional depth, and such a strong internal logic, youre drawn in to the point where there is just no drawing out again. Moss is wonderful  you can see every flicker of emotion beneath her seemingly passive exterior; its like we are looking into her brain  as is so much else.

The sombre, atonal soundtrack. The painterly light. The spooky supermarket. The shop that used to be an ice-cream shop but now sells uniforms. The uniforms: red for the handmaids, with kerchiefed hair, like Vermeers The Milkmaid, and grey for the Marthas, the infertile women who must act as servants.

And the other performances are also extraordinary, particularly Yvonne Strahovski as the barren wife. This has gravitas. This feels menacingly prophetic, given Trump and all. And you will believe it. Blessed are the fruit.

On to Broken, the new drama from Jimmy McGovern, which doesnt break new ground but does break old ground most satisfyingly. This stars Sean Bean as Michael Kerrigan, a Catholic priest beset by flashbacks to his troubled childhood  You dirty, filthy beast!  while Anna Friel plays Christina Fitzsimmons, a parishioner who has hit on truly hard times and is desperately struggling to keep afloat.

The first episode (of six) saw her getting the sack, landing a black eye, scalding her arm and trudging through a downpour to better acquaint herself with the Kafkaesque workings of the benefit office.

This is supremely Ken Loachian  someone even waves a copy of A Kestrel For A Knave  and you did think: I know what this is. This is I, Christina Fitzsimmons rather than I, Daniel Blake. Let the misery begin! But it was also surprising. Christinas odd behavior after her mothers death I didnt guess the reason for that at all. And when the truth came out, it was just so powerfully shocking.

It is also asking some complicated questions. Is sin simply a matter of black and white? Is the sin of, say, stealing money from your employer greater than the sin of not being able to feed your kids? Friel is terrific, as is Bean, who isnt often asked to play gentle, shy, retiring (if troubled) but turns in a wonderfully affecting performance.

And a further reason to watch, if needed? Adrian Dunbar appears as a fellow priest, and we love that wee fella, do we not? And now I must go and attend to one star. Its probably eaten the sofa by now.
Sun, sea and statement pieces: monochrome is having a moment.

Rash vest, 40, and bottoms, 25, both Boden

Kaftan, 835, Kalmar. Belt, 19, Gudrun Sjoden. Shoes, 425, Jimmy Choo. Earring (just seen), 451, Anissa Kermiche.

Top, 295, Eudon Choi. Bottoms, 10, Monki. Earrings, 39, Latelita London, from wolfandbadger.com

Swimsuit, 35, River Island. Trousers, 210, Weekend MaxMara. Earrings, 12.99, Zara.

Shirt, 260, Milly, from Harrods. Trousers, 250, By Malene Birger. Earrings, 14.99, Pilgrim. Bag, 165, Sophie Anderson, from matchesfashion.com

Swimsuit, 110, Hunza G. Shirt, 24.99, H&M. Earrings, 39, Latelita London, from wolfandbadger.com. Slides, 19, Nike, from schuh.co.uk

Stockists

Anissa Kermiche, anissakermiche.com

Boden, boden.co.uk

By Malene Birger, bymalenebirger.com

Eudon Choi, eudonchoi.com

Gudrun Sjoden, gudrunsjoden.com

H&M, hm.com

Harrods, harrods.com

Hunza G, hunzag.com

Jimmy Choo, jimmychoo.com

Kalmar, kalmar.uk.com

Monki, monki.com

Pilgrim, pilgrim.net

River Island, riverisland.com

Weekend MaxMara, weekendmaxmara.com

Zara, zara.com

Photographer Andres De Lara

Contributing Fashion Editor Hannah Hughes

Fashion Assistant Joanne Toolan

Make-up Jose Bass using Chanel

Les Indispensables de LEte and Chanel Hydra Beauty Micro Creme

Hair Jamie McCormick using Less is More

Model Alana Bunte at Premier

Producer Lucy Coghlan

Shot on location in Jamaica. A seven-night all-inclusive stay at Sandals Royal Caribbean in a Royal One Bedroom Butler Suite, between 1 September and 27 November 2017, including return economy flights from London Gatwick and resort transfers, costs from 1,859 per person, subject to availability. For more information, visit sandals.co.uk, or Sandals new Luxury Travel Store, 135 Fulham Road, London SW3.

With thanks to the Jamaica Tourist Board www.visitjamaica.com
A move from a London terrace to an Australian beach house prompted a bright, bold revamp for this Anglo-Aussie family

Soft grey tones, floaty curtains and foliage create a laid-back vibe in the sun-drenched living area. Kate has added a splash of pattern with her own handmade cushions. The statement chrome floor light is from Dwell (dwell.co.uk)

Just over two years ago, Kate and her Australian husband Deon closed the door on their Victorian terraced house in West London for the last time and set off to Australia, with children Jake and Jazmin in tow.

THE FAMILY Kate Jansen, artist and founder of interiors business Wowhaus, and her partner Deon, head chef and co-owner of Ad Hoc cafe, live in a three-bedroom contemporary beach house in Mount Martha, on the Mornington Peninsula in Victoria, Australia, with children Jazmin, 12, and Jake, six, and their two ragdoll cats, Martha and Maggie. Advertisement

Their new beach house couldnt be more different to their London pad.

Hidden from view, down a sandy track, passers-by would hardly know its there.

I love the atmosphere, surrounded by native gum trees, on a hill overlooking the sea. Its peaceful in comparison to London and only an hour from Melbourne, says Kate.

She first spotted the house on the internet in London and knew it was the one when the couple went for a quick viewing on a flying visit to Melbourne.

In the afternoon, light floods into the kitchen through the landscape window. Carefully selected graphic pieces act as focal points in the otherwise pared-back, white-on-white, modern beachy kitchen. The Trafalgar Square sign from The Old Cinema (theoldcinema.co.uk) is a nod to Kates past life in London, while the large black number 3, from local store The Vintage Shed (thevintageshed.com.au), is her current house number. For similar white metal bar stools, try Cult Furniture (cultfurniture.com)

It felt so right the second I stepped inside, says Kate. Fast-track a few months and they were picking up the keys to their dream home.

Left: As this house was used as a holiday home by the previous owner, there was very little storage when we first moved in, so I had the open shelving in the family room built by a local carpenter, says Kate. The impressive collection of books reflects Kate and Deons passions  interiors and cooking. Martha the cat loves being photographed, and often stars in Kates Instagram posts (@wowhaus.au). Right: The cosy family room, just off the main hallway, is a favourite place for everyone to watch TV or read a book. Kate has created a wall full of memories with favourite family photos in a mix of Ikea frames. Hints of their UK life are everywhere, with Jakes double-decker bus toy and a Stanley dog lamp from Cath Kidston (cathkidston.com )

We arrived with only four suitcases, or maybe six, with one and a half shipping containers en route. When our belongings finally arrived, most of them didnt suit the style of the new house, so I had to give a lot away, says Kate.

Tropical Too Palmy wallpaper from Kawaiian Lion (kawaiianlion.com) creates a striking statement in Jazmins room. For a similar design, try muralswallpaper.co.uk. The linen Aloha cushion, also from Kawaiian Lion, and hessian lampshade echo the laid-back coastal vibe

Little did she know that this house and the location would inspire her to reinvent her decorating style and also launch her own interiors business. Since being here Ive developed a more laid-back, modern beach style, using lots of off-whites and natural tones, echoing the coastal surroundings.

Left: Kate gave the main bathroom a stylish makeover with white subway tiles and mini hexagonal tiles on the floor for a contrasting texture. Trailing devils ivy and natural wood tones break up the white. For similar floor tiles, try Shapes Hexagon from Topps Tiles (toppstiles.co.uk). Right: The reclaimed wooden coat-hook panel adds a beachy touch. For similar try the reclaimed industrial wire hooks by Industrial By Design from Not on the High Street (notonthehighstreet.com). Kate is a self-confessed magpie and couldnt believe her luck when she found a retro Three sign at a local reclamation yard. For similar vintage letters, try Retro Living (retroliving.co.uk)

The house had been used as a holiday home by the previous owners so it was a blank canvas, ready for Kate to exercise her creative skill.

The yellow pine floors and the dark wood island in the kitchen were all lime-washed in the same light tone to create a sense of flow, and Kate chose simple white subway tiles for the kitchen and bathrooms, taking them right to the ceiling for a streamlined effect.

One of Kates passions is upcycling vintage furniture and several pieces in the house have had makeovers. The chest of drawers in Jakes room belonged to my grandmother, then my mother had it in the house I grew up in. Now Ive painted it a vibrant green, which I love, says Kate. For a similar shade try Duluxs Buckingham matt emulsion (dulux.co.uk). The tepee, from London store Molly-Meg (mollymeg.com), is a great den for Jake to hang out in

Dull cream walls were painted a fresh white to enhance the feeling of space and light. I love white interiors because its the perfect backdrop for pops of colour and texture, she says.

'When we first moved in I decided the main bedroom had a warehouse feel, so I chose White Brick wallpaper from The Wall Sticker Company [thewallstickercompany.com.au] to play on that look, says Kate. For a similar style try the Urban Brick wallpaper from Graham & Brown (grahambrown.com). I bought the vintage wooden floor-lamp base at a car-boot sale in the UK and painted it white, then added a quirky, orange knit-effect lampshade for a shot of colour

Treasured keepsakes from Kates London days are mixed with newer finds that she has sourced from the many boutiques on the Mornington Peninsula.

Bold, graphic, one-of-a-kind cushions, handmade by Kate, add a bespoke touch to every room. Ive always been an artist, I studied illustration and worked as a window dresser in London, but it wasnt until I came here that I started experimenting with painting textiles. I feel as though Ive found my groove, she says.

Left: Kates sense of fun is evident throughout her home  pink flamingos are dotted around the garden and the Pool Party sign hangs permanently from a huge eucalyptus tree. Try Party Delights (partydelights.co.uk) for similar garden flamingos. Right: The house has many spots to relax and escape the afternoon heat, such as the covered area by the pool. The cane chair, from local store Tingo, has a fun, beachy feel, while the white plastic stool from Habitat (habitat.co.uk) adds a sleek contrast. The cushion is one of Kates designs

Kates homewares business, Wowhaus, specialises in handpainted cushions and screen-printed textiles. Living by the sea has inspired me, she says. At the beginning of the year Kate also designed the minimalist interior for Deons new cafe, Ad Hoc, in nearby Mount Eliza.

Jazmin and Jake couldnt believe their luck when they found out the house had a pool. Beautiful azure blue tiles echo the intense blue skies

It was stressful at times but I loved the whole process, from designing the plywood banquette seating, to making the soft furnishings and choosing lighting. After many years in London, weve finally found a place where we want to put down roots, she says.

Find out more about Kates work at wowhaus.bigcartel.com
Ranking nowhere in the top regions, Delhi's Class X board results presented a rather disappointing pass percentage of 78.09 per cent this year.

Out of a total of 3,67,699 candidates who appeared for class 10 board examination in 2017, only 2,87,147 qualified the exam, according to the data released by Central Board of Secondary Education officials.

The performance is in stark contrast with Trivandrum, where of the 72,273 students who attended the exam, 107 could not qualify, leaving the pass percentage for city at 99.85 per cent.

Hundreds of thousands of girls and boys across the country have scored a perfect 10 CGPA in the Class 10 CBSE board results

Even in Tamil Nadu, the second best performing state, from 1,78,468 students, a staggering 1,77,784 students qualified, taking the pass percentage for the state to 99.62 per cent.

The performance graph in Class X's pass percentage has also swayed across India.

As opposed to last year's 96.21 per cent, this year, 90.95 per cent of candidates have qualified after sitting the CBSE Class X board examination.

Anu Gupta celebrating after receiving her 10th Class results at home

Although agreeing that the dip in pass percentage from last year's 91.76 to this year's 78.09 was alarming, school principals across the capital expressed surprise.

'The entire point of introducing Continuous and Comprehensive Evaluation (CCE) was to help reform children and not detain them,' said Divya Bhatia, principal of Amity International School in Saket.

'The reduction in Delhi's performance is surprising, especially when the pass percentage for Class XII has been on upward graph,' Divya added.

Kajal Kashyap is celebrating her results. Although she barely gets to see her father, who returns at 11pm each day from his juice shop, a beaming Kajal said: 'During the last month I studied till three in the morning and ensured I did not let my situation become a challenge'

Arti Soni's day starts at 5am, with household chores, but she still managed to score a 9.8 CGPA

Since the board examination is set to make a comeback starting next year, it could be possible that the marking has been strict this time, she added.

However, some heads of various educational institutions pointed out that this has been a trend, set every year by Class X results.

'There is little reason to worry as these trends of surge and dip in pass percentage come and go every year.

A break-down of the pass rates

It could go up next year depending on the grading policy and co-scholastic grades,' said Vanita Sehgal, principal of RK Puram's Delhi Public School.

At that institution, 119 out of 530 students secured a perfect 10 CGPA in results declared on Sunday afternoon.

Questions have been raised about the abysmal performance in Delhi.

Comments have been made about the possibility that it was due to a change in the pass percentage calculation method, adopted by the board this year.

Atishi Marlena, advisor to deputy CM Manish Sisodia said: 'CBSE has included the performance of students studying privately, not under any board, along with the performance of government and private schools.'

According to CBSE data, the percentage for school-based candidates is 94.02 per cent.

However, for boarding-based ones, the percentage is 94.78.

Yet private candidates stood at a mere 2.56 per cent of the total.

CBSE declared the results of Class X on Sunday afternoon after much delay.

The board had first declared the results of five regions - Delhi, Allahabad, Chennai, Trivandrum and Dehradun.

The results brought a wave of relief for jittery students and parents across the country.
Union women and child development minister Maneka Gandhi was admitted to the gastroenterology department of the All India Institutes of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) on Friday for surgical removal of gall bladder stones.

But doctors there are patiently waiting for her recovery to complain about the chronic dog and monkey problem on the premises.

Spread over 115 acres and eight floors in south Delhi, AIIMS has long been infested by naughty simians and canines.

Several nurses, patients and doctors have been bitten, mauled and their mobile phones and food snatched by the strays.

But angry doctors say the wildlife protection and animal cruelty acts stop them from hiring langurs or beating the monkeys as people make videos and complain to Gandhi.

Many doctors have been complaining about attacks by dogs and monkeys on the AIIMS campus, describing the situation as 'chronic'

So doctors are hopeful that she will find a solution while recuperating at AIIMS.

Dr Vijay Kumar, president of Resident Doctors' Association (RDA) at AIIMS, said: 'It's a very serious issue. Packs of dogs are roaming the premises all the time.

Their terror is worst near dustbins, biomedical waste disposal areas, corridors leading to various departments and our hostel.

'Only on May 31 a junior academic, Dr Kavita Sharma, was bitten by a dog outside the boys' hostel and the next day, it was found dead near the car park.

'Imagine our horror at the incident and concern for the doctor's health,' he added.

Apparently, the civic agency concerned, New Delhi Municipal Council (NDMC), has not taken a count of the dog population and sterilisation programmes are not being carried out either.

Union women and child development minister Maneka Gandhi was admitted to the gastroenterology department of the All India Institutes of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) for surgical removal of gall bladder stones

Dr Harjeet Singh Bhatti, general secretary, RDA, said: 'It's worst with monkeys. They are forever foraging for food near the doctors' hostel mess and public canteens.

'They snatch bags of elderly patients and attendants in search of fruits. In the process, their medical records are torn or lost.'

In September 2016, a senior resident Dr Igam Bagra was attacked and left with a deep bleeding wound on the waist by a monkey.

Doctors treating Maneka are keen to seek her help in their 'dogfight' against the feral animals

Just a day before that, a patient who had undergone neurosurgery was bitten on the hand at the same spot.

Dr Vijay added that their families are not spared either. His three-year-old daughter was bitten by a monkey so badly that her finger had to be put back through plastic surgery.

The AIIMS administration tried to relocate the monkeys to Asola Bhatti Sanctuary some years back, but they returned.
Motorists hiring a car this summer risk getting stung by a string of rip-off extra charges that could see their holiday costs soar.

While headline prices often seem cheap, hidden costs and dubious extras bump up the price, meaning drivers frequently face paying double the original quote.

Exclusive research for The Mail on Sunday found that rental firms are also providing customers with inaccurate information on certain fees.

Holiday car rental: Many firms sometimes provide inconsistent information, research reveals

In a mystery shopping exercise, website Comparethemarket analysed the customer service responses of seven major car hire companies in a scenario where a driver picked up their car late due to a delayed flight.

Findings reveal that while four out of seven car hire companies charge an out-of-hours fee for late collection, only one divulges this fee in its terms and conditions.

The research also found the companies gave inconsistent information about their out-of-hours policy. Figures show a large difference in fees, ranging from 25 to 60.

Comparethemarkets Simon McCulloch says: Many rental companies track flights  and stay open if they see you are delayed  so it is important to always include your flight number on a car reservation. But other companies do not have a clear policy on out-of-hours activity  which could leave holidaymakers stranded.

WORST LOCATIONS

Certain car hire tricks and hidden fees are more prevalent in particular countries.

According to research carried out by Zest Car Rental, Spanish car hire companies employ the widest range of sneaky tactics. These include pushing a collect full, return empty fuel policy, drivers being made liable for pre-existing damage and salespeople threatening to withhold cars unless motorists take out additional insurance.

Fees for picking up or dropping off out-of-hours are prevalent in Italy and extra cleaning charges are common in France. In the US, car hire firms often charge for a free upgrade.

Zests Rory Sexton says: Make sure you scrutinise the terms of your booking in advance  and read the rental contract carefully.

Sadly, rip-offs in the industry are still prevalent despite moves by the Competition and Markets Authority this year to improve transparency over charges.

CHARGES LEAGUE OF SHAME

Collect full, return empty

This fuel con involves staff at airport desks telling drivers they must pay for a full tank of petrol before they can pick up the car  and that they get the peace of mind of being able to return the vehicle empty. But you are charged much more than it would have cost to fill up at a local petrol station, and it is difficult to return a car with an almost empty tank.

Emma Coulthurst from website travelsupermarket says: Choose a firm that offers a full-to-full policy. So long as you fill up, this means you will not be charged an inflated price for the petrol and you will not pay for fuel that you have not used.

Excess waiver cover

Many drivers come under pressure to buy the excess waiver insurance pushed by the hire companys counter staff.

This cover protects drivers from the excess cost they would face if the car was stolen or damaged. The excess can be as much as 2,000.

Purchasing cover at the desk costs on average 26 a day. To avoid getting ripped off, buy a policy online in advance from the likes of icarhireinsurance, Questor Insurance or reducemyexcess, with premiums starting at 2.99 a day or 38 a year. These plans usually include damage to tyres and the windscreen, often omitted from hire firm policies.

Remember to take along a credit card with a big spending limit. If you opt out of the rental company insurance policy, the firm is likely to hold the excess on a card.

The Mott family was stung with a 175 charge for a tiny bumper mark (case study below)

Paying over the odds for dents and scratches

Holidaymakers often end up handing over hefty sums for damage on their vehicles  even for just a small scratch or scuff.

The price you pay will depend on whether you have excess insurance, along with the providers list price for any damage.

For example, a scratch, regardless of size, may cost 250 to fix once materials and labour are added in. Watch out for unscrupulous firms that make you liable for pre-existing dents and scratches.

Examine the car closely at pick -up and ensure any damage is recorded on the rental contract with an employees signature.

Take your own photos as a back- up. When you return the vehicle, make sure the same checks are applied.

Valeting charges

Another sting involves including a cleaning fee as part of the deposit.

This enables hire firms to charge about 45 if the car is not returned in what the company regards as an acceptable condition.

To avoid a dispute, leave time to clean up before handing back the keys.

Additional driver

Adding an extra driver can increase hire costs considerably. If you are only driving an hour from the airport, it may be worth sticking to one named driver.

In-car extras

Instead of paying silly money for hiring a childs car seat (average 52 a week) or satnav (70 plus), bring your own  or download a GPS app on your smartphone before you go.

Pay in local currency

Many car hire firms will ask you to pay in sterling if hiring abroad. Just say no as it will cost more as firms are likely to use an uncompetitive exchange rate. Always pay in the local currency.
Antonio Horta-Osorio forked out 36,000 buying 50,000 shares in Lloyds Banking Group, after the Government sold its remaining stake last month.

Horta-Osorio is a wealthy man  having received about 40million in cash and bonuses since taking the helm in 2011  but the move was heralded as a sign of confidence in Lloyds future, so should less well-heeled investors follow suit?

There is little doubt that the Lloyds of today is a very different beast from the toxic organisation that Horta-Osorio inherited six years ago. It has been streamlined, simplified and is now considered a solid, back-to-basics bank, focused on UK retail and business customers.

Efficient: The bank has made concerted efforts to change its culture

The group has the largest branch network and digital bank in Britain, with a 25 per cent share of the current account market, 22 per cent of retail deposits and more than 20 per cent of mortgages.

It is also taking over credit card giant MBNA, which will leave it with more than a quarter of the UK credit card market.

The payment protection insurance scandal, which has already cost Lloyds more than 17billion, rumbles on but the end is in sight. The bank now prides itself on helping customers to prosper rather than selling them products they do not need.

Costs have been reduced dramatically, the bank is making plenty of money and it is paying generous dividends.

In 2016, underlying profits were 7.8billion, though bad debts, restructuring, PPI charges and other bad behaviour penalties took that figure down to 4.2billion. Looking ahead, these costs should steadily reduce as Lloyds puts the bad old days behind it.

Analysts forecast underlying profits of 8.2billion for this year, rising to 8.4billion in 2018. The growth is not stellar  but it should certainly be enough for Lloyds to pay some really decent dividends, with at least 4.5p expected for this year, rising to 5p or more in 2018.

That puts Lloyds shares on a 6.4 per cent yield, one of the highest in the FTSE 100 index. For that reason alone, Lloyds is an attractive stock for income seekers, provided the bank manages to retain a conservative approach to lending and does not find itself engulfed in a new mis-selling scandal.

Concerted efforts to change the culture would suggest that the chances of a fresh scandal are slim. And the bank has plenty of scope to continue making money, as it becomes more efficient and reduces costs further.

There are risks, not least because the economic outlook is so uncertain. Are consumers borrowing too much? Is the consumer credit market heading for a fall? It is possible. The question is: do you believe in the UK economy and its growth? If you do, these shares are a buy.

Midas verdict: With bank and building society savings rates virtually non-existent, investors are almost certainly better off buying Lloyds shares than taking out one of their savings products. At 69p, the price should rise, provided there are no dreadful economic shocks down the line. In the meantime, the dividend yield makes this an obvious stock for investors in search of income.
Harold Tillman, former owner of Jaeger

A team of high-level investors including Harold Tillman  former owner of Jaeger  has swooped to rescue one of Britains biggest fashion groups.

Tillman, chairman of the British Fashion Council, said the snapping up of brands including Jacques Vert, Eastex, Precis and Dash presented a significant opportunity.

Style Group Brands was sold in a multi-million-pound deal saving 1,700 jobs. However, some stores will closes and there will be around 200 redundancies.

Tillman said he and the other investors, including Sandeep Vyas and Haseeb Aziz, plan to revitalise the business by boosting sales online and overseas.

The brands, which target older shoppers, were formerly owned by private equity group Sun European. They were acquired on Friday in a deal arranged by accountancy giant KPMG.

Speaking exclusively to The Mail on Sunday, Tillman said: This company is in the right space  the same space as Jaeger. These are premium brands. I have been through the product ranges and I can see a lot of potential. Jacques Vert is sexy and glamorous. Dash is in the athleisure market, which is growing significantly, and I also think there is an opportunity to expand it into menswear.

The acquisition of the brands will be seen as an endorsement of the department store sector, where some have struggled to find their place in an online world.

But Tillman, who was advised by the Breal consultancy, said: There is potential to grow the brands online but also in department stores here and overseas.

He added that the new investors had endorsed existing chief executive Shaun Wills.

As part of the deal, through a pre-pack administration, 17 Jacques Vert stores will be closed. The group runs about 400 department store concessions, mainly in the UK but also in Ireland, Canada and the Middle East.

It is sold in hundreds of other outlets through wholesale agreements. KPMGs Will Wright and Rob Croxen were called in to consider restructuring options and seek new investors.

News of Tillmans interest was first detailed in The Mail on Sunday last week. He is chairman of the Ethical Fashion Forum and promotes moral capitalism. He said: Companies should make money but they should also expect to pay tax.
He's a famously straight-talking, self-made billionaire member of the House of Lords, and was a long-time Labour supporter but Alan Sugar is almost lost for words when he thinks of Jeremy Corbyn moving into No 10.

I cannot bring myself even to think about him as Prime Minister, he says. He compares the Labour Partys current leadership to communists and warns that if they win power and punish business it will mean people like him closing companies and cutting jobs.

This man is utterly useless, he declares. He has promised the world with no thought about how to pay for it.

Entrepreneurial: Lord Sugar has built a fortune estimated at 1.25billion

Its a stunning demolition of Corbyn from a man who was once Labours favourite businessman, a party member and donor until 2015 and once an adviser to Tony Blairs Government.

Lord Sugars own ruthless approach to the bottom line has made him one of the countrys richest men with an estimated fortune of 1.25billion. Now 70, he stars as the fearsome boss on TVs The Apprentice  though his former opposite number in the US, Donald Trump, just pips him in the fame stakes.

As well as the Labour Party itself, Sugar has some hard words for its youthful supporters.

Corbyn is wooing some of the young, educated people to vote for him. While these impressionable, young people are educated and quite bright, what they are not bright about is life. They have no experience of the real world.

Sugar does, of course. Born in Hackney in the East End of London, brought up in a council flat, he left school at 16 and was soon selling car aerials out of a van to make money. He founded AMS Trading, better known as Amstrad, in 1968, but Sugar was no small-time trader like Del Boy Trotter from Only Fools And Horses.

Demolition: Sugar warns that Corbyns communists would punish business

Instead, spotting the very earliest signs of the publics burgeoning love affair with computers, he launched his own personal home computer, the Amstrad CPC 464, and made his fortune.

He thinks people like him  entrepreneurs who made their wealth from the ground up and spread it around, too  are viewed as the enemy now by Labour.

You need entrepreneurs to build the economy of the country. But Corbyns lot view the Alan Sugars of this world as some kind of demons. They think there should not be people like me or Richard Branson in the world. Their view is like communism, he says.

But the Alan Sugars of this world employ hundreds and hundreds of people by building businesses. They should be incentivised. But if were punished, well shut companies down, lay people off, and there will not be any jobs.

The Labour Party he joined and represented in the Lords is not the party of Jeremy Corbyn. He resigned two years ago and said last month that he would back Theresa May (as a member of the Lords he cannot vote), though he is also a passionate Remainer.

Corbyns lot think there should not be people like me and Richard Branson in the world

I was part of New Labour, which was very different. I was a big donor, too. The country did well under Tony Blair and under Gordon Brown until the world economy crashed. I didnt like that stupid Coalition, that Government did nothing, he says.

If wed had David Miliband rather than Ed Miliband wed have had a Labour Government for the past few years. It was Ed who let people pay 3 and get to vote for Labours leader. Most of the people I know in Labour want to remove Corbyn but cannot find a way of getting him out. Its a sad state of affairs.

The Tories are promising strict rules on boardroom pay, though their plans are short of detail. But Labour plans to tax the rich: hit more than one million people who earn over 80,000 with increases and introduce a new 50p in the pound tax on those earning over 123,000. Sugar is not impressed.

If Jeremy Corbyns advisers decided to apply full tax to everyone earning over 250,000, never mind 50 per cent, they would discover that it wouldnt amount to a row of beans. They sell the story that they will take from the rich to give to the poor but what they dont say is that most employment tax comes from ordinary people on PAYE, he says.

Lord Sugar doesnt think much of Donald Trump, pictured on the US version of The Apprentice

I remember when Labour was in power years ago and the tax rate was 95 per cent on pay over 100,000. I was young and I didnt realise what was going on, I was so driven by building my company.

But I know now. In January I paid a 56million personal tax bill. The trouble, says Sugar, is too many politicians of all stripes fail to be honest with the voters. He doesnt spare his fellow Apprentice boss in his condemnation either.

Look at Trump, everything he has said, hes done 180 degrees turn on, he says.

If he carries out half of what hes said hell do I might clear off to the Bahamas

There is famously bad blood between the President of the United States and Lord Sugar. Trump said Sugar was not rich enough to run The Apprentice and told him on Twitter to drop to his knees and say thank you, Mr Trump, for letting him appear on the show  but Sugar said he wasnt beholden to Trump and mocked his pretensions.

And while he is backing Theresa May in this Election he still has some choice words for some in her own party. He suggests a comparison between the Brexit campaigners and Corbyns electoral promises.

You have people like Boris Johnson and Michael Gove promising to put 350million into the NHS, then when they get into power, people say, What about the 350million, then? and they cant do it. If Corbyn gets in and tries to do all he says someone will say, Heres the bill, Jezza, and by the way we dont have the money to pay it. 

'I might clear off to the Bahamas' if Corbyn wins, says Lord Sugar

In every Election, when it looks like Labour might get in, there are plenty of wealthy people who vow to quit the country, though few ever seem to do so. Would Sugar, who makes his money mostly from property nowadays, bow out if Corbyn makes it to Downing Street?

If he carries out half of what hes said hell do, I for one would seriously consider leaving the country, or permanent retirement, he says.

I love living in England, I enjoy being entrepreneurial, but if Corbyn creates a climate which crushes all that, then I might clear off to the Bahamas, or concentrate on planting roses.

So, I can take it that he wouldnt hire Corbyn as his Apprentice, then?

No, absolutely not. Theres only one thing Id say to him: Youre fired! 
Criticism: EEF boss Terry Scuoler

The head of Britains manufacturing trade body and a leading critic of Theresa Mays Brexit strategy has said he still backs the Tories despite misgivings over their manifesto.

Terry Scuoler, the chief executive of manufacturers group the EEF, said concerns about Brexit were outweighed by his members fears over Labours socialist policies.

I and our member companies cannot support a Labour party agenda for business or indeed for this country, he said. And on balance I and my member companies would support a Conservative-led Government.

Scuoler said he thinks Labours manifesto has sensible individual measures, but he has doubts about the partys overall approach.

Some of the policies that we have seen and discussed with the Shadow Cabinet really are socialist, he said. They really smack of a bygone era, of taking us back to the 1970s and 80s. They are policies which I think had been proven to limit productivity, hold Britain back and damage wealth creation.

The interventionism was not in keeping with the 21st Century, he added.

The EEF represents 20,000 companies which between them employ more than a million staff. Board members include bosses from Tata Steel, Siemens and Jaguar Land Rover.

The organisation has previously been openly critical of Mays insistence that no deal with the EU would be better than a bad deal.

A car strike vote in 1981

Speaking to The Mail on Sunday this weekend, he said he was not happy with the Tory commitment to reduce net immigration  which for us is imported labour  to tens of thousands.

In addition, he said he was not pleased about the proposal to double the 1,000 levy that companies currently pay on each foreign worker they employ.
Politicians have been making fairytale promises while failing to put business on the agenda, according to the boss of Sage, the software firm that counts more than half of all UK firms as customers.

Stephen Kelly is a signatory to a letter to be published tomorrow calling on the next Government, whatever its political persuasion, to prioritise support for the millions of start-ups, scale-ups and entrepreneurs around the UK.

The letter, which follows a series of events organised by Sage and The Entrepreneurs Network, will say: In our view there should have been more short-term actions to boost British businesses in the manifestos.

Letter: Stephen Kelly says business has not truly been on the Election agenda

It will claim: These are the job creators that will continue to fuel the economy, improve productivity, exploit trade opportunities, increase the Governments future tax take and pay for the vital education and healthcare that our country needs.

Kelly told The Mail on Sunday: Obviously we, like everybody else in the country, have been listening to all the promises from all of the political parties.

Weve done a number of roundtables with small and medium businesses, and the sentiment is theres a lot of fairytale promises being made by political parties of all persuasions. But in reality business hasnt been on the agenda. And youve got to ask who is going to pay for all this stuff and its going to be business, because companies are the prosperity and wealth creators in the economy.

He said: Theresa May, when she was in the early days of her Prime Ministership, talked about the buccaneering spirit of Britain and entrepreneurs. We would absolutely ask, number one, that all the promises are translated into policies that support entrepreneurs.

The reality is, there is a lack of detail on how any political party will support the small business community. For context, since the financial crisis, more than two-thirds of UK jobs have been created by small and medium businesses. So to have them as a vacuum in the debate is surprising.

The letter will call on the next Prime Minister to reform the visa system to improve access to talent, simplify tax for the smallest businesses and equip them and scale-ups with resources so they can embrace export opportunities, among other things.

It will claim: These policies are not reliant on the vagaries of Brexit negotiations or major public spending commitments, but will give a clear signal that the UK is the best place to start and grow a business. We call on the next Prime Minister to put them into action.

It has been signed by more than 50 companies, including women in business network Everywoman, tech start-up community TechHub, innovation foundation Nesta, Martha Lane Foxs fairer internet organisation Doteveryone, and the YO! Sushi chain.

Kellys comments echo urgent pleas from business groups including the Forum of Private Business and IPSE, the association for the self-employed and freelancers.

Last week, IPSE launched a dont strangle the self-employed ad campaign, and its manifesto stressed the contribution that the self-employed make to the economy, the equivalent of paying for the NHS twice over and accounting for one in seven of everyone in work.

The FPB set out a ten-point wish-list on Thursday, including: a commitment to a better understanding of small firms, their issues, opportunities and threats; clear communication of Brexit negotiations; simplifying tax; reforming business rates; and rewarding successful entrepreneurs.
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It was the summer of 2014, with summer vacations in full swing when Hurricane Odile ended up destroying in hours what had taken years to create.

Los Cabos, the beach loving, partying peninsular in the west of Mexico was dealt a tragic blow, but that has only made its comeback more spectacular.

The damage caused by hurricane has long since been repaired and a whole host of new resorts have now sprung up built to withstand whatever nature may throw at them.

There's barely a week that goes by without someone some famous celebrity splashing in the waves off Cabo's beaches or being pictured by the paparazzi sunning themselves on the sand.

The hotel insists that guests will enjoy unparalleled luxury in the heart of Cabo

Guests are greeted by reflecting pools that ultimately lead to the ocean and are treated to stunning views

The region has become aware of the influence of social media with signs like this common

From the moment you leave the arrivals hall at the airport, a drink is never far away

Cactus can be seen along the roadside and also in your room with these fancy macaroons

From George Clooney to The Khardashians, it appears Cabo is the place to be - and the good news is - luxury in Mexico needn't cost the earth.

We stayed at the JW Marriott in San Jose Del Cabo, a small provincial town with some rustic old adobe buildings and quiet, welcoming streets.

I was expecting something more like Miami Beach with roads lined with bars and revellers enjoying the dirt cheap tequila. This, I learned takes place in Los Cabos' other town, Cabo San Lucas, some 20 miles away.

But the partying can begin the moment you step out of the airport. Instead of the usual lines of luggage carts and waiting taxis, you walk straight into an outdoor bar area. It is clear they really do want you to relax and have fun here.

The hotel featuring a picture-perfect beachfront location in San Jose del Cabo, where the Sea of Cortez meets the Pacific Ocean

The hotel offers a vast range of exceptional dining options, a state-of-the-art spa and multiple sparkling pools

Despite the resort having 300 rooms, the place never feels particularly busy because of the number of pools that are spread out across the property

We took a taxi to our resort hotel. The JW Marriott Los Cabos Beach Resort has been open for just over a year and everything is still gleaming.

Our room overlooked the Sea of Cortez, which, although it appeared to be calm, we were warned against swimming in because of enormous waves that crash onto the beach. It was a curious sight: miles of beach in either direction with nary a soul either in the water or enjoying the sands.

Of course, it wasn't an issue thanks to the hotel's six enormous infinity pools and whirlpools. There are 300 rooms at the property but because there are also so many areas to sit and swim in, it never felt busy - and this was on a holiday weekend.

On entering the open-air lobby, the ocean is the only thing that can be seen as you walk into the hotel. We could feel the breeze of the ocean rushing past.

After being taken to your room, you are introduced to the 'butlers' who will be looking after you. They really live up to their assigned titles  over the course of our three days they couldn't do enough for us, always on hand with drinks or food and generally being a point-of -contact, a friendly face throughout our stay.

Beautiful landscaping makes for some stunning pictures

Guests are able to unwind with ease in new hotel guest rooms all with spacious balconies with ocean views

Despite there being miles and miles of sandy beaches, they're rarely used because the ocean is often rough with dangerous undercurrents

Want to unwind completely? Try a spa treatment. My wife and I enjoyed a couple's massage and body scrub  all set to hypnotic music! After that it's free time in one of the many spas, whirlpools, saunas..you get the idea! Have I ever felt so clean?

Later we had dinner at one of the hotel's four restaurants, Cafe des Artistes. The menu is French-Mexican although the seafood is a specialty. The setting is also perfect overlooking one of the hotel's pools.

As we dined we could hear the sounds of the waves crashing along the beach; and from inside the dining room, a pianist playing. The food? Excellent, my wife declaring she had eaten 'the best risotto ever!'

The hotel opened at the end of 2015, just a year after a category 3 hurricane struck the area

The resort feels quiet despite there being 300 rooms on site

The luxury rooms all showcase immaculate boutique design elements like marble, wood and calming desert hues

The desert landscape plays a large part in the overall look and feel of the property

The following morning it was breakfast in the hotel's Griffin Club. This is in a part of the hotel reserved for guests requiring breakfast, drinks and snacks at any time of day, and it's, all included as part of the total price. This benefit can become addictive: my wife and I speak from experience. That's all I'm saying!

After spending the morning poolside, we decided to check out the other side of Cabo and head to Cabo San Lucas.

An endless supply of chips and dips make for moreish snacks by the pool

Taxis are extremely expensive costing at least $65 each way for the 40 minute trip so I ended up hiring a car from the hotel for just $85. The drive is a pleasant one and can take you either across the tops of the surrounding hills or along a road that runs by the beach.

As we came into Cabo San Lucas we walked around by the marina that was a hive of activity, full of tourists and locals offering to take them out on boat rides to see El Arco - the Cabo arch.

This is really the thing so see in town and we were offered a ride on a glass-bottomed water taxi which took us on a 45 minute ride around the marina and out to the archaeological marvel that is 'the arch'.

Flying into Cabo it is clear how baron and isolated the area truly is with mountains and dessert

As we rode the waves, we came across sea lions lazing among the rocks, and stingrays literally soaring through the air.

At one stage all around us as the rays flapped their way out of the water before landing with a splash.

Eventually we reached the arch where the Sea of Cortez and the Pacific Ocean meet. The waters around the arch were extremely choppy and I was glad that we were wearing life jackets as our boat rocked from side to side!

The captain told us that the area was also known as Lands End as the strip of land that is Baja California ends in the jagged cliffs that meet the ocean. It was a stunning sight as the golden cliffs were bathed in the evening sunlight.

Cabo San Lucas is far busier with an active marina and numerous shops and restaurants

Sting rays are seen flapping their way out of the waters of the Sea of Cotrez

Many of the rock formations have nicknames. This one looks like part of a skull

Through the tiny gap on the right, the Pacific Ocean can be viewed from the Sea of Cortez

The arch of Cabo San Lucas, is a distinctive rock formation at the southern tip of Cabo San Lucas, which is itself the extreme southern end of Mexico's Baja California Peninsula

Soon it was time to turn around and head back to the marina, although the captain suggested we may like to be dropped off at Medano Beach where we could find some dinner.

We sailed back towards land with the stingrays still flapping all around. We weren't the only ones to take advantage of the hot spring weather with countless other little boats heading out on evening sailings to see the arch for themselves.

Eventually we arrived at the beach. This beach is something else! It was packed mainly with Mexican families enjoying their weekend.

Children ran about splashing in the waves, while vendors walked up and down selling everything from jewelry to snacks. It had a marketplace-type vibe: the sellers come to you.

This spot is a popular gathering area for sea lions and other wildlife including birds

Diners at The Office On The Beach are protected by a barrier of sand

A stunning view of the rocks along with some lively Mexican music make is a joyful venue

Signs always make a good focal point for tourist to stop and pose for a photo

Along Medano beach one venue stands out: The Office. It was full of brightly coloured tables and chairs lining the sand. A band was starting to play some lively Mexican music on the side, and the food looked great.

Plus, it looked out over the ocean with a spectacular view of the golden rocks that we had just seen up close. What could be better? The place looked like a bit of a tourist trap, but the Mexican food WAS great and you just surrender to the atmosphere.

An after dinner stroll along the marina boardwalk to see some of the other bars and restaurants in town was much quieter.

There wasn't the barrage of people I had been expecting to flood the streets of this party town. I think this made me enjoy the place even more.

On our third day in Cabo, back at the hotel we wanted to spend some time in the best place to enjoy the perfect weather.

There really is no need to leave the property at any point, and for those seeking seclusion and relaxation, the destination is perfect. With six dining options to choose from at the hotel, there is no shortage of choice. Some of the venues alter their menu on a nightly basis.

In quiet San Jose Del Cabo, Mexican decorations line the streets providing a splash of color

Another of the resorts dining areas is set in a beautiful location next to the pool

Guests in the Griffin Club are provided with complimentary food and beverage options throughout the day including their own private away from other guests

At one point we ventured into the small town of San Jose Del Cabo just 15 minutes away from the hotel. Sunday morning mass was going on at the local mission which overlooked the town square or Zocalo.

In the baking Cabo heat, we walked the streets for an hour or so, taking in the colourfully painted shops and restaurants. The place was exceptionally clean and well looked after. There were a number of realtors lining the street tantalisingly offering second homes!

As we walked through the town, I noticed some souvenir shops selling the obligatory destination t-shirt. 'Cabo: No bad days' one read. And it's almost true. The place truly was unlucky to be hit by the hurricane all those years ago, but with everything now looking spic and span, from the towns to the hotels, Cabo is definitely back in business!

Cabo offers options between seclusion, relaxation and partying, replete with stunning views
An elderly woman posing as a dog breeder has been selling un-vaccinated, un-microchipped dogs with fake papers throughout Brisbane, charging up to $1000 per dog.

The woman who tells buyers they have to meet at a dog park because her 'mother is unwell' is aged in her seventies and promises her 'pure bred' American Staffordshire Terriers are fully vet-checked and vaccinated.

But several victims have revealed to Daily Mail Australia that this is not the case.

Victim Keiran Eastwell bought a puppy from the woman last year after seeing him advertised on popular classifieds site Gumtree, pictured here with the dog 'Buddy'

The advertisement on Gumtree is pictured left, the text message showing Buddy before the sale is right - the phone number was never answered after the sale

The vaccination certificates had been forged - and cattle stickers were used to make it look real, pictured left and right

Victim Keiran Eastwell bought a puppy from the woman last year after seeing him advertised on popular classifieds site Gumtree.

'The woman, who was about 70, gave me all of his vaccination paperwork when I met up with her  but when I took it to the vet he told me something wasn't right,' Ms Eastwell said.

'The vaccination sticker turned out to be from a cow vaccine  the puppy wasn't microchipped either.' When Ms Eastwood called the seller back she couldn't get through.

'We wouldn't change Buddy (the dog) for the world but he isn't what we thought we were getting,' she said.

Buddy, pictured as a puppy, is not a purebred dog according to vets

While his owners would never swap him or get rid of him they admit he 'isn't what they paid for'

The woman sent photographs of the mother and father dogs to her victims

The mother kept the Gumtree advertisement as well as the text messages the seller sent her showing Buddy as a puppy as well as his mother and father.

'The next time we bought a dog we were super careful  we called the vets on the vaccination slips and everything was in order.

'That is just what you have to do now,' she said.

Demi Wahlheim also had dealings with the mysterious elderly  she came forward after seeing a post on Facebook about a puppy sold at the same dog park last week.

Demi Wahlheim bought a one-year-old dog from the same woman who claimed her son couldn't keep it

She says she knew her dog wasn't a pure bred as advertised but she felt sorry for it because its leg had been broken and never tended to so healed back wonky, pictured

'I bought my dog a year ago,' she told Daily Mail Australia.

'I could tell she wasn't a pure bred staffie like I was originally told but I felt sorry for her so bought her any way.

'Her leg had been broken but then just left so it sticks out, and she seemed scared of the woman and wouldn't come to her.'

Ms Wahlheim was told the woman would email the dog's papers to her  but they never came.

Ms Wahlheim said the dog didn't come to the old lady when she called and was scared

She said the once timid dog is now a loved member of the family, pictured

She paid $600 for the dog when it was a year old  after the elderly woman told her it had belonged to her son but he could no longer care for it.

'She said the dog has all needles, but when we took her to the vet she hadn't had any,' Ms Wahlheim said.

Another victim, Brooke Jones also described the moment she met the older woman at the park  after being told she couldn't go to her home.

'She was selling the dog with or without papers  we paid more because we wanted some papers  so we ended up spending about $1000.

'We got a DNA test when we realised his papers were dodgy and he is a purebred but he hadn't been vaccinated and didn't have a microchip.'

Brooke Jones paid $1000 for her dog only to find the pure bred papers were falsified and she came un-vaccinated and without a microchip

When Ms Jones arrived at the park to buy her dog there was another person buying a dog from the same woman.

'She had a whole litter, she seemed really friendly and I didn't think meeting her at the park was strange because I wouldn't let random people come to my house either.

'I had looked the breeder name she used on her Gumtree advertisement so I thought she was legitimate  but after all this happened I called them and found out she was a poser.'

Ms Jones says she is now terrified the woman could come back and take her dog as she  like many of the other customers gave her correct details on the pet transfer forms.

A Facebook post about the most recent incident sparked an intense discussion where more than five people admitted they had also been tricked by the same elderly woman.

'It could happen to anyone,' one person said.

'People have to be more careful when buying dogs  this happens everywhere.'

Buddy, pictured, with one of his family members - he was also sold without being checked by a vet
Shia paramilitaries have captured the Iraqi town of Baaj from Islamic State Group, further shrinking the northern region under jihadist control as part of a U.S.-backed campaign to retake the city of Mosul, the Iraqi military said on Sunday.

Eight months into the Mosul offensive, Islamic State Group have been dislodged from all of the city except an enclave along the western bank of the Tigris river.

IS Group's grip on the Iraqi side of the northern region along the border with Syria, a desert area where Iraqi and U.S. sources believe IS Group leader Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi is hiding, has been ebbing as forces fighting on the side of Iraq's government have advanced.

The Iraqi air force provided cover for the thrust into Baaj of the Shia paramilitaries known as Popular Mobilisation, said a statement from the Iraqi joint operations command.

Popular Mobilisation is steered by neighbouring Shia regional power Iran, an adversary of the United States, but is playing a part in the campaign to defeat Islamic State Group, an enemy of both, in Mosul and the surrounding province of Nineveh.

Iraqi government armed forces are focusing their effort on dislodging insurgents from remaining pockets in Mosul, since 2014 Islamic State Group's de-facto capital in Iraq.

While reporting nominally to Iraq's Shia-led government, Popular Mobilisation has Iranian military advisers, one of whom died last month fighting near Baaj.

Securing border territory between Iraq and Syria is important for Iran to reopen a land route to supply Syrian President Bashar al-Assad's army with weapons in his protracted war with rebels and militants.

A statement published by Popular Mobilisation announcing the capture of Baaj came from Abu Mahdi al-Muhandis, a prominent leader of the paramilitary with longstanding ties to Iran.

Iran has helped to train and organise thousands of Shia militiamen from Iraq, Afghanistan and Pakistan in Syria's war. Fighters from Lebanon's Shia Hezbollah are also working closely with Iranian military commanders in Syria.

U.S. and Iraqi officials believe IS Group leader al-Baghdadi has left operational commanders behind with diehard followers to fight on in Mosul and is now focusing on his own survival.

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President Donald Trump says he's found a new candidate for the civilian post of Navy secretary.

His name is Richard Spencer, and he's a former financial industry executive. Spencer is also a former Marine Corps captain.

The White House says Spencer most recently was managing partner of Fall Creek Management, a privately held management consulting company in Wyoming.

Spencer also was vice chairman and chief financial officer for Intercontinental Exchange Inc., a financial market company, and president of Crossroads Group, a venture capital firm that was bought by Lehman Brothers in 2003.

Trump's first choice for Navy secretary, businessman Philip Bilden, withdrew from consideration in February.

President Donald Trump (left) says he's found a new candidate for the civilian post of Navy secretary. His name is Richard Spencer (right), and he's a former financial industry executive. Spencer is also a former Marine Corps captain

Bilden cited privacy concerns and the difficulty of separating from his business interests.

Bilden recently retired from a global private equity management firm, HarbourVest Partners LLC, after 25 years.

Trump and Secretary of Defense Jim Mattis still have not named a nominee to head the Army.

Robert Speer is the acting secretary of the Army until a permanent replacement is found.

Trump's first choice for Navy secretary, businessman Philip Bilden (left), withdrew from consideration in February. Vincent Viola (right), whom the president had picked to be secretary of the Army, withdrew weeks later. That position remains vacant

Vincent Viola, whom the president had picked to be secretary of the Army, withdrew in February.

Viola said in a statement to the Military Times that he was 'deeply honored' to be nominated but cited his inability to successfully navigate the confirmation process and Defense Department rules concerning family businesses.

The Senate must approve of Spencer's nomination.
The city manager in Augusta, Maine, says the municipal office building had to be sprayed for bedbugs after a man threw a cup of the pests onto an office counter and about 100 of them scattered off.

City Manager William Bridgeo tells the Kennebec Journal the man apparently complained Friday to the code enforcement office about bedbugs at his former apartment then left, but returned after he showed the cup of bugs to a manager at his new apartment and was told he couldn't live there.

Bridgeo says the man let the bugs loose in the General Assistance Office where he asked for a form to request assistance and apparently was told he didn't qualify.

'He whipped out a cup (full of live bedbugs) and slammed it on the counter, and bam, off they flew, maybe 100 of them,' Bridgeo said.

The bugs started moving around and spreading out.

Ralph St. Pierre, Augusta's finance director and assistant city manager, picks up bedbugs that a disgruntled visitor reportedly unleashed Friday afternoon at Augusta City Center

Police didn't immediately release the man's name or say if any charges would be filed.

The whole building was shut down as a precaution, according to Bridgeo.

The man who unleashed the bugs might also have wandered off to other parts of the building.

Bridgeo said he filed a criminal complaint against the man.

He said he expected charges to be brought against him.

Police said that an investigation was ongoing and no decision had been made as to whether to file charges.

Bridgeo, who has worked in municipal management since 1976, said hes 'never had anything as yucky as this' happen before.
Police on Saturday made an arrested in the killing of an Australian tourist outside a San Francisco hotel.

Officer Giselle Talkoff, a city police spokeswoman, announced the arrest Saturday.

No further information about the suspect was released.

Authorities said 33-year-old Matthew Bate got into an argument with two men that turned physical around 2am Friday outside the Da Vinci Villa hotel in the Russian Hill neighborhood.

Authorities said 33-year-old Matthew Bate (above) got into an argument with two men that turned physical around 2am Friday

Police say the incident occurred outside the Da Vinci Villa hotel in the Russian Hill neighborhood (above)

He was pronounced dead at a hospital.

Police said no weapons were involved in the fight.

Bate lived in Woolner, a suburb of Darwin, Australia.

He was an analytical chemist with SGS Australia, which offers a range of testing and certification services to businesses.
Australia's favourite household hardware chain and sausage sizzle provider could be in danger from foreign competitors, retail experts say.

Online retailer Amazon's entry into the Australian market, Bunnings' expansion to the UK and its lack of an online store could set the retailer back, The Age reported.

Investment bank Morgan Stanley predicted this week that the US-born Amazon site would gain 5.6 per cent in hardware and furniture market shares by 2026.

Bunnings could be in a vulnerable position with the arrival of US online retailer Amazon

Retail experts believe Amazon's arrival will likely have a big impact on other online retailers, where digital sales account for 7.3 per cent of overall retail spending, according to National Australia Bank.

But fund manager Bruce Smith told Fairfax Media that Bunnings could withstand the US competitor's entry until they started to offer three-hour delivery.

He said customers tended to buy products in Bunnings that they needed immediately or wouldn't necessarily buy online.

Despite Bunnings' looking to amp up its online sales when Woolworths hardware chain Masters popped up several years ago, you can still only buy gift cards from Bunnings' website or add items to a 'wish list'.

Even Bunnings' newly purchased UK hardware business, Homebase, has a full online offering where customers can order marquee gazebos and fireplaces.

The hardware retailer also has a 'click and collect' option, which allows customers to reserve a product online, pay and collect in store within 24 hours.

Investment bank Morgan Stanley predicted this week that the US-born Amazon site would gain 5.6 per cent in hardware and furniture market shares by 2026

Australia's favourite sausage sizzle provider and hardware store could be in danger from foreign competitors, retail experts say

Most online retailers have this option, such as Officeworks, but Bunnings still lacks this convenient feature.

According to Fairfax Media, Bunnings has no concrete plans to introduce a fully-fledged online store.

The hardware chain's managing director, Michael Schneider, told Daily Mail Australia the retailer would be adding a local store stock availability feature and online ordering of their special range to their website.

'Our special orders range, which is currently only available to order in store, gives customers access to thousands of products from our suppliers that are not available in-store, offering a much wider range and choice,' he said.

'Our digital eco-system focuses on providing information and services for customers, as well as practical and helpful advice and inspiration for D.I.Y projects.

Even Bunnings' newly purchased UK hardware business, Homebase, has a full online offering

'Our customers continue to respond well to our digital offer, with more than 13 million visits to our Australian website a month and more than 1 million visits to our New Zealand website a month.

'We will continue to listen closely to customers to understand their online needs and ensure that when we do offer products and services online they are provided in a way that customers will value.'

Bunnings' absence of an online store indicated a 'lack of competition in Australia', but could be in danger if Amazon started selling private-label products such as paint brushes and drop sheets, according to Mr Carmichael, a consumer analyst at Watermark Funds Management.
Senator Sam Dastyari has described the carnage he witnessed in London amid the terrorist attack in the heart of the city.

Mr Dastyari said he was 'locked up in this little room upstairs at a restaurant' at the time of the 'horrific' incident, adding the whole city was in lockdown.

'This literally happened 20 metres from where we were and we could hear it all and were taken past the bodies,' he told Channel Nine.

'The sounds, you can hear it all, you can hear them screaming... It's horrific, they took us past them, it's horrific the ambulances are taking them out.

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Senator Sam Dastyari has described the carnage he witnessed in London amid the terrorist attack in the heart of the city

'This literally happened 20 metres from where we were,' Senator Sam Dastyari said on Sunday

'There is a lot of fear, confusion, panic, a lot of elderly people being helped and carried. A lot of shock.'

It is believed three terrorists began their rampage by mowing down pedestrians on London Bridge.

They then jumped out and began 'randomly stabbing people' along Borough High Street at 10pm before making their way to the Wheatsheaf pub.

'They were trying to get in the pub but the doors were locked. They were smashing the windows... I saw at least one man stabbed in the chest about five times,' a witness told The Sun.

The witness said armed police stormed the pub and opened fire, killing at least one bystander.

A witness has told Sky News they heard gunfire near the iconic bridge after the van hit pedestrians

People being evacuated near Borough Market after a vehicle ploughed into pedestrians on London Bridge

A man said to be one of the terrorists was pictured after being shot by police outside the pub.

Police have now confirmed that all three terrorists were shot dead within eight minutes of receiving the first emergency call.

Mr Dastyari said it was too early to make assumptions, but praised the work of authorities.

'It's graphic. There is no other way of describing it. It's confronting. The sheer sense and wave of panic that runs through people,' he told Nine.

'I mean, of course there is panic, of course there is fear, of course there is chaos, but that being said I think amongst all of that the way in which the London police are handling this situation is a real testament.

'These are horrible events, but in horrible moments communities come together as well and you can really see that happening in London.'

Mr Dastyari said it was too early to make assumptions into the incident but praised the work of authorities

One witness said she saw three people with their throats apparently cut on London Bridge

'They're trying to get people out of the city now but when these things happen the first reaction is just the fear and confusion.'

Foreign Minister Julie Bishop has been told the attacks are being treated as terrorist incidents and early reports suggest no Australians have been involved.

'I have just received a text from our High Commission in London that tells me British Police are treating it as a terrorist attack,' Ms Bishop told Sky News on Sunday.

'It's graphic. There is no other way of describing it. It's confronting,' Mr Dastyari said

Mr Dastyari took to Twitter on Sunday morning to praise police handling of the situation

'So until we know otherwise we can assume that this does follow a similar pattern to those we have seen elsewhere.'

That includes the attack on London's attack on Westminster Bridge earlier this year.

Opposition Leader Bill Shorten has tweeted support for Britain.

'Shocking news from London, another dark night for the UK. Australian hearts go out to our oldest friends. Stay strong,' he wrote.

People leave the area with their hands one their heads after the incident near London Bridge

A victim is seen being taken to hospital amid the chaos in London on Saturday night
Under measures announced in the 2017 Federal Budget, the pension age is set to rise to 70 by 2029.

The age will move up in six month increments from 2025, and is expected to save the Government $3.6billion.

This measure was first announced in the 2014 Budget under Tony Abbott, and was confirmed to be ongoing in May's Budget, the Daily Telegraph reported.

But while Australians will have to keep their working boots on for longer, politicians are still eligible to pick up their pensions from the age of 60.

Social Services Minister Christian Porter (pictured) says it 'remains Government policy to increase the pension age to 70'

The age changes will begin on July 1, moving Australia's retirement age to 65 and six months, and will hit 70 by 2029

Increases to the Age Pension eligibility age begin on July 1 2017, where those born on or after July 1 1952 will need to be aged 65 years and six months to be eligible.

It will increase by six months every two years until July 2023 when the retirement age will be 67, according to the Department of Social Services general manager Hank Jorjen.

From there, it is expected to climb every six months from 2025 to 2029, until it reaches 70.

Social Services Minister Christian Porter said the changes are necessary to protect the 'sustainability' of the pension system.

While Mr Porter can retire at 60, he says raising the eligibility age for other Australians will 'ensure the pension system is sustainable'

'It remains government policy to increase the age pension age to 70,' he told the Telegraph.

'This is a sensible move to ensure that our pension system is sustainable for future generations.'

If the measure goes ahead, it will give Australia the highest pension age in the developed world, reported The Conversation in February.

Jenny Macklin, shadow minister for families and social services, said the proposed changes were not viable.

'How does Mr Turnbull expect construction workers, miners, nurses and farmers to work until they're 70? He's totally out of touch,' she said.
An anaesthetist who was sacked for abandoning a patient on the operating table and was found later in a 'drunken stupor' has returned to work at another hospital.

Dr Michal Petr, 39, left the operating theatre when his patient was still unconscious and without handing the job over to a colleague at Wollongong Hospital in May last year.

He was found later severely intoxicated in a locked hospital room and was terminated from his position - but he has been given the green light to work at Shellharbour Private Hospital in NSW, Sydney Morning Herald reports.

The anaesthetist (stock image) left his patient on the operating table and was found later in a drunken stupor

Dr Michal Petr, 39, left the operating theatre when his patient was still unconscious and without handing the job over to a colleague at Wollongong Hospital (pictured) in May last year

A committee of review found Dr Petr should be re-employed as an anaesthetist, as with the condition of a daily breath test, he is 'unlikely' to relapse.

Dr Petr's appeal to return to work was supported by many of his anaesthesia colleagues and his personal psychiatrist who vouched he was a changed man.

The embattled anaesthetist was blocked from working in the public health sector but was able to find a job at Shellharbour Private Hospital in the pre-admissions clinic.

It is believed Dr Petr's former colleagues at Wollongong Hospital are 'furious' he was given employment after his drunken behaviour while on the clock.

NSW Minister for Health Brad Hazzard revealed he did not share the committee's belief Dr Petr was reformed.

'It's a decision made by a review committee under the legislation and is not one I would have made. Hopefully we will be working with the doctor to have him address his issues before he seeks to come back to work,' he told Fairfax.

The embattled anaesthetist was blocked from working in the public health sector but was able to find a job at Shellharbour Private Hospital (pictured) in the pre-admissions clinic

The shocking incident took place when Dr Petr left his patient on the operating table without informing the junior anaesthetist or giving handover instructions.

He was taken to the hospital's emergency department where he recorded a blood alcohol level of 0.3. This is six times the legal driving limit and double the point where people can walk without any difficulty.

Dr Petr had also been brought before the medical council for another incident of being drunk on the job in 2011 when he was caught drink driving to an emergency operation.

Police clocked him driving at 106 kilometres per hour in an 80kmh zone, with a blood alcohol level of 0.161. He was fined $1000 and disqualified from driving for 12 months.
Seven women are accusing a Utah Democratic Party chair candidate of sexual misconduct, including kissing two women without permission and showing others his underwear.

Rob Miller, who has formerly served as the state party's vice chair and treasurer, has said the allegations are false and claimed the letter is a form of political sabotage ahead of the June 17 convention, where the party chair will be elected.

'There's not any merit to it. There is no sexual harassment,' Miller told the Salt Lake Tribune.

The letter, which is dated May 25, was sent to the state Democratic Party Executive Committee, according to Fox 13.

It outlines eight allegations against Miller that they say he committed at official party events or meetings.

Rob Miller, pictured, is running for the Utah Democratic Party chair, which will be elected at the party convention on June 17. Miller is also being accused of sexual misconduct by seven women

Miller, right, believes that the allegations are political sabotage and that one of his eight opponents, Nadia Bowman, left, was involved. Bowman has denied his claims, saying she doesn't 'engage in dirty politics'

According to the seven women who signed the letter, Miller kissed two women without permission, stroked and 'petted' a woman, told one woman she was 'sexy', and showed another woman his undergarments and grabbed her buttocks several times without her permission.

The women claim that in February he hugged another woman too tightly, in March he let his hand drape over her breast as she turned away from him and in April he made a sexual innuendo towards her.

He also 'walked towards three men and one of the signees in the basement of the former Democratic State headquarters, his pants pulled down to his knees with his garments in full view,' according to the letter.

Miller is also accused of planning a meeting to discuss a job opportunity and potential contract in 2014, though he did not have work for the woman and instead asked her to date him.

According to the letter, 'he said he would "treat you like a queen" and feed her "lobster every night". He told her he was rich and that he would take care of her for the rest of her life.

'The woman was very disturbed and distressed by Mr Miller's inappropriate behavior and did not know how to handle it.'

Miller, far left, is being accused of multiple incidents of sexual misconduct including kissing two women without permission and showing off his underwear in two other instances

Miller denies the claims, saying that only two of the allegations are true, but even those have been misrepresented by the letter that the seven women signed and sent to the state Democratic Party Executive Committee

Miller has denied those claims - with the exception of two of the allegations, only he says they didn't happen the way the letter states.

'They've taken a lot of things and tried to twist it,' Miller told Fox 13.

He told the outlet that he did hug a woman in February, but he claims she initiated the hug.

He also admitted to asking out the woman he invited to discuss work. He said he asked her out at the end of their conversation about the potential job opportunity, adding that they were both single at the time.

'She didn't respond to it, and I never looked back,' he told the outlet.

Miller served on the executive committee of the state Democratic party for eight years. According to his website, he has three children from his first marriage and a fourth child with his 'companion' Andrea Ibanez.

In the letter, the woman allege Miller also threatened two of them with legal action, once over the phone and once in writing.

Celina Milner, left, is a former Utah Senate candidate and Mary Brady-Bishop, right, is a former Salt Lake County Democratic chairwoman

Jill Haring, pictured, is a Republican married to a Democratic blogger

Six of the women who signed the letter are part of the Democratic party and one woman, Jill Haring, is a Republican married to a Democratic blogger.

Mary Brady-Bishop is a former Salt Lake County Democratic chairwoman, Celina Milner is a former Utah Senate candidate and Elizabeth Converse is the communications director for Utah House Democrats.

Sheryl Ginsberg and Ellen Brady are former national delegates and Jennifer Miller-Smith is a self-described party super-volunteer, according to the Salt Lake Tribune.

Miller said that most of the women are supporters of Nadia Bowman, another candidate for the position of Utah's Democratic Party chair, the Tribune reported.

'I had been warned time and again she plays dirty politics,' Miller told the outlet.

Bowman responded that she had nothing to do with the letter, adding: 'I do not engage in dirty politics.'

She said that while some of the women who signed the letter have endorsed her, they have not worked on her campaign, according to the Tribune.

Miller told the outlet that even if he is able to prove the allegations aren't true, 'this will affect the race'.

The Democratic Party Chairman, Peter Corroon, said in a statement: 'Democrats are fully committed to providing a safe environment for all. Pursuant to our rules, when complaints are received they are forwarded to our judicial standing committee.'

Besides Bowman, Miller is running against seven other candidates, including four other men and three other women.

Elizabeth Converse, left, is the communications director for Utah House Democrats and Jennifer Miller-Smith, right, is a self-described party super-volunteer
Two children a month are given permission by the Family Court to embark on irreversible sex change treatment, with a Sydney psychiatrist saying many adolescents with gender dysphoria are struggling with being gay.

An analysis of Family Court judgments shows 10 children this year have been given approval to begin 'stage two' treatment that enables physical changes in preparation for gender reassignment surgery, The Sunday Telegraph reports.

Sydney clinical psychiatrist Tanveer Ahmed, who practises in western Sydney, said many adolescents with gender dysphoria were often struggling with their sexuality.

A Sydney paedictrics professor John Whitehall says there's an 'infectious trend' in sex changes

Sydney clinical psychiatrist Tanveer Ahmed claimed many teenagers with gender dysphoria may instead be struggling with being gay

'Most younger kids with gender dysphoria, it passes and they're able to move on with their lives without having any kind of intervention,' he told Daily Mail Australia on Sunday.

'We need to be careful we don't collude mental illness.

'Often it's kids who are actually haven't integrated at a psychological level that they're gay.'

University of Western Sydney professor of paedictrics John Whitehall described the rise in gender changes as 'an infectious trend' and told The Sunday Telegraph teenagers should be banned from having sex change treatment until they had turned 18.

Seven-year-old American transgender boy Jacob Lemay knew he wasn't a girl as a toddler

He added that 'stage one' hormone blockers for teenagers, to stop them going through puberty, should be blocked because it could lead to changes in the brain.

However, gender identity specialist Dr Elizabeth Riley told the newspaper children with gender dyphoria were not inventing their preferred sex.

The gender reassignment cases cited in the story included a 17-year-old girl who had been living as a boy since the age of eight.

'Ashton' had been wearing a male uniform and was often assaulted.
A transport worker has penned a poignant message on a tube station whiteboard after seven people were murdered and 48 injured in the country's second terror attack in a fortnight.

Defiant Londoners united in their grief and fury are coming together and have been throwing open their doors, offering accommodation, food and shelter to those affected by the incident.

And today an apt message appeared at London Bridge's underground station reading: 'London Bridge will never fall down. You can't break our spirit.' It is believed to have been written by a TFL employee.

Poignant: The much-needed message, written on the board at London Bridge tube station, was spotted this morning just hours after seven were stabbed to death by three terrorists

British spirit: In a harrowing moment where people ran for their lives, one man caught the eye of social media users online after they noticed he'd managed not to spill a drop of his pint

Rallying round: A vicar was on hand to give out cups of much-needed tea to busy emergency service workers

Coming together: Thoughtful staff from Sainsbury's spotted pictured giving sandwiches and bottles of water to exhausted police officers this morning

Sainsbury's staff are bringing sandwiches and snacks to the police #LondonBridge pic.twitter.com/hHlNFtOlBy  Alice Ross (@aliceross_) June 4, 2017

Above the message, the author wrote the abbreviation of 'quote of the day' - a nod to the atrocities which saw 48 injured after three men launched a crazed knife attack at Borough Market last night.

Londoners have rallied round to help victims and the emergency services in a continued display of acts of kindness.

This morning staff from Sainsburys were handing out sandwiches and bottles of water to police officers while a vicar was seen giving much-needed cups of tea to exhausted emergency workers.

Online the hashtag #PrayForLondon has seen hundreds offer up their homes and office space to help those left stranded.

And in a moment of true darkness for the country, some have tried to find some light. In one image showing people running for their lives, a gentleman wearing devil horns caught the eye of people on social media.

Despite being caught up in the chaos, he had somehow managed to not spill a drop of his drink. In the image, he held the half-drunk pint glass with caution as he joined the throng of people fleeing from the scene of the atrocity.

A woman places flowers at Borough High Street during a massive policing operation following a terror attack

A rental van (top right) is seen where it stopped just over London Bridge - it is believed to have been driven by three men in an attack which killed seven and injured at least 48

London Bridge closed to traffic as a forensic tent is set up at the northern end of bridge on the day following the terror attack

Holly Robinson (left) and Mary Lynch offered their spare room in London to stranger George Moss after he lost his phone and couldn't get beyond the cordon to get home

We never die! Social media has been awash with people sharing words of comfort and support in the hours after the tragedy

Investigation underway: Forensic officers at the scene of London Bridge this morning, which remains closed to the public

Forensic officers were seen circling blood splatter and bagging pieces of evidence as they scour London Bridge today

Masked police officers wielding guns were seen at London Bridge on Sunday morning as the area remains on lock down

Men wearing safety harnesses lower the flags over Downing Street to half mast for the victims of last night's terror attack on London Bridge and Borough Market

Today flags at Downing Street have been erected at half mast in a sign of respect for the victims.

Seven were killed after three men with 12-inch hunting knives stabbed revellers after mowing down up to 30 people with a white van on London Bridge.

One man George Moss, 22, was taken in by two strangers after he was unable to get home when police put a cordon between Borough Market and Elephant and Castle.

There was an outpouring of support from kindhearted locals to help those caught up in the third attack on UK soil in ten weeks.

Cathy Jaquiss said: 'Anyone stranded or scared near London Bridge we have a warm flat and a sofa bed right around the corner. Please share #londonbridge'

A wounded victim was wheeled out on stretcher in Monument - where 50 police stormed the station with police dogs

Terrifying footage from the scene shows police officers shouting 'Clear the scene now!' as panicked pedestrians flee

Kind women offer stranger who was caught up in terror their spare room A young man caught up in the London Bridge incident has thanked two strangers who offered him a bed for the night after being left stranded. George Moss, 22, was unable to get home after police put a cordon between Borough Market and Elephant and Castle. Mr Moss, originally from Guernsey, also lost his phone during the evening, which meant he initially had no way of contacting family or friends to ask for a bed to stay. After borrowing a phone from a reporter at the scene, Mr Moss was able to get in touch with Holly Robinson and Mary Lynch, who tweeted that strangers with nowhere else to stay could crash at their home in Vauxhall. A police officer stands guard on Borough High Street. One witness said she saw three people with what appeared to be their throats cut on London Bridge amid the 'utter chaos' Speaking from his new, temporary accommodation, Mr Moss said: 'I was out this evening trying to make my own way home at around 11.30pm but couldn't make my way through anywhere. 'I met (a reporter) who lent me his phone so I tried to get hold of my mum and dad. 'After that I went towards Vauxhall and found Holly and Mary who very kindly gave me a place to stay. (Without them) I would have been in a pickle, I wouldn't have anywhere else to go. 'Having someone so close and so willing to help makes a massive difference.' Ms Lynch, 23, from Nottingham, said: 'I think we saw when things (terror attacks) had happened in Orlando and Manchester and thinking if I had been in that situation I would want to know that people were going to open up their homes.' Ms Robinson, from Birmingham, said her original tweet was able to reach many followers after it was retweeted by former Newsround presenter Lizo Mzimba, who she once met after asking him for a selfie. She said: 'I just tweeted it (the offer) because we were here, we have friends stuck in various places. You have to give whatever you can, whenever you can. 'That's all we wanted to do, we didn't know if anyone would come but it was just to put the offer out there.' Advertisement

Rosie Crisp wrote: 'If anyone needs a bed for tonght, I live in halls by southwark station, I have cider in the fridge plus bagals. #LondonBridge #BoroughMarket'

Terri Paddock added: 'Just in case of any help: we live in SE1 b/t #LondonBridge & #Vauxhall. Have spare bed & car if anyone needs help.'

Pop star Ariana Grande, whose Manchester concert was bombed by a terrorist two weeks ago, tweeted: 'Praying for London'. Her management confirmed today the One Love charity benefit concert would still go ahead.

Terrifying footage from the scene shows police officers shouting 'Clear the scene now!' as panicked pedestrians flee. London Ambulance said multiple resources were attending the area.

The car that the three men were in is believed to have veered in an 'S shape' across the bridge and has driven towards the Shard and is south of the river. There are unconfirmed reports that it is a B&Q and Hertz van.

The bridge is in lock down and the area around it is closed with bus routes being diverted, as armed police and a bomb squad attend the scene and boats search the water.

The attacks in the streets of London come just days after armed troops were pulled off the streets of Britain.

Thousands of soldiers were deployed by Theresa May following the bombing at Manchester arena as she raised the UK threat level from 'severe' to 'critical'.

One witness Ben was 15 metres away near Borough Market when he saw a man with a knife stabbing people in the street.

He said: I was across the road from Borough market. We saw people running away and then shouting. I saw a man in red with quite a large blade stabbing a man about three times fairly calmly.

A witness said an attacker had 'canisters attached to his abdomen as he stabbed multiple people in nearby Borough Market. Armed police have responded to reports of stabbings there and shots have been fired

'I was across the road about 15 metres away. He was dark-skinned and had a red tracksuit on.'

One witness who wished to remain anonymous told MailOnline: 'I was in Arabica restaurant with a friend in borough market.

'Suddenly there was commotion and people were screaming. Security guards were yelling at people to get back from the window. About 50 people piled into the restaurant. Then I heard two separate bursts of gunfire and people rushed into the restaurant kitchens to hide. It was utter chaos.

'Some people tried to leave the kitchens via the back door but some of us tried to keep people calm. We hid for 45minutes and then were evacuated from the market by armed police.'
Syria's army Sunday seized a key town from the Islamic State group in the east of Aleppo province, a military source said, nearing its goal of expelling the jihadists from the region.

The capture of Maskana, on the western bank of Lake Assad, comes as part of a major Russian-backed military operation that began in mid-January to drive the jihadists from Aleppo province.

"Military units continue to advance in the east of Aleppo province and track down groups of Daesh terrorists," a military source cited by Syrian state media said, using the Arabic acronym for IS.

"Security and stability has been restored to the strategic town of Maskana and a number of areas," the source added.

Maskana was a key target for the Syrian army, and lies around 15 kilometres (10 miles) from neighbouring Raqa province, where the US-backed Syrian Democratic Forces are expected to soon launch an assault on the IS bastion of Raqqa city.

Syria's army is not so far expected to play a role in that operation.

A military source told AFP the "Maskana area is the last important civilian population centre on the eastern border of Aleppo province before Raqa province".

"Whoever controls Maskana controls the axes running between Aleppo city and Raqa city," he added.

IS presence in the east of Aleppo province is now "at its end", he added.

The Syrian army has captured more than 200 towns and villages since it launched its operation in the east of Aleppo province, after retaking the provincial capital in December.

IS now holds just a handful of "scattered villages that can easily be captured in the east and southeast of Aleppo province, in desert areas," said Rami Abdel Rahman, director of the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights monitor.

More than 320,000 people have been killed in Syria since the conflict began in March 2011 with anti-government protests.

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The general election will go ahead on Thursday despite some public calls for a postponement because Britain is 'locked in', David Davis said today.

The Brexit Secretary said he believed the public would want the poll to go ahead undeterred by the terrorist attack, which killed seven and left 48 injured.

Prime Minister Theresa May officially confirmed the election would proceed as planned in a major address from Downing Street after convening the emergency committee.

Metropolitan Police Commissioner Cressida Dick today urged people to carry on with this 'normal lives' and not to 'overreact'.

Three terrorists crashed a van on the south side of London Bridge at 10.08pm last night before going on a rampage into Borough Market. They were killed by armed officers within eight minutes.

A petition calling for the election to be halted was posted in the minutes after the attack and it was backed by a number of social media users.

The political parties this morning called a pause to national general election campaigning but local candidates are expected to press on with their work.

Mr Davis told the BBC's Andrew Marr today the suspension would be 'relatively brief' and warned the attacks could have been aimed at the election.

But he said: 'I think we are locked into June 8. I think the public would want us to be locked into June 8.

There is a balance here... the people doing this because they despise the freedoms we have.'

The attack comes less than two weeks after 22 people were killed by suicide bomber Salman Abedi at an Ariana Grande concert in Manchester.

Brexit Secretary David Davis (pictured speaking to Andrew Marr today) said the country was 'locked in' to Thursday's general election

Seven people are dead after three men with 12-inch hunting knives reportedly stabbed revellers after mowing down pedestrians with a white van on London Bridge

A petition calling for the election to be halted was posted in the minutes after the attack and it was backed by a number of social media users

Asked if the election could or should be halted, Mr Davis told Marr: 'I'm not sure it can be legally done. In order to do this, you'd have to have some change in the law and who's going to do that?

'Parliament no longer exists. I'm not a Member of Parliament for the duration, as are none of the other people who were MPs.'

Mr Davis said he thought that the election was 'locked in' to the scheduled date, and that the public would want that to remain the case.

Mr Davis said it 'may well be' that the attacks were intended to disrupt the election, adding: 'In which case, all the more reason not to defer, not to deflect, to as far as possible within the bounds of propriety to not let this pull us off course.'

Speaking in Downing Street, Mrs May said: 'As a mark of respect two political parties have suspended our national campaigns for today, but violence must never be allowed to disrupt the democratic process.

'So those campaigns will resume in full tomorrow and the general election will go ahead as planned on Thursday.

'As a country our response must be as it has always been when we have been confronted by violence.

'We must come together, we must pull together and united we will take on and defeat our enemies.'

Prime Minister Theresa May officially confirmed the election would proceed as planned in a major address from Downing Street after convening the emergency committee

The Prime Minister said the three attacks in the past three months were not directly connected but were linked by the 'the single evil ideology of Islamist extremism'

Ms Dick condemned the atrocity as 'appalling' and 'ghastly'.

She said police believe there were three attackers and that all had been 'neutralised'

Confirming the suspension of campaigning, a Tory spokesman said: 'The Conservative party will not be campaigning nationally today.

'We will review as the day goes on and as more details of the attack emerge.'

Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn thanked emergency service staff for their response and added: 'The Labour party will be suspending national campaigning until this evening, after consultations with other parties, as a mark of respect for those who have died and suffered injury.

'Those who wish to harm our people, divide our communities and attack our democracy will not succeed.

'We will stand together to defend our common values of solidarity, humanity and justice, and will not allow terrorists to derail our democratic process.'

The national campaigns for the Liberal Democrats and SNP were also suspended for the day. Candidates for all parties are expected to continue local campaigns.

Metropolitan Police Commissioner Cressida Dick (pictured at New Scotland Yard today) urged people to carry on with this 'normal lives' and not to 'overreact'

In a further halt to political hostilities, the BBC's flagship political programme The Andrew Marr Show was cancelled.

On Sky News, the Sophy Ridge on Sunday programme aired but with a heavily modified show. ITV's Peston on Sunday broadly went ahead as planned.

Mark Oxley posted the petition calling for the suspension of the election on Change.org.

It said: 'I and I'm quite sure a high percentage of the UK population agree that now is not the time to have a general election, after a second devastating attack I believe it is time to prioritise the safety of our country and its people, that's why I ask you to call off the general election for the foreseeable future.'

It is in its very early stages with few signatures though several Twitter users have made similar calls.

One wrote: 'Would be ideal to Suspend the Election can't have the risk of there being a transition in government in the middle of this.'

Another said: 'Never ever thought I'd say this. I think they need to call off the election. We need all concentration on this issue.'

And one user wrote: 'Now is not the time for a general election. Just what the perpetrators want, uncertainty, unrest. Call it off!!'

Calling the election off would be extremely difficult legally. Thousands of votes have already been cast by post.

Theresa May (pictured campaigning yesterday in Yorkshire) has suspended the national Conservative campaign ahead of Thursday's election

Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn (pictured on the trail in Nottinghamshire yesterday) is thought likely to match the move shortly

Mayor of London Sadiq Khan said he was 'appalled and furious' at the targeting of London.

He said: 'This was a deliberate and cowardly attack on innocent Londoners and visitors to our city enjoying their Saturday night.

'I condemn it in the strongest possible terms. There is no justification whatsoever for such barbaric acts.'

The London Mayor said officers were on the scene within two minutes and the attackers were dead after eight minutes.

Mr Khan said he believed the election should go ahead as scheduled.

He said: 'I'll be voting on Thursday. It's important we do all we can to make sure we are safe.

'I am a passionate believer in democracy.'

Home Secretary Amber Rudd told ITV's Peston on Sunday it was the right decision to suspend campaigning after the attack but insisted the election should go ahead as planned.

She said: 'They are out to attack our values, our way of life, our democracy, our freedoms and it would be wrong to knock any of those in this period now and I think everybody I speak to is absolutely clear, they want the election to go ahead on Thursday.'

Ms Rudd renewed calls for internet giants to tackle extremist material online and limit end-to-end encryption in the wake of the attack.

However she also pledged to 'take the politics out of security' in the final days of the campaign, adding: 'We will be very plain vanilla about making sure there is no political point-scoring as we go about trying to keep people safe.'

London Mayor Sadiq Khan, pictured, described last night's attack as a 'deliberate and cowardly attack on innocent Londoners and visitors to our city enjoying their Saturday night'

Met assistant commissioner Mark Rowley arrived in Downing Street today ahead of an emergency committee meeting with Theresa May

Flags over Downing Street were lowered to half mast this morning in the aftermath of the attack (pictured)

Prime Minister Theresa May will chair a meeting of the Government's emergency response committee later this morning.

A spokesman for May says the prime minister is in contact with officials and is being regularly updated.

'Our thoughts are with those who are caught up in these dreadful events,' the Prime Minister said in a statement.

Liberal Democrat leader Tim Farron said: 'Tonight's horrific incidents in London remind us how much we owe our emergency services. My thoughts and prayers with everyone affected.'

Scottish National Party leader Nicola Sturgeon said: 'Dreadful news from London. My thoughts are with all those affected.'

Plaid Cymru's Leanne Wood said: 'This is another devastating attack. Plaid Cymru extends its condolences to the people affected and the emergency services that work so hard in these difficult circumstances. People deserve to live their lives without fear, and we must come together to reject hate.'

Twitter user Amanda Eliasch said Britain was 'at war' and the election should be stopped

Caz said calling off the election would allow politicians to work together against the terror threat

Melanie Green had a similar messages, insisting 'our politicians need to stand together at times like these'

Former shadow chancellor Ed Balls told ITV's Peston on Sunday: 'I hope this leads to more people voting in the gen election and respecting the fact that politicians do very difficult jobs.'

The Union flag was flying at half mast over Downing Street as ministers and security chiefs gathered for the Cobra meeting, at which they were expected to hear an expert assessment of whether the UK's terror threat level should be returned to 'critical' - meaning further attacks could be imminent.

Also present at the meeting were Home Secretary Amber Rudd, Foreign Secretary Boris Johnson, Defence Secretary Sir Michael Fallon, Health Secretary Jeremy Hunt, Transport Secretary Chris Grayling, Communities Secretary Sajid Javid and London Mayor Sadiq Khan, along with representatives of police and security and intelligence agencies.
An Australian man staying in a hotel just metres from London Bridge has said he was evacuated and told to run by police after a terrorist attack at the tourist hot spot.

Zaven Jordan said he was awoken by a fire alarm on Saturday night, and headed outside to chaos.

'The police didn't give directions, they were yelling 'run!',' he told The Guardian.

'When a fire alarm goes off you expect to assemble and then go back inside in a few minutes. We grabbed our passports just in case, but we weren't really ready for this.'

An Australian man was evacuated from his London hotel on Saturday night and told to 'run!' by police following the terrorist attack on London Bridge (pictured: people fleeing the carnage following the attack)

A van drove through pedestrian traffic on the Bridge on Saturday night at about 80 kilometres an hour. Men inside the van then jumped out and began 'randomly stabbing people'

Police were called to incidents after the London Bridge attack at Borough Market and Vauxhall. While an incident at Borough Market has been ruled a terrorist attack, the incident at Vauxhall has been ruled unrelated

Now out of his accommodation, the Australian man is wandering the streets, unable to get back in contact with the Novotel Southwark and unsure of where he needs to go.

London Bridge Station and the surrounding area has been evacuated by police after men described as being 'of Mediterranean origin', reportedly drove a van at about 80 kilometres an hour through pedestrian traffic on the Bridge, mowing down up to 20 people.

The men then jumped out and began 'randomly stabbing people' with 12-inch hunting knives along Borough High Street in central London at 10pm.

Police say the stabbing incident at Borough Market is related to the attack on London Bridge and have ruled both to be terrorist attacks.

There are also unconfirmed reports of gunfire on Southwark Street.

It is reported up to seven people are dead in the wake of the attack.

Australian Minister for Foreign Affairs Julie Bishop told Sky News early reports suggest there were no Australians harmed in the attack.

London police are advising people caught up in the attacks to run to safety, turn their phones to silent and get in contact with authorities when they can.

Officers are also advising people who live within the London Bridge cordon to stay somewhere else tonight if they can.

If any Australians are concerned about family and friends and unable to contact them directly, call 1300 555 135, or +61 2 6261 3305 from outside of Australia, for consular assistance.

Zaven Jordan from Australia says he had grabbed his passport just in case, but did not expect there to be a terrorist attack (pictured: people sprinting away from the attack on London Bridge)

Police responded to calls of stabbings in Borough Market and Vauxhall after the attack on London Bridge. They declared London Bridge and Borough Market terrorist attacks, but said a stabbing in Vaxhall was unrelated
A martial arts expert who was filmed clutching his neck after being stabbed in the London Bridge terror attack was bravely trying to break up what he believed was a standard Saturday night brawl.

Geoff Ho was stabbed at Southwark Tavern on Saturday night and rushed to hospital in an ambulance during the chaos.

Dramatic video shows him clutching his neck as he staggers away from the scene just moments after the terror attack.

But just moments before, he tweeted: 'Don't know whether it was stupid or noble to jump in and break up the fight outside the Southwark Tavern, but two a***s trying to do over the lone bouncer on the door isn't happening on my watch.'

Dramatic video shows Geoff Ho clutching his neck as he staggers away from the scene just moments after the terror attack

The London man was reportedly stabbed during the frenzied rampage across Borough Market

Witnesses to the eight-minute attack said there was a stabbing in the Southwark Tavern venue

Geoff Ho (pictured) was reportedly stabbed at Southwark Tavern in London and has been taken in an ambulance on Saturday night, but he has now been found in hospital

Police are advising people who live within the London Bridge cordon to stay somewhere else tonight if they can

Witnesses to the eight-minute attack last night said there was a stabbing in the Southwark Tavern venue at Borough market while others heard at least 12 gunshots in the area.

Twitter users circulated an image of Mr Ho and declared him missing after he was stabbed at the tavern, but he has since been found in hospital.

Three jihadists yelling 'this is for Allah' are said to be the men behind the horrific rampage which has caused chaos on London streets.

The terror suspects mowed down up to 20 people with a white van at 50 miles per hour on London Bridge and then began 'randomly stabbing' pedestrians and diners with 12-inch hunting knives.

The terrorists tried to storm into the busy pub in the nearby Borough Market, where a man was reportedly stabbed five times in the chest.

Friend Isabelle Oderberg tweeted her concern for Mr Ho early on Sunday morning

Geoff Ho (pictured) has been reportedly stabbed at Southwark Tavern in London and has been taken in an ambulance on Saturday night

One witness said a 'dark-skinned' man in a red tracksuit 'calmly' stabbed a man three times.

One woman said she saw three people with what appeared to be their throats cut at London Bridge. There are also reports that a bystander was shot in the head in the crossfire and at least seven people have been stabbed.

Seven people have been killed and 48 have been injured according to the Metropolitan Police.

A British Transport Police officer was stabbed on London Bridge although his wounds are not thought to be life threatening.

Witnesses to the terror attack said there was a stabbing in the Southwark venue at the Borough market while others heard at least 12 gunshots in the area

The terror suspects mowed down up to 20 people with a white van at 50 mph on London Bridge and then began 'randomly stabbing' pedestrians and diners with 12-inch hunting knives

One witness said a 'dark-skinned' man in a red tracksuit 'calmly' stabbed a man three times

All three terrorists were shot dead by armed police officers approximately eight minutes after the incident began. Police said the terrorists were all wearing fake suicide vests.

Terrifying footage from the scene shows police officers shouting 'Clear the scene now!' as panicked pedestrians flee. London Ambulance said multiple resources were attending the area.

The terrorists are believed to have hired a white van from B&Q and drove at high speed across London Bridge swerving along the pavement in an 'S shape' to hit as many pedestrians as possible.
Foreign Minister Julie Bishop has angered her Facebook followers by posting an image of herself with hijab-wearing Muslim women and girls.

The Liberal Party's deputy leader posted the image on social media to explain how the Australian government is deploying foreign aid in a Muslim area of the The Philippines, Mindinao.

However, many of her Facebook followers expressed their outrage at the foreign minister, who isn't wearing a hijab, showcasing the government's AusAid programs.

Foreign Minister Julie Bishop's image with herself and hijab-wearing girls has sparked outrage

The Foreign Minister told her Instagram followers how Australia funded education in Asia

One man said he hoped the image of the Muslim women and girls was at a family planning clinic

One man went further took a dig at the fact the minister was posing with Muslim women and girls.

'I hope this was taken at a family planning clinic,' he said on her Facebook page.

One woman highlighted child brides and female genital mutilation, which the World Health Organisation acknowledges is practised by the Muslim minority in The Philippines.

'Well done, Julie Bishop. So you support women being bashed, children being married and raped and female genital mutilation,' she said.

One woman asked Julie Bishop if she supported child brides and female genital mutiliation

Another Facebook post equated the image of the minister with Muslim girls with FGM

'Maybe you ought to don a burqa. That's not the Australian way.'

A man asked if she supported female genital mutilation and child brides, practices which are both outlawed in Australia and which Ms Bishop condemns.

'So you support FGM and child marriage?,' he asked.

One Facebook post said Julie Bishop would only help One Nation leader Pauline Hanson

One man said Muslims only made up little more than two per cent of the Australian population

Another Facebook post expressed support for Pauline Hanson, who wants to ban Muslim migration

Another man pointed out that Muslims make up a little more than two per cent of the Australian population.

'Take heed of the comments, Julie,' he said.

Someone else said this kind of image would increase support for One Nation leader Pauline Hanson, who is calling for a ban on Muslim immigration to Australia.

'Goodbye, Julie. Hello, Pauline,' he said.

There were very few positive comments among the hundreds of negative messages.

Among them was a compliment from a woman who wrote: 'Julie, you have the magic ability to fit in anywhere.'
Terrorism has hit the heart of London once again in what is the third Jihadist attack on British soil in just 10 weeks.

Armed police swooped on the London Bridge area of the capital city after two incidents, which saw six people killed and 48 injured.

The men, described as being 'of Mediterranean origin', mowed down up to 20 people with a white van at 50mph on London Bridge on Saturday night, then began 'randomly stabbing' revellers with 12-inch hunting knives.

The London Ambulance Service said that 48 people have been taken to five hospitals across the city. One of those wounded is a British Transport Police officer who was stabbed on London Bridge. His injuries are not thought to be life threatening.

A total of 80 medics - including an advanced trauma unit from the London Air Ambulance - treated the wounded at the scene.

A wounded victim was wheeled out on stretcher by London Bridge as shocked people cried and shouted around them

Police and medics treated injured people and carried them away at the end Thrale Street near London Bridge. Members of the public were told by police to 'run as fast as they could' westbound

A terrorist with canisters strapped to his chest was shot by police by Wheatsheaf restaurant in Borough Market (pictured in the foreground). A witness said he was still alive. A second man, believed to be a terrorist, was pictured lying on the ground in the background

Pictured, the van - which is believed to be a B&Q and Hertz vehicle - veered in an 'S shape' across the bridge and drove towards the Shard and was south of the river

Revellers at the busy nightspot were pictured with their hands behind their heads as they were evacuated from the scene

The terrorists also stormed busy pubs and restaurants in the nearby Borough Market, where a man was reportedly stabbed five times in the chest. A 'dark-skinned' man in a red tracksuit 'calmly' stabbed a man three times, a witness said.

The gang had metal canisters strapped to their chests and two were reportedly shot dead by armed police. A search is underway for the three other men. One man has been arrested on Borough High Street.

It comes just 11 days after the horrific suicide bomb attack at the Manchester Arena, which killed 22 people and injured 119 others.

Salman Abedi planted the nail bomb at the entrance of the venue and it blew up as thousands of people left Ariana Grande's concert on May 22.

An ongoing police investigation is closing in on Abedi's terror cell and a number of arrests have been made across the country.

Greater Manchester Police confirmed that 10 men, aged between 18 and 44, remained in custody on suspicion of offences contrary to the Terrorism Act.

It comes just 11 days after the horrific suicide bomb attack at the Manchester Arena, which killed 22 people and injured 119 others

Mr Jackson said officers had been conducting house-to-house inquiries but were 'still not satisfied' why Abedi (far right) 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

Abedi, the Manchester bomber, could have used a student loan to finance his bomb plot, as he had enrolled but dropped out without finishing his degree

The possible last movements of the bomber, who travelled by tram to the Arena and may have got in the lift from the station into the venue

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'.

A benefit concert for the victims, held by Ariana Grande, is due to take place today at Old Trafford.

The Manchester massacre, which killed 22, was the worst terrorist atrocity to hit Britain since the July 7 attacks in London in 2005.

In the wake of the attack, Prime Minister Theresa May announced that the UK had raised its terror threat level from 'severe' to 'critical'.

What was named Operation Temperer saw armed troops flood the streets of Britain.

Last week, Mrs May announced the threat level had been reduced. This announcement meant an attack is considered highly likely rather than imminent.

On March 22, crazed Islamist Khalid Masood killed six people and injured dozens more at Westminster in London.

He crashed his car, ran through the gates into Parliament and stabbed brave policemen Keith Palmer to death before being shot dead by an armed officer.

Masood, 52, had links to Britains most notorious Islamist group, the banned Al-Muhajiroun, and worshipped at a mosque frequented by its leader Anjem Choudary, who is now in jail for inciting support for Islamic State.

The timings revealed by the Met show that Masood, driving a grey Hyundai 4x4, mounted the pavement on Westminster Bridge at 14:40:08 on the day of the attack.

On March 22, crazed Islamist Khalid Masood killed six people and injured dozens more at Westminster in London

He crashed his car, ran through the gates into Parliament and stabbed brave policemen Keith Palmer to death before being shot dead by an armed officer

Masood, 52, had links to Britains most notorious Islamist group, the banned Al-Muhajiroun, and worshipped at a mosque frequented by its leader Anjem Choudary, who is now in jail for inciting support for Islamic State

He careered into bystanders on Bridge Street and just 30 seconds later smashed the hired car into the perimeter fence of the Palace of Westminster.

Seconds later the first calls were made to the emergency services as Muslim convert Masood abandoned the car, sprinted through the open Carriage Gates and fatally wounded PC Keith Palmer even though he was wearing a stab vest. By 14:41:30 the terrorist had been gunned down by an armed officer.

London is grappling with terrorism again after last night's horrific attack.

The Metropolitan Police confirmed all three terrorists, who were wearing fake suicide vests, were shot dead within eight minutes of the attack beginning.

Two Jihadi terrorists are on the run after three were gunned down in the London Bridge area.

Around armed police entered Monument station with police dogs and bystanders were told to run.
The explosive device used in the Manchester terror attack was highly similar to bombs used by Islamic State jihadis in the 2015 Paris attacks

The explosive device used in the Manchester terror attack was highly similar to bombs used by Islamic State jihadis in the 2015 Paris attacks and may even have been designed by the same person, The Mail on Sunday has been told.

The claim was made last night by security sources, who challenged the suggestion by Greater Manchester Police that pop concert suicide bomber Salman Abedi, 22, had largely acted alone.

The police said last week that it was becoming apparent that Abedi acted alone during the four days between him arriving in Britain from Libya and detonating his bomb at the Ariana Grande concert, killing 22 people and injuring 116.

But a security source told The Mail on Sunday: While Abedi carried the device into Manchester Arena, he certainly didnt design the bomb and more than likely he didnt even put it together.

Rather, there was somebody with significant bomb making experience behind Abedi, as there was behind the three suicide bombers who blew themselves up outside the Stade de France in Paris in November 2015. In security jargon, the fingerprints on the Manchester and Paris devices are the same.

Raffaello Pantucci, Director of International Security Studies at the Royal United Services Institute think-tank, agreed, saying: I cant believe that he planned and conducted the attack in a vacuum. There are usually commanders, steering from a distance.

Abedi was born in Manchester to Libyan parents who moved back to Tripoli in recent years. He is believed to have visited Libya before the attack. It has been suggested he received final instructions there and met Libya-based terrorists involved in the Paris attacks.

The claim was made last night by security sources, who challenged the suggestion by Greater Manchester Police that pop concert suicide bomber Salman Abedi, 22, had largely acted alone

Detectives are also searching a landfill site near Manchester in an apparent bid to find a fridge which police suspect Abedi used to store explosives. It is understood that the fridge was removed from student accommodation in the Rusholme area of Manchester before a flat was searched last week. A man was arrested in the area yesterday.

The Mail on Sunday has also established that the FBI has sent up to 12 additional agents to the UK to work alongside British detectives listening to internet chatter.

l The first funeral of Abedis victims is expected to take place tomorrow, after the body of Eilidh MacLeod, 14, was taken home to Barra in the Outer Hebrides.
A couple holidaying in Italy have reunited a newly married Sydney man with his wedding ring after he lost it in the sea.

Husband and wife Richard and Fiona Lambert had been speaking to newlywed Warren and his bride on a beach in Cinqu Terre.

Warren, from Sydney, told the couple he had just lost his wedding band while swimming in the ocean on the picturesque Italian coastline.

A couple in Italy have helped a Sydney man find with his lost wedding ring (pictured)

Mr and Mrs Lambert, who are originally from the UK but living in France, tried snorkeling to help the Australian couple find the precious piece of jewellery to no avail.

Later that day the couple miraculously found the wedding ring, but Warren and his wife, who are expecting a baby, were no longer at the beach.

Mr Lambert then took to Facebook to try and locate the honeymooning couple.

The couple turned to social media to try and locate the man writing: 'Here's hoping we can reunite it soon,' encouraging their friends with contacts in Australia to share the post

The man was on holiday in Clinque Terra, Italy, (pictured) with his newlywed wife when he lost the ring in the sea

'So we're on holiday in Cinque Terra, Italy, (beautiful here). We chatted on the beach to a couple from Sydney, Australia,' the post said.

Mr Lambert went on to explain the situation, and asked people to share the post in a bid to reunite the couple with the ring.

The message was shared close to 400 times and in under 24 hours the couple shared the news they had located Warren again who was 'still hunting for the ring.'

The Lambert's gave the wedding band to their son Ollie who was 'delighted' give back the 'lucky' ring to Warren.

An update was shared to the post with a photo of Warren and his ring, which accumulated over 150 likes.

Efforts to find the ring had ensued but when the couple found the ring Warren had already gone. The couple later caught up with him and returned it to him (pictured)
A gamekeeper on an estate owned by close friends of the Royal Family who set illegal traps to kill protected birds was spared prosecution thanks to a police blunder.

Three pole traps were found in an area where a rare hen harrier had been seen hours earlier on the Mossdale grouse shooting moor in North Yorkshire, which is part-owned by the Van Cutsem family.

A 23-year-old gamekeeper was caught in May last year when a camera hidden by the RSPB filmed him checking the barbaric traps, which have been illegal since 1904.

RSPB investigators expected the man to be charged under the 1981 Wildlife and Countryside Act, which carries a maximum penalty of six months imprisonment and a 5,000 fine. But the junior gamekeeper, who has not been named, was instead given a police caution after he admitted his guilt.

A gamekeeper on an estate owned by close friends of the Royal Family who set illegal traps to kill protected birds was spared prosecution thanks to a police blunder

It is believed he claimed he was not acting under instructions, meaning there was no evidence to charge the estate owners or anyone else with any offence.

A review by North Yorkshire Police later found that the wrong procedures had been followed and it was a mistake not to charge him. Pole traps consist of a spring-loaded plate placed on top of a post.

Metal jaws are triggered to snap shut with force on any bird that lands on the plate, crushing their legs. They are designed to catch hawks, which land on posts to survey surrounding land for prey.

The family of the late businessman Hugh van Cutsem has been linked to the Mossdale estate near Hawes in the Yorkshire Dales National Park for many years.

Mr Van Cutsem, who died aged 72 in 2013, became friends with Prince Charles after they met at Cambridge University in the 1960s.

His sons  Edward, 43, Hugh, 42, Nicholas, 39, and William, 38  are friendly with Prince William and Prince Harry.

The family of the late businessman Hugh van Cutsem has been linked to the Mossdale estate near Hawes in the Yorkshire Dales National Park for many years

William van Cutsem was out shooting with Prince Harry at Sandringham in 2007 when witnesses alleged they saw two hen harriers being shot.

No bodies of birds were found but the pair were quizzed by Norfolk Police. They denied any wrongdoing and were never charged with any offence.

Robert Benson, chairman of the Moorland Association which represents the grouse shooting industry, said the owner of the estate had made it clear that neither he nor his head gamekeeper knew anything of this illegal and totally unacceptable activity by a junior employee.

Edward van Cutsem, the joint owner of the Mossdale estate, said the junior gamekeeper had not been acting under instructions when he set the traps.

Mr van Cutsem described himself as a passionate conservationist like his late father and said pole traps were abhorrent and quite rightly outlawed decades ago.

He added that the employee was dismissed for his serious and unacceptable aberration of judgement in May last year.

Mr van Cutsem said: It was a profoundly distressing time for all concerned and the young man was deeply regretful over his actions. However, given the action itself we decided that he could no longer work for us and he lost his job.

If the police have subsequently decided that he should have been prosecuted rather than receiving a police caution that is a matter for the judicial process.

We have since built further upon the strong working relationships that we already had with the Yorkshire Dales National Park and Natural England amongst others and both organisations have been very positive in their praise for our collaborative work as stewards of the countryside.

Indeed we have just finished planting eight new woodlands for the benefits of red squirrels and Black Grouse in particular.

Mr van Cutsem said he did not want the case to detract from the work done by rural landowners, of all sizes, for conservation and bringing rural communities together.
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Three attackers were being hunted down by the 70-strong Special Forces unit which was dispatched on the direct orders of the Home Secretary.

The 'Blue Thunder' squad - an elite Special Forces unit which can be scrambled at a moment's notice - was dispatched to join in the hunt for the attackers.

It had been rehearsing terror scenarios for months - including how to take out lone wolves and multiple rampaging jihadis.

It comes just days after Theresa May reduced the country's terror threat level down from critical to severe, which means that a terrorist attack is 'highly likely'.

Thousands of armed police officers were deployed across the streets of Britain after the Manchester Arena attack, in which 22 people were killed.

Speaking outside Scotland Yard this morning, Metropolitan Police Commissioner Cerrisa Dick has now confirmed that a seventh person was killed in last night's attack at London Bridge and Borough Market.

She said: 'As you know, our officers confronted suspects and brought this terrible incident to a conclusion within eight minutes.

'This is a fast-moving investigation. We will have increased patrols in many areas by police and this will include armed police.'

London Bridge station and underground station remain closed as armed police carry out a search of Borough Market.

Soldiers in the Blue Thunder unit - which is nicknamed after its unmarked helicopter - were supported by an Apache helicopter gunship which uses powerful cameras to relay live pictures to commanders on the ground.

An elite SAS unit was scrambled to London Bridge to hunt down and eliminate the jihadi terrorists

The 'Blue Thunder' squad, which can be dispatched at a moment's notice, joined in the hunt to eliminate the three attackers

It has been rehearsing terror scenarios for months - including how to take out lone wolves and multiple rampaging jihadis

The unmarked blue helicopter was seen landing on London Bridge shortly after the horror attacks on Saturday night

Soldiers in the unit are supported by an Apache helicopter gunship which uses powerful cameras to relay live pictures to commanders on the ground

Armed police officers wearing masks have been deployed to central London in the wake of the attack which saw three jihadi extremists kill seven people and injured at least 48 others who have been taken to six hospitals around London

Heavily armed officers equipped with ballistic armour descended on Borough Market this morning to carry out searches of the area. Metropoliton Police Commissioner, Cressida Dick, said the situation was a 'very complex and confused' series of events

'We need to carry out a large search of the area to make sure everyone is accounted for and make sure the area is safe': Metropolitan Police commissioner, Cressida Dick, confirmed that a seventh person was killed in last night's attack

Police say their priority is to establish the identity of the attackers and have urged the public to remain vigilante and to contact the anti-terrorist hotline on 0800 789 321 if they spot anything suspicious

The Prime Minister last month put thousands of soldiers on the streets in the wake of the Manchester bombings as part of Operation Temperer.

Theresa May also increased the UK's terror threat level from 'severe' to 'critical' - but that was lowered last week with troops being hauled off the streets.

It came just days before the attack on London - with three men described as being 'of Mediterranean origin' mowing down up to 20 people with a white van at 50mph on London Bridge on Saturday night.

They then began 'randomly stabbing' revellers with 12-inch hunting knives.

One person was killed at London Bridge - and one of the casualties is reportedly a police officer. At least 48 people others were taken to six hospitals across London.

Three jihadi terrorists shouting 'this is for Allah' are confirmed to have killed six people and injuring 48 in a horrific rampage around two locations in central London

The terrorists also stormed busy pubs and restaurants in the nearby Borough Market, where a man was reportedly stabbed five times in the chest. A 'dark-skinned' man in a red tracksuit 'calmly' stabbed a man three times, a witness said.

The gang had metal canisters strapped to their chests and two were reportedly shot dead by armed police. A search is underway for the three other men. One man has been arrested on Borough High Street.

All three suspects were gunned down and killed by armed police.

50 armed police entered Monument station with police dogs and bystanders were told to run. Bank and Monument tube stations have been closed. There were also unconfirmed reports of gunfire on Southwark Street.

A terrorist with canisters strapped to his chest was shot by police by Wheatsheaf restuarant in Borough Market (pictured in the foreground). A witness said he was still alive but all three are now confirmed dead. A second man, believed to be a terrorist, was pictured lying on the ground in the background

A wounded victim was wheeled out on stretcher by London Bridge as shocked people cried and shouted around them

A traumatised man who helped the wounded victim led away on a stretcher walked away with blood on his shirt. A horrified bystander wrapped in a foil blanket was led away from the police

Police and medics treated injured people and carried them away at the end Thrale Street near London Bridge. Members of the public were told by police to 'run as fast as they could' westbound

Pictured, the van - which is believed to be a B&Q and Hertz vehicle - veered in an 'S shape' across the bridge and drove towards the Shard and was south of the river

A man in a black tracksuit believed was pictured being detained by police

Police arrested a man on Southwark bridge during the rampage on London Bridge

'Rapid gunfire' was heard in the London Bridge area as armed police hunted down and shto dead the three attackers

Three attackers reportedly mowed up to 20 pedestrians down on London Bridge. The knifeman then began stabbing people in the nearby Borough Market. There were unconfirmed reports of gunfire on Southwark Street

Terrifying footage from the scene shows police officers shouting 'Clear the scene now!' as panicked pedestrians flee. London Ambulance said multiple resources were attending the area.

The car that the three men were in have veered in an 'S shape' across the bridge and drove towards the Shard and was south of the river. There are unconfirmed reports that it is a B&Q and Hertz van.

One woman said she saw three people with what appeared to be their throats cut at London Bridge. There are also reports that a bystander was shot in the head in the crossfire and at least seven people have been stabbed.

'The men said this is for Allah as they left the van and attacked victims. There were definitely three people sitting at the front of the van,' London Bridge eyewitness Eric Seguenzo told BBC News.

He added: 'I thought the van was travelling on wrong side of the road, as though the brakes had failed. The white van had yellow stripes, veered to the right and people tried to jump out the way.'

It has been reported that an SAS helicopter has been deployed to central London. A black unmarked helicopter was pictured at London Bridge.

Police are advising people who live within the London Bridge cordon to stay somewhere else tonight if they can.

Another witness said: 'No one hurt from van impact but as the men got out the van they started kicking, punching and stabbing victims they ran over. It was a rampage.'

Revellers at the busy nightspot were pictured with their hands behind their heads as they were evacuated from the scene

A helicopter, believed to be SAS, was seen at London Bridge where six people were slaughtered by rampaging jihadis

Terrifying footage from the scene showed police officers shouting 'Clear the scene now!' as panicked pedestrians flee

Petrified bystanders were pictured fleeing the chaos after the jihadists started the rampage at 10.08pm on Saturday night

The bridge is in lock down and the area around it is closed with bus routes being diverted, as armed police and a bomb squad attend the scene and boats search the Thames for bodies - amid reports that people were pushed into the water.

One witness reported seeing a van crash into a lamppost by the Barrowboy and Banker pub past the bridge.

She added: 'Just trying to get away at the moment. There are no trains leaving so we're just panicking a little.'

A bystander said a friend was in Applebee's Restaurant in Borough Market when suddenly the waiters pulled down all the shutters.

'They looked outside and saw two men lying dead in the street, one had what looked like a suicide vest on him. Police told everyone in the restaurant to stay inside, then a minute or two later they heard two or three shots fired.'

There were also claims that a topless man had been handcuffed and taken into custody.

Barman Alex Martinez was forced to take shelter in a bin when a knifeman stormed the Borough restaurant in which he worked.

He said: 'I remember that I was working behind the bar and one man entered into my restaurant and that's it - I remember about the third table, second one, next to the door, a man dropped everything and ran out.

Cordons were put up across Southwark Street before repeatedly being pushed back as police widened the critical zone around Borough Market

A traumatised woman wrapped in a foil blanket was led away from the scene of chaos. Police officers were seen screaming to people and ordering them to run

Many bystanders were in tears, with friends supporting each other and carrying people up the road

The attacks in the streets of London come just days after armed troops were pulled off the streets of Britain. Thousands of soldiers were deployed by the Prime Minister following the bombing at Manchester arena as she raised the UK threat level from 'severe' to 'critical'

'I just tried to be safe, I jumped down behind a big wall, now I feel my pain in my arm, I feel pain.

'I saw that man with a knife in his hand and after that a man started screaming so I knew something wrong was happening.

'The man started screaming and dropping everything on the floor, the plates, the cutlery, the bottle, everything, he dropped it.'

He recalled hearing someone crying near his bin and said the two exchanged reassurances.

One man who was in a pub by the Shard told MailOnline: 'I was feet away from getting stabbed. Saw so many people literally dying. Was in a pub and they were at the door stabbing people.'

Will Orton, 25, said: 'We were in the Sheaf pub. Basically lots of people came running inside, we didn't really know what was going on.

'We thought maybe there was a fight or something outside. And then there were almost hundreds of people coming inside.

'The bouncers did a really good job, they shut the doors and locked everyone in. There was panic - it seemed like it was literally outside the door. People were coming inside and saying they had witnessed people being stabbed.

'They had seen and witnessed people being stabbed. It seemed like it was happening immediately outside the entrance.'

A witness said an attacker had 'canisters attached to his abdomen as he stabbed multiple people in nearby Borough Market. Armed police responding to the attack gunned down and killed three jihadis

A police officer stands guard on Borough High Street. One witness said she saw three people with what appeared to be their throats cut on London Bridge amid the 'utter chaos'

Petrified bystanders caught up in the 'utter chaos' were pictured talking to a police officer in London Bridge

Devastated revellers sat on the pavement as they comforted each other in the London Bridge area, where jihadists mowed pedestrians down

Hours after the initial attack two loud blasts were heard near London Bridge although police were said to have looked 'calm' about the explosions.

It is thought that they could have been controlled explosions carried out by officers.

Theresa May called the events in London a 'potential act of terrorism' after reports of a van hitting pedestrians, stabbings and armed police firing shots around the London Bridge area.

'Following updates from police and security officials, I can confirm that the terrible incident in London is being treated as a potential act of terrorism,' May said in a statement.

London Mayor Sadiq Khan has called the terrorist incidents at London Bridge and Borough Market 'deliberate and cowardly', adding: 'There is no justification whatsoever for such barbaric acts'.

Police responded to a third incident in Vauxhall, south London, which later turned out to be an unrelated stabbing. Officers are telling people 'you must run, hide and tell'.

The attacks in the streets of London come just days after armed troops were pulled off the streets of Britain.

Thousands of soldiers were deployed by the Prime Minister following the bombing at Manchester arena as she raised the UK threat level from 'severe' to 'critical'.

At least one person is believed to have been stabbed in the doorway of the Southwark Tavern in Southwark Street. Drinkers are said to have thrown chairs and glasses at the attacker as he stormed the pub.

Ben and his wife Natalie were in Borough Market near the Southwark Tavern. They told BBC Radio 5 Live that they saw a 'dark-skinned man in a red tracksuit' stabbing a man.

A police officer cleared people away from the area near London Bridge after an incident in central London

Panicked workers ran through near Borough market, where witnesses reported a gang trying to smash into a packed pub

Cops in riot gear, with helmets and shields, are combing the streets. London Mayor Sadiq Khan has called the terrorist incidents at London Bridge and Borough Market 'deliberate and cowardly'

Police have told people to 'remain calm, but be alert and vigilant.' They added: 'We are using all necessary skills and resources at London Bridge, Borough Market and Vauxhall'

Ben said: 'We saw people running away and then I saw a man in red with a large blade, at a guess 10 inches long, stabbing a man, about three times.

'I was across the road about 15m away. [The attacker] was dark-skinned and had a red tracksuit on.

'It looked like the man had been trying to intervene, but there wasn't much he could do. He was being stabbed quite coldly and he slumped to the ground.'

WHAT WE KNOW 10.08pm Police were called to reports of a vehicle hitting pedestrians on London Bridge Officers then attended a second incident at nearby Borough Market after reports of stabbings Armed officers responded and shots were fired There were also reports of gunfire on Southwark Street 11pm Police said another incident was happening in Vauxhall as the station was reportedly evacuated Witnesses said armed police were called to Monument station 12.25am the incidents at London Bridge and Borough market & were declared as terrorist incidents 12.55am police said the incident at Vauxhall was a stabbing and not connected to the terrorism Advertisement

Police are treating injured people and carrying them away at the end Thrale Street. Members of the public were told by police to 'run as fast as they could' westbound.

Kumi de Costa was caught up with her two friends at the incident in Borough Market. She told the BBC what she saw:

'The cab driver turned into the market and we got stuck right in the middle of the shooting we were in a one-way street and couldn't turn around.

'There were loads of shots being fired. Two people were on the floor behind the church with two or three people leaning over them.

'About 50 police were pointing guns at us - the cab driver had the laser pointed right at them, our hands were up, we were trying to get out so they shooed us away.

'A man was coming out of the restaurant, he had a napkin on his neck with blood pouring out, there was another man lying on the floor. I don't know if he was in the recovery position or dead.

'We weaved through little side streets where the police were telling us to go to Blackfriars Bridge and we could see people looking over the side; people had maybe jumped over the bridge.

'A couple of times we had to lie down on the floor of the cab because of the shooting around us.'

Police have told people to 'remain calm, but be alert and vigilant.' They added: 'We are using all necessary skills and resources at London Bridge, Borough Market and Vauxhall.'

Bursts of gunfire were heard as witnesses described how one man was arrested after police stormed towards a house in Southwark.

The Asian man in his mid thirties had his hands tied behind his back as up to 30 police frogmarched him down the street shouting at people to get back.

Eyewitness John Bennet said: 'As I was walking up the Borough High Street the police were crowded round a house on the right hand side.'

Terrified bystanders are being evacuated, walking down the streets with their hands behind their heads

Police cordoned off the streets as they worked diligently to evacuate as many people as possible amid multiple incidents in London

Police officers cleared the area near Borough Market at London Bridge after the three jihadis launched their attack, killed six people and injured 48

'They had shields and were wearing masks and were running across the street shouting at one another.

'I heard what sounded like short bursts of gunfire. Suddenly they started shouting at us 'run away' ' get back' and people really were running for their lives.

'About 15 of us were running down Borough High street toward London Bridge followed by 30 armed police. They were spread put across the street.

'They had a man. There were four police either side of him and others crowded round. They had his hands tied behind his back.

'He was Asian man, about 5ft 6in, dark hair, mid thirties with stubble. wearing a dark jacket. He was being frogmarched quickly down the street. They crowded round him at the first corner then we were all ushered away as they extended the cordon.

'It was really scary. The police were round on a corner on the street, they had shields and guns. Then everyone started running, they had arrested a guy and were running with him.'

A security guard who oversees a number of pubs in the area has told the BBC he saw four people stabbed by three attackers.

The man, who was deeply shocked and asked not to be named, said he was at the Market Porter pub when a colleague at another bar said there was a stabbing at the Borough Bistro pub nearby.

He said he went towards this pub and saw that 'everybody started running' and there was screaming.

Police pictured treating injured people and carrying them away at the end Thrale Street

President Donald Trump has tweeted in the wake of the horrifying events: 'We need to be smart, vigilant and tough. We need the courts to give us back our rights. We need the Travel Ban as an extra level of safety!'

Jeremy Corbyn tweeted: 'Brutal and shocking incidents reported in London. My thoughts are with the victims and their families.' #LondonBridge'

The eyewitness added that he saw three attackers, one of whom had a long knife and stabbing people, including a girl in her early 20s.

Alex Shellum was in the Mudlark pub with his girlfriend and two friends, underneath London Bridge, at the time of the incident.

'At around 10pm an injured woman came into the pub seeking assistance. She was bleeding heavily from the neck - it appeared that her throat had been cut. People sought to stem the bleeding and the pub was closed.

'Outside the pub, emergency services were performing CPR on a further individual. From there, we were instructed to move along by armed police.'

They sought refuge with some others at Bill's restaurant in the market.

'Police instructed us to wait in the kitchen whilst they swept the surrounding area. We were then ordered to leave the restaurant by armed police - we were then escorted at running speed away from the area.'

There are about 20 people being treated at the Andaz Hotel near Liverpool Street station.

One woman has been stretchered into an ambulance along with a young man with a heavily bandaged and bloodied head. Most of the wounded have now been moved.

People staying in the Premier Inn Bankside have been evacuated across Southwark Bridge. Dozens, including children, were brought across the bridge by police after the fire alarm in the hotel went off, according to one.

Samuel Templeton, from Belfast, one of the guests in the hotel, said there was a heavy police presence and they were told to cross the bridge in single file. The guests have since been escorted to a nearby hotel.

Downing Street said in a statement: 'The prime minister is in contact with officials and is being regularly updated on the incident at London Bridge.'

Jeremy Corbyn has tweeted: 'Brutal and shocking incidents reported in London. My thoughts are with the victims and their families.' #LondonBridge'.

Scotland's First Minister Nicola Sturgeon added: 'Dreadful news from London. My thoughts are with all those affected.'

President Donald Trump has tweeted in the wake of the horrifying events: 'We need to be smart, vigilant and tough. We need the courts to give us back our rights. We need the Travel Ban as an extra level of safety!'

'Whatever the United States can do to help out in London and the U. K., we will be there - WE ARE WITH YOU. GOD BLESS!'

An hour after the attack witnesses reported seeing 'large numbers of marked and unmarked vehicles' speeding around the streets south of London Bridge amid a hunt for the suspects.

Members of the public were told by police to 'run as fast as they could' westbound

Police tweeted that they were responding to the attack at London Bridge and were on scene within minuted before gunning down three rampaging

Others said they had been told to 'run' by armed officers or escorted under guard through empty streets in groups.

One eyewitness who wished to remain anonymous told MailOnline: 'I was in Arabica restaurant with a friend in borough market.

'Suddenly there was commotion and people were screaming. Security guards were yelling at people to get back from the window. About 50 people piled into the restaurant. Then I heard two separate bursts of gunfire and people rushed into the restaurant kitchens to hide. It was utter chaos.

'Some people tried to leave the kitchens via the back door but some of us tried to keep people calm. We hid for 45minutes and then were evacuated from the market by armed police.'

Several police officers have stormed a pub opposite the bridge and told people to 'get down' and sit on the floor.

A cab driver told LBC that three men jumped out of the van.

He said: 'They just had these long blades, about 12 inches long. They just went randomly along Borough High Street stabbing people. A young girl got stabbed in the chest, she was laying there - it's so sad.

'I thought, 'I'm gonna try and hit him, I'm gonna try and knock him down'. I spun the cab round, I was about to ram one of them, but he side-stepped and three police officers came running towards them with their batons drawn.

'I was shouting at everybody, just get away from the area, stay back, just run the other way. There were a good few hundred people out there.'

'He's veered across the road towards the right hand of where Southwark Cathedral is and rammed it where the steps are.

'He just rammed it towards them, wedged it in between the lamppost and the steps and so he's hit people there.

'They've jumped out of the van and started stabbing people randomly. There was a scattering of people.'

Horrified bystanders ran down Borough High Street as police shouted at them to run

Armed police descended on the scene within mintues while as people were seen fleeing the 'horrific scene' at the landmark in central London

London Bridge station was evacuated amid reports of the suspected terror attack

Armed police and a bomb squad are at the scene as boats were seen searching the Thames

Pictures of the white van will be circulated across London.

Tony Murphy, who has a flat opposite Southwark Bridge, said he heard 'rapid gunfire'.

He said: 'I'm actually former military. I heard what was significant gunfire.

'At first I thought it was fireworks but it was so rapid I recognised what it was.

'It went on for quite a long time. The response took about 10 minutes. I immediately text my family and they said they heard it. It was tremendous gunfire.'

Holly Jones, a BBC reporter at the bridge when the incident happened, said a van had swerved off the road into a crowd of pedestrians.

'A white van driver came speeding  probably about 50mph  veered of the road into the crowds of people who were walking along the pavement,' she told BBC News.

'He swerved right round me and then hit about five or six people. He hit about two people in front of me and then three behind.'

Ms Jones later reported seeing a man being arrested by police. She said he was handcuffed and had his shirt off.

Witness Alessandro told the BBC that he saw a van at the end of London Bridge with no driver inside and described the 'five or six' people hit as 'very young'.

He said: 'I was going up the stairs of London Bridge Station. I saw this van going left and right trying to hit as many people as he could. I tried to help people.

'At the end of the bridge we saw a van but we didn't see anyone in the van.

'I think [the driver] went to the end of London Bridge. We didn't see the van stop because we were trying to help people.

'Everything was confused. There were five or six people [hit]. Three of them were conscious. One of them was not talking at all. He was just down.

'The five or six people we tried to help were really young.'

The bridge was seen to be on lockdown. London Bridge and the area around it has been closed due to a 'major police incident', TFL said

Witnesses told the BBC that a white van veered off the road on London Bridge and hit five or six people

Another taxi driver named only as Paul said: 'I was just going over London Bridge and on the left hand side it looked like someone had been knocked off a bike.

'A few yards on I saw another person laying down and a woman screaming.

'A few yards on from that there was a couple of bodies on the right hand side.'

Nick Archer, who was in the London Bridge area, told Sky News: 'We came out (of a bar) on to the road and looked and looked to my left and there is a guy, I thought he was just drinking but he was lying on the floor.

'And then a couple of seconds later, about three police vans flew past. 'He looked in a bad way.'

London Bridge and the area around it has been closed due to a 'major police incident', TFL said.

London Bridge station has been closed and no trains are expected until the end of service.

Holly, who said she was just two metres away from being hit by a white van, described the chaos on London Bridge after the attack.

She told Radio 5Live: I was probably two metres away. I saw it hit the people in front of me. I feel just so lucky now.

People were seen running away in panic amid reports of stabbing and gunfire

Armed police were on the scene in minutes and tweeted asking people only to dial 999 in a genuine emergency due to the scale of the police response

'It was all a blur, but as much as I can remember it was a male on their own [driving the van]. There are five people on the floor being attended too. There are loads of city police officers helping and boats on the Thames searching.'

The BBC's Holly Jones spoke to a French woman who had been injured in the incident.

She told Ms Jones: 'I don't know where those other two people are. So the police are checking the Thames.

'They were right near the edge of the bridge. It looks potentially they could have been thrown over.'

Witnesses told the BBC that a white van veered off the road on London Bridge and hit five or six people.

One witness wrote on Twitter: 'Passerby says 15-20 people have been run over. Another says 7 or 8.'

'Horrific scene at London Bridge. Bodies strewn over the pavement, B&Q van mounted the pavement. I feel sick,' one witness wrote.

'On a boat travelling under London Bridge. Buses stopped. Police lights everywhere and boats checking the water. Please let everyone be okay!' another added.

Police are dealing with a major incident and all routes are being diverted.'

The Metropolitan Police posted on Twitter: 'We are dealing with an incident on London Bridge, when we have more information we will update this twitter feed.'

London Bridge is closed both ways due to a police incident, Tfl said, warning the public to avoid the area.

Scotland Yard said officers were at the scene and they would update with further information.

London Ambulance said multiple resources were attending the area.
Police have questioned a 'significant' figure in organised crime over the presumed murder of an Adelaide father who vanished after returning from Thailand.

Michael Modesti, 33, disappeared from his home in the city's west in May last year and has made no contact with his family, partner or friends since.

Police said a man has been questioned in relation to Mr Modesti's disappearance, which is thought to be the result of a drug-related murder, The Advertiser reported.

Michael Modesti (pictured right with his girlfriend) disappeared from his home in Adelaide's west in May last year and has made no contact with his family, partner or friends since

Police said a man has been questioned in relation to Mr Modesti's disappearance, which is believed to be a drug-related murder

'At this stage we do not have enough evidence to prove that he is the offender but we also have been unable to prove that he is not and that is significant,' Detective Senior Sergeant Mark McEachern told the paper.

Police said the suspect is thought to be involved in trafficking cannabis and methamphetamines in Adelaide's western suburbs.

Mr Modesti disappeared after travelling to Bangkok to attend an expo where he was 'exploring the possibility' of buying silicone at a discounted rate to bring back to Australia for his tiling business.

It is not clear whether he ever made it to the event, but police know he also travelled to the party town of Pattaya during the trip.

He vanished less than two weeks after returning to Adelaide.

Detective Sen-Sgt McEachern said the trip was likely to be linked to his disappearance.

Mr Modesti is seen at Adelaide Airport after returning from Thailand. He disappeared less than two weeks later

Mr Modesti's girlfriend Crystal Catacchio told police he made no indication that he was in trouble before he went missing

'We simply do not believe his trip to Thailand was to purchase and import silicon into Australia,' he told the paper.

'We have great concerns it was possibly a front for some other reason why he was over there.'

Mr Modesti's girlfriend Crystal Catacchio told police he made no indication that he was in trouble before he went missing.

His mobile phone and bank cards were found inside his home, further concerning police about his welfare.

Mr Modesti's Mitsubishi Magna was also found abandoned shortly after his disappearance.

Mr Modesti was known to police for offences between 2002 and 2006. His only drug related crime was in 2014 when police discovered he had nine 'seedlings' growing on his property.

Mr Modesti (pictured) was known to police for offences between 2002 and 2006
After Islamist militants turned the roof of his house into a sniper position, Owayid Mohammed and his family fled west Mosul in an escape that made him feel "reborn".

"The Dawaesh took my house... and brought four snipers to the roof," said Mohammed, using a pejorative name for members of the Islamic State (IS) militant group which seized the city in 2014.

"We stayed near them for about a week and moved from house to house," the 75-year-old man said.

"When we saw that the army was getting close to us, we trusted in God" and fled, Mohammed walking with the aid of a crutch.

He and his family joined hundreds of thousands of people who have fled their homes since the massive operation to retake Mosul from IS was launched last October.

Iraqi forces have since retaken all but a handful of areas around Mosul's Old City, but the Islamist militants are fighting in densely populated areas, and have used civilians as human shields at various points in the battle.

The United Nations warned last week that up to 200,000 civilians may still be trapped in IS-held areas, facing shortages of food, water and medicine as well as deadly danger from the battle for the city.

Mohammed and his family were in some ways lucky they were not forced to stay in their house after IS deployed the snipers -- circumstances that led to one of the deadliest single incidents for civilians during the Mosul campaign.

In Mosul al-Jadida, another area on the city's western side, the US carried out an air strike targeting two snipers on the roof of building.

The blast detonated IS explosive material in the building, killing 101 civilians inside it, while four more died in an adjacent building.

Like many civilians who have fled Mosul, Mohammed recalled with sadness the circumstances people face in the city.

"In our lives, we have never seen something like this... For four days, we were sleeping without eating," he said.

But his sadness quickly dissipated: "I was able to get out, and I consider myself to have been reborn."

He is not alone in celebrating his escape.

"I came out of the fire to paradise... I feel like I am a queen," said Sara Adham, another septuagenarian who had recently left Mosul.

She fled with her son and daughter days after IS stormed her house, which was on the front line with Iraqi forces.

"They removed the door of the house and entered the upper floor while we were hiding in the basement," Adham said.

"My son heard a noise and I said to him that maybe it was a cat, and after the noise got louder, I went up to look and found one of the Dawaesh in front of me, and he demanded that we leave the house."

Adham tried to refuse, but IS threatened to kill her son, so they fled.

Mohammed Abdullah, 43, said IS "tightened their patrols and restricted our movements, threatening to move into our houses if they suspected we intended to escape".

"I agreed with my neighbours to leave whatever the cost, because the situation was intolerable."

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Theresa May has condemned the brutal attacks at London Bridge and warned Britain faces a 'new trend in the threat we face'.

Theresa May today condemned the brutal attacks at London Bridge and insisted 'enough is enough'.

The Prime Minister said the three attacks in the past three months were not directly connected but were linked by the 'the single evil ideology of Islamist extremism'.

Speaking from the steps of No 10, Mrs May said Britain faces a 'new trend in the threat we face' warned 'things have to change'.

The Premier said there was 'far too much tolerance' of extreme views and vowed to stand up for 'pluralistic British values' that were 'superior' to the fanatics' ideology.

She vowed: 'We will take on and defeat our enemies.'

As her response continued, Mrs May paid a private visit to the Kings College Hospital in south London this afternoon to meet victims of the atrocity.

Pictures and videos showing bloodied survivors continued to emerge today in the aftermath of the attack, which claimed seven lives and left almost 50 injured.

Mrs May, who chaired a meeting of the emergency Cobra committee this morning, said the election campaign would resume in full tomorrow and the polls would open on Thursday as planned.

A minute's silence will be held at 11am on Tuesday and flags around the country will remain at half mast until then.

TERROR TIMELINE 10.08pm Police were called to reports of a vehicle hitting pedestrians on London Bridge Terrorists got out of car and ran to Borough Market stabbing people 10.16pm Three terrorists shot dead in Borough Market 10.32pm London Bridge station is closed 11pm Police said another incident was happening in Vauxhall as the station was reportedly evacuated 12.25am The incidents at London Bridge and Borough market & were declared as terrorist incidents 12.55am Police said the incident at Vauxhall was a stabbing and not connected to the terrorism Advertisement

Politics was largely set aside today as the elections campaigns were suspended. Jeremy Corbyn is due to make a speech tonight in Carlisle as the electoral fight resumes.

Foreign Secretary Boris Johnson said it was right to set aside today to 'mourn the innocent victims' but warned the terrorists 'your time is up - the wells of tolerance are running empty.

The official terror threat level has not been changed and remains at 'severe' - meaning an attack is 'highly likely'.

In her speech, Mrs May said: 'In terms of their planning and execution the recent attacks are not connected.

'But we believe we are experiencing a new trend in the threat we face as terrorism breeds terrorism and perpetrators are inspired to attack not only on the basis of carefully constructed plots after years of planning and training.

'And not even as lone attackers radicalised online but by copying one another and often using the crudest means of attack.

'We cannot and must not pretend things can continue as they are. Things need to change and they need to change in four important ways.'

The Prime Minister said the three attacks in the past three months were not directly connected but were linked by the 'the single evil ideology of Islamist extremism'

Mrs May, who chaired a meeting of the emergency Cobra committee this morning, said the election campaign would resume in full tomorrow and the polls would open on Thursday

Mrs May outlined her four point plan:

Defeating the extreme Islamist ideology to make them understand 'pluralistic British values' are superior

Ending the 'safe space' online for the plotting of terror attacks

Continuing military action against ISIS terrorists in Iraq and Syria

Tougher prison sentences at home for terrorist offences

Mrs May said: 'The whole of country needs to come together to take on this extremism and we need to live our lives not in a series of separate, segregated communities but as one truly United Kingdom.'

The PM added: 'Our country has made significant progress in disrupting plots and protecting the public.

'But it is time to say enough is enough. Everybody needs to go about their lives as they normally would. Our society should continue to function in accordance with our values.

'But when it comes to extremism and terrorism things need to change.'

Speaking on the steps of No 10 just hours after the attack, Mrs May said 'enough is enough' as she outlined a four point plan on tackling terrorism

Armed officers were stationed outside Downing Street today (pictured) as the Government's emergency committee met

Mrs May paid a private visit to the Kings College Hospital (pictured) in south London this afternoon to meet victims of the atrocity

The PM praised the 'great courage and great speed' with which police responded to the terror attacks and condemned the use of fake suicide vests to 'spread panic and fear'.

Mrs May vowed the election would continue as planned.

She said: 'As a mark of respect two political parties have suspended our national campaigns for today, but violence must never be allowed to disrupt the democratic process.

'So those campaigns will resume in full tomorrow and the general election will go ahead as planned on Thursday.

'As a country our response must be as it has always been when we have been confronted by violence.

'We must come together, we must pull together and united we will take on and defeat our enemies.'

Heavily armed officers continued their presence on the scene of the London Bridge terror attacks this afternoon

Prime Minister Theresa May has expressed her 'huge gratitude' to the emergency services who were on London Bridge within two minutes of last night's attack beginning

Six people were killed and at least 30 are thought to be injured, police said. The three attackers were also shot dead during just eight minutes of violence

Mr Johnson posted on Facebook that he had spent the morning receiving messages of condolence from around the world.

IDS: TORY-LIB DEM COALITION WATERED DOWN ANTI-TERROR POWERS Former Tory leader Iain Duncan Smith today admitted coalition reforms had weakened anti-terror powers. The coalition - run by David Cameron and with Theresa May as Home Secretary - scrapped Labour's control order regime and replaced it with Terrorism Prevention and Investigation Measures (Tpims). Control orders provided sweeping powers to put terror suspects under house arrest without convicting them. The Tpim system allowed enhanced tracking, such as with ankle monitors, but is much less invasive and less widely used. Crucially, Tpims ended the power of police to force a suspect to live somewhere else - meaning they could kick someone out of London, far from where they might plot with associates. Mrs May's Downing Street speech today raised the prospect of new anti-terror laws. Mr Duncan Smith told the World at One the reform had 'watered down' powers and called for the issue to be revisited. He said: 'Internment always conjures up views of internment of the IRA back in the 1970s. I don't think that is what is on the table. 'But I think what is on the table is a much tighter view about the way we got about this Tpim stuff. One of the things that I was concerned about in coalition  I know Theresa May was when she was home secretary  was during the coalition the Tpim order that we brought in, which gives those powers, was watered down. 'And I think it was weakened too much.' A piece of legislation has already been drawn up on tougher laws but ran into Parliamentary quicksand amid political rows before the election. The plans could now be revived. Advertisement

He said: 'Today we collectively resolve to beat the terrorists and their nihilistic creed.

'To those who sympathise or encourage or harbour or aid or abet these killers - in any way - we say enough is enough.

'Your time is up. The wells of tolerance are running empty.

'We will not let you disrupt our lives or our democracy.'

Shadow foreign secretary Emily Thornberry criticised the Prime Minister for announcing a four-point plan to tackle terrorism, despite an agreement between the parties to suspend national campaigning.

She told BBC Radio 4's The World This Weekend: 'I don't think it's right to get dragged into plans at this stage so soon after those attacks.

'I do think this is a matter of timing.'

Asked if the announcement strayed into party politics, she said: 'I think that it is drawing us into a debate.

'I think that there is time enough for us to discuss this issues.

'As I say, I don't think that anything she is proposing is anything that needs to be or will be dealt with tomorrow.

'I don't think there is any immediate steps she is putting forward and obviously if it was then that would be a different matter.

'To come out onto the steps of 10 Downing Street, immediately in the aftermath of a terrible outrage like this, was not something that would be expected.

'I just simply regret the approach that she has taken.'

Nicola Sturgeon has said that people who carry out terrorist attacks in the name of Islam 'do not speak for that faith'.

She said: 'It is important to remember that terrorists kill indiscriminately. They do not distinguish their victims on the basis of faith or race.

'A Muslim in this country is far, far more likely to be a victim of a terrorist attack than a perpetrator of one.

'We must never forget that and we must not allow ourselves to be divided, community against community.'

Shadow foreign secretary Emily Thornberry criticised the Prime Minister for announcing a four-point plan to tackle terrorism, despite an agreement between the parties to suspend national campaigning (file picture)

CORBYN SET TO BE HAUNTED BY 'SHOOT TO KILL' REMARKS Jeremy Corbyn will face renewed questions about his view on armed police in the aftermath of the London Bridge attack. Officers killed three marauding terrorists within minutes of the horrifying incident beginning last night. Mr Corbyn admitted in the aftermath of the 2015 Paris attacks: 'I'm not happy with the shoot-to-kill policy in general. 'I think that is quite dangerous and I think can often be counter-productive.' Under a storm of criticism he later clarified: 'Of course I support the use of whatever proportionate and strictly necessary force is required to save life in response to attacks of the kind we saw in Paris.' In a sign of the backlash Mr Corbyn could face in the final days of the campaign, ex-Labour MP Simon Danczuk, who is standing as an Independent in Rochdale, today said: 'Can't believe public will now vote Labour to put Corbyn in Downing Street when he opposes shoot-to-kill and is effectively terrorists' friend.' Advertisement

Overnight, Mrs May described the events in the capital as a 'fast moving potential terror attack'.

She added that 'our thoughts are with those who are caught up in these dreadful events.'

A van ploughed into pedestrians on London Bridge before men armed with knives attacked packed bars and restaurants.

Seven people were killed and at least 48 are thought to be injured, police said.

The three attackers were also shot dead during just eight minutes of violence.

The Conservative Party announced this morning the suspension of their national election campaign following last night's attack in Central London.

A senior party spokesman said national events were being suspended on Sunday and a decision on further campaigning would be taken later in the day.

It is the second time the campaign for the June 8 poll has been interrupted by atrocities, following a three day pause after the suicide bomb attack in Manchester.

Labour also called a halt to its election campaign - but said it would get back to the business of trying to win power tonight.

Mr Corbyn is due to make a speech that will spell out his full response to the attacks in Carlisle.

Flags flew at half mast over Downing Street in the aftermath of the terror attack at London Bridge

Mrs May said Britain's election would be paused today as a 'mark of respect' before the resumption of hostilities tomorrow

A map shows how terror attack unfolded. The attackers were shot dead within eight minutes of the first emergency phone call

Mrs May's speech came after the terrifying attack last night last just eight minutes:

Witness accounts of the terrifying events started to emerge with revellers describing how they fought off knifemen with chairs and glasses after attackers stormed packed bars and restaurants

A hero taxi driver revealed how he tried to knock down three men 'armed with 12in knives' while another reported seeing victim being stabbed in the face and chest

Dashcam footage emerged showing the aftermath of the devastation caused by the van on London Bridge, with bystanders seen tending to victims on the side of the road

Desperate families are begging for information on loved ones feared missing after the attack, including a 16-year-old girl who failed to return home last night

Kindhearted Londoners offered beds, food and cups of tea to survivors as the city came together in the wake of another attack and #PrayForLondon trended on social media

Today heavily armed officers raided a flat in Barking, east London, on Sunday morning as police launched a major investigation into the third terror attack on British soil in as many months

Politicians faced calls to cancel the election next week but Mrs May confirmed it will go ahead as planned

All parties except for Ukip agreed to suspend national election campaigning today but local efforts will continue

London Mayor Sadiq Khan condemned the 'barbaric' and 'horrific' event as 'deliberate and cowardly'. Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn said the attack was 'brutal' and 'shocking' in a tweet last night

President Donald Trump tweeted his support for Britain, saying 'Whatever the United States can do to help out in London and the U. K., we will be there - WE ARE WITH YOU. GOD BLESS!'

Ariana Grande, whose young fans were targeted in the attack at Manchester Arena, confirmed the benefit concert to benefit victims will go ahead tonight as planned with her manager urging people to stand together

Earlier, Brexit Secretary David Davis said it was possible the attack was aimed at trying to delay the election.

He said: 'I think we are locked into June 8. I think the public would want us to be locked into June 8.

There is a balance here... the people doing this because they despise the freedoms we have.'

Asked if the election could or should be halted, Mr Davis told Marr: 'I'm not sure it can be legally done. In order to do this, you'd have to have some change in the law and who's going to do that?

'Parliament no longer exists. I'm not a Member of Parliament for the duration, as are none of the other people who were MPs.'

Mr Davis said it 'may well be' that the attacks were intended to disrupt the election, adding: 'In which case, all the more reason not to defer, not to deflect, to as far as possible within the bounds of propriety to not let this pull us off course.'

Masked police officers wielding guns were seen at London Bridge on Sunday morning as the area remains on lockdown

Forensic officers were seen circling blood splatter and bagging pieces of evidence as they scoured London Bridge today

A petition calling for a postponement was placed online at Change.org by Mark Oxley.

MET COMMISSIONER APPEALS FOR LONDON TO STAY CALM Metropolitan Police Commissioner Cressida Dick today condemned the atrocity as 'appalling' and 'ghastly'. Giving an update at New Scotland Yard on the horrifying attack, she confirmed the death toll so far was seven. She said police believe there were three attackers and that all had been 'neutralised' Ms Dick said: 'I would ask people in London and visitors to remain calm. 'Please of course be very vigilant and if you see anything suspicious, anything at all, or you are concerned about anyone at all, even if you think it is very insignificant, don't hesitate to contact us on the anti-terrorism hotline on 0800 789 321. 'Your information could be vital.' Advertisement

It said: 'I and I'm quite sure a high percentage of the UK population agree that now is not the time to have a general election, after a second devastating attack I believe it is time to prioritise the safety of our country and its people, that's why I ask you to call off the general election for the foreseeable future.'

It is in its very early stages with few signatures though several Twitter users have made similar calls.

Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn thanked emergency service staff for their response and added: 'The Labour party will be suspending national campaigning until this evening, after consultations with other parties, as a mark of respect for those who have died and suffered injury.

'Those who wish to harm our people, divide our communities and attack our democracy will not succeed.

'We will stand together to defend our common values of solidarity, humanity and justice, and will not allow terrorists to derail our democratic process.'

The national campaigns for the Liberal Democrats and SNP were also suspended for the day. Candidates for all parties are expected to continue local campaigns.

Three Jihadi terrorists have been shot dead by armed police after killing seven people and injuring at least 48 more during a horrific knife rampage in central London last night. This photo appears to show the suspects lying dead on the ground outside Wheatsheaf pub in Borough Market. The man in the centre of the image appears to be wearing an Arsenal football shirt

The bodies of two men, believed to be terrorists, lie in the road in Borough market after shots had been heard

A traumatised man who helped the wounded victim led away on a stretcher walked away with blood on his shirt. A horrified bystander wrapped in a foil blanket was led away from the police

The Tory spokesman said: 'The Conservative party will not be campaigning nationally today.

'We will review as the day goes on and as more details of the attack emerge.'

Home Secretary Amber Rudd said the attacks were 'targeted at people enjoying their evening with friends and family'.

London Mayor Sadiq Khan condemned the 'barbaric' and 'horrific' event as 'deliberate and cowardly'.

'My thoughts are with everyone affected, and I'd like to thank the brave men and women of our emergency services who were first on the scene and will be working throughout the night,' he said in a statement.

'I am in close contact with the Met Commissioner and senior officers and am being kept updated on all developments. I will be attending the Government's emergency Cobra meeting later this morning.'

Leaders asked people to avoid the London Bridge area.

While the situation was still unfolding, Mr Khan asked both Londoners and visitors to 'remain calm and vigilant' and to report anything suspicious to the police.

He said: 'We don't yet know the full details, but this was a deliberate and cowardly attack on innocent Londoners and visitors to our city enjoying their Saturday night.

'I condemn it in the strongest possible terms.

'There is no justification whatsoever for such barbaric acts.'

Brexit Secretary David Davis (pictured speaking to Andrew Marr today) said the country was 'locked in' to Thursday's general election

A petition calling for the election to be halted was posted in the minutes after the attack and it was backed by a number of social media users

While the situation was still unfolding, Mr Khan asked both Londoners and visitors to 'remain calm and vigilant' and to report anything suspicious to the police.

He said: 'We don't yet know the full details, but this was a deliberate and cowardly attack on innocent Londoners and visitors to our city enjoying their Saturday night. I condemn it in the strongest possible terms.

'There is no justification whatsoever for such barbaric acts.'

During the incident the Metropolitan Police asked Londoners to 'run, hide, tell'.

Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn called the news 'brutal and shocking' in a tweet.

'My thoughts are with the victims and their families,' he wrote. 'Thank you to the emergency services.'

Tim Farron, leader of the Liberal Democrats, said: 'Tonight's horrific incidents in London remind us how much we owe our emergency services.

'My thoughts and prayers with everyone affected.'

During the incident the Metropolitan Police asked Londoners to 'run, hide, tell'

Nicola Sturgeon tweeted her condolences to the people affected by the attack in London Bridge

Former Ukip leader Nigel Farage tweeted he was 'very close to London Bridge when incident happened'.

'Sounds like another disaster,' he added.

US President Donald Trump has also tweeted condolences and support.

'Whatever the United States can do to help out in London and the U.K, we will be there - WE ARE WITH YOU. GOD BLESS!.' he wrote.

The US State Department said America 'condemns the cowardly attacks targeting innocent civilians in London this evening'.

Spokeswoman Heather Nauert said: 'The United States stands ready to provide any assistance authorities in the United Kingdom may request.

'Our hearts are with the families and loved ones of the victims. We wish a full and quick recovery to those injured in the attacks.

'All Americans stand in solidarity with the people of the United Kingdom.'

Home Secretary Amber Rudd said the attacks were 'targeted at people enjoying their evening with friends and family'

Australia's foreign minister Julie Bishop said: 'We stand ready to support the British Government as it responds to these attacks and our thoughts are with those injured and their families.'

French President Emmanuel Macron added: 'France is more than ever at the side of the United Kingdom in response to this new tragedy.

'My thoughts are with victims and their loved ones.'
The White House used an InfoWars article that bragged about the size of a Trump crowd for the basis of a press release that praised the president's decision on the Paris Accord.

Pro-Trump supporters were gathered for the 'Pittsburgh Not Paris' rally to thank the billionaire president for pulling the US out of the Paris climate agreement.

The president's team sent out a release thanking the supporters who went to the White House to stand in solidarity with the president on Saturday.

The release included a link to a favorable article published by InfoWars, a right-wing, website, which said Trump's fans 'dwarfed the climate change activists' at the rally.

The White House sent a press release about the 'Pittsburgh Not Paris' rally and used a link from right-wing website InfoWars on Saturday (pictured) that boasted about the size of his crowd

Pro-Trump supporters were gathered for the 'Pittsburgh Not Paris' rally to thank the billionaire president for pulling the US out of the Paris climate agreement

The White House's release stated: 'Thanks to President Trump, the American taxpayer will no longer be captive to the burdensome Paris Accord'

The White House's release stated: 'Thanks to President Trump, the American taxpayer will no longer be captive to the burdensome Paris Accord.

'President Trump can't thank his supporters enough for coming out and standing with him as he continues to Make America Great Again!'

At the end of the release was a full link to an InfoWars article published beforehand that gave a glowing review of the event.

InfoWars is a far-right website that publishes several pro-Trump pieces and during his campaign, Trump appeared on site founder Alex Jones' radio show.

The article praised the rally and said 'the Trump supporters dwarfed the climate change activists' at the rally.

The InfoWars' story featured a photo of a supporter's sign that declared 'CNN is ISIS'.

InfoWars is a far-right website that largely publishes pro-Trump pieces and during his campaign, Trump appeared on site founder Alex Jones' (pictured) radio show

At the end of the White House's press release was a full link to an InfoWars article published beforehand that gave a glowing review of the event (pictured)

InfoWars declared in May that anyone seen on TV with that phrase or saying it, would be rewarded with a $1,000 cash prize.

The amount was upped to $2,500 if they mentioned the name of the website.

The site has come under fire in the past for its controversial founder who has promoted several conspiracy theories on his own.

He recently settled a lawsuit with yogurt company Chobani after the business filed a complaint that said InfoWars falsely claimed that the company was 'importing migrant rapists,' with the goal of causing customers to boycott its products.

Jones also has said that the terrorist acts in New York City on 9/11 and the Sandy Hook Elementary School shooting were attempts to restrict Americans' freedoms.

The name 'Pittsburgh Not Paris' was a nod to Trump's line during Thursday's announcement. He said: 'I was elected to represent the citizens of Pittsburgh, not Paris'

Trump's decision on Thursday to quit the Paris climate agreement sparked furious worldwide criticism.

The 'Pittsburgh Not Paris' rally was held in support of the big policy move.

The name of the rally was a nod to Trump's line during Thursday's announcement that he would withdraw the US from the accord on climate change, saying: 'I was elected to represent the citizens of Pittsburgh, not Paris.'

The timing and location of the rally raised concerns that the supporters would clash with demonstrators marching against Trump policies in multiple cities nationwide, including Washington, DC.
The revamp of the National Army Museum has transformed it into a platform of political correctness that will leave visitors ashamed of the legacy of British soldiers, according to a leading historian.

The museum in London reopened in March after a three-year refit costing close to 24 million, 11.5 million of which came from a Heritage Lottery Fund grant.

Author and TV presenter Andrew Roberts, whose most recent book is Elegy: The First Day On The Somme, is appalled by the changes at the museum, which is next to the Royal Hospital Chelsea, home of retired soldiers the Chelsea Pensioners.

Step change: A boy marches next to an interactive display at the National Army Museum

The museum in London reopened in March after a three-year refit costing close to 24 million, 11.5 million of which came from a Heritage Lottery Fund grant

A leading historian has transformed it into a platform of political correctness

Instead of seeing artefacts in a historical context, as part of a chronological narrative, the visitor is forced to explore themes, and as ever this has provided an opening for guilt, apology and political correctness, he writes in the latest issue of The Spectator.

In the old museum they just showed vast collections of uniforms, weaponry, regimental silver, medals and vast paintings of the battle of Omdurman; in todays you are invited to press buttons to vote on whether The money spent on the Army should be spent elsewhere, and asked to decide What issue should the Army focus on in the coming decade?

Why should it be somewhere that leaves visitors ashamed of the Armys supposed legacy of colonialism, imperialism and slavery, when that constituted only a tiny part of its story, and isnt accurately portrayed anyhow?

A boy takes part in an interactive rifle display at the museum

The museum is next to the Royal Hospital Chelsea, home of retired soldiers the Chelsea Pensioners

Speaking to The Mail on Sunday last night, Mr Roberts said he had been inundated with emails from people astonished at the level of political correctness. He added: It is such a shame, there are so many places these days where the Army is shown in a negative light. This used to be a place that focused on the positive.

The Mail on Sunday requested an interview with someone from the museum board but was issued with a statement saying: Both an academic and a military advisory panel checked the content within the National Army Museum to make sure that it is factually correct.

The museum looks at all aspects of the history of the British Army, both at home and abroad, encouraging visitors to form their own opinions on the Army, past and present.
Pauline Hanson has ramped up her call for Australia to ban Muslim immigration in the wake of the London terrorist attack that has killed six innocent people.

The One Nation leader took to Twitter as news emerged that three jihadi terrorists 'of Mediterranean origin' had gone on a knife rampage through the city centre during eight minutes of night-time terror.

'Stop Islamic immigration before it is too late,' she told her followers in Australia on Sunday morning.

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One Nation leader Pauline Hanson wants Muslim immigration banned in wake of terror attack

Pauline Hanson made the call as Labor senator Sam Dastyari (pictured right) was evacuated from a London cafe during the terror attacks

The Queensland senator's social media page included a graphic with the headline: 'London terror alert' with an icon of a loud haler, which was posted soon after Labor senator Sam Dastyari was evacuated from a London cafe amid the terror.

With Muslims making up just 2.5 per cent of the Australian population, Senator Hanson said Islam immigration needed to stop before it 'hits five per cent like England'.

'Australia is tired of telling both sides of government that Islam is incompatible with Australian values,' her message said.

'Australia refuses to hide the fact that terrorism is related to the Islamic teachings in the Koran.'

Pauline Hanson said Australia needed to stop the proportion of the Muslim population climbing

Pauline Hanson's Facebook message calling for Muslim migration to be stopped immediately

One woman agreed with Pauline Hanson, saying Australia was next on the terrorist hit list

Senator Hanson, who has recently described Islam as a disease, has received support on her Facebook page, where her message was also posted.

'It's not going to stop, and it's won't be long before we have it happening here too because our p*** poor politicians are too scared of saying anything to offend,' one woman wrote.

'Islam just another word for terror. The Australian people have had enough, send them back where they came from along with their prehistoric views.'

However, Opposition Leader Bill Shorten said it was 'crass, idiotic and disgusting' for Senator Hanson to be making a political point so soon after the attack.

'We don't even know in full what's happened and now what we've got is people using this for the crassest of political messages within hours of this event happening,' he told reporters in Melbourne.

'I just say to Pauline and everyone else, hold your horses, you're in politics, whatever point you want to make you will get that opportunity.'

Labor leader Bill Shorten (pictured left with frontbencher Jenny Macklin) said the timing of Pauline Hanson's social media posts was 'crass, idiotic and disgusting'

One man on Pauline Hanson's Facebook page said the senator was a 'hateful person'

One man agreed with the Labor leader's sentiment.

'What kind of person thinks to create something like this? The victim's bodies are still warm you hateful person,' he wrote on Senator Hanson's Facebook page.

'This contributes to radicalisation and reduces Australia's own security.'

The latest atrocity in the United Kingdom comes only two weeks after a terrorist attack in Manchester that killed 22 people at an Ariana Grande concert.

In this attack, three jihadi terrorists were shot dead by police after they had killed six people and injured more than 30 others during a horrific knife rampage through central London.

The men had shouted 'this is for Allah' after they had mowed down up to 20 revellers in a white van hurtling across London Bridge on Saturday night.

A police officer was stabbed on the bridge before the attackers wounded revellers with hunting knives at busy bars and restaurants in nearby Borough Market.
An Australian Muslim sheikh who campaigns against Islamist extremism says unchecked multiculturalism is to blame for the London terrorist attacks that have killed six people.

Adelaide Shia imam Sheikh Mohammad Tawhidi posted his call on Twitter following the United Kingdom's third jihadist attack in 10 weeks.

'Terrorism in the UK is growing week after week. Having extremists within our societies is not multiculturalism, it's suicide,' he tweeted to his 34,200 followers on Sunday.

He also supports One Nation leader Pauline Hanson's call to ban Islamic migration.

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Sheikh Mohammad Tawhidi says 'unmonitored multiculturalism' is to blame for terrorism

The Shia religious leader said 'unmonitored multiculturalism' was to blame for terrorism

The Iranian-born religious leader, who moved to Australia from Iraq aged 12, later told Daily Mail Australia 'unmonitored multiculturalism is to blame'.

'We need to make sure that those coming into the West really want to be part of the West,' he said.

His calls comes after police in London shot dead three jihadist terrorists who had killed six people and injured at last another 48 during a van and knife rampage in central London.

The sheikh took to social media as Senator Hanson tweeted: 'Stop Islamic migration before it is too late.'

Sheikh Mohammad Tawhidi backs Pauline Hanson's call to ban Islamic immigration

The Shia imam's call to ban Muslim migration from the Middle East echoes aspects of Pauline Hanson's policy proposal

Sheikh Mohammad Tawhidi and Pauline Hanson want Islamic migration banned in some way

Asked about her call, Sheikh Tawhidi said the idea had merit although he stopped short of advocating a ban on all Muslims.

'I support a temporary ban on Muslims coming from the Middle East,' he said.

Sheikh Tawhidi said jihadists had a history of attending mosques that promoted sharia law - hardline Islamic law derived from the Koran and the Hadith, covering the life of the Prophet Mohammad.

'The majority of mosques advocate for sharia law without removing the violent parts,' he said, adding the imam who preached to the three London terrorists needs to be held responsible.

Tawhidi said he had not had contact with Pauline Hanson but would support any policy that strengthened national security.

Sheikh Tawhidi (pictured right) backs Pauline Hanson's call to ban Islamic immigration

Sheikh Mohammad Tawhidi said it was wrong for the Left to link terrorism with unemployment

A Shia imam from Adelaide said the London terror attack was about attacking the West

'You need to investigate and shut down the mosque that this terrorist used to attend.'

The 34-year-old imam said the political Left in the United Kingdom had allowed London to turn into Baghdad.

'The Left wants us to believe that terrorism is the result of unemployment,' he said.

'Since when did humans blow themselves up for not having a job?'

Armed police swooped on the London Bridge area of the UK capital after two incidents, which saw six people killed and dozens injured.

It came after three jihadi terrorists killed six people and injured at least another 48 others during a knife rampage.

The men 'of Mediterranean origin' had shouted 'This is for Allah' after they had mowed down 20 revellers in a white van hurtling across the London Bridge.
Australian leaders have declared the country's 'absolute solidarity' with Britain after the horrific terrorist attacks in London.

Six people were killed after three men mowed down pedestrians on London Bridge with a white van before going on a stabbing frenzy at nearby pub on Saturday night.

'Our prayers and resolute solidarity are today as always with the people of Britain in the face of the shocking terrorist attacks in London,' Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull tweeted.

Malcolm Turnbull has declared Australia's 'absolute solidarity' with Britain after the horrific terrorist attacks in London

Police and members of the emergency services are seen attending to victims of the terror attack

Debris and abandoned cars remain on London at the scene of an apparent terror attack in central London

Foreign Minister Julie Bishop said early reports suggested no Australians had been involved.

Ms Bishop says she has been in contact with UK High Commissioner Alexander Downer shortly after reports of the emergency.

'We stand ready to support the British government as it responds to these attacks and our thoughts are with those injured and their families,' she said in a statement.

Opposition Leader Bill Shorten also took to Twitter to pledge his support for Britain.

Foreign Minister Julie Bishop said early reports suggested no Australians had been involved

Ms Bishop also showed her support for Britain and announced a hotline had been set up for Australians worried about their loved ones in London

'Our prayers and resolute solidarity are today as always with the people of Britain in the face of the shocking terrorist attacks in London,' Mr Turnbull tweeted

Opposition Leader Bill Shorten also took to Twitter to pledge his support for Britain

'Shocking news from London, another dark night for the UK. Australian hearts go out to our oldest friends. Stay strong,' he wrote.

Labor Senator Sam Dastiyari was having dinner in the area at the time of the London Bridge attack and described it as horrific.

'This literally happened 20 metres from where we were and we could hear it all and were taken past the bodies,' he told Network Nine on Sunday.

'There is a lot of fear, confusion, panic, a lot of elderly people being helped and carried. A lot of shock.'

Police units at London Bridge after a van mowed down pedestrians on Saturday night

People are seen being evacuated near Borough Market the horrific incident on Saturday night

Meanwhile, One Nation leader Pauline Hanson has come under fire for her 'crass' twisting of London police advice to people caught up in the attacks.

'Stop Islamic immigration before it is too late,' Senator Hanson tweeted shortly after the attacks.

Her message was accompanied by a graphic that mimicked a 'Run Hide Tell' message the Metropolitan Police tweeted earlier to advise people what to do if they found themselves caught up in the attacks.

Mr Shorten said to rush in so quickly to make a political point was 'crass, idiotic and disgusting'.

'We don't even know in full what's happened and now what we've got is people using this for the crassest of political messages within hours of this event happening,' he said.

'I just say to Pauline and everyone else, hold your horses, you're in politics, whatever point you want to make you will get that opportunity.'

One Nation leader Pauline Hanson has come under fire for her 'crass' twisting of London police advice to people caught up in the attacks

'Stop Islamic immigration before it is too late,' Senator Hanson tweeted shortly after the attacks

The official police message urged people to run to a place of safety, hide and turn their phones to silent, and tell the police by calling emergency services when safe to do so.

Senator Hanson's version says: 'Australia is tired of Labor, the Greens and the Liberals RUNNING their campaign that Islam is good for Australia.'

It says Australia won't hide 'the fact that terrorism is related to the Islamic teachings' and that Australians are tired of telling politicians 'Islam is incompatible with Australian values'.

'Stop Islamic Immigration before Australia hits 5% like England,' Senator Hanson's tweeted graphic says.

Mr Shorten said to rush in so quickly to make a political point was 'crass, idiotic and disgusting'

A man said to be one of the terrorists has been pictured after being shot by police outside the Borough Market pub
On June 1, 2016, David Anthony Ourso, Jr (above) died while he was being restrained by four police officers in Plaquemine, Louisiana

Newly released police bodycam footage on Saturday shows a man with methamphetamines in his system dying of a heart attack as he is being violently restrained by officers.

A Louisiana woman who had two children with the man, David Anthony Ourso, Jr, is suing the city where the June 1, 2016 incident took place, the police chief, and the police department for $6million.

Ariel Barker filed a federal lawsuit against the township of Plaquemine, Louisiana, which she says violated Ourso's civil and constitutional rights, The Advocate reported.

Barker claims police used excessive force against Ourso, who medical examiners say died as a result of a combination of a heart condition and drug use.

Ourso, 38, was the father of Barker's two young children.

He died while he was being detained by four police officers in a residential neighborhood of Plaquemine.

Police were responding to a 911 call about a man who was wandering door-to-door while behaving erratically and asking people for help.

Ourso, 38, was arrested after neighbors complained about a man who was wandering door-to-door and behaving erratically while wearing only his underwear

The mother of Ourso's two children is suing the city and the police for $6million. The woman, Ariel Barker, claims officers used excessive force which led to his death

In the video, an officer is seen above placing his knee (right) against the back of Ourso as he is lying face down while another officer handcuffs him (left)

Barker's lawyers unveiled bodycam footage from the arrest.

It shows the officers subduing Ourso. They wrestled him to the ground and then tried to handcuff him.

Barker's attorneys say that despite Ourso complaining to the officers that he had difficulty breathing, one of them pressed his knee against Ourso's back as he was lying face down.

Moments later, Ourso grew quiet. He was dead.

Moments later, Ourso, who complained that he couldn't breathe, dies. An autopsy report said he died of a heart condition that was exacerbated by the physical struggle with police as well as methamphetamines that were in his system

Plaquemine Police Chief Kenny Payne confirmed on Friday that Ourso did indeed die while his officers were detaining him.

Officers who filed a report claim that Ourso 'forcibly and violently' resisted arrest, compelling them to use force.

An autopsy report said that Ourso died as a result of heart complications caused by methamphetamine use as well as the physical exertion during his struggle with officers.

The officers were subsequently cleared by a grand jury which investigated the incident.

'From a criminal perspective, the officers definitely did not break any laws,' Assistant District Attorney Tony Clayton said Friday.

Clayton said he did not believe a jury would award Barker any money 'once they realize the facts that took place.'

The lawsuit identifies the four officers as James Breaux, Demetre Jackson, Victor Hebert and Travis Roberts.

Breaux, Jackson, and Roberts were the first to arrive on the scene, according to the complaint.

When they located Ourso, who fit the description given to them by neighbors who phoned 911, they noticed he was in his underwear.

'Don't move, put your hands up,' the officers ordered him.

According to the lawsuit, Ourso did as the officers told him to do.

But when the fourth officer, Herbert, showed up, he body slammed Ourso to the ground, according to the lawsuit.

Even though Ourso posed no threat to the officers, 'Roberts, Breaux, Jackson and off-duty Det. Hebert utilized the prone restraint maneuver to further restrain Ourso, and they held him down by his arms and legs,' the suit states.

One of the officers stepped on Ourso's hand, the lawsuit alleges.

'Despite Ourso's cry for help, complaints that he could not breathe, and his assertion that he was dying, all four officers remained deliberately indifferent to Ourso's obvious need for immediate medical care,' the lawsuit states.

Barker is also accusing one of the officers of ordering another to break Ourso's arm and to handcuff him.

The lawsuit also alleges that one officer placed his knee on Ourso's head and another officer pressed his knee against Ourso's back while applying the full weight of his body.

'None of the four officers rendered in care or concern to Ourso's obvious need for medical care,' the complaint states.

'Instead, as Ourso pleaded with them for help to breathe, the officers told Ourso, 'You can breathe when you calm down'.'

Moments later, Ourso stopped breathing.

'We don't think they intentionally tried to kill him,' Harry Brown, Barker's attorney, said.

'However, we do think some of the actions they took contributed to his death.'
A woman has been filmed unleashing a racist rant about Muslims while on a Sydney bus, before physically assaulting the driver who ejected her.

The footage shows a woman in the middle of a heated Islamophobic tirade on bus route 185 heading to Mona Vale from Wynyard on Saturday.

Witnesses say the woman was shouting: 'We can't let them come in... they are going to bomb us all. F*** them, they are going to kill us.'

The woman (pictured) was filmed during an Islamophobic rant on a Sydney bus

The video was shared with the Islamophobia Register of Australia, and subsequently posted to Facebook which has attracted 17,000 views.

As the woman is filmed speaking, another passenger can be heard telling her: 'I am a Muslim.'

'Everyone who is Muslim has a chance to be radicalised,' she said.

The bus driver then approached the woman and said: 'Can you please get off my bus.'

The woman was ejected by the bus driver and she physically assaults him before leaving

When she asked what she had done wrong, the driver replied: 'The racist abuse for starters.'

He then ejects her off the bus and the woman appears to physically assault him as she departs while shouting a string of profanities.

It is unclear as to whether the driver contacted the police following the incident.

Mariam Veiszadeh, spokesperson for Islamophobia Register Australia, said: 'We've been seeing both an increase in the frequency and the severity of Islamophobic incidents reported to the Register.'
American Airlines is being sued after they reportedly called the cops on a double amputee who had to hobble to the plane because the airline forgot his wheelchair.

Michael Mennella claims he was defamed when the company labeled him as a drunk and attempted to have him arrested, according to a suit filed on Thursday in Miami.

The incident in dispute occurred on flight from Miami International Airport heading to Las Vegas on August 28.

The businessman, who has no feet, said he struggled to board his flight when American didn't provide the wheelchair he had requested.

Mennella said he was trying to get water so he could take pain medication after walking on his stumps, but staff determined he was drunk and called the cops.

However Mennella wasn't intoxicated, according to the lawsuit, and is accusing the airline of negligence and 'brutish misconduct.'

Michael Mennella, a double amputee, claims he was forced to hobble to a plane on August 28 when American Airlines didn't provide him a wheelchair he requested. The Florida businessman filed suit in Miami on Thursday

Both of Mennella's feet were amputated after a car accident in 2011 and he needs assistance boarding flights, according to court papers obtained by the Miami New Times.

Because there was no wheelchair available for him, Mennella said he had to painfully walk on his stumps to get onto the plane.

He asked a fight attendant for water so he could take his pain medication but the employee allegedly refused.

Mennella said he took matters into his own hands and hobbled to the back of the plane to ask another staffer for water, but his request was refused again.

Once back in his seat, Mennella said he learned that the flight was being diverted to Dallas to remove him from the plane because he was drunk.

Airport police offers removed Mennella from the aircraft because they were told he was 'intoxicated to the point of needing medical attention', according to the police report included in the suit.

The court papers continued: 'The law enforcement officers proceeded to tell Mr. Mennella that he was being arrested for a felony due to his intoxication, and that the severity of his crime merited a lengthy incarceration.

'As demonstrated by police-administered field tests, and as revealed in an official field report, Mr. Mennella was not intoxicated. Instead, he was an innocent victim of AA's brutish misconduct.'

The flight was from Miami International Airport (pictured) to Las Vegas. Mennella said he was trying to get water to take pain medication but staff determined he was drunk and called the cops on him

In the past few months, airlines have been frequently making headlines for their treatment of customers. There was public outrage when a video surfaced of Dr. Dao, 69, who was dragged off an United Airlines plane in April (pictured)

An American Airlines email included in the lawsuit said Mennella was disruptive and the pilot made the decision to have him removed for the safety of the other passengers.

A portion read: 'We believe our pilot made the correct decision in this situation and we apologize if you feel otherwise.'

American Airlines was contacted for a comment.

In the past few months, airlines have been frequently making headlines for their treatment of customers.

The case of Dr. David Dao, who was injured when he was removed from his United Airlines seat on April 9, was a topic of conversation for weeks.

The 69-year-old refused to give up his seat after the plane was overbooked and he was asked to accommodate United staff flying.

Videos went viral after aviation officers were seen dragging him along the aisle by his arms as he bled from the mouth after having his face smashed into an arm rest.

He suffered a broken nose, concussion and lost two teeth as he was inhumanely dragged off the plane.
After US President Donald Trump took to Twitter to use the London terrorist attack to reinforce his call for a United States Muslim travel ban, a CNN host decided to speak out against him.

Reza Aslan, host of CNN's Believer TV, called the president a 'piece of s**t' after Trump used the London tragedy where three Jihadi terrorists killed seven people and injuring 30 more during a horrific knife rampage in central London last night as a means to try to reinforce America.

The tweet from President Trump that sparked the 45-year-old journalist to respond said: 'We need to be smart, vigilant and tough. We need the courts to give us back our rights. We need the Travel Ban as an extra level of safety!'

After US President Donald Trump took to Twitter to use the London terrorist attack to reinforce his call for a United States Muslim travel ban, CNN host Reza Aslan called the president a 'piece of s**t'

The tweet from President Trump that sparked the 45-year-old journalist to respond said: 'We need to be smart, vigilant and tough. We need the courts to give us back our rights. We need the Travel Ban as an extra level of safety!'

'This piece of s**t is not just an embarrassment to America and a stain on the presidency. He's an embarrassment to humankind,' tweeted Aslan with Trump's tweet referenced

'This piece of s**t is not just an embarrassment to America and a stain on the presidency. He's an embarrassment to humankind,' tweeted Aslan with Trump's tweet referenced.

The reactions to the commentators tweet were more negative if anything with many upset that instead of focusing on the terrorist attack, that Aslan chose to focus on Trump.

User @CarmineSabia pointed out the issue and said: 'The fact that you are more concerned about his words than terror attacks says a ton.'

Many reactions to Aslan were negative. User @CarmineSabia pointed out the issue and said: 'The fact that you are more concerned about his words than terror attacks says a ton'

It was a criticism cosigned by @B_Y_E who tweeted: 'Glad you're more worried about him than the murders in London and Kabul'

Blogger @MarkDice pointed out Aslan's eating history out by simply stating: 'You ate human brains bro. Human brains. On CNN'

It was a criticism cosigned by @B_Y_E who tweeted: 'Glad you're more worried about him than the murders in London and Kabul.'

Aslan is most recognizable for having come under heavy scrutiny after he ate part of a human brain while filming a segment on a Hindu sect in India as part of his show.

Blogger @MarkDice pointed that out by simply stating: 'You ate human brains bro. Human brains. On CNN.'

Seven people have been killed and 20 injured when a white van drove into pedestrians on London Bridge before five jihadi terrorists launched into a frenzied stabbing attack on Saturday night.

At least two suspects were gunned down and believed to have been killed by armed police. Another suspect is believed to have been shot and killed by police as the remaining two suspects are on the run.

On Sunday morning EST, Trump again tweeted about the ban, saying 'We must stop being politically correct and get down to the business of security for our people'
A series of blasts in Kabul on Saturday killed at least 19 people at a funeral for one of the victims of clashes between police and protesters a day before.

The latest explosions continued a wave of violence in the capital since a devastating truck bomb on Wednesday.

Saturday's blasts shattered an uneasy calm which had descended after authorities blocked the streets of Kabul in a bid to prevent a repeat of the bloody confrontation between protesters and police on Friday.

The violence, fueled by public anger over the inability of President Ashraf Ghani's divided government to ensure security in Kabul, has exacerbated political tensions between rival factions, and Ghani issued a call for unity.

"The country is under attack," Ghani said in a message on Twitter. "We must be strong and united."

Kabul's Italian-run Emergency Hospital, which has treated a stream of wounded over the past few days, said 19 people had been reported killed and 16 wounded had been brought to the hospital. The interior ministry said there were six dead and 87 wounded.

Government Chief Executive Abdullah Abdullah was at the funeral but was unharmed, while survivors said a series of explosions had ripped through the crowd, most of whom appeared to be linked to Abdullah's mainly Tajik Jamiat-e-Islami party.

"There were sounds of explosions everywhere and I saw my hands and face were on fire," said Mohammad Azim, who was being treated for burns at the Emergency Hospital. "There were parts of human bodies everywhere."

One of the most bloody weeks in Kabul for months began with the devastating truck bomb attack in the city's diplomatic zone on Wednesday morning which killed more than 80 people and wounded more than 460.

That was followed by five more deaths on Friday during clashes which broke out between protesters and police at a rally demanding the resignations of Ghani and Abdullah over repeated security failures.

As the violence has continued, it has become increasingly politicized, exacerbating tensions between rival ethnically based political groups.

FUNERAL

The Taliban, which has often carried out bomb attacks in the past, issued a swift denial that it had any role and instead blamed factional rivalries in the government's own camp, the group's spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid said.

Saturday's blasts occurred at the funeral of the son of the deputy Senate speaker, Mohammad Alam Izadyar, an ethnic Tajik ally of Abdullah. He died after being seriously injured in clashes during Friday's protest.

Rahmatullah Begana, who was at the funeral, said the first explosion occurred as the mullah made the first call to prayer and as people scattered, it was followed by another.

"I saw a lot of people lying on the ground," he said.

The violence further complicates the situation confronting U.S. and coalition officials as they work on plans expected to see an increase of between 3,000 and 5,000 in the number of foreign troops in Afghanistan.

As anger against the government has grown, Ghani's international partners have become increasingly alarmed, with the United Nations calling for restraint and the U.S. embassy in Kabul warning against letting protests be taken over

"While peaceful demonstrations are welcome in a democracy, some narrow political elements used this opportunity to spark violence, resulting in more death and suffering," the embassy said. The statement was released after Friday's clashes but before the latest attacks on Saturday.

With much of the capital locked down by security forces, a group of around 200 protesters remained near the blast site in the center of town, sheltering from the sun in open tents.

Otherwise, security authorities in Kabul told people not to attend protests and demonstrations, citing the risk of attacks on large gatherings of people.

While unusually large, Wednesday's truck bomb scarcely differed from a long series of previous high-profile militant attacks that have killed hundreds of civilians in Afghanistan since most international forces left the country in 2014.

In the first three months of the year at least 715 civilians were killed across the country, after almost 3,500 in 2016, the deadliest year on record for Afghan civilians.

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Schapelle Corby has donated her parole book to a charity run by Adam Whittington, the mastermind behind the botched 60 Minutes child abduction in Lebanon.

Mr Whittington launched Project Rescue Children (PRC), an organisation that sets up undercover operations to expose child sex traffickers, on the Gold Coast on Friday.

Having used her newfound Instagram fame to raise awareness for missing children in recent weeks, Corby connected with Mr Whittington after talking to security expert John McLeod, a PRC director and key figure behind her arrival back in Australia.

With the convicted drug smuggler was not in attendance, Mr McLeod presented the booklet to Mr Whittington - a year after he was in a Beirut jail following the failed 60 Minutes child abduction attempt.

Schapelle Corby has donated her parole book to a charity run by Adam Whittington (left), the mastermind behind the botched 60 Minutes child abduction in Lebanon

Ms Corby learnt of Mr Whittington's project through security expert John McLeod (right), a director of Project Rescue Children and a key figure behind her secret arrival back in Australia

Containing handwritten entries from throughout her 13 years in Indonesia, the book has already been a hit among a number of interested Corby followers.

Receiving 24 bids, the booklet is currently fetching a price of more than $1,000, still with six days of bidding to go.

Promoting the auction on Facebook, Mr Whittington called it one of Schapelle's 'few personal possessions'.

'PRC tonight were extremely grateful to receive a very generous donation from Schapelle Corby to raise money and awareness in the fight against child trafficking and exploitation,' the controversial ex-Australian soldier wrote.

From the moment she first stepped out of a Bali parole office and into freedom last week, Corby has been promoting the cause of missing children.

Mr McLeod holds up the booklet at the launch of PRC's Gold Coast arm with Mr Whittington on Friday night

Having used her newfound Instagram fame to raise awareness of William Tyrrell, the convicted drug smuggler has seemingly continued on her crusade with the donation to Mr Whittington's group

Seemingly containing handwritten entries from throughout her 13 years in Indonesia, the book has already been a hit among a number of interested fans

Promoting the auction on Facebook, Mr Whittington called it one of Schapelle's 'few personal possessions'

Putting a photo of William on her handbag and using her Instagram account to share photos of Hayley Dodd, she continued to spruik her passion for missing children.

'#Wehuntthosewhohuntchildren' sharing the PRC motto alongside a recent picture.

While the recently freed Corby didn't speak at the Gold Coast fundraiser on Friday night, Mr McLeod was in attendance to present the booklet.

Remaining coy about his role in her return home, Mr McLeod confirmed he was no longer working with her now that she's safely in Australia.

'It's over for me, but it's not over yet,' he told the Courier Mail.
A nine-year-old boy has been left with serious injuries after losing control of the quad bike he was riding.

The boy was riding the bike on property in Milawa, rural Victoria, when he lost control on a curved road, Victoria Police told Daily Mail Australia.

The bike flipped and the youngster was trapped underneath just before midday on Sunday afternoon.

A spokesperson for Ambulance Victoria told Daily Mail Australia they were called to a boy suffering burns and abdominal injuries.

He was airlifted to the Royal Children's Hospital in Melbourne in a serious but stable condition.

An air ambulance arrives in Milawa, rural Victoria, to rescue a nine-year-old boy who became trapped under a quad bike he was driving on Sunday afternoon

The quad-bike was towing a trailer and hit a curve in the road when the boy is believed to have lost control (stock image)




DNA testing has confirmed the discovery of missing man Matthew Leveson after he disappeared ten years ago, his mother has revealed.

Faye Leveson posted to Facebook on Sunday night saying her son's body had been found following a two-week search in the Royal National Park, south of Sydney.

Police found a skeleton on Wednesday afternoon believed to be Mrs Leveson's 20-year-old son, who was last seen alive leaving a Sydney night club in 2007.

Now Mrs Leveson has confirmed the discovery and put to rest the decade-long mystery of the whereabouts of Matthew's remains.

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Faye Leveson posted to Facebook on Sunday night saying her son's body had been found following a two-week search in the Royal National Park, south of Sydney

Family friend Rachel Sanki (left) hugs Faye (centre) while she embraces another woman holding flowers

Police searched for further evidence on Friday, two days after they located Matthew Leveson's remains in the Royal National Park

'It has now been confirmed by DNA testing that the remains found were of our beloved Matty,' she said.

Mrs Leveson extended her gratitude to family, friends and the Australian public for their support in the quest to find Matthew.

'We can never thank you enough for all your love, support, prayers and well wishes that we have received from you all,' she said.

'It is all of these things plus our unconditional love for Matt that have kept us going.'

Forensic officers continued to sift through soil near the spot Matthew's skeleton was found on Wednesday afternoon, while the bones were taken to a morgue.

Clothing was reportedly among other items found at the scene, a NSW State Crime Command spokeswoman told AAP.

Police sift through soil at the scene where they found Matthew Leveson's remains on Wednesday afternoon

Michael Atkins (pictured left) was acquitted of Matthew Leveson's murder in 2009

Mark Leveson (left) with his wife Faye (centre) as she hugs a woman carrying flowers to the scene where Matthew's remains were found

Matthew was described as wearing a black singlet, light brown cargo shorts and white leather shoes at the time of his disappearance.

'Other items of interest, consistent with the 20-year-old, have been located,' the police spokeswoman said.

A large sifter was brought to the site on Friday morning as investigators continued to search for small bones and other evidence. The Levesons were joined by close family friends at the scene.

Police were led to the site in November last year by Matthew's former partner Michael Atkins, who a jury found not guilty of murdering his boyfriend in 2009.

Having been acquitted once of murdering Matthew, Atkins can only be charged with the same offence again if 'fresh and compelling' evidence is found, due to double jeopardy rules.

The Leveson family and close friends were back in the Royal National Park on Friday as police continued to search for evidence of the Matthew's murder

Police continue to search for evidence at the site where they found Matthew Leveson's body on Wednesday afternoon

Michael Atkins leaving Glebe Coroner's Court at the inquest into Matthew Leveson's disappearance in November last year

The location of Matthew's body this week is not of itself enough evidence for such a charge due to further legal restrictions flowing from a coronial inquiry.

Former NSW Director of Public Prosecutions Nicholas Cowdery told ABC radio on Thursday 'there is the remote possibility of a charge being resurrected against Atkins'.

'But I wouldn't put too much hope on it,' Mr Cowdery said. 'There's a slim possibility, I don't put it any higher than that. I think we need to be realistic.'

Atkins was ordered to give evidence at a coronial inquest into Matthew's disappearance late last year, with a guarantee his testimony could not be used against him.

But he subsequently admitted to lying on oath, leaving himself open to prosecution for perjury. He then cut another deal.

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 Detective Chief Inspector Gary Jubelin stand together as Faye holds a picture of her son Matthew Leveson

Atkins was granted immunity from prosecution for perjury or contempt of court if he provided information which led to the discovery of Matthew's body.

Associate Professor Thalia Anthony of Sydney's University of Technology law school said the guarantees given Atkins at the inquest meant the discovery of Matthew's remains likely can't be used as 'fresh and compelling evidence'.

'It seems that his disclosure of the whereabouts of the body and anything associated with the body would not be able to be used against him to get through the double jeopardy threshold,' Associate Professor Anthony told AAP.

'On the basis of what he's told the coroner's court about the approximate location of the body, he can't be charged.'

Mark Leveson arrives in the Royal National Park, where his son Matthew's remains were 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 body was found

Faye Leveson is comforted by a friend as police begin to exhume her son Matthew in the Royal National Park

Mrs 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 us 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.'

Forensic police sift through soil as they begin to exhume human remains of Matthew Leveson in the Royal National Park on Thursday

Bones consistent with those of Matthew Leveson (right) were found on Wednesday. His ex-boyfriend Michael Atkins (left) may not spend a day in jail despite leading police to the area where the bones were found

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

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
Japanese-style pod accommodation is now open for rent in a inner-city Sydney bar for as little as $35 per night.

The sleeping pods are located above the iconic Bar Century which recently re-opened with a stack of claustrophobia-inducing beds where intoxicated guests can sleep off a night on the grog.

Pub patrons have been cosying up in the space-age beds for three weeks now, and business is booming, the Daily Telegraph reports.

Japanese-style pod accommodation is now open for rent in a inner-city Sydney bar for as little as $50 per night (stock image)

An artist's impression of the pods which have opened up at Bar Century in Sydney's CBD

The capsule hotel is capitalising on a trend that has been popular in Tokyo since the 1970s as businessmen preferred to check into a pod after a big night rather than commute all the way home.

Pods are about two by 1.25 metres in dimension and offer a small but cosy sleeping space for those unwilling to catch late night public transport or drunken patrons desperately seeking comfortable slumber.

Capsules will range between $35 and $50 in price, depending on the size of the bed and whether the entry approach is longitudinal or vertical.

The cost of a pod for the night could often be cheaper than a taxi home before sunrise in Sydney.

Bar Century accomodation manager James Oliver told the Daily Telegraph the pods were initially popular with backpackers, but he has noticed an increase in white collar workers and executives seeking a cheap bed for the night,

'And of course you also get the walk-ins who have had a night out and for whatever reason decide to stay in town,' Mr Oliver said.

The sleeping pods are located above the iconic Bar Century (pictured) which recently re-opened with a stack of pods where intoxicated guests can sleep off a night on the grog
Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull has said two Australians have been 'directly affected' by the London terror attacks.

Three jihadi terrorists shouting 'this is for Allah' have reportedly killed six people and left dozens injured in a horrific rampage around two locations in central London on Saturday night, local time.

'At this time we are aware of reports of two Australians who have been directly affected by this attack,' Mr Turnbull said in an address to the nation on Sunday afternoon.

'This afternoon the Foreign Minister [Julie Bishop] has spoken to the parents of both Australians.

Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull said two Australians have been directly affected by the London terror attacks

Three jihadi terrorists shouting 'this is for Allah' have reportedly killed six people and left dozens injured in the heart of London

The three men launched the van and knife attack on London Bridge and at nearby Borough Market on Saturday night

'One case has been confirmed and the Australian concerned is in hospital.

'The other case we are continuing to make inquiries.

'Our officials will continue to provide every assistance they can to Australians affected by this shocking attack and to their families.'

The two Australians are reportedly both aged under 35 and a New Zealand citizen has also been injured.

The three men launched the van and knife attack on London Bridge and at nearby Borough Market just after 10pm on Saturday. Police shot the terrorists dead within eight minutes of the violence erupting.

The Prime Minister has declared Australia's 'absolute solidarity' with Britain.

'Our prayers and resolute solidarity are today as always with the people of Britain in the face of the shocking terrorist attacks in London,' Mr Turnbull tweeted.

Ms Bishop said she spoke to UK High Commissioner Alexander Downer shortly after reports of the emergency.

Police shot the terrorists dead within eight minutes of the violence erupting

Mr Turnbull declared Australia's 'absolute solidarity' with Britain in a tweet posted on Sunday

Mr Turnbull (pictured) said officials will continue to provide every assistance they can to Australians affected by the London terror attacks

'We have conveyed our condolences to the UK government through our officials,' Mr Turnbull said in a subsequent statement.

The Prime Minister said he had received briefings from the Counter Terrorism Co-ordinator, the Director General of Security and the deputy AFP commissioner, and had also spoken to Mr Downer.

'Australians should be reassured that our agencies are today, as every day, working relentlessly to keep Australians safe,' he added.

Opposition Leader Bill Shorten said he was 'shocked and appalled' by yet another attack in England.

'When it comes to fighting terrorism, we are united in this together,' he told reporters in Melbourne.

Police officers and members of the emergency services attend to a person injured in a terror attack on London Bridge

The horrific rampage around two locations in central London occurred just after 10pm on Saturday, local time

Opposition Leader Bill Shorten said Labor Senator Sam Dastiyari, who was in London at the time of the attacks, had 'complete praise for the role of the British police force'

'The more that these things happen the more it makes me realise Australians need to stick together.'

He briefly spoke to Labor senator Senator Dastyari who is in London and having dinner very close to where the attack happened.

'He was nothing short of complete praise for the role of the British police force,' Mr Shorten said.

Senator Dastiyari described the attack as horrific.

'This literally happened 20 metres from where we were and we could hear it all and were taken past the bodies,' he told Network Nine.

'There is a lot of fear, confusion, panic, a lot of elderly people being helped and carried. A lot of shock.'

If any Australians are concerned about family and friends and unable to contact them they should call 1300 555 135 or +61 2 6261 3305 if overseas, the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade said.
A German-themed restaurant that prides itself on 'authentically world class food' has come under fire after defending a plate of nachos a customer believed was 'a total rip off.'

Ashlin McCamish ordered a $15 plate of nachos from Elmar's in the Valley in Perth yet was left astounded with what she was served.

The serving was a handful of nachos on a small plate that was sparingly sprinkled with cheese and chilli sauce, which appeared to have been microwaved.

Ashlin McCamish took to Facebook to share her disgust at shelling out $15 for what appeared to be a handful of nachos at a German-themed restaurant in Western Australia

Elmar's in the Valley in Perth has faced a backlash on social media after defending the barren dish

The menu says the $14.90 meal is served with cheese sauce, chilli sauce, cheddar and Parmesan yet the image posted from the Perth diner showed it was seriously lacking these ingredients

The incensed customer took to Facebook and shared an image of the unladen dish to the establishment's Facebook page brandishing them 'a total rip off' while voicing her anger.

She also suggested she was deemed not worthy of 'decent service' after being mistaken as part of a wine tour.

To the disbelief of the online community, the restaurant responded to the photo defending the meal.

'Our version of nachos is not a soggier kind that you are accustomed to that has loads of sauce,' the restaurant responded.

'We have opted to sell a European version which showcases corn chips and not copious amounts of sauce.'

They went on to dispute Ms McCamish's claim that she wasn't part of a wine tour.

A snack basket served last year at the restaurant that reveals slightly more cheese than the dish served this week

The Perth restaurant is a popular venue for beer lovers, who can wash down their meals with steins of beer.

'Looking at our records here, you did appear to arrive on a wine tour,' they revealed.

Even though the European-style eatery did apologise to the customer for not being happy with their meal, this didn't stop other Facebook users laying into the restaurant.

'European version? You are surely taking the p***. Just admit it's not good enough and apologise. Don't go making these p**** poor excuses,' one angry post read that garnered over 100 likes.

'I've travelled around Europe multiple times and can 100% say that Nachos in Europe definitely do not look like 4 year old child made them,' another user wrote.

In response to the Perth diner's defence, the cheesed-off customer offered a diplomatic reply.

'I'll make you a deal; I'll be back once your nachos improve in quality. Until then, we'll have to agree to disagree,' she said.
Security has been bolstered by police to protect large crowds at Sydney's popular Vivid festival after three terrorists killed seven people in a barbaric van and knife rampage in central London.

Buses, cars and firetrucks have been used as makeshift barricades to safeguard pedestrians from a similar attack as they flocked to see light displays on Sunday night.

Police officers wore high-visibility jackets to boost their presence among the crowds, while counter-terrorism measures have been ramped up.

Buses, cars and firetrucks have been used as makeshift barricades to safeguard pedestrians from a terror attack as they flocked to see light displays on Sunday night

Security has been bolstered by police to protect large crowds at Sydney's popular Vivid festival after seven people were killed in central London

More than two and a half million people expected to attend Vivid have been told to not be scared off by the terror threat

Half of New South Wales police officers have been trained in an 'active shooter' course designed to neutralise lone wolf terror attacks, 7 News reported.

Tougher measures have also been put in place ahead of US Secretary of Defence James Mattis' arrival in Sydney on Monday.

'There are contingencies, they (police) are always reviewing security and they are always reviewing any information they get,' counter terrorism minister David Elliott told 7 News.

NSW police confirmed on Sunday that Australia's terror level remains at 'probable' despite no specific threat being identified.

A road block put in place on a Sydney street to protect crowds heading to Vivid on Sunday night

NSW police confirmed on Sunday that Australia's terror level remains at 'probable' despite no specific threat aimed at Vivid being identified

More than two and a half million people expected to attend Vivid over the festival's 23 nights have been told to not be scared off by the terror threat by NSW Premier Gladys Berejiklian.

'Of course we should always be aware but we shouldn't be deterred from doing what we love to do most,' she said.

Police presence has also been boosted in Melbourne around Federation Square and Queen Victoria market, Premier Daniel Andrews confirmed.

'Events like this remind us that we need to remain vigilant,' he said according to the Herald sun.
As Shadow Chancellor, he wants voters to entrust him with the nations purse strings.

But judging by the way he ran the finances of his local community radio station, John McDonnell might need a little more practice.

Ex-colleagues at Hayes FM in his West London constituency have said he was so far behind with the rent on the stations premises, the landlord changed the locks.

Making (radio) waves: John McDonnell, the Shadow Chancellor, has been blasted by his former colleagues at Hayes FM for his handling of the station's finances

And presenters endured freezing conditions because Mr McDonnell  a staunch advocate of workers rights  refused to pay for the repair of the boiler.

At one point, there wasnt enough cash for tea, paper or loo roll.

One ex-presenter, Raymond Jackson, said: You would turn up at the studio in five layers and DJ with your hands shaking.

'If he couldnt manage the finances of a small local radio station, I dread to think what hell do with the country.

Hayes FM, staffed by volunteers, was launched in 2004, with its MP as a director and chairman of trustees. He still holds the posts today.

When founder Sutish Sharma, who was responsible for day-to-day running, left in 2012, Mr McDonnell took control, assisted by his constituency aide Helen Lowder.

Mr Sharma said: He wanted the station to be radical and Left-wing and we ended up falling out over this.

'He always wanted his own show, but I wouldnt allow it.

Danny Deol, a presenter until 2013, said: After Sutish left, John and Helen assured us they would make more of an active effort to look after the station. But everything that could have gone wrong did go wrong. It was utter chaos.

Under the MPs stewardship, income dried up. The 15,397 of charitable funds secured in 2011/12 fell to just 1,412, and there were debts of 2,821.

Under fire: Former staff claim Hayes FM's income dried up under McDonnell's stewardship

The next years accounts were filed 49 days late.

By late 2013, the station owed 5,000 rent to St Anselms church in Hayes. Mr Jackson said: The bills just came to the office and we would take them straight to Johns constituency office or Helen Lowder would come and pick them up.

'So, we had absolutely no idea how bad it was until we came in one day and the lock had been changed.

A St Anselms source said: We kept getting emails complaining they had no money. The whole thing became a complete nightmare.

Mr Deol handed a petition to Mr McDonnell, seeking new leadership. He said: Despite the fact the vast majority of volunteers didnt want him there, he just didnt listen.

Right-hand man: The Shadow Chancellor is a core part of Jeremy Corbyn's bid for a Labour win

He was later summoned to Mr McDonnells office and told he was not wanted any more.

Former volunteers claim Hayes FM is now a shadow of its former self and only still existing because a college has let it use a Portacabin as its studio for free.

A spokesman for John McDonnell, who had a weekly show until he became Shadow Chancellor in 2015, said: John doesnt recognise any of these smears.

'What this really shows is how many small businesses and community schemes are being held back after seven years of a Tory government.
An unnamed suspect has been arrested by police on Saturday after a 33-year-old Australian tourist has been killed following a fight outside a San Francisco hotel in the early hours of Friday morning.

Matthew Bate, from Darwin, was allegedly 'coward punched' outside of the Da Vinci Villa hotel after a verbal argument with at least two other people turned physical.

Mr Bate was still alive when the police arrived around 2.15am, but was suffering from critical injuries, SFGate reported.

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The first image released of Matthew Bate who was tragically killed following an altercation outside a San Francisco hotel on Friday morning

A 33-year-old Australian tourist named Matthew Bate was killed Friday morning in a fight outside the Da Vinci Villa hotel in San Francisco, authorities have said

The 33-year-old, who was an analytical chemist for SGS Australia, was taken to a hospital where he later died, according to Officer Giselle Talkoff of the San Francisco Police Department.

Two individuals were originally detained by police after the fight, and homicide detectives investigated their involvement and whether or not drugs and alcohol was a factor.

'One arrest has been made in the homicide case,' Officer Talkoff revealed.

Witnesses revealed to 9 News that police had been questioning hotel guests throughout Friday night, looking for further suspects and witnesses.

Hotel guest Adriana Jiminez revealed to 9 News that she witnessed police officers arresting men following commotion outside her hotel room.

'At least four Hispanic men were thrown on the ground in front of our room, I watched out for the people for about an hour, asking them questions and [the police] ended up handcuffing them.'

Police officers attending the scene tape off the surrounding area while they investigated the location of the attack

A police officer is pictured taking photos of evidence at the hotel as it is reported that attending officers knocked on the doors of all the hotel rooms in search for witnesses

The arrested suspect's name has not been released, and it is believed no weapons were involved.

Mr Bate's family have released a short statement after being informed with the devastating news.

'Matt lived life to the full extent, he loved his family and friends,' his father said.

The 33-year-old, originally from Victoria had been travelling America with his three friends and arrived a week ago, visiting Los Angeles and Las Vegas in the process.

Mr Bate's distraught parents and sister will fly out to the US.

Hotel guest Adriana Jiminez told media that she witnessed police arrest a group of men outside her hotel room following the attack
The Australian woman who was stabbed in the throat in the London terror attacks has been identified as Candice Hedge.

Ms Hedge, 31, from Brisbane, is recovering in St Thomas Hospital after she was viciously attacked in the city's centre on Saturday night, local time, while having a drink after work.

A second man with an Australian accent called Andrew was also stabbed and explained how he was caught in the terror that killed seven people and injured 48 others.

In a video posted to social media, Andrew can be seen holding a bloodied gauze pad to his throat while he describes the Jihadi terrorist who attacked him.

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Candice Hedge (pictured) is recovering in hospital after being stabbed in the throat during the London terror attacks

A second man with an Australian accent called Andrew was also stabbed and explained how he was caught in the terror that killed seven people and injured 48 others

'I hate it because, you know, the thing with Muslims and terrorism. He looked like a f****** Muslim terrorist,' he says in the video obtained by 7 News.

'He got me but... I dodged it. I ducked and weaved.'

Ms Hedge has called home from the hospital to update family and friends about her non-life threatening condition, with a work colleague saying she was in good spirits, ABC News reported.

Ms Hedge, who has been living in London for the past year and has been working at Elliot's restaurant in London Bridge as a waitress, said the stab wound had not impacted her main arteries and windpipe.

She also posted on Facebook: 'Hey everyone, just so you know I'm doing Ok. Bit of pain but I will survive. Thanks for your thoughts and well wishes. Love to all'.

Ms Hedge (pictured) said the stab wound had had not impacted her main arteries and windpipe

Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull earlier confirmed two Australians had been directly affected by the London terror attacks

Three jihadi terrorists shouting 'this is for Allah' have reportedly killed seven people and left dozens injured in the heart of London

Ms Hedge was attacked after a man came up behind her while she was seated at a bar, The Courier-Mail reported.

Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull earlier confirmed two Australians had been 'directly affected' by the London terror attacks.

Three jihadi terrorists shouting 'this is for Allah' have reportedly killed seven people and left dozens injured in a horrific rampage around two locations in central London.

'At this time we are aware of reports of two Australians who have been directly affected by this attack,' Mr Turnbull said in an address to the nation on Sunday.

'This afternoon the Foreign Minister [Julie Bishop] has spoken to the parents of both Australians.

'One case has been confirmed and the Australian concerned is in hospital. The other case we are continuing to make inquiries.

'Our officials will continue to provide every assistance they can to Australians affected by this shocking attack and to their families.'

A New Zealand citizen was also stabbed during the London terror attacks.

Oliver Dowling, 32, is in a coma after being stabbed in the face during the attack, which also left his girlfriend Marie Bondeville injured.

32-year-old New Zealander Oliver Dowling is in a coma after being stabbed in the face during the attack, which also left his girlfriend Marie Bondeville injured (pictured together)

Oliver Dowling (pictured, second from left) and his girlfriend were both injured in the rampage, his sister revealed on Facebook

The three men launched the van and knife attack on London Bridge and at nearby Borough Market on Saturday night

Police shot the terrorists dead within eight minutes of the violence erupting

The three men launched the van and knife attack on London Bridge and at nearby Borough Market just after 10pm on Saturday. Police shot the terrorists dead within eight minutes of the violence erupting.

The Prime Minister has declared Australia's 'absolute solidarity' with Britain.

'Our prayers and resolute solidarity are today as always with the people of Britain in the face of the shocking terrorist attacks in London,' Mr Turnbull tweeted.

Ms Bishop said she spoke to UK High Commissioner Alexander Downer shortly after reports of the emergency.

'We have conveyed our condolences to the UK government through our officials,' Mr Turnbull said in a subsequent statement.

Mr Turnbull declared Australia's 'absolute solidarity' with Britain in a tweet posted on Sunday

Mr Turnbull (pictured) said officials will continue to provide every assistance they can to Australians affected by the London terror attacks

The Prime Minister said he had received briefings from the Counter Terrorism Co-ordinator, the Director General of Security and the deputy AFP commissioner, and had also spoken to Mr Downer.

'Australians should be reassured that our agencies are today, as every day, working relentlessly to keep Australians safe,' he added.

Opposition Leader Bill Shorten said he was 'shocked and appalled' by yet another attack in England.

'When it comes to fighting terrorism, we are united in this together,' he told reporters in Melbourne.

Police officers and members of the emergency services attend to a person injured in a terror attack on London Bridge

The horrific rampage around two locations in central London occurred just after 10pm on Saturday, local time

Opposition Leader Bill Shorten said Labor Senator Sam Dastiyari, who was in London at the time of the attacks, had 'complete praise for the role of the British police force'

'The more that these things happen the more it makes me realise Australians need to stick together.'

He briefly spoke to Labor senator Senator Dastyari who is in London and having dinner very close to where the attack happened.

'He was nothing short of complete praise for the role of the British police force,' Mr Shorten said.

Senator Dastiyari described the attack as horrific.

'This literally happened 20 metres from where we were and we could hear it all and were taken past the bodies,' he told Network Nine.

'There is a lot of fear, confusion, panic, a lot of elderly people being helped and carried. A lot of shock.'

If any Australians are concerned about family and friends and unable to contact them they should call 1300 555 135 or +61 2 6261 3305 if overseas, the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade said.
Spanish coast guards rescued more than 170 migrants crossing the Mediterranean to Europe from northern Africa in four separate boats, they said Saturday.

Morocco notified Spain's coast guards that a boat had been spotted trying to cross the Alboran Sea, the westernmost portion of the Mediterranean that ends with the Strait of Gibraltar before connecting with the Atlantic Ocean.

As rescuers set off, they were told that three other boats carrying migrants had also been seen in the same area.

One of them was spotted by a plane helping EU border agency Frontex with surveillance, the other by a ferry, and the third by people on a Spanish naval base on Alboran Island, which lies between Morocco and Spain.

In all, 173 migrants from sub-Saharan Africa were rescued and taken by ship to the Spanish ports of Almeria and Motril, a coast guard spokesman said.

According to the International Organization for Migration, 2,426 migrants arrived in Spain by sea between January 1 and the end of April.

This still represents a small percentage of the more than 45,000 who crossed the Mediterranean to Italy, Greece, Spain and Cyprus over the period.

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A taxi driver filmed the aftermath of last night's shocking terrorist attack on London Bridge on his cab's dash cam.

The shocking video shows people receiving emergency treatment on the cycle lane of the south bound carriageway moments after the attack.

Seven people were killed after three jihadis used a hired van to target pedestrians crossing the river.

Taxi driver Radoslav Petrov witnessed injured pedestrians receiving assistance from passers by moments after three jihadis ploughed through them on London Bridge last night

Taxi driver Radoslav Petrov filmed the footage as he witnessed police cars racing across the bridge on the wrong side of the road.

Shortly afterwards, pedestrians ran away from the scene, heading north having been told to flee by police.

Seven people have died and 48 were wounded during the eight-minute rampage before police shot dead the three terrorists.

The suspects hired a van from B&Q and drove at high speed across London Bridge.

Witnesses said the van swerved in an 'S' fashion to deliberately target pedestrians.

Metropolitan Police Commissioner Cressida Dick outlined the timeline of last night's appalling attack.

Police raced towards the jihadis who crashed their van and started stabbing random victims

Police ordered survivors to run north across the bridge and away from the terrorists

She said: 'Our officers confronted the suspects and brought this terrible incident to a conclusion within eight minutes.

'We were called at 10.08pm last night initially to reports that a vehicle had struck pedestrians on London Bridge.

'That vehicle continued to drive from London Bridge to Borough Market. The suspects then left the vehicle and a number of people were stabbed.

'The suspects were shot dead by armed officers.'

Commissioner Dick warned: 'What I think we are asking for is that people do not overreact.

'People of course will make their own decisions about what they do or don't do.

'But the last thing we need is people overreacting or beginning to take out their frustrations on other people in other communities or in their own communities.'

It has been announced that there will be a one minute silence for the victims of the attack on Tuesday. Number 10 said the memorial will take place at 11am.
Two weeks ago, in the wake of the Manchester bombing, I mistweeted and it cost me.

Everyone knows what I said and Im not going to repeat it here.

The wording was horrible. Loaded with unintended meaning. Quickly deleted, amended to make clear, and apologised for live on TV and radio.

I have no excuses. And I take full accountability  disasters, triumphs, I must treat them just the same.

Pictured: Police and paramedics attend to a victim of the attack on London Bridge last night

Pictured: Armed officers stand patrol at a police cordon on London Bridge after the attack

In truth, I woke up to the news of the terror attack in Manchester on our young girls and I saw red. As a mum, I felt fear. And I raged.

And now I am raging again. And now, more than ever, I stand by what I MEANT those words to say. This. Cannot. Go. On.

Whatever we are doing now is clearly not working. We need a radical rethink.

It is a pure rage against a leadership so castrated by fear of offending anyone not specifically wielding a machete or a bomb, that they are impotent to take action.

So frightened someone might cry Islamophobia, they peddle anything but the facts. They talk about 'the evil' that motivated the attacker, they talk about hate. They condemn 'the attack'.

But still refuse to acknowledge the massive elephant in the room. They refuse to acknowledge any link between these attacks and Islamic extremism. Imagining that by failing to give such horror a label, they can somehow mystify it away  and distance Islamic extremism from blame.

Even when ISIS called for these attacks in the ninth, Ramadan edition of their magazine, Rumiyah, urging their supporters to target civilians with edged weapons, firearms, vehicle ramming and fire, in locations such as shopping malls, restaurants and clubs.

Our process for dealing with terror cannot be words or vigils. It must be internment and deportation, writes Katie Hopkins

Even when an eyewitness, Eric, heard the attacker cry, 'This is for Allah,' we are supposed to swallow the news feed that the motive is unclear.

Decent Brits are capable of understanding that these individuals do not represent all Muslims. (Though it would help us if ALL imams would stand up to denounce unequivocally these attacks committed in the name of their religion.)

But the terrorists do represent a strand of Islamic extremism and the twisted beliefs of ISIS. They are motivated, determined, and not limited by fear of their own mortality.

I say again: we need a lasting solution to terror.

It is urgent. Imperative. We cannot go on like this. No one is carrying on as normal when our own Met police tweet for us to RUN, HIDE, TELL.

Can you kid yourself you are 'carrying on as normal' as you are evicted from a bar with your hands on your head, running for your life? When our hospitals are in lock-down to protect even the sick from terror, no target is too soft. There is no humanity here.

We have reached the ultimate tipping point, where even the hardy believers have lost hope, and those keen to cling to the narrative 'we stand defiant' are lying heartbroken on the floor. Even the most tolerant liberals are emailing me privately to let me know they doubt everything they believed before, that they can't tell their friends, but we have made mistakes and are paying the price.

But you can take action. You are in control of your truth.

Do not let them tell you we stand united. Do not let them tell you we are not cowed. Do not let them tell you we fight cowardice with British spirit. Do not buy into this propaganda, circulated by those who have failed us, the fascist liberals.

Pictured: Armed police officers march around Borough Market and the Shard in central London this morning

Their words are meaningless.

If this is terror losing, I don't think victory matters. It is time to fight back.

The question is, how do we ensure this never happens again?

Today Theresa May stood outside Downing Street and articulated what everyone feels today. Enough is enough. We cant go on this way.

What she DIDNT offer was much concrete to change things on the home-front beyond a crackdown on Islamic extremism, tougher sentences and another assault on the social media giants role in allowing terrorists the means of communication and propaganda.

But Im sorry, Prime Minister, neither of the last two things is going to make much difference at all and the first will only work if you follow through with real, tough action.

Before the Bank Holiday weekend Mark Rowley, the UKs most senior counter-terrorism officer suggested theyd rounded up much of the Manchester bombers network and advised us all to: Go out and enjoy yourselves.

Today Theresa May stood outside Downing Street and articulated what everyone feels today. Enough is enough. We cant go on this way.

Well thats exactly what the victims of last nights attack were doing. Enjoying the multicultural heart of London, drinking and eating. Right up until someone stormed into the restaurant and stabbed them in the face with a 12-inch hunting knife.

We cant just respond again by organising a benefit concert and waiting for a sympathetic world to light up its landmarks in red, white and blue. We, the British people, the good people of Britain, need to stand united in demanding drastic measures.

Firstly, as Tarique Ghaffur - Assistant Commissioner at Scotland Yard when the 7/7 bombings took place - proposed last weekend, we need to round up the terror watch list, all 3,000 of them, and intern the lot.

And secondly, we need to lock down the 650 jihadis we allowed to return to the UK or get them out. If they went to Saudi or Syria to train, they can go back there. And their passport and right to British nationality hits the incinerator on their way out.

I know all the arguments against internment  the camps become universities for terror, it will alienate other Muslims and help radicalise extremist sympathisers.

And a few weeks ago Id probably have said that tipped the balance. But we are way beyond that now.

Our security services clearly cannot cope in monitoring all the threats out there against us so its time we took the most obvious ones off the streets.

If we breed more homegrown terror, we incarcerate or deport. A or B.

Thirdly, Theresa has to mean what she says about cracking down on extremism.

She has to drain the swamps of hate. That means zero tolerance of the people in the Muslim community peddling this breed of hatred, the ultra-conservative imams, the extremist mosques that encourage new Jihadi recruits to seek vengeance on the British way of life. Close down Saudi-funded mosques, charge ultra-conservative imams; incarcerate or deport.

Do not let the liberals speak to you of protecting British values of tolerance and decency. Many extreme Islamists are fighting against the very values we cherish. They want to oppress and frighten our women and girls indoors. Islamic extremists are at war with our culture. They have no wish to integrate and are proud to live apart in ghettos of extremist hate.

Pictured: Terrified people flee as they are caught up in the terror attack in Borough Market

And they signpost themselves clearly. They are not hard to find. They are against the Prevent Strategy. They are the sickening preachers of CAGE, given platform by fawning liberals. They are monsters hiding in plain sight. And they are known to the authorities.

To the police, the politicians, the people in power, I say this: we are sick, SICK, of hearing that these animals are known to the authorities.

Why are we the casualties in a game of war where the human rights of the terrorists are prioritised above the right to life of our baby girls and regular Brits out with their families for a meal and a drink?

Our process for dealing with terror cannot be words or vigils. It must be internment and deportation. And we keep deporting until our house is in order.

And broader than that, we need to rebuild broken Britain into a secular nation that is host to many religions and none. Where true leadership from those who integrate  such as the beautiful Sikh community  is rewarded. And those who seek to carve out enclaves guided by their religious identity are not housed or funded by the British taxpayer.

If leaders think our fantastic emergency services are the ANSWER to co-ordinated terror attacks, they are asking the wrong question. If Sadiq believes, as he said, that voting on Thursday shows we are not cowed, we are scraping new depths of desperation. London Bridge has fallen down on his watch, and the whole world sees us fail.

We are under attack. It is co-ordinated and determined, and the attackers own mortality is no deterrent.

It is time to begin the fight back for Britain
A journalist has offered ISIS 50,000 to fight him after posing outside Parliament with a sword in a bizarre stunt.

Andre Walker, a columnist for the New York Observer, posted a picture of himself with his cutlass on Twitter outside the House of Commons.

He said: 'A bounty on my head. Any #ISIS terrorist that kills me gets 50k. I'll give my address. No police. But I've got a sword. Good luck.'

Walker posted the Tweet from the Westminster terrace, a popular bar for politicians and journalists

The bizarre stunt took place just 12 hours after three jihadi fanatics killed seven and injured 48 in central London.

However Walker, who has spent his career covering Parliament as a Lobby Correspondent, was quickly mocked for his ill-timed stunt.

Jeffrey Peel responded on Twitter: 'Not sure what point you're making with this.'

Walker responded: 'They are cowards who blow up kids and run people over. I'm suggesting a fair fight...with me.'

He later said that he would be 'changing his will on Monday.'

Walker had previously worked for Breitbart as a political journalist

People immediately started saying the post was insensitive, while others simply continued mocking him.

The former Breitbart writer told the Mirror he stood by his tweet.

He said: 'As a freeman of the City of London I have a sword. And my offer to any terrorist is this: why don't you pick on someone your own size.

Twitter users were quick to mock Walker's bizarre stunt

Walker maintained that he was 'up for it' and said he wanted terrorists to 'pick on someone their own size'

'It's an act of frustration and I repeat the thing. 50,000 for anyone who wants to fight me. I'm up for it.'

Labour Parliamentary candidate for Redcar Anna Turley said: 'Parliament please can you refer this to parliamentary authorities.'

Dean Van Nguyen tweeted: 'Have a day off mate.'

Twitter user Jeff Greenspan said that Walker had made the terror attack 'all about you'

Tim Burrow said: 'I deal with some right clowns in my day job (criminal defence solicitor), but even the dimmest look like Einstein compared to this one.'

Steven O'Brien added: 'It's worrying this clown has a job based in the House of Commons. May be for not much longer.'

Jeff Greenspan added: 'Congratulations on making a terror attack all about you.'
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Donald Trump has criticized London mayor Sadiq Khan just hours after a terror attack in the city on Saturday night left at least seven people dead and 48 injured.

The president took to Twitter early on Sunday morning to criticize Khan for telling residents of his city that there is 'no reason to be alarmed' after three terrorists ran over a crowd of people and stabbed several others before being shot dead.

But Khan's remarks had been taken out of context.

The mayor was talking about an increased police presence in the British capital when he said there was 'no reason to be alarmed'.

Khan had earlier released a statement condemning the attacks as 'barbaric' and 'cowardly'.

Trump said on Sunday morning: 'We must stop being politically correct and get down to the business of security for our people. If we don't get smart it will only get worse.'

'At least 7 dead and 48 wounded in terror attack and Mayor of London says there is "no reason to be alarmed!"'

'Do you notice we are not having a gun debate right now? That's because they used knives and a truck!'

Loggerheads: Donald Trump has attacked London Mayor Sadiq Khan (right) for telling Londoners there was 'no reason to be alarmed' after Saturday's horrific terror attack

Slammed: Trump mocked Khan the morning after several people were killed. But his took the mayor's remarks out of context; Khan was in fact telling Lononers not to be concerned by the increased police presence in coming days

Furious: In an official tweet, Khan said he was 'furious' about the terrorist attack. A spokesman for his office also dismissed Trump's comments as 'ill-informed' and said Khan had 'more important things to do' than to worry about the tweets

Extremism: The three attackers (one suspect seen lying down, with fake bomb vest) drove into people on London Bridge just after 10pm Saturday, then ran through a popular nightlife area, attacking civilians before they were shot by police

In an interview on TV, Khan had said: 'Londoners will see an increased police presence today and over the course of the next few days. There's no reason to be alarmed.'

A spokesman for Khan's office responded to Trump's tweets, saying: 'The Mayor is busy working with the police, emergency services and the government to coordinate the response to this horrific and cowardly terrorist attack.

'He has more important things to do than respond to Donald Trump's ill-informed tweet that deliberately takes out of context his remarks urging Londoners not to be alarmed when they saw more police - including armed officers - on the streets.'

He added: 'The advice to the public is to remain vigilant but carry on with their lives.'

Trump's remarks riled up many Twitter users, who then took the president to task for what they saw as his un-presidential bearing.

'Yes, idiot, because when people panic, the terrorists win,' Mike Elgan wrote. 'That's why it's called terrorism.'

'Leaders comfort citizens,' wrote Tony Posnanski. 'They work with authorities and other leaders for answers...not yell "WE ARE ALL GOING TO DIE!"'

But others were supportive of Trump, with a number calling for the reinstatement of his travel ban.

In an official statement on Twitter, Khan said he was 'appalled and furious' by the attackers, whom he derided as 'twisted, barbaric cowards.'

'I'd urge all Londoners to remain calm and vigilant today and in the days ahead,' he said, adding: 'We will never let these cowards win and we will never be cowed by terrorism.'

Worse: The president promised that things would get 'worse' if America didn't stop being 'politically correct' and 'smart' but the responses to his tweets were largely negative

'Idiot': Many responses to Trump's tweet were less than polite, with this user saying that Trump was playing into the terrorists' hands by encouraging people to panic

Angry: This user was similarly upset, saying that Trump was not being a true leader by suggesting that people should be alarmed by the terrorist attack

Support: Trump did get some support online, however, with this user and several others calling for his long-promised Muslim travel ban

The attack occurred late Saturday night, beginning when three jihadis - who have not yet been identified - swerved into crowds of people on London bridge at speeds of up to 50mph shortly before 10:10pm.

The three attackers, then left the van with 12-inch hunting knives and fake suicide vests and went on a random stabbing spree, shouting 'this is for Allah'.

One witness said: 'No one was hurt from the van impact but as the men got out the van they started kicking, punching and stabbing victims they ran over. It was a rampage.'

The attackers then went on to nearby Borough Market, a popular nightlife area with packed-out restaurants and bars.

Witnesses said the gang smashed pub windows and reportedly cut the throats of drinkers as civilians barricaded themselves inside and fought off the attackers with pint glasses and chairs.

One witness saw a 'dark-skinned' man in a red tracksuit 'calmly' stab a man three times while another witnessed a victim being stabbed in the face.

Armed police rushed to the scene and shot dead all three suspects within eight minutes of receiving the first emergency call and placed the area on lock-down.

Photographer Gabriele Sciotto told BBC News he ran towards the scene of the attack.

'I came in after the men stabbed some other men,' he said. 'I ran towards the scene because I noticed this man with this kind of explosive looking belt on his chest, they were running.

'A police officer was trying to put himself between them and the crowd. After that they were almost coming towards me and I tried to run away. Then they were going towards the main street. At that point, I ran towards them.

'More police came over, I guess they were on radio or something because in around like two or five seconds they shot all the three men down. That is what I honestly saw.'

By the end of the rampage, seven people were left dead and a further 48 were wounded.

Horror: The identities of the attackers in the horrific killing spree are still being sought; the area they attacked is still on lock down and the terror threat level remains at 'severe' meaning another attack is 'highly likely' according to authorities

Victims: As well as those wounded and killed, many witnesses were left in a state of shock Saturday. Some reported seeing people being stabbed in the face and throat

Rushing in: One bystander captured this dramatic footage as police rushed into a London bar. Cops are seen telling everyone to stay on the ground

The identities of the attackers, described as being 'of Mediterranean origin,' are still being sought by police.

Five people were reportedly arrested in an early morning raid on a block of flats in Barking, east London, on Sunday during the investigation into what is the third terror attack on British soil in the last three months.

Speaking today, British Prime Minister Theresa May confirmed the London Bridge atrocity was not directly connected to last month's Manchester bombing or the Westminster attack in April, but that all three are linked by 'the single evil ideology of Islamist extremism'.

The terror threat level remains at 'severe', meaning another attack is 'highly likely,' and the area in which the attacks occurred is still locked down.

TERROR TIMELINE 10.08pm Police were called to reports of a vehicle hitting pedestrians on London Bridge. Terrorists got out of car and ran to Borough Market stabbing people 10.16pm Three terrorists shot dead in Borough Market 10.32pm London Bridge station is closed 11pm Police said another incident was happening in Vauxhall as the station was reportedly evacuated 12.25am The incidents at London Bridge and Borough market & were declared as terrorist incidents 12.55am Police said the incident at Vauxhall was a stabbing and not connected to the terrorism Advertisement

An on-duty British Transport Police officer who rushed to protect bystanders was among the first victims attacked as the maniacs abandoned their vehicle and began stabbing at random.

He suffered 'serious but not life-threatening injuries' and his family has been informed.

Some 48 people have been taken to five hospitals across London after the horrific attack. One of the fatalities was at London bridge, it has been reported.

'The men said "This is for Allah" as they left the van and attacked victims. There were definitely three people sitting at the front of the van,' witness Eric Seguenzo told BBC News.

He added: 'I thought the van was travelling on wrong side of the road, as though the brakes had failed. The white van had yellow stripes, veered to the right and people tried to jump out the way.'

Witnesses to the terror attack heard at least 12 gunshots in the area, now believed to have been police firing at the attackers.

Ben and his wife Natalie were in Borough Market near the Southwark Tavern. They told BBC Radio 5 Live that they saw a 'dark-skinned man in a red tracksuit' stabbing a man.

Ben said: 'We saw people running away and then I saw a man in red with a large blade, at a guess 10 inches long, stabbing a man, about three times.

'I was across the road about 15m away. [The attacker] was dark-skinned and had a red tracksuit on.

'It looked like the man had been trying to intervene, but there wasn't much he could do. He was being stabbed quite coldly and he slumped to the ground.'

Fleeing: Civilians fled the scene as the attacks occurred in the British capital. The attackers were armed with 12-inch knives, according to witnesses. It took eight minutes from the police being contacted for the terrorists to be shot dead

Trump used the terror attacks in London as a jumping-off point to bring up a series of US policy questions.

Shortly after his tweet about Khan, Trump hit out at calls for tighter gun laws in the US, noting that the London attackers didn't use firearms in their assault.

'Do you notice we are not having a gun debate right now?' he asked. 'That's because they used knives and a truck!'

And his first response to the attack was to tweet: 'We need to be smart, vigilant and tough. We need the courts to give us back our rights. We need the Travel Ban as an extra level of safety!'

It was only after making his travel ban tweet that Trump addressed the attack on the UK.

'Whatever the United States can do to help out in London and the U. K., we will be there - WE ARE WITH YOU. GOD BLESS!' he tweeted.

Opportunity: Trump took the opportunity to hit out at those who call for tighter gun laws in the US, saying the attackers in London didn't use firearms to kill

Ban: Trump also called for the return of his failed travel ban on several Muslim-majority countries, which has repeatedly been thrown out by courts as unconstitutional

It was only after making his initial tweet about reinstating the travel ban that Trump then addressed the actual attack, saying that the US will do whatever it can to help

The reaction to Trump's tweets was largely negative, with several expressing annoyance that he chose to push his political agenda before he actually expressed solidarity with, or interest in, the British people.

'OH GREAT! ON THE SECOND TWEET, AFTER PUSHING YOUR BAN, YOU SUPPORT THE UK! YOU ARE DISGUSTING,' fumed Jules Suzdaltsev.

And CNN host Reza Aslan wrote: 'This piece of s**t is not just an embarrassment to America and a stain on the presidency. He's an embarrassment to humankind.'

Political commentator Keith Olbermann was similarly savage: 'The extra level of safety we need is for you to be removed from office,' he said. 'You are a clear and present danger to this nation and its freedoms.'

Others noted that Trump was openly referring to his proposed legislation as a travel 'ban' despite White House spokesman Sean Spicer having previously asked the press not to refer to it as such.

On January 31, Spicer said: 'It's not a Muslim ban. It's not a travel ban. It's a vetting system to keep America safe.'

He added: 'It can't be a ban if youre letting a million people in. If 325,000 people from another country can come in, that is by nature not a ban. It is extreme vetting.'

So Trump's remarks chimed with critics such as the ACLU's national Twitter account, which said, 'Glad we both agree the ban is a ban.'

And NBC broadcaster Joe Scarborough wrote: 'Attention Supreme Court--> Now he's calling it a travel ban again and giving you reason to uphold the lower courts' rulings. What a dope.'

Furious: CNN host Reza Aslan was angry about Trump demanding his travel ban in response to the London attacks, saying the president was a 'piece of s**t' and 'and embarrassment to humankind'

Danger? Political commentator Keith Olbermann demanded that Trump be kicked out of the White House, saying he - and his proposed travel ban - are 'a clear and present danger' to the US and 'its freedoms'

Ban? Sean Spicer had told press not to refer to a 'travel ban', saying Trump's proposed executive order was in fact merely 'extreme vetting' - but many, such as the ACLU, noted Trump had now contradicted Spicer's remarks

'Dope': NBC broadcaster Joe Scarborough called Trump a 'dope' and suggested that the president referring to it as a 'travel ban' might discourage the Supreme Court from overturning the holds placed on it by the lower courts

Trump and Khan - who is the first Muslim to have been elected as mayor of a major Western capital - have been at loggerheads before.

In May last year, Trump was asked whether his proposed travel ban would apply to Khan.

The then-candidate had suggested a temporary ban on any Muslims entering the country after the November 2015 attacks in Paris.

He told the press there could be 'some exceptions' - implying that Khan would be one of the few permitted to enter the US - but Khan rejected that proposal out of hand saying he didn't want to be 'the exception'.

'This isnt just about me - it's about my friends, my family and everyone who comes from a background similar to mine, anywhere in the world,' he said, according to The Independent.

'Donald Trump's ignorant view of Islam could make both our countries less safe - it risks alienating mainstream Muslims around the world and plays into the hands of the extremists.

'Donald Trump and those around him think that western liberal values are incompatible with mainstream Islam - London has proved him wrong.'

Khan also said at the time that he hoped Hillary Clinton would 'trounce' Trump in the election.

The mayor also came under fire from Donald Trump Jr in a tweet from March, in which he linked to an interview with Khan in the Independent.

'You have to be kidding me?!' he tweeted, 'Terror attacks are part of living in big city, says London Mayor Sadiq Khan.'

It's not clear whether the billionaire's son had read the article, which was from September 2016, and in which Khan had used those words to encourage Londoners to 'be vigilant' for anything suspicious.
Jewish demonstrators created a protective barrier around Muslims during their Ramadan protest outside New York's Trump Tower on Thursday.

More than 100 Muslims gathered outside the president's Manhattan home and business headquarters in a peaceful protest against Trump's immigration policies, divisive rhetoric and negative bias against Islam.

'Everyday American Muslims are confronted with bigotry and hate while commuting to work and school, applying for jobs, practicing their faith and simply living their lives,' Anu Joshi, deputy director of the New York State Immigrant Action Fund, Press TV reports.

Activist Linda Sarsour hugs a friend a holding a protest sign which reads 'Jews stand against Islamophobia and racism' at the demonstration

Hundreds of New Yorkers of all faiths gather in New York City to break bread in an iftar celebration outside Trump Tower, New York

Muslim women activists pray outside Trump Tower in Manhattan in a peaceful protest

Muslim activists pray the Maghrib sunset prayer before having Iftar, a meal Muslims eat after sunset during Ramadan, outside Trump Tower

The activists joined together outside Trump tower on Thursday to sit down together and enjoyed their first meal after sunset, known as iftar, during the sixth day of Ramadan.

Fatoumata Waggeh, 26, said she decided to take part in the protest to denounce 'rhetoric they are spreading around Muslims.'

While Muslims ate together and prayed, a group of Jewish activists showed solidarity by surrounding them as they prayed.

'Jews are forming a protective perimeter around our Muslim siblings as they prepare to pray. We keep each other safe,' wrote the group Jews for Racial and Economic Justice on Twitter.

Female Muslim activists embrace as they gather outside Trump Tower to protest against his divisive rhetoric

More than 100 Muslims gathered outside the president's Manhattan home and business headquarters in a peaceful protest against Trump

Muslim activists eat Iftar, a meal Muslims eat after sunset during Ramadan, outside Trump Tower

Muslim New Yorkers tuck into pizza during the iftar outside Trump Tower

'I just thought it was an opportunity for us to come together as a community, to show that we are united,' Maggie Glass, a 31 year-old New Yorker with a Jewish refugee association.

Police officers on Fifth Avenue monitored the peaceful protest closely.

The event came days after Trump also issued a statement, wishing 'all Muslims a joyful Ramadan.'

However, the message was marred by the fact that the White House broke with 20 years of tradition to hold a Ramadan event.

Trump's campaign was marked by his anti-Islamic rhetoric and his administration has twice tried to impose a travel ban on several Muslim-majority countries. 'I think Islam hates us,' he said at one point.

A Muslim woman leads the protests against Trump and his administration's attitude towards Islam

The activists joined together outside Trump tower on Thursday to sit down together and enjoy their first meal after sunset, known as iftar, during the sixth day of Ramadan, and pray

Only a week after taking office, he signed an executive order to ban immigrants from seven majoritively Muslim countries  Iraq, Iran, Syria, Sudan, Libya, Somalia, and Yemen  from entering the United States, a decision that sparked widespread protests at the nation's airports and demonstrations outside the White House.

That ban was blocked in federal court, prompting the administration to sign a second one.

The second version, which dropped Iraq from the list, was also blocked in court.

During his campaign, he called for a 'total and complete shutdown' of the entry of Muslims to the United States 'until our country's representatives can figure out what the hell is going on,' insisting that a sizable segment of the Muslim population has 'great hatred toward Americans.'

During his recent visit to the Middle East he called on the Muslim world, casting the challenge as a 'battle between good and evil' and urging Arab leaders to 'drive out the terrorists from your places of worship.'
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After a city break in Sydney, Pippa Middleton and James Matthews went bush for the next leg of their whirlwind Australian honeymoon with a three-day stay in a luxury wild bush resort.

The newlyweds trekked to Bamurru Plains near Kakadu National Park three hours from Darwin to get a taste of real outback Australia without having to rough it.

Staying at the resort, set on a working buffalo station, costs $1,350 a night for the most expensive 'ultimate wilderness experience package' that includes all meals, open bar, and a variety of tours.

Pippa Middleton and James Matthews went bush for the next leg of their whirlwind Australian honeymoon

Bamurru Plains guests taking an airboat through the wetlands looking for crocodiles, birds and other native animals

An airboat glides through the swamp with tourists getting their cameras out to photograph Australian animals

Bamurru Plains offers numerous safaris to experience Australia's unique wildlife and landscape, with luxury bungalows as accommodation where guests wake to the calls of magpies.

'Each safari bungalow overlooks the floodplain and with mesh walls on three sides lets guests hear, see and almost touch the wildlife and wilderness around them,' the resort's website boasts.

If Pippa and James chose the best room in the resort - the Kingfisher Suite which fits a family of five - they would be able to stretch out over the 81sqm bedroom with a king size bed, and huge lounge room.

'The size of the Kingfisher Suite allows for an intimate in-room candlelit dinner with only the sounds of the bush as company,' the resort said.

Pippa and her newlywed husband James are enjoying a whirlwind honeymoon in Australia after their recent wedding

The Kingfisher Suite safari bungalow features an 81sqm bedroom with a king size bed, and huge lounge room with floor-to-ceiling mesh walls

As the biggest accommodation in the resort it fits a family of five with the children sleeping on the smaller beds

The food on offer with the luxury package is just as decadent as you'd expect with dishes such as kangarooo skewers, crispy barramundi with finger lime salsa, and Quandong ice-cream

The bungalows are right in the middle of the wilderness surrounded by native wildlife

Guests can sit outside their rooms and watch buffaloes and other animals frollick across the landscape

The bathroom is in keeping with the theme of the resort and location, featuring rustic chic timber and corrugated iron walls.

The food on offer with the luxury package is just as decadent as you'd expect with dishes such as kangarooo skewers, crispy barramundi with finger lime salsa, and Quandong ice-cream.

'We might start the day with freshly baked wild berry and wattle seed muffins, bush eggs any style on sourdough toast with bacon, tomato, warrigal green and kutjera relish or house blend bircher museli with Manuka honey, bush apple and a dollop of vanilla bean yoghurt,' the resort boasted.

River cruises to look for crocodiles are one of the most popular activities as they are such well-known Australian animals

Bamurru Plains is a working buffalo station and so is full of the horned animals roaming around, along with 236 bird species

Guests on an open-deck safari through the wilderness getting up close to Australian native animals at sunset

Two kingfishers perch on a branch, one of 236 species of native birds that guests can see and be awoken by in the morning

An airboat whips across a swamp inhabited by crocodiles, birds and various other reptiles

Wallabies and buffaloes roam free near the resort buildings and are easy to come across during your stay

Lunch and canapes are served out in the wilderness while on activities, followed by a three-course dinner featuring Australian bush-inspired recipes.

The couple spent their time skimming across the floodplains by airboat, fishing, spotting crocodiles from a river boat, and spying wallabies and buffaloes on a open-top safaris on 4WD or quadbikes.

Wildlife they could have encountered include wallabies, wntilopine wallaroos, dingos, Crocodiles, wild pigs, buffalo, and 236 species of birds, with reptiles, possums, water monitors and other amphibians out at night.

One of the many other bungalows guests can stay in, with the ambiance of the bush around them

The Hide treetop lookout where guests can soak up the atmosphere and birdwatch

You can even spend the night in the open air inside The Hide for a romantic evening for two

The savannah swamp is one of the defining landscapes of northern Australia and home to many native animals

An aerial view of the region where the resort is located, showing the vast landscape

Guests light a fire outside their resort to enjoy a meal as the sun goes down over the bush landscape

Guests can relax in a pool surrounded by the bush and watch as the sun sets

A guest strips down for a dip in the pool as native animals are seen in the background

The whole 300 square kilometre resort has no internet access, television, or mobile phone coverage, allowing guests to completely escape the modern environment.

The charter flight from the resort to Darwin cost the billionaire couple up to $650 each for each way.

When it was all over they jetted back to Darwin before flying to Perth on Sunday for the next leg of their mega honeymoon.

One of the resort's rustic buildings where guests congregate for meals or before their outback adventures

Another shot of a pool and the deck surrounding it, with a lounge area nearby to relax after days on the land
Charles Gordon, 52, has been found guilty of killing his sister, Elizabeth Bowe, 50

A man found guilty of murdering his own sister told a police officer he 'may as well give up' trying to save her.

Charles Gordon, 52, who was found guilty on Friday of killing Elizabeth Bowe, 50, at her home in Bobby Jones Place, St Andrews, Fife, said: 'She's already dead,' as he sat on a sofa, calmly smoking a cigarette, the High Court in Glasgow was told.

PC Craig Walker was carrying out CPR on Elizabeth Bowe lying yards away.

Gordon, who will be sentenced next month for the murder on September 17 last year, was originally accused of raping her, but that charge was withdrawn.

He was found guilty of putting a dressing gown around Ms Bowe's neck, compressing it and placing a bag over her head.

In an interview with detectives played to the court he said: 'Yeah, I f ***** g done it and I'm not going into detail. I can't be a***d, OK?'

PC Walker told the court how he and colleague PC Keith Leinster were on mobile patrol when they were called to an incident at a flat in Bobby Jones Place at around 9.25pm on September 17.

PC Walker said he had to force entry to the communal door, but was told to come in by Gordon when he knocked on Ms Bowe's door.

He saw Gordon sitting on the sofa smoking a cigarette, with Ms Bowe lying motionless beside a coffee table on the floor.

PC Walker told the court that she was only dressed on her top half wearing a vest top, with her bra undone.

He saw that she had blood in her mouth and what he initially thought was a blue blanket wrapped 'like a scarf' around her neck.

He also saw a torn and stretched carrier bag with blood on it nearby.

PC Walker told the court that he started doing chest compressions, as he couldn't do mouth-to-mouth due to the presence of blood, and heard Gordon say: 'She's already dead, you might as well give up.'

While PC Walker's focus was on trying to save Ms Bowe's life, PC Leinster handcuffed Gordon.

Gordon was found guilty at Glasgow High Court for the murder on September 17 last year

He said Gordon had been compliant and had not shown any emotion, although he had been 'a bit rambling' as he appeared under the influence of alcohol.

The court then heard how Gordon had told police: 'I wish it hadn't happened, but it did.'

After being taken to Kirkcaldy police station, Gordon said: 'Wee sister tried to be a wee s**t, so I tried to kill her.'

A short time later, he said: 'Nothing to hide, I know what I've done.'

Asked by prosecutor Iain McSporran what Gordon's mood was like, PC Leinster replied: 'He didn't appear to be a man who was distraught at the potential loss of life of his sister.'

However, solicitor Iain Paterson put it to PC Leinster that Gordon's apparent lack of emotion could have been a sign he was in shock.

He also queried PC Leinster's notebook entries, suggesting the statements attributed to his client were not full sentences.

PC Leinster replied: 'Generally when I'm dealing with people who are intoxicated, their management of full English is not brilliant.'

Sergeant James Scarborough, who had been a Detective Constable at Kirkcaldy at the time, confirmed Gordon had made the statements alleged after his detention.

Sgt Scarborough added Gordon became 'quite abusive' when trying to move him from his cell at 5.18am the following morning and told him 'you'll be next'.

The court was also played the recording of a police interview with Gordon, during which he repeatedly used the phrase 'no comment' in response to questioning.

Ms Bowe was taken to Ninewells Hospital in Dundee, but died three days later from her injuries

However, at one point when detectives pointed out Gordon had done the 'honourable' thing by phoning police and waiting at the scene, Gordon suddenly said: 'Would you rather I did a runner and flung her f ***** g body in the wheelie bin round the back?

'Yeah, I f ***** g done it and I'm not going into detail. I can't be a***d, OK?'

Ms Bowe was found with injuries to her neck and face and was taken to Ninewells Hospital in Dundee. She passed away three days later, on Tuesday, 20 September.

Detective Chief Inspector Rory Hamilton, who led the investigation, said: 'Charles Gordon carried out a horrific attack on his younger sister, Elizabeth, within her own home and the injuries he inflicted upon her were so severe that she passed away within hospital a few days later.

'This incident left the community deeply shocked and while detectives conducted a thorough investigation and made a quick arrest, local officers provided reassurance, assistance and support to Elizabeth's neighbours and the general public within St Andrews.

'I would like to thank all of those who assisted Police Scotland with our inquiries, including Elizabeth's family and friends, whom I hope can now begin to move on with their lives following this conviction.'
For Pete DAndrea, getting a job at Google on the company's self-driving car team was a dream come true.

But him and his wife Kara had already been living out of a Winnebago RV for months, and were wary of blowing Pete's newfound salary on rent in Silicon Valley.

The logical solution - parking their makeshift house-on-wheels in the Google parking lot and living out of it for almost two years.

The couple gave Business Insider a tour of their RV, which they had originally paid $1,900 for, pointing out the ways they had maximized the tiny space.

A mounted twin bed takes up most of the larger space, but allows for storage underneath. The minuscule bathroom is multi-purpose, and includes a sink that folds down and a shower head that can be coiled away.

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Pete DAndrea works at Google and used to live in the company's parking lot. Him and his wife Kara slept and cooked in a tiny Winnebago for almost two years

They originally paid $1,900 for the RV and maximized the small space by having a folding sink, a makeshift toilet and mounted mattress

A person can only fit in the bathroom, however, if they keep the door open or slide two wall panels out. The toilet has a bowl instead of a tank, which is emptied after every use.

The lack of amenities, amazingly, did not deter Pete's coworkers from visiting.

'People liked us when we lived on campus,' Pete, who has since moved out of the Winnebago and bought a home with Kara, said. 'They used to always come and hang out at our RV for drinks after work.'

'We always had beer and meat, so I don't know, maybe we were buying peoples' love,' Kara added.

Despite the functionality of the RV, security guards at the company were not amused by their ingenuity at first.

'Google security was onto us pretty quick. They surrounded the van one day,' Pete told Business Insider.

Pete said he stepped out of the RV and showed them his badge, explaining that he worked 90 hours a week at the tech company. After that point, security would stop by from time to time and check on the couple, but never bothered them.

Pete and Kara said it was like having their own security team and that over time they became 'buddies' with the officials.

The couple originally started their journey in the Winnebago in 2010.

Kara and Pete have since moved into a real house, but said 'having a mortgage has been way more stressful' than sharing the RV

'We were in Chicago and we decided to go on a great adventure. We sold everything we owned and bought this here LeSharo,' Pete said.

Pete has just gotten his MBA and thought Austin 'is where all the jobs are,' so the duo hit the road.

During their journey, funds slowly dwindled.

'I think we were down to our last $50. And we were arguing in line at Walmart, [should we get] rice and beans or rice, beans and beer,' Pete said.

'On the way to the checkout a recruiter called me and said they were going to do a hiring event in San Antonio.'

Pete aced the Google interview, and just like that, he and Kara packed up and took off.

After living in the RV in the parking lot for a year-and-a-half to two years, Pete was able to save 80 percent of his income and finally put a down payment on a house nearby.

Though the duo has settled into the new home, which features a walk-in closet as big as their Winnebago, they still reminisce on their parking lot days.

'We just didn't ever want to be as broke as we were. That was the scariest point, because we just never knew where food was gonna come from the week that I went on that interview and it really freaked us out,' Pete said.

'We wanted to feel comfortable and a lot of people probably think this is the antithesis of comfortable, but I actually really loved it, I was really happy in the Winnebago,' Kara said.

'Having a mortgage has been way more stressful than ever living in this,' Pete added.
A Londoner who fled a pub with his 6 pint still in hand during last night's attack has been praised as a symbol of Britain's defiance against terror.

The man, whose identity is not known, is seen running next to panicked revellers following the barbaric van and knife attack - but is still clutching onto his half-finished beer.

The photo emerged as a transport worker penned a poignant message on a tube station whiteboard after seven people were murdered and 48 injured in the country's second terror attack in a fortnight.

British spirit: In a harrowing moment where people ran for their lives, one man caught the eye of social media users online after they noticed he'd managed not to spill a drop of his pint

Poignant: The much-needed message, written on the board at London Bridge tube station, was spotted this morning just hours after seven were stabbed to death by three terrorists

Rallying round: A vicar was on hand to give out cups of much-needed tea to busy emergency service workers

Coming together: Thoughtful staff from Sainsbury's spotted pictured giving sandwiches and bottles of water to exhausted police officers this morning

Defiant Londoners united in their grief and fury are coming together and have been throwing open their doors, offering accommodation, food and shelter to those affected by the incident.

And today an apt message appeared at London Bridge's underground station reading: 'London Bridge will never fall down. You can't break our spirit.' It is believed to have been written by a TFL employee.

Above the message, the author wrote the abbreviation of 'quote of the day' - a nod to the atrocities which saw 48 injured after three men launched a crazed knife attack at Borough Market last night.

Londoners have rallied round to help victims and the emergency services in a continued display of acts of kindness.

This morning staff from Sainsburys were handing out sandwiches and bottles of water to police officers while a vicar was seen giving much-needed cups of tea to exhausted emergency workers.

Online the hashtag #PrayForLondon has seen hundreds offer up their homes and office space to help those left stranded.

And in a moment of true darkness for the country, some have tried to find some light. In one image showing people running for their lives, a gentleman wearing devil horns caught the eye of people on social media.

Despite being caught up in the chaos, he had somehow managed to not spill a drop of his drink. In the image, he held the half-drunk pint glass with caution as he joined the throng of people fleeing from the scene of the atrocity.

Holly Robinson (left) and Mary Lynch offered their spare room in London to stranger George Moss after he lost his phone and couldn't get beyond the cordon to get home

We never die! Social media has been awash with people sharing words of comfort and support in the hours after the tragedy

Investigation underway: Forensic officers at the scene of London Bridge this morning, which remains closed to the public

Forensic officers were seen circling blood splatter and bagging pieces of evidence as they scour London Bridge today

Masked police officers wielding guns were seen at London Bridge on Sunday morning as the area remains on lock down

Men wearing safety harnesses lower the flags over Downing Street to half mast for the victims of last night's terror attack on London Bridge and Borough Market

Today flags at Downing Street have been erected at half mast in a sign of respect for the victims.

Seven were killed after three men with 12-inch hunting knives stabbed revellers after mowing down up to 30 people with a white van on London Bridge.

One man George Moss, 22, was taken in by two strangers after he was unable to get home when police put a cordon between Borough Market and Elephant and Castle.

There was an outpouring of support from kindhearted locals to help those caught up in the third attack on UK soil in ten weeks.

Cathy Jaquiss said: 'Anyone stranded or scared near London Bridge we have a warm flat and a sofa bed right around the corner. Please share #londonbridge'

A wounded victim was wheeled out on stretcher in Monument - where 50 police stormed the station with police dogs

Terrifying footage from the scene shows police officers shouting 'Clear the scene now!' as panicked pedestrians flee

Kind women offer stranger who was caught up in terror their spare room A young man caught up in the London Bridge incident has thanked two strangers who offered him a bed for the night after being left stranded. George Moss, 22, was unable to get home after police put a cordon between Borough Market and Elephant and Castle. Mr Moss, originally from Guernsey, also lost his phone during the evening, which meant he initially had no way of contacting family or friends to ask for a bed to stay. After borrowing a phone from a reporter at the scene, Mr Moss was able to get in touch with Holly Robinson and Mary Lynch, who tweeted that strangers with nowhere else to stay could crash at their home in Vauxhall. A police officer stands guard on Borough High Street. One witness said she saw three people with what appeared to be their throats cut on London Bridge amid the 'utter chaos' Speaking from his new, temporary accommodation, Mr Moss said: 'I was out this evening trying to make my own way home at around 11.30pm but couldn't make my way through anywhere. 'I met (a reporter) who lent me his phone so I tried to get hold of my mum and dad. 'After that I went towards Vauxhall and found Holly and Mary who very kindly gave me a place to stay. (Without them) I would have been in a pickle, I wouldn't have anywhere else to go. 'Having someone so close and so willing to help makes a massive difference.' Ms Lynch, 23, from Nottingham, said: 'I think we saw when things (terror attacks) had happened in Orlando and Manchester and thinking if I had been in that situation I would want to know that people were going to open up their homes.' Ms Robinson, from Birmingham, said her original tweet was able to reach many followers after it was retweeted by former Newsround presenter Lizo Mzimba, who she once met after asking him for a selfie. She said: 'I just tweeted it (the offer) because we were here, we have friends stuck in various places. You have to give whatever you can, whenever you can. 'That's all we wanted to do, we didn't know if anyone would come but it was just to put the offer out there.' Advertisement

Rosie Crisp wrote: 'If anyone needs a bed for tonght, I live in halls by southwark station, I have cider in the fridge plus bagals. #LondonBridge #BoroughMarket'

Terri Paddock added: 'Just in case of any help: we live in SE1 b/t #LondonBridge & #Vauxhall. Have spare bed & car if anyone needs help.'

Pop star Ariana Grande, whose Manchester concert was bombed by a terrorist two weeks ago, tweeted: 'Praying for London'. Her management confirmed today the One Love charity benefit concert would still go ahead.

Terrifying footage from the scene shows police officers shouting 'Clear the scene now!' as panicked pedestrians flee. London Ambulance said multiple resources were attending the area.

The car that the three men were in is believed to have veered in an 'S shape' across the bridge and has driven towards the Shard and is south of the river. There are unconfirmed reports that it is a B&Q and Hertz van.

The bridge is in lock down and the area around it is closed with bus routes being diverted, as armed police and a bomb squad attend the scene and boats search the water.

The attacks in the streets of London come just days after armed troops were pulled off the streets of Britain.

Thousands of soldiers were deployed by Theresa May following the bombing at Manchester arena as she raised the UK threat level from 'severe' to 'critical'.

One witness Ben was 15 metres away near Borough Market when he saw a man with a knife stabbing people in the street.

He said: I was across the road from Borough market. We saw people running away and then shouting. I saw a man in red with quite a large blade stabbing a man about three times fairly calmly.

A witness said an attacker had 'canisters attached to his abdomen as he stabbed multiple people in nearby Borough Market. Armed police have responded to reports of stabbings there and shots have been fired

'I was across the road about 15 metres away. He was dark-skinned and had a red tracksuit on.'

One witness who wished to remain anonymous told MailOnline: 'I was in Arabica restaurant with a friend in borough market.

'Suddenly there was commotion and people were screaming. Security guards were yelling at people to get back from the window. About 50 people piled into the restaurant. Then I heard two separate bursts of gunfire and people rushed into the restaurant kitchens to hide. It was utter chaos.

'Some people tried to leave the kitchens via the back door but some of us tried to keep people calm. We hid for 45minutes and then were evacuated from the market by armed police.'
Sen. Mark Warner, D-Va., the ranking member of the Senate Intelligence Committee, told CNN's Jake Tapper that he hasn't seen any evidence of collusion between the Trump campaign and the Russians, yet.

'Listen, there's a lot of smoke. We have no smoking gun at this point. But there is a lot of smoke,' Warner said on Sunday's State of the Union.

Warner was speaking in advance of former FBI Director James Comey's testimony, which will be before his committee, on Thursday and after Hillary Clinton suggested that the Russians disinformation campaign was guided by President Trump and his allies.

Sen. Mark Warner sat down with Jake Tapper on Sunday and said he hadn't found evidence of collusion between the Russians and the Trump campaign - yet

Sen. Mark Warner (left) told CNN's Jake Tapper (right) that there wasn't a 'smoking gun' - but there was plenty of smoke surrounding Trump associates and the Russians

Clinton made her claim Thursday, when speaking at the Code Conference in Rancho Palos Verdes, California.

'So the Russians, in my opinion, and based on the intel and the counterintel people Ive talked to, could not have known how best to weaponize that information unless they had been guided,' Clinton said.

Tapper asked Warner if he agreed.

'This is one of the questions we have to sort through,' Warner replied. 'It does seem strange, it appears, that Russian-paid internet trolls who created bots were then able to put forward fake news, selective stories in a way that seemed targeted.'

Warner suggested that both states and certain voting demographics were targeted.

'We don't have fool proof of that. So I'm not where Secretary Clinton is in terms of jumping to a conclusion. But this is one of the many questions that we need to investigate,' he said.

Warner also took time during the interview to talk about the upcoming hearings.

The Virginia Democrat didn't believe President Trump would try to stop Comey, who he fired, from testifying in public.

'I would hope that he would not,' Warner first said. 'I think he would be on shaky legal ground, to say the least.'

'Director Comey was fired by the president. And you have the president himself making derogatory comments, in effect, at least reported to the press, calling Comey a nutjob in front of the [Russians.] Totally inappropriate,' Warner continued.

Also inappropriate, Warner suggested, would be if Trump had asked Comey to back off the investigation into Russian meddling.

News reports said that Comey drafted memos after the president had asked him to do just that, in regards to the FBI investigation into former National Security Advisor Michael Flynn.

'And it would be absolutely unthinkable if the president of the United States asked the FBI director to basically back off an investigation that was directed at some of the affiliates of Mr. Trump,' Warner said.

Beyond Comey, the Director of National Intelligence Dan Coats and the head of the National Security Agency Mike Rogers are appearing on Wednesday before the Senate Intelligence Committee.

'I'm going to want to ask them, because there have been reports that the president also talked to both of them in terms of asking them to downplay the Russian investigation,' Warner said. 'That would be very concerning to me.'

Tapper then asked if Warner would consider it obstruction of justice if these reports ended up being true.

'Jake, I went to law school, but I'm not a practicing attorney. I will leave that for much better attorneys than I,' Warner said. 'But, clearly, it would be very, very troubling if the president of the United States is interfering in investigations that affect potentially the president and his closest associates.'
The United States is encouraged by China's efforts to restrain North Korea but Washington will not accept Beijing's militarization of islands in the South China Sea, U.S. Defense Secretary Jim Mattis said on Saturday.

The comments by Mattis, during the annual Shangri-La Dialogue, show how U.S. President Donald Trump's administration is looking to balance working with China to restrain North Korea's advancing missile and nuclear programs while dealing with Beijing's activities in the South China Sea.

U.S. allies have been worried by Trump's actively courting Chinese President Xi Jinping to restrain North Korea, fearing Washington might allow China a more free rein elsewhere in the region.

Some allies have also expressed concern that Washington's withdrawal from the Trans-Pacific trade partnership and the Paris global climate accord signals the United States is diluting its global leadership role.

Speaking at the dialogue, Asia's premier security forum, Mattis said the United States remained fully engaged with its partners.

"Like it or not, we are a part of the world...What a crummy world if we all retreat inside our borders," he said.

"Once we have exhausted all possible alternatives, the Americans will do the right thing," Mattis added, paraphrasing a quotation by British wartime leader Winston Churchill. "So we will still be there and we will be there with you."

Nevertheless, reversing or slowing North Korea's nuclear and missile programs has become a security priority for Washington, given Pyongyang's vow to develop a nuclear-tipped missile capable of hitting the U.S. mainland.

The Trump administration has been pressing China aggressively to rein in its reclusive neighbor, warning all options are on the table if North Korea persists with its weapons programs.

"The Trump administration is encouraged by China's renewed commitment to work with the international community toward denuclearization," Mattis said.

"Ultimately, we believe China will come to recognize North Korea as a strategic liability, not an asset."

However, Mattis said seeking China's cooperation on North Korea did not mean Washington would not challenge Beijing's activities in the South China Sea.

The U.N. Security Council on Friday expanded targeted sanctions against North Korea after its repeated missile tests, adopting the first such resolution agreed by the United States and China since Trump took office.

In another sign of increased pressure on North Korea, 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.

Japanese Defense Minister Tomomi Inada, speaking at the Singapore forum, said Tokyo backed the United States using any option to deal with North Korea, including military strikes, and was seeking a deeper alliance with Washington.

But she also said she was concerned about the situation in the South China Sea and in the East China Sea.

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. China and Japan both claim islands in the East China Sea.

LOW-KEY

China, which sent only a low-key delegation to the forum, said its ties with the United States were vital for the region.

"I believe that if China and the United States can ensure no conflict, as well as maintain mutual respect, cooperation and trust, it will contribute greatly to security in the Asia Pacific and the world," Lt Gen He Lei, the head of Beijing's delegation, told reporters.

Allies around the world have been concerned about the commitment of the United States since Trump took office on Jan. 20 because of his "America First" rhetoric and expectations that he would concentrate on a domestic agenda.

"We are still trying to figure out his (Trump's) policy in our region," said Malaysian Defense Minister Hishammuddin Hussein. "I would like to know very clearly what are the true intentions of the new administration."

Mattis sought to ease concerns for allies in the Asia-Pacific, saying the region was a priority and the primary effort was alliance building. He added, however, that countries must "contribute sufficiently to their own security."

In a sign of the U.S. commitment to the region, Mattis said that soon about 60 percent of overseas tactical aviation assets would be assigned to the region and he would work with the U.S. Congress on an Asia-Pacific stability initiative.

Mattis said the United States welcomed China's economic development, but he anticipated "friction" between the two countries.

"While competition between the U.S. and China, the world's two largest economies, is bound to occur, conflict is not inevitable," Mattis said.

While eager to work with China in dealing with North Korea, Mattis said the United States did not accept China placing weapons and other military assets on man-made islands in the South China Sea.

"We oppose countries militarizing artificial islands and enforcing excessive maritime claims," Mattis said. "We cannot and will not accept unilateral, coercive changes to the status quo."

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Twisted ISIS militants have praised the London Bridge attackers who murdered seven innocent civilians and wounded 48 more on Saturday.

Dozens of images have appeared on anonymous messaging channels with links to the terror group celebrating the slaughter and vowing to carry out more attacks.

ISIS has now claimed responsibility for the atrocity, after fighters had been calling for vehicle and knife attacks targeting the West to take place during Ramadan.

ISIS terrorists have celebrated the attack in London bridge which killed seven people and left 21 in critical condition on Saturday night

Anonymous messaging accounts with links to the group began posting images celebrating the slaughter on Sunday as police hunted for accomplices

Three jihadis ran down 20 people on London Bridge shortly after 10pm before going on a knife rampage through Borough Market, stabbing strangers at random.

Police eventually shot the men, who were wearing fake suicide vests, dead outside the Wheatsheaf pub.

One message contained the faces of jihadi fighters killed during other terror attacks in Europe, with a message which said: 'Let Paris be a lesson for those nations who wish to take heed'.

The caption reads: 'Crusading Brits now living in a state of terror and fear! Where is your great Kingdom now?'

ISIS commonly refers to Western nations involved in conflicts in the Middle East as 'crusaders'.

ISIS has nowclaimed responsibility for the attack, after the group called for knife and vehicle attacks during the month of Ramadan

Fighters also recalled the Manchester attack which happened less than two weeks before the London Bridge atrocity, as they celebrated the slaughter

Others said the attacks represented 'the black days we've promised'.

Yet more accounts posted images encouraging further attacks, telling extremists 'do your jihad even while you are in Europe'.

Another fighter vowed 'we will continue to terrorise you and ruin your lives.

The jihadi wrote: 'Today we fight you on our land, and tomorrow on your land, by Allah's permission.

'Soon, the vehicle attacks will be witnessed on your streets, by Allah's permission.'

Police have arrested 12 people over the terror attack at a flat in Barking as they hunted for the identities of the killers.

At least one of the dead attackers is believed to have lived in a ground-floor flat inside the building.

Meanwhile NHS England has said 21 people are in critical condition in hospital.
A Logan teenager is facing eviction after only three weeks in her public housing apartment after enraging neighbours with a series of alleged wild parties and obnoxious behaviour.

Since moving into the apartment last month, the 17-year-old, who cannot be identified, has reportedly caused considerable damage to the property, with gaping holes in the walls and graffiti-covered areas throughout.

Residents of the apartment unit, many whom are elderly or disabled, have voiced there concerns following the relentless disregard of neighbouring homes.

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Graffiti lines the walls as huge holes have been punched into the plaster board after continuous raucous gatherings

The walls are peppered with holes in the home of the 17-year-old who is reliant on support from the government. It is believed she will have to front the cost of the damage

The 17-year-old, who could not be named, appeared insincere when asked if she showed any remorse following her alleged constant disruptive behaviour at the Logan apartment complex

'They put rubbish in my backyard. It's horrible,' Deborah Playford told 9 News, who lives directly underneath the teenager's unit.

Surrounding neighbours have also condemned the teens irresponsible actions after herds of youths descend on the property daily as she is alleged to host raucous house parties on a regular basis.

'The music is loud, there's swearing and everything and it's just ridiculous, we've all had enough,' neighbour Sharon White revealed.

When questioned regarding her constant disruptive behaviour, the teenager appeared to be insincere when offering an apology before adding she wasn't concerned with her neighbours' issues.

'Im tired right now and I don't give a f**k,' the 17-year-old said.

Following the supposed disruptive gatherings, police have been called to the Beenleigh complex on several occasions and the young tenant has been asked to leave the property voluntarily by Friday.

The Department of Housing have confirmed they will begin the process of evicting the 17-year-old as it is understood she will be liable for the damage sustained during her three week stay.

Deborah Playford's garden was littered with empty cans of alcohol following another alleged wild party at the 17-year-old's apartment in Logan
A 20-year-old man was arrested on Saturday evening by armed police in connection with last Monday's terror attack at the Manchester Arena.

The man was taken into custody on suspicion of terror offences at a Texaco petrol station on Cheetham Hill Road, barely ten minutes walking distance from the arena.

The petrol station was evacuated following the arrest, and a police cordon was put in place outside the petrol station forecourt.

Shaky smartphone footage captured balaclava-clad police officers carrying assault rifles as they evacuated the petrol station.

Eyewitness Inayat Pirphai told the Manchester Evening News: 'At 9.15pm I saw this man in a car pull up. Suddenly two unmarked Mercedes police cars came up and eight armed police officers wearing masks got out.

'They asked the man to get out of his car. They then pushed him to the floor and put handcuffs on him.'

The man remains in police custody, while a house on Princess Road, Moss Side, is searched by officers.

Officers were seen arriving at the Texaco station in two unmarked Mercedes police cars

Eight balaclava-clad officers arrested a 20-year-old man on suspicion of terror offenses

A police statement said:'This morning, Sunday 4 June 2017, officers investigating the attack at the Manchester Arena are executing a warrant at a house on Princess Road, Moss Side.

'Late yesterday evening, Saturday 3 June 2017, officers arrested a 20-year-old man on Cheetham Hill Road on suspicion of offences contrary to the terrorism act.

A warrant at a house on Moss Side was searched in connection with the arrest

The suspect is led away. Manchester remains in a state of high alert following the suicide bombing two weeks ago

'As it stands 18 people have been arrested in connection with the investigation, of which six people have been released without charge.

'A total of 12 men remain in custody for questioning.'

Manchester remains in a state of high alert following the suicide bombing two weeks ago that left 22 dead and more than 100 injured.

The One Love benefit concert is still set to go ahead despite the attack in London.

Security will be even tighter than previously planned.
Leland Michael Foster, 27, was shot fatally in Oklahoma on Friday

A hero neighbor shot and killed a maniac with a knife who was trying to drown his own three-month-old twins.

Cash Freeman fired at Leland Michael Foster, 27, twice on Friday in Ada, Oklahoma, killing Foster while he was holding a mother at bay with a knife and trying to submerge the babies in the bathtub.

The infants, a boy and a girl who were born prematurely, have been treated and released from the hospital.

The horror scene unfolded around 12.30pm on Friday, when a frantic woman called police.

She said the father of her three-month-old twins had a knife and was trying to drown the babies, Ada Public Information Director Lisa Bratcher told theAda News.

The woman said that Foster had threatened to kill her, while dispatchers could hear struggles and screaming over the line, Bratcher said.

Police raced to the scene, but before they could get there, the homeowner's 12-year-old granddaughter went to the neighbor's house and pleaded for help.

Neighbor Cash Freeman, pictured with his wife, was alerted by a 12-year-old girl living in the house next door that Foster was trying to drown his own three-month-old infants

Neighbor Cash Freeman armed himself with a revolver and rushed to help.

When he entered the neighbor's home he found Foster holding the infants' mother at bay with a knife while actively trying to drown the twin babies in a bathtub, police said.

Freeman fired twice, killing Foster.

He was interviewed and released by cops at the scene, but prosecutors will review the circumstances to ensure that the shooting was justified.

Police confirmed that Foster was the father of the twins.

The infants were air-lifted to a hospital in Oklahoma City and released on Saturday.

Freeman armed himself with a revolver and shot Foster as the father tried to drown his infant twins. He was not arrested but prosecutors will review the shooting to ensure it was justified

The street where the incident took place is seen. The twins were air-lifted to a hospital in Oklahoma City and released on Saturday

'Its awful because Ive held the babies and, like, Ive played with them and I just gave them clothes yesterday,' neighbor Summer Pierce told KFOR.

Foster has prior criminal charges for arson and domestic abuse by strangulation, according to court records.

In 2011, officers responding to Foster's home on a domestic abuse complaint found a pile of clothes burning on a mattress, and a bathtub filled with water and electronics including a computer and gaming system, NewsOK reported.
A terrified diner has revealed he thought his number was up as he sat barricaded in a toilet cubicle as a frenzied attack unfolded in the restaurant inside.

The petrified man, who only gave his name as Gareth, was eating out with a friend when the attackers stormed in.

He and a small group of people from other parties, including a heavily pregnant woman, managed to escape into a cubicle - but he secretly believed he was going to be shot through the door.

Gareth told CNN: 'I think it's the first time in my life that I got the feeling that it's absolute game over.

The bloody aftermath of the London Bridge attack has been laid bare in video footage from inside The Globe pub which shows a wounded man being treated

'I've lived in London for 12 years and I lived pretty close to where the previous attack was, as well.

'I came down one evening and just happened to pick the restaurant there by chance.

'It was the fear - looking into my friends eyes and looking to a woman who was about to give birth and seeing the fear in their eyes and trying to calm them down and not being able to make a sound.

'We could hear voices outside of the door and people walking up and down and we had to keep deadly silent because we thought we were going to get gunned down through the door, basically because we could hear the shots outside.'

One man was stabbed in the face and another in the stomach at the Black & Blue steak restaurant, witnesses said.

A witness who gave his name as Jamie said: 'We hid under the table and people came into the restaurant and knocked a bunch of stuff over, like the till.

'And then we ran into the the kitchen, where there was a bunch of other people and a guy had been stabbed and he was cut and he was bleeding quite a lot.'

As someone applies a compress to the man's head a police woman orders other people cowering under tables and chair to get upstairs away from the carnage

Jag Sandue, another witness to the attacks, was inside the Black & Blue steakhouse when he was left covered in blood after the man behind him was stabbed

Witness Ben and his wife Natalie were close to the Southwark Tavern and saw people being stabbed outside.

He said: 'We saw people running away and then I saw a man in red with a large blade, at a guess 10 inches long, stabbing a man, about three times.

'I was across the road about 15m away. [The attacker] was dark-skinned and had a red tracksuit on.

'It looked like the man had been trying to intervene, but there wasn't much he could do. He was being stabbed quite coldly and he slumped to the ground.'

Meanwhile diners in Katzenjammers restaurant, close to Southwark Tavern, were ordered on to the floor by police in an incident caught on film.

Terrified men and women can be seen crouching in place as officers sweep through looking for the terror suspects.

The bloody aftermath of the London terror attack has been laid bare in video footage from inside a Borough Market pub.

Armed police and a bomb squad are at the scene as boats were seen searching the Thames

The attack came just two weeks after the bomb attack at Manchester Arena and is the third terror attack on British soil in the last 10 weeks

A wounded man with blood spattered across his trousers can be seen sitting on the floor of The Globe pub as medics try to treat him after he was attacked by jihadi knifemen on Saturday night.

Meanwhile a police officer shouts at dozens of others hiding under tables and chairs to get upstairs and away from the carnage.

The footage was captured just yards from the Wheatsheaf pub, where the three terrorist attackers were shot dead by police at 10.16pm.

Eight minutes earlier the attackers had ploughed into crowds on London Bridge in a rented van, hitting at least 20 people, witnesses said.

The men then emerged with 12-inch knives before rampaging through Borough Market, stabbing people at random.
The mother of the Australian woman who had her throat slit in the London terror attacks has revealed her daughter is unable to speak.

Candice Hedge, 31, was drinking with her boyfriend, Luke, at a London Bridge bar on Saturday night when the couple were split up as jihadis stormed the area.

Ms Hedge, from Brisbane, was grabbed from behind by the head, before a terrorist slashed her throat.

'She can't talk. She's been stabbed around her neck, her throat. She's all bandaged up,' Ms Hedge's mother, Kim Del Toro, told Fairfax Media.

Ms Del Toro said Luke had watched on in horror as the jihadis wielding knives raided the bar the couple worked at in the Borough Market about 10pm, local time.

'He heard some commotion out the front and went out to see what was going on,' Ms Del Toro said.

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Candice Hedge (pictured) is recovering in hospital after being stabbed in the throat during the London terror attacks

Ms Hedge (pictured) was grabbed from behind by the head, before a terrorist slashed her throat

Three jihadi terrorists shouting 'this is for Allah' have reportedly killed seven people and left dozens injured in the heart of London

'He saw some men with knives coming toward them, and he ran back inside to see where Candice was.'

A bloodied Ms Hedge ran towards her boyfriend clutching her wounded throat and the couple jumped in an ambulance where they were rushed to hospital.

Ms Hedge underwent surgery in St Thomas Hospital following the vicious attack, with Luke remaining by her bedside.

They had been able to make a Skype call home to update family and friends about her non-life threatening condition, with a work colleague saying Ms Hedge was in good spirits, ABC News reported.

The couple reported said the stab wound had not impacted Ms Hedge's main arteries and windpipe and her condition was non-life threatening.

Ms Hedge has been living in London for the past year and working at Elliot's restaurant in London Bridge, along with her boyfriend, as a waitress.

She also posted on Facebook: 'Hey everyone, just so you know I'm doing OK. Bit of pain but I will survive. Thanks for your thoughts and well wishes. Love to all'.

Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull earlier confirmed two Australians had been directly affected by the London terror attacks

The three men launched the van and knife attack on London Bridge and at nearby Borough Market on Saturday night

A second man with an Australian accent called Andrew was also stabbed and explained how he was caught in the terror that killed seven people and injured 48 others.

In a video posted to social media, Andrew can be seen holding a bloodied gauze pad to his throat while he describes the Jihadi terrorist who attacked him.

'I hate it because, you know, the thing with Muslims and terrorism. He looked like a f****** Muslim terrorist,' he says in the video obtained by 7 News.

'He got me but... I dodged it. I ducked and weaved.'

A second man with an Australian accent called Andrew was also stabbed and explained how he was caught in the terror that killed seven people and injured 48 others

Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull earlier confirmed two Australians had been 'directly affected' by the London terror attacks.

Three jihadi terrorists shouting 'this is for Allah' have reportedly killed seven people and left dozens injured in a horrific rampage around two locations in central London.

'At this time we are aware of reports of two Australians who have been directly affected by this attack,' Mr Turnbull said in an address to the nation on Sunday.

'This afternoon the Foreign Minister [Julie Bishop] has spoken to the parents of both Australians.

'One case has been confirmed and the Australian concerned is in hospital. The other case we are continuing to make inquiries.

'Our officials will continue to provide every assistance they can to Australians affected by this shocking attack and to their families.'

A New Zealand citizen was also stabbed during the London terror attacks.

Oliver Dowling, 32, is in a coma after being stabbed in the face during the attack, which also left his girlfriend Marie Bondeville injured.

32-year-old New Zealander Oliver Dowling is in a coma after being stabbed in the face during the attack, which also left his girlfriend Marie Bondeville injured (pictured together)

Oliver Dowling (pictured, second from left) and his girlfriend were both injured in the rampage, his sister revealed on Facebook

Police shot the terrorists dead within eight minutes of the violence erupting

The three men launched the van and knife attack on London Bridge and at nearby Borough Market just after 10pm on Saturday. Police shot the terrorists dead within eight minutes of the violence erupting.

The Prime Minister has declared Australia's 'absolute solidarity' with Britain.

'Our prayers and resolute solidarity are today as always with the people of Britain in the face of the shocking terrorist attacks in London,' Mr Turnbull tweeted.

Ms Bishop said she spoke to UK High Commissioner Alexander Downer shortly after reports of the emergency.

'We have conveyed our condolences to the UK government through our officials,' Mr Turnbull said in a subsequent statement.

Mr Turnbull declared Australia's 'absolute solidarity' with Britain in a tweet posted on Sunday

Mr Turnbull (pictured) said officials will continue to provide every assistance they can to Australians affected by the London terror attacks

The Prime Minister said he had received briefings from the Counter Terrorism Co-ordinator, the Director General of Security and the deputy AFP commissioner, and had also spoken to Mr Downer.

'Australians should be reassured that our agencies are today, as every day, working relentlessly to keep Australians safe,' he added.

Opposition Leader Bill Shorten said he was 'shocked and appalled' by yet another attack in England.

'When it comes to fighting terrorism, we are united in this together,' he told reporters in Melbourne.

Police officers and members of the emergency services attend to a person injured in a terror attack on London Bridge

The horrific rampage around two locations in central London occurred just after 10pm on Saturday, local time

Opposition Leader Bill Shorten said Labor Senator Sam Dastiyari, who was in London at the time of the attacks, had 'complete praise for the role of the British police force'

'The more that these things happen the more it makes me realise Australians need to stick together.'

He briefly spoke to Labor senator Senator Dastyari who is in London and having dinner very close to where the attack happened.

'He was nothing short of complete praise for the role of the British police force,' Mr Shorten said.

Senator Dastiyari described the attack as horrific.

'This literally happened 20 metres from where we were and we could hear it all and were taken past the bodies,' he told Network Nine.

'There is a lot of fear, confusion, panic, a lot of elderly people being helped and carried. A lot of shock.'

If any Australians are concerned about family and friends and unable to contact them they should call 1300 555 135 or +61 2 6261 3305 if overseas, the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade said.
Alec Baldwin has defended Kathy Griffin in a series of tweets and insists that 'no one' believed she wanted to threaten President Trump.

Baldwin labelled Trump a 'senile idiot' in his social media rant and called on the comedian to ignore the president and his family.

The first family have publicly expressed their distaste for the sickening picture of Griffin holding a mock of Trump's severed head.

But Baldwin, who regularly does an impression of The Donald on Saturday Night Live, told Griffin: 'F*** them all'.

'Dear Kathy Griffin, Kathy....baby...I've been there,' his first post about the embattled comedian read.

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Alec Baldwin has joined the handful of celebrities who have defended Kathy Griffin. He posted a five-part Twitter rant, insisting that 'no one' believed she wanted to threaten President Trump

Baldwin then referenced a moment he also faced backlash when he ranted on Conan's show in 1998, asking for a Republican member of Congress to be stoned

He then compared both events, saying in both cases neither he nor Griffin wanted to threaten the politicians they were joking about

And then referencing the moment he ranted on Conan's show in 1998, asking for a Republican member of Congress to be stoned he continued: 'The whole Henry Hyde thing [with] Conan, where we bring out an oxygen mask at the end? A joke.

'That's what I thought. That's what we intended. No one walked out of the studio and said, "No! We're serious!" No one,".

'But all your gutless, weasels in the GOP insisted that I actually threatened Hyde.'

The comedian didn't mince his words when he advised Griffin to ditch the negative comments she'd received from her critics.

'They played the victim beautifully. Kathy...f*** them. F*** them all. [no one] believes [you] meant [to] threaten Trump,' Baldwin posted.

He ended his Twitter rant with an insult to the president ,referencing Trump's contentious trip to Europe, during which he reportedly alienated US allies in the region: 'Trump is such a senile idiot, all he has is Twitter fights. ignore him. Like the leaders of all the other countries in the world. Ignore him.'

The 59-year-old is among a handful of stars - including Jamie Foxx, Larry King, Rosie O'Donnell - who have come out in support of Griffin since the picture - taken by provocative photographer Tyler Shields - went viral.

He then accused the politicians of playing victim by claiming to be offended by the provocative jokes

He didn't shy away from outright defending Trump. He called him a 'senile idiot' and asked Griffin to ignore him and her other critics

The fifth part of his Twitter rant was a reference to Trump's contentious trip to Europe, during which he reportedly alienated US allies in that region: 'Like the leaders of all the other countries in the world. Ignore him'

Retired host Larry King even expressed his disappointment that CNN had fired Griffin because of the picture.

'Shes my friend, she apologized, let it go,' King told TMZ. 'I wouldnt have fired her, Ted Turner wouldnt have fired her.

'Theyre jumping all over her now I would have kept her. It was a terrible mistake, no one feels sorrier than her, she apologized. CNN shouldnt have let her go.'

Rosie O'Donnell - who has been at the receiving end of Trump's insults - also tweeted last Wednesday, agreeing with comedian Martin Laurence who said Griffin didn't need to apologize: ' I agree Laurence, she apologized right away - she made a mistake and owned up to it - more than we can say for him. '

These words of support from celebrities may be a silver lining as Griffin has faced a barrage of negative comments and has even lost many of her sponsors.

One of Griffin's first critics came from Donald Trump Jr., who called on the star to be fired from CNN.

'Dear CNN,' his post last Tuesday read. ' I must have missed your statement banning your commentator Kathy Griffin from future shows. Please resend. Thx.'

Griffin - who is apparently being investigated by the Secret Service - held a tear-filled press conference on Saturday. While she said she felt bullied by Trump and his family, she promised not to 'lay down'.

'I'm not for everybody,' admitted Griffin. 'I am barely an acquired taste frankly.

'I've had everybody turn on me. And I just want to make people laugh.'

That being said, Griffin declared: 'I am not laying down for this guy.'

Other stars including Jamie Foxx, Larry King, Rosie O'Donald have come out in support of Griffin since she posted this infamous picture of Trump's dissevered picture
An autistic teenager was discovered gagged, tied and with his pants around his feet by his teacher as he became the victim of a horrible school bullying attack last week.

The 18-year-old from Croydon Special Developmental School, in eastern Melbourne, was reportedly found in the toilet cubicle with crepe wrapped so tightly around his wrists that it left a mark.

And now his grandmother has hit out at the school, outraged she wasn't immediately called to come and pick-up the boy, who suffers with non-verbal autism meaning he has very limited speech, last Monday morning, the Leader reports.

An autistic teenager from Croydon Special Developmental School (pictured), in Melbourne, was discovered gagged, tied and with his pants around his feet in the toilet by his teacher - the victim of a horrible school bullying attack last week

Despite the 'distressing' incident occurring shortly after 9am on Monday, the boy's grandmother said she wasn't notified until more than an hour-and-a-half later.

'I phoned the school straight away and was told the details but they tried to discourage me from picking him up,' she said.

'They said my grandson was perfectly fine and that it was better for him to stay in class and stick to his usual routine.'

When she finally did get a call from the school, she arrived to find her grandson in a 'bad place' and very 'agitated'.

While the school has reportedly confirmed the incident, it has not yet taken the step of removing the offending student from classes.

And that's much to the anger of the boy'd grandmother, who believes more incidents may have occurred that have gone unnoticed.

The 18-year-old was reportedly found in the toilet cubicle with crepe bandages wrapped so tightly around his wrists that it left a mark, leaving his grandmother outraged she wasn't immediately called to come and pick-up the boy

'There have been several incidents over the past month where he was coming home with his underwear ripped to shreds,' she said.

She said her grandson had been acting out of the ordinary for the past year, but that the school had yet to act.

In a letter sent from Croydon SDS just two days after the incident, principal Elizabeth Anderson said she was 'taking the matter very seriously'.

Police are reportedly investigating the incident, with Ms Anderson telling the boy's grandmother that while their enquiries remained ongoing she would not notify the remaining school community.
Top U.S. cabinet ministers have arrived in Australia for critical talks on terrorism and North Korea in the wake of two attacks in Britain.

Secretary of State Rex Tillerson and Defense Secretary James Mattis landed in Sydney on Monday night for meetings with Australian counterparts on Monday.

The pair will discuss the important security topics with Foreign Minister Julie Bishop and Defence Minister Marise Payne in the annual AUSMIN dialogue.

U.S. Secretary of State Rex Tillerson (pictured) has arrived in Australia for critical talks on terrorism and North Korea in the wake of two attacks in Britain

He and Defense Secretary James 'Mad Dog' Mattis (pictured) landed in Sydney on Monday night for meetings with Australian counterparts on Monday

'Mad Dog' Mattis was greeted at the airport by Ms Payne as they shook hands at the foot of his plane's steps.

North Korea's missile tests, the recent spate of terrorist attacks and China's military build-up in the South China Sea are likely to dominate to long-awaited talks.

The talks are usually held annually, but it's been nearly two years since the last AUSMIN gathering because elections in the U.S. and Australia in 2016 made it difficult to schedule the high-level talks.

The pair will discuss the important security topics with Foreign Minister Julie Bishop (L) and Defence Minister Marise Payne (R) in the annual AUSMIN dialogue

North Korea's missile tests, the recent spate of terrorist attacks and China's military build-up in the South China Sea are likely to dominate to long-awaited talks

Ms Bishop said this round of talks would be one of the most important in many years.

'The strategic environment is changing rapidly and it's so very important for us to have an insight into the thinking of the new US administration,' she told Sky News.

It also gave an opportunity for Australia to put forward its perspectives and hopefully influence U.S. thinking as the Trump administration reviewed its foreign policy settings, she said.

Observers say terrorism is likely to be uppermost in the participants' minds given the recent deadly bombings in Manchester, Jakarta, Baghdad and Kabul.

Secretary Tillerson exits his plan at Sydney Airport ahead of high level talks on Monday

The talks are usually held annually, but it's been nearly two years since the last AUSMIN gathering

Secretary Tillerson leaves the airport in a waiting high-end car

But the most pressing issue facing Australia and the U.S. is North Korea's ballistic missile tests.

'The risk is that terrorism has been front of mind for the last couple of weeks, we've had Australians as well as Americans killed,' U.S. Studies Centre research fellow Dougal Robinson said.

'So the risk is they give terrorism far more billing than North Korea, which is a particularly important regional issue in Australia's region.'

Mr Robinson said the U.S. and Australian officials would discuss contingency operations and potential diplomatic approaches in relation to North Korea, which has sparked alarm across the region by carrying out nine missile tests this year.

Elections in the U.S. and Australia in 2016 made it difficult to schedule the high-level talks last year

The most pressing issue facing Australia and the U.S. is North Korea's ballistic missile tests

The U.S. and Australia urged China to put diplomatic and economic pressure on North Korea to end its missile program amid fears Pyongyang's long-range missiles could one day hit both nations.

Pyongyang warned Australia in April that it could be the target of a nuclear weapons strike if it continued to 'blindly' follow the U.S.

Ms Bishop said there was no doubt Mr Trump changed the dynamics of the discussion, and warned China it was not in its interests to have a nuclear-weaponised North Korea.

'It creates huge instability for the region; that's not in China's interests, it's not in anybody else's interests,' she said.

'Mad Dog' Mattis leaves his plane at Sydney airport and waves to those greeting him

U.S. and Australian officials would discuss contingency operations and potential diplomatic approaches in relation to North Korea

The U.S. and Australia urged China to put diplomatic and economic pressure on North Korea to end its missile program

But while the U.S. and Australia hope China can persuade North Korea to dump its missile program, they remain concerned by Beijing's construction of artificial islands in the South China Sea.

The U.S. sparked fury from China when a U.S. Navy patrol came within 12 nautical miles of one of the man-made islands last month as it carried out freedom of navigation patrols in the key trade route.

During a visit to Sydney this week, veteran Republican Senator John McCain accused China of being a 'bully' and suggested Australia consider joining the U.S. and other Asia Pacific neighbours in future patrols.

Secretary Mattis was greeted at the airport by Ms Payne as they shook hands at the foot of his plane's steps

Secretary Mattis chats to Ms Payne after he got down the plane's steps onto the tarmac

The group appeared to hit it off as they spent several minutes talking and laughing together

Mr Robinson also expects Australian officials at the meeting to stress Canberra's desire for the U.S. to have a broader economic and diplomatic engagement with Asia.

'There's a sense that U.S. engagement in Asia under the Trump administration is very military heavy,' he said.

Following the collapse of the Trans-Pacific Partnership trade deal and with a proposed budget cut to the State Department of 30 per cent, there are questions both in Canberra and the region about the nature of U.S. engagement in Asia,' he said.
Alastair Campbell compared ISIS terrorists to Brexit-supporting newspapers today as he lashed out at Theresa May's response to the London attacks.

Tony Blair's former spin doctor lashed out at the PM after she delivered a defiant response to the marauding terror attack in London Bridge last night.

Mrs May set out a four point plan to end 'tolerance' toward Islamic extremism that she said was fuelling the spate of terrorism to hit Britain.

Alastair Campbell compared ISIS terrorists to Brexit-supporting newspapers today as he lashed out at Theresa May's response to the London attacks

Tony's Blair's former spin doctor (pictured last year) lashed out at the PM after she delivered a defiant response to the marauding terror attack in London Bridge last night

Mr Campbell, in a tweet he has since deleted, said: 'Mrs May is happy enough to tolerate the extremism of the Brextremist Lie Machine newspapers spewing hate day after day.'

Mr Campbell, who remains a Labour activist and journalist, came under a storm of criticism for his tweet.

After deleting the message he added: 'Previous tweet deleted. Agreed it was over the top.

'But was genuinely angry at Mrs May's speech which was highly political and ill judged.'

Mrs May addressed the nation from Downing Street this morning after convening the Government's emergency committee just hours after the brutal attack.

The Prime Minister said the three attacks in the past three months were not directly connected but were linked by the 'the single evil ideology of Islamist extremism'.

Mr Campbell, who remains a Labour activist and journalist, came under a storm of criticism for his tweet which he later admitted was 'over the top'

In her speech, Mrs May said: 'In terms of their planning and execution the recent attacks are not connected.

'But we believe we are experiencing a new trend in the threat we face as terrorism breeds terrorism and perpetrators are inspired to attack not only on the basis of carefully constructed plots after years of planning and training.

'And not even as lone attackers radicalised online but by copying one another and often using the crudest means of attack.

'We cannot and must not pretend things can continue as they are. Things need to change and they need to change in four important ways.'

Prime Minister Theresa May (pictured speaking today) set out a four point plan to end 'tolerance' toward Islamic extremism that she said was fuelling the spate of terrorism to hit Britain

Shadow foreign secretary Emily Thornberry criticised the Prime Minister's 'political' intervention on a day when the parties had agreed an election truce.

She told the BBC World at One programme: 'I don't think it's right to get dragged into plans at this stage so soon after those attacks.

'I do think this is a matter of timing.'

Asked if the announcement strayed into party politics, she said: 'I think that it is drawing us into a debate.

'I think that there is time enough for us to discuss this issues.

'As I say, I don't think that anything she is proposing is anything that needs to be or will be dealt with tomorrow.

'I don't think there is any immediate steps she is putting forward and obviously if it was then that would be a different matter.

'To come out onto the steps of 10 Downing Street, immediately in the aftermath of a terrible outrage like this, was not something that would be expected.

'I just simply regret the approach that she has taken.'
North Korea's nuclear ambitions are threatening to Russia, a Russian official said Sunday.

"It is not only (a) ballistic missile defense system  it has real function," said Deputy Defense Minister Alexander Fomin. "That is why it is alarming. And it is direct threat to Russia. We are convinced that it will increase the tensions of the region. That is our principle position."

Fomin spoke at the Shangri-La Dialogue, an international security conference in Singapore attended by defense ministers and experts from 39 countries, including U.S. Defense Secretary Jim Mattis.

Russia borders North Korea and saw one of Pyongyang's missiles land close to its waters. But it differs from the U.S. and its allies on how to rein in the North's rapidly escalating nuclear and ballistic missile program.

Backing fresh sanctions on North Korea, Russia's deputy U.N. ambassador Vladimir Safronkov stressed in June that "the choice here has to be made in favor of using diplomatic tools to the maximum extent possible."

Fomin had similar sentiments. "Economical restrictions should be a kind of tool to invoke North Korea to a peaceful process of resolving the dispute and conflict, and not to once again deteriorate the economic solution in North Korea," he said.

Addressing the South China Sea conflict, Fomin was careful with his words. "All states involved in territorial disagreements in the South China Sea need to adhere the principle of the non-use of force," he said.

China - a Russian ally - has pitted itself against its smaller neighbors in claiming disputed islands, coral reefs and lagoons in the South China Sea.

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Billionaire Sir Richard Branson has rescued a hen do that had been scuppered when airline staff chucked the group off a plane because of their 'offensive' shirts.

The 18-strong troop were due to fly out to Majorca - but staff on the Jet2.com flight took issue with their bespoke tee shirts.

Social worker Emma Green, 35, from Leicester, and her companions were all wearing matching 'b*tches on tour' tee shirts.

The bride-to-be said her hen party was 'ruined' and cost the group a day of their holiday.

The billionaire has offered the group free flights from London Gatwick to Vegas including a three-night stay at the Tropicana hotel.

Sir Richard said the girls' predicament was reminiscent of when one of his own employees was hauled to court for displaying a Sex Pistols album in a shop window in 1977.

Chris Seale, a Nottinghamshire store manager, was charged for displaying the band's single 'Never Mind The B*******' in his store window.

Bride to be Emma Green (pictured), 35, of Leicester, said her hen party was 'ruined' after her group of friends were forced off a flight to Magaluf over their novelty T-shirts

Her group of 18 friends (pictured) were forced off a flight bound for Palma, Majorca

Billionaire Sir Richard Branson said the women's plight was reminiscent of when one of his employees was taken to court over a Sex Pistols album being displayed in his shop

The billionaire paid all his employee's legal costs and he was found not guilty of all charges at Nottingham Magistrates' Court.

'Never mind the b*******, it's their hen-do. When we released The Sex Pistols classic record, we were arrested over its colourful title', Sir Richard told The Sun.

'We want to help these ladies 40 years on enjoy their hen do after they were kicked off their flight over a word on their T-shirts.

'Virgin Holidays has been welcoming hen parties since 1985 and we hope all 18 of these ladies have a brilliant time painting the town red in one of my favourite cities.'

The women - aged between 35 and 60 - have been told they can take Sir Richard up on his generous offer at any time before the end of this year.

Police had been called called to the scene to resolve the dispute and Miss Green said 'part of her does not want to get married now' following the experience.

Then on the plane staff took exception to the shirts again and eventually told them to leave the flight.

Speaking from their hotel in Majorca, social worker Miss Green, from Leicester, said: 'It has completely ruined the whole experience.

'We have lost a day already and everybody is really tired from flying in from different airports. Some didn't land until 2am this morning.

'Its going to be really hard to enjoy ourselves now. We are just gutted that it came to this when there was no need.

'Nobody even spoke to me about the T-shirts, the first I knew we were being kicked off the flight.

Miss Green is due to marry fiance Aaron Bateman, 44, in 11 weeks time on August 26.

She added: 'The police looked bewildered by it all, I think they knew it was ridiculous.

'We are all professional women mainly in our late 30s and 40s. I work with mental health patients and I am not a trouble-maker.

'We did not deserve to be treated like we did and would have covered up on the plane if we were all asked to do so.

'But the word b*tch is a pretty mild curse as far as they go anyway, I hardly think the T-shirts were that offensive in the first place.'

The group were removed from a Jet2 flight because their T-shirt slogan 'b*tches on tour' was deemed offensive (left and right)

Miss Green said she and her friends are 'professionals' who were not making trouble and just wanted to go on holiday to Magaluf, pictured

She added: 'Part of me doesn't even want to get married now, I just feel like something will end up going wrong on the day.

'My hens have had to fork out an extra 2,000 to come on this holiday and that's just not right.

'We want an apology and compensation from Jet2 because we have been treated appallingly.'

Her friend Lauren Clarke, 36, from Nevill Holt, Leicestershire, who had to travel 87 miles to Luton Airport to catch a new flight.

The mother-of-three said: 'We sat in our seats and some of the group took their jackets off, the writing is on the back so we didn't think it would be a problem whilst we were sitting down.

'Then a few members of the group got taken to the front of the plane where they were told they had to leave.

'They pretty much marched us off two by two and told us we would have to pay for new flights.

'The woman even told us because of the current terrorism threat they were clamping down on all their rules - one of which is offensive T-shirts.

'But what on earth has a hen-do got to do with company policies on terrorism?

Jet2 said it asked the women to change their outfits or cover up the slogan but 'several women chose to ignore' their warnings

Miss Green said it would be difficult for the women to enjoy themselves at the resort, pictured

'We hadn't been drinking and we weren't being rowdy. We weren't even sitting together on the plane.

'We're not a group of lager louts - we are all aged between 35 to 60 and we are respectable working mums.

'We have a couple of lawyers with us and I work with special educational needs children. None of us are trouble-makers in the slightest.

'The air hostesses didn't seem to mind so much but it was a member of management who had said that we all had to leave.

'The lady who kicked us off said we had to pay for another flight too.

'If that lady had told us to take them off in the first place we would have, we all had hand luggage so it wouldn't have been a problem, but she didn't tell us that.

'We were just thrown off. We offered to get changed quickly in the bathrooms but she wasn't having any of it.

'Its not really that offensive anyway, its a word that's in the dictionary, and you hear much worse in everyday life.

'We were all tired from being up from 7am and hadn't had a single drink, we'd just had some food and were looking forward to getting out there.

'Even the police officers said they thought it was ridiculous.'

The group were supposed to be flying to Palma, Majorca, pictured, and many had to pay for new flights

The holiday has cost the group 500 each in total and some women have had to pay an extra 130 for new flights.

But the bride-to-be's mother and aunt have decided not to try and re-book their flights after the incident and will no longer be going on the trip.

Speaking to the Leicester Mercury, another member of the group, who asked not to be named, said: 'It's a complete load of rubbish. We were a group of 18 friends and family who were on our way to Magaluf to celebrate an upcoming wedding.

'We were not offending anybody.'

Miss Clarke added: 'Its really put a downer on the whole thing. We are all hard working and were looking forward to getting away to celebrate out friends hen do.

'Its took a year to organise and the bride-to-be is beside herself. Its potentially ruined the trip.'

Another of the women, who also asked not to be named, said: 'It's what people tend to do on hen or stag parties.

'But we had no intention of offending anyone, it was just a silly thing.

'It wasn't until we were sat down in our seats, with luggage stowed away and seatbelts on that a few of the girls took their jackets off because it was hot.

'That's when someone from Jet2 came on board and asked them to leave the flight.

'There was no explanation and in the confusion the rest of us followed to see what was going on - we were confused but there was no shouting or arguing.

They were kicked off the flight at East Midlands Airport, pictured, and some had to travel as far as Luton Airport to board a new flight

'Then they told us that none of us would be allowed back on the flight - it was so humiliating, even other passengers were saying 'that's a bit harsh'.

'We are daughters, mothers and sisters who all have good jobs and were simply looking forward to our holiday.'

A Jet2.com spokesman said the passengers were told they were 'not permitted to fly' while wearing the 'offensive shirts'.

The spokesman said: 'The group were asked to either wear different attire or cover up the offensive language, and were reminded of this on numerous occasions, including by the airport police whilst in the departures area.

'Once in the cabin, and in the presence of families and young children, several members of the group decided to ignore these repeated warnings, at which point our crew took the decision to remove them from the flight.'

The airline said it was left with 'no choice' but to remove the women.

Leicestershire Police confirmed they attended the incident but the matter was dealt with by the airline and no arrests were made.
Rhiannon Owen, 19, revealed she was just yards away from one of the knife-wielding murderers as she ran for her life.

A student nurse has described the chilling moment she saw one of the London Bridge terrorists wielding a 12-inch knife behind her as she took money out of a cashpoint.

Tearful Rhiannon Owen, 19, revealed she was just yards away from one of the knife-wielding murderers as she ran for her life.

The teenager said she had been using an ATM at Borough Market and was walking alone the street when she noticed people running and screaming.

She said: 'A taxi driver swerved towards me and screamed at me to run and I saw all these people running.

'I saw this man carrying knives and I just started running. He was yards behind me.

'It was terrifying. I saw people injured and bleeding and all i could hear was sirens.

'I ran into this pub and people were shouting to get upstairs, and I remember a member of staff called Jack was great and got everyone up.

'Then we heard gunshots, so many gunshots and they went on for ages. The police came in and told us all to get put and put our hands on our heads.

'Everyone looked in total shock and there were armed police everywhere, on every corner. It was horrifying.'

Miss Owen, originally from Cheshire, said she would like to find the taxi driver to thank him for saving her life.

She is just one of several eyewitnesses who have recounted their experience after being caught up in the drama.

An eye-witness of the London Bridge terror attack explains how he saw bodies 'flying off of the bridge' as a van plummeted into a crowd of pedestrians.

Dan Nguyen, a 21-year-old tourist from California, was taking photos on the bridge just moments before the incident happened.

The teenager said she had been using an ATM at Borough Market and was walking alone the street when she noticed people running and screaming

Miss Owen, originally from Cheshire, said she would like to find the taxi driver to thank him for saving her life

He was visiting London with his girlfriend and was posing on the bridge for pictures as the van swerved onto the pavement.

However, he did not immediately realise what was going on and initially thought that it was a drunk driver who caused a 'car accident'.

'It wasn't until I saw a dead, twisted body to the right of me that I realised that this wasn't a car accident,' he said.

'I had not known what happened until about 20 seconds after the van hit, if I did I may have reacted differently and got hit myself.

'I was in the center of the bridge taking photos with my girlfriend, and she had just taken the photo and handed my phone back to me.

'I looked down to see the photos, but then to the right of me I heard a car collision.

'I heard tyres screeching and the sound of plastic, metal and steel crumpling, but it just sounded like a car had got into a bad accident with another car, so I didn't really think anything of it.

As Mr Nguyen moved himself, he spotted the first body on the floor next to him.

He added: 'Once I saw it I was expecting a bomb to go off behind me, or bullets to start flying, because the car was appearing to be stationary.

'I saw bodies flying off of the bridge, but I'm not sure whether this was voluntary or from the impact of the crash.

Dan Nguyen was visiting London with his girlfriend and was posing on the bridge for pictures , such as this one, as the van swerved onto the pavement

'I was thinking of jumping off of the bridge myself, but the adrenaline wore off for a quick second as hope flooded in.

'I had lost my girlfriend, so I had to find her - that was the most important thing.

'She was wearing a pure white jumper, and all of the bodies were in dark clothing.

'So I looked around frantically and didn't see her at first, so I started power-walking to get a clearer view.

'Then I saw her crippled by fear and crying and limping towards me, so I ran up to her and pulled her towards the side of the bridge where the car came from.

'I was still scared that bullets or explosives were imminent, so my priority was to run as fast and as far away as possible.

'I started pulling my girlfriend and we escaped the scene on foot but when we got to the end of the bridge, it felt like nobody had any idea what was going on.

'So I started yelling at people to 'call 911' because I didn't know that the UK emergency number was 999.

'They started staring back in confusion, as if they didn't believe us, until they saw paramedics and police officers come.

'We felt relieved as soon as we saw them, but we knew we were going to be shaken by this for a while.'

People flee the scene across London Bridge after the terror began to unfold last night

Harrowing images and videos have emerged showing bystanders rushing to save the lives of injured pedestrians on London Bridge

Last night seven people were killed in brutal terror attack on London Bridge. Pictured above, the devastating scene as bystanders and emergency workers tried to save the injured

A Romanian chef was hailed as a hero on social media after fending off an attacker with a create and then taking 20 terrified people into the bakery where he worked.

Florin Morariu, who works at the Bread Ahead bakery in the market, said: 'We were looking out of the window because we saw that everyone was agitated, everyone was running, people, women... they were fainting, falling and we went outside to see what was happening.'

He said when he went outside and saw two people stabbing others, he at first 'froze' and didn't know what to do.

But then he went and hit one of the attackers on the head with a crate.

'There was a car with a loudspeaker saying `go, go' and they (police) threw a grenade.... and then I ran.'

He added that when he saw that 'people were desperate,' he let about 20 people into the bakery and pulled the shutters down.

A terrified diner revealed he thought his number was up as he sat barricaded in a toilet cubicle as a frenzied attack unfolded in the restaurant inside.

The petrified man, who only gave his name as Gareth, was eating out with a friend when the attackers stormed in.

He and a small group of people from other parties, including a heavily pregnant woman, managed to escape into a cubicle - but he secretly believed he was going to be shot through the door.

Gareth told CNN: 'I think it's the first time in my life that I got the feeling that it's absolute game over.

'I've lived in London for 12 years and I lived pretty close to where the previous attack was, as well.

The bloody aftermath of the London Bridge attack has been laid bare in video footage from inside The Globe pub which shows a wounded man being treated

'I came down one evening and just happened to pick the restaurant there by chance.

'It was the fear - looking into my friends eyes and looking to a woman who was about to give birth and seeing the fear in their eyes and trying to calm them down and not being able to make a sound.

'We could hear voices outside of the door and people walking up and down and we had to keep deadly silent because we thought we were going to get gunned down through the door, basically because we could hear the shots outside.'

One man was stabbed in the face and another in the stomach at the Black & Blue steak restaurant, witnesses said.

A witness who gave his name as Jamie said: 'We hid under the table and people came into the restaurant and knocked a bunch of stuff over, like the till.

'And then we ran into the the kitchen, where there was a bunch of other people and a guy had been stabbed and he was cut and he was bleeding quite a lot.'

Hares Qasim, 20, took three hours to get through the chaotic traffic jams back to his house in Ilford after eating at the Vapiano restaurant being caught up in the drama.

'I saw people running and looking really concerned, a police officer then came over and told us there had been a terrorist attack,' he said.

'I saw a body on the floor that was absolutely pouring with blood, and people running round trying to help them.

As someone applies a compress to the man's head a police woman orders other people cowering under tables and chair to get upstairs away from the carnage

Jag Sandue, another witness to the attacks, was inside the Black & Blue steakhouse when he was left covered in blood after the man behind him was stabbed

'Cars were just doing u-turns in the middle of the road. It was like something out of The Day After Tomorrow.

'It has actually put me off going into London for a while. I used to going in central London a couple of times a months, put this is a massive put-off.'

Witness Ben and his wife Natalie were close to the Southwark Tavern and saw people being stabbed outside.

He said: 'We saw people running away and then I saw a man in red with a large blade, at a guess 10 inches long, stabbing a man, about three times.

'I was across the road about 15m away. [The attacker] was dark-skinned and had a red tracksuit on.

'It looked like the man had been trying to intervene, but there wasn't much he could do. He was being stabbed quite coldly and he slumped to the ground.'

Meanwhile diners in Katzenjammers restaurant, close to Southwark Tavern, were ordered on to the floor by police in an incident caught on film.

Terrified men and women can be seen crouching in place as officers sweep through looking for the terror suspects.

The bloody aftermath of the London terror attack has been laid bare in video footage from inside a Borough Market pub.

Armed police and a bomb squad are at the scene as boats were seen searching the Thames

The attack came just two weeks after the bomb attack at Manchester Arena and is the third terror attack on British soil in the last 10 weeks

A wounded man with blood spattered across his trousers can be seen sitting on the floor of The Globe pub as medics try to treat him after he was attacked by jihadi knifemen on Saturday night.

Meanwhile a police officer shouts at dozens of others hiding under tables and chairs to get upstairs and away from the carnage.

The footage was captured just yards from the Wheatsheaf pub, where the three terrorist attackers were shot dead by police at 10.16pm.

Eight minutes earlier the attackers had ploughed into crowds on London Bridge in a rented van, hitting at least 20 people, witnesses said.

The men then emerged with 12-inch knives before rampaging through Borough Market, stabbing people at random.
Vladimir Putin has denied that he had any close connections to Donald Trump's former national security advisor, Michael Flynn, despite a photo of them dining together.

Flynn - who stepped down in February after admitting that he misled VP Mike Pence about communications with Russian ambassador Sergey Kislyak - was seen in a photo from December 2015 at a table with Putin.

But speaking to NBC's Megyn Kelly, the Russian leader has denied having any real interactions with the disgraced lieutenant general, saying 'I didn't really talk to him.'

Scroll down for video

Vladimir Putin has denied having much contact with former national security advisor Michael Flynn, despite a photo showing the two of them sitting next to each other from December 2015

Flynn and Putin can be seen in the center here at an event celebrating Russian state media company RT. Putin said that he 'didn't even really talk to' Flynn, who stepped down in February

Flynn was paid $45,000 to speak at the event, and seated next to Putin. Others at the table included Putin's chief of staff, deputy chief of staff and spokesman.

Putin, speaking through a translator, said the pair's contact at the event - which was thrown to celebrate Russian state news network Russia Today (RT) - was limited.

'You and I, you and I personally, have a much closer relationship than I had with Mr Flynn,' Putin said.

'You and I met yesterday evening. You and I have been working together all day today. And now we're meeting again.'

Putin continued: 'When I came to the event for our company, Russia Today, and sat down at the table, next to me there was a gentleman sitting on one side.

'I made my speech. Then we talked about some other stuff. And I got up and left.

'And then afterwards I was told, "You know there was an American gentleman. He was involved in some things. He used to be in the security services" ... that's it.

'I didn't even really talk to him... That's the extent of my acquaintance with Mr. Flynn.'

Flynn is currently a subject of an ongoing FBI probe into Russian meddling in the US election, and whether there were inappropriate ties between Trump's associates and the Russian government.

He stepped down as national security advisor after just 24 days - the shortest in history - when it emerged he had misled Mike Pence about a Russia meeting.

Flynn admitted to 'inadvertently' giving Pence 'incomplete information' about a phone call he had with the Russian ambassador just weeks before Trump's inauguration.

He has discussed with Kislyak the sanctions placed against Russia by Barack Obama. The Justice Department had expressed concerns he may have been open to blackmail.

Flynn's lawyers say that despite the FBI probe, he has done nothing wrong.

Putin claimed that he didn't even know Flynn worked for the US security services until after the meal. Flynn had denied talking beyond a brief introduction in an interview last year

He himself told The Washington Post in August 2016 that he was sat next to Putin by the organizers and introduced to him, but they had no further conversation.

'Some interesting characters. I found it a great learning opportunity,' he said.

'One of the things I learned was that Putin has no respect for the United States leadership. Not for the United States, but the leadership.'

When asked how he learned that, he said: 'I just learned it from the conversations and the way questions were asked and the discussions I was part of.

'I'm arguing for the United States and I found myself with people wondering what's going on with the US and I would tell them, you know, of course I'm standing up for the US But it's hard when they dont have any respect for the current leadership.'

Jill Stein, who ran for US president as an independent, was also at Flynn and Putin's table.

She sat across from Flynn, who was sandwiched between Putin and Cyril Svoboda, former deputy prime minister of the Czech Republic.

The interview will be aired in the premiere of Sunday Night with Megyn Kelly on Sunday, at 7pm ET/6pm CT.
The acting US ambassador to Britain, Lewis Lukens (above), threw his support behind London Mayor Sadiq Khan in a series of tweets on Sunday

The US ambassador to Britain, Lewis Lukens, directly contradicted President Trump and threw his support behind London Mayor Sadiq Khan in a series of tweets on Sunday.

The top diplomat in London praised Sadiq Khan, the city's mayor, after criticism from his boss, President Donald Trump, over the deadly attacks from the night before.

'I commend the strong leadership of the @MayorofLondon as he leads the city forward after this heinous attack,' Lukens said in a post, quoted on the US embassy's Twitter account.

Lukens, 53, also praised the 'extraordinary' response from Londoners and emergency services.

He officially holds the title of charge d'affaires ad interim, a position he assumed on January 17 of this year - three days before Trump's inauguration.

Just prior to Trump taking the oath of office, the previous ambassador, Matthew Barzun, was asked to step down - as were all envoys appointed by the president's predecessor, Barack Obama.

'I commend the strong leadership of the @MayorofLondon as he leads the city forward after this heinous attack,' Lukens said in a post, quoted on the US embassy's Twitter account

Trump nominated Robert Wood Johnson to succeed Barzun as ambassador to London, though that appointment has yet to be confirmed.

Trump lashed out Sunday at London's mayor, accusing him of downplaying the threat of terrorism a day after knife-wielding men mowed down and stabbed revelers in the British capital.

Khan swiftly shot down the US president's remarks, made in a series of overnight tweets, as critics accused Trump of exploiting a terror attack for political gain - and not for the first time.

A spokesman said Khan 'has more important things to do than respond to Donald Trump's ill-informed tweet.'

Trump poured scorn on Khan's attempt to reassure the public after three assailants smashed a van into pedestrians on London Bridge then attacked revelers with knives.

Trump lashed out Sunday at London's mayor, accusing him of downplaying the threat of terrorism a day after knife-wielding men mowed down and stabbed revelers in the British capital

Opportune: The president tweeted out his opinion on London Mayor Sadiq Khan's response to the terror attack in the British capital

'At least 7 dead and 48 wounded in terror attack and Mayor of London says there is 'no reason to be alarmed!'' the US president said in one tweet.

Trump said the attack showed it was time to 'stop being politically correct and get down to the business of security for our people,' after tweeting the night before - as the scenes of panic in London were still unfolding - that it underscored the need for his contested 'travel ban' on several Muslim-majority nations.

Khan, in an interview with BBC just hours after the attack, had said, 'My message to Londoners and visitors to our great city is to be calm and vigilant today. You will see an increased police presence today, including armed officers and uniformed officers. There is no reason to be alarmed by this.'

Responding Sunday to Trump's criticism, a Khan spokesman issued a pointed statement saying that the mayor - busy coordinating a response to the attack even while reassuring Londoners and visitors - had 'more important things to do than respond to Donald Trump's ill-informed tweet that deliberately takes out of context his remarks.'

And on Sunday evening Hillary Clinton sent her condolences and support for Mayor Khan by re-tweeting his message that the London Underground would be open for the morning commute on Monday.

Support: Hillary Clinton sent her support to London and the Mayor with her tweet on Sunday evening

Armed Police and service staff this morning around Borough Market

The attack in central London came just weeks after a suicide bombing at a concert in Manchester left 22 dead, and it recalled an attack in March when a man drove a car into pedestrians near the seat of Parliament, killing five.

It was not the first time Trump has been accused of using a terror attack to make a political point, and with Londoners still in shock Sunday, the president's tweets drew angry responses on both sides of the Atlantic.

David Lammy, a Labor Party member of Parliament, tweeted: 'Cheap nasty & unbecoming of a national leader. Sort of thing that makes me want to quit politics on a day like this. Evil everywhere we look.'

Former vice president Al Gore told CNN that 'I don't think that a major terrorist attack like this is the time to criticize a mayor who is trying to organize his city's response to this attack.'

Regarding Trump's plug for his contested travel ban - which has been blocked by the courts - Cecillia Wang, deputy legal director of the American Civil Liberties Union, tweeted, 'We need to be outraged when the president exploits a terrible violent crime to push his discriminatory and illegal policy.'

Last June, after the deadly shooting attack on a nightclub in Orlando, Florida, Trump had tweeted: 'Appreciate the congrats for being right on radical Islamic terrorism, I don't want congrats, I want toughness & vigilance. We must be smart!'

That tweet drew angry rebukes from critics saying that the immediate aftermath of an attack that left 49 people dead was not a time for a president to be 'basking in congratulations.'
A surgeon brutally attacked outside the hospital he worked is expected to remain in a critical condition for the next 48 hours.

Melbourne heart surgeon Patrick Pritzwald-Stegmann, 41, is still fighting for his life at The Alfred Hospital after he was allegedly punched near the entrance to Box Hill Hospital on May 30.

A hospital spokeswoman said the surgeon was likely to remain in a critical condition for the next 48 hours.

Melbourne heart surgeon Patrick Pritzwald-Stegmann (pictured) is still fighting for his life after he was allegedly punched in the head

Dr Pritzwald-Stegmann is likely to remain in a critical condition until Tuesday, a spokeswoman for Melbourne's The Alfred Hospital said

Relatives of the respected heart and lung surgeon and married father of young twin daughters have flown into Melbourne from around the world for a bedside vigil.

The Australian Medical Association has condemned the attack, saying violence has become a common occurrence in hospitals.

Joseph Esmaili, 22, did not apply for bail when he faced Melbourne Magistrates' Court on Thursday accused of the one-punch attack.

Esmaili's lawyer told the court her client was suffering from a number of 'psychiatric illnesses', for which he had been prescribed medication, as well as drug withdrawal symptoms.

Joseph Esmaili, 22, has been accused of the one-punch attack outside Box Hill Hospital

Dr Patrick Pritzwald-Stegmann was allegedly punched in the head from behind on May 30

Esmaili was remanded in custody to face a committal hearing on August 24.

It is alleged the man from Mill Park, in Melbourne's north, had followed Dr Pritzwald-Stegmann into the foyer of Box Hill Hospital and allegedly punched the surgeon's head from behind.

Dr Pritzwald-Stegmann had told Esmaili off for smoking in the non-smoking area outside the front entrance of the Hospital.

The Royal Australasian College of Surgeons chair of trauma, Dr John Crozier, has previously said Dr Pritzwald-Stegmann, who was knocked unconscious, was either likely to die or survive with serious brain injuries.
Police are searching for an inmate who escaped from the Atlanta Transitional Center on Saturday morning.

According to the Georgia Department of Corrections, Dennis Carlyle, 23, escaped the facility that sits in the 300 block of Ponce De Leon Avenue around 3am.

Carlyle was last seen wearing civilian clothes and has multiple tattoos on his face and neck.

Inmate Dennis Carlyle, 23 (pictured), escaped on Saturday morning from the Atlanta Transitional Center. He was convicted for aggravated assault with a deadly weapon and robbery in June 2012 and was serving a seven-year sentence

He is described as a white male, standing at 5'11" and weighing 205 pounds. He has blue eyes and brown hair, and has gone by the name Dennis Zachery Lee Bray.

Carlyle was convicted for aggravated assault with a deadly weapon and robbery in June 2012 and was serving a seven-year sentence, according to the Georgia Department of Corrections, due to be released in 2019.

The facility he escaped from offers select offenders a job in the community, while requiring them to conform to the structure of the program, according to WXIA.

The facility he escaped from offers select offenders a job in the community, while requiring them to conform to the structure of the program, according to WXIA

Authorities say that the center is not a secure facility and therefore Carlyle was able to easily slip out.

'He does landscaping around here and he was nice to my dog and stuff...but I mean the police have to do what they have to do and that's their job,' resident John Gardner told Fox 5 Atlanta.

There is no word yet from police on whether he's still in the area or hiding out somewhere else.

Residents are urged to not approach Carlyle and to call 911 if they see him.
The last day of school at Tahquitz High in California turned ugly as an unlikely group of people got into a massive brawl: parents picking up their children.

Several parents were filmed outside of the high school on Tital Trail in Hemet on Wednesday punching, kicking and screaming at each other.

While it's unclear what sparked the violent fight, other parents and children were horrified by the display.

'Think about it before you do it in front of your kids,' mother Amber Pifundi told CBS 2.

Parents got into a massive brawl outside of Tahquitz High School in California. The fight on Wednesday reportedly started on Twitter and carried over to the school campus

Several parents can be seen ripping at each other's hair and throwing punches in a viral video of the incident

'Think about it before you do it in front of your kids,' mother Amber Pifundi said about the parents who chose to get into the fight

'It's one thing behind closed doors. It's another thing when there are no kids around but when you are there with kids, it's just not an example you want to set.'

The station also learned that some of the parents in the fight live in the same apartment complex. The dispute quickly spread from social media and onto the school campus.

'They say this, they say that. This one gets on Twitter, and calls the other girl ait's a bunch of girls fighting over [expletive] boys,' said a neighbor.

Other parents said the public display gives the school and surrounding area a bad reputation.

'I moved here without knowing about the city and we've only been here a year and we're already leaving,' one resident said.

A district spokesperson said school officials were 'saddened' that the fight carried over into the school area.

The Hemet Police Department said no arrests have been made.
A high school senior who was not allowed to participate in her school's graduation ceremony because she is pregnant has received her diploma in a special ceremony hosted by a community church.

Over 140 friends and family came out to support Maddi Runkles, 18, at the Benevola United Methodist Church in Boonsboro, Maryland, as she was given the accolade on Saturday.

After discovering she was pregnant in January, Maddi had been banned from attending her Friday graduation ceremony at Heritage Academy, a small private Christian school.

The 4.0 GPA student received a college acceptance letter days before learning she was pregnant.

Maddi Runkles, 18, is seen preparing for a special diploma ceremony on Saturday. Maddi was barred from attending her actual graduation after discovering she was pregnant

Runkles discovered she was pregnant in January. School administrators suspended her for two days and barred her from attending graduation, leading to the special diploma ceremony

Maddi received her diploma at a ceremony hosted by a local church. Over 140 people attended to support the pregnant teen who'd been banished from school for being 'immoral'

Maddie and her brother Evan pose at the graduation ceremony, which was held Saturday at the Benevola United Methodist Church in Boonsboro, Maryland

'If you would have asked me a few months ago, if I thought my daughter would be in this position today, I would have said, "No way",' Maddi's father Scott Runkles said at the special ceremony, the Herald-Mail reported.

'I think God and his grace and his mercy, is simply telling us, "I've got a different plan for Maddi, I've got something bigger for her",' the dad said as he struggled to compose himself.

Scott Runkles was serving as president of the Heritage board of directors when his daughter was suspended for two days and removed from her position on the student council over her unexpected pregnancy.

School administrators at the Christian school have said that while they applauded Maddi's decision to keep the baby, her pregnancy indicated she'd broken the school's rules requiring abstinence.

'Maddi is being disciplined, not because she's pregnant, but because she was immoral,' school administrator David R Hobbs said in a May 23 letter to students' parents obtained by DailyMail.com.

Maddi's story became a cause celebre for pro-life activists after the teen's banishment from graduation was made public last month.

The pro-life group Students for Life awarded Maddi with a $16,000 college scholarship at a graduation party at the Runkle home after the ceremony

Proud friends and family returned to the Runkles home for a barbecue and celebration after the special graduation ceremony

'We are so proud of Maddi for not only her courage to make a good decision in difficult circumstances, but to be an example to other students in similar situations and challenge Christian schools on their policies towards pregnant students like herself,' Kristan Hawkins, president of Students for Life, said in a statement.

The pro-life group awarded Maddi with a $16,000 college scholarship at a graduation party at the Runkle home after the ceremony.

At the special ceremony, Maddi declined to give a speech after accepting her diploma and moving the tassel on her white mortarboard cap from right to left.

'I (just) want to thank every single person in this room,' Maddi said simply.

'If it wasn't for you, I don't honestly think I could have made it these last two months.'

Maddi has previously spoken out about the way she was treated by Heritage Academy, sparking backlash from critics who accused her of harboring a vendetta against the school.

Maddi Runkles, 18, pictured, from Boonsboro, Maryland, was not be allowed to participate in her high school's graduation ceremony because she is pregnant

In a guest column for the Washington Post, Maddi recalled how she was told that all of the students at the school would be called to a special assembly at which the principal would tell them of her pregnancy.

The families of the students were invited, she said.

She was told she wouldn't have to attend, but she decided - as a senior and a 'campus leader' - that she should.

'In front of the whole school, I got up and started to read a statement that I wrote, explaining that I had broken the rules, that I was repentant and that I asked for forgiveness,' she said.

'But I couldn't get through it. My dad had to read some of it while I composed myself.

'It was one of the hardest things I ever did, and I'm so sorry, not for myself, but for any girl in that audience who will get pregnant in the future and may consider abortion because of what I had to go through.'

Maddi bravely spread the word of her mistreatment, but found the people of her hometown turning against her - and her family.

'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,' she said.

'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.'

Runkles, pictured, says she feels she has been treated more harshly than students who have been suspended for other reasons. Anti-abortion group Students for Life has said Runkles shouldn't be punished, and praised her for deciding to keep the child

She added: '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.'

Maddi is expecting a boy, whom she plans to name Greyson, and plans to continue her studies at a Christian university.

Maddi previously spoke out in an interview with the New York Times last month, saying she feels she has been treated more harshly than students who have been suspended for other reasons.

'Some pro-life people are against the killing of unborn babies, but they won't speak out in support of the girl who chooses to keep her baby,' Runkles told the Times, speaking about her school.

'Honestly, that makes me feel like maybe the abortion would have been better. Then they would have just forgiven me, rather than deal with this visible consequence.'

Her situation shows the tension within Christian organizations that oppose abortion and don't support sex before marriage. They have difficulty dealing with pregnant teens.

Anti-abortion organization Students for Life says Runkles shouldn't be punished for her pregnancy, but should be praised for choosing to keep the baby.

'There has got to be a way to treat a young woman who becomes pregnant in a graceful and loving way,' Students for Life president Kristan Hawkins told the Times.

According to the paper, she tried unsuccessfully to persuade Heritage Academy to change the decision.

Heritage Academy Administrator David Hobbs issued a statement calling Runkles' pregnancy 'an internal issue about which much prayer and discussion has taken place'.

The 18-year-old told the Times that the child's father does not go to Heritage and the two do not plan on getting married.

Heritage Academy Administrator David Hobbs issued a statement calling Runkles' pregnancy 'an internal issue about which much prayer and discussion has taken place'. Heritage Academy, pictured, is a small, private Christian school in Hagerstown, Maryland
A man who killed his father and younger sister in a brutal attack was mistakenly let out on day release this year, after a mix-up by the changing NSW governments.

The 49-year-old - who has been given the pseudonym 'Desmond Collie' - stabbed his family members to death with a kitchen knife in front of his sister's young children, in her Sydney family home.

However he was found not guilty of committing their murders by reason of mental illness.

But Collie was allowed by the Mental Health Review Tribunal to walk free in February, because a member of the newly elected Berejiklian government failed to turn up to his hearing and object to his release, the Daily Telegraph reports.

'Brendan Collie' (pictured), who killed his father and younger sister in a brutal attack but was found not guilty on mental health reasons, was let out on day release after a mix-up by the changing NSW governments earlier this year

That blunder came despite the previous Baird government deeming him 'an ongoing risk to public' if he was freed from his secure mental health facility.

Because of strict laws surrounding the reporting of the Tribunal's hearings, names of anyone mentioned in the case cannot be published.

That includes the killer, victims, politicians and in this case, even the department at fault for Collie's day release.

Highlighting the danger the former Baird government believed Collie posed, a state official reportedly asked the Tribunal to end his accompanied day release last year.

The Daily Telegraph claims the high-ranking official wrote in a report of: 'ongoing concerns regarding Desmond Collie's risk to the safety of the public'.

Collie was allowed by the Mental Health Review Tribunal to walk free in February, because a member of the newly elected Berejiklian government failed to turn up to his hearing and object to his release

But on February 3, 2017, just a week after Gladys Berejiklian reshuffled her cabinet, a lawyer for Collie reportedly asked for the official's submission to be dismissed.

Without an appearance and with Collie assessed as low-risk by medical staff treating him, the Tribunal approved day release, hoping it would provide 'therapeutic value'.

Having been found not guilty of the crime for mental health reasons, Collie qualifies as a forensic patient, meaning the Tribunal will now decide when he's released.
A security guard allegedly beat a tame wallaby to death with a wooden bat in front of horrified diners, before dragging its bloodied carcass into the bush.

The wallaby was rummaging through a bin for food outside a restaurant in Couran Cove Island Resort on South Stradbroke Island off the Gold Coast last week.

Two groups of diners watched as the guard allegedly attacked the wallaby with the bat until it was dead, leaving a trail of blood as he dragged to body away.

A security guard allegedly beat a tame wallaby to death with a wooden bat in front of horrified diners on an island off the Gold Coast (another wallaby on the island pictured)

The wallaby was rummaging through a bin for food outside a restaurant in Couran Cove Island Resort (pictured) on South Stradbroke Island last week

Locals said two waitresses had to be escorted home after work because they were so traumatised from witnessing the incident.

'It's just out and out murder. Two sets of diners were there and there was blood left on the path. Everyone on the island is talking about it,' a local told the Gold Coast Bulletin.

RSPCA Queensland confirmed it was investigating the incident, as did Couran Cove director Lachlan McIntosh.

Mr McIntosh said the guard was immediately sacked and sent packing 'on the next boat off the island' once the resort found out.

Couran Cove is promoted as an eco-friendly resort where several hundred tame wallabies live among guests and are considered pets by full-time residents

Two groups of diners watched as the guard allegedly attacked the wallaby (not this one) with the bat until it was dead, leaving a trail of blood as he dragged to body away

He said the resort launched a formal investigation into the 'very distressing' incident and would deliver a report to the RSPCA this week.

'All of our wallabies are tame and are wonderful friends of the resort, our staff and guests,' he said.

Couran Cove is promoted as an eco-friendly resort where several hundred tame wallabies live among guests and are considered pets by full-time residents.

No charges were laid yet but the maximum penalty for serious animal cruelty is seven years' jail or a $235,600 fine.
Some 21 people remained in critical condition on Sunday following the terror attack in London that killed seven people, Britain's National Health Service (NHS) said.

Separately, Metropolitan Police Assistant Commissioner Mark Rowley said 36 people in total were being treated in hospital for wounds sustained in Saturday night's attack.

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A Sydney filmmaker has been arrested in Cambodia's capital Phnom Penh after being accused of spying, according to the online site Fresh News that has close ties to the nation's ruling party.

Images have emerged of James Ricketson, 68, handcuffed and being questioned by authorities after being detained shortly before local elections taking place throughout Cambodia on Sunday.

Fresh News posted online photographs depicting Mr Ricketson operating a drone in Phnom Penh on Saturday as onlookers surrounded the Australian, The Sydney Morning Herald reports.

Images have emerged of James Ricketson, 68, handcuffed and being questioned by authorities after being detained in Phnom Penh

The 68-year-old is no stranger to controversy in the nation as in 2014, a Phnom Penh court gave Mr Ricketson a two-year suspended sentence for allegedly threatening to tarnish the reputation of a refuge for girls

He also campaigned for the release of a British man, who was convicted and jailed over child sex allegations, after claiming he is innocent

The site claimed Mr Ricketson had allegedly been collating information without the required authorisation, which led to his detainment and the possibility of legal action against him.

The 68-year-old is no stranger to controversy in the nation as in 2014, a Phnom Penh court gave Mr Ricketson a two-year suspended sentence for allegedly threatening to tarnish the reputation of a refuge for girls administrated by an Australian charity.

He also campaigned for the release of a British man, who was convicted and jailed over child sex allegations, after claiming he is innocent.

Mr Ricketson has a distinguished career in film after initially studying at the Australian Film and Television School and has since produced several award-winning features and documentaries.

Cambodia's government had issued warnings prior to the elections that it was monitoring non-government organisations for 'bias' activities and behaviour towards opposition parties.

Cambodia's Prime Minister Hun Sen has issued a warning that if the opposition win the elections, war could break out across the country.

A spokeswoman for the Department of Foreign Affairs said it had received information regarding reports of an Australian man detained in Phnom Penh, and has made attempts to contact him, offering consular assistance.

Mr Ricketson had allegedly been collating information without the required authorisation, which led to his detainment and the possibility of legal action against him
One of the terror suspects was thrown out of a local mosque two years ago after shouting that voting in a General Election was 'un-Islamic', MailOnline can disclose.

The man had been attending the Jabir Bin Zayd mosque in Barking for some months when he aggressively interrupted a sermon in which the Imam was advising his community to vote.

'He started saying that voting was un-Islamic and we shouldn't do it,' the mosque manager, who declined to be named, told MailOnline.

The man had been attending the Jabir Bin Zayd mosque (pictured) in Barking for some months when he aggressively interrupted a sermon in which the Imam was advising his community to vote

'He got very angry. I called him aside and said, please calm down. He refused, so I removed him. Thank God he followed me.

'When we got outside the room, he said you don't have authority over me, only God has authority because this is a house of God. I said that might be true, but I am in charge.'

The suspect had long hair at the time, the manager said, and did not appear to know much about Islam.

'He had no special friends here. He would arrive, pray and then leave. He said hello to people but generally kept himself to himself,' the manager said.

'He seemed an uneducated person. He seemed to have no knowledge of religion.' After the outburst the suspect was banned from the mosque and has not been seen there since, he added.
ISIS supporters have mocked the attack on London Bridge, claiming it was revenge for the 'love from Manchester' message scrawled onto an RAF airstrike missile.

The image of a Paveway IV bomb on its way to strike ISIS targets in Syria was posted on Twitter in the aftermath of last week's Manchester attack.

In the hours after last night's terrorist attack in London, social media users in support of ISIS claimed the murder spree was in response to the defiant message.

One account, which was retweeted by Rita Katz, the executive director of SITE Intelligence Group, wrote: 'This is your merchandise and tonight we responded.'

ISIS supporters have mocked the attack on London Bridge, claiming it was revenge for the 'love from Manchester' message scrawled onto an RAF missile (pictured)

Six people were killed and at least 30 are thought to be injured, police said. The three attackers were also shot dead during just eight minutes of violence

It is understood the original message and photograph were the brainchild of a drone squadron based at a secret location in the Middle East.

The defiant note was initially believed to be a social media hoax but RAF bosses later confirmed its veracity.

It is understood it was the brainchild of a drone squadron based at a secret location in the Middle East, in response to Monday night's terror attack at Manchester Arena that claimed 22 innocent victims.

It was reported to be a Hellfire missile on social media, although it was later confirmed as a Paveway IV bomb.

The picture appeared on Twitter with the caption: 'RAF Armourer on a Reaper UAV squadron wrote this on a Hellfire (sic) missile before taking off on a Syria mission'.

An RAF spokesman told MailOnline: 'The RAF can confirm the photo was genuine'.

The bodies of two men, believed to be terrorists, lie in the road in Borough market after shots had been heard

ISIS terrorists have celebrated the attack in London bridge which killed seven people and left 21 in critical condition on Saturday night

The message 'Love from Manchester' was written on a Hellfire missile destined for ISIS

Prime Minister Theresa May has expressed her 'huge gratitude' to the emergency services who were on London Bridge within two minutes of last night's attack beginning

A source said: 'The sentiment of the message is understandable under the circumstances.

'There's a history of messages being written on missiles in the RAF.

'It's unlikely the individual responsible for it will be disciplined.'

The tradition of writing messages on bombs dates back to the Second World War and has featured in every conflict since.

Following the terror attacks in Paris in November 2015 that left 130 dead, the message 'From Paris, With Love' daubed on American bombs and missiles bound for ISIS strongholds.

Russian military also inscribed 'For Paris' on bombs destined for ISIS targets in Syria, in solidarity with the victims of those horrifying attacks in the French capital.

A traumatised man who helped the wounded victim led away on a stretcher walked away with blood on his shirt. A horrified bystander wrapped in a foil blanket was led away from the police

During the incident the Metropolitan Police asked Londoners to 'run, hide, tell'

While ISIS has not claimed responsbility for the attack, the group has been calling for knife and vehicle attacks during the month of Ramadan

Twisted ISIS militants have praised the London Bridge attackers who murdered seven innocent civilians and wounded 48 more on Saturday.

Dozens of images have appeared on anonymous messaging channels with links to the terror group celebrating the slaughter and vowing to carry out more attacks.

While ISIS has not claimed responsibility for the atrocity, fighters had been calling for vehicle and knife attacks targeting the West to take place during Ramadan.

Three jihadis ran down 20 people on London Bridge shortly after 10pm before going on a knife rampage through Borough Market, stabbing strangers at random.

Police eventually shot the men, who were wearing fake suicide vests, dead outside the Wheatsheaf pub.
Brits took to Twitter to mock claims by the New York Times that the nation was 'reeling' from terror attacks.

In their coverage of the London stabbings, the American newspaper's headline read: 'Terrorist attacks in the heart of London leave 6 dead in a nation still reeling.'

But furious users on Twitter hit out to say that, while Britain was undoubtedly mourning, it was determined to keep calm and carry on.

The NY Times claimed the nation was 'reeling' - prompting outrage among British users on Twitter

But author J.K. Rowling quickly hit back, claiming it was playing into the hands of terrorists

Author J.K. Rowling said that claiming a nation was 'reeling' played straight into the hands of terrorists.

Posting on Twitter, Rowling said: 'The thugs who mowed down innocent people would love to think of the UK 'reeling' but it isn't. Don't confuse grief with lack of courage.'

Journalist Jason Cowley said: 'London is the city of the Blitz. Absurd and scandalous to suggest Londoners are reeling or scared. Mourning the dead, yes.'

The hashtag #ThingsThatLeaveBritainReeling was trending for most of Sunday.

Plenty of users pointed out the fact that London had endured the Blitz

Journalist Jason Cowley said it was 'scandalous' suggesting Londoners were reeling

Plenty of commentators online referenced the Blitz and pointed out that if London could survive Hitler, it could survive a terrorist attack.

Labour Activist Paul Richards said: 'Dear foreign journalists: London is not 'reeling', 'cowed' or 'on lockdown'. London is getting on with stuff, as usual.

In true British fashion the hashtag became an exercise in dry humor

Brits quickly began echoing the common problems they all can associate with

Theresa May echoed calls to stay calm, saying that 'society needs to continue to function in accordance with our values' and encouraged people to get on with their lives.

Posters online also noted that theBr US regularly suffers significant more violence.

The hashtag was trending throughout the day

Plenty of users felt pride at how the nation had calmly responded

A week ago eight people, including a Sheriff's Deputy, were killed in a shooting spree in Mississippi.

In 2016 the city of Chicago suffered 762 homicides, a 19-year high. There were 3,550 shooting incidents - almost ten a day.

President Donald Trump also added fuel to the fire, tweeting: 'Do you notice we are not having a gun debate right now? That's because they used knives and a truck!'

Mayor Sadiq Khan said he had 'better things to do' then respond to Trump's tweets.
The moment a Canadian woman berates grocery clerks and tells them to 'go back to China' for not understanding English has been caught on video.

The video, shot in a Toronto Foodymart on Friday evening, shows a woman in a motorized wheelchair breaking into a rage over communications difficulties with the Chinese staffers.

'The lady went up to the counter and asked if anyone knew how to speak English. She didn't even ask for food at the beginning. I think she was looking for trouble,' Frank Hong, who shot the video, told DailyMail.com.

'The lady went on a racist tirade screaming about how they needed to know English and screamed Go back to China at least a dozen times,' Hong said.

'As a Chinese-Canadian, I am deeply appalled and offended by this and I hope that you can show this to the world so we can raise awareness for such racism,' Hong said.

The video, believed to be shot in a Toronto Foodymart, shows a woman in a motorized wheelchair breaking into a rage over communications difficulties with the Chinese staffers.

Hong said that the video opens three minutes into the dispute between the unidentified woman and a manager, who is apparently explaining that not all the staff at the Chinese supermarket speak English.

'Then they should go back to China, go back to China!' the woman says, as a male bystander laughs.

'This is Canada, English/French country!' the woman continues.

'Canada, anybody can come in here,' the manager replies, waving his finger in the air defiantly.

'If they're going to work here, it is the law to know English,' the woman replies, pointing back at the man.

It is unclear what law she is referring to, if such a law exists. Canada is officially bilingual, with French and English having equal official status under the law.

'Not one of these people speak English,' the woman continues, gesturing at the workers serving prepared food from a heated counter. 'I would like to buy food,' she announces several times.

'Canada, anybody can come in here,' the manager tells the rude woman, before turning away and giving up (left). Other customers (right) offer to help, but the woman continues ranting

'I can translate for you,' another customer offers helpfully to the woman.

But the woman continues to rant and rave about her interpretation of Canadian law, and the Good Samaritan gives up and walks away.

'I would like to know how much is it, can I put together rice and vegetables?' the woman goes on. 'How much is it?'

Another customer leans over to assist the woman in communicating her order, before the video ends.

'People were shocked and angry,' said Hong, describing the reaction to the woman's tirade in the store.

'No employee who works so hard for so little money deserves this and no human being in the world deserves this,' said Hong.
Cary Grant was coerced into dropping acid as part of a controversial therapy.

According to a new Showtime documentary, the actor was distraught over his inability to form relationships with women as well as the distant relationship he had with his mother.

In Becoming Cary Grant, filmmakers detail how the Hollywood star, who failed to achieve inner peace with hypnosis and yoga, claimed to find it with LSD.

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Actor Cary Grant (pictured in 1933) was coerced into dropping acid more than 100 times as part of a controversial therapy due to his inability to 'connect' with women and the fraught relationship he had with his mother, according to new Showtime documentary Becoming Cary Grant

Grant was introduced to Dr Mortimer Hartman, a physician in Beverly Hills, California, who was prescribing LSD by his third wife, Betsy Drake (left, pictured with Grant in 1952). Drake 'took LSD to cure herself of alcoholism'

Grant's personal life was said to be in shambles. Two early marriages had ended in divorce and he allegedly frustrated by his inability to connect with women.

That's when his third wife, Betsy Drake, introduced him to Dr Mortimer Hartman, a physician in Beverly Hills, California, who was prescribing LSD.

Drake 'took LSD to cure herself of alcoholism,' according to filmmaker Mark Kidel, and Hartman was able to obtain the tablets, still legal until 1966, directly from a Swiss pharmaceutical company.

At age 53, the Hollywood icon ended up submitting to 100 LSD therapy sessions over the course of three years.

'The fact that the sessions lasted five to six hours suggests that the doses were not very strong,' Kidel told the New York Post.

'Trips normally last 12 hours or so...What is remarkable is that he persevered over three years. LSD takes you to the basement of your psyche.'

Grant, who referred to Hartman as 'my wise Mahatma', didn't keep the sessions a secret - in fact, he went so far as to proclaim their value in women's magazines such as Good Housekeeping.

The big take-away, Grant says in the film, was that 'LSD made me realize I was killing my mother through...relationships with women. I was punishing them for what she had done to me.'

At age 53, the Hollywood icon (pictured in 1934) ended up submitting to 100 LSD therapy sessions - lasting five or six hours - over the course of three years

Grant referred to Dr Hartman as 'my wise Mahatma' and didn't keep the LSD sessions a secret. He proclaimed their value to women's magazines, such as Good Housekeeping (Grant pictured left with Marilyn Monroe in 1952 on the set of Monkey Business, and right with wife Betsy Drake in unknown year)

For years, Grant has a tumultuous relationship with his mother, Elsie.

Her first child, John, died at age one of tuberculosis meningitis. When Grant was born, then called Archibald Leach, his mother dressed him in baby clothes well past the age of one.

At age nine, he came home from school one day to his find his mother gone - to a resort, his father claimed.

'[Grant] thought she died,' said Kidel. 'She was never spoken of again.'

It was only after Leach had chosen his profession and rechristened himself Cary Grant that he learned what happened to his mother.

When the actor was nine years old, his father told him that his mother, Elsie, had gone 'to a resort'. At age 30, he learned that she had been committed to Bristol Lunatic Asylum in 1915 by her husband. A year later, in 1935, Grant freed his mother (Elsie pictured with two nurses from Bristol Lunatic Asylum)

In 1959, Grant told Look magazine of LSD: 'I learned to accept the responsibility for my own actions and to blame myself and no one else for circumstances of my own creating. At last I am close to happiness' (Grant and Sam Jaffe looking through a bamboo window at one another in a scene from the 1939 film Gunga Din)

Elsie was committed to the Bristol Lunatic Asylum in 1915 with a diagnosis of 'mania'. She had not been sent there by a doctor but on her husband's testimony alone.

Grant's mother resided there for 20 years with Grant freeing her in 1935, shortly after learning of her whereabouts.

Reportedly, so much time had passed that Grant had to convince Elsie who he really was.

The LSD therapy didn't completely cure him of his' lack of connection' with women - Grant married two more women after Drake (actress Dyan Cannon and PR agent Barbara Harris) but, when he died in 1986 after a massive stroke, he left $10,000 to Dr Hartman in his will.

Grant told Look magazine of LSD in 1959: 'I learned to accept the responsibility for my own actions and to blame myself and no one else for circumstances of my own creating. At last I am close to happiness.'
Jeremy Corbyn tonight accused Theresa May of ignoring warnings about the terror risks of cutting police officers.

Labour's leader said Mrs May accused the Police Federation of 'crying wolf' about the cuts as he responded to the third terror attack in three months to hit Britain.

He said the Government could not protect the public 'on the cheap' in a hard-hitting address.

Mr Corbyn also accused her of suppressing a report believed to make embarrassing allegations about major British arms customer Saudi Arabia funding extremists.

And he sought to end the earlier controversy over his support for police use of 'shoot-to-kill' tactics against armed attackers, by stating that he backed the 'full authority for the police to use whatever force is necessary to protect and save life as they did last night, as they did in Westminster in March'.

Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn (pictured tonight making a speech on terrorism) has restarted his general election campaign by claiming Theresa May accused the Police Federation of 'crying wolf' over police cuts

Mr Corbyn (pictured tonight in Carlisle) urged voters to turn out on Thursday in defiance of the marauding attackers

The Labour leader, speaking in Carlisle as he resumed his election campaign less than 24 hours after the London Bridge attack, urged voters to turn out on Thursday in defiance of the marauding attackers.

Police investigations into the atrocity, which killed seven and injured 50, are continuing tonight.

Mrs May responded to the attacks herself this morning with a defiant address from the steps of No 10. The speech was seen by Labour as stretching to the limit a brief political truce declared in the hours after the attack.

Mr Corbyn called a halt to that lull tonight with just three more days of campaigning before Thursday's election.

Outlining Labour's policy to recruit 10,000 more police officers, he said: 'Our priority must be public safety and I will take whatever action is necessary and effective to protect the security of our people and our country.

'That includes full authority for the police to use whatever force is necessary to protect and save life as they did last night, as they did in Westminster in March.

'You cannot protect the public on the cheap. The police and security services must get the resources they need, not 20,000 police cuts.

'Theresa May was warned by the Police Federation but she accused them of ''crying wolf''.'

Mr Corbyn's remarks are a strong defence of last night's police action and will be seen as a deliberate attempt to see off claims he does not fully supports officers' right to shoot to kill.

The Labour leader said it was crucial for Britain to go about the business of electing a new Government unbowed.

He said Thursday's contest remained primarily about the battle between different Tory and Labour visions for Britain.

But Mr Corbyn added: 'It is also now about something even bigger. It is about the struggle between terrorism and democracy itself.

'The mass murderers who brought terror to our streets in London and Manchester want our election to be halted. They want democracy halted.

'They want their violence to overwhelm our right to vote in a fair and peaceful election and to go about our lives freely.

'That is why it would be completely wrong to postpone next Thursdays vote, or to suspend our campaigning any longer.'

Jeremy Corbyn (pictured making his initial response to the attacks this morning) tonight accused Theresa May of ignoring warnings about the terror risks of cutting police officers

Mr Corbyn was given a tough ride on security issues by a BBC Question Time audience on Friday night (pictured)

Mrs May this morning outlined a four point plan to tackle terror, insisting 'enough is enough'.

Theresa May has condemned the brutal attacks at London Bridge and warned Britain faces a 'new trend in the threat we face

Her plans include a renewed commitment to 'pluralistic British values', cracking down on online 'safe spaces' used by terrorists, tough new prison sentences for terror offences and prosecution of the war abroad on ISIS.

Mr Corbyn tonight insisted further steps were needed including a 'difficult conversation' with Saudi Arabia, long one of Britain's closest allies in the Middle East.

The Labour leader said: 'It is no good Theresa May suppressing a report into the foreign funding of extremist groups.

'We have to get serious about cutting off the funding to these terror networks, including Isis, here and in the Middle East.'

In her speech this morning, the Prime Minister said the three attacks in the past three months were not directly connected but were linked by the 'the single evil ideology of Islamist extremism'.

Speaking from the steps of No 10, Mrs May said Britain faces a 'new trend in the threat we face' warned 'things have to change'.

The Premier said there was 'far too much tolerance' of extreme views and vowed to stand up for 'pluralistic British values' that were 'superior' to the fanatics' ideology.

She vowed: 'We will take on and defeat our enemies.'

As her response continued, Mrs May paid a private visit to the Kings College Hospital in south London this afternoon to meet victims of the atrocity.

TERROR TIMELINE 10.08pm Police were called to reports of a vehicle hitting pedestrians on London Bridge Terrorists got out of car and ran to Borough Market stabbing people 10.16pm Three terrorists shot dead in Borough Market 10.32pm London Bridge station is closed 11pm Police said another incident was happening in Vauxhall as the station was reportedly evacuated 12.25am The incidents at London Bridge and Borough market & were declared as terrorist incidents 12.55am Police said the incident at Vauxhall was a stabbing and not connected to the terrorism Advertisement

Pictures and videos showing bloodied survivors continued to emerge today in the aftermath of the attack, which claimed seven lives and left almost 50 injured.

Mrs May, who chaired a meeting of the emergency Cobra committee this morning, said the election campaign would resume in full tomorrow and the polls would open on Thursday as planned.

A minute's silence will be held at 11am on Tuesday and flags around the country will remain at half mast until then.

The official terror threat level has not been changed and remains at 'severe' - meaning an attack is 'highly likely'.

In her speech, Mrs May said: 'In terms of their planning and execution the recent attacks are not connected.

'But we believe we are experiencing a new trend in the threat we face as terrorism breeds terrorism and perpetrators are inspired to attack not only on the basis of carefully constructed plots after years of planning and training.

'And not even as lone attackers radicalised online but by copying one another and often using the crudest means of attack.

'We cannot and must not pretend things can continue as they are. Things need to change and they need to change in four important ways.'

The Prime Minister said the three attacks in the past three months were not directly connected but were linked by the 'the single evil ideology of Islamist extremism'

Mrs May, who chaired a meeting of the emergency Cobra committee this morning, said the election campaign would resume in full tomorrow and the polls would open on Thursday

Mrs May outlined her four point plan:

Defeating the extreme Islamist ideology to make them understand 'pluralistic British values' are superior

Ending the 'safe space' online for the plotting of terror attacks

Continuing military action against ISIS terrorists in Iraq and Syria

Tougher prison sentences at home for terrorist offences

Mrs May said: 'The whole of country needs to come together to take on this extremism and we need to live our lives not in a series of separate, segregated communities but as one truly United Kingdom.'

The PM added: 'Our country has made significant progress in disrupting plots and protecting the public.

'But it is time to say enough is enough. Everybody needs to go about their lives as they normally would. Our society should continue to function in accordance with our values.

'But when it comes to extremism and terrorism things need to change.'

Speaking on the steps of No 10 just hours after the attack, Mrs May said 'enough is enough' as she outlined a four point plan on tackling terrorism

Armed officers were stationed outside Downing Street today (pictured) as the Government's emergency committee met

Mrs May paid a private visit to the Kings College Hospital (pictured) in south London this afternoon to meet victims of the atrocity

The PM praised the 'great courage and great speed' with which police responded to the terror attacks and condemned the use of fake suicide vests to 'spread panic and fear'.

Mrs May vowed the election would continue as planned.

She said: 'As a mark of respect two political parties have suspended our national campaigns for today, but violence must never be allowed to disrupt the democratic process.

'So those campaigns will resume in full tomorrow and the general election will go ahead as planned on Thursday.

'As a country our response must be as it has always been when we have been confronted by violence.

'We must come together, we must pull together and united we will take on and defeat our enemies.'

Heavily armed officers continued their presence on the scene of the London Bridge terror attacks this afternoon

Prime Minister Theresa May has expressed her 'huge gratitude' to the emergency services who were on London Bridge within two minutes of last night's attack beginning
New York City mayor Bill de Blasio has been slammed for bypassing a gym close to his home and rather driving to one considerably farther.

The mayor has faced critique especially because he's been calling for New Yorkers to adopt more sustainable habits in the wake of President Trump's withdrawal from the Paris climate agreement.

But De Blasio doesn't seem to be following his own advice. He goes to the YMCA gym in Park Slope, Brooklyn - 12 miles away from his home, the Gracie Mansion - five days a week rather than a gym near his home, which is less than half a mile away.

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Bill de Blasio has been slammed for using a gym far from his home, Gracie Mansion. He is pictured here leaving the YMCA in Park Slope in Brooklyn, 12 miles away from his home

Five days a week, the mayor bypasses a gym less than a half a mile away from his home. He is pictured here again, clad in his gym gear, leaving theYMCA

On a WNYC radio show he appears weekly, he declared: 'Everyone in our own life needs to change our habits to start protecting the Earth.'

But he was stopped in his tracks when a New Yorker confronted him about his non- environmentally-friendly gym routine.

'How about you stepping up your game and leading by example [by] getting out of your SUV armada?' said caller, Charles Komanoff, an experienced energy-policy analyst and an environmental activist.

De Blasio retorted and said he drove to the gym using a Hybrid, an electric energy-efficient car - although his security drives behind him with a gas-guzzling SUV.

'The issue is not cheap symbolism,' the mayor said in response. 'I wish my life was like everyone elses, but its not, for obvious reasons.

'But again, the issue is not cheap symbolism here. The issue is, are we going to take action? Are we going to change the way things are done?'

The mayor's gym at Prospect Park is just under 12 miles away from his home while there's one called the Asphalt Green, labelled in black, less than half a mile away

Many say his gym routine is bad for the environment because he could save energy by either going to one closer or using the subway. He is pictured here in February gearing up to work out at the YMCA

A caller on a WNYC show confronted him when he asked: 'If you need to go to the Park Slope Y five days a week rather than a gym near you, why dont you take mass transit or even once in a while ride a bike like the vast majority of your fellow New Yorkers so you will know how we are suffering under a transit system?' The last time the Mayor - pictured on New Year's Eve with his wife Chirlane McCray - used the subway was on April 19

While the mayor has been pushing for policies to protect the environment, his practices have long been a point of contention.

He has also been criticized for his rare use of the subway system - even though his predecessor Michael Bloomberg frequently used them. In fact the last time the mayor rode on the subway was on April 19, the New York Times reported.

And Komanoff didn't shy away from addressing the mayor's travelling habits too.

The New Yorker said: 'If you need to go to the Park Slope Y five days a week rather than a gym near you, why dont you take mass transit or even once in a while ride a bike like the vast majority of your fellow New Yorkers so you will know how we are suffering under a transit system?'

He also questioned how the mayor could identify with commuters who often have to deal with delayed trains and an overburdened transit system if he doesn't travel with trains.

'[We] need a voice and we dont have one,' he said. 'Its harder for the mayor to become the voice when he doesnt use the system.'
A brave police officer tried to take on the London Bridge jihadis with just his baton before they stabbed him and he was rushed to hospital.

The unnamed British Transport Police officer was the first on the scene as the carnage unfolded at 10pm last night.

His Chief Constable today praised his 'enormous courage in the face of danger'.

Three Jihadi terrorists have been shot dead by armed police after killing seven people and injuring at least 48 more during a horrific knife rampage in central London last night

Forensic officers were seen circling blood splatter and bagging pieces of evidence as they scoured London Bridge today

The rented van used by the attackers pictured at the scene today, where it was abandoned shortly after 10pm last night

Paul Crowther said: 'Having visited the officer in hospital shortly after he was admitted for treatment, I was able to hear his account of what happened last night.

'It became clear that he showed enormous courage in the face of danger, as did many others who were at the scene and rushed to help.

'Although he is seriously unwell, he was able to recount how he faced the attackers armed only with his baton, outside London Bridge station.

'For an officer who only joined us less than two years ago, the bravery he showed was outstanding and makes me extremely proud.

'All of us at BTP wish him a swift recovery, and I know he will be touched by the hundreds of messages of support from across the UK and the world.

'Our thoughts are with all of those who died or were injured, and their loved ones as they try to come to terms with what happened.'

A Canadian national is the first person to be confirmed dead in the London Bridge terror attack that also saw an Australian waitress slashed across the throat from behind as she enjoyed a post-work drink.

Paul Crowther (pictured) said: 'For an officer who only joined us less than two years ago, the bravery he showed was outstanding and makes me extremely proud'

Twelve people were arrested in connection with the terror attack in a police raid on a flat in Barking, east London, today

Armed officers remained at the scene today as police launched a major investigation into the the third terror attack on British soil in as many months

Candice Hedge is one of 48 people believed to be recovering in hospitals across the capital after one of the terrorists ran up and cut her neck as she sat in a bar.

France's Foreign Minister has confirmed that a French man was killed in the attack. Seven people from France were injured, four critically. One is still missing.

Another victim, New Zealander Oliver Dowling, 32, is in a coma after being stabbed in the face during the attack, which also injured his girlfriend, Marie Bondeville, whose condition is still unknown.

A British Transport Police officer was stabbed in the face, while Scotland Yard has now confirmed an off-duty Metropolitan Police officer was also among those injured.

Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau national said one of his citizens was among those killed in the London Bridge terror attack, said.

One Spanish resident is among the injured, the country's foreign minister has confirmed.
ISIS warned another attack against the UK was 'definitely coming' just two days before seven people were killed by terrorists in London Bridge, it has emerged.

Weekly newsletter Al-Naba, published in territories occupied by the terrorist's organisation and distributed online, made the threats in an article about Manchester bomber Salman Abedi.

According to PJ Media, the piece, entitled 'Blessed battle of Manchester: A new lesson for tyrants and crusader states', read: 'A soldier from the Islamic State has unleashed terror throughout (Britain).

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Seven have died and 48 were injured in the terror attack in London on Saturday night

'They rushed to spread the army in the cities, mobilizing police and security in the streets for fear of a new attack (which) is inevitable, God willing.'

As well as the dead some 48 were injured in Saturday's deadly rampage.

Three terrorists, driving a white van with Hertz and B&Q logos, mowed down pedestrians on London Bridge before getting out of the vehicle and stabbing people at random.

The attack comes months after the ISIS magazine, Rumiyah, encouraged jihadists to mow down innocent people using Hertz vehicles.

The article, published in November and entitled 'Just Terror Attacks', featured an image of a truck emblazoned with the rental company's logo alongside a picture of New York City's famous Thanksgiving parade.

According to the International Business Times, the piece read: 'It is essential for the one seeking this method of operation to understand that it is not conditional to target gatherings restricted to government or military personnel only.

An article published in ISIS's Rumiyah magazine encouraged jihadists to mow down pedestrians using rented Hertz vans

The van emblazoned with Hertz and B&Q logos used by the attackers on London Bridge

'All so-called 'civilian' (and low-security) parades and gatherings are fair game and more devastating to Crusader nations.'

The magazine also included advice on how to carry out knife attacks.

Last month the same magazine published a step-by-step tutorial on how to use a heavy vehicle to kill pedestrians.

The guide advised readers on the best vehicles to use and targets.

WHAT WE KNOW AFTER THE LONDON BRIDGE ATTACK Advertisement

Thirty-six people remain in hospital, including 21 in critical condition, following the attack last night

A bystander was shot in the head after they were caught in the police crossfire and the incident is being investigated by the Independent Police Complaints Commission, the Metropolitan Police revealed today

Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau confirmed a Canadian national is among the dead but no name has been released

Australian waitress Candice Hedge is recovering in hospital after one of the terrorists ran up and cut her neck as she enjoyed a post-work drink at a bar

New Zealander Oliver Dowling, 32, is in a coma after being stabbed in the face during the attack.

His girlfriend, Maire Bondeville, was also injured although her condition is still unknown

A British Transport Police officer was stabbed in the face and an off-duty Metropolitan Police officer was also injured

Twelve people were arrested and four women taken into police custody during an early morning raid at a tower block in Barking, east London, where one of the attackers is believed to have lived

Desperate families are begging for information on loved ones feared missing after the attack, including a 16-year-old girl who failed to return home last night

Police and members of the emergency services muster on Borough High Street in the clean up after the attack

The Prime Minister chaired a meeting of the Government's emergency Cobra committee in Whitehall this morning and insisted in a press conference outside No 10 afterwards: 'Enough is enough'

Theresa May said the attacks were not directly connected to the Manchester bombing last month and the Westminster attack in April but that all three are linked by the single evil ideology of Islamist extremism'.

Politicians faced calls to cancel the election next week but Mrs May confirmed it will go ahead as planned

All parties except for Ukip agreed to suspend national election campaigning today but local efforts will continue London Mayor Sadiq Khan condemned the 'barbaric' and 'horrific' event as 'deliberate and cowardly'

Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn said the attack was 'brutal' and 'shocking' in a tweet last night

President Donald Trump took to Twitter to criticise Sadiq Khan after the London Mayor told residents of his city that there is 'no reason to be alarmed' in the wake of the attack

Ariana Grande, whose young fans were targeted in the attack at Manchester Arena, confirmed the benefit concert to benefit victims will go ahead tonight as planned with her manager urging people to stand together

A minute's silence will be held on Tuesday 6 June in remembrance of those who lost their lives
Egypt's foreign reserves edged up to $31.125 billion at the end of May, nearing pre-2011 reserves, which were estimated at $36 billion.

The reserves, which have increased from $28.641 billion at the end of April, have been climbing since Egypt signed a three-year $12 billion loan from the International Monetary Fund (IMF) in November.

The IMF has endorsed Egypts economic reform programme, which includes cutting subsidies, raising taxes as well as floating the pound.

In November 2016, Egypt received an initial $2.75 billion tranche from the IMF, with a second tranche expected this month.

In March, Egypt received the second $1 billion tranche from a $3 billion World Bank loan, as well as the second $500 million tranche from a $1.5 billion loan from the African Development Bank (AfDB).

The popular uprising that toppled former president Hosni Mubarak in 2011 led to a period of political turmoil that dried up Egypt's vital sources of foreign currency, such as tourism and foreign investment.

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A beloved corner judge at a motorcycle race in Braselton, Georgia was killed when she was hit by one of the participating bikes on Saturday.

Hazel Harrell, 60, was working the event at Road Atlanta, a popular course in the area, when the crash happened.

Harrell is a well-known member of the racing community who has volunteered at the track for 15 years and was a fixture on turn 7, Channel 2 Action News reported.

60-year-old Hazel Harrell was killed on Saturday at Road Atlanta in Braselton, Georgia

She was working as a corner judge when she was reportedly hit by a motorcycle

Harrell had been volunteering at the track for 15 years and was a fixture on turn 7. Pictured, Road Atlanta during a race in 2010

While specifics about what caused the accident are currently unknown, officials have called it a 'freak accident.'

Dozens of friends shared their condolences on social media, describing Harrell as someone who was always willing to help riders and drivers and who died doing what she loved.

Rider Aaron Borello said: 'I can't thank her enough.

'Thanks for spending all those long days in the sun, heat, rain, cold etc...then taking care of us when we lay there on the ground in a panic either because we are hurt or wanting to scramble and get back on the bike.

'I can only imagine the things she saw. Thanks to all the corner workers for what you do.

'Turn 7 at Road Atlanta won't be the same. Rest In Peace Hazel.'

Riders and friends paid tribute to Harrell on Facebook, saying 'this is a huge, huge loss to our community'

Another rider, Craig Stewart, wrote that he viewed Harrell as one of his 'track moms.'

'We've run track days and races together with her in the tower. I always felt safe with her running the show because she took no s*** from anyone and her absolute primary concern was rider safety,' he wrote.

'This is a huge, huge loss to our community. Not just from someone losing their life so tragically but someone who loved and cared for all of us just because we were on her track or in her turn.'

The road course also gave a touching tribute to Harrell.

'A member of the Road Atlanta family for nearly two decades, we will miss her sorely. Our deepest condolences go out to her family and friends and the entire racing community that knew and loved her.'

Investigators are still attempting to piece together what went wrong and how the crash occurred.
Secretary of State Rex Tillerson has blasted China for suppressing the truth about its crushing of the Tiananmen Square protests 28 years ago.

Tillerson released a statement through the White House in which he called on the country to open up about those who were 'killed, detained or missing' when the Chinese army brutally broke up student protests in 1989.

He also demanded that the government stop harassing and imprisoning those who try to talk about the incident, which is suppressed in the country.

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The Chinese government has come under fire from the US secretary of state on the 28th anniversary of the Tiananmen Square massacre (pictured)

Tillerson (pictured) condemned Beijing for harassing families of civilians killed by the Chinese army for protesting in the square who have demanded compensation and recognition

'This year marks the 28th anniversary of the Chinese governments violent suppression of a peaceful protest that took place in and around Tiananmen Square,' Tillerson said in a written statement.

'We call again on China to make a full accounting of those killed, detained, or missing due to the events of June 4, 1989.

'We urge China to cease harassment of family members seeking redress and to release from prison those who have been jailed for striving to keep the memory of Tiananmen Square alive.

'The United States views the protection of human rights as a fundamental duty of all countries, and we urge the Chinese government to respect the universal rights and fundamental freedoms of all its citizens.'

Tillerson's remarks come at an awkward point in Chinese-American relations.

The US is looking to China to be a steadying hand on the shoulder of its uneasy ally, North Korea, in the face of Kim Jong-un's continued threats of nuclear war.

Donald Trump has assured the American public that China is trying 'very hard' to keep the rogue state, with which it shares a border, from causing problems.

At the same time, the US recently took its boldest-ever moves against China to protect international waters in the South China Sea.

What began as hunger strikes in the square, located in the center of Beijing, turned to violence when the army was sent in. Pictured: Students capture a soldier during the 1989 protest

China claims ownership of the sea, which is one of the world's most heavily trafficked international waterways, and says its artificial islands are evidence of that claim.

On May 25, to reaffirm that the waters belong to no-one, the USS Dewey sailed within 12 miles of one of China's artificial islands and held a military exercise there.

Beijing blasted the US, and buzzed American planes with their jets. Tillerson's condemnation of China over Tiananmen Square and the subsequent fallout is unlikely to please them either.

WHY IS TIANANMEN SQUARE IMPORTANT? Found in the heart of Beijing and across the road from the Forbidden City - the former home of the emperor - Tiananmen Square is one of the city's most prominent locations. It was built in 1651 and named after the Tiananmen ('Gate of Heavenly Peace'), which was itself built in 1415 but suffered severe damage during a 17th century civil war. It became a symbol of Communist might in 1958, when Mao Zedong began a massive enlargement of the square in order to turn it into the larges in the world, capable of holding 500,000 people. In 1976, the year after Mao's death, his mausoleum was placed at one end of the square, and it was expanded again to accommodate 600,000 people. As a result its position as a symbol of Chinese Communism - in opposition to the Forbidden City, which still has a portrait of Mao at its main gate - was cemented. So when the demonstrations against the government began there in 1989, the protesters were guided not just by the need to find a big enough area to fit in, but also a desire to hit back symbolically against the government. Advertisement

The protest itself - most famously symbolized by the 'Tank Man' photograph of a student standing in the path of a column of army tanks - was the culmination of months of unrest.

That began on April 15, 1989 when prominent Communist least Hu Yaobang, who had pushed for the party to move towards democracy, died.

Afterward, a series of marches began on Tiananmen Square, which lies in the center of the capital, in front of the ancient home of the emperor, the Forbidden City.

Mourning demonstrators, many students, called upon the government to embrace democratic reform, end press censorship and reveal how much government workers are paid, among other demands.

The rallies increased in size, with around 1.2 million people descending on the square on May 19, forcing Zhao Ziyang, general secretary of the Chinese Communist Party, to plead with them to disperse.

That same day martial law was imposed, foreign media was blocked from being screened in the country, and foreign reporters were banned from reporting on the rallies.

But they continued - as did disruptions, uprisings and protests across the country.

On the evening of June 3, 11 divisions of the the Chinese army, including tanks and armored cars, descended on Tiananmen Square. Civilians attempted to block their arrival, but failed.

Today, the square (pictured) - which houses Chairman Mao's mausoleum - is a heavily guarded tourist attraction, and any talk about the protests is crushed by the police

From just after midnight on June 4 onwards, the army attacked the civilians, many of whom fought back, while others attempted to reason with soldiers.

Fleeing civilians were shot in their backs in front of journalists, while others were killed when a tank drove into crowds. Others were taken away by police for interrogation.

The Chinese government has never confirmed the number of dead, missing or detained in the incident and today it is not allowed to be discussed in China.

Talk of the protests online is quickly deleted, and images of the protests - especially the Tank Man - are blocked.

The Square itself is usually under heavy police presence every anniversary over concerns about memorials, and families who press for compensation are routinely harassed by authorities.

However, in Hong Kong - which still struggles to maintain independence from the Chinese mainland - a remembrance was held on Sunday.

Thousands gathered around a statue of the Goddess of Democracy in Victoria Park and gave prayers to the lost during a candlelight vigil.

In Hong Kong on Sunday night, people gathered in Victoria Park to remember the victims of the protests. Hong Kong is still struggling against control from the Chinese mainland
Bloodied but unbowed, this father of three was stabbed four times by the London Bridge jihadis.

Brett Freeman, from Dagenham, east London, was pictured recovering in his hospital bed today.

His friend Darren Mole posted the photo on Twitter with the caption: 'Just woke up to find a friend of mine stabbed 4 times in the #LondonBridge terror attack. He's a soldier.'

Criticising the Mayor of London, Mr Mole added: 'All on your watch @SadiqKhan - time to resign'.

Brett Freeman was stabbed four times and has been recovering in hospital. His friend took this picture and posted it on Twitter with the caption: 'He's a soldier'.

Brett Freeman (pictured, left) was stabbed four times by the London Bridge jihadis

A Canadian national was the first person to be confirmed dead in the London Bridge terror attack that also saw an Australian waitress slashed across the throat from behind as she enjoyed a post-work drink.

Candice Hedge is one of 48 people believed to be recovering in hospitals across the capital after one of the terrorists ran up and cut her neck as she sat in a bar.

France's Foreign Minister has confirmed that a French man was killed in the attack. Seven people from France were injured, four critically, and one is still missing.

Another victim, New Zealander Oliver Dowling, 32, is in a coma after being stabbed in the face during the attack, which also injured his girlfriend, Marie Bondeville, whose condition is still unknown.

In an official tweet, Khan said he was 'furious' about the terrorist attack that killed seven

A British Transport Police officer was stabbed in the face, while Scotland Yard has now confirmed an off-duty Metropolitan Police officer was also among those injured.

Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said one of his citizens was among those killed in the London Bridge terror attack.

One Spanish resident is among the injured, the country's foreign minister has confirmed.

The mother of one of the victims, 23 year-old Daniel ONeill, who was stabbed in last nights attack, told reporters outside Kings College Hospital: 'He just stepped outside the bar for a second and a man ran up to him and said: "This is for my family, this is for Islam", and stuck a knife straight in him. He's got a seven-inch scar going from his belly round to his back.

Candice Hedge (pictured) is recovering in hospital after being stabbed in the throat during the London terror attacks

Ms Hedge (pictured) said the stab wound had had not impacted her main arteries and windpipe

32-year-old New Zealander Oliver Dowling is also in a coma after being stabbed in the face during the attack, which also left his girlfriend injured Marie Bondeville (pictured together)

Oliver Dowling (pictured, second from left) and his girlfriend were both injured in the rampage, his sister revealed on Facebook

'The man ran away, Daniel headed back into the pub, there was shots fired, everybody was told to lie down, and then they were told to go downstairs in the bar.

'At this stage Daniel's friend had put a tourniquet on him and was holding pressure there, he was brought downstairs, parts of that he doesn't remember, and then the police were there and brought him in their car to the hospital.

'These people say they are doing this in the name of God, which is an absolute joke. If it wasn't religion they'd find some other excuse.

'They are callous, they are barbaric and they are absolute cowards. We will carry on as normal.'

Miss Hedge had just finished her shift at Elliot's restaurant in London Bridge and was having a drink at a nearby bar when she was attacked.

Distressed people leave the area wearing foil blankets after they were caught up in the horror

More people who narrowly missed being injured in the crash walk away wearing the foil blankets

It is understood she was sat with her back to the attacker when he grabbed her head and slashed her throat.

Miss Hedge, who has been living in London for the past year, said the stab wound had not impacted her main arteries and windpipe.

She also posted on Facebook: 'Hey everyone, just so you know I'm doing Ok. Bit of pain but I will survive. Thanks for your thoughts and well wishes. Love to all'.

Meanwhie, Mr Dowling 's sister revealed on Facebook that he is expected to recover from stab wounds to his, face, neck and stomach, as the knife missed his vital organs.

She said: 'Doctors are very happy with how he's come out the other side.

'A massive thank to the University of London Hospital for their tireless efforts in helping my brother out!!'

Police are advising people who live within the London Bridge cordon to stay somewhere else tonight if they can

Witnesses to the terror attack said there was a stabbing in the Southwark venue at the Borough market while others heard at least 12 gunshots in the area

The officer was on-duty at the time and was responding to the incident at London Bridge, where a group of men drove a van into a crowd of people.

The men then jumped out of the car near Borough Market and began stabbing people nearby with 12-inch hunting knives, including the unnamed officer.

He sustained serious, but not life-threatening injuries, according to Assistant Commissioner Mark Rowley who spoke outside Scotland Yard around 4am in London.

Another person stabbed was Geoff Ho, who was filmed clutching his neck with what appeared to be a knife wound.

A chilling tweet showed he was bravely trying to break up what he believed was a standard Saturday night brawl.

Dramatic video shows Geoff Ho clutching his neck as he staggers away from the scene just moments after the terror attack

The London man was stabbed during the frenzied rampage across Borough Market and had been reported missing, but has now been found

Just moments before, he posted: 'Don't know whether it was stupid or noble to jump in and break up the fight outside the Southwark Tavern, but two a***s trying to do over the lone bouncer on the door isn't happening on my watch.'

The bloody aftermath of the London terror attack was laid bare in video footage from inside a Borough Market pub.

A wounded man with blood spattered across his trousers can be seen sitting on the floor of The Globe pub as medics try to treat him after he was attacked by jihadi knifemen on Saturday night.

Meanwhile a police officer shouts at dozens of others hiding under tables and chairs to get upstairs and away from the carnage.

The footage was captured just yards from the Wheatsheaf pub, where the three terrorist attackers were shot dead by police at 10.16pm.

Eight minutes earlier the attackers had ploughed into crowds on London Bridge in a rented van, hitting at least 20 people, witnesses said.

The men then emerged with 12-inch knives before rampaging through Borough Market, stabbing people at random.

The bloody aftermath of the London Bridge attack has been laid bare in video footage from inside The Globe pub which shows a wounded man being treated

A dramatic search was also launched for 16-year-old Brit Asya Mustafa, who lives near London Bridge, was due home after walking back through the area where dozens of innocent civilians were crushed by a van and stabbed by three men.

However, after more than 12 hours of sheer panic from her family, she was eventually found safe and well after her phone was destroyed as she fled the chaos.

One relative said the family had been 'besides ourselves' with fear.

However, another family member later posted: 'Just spoke to my mum.... Asya was caught up in in and her phone lost whilst police making people run away from area. She's not home yet but apparently safe. Least we know she's alive....

'Please thank every friend that reposted posted and got asya trending. It has been so emotional and worrying. We are so glad to hear she is safe. Thank you all for your shares likes posts and concerns. It means so much to us'.

Jean-Yves Le Drian, Frances foreign minister, said four French nationals are in serious condition without releasing any names.

Jag Sandue, another witness to the attacks, was inside the Black & Blue steakhouse when he was left covered in blood after the man behind him was stabbed

During an official visit to Tunis, the capital of Tunisia, Mr Le Drian added that another compatriot is still missing.

The anti-terrorism section of the public prosecutors office in Paris has opened an enquiry into assassination and assassination attempts in connection with a terrorist enterprise.

It means that judicial police and security agents from Paris will liaise with the British authorities in a major investigation of all seven deaths.

Three women and a man, all of whom were living permanently in London, are among the French nationals hurt. One woman was stabbed, and operated on all night Saturday to Sunday.

Another is thought to have suffered serious injuries to her legs when she was hit by the white van on London Bridge.

London has a sizeable expat French community estimated at more than 200,000 people.

French President Emmanuel Macron was due to meet the family and friends of all those involved, and has already started making phone calls. Mr Macron also said security would be stepped up for legislative elections due to start in France next week to show the force of democracy in the face of enemies of freedom.

French school children were among those injured in the terrorist car attack on Westminster Bridge in March.

A dramatic search was also launched for 16-year-old Brit Asya Mustafa, who lives near London Bridge, but she has since been found

GLOBAL LEADERS REACT TO THE LONDON BRIDGE TERROR ATTACK World leaders united in a show of support for Britain, condemning the third major attack on UK soil in three months. Donald Trump tweeted: 'Whatever the United States can do to help out in London and the U. K., we will be there - WE ARE WITH YOU. GOD BLESS!' German Chancellor Angela Merkel said in a statement Sunday that she learned with 'sadness and dismay' of the attacks in the London Bridge area Saturday night. Donald Trump tweeted: 'Whatever the United States can do to help out in London and the U. K., we will be there - WE ARE WITH YOU. GOD BLESS!' She said that 'today, we are united beyond all borders in horror and sorrow, but also in determination.' She stressed that 'in the fight against every form of terrorism, we stand firmly and with determination at Britain's side.' In a statement Sunday denouncing the 'abominable and cowardly' attack, French President Emmanuel Macron said France will continue fighting 'terrorism with all our strength alongside Britain and all other countries concerned.' Macron said French authorities would work to help the French victims and increase security for French voters in London casting ballots in legislative elections starting Sunday 'to show the force of democracy in the face of enemies of freedom.' Vladimir Putin described attack the attack as 'shocking in its cruelty and cynicism.' Pope Francis invited thousands of pilgrims who attended mass in St. Peter's Square in Vatican City on Sunday to pray for the victims of the London attack. Advertisement

The terror suspects mowed down up to 20 people wiht a white van at 50 mph on London Bridge and then began 'randomly stabbing' pedestrians and diners with 12-inch hunting knives

One witness said a 'dark-skinned' man in a red tracksuit 'calmly' stabbed a man three times

Three jihadists yelling 'this is for Allah' are said to be the men behind the horrific rampage which has caused chaos on London streets.

The terror suspects mowed down up to 20 people with a white van at 50 miles per hour on London Bridge and then began 'randomly stabbing' pedestrians and diners with 12-inch hunting knives.

The terrorists tried to storm into the busy pub in the nearby Borough Market, where a man was reportedly stabbed five times in the chest.

One witness said a 'dark-skinned' man in a red tracksuit 'calmly' stabbed a man three times.

One woman said she saw three people with what appeared to be their throats cut at London Bridge. There are also reports that a bystander was shot in the head in the crossfire and at least seven people have been stabbed.

Seven people have been killed and 48 have been injured according to the Metropolitan Police.

All three terrorists were shot dead by armed police officers approximately eight minutes after the incident began. Police said the terrorists were all wearing fake suicide vests.

The terrorists are believed to have hired a white van from B&Q and drove at high speed across London Bridge swerving along the pavement in an 'S shape' to hit as many pedestrians as possible.
Eli Thompson, the toddler who was born without a nose and who melted hearts across the country with his unique story, has died at just two years old.

His father, Jeremy Finch, said that his son was pronounced dead at Springhill Medical Center in Mobile, Alabama on Saturday night.

He had just celebrated his second birthday on March 4, Al.com reported.

Eli Thompson died in Mobile, Alabama on Saturday night at just two years old, his father Jeremy Finch (pictured) confirmed

The toddler was born without a nose and has faced many health complications

Eli was born prematurely without any nasal passages or sinus cavities, a condition called arhinia that is so rare it only affects one in 197 million births. Eli also had to undergo a tracheotomy at only five days old.

Despite the circumstances, the little boy developed a spirited personality and was beloved by everyone who knew him - and even those who didn't and had merely seen his story on Facebook.

He was 'very, very bright and happy, always smiling and giving everybody fist bumps,' Finch told Al.com. Photos of Finch and Eli together show the toddler outstretching his tiny fist to match his dad's.

Eli managed to win over everyone he met with smiles and fist bumps. He is pictured here with his father and stepmother, Anamarie Finch

Eli would also ask for a cookie every morning using baby sign language and won the 'Cooke Monster Award' from his daycare. Eli's grandfather is pictured on the right

Finch said Eli used baby sign language and his favorite sign was 'cookie.' Every morning he would mischievously ask for a cookie and even won the 'Cookie Monster Award' from his daycare.

'He touched a lot of people's lives,' Finch said. 'A lot of people cared about him.'

As uncommon as Eli's condition was, he got the chance to meet another child with arhinia before he died: two-and-a-half year old Tessa Evans.

Tessa's mother said: 'To get to introduce Tessa to Eli was like a dream come true and it meant the world to us to sit and talk with his family.

'Tessa was totally taken with Eli and hugged him and stroked his head. Watching Eli gaze up at her was too precious for words.'

Eli's funeral will be held at the Fountain of Life Church. His father has started a GoFundMe page to cover funeral expenses.
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Police and Homeland Security officers have flooded Portland's streets as both pro-Trump and anti-fascist groups hold rival demonstrations just one week after the racially motivated stabbings of two men.

Tensions are high in the city as thousands joined the opposing Trump Free Speech Rally and counter protests which kicked off at around midday PDT. So far, the event has remained peaceful but at least one arrest has been made after a man, allegedly an anti-fascist or Antifa protester, was reportedly seen pushing another protester in front of police.

Portland Mayor Ted Wheeler had attempted to ban the demonstrations over fears violence could break out between the opposing groups. But the U.S. General Services Administration, which manages the downtown Terry Schrunk Plaza protest site, denied the request, saying the permit was lawfully obtained.

Police arrest a demonstrator, allegedly an anti-fascist activist, during rival protests in Portland, Oregon, on Sunday

A woman confronts pro-Trump demonstrators after a pro-Trump rally, which they called 'Trump Free Speech', was met by a large contingent of counter-demonstrators who viewed the protest as a promotion of racism

The demonstrations come in the wake of the recent violent attack on the city's MAX train line

A pro-Trump demonstrator taunts anti-fascists demonstrators across the street by burning a flag with an Anarchy symbol

A conservative protester burns an anarchist flag during competing demonstrations in Portland, Oregon

Trump rally organizers also rebuffed Wheeler's pleas to cancel their demonstration, leading several opposition groups to issue calls on social media for counter-protests and setting the stage for a possible confrontation.

The Portland Police Bureau vowed a show of force on Sunday with help from state troopers, county sheriff's deputies, the FBI and Federal Protective Service, warning that protesters with weapons would face arrest. Officers from Homeland Security were onsite after some protests took place on a federal park.

It is likely authorities want to avoid the violence and destruction of the recent Berkeley demonstrations where a mass riot broke out with demonstrators setting fires, throwing rocks and smashing windows, while multiple people were left injured and bloodied and another 20 were arrested.

Portland cops have already seized a slew of weapons including brass knuckles, a machete, sticks and make-shift shields according to local media.

Officers say they saw 'online threats of violence,' ahead of the dueling political rallies which are taking place one week after white supremacist Jeremy Christian stabbed two MAX train passengers, Ricky Best, 53, and Taliesin Namkai-Meche, 23, to death after they intervened, when they saw him yelling racial slurs at two teenage girls, one of whom was Muslim. Another man was injured but survived.

His mother, Marge Fletcher, pleaded with both sets of protesters to keep the event peaceful.

Police tried to separate rival demonstrators during the protests on June 4, in Portland, Oregon

Anti-fascist demonstrators confront pro-Trump demonstrators on June 4, 2017 in Portland, as one holds up a sign which reads 'Alt-right fake Americans'

An anti-fascist protester holds an anti-Nazi and anti-fascist sign as conservative and anti-fascist groups hold concurrent rallies

So far, only one protester has been arrested after he was reportedly seen pushing a demonstrator

Police detain a counter-protester who had entered the Trump Free Speech Rally as pro-Trump and anti-fascist groups hold concurrent rallies

Counter-protesters hold signs across from the Trump Free Speech Rally during competing demonstrations in Portland, Oregon

'We don't want any fighting,' she told CNN. 'We hope and pray that both sides try to keep in mind that in the big picture it might be easy to forget with all the emotions running high that we all have the same basic needs.'

The double homicide has led to inflamed tensions between pro-Trump groups and Antifa.

Anti-Trump protesters were heard chanting that refugees were welcome in the city, and yelling out 'Nazis' at the Trump rally.

They also carried signs with slogans such as 'You have blood on your hands' and 'Dump Trump', while rival groups carried signs with 'Make America Great Again.'

A witness claimed he saw one man taken down by police after he saw a protest run across the street with paintballs and balls of white powder in his pocket.

The rallies are taking place one week after white supremacist Jeremy Christian (pictured) stabbed two MAX train passengers to death after they intervened, when they saw him yelling racial slurs at two teenage girls

Joey Gibson, an activist with the pro-Trump group Patriot Prayer and organizer of the Trump rally, told local media he had arranged for private security to accompany his supporters on Sunday amid fears of violence.

Gibson said some of those security personnel would have permits to carry concealed handguns and some were affiliated with militia groups, Portland's Oregonian newspaper reported.

Wheeler had called on protest organizer Gibson to postpone the event, but he insisted that his group should not be held responsible for the actions of counter=demonstrators.

'Every single time I throw a rally, every single march, it's the same thing,' he said earlier this week. 'That what I'm going to do is dangerous, what I'm going to do is dangerous for the city because we are going to provoke other people to be violent against us.'

Anti-Trump activists staged a separate demonstration in Portland on Saturday, as part of nationwide 'March for Truth' rallies in support of investigations into Russian meddling in the 2016 presidential election and possible collusion by Trump's campaign.

That event, which drew a crowd of some 600 people, remained peaceful, with no arrests reported.

'People are really aware of who's around them. They're really aware of the need to control their emotions,' said Lisa Stiller, one of the organizers.

Police keep watch over demonstrators as pro-President Trump and counter protests take place in the wake of the stabbing deaths of Ricky Best, 53, and Taliesin Namkai-Meche, 23,

Counter-protesters hold signs saying 'free and not going back' as they cheer across from the Trump Free Speech Rally
Former Representative Gabby Giffords has slammed President Donald Trump over a tweet regarding the weapons used in Saturday's terrorist attack on London Bridge.

'Do you notice we are not having a gun debate right now? That's because they used knives and a truck!' Trump posted about the attack that left seven dead and nearly 50 wounded.

On Sunday, Giffords criticized Trump for using the horrifying events to make a point about gun violence.

She tweeted: 'Mr President, every day we are having a gun debate because every day 90 people in our country die from gun violence. Many of them are kids'.

Former Arizona Representative Gabby Giffords (pictured in May 2017 in Washington, DC) slammed President Donald Trump over a tweet 'explaining' why there wasn't a gun violence debate following the London terrorist attack that killed seven and wounded nearly 50

In January 2011, Giffords was shot through the head at point-blank range while at a rally in Tucson, Arizona. Six were killed and 14 were injured (Pictured, Giffords is moved by emergency personnel after being shot in the head)

Trump's tweet came after a terrorist attack where perpetrators struck pedestrians with a van and then stabbed several people in London on Saturday night.

The president has been a strong supporter of gun rights and had an endorsement from the NRA during the 2016 campaign, while Giffords has been on the opposite end.

In January 2011, at a rally in Tucson, Giffords was shot in the head at point-blank range. Six were killed and 14 were left injured.

Her medical condition was initially described as 'critical' and, during surgery, part of her skull was removed to prevent further brain damage caused by swelling.

Giffords was forced to resign from her seat in Congress in 2012 in order to focus on her recovery.

Giffords's medical condition was initially described as 'critical' and, during surgery, part of her skull was removed to prevent further brain damage caused by swelling. She eventually had to resign from her seat in Congress in order to focus on her recovery (Pictured, a vigil is lit for Giffords during an event in front of a Safeway grocery store in January 2011 in Tucson, Arizona)

Post-recovery, Giffords became an advocate for preventing gun violence. She is the co-founder of the anti-gun violence non-profit Americans for Responsible Solutions, along with her husband, astronaut Mark Kelly (Pictured together in August 2016 at a White House State Dinner)

The president (pictured on Friday in the Diplomatic Reception Room of the White House) has been a strong supporter of gun rights and had an endorsement from the NRA during the 2016 campaign, while Giffords has been on the opposite end

Post-recovery, Giffords became an advocate for preventing gun violence. She and her husband, astronaut Mark Kelly, co-founded the anti-gun violence nonprofit Americans for Responsible Solutions.

The mission of the organization is to 'keep guns out of the hands of dangerous people like criminals, terrorists, and the mentally ill'.

Other proposals from Giffords and Kelly include limiting the sale of high-capacity magazines, limiting the sale of assault weapons, and stopping gun trafficking.
A couple of kayakers who were reported missing in while paddling in Minnesota were rescued after writing 'SOS' in the sand.

Authorities began searching for the man and woman after they hadn't been heard from after four days while canoeing in the Boundary Waters Canoe Area in St. Louis County, Minnesota State Patrol.

Pilots in a light aircraft using heat-seeking equipment were searching near Oyster Lake when they spotted the pair on Friday.

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A search for canoeists in the Boundary Waters Canoe Area of northeastern Minnesota is over after the pair were found alive, four days after going missing

A pair of stranded canoeists from the Twin Cities were rescued from the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness early Friday after using a flashlight to signal the crew of a plane that was searching for them

The area where the canoeist went missing is over one million acres in size and extends nearly 150 miles along the International Boundary adjacent to Canada's Quetico Provincial Park

The paddlers had used their flashlights and managed to write 'SOS' to try and attract attention.

The Minnesota State Patrol then directed the Minnesota Army National Guard to the location at which point the pair were safely rescued.

'It was a phenomenal search  one of the best I've been on,' said Rick Slatten, captain of the St. Louis County Rescue Squad to TwinCities.com. 'They were in life-threatening conditions, running out of food.'

66-year old Charles Kelly of Brooklyn Park and 65-year-old Pamela Scaia of New Hope were not seriously injured but they were taken to an area hospital as a precaution.

66-year old Charles Kelly of Brooklyn Park and Pamela Scaia, 65 of New Hope and pictured here in both, were not seriously injured but they were taken to an area hospital as a precaution

The search began shortly after Kellys neighbor wondered where he was and contacted authorities. Simultaneously, Scaia missed a shift for work and her daughter began to worry

The search was launched Thursday and initially focused on the Moose River entry point along the Echo Trail northwest of Ely, where the canoeists were reported to have entered the wilderness. Oyster Lake is about 10 miles north of that access point in the wilderness (file pic)

Kelly and Scaia had been expected out of the wilderness by Monday, according to their float plan itinerary filed with the U.S. Forest Service, but canoeists can finish early or late without that itinerary being flagged.

The search began shortly after Kelly's neighbor wondered where he was and contacted authorities. Simultaneously, Scaia missed a shift for work and her daughter began to worry, Slatten explained.

The area in which the pair had gone missing is in the northeastern part of Minnesota.

It is over one million acres in size and extends nearly 150 miles along the International Boundary adjacent to Canada's Quetico Provincial Park, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture.

The pair appeared to have become lost on their way out and took a wrong turn while navigating a tributary that feeds Oyster Lake.
Jeremy Corbyn launched a desperate attempt to look tough on terror last night as he abandoned his opposition to shoot-to-kill policy.

In an extraordinary U-turn, the Labour leader said he now supported the right of armed police to open fire to protect the public from attack.

Mr Corbyn  who voted against new anti-terror laws 56 times between 2001 and 2010  said that as prime minister he would also consider police requests for new powers to deal with the terror threat.

Labours hard-Left leader has come under fire during the election campaign for his past sympathy for terror groups like the IRA, Hamas and Hezbollah.

But in a speech in Carlisle last night, he claimed he now supported the right of the police to use whatever force is necessary. He also promised to reverse cuts to police numbers, saying: You cannot protect the public on the cheap.

Security minister Ben Wallace described the intervention as desperate, adding: This was a hastily-arranged speech designed to help Jeremy Corbyn run from his record on counter-terrorism policy, but it failed.

Former Labour MP said Simon Danczuks opposition to shoot-to-kill showed Mr Corbyn was effectively [the] terrorists friend.

In the aftermath of the Paris terror attack in 2015, Mr Corbyn called the shooting of terrorists by the police and armed forces quite dangerous and counterproductive.

Labour party leader Jeremy Corbyn gives a speech at the County Hotel in Carlisle

Simon Danczuk, who is running to be an independent MP after being sacked by Labour, criticised Corbyn

Last week he refused to say whether he would order a drone strike against any jihadi who was plotting overseas to attack the UK.

In 2015 the pacifist, who has taken tea with IRA bombers and welcomed agents of the Hamas terror group as 'friends', said he was 'not happy' with the policy that allows the police to kill terrorists.

He told the BBC's Laura Kuenssberg: 'I'm not happy with a shoot-to-kill policy in general, I think that is quite dangerous and I think can often be counterproductive'.

'I think you have to have security that prevents people firing off weapons where you can.

'There are various degrees of doing things, as you know, but the idea that you end up with a war in the streets is not a good thing.

'Surely you have to work to prevent these things happening, that's got to be the priority.'

Many social media users were outraged by Corbyn's comments which came after the terror attack on Paris in November 2015. Pictured: Corbyn today

Mr Corbyn backed Mrs May's insistence that the General Election must go ahead on June 8

Criticising Mrs May's record, Corbyn said: 'You cannot protect the public on the cheap. The police and security services must get the resources they need, not 20,000 police cuts.

'Theresa May was warned by the Police Federation but she accused them of 'crying wolf'.

'We will recruit another 10,000 new police officers, including more armed police, as well as 1,000 more security services staff to support our communities and help keep us safe.'

After Mrs May said that combating terrorism would require 'difficult conversations' with Muslim communities in the UK, Mr Corbyn said that the PM must also be ready to have difficult discussions with close ally and major arms customer Saudi Arabia about terror funding.

Criticising Mrs May's record, he said: 'You cannot protect the public on the cheap. The police and security services must get the resources they need, not 20,000 police cuts'

Medical supplies and debris were strewn across a street near Borough Market, where dozens of victims were stabbed

The trio began their killing spree just after 10pm when they ploughed into pedestrians in a white van on London Bridge

He cited the delayed publication of an investigation commissioned by David Cameron into the foreign funding of extremist Islamist groups, which is reported to focus on the Gulf kingdom.

'We do need to have some difficult conversations, starting with Saudi Arabia and other Gulf states that have funded and fuelled extremist ideology,' said Mr Corbyn.

'It is no good Theresa May suppressing a report into the foreign funding of extremist groups. We have to get serious about cutting off the funding to these terror networks, including Isis, here and in the Middle East.'

Mr Corbyn said that the terrorists' aim was 'plainly to derail our democracy and disrupt or even halt this election'.

'The mass murderers who brought terror to our streets in London and Manchester want our election to be halted,' he said.

'They want democracy halted. They want their violence to overwhelm our right to vote in a fair and peaceful election and to go about our lives freely.

'That is why it would be completely wrong to postpone next Thursday's vote, or to suspend our campaigning any longer.'

Forensics officers were seen carrying tools and bags of evidence away from London Bridge this morning

Three Jihadi terrorists have been shot dead by armed police after killing seven people and injuring at least 48 more during a horrific knife rampage in central London last night

Forensic officers today searched London Bridge for clues as they tried to piece together what happened last night

WHAT WE KNOW AFTER THE LONDON BRIDGE ATTACK Advertisement

Thirty-six people remain in hospital, including 21 in critical condition, following the attack last night

A bystander was shot in the head after they were caught in the police crossfire and the incident is being investigated by the Independent Police Complaints Commission, the Metropolitan Police revealed today

Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau confirmed a Canadian national is among the dead. She has been named as Christine Archibald

France's Foreign Minister has confirmed that a French man was killed in the attack. Seven people from France were injured, four critically. One is still missing.

Australian waitress Candice Hedge is recovering in hospital after one of the terrorists ran up and cut her neck as she enjoyed a post-work drink at a bar

New Zealander Oliver Dowling, 32, is in a coma after being stabbed in the face during the attack.

His girlfriend, Maire Bondeville, was also injured although her condition is still unknown

A British Transport Police officer was stabbed in the face and an off-duty Metropolitan Police officer was also injured

Twelve people were arrested and four women taken into police custody during an early morning raid at a tower block in Barking, east London, where one of the attackers is believed to have lived

Desperate families are begging for information on loved ones feared missing after the attack, including a 16-year-old girl who failed to return home last night

Police and members of the emergency services muster on Borough High Street in the clean up after the attack

The Prime Minister chaired a meeting of the Government's emergency Cobra committee in Whitehall this morning and insisted in a press conference outside No 10 afterwards: 'Enough is enough'

Theresa May said the attacks were not directly connected to the Manchester bombing last month and the Westminster attack in April but that all three are linked by the single evil ideology of Islamist extremism'.

Politicians faced calls to cancel the election next week but Mrs May confirmed it will go ahead as planned

All parties except for Ukip agreed to suspend national election campaigning today but local efforts will continue London Mayor Sadiq Khan condemned the 'barbaric' and 'horrific' event as 'deliberate and cowardly'

Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn said the attack was 'brutal' and 'shocking' in a tweet last night

President Donald Trump took to Twitter to criticise Sadiq Khan after the London Mayor told residents of his city that there is 'no reason to be alarmed' in the wake of the attack

Ariana Grande, whose young fans were targeted in the attack at Manchester Arena, confirmed the benefit concert to benefit victims will go ahead tonight as planned with her manager urging people to stand together

A minute's silence will be held on Tuesday 6 June in remembrance of those who lost their lives
A man has died after his car crashed into a childcare centre in Melbourne's west, causing the building to catch fire.

Victoria Police said officers from a specialist squad had attempted to intercept the car on Tarneit Road at about 4am on Monday.

As they activated their lights, they saw a flash inside the vehicle.

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A man has died after his car crashed into a childcare centre in Melbourne's west on Monday

The car left the road and crashed into the Kool Kidz day care centre, which burst into flames.

The driver got out of the car, but only managed to get a short distance from the blaze.

Police officers attempted to rescue the man, but were driven back by the fire.

Firefighters attended the scene and extinguished the blaze, but the man died at the scene.

Police said the man's vehicle went off the road when officers tried to intercept it at 4am

Ian Johnson, the owner of the childcare centre, said it was fortunate the incident occurred a couple of hours before any kids were due to arrive.

'That's the most important thing,' he told the Today show.

'At the moment, as far as we know, the only person who has been affected by this is the driver of the car, unfortunately.

'But there's no children involved or any families involved. Staff would arrive at around 6.15, with the first children arriving at 6.25.

The car crashed into the building in Tarneit at high speed and the it erupted in flames

The man got out of his car, but only managed to get a short distance from the blaze and died

'Two hours later and we would have had 20, 30 people in that building.'

An investigation into the incident has begun and detectives from the Major Collision Investigation Group are en route to the scene.

The probe will be overseen by the Professional Standards Command as is normal procedure.

Tarneit Road is expected to be closed for most of the day.
There are 'very real' concerns about two more Australians who may have been caught up in the London terror attack.

Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull said the two were in addition to Brisbane woman Candice Hedge who was recovering in hospital from stab wounds, and Darwin man Andrew Morrison who received stitches and is on his way back to Australia.

'There are two other Australians, so that brings it to a total of four, about whom we have very real concerns, but at this stage we're not able to say anything more,' he told reporters in Sydney on Monday.

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Candice Hedge (pictured) reportedly can no longer speak after being stabbed in the throat during the London terror attacks

A Facebook post on Monday said Brisbane woman Sara Zelenak (pictured), 21, was last seen on London Bridge where she was witness to the attacks

A Facebook post on Monday said Brisbane woman Sara Zelenak, 21, was last seen on London Bridge where she was witness to the attacks.

'She got separated from her friends and has not been seen since. Her phone has rang with no reply and now the battery must have gone,' family friend Diane Winter said in the post, according to Sydney Morning Herald.

Ms Winter said more than 24 hours have passed with no news from the Australian consulate about Ms Zelenak's welfare.

Brisbane woman Candice Hedge remains in hospital after being cut in the throat and Darwin electrician Andrew Morrison was stabbed in the neck, during what was his final night in the UK.

'One is in hospital and is recovering and I've spoken with her family,' Foreign Minister Julie Bishop told the Today show on Monday morning.

'A second, the young man, is on his way home and there is a third Australian and we're working hard to establish the circumstances in relation to the third Australian and we're making enquiries.'

She also urged Australian travelers to exercise caution no matter where they are as an attack 'can take place anywhere at any time.'

'There have been attacks in European cities, Middle Eastern cities, so Australian travelers have to exercise a very high degree of caution,' she told the program.

Foreign Minister Julie Bishop said three Australians were injured in the London terror attack

'Likewise, in Australia, we urge people to be careful, to watch out for their personal circumstances, but the Australian Government and our law enforcement security intelligence agencies are doing everything we can to keep Australians safe, both at home and abroad.'

Ms Hedge, 34, from Brisbane, is recovering in St Thomas Hospital after she was viciously attacked while having dinner after work with her boyfriend.

'She [was] actually hiding and thought she was - she got behind a table and then she said they were leaving and he saw her at the last minute and came back,' her father Ross Hedge told Nine News on Monday.

Ms Hedge (pictured) from Brisbane, is recovering in St Thomas Hospital after she was viciously attacked in the city's centre on Saturday night while having a drink after work

Ms Hedge, who moved to London about a year ago, posted on Facebook shortly after the attack to say she is in pain, but her injuries are not life-threatening.

'Hey everyone, just so you know I'm doing OK. Bit of pain but I will survive. Thanks for your thoughts and well wishes. Love to all,' she wrote.

Her mother, Kim Del Toro, told the ABC her daughter had contacted her via Skype after undergoing surgery.

'She couldn't speak but she gave me the thumbs up to say she is going to be OK,' she said.

Australian electrician Andrew Morrison (pictured) has detailed how he cheated death in the London terror attack after he was stabbed in the neck outside a central London bar

'She is going to be OK in that way  I don't know about how she is going to be emotionally  but she is OK with everything that has happened.'

Meanwhile, Mr Morrison has told of how he was stabbed in the neck outside a bar in central London on his final night in the capital.

He recalled his ordeal while receiving treatment after he was caught up in a rampage that killed seven people and injured 48 more.

In a video posted online, Mr Morrison is seen holding a piece of bloody gauze to his throat as he describes the moment he was attacked.

In a video posted online, Andrew can be seen holding a bloodied gauze pad to his throat while he describes the moment a terrorist attacked him

He said he had finished watching the UEFA Champions League final at Belushi's London Bridge when he walked across the road and was stabbed.

'I walked outside, walked across the road and a fight breaks out and I'm like 's*** what's going on here?',' he said.

'I start to walk towards it and all of a sudden a guy comes up to me with a knife ... stabs me ... and I push him off, blood is going everywhere.

'He got me, but I dodged it. I ducked and weaved.'

He added: 'He looked like, I hate because, you know, I know the thing with Muslims and terrorism, but he looked like a f***ing Muslim terrorist,' he said.

'Mate, this is my last night in London and I'm supposed to fly back tomorrow,' he added.

Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull earlier confirmed two Australians had been directly affected by the London terror attacks

Three jihadi terrorists shouting 'this is for Allah' killed seven people and left dozens injured in the heart of London

Three men launched the van and knife attack on London Bridge and at nearby Borough Market just after 10pm on Saturday

The attack killed seven people and injured 48 others on Saturday night, local time

He then introduces himself to a paramedic and tells him his injury is 'not that bad apparently.'

Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull earlier confirmed two Australians had been 'directly affected' by the London terror attacks.

Three men launched the van and knife attack on London Bridge and at nearby Borough Market just after 10pm on Saturday.

All three were shot dead within eight minutes of the first emergency call.

Police arrested 12 people after raiding a block of flats in Barking, east London, where one of the terrorists reportedly lived.

One of those people was released without charged, but the other 11 remain in custody.

Police officers and members of the emergency services attend to a person injured in a terror attack on London Bridge
A recent conference on womens reproductive health warned of growing trends of violence against women of an increased pursuit of largely unsafe abortion.



We need to worry more about what the implications of violence against womens health are and we do need to look at the many aspects of the violence that girls and women are subjected to both physical and psychological, with an eye on the impact thereof on womens overall health, said Hesham Ashour, obstetrician and professor of gynecology at the University of Cologne.

Ashour was speaking in the annual conference for gynecologists and obstetricians, that was organized on the first week of May in Cairo by the medical school of Ain Shams University.

The conference was attended by hundreds of practicing doctors and several international renowned experts, including Charles Chapron from France and and Vasilois Tanos from Nicosia.

Ashour reviewed what he described as alarming figures that had been shared by UNICEF and UN Women about the physical pain and psychological wounds that girls and women in Egypt have to face starting with the still highly disturbing practice of female genital mutilation (FGM) which recent gov figures in 2016 outs at over 90 percent.

Ashour quoted UNICEF figures to warn that when it comes to FGM, Egypt would come second only to Somalia in a practice that is inevitably damaging to girls and womens bodies and spirit.

While Acknowledging the state campaigns on this and other matters related to womens physical and psychological wellbeing, Ashour said there is much more to be done to reduce the hazards that girls and women have to face throughout their lives.

Ashour also discussed the many forms of domestic violence and the unfortunate poor quality and sometimes denied access to health care that women get during before and during pregnancy and during and after giving birth.

He argued that in this respect some crucial matters have to be examined carefully including sexual harassment, rape and forced marriages.

Also speaking in the opening session of the two-day conference, Ahmed Rashed, also professor of gynecology and obstetrician warned of the growing need to reduce hazards of abortion, which is sought by many without enough safe measures.

Experts at the conference said that although there are no official statistics on abortion in Egypt, however, some suggested that they were around a quarter million a year.



According to article 262 of the Penal Code, in Egypt the law bans abortion. Doctors performing the procedure can get three to 15 years in prison, and a woman who goes willingly into induced abortion could be prison sentenced to six months to three years. This fosters the idea of resorting to unauthorized doctors and unsafe methods of unsafe abortions.

Rashed acknowledged perception of abortion as a matter of a "feminist right" but argued that this perception cannot be overstretched to either compensate for the lack of accessible contraceptives or for potential purposes of medical experimenting on stem cell therapy.

In his presentation, Rashed acknowledged that using partially developed fetus to provide the otherwise legitimate stem cell therapy is only at its very early elementary stages and had only been put to test in very few contexts.

However, he shared a fear that the growing interest in such highly rewarding experiments may actually provoke excessive encouragement of abortions in third world countries to allow for wide scale trials.

I am not saying it is happening and I am not sure whether and where it could happen but we have learned through experience that often enough it is the poor world wide who end up being subject to un-informed medical trials; and this is my fear, long term and this is why I worry about unchecked access to abortion, Rashed said.

He added that originally, this resolve to early termination of pregnancies, in the case of Egypt, is a byproduct of incidents of unwanted and unplanned pregnancies in so many contexts.

The feminist debate aside, abortion is not a walk in a park; even if conducted by well-trained medical doctors in properly equipped hospitals they are never all safe and they do come with more health hazards that go beyond the incidents of immediate excessive bleeding  this is not to mention the possibly psychological consequences, he said.

Acting to provide adequate health advice and convenient family planning services all across the country to all couples irrespective of their health care budgets is something that Rashed said to be an essential step towards the elimination of increased resolve to resort to abortions  safe or otherwise.

Providing budgets and policies was also a matter that Ashour stressed in his remarks on the need to act to cut down the levels of violence to which girls and women are subjected.

Away from the debate over violence against women and the levels of abortion, the two-day conference, which was attended by hundreds of practicing doctors and several international renowned experts, offered good news for women pursuing medically assisted reproduction  at many ages.

Speakers shared information on new ways to help couples pursue easier assisted pregnancy both through medication and surgical intervention.

I would say that this is a path that is seeing considerable development at a very rapid scae and I would say that for the most part we in Egypt are keeping up with the advances made in this respect, said Rashed.

Also on the agenda of the two-day conference was a debate on the advancement related to help women going through menopause to maintain good physical and psychological health.

There too, Ashour noted, there has to be more attention dedicated to the medical services that women need at this point, especially but not exclusively, services for the early detection and prevention of common health problems both benign and malignant.

Other matters discussed during the seminar included : benefits versus risks of terminating pregnancy in the 3rd trimester; smoking and pregnancy outcome; evaluation of cervical cancer screening in governorates of Upper Egypt.

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Sensitive government files were allegedly discovered in the home of a high-profile Chinese socialite during ASIO raids in Canberra.

The raid targeted Sheri Yan over allegations she was involved in operations for the Chinese Communist Party, a Fairfax Media and Four Corners investigation reported.

The raid in October 2015 came as Ms Yan was arrested by the FBI in New York for bribing a senior United Nations official for which she was jailed last year after pleading guilty to bribery charges.

Sheri Yan, CEO of Global Sustainability Foundation (left) leaves federal court in New York Wednesday, Jan. 20, 2016, after she pleaded guilty in connection with a scheme to bribe senior UN officials (pictured with lawyer Isabelle Kirshner (right)

Asked about the reports and whether China is threatening Australia's sovereignty Defence Minister Marise Payne said she did not believe there was a threat.

'But we are very conscious of the efforts of external actors around the world and we have seen other examples of this in recent times,' she told ABC radio.

The ASIO operation investigated the prospect that Australian targets were at the centre of a Chinese intelligence operation, the ABC reports.

It comes as Four Corners investigates the Chinese Communist Party and its efforts to scope out Australian institutions and Australian political figures.

Sheri Yan (centre) walks with lawyer Isabelle Kirshner (right) in New York January 20, 2016

In this courtroom drawing, with the aid of a Mandarin translator, Sheri Yan, left, enters her guilty plea to a bribery charge in Manhattan federal court, Wednesday, Jan. 20, 2016

Ms Yan, 58, is believed to have connections to people in Australian politics including former members of the Labor and Liberal Parties.

Yan allegedly also had connections to the Communist Party.

She is the daughter of a Chinese artist and People's Liberation Army member.
British and American celebrities are expressing their outrage at President Donald Trump's criticism of London Mayor Sadiq Khan on Twitter just hours after a terror attack in the city left seven dead and 48 injured Saturday night.

The President tweeted to criticize Khan for telling residents of London that there is 'no reason to be alarmed' after three terrorists ran over a crowd of people and stabbed several others before being shot dead.

But he seemed to miss that Khan was referring to an increased police presence in the British capital when he said there was 'no reason to be alarmed'.

The Mayor had earlier condemned the attacks as 'barbaric' and 'cowardly'.

Taking any opportunity available to undermine the President, former presidential-rival Hillary Clinton tweeted Sunday evening in support of Khan.

'After acts of unspeakable cruelty & cowardice, the people of London & the UK choose resolve over fear. Your friends in the US stand w/ you,' Clinton wrote at about 6:30pm (ET).

Celebrities, including JK Rowling, George Takei and Katie Couric joined in the former Secretary-of State's criticism on Twitter, expressing their outrage and condemning Trump's tweets as out of context.

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Donald Trump has attacked London Mayor Sadiq Khan (right) for telling Londoners there was 'no reason to be alarmed' after Saturday's horrific terror attack, but Khan was talking about an increased police presence

Writer JK Rowling wrote: 'It's called 'leadership', Donald. The terrorists were dead 8 minutes after police got the call. If we need an alarmist blowhard, we'll call.'

Comedian George Takei said: 'He said there was no reason to be alarmed by the increased police presence over the next few days, you hare-brained miscreant. Sit down.'

'Just imagine if they had easy, unfettered access to powerful semi-automatic weapons,' he added.

Taking any opportunity available to undermine the President, former presidential-rival Hillary Clinton tweeted Sunday evening in support of London's mayor

Many celebrities condemned President Trump's tweets from Sunday morning, when he criticized London's mayor for telling Londoner's that there is 'no reason to be alarmed' with the increased police presence in the city

Vlogger and YouTube star Hank Green reminded Trump of the context of Khan's statement.

He wrote: 'Full quote: "Londoners will see an increased police presence today and over the course of the next few days. No reason to be alarmed."'

'We should all express our sympathy and support to the people of London and the officials there,' tweeted journalist Katie Couric.

Actor and comedian Jon Favreau jabbed: 'It's hard to read Trump's tweets this morning and not think that we're one domestic attack away from the most dangerous version of this guy'.

The three attackers (one suspect seen lying down, with fake bomb vest) drove into people on London Bridge just after 10pm Saturday, then ran through a popular nightlife area, attacking civilians before they were shot by police

American and British celebrities responded to Trump's tweet, showing their outrage and pointing to the fact that the attack would have been worse if the attackers had guns

The attack occurred late Saturday night, beginning when three jihadis - who have not yet been identified - swerved into crowds of people on London bridge at speeds of up to 50mph shortly before 10:10pm.

The three attackers, then left the van with 12-inch hunting knives and fake suicide vests and went on a random stabbing spree, shouting 'this is for Allah'.

They then went on to nearby Borough Market, a popular nightlife area with packed-out restaurants and bars.

Armed police rushed to the scene and shot dead all three suspects within eight minutes of receiving the first emergency call and placed the area on lock-down.

By the end of the rampage, seven people were left dead and a further 48 were wounded.

The identities of the attackers in the horrific killing spree are still being sought; the area they attacked is still on lock down and the terror threat level remains at 'severe' meaning another attack is 'highly likely' according to authorities

In an official tweet, Khan said he was 'furious' about the terrorist attack. A spokesman for his office also dismissed Trump's comments as 'ill-informed' and said Khan had 'more important things to do' than to worry about the tweets

Shortly after his tweet about Khan, Trump hit out at calls for tighter gun laws in the US, noting that the London attackers didn't use firearms in their assault. Others pointed out that that was why the attacks weren't as bad as they could have been

Victims: As well as those wounded and killed, many witnesses were left in a state of shock Saturday. Some reported seeing people being stabbed in the face and throat

In a television interview, Khan had said: 'Londoners will see an increased police presence today and over the course of the next few days. There's no reason to be alarmed.'

Then Sunday morning, Trump tweeted: 'We must stop being politically correct and get down to the business of security for our people. If we don't get smart it will only get worse.'

'At least 7 dead and 48 wounded in terror attack and Mayor of London says there is "no reason to be alarmed!"'

A spokesman for Khan's office responded to Trump's tweets, saying: 'The Mayor is busy working with the police, emergency services and the government to coordinate the response to this horrific and cowardly terrorist attack.

'He has more important things to do than respond to Donald Trump's ill-informed tweet that deliberately takes out of context his remarks urging Londoners not to be alarmed when they saw more police - including armed officers - on the streets.'

He added: 'The advice to the public is to remain vigilant but carry on with their lives.'

Trump only expressed solidarity with the UK after he tweeted to promote his travel ban policy

Celebrities criticized Trump and told him that he took Khan's quote out of context when he mocked the mayor of London

Trump also used the terror attacks in London as a jumping-off point to bring up a series of US policy questions.

TERROR TIMELINE 10.08pm Police were called to reports of a vehicle hitting pedestrians on London Bridge. Terrorists got out of car and ran to Borough Market stabbing people 10.16pm Three terrorists shot dead in Borough Market 10.32pm London Bridge station is closed 11pm Police said another incident was happening in Vauxhall as the station was reportedly evacuated 12.25am The incidents at London Bridge and Borough market & were declared as terrorist incidents 12.55am Police said the incident at Vauxhall was a stabbing and not connected to the terrorism Advertisement

Shortly after his tweet about Khan, Trump hit out at calls for tighter gun laws in the US, noting that the London attackers didn't use firearms in their assault.

'Do you notice we are not having a gun debate right now?' he asked. 'That's because they used knives and a truck!'

And his first response to the attack was to tweet: 'We need to be smart, vigilant and tough. We need the courts to give us back our rights. We need the Travel Ban as an extra level of safety!'

It was only after making his travel ban tweet that Trump addressed the attack on the UK.

'Whatever the United States can do to help out in London and the U. K., we will be there - WE ARE WITH YOU. GOD BLESS!' he tweeted.

Other celebrities criticized Trump's decision to push his political agenda before expressing his solidarity with the British people and some people implied that the British weren't interested in his solidarity.

It was only after making his initial tweet about reinstating the travel ban that Trump then addressed the actual attack, saying that the US will do whatever it can to help

'Trump: I stand with London,' Daily Beast Editor Erin Gloria Ryan tweeted. 'London: Please go stand somewhere else.'

'If you're gearing up to write a tweet about how Britain needs hundreds of thousands of guns  thanks for your concern, but jog on,' British writer Samantha Shannon wrote.

Scottish author John Niven wrote: 'Dear NRA nuts telling us guns will help us: more Americans die from firearms every week than last 3 London terror attacks combined.'

'They had to use knives and a truck because they couldn't get hold of guns,' said Robert Harris. 'Imagine the carnage if they had & had returned police fire.'

British actor Kunal Nayyar tweeted: 'Now imagine if they had semi automatic weapons that can shoot 100 bullets a minute'.

And some Americans were just ashamed by the US President.

Josh Gad wrote: 'Please know that many of us are ashamed. Ashamed, angry & sick. But America is not Trump. It is what u see those of us do in spite of him.'

'We must work hard to remove such blatant disregard for truth, such self-serving hatefulness & this kind of ruinous insecurity from our W.H.,' filmmaker Dustin Lance Black said.
Secret notes carried by a detective leaving a flat raided following the London Bridge attack appear to suggest a man embroiled in the investigation was quizzed by police last year.

The hand-written comments raised concerns that Britains counter-terror services missed an opportunity to thwart the atrocity.

The scribbled notes, which were caught on camera, revealed a person involved in the inquiry had been interrogated by officers over his Islamic views.

It is not clear if the remarks, jotted down in an A4-sized notepad, refer to one of the three jihadist murderers shot dead by marksmen or someone linked to them who was interviewed by counter-terror police yesterday.

The hand-written comments raised concerns that Britains counter-terror services missed an opportunity to thwart the atrocity

The scribbled notes, which were caught on camera, revealed a person involved in the inquiry had been interrogated by officers over his Islamic views

But it will raise fears that the police and security services had a member of the terror group on their radar and failed to treat it with sufficient seriousness.

And it will be a headache for police chiefs in case the security gaffe has in any way compromised the operation.

It comes after MI5 launched an urgent investigation into why it missed the danger posed by the Manchester suicide bomber Salman Abedi.

It has been claimed that the authorities were repeatedly told that the 22-year-old, who had Libyan parents, was a danger to the public before he blew himself up at a pop concert, killing 22 people, including children.

A man bends over and covers his head as he is led from the block of flats where one of the terrorists reportedly lived

A forensics officer is seen leaving an address inside the Elizabeth Fry Apartments in Barking, east London, during the raid

The latest embarrassing document blunder gives a glimpse into the shape of the investigation into Saturdays attack.

The female Scotland Yard detective carried the notepad under her left arm as she left the Elizabeth Fry flats in Kings Road, Barking, East London, where a number of arrests were made yesterday.

The memo states: Main friends: Had black friends when he was normal. Mosque: He doesnt use any mosque.

Then, crucially, it goes on: He had been interrogated by police last year for his Islamic views, the house was searched, passport was taken + he had to sign on.

Police were also seen talking to a group of burka-clad women, witnesses said, as the area was cordoned off while officers searched for clues

The note also makes a reference to Pakistan  at least two of the terror squad, who have not been named yet, are British-born Pakistanis.

MI5 announced last month that its in-depth inquiry will focus on any glaring errors which led it to miss signs that Abedi was a potential terrorist.

Home Secretary Amber Rudd said missed chances to catch Abedi would be investigated, after it was claimed that US officials warned MI5 last year that he was planning an attack.

Teachers and religious figures in Manchester who knew the killer also flagged up concerns about his extremist views on numerous occasions over several years.

Two women were among those escorted from the tower block by police during the early morning raid in Barking today

Sources suggest that authorities were informed of the danger posed by Abedi on at least five separate occasions in the five years prior to the attack at a show by US pop star Ariana Grande at Manchester Arena.

The inquiry will look at the decision-making before the attack, including what was known about his co-conspirators. Although Abedi was known to the security services, he was not under surveillance.

In 2009 Scotland Yard counter-terrorism chief Bob Quick was forced to resign after he was photographed leaving Downing Street with papers revealing details of a major operation which had to be rushed forward.
Former Ambassador to the U.N. Susan Rice called out Russian President Vladimir Putin, who continues to deny Russian meddling in the 2016 presidential election, though said 'patriotic Russians' may be responsible.

'But frankly, he's lying,' she told George Stephanopoulos on ABC's This Week. 'The reality is, as all of our intelligence agencies have come together to affirm with high confidence, the Russian government, at the highest levels, was behind the very unprecedented effort to meddle in our 2016 presidential election.'

Rice, who was also President Obama's national security adviser, said the U.S. now needed to find out 'exactly how and why that happened' and if there were Americans giving the Russians assistance.

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Former Ambassador to the U.N. Susan Rice said on ABC's This Week that Russian President Vladimir Putin is 'lying' when he denies Russian involvement in last year's election hacks

Rice sat down with ABC Newsman George Stephanopoulos who asked her why she thought Russia was benefiting from the Trump presidency

Susan Rice (left), formerly President Obama's national security adviser, told ABC's George Stephanopoulos (right) that she found reports saying Jared Kushner wanted a secret back-channel with Russia to be 'concerning'

Stephanopoulos asked Rice if she thought President Obama and her team should have blown the whistle on the Russians earlier in the presidential campaign.

Rice reminded the ABC Newsman that the Obama administration did call out the Russians as soon as there was a unified assessment from the intelligence agencies available.

'I think what's unfortunate is that that very important warning got lost in the coverage of other events that transpired,' she said. 'It was indeed later the very same day that the "Access Hollywood" videotape came out, more Wikileaks came out,' she said.

'And so I think it didn't get the attention that it deserved,' she continued. 'But we worked also very closely with our 50 states to ensure that they were aware of the threat and took all the necessary precautions to protect the integrity of our voting system and our voter registration rolls.'

Following up on a New York Times op-ed that she penned Friday, Rice also argued on the program that Russia has been the big winner under Trump.

The former ambassador to the U.N. explained that the U.S. 'has been the leader of the world' through the country's many partnerships.

But Trump, especially in his comments before NATO, has alienated Western allies.

'And that is exactly what Vladimir Putin wants,' she said. 'Because Putin's interests, as he actually reaffirmed just on Friday, is to see NATO weakened and ultimately destroyed.'

'And when the United States, the most important player in NATO, casts doubt about our commitment to that vital alliance, it undermines our security. It undermines the security of our closest allies and it's a big win for Vladimir Putin,' Rice argued.

Rice also argued against reversing sanctions against the Russians, which included taking compounds away from them, located in Maryland and Long Island.

'No, George, not a good idea. Let's be clear. Russia is an adversary,' she said. 'Russia not only has invaded a sovereign country and annexed part of it in Ukraine and Crimea. It's not only in cahoots with a regime in Syria that uses chemical weapons, it has interfered directly and deliberately at the direction of the highest levels of its government in our democratic process.'

'That is a threat to the integrity of our democracy. That's a threat to our country on a bipartisan basis. And we need to hold Russia accountable,' she added.

Rice argued that the sanctions shouldn't go away because the Russians haven't changed its behavior.

'It has just denied and obfuscated and continued to behave badly,' she said.

Rice was also asked to respond to a report that said Jared Kushner, Trump's son-in-law and a top White House aide, wanted a secret back-channel with Russia during the transition.

The ex-ambassador called the reports 'concerning,' saying it's a rarity to have frequent communications with an adversary like Russia.

'But what I found most concerning about that report, which, if true, is that Jared Kushner suggested to the Russian ambassador that they communicate using Russian communications in a Russian diplomatic facility to hide their conversation from the United States government,' she said.

'That's extraordinary, if not mind-boggling from the point of view of a national security professional,' she added.

Finally, Stephanopoulos turned to the investigation in the House of Representatives, one of three ongoing probes into Russian election meddling.

Rep. Devin Nunes, R-Calif., the chair of the House Intelligence Committee, who recused himself from the investigation, subpoenaed the CIA, NSA, and the FBI for information about who unmasked U.S. individuals in intelligence reports, as some fingers had pointed at Rice.

Nunes was especially interested in who unmasked the name of Trump's former National Security Advisor Micheal Flynn in intelligence reports.

'I don't have, of course, any objection to the agencies being responsive to Congressional oversight,' Rice said. 'That's what they're expected to do.'

She, pivoted, however and said she was worried about the partisan element of this particular request, saying Nunes had acted unilaterally.

'And I think, George, at this stage with our democracy being challenged and threatened directly by a foreign adversary, it points up the critical importance now more than ever of our working on a bipartisan basis, and our protecting and advancing our national security interests on a bipartisan basis,' she said.

Stephanopoulos asked the former ambassador if she was confident the documents would show she did nothing wrong.

'I'm confident that those documents will show that I, like national security advisers before me, and other senior officials in positions of responsibility, whether at the State Department, Defense Department, or the intelligence community, were doing what we needed to do to do our jobs,' she said.

'Which is to protect the American people, to protect classified information, to protect civil liberties,' she added. 'That's what those documents will show.'
Bequia is my favourite island in the Caribbean  and thats saying something as, over the years, Ive visited 32 of them. One of Bequias many attractions is that it always feels like the West Indies in the olden days, with real West Indians going quietly and calmly about their real West Indian lives.

Its a small island, about five miles long, and with only 5,000 inhabitants, but it feels bigger thanks to its winding roads, hidden tracks, wooded hills, marvellous beaches and a spectacular harbour filled with yachts.

But blow me, on my latest visit, I discovered two new arrivals, straight from the modern world, which I never expected to see popping up on sleepy old Bequia. But before I reveal what they are, let me tell you a little about how I spent my trip there.

Blue heaven: The bay that greets guests at the Bequia Beach Hotel, where acclaimed biographer Hunter Davies stayed

As usual, I divided my time between both sides of the island  staying first on Lower Bay, which is the Caribbean side, and then Friendship Bay, which is technically on the Atlantic.

All Caribbean islands have this division, with the Atlantic side considered wilder, but the differences are slight and both have their devotees.

On Lower Bay I stayed at Keegans. Its a sort of hotch-potch guest house with bargain prices and friendly staff, and it has a tradition of screening films in a makeshift outdoor cinema, so it is very popular.

I have never stayed before, though I have eaten there over the past 20 years and watched many of their films.

Ocean fronting: One of the rooms at the 'ever-so-luxurious' 56-bedroom Bequia Beach Hotel

Watching a movie there is always a good laugh. They show it on a screen on a wall of the main building. You sit across the road in their beach bar, while eating and drinking.

It always turns out to be action-packed, even when they are showing some soppy love story  cars will suddenly pass in front of you at vital moments and you think: Hey up, has Keegans got the first 3D screen in the Caribbean?

Some 38 years ago, the premises were just a little shop. The owner then, McVille John, was a sailor who was away at sea a lot, and his wife ran the place. Then they added four rooms and started letting them out.

On Lower Bay I stayed at Keegans, a sort of hotch-potch guest house with bargain prices and friendly staff

The name does originate from the one and only Kevin Keegan. While in various English ports in the 1980s, McVille heard people raving about Kevin Keegan, so on his return decided to name his next son  and the hotel  after him.

They went on to have five children in all, and one of them  christened McSmith John, though known as Messenjah  runs the family guest house today. It now has 14 rooms on the original site, plus three cottages.

I later moved over the island to the ever-so-luxurious, 56-bedroom Bequia Beach Hotel.

It was created five years ago by its owner, a Swedish man called Bengt Mortstedt who fell in love with Bequia and decided that what it needed was a classy hotel.

His family are big in property in London, but he trained as a lawyer and had no experience of hotels, until he built his own.

Island hopper: The nine-seater Bequia Air plane acquired by Swedish hotelier, Bengt Mortstedt, who also fell in love with Bequia

Which brings me to the first of the two surprising new arrivals on the island. Not content with the challenge of running a hotel for the first time, Bengt also decided to buy his own aeroplane.

On the side he has painted Bequia Air, which has led to a mickey-taking local rap record on the larger island of St Vincent, where they have been amused by the idea of their titchy little sister island having its own airline.

Bengt bought the aircraft online, without seeing it, for about $1 million. He then spent a small fortune refurbishing it. One of the problems Bequia has is that you cant get there direct from the UK or North America. Brits have to change planes in Barbados, where they are often forced to stay overnight.

Tropical treats: Cocktails served at the Bequia Beach Hotel

Bengt thought if had his own plane, he could help his own guests to get quickly to his hotel. Calling his plane Bequia Air means he will be able to offer trips from London to Bequia with the slogan All the way on BA.

Lets hope British Airways po-faced lawyers dont object!

It is only a nine-seater, but after endless negotiations with five different countries and authorities, it is now fit and registered to fly. A new company has been set up to run the service, One Caribbean, which hopes eventually to acquire further aircraft.

When I heard the news, I immediately offered Bengt my services as editor of its in-flight magazine.

The other new arrival can be seen on the waterfront at Port Elizabeth, Bequias capital  the swish offices of Sothebys. I blinked when I saw it, wondering if I had strayed into Bond Street.

It is the auction houses international real estate wing, and inside I found details of million-pound-plus luxury villas, many of them owned by Brits.

They had 28 houses for sale when I went in, but had yet to sell one. The people who run it, husband and wife Pierre and Michelle Bellegarde, are from West Indian families but had previously been working in the United States.

They have two children, now at college, so felt it was time to return to their roots.

They had to buy into the Sothebys franchise, which meant selling their own house and cars, so they are taking a bit of a chance.

When I told them that I was going to edit a new high-end airline magazine, which would have about nine readers on every flight, they agreed to take a page of advertising.

I whipped out my mobile phone and recorded them saying so. They cant get out of it now
It stranded 75,000 passengers, grounded flights and crippled baggage-handling and communication operations.

There is certainly lots to be learned by airlines after last weeks meltdown at British Airways  meanwhile thousands of passengers continue to battle for compensation, or are still scratching their heads wondering what they are entitled to after their ordeal.

If you are among them (or you want to be prepared for the next time), heres a summary of your rights

Final straw: Last weeks meltdown at British Airways stranded 75,000 passengers, grounded flights and crippled baggage-handling and communication operations

Want a refund or an alternative flight?

If your flight was cancelled, you can claim a full refund if you decide not to rebook, or can take alternative flights with BA for travel any time up to November at no extra cost (subject to availability).

There are no blackout periods, so a family is able to rearrange their getaway to the school summer holidays. Given the difficulties of communicating with BA during the mayhem, some passengers took it upon themselves to re-book flights with other airlines. BA has said it will consider claims for the replacement tickets.

Keep your meal and hotel receipts

Under EU rules, when a flight is severely delayed or cancelled, airlines must provide care and assistance, whatever the reasons for the disruption. Last weekend, many BA passengers had to look after themselves.

Those who did can still claim back reasonable, receipted expenses: BA has defined reasonable as up to 25 per person for food and drink per day, 200 for a hotel room (per couple), and 50 for airport-to-hotel transfers.

Travel woes: Passengers at the British Airways check-in desk at Gatwick Airport after the airline said it cancelled all flights leaving from Heathrow and Gatwick

Compensation

When a flight has been cancelled or severely delayed and the disruption was the airlines fault, under EU rules passengers are entitled to compensation, above and beyond the reimbursement of out-of-pocket expenses.

Often airlines try to get out of paying up, citing extraordinary circumstances, but BA has said: We will fully honour our obligations and pay customers EU261 compensation [EU261 being the applicable legislation].

So passengers whose flights were cancelled, or delayed by at least three hours, should be entitled to a cash payout ranging from about 110 to 525 per person, depending on the length of flight and delay. What you paid for the flight isnt relevant.

Lost your luggage?

BA says it will reunite bags with owners using courier services (as it is obliged to do), but it is taking time to clear the backlog.

If youve had to travel without your luggage, file a claim to BA for any essential items youve bought such as toiletries. If you have the receipts, the airline should reimburse reasonable costs.

When a flight has been cancelled or severely delayed and the disruption was the airlines fault, under EU rules passengers are entitled to compensation, above and beyond the reimbursement of out-of-pocket expenses

Knock-on losses

You wont be able to claim against BA for so-called consequential losses such as unused, non-refundable car hire or accommodation.

However, some travel insurance policies do cover these losses. In the small print, it may be described as travel disruption cover or additional transport and accommodation costs.

If you booked disrupted BA flights together with accommodation and/or car hire as part of a package, your tour operator is responsible and you wont end up out of pocket.

Still not happy?

To make any claim relevant to last weeks chaos, you should first deal directly with BA. Go to ba.com for information and forms covering expenses and compensation claims, and baggage.

But if you cant resolve a claim, turn to CEDR (cedr.com/aviation), a dispute-resolution body approved by the Civil Aviation Authority. Full details of passengers rights are listed at caa.co.uk.
Sleepover Club and Neighbours star Caitlin Stasey has shared a powerful message in support of adult industry professionals.

The 27-year-old Australian actress took to Instagram to state: 'If your feminism does not extend to sex workers... your feminism is blahmenism.'

The LA-based Beauty's comments appeared alongside a Google's results page screenshot for the June 2 adult industry professional day of awareness.

Support: Sleepover Club and Please Like Me star Caitlin Stasey has revealed the reason she's shared a social media post in support of International Sex Worker's Day

'Sex workers are not your scapegoats, your teachers or your enemies, they are self sustaining entrepreneurs,' the noted activist wrote.

She added that to be a good feminist, you must support adult industry professional's right for 'safety, dignity and acceptance.'

'We should all wish them lucrative and secure destinies,' she concluded.

It appears that Caitlin coined the term 'blahmenism,' which uses the word 'blah,' defined as: 'boring or without meaningful content.'

The post: The 27-year-old's post (pictured) added that to be a good feminist, you must support adult industry professional's right for 'Safety, dignity and acceptance'

Fans praised her statements in the comments section, with one writing: 'If you think sex work is worse than any other work then you're really just shaming people for having sex.'

Daily Mail Australia has reached out to Caitlin for comment.

Early last month, Caitlin paid tribute to International Women's Day by uploading an Instagram photo of herself outside an LA strip club.

Chorus of support: Fans praised her statements in the comments section

Clad in a jacket, jeans and Vans sneakers, she propped one leg on a ledge outside of the gentleman's club, captioning the shot in part: 'Women make my world go round.'

'Happy women's day. I usually don't wish it upon people because days in honour seem like band-aids to problems that will never touch me and will hurt countless women world wide,' Caitlin began the caption.

'BUT. But. Women make my world go 'round everyday,' she continued.
Bradley Cooper's been in contact with his girlfriend Irina Shayk 'numerous times a day' in the two months since their daughter Lea de Seine was born.

The American Sniper actor, 42, and the 31-year-old model welcomed their first child in March, and although Bradley's hectic schedule has meant he's been away from his newborn daughter, he always makes sure he stays in touch.

'Irina and the baby are doing wonderful,' an insider told E! News Saturday. 'She has her mom in town since the baby was born helping her out. Bradley is in touch with Irina numerous times a day.

Going strong: Bradley Cooper, 42, and Irina Shayk, 31, chat multiple times daily via FaceTime since the March birth of their daughter Lea, sources tell E! The glamorous pair were snapped at a party in Paris in March of 2016

'It's hard for him to be apart from his new baby when he has to work,' the source said, adding that 'they FaceTime all the time when Bradley can't be there and working his crazy hours.'

The insider said there could be more children on the horizon for the new parents, as they're 'in love' with their little girl.

'Bradley and Irina as a couple are doing really good and have gotten even closer since the baby was born,' the source said. 'More kids would likely be in the future. They are in love with Lea.'

Out and about: The duo was seen holding hands last July heading to Wimbledon in London

Comely couple: The duo, seen here at Wimbledon last year, have been careful to shield their newborn from media coverage, according to sources

Lucky kid: The baby 'definitely has her mom's model genes,' the insider said

The Limitless star and the Russian beauty have been incredibly secretive about their baby, as he's dodged questions about his daughter during interviews.

'Only a limited number of people have seen the baby,' the source told the outlet. 'They want to protect her as much as they can from the media.'

The newborn 'is also so beautiful' and 'definitely has her mom's model genes,' the insider added.

Leading man: The Limitless star looked dapper while attending an event in LA last fall

Stunning: The statuesque beauty posed at a Victoria's Secret party last November in Paris

The 5ft10 model had previously spoken of her desire to start a family, calling it the 'most important thing on this earth.'

She told the U.K.'s Hello! last year, 'I think family is the reason why we are here. I love my job and it's very important to me. I really enjoy what I'm doing but it's not the most important thing in my life - family is, friends, people who I love.

'My father was married to my mother for more than 20 years and, yes, definitely one day I want to have a family because that is the most important thing on this earth.'
She's the former beauty pageant titleholder that's gone on to create her own brand.

And Erin Holland was all class, as she attended the Tour De Cure Snowball charity event, in Sydney on Saturday.

The 28-year-old stunned in a backless metallic frock, teamed with statement jewels.

She's all class! Erin Holland, 28, stunned at a charity event in Sydney on Saturday

Erin highlighted her slender figure in a metallic frock with a large cut-out at the back.

Statement silver jewels, including a pair of drop earrings, added a glamorous touch.

Styling her brunette locks into a sleek ponytail at the nape of the neck, Erin enhanced her striking facial features with a flawless complexion, defined brows, a false set of lashes and a soft pink lip.

For a good cause: Erin was just one of many guests to attend the charity event at Sydney's The Star Ballroom

Changing style: Erin recently changed her hair colour and made a dramatic change, going from peroxide blonde to brown. She revealed it has been a shock to the system after 28 years of being a blonde

Erin was just one of many guests to attend Saturday night's charity event at Sydney's The Star Ballroom.

The fundraising event aimed to raise more than $1.3 million, for the Tour De Cure charity, that supports cancer research projects.

Erin recently changed her hair colour and made a dramatic change, going from peroxide blonde to brown.

Switching things up: 'I've been blonde for 28 years so this is a shock to the system but change is always good,' Erin revealed to The Daily Telegraph

Opening up: 'Every time I look in the mirror I have to do a double take. I always thought blonde was my thing, that it suited me more than anything else and going another colour can be intimidating when you've had the same look for your entire life,' she added

She revealed it has been a shock to the system after 28 years of being a blonde.

'I've been blonde for 28 years so this is a shock to the system but change is always good,' Erin revealed to The Daily Telegraph.

'Every time I look in the mirror I have to do a double take. I always thought blonde was my thing, that it suited me more than anything else and going another colour can be intimidating when you've had the same look for your entire life,' she added.

Erin also mentioned that if she were to change colour again it would be to red.

'I was obsessed with The Little Mermaid growing up so that would maybe be my next big challenge,' she smiled. 'When you are a performer, it is good to change it up.'
She's a proud mum to daughter Ella, who she raises with former TOWIE star Dan Osbourne.

And Jacqueline Jossa was enjoying a rare night off at the British Soap Awards 2017, stepping out in style at the British Soap Awards 2017, held at The Lowry Theatre in Manchester on Saturday night.

The EastEnders actress, 24, put in a solo appearance at the event, cutting a glamorous figure in a gorgeous grey gown with a striking lace overlay.

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Glamorous: Jacqueline Jossa was enjoying a rare night off at the British Soap Awards 2017, stepping out in style at the British Soap Awards 2017, held at The Lowry Theatre in Manchester on Saturday night

Jacqueline took the plunge in the low-cut number, which flattered her hourglass curves.

The brunette completed her ensemble with a metallic clutch bag and a pair of statement white earrings.

The striking number featured a beautiful beaded train, falling to the floor in loose pleats.

Looking good: The EastEnders actress, 24, put in a solo appearance at the event, cutting a glamorous figure in a gorgeous grey gown with a striking lace overlay

Emmerdale was the big winner on the night, taking home six gongs including the prestigious Best Soap.

Meanwhile, EastEnders was the biggest loser of the evening, only taking home the The Tony Warren Award, bestowed upon long-term screenwriter Gillian Richmond.

Jacqueline and Dan, who is also dad to his son Teddy, three, who he shares with former flame Megan Tomlin, got engaged in June 2015 when Dan proposed on a family sun-soaked holiday to Greece.

Missing out: EastEnders was the biggest loser of the evening, only taking home The Tony Warren Award, bestowed upon long-term screenwriter Gillian Richmond

They started dating in 2013, but went public with their relationship in 2014 and welcomed Ella in February 2015.

The lovebirds had planned to marry in 2016, but they had left it too late to secure their dream venue.

Jacqueline told OK! magazine: 'We just ran out of time to plan everything. I thought we had ages to get stuff sorted, then all of a sudden it was March and we didn't have anything booked.'

Making a statement: Jacqueline took the plunge in the low-cut number, which flattered her hourglass curves

With more time under their belt, Jacqueline and Dan managed to find the dreamiest of locations; a 7.2million mansion in rural Cheshire.

A source told The Sun in March: 'When they saw Delamere Manor they fell in love with it.

'Like any couple, they want their big day to be perfect, even if it does mean their entire families travelling from their homes in London to Cheshire.

'They are convinced that going the extra distance will be worth it and they have booked a date in July.'

Elegant: The brunette completed her ensemble with a metallic clutch bag and a pair of statement white earrings
She may still be reeling from her baffling elimination from Dancing with the Stars last month.

But Heather Morris looked quite carefree when she celebrated National Donut Day with her one-year-old son Owen in Los Angeles on Friday.

The 30-year-old mother of two took her youngest to a local pastry purveyor for the delicious holiday.

Bonding day! Heather Morris looked quite carefree when she celebrated National Donut Day with her one-year-old son Owen in Los Angeles on Friday

The Glee star kept things casual in an airy striped top which featured spaghetti straps and afforded just a glimpse of her toned tummy.

A matching full-length skirt completed her laid-back look.

Her blonde tresses were parted in the middle and fell in lazy waves just past her shoulders.

The Spring Breakers actress looked quite fresh faced aside from some subtle eye makeup and a dash of light pink lipstick.

Nothing fancy: The Glee star kept things casual in an airy striped top which featured spaghetti straps and afforded just a glimpse of her toned tummy

Owen was also dressed quite casually, in a white t-shirt with paint spatter print, blue trousers and red sneakers.

Of course he probably was not too concerned about fashion at the event, which saw full sized Carebears mingling with attendees.

In one Instagram post, Heather can be seen feeding her little man a donut topped with purple icing.

Can't get enough! In one Instagram post, Heather can be seen feeding her little man a donut topped with purple icing

Another set of photos sees the mother-son duo interacting with a big, fluffy friend. Adorably, it looks as though Owen has already had his fill of donuts.

'Cutest. Donut. Ever! Obsessed with these @CareBears Donuts for #NationalDonutDay this Friday,' she captioned the cute snaps.

Meanwhile, back in April, Heather was robbed on Dancing with the Stars, as she performed a perfect rumba with Maksim Chmerkovskiy, but was eliminated anyway from the ABC dancing competition show.
It's the long-running Channel Seven soap that's delved into domestic violence, alcoholism and abortion.

But for the first time in the program's history, Home And Away has tackled the issue of ice addiction.

'We couldn't ignore it any longer,' series producer Lucy Addario told The Daily Telegraph, of filming scenes centred around the methamphetamine drug.

'We couldn't ignore it any longer': Home And Away series producer Lucy Addario told The Daily Telegraph that the program could not ignore ice addiction, as use of the substance in Australia hits an all-time high

'Home And Away is a prime-time television show, it has reach. So we felt obligated to keep it as accurate as possible so we could educate people on what (ice addiction) looks like, actor Jackson Heywood also told the publication.

'I haven't had to deal with an addiction problem myself but I really know a lot of addicts,' the Channel Seven personality added.

Home And Away created a story line for Jackson Heywood's character Brody Morgan.

In profile: Home And Away created a story line for Jackson Heywood's character Brody Morgan (right)

Pressures: The rugged restaurateur turns to methamphetamine drug ice, to deal with the pressure of running a business

The rugged restaurateur turns to methamphetamine drug ice, to deal with the pressure of running a business.

With his addiction at its peak, Brody not only loses the business, but also destroys the relationships with his loved ones.

The story line takes a dramatic turn on Monday night's episode, when Brody is captured during an ice rage.

Brody's brother Justin, played by James Stewart, is forced to lock him in his room.

Aftermath: With his addiction at its peak, Brody not only loses the business, but also destroys the relationships with his loved ones

The addict is seen violently smashing objects before escaping.

According to News Corp, Australia's use of ice has increased by 70 per cent, over the past three years.

New South Wales police seized more than two tonnes of the illegal substance last year.

Victoria follows on with 731 kilograms, Western Australia at 293 kilograms and 110 for Queensland.
He starred in programs Gunsmoke, Adam-12 and The Courtship Of Eddie's Father, all before the age of 12.

And Willie Aames, now 56, spoke candidly of his 'stupid decisions' in an interview with Studio 10's Angela Bishop, aired Sunday.

Recalling the consequences from having made poor choices in the past, the actor revealed: 'I went from eating at the White House to sleeping in the bushes.'

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'I went from eating at the White House to sleeping in the bushes': Child star Willie Aames, 56, revealed to Studio 10's Angela Bishop, his 'stupid decisions' that led to him losing everything

'I made some really stupid decisions in my life and I'm proud of them. That's a strange thing to say,' Willie said with a chuckle.

'There are a lot of things that I care not to repeat, but the fact of the matter is I made those choices,' he continued.

'Never once did I ever see a producer say, "Hey, let's get this guy addicted to drugs, that'll sell more movies." It doesn't happen that way. This is a business.

'They want it to be successful and they want you to be successful. My parents didn't do it to me, the business didn't do it to me, somebody else wasn't.

Candid: Recalling past challenges, the child star said: 'The fact is I made my own poor choices and knew better in most cases and I paid the price for it'

Homeless: 'I lost everything. At one point I went from eating at the White House to sleeping in the bushes and brought myself back again,' Willie shared during the pre-recorded interview

'You know, my goldfish didn't die when I was 13 and it just screwed me up for life. The fact is I made my own poor choices and knew better in most cases and I paid the price for it.'

When quizzed by Angela Bishop as to what price he paid, Willie revealed: 'I lost everything. At one point I went from eating at the White House to sleeping in the bushes and brought myself back again.

'Nobody gave me a hand up. I mean, you know, I was sleeping in the bushes at the Hollywood Bowl at one point, homeless, lost everything.

Turning point: 'I had to sit there and go, "Get your BLEEP together. I mean what's the deal? Nobody is going to do it for you",' Willie shared of the turning point in his life

'I had to sit there and go, "Get your BLEEP together. I mean what's the deal? Nobody is going to do it for you",' Willie shared of the turning point in his life.

'I had a choice. I could either start over at 47...or choose to be a victim. So, what did I do? I became your favourite celebrity satellite installer and I learnt a trade, and then I went to work on a cruise ship,' he shared.

The personality worked his way up the ranks, from a ping-ping boy to a cruise director.

'I became responsible for many, many crew members and worked with the most luxurious cruise lines on the planet,' Willie said.

And it was during his time on the sea decks that Willie enjoyed a friendship with a pen pal.

Friendship: It was during his time on the sea decks that Willie enjoyed a friendship with a pen pal

History: The star wrote to a female fan, Winnie Hung, for thirty years, eventually meeting face-to-face in Vancouver

The star wrote to a female fan, Winnie Hung, for thirty years, eventually meeting face-to-face in Vancouver.

'We were pen pals for 30 years. She was a fan that wrote a letter,' Willie told Angela Bishop.

'I just read it. They usually always have a little phone number or something. And I thought, you know, "these girls are never going to get a phone call from whoever they're writing to on TV, I'm going to do it,"' he continued.

Face-to-face: 'One day, I was on the (cruise) ship (where he worked) and it pulled into Vancouver and she said, "Hey, I live in Vancouver" and I came around the corner"'

'So I picked up the phone and said, "Hi, this is Willie Aames. I'm calling from Universal Studios."'

'We chatted for a couple of minutes and she said, "Can I write you again?" and we did. We wrote back and forth. Never met. For 30 years, we wrote back and forth.

'And then one day, I was on the (cruise) ship (where he worked) and it pulled into Vancouver and she said, "Hey, I live in Vancouver" and I came around the corner."

'She was standing there and I fell in love with her. It's a great story,' Willie gushed.

The couple, still enjoying a blissful union, tied the knot in 2014.

Willie is an American actor, film and television director and screenwriter.

A child actor, Willie appeared on-screen in the late 1960s, in shows including Gunsmoke, The Wonderful World of Disney, Adam-12 and The Courtship of Eddie's Father.

Born in Newport, California, Willie is perhaps best known for playing Tommy Bradford in the 1970s series, Eight Is Enough.

During this time, he was also the lead singer and guitarist in band, Willie Aames & Paradise.

The actor and his date attend CBS TV Affiliates Party in 1983 while the star is pictured right at the premiere of the movie Paradise in 1982
Six people have died and three terrorists have been shot dead by armed police after they went on a horrific knife rampage in central London on Saturday.

And actress Ruby Rose has revealed she's in lockdown with girlfriend Jessica Origliasso of The Veronicas.

Taking to Twitter, the 31-year-old said: 'I'm lost for words but please know I am currently safe in London in lockdown with @Jessicaveronica - Absolutely tragic and frightening night.'

'Lost for words but currently safe': Ruby Rose (pictured), 31, and girlfriend Jessica Origliasso are in lockdown as they're caught in the middle of London terror attack

Taking to Twitter, the Orange Is The New Black Star posted: 'I'm lost for words but please know I am currently safe in London in lockdown with @Jessicaveronica - Absolutely tragic and frightening night'

Girlfriend Jessica Origliasso of The Veronicas, 32, also took to Twitter posting: 'London, I'm so sorry. Immeasurable respect for emergency response services here.

'@RubyRose & I are on lockdown, but we are together, safe,' the songstress continued.

Six people have died and three terrorists have been shot dead by armed police after they went on a horrific knife rampage in central London last night.

Safe and together: Ruby is safe and currently with girlfriend Jessica Origliasso (pictured), 32, in London

Update: Jessica of The Veronicas, also took to Twitter posting: 'London, I'm so sorry. Immeasurable respect for emergency response services here. @RubyRose & I are on lockdown, but we are together, safe'

The men, described as being 'of Mediterranean origin', mowed down up to 20 revellers with a white van hurtling across London Bridge at 50mph on Saturday.

Attackers then began 'randomly stabbing' revellers with 12-inch hunting knives in the nearby Borough Market area of bars and restaurants in what authorities described as terrorist incidents. One man was reportedly stabbed five times in the chest.

Witnesses said the gang, with metal canisters strapped to their chests, smashed pub windows and cut the throats of drinkers, while a 'dark-skinned' man in a red tracksuit 'calmly' stabbed a man three times.

Terror attack: Six people have died and three terrorists have been shot dead by armed police after they went on a horrific knife rampage in central London Saturday night

The scene: The men, described as being 'of Mediterranean origin', mowed down up to 20 revellers with a white van hurtling across London Bridge at 50mph on Saturday

Three male suspects were shot and killed by armed police in Borough Market within eight minutes of the first call. The attackers were wearing suicide vests, which turned out to be a 'hoax', police said.

Armed police rushed to the scene where shots were heard and authorities urged panicked Londoners on Twitter to 'run, hide, tell' if they were caught in the 'utter chaos'.

50 armed police entered Monument station with police dogs and bystanders were told to run. Bank and Monument tube stations have been closed. There are also unconfirmed reports of gunfire on Southwark Street.

Celebrities have paid tribute to the victims and their families, taking to their respective social media accounts.

Socialite Gabi Grecko, 27, took to Instagram posting the hash-tag #PrayForLondon, while Home And Away star James Stewart, 41, shared on Twitter: 'These are such sad times, keep safe London,' alongside a love heart emoji and hash-tag #PrayForLondon.

Online: Socialite Gabi Grecko, 27, took to Instagram posting the hash-tag #PrayForLondon, while Home And Away star James Stewart, 41, shared on Twitter: 'These are such sad times, keep safe London,' alongside a love heart emoji and hash-tag #PrayForLondon
Cameron Daddo and Alison Brahe were Australia's celebrity golden couple in the early nineties.

But the pair were hit with some serious financial struggles when they relocated to America in 1992 to try and crack Hollywood.

Despite landing a string of roles in projects like Aaron Spelling's Models Inc and F/X: The Series, Daddo was left broke and struggling for cash in the mid-2000s.

Struggles: Despite landing a string of roles in projects like Aaron Spelling's Models Inc and F/X: The Series, Cameron Daddo was left broke and struggling for cash in the mid-2000s

In fact, things got so bad at one point that the Australian star's friends were leaving groceries on his doorstep just so he could feed his wife and their three children.

'Cam still deals with feeling, you know, a lot of angst or shame around that,' Alison told Stellar magazine.

At one point, Daddo thought he'd made it after he landed a role in David Lynch's critically-acclaimed Inland Empire - only to find out that the role paid just $500 in total.

'Cam still deals with feeling, you know, a lot of angst or shame around that,' his wife Alison Brahe told Stellar magazine

'It looks great on the resume,' he confessed to Stellar.

'But that's the going rate for those low-budget projects. The father part of me just went, 'I've got to get cash.'

Luckily, the father-of-three is back on top these days.

Now back home in Australia with the wife and kids, Daddo is busy as the host of his nightly smoothfm radio show, Mellow Music.

The program is a bonafide success, and was recently rated the No.1 FM show in both Sydney and Melbourne.
She always looks stylish, no matter the occasion.

And on Saturday, Halle Berry did not disappoint while arriving to the 16th Annual Chrysalis Butterfly Ball in Los Angeles.

The 50-year-old hit the purple carpet in a silver sequined dress, adding a coordinating Yeon duster coat, where she was pictured cradling her tummy.

Stunning in silver! Halle Berry, 50, cradled her tummy as she wowed in sequined dress with matching Yeon jacket at the Chrysalis Butterfly Ball on Saturday night

She's got it going on: The 50-year-old hit the purple carpet in a silver sequined dress, adding a coordinating duster coat

The actress chose a metallic frock with sheer paneling along the neckline and skirt.

The bold look had a sequined top and middle section before gradually becoming fewer and fewer - revealing just a sheer hemline.

The movie star, who highlighted her trim figure in the bright number, layered on an oversized blazer.

The cover up featured a silver sequined pattern and grazed her thighs.

Metallic marvel: Halle's look made sure all eyes were on her at the event

Classic: The actress chose a metallic frock with sheer paneling along the neckline and skirt; pictured with fellow actress Rebecca Gayheart

Continuing with the glitzy theme, the actress also accessorized with plenty of jewelry, including earrings from Eva Fehren, and a statement flower ring by Ileana Makri, as well as a Sylva & Cie sapphire and diamond ring.

Halle styled her brunette locks pulled back with her fringe loose; the stunner kept her makeup to a minimum.

Zendaya arrived looking like a classic movie star for the formal event.

The 20-year-old actress chose a black off-the-shoulder dress that featured pearl detailing along the neckline.

Molly Sims stunned in two-tone fitted gown with ruffled sleeves and cut-outs along the shoulders, accessorizing with some statement rings by British designer Stephen Webster.

Such beauty! The movie star, who highlighted her trim figure in the bright number, layered on an oversized blazer; seen with Zendaya

What a beauty: Zendaya arrived looking like a classic movie star for the formal event

Beaming: Molly Sims stunned in two-tone fitted gown with ruffled sleeves and cut-outs along the shoulders, accessorizing with rings by British designer Stephen Webster

She brought her husband Scott Stuber to the ball; he looked handsome in a blue suit with a patterned tie and white button-up.

Actress Lindsay Price highlighted her decolletage in her red and white strapless gown.

The 40-year-old Beverly Hills, 90210 star paired the summertime chic frock with crimson fringed earrings and her diamond wedding ring.

Date night: She brought her husband Scott Stuber to the ball; he looked handsome in a blue suit with a patterned tie and white button-up

Fancy: Actress Lindsay Price highlighted her decolletage in her red and white strapless gown

Keeping close: The 40-year-old Beverly Hills, 90210 star paired the summertime chic frock with crimson fringed earrings and her diamond wedding ring; with husband Curtis Stone

Ben Feldman and his pregnant wife Michelle also attended the star studded event.

While the 37-year-old actor chose a navy suit, his wife opted for a bright mustard colored dress.

Dania Ramirez slipped on a lace light blue textured dress, adding neutral strappy heels and wavy tresses.

Glowing: Ben Feldman and his pregnant wife Michelle also attended the star studded ball

Looking handsome: The 37-year-old actor chose a navy suit with tan accents

Glittering: Dania Ramirez slipped on a lace light blue textured dress, adding neutral strappy heels and wavy tresses

Wheel Of Fortune star Vanna white stunned in a floral dress, adding tights and peep toe heels.

The TV star, 60, arrived with her boyfriend John Donaldson, a building developer.

Former Saved By The Bell actress Elizabeth Berkley cut a chic figure in a white blouse tucked into black satin trousers, adding a structured blazer.

In bloom: Wheel Of Fortune star Vanna white stunned in a floral dress, adding tights and peep toe heels

Happy: The TV star, 60, arrived with her boyfriend John Donaldson, a building developer

Lovely: Former Saved By The Bell actress Elizabeth Berkley cut a chic figure in a white blouse tucked into black satin trousers, adding a structured blazer

Stylish: The 44-year-old posed with her husband Greg Lauren, who is the nephew of the fashion designer Ralph Lauren

For a good cause: Elizabeth and Greg stopped to pose with Chrysalis Butterfly Ball co-chair Rebecca Gayheart and husband Eric Dane

The 44-year-old posed with her husband Greg Lauren, who is the nephew of the fashion designer Ralph Lauren.

Elizabeth and Greg stopped to pose with Chrysalis Butterfly Ball co-chair Rebecca Gayheart and husband Eric Dane.

Rebecca paired pink lipstick with a white turtleneck frock and her husband kept it classic in a black and white suit.

Big hearts: Greg, Kimberly Brook, James Van Der Beek, Chrysalis Butterfly Ball Co-chair Richard Weitz, guest and Elizabeth pictured

Family day out: Balthazar and Rosetta Getty brought two of their children for this year's ball

Coordinating duo: Patricia Arquette donned a silky black floor-length gown, adding a green clutch for a pop of color; she posed with her beau Eric White

Balthazar and Rosetta Getty brought two of their children to this year's ball.

Patricia Arquette donned a silky black floor-length gown, adding a green clutch for a pop of color.

The 49-year-old actress posed with her beau Eric White, who wore a grey suit with a black tie and white shirt.

Taking the stage: Halle hit the microphone to present an award during the ball

She's showstopper: The Monsters Ball actress wore her fringe pulled to each side with the rest of her hair in a bun

Beaming: Halle posed for a picture with honoree Common while at the ball
James Matthews is breaking with tradition by donning a wedding ring following his nuptials with Pippa Middleton.

Unlike high-society husbands Prince William, David Cameron, Prince Philip or indeed Michael Middleton  none of whom wear a wedding ring  James, 41, has donned a gold band, or as some put it, the smallest handcuff in the world.

In exclusive circles, it is very much not the done thing. Etiquette expert William Hanson says: Traditionally, men of the aristocracy and gentry  and those without title or land but with good judgment  do not wear jewellery, which includes wedding bands.

Wearing rings and the like was considered a tad suspect.

A pal of 33-year-old Pippa tells me she insisted that James wore a wedding ring.

James Matthews is breaking with tradition by donning a wedding ring following his nuptials with Pippa Middleton

Beakers back with a baby

After Bridget Joness Baby its Tracy Beakers daughter! Dame Jacqueline Wilson is at last writing a sequel to her Tracy Beaker books, more than 25 years after the first one.

Jacqueline, 71, tells me that Tracy, left, has put her troubled younger days behind her to become a mum and high-flying career woman.

The story is told through the eyes of Tracys daughter, and Jacqueline says the pair get into all sorts of funny situations.
BBCs All Change At Longleat, which highlighted the tension between the Marquess of Bath, her son and his glamorous wife Emma (pictured)

It was the television show that exposed the bizarre world of an eccentric aristocratic father and his son living in separate wings of one of Britains finest stately homes.

But the BBCs All Change At Longleat, which highlighted the tension between the Marquess of Bath, 85, and 42-year-old son Ceawlin, Viscount Weymouth, will not be back for a second series, I hear.

Ceawlins glamorous wife Emma, the viscountess, 31, will star in a new show concentrating on cookery and the familys famous safari park in Wiltshire.

Therell be more TV, but not the same again, says feisty Emma, who has been dubbed the first black viscountess and has two sons with Ceawlin. All Change At Longleat is being rested. Ive got a couple of my own projects, but not more of the same.

Sounds to me like a tactful way of saying that the colourful Marquess of Bath, notorious for his exotic collection of 74 wifelets, including Bond girls, is being written out of the next reality series.

Such a shame.

Freuds joy as missing foxy found

After a ten-day search Matthew Freuds beloved fox red labrador Vincent was found and returned by a good samaritan

I was thrilled to hear that a ten-day search for Matthew Freuds beloved fox red labrador Vincent had a happy ending when he was found and returned by a good samaritan.

Matthew, pictured with Vincent, was devastated when he went missing during a walk in Londons Hyde Park on May 25.

The PR guru soon had his celebrity pals out searching and Fifi Geldof, daughter of his friend Sir Bob, was the No 1 cheerleader  posting Missing posters and imploring her social media followers to spread the word that a 5,000 reward was on offer. Matthew, 53, is convinced the dog was targeted by dog-nappers.

He was almost certainly kidnapped from Hyde Park and then let go three miles away, presumably as social media began to bite, he told me.

I am indescribably happy.

Youd think being a knight of the realm has its perks, but Baldrick actor Sir Tony Robinson, 70, admits his title lost its novelty as soon as he realised it didnt give him upgrades on flights.

The only time it is good is going through immigration  everyone thinks youre related to the Queen, he told me at the Hay Festival. The rest of the time he prefers to go simply by the name Tone!

Artist Janet Lance Hughes was left standing on Rob Brydon's doorstep when she turned up to paint him

He might be Waless best-known funny man but Rob Brydon is not amused by religious preachers on his doorstep.

Invited to Robs home to paint him, artist Janet Lance Hughes was left standing outside.

Janet told me at the GQ Hay Festival dinner: He eventually opened it and stared at me. I told him I was there to paint him and he said, Oh bloody hell, I thought you were a Jehovah Witness! Hed totally forgotten I was coming. Janet produced this portrait, right, for an exhibition.
Sydney just had its coldest May morning in 18 years, and now Winter has set upon the city.

But the freezing temperatures weren't enough to stop Philippa Northeast from slipping into a skimpy swimsuit and posing on the beach by the water.

The 22-year-old Home and Away actress wasn't shy about showing off her flawless figure as she braved the icy winds and cycled through a string of sexy poses.

Cold? The freezing Sydney temperatures weren't enough to stop Philippa Northeast from slipping into a skimpy swimsuit and posing on the beach by the water

The brunette beauty looked simply sensational in a revealing black one-piece which gave onlookers an eyeful of her pert derriere.

At one point, the young starlet adjusted the back of the swimsuit when it became wedged in an awkward place.

She later changed into a pair of white denim shorts and a swimsuit bra.

Amazing! The 22-year-old Home and Away actress wasn't shy about showing off her flawless figure as she braved the icy winds and cycled through a string of sexy poses

Need a hand? At one point, the young starlet adjusted the back of the swimsuit when it became wedged in an awkward place

What are you kicking? Phillipa kicked her leg out like she was playing soccer, but there was no ball to be seen

All smiles! The actress showcased her beaming smile as she braved the chilly weather

This year, Philippa brought her four-year stint on Channel Seven's Home And Away to a close, taking to Instagram to thank fans and her hunky beau Isaac Brown for their unwavering support.

'What a journey! Tonight we bid farewell to Evelyn Macguire,' she wrote on the night of her character's final episode.

In apparent tongue-in-cheek jab at the soap's dramatic nature, she then provided a laundry list of things she'd remember fondly from her tenure.

Costume change! She later changed into a pair of white denim shorts and a swimsuit bra

Chapter closed: This year, Philippa brought her four-year stint on Channel Seven's Home And Away to a close

'What a journey! Tonight we bid farewell to Evelyn Macguire,' she wrote on the night of her character's final episode

Cheeky: In apparent tongue-in-cheek jab at the soap's dramatic nature, she then provided a laundry list of things she'd remember fondly from her tenure

'I will cherish each and every storyline whether it was an engagement, a cult, a marriage, a kidnapping, a music festival, a bushfire, multiple family deaths...' she began.

Adding: '...Pregnancy scare, horse riding, drowning, teaching, bus crash, going to school, to university, to Greece, to Vietnam or simply, just having a coffee at The Diner.

Since departing the show, she's been active on social media, enjoying several nights out with her longtime boyfriend Isaac.

'I will cherish each and every storyline whether it was an engagement, a cult, a marriage, a kidnapping, a music festival, a bushfire, multiple family deaths...' she began
House Rules stars Troy and Bec's room designs have consistently been labelled 'amateur' by judge Laurence Llewelyn-Bowen.

And now 'Aussie battler' Troy has come face-to-face with another of his critics after firing up at judge Drew Heath.

In a dramatic confrontation on Sunday's episode, the Sydney local claimed Drew 'hasn't got a clue what he's talking about' after receiving dismal scores.

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'He hasn't got a clue what he's talking about': House Rules' Troy (left) clashed with Laurence Llewelyn-Bowen on Monday after judge Drew Heath (right) gave his zone dismal scores

The head-to-head confrontation saw Troy stunned while his partner Bec looked visibly shocked.

'Are you kidding? A three?' Troy said angrily after Drew criticised their zone, sending them straight to the bottom of the leaderboard

'I haven't said good things about you all the way through anyway but that three. C'mon that's disgusting. '

But when flamboyant Laurence stepped in to attempt to calm Troy down, it further fuelled his rage.

'You are wrong': The results led to a fiery exchange between Troy (right) and Laurence Llewlyn-Bowen (left) after weeks of harsh criticism

The painter then slammed the divisive judge, suggesting he's under-qualified to provide opinion.

'I do suggest you listen,' Laurence fired back, defending Drew's comments.

'Because actually, you are wrong.'

'Are you kidding?' The head-to-head confrontation saw Troy stunned while his partner Bec (right) looked visibly shocked

The judges weren't the only people Troy clashed with in the episode.

Troy and Bec struggled to get along with fellow renovators Fiona and Nicole after erecting a lattice ensuite wall.

The wall caused conflict with the other teams, in particular Fiona who complained at judging time: 'We certainly fought tooth and nail not to have that wall put up.'

Rage! The flamboyant Englishman's attempts to calm Troy down further fuelled his anger

Laurence has consistently panned the Troy and Bec's designs, and recently joked about their attempt at a children's room.

He remarked: 'There is an eye for design being used by the team, but it's like a cross-eyed eye for design. It's just not looking in the right direction.'

Troy and Bec have been the source of frequent drama throughout the TV series.

Ouch! Troy slammed the divisive judge, suggesting he's under-qualified to provide opinion

Last month, they announced their shock split, before rekindling soon after.

Meanwhile, on Wednesday's episode, tensions between the NSW locals and Victorian villains Fiona and Nicole came to a head.

While renovating Aaron and Daniella's home, Fiona and Nicole even threatened to leave the competition during a fiery argument.

Harsh critic: Laurence has consistently panned the couple's designs, and recently joked about their attempt at a children's room
Celebrities extended their thoughts and prayers towards London and victims of the city's Saturday terror attack.

One of the first stars to lend their support was Ariana Grande, who wrote 'Praying for London ' to her 46.6million Twitter followers.

The 23-year-old songstresses' response was especially poignant, happening less than two weeks after the devastating terrorist attack at her concert in Manchester, England last Monday, May 22.

Ariana Grande was one of many celebrities to reach out in response to Saturday's attacks in London, writing 'Praying for London' to her 43.3million Twitter followers

Meaningful: The 23-year-old musician's response was especially poignant, following the devastating attack at her concert in Manchester, England only one week ago. Above you can see Ariana in Chicago March 14

Today's attack in London left six dead and over 48 reported hospitalized, the apparent result of a coordinated car-crash and knife attack directed around the London Bridge.

Many more stars sent their love and prayers to the UK, with Paris Hilton and Khloe Kardashian just a few of the concerned celebs.

Paris kept things simple with the hastag '#PrayForLondon' and a Union Jack emoji.

Sister Nicky Rothchild Hilton shared in her older sibling's message, writing 'Oh, London..we love you' and 'stay safe' with several heart emojis.

Khloe K offered a thoughtful message writing, 'Our world is so dark and scary at the moment. Please say your prayers!! Try to be kind and loving! Love will always win!'

Meanwhile dual Grammy-Tony Winner Bette Midler was grief-striken, making a point as she tweeted: 'More sorrow and gried at the hands of madmen in Lodon. Men and religion are worthless.'

Sending prayers: Bette Midler, Paris Hilton and Khloe Kardashian were some of the many stars who shared their love with London Saturday in response to the terror attacks at London Bridge

Elijah Wood of Lord Of The Rings fame was emotional, posting a simple 'Oh, London. My heart is with you.'

Patricia Arquette shared 'Praying for those in #London,' adding 'Praying those responsible R caught & the investigation unearths many more leads that reach far & wide.'

Michellle Williams of Destiny's Child was shocked, writing 'I've been in London all week! My favorite place' about the attacks with a praying hands emoji.

Love and fear: While stars like Bella Thorne expressed anxiety, writing 'the world is so scary', Elijah Wood only had love in mind, sharing 'my heart is with you' via Twitter

Olivia Munn offered her well wishes, telling Londoners she was 'Sending love and light to London tonight' with the addition of several star and heart symbols.

Bella Thorne expressed some anxiety about the current age, writing 'I'm sorry to everyone in London  the world is so scary' plus the tag '#PrayForLondon.'

London native Simon Cowell shared 'Thoughts are with innocent victims caught up in London Bridge incident. Please try to stay safe people.'

Jamie King told followers 'We love you London,' adding 'Those filled with liberty & truth will stand up, take action here to protect w/ all our might & assist our allies.'

Former First Lady of Calfornia and veteran broadcast journalist Maria Shriver's response was touching, telling followers 'I sit her watch the news and all one can do is pray.'

#PrayForLondon: Brit Simon Cowell told followers to 'stay safe' while veteran journalist Maria Shriver told people 'all one can do is pray'

She continued, 'Pray for out London friends. Pray for the world. Pray for one another.'

Country starlet LeAnn Rhymes also sent her love, writing 'My heart and prayers go out to everyone in #london' adding the tag '#heartbreaking'

Details are still emerging about the attack, but according to authorities the incident began around 10pm in the evening local time when a white van careened into pedestrians on the London Bridge.

Three suspects then emerged from the vehicle, then attacking several people with knives around Borough Market, which lies just south of the bridge.

According to law enforcement, the three assailants were shot and killed on site, at this point believed to be the only attackers involved in the incident.
She is accustomed to wearing fabulous gowns as a model.

And Joanna Krupa was on point as she made an incredible red carpet appearance at the Ante Up For Cancer Poker Tournament on Saturday.

The 38-year-old put on a busty display as she poured herself into a slinky black number that had sheer cut outs around her enviable abs.

Stunner: Joanna Krupa, 38, made an incredible red carpet appearance at the Ante Up For Cancer Poker Tournament on Saturday

The reality star looked every inch a top model as she showcased her ample bosom in a daring dress that cut low at the neck.

Slight sheer cut outs above the the mock bra and around the tummy revealed her bountiful curves and toned attributes.

Joanna let her natural beauty shine as she had minimal makeup with just a touch of berry lipstick.

The Real Housewife of Miami accessorized with a sparkly bracelet, chic earrings, and a gorgeous silver clutch.

Catwalk queen: The reality star looked every inch a top model as she showcased her ample bosom in a daring dress that cut low at the neck

It was revealed in May that the blonde beauty had separated from husband Romain Zago in December.

A source told E! that the couple 'just grew apart', after being married for three years.

Since the split, the former Dancing With The Stars contestant has been romantically linked to businessman Nico Santucci.

Meanwhile, at the charity event in Beverly Hills, other stars joined in the cause to raise money for cancer research.

Star studded: Teri Hatcher was seen in a slim fitting black ensemble as Jennifer Tilly arrived in a sparkly black short dress

Teri Hatcher was seen in a slim fitting black ensemble as Jennifer Tilly arrived in a sparkly black short dress.

Former UFC champ Chuck Liddell arrived in a dapper suit with a stunning blonde by his side.

Lastly, Vanessa Marcil from General Hospital fame rocked a chic leather biker jacket.

Big guns: Former UFC champ Chuck Liddell arrived in a dapper suit with a stunning blonde by his side
New parents Bradley Cooper and Irina Shayk enjoyed a low key date night this Saturday.

The handsome pair kept incognito while heading to dinner at Giorgio Baldi in Santa Monica.

Both talents were understated in dark duds, with Bradley donning a jeans and a hat while his other half hid from the spotlight in a matching navy jacket and skinny jeans.

Date night: Bradley Cooper and Irina Shayk enjoyed a low key date at Giogio Baldi in Santa Monica on Saturday

The pair, who welcomed daughter Lea into the world in March 21, enjoyed a grown up evening with just the two of them.

Ever the gentleman, Bradley, 42, led the way into the restaurant while his 31-year-old partner maintained a low-profile by walking in his shadow.

The Silver Linings Playbook star was casual, donning a red Phillies hat over his messy curls.

Quiet night: The new parents avoided the spotlight while out, with Bradley protectively escorting his love

What a gent! The Silver Linings Playbook star lead the way, opening the door for his lady

Hometown boy: Bradley was simple in a Phillies cap and jeans, repping his home city's baseball team while out

A high-neck bomber jacket from premium Italian brand, Colmar, and well-worn boots rounded out his look.

The Philadelphia native shepherded in his love into the restaurant, putting a gentle hand on her lower back while opening the door for her.

The Russian beauty matched her other half, also donning boots and a simple jacket out while showing off her model-perfect stems in skin tight pants.

Subtle couple: The duo, who just welcomed their daughter into the world in March, were understated during their evening out

Mr. Director! Bradley is currently filming his directorial debut A Star Is Born with Lady Gaga

Heading off: The star was seen driving off solo after dining with his love

Following dinner Bradley was seen driving off solo, behind the wheel of a dark SUV.

In addition to his bouncing baby girl, the talented actor has been busy with a number of new projects.

His film A Star Is Born, which is currently shooting, marks his directorial debut. The musical-drama co-stars Miss Stefani Germanotta aka Lady Gaga and is set for a September 2018 release.
She was nominated for Best Actress for her portrayal of Bethany Platt in Coronation Street but sadly missed out to Emmerdale's Charlotte Bellamy.

But that didn't stop Lucy Fallon having a fun time celebrating at the British Soap Awards afterparty on Saturday night.

Leaving the Neighbourhood Bar and Restaurant in Manchester, the soap queen playfully pressed her nose up against the window of her taxi to pull a funny face at paparazzi.

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Party time! Lucy Fallon, 21, had a fun time celebrating at the British Soap Awards afterparty on Saturday night

Hilarious: the soap queen playfully pressed her nose up against the window of her taxi to pull a funny face at paparazzi

Leaving the venue, the 21-year-old actress was seen to dance and jokingly do a thumbs up to awaiting photographers.

Lucy still looked gorgeous - albeit a little worse for wear - as she celebrated with her co-stars and fellow soap friends.

Clambering into the taxi, she was seen to dance jovially, and couldn't keep the beaming grin off her face.

Fun: Clambering into the taxi, she was seen to dance jovially, and couldn't keep the beaming grin off her face

Dancing queen: Lucy still looked gorgeous - albeit a little worse for wear - as she celebrated with her co-stars and fellow soap friends

Celebrations: Leaving the venue, the 21-year-old actress was seen to dance and jokingly do a thumbs up to awaiting photographers

What's over there? Something appeared to catch Lucy's attention

Joking around: Lucy looked to have a wild time letting her hair down with her co-stars

Lucy had stunned onlookers with her fairytale-like dress earlier in the evening.

Lucy was certainly dressed to win as she dazzled in a plunging peach dress at the British Soap Awards at The Lowry in Manchester on Saturday.

Showing off her sensational figure whilst remaining demure, Lucy opted for a full length princess gown which flattered her tanned complexion.

Gorgeous: Lucy Fallon was certainly dressed to win as she dazzled in a plunging peach dress at the British Soap Awards at The Lowry in Manchester on Saturday

Offering a glimpse of her cleavage, the garment featured a low-cut neckline adorned with lace, whilst the bodice featured dazzling embellishment with crystals and sequins.

Cinching in at her slender waist, layers of tulle flared out into a full-skirt which matched the ethereal fabric on her sleeves.

Sweeping her golden locks into a chic chignon bun, the blonde bombshell added to the glamour with a pair of ornate chandelier earrings, whilst she accessorised with a pink Yves Saint Lauren clutch bag.

Peachy keen: Showing off her sensational figure whilst remaining demure, the 21-year-old soap starlet opted for a full length princess gown which flattered her tanned complexion

Blonde bombshell! Sweeping her golden locks into a chic chignon bun, the blonde bombshell added to the glamour with a pair of ornate chandelier earrings

Lucy was been nominated in both the Best Actress and Best Storyline category for her portrayal of Bethany Platt in the harrowing grooming storyline but lost out to Emmerdale on both categories in the end.

The ongoing plot has followed 16-year-old Bethany as she's been manipulated by evil older boyfriend Nathan Curtis, played by Christopher Harper, who runs a sordid sex ring.

Viewers have been left feeling 'physically sick' by the scenes from the grooming storyline, with Ofcom receiving 13 complaints.

Glam: Offering a glimpse of her cleavage, the garment featured a low-cut neckline adorned with lace, whilst the bodice featured dazzling embellishment with crystals and sequins

Finishing touches: Lucy accessorised with a pink Yves Saint Lauren clutch bag

Harrowing: Lucy has been nominated in the Best Actress and Best Storyline category for her portrayal of Bethany Platt in the grooming storyline with Nathan Curtis (Christopher Harper)

Also present at the afterparty was Eastenders actress Jacqueline Jossa, with her fiance, former TOWIE star Dan Osborne.

The pair, who share a daughter, Ella, made quite the attractive couple as they posed for photos together.

Guests all looked to have a great time letting their hair down after the event.

Lovely: Also present at the afterparty was Eastenders actress Jacqueline Jossa, with her fiance, former TOWIE star Dan Osborne

From Cheslea to Chester: Former MIC star Ashley James was also in attendance

All smiles: Hollyoaks star Nick Pritchard looked dapper in a suit

Chic: Stephanie Waring looked chic in an all-black ensemble

Dapper: Duncan James looked cool in a blue suit

Glam: Kirsty Leigh Porter and Jazz Franks looked glamorous for the event

Jump to it: Terri Dwyer wore a black jumpsuit

Smoky: Jessica Ellis June opted for smoky eyes

Having fun: Rory Speed linked arms with Nadine Mulkerrin

Silver fox: Rory Speed sported frosted hair

The annual British Soap Awards ceremony launched in 1999 and this year will mark its 19th successive year on TV.

Celebrating the best of British soaps, fans will see some of their favourite TV stars from Coronation Street, Hollyoaks, EastEnders, Emmerdale and Doctors walking the red carpet in Manchester.

Although taking place on Saturday June 3rd, the ceremony will be broadcast on Tuesday June 6th after show bosses respectful postponed the program ahead of Ariana Grande's One Love tribute concert for the Manchester bombing.

Hosted by This Morning presenter Phillip Schofield, tensions will reach fever pitch as soaps nervously wait to find out who has bagged the coveted title of Best Soap - which went to Emmerdale for the first time last year.
Britain's Got Talent runner-up Issy Simpson scolded presenter Ant McPartlin after he got her name wrong live on air.

The Geordie host called the eight-year-old magician 'Jess' when he was reading out the leading three acts in the show on Saturday night.

Issy turned round and gasped, 'What? Jess!', leading Ant to say sorry after a brief chuckle at his blunder.

'I'm not Jess!': Issy Simpson, eight, scolded Ant after he got the magician's name wrong during the Britain's Got Talent final on Saturday

The presenter said: 'Ok, there you go then, we are left with Tokio, Daliso and Jess. The public chose you.'

Realising his error he added: 'Sorry! Issy! Issy! She's going to do a spell on me now.'

In the end, pianist Tokio Myers came top in the competition, bagging 250,000 and a spot at The Royal Variety Performance.

Ooops! The Geordie host giggled after realising his error, before joking: 'Sorry! Issy! Issy! She's going to do a spell on me now'

She stunned the audience and judges with his eclectic performance in the grand final, which also included drumming and spanned various styles of music.

In their comments following his performance, the judges were unanimous in their praise for him.

Visiting former act Diversity added their support, calling him 'the most talented person ever to have been on the show'.

Quite a talent: Issy delighted with her tricks, which saw her read minds and guess cards the judges would pick before making confetti appear from the sky

Following his win, judge Simon Cowell said: 'As a talent, as a person, Tokio right now, this was the most important thing for him, I'm thrilled for him.'

Amanda Holden said: 'This feels as cool as when Diversity won.'

There were shocks in the final results table, with fan favourite and wildcard Sarah Ikumu placing seventh, the hotly tipped Missing People Choir eighth, and headline grabbers MerseyGirls ninth.

Runner-up: In the end, pianist Tokio Myers came top in the competition, bagging 250,000 and a spot at The Royal Variety Performance

In last place were illusionists DNA, who failed to impress viewers when they stumbled over a number prediction trick, guessing the wrong figure that judge David Walliams had in mind.

Comedian Daliso Chaponda was third, and other finalists included Matt Edwards, The Pensionalities, Ned Woodman and Kyle Tomlinson.

The final also included a performance from Diversity as the results were counted.
Tina Malone has revealed her surrogacy plans to become a mother for the third time.

The former Shameless star, 54 - who is already mother of two daughters and recently a grandmother - has also unveiled her plans for a 'designer baby' in her bid to have a son with her husband Paul, 35, according to the Sunday People.

The actress blasted critics who would label her 'selfish' and 'moralise and abuse her' for having a third child later on in life, as well as choosing the sex of her child.

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Expanding family: Tina Malone, 54, has revealed her surrogacy plans to become a mother for the third time - and will chose the sex of her baby

'Don't give two ****s!' The Shameless star - who is already mother of two daughters (Pictured with second daughter Flame and toyboy husband Paul in 2014) and recently a grandmother - has blasted critics who would label her 'selfish'

Speaking to the publication, Tina, whose eldest child gave birth to a daughter named Dorothy last year, revealed: 'Some will say I am selfish and irresponsible for having another child at 54.

'They will moralise and abuse me - even more so for selecting the sex of our baby  and everyone is entitled to their opinion. But I dont give two ****s for what they think.'

Tina, who has made no secret of her desire to fall pregnant again at the age of 54, carried on: 'I am doing this for Flame and for my husband, not just myself. I am healthy, of sound mind, solvent - and a bloody brilliant mother.'

Her intransigent nature comes after she was spotted in Cyprus visiting Consultant Gynaecologist Dr. R. Gazvania - the man she credits for helping her fall pregnant with her three-year-old daughter Flame at 50.

'I am a bloody brilliant mother': The actress, whose eldest child gave birth to a daughter named Dorothy last year, defiantly hit back at people who would 'moralise and abuse her' for having a third child later on in life, as well as choosing the sex of her child

Looks intense: Her intransigent nature comes after she was spotted in Cyprus visiting Consultant Gynaecologist Dr. R. Gazvania - the man she credits for helping her fall pregnant with her three-year-old daughter Flame at 50

Flashing her stomach at the doctor, who is expert in IVF and egg donation abroad, the star appeared to be having an intent conversation with him at the Merit International Hotel in Northern Cyprus on Saturday.

The doctor was later seen to accompany the family on an outing, with her toyboy husband Paul and Flame in tow.

The sighting comes after Tina spoke of her desires for a third child last year, as the deadline for keeping her eight embryos frozen rapidly approaches their 10 year mark.

Speaking of her dreams on Loose Woman last year, the actress said that Paul was reluctant to allow her to follow through with her plans - but could be swayed if she bought him an Aston Martin car.

She said: 'Ive got to be honest, its a big debate People speak about the sleepless nights - sometimes I wake up and wait for her to wake up at 2 in the morning.

'The doctor told me I am fit and healthy enough to have another child. My husband says if I buy him an Aston Martin, I can have another one. I told him Id want triplets for that!'

'Doctor told me I'm fit': The sighting comes after Tina spoke of her desires for a third child last year, as the deadline for keeping her eight embryos frozen rapidly approaches their 10 year mark

She's more than ready: Her wish is long overdue; in an interview with The Mirror last July, she had said she hoped to be pregnant by January of this year

Her wish is long overdue; in an interview with The Mirror last July, she had said she hoped to be pregnant by January of this year.

However, Paul is worried about the strain of undergoing gestation at her age again:

'Paul is worried about the health implications. He says: "Youre not putting your body under that trauma again, you had pre-eclampsia the last two times and that can kill."'

Tina has been open about the difficulty she has faced with backlash from the public, but revealed that she is happier and healthier than ever.

When asked if she had any regrets over her late second pregnancy on This Morning, she said: 'I have no regrets. I gave up smoking, lost 11.5 stone to have IVF.

'My blood pressure and cholesterol are better than ever. I used to be drinking and doing drugs. It's about being healthy.'
Kaya Scodelario has reportedly been blasted by the Brazilian side of her family after she refused to fund care for her sick grandmother Inez Rosemary.

The Pirates Of The Caribbean, 25, has come under fire from her relatives for allegedly not wanting to 'associate with poor people like themselves' - leaving the family to 'pull together' to pay for Inez's care after a series of heart attacks.

The UK born actress, who was reportedly paid 1.5 million for her role in the successful Pirates film franchise, has also had her refusal to pay up branded as 'unforgivable' by her great aunt Fabiana Moraes, as reported by The Sun On Sunday.

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Family feud: Kaya Scodelario, 25, has been blasted by the Brazilian side of her family after she allegedly refused to fund care for her sick grandmother Inez Rosemary

Kaya's mother Katia was born and raised in Brazil before moving to London and marrying her dad Roger Humphrey - a union which dissolved a year later and he moved to Vietnam.

Growing up, Kaya seemed to be close to the Latin American side of her family as she spent many holidays in Brazil - however that all changed after she 'froze them out' after finding fame.

Speaking specifically about Inez's treatment, Fabiana revealed: 'I am disgusted that Kaya could just turn her back on her grandmother when she most needed her.'

She went onto reveal her family's shock after Kaya and her mother allegedly said 'no' to offering financial help - leaving them to fund the unfortunate situation 'without a cent from her millionaire granddaughter.'

'Money has gone to her head': The Pirates Of The Caribbean star has come under fire from her relatives for allegedly not wanting to 'associate with poor people like themselves' - leaving the family to 'pull together' to pay for Inez's care after a series of heart attacks

'I think the money has gone to her head, and she has forgotten where she came from. She doesnt want to be associated with poor people like us anymore,' it was claimed.

Fabiana then stated: 'In fact Kaya doesnt even know if her grandmother is still alive or not.

The last Kaya's Brazilian family saw her was in 2015 and were not invited to her wedding with American actor Benjamin Walker - who she shares a young son with - in the same year.

MailOnline has contacted a representative for Kaya for further comment.

'Forgotten where she's come from': The UK born actress, who was reportedly paid 1.5 million for her role in the successful Pirates film franchise, has also had her refusal to pay up branded as 'unforgivable' by her great aunt Fabiana Moraes, as reported by The Sun On Sunday

Fabiana claimed: 'I think the money has gone to her head, and she has forgotten where she came from. She doesnt want to be associated with poor people like us any more'

Family history: Kaya's mother Katia (Pictured above) was born and raised in Brazil before moving to London and marrying her dad Roger Humphrey - a union which dissolved a year later and he moved to Vietman

Meanwhile, Kaya sparked further controversy last week last week after revealing that a monkey would 'projectile vomit' all the time on the set of the new Pirates of the Caribbean set - and describing it as 'hilarious'.

The actress said the animal was 'the most memorable cast member' on Pirates of the Caribbean: Salazar's Revenge, also known as Dead Men Tell No Tales.

According to The Sun, Kaya said during a discussion of the movie: 'The most memorable cast member was the monkey because he threw up all the time.'

'I found it hilarious': Meanwhile, Kaya sparked further controversy last week last week after revealing that a monkey would 'projectile vomit' all the time on the set of the new Pirates of the Caribbean set

Memorable: The actress described the animal as 'the most memorable cast member' on Pirates of the Caribbean: Salazar's Revenge

But animal rights activists have been left outraged by the revelation, saying that the monkey should not have been used during filming.

A spokesperson for PETA told the publication: 'Hollywood must learn the lesson that theres simply no safe or humane way to force a wild animal to perform in a movie.'

Kaya, who rose to fame as Effy Stonem in Skins, plays Johnny Depp's sidekick Carina Smyth in the new film.

She has previously spoken about how she was relieved that her love interest in the movie was 26-year-old Brenton Thwaites - who plays Henry Turner.
She enjoyed a night on the town with Scott Disick's rumoured flame Ella Ross on Friday.

But Lottie Moss looked fresh as a daisy in a floral co-ord as she lunched with her mother on Saturday.

The blonde beauty, 19, flashed her abs in the playful number as she went to the Bluebird restaurant in Chelsea.

Flower power: Lottie Moss channelled a boho look in a playful floral co-ord as she lunched with her mother in Chelsea on Saturday

The model's cream crop top, which was covered in pink and green flowers, had a plunging neckline which tied in a knot in the middle.

Lottie showed a hint of her swallow tattoo, which sits over her left ribcage, as she dressed for the balmy weekend weather.

The star's matching high-waisted shorts floated in the breeze, skimming the top of her thighs.

The sister of supermodel Kate teamed her seasonal attire with a pair of white sneakers and carried a black handbag to the restaurant.

Summer beauty: The model's cream crop top, which was covered in pink and green flowers, featured a plunging neckline which was tied together in a knot

Lottie chanelled boho chic in a pair of oversized mirrored sunglasses as she made her way through west London.

The model was accompanied by her mother Inger, who kept it casual in a white jumper and khaki trousers.

On Friday night, the model was spotted leaving a South Kensington pub with Scott Disick's rumoured flame Ella Ross.

The blonde beauty has been modelling since her early teens and has featured in a Calvin Klein campaign and walked in Paris Fashion Week.

Lottie recently returned from a three-day holiday in Marbella, venting her frustration after losing her luggage on her way to the Spanish resort.

Taking to Twitter, she wrote on May 26: 'Just arrived in Marbella and no luggage, might not even arrive tomorrow and I'm only here for 3 days such poor service from Gatwick airport.'

Chelsea chic: Lottie, who was accompanied by mother Inger, teamed her outfit with a pair of white sneakers and a black handbag

However, seemingly enjoying the sun-filled break Lottie was quick to share a racy throwback snap on Wednesday.

Posing in a skimpy black bikini, she displayed her enviably peachy derriere and tiny waist as she soaked up the sun by the pool.

Expressing her nostalgia to her Instagram followers, she captioned it: 'Missing this holiday and @alexmytton #holidayblues'
Kyle Sandilands has denied claims he is set to buy into a new nightclub with notorious King Cross identity John Ibrahim.

The shock jock's manager Andrew Hawkins hit back at reports in The Daily Telegraph on Sunday, after the pair were pictured at the site which was once popular nightclub Hugo's Lounge.

'It's a total fabrication,' he told Daily Mail Australia.

'It's just not true': Kyle Sandilands has denies claims he is set to buy into a new Kings Cross nightclub with notorious nightclub identity John Ibrahim

'It's no big deal - but it's just not true. Sorry but it's a non story.'

Kyle and John previously teamed up to run Kings Cross nightclub Piano Room before it closed its doors in 2012.

Though KIIS FM radio host's manager shot down the suggestion of the pair buying the venue, photos of Kyle and John wandering through the former Hugos site emerged over the weekend.

Team: Kyle and John previously teamed up to run Kings Cross nightclub Piano Room before it closed its doors in 2012

The venue is currently undergoing a million-dollar refurbishment and was recently taken over by Casablanca owner Eric Jury, who is set to re-open it as The Flamingo Lounge in August.

A suave-looking John, who had an Underbelly series based on him, was seen outside the establishment wearing jeans, sunglasses and light-coloured jumper.

Accompanying him was media personality Kyle, who was dressed in all-black and was holding a stack of what looked to be business papers.

Party pals: The pair are pictured together with Kyle's girlfriend Imogen Anthony during an overseas trip

The denial comes after The Daily Telegraph reported that a source was adamant that a return to the Kings Cross scene is definitely on the cards for the John.

'He will definitely be involved in the new club in some capacity  most likely as a silent backer,' the source told the publication.

In 2015, Hugo's Lounge in Bayswater Road became a victim of the lockout laws that were introduced in Sydney in 2012 after suffering massive financial losses.
Kym Marsh is said to be 'upset and shocked' after intimate photos of her were leaked online by hackers.

But the Coronation Street star refused to let incident spoil the greatest night of her career at the British Soap Awards on Saturday, which saw her win the Best Female Dramatic Performance gong.

The 40-year-old, who plays Michelle Connor in the soap, has 'no idea' about how the pictures - said to be very old - surfaced on the Internet.

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Defiant: Kym Marsh is 'upset and shocked' after intimate photos were leaked online ahead of British Soap Awards triumph on Saturday night

They were shared on Twitter and a pornographic blog dedicated to stolen celebrity images after reportedly being sourced from an iCloud hack in April.

A source told The Mirror's Vikki White: 'It's very upsetting for Kym and has come as a huge shock as they are clearly private photographs that should never have been put into the public domain.

'The person who has put them out there has committed a criminal offence. The pictures are very old and she has no idea how anyone got hold of them.'

The 40-year-old, who plays Michelle Connor in the soap, has 'no idea' about how the pictures - said to be very old - surfaced on the Internet

Kym is expected to take legal action and is said to be determined to help find those responsible.

During the awards ceremony on Saturday, Kym moved the audience to tears when she dedicated her winners' speech to her late son Archie, who was born prematurely at 21 weeks on February 11 2009.

Her character Michelle and husband Steve McDonald lost heir baby son Ruari, a storyline Kym has found particularly difficult to portray.

True to life: The 40-year-old actress' character Michelle Connor and her husband Steve McDonald lose their baby son Ruari, a storyline Kym has found particularly difficult to portray due to her own experience

She said: 'It was perhaps the most difficult thing I've ever had to do in my career. It took us back to places that we never really wanted to go to again but we did because we wanted to tell the story'

Holding back tears, Kym proudly lifted up her trophy after beating the likes of fellow Corrie actress Lucy Fallon (Bethany Platt) to the win.

Kym -proved that family was close to her heart as she arrived at the ceremony earlier in the evening with son David.

Walking the red carpet at The Lowry Theatre in Manchester, the actress was a vision of beauty as she posed for snaps.

Blue-tiful! Walking the red carpet at The Lowry Theatre in Manchester for the British Soap Awards on Saturday, the 40-year-old actress was a vision of beauty as she posed for snaps

Clad in a navy lace gown, Kym looked sensational in the figure-hugging garment.

Featuring a lace neckline, the gown was short sleeved to show off her toned physique, whilst the tight material clung to her every curve.

Flashing her tanned and toned pins, the gown also featured a racy thigh high split which offered a look at her towering silver heels.

Train trouble: The star appeared to be struggling with her gorgeous gown's flowing train as she sashayed into the awards ceremony

Family first: Kym arrived with her son David, putting in a rare appearance together

Sweeping her brunette locks away from her face, the star rocked a vintage hairdo, with her glossy tresses in tight curls.

Beaming broadly, she joined son David - who looked dapper in a fitted blue suit as he posed for pictures with his mum.

Speaking about her tough Corrie storylines on Lorraine last month, she revealed: 'Obviously at times I was transported back to a place I was trying to get away from.

Cheeky: Flashing her tanned and toned pins, the gown also featured a racy thigh high split

Hair-raising look: The brunette teased her locks into a curly updo and went heavy on the eye liner and mascara

'I was told there was no way I HAD to do the stillbirth storyline. But I chose to do it because it might help someone who went through something similar. And so many people said it helped.'

Of her character Michelle, who is finally coming out the other end of the trauma on the soap, she said: 'I think she's lost some of her spark. I've had a lot of comedy to play which I think is great.'

The annual Soap Awards ceremony launched in 1999 and this year will mark its 19th successive year on TV.

Stepping out: Kym and David, 22, are rarely seen together in public

Celebrating the best of British soaps, fans will see some of their favourite TV stars from Coronation Street, Hollyoaks, EastEnders, Emmerdale and Doctors walking the red carpet in Manchester.

Although taking place on Saturday June 3rd, the ceremony will be broadcast on Tuesday June 6th after show bosses respectful postponed the program ahead of Ariana Grande's One Love tribute concert for the Manchester bombing.

Hosted by This Morning presenter Phillip Schofield, tensions will reach fever pitch as soaps nervously wait to find out who has bagged the coveted title of Best Soap - which went to Emmerdale for the first time last year.
The Voice Australia began its run of live shows on Sunday night.

And at the conclusion of the episode, Katy Perry announced she will be taking to the stage as the show's grand final guest.

In a pre-taped video segment, the American pop star announced she was 'so excited' to return Down Under.

Coming soon! On Sunday, Katy Perry announced she will perform at The Voice Australia final

Katy, who arrives later this month, will be visiting as part of her promotional tour for new album Witness, released on Thursday.

Katy told The Daily Telegraph she wants the whole Australian experience so will be eating meat pies and Tim Tams during her trip.

'I want to witness you, Australia,' she said.

On the road again! Katy, who arrives Down Under later this month, will be visiting as part of her promotional tour for new album Witness

'We're going to have some beer, some meat pies and some Tim Tams, and, oh yeah, talk about some new songs,' she added.

Katy, who is currently in the UK, will be performing at Ariana Grande's One Love Manchester concert this weekend.

The all-star event will raise money for the injured victims from last month's terrorist attack and the relatives of those who died.

Giving back: Katy, who is currently in the UK, will be performing at Ariana Grande's One Love Manchester concert to raise money for those affected by last month's terrorist attack

Alongside event organiser Ariana Grande, the concert will also feature Miley Cyrus, Justin Bieber, Coldplay and Little Mix.

'The music community stands together with love and in solidarity,' Katy said of her appearance.

'I am humbled to be a part of this show.'
She recently wrapped up four years on Home And Away as Evelyn MacGuire.

And it seems Philippa Northeast is in no rush to follow in her former colleagues' footsteps by moving to Hollywood.

The 22-year-old actress told The Daily Telegraph on Monday she won't be making a permanent move to LA in the immediate future.

'I'm not about to just jump ship': Former Home And Away star Philippa Northeast said no rush to make the big move to Hollywood after wrapping up four years on the soap opera

'If the work takes me overseas, that is fantastic and I will go with the right project but I'm not about to just jump ship willy nilly,' she explained.

Instead the brunette said she will focus on roles local roles.

'I love Australia and I love what we are producing here and I think there are great initiatives in place to have females in more diverse casts,' she said.

Despite her plans for local roles, Philippa is nonetheless set to fly out to Los Angeles later this year to give Hollywood a go.

Throwback! During her time on Home And Away, Philippa played Evelyn MacGuire. Pictured with character Josh Barrett, played by Jackson Gallagher

Good luck! Despite her plans for local roles, Philippa is nonetheless set to fly out to Los Angeles later this year to give Hollywood a go. Pictured at the 2016 Logies in Melbourne

She was also announced as the face of Australian organic skincare range Wotnot and recently finished shooting a campaign for the brand.

Philippa said she likes to keep her beauty look minimal, crediting professional make-up artists for helping her get red carpet ready.

She added: 'I think everyone has an inner beauty and beauty really does come from being confident, so if you can tune in to that, that is more genuine.'

New project: Philippa was also announced as the face of Australian organic skincare range Wotnot and recently finished shooting a campaign for the brand

After her last episode of Home And Away aired in March, Philippa took to Instagram to bid a tongue-in-cheek farewell to Evelyn MacGuire and her outrageous story lines.

She wrote: 'I will cherish each and every story line whether it was an engagement, a cult, a marriage, a kidnapping, a music festival, a bushfire, multiple family deaths, pregnancy scare... or simply, just having a coffee at The Diner.'

Philippa also went on to thank the cast, crew and fans of the Channel Seven soap for their support over the previous four years.
After returning stateside from a whirlwind jaunt to the South of France - plus a brief spell in London - Scott Disick's taking in a bit of family time.

The 34-year-old was seen in Calabasas on Saturday with Mason and Penelope, the eldest two of the three children he's got by his ex Kourtney Kardashian.

His hair slicked up into a small pompadour, Scott had worn a white hoodie with slightly faded jeans, accessorizing with a pair of aviator sunglasses.

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Home again: After returning stateside from a whirlwind jaunt to the South of France - plus a brief spell in London - Scott Disick's taking in a bit of family time

Scott's got three children by his on-and-off used-to-be Kourtney, Mason's 2009 birth having been immortalized on an episode of Keeping Up With The Kardashians.

The co-parents welcomed their now four-year-old daughter Penelope into the world in 2012, and Kourtney gave birth to her youngest child, a son called Reign, in 2014.

Kourtney and Scott, who'd been introduced in 2006 by Girls Gone Wild founder Joe Francis in Mexico, last ended their romantic relationship in July of 2015.

Trio: The 34-year-old was seen in Calabasas on Saturday with Mason and Penelope, the eldest two of the three children he's got by his ex Kourtney Kardashian

Scott and Kourtney both paid visits to Cannes during its recent film festival, and she'd been spotted there with her 24-year-old new flame Younes Bendjema.

Meanwhile, Scott's been photographed in the South of France with a string of women including Bella Thorne, Chantel Jeffries, Ella Ross and Chloe Bartoli.

His trip abroad also swept him to London, where he was photographed shirtless on a balcony with a male friend - also shirtless - and a topless woman who's been rumored to be 21-year-old Australian model Ruairi Lake.

Stylish Scott: His hair slicked up into a small pompadour, Scott had worn a white hoodie with slightly faded jeans, accessorizing with a pair of aviator sunglasses

He'd allegedly been purposefully showboating with the women out of fury over Kourtney's dalliance with Younes, going by sources who'd dished to TMZ while Scott was still cavorting about in l'Hexagone.

The reality TV-conquering Kardashian family, per that TMZ report, were claimed to have cut off social contact with Scott in the wake of all these new public flirtations.

By Friday, he'd been spotted strolling through LAX, and a source gossiped to People recently that 'He could have stayed in Europe if he wanted to.'

Seen in 2015: Scott's got three children by his on-and-off used-to-be Kourtney, Mason's 2009 birth having been immortalized on an episode of Keeping Up With The Kardashians

To hear that source, whose quotes ran online in a report on Saturday, tell it: 'He has been partying for weeks, and it has been catching up to him.'

As the insider held: 'He is not 20 anymore and has complained that he is not feeling great. Usually L.A. is the place he returns to when he is ready to shape up.'

Scott's referred to himself as a 'f***ed up, horrible sex addict' on a Keeping Up With The Kardashians episode that aired last month, as Us Weekly have reported.
Eric Dane took time off this spring to deal with crippling depression which caused him to opt out of several events such as the premiere of his film The Grey Lady with Natalie Zea.

But on Saturday evening the Grey's Anatomy vet, 44, finally hit the spotlight again as he joined his wife Rebecca Gayheart at the 16th annual Chrysalis Butterfly Ball in Los Angeles.

The actor looked happy as he wore a suit and snuggled up to his actress spouse, who was radiant in a white dress. They also brought their children Billie, ages seven, and Georgia, aged five.

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Doing better: Eric Dane looked healthy as he hit the 16th Annual Chrysalis Butterfly Ball in LA on Saturday after a bout with depression; he is posed with wife Rebecca Gayheart

Two cute: They also brought their children Billie, ages seven, and Georgia, aged five

The couple posed with artist Greg Lauren, who is the son of fashion designer Ralph Lauren, as well as his Showgirls actress wife Elizabeth Berkley.

Dane had also taken a break from his show The Last Ship, it was reported in early May by Variety.

Pals: The couple posed with artist Greg Lauren, who is the son of fashion designer Ralph Lauren, as well as his Showgirls actress wife Elizabeth Berkley

A well-dressed man: Dane looked sharp in a black suit and tie with white shirt

'Eric asked for a break to deal with personal issues. He suffers from depression and has asked for a few weeks of downtime and the producers kindly granted that request,' his rep told the Hollywood trade magazine. 'He looks forward to returning,' the rep added. The fourth season of the TNT series remains set to debut this summer.

Dane went to rehab in 2011 for an addiction to painkillers.

Work: The two last co-starred together on the indie film The Grey Lady

His film: Dane on the poster for The Grey Lady which also stars Natalie Zea

With a pal: Rebecca is seen here with actress Halle Berry

Also at the ball was Zendaya, who can be seen in the next Spider-Man movie.

The Disney star's frock had a long skirt with billowy sleeves and a halter neckline.

The off-the-shoulder look stood out with its layers of pearls along the top of the dress.

What a head turner: Zendaya stepped out in an elegant black gown for the Chrysalis Butterfly Ball in Los Angeles on Saturday

Zendaya, who sported black pointed heels, added a touch of bling with multiple rings.

The actress styled her brunette locks slicked down with curls framing her face - a nod to classic twenties hairstyles.

Strike a glamorous pose: The 20-year-old looked incredible in an off-the-shoulder dress with pearl detailing along the neckline

A vision: The Disney star's frock had a long skirt with billowy sleeves and a halter neckline; pictured with the equally lovely Halle Berry

The K.C. Undercover actress did her own makeup for the event; she wore brown shimmery eye makeup on her lids with pink gloss on her full pout.

Zendaya showed off her handiwork on Snapchat, later filming herself as she was driven to the the ball.

She stopped to pose for a Snapchat picture during the ball, as seen on her social media.

Beautiful: The K.C. Undercover actress did her own makeup for the event; she wore brown shimmery eye makeup on her lids with pink gloss on her full pout

Having fun with filters: Zendaya showed off her handiwork on Snapchat, later filming herself as she was driven to the the ball

Looking sharp: She stopped to pose for a Snapchat picture during the ball, as seen on her social media

Last month, the brunette beauty showed off her chic style once more in a black dress with a neutral purse for a mirror selfie, which she shared on Instagram.

On Thursday, Zendaya posted a playful picture with her Spider-man: Homecoming cast members.

In the behind the scenes cast photo, Zendaya is seen pretending to shoot out webs from her wrist like Spider-Man; she wished Tom Holland a happy birthday in the caption.

In the Marvel comics superhero film, Zendaya plays Michelle, a classmate of Peter Parker; Tom plays the title role of Peter Parker/Spider-Man.
He's set to play legendary Australian actor Errol Flynn in a new biopic.

And Thomas Cocquerel has revealed he enjoyed taking on the challenging role of the Hollywood lothario.

Speaking to The Daily Telegraph, the 26-year-old had nothing but praise for his experience filming In Like Flynn.

In Like Flynn! Thomas Cocquerel (pictured) told The Daily Telegraph on Monday he enjoyed taking on the challenging role of Hollywood legend Errol Flynn

'It's been incredible fun to work on this project,' he said.

Thomas has been hard at work on Queensland's Gold Coast bringing the romantic swashbuckler to life.

The Sydney-born heartthrob described Flynn as an incredibly complex individual.

'It's been incredible fun to work on this project': Starring alongside Thomas is former Home And Away star Isabel Lucas, who plays one of Errol's love interests, and actor David Wenham

'But in the same breath he was just a fearless young man who sought out adventure and lived this life where he took everyone he knew with him,' said Thomas.

The biopic's director Russell Mulcahy explained that Flynn had lived an amazing life, which they are able to show in the film.

'To say Flynn was fearless is pretty accurate, he went for it in a way that embraced every opportunity that came his way,' Russell said.

'He was just a fearless young man who sought out adventure': Thomas, 26, described Errol Flynn (right) as an incredibly complex individual

'And he had this natural charisma that made people believe in him and of course we all saw that on screen when he hit Hollywood.'

Starring alongside Thomas is former Home And Away star Isabel Lucas, who plays one of Errol's love interests, and actor David Wenham.

The Gold Coast Bulletin reported on Sunday filming of In Like Flynn had concluded.
Home and Away is hardly short of wild child teenagers and handsome beach boys.

And fans can look forward to a new Summer Bay family in a few weeks, featuring Star Wars actor Rohan Nichol and newcomer Sophie Dillman.

Sophie, 24, will make her onscreen debut as headstrong and rebellious teenager Ziggy Astoni, reports The Daily Telegraph.

New family! Sophie Dillman (left) will debut on Home And Away as rebellious teenager Ziggy Astoni in the coming weeks, reports The Daily Telegraph

Where most actors take up day jobs to guarantee their next paycheck, Sophie had the opposite experience.

The qualified nurse revealed she struggled to find a full time job in her profession, so instead turned to acting.

'I always wanted to be an actor but I was encouraged by my family to do something I could fall back on, so I studied nursing,' she said.

Learning from the best! Sophie, who will debut alongside Kestie Morassi and Anna Cocquerel, has already been taken under longtime star Ada Nicodemou's wing

'But it just so happened that at the time the Australian government had pulled a lot of funding out of the health system and no graduate nurses were getting jobs so I decided to audition for an acting school and I got in.'

Sophie, who will debut alongside Kestie Morassi and Anna Cocquerel, has already been taken under longtime star Ada Nicodemou's wing.

Posting a picture of her new TV family on Instagram, she thanked the actress who has played Leah Patterson-Baker for the last 17 years.

She wrote: 'Ada Nicodemou showing us how it's done!'

Big break! Hollywood actors - including Isla Fisher (pictured), Chris Hemsworth, Melissa George and Naomi Watts - all launched their careers on Home And Away

Hollywood actors - including Isla Fisher, Chris Hemsworth, Melissa George and Naomi Watts - all launched their careers on Home And Away.

Chris, who was voted People's Sexiest Man Alive in 2014, has always thanked the Australian drama for his international success.

'I loved Home and Away and I credit everything I do to it,' he told News Corp in 2015.
Emily Ratajkowski allowed a female friend put mud on her bare bottom during vacation in Italy on Sunday.

The model was wearing a plunging black swimsuit during the dip in the muddy waters as she visited some of the country's hot springs in the Tuscany region.

The Gone Girl actress also pulled up the back of her suit to show off her bare bottom.

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Naughty: Emily Ratajkowski allowed a friend to put mud on her bare bottom during vacation in Italy on Sunday

Not much clothing: The model was wearing a plunging black swimsuit during the dip in the muddy waters as she visited some of the country's hot springs

Emily turned her back to the camera as a female friend, who wore a white suit, put both her hands on the stunner's bottom.

The pal seemed to squeeze hard with her muddy hands, leaving an imprint.

A man who is wearing sunglasses is seen looking up at Emily as he swims in the water.

Proud of her body: The Gone Girl actress also pulled up the back of her suit to show off her bare bottom

Bad girls club: Emily turned her back to the camera as a female friend, who wore a white suit, put both her hands on the stunner's bottom. The pal seemed to squeeze hard with her muddy hands, leaving an imprint

This comes after a pal shared a photo of Emily's naked backside.

Taking to Instagram, Lara Pia Arrobio uploaded the sultry snapshot, which saw the stunning actress, 25, bare her peachy posterior for the camera.

Wrapping her arms across her chest to protect her modesty, the brunette bombshell left nothing to the imagination as she looked out over the balcony.

Pretty girl: Here the star held up a cup of espresso as she took a selfie. She captioned it: 'Under the Tuscan sun'

Looking for her prince? Here the star holds onto a frog she must have picked up along the shore; the animal looks in shock

Sweeping her chestnut locks away from her face, the Gone Girl star exposed every inch of her sensational figure whilst posing coquettishly away from the lens.

The snap comes after Emily caused quite the stir as she headed to a local pool in Austin, Texas with her family on Sunday.

The Blurred Lines stunner stripped down to a pretty frilled bikini which put her famous figure firmly in the spotlight.

Her bottom again: This comes after a pal shared a photo of Emily's naked backside. Taking to Instagram, Lara Pia Arrobio uploaded the sultry snapshot, which saw the stunning actress, 25, bare her peachy posterior for the camera

Sharing an Instagram video from her day poolside, the model and actress strikes a pose in her black and white strapless two piece.

The frilled bikini highlighted the star's enviable curves as she larked about with her family for the social media update.

Emily also put her pert posterior on display when she jumped into the pool - holding hands with her mother - in another saucy Instagram snap taken from behind on Sunday.

Bikini babe: Here the star is seen in the Austin River with her girls

With her mommy: The stunner held hands with her 'mama' as they took their jump

The busty video starlet made sure she kept her strength up after the productive excursion, as she then shared an image of herself chewing on a steak while sitting in her bikini top.

She shared an image of herself and her mother Kathleen as the leaped into the refreshing waters while enjoying a day out in sweltering Texas.

The cerebral 25-year-old then shared a snap of herself as she got ready to wrap her gums around the tasty beef, which she captioned, 'When in Texas.'
They tied the knot on June 9, 2013 in Mallorca, Spain, which means they are preparing to celebrate their four-year wedding anniversary.

And judging from how happy they looked at the 16th annual Chrysalis Butterfly Ball in Los Angeles on Saturday evening, it looks like it will be a happy celebration.

Price, who is best known for her work on Beverly Hills, 90210 and Lipstick Jungle, looked lovely in a red-and-white gown.

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Cute pair: Lindsay Price and Curtis Stone looked happy at the Chrysalis Ball in LA on Saturday evening

Open the champagne: They tied the knot on June 9, 2013 in Mallorca, Spain, which means they are preparing to celebrate their four-year wedding anniversary

Price added long red earrings to bring out the bright color of her strapless, floor-length number.

Curtis, best known for Top Chef Masters, wore a black suit and tie.

The chef and the actress tied the knot at Majorca's Hilton Sa Torre Mallorca Resort in front of guests including 36-year-old Lindsays Beverly Hills, 90210 co-star Tiffani Thiessen.

Pretty lady: Price added long red earrings to bring out the bright color of her strapless, floor-length number

The star shared pictures of herself enjoying the celebrations with her husband, Brady Smith, raising a glass to the happy couple at the accommodation which has historic architecture dating back to around 1369.

Toast to our dear friends for an amazing wedding weekend in Mallorca, Spain, she captioned the shot.

Dapper dude: Curtis, best known for Top Chef Masters, wore a black suit and tie

Also at the Ball was Balthazar Getty and his wife Rosetta. They split up 10 years ago after it was revealed he had an affair with Sienna Miller.

But then they decided to get back together as he told Harper's Bazaar in 2010, 'I loved and missed my family too much not to make it work.'

And it looks as if it's still working just fine as the couple, as well they posed with two of their four children at the.

Tight clan: Balthazar Getty took his wife Rosetta and two of their four children

Rosetta looked elegant in a white suit and Balthazar, known for his acting in The Lord Of The Flies as well as being a part of the Getty oil family, had on a black outfit with brown lace-up boots.

Together they have children Cassius, Grace, Violet and June.

In 2010 he told Bazaar: 'Here's the bottom line: It was a very challenging time for everybody involved.'

There she is: Balthazar and Rosetta separated in summer 2008; his relationship with Miller, 28, ended in May 2009; Sienna seen here in January

Balthazar and Rosetta separated in summer 2008; his relationship with Miller, 28, ended in May 2009.

'But I loved and missed my family too much not to make it work,' he added. 'Rosetta is understanding enough and spiritual enough to let us try. In a way it - I don't know...I feel like we're better than we've ever been.'

Rosetta, 47, said: 'I believe we go through things in a public way to help other people get through it. I'd love to talk about it more with people when Im clearer about it.'

Doing better: Eric Dane looked healthy as he hit the Ball after a bout with depression; he is posed with wife Rebecca Gayheart

The kids came too: The actors with their two children Billie, aged seven, and Georgia, aged five

Also at the Ball was Eric Dane.

He took time off this spring to deal with crippling depression which caused him to opt out of several events such as the premiere of his film The Grey Lady with Natalie Zea.

But on Saturday evening the Grey's Anatomy vet, 44, finally hit the spotlight again as he joined his wife Rebecca Gayheart at the Ball.

The actor looked happy as he wore a suit and snuggled up to his actress spouse, who was radiant in a white dress. They also brought their children Billie, aged seven, and Georgia, aged five.

Work: The two last co-starred together on the indie film The Grey Lady

The couple posed with artist Greg Lauren, who is the son of fashion designer Ralph Lauren, as well as his Showgirls actress wife Elizabeth Berkley.

Dane had also taken a break from his show The Last Ship, it was reported in early May by Variety.

'Eric asked for a break to deal with personal issues. He suffers from depression and has asked for a few weeks of downtime and the producers kindly granted that request,' his rep told the Hollywood trade magazine. 'He looks forward to returning,' the rep added. The fourth season of the TNT series remains set to debut this summer.

Dane went to rehab in 2011 for an addiction to painkillers.

His film: Dane on the poster for The Grey Lady which also stars Natalie Zea

With a pal: Rebecca is seen here with actress Halle Berry

Also at the ball was Zendaya, who can be seen in the next Spider-Man movie.

The Disney star's frock had a long skirt with billowy sleeves and a halter neckline.

The off-the-shoulder look stood out with its layers of pearls along the top of the dress.

What a head turner: Zendaya stepped out in an elegant black gown for the Chrysalis Butterfly Ball in Los Angeles on Saturday

Zendaya, who sported black pointed heels, added a touch of bling with multiple rings.

The actress styled her brunette locks slicked down with curls framing her face - a nod to classic twenties hairstyles.

Strike a glamorous pose: The 20-year-old looked incredible in an off-the-shoulder dress with pearl detailing along the neckline

A vision: The Disney star's frock had a long skirt with billowy sleeves and a halter neckline; pictured with the equally lovely Halle Berry

The K.C. Undercover actress did her own makeup for the event; she wore brown shimmery eye makeup on her lids with pink gloss on her full pout.

Zendaya showed off her handiwork on Snapchat, later filming herself as she was driven to the the ball.

She stopped to pose for a Snapchat picture during the ball, as seen on her social media.

Beautiful: The K.C. Undercover actress did her own makeup for the event; she wore brown shimmery eye makeup on her lids with pink gloss on her full pout

Having fun with filters: Zendaya showed off her handiwork on Snapchat, later filming herself as she was driven to the the ball

Looking sharp: She stopped to pose for a Snapchat picture during the ball, as seen on her social media

Last month, the brunette beauty showed off her chic style once more in a black dress with a neutral purse for a mirror selfie, which she shared on Instagram.

On Thursday, Zendaya posted a playful picture with her Spider-man: Homecoming cast members.

In the behind the scenes cast photo, Zendaya is seen pretending to shoot out webs from her wrist like Spider-Man; she wished Tom Holland a happy birthday in the caption.

In the Marvel comics superhero film, Zendaya plays Michelle, a classmate of Peter Parker; Tom plays the title role of Peter Parker/Spider-Man.
Trista Sutter is on the mend after she suffered a dramatic seizure during a family vacation in Croatia, collapsing on her eight-year-old daughter's chest as her nine-year-old son watched on three days ago.

The former Bachelorette star, 44, updated fans on her condition Sunday, posting a smiling shot with her husband Ryan.

'Today was a good day. #grateful,' she captioned the snap with her spouse of 13 years.

'Today was a good day': Trista Sutter posted this photo with husband Ryan, giving fans an update three days after suffering a seizure on their family vacation in Croatia

The couple are on vacation with their son Maxwell, nine, and daughter Blakesley, eight, to celebrate his mother Barb's 70th birthday.

On Friday she shared a photo on Instagram from her hospital bed, informing fans about the scary ordeal.

'This was me yesterday....two hours after I had a seizure....two hours after I fell on my daughter's chest & she watched, along with her brother & grandparents, in confusion & horror as her mommy stared blankly off into the distance & started turning blue,' she explained.

'Instead, I ended up in a euphoric white dream that the voices of my husband and daughter pulled me from and I ended up in a Croatian hospital being poked and prodded and wondering "why me?" But today, I had to ask, "why not me"? I'm human.'

Scary: She shared this shot on Friday from her hospital bed, informing fans of the medical emergency she suffered the day prior

Longtime love: Trista and Ryan have been married since 2003 after meeting on reality TV

'I have an expiration date,' she said in the introspective post.

'I've always envisioned that date being sometime after my kids have graduated college, met the loves of their lives and created families of their own, but I was reminded yesterday that it could come anytime, in any country, whether I'm surrounded by strangers or people I love, or neither, or both.'

'I've never been perfect and I never will be, but from here on out, I vow to try my best to live this life to the fullest.'

'Some days don't go the way you planned': Ryan posted this photo with son Maxwell after the terrifying event

'Thank you to the kind tourists & Croatians who held my hand, wiped my tears, and hugged my kids. You will forever be remembered.'

'And lastly, thank you to my family, especially @ryansutter. Without you, I don't know that I would be here today. You are my everything and I love you forevermore.'

'If you've gotten this far, know that I don't share these words for your pity, but to inspire you to take them and be thankful for your life and blessings. Tell the people you love how you feel and live with grateful enthusiasm.

New lease on life: 'I vow to try my best to live this life to the fullest,' she told her fans

She ended the post with 'I plan to.'

Trista was the first Bachelorette to star on the ABC reality series in 2003 and met her husband Ryan on the show.

In 2014, the couple appeared on WE TV's Marriage Boot Camp and appear to be stronger than ever.
They recently celebrated their first anniversary together with a romantic getaway to Cape Verde.

And Dean Gaffney, 39, couldn't take his eyes off Rebekah Ward as they made their way home together the day after the British Soap Awards 2017 in Manchester, on Sunday, after building fans' excitement for EastEnders return.

The braless blonde, 23, commanded the adoring gaze of her beau as she dressed for summer in a busty off-the-shoulder blouse, while he matched in denim.

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Oops: Dean Gaffney's (left) stunning girlfriend Rebekah Ward, 23, (right) went braless in a blouse as she and her former EastEnders boyfriend were seen heading home from British Soap Awards 2017 in Manchester on Sunday

With an air of confidence, she oozed effortless sex appeal, teaming her casual attire with a pair of skinny, white jeans.

The EastEnders actor's girlfriend, 16 years his junior, was also the picture of youth as she opted to go make-up free; her naturally glowing complexion shining through.

Tossing her golden locks back, Rebekah teased her statement hoop earrings under her glossy locks.

Only eyes for you! Dean, 39, proved to be quite clearly smitten with his beau as he couldn't take his eyes off the beautiful blonde

Morning after the night before! The star's stunning girlfriend looked sensational as she looked fresh faced after their night on the red carpet at The Lowry

Pulling her suitcase and handbag behind her, she kept it casual for the journey home in comfortable flip flops.

Walking close beside her was Dean, who sheltered his eyes with huge, mirrored shades following a late night at The Lowry.

The EastEnders actor announced that he was set to reprise his role as the road sweeper Robbie Jackson, for the first time since a cameo in 2015, in April.

Sensational! She kept it casual for the journey home as she sashayed through the streets in comfortable flip flops

Saturday night's awards do was therefore no doubt something of a disappointment for Dean, who watched as EastEnders went home virtually empty-handed.

Emmerdale swept the board, scooping not only Best Soap, Best Storyline, Best Actor and Best Episode after a year of sensational episodes.

This is the second year in a row Emmerdale has scooped Best Soap. 2016 marked the first time the ITV soap had scored the accolade in 18 years.

Shockingly, EastEnders failed to pick up any public-voted for awards on the evening, with only The Tony Warren Award going to the BBC soap.

Making his return: Pictured last night, Dean revealed that he is making a return to EastEnders as road sweeper Robbie Jackson, this April

Disappointment? Dean was pictured chatting to new castmember Lee Ryan (left), while EastEnders went home from the awards ceremony virtually empty handed

This weekend, Dean shared his excitement about his return to EastEnders - a soap which he first joined at the tender age of 15.

During an interview with Radio Times, the actor said of his forthcoming scenes: 'Robbie has come back with a vengeance.

'I haven't just come back to order pints in the Vic or cups of tea in the cafe. He's straight back on the square causing some ructions with the market traders.'

Have fun last night? Meanwhile, Dean sheltered his eyes with a pair of mirrored shades

Super close! The lovebirds put on a cosy display as they chatted endlessly while wondering home together through the streets
Eva Longoria added doctor to her already impressive roster of career achievements on Sunday.

The 42-year-old actress was at Knox College in Illinois to receive an honorary degree and give a commencement speech during the school's graduation ceremony.

'Guys, I got an honorary degree today so now I'm doctor Longoria-Baston. I'm going to make everyone call me that now,' she joked on her Snapchat after the ceremony.

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The doctor is in: Eva Longoria received an honorary doctorate at Knox college

The former Desperate Housewives star, who is married to media mogul Jose Baston, documented her day on the social media app, starting with her arrival at the Peoria airport.

'It took a lot of planes to get here,' she said to her fans as she made her way through the terminal.

She then posted videos of her meeting with graduating students before she got into her own cap and gown.

Ms. President: The 44-year-old actress posed with President of Knox College Teresa Amott

'Harder than it looks people. Using my Snapchat as a mirror,' she said with a laugh.

Longoria then delivered a speech to the graduating class, starting off by saying 'I am so, so honored to be here.'

She continued by poking fun at her celebrity status and told the crowd, 'There are some dumb celebrities, so I had to prove I wasn't one of them.'

Fitting: Though she is used to being dressed in designer gowns, Longoria said that getting ready for graduation was 'harder than it looks'

'I had to prove I wasn't one of them': She poked fun at 'dumb celebrities' during her speech

'I was the last person in my family to get a masters degree. My mom calls me the underachiever,' she said of her mother Ella.

After the ceremony, Longoria treated herself to ice cream, french fries and chicken strips, as seen on Snapchat.

'Where do you go after you get an honorary doctorate? Dairy Queen,' she excitedly said while making her way into the popular chain restaurant.

The sweet life: After the ceremony, Eva made her way to Dairy Queen, telling her followers 'I'm in heaven'

Scream for ice cream: She bit into one of the restaurants signature Dilly Bar ice cream treats

'Guys, I'm in Dairy Queen and I'm in heaven. And it's a Dairy Queen with food, that's my favorite Dairy Queen. This is like, a super Dairy Queen.'

Touring the restaurant, she picked the brand's popular Dilly Bar ice cream treats as a snack.

She told her followers that she used to visit the restaurant as a child and it reminded her of home.
He's been single for almost a year after his painful split from Anat Popovsky.

But it looks as if Jonathan Cheban of Keeping Up With The Kardashians fame is looking for another shot at romance.

On Saturday the 42-year-old reality star wore a Love Is Blind T-shirt when grabbing Greek frozen yogurt in Beverly Hills.

Heartache: He's been single for almost a year after his painful split from Anat Popovsky. But it looks as if Jonathan Cheban on Keeping Up With The Kardashians fame is looking for another shot at romance

Foodgod attacks: On Saturday the 42-year-old reality star wore a Love Is Blind T-shirt when grabbing Greek frozen yogurt in Beverly Hills

The TV star added adidas sweatpants (a line Kendall Jenner represents) and Yeezy shoes (made by Kim Kardashian's husband Kanye West).

He seemed to be enjoying his dessert from Go Greek on Bedford Drive in the 90210 neighborhood.

The former publicist looked to be alone on his outing.

His pal: Here he is seen in NYC in mid May with best friend Kim Kardashian

Earlier this week he was seen in West Hollywood hot spot, Catch - he was again seen being dropped off by a chauffeured black SUV, Beyonce style.

Last month the New York native was also seen being dropped off at the place, and he was spotted being taken to LAX airport in a limo, proving he is indeed living the high life.

He got dropped off: Cheban was driven to Catch on Wednesday in Hollywood

Cheban, who used to be a publicist on TV's The Spin Crowd, looked to be in a rush as he dashed out of the large car.

The personality was dressed in a T-shirt with a yellow lightning bolt on the front.

Black jeans, Yeezy shoes and diamond jewelry rounded out his urban trust fun kid look.

He also wore a black leather jacket.

Cheban has just returned from London where he has been hard at work on another reality series.

He also made Big Brother there.

New friend? On May 23 he was spotted with pal Nadia Essex. He has not had a steady girlfriend since he split from Anat Popovsky in 2016

On May 23 he was spotted with pal Nadia Essex. He has not had a steady girlfriend since he split from Anat Popovsky in 2016.

And last month he was seen hanging out with Kim.

The two had fun at the Ice Cream Museum in Los Angeles and also enjoyed pizza and ice cream with Khloe in New York City.
She made the transition from Made In Chelsea star to bonafide DJ, with ease.

And music lover Ashley James, 30, looked every inch the rock chick as she made her way through Hoopla festival in London on Sunday.

It was an act of defiance, she later explained on Instagram, following the devastating attacks at London Bridge the previous evening.

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Festival season: Ashley James, 30, was spotted in rock chick glory at London's Might Hoopla festival on Sunday. The star was defiant despite Saturday's tragic events and declared 'she wasn't afraid' via Instagram

Channelling Sandy from Grease in a black leather biker jacket and split seam jeans with alluring string detailing, Ashley certainly seemed to have an air of attitude about her.

Wearing dark oversized shades with floral touches juxtaposed against her bleach blonde hair, Ashley clutched a matching purse as she strode across the Victoria Park green.

Brightening up the dark look, Ashley's jacket had a colourful surprise on the back with an Indian inspired sequined elephant design.

The eye catching touch was another touch of flare from the confident dresser.

Rock chic: Wearing dark oversized shades with floral touches juxtaposed against her bleach blonde hair, Ashley clutched a matching purse as she strode across the Victoria Park green

The Might Hoopla festival appeared to have been a hot ticket with stars flocking to the music show.

Among the eclectic lineup was All Saints, Artful Dodger, Will Young and Fleur East.

Before leaving, Ashley took to Instagram to say in defiance of Saturday's tragic events: 'Off to Hoopla festival in London because I'm not afraid! thanks.'

Flare: Brightening up the dark look, Ashley's jacket had a colourful surprise on the back with an Indian inspired sequined elephant design

Hot ticket: The Might Hoopla festival appeared to have been a hot ticket with stars flocking to the music show

On stage: Among the eclectic lineup was All Saints, Artful Dodger, Will Young and Fleur East (pictured)

Girl power: Charlotte De Carle was spotted with her famous pal Ashley in a fetching double denim ensemble

Soap Awards: On Saturday, Ashley put on a leggy display as she attended the British Soap Awards on Saturday in a tuxedo-inspired cocktail dress

Only the previous evening, Ashley was seen putting on a leggy display as she attended the British Soap Awards on Saturday in a tuxedo-inspired cocktail dress.

The model and DJ, 30, presented on the red carpet in Manchester in the thigh-skimming frock, which featured a lacy white top.

On Sunday, Laura Whitmore was spotted among the backstage revellers at Mighty Hoopla.

Chic: Laura Whitmore was spotted backstage at the Mighty Hoopla in a plunging shirt with denim shorts and boots

Chic: Laura looked leggy in denim shorts, worn with low ankle boots

Rockers: Dan Gillespie Sells from band The Feelings wore an eyecatching striped shirt with faded denim jacket alongside pal John McCrea

She was putting on a leggy display in a plunging shirt, worn with denim shorts and boots.

The Irish television presenter looked resplendent and added bead necklaces to her look to complete the festival ensemble.

Among the performers was former X Factor star Fleur East, who put on a particularly racy display in a bra and string top.

Red hot: Among the performers was former X Factor star Fleur East, who put on a particularly racy display in a bra and string top

Saucy: Sophie Ellis-Bextor meanwhile showed off her sensational figure in a semi-sheer red frock, layered atop a glittering gold leotard

Act natural! Gemma Cairney stunned in florals as she fooled around for cameras

Hitting the decks: DJ Fearne Cotton later joined pal Gok Wan for a session on the decks

Having a ball: The pair could not contain their laughter as they fooled around with a fan
Kim Zolicak is finally getting a chance to unwind on vacation.

The beauty brought her family to a sunny beach this weekend and she said the trip was overdue.

'No place I'd rather be!  happy and at peace (I have had so much anxiety since the incident with Kash often times it's overbearing) thankful I can try and refocus my energy and lift my vibration,' the blonde wrote on Instagram.

Back in her bikini: Kim Zolicak is finally getting a chance to unwind on vacation. The beauty brought her family to a sunny beach this weekend and she said the trip was overdue

Grateful: 'No place I'd rather be!  happy and at peace (I have had so much anxiety since the incident with Kash often times it's overbearing) thankful I can try and refocus my energy and lift my vibration,' the blonde wrote on Instagram

Her son had his eye injured after a dog attacked him in May.

He was rushed to the hospital where he underwent surgery and spent days recovering.

But the Don't Be Tardy star has said that he will luckily have a full recovery as she thanked God.

With her crew: The star took her family to a tropical location; here she is with husband and one of her six kids

The looker was seen in her bikini alone looking at the ocean, and also arm in arm with her husband Kroy Biermann.

'We are a team and we always will be. I love you @kroybiermann beyond words,' she wrote in one post.

And she shared a photo of her daughter Ariana, 15, who she called a 'princess.'

Royalty: And she shared a photo of her daughter Ariana, 15, who she called a 'princess'

Her boy: Here she said that her son was having the best time as she added a heart

Kim, who made her fame on The Real Housewives Of Atlanta, also showed images of her twins.

'Twin life!! @kaiabiermann @kanebiermann  thanking everyone up above for my incredible blessings,' she said.

And she added that she knew she would more or less be a star one day: 'Always had BIG DREAMS.'
She recently declared she would be 'buying' a beachfront property with her mystery lover.

And on Monday, Tziporah Malkah showcased her new man in a photo shoot published in New Idea.

The 43-year-old is pictured kissing, cuddling and walking hand-in-hand with her lover, Guy Vasey.

My new man! On Monday Tziporah Malkah showcased her new man in a photo shoot published in New Idea

So in love: The 43-year-old is pictured kissing, cuddling and walking hand-in-hand with her lover Guy Vasey

The former navy man, 46, is from Port Elliot, south of Adelaide and dated Tziporah (previously know as Kate Fischer) when they were teenagers.

After a 30-year hiatus, the couple have had a 'series of romantic interstate reunions', with Tziporah planning to leave Melbourne to move in with Guy later this year.

'They're such a cute couple,' one local told the publication.

'Guy's face just lights up whenever he looks at Tziporah. You often see them round town, holding hands and kissing,' they added.

A friend of Tziporah adds, 'this is a new, exciting chapter for her. No more coming home to an empty flat. She deserves to be happy. We are thrilled for her.'

Meanwhile, when the I'm A Celebrity star shared a shot of a stunning view of the ocean from their new pad on Instagram recently she captioned the post:

'My new joint with Bae. Shocking view - how will I ever get anything done?,' alongside a tongue out emoticon.

The image showed an outdoor patio with a glass railing and glass bi-fold doors, tat capitalise on the views of the water.

The property also appeared quite modern, featuring down lights and tiles.

Off the market! Tziporah recently suggested she had a new partner in her life

Tziporah revealed she had a new man when she received a bouquet of flowers and fruit from 'bae'.

'My Bae is tooooo much!,' she captioned the snap.

The revelation comes after she shared that her sex drought was over during an appearance on Studio 10.

The outspoken star said seeing an old friend was the first thing she did after her stint on I'm a Celebrity...Get Me Out of Here!

'Straight after the jungle I was right down there [to visit him]  my six-year drought is over ... yay!' she joyously declared while simultaneously clapping her hands.

Tziporah revealed that it was those unflattering pictures of her wearing a toga-style bed sheet in 2016 that brought her and her navy friend together.

'He found me on Facebook. He saw me in that horrible sheet toga type of thing,' she said.

'It wasn't nice but it sort of brought me to where I am today. That's fine. It brought me him,' she said of the photographs to the panel.

The reality TV personality said that she had first met him when she was a 14-year-old schoolgirl model and he was 17-years-old.

'My drought is over!' She recently revealed that her sex drought was over during an appearance on Studio 10 (pictured on I'm a Celebrity...Get Me Out of Here!)

'He was in the navy and yeah, we met and I was innocent and he was quite happy to do away with. I wasn't sad either,' she said giggling.

'Then he sailed off. And I didn't see him for 30 years.'

Despite being gently pressed on the subject of his identity by co-host Jessica Rowe, Tziporah kept coy about him, explaining that he suffers from PTSD as a result from his time in the navy and prefers to be out of the public eye.

'[And I was like] Well kind of pick the right chick if you want a private life,' Tziporah said in an animated voice.

'But he doesn't like to be talked about but I have got permission to say that,' she added.
The US trade deficit saw its biggest jump in three months in April

The US trade gap widened in April for the second straight month as Americans bought more imported consumer goods, the Commerce Department reported Friday.

Despite falling oil imports and crude prices, the US trade deficit saw its biggest jump in three months, increasing 5.2 percent or $2.3 billion compared to March to $46.7 billion, with exports falling and imports rising.

The consecutive increases in the deficit come as the Trump administration presses ahead with a nationalist trade agenda, making the elimination of bilateral trade deficits a central goal of economic policy.

President Donald Trump this week made the US trade deficit with Germany a bone of contention and the administration is reviewing trade agreements with an eye to correcting imbalances, including renegotiating the landmark North American Free Trade Agreement.

The trade deficit with Germany in goods alone was $5.5 billion in April, while the goods and services deficit for the first quarter totaled $17.2 billion.

In addition to the increased deficit in April, the Commerce Department also revised the March trade deficit up by $1.6 billion. For the first four months of the year, the deficit increased $22.1 billion or 13.4 percent from the same period of 2016.

Exports in April fell marginally to $191 billion, with US sales to foreign markets of consumer goods hitting their lowest level in 11 months at $15.7 billion.

Exports to South Korea were the highest on record at $4.4 billion while exports to Japan near a three-year high at $6 billion.

But imports rose $1.9 billion to $238.6 billion, with imports of capital goods seeing their biggest increase since April 2015 at $51.5 billion, and food and beverage imports at their highest ever at $11.5 billion.

Exports to South Korea were the highest on record at $4.4 billion while exports to Japan near a three-year high at $6 billion.
Police officers and members of the emergency services attend to a person injured on London Bridge on June 3, 2017

President Donald Trump offered US help Saturday to Britain in response to twin attacks in London that killed six people, after a van plowed into pedestrians and assailants stabbed others.

In a call with British Prime Minister Theresa May, Trump "offered the full support of the United States government in investigating and bringing those responsible for these heinous acts to justice," a White House statement read.

The president also offered his condolences over the "brutal terror attacks," which police said also left at least 20 people wounded. Three attackers were shot dead by police.

"Whatever the United States can do to help out in London and the U. K., we will be there - WE ARE WITH YOU. GOD BLESS!" Trump wrote earlier on Twitter.

Early on, with the situation in London still fluid, Trump seized the occasion to plug his thwarted ban on travelers from six mainly Muslim countries.

The Justice Department on Thursday went to the Supreme Court to ask that the plan be reinstated immediately after it has been held up repeatedly in lower courts.

Without mentioning the London events specifically, Trump tweeted: "We need to be smart, vigilant and tough. We need the courts to give us back our rights. We need the Travel Ban as an extra level of safety!"

Trump has been briefed by his national security team on the London Bridge incident, his spokesman Sean Spicer wrote earlier on Twitter.

The State Department condemned the "cowardly attacks targeting innocent civilians."

"We understand UK police are currently treating these as terrorist incidents. The United States stands ready to provide any assistance authorities in the United Kingdom may request," a statement read.

"All Americans stand in solidarity with the people of the United Kingdom."

The Homeland Security Department said that "at this time, we have no information to indicate a specific, credible terror threat in the United States."

"We are in contact with and stand ready to assist our friends and allies in the United Kingdom as they respond, investigate and recover," it added.

- New York response -

In New York, authorities deployed an increased police presence in heavily trafficked pedestrian area.

The New York Police Department's counterterrorism unit stressed, however, that "there are no specific/credible threats to #NYC."

"New York City stands with the people of London. Our prayers are with the victims, their families and the courageous first responders," Mayor Bill de Blasio said.

New York state Governor Andrew Cuomo said he has directed law enforcement officials throughout the state to step up security and patrols at high-profile locations such as airports, bridges, tunnels and mass transit.

"These apparent terrorist attacks are cowardly and senseless acts that go against everything we believe in, and a sad and sobering reminder of the threats we face today," he added.
Prime Minister Hun Sen has run Cambodia for 32-years, one of the world's longest serving leaders

Millions of Cambodians started voting in local polls on Sunday, testing the political temperature of a country rife with tension between its strongman premier and an embattled opposition determined to end his three-decade rule.

Prime Minister Hun Sen has run Cambodia for 32-years, one of the world's longest serving leaders.

Supporters see the 64-year-old as a beacon of stability while detractors accuse him and a coterie of allies of huge self-enrichment, corruption and autocracy.

Sunday's vote in more than 1,600 communes -- village clusters -- is seen as a warm up to next year's crunch national elections.

But the opposition has been hammered by a crackdown in recent months with critics jailed and the main political rival to Hun Sen fleeing overseas to escape charges.

Hun Sen cast his ballot shortly after polls opened at 7am (0000 GMT) in Takhmao, a town on the outskirts of Phnom Penh where he has a residence and a nearby bodyguard unit stationed.

He declined to speak to media but appeared relaxed, smiling and waving to voters as he passed.

Many voters at the same polling station cited Hun Sen oft-repeated mantra of stability.

"I voted for his party because he has done many good things for the country," 68-year-old Rath Chy told AFP. "I need peace, stability and development."

But support for Hun Sen is far from universal.

The last time Cambodians went to the polls -- national elections in 2013 -- the opposition made huge gains, spurred in part by a significant appetite for change among young voters.

The opposition says it only lost that vote because of widespread fraud, something the government denies.

But analysts say that result was a scare for a leader unused to losing and that the recent crackdown on the opposition is an attempt to ensure no repeat.

In a possible sign of nerves Hun Sen broke with his tradition of avoiding the campaign trail to lead a massive pro-government rally for his Cambodian People's Party (CPP) on Friday in Phnom Penh.

He has also given a series of increasingly shrill speeches in recent weeks, warning of war if he or his party loses power.

The opposition Cambodian National Rescue Party (CNRP) also held a rally on Friday but it was noticeably smaller in size.

They have proven particularly popular among young voters who often complain about a culture of corruption that only seems to benefit a wealthy elite or those with the right connections.

Cambodia has one of the world's youngest population, with some 70 percent of the country under 30 and their growing political clout is being heavily courted.

Yet the opposition movement has been dented by Hun Sen's crackdown, with at least 27 Cambodian human rights defenders and political activists thrown behind bars since 2013, according to a recent Amnesty International report.
Indonesian Defence Minister Ryamizard Ryacudu attends the Shangri-La Dialogue Summit in Singapore on June 4, 2017

There are about 1,200 Islamic State (IS) group operatives in the Philippines, including foreigners of whom 40 are from Indonesia, the Indonesian defence minister told an international security forum Sunday.

Speaking in Singapore amid a bloody standoff between Philippine troops and militants fighting under the IS flag in Marawi city, Defence Minister Ryamizard Ryacudu called the militants "killing machines" and urged full-scale regional cooperation against them.

"I was advised last night, 1,200 ISIS in the Philippines, around 40 from Indonesia," Ryacudu told the Shangri-La Dialogue, using another name for the IS group.

The threat of heightened terrorism, including the impending return of hundreds of Southeast Asian fighters who fought with IS in Syria and Iraq, has been a hot-button issue at the three-day Singapore summit also attended by US Defense Secretary Jim Mattis.

Hundreds of Islamist gunmen rampaged through Marawi, a largely Muslim city of 200,000 in the south of the mainly Catholic Philippines, on May 23 after government forces attempted to arrest their leader, Isnilon Hapilon.

Up to 50 gunmen are still controlling the city centre nearly two weeks after the start of fighting that has killed 177 people including 120 militants.

"How can we tackle these foreign fighters? We have to be comprehensive," said Ryacudu, a retired general.

"We have to find... complete ways but we must exercise caution, they are killing machines. Their aim is to kill other people so that's why it's our responsibility that we have common understanding, consensus and common proceedings on how to fight these foreign fighters."

Philippine Defense Undersecretary Ricardo David, speaking at the same forum, said the 1,200 figure for total IS fighters in the Philippines mentioned by Indonesia was new to him.

"I really don't know, my figure is about 250-400, a lot less," he told reporters.

But David said there were 40 foreign IS fighters among those who seized parts of Marawi, eight of whom have been killed by government forces.

Earlier, Philippine officials said the slain foreign fighters were from Malaysia, Indonesia, Yemen, Saudi Arabia and Chechnya.

"Our intelligence estimates that there are about 40 foreigners that fought in the Marawi incident," David said.

The Philippine official added that the foreign fighters used "back channels" in the Sulu and Celebes Seas near the borders of the Philippines, Indonesia and Malaysia to enter the southern island of Mindanao and link up with local terror groups.

"That's why they were able to muster the operations in the area of Marawi," David said.
The masked man stormed into the Resorts World casino and hotel complex in Manila on Friday with an M4 automatic rifle and a bottle of petrol, before setting alight a number of different rooms in the complex

A man who set fire to a casino in the Philippine capital killing 37 people was a father-of-three from Manila motivated by heavy gambling debts, not terrorism, police said Sunday.

"We reiterate that this is not an act of terrorism but this incident is confined to the act of one man alone," Manila police chief Oscar Albayalde told reporters after the man was finally identified.

Albayalde said the man was Jessie Carlos, 43, a Catholic with three children from Manila who had been banned from all casinos in April following a request from his family because of a gambling addiction.

"He is heavily indebted due to being hooked to casino gambling. This became the cause of misunderstanding with his wife and parents," Albayalde said.

The masked man stormed into the Resorts World casino and hotel complex in Manila on Friday with an M4 automatic rifle and a bottle of petrol, before setting alight a number of different rooms in the complex.

Thirty-seven people died in the fires, dozens more were injured in a stampede to escape, and the gunman was found dead about five hours later in a hotel room after committing suicide by setting fire to himself, police said.

IS claimed responsibility, with a report on its self-styled Amaq news agency saying its "fighters" carried out the attack.

Authorities had repeatedly insisted on Friday and Saturday the attack was not terrorism related, rather it was a bizarre robbery attempt by a deranged man.

Albayalde said Sunday the confirmed identification of the assailant proved the initial police theory was correct.

"We will not allow people or any threat group to use this situation to advance their propaganda or personal causes, whether foreign or local," Albayalde said in reference to the IS claims.

Albayalde spoke at a press conference with some of Carlos's relatives sitting next to him.

"They express their deepest sympathy to the families and friends of the victims and to the public in general," he said.

"They share the pain brought about by the act of Jessie. Today, we hope to have brought closure and peace to the bereaved families."
Iran faces climate change challenges, having suffered years of worsening drought and dust storms, compounded by poor water resource management.

Iran on Sunday joined the international chorus of criticism against President Donald Trump's decision to withdraw from the Paris climate agreement, saying it would further isolate the United States.

"The withdrawal of the United States from the Paris accord indicates the government's lack of responsibility regarding the global community and it will increasingly isolate them," foreign ministry spokesman Bahram Ghasemi said, according to the IRNA news agency.

Trump announced on Thursday that the United States would withdraw from the 2015 Paris agreement on climate change, joining Syria and Nicaragua as the only non-signatories to the agreement.

"Non-compliance with commitments in the Paris accord by a government which is the second-largest producer of greenhouse gases and is one of the most polluting countries, is unacceptable," said Ghasemi.

Iran faces particular challenges from climate change, having suffered years of worsening drought and dust storms, compounded by poor water resource management.

"The global community must compel the new US administration to implement its international commitments precisely and completely," Ghasemi said.

"It is imperative to avoid undermining global agreements such as the Paris agreement, which is a global symbol of joint cooperation and has strengthened multilateralism."

Iran is concerned that Trump may also make good on his threat to pull out of the nuclear deal signed with the United States and five other world powers in 2015 that lifted sanctions in exchange for curbs to Tehran's atomic programme.
Pakistani forces say they have killed around a dozen Islamic State militants after two Chinese nationals were kidnapped in the town in Quetta, pictured here in the aftermath of the abduction

Pakistani forces on Sunday said they had killed around a dozen Islamic State militants in a three-day raid prompted by intelligence reports that the group were holding two recently kidnapped Chinese nationals.

The operation took place in the rugged Mastung district of southwest Balochistan province and targeted the hideout cave of a group of IS commanders, a senior security official told AFP.

"Some 12-13 IS commanders have been killed after intense gun-battles and the area was cleared late Saturday," he said, but added that the Chinese pair were not recovered from the scene despite the presence of the vehicle used in their kidnapping nearby.

IS has been making inroads in the country through alliances with local militant outfits such as the sectarian Lashkar-e-Jhangvi and Jamaat-ul-Ahrar groups, though its presence is generally downplayed by the government.

Security forces also seized six suicide jackets, a cache of ammunition, explosives, detonators, solar panels and food rations, a second Pakistani security official told AFP, adding the cave was a base used by IS to plan attacks across the country.

The two Chinese workers were abducted last month in Quetta, the capital of Balochistan, raising safety concerns for Beijing's multi-billion-dollar investments in the country.

One Chinese woman managed to escape as the men began firing in the air to scare off onlookers.

A passer-by, Muhammad Zahir, was shot as he tried to prevent the abduction.

Mineral-rich Balochistan has been plagued by Islamist and separatist insurgencies since 2004, with hundreds of soldiers and militants killed in the fighting.

But a greater push towards peace and development by Pakistani authorities has reduced overall levels of violence in recent years.
Phoenix performs under an imposing mirror on stage during the Governors Ball Music Festival

Rocking out under an imposing mirror, Phoenix took its music into a second dimension Saturday as the band headlined New York's Governors Ball festival.

A week ahead of the release of its disco-infused, Italian-inspired sixth album, Phoenix invested in an innovative yet elegantly simple stage design with a giant mirror slanted inward at 45 degrees.

The effect, at the close of a pristine June day, was to create a duplicate stage, with the rockers visible both as they played on stage and again in mirror image above them.

Frontman Thomas Mars at times lay down on stage hidden, only to appear to the crowd on the mirror -- serving almost the inverse of Pink Floyd's isolating Wall, one of the most legendary metaphors in rock stage design.

Phoenix, longtime underground artists in Paris, catapulted to the world stage in 2009 with the album "Wolfgang Amadeus Phoenix" which came with infectious dance-rock hits such as "Lisztomania."

"Ti Amo," which is Phoenix's first album in four years and comes out on June 9, takes as its motif Italy, or at least a fantasized version of the country with feel-good beats and lyricism about steamy nights and ice cream.

As Phoenix played the album's track "Fior di Latte," the mirror appeared to be covered in pink syrup. At other times, the mirror flashed a kaleidoscope of colors and slides of a waterfall and Rome's Trevi Fountain.

Guitarist Christian Mazzalai in a recent interview with AFP said Phoenix had spent long hours designing the stage and voiced delight at returning to the road after more than a year of writing and recording.

A fan holds up a sign as Phoenix performs onstage

Mars closed the set by surfing far into the crowd and then rolling back over fans' outstretched hands. Phoenix then bid farewell, fireworks went off overhead and the walkout music was from Italian singing great Ornella Vanoni.

- Childish Gambino hints at farewell -

Governors Ball, founded in 2011 as the first of New York's growing number of summer festivals, took place under unusually tight security with National Guard members and heavily armed police out in force at exits to the venue on the city's compact Randall's Island.

The three-day festival comes less than two weeks after a suicide bomber killed 22 people at the end of an Ariana Grande concert in Manchester and as London was hit by another attack.

Other leading draws Saturday included Childish Gambino, who stunned an adoring crowd by hinting at retirement once he finishes his next album.

"I'll see you for the last Gambino album," said the artist, after declaring that Governors Ball would be his sole show of 2017.

Wu-Tang Clan perform on stage

Music is a side career for Childish Gambino -- otherwise known as actor Donald Glover, a star of television series "Atlanta" and "Community," who will appear in an upcoming "Star Wars" film.

While often described as a hip-hop artist, Childish Gambino has built a style of modern soul driven by his wide-ranging singing voice.

In December he released his third album, "Awaken, My Love!" full of R&B rhythms and vocal shifts on songs such as "Redbone," about an unfaithful partner.

The festival also heard classic hip-hop from the Wu-Tang Clan, the New York-bred collective who exactly 20 years earlier released its best-selling album "Wu-Tang Forever."

RZA, generally considered the leader of the crew of around 10 rappers, boasted of the group's success in a set that turned into a mosh pit among fans mostly too young to have been listening to the Wu-Tang Clan in 1997.

Elsewhere, Mark Ronson -- the veteran producer who became a star on his own with the 2014 mega-hit "Uptown Funk" -- teased a new song he said he was working on with Australian artist Kevin Parker.

The driving dance track came unexpectedly in a set in which Ronson served as DJ, putting on everything from Michael Jackson to Jefferson Airplane.
Pro-government Hashed al-Shaabi paramilitary forces, dominated by Iran-backed Shiite militias, have been targeting towns and villages around Mosul in Iraq's fight against the Islamic State group

Iraqi forces retook an area near the Syrian border from the Islamic State group on Sunday as part of operations to expel the jihadists from strongholds in the country's north.

The Hashed al-Shaabi (Popular Mobilisation) forces announced the "total liberation" of Al-Baaj district "with support from the air force".

"The Iraqi flag has been hoisted above its buildings," said a statement from the Hashed, an umbrella organisation for pro-government paramilitaries that is dominated by Iran-backed Shiite militias.

The Hashed on May 12 launched an operation to retake the Qayrawan and Al-Baaj areas west of Mosul, the country's second city that is the target of a massive anti-IS operation.

The forces on May 23 announced they had retaken Qayrawan.

Both areas are in Nineveh, the province of which Mosul is the capital, and lie between territory under IS control in Iraq and Syria.

The jihadists took over large swathes of territory of Iraq and Syria in 2014, but have since faced offensives on several fronts in both countries.

Iraqi forces backed by the US-led coalition have since October been battling to oust IS from Mosul.

They are advancing on the last areas of the city still held by IS, but the presence of large numbers of civilians is slowing their progress.
Schoolchildren are led by teachers toward a gymnasium during an evacuation drill in Abu town, which faces the Sea of Japan, on June 4, 2017

Hundreds of residents of a small Japanese coastal town took part in an evacuation drill Sunday as fears grow that a North Korean missile could hit the country.

The drill in the town of Abu, about 800 kilometres (500 miles) west of Tokyo facing the Sea of Japan, simulated a ballistic missile attack in the surrounding mountains in Yamaguchi prefecture which hosts a major US Marine Corps air station, a disaster agency official said.

It came less than a week after the nuclear-armed North test-fired a short-range projectile which fell provocatively close to Japan, its 12th ballistic missile test this year -- in defiance of UN sanctions warnings and US threats of possible military action.

TV footage from Abu showed young children holding hands as they ran to a school gymnasium doubling as an evacuation centre after a siren began blaring early Sunday.

"I was able to stay calm and evacuated in a few minutes," 67-year-old Yuriko Suewaka, who was among the 280 people involved in the exercise, told Jiji Press.

The drill, organised by central and local authorities, followed a similar exercise in March in the northern prefecture of Akita.

There are plans to conduct drills later this month in Yamagata and Niigata, north of Tokyo, both of which face the Sea of Japan, the official said.

"The government has requested local communities to prepare for the holding of an evacuation drill," he told AFP on condition of anonymity.

The southwestern city of Onojo in Fukuoka prefecture also held a drill on Sunday, independently from the central government, the official added.

Japan has been on edge over North Korean launches since a mid-range ballistic missile flew without warning over the northern part of the country and into the western Pacific in 1998.

The pace of the North's missile development has intensified and its projectiles have since last year been landing ever closer to Japan's coast.
This picture taken on May 24, 2017 shows salesmen waiting for customers at a gold jewelry shop in Dhaka

Bangladeshi authorities have confiscated half a tonne of gold from a top jeweller, officials said Sunday, amid a crackdown on a booming smuggling trade.

Customs officials raided five outlets of Apan Jewellers over several days last month and seized around 500 kilograms of gold and half a kilogram in diamonds.

"We asked the owners to provide legal receipts (for the gold) but they failed to provide anything," Customs Intelligence and Investigation Department chief Moinul Khan told reporters.

Gold smuggling in Bangladesh is at a record high. Authorities say a sizeable amount is sold to unscrupulous local jewellers, who avoid paying high import duties by buying on the black market.

Authorities have seized 1.1 tonnes of gold at the country's airports in the past three years -- an unprecedented haul. Much of the gold was smuggled by human "mules", sometimes inside their rectums.

The gold confiscated from the jewellers during the raid has been handed to the central bank and will be sold at auction, an official said.

The raids occurred after the son of Apan's owner allegedly bragged of his wealth after he was arrested in connection with a separate high-profile case.

Investigators looking into the source of the family's wealth found a huge stash of unreported gold worth nearly 2.5 billion taka ($31.2 million).

Bangladesh does not have any gold mines of its own, and relies on imports to fashion rings and other treasures for its booming middle class.

The country has imposed strict quotas and high customs duties on gold, effectively choking off legal bullion imports for flourishing jewellery outlets.

The local jewellers' association wants the government to allow the bulk import of bullion at a reasonable tax rate.

The association denies wrongdoing and describes raids at jewellers and other businesses as "conspiracies" to destroy the industry, which it says employs 2.2 million people.
US President Donald Trump sent a series of early morning tweets in response to the London attacks on June 3, 2017

US President Donald Trump said Sunday the attack in London showed it was time to "stop being politically correct," warning the threat will only grow worse otherwise.

"We must stop being politically correct and get down to the business of security for our people. If we don't get smart it will only get worse," Trump said in a tweet.

In a series of early morning tweets, Trump also poured scorn on London Mayor Sadiq Khan's attempt to reassure the public after three assailants smashed a van into pedestrians on London Bridge on Saturday then attacked revellers with knives.

"At least 7 dead and 48 wounded in terror attack and Mayor of London says there is 'no reason to be alarmed!'" he said in one tweet.

In another tweet, Trump derided gun control advocates.

"Do you notice we are not having a gun debate right now? That's because they used knives and a truck!"

The attack in central London came just a fortnight after a suicide bombing in Manchester left 22 dead and recalled an attack in March when a man drove a car into pedestrians near the seat of Parliament, killing five.

British Prime Minister Theresa May blamed "evil" Islamist ideology for Saturday's attack.
A woman holds the flag of Bahrain, a Shiite-majority Gulf kingdom

The government in Sunni-ruled Bahrain announced Sunday an indefinite ban on the independent Al-Wasat newspaper on accusations that it publishes "what sows division" in the Shiite-majority Gulf kingdom.

The ministry of information affairs said it had decided to bar the publication and stop its circulation "until further notice", according BNA state news agency, without specifying if the ban affects the electronic edition.

The order was due to Al-Wasat's "violation of the law and repeatedly publishing what sows division in the society and affects Bahrain's relations with other states," BNA said.

The decision came after the paper published an article on Sunday that was "offensive to a sisterly Arab state," BNA said, in an apparent reference to an article that praised protests in Morocco.

The London-based Bahrain Institute for Rights and Democracy criticised the decision, saying it was "the latest in an escalated crackdown on independent civil society".

"They are trying to silence the only independent paper," BIRD's advocacy chief Sayed Ahmed Alwadaei said in a statement.

"Bahrain feels it can get away with any action because its key international allies the US and UK have shown they don't prioritise human rights. This attack on the press must be condemned by London and Washington," he added.

BIRD said an unnamed source at the newspaper said Al-Wasat was suspended due to the publication of an "opinion article" about widespread protests in Morocco.

Demonstrations and a strike have rocked the northern port of Al-Hoceima, in Morocco's neglected Rif region, where authorities arrested the leader of a popular protest movement and others on May 26.

The protesters have been demanding more development and railing against corruption, repression and unemployment.

Al-Hoceima has been shaken by social unrest since the death in October of a fishmonger who was crushed in a rubbish truck as he protested against the seizure of swordfish caught out of season.

- Authorities intensify crackdown -

Authorities in Bahrain had suspended the electronic edition of Al-Wasat for few days in January over accusations of sowing sedition and harming national unity.

The newspaper was also suspended for two days in August 2015 on similar charges.

Bahrain has been rocked by sporadic unrest since March 2011 when security forces brutally crushed an Arab Spring-inspired uprising.

At the height of the 2011 uprising, Al-Wasat was suspended and its chief editor Mansoor al-Jamri tried and fined for publishing false information.

The latest ban comes as authorities intensify a crackdown on the opposition, with police shooting dead five demonstrators last month as security forces dismantled a months-long sit-in.

And last week a Bahrain court dissolved the secular opposition party Waed, months after the main party representing the kingdom's Shiite majority, Al-Wefaq, was also banned.

Tiny but strategic Bahrain, which lies just across the Gulf from Iran, is a key regional ally of the United States and home to its Fifth Fleet.

It has come under frequent criticism from international human rights groups and the administration of Barack Obama often criticised the Manama authorities for not doing more to reconcile with the opposition.

However President Donald Trump made a clear break from that policy during a visit to the region earlier this month, telling Bahrain's King Hamad in neighbouring Saudi Arabia "there won't be strain with this administration".
Iraqis leave the Zanjili neighbourhood of west Mosul on June 3, 2017 during the ongoing offensive by security forces to retake the city from Islamic State group fighters

After jihadists turned the roof of his house into a sniper position, Owayid Mohammed and his family fled west Mosul in an escape that made him feel "reborn".

"The Dawaesh took my house... and brought four snipers to the roof," said Mohammed, using a pejorative name for members of the Islamic State jihadist group which seized the city in 2014.

"We stayed near them for about a week and moved from house to house," the 75-year-old man said.

"When we saw that the army was getting close to us, we trusted in God" and fled, Mohammed walking with the aid of a crutch.

He and his family joined hundreds of thousands of people who have fled their homes since the massive operation to retake Mosul from IS was launched last October.

Iraqi forces have since retaken all but a handful of areas around Mosul's Old City, but the jihadists are fighting in densely populated areas, and have used civilians as human shields at various points in the battle.

A strike in a neighbourhood of west Mosul on June 2, 2017 during the ongoing offensive to retake the city from Islamic State group fighters

The United Nations warned last week that up to 200,000 civilians may still be trapped in IS-held areas, facing shortages of food, water and medicine as well as deadly danger from the battle for the city.

Mohammed and his family were in some ways lucky they were not forced to stay in their house after IS deployed the snipers -- circumstances that led to one of the deadliest single incidents for civilians during the Mosul campaign.

In Mosul al-Jadida, another area on the city's western side, the US carried out an air strike targeting two snipers on the roof of building.

- 'Out of the fire' -

The blast detonated IS explosive material in the building, killing 101 civilians inside it, while four more died in an adjacent building.

Like many civilians who have fled Mosul, Mohammed recalled with sadness the circumstances people face in the city.

"In our lives, we have never seen something like this... For four days, we were sleeping without eating," he said.

But his sadness quickly dissipated: "I was able to get out, and I consider myself to have been reborn."

He is not alone in celebrating his escape.

"I came out of the fire to paradise... I feel like I am a queen," said Sara Adham, another septuagenarian who had recently left Mosul.

She fled with her son and daughter days after the jihadists stormed her house, which was on the front line with Iraqi forces.

"They removed the door of the house and entered the upper floor while we were hiding in the basement," Adham said.

"My son heard a noise and I said to him that maybe it was a cat, and after the noise got louder, I went up to look and found one of the Dawaesh in front of me, and he demanded that we leave the house."

Adham tried to refuse, but the jihadists threatened to kill her son, so they fled.

Mohammed Abdullah, 43, said the jihadists "tightened their patrols and restricted our movements, threatening to move into our houses if they suspected we intended to escape".

"I agreed with my neighbours to leave whatever the cost, because the situation was intolerable."
Cyclists ride past Tiananmen Gate on the eve of the 28th anniversary of the June 4, 1989 crackdown on pro-democracy protests in Beijing

US President Donald Trump's administration called on China Sunday to respect human rights and release from prison those jailed for trying to keep alive the memory of the Tiananmen Square pro-democracy movement.

US Secretary of State Rex Tillerson recalled the "violent suppression" of peaceful protests in and around the vast square in the heart of Beijing in a statement marking the 28th anniversary of the event.

The United States has routinely observed the anniversary with similar calls to China, but this was the first time under Trump's presidency.

"We call again on China to make a full accounting of those killed, detained or missing due to the events of June 4, 1989," he said.

"We urge China to cease harassment of family members seeking redress and to release from prison those who have been jailed for striving to keep the memory of Tiananmen Square alive.

"The United States views the protection of human rights as a fundamental duty of all countries, and we urge the Chinese government to respect the universal rights and fundamental freedoms of all its citizens."

China responded to the student-led protests by declaring martial law and sending heavily armed troops and tanks into the square.

Hundred of unarmed civilians -- over 1,000 by some estimates -- are believed to have died in the crackdown.
Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, pictured in March 2017, said the spread of Islamic State ideology is "a fire that (Western powers) themselves ignited and now has backfired on them"

Attacks by the Islamic State group in Europe and elsewhere show that Western policies in the Middle East have backfired, Iran's supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei said on Sunday.

"Today, Daesh (IS) is being pushed out from its birthplace in Iraq and Syria and is moving to other countries -- Afghanistan, Pakistan and even the Philippines and European countries," Khamenei said in a televised speech.

"This is a fire that (Western powers) themselves ignited and now has backfired on them," he told a gathering of senior officials in Tehran at a ceremony to mark the anniversary of the death of revolutionary leader Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini in 1989.

Khamenei used the speech to push back against some of the reformist rhetoric used by President Hassan Rouhani during his successful bid for re-election last month.

Rouhani called his conservative opponents "extremists" and promised greater civil liberties and more dialogue with the West.

"Do not dismiss revolutionary behaviour as extremism. Being revolutionary is the need of the country today," Khamenei said.

"Rationality means not coming under the dominance of the power of America and its arrogance again, once one has freed oneself from it."

He said Iran's regional rival Saudi Arabia had demonstrated the high price exacted from countries siding with the United States, highlighting the billion-dollar purchases agreed during President Donald Trump's May visit to Riyadh.

"In order to compromise with the new US president, the Saudi government is forced to spend more than half of its financial resources in line with America's objectives and in accordance to America's will," Khamenei said.
Russian President Vladimir Putin, seen here at an economic forum, tells a US television interviewer he barely spoke to former US national security advisor Michael Flynn when they met at an event in Moscow sponsored by Russian television network RT

Russian President Vladimir Putin says he had only a brief and passing acquaintance with former US national security adviser Michael Flynn, though the two sat next to each other at a dinner in Moscow in 2015.

In an interview to be aired Sunday evening by NBC, Putin minimized his contact with Flynn, who was fired by US President Donald Trump in February after offering misleading descriptions of conversations he had had with Russian ambassador Sergey Kislyak.

Putin told NBC interviewer Megyn Kelly that the dinner where the two met was routine.

"I made my speech. Then we talked about some other stuff. And I got up and left. And then afterwards I was told, 'You know, there was an American gentleman, he was involved in some things. He used to be in the security services.'"

"That's it," Putin said, speaking through a translator. "I didn't even really talk to him. That's the extent of my acquaintance with Mr. Flynn."

Pictures show the two men at a table for 10 at an event sponsored by Russian television network RT, which French President Emmanuel Macron has denounced as a source of "lying propaganda" in the recent French election.

Other guests at the table included Jill Stein, the US Green Party presidential candidate, and Cyril Svoboda, a former Czech deputy prime minister.

The contacts Flynn and other Trump aides had with Russian officials and bankers are drawing intense scrutiny, particularly after US intelligence agencies concluded that Russian hackers meddled in the American election.

When the Senate intelligence committee in May demanded that Flynn provide a list of any contacts with Russian officials during the presidential campaign and transition, Flynn invoked his constitutional right against self-incrimination and refused.

Trump has strongly defended Flynn, saying his former aide was the victim of a "witch hunt."

Senators will be grilling fired FBI chief James Comey on Thursday about an Oval Office meeting in February at which, Comey later told aides, Trump asked him to end the investigation into Flynn and possible Russia links, saying, "I hope you can let this go."
Israeli premier Benjamin Netanyahu told ECOWAS head Ellen Johnson Sirleaf: 'Israel is coming back to Africa'

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Sunday joined West African leaders at a summit in Liberia, where they hailed peacekeeping efforts in the region but warned about threats to stability.

Netanyahu, who had visited east Africa in July 2016, vowed that they had "no better partner" than his country after he was received by Liberian President and outgoing head of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) Ellen Johnson Sirleaf.

"Israel is coming back to Africa and Africa is coming back to Israel. I believe in Africa. I believe in its potential, present and future. It is a continent on the rise," said the Israeli leader.

"Africans are seizing the future. Israel wants to seize this future with you. You truly have no better partner for this mission than Israel," he added.

Netanyahu and Senegalese President Macky Sall later announced the normalisation of diplomatic relations between their two countries, following a spat over a UN resolution demanding Israel halt expansion of settlements in the occupied West Bank.

After the motion in December, pushed by Senegal and New Zealand, Israel recalled its ambassadors to both nations and cancelled an aid programme in Senegal.

"The two leaders announced an end to the crisis between their countries," a statement from the Israeli prime minister's office said.

ECOWAS also announced it had in principle approved Morocco's request to join the group, despite Moroccan King Mohamed VI refusing to attend the summit due to the presence of Netanyahu, according to Rabat's foreign ministry.

Sirleaf hailed the contribution of ECOWAS forces in restoring peace in her country, wracked by a bloody civil war from 1989-2003.

"This marks a turning point in the post-conflict recovery in the reconstruction of our country," she said. "Many ECOWAS citizens made the ultimate sacrifice with their lives for the uninterrupted peace we continue to enjoy.

But she warned: "Today, terrorist attacks are endangering the stability in our regions."

On Saturday a Gambian protester died of gunshot wounds after being shot as supporters of former Gambian leader Yahya Jammeh clashed with ECOWAS forces, deployed in the country since January.
ST. PETERSBURG, Russia (AP) - The Latest on St. Petersburg economic forum (all times local):

4:45 p.m.

Russian President Vladimir Putin has denied that Russia meddled in the U.S. presidential election, saying the claims lack substance.

Russia's President Vladimir Putin, foreground left, shakes hands with Myron Brilliant, executive vice president and head of International Affairs at the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, at the Russia-USA Business Dialogue discussion at the St. Petersburg International Economic Forum in St. Petersburg, Russia, Friday, June 2, 2017. (Mikhail Metzel/TASS News Agency Pool Photo via AP)

Speaking at an economic forum in St. Petersburg, Putin says that the claims contained "nothing concrete, only assumptions." He added that IP addresses allegedly belonging to Russian hackers could have been easily rigged and couldn't stand as evidence.

U.S. intelligence agencies have accused Russia of hacking into Democratic Party emails, helping Donald Trump's election victory, and the congressional and FBI investigations into the Trump campaign's ties with Russia have broken the Kremlin's hopes for a detente with Washington.

Putin attributed the accusations of Russian interference to the Democrats' anger over losing the vote, adding that Trump won because he has been more successful in his campaign.

___

4:25 p.m.

Russian President Vladimir Putin has sought to assuage concerns caused by President Donald Trump's decision to pull the United States out of the Paris climate accord, calling for a constructive dialogue on efforts needed to curb global warming.

Speaking Friday at an economic forum in St. Petersburg, Putin avoided criticizing Trump for the move that has caused international opprobrium.

He underlined the importance of the Paris climate accord, but noted that it's a framework agreement offering a broad room for maneuver for each signatory nation.

Putin also said that Trump's promise to negotiate new conditions for the U.S. leaves hope for reaching a compromise before the Paris deal is set to take effect in 2021. Putin added that U.S. participation is essential for the success of global efforts.

___

3 p.m.

President Vladimir Putin has urged U.S. businessmen to use their influence to help normalize Russia-U.S. relations.

Speaking at an economic forum in St. Petersburg, Putin said relations between Moscow and Washington are now at their lowest point since Cold War times.

During a panel meeting, Putin called on the U.S. participants of the forum to "help restore a normal political dialogue ... help a newly elected president and new administration."

He also pledged to help improve conditions for U.S. business in Russia.

Russia's hopes for better ties with President Donald Trump's administration have been dashed by the congressional and FBI investigations into the Trump campaign's ties with Russia.

Russian President Vladimir Putin speaks during the Russia-USA Business Dialogue discussion at the St. Petersburg International Economic Forum in St. Petersburg, Russia, Friday, June 2, 2017. (Mikhail Metzel/TASS News Agency Pool Photo via AP)
WASHINGTON (AP) - The special counsel investigating possible ties between President Donald Trump's campaign and Russia's government has taken over a separate criminal probe involving former Trump campaign chairman Paul Manafort, and may expand his inquiry to investigate the roles of the attorney general and deputy attorney general in the firing of FBI Director James Comey, The Associated Press has learned.

The Justice Department's criminal investigation into Manafort, who was forced to resign as Trump campaign chairman in August amid questions over his business dealings years ago in Ukraine, predated the 2016 election and the counterintelligence probe that in July began investigating possible collusion between Moscow and associates of Trump.

The move to consolidate the matters, involving allegations of misuse of Ukrainian government funds, indicates that Special Counsel Robert Mueller is assuming a broad mandate in his new role running the sensational investigation. The expansiveness of Mueller's investigation was described to the AP. No one familiar with the matter has been willing to discuss the scope of his investigation on the record because it is just getting underway and because revealing details could complicate its progress.

FILE - In this July 17, 2016 file photo, Trump Campaign Chairman Paul Manafort talks to reporters on the floor of the Republican National Convention at Quicken Loans Arena in Cleveland as Rick Gates listens at back left. Robert Muller, the special counsel investigating possible ties between President Donald Trump's campaign and Russia's government has taken over a separate criminal probe involving former Trump campaign chairman Paul Manafort, and may expand his inquiry to investigate the roles of the attorney general and deputy attorney general in the firing of FBI Director James Comey, The Associated Press has learned.(AP Photo/Matt Rourke, File)

In an interview separately Friday with the AP, Deputy Attorney General Rod Rosenstein acknowledged that Mueller could expand his inquiry to include Attorney General Jeff Sessions' and Rosenstein's own roles in the decision to fire Comey, who was investigating the Trump campaign. Rosenstein, who appointed Mueller as special counsel to take over the investigation, wrote the memorandum intended to justify Trump's decision to fire Comey. Sessions met with Trump and Rosenstein to discuss Trump's decision to fire him despite Sessions' pledge not to become involved in the Russia case.

The AP asked Rosenstein specifically whether Mueller's investigation could expand to include examining Sessions' role.

"The order is pretty clear," Rosenstein responded. "It gives him authority for the investigation and anything arising out of that investigation, and so Director Mueller will be responsible in the first instance for determining what he believes falls into that mandate."

Rosenstein told the AP that if he were to become a subject of Mueller's investigation, he would recuse himself from any oversight of Mueller. Under Justice Department rules, Mueller is required to seek permission from Rosenstein to investigate additional matters other than ones already specified in the paperwork formally appointing Mueller.

"I've talked with Director Mueller about this," Rosenstein said. "He's going to make the appropriate decisions, and if anything that I did winds up being relevant to his investigation then, as Director Mueller and I discussed, if there's a need from me to recuse I will."

Peter Carr, a spokesman for Mueller, declined to comment on the scope of the investigation.

Mueller, who spent 12 years as FBI director and served under Republican and Democratic presidents, was appointed as special counsel following the May 9 firing of Comey, who is expected to testify for the first time next week before the Senate.

Mueller's assignment, detailed in a one-page order signed by Rosenstein, covers the federal investigation into possible links or coordination between Russia and associates of the Trump campaign but also "any matters that arose or may arise directly" from the probe. It would also extend to any allegations of perjury, witness intimidation or obstruction of justice uncovered during the course of the investigation.

As Mueller's investigation begins, members of Congress are intensely interested in its direction and scope.

Last month, House Democrats called for congressional investigations into whether Sessions violated his pledge to recuse himself from matters related to investigations into Trump associates. They also asked the Justice Department to investigate Sessions' role in Comey's firing and to lay out how that investigation would proceed.

A Democratic aide said Rep. Elijah Cummings, D-Md., asked Rosenstein about the matter during a briefing before House members. Rosenstein said he would get back to Cummings, but he has yet to respond, said the aide, who spoke on condition of anonymity to discuss the private interactions.

The Justice Department began looking at Manafort's work in Ukraine around the beginning of 2014, as Ukraine's president, Viktor Yanukovych, was toppled amid protests of alleged corruption and Russian influence. Business records obtained by the AP show Manafort's political consulting firm began working as early as 2004 for clients that variously included a political boss in Yanukovych's party, a Ukrainian oligarch and Oleg Deripaska, a Russian businessman and longtime ally of Russian president Vladimir Putin.

A special counsel, by design, is constrained by the terms of his appointment to avoid boundless and perpetually open-ended investigations. In this case, though, Mueller's mandate appears fairly broad, said Samuel Buell, a former federal prosecutor and criminal law professor at Duke University.

"That investigation that's named in the appointment is already one that has, as far as we can tell, a number of tentacles and offshoots that involves conduct over a fairly lengthy period of time involving a lot of people," Buell said.

He said he did not expect Mueller to seek Rosenstein's approval each time he wants to subpoena another new witness or pursue a new Russia-related investigative thread. The more difficult question would involve any allegations separate and apart from Russia, he said.

"This gives him the authority to pull on all kinds of string and see where they lead him," Buell said. "As long as you're following a string that's connected to the string of Russian influence on the election - however that may have occurred, whoever that may have involved - would seem to fall within that appointment."

Manafort's work in Ukraine continued at least through the beginning of 2014, when Yanukovych's government was ousted amid protests of widespread corruption and his rejection of a European trade deal in favor of one with Moscow. As the AP reported last year, that work included covertly directing a lobbying campaign on behalf of Ukraine's pro-Russian Party of Regions in Washington. Following the AP's reporting on emails in which Manafort deputy Rick Gates was overseeing the work, two lobbying firms involved in the project registered as foreign agents. Manafort has not done so, and a spokesman for him has declined to say if he will.

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Associated Press writers Chad Day and Stephen Braun contributed to this report.

FILE - In this April 28, 2017 file photo, Attorney General Jeff Sessions speaks in Central Islip, N.Y. The special counsel investigating possible ties between President Donald Trump's campaign and Russia's government has taken over a separate criminal probe involving former Trump campaign chairman Paul Manafort, and may expand his inquiry to investigate the roles of the attorney general and deputy attorney general in the firing of FBI Director James Comey, The Associated Press has learned. (AP Photo/Frank Franklin II, File)

FILE - In an Aug. 21, 2013 file photo, outgoing FBI director Robert Mueller speaks during an interview at FBI headquarters, in Washington.Muller, the special counsel investigating possible ties between President Donald Trump's campaign and Russia's government has taken over a separate criminal probe involving former Trump campaign chairman Paul Manafort, and may expand his inquiry to investigate the roles of the attorney general and deputy attorney general in the firing of FBI Director James Comey, The Associated Press has learned.(AP Photo/Evan Vucci, File)

Deputy Attorney General Rod Rosenstein speaks during an interview with the Associated Press at the Department of Justice, Friday, June 2, 2017, in Washington. Rosenstein acknowledged that Robert Mueller could expand his inquiry to include Attorney General Jeff Sessions' and Rosenstein's own roles participating in the decision to fire FBI Director James Comey, who was investigating the Trump campaign. The AP also learned separately that Muller, the special counsel investigating possible ties between President Donald Trump's campaign and Russia's government has taken over a separate criminal probe involving former Trump campaign chairman Paul Manafort. (AP Photo/Andrew Harnik)

President Donald Trump speaks before signing bills in the Diplomatic Reception Room at the White House, Friday, June 2, 2017, in Washington. Robert Muller, the special counsel investigating possible ties between President Donald Trump's campaign and Russia's government has taken over a separate criminal probe involving former Trump campaign chairman Paul Manafort, and may expand his inquiry to investigate the roles of the attorney general and deputy attorney general in the firing of FBI Director James Comey, The Associated Press has learned. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon)
UNITED NATIONS (AP) - The U.N. Security Council voted unanimously Friday to add 15 individuals and four entities linked to North Korea's nuclear and missile programs to a U.N. sanctions blacklist, but Chinese opposition blocked tough new sanctions the United States was pushing.

While the resolution will impose a global travel ban and asset freeze on a range of North Koreans including the man believed to head its overseas espionage operations and foreign intelligence collection, it will not target critical oil deliveries or include other tough sanctions.

The U.S. and its allies strongly disagreed with China and Russia on how to rein in North Korea's rapidly escalating nuclear and ballistic missile program, which Pyongyang says is aimed at developing a long-range missile capable of reaching the United States with a nuclear warhead.

Ambassadors to the United Nations raise hands in a U.N. Security Council resolution vote to sanction North Korea, Friday, June 2, 2017, at U.N. headquarters. (AP Photo/Bebeto Matthews)

In a speech after the vote, U.S. Ambassador Nikki Haley said "the Security Council is sending a clear message to North Korea today: Stop firing ballistic missiles or face the consequences."

She also reiterated tough conditions for talks with North Korea: A halt to all ballistic missile launches and nuclear tests and "concrete steps" toward getting rid of its nuclear weapons program.

While Hailey said the United States wants a negotiated solution to the North's nuclear program and isn't seeking regime change, she reiterated that "all options for responding to future provocations remain on the table."

Haley urged all countries to break diplomatic ties with North Korea, stop illegal trade and do more to break up smuggling rings and cut off funding for the country's nuclear and missile programs. "Beyond diplomatic and financial consequences, the United States remains prepared to counteract North Korean aggression through other means, if necessary," she said.

By contrast, China's U.N. Ambassador Liu Jieyi stressed that the resolution reiterated the importance of maintaining peace and security on the Korean Peninsula and northeast Asia and expressed the council's commitment to a peaceful diplomatic and political solution, and to the importance of reducing tensions.

"The current situation on the peninsula is complex and sensitive," he said. "At the same time, there is a critical window of opportunity for the nuclear issue of the peninsula to come back to the right path of seeking a settlement through dialogue and negotiations."

Liu said China was calling on all parties to implement the resolution and "strive for a peaceful settlement of the nuclear issue" by strengthening efforts to denuclearize the Korean Peninsula and promote peace and dialogue.

He reiterated China's "dual-track" proposal, which would see North Korea suspend its nuclear and missile activities in exchange for a suspension of massive military exercises by the United States and South Korea.

Russia's deputy U.N. ambassador Vladimir Safronkov, whose country borders North Korea and saw one of Pyongyang's missiles close to its waters, backed the freeze-for-freeze proposal, saying "the choice here has to be made in favor of using diplomatic tools to the maximum extent possible."

"The adventurism of Pyongyang is not something that should provide us with a pretext for the increase of military activity in the region, much less for the implementation of plans of using force," he said. "The logic of confrontation is fraught with disastrous consequences for the Korean Peninsula and for the region as a whole."

Without naming the United States but clearly referring to the Trump administration, Safronkov also warned: "Some says they will talk but under certain conditions. If we speak to each other in language of ultimatums, we will never move forward from this point."

Before Friday's vote, the North Korean sanctions blacklist named 39 individuals and 42 entities and groups subject to sanctions.

In addition to the foreign intelligence chief, the resolution imposes sanctions on officials who control the media and key government and military appointments. The Vietnam representative of a bank and the heads of two companies will also face sanctions. In addition, all countries are now required to freeze the assets of two trading companies, a bank and the Strategic Rocket Force of the Korean People's Army, which is in charge of all ballistic missile programs.

The Security Council has already imposed six rounds of sanctions on North Korea, and the U.S. and its allies have pushed for tougher measures in response to a wave of missile tests by Pyongyang. But China's Liu made clear last week that Beijing's top priority is to restart talks with North Korea and reduce tensions, rather than impose new sanctions.

The first individual on the proposed new blacklist is Cho Il U, identified as the director of the Fifth Bureau of the Reconnaissance General Bureau who is believed to be the overseas espionage and intelligence chief.

Another key figure on the list is Kim Chol Nam, president of Korea Kumsan Trading Co., which procures supplies for North Korea's atomic energy department and serves as "a cash route" to North Korea. The company would also be added to the sanctions list.

Others now facing sanctions include:

-Kim Tong-Ho, Vietnam representative for Tanchon Commercial Bank, which is North Korea's main "financial entity for weapons and missile-related sales."

-Pak Han Se, vice chairman of the government committee that oversees ballistic missile production and directs activities of Korea Mining Development Corp., the country's "premier arms dealer and main exporter of goods and equipment related to ballistic missiles and conventional weapons."

-Ri Yong Mu, vice chairman of the State Affairs Commission, which directs and guide all military, defense and security-related affairs in the country, "including acquisitions and procurement."

The resolution condemns North Korea's nuclear and ballistic activities "in the strongest terms" and reaffirms the Security Council's demand that Pyongyang abandon all nuclear weapons and programs and halt all nuclear and missile tests.

It expresses "serious concern" that North Korea continues to violate U.N. resolutions with repeated launches and attempted launches of ballistic missiles, stressing that these tests contribute to development of its nuclear weapons delivery systems. It also expresses "gravest concern" that the North's nuclear and missile activities are generating "increased tension in the region and beyond" and continue to threaten international peace and security.

China's Ambassador to the United Nations Liu Jieyi, address the U.N. Security Council after resolution vote to sanction North Korea, Friday June 2, 2017 at U.N. headquarters. (AP Photo/Bebeto Matthews)

U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations Nikki Haley, left, address the Security Council after resolution vote to sanction North Korea, Friday, June 2, 2017, at U.N. headquarters. (AP Photo/Bebeto Matthews)

South Korea's United Nations Ambassador Cho Tae-yul address the U.N. Security Council after a resolution vote sanctioning North Korea, Friday June 2, 2017 at U.N. headquarters. (AP Photo/Bebeto Matthews)
TOKYO (AP) - A Japanese town conducted an evacuation drill Sunday amid rising fear that a North Korean ballistic missile could hit Japanese soil.

More than 280 residents and schoolchildren from Abu, a small town with a population of just over 3,400 on Japan's western coast, rushed to designated school buildings to seek shelter after sirens from loudspeakers warned them of a possible missile flight and debris falling on them.

The drill follows three consecutive weeks of North Korean missile tests. Last week, a missile splashed into the sea inside Japan's 200-mile exclusive economic zone off the country's western coast.

Schoolchildren leave the compound of their school during an evacuation drill in Abu town, western Japan, Sunday, June 4, 2017. The town on Japan's northwestern coast conducted the drill amid rising fear that a North Korean ballistic missile could hit Japanese soil. (Kyodo News via AP)

It was the second such drill since March, when Tokyo instructed local governments to review their contingency plans and conduct evacuation exercises.

A similar drill was conducted Sunday in the neighboring prefecture of Fukuoka in southern Japan, and others are planned over the next few months.

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This story has been corrected to show Abu town is on Japan's western coast.
MOSCOW (AP) - In the three weeks since St. Nicholas came to Moscow, more than 300,000 people have stood in huge lines for up to 10 hours to visit a gilded ark thought to carry his bone fragments. Yet the queues stretching down the Moscow River embankment from Christ the Savior Cathedral are something of their own marvel.

The massive turnout to see the saint's relics, which are on loan from their home in Bari, Italy for the first time, underline how strongly the Orthodox Church has become a part of Russians' sense of themselves a quarter-century after the collapse of the officially atheist Soviet Union.

"It was tough, but you got a chance to think about your life, all the problems and the sins you have committed," economist Svetlana Dzhuma, 24, said after exiting the cathedral in a state of elation.

In this photo taken on Friday, May 26, 2017, an Orthodox believer kisses the relics of Saint Nicholas that were brought from an Italian church where they have lain for 930 years, in the Christ the Savior Cathedral in Moscow, Russia. The massive turnout to visit the bone fragments held in a gilded ark underline how strongly the Orthodox Church has become a part of Russians' sense of themselves a quarter-century after the collapse of the officially atheist Soviet Union. (AP Photo/Alexander Zemlianichenko)

President Vladimir Putin, who says he was secretly baptized in the Russian Orthodox Church as an infant, paid his respects to the relics on the day they arrived in Moscow, where photos of him kissing the ark were widely featured in Russian media.

Although Russians remain predominantly secular and have opposed church-backed initiatives such as a ban on abortions or public school classes on Orthodox Church teachings, the overwhelming majority of them strongly identify as Russian Orthodox.

Nicholas, who died in 343, never set foot in the territory that became Russia. But he has become the Russian Orthodox Church's most popular saint, credited with miracles and with preventing catastrophes in Russia. His prominence in the church has made the relics something of a must-see even for people who are not regular church-goers.

Russia has witnessed a Christian revival since the crumbling Soviet state began to loosen its grip on religious life in the late 1980s. The percentage of Russians calling themselves Christian Orthodox shot up from 17 percent to around 77 percent, Lev Gudkov, director of the independent Levada Center polling and research organization, said.

However, roughly 40 percent of those who identify as Orthodox Christians say they do not believe in God or eternal life, and the number of churchgoers who take communion is stable at around 7 percent.

Gudkov described the thinking as "a very superficial change in identity: I'm a Russian, therefore Orthodox. It's a change from the Soviet identity to an ethnic Russian and religious one."

Putin in his third term as president has evoked Russia's Christian roots and relied on the church to provide the ideological backing for his policies at home and abroad. Among his justifications for Russia annexing Crimea from Ukraine was that the ancient settlement of Chersonesus there is as important to Russians as Jerusalem's Temple Mount is to Jews, Muslims and Christians.

The Orthodox Church got permission to host the St. Nicholas relics after Patriarch Kirill met with Pope Francis last year in the first such meeting between the leaders of the two religions since the Eastern Orthodox and Roman Catholic churches split about a millennium ago. The ark will be on display, first in Moscow and later in St. Petersburg, until the end of July.

Speaking after a prayer celebrating the relics' arrival, Kirill referred to the crowds of believers waiting to see the relics as a sign of the resurgence of faith.

"If someone has the energy to stand seven, eight hours or longer on the street, in the heat, in the cold, under the rain, it speaks of a very strong faith," he said.

Yulia Kamolova, a 34-year-old accountant, got up at 5 a.m. and stood in line for nine hours to see the relics "to cleanse myself" and to show them to her 12-year-old son. Retired pharmacist Svetlana Timonina said Nicholas, known in Russia as "the wonderworker," was her favorite saint and that he had answered her prayers in the past.

Many in the line spoke of the miracles for which they prayed. Andrei Olenko, 52, said he traveled from Crimea hoping for a turnaround for the former farming collective where he works. "Our farm is falling apart, and we would like (St. Nicholas) to help the farm," Olenko said.

The Levada Center's Gudkov said "this craving for a miracle, craving for a cure," is becoming noticeable as the country's disillusioned people have started pinning their hopes for a better future to a blind faith in the supernatural instead of on the ideal of a democratic government.

"People were waiting for a miracle, that once they gave up the Soviet ideology and Soviet state they will get prosperous - and then it didn't happen," he said.

Xenia Loutchenko, a Moscow-based commentator on church affairs, said it would be an oversimplification to dismiss those lined up to visit the relics as ignorant or superstitious, as many of Moscow's atheists have.

What fuels this craving for a miracle is that with standards of living falling, Russians have little faith in a positive change from social institutions or the government.

"The thing is, people don't have much to hope for with the current state of our health care, what people hear from doctors and bureaucrats: They have nothing else to rely on, other than to go and pray."

In this photo taken on Friday, May 26, 2017, Russian Orthodox believers kiss the relics of Saint Nicholas that were brought from an Italian church where they have lain for 930 years, in the Christ the Savior Cathedral in Moscow, Russia. The massive turnout to visit the bone fragments held in a gilded ark underline how strongly the Orthodox Church has become a part of Russians' sense of themselves a quarter-century after the collapse of the officially atheist Soviet Union. (AP Photo/Alexander Zemlianichenko)

In this photo taken on Friday, May 26, 2017, Russian Orthodox believers line up to kiss the relics of Saint Nicholas that were brought from an Italian church where they have lain for 930 years, in the Christ the Savior Cathedral in Moscow, Russia. The massive turnout to visit the bone fragments held in a gilded ark underline how strongly the Orthodox Church has become a part of Russians' sense of themselves a quarter-century after the collapse of the officially atheist Soviet Union. (AP Photo/Alexander Zemlianichenko)

In this photo taken on Friday, May 26, 2017, Russian Orthodox believers line up on an embankment of the Moskva River to kiss the relics of Saint Nicholas that were brought from an Italian church where they have lain for 930 years, in the Christ the Savior Cathedral in Moscow, Russia. The massive turnout to visit the bone fragments held in a gilded ark underline how strongly the Orthodox Church has become a part of Russians' sense of themselves a quarter-century after the collapse of the officially atheist Soviet Union. (AP Photo/Alexander Zemlianichenko)

In this photo taken on Friday, May 26, 2017, Russian Orthodox believers reflected in a bus window line up on an embankment of the Moskva River to kiss the relics of Saint Nicholas that were brought from an Italian church where they have lain for 930 years, in the Christ the Savior Cathedral in Moscow, Russia. The massive turnout to visit the bone fragments held in a gilded ark underline how strongly the Orthodox Church has become a part of Russians' sense of themselves a quarter-century after the collapse of the officially atheist Soviet Union. (AP Photo/Alexander Zemlianichenko)

In this photo taken on Friday, May 26, 2017, Russian Orthodox believers hold bibles in hands as they line up to kiss the relics of Saint Nicholas that were brought from an Italian church where they have lain for 930 years, in the Christ the Savior Cathedral in Moscow, Russia. Although Russians remain predominantly secular and oppose conservative initiatives such as a ban on abortions, the Orthodox Church has managed to tap into the Russians' deep desire for a miracle, making the relics a must-see even for those who do not go to church regularly. (AP Photo/Alexander Zemlianichenko

In this photo taken on Friday, May 26, 2017, Russian Orthodox believers line up on an embankment of the Moskva River to kiss the relics of Saint Nicholas that were brought from an Italian church where they have lain for 930 years, in the Christ the Savior Cathedral in Moscow, Russia. The massive turnout to visit the bone fragments held in a gilded ark underline how strongly the Orthodox Church has become a part of Russians' sense of themselves a quarter-century after the collapse of the officially atheist Soviet Union. (AP Photo/Alexander Zemlianichenko)

In this photo taken on Friday, May 26, 2017, Russian Orthodox believers line up ton an embankment of the Moskva River o kiss the relics of Saint Nicholas that were brought from an Italian church where they have lain for 930 years, in the Christ the Savior Cathedral in Moscow, Russia. The massive turnout to visit the bone fragments held in a gilded ark underline how strongly the Orthodox Church has become a part of Russians' sense of themselves a quarter-century after the collapse of the officially atheist Soviet Union. (AP Photo/Alexander Zemlianichenko)

In this photo taken on Friday, May 26, 2017, Russian Emergency Situation Ministry Officer prepares tea for Orthodox believers while they line up to kiss the relics of Saint Nicholas that were brought from an Italian church where they have lain for 930 years, in the Christ the Savior Cathedral in Moscow, Russia. The massive turnout to visit the bone fragments held in a gilded ark underline how strongly the Orthodox Church has become a part of Russians' sense of themselves a quarter-century after the collapse of the officially atheist Soviet Union. (AP Photo/Alexander Zemlianichenko)

In this photo taken on Friday, May 26, 2017, Russian police officers secure an area while Orthodox believers line up on an embankment of the Moskva River to kiss the relics of Saint Nicholas that were brought from an Italian church where they have lain for 930 years, in the Christ the Savior Cathedral in Moscow, Russia. The massive turnout to visit the bone fragments held in a gilded ark underline how strongly the Orthodox Church has become a part of Russians' sense of themselves a quarter-century after the collapse of the officially atheist Soviet Union. (AP Photo/Alexander Zemlianichenko)

In this photo taken on Friday, May 26, 2017, Russian Orthodox believers cross the road to line up to kiss the relics of Saint Nicholas that were brought from an Italian church where they have lain for 930 years, in the Christ the Savior Cathedral in Moscow, Russia. The massive turnout to visit the bone fragments held in a gilded ark underline how strongly the Orthodox Church has become a part of Russians' sense of themselves a quarter-century after the collapse of the officially atheist Soviet Union. (AP Photo/Alexander Zemlianichenko)

In this photo taken on Friday, May 26, 2017, Russian Orthodox believers line up to kiss the relics of Saint Nicholas that were brought from an Italian church where they have lain for 930 years, in the Christ the Savior Cathedral in Moscow, Russia. The massive turnout to visit the bone fragments held in a gilded ark underline how strongly the Orthodox Church has become a part of Russians' sense of themselves a quarter-century after the collapse of the officially atheist Soviet Union. (AP Photo/Alexander Zemlianichenko)

In this photo taken on Friday, May 26, 2017, Russian Orthodox believers cross themselves as they line up to kiss the relics of Saint Nicholas that were brought from an Italian church where they have lain for 930 years, in the Christ the Savior Cathedral in Moscow, Russia. The massive turnout to visit the bone fragments held in a gilded ark underline how strongly the Orthodox Church has become a part of Russians' sense of themselves a quarter-century after the collapse of the officially atheist Soviet Union. (AP Photo/Alexander Zemlianichenko

In this photo taken on Tuesday, May 23, 2017, Russian Orthodox believers line up to kiss the relics of Saint Nicholas that were brought from an Italian church where they have lain for 930 years, in the Christ the Savior Cathedral in Moscow, Russia. The massive turnout to visit the bone fragments held in a gilded ark underline how strongly the Orthodox Church has become a part of Russians' sense of themselves a quarter-century after the collapse of the officially atheist Soviet Union. (AP Photo/Alexander Zemlianichenko)

In this photo taken on Friday, May 26, 2017, Russian Orthodox believers kiss the relics of Saint Nicholas that were brought from an Italian church where they have lain for 930 years, in the Christ the Savior Cathedral in Moscow, Russia. The massive turnout to visit the bone fragments held in a gilded ark underline how strongly the Orthodox Church has become a part of Russians' sense of themselves a quarter-century after the collapse of the officially atheist Soviet Union. (AP Photo/Alexander Zemlianichenko)
HONG KONG (AP) - Thousands of Hong Kongers attended a candlelight vigil on Sunday to commemorate victims of the Chinese government's 1989 brutal military crackdown on protesters in Beijing's Tiananmen Square, while Taiwan's president called on Beijing to "face up" to the history.

Hundreds if not thousands of unarmed protesters and onlookers were killed late on June 3 and the early hours of June 4, 1989, after China's communist leaders ordered the military to retake Tiananmen Square from the student-led demonstrators. Commemoration of the events, whether public or private, remains taboo in mainland China.

Taiwanese President Tsai Ing-wen said in posts on Facebook and Twitter that 28 years ago, the actions of students and citizens who challenged the political system in China "inspired a generation."

Tens of thousands of people attend an annual candlelight vigil at Hong Kong's Victoria Park, Sunday, June 4, 2017. Hong Kongers commemorate victims of the Chinese government's brutal military crackdown nearly three decades ago on protesters in 1989 Beijing's Tiananmen Square. (AP Photo/Kin Cheung)

She appealed to Beijing to "face up to June 4 with an open mind" and said Taiwan was willing to share its experiences of transitioning to democracy in the late 1980s to ease the pains of such a transition in the mainland.

"For democracy: some are early, others are late, but we will all get there in the end," Tsai wrote on Twitter.

While mainland Chinese are only dimly aware of what happened at Tiananmen Square nearly three decades ago, the subject is openly discussed in Taiwan, a self-governing island, and Hong Kong, a special Chinese region with much autonomy and legally entrenched freedom of speech and other civil rights unseen on the mainland.

The annual evening vigil in Hong Kong is the only large-scale commemoration on Chinese territory of the Tiananmen bloodshed. Some 110,000 people attended on Sunday, according to organizers, while police estimated the turnout at 18,000. Last year, the numbers were 125,000 and 21,800, respectively.

People held up their lit cellphones - some with pictures of candles showing on the screen - as a band played upbeat songs to rally the crowd and activists gave speeches about the importance of getting young people to attend.

"I don't want this part of history to become blurred," said office worker Emily Yu, 42, who attended the gathering in Victoria Park. "It was really a massacre of people. Those young people came out and did all they could for freedom and democracy but didn't achieve it."

Eloise Wu, 36, who works for a nongovernmental organization, said: "We don't want to let people think we've forgotten, as if with the passing of time it's like, 'Oh, this never really happened.' No. Every year we remember."

In her posts, Taiwanese President Tsai also called on Beijing to allow a pro-democracy activist from Taiwan who was detained in the mainland in March to "come home." Lee Ming-che, detained on suspicion of conducting activities harming China's national security, has previously conducted online lectures on Taiwan's democratization and managed a fund for families of political prisoners in China.

Relations between Beijing and Taiwan have been near an all-time low since Tsai, whose Democratic Progressive Party has advocated for Taiwan's formal independence, took over as president a year ago. Since then, Beijing has cut off contacts with Taiwan's government and discouraged mainlanders from visiting the island as tourists.

The authoritarian Communist Party rulers in Beijing insist that Taiwan and the Chinese mainland are part of a single Chinese nation and have vowed to take control of the island by force if necessary.

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Associated Press writer Louise Watt in Beijing contributed to this report.

Tens of thousands of people attend an annual candlelight vigil at Hong Kong's Victoria Park, Sunday, June 4, 2017. Hong Kongers commemorate victims of the Chinese government's brutal military crackdown nearly three decades ago on protesters in 1989 Beijing's Tiananmen Square. (AP Photo/Kin Cheung)

Tens of thousands of people attend an annual candlelight vigil at Hong Kong's Victoria Park, Sunday, June 4, 2017. Hong Kongers commemorate victims of the Chinese government's brutal military crackdown nearly three decades ago on protesters in 1989 Beijing's Tiananmen Square. (AP Photo/Kin Cheung)

Tens of thousands of people attend an annual candlelight vigil at Hong Kong's Victoria Park, Sunday, June 4, 2017. Hong Kongers commemorate victims of the Chinese government's brutal military crackdown nearly three decades ago on protesters in 1989 Beijing's Tiananmen Square. (AP Photo/Kin Cheung)

Thousands of people attend a candlelight vigil for victims of the Chinese government's brutal military crackdown nearly three decades ago on protesters in Beijing's Tiananmen Square at Victoria Park in Hong Kong Sunday, June 4, 2017. The gathering is the only large-scale commemoration on Chinese territory of the bloodshed 28 years ago. (AP Photo/Vincent Yu)

A statue of Goddess of Democracy is displayed at Hong Kong's Victoria Park, Sunday, June 4, 2017. Thousands of Hong Kongers are expected at a candlelight vigil for victims of the Chinese government's brutal military crackdown nearly three decades ago on protesters in Beijing's Tiananmen Square. (AP Photo/Vincent Yu)

A man walks as wreaths and a banner featuring Tiananmen Square are set up for a candlelight vigil at Hong Kong's Victoria Park, Sunday, June 4, 2017. Thousands of Hong Kongers are expected at a candlelight vigil for victims of the Chinese government's brutal military crackdown nearly three decades ago on protesters in Beijing's Tiananmen Square. (AP Photo/Vincent Yu)
The LDF government had on Wednesday decided to come out with an ordinance to replace the Governor as Chancellor of universities in the state and appoint eminent academicians to that post.
WASHINGTON (AP) - Even members of his own party were quick to declare President Donald Trump's budget plan dead on arrival in Congress last month. And in fact, lawmakers are facing a burst of overdue budget-related work this summer.

Most of what's on the budget agenda probably won't bear much resemblance to Trump's spending plan, which promised deep spending cuts on domestic programs, rapid economic growth, and a balanced federal ledger in a decade.

Instead, they're confronting an increase in the government's borrowing cap, serious problems in advancing annual spending bills, and a smaller set of curbs on domestic benefit programs

FILE - In this May 23, 2017 file photo, copies of President Donald Trump's fiscal 2018 federal budget are seen on Capitol Hill in Washington. Even members of his own party last month were quick to declare President Donald Trump's budget plan dead on arrival. And in fact, Congress faces a burst of overdue budget-related work this summer, most of which probably won't bear much resemblance to Trump's budget, which promised deep spending cuts on domestic programs, rapid economic growth, and a balanced federal ledger in a decade. (AP Photo/Pablo Martinez Monsivais, File)

A look at what's ahead:

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DEBT DILEMMA

Atop the absolute must-do list is raising that borrowing cap, or debt limit. Doing so would avert a disastrous, first-ever default on U.S. obligations.

Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin says Congress should vote to raise the debt limit before leaving Washington for its traditional August recess. Lawmakers once thought they had until the fall to act.

It would be the first increase of Trump's presidency, and responsibility for passing it falls chiefly upon the Republicans who control Congress.

Some conservatives, including White House budget director Mick Mulvaney and the hard-right House Freedom Caucus, want difficult spending cuts paired with the higher cap. If those efforts fail, it's commonly assumed that GOP leaders would have to enlist support from Democrats to pass the legislation.

Republicans secured sweeping spending cuts as the price for a 2011 debt deal with President Barack Obama. But Obama prevailed in demands for a "clean" debt increase in later rounds, most recently in late 2015. House Democratic leader Nancy Pelosi and other top Democrats say they won't go along with a debt bill if Republicans press ahead with deficit-financed tax cuts for the wealthy.

Mnuchin is using a set of accounting maneuvers to keep the government solvent for now.

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SPENDING DEADLOCK

Congress is way behind on the 12 annual spending bills covering the Pentagon and other federal agencies for the upcoming 2018 budget year. Work on those measures, totaling more than $1.1 trillion, was supposed to begin last month, but Republicans have yet to even unite behind a plan of attack - much less execute it.

GOP leaders and the White House must sort through the demands of numerous competing factions, including defense hawks, defenders of domestic spending, and tea party lawmakers. At the same time, they must deal with Democrats, who retain great leverage because their support is needed to advance the legislation.

Trump and his allies generally agree on a big increase for the military, but disagree on corresponding cuts to domestic programs and foreign aid. Democrats are opposed to Trump's cuts - such as those aimed at the Environmental Protection Agency, foreign aid, grants for first responders, economic development and others - and are pressing for domestic increases. A major battle again looms over money for Trump's oft-promised wall along the Mexican border. A government shutdown can't be ruled out when the current budget year end Sept. 30.

One option: GOP and Democratic leaders forge the outlines of an overall agreement, then advance the 12 appropriations bills in a bipartisan fashion. It's a challenging compromise to pull off and would disappoint key factions.

So far the result has been drift. Some insiders predict the only solution is yet another bill that covers the entire government in one shot, but it might not pass until late this year and that may put some agencies on autopilot.

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BUDGET/TAX IMBROGLIO

After health care, the next priority for Republicans is overhauling the tax system. But to do that - at least without turning to Democrats for help - would first require the GOP to pass a blueprint known as a budget resolution. Congress cannot wrap up action on the 2018 plan, however, until efforts to repeal the Obama-era health law are complete.

That resolution would allow for follow-up legislation on taxes and spending, including a recommended cap on annual appropriations bill.

Republicans are eyeing this course as a way to ease passage of a tax overhaul and cuts to benefit programs such as federal employee pensions and food stamps.

But the path ahead is tricky.

Some defense stalwarts are demanding Pentagon increases greater than Trump's, and the White House is pushing lower spending for domestic agency operations.

There are accounting tricks used in Trump's budget, but Republicans cannot resort to using them. That could lead to nonbinding but politically symbolic proposals to cut Medicare, a program Trump says he won't touch.
CINCINNATI (AP) - A white former police officer is being retried in Ohio on murder charges in the fatal shooting of an unarmed black motorist during a 2015 traffic stop in Cincinnati, one of the many cases nationwide that have raised attention to how police deal with blacks.

Jury selection resumes Monday.

Some things to know about the second trial of Ray Tensing in the slaying of the Sam DuBose:

FILE - In this Nov. 11, 2016, file photo, former University of Cincinnati police officer Ray Tensing, center, leaves court during jury deliberations in his murder trial in Cincinnati. Attorneys are expected to start questioning prospective jurors Tuesday, May 30, 2017, for the murder retrial of Tensing, a white police officer who fatally shot an unarmed black motorist in Cincinnati. (AP Photo/John Minchillo, File)

___

WHAT'S DIFFERENT

There's a new presiding judge in the Hamilton County Common Pleas Court trial: Leslie Ghiz, a former city councilwoman. First trial judge Megan Shanahan took herself off the case after a hung jury in November, saying the new trial should have "a blank slate."

The prosecution team has been overhauled, with county Prosecutor Joe Deters and his two assistants in the first trial giving way to Seth Tieger and Stacey DeGraffenreid. Deters said in January they would "bring fresh eyes" to the case while he and the other two prosecutors focus on the re-sentencing of a serial killer.

Ghiz has blocked prosecutors from showing a Great Smoky Mountains T-shirt depicting a Confederate battle flag that Tensing wore under his uniform the day of the shooting. Jurors in the first trial saw a photo of it; Tensing testified he wasn't racist and that the flag on the shirt didn't have any meaning to him. Ghiz ruled its potential prejudicial impact "far outweighed" its evidence value.

___

WHAT'S THE SAME

Tensing, now 27, again faces charges of murder and voluntary manslaughter. Jurors must decide that he purposely killed DuBose, 43, to convict him of murder, a charge that carries a possible sentence of 15 years to life in prison. The voluntary manslaughter charge means the killing happened during sudden passion or a fit of rage, carrying a possible sentence of three to 11 years.

Some legal experts have said prosecutors should have also given jurors the option of a lesser charge to consider such as reckless homicide or negligent homicide. Deters said in a recent interview with WCPO-TV he thinks the judge might do that in this trial.

Cincinnati attorney Stewart Mathews continues to lead Tensing's defense.

___

JURY SELECTION

The first trial jury consisted of six white males, four white females and two black females. The president of the Black Lawyers Association of Cincinnati, Donyetta Bailey, has been critical of the jury selection, saying prosecutors should have been more thorough in questioning and excluded some jurors who had expressed indicators of racial bias on juror questionnaires.

Some critics also pointed to the lack of black male jurors. A little more than a quarter of the county's population is black.

Although Deters said the second trial should be moved to get jurors away from intense local interest, Ghiz said it was in everyone's best interests to keep it in Cincinnati. She imposed a gag order, and has been embroiled in a legal battle with news media organizations including The Associated Press over coverage restrictions.

Mathews on Friday also asked for a change of venue, criticizing "a circus-like atmosphere."

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KEY ISSUE

Tensing testified he feared he was going to be run over and killed as DuBose tried to drive away after he stopped him for a missing front license plate. Mathews said DuBose tried to use his vehicle as "a deadly weapon."

Prosecutors said that evidence, including Tensing's own body camera footage, countered his claim, and that there was no reason to shoot DuBose in the head from close range.

Jurors across the United States have shown a tendency to give police officers the benefit of the doubt for decisions to use deadly force under pressure.

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Follow Dan Sewell at http://www.twitter.com/dansewell
SACRAMENTO, Calif. (AP) - In a story June 4 about the high cost of California prisons, The Associated Press reported erroneously that the Vera Institute of Justice is headquartered in Washington, D.C. The institute has an office there but is based in New York City.

A corrected version of the story is below:

What can $75,560 get you in California? A prison cell

California Gov. Jerry Brown's spending plan projects it will cost a record $75,560 to imprison each of the state's 130,000 inmates over the next year

By DON THOMPSON

Associated Press

SACRAMENTO, Calif. (AP) - The cost of imprisoning each of California's 130,000 inmates is expected to reach a record $75,560 in the next year, enough to cover the annual cost of attending Harvard University and still have plenty left over for pizza and beer.

The price for each inmate has doubled since 2005, even as court orders related to overcrowding have reduced the population by about one-quarter. Salaries and benefits for prison guards and medical providers drove much of the increase.

The result is a per-inmate cost that is the nation's highest and $2,000 above tuition, fees, room and board, and other expenses to attend Harvard.

Gov. Jerry Brown's spending plan for the fiscal year that starts July 1 includes a record $11.4 billion for the corrections department while also predicting that there will be 11,500 fewer inmates in four years because voters in November approved earlier releases for many inmates.

Since 2015, California's per-inmate costs have surged nearly $10,000, or about 13 percent. New York is a distant second in overall costs at about $69,000.

Critics say with fewer inmates, the costs should be falling.

"Now that we're incarcerating less, we haven't ramped the system back down," said Chris Hoene, executive director of the left-leaning California Budget & Policy Center.

For example, the corrections department has one employee for every two inmates, compared with one employee for roughly every four inmates in 1994.

California was sued for overcrowding, and to comply with a federal court-imposed population cap, the Brown administration now keeps most lower-level offenders in county jails instead of state prisons. Additionally, voters in 2014 reduced penalties for drug and property crimes and last fall approved the earlier releases.

Republican state Sen. Jim Nielsen said reformers falsely promised a "prison dividend" from savings related to the changes. Instead, there's now an uptick in many crimes and he's worried it will lead to an influx of new inmates that will cost more to house.

Joan Petersilia, co-director of the Stanford Criminal Justice Center, said it was "highly predictable" that per-inmate costs would increase even as the population decreased.

"We released all the low-risk, kind of low-need and we kept in the high-risk, high-need," she said.

California is not alone. The Vera Institute of Justice, a New York City-based reform group, said California is one of 10 states that reduced its inmate population only to see prison spending rise.

California Department of Finance spokesman H.D. Palmer said the state faces unique pressures, including federal oversight of prison health care that has driven up costs and remote prisons that are more expensive to operate.

Real savings won't come unless the inmate population drops so low that the state can start closing prisons, said Drew Soderborg, a criminal justice analyst with the nonpartisan Legislative Analyst's Office.

But the federal population cap makes it difficult to do that without exceeding crowding limits in individual prisons.

"As we continue to reduce the overall population, we are able to achieve savings," Palmer said. "But there are a few things that are pushing cost pressures in the other direction," led by employee compensation and retirement.

The California Correctional Peace Officers Association is in the middle of a contract that will cost taxpayers more than $1 billion over three years.

California's average $70,020 wage for prison and jail guards was topped only by New Jersey's $71,430 last year, according to the federal Bureau of Labor Statistics.

Palmer said the contract includes concessions that Brown sought to help reduce the state's long-term costs of providing retirees' health care benefits.

But the contract also includes sweeteners like more money for working in remote prisons. And what had been a $1,560 annual incentive for remaining physically fit now goes directly into officers' base pay.

The union will work with lawmakers to try to trim the budget, spokeswoman Nichol Gomez said in an email, but she noted that the more serious, longer-term inmates that remain carry higher costs.

"Vocational, academic, mental health and medical programs are not cheap, but we're doing our best to provide programs that give people the best chance to succeed once released," she said.
ROCHFORD, S.D. (AP) - A Canadian company wants to move its search for gold almost 40 miles northwest from its current location in Keystone.

The Rapid City Journal (http://bit.ly/2qH9Z1L ) reports that Mineral Mountain Resources wants to drill up to 120 exploratory wells near Rochford. The community was a gold-mining hub in the late 1800s.

The company's plan says no drill hole will go deeper than 4,000 feet. The company doesn't anticipate any contact with aquifers.

The South Dakota Department of Environment and Natural Resources is reviewing the plan. Agency engineer Roberta Hudson says the company may receive a permit by mid-June.

Company CEO Nelson Baker says the company may return to Keystone if market conditions improve.

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Information from: Rapid City Journal, http://www.rapidcityjournal.com
BEIRUT (AP) - Syrian government forces pounded parts of the southern city of Daraa with air strikes and artillery fire, activists reported Sunday, one day after rebels attacked government positions in the southern city.

Much of Daraa has been reduced to rubble and the two sides are exchanging fire through the shells of buildings, according to footage released by Syrian military media and the al-Qaida-linked Abaa News Agency over the weekend.

Local opposition activist Ahmad al-Masalmeh recorded 90 missile and bomb strikes by government forces by the afternoon. Syrian military media footage showed clouds of smoke and dust rising over the city.

At least 31 fighters have been killed in the clashes since late Friday, with fatalities distributed nearly evenly between the two sides, according to the Britain-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights monitoring group.

The fighting has underscored the frailty of the "de-escalation" agreement brokered by Russia, Turkey, and Iran one month ago. The three powers are supposed to guarantee cease-fires across four zones in Syria, including Daraa. Russia said it would delineate the four zones by Sunday, but no announcement has yet been made.

Earlier in the weekend, rebels, including al-Qaida-linked fighters, attacked government and allied positions in the city's Manshiyeh district.

"The regime sent 200 of its men to Manshiyeh yesterday. The fighters were afraid of an operation, so they attacked first," al-Masalmeh told The Associated Press.

Casualties could not be independently verified, but a rebel operations room said several Hezbollah fighters had been killed. The Lebanese militant group has deployed thousands of its fighters to Syria in support of President Bashar Assad's forces.

The Observatory said at least three different parts of the city came under rocket and missile attack by government forces on Sunday, and that rebels returned fire.

Syrian military media distributed footage showing its planes and artillery striking built up areas.

The government and its allies have sent reinforcements to the city, including at least seven tanks and 20 other armed vehicles, according to al-Masalmeh, who said rebels could see the government's troop movements on the highway connecting Daraa to Damascus.

Daraa saw some of the earliest demonstrations against the Assad family's four-decade rule in 2011. A violent government crackdown and the rise of an armed insurgency eventually plunged the country into civil war.

The fighting has displaced half of Syria's population and claimed some 400,000 lives.

Daraa's population was around 100,000 before the war.

Elsewhere in Syria, the U.S.-backed Syrian Democratic Forces reported capturing a third dam from Islamic State militants on the Euphrates River in the north on Sunday as they approached Raqqa, the militants' de facto capital. A spokeswoman for the SDF said Saturday the group would launch its battle for Raqqa "within days."

The Kurdish-led group aims to establish an autonomous zone along the Turkish border.
NEW YORK (AP) - Sen. Al Franken looked out on hundreds of publishers and booksellers gathered for their annual national convention, BookExpo, and summed up the news of the time.

"Oy."

"Say it with me, 'Oy,'" repeated Franken, author of the best-selling memoir about his years in Washington, "Al Franken: Giant of the Senate," and a liberal hero during the Donald Trump administration.

The laughter, nervous and restrained, wasn't only about politics.

The publishing industry, which from Wednesday-Sunday met for BookExpo and the fan-based BookCon at the Jacob K. Javits Convention Center, is anxious to remain stable during an otherwise turbulent moment. Sales of printed books are up modestly for the year so far, independent booksellers continue to expand after decades of shutting down, audiobooks are soaring and the e-book market has softened to where few talk anymore of the death of words on paper.

"When digital books were new, they were the shining penny. Everybody enjoyed them and bought stuff they never actually read," said Simon & Schuster CEO Carolyn Reidy. "The idea that everyone's only going to read digital has kind of faded away."

But Trump's election and the ceaseless headlines before and after have unsettled the literary community even if the president himself has spared it the scorn he's given journalists and celebrities like Alec Baldwin and Meryl Streep. He has yet to tweet about "overrated Toni Morrison," who has assailed him as a symbol of white entitlement, or labeled Penguin Random House "failing" for releasing such popular anti-Trump works as Timothy Snyder's "On Tyranny."

Publishers and booksellers say the unpredictable Republican president has opened a bull market for warnings of dystopia, whether Snyder's book or George Orwell's "1984," while disrupting the reading public's concentration and making it hard to know what will sell in the future.

Becky Anderson, owner of Anderson's Bookshop in Naperville, Illinois, said she noticed "weird little dips" in sales whenever the news was especially eventful, as if customers were "too glued to MSNBC" to think about books. Hachette Book Group CEO Michael Pietsch also believes that business has been hurt.

"People are transfixed by their newsfeed," he said. "People are reading on their phones and on their screens in a way that I think is usurping some book reading."

Convention attendees heard from numerous authors and public figures affected by Trump's election. At a lunch hosted by Hachette, Jenna Bush Hager and Barbara Pierce Bush explained how Trump's win helped motivate them to collaborate on the memoir "Sisters First," an October release the twin daughters of former President George W. Bush hope will have a positive message for women.

Louise Erdrich, speaking at a HarperCollins dinner, recalled how Trump's win drove her to take another look at a novel she had set aside years earlier, "Future Home of the Living God." The book, coming out this fall, tells of a society in which women's rights and democracy itself are endangered.

And the convention's most prominent guest would surely have been elsewhere if the 2016 campaign turned out as expected. Hillary Clinton, whom Trump defeated in November, spoke at an event hall jammed with cheering book-sellers as she discussed an essay collection she will release this September and what's she been doing over the past few months.

Interviewed on stage by "Wild" author Cheryl Strayed, Clinton said that one way she consoled herself was by reading some good mysteries, naming such favorite authors as Louise Penny and Donna Leon.

"It was very comforting because it (solving the crime) was somebody else's problem," she said.

Attendees otherwise anticipated such upcoming works as Dan Brown's "Origin," Jennifer Egan's "Manhattan Beach" and a debut novel, Gabriel Tallent's "My Absolute Darling," that has been praised by Stephen King and National Book Award winner Phil Klay among others. They also speculated about BookExpo.

Square footage for the show has shrunk noticeably in recent years and the large gaps on the convention floor at times gave BookExpo the look of an idled factory. Publishers have wondered for years whether the convention was necessary in the Internet Age, when deals once negotiated at BookExpo are now accomplished online.

"BookExpo doesn't need to be noisy, it needs to be focused," said BookExpo event director Brien McDonald, who cited "the ability to build buzz" and the chance to network as reasons to continue with the trade show.

It returns to New York in 2018.

Meanwhile, BookCon looked to a busy and happy future. Thousands of young readers, some literally jumping up and down in excitement, filled the Javits center over the weekend. They took in talks by Jeff Kinney and R.J. Palacio among others, stood in long lines for autographs and befriended fellow attendees.

Emily Frashure and teen daughter Lara, residents of Derwood, Maryland, left home early Saturday and drove for hours so they could celebrate Lara's birthday at BookCon and meet such favorite authors as Marissa Meyer. Three high school students from Great Barrington, Massachusetts, started their day before dawn and by mid-morning Saturday had purchased signed copies of Rainbow Rowell's "Carry On."

"I'm a huge book nerd," said one student, Eliza K., who declined to give her full last name. "There are so many authors that I love so much, all in the same place, that I can just go to in one day. It's just a giant day of love."
GRAND JUNCTION, Colo. (AP) - A Mexican national suspected in a 1989 slaying in Colorado can be put on trial in the United States, even though he was acquitted of the same killing in Mexico, a U.S. judge ruled.

The judge said trying Rafael "Shorty" Aguilar Garcia on a first-degree murder charge would not violate the U.S. Constitution's prohibition of double jeopardy, the Grand Junction Daily Sentinel newspaper reported Sunday (http://bit.ly/2qNNsOx ).

Garcia, now 67, is accused of fatally shooting Charles Porter in the western Colorado town of Palisade. Authorities said it appeared to be a love-triangle dispute.

Garcia returned to Mexico before he could be arrested and was apprehended there in 2009.

The Mexican government is reluctant to extradite citizens charged with serious crimes in U.S. states such as Colorado that allow the death penalty, so it put Garcia on trial in Mexican Federal District Court. Despite the assistance of prosecutors from Colorado, Garcia was found not guilty in 2012.

Authorities learned last year that Garcia had returned to Colorado. Authorities said he was in the U.S. legally, although the reason for his return was not clear.

The original arrest warrant on suspicion of murder was still valid, and he was arrested.

Garcia's lawyers contend that trying him in the U.S. after he was acquitted in Mexico amounts to double jeopardy because prosecutors in Mesa County, which includes Palisade, requested Mexican authorities put him on trial and helped with the prosecution.

Mesa County District Judge Lance Timbreza disagreed, saying Mexico was an independent authority and had not acted merely as a part of Colorado government.

He said there was no dispute that Colorado authorities had requested the trial and helped Mexican authorities.

"The request and cooperation, however, are not the sources of Mexico's power to prosecute. The source of Mexico's power is Article IV of its own penal code. A penal code adopted by the People of Mexico is the source of authorities," Timbreza said.

Garcia is next scheduled to appear in court on Aug. 16.
The opening races in the America's Cup challenger semifinals on Bermuda's Great Sound were postponed Sunday because the wind didn't reach the required six knots for the foiling 50-foot catamarans to race in.

Regatta director Iain Murray says the forecast looks better for Monday.

Two races are scheduled in each of the matchups, between Emirates Team New Zealand and Britain's Land Rover BAR, and Sweden's Artemis Racing and SoftBank Team Japan.

The winners of the best-of-nine series will meet for the right to face two-time defending champion Oracle Team USA in the America's Cup match beginning June 17.
WILSON, N.C. (AP) - The Latest on a North Carolina man accused of killing his wife and father (all times local):

3:30 p.m.

A North Carolina man is being held in California on a murder charge after authorities say he killed his wife and father, left his young child locked in the bedroom of the home they all shared and escaped on a West Coast flight.

Multiple media outlets reported 38-year-old Michael Allen Joyner of Wilson was being held Sunday in Los Angeles after his arrest on two counts of murder. Wilson County Sheriff Calvin Woodard says Joyner used an ax to kill his father Dennis and wife, Michelle.

Detectives were called to check on the family after Dennis Joyner didn't show up for work on Friday. Officers found the two adults on the floor and a toddler alone in a bedroom.

Authorities found Joyner's car at Raleigh-Durham International Airport.

___

11:50 a.m.

Authorities say a North Carolina man may have escaped on a West Coast flight after killing his wife and father and leaving his young child locked in the bedroom of the home they all shared.

The Wilson County Sheriff's Office said it's charged 38-year-old Michael Allen Joyner with two counts of murder. Authorities found his car at the Raleigh-Durham International Airport and think he hopped a flight to Los Angeles, California.

Detectives were called to check on the family after Joyner's father, Dennis, didn't show up for work on Friday. Officers found him and the suspect's wife, Michelle, on the floor. The surviving toddler's name, age and gender weren't released.

Michael Joyner is 5 feet 7 inches tall, weighs about 175 pounds and has brown hair and brown eyes.
DETROIT (AP) - In the wake of Britain's third major attack in three months, Prime Minister Theresa May called on governments to form international agreements to prevent the spread of extremism online.

Here's a look at extremism on the web, what's being done to stop it and what could come next.

Q. What are technology companies doing to make sure extremist videos and other terrorist content doesn't spread across the internet?

The Union flag flies at half mast in Whitehall, central London, Sunday June 4, 2017, after Saturday night's terrorist incident on London Bridge and at Borough Market. Several people were killed in the terror attack at the heart of London and dozens injured. Prime Minister Theresa May convened an emergency security cabinet session Sunday to deal with the crisis. (Stefan Rousseau/PA via AP)

A. Internet companies use technology plus teams of human reviewers to flag and remove posts from people who engage in extremist activity or express support for terrorism.

Google, for example, says it employs thousands of people to fight abuse on its platforms. Google's YouTube service removes any video that has hateful content or incites violence, and its software prevents the video from ever being reposted. YouTube says it removed 92 million videos in 2015; 1 percent were removed for terrorism or hate speech violations.

Facebook, Microsoft, Google and Twitter teamed up late last year to create a shared industry database of unique digital fingerprints for images and videos that are produced by or support extremist organizations. Those fingerprints help the companies identify and remove extremist content. After the attack on Westminster Bridge in London in March, tech companies also agreed to form a joint group to accelerate anti-terrorism efforts.

Twitter says in the last six months of 2016, it suspended a total of 376,890 accounts for violations related to the promotion of extremism. Three-quarters of those were found through Twitter's internal tools; just 2 percent were taken down because of government requests, the company says.

Facebook says it alerts law enforcement if it sees a threat of an imminent attack or harm to someone. It also seeks out potential extremist accounts by tracing the "friends" of an account that has been removed for terrorism.

Q. Why are technology companies clashing with governments over extremist communications?

A. Since Edward Snowden's 2013 disclosures about National Security Agency surveillance, several tech companies have started encrypting - that is, scrambling them to thwart spies - instant messages and other data so tightly that even the companies can't read them. Governments are not happy about that.

After the 2015 mass shooting in San Bernardino, California, and again after the Westminster Bridge attack, the U.S. and U.K. governments sought access to encrypted messages exchanged by extremists who carried out the attacks. Apple and Facebook's WhatsApp refused, noting that they didn't hold the keys needed to unscramble such messages. Both governments eventually found other ways to get the information they wanted.

Some in government - including former FBI Director James Comey and Democratic Sen. Dianne Feinstein of California - have argued that the inability to access encrypted data is a threat to security. Feinstein has introduced a bill to force companies to give the government so-called "backdoor" access to encrypted data so that investigators could read messages on these services.

Q. Shouldn't tech companies be forced to share encrypted information if it could protect national security?

A. Weakening encryption won't make people safer, says Richard Forno, who directs the graduate cybersecurity program at the University of Maryland, Baltimore County. Terrorists will simply take their communications deeper underground by developing their own cyber channels or even reverting to paper notes sent by couriers, he said.

"It's playing whack-a-mole," he said. "The bad guys are not constrained by the law. That's why they're bad guys."

Building backdoors into encryption could also weaken it in ways that hackers, criminals and foreign agents could exploit. That could potentially jeopardize all sorts of vital data, from personal communications and documents to bank accounts, credit card transactions, medical history and other information that people want to keep private.

But Erik Gordon, a professor of law and business at the University of Michigan, says society has sometimes determined that the government can intrude in ways it might not normally, as in times of war. He says laws may eventually be passed requiring companies to share encrypted data if police obtain a warrant from a judge.

"If we get to the point where we say, 'Privacy is not as important as staying alive,' I think there will be some setup which will allow the government to breach privacy," he said.

Q. Is it really the tech companies' job to police the internet and remove content?

A. Tech companies have accepted that this is part of their mission. In a Facebook post earlier this year, CEO Mark Zuckerberg said the company was developing artificial intelligence so its computers can tell the difference between news stories about terrorism and terrorist propaganda. "This is technically difficult as it requires building AI that can read and understand news, but we need to work on this to help fight terrorism worldwide," Zuckerberg said.

But Gordon says internet companies may not go far enough, since they need users in order to sell ads.

"Think of the hateful stuff that is said. How do you draw the line? And where the line gets drawn determines how much money they make," he said.

Others say the focus on tech companies and their responsibilities is misplaced. Ross Anderson, a professor of security engineering at the University of Cambridge, says blaming Facebook or Google for the spread of terrorism is like blaming the mail system or the phone company for Irish Republican Army violence 30 years ago. Instead of working together to censor the internet, Anderson says, governments and companies should work together to share information more quickly.

Former Secretary of State John Kerry also worries about placing too much blame on the internet instead of the underlying causes of violence.

"The bottom line is that in too many places, in too many parts of the world, you've got a large gap between governance and people and between the opportunities those people have," Kerry said Sunday on NBC's "Meet the Press."

A person, centre, is led away at an address in Barking, east London, during a police operation Sunday June 4, 2017, following Saturday night's terrorist incident at London Bridge. Several people were killed in the terror attack at the heart of London and dozens injured. Prime Minister Theresa May convened an emergency security cabinet session Sunday to deal with the crisis. (Stefan Rousseau/PA via AP)

An armed Police officer looks through his weapon on London Bridge in London, Saturday, June 3, 2017. British police said they were dealing with "incidents" on London Bridge and nearby Borough Market in the heart of the British capital Saturday, as witnesses reported a vehicle veering off the road and hitting several pedestrians. (Dominic Lipinski/PA via AP)

London Bridge, left, and The Shard are seen following an attack in central London, Saturday, June 3, 2017. Terrorism struck at the heart of London, police said Sunday, after a vehicle veered off the road and mowed down pedestrians on London Bridge and gunshots rang out amid reports of knife attacks at nearby Borough Market. (Yui Mok/PA via AP)

Police sniffer dogs on London Bridge after an incident in central London, Saturday, June 3, 2017. British police said they were dealing with "incidents" on London Bridge and nearby Borough Market in the heart of the British capital Saturday, as witnesses reported a vehicle veering off the road and hitting several pedestrians. (Dominic Lipinski/PA via AP)
New Zealand have suffered two further injury scares ahead of the fast-approaching three-Test series against the British and Irish Lions.

Full-back Ben Smith failed a Head Injury Assessment (HIA) and Ryan Crotty picked up a suspected rib cartilage issue in the Crusaders thrilling 25-22 Super Rugby victory over the Highlanders.

Mitch Hunts snap overtime drop-goal stole victory for the Crusaders who had trailed for much of the second half, with the Canterbury men just securing their 14th win in 14 regular-season matches.

New Zealand's Ben Smith failed a Head Injury Assessment (HIA) (David Davies/PA)

Highlanders star Smith landed awkwardly and straight onto his face from a tap-tackle, and did not return after a head-injury check.

Playmaking centre Crotty was also unable to continue after a heavy hit that left him in clear pain.

The All Blacks are already sweating over the fitness of star hooker Dane Coles, who continues to battle concussion concerns. Coles Hurricanes boss Chris Boyd has admitted the 30-year-old remains a serious doubt for the Super Rugby clash with the Chiefs on June 9.

The All Blacks will host Samoa in a warm-up Test on June 16, before the Lions series kicks off on June 24.

Experienced number eight Kieran Read is also yet to prove his fitness following a broken thumb, but continues to hope he can be ready to start the Lions series.
Six people have died and many more injured in terror attacks using a van and knives on Saturday night.

Three attackers, wearing hoax explosive vests, were shot and killed by police.

At least 48 people have been taken to five hospitals following the incidents at London Bridge and Borough Market in London.

We have taken 48 patients to hospital following the incident at #LondonBridge https://t.co/hCiKVCBrnb pic.twitter.com/5ipl5vtcTB  London Ambulance Service  (@Ldn_Ambulance) June 4, 2017

A van is reported to have ploughed into pedestrians on the bridge and people were reportedly stabbed at the popular food market in south London.

An on-duty British Transport Police officer received serious injuries including head, face and leg wounds, as he responded to calls for help from the public, Scotland Yard said.

Emergency services were seen treating people lying injured at the junction of Thrale Street and Southwark Street, near Borough Market.

My statement on the cowardly terrorist attack in London tonight: https://t.co/7GYYdImIU8

Please continue to follow @metpoliceuk for updates pic.twitter.com/xxTbH2o2JN  Sadiq Khan (@SadiqKhan) June 4, 2017

British Transport Police said there were reports of multiple casualties but that the seriousness of the injuries was not yet known.

An image shared by a photographer on social media showed a man on the ground with what appeared to be grey canisters around his waist by the Wheatsheaf pub in Borough.

Prime Minister Theresa May said she was being updated by officials on the fast-moving situation, adding: I can confirm that the terrible incident in London is being treated as a potential act of terrorism.

She will chair a meeting of the Governments Cobra emergency committee on Sunday, No 10 said.

A stabbing at nearby Vauxhall was unrelated, the Met added.

Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn tweeted: Brutal and shocking incidents reported in London. My thoughts are with the victims and their families. Thank you to the emergency services.

Police were called to London Bridge at 22.08pm.

British Transport Police said there were reports of multiple casualties following the major incident on London Bridge.

Info available at this stage: from 2208hrs officers responded to reports of a vehicle in collision with pedestrians on #London Bridge. 1/3  Metropolitan Police (@metpoliceuk) June 3, 2017

Officers have then responded to reports of stabbings in #BoroughMarket. Armed officers responded and shots have been fired. 2/3  Metropolitan Police (@metpoliceuk) June 3, 2017

Officers are now responding to an incident in the #Vauxhall area. 3/3  Metropolitan Police (@metpoliceuk) June 3, 2017

Witnesses described seeing a speeding vehicle veer into crowds on the bridge, while video showed dozens of people with their hands on their heads escorted away from the scene by officers.

At Borough market, which in the evenings is busy with bars, witnesses said they saw a man with a large blade.

Armed police at Borough High St cordon. Uniform police telling everyone: "You are not getting anywhere near London Bridge at the moment." pic.twitter.com/z48XrYBGg3  Ryan Hooper (@RyanJHooper) June 3, 2017

White House press secretary Sean Spicer said US president Donald Trump had been briefed on the incident by his national security team.

The Metropolitan Police advised people caught up in the incidents to RUN  to a place of safety. This is a better option than to surrender or negotiate. If theres nowhere to go then

HIDE  turn your phone to silent and turn off vibrate. Barricade yourself in if you can.

TELL  the police by calling 999 when it is safe to do so.

London Bridge and Borough stations closed due to ongoing incident. Please avoid area.



Updates from @metpoliceuk  British Transport Police (@BTP) June 3, 2017

Holly Jones, a BBC reporter at the bridge when the incident happened, said a van had swerved off the road into a crowd of pedestrians.

A white van driver came speeding - probably about 50mph - veered of the road into the crowds of people who were walking along the pavement, she told BBC News.

He swerved right round me and then hit about five or six people. He hit about two people in front of me and then three behind.

Police officers have surrounded London Bridge

Id say there are about four severely injured people. They all have paramedics assisting them at the moment.

Multiple resources attending an incident at #LondonBridge, please avoid the area. Only call 999 in an emergency.  @metpoliceuk for updates  LAS Resilience Team (@LAS_TacAdvisor) June 3, 2017

Ms Jones said police were on the scene within two minutes, quickly followed by ambulances.

Police boats were searching the river - apparently looking for people who may have been thrown off the bridge.

Busy at Elephant and Castle, two stops short of London Bridge on the Northern Line pic.twitter.com/SeS0cNv6ta  Ryan Hooper (@RyanJHooper) June 3, 2017

A taxi driver called Chris told LBC said he saw men armed with foot-long knives after a van drove on to the pavement.

Announcement on the Northern Line re #LondonBridge - @TfL say tube not stopping at Borough or LB for time being pic.twitter.com/l03W8vhLpm  Ryan Hooper (@RyanJHooper) June 3, 2017

He told the station: I didnt see the van mount the kerb but I saw everything else.

A van came from London Bridge itself, went between the traffic light system and rammed it towards the steps. It knocked loads of people down.

Then three men got out with long blades, 12 inches long and went randomly along Borough High Street stabbing people at random. I saw a young girl stabbed in the chest.

Armed police are on Borough High Street after an incident around London Bridge

One witness reported having seen a van crashed into a lamppost after the bridge by the Barrowboy and Banker pub.

She added: Just trying to get away at the moment. There are no trains leaving so were just panicking a little.

Will Orton, 25, told the Press Association: We were in the Sheaf pub. Basically lots of people came running inside, we didnt really know what was going on.

We thought maybe there was a fight or something outside. And then there were almost hundreds of people coming inside.
London Mayor Sadiq Khan has hit back at Donald Trump, after the US president accused him of suggesting that people should not be alarmed by terror attacks on the capital

In a series of tweets the morning after the London Bridge atrocity, Mr Trump said it was time to stop being politically correct, adding: At least seven dead and 48 wounded in terror attack and Mayor of London says there is no reason to be alarmed!'

But a spokesman for Mr Khan branded the comment ill-informed and said the president had deliberately taken out of context remarks made by the mayor to reassure people about the increased police presence in the wake of the attack.

Donald Trump

Speaking on the BBC, Mr Khan made clear that he was advising Londoners and visitors not to be concerned by the presence of additional armed police officers on the streets of the capital in the days to come, and not playing down anxieties about the attack itself.

My message to Londoners and visitors to our great city is to be calm and vigilant today, Mr Khan said.

You will see an increased police presence today, including armed officers and uniformed officers. There is no reason to be alarmed by this.

In response, Mr Trump tweeted: We must stop being politically correct and get down to the business of security for our people. If we dont get smart it will only get worse.

He then tweeted a few minutes later: At least 7 dead and 48 wounded in terror attack and Mayor of London says there is no reason to be alarmed!'

And he took an opportunity to defend his own resistance to gun control in the US, saying: Do you notice we are not having a gun debate right now? Thats because they used knives and a truck!

A spokesman for Mr Khan later said: The mayor is busy working with the police, emergency services and the Government to co-ordinate the response to this horrific and cowardly terrorist attack and provide leadership and reassurance to Londoners and visitors to our city.

He has more important things to do than respond to Donald Trumps ill-informed tweet that deliberately takes out of context his remarks urging Londoners not to be alarmed when they saw more police  including armed officers  on the streets.
Russia has denounced North Koreas nuclear ambitions as a direct threat to the country.

It is not only a ballistic missile defence system  it has real function, said Deputy Defence Minister Alexander Fomin.

That is why it is alarming. And it is a direct threat to Russia. We are convinced that it will increase the tensions of the region. That is our principal position.

Deputy Defence Minister #Fomin took part in XVI International conference Shangri-La Dialogue https://t.co/n7boV0AP1v pic.twitter.com/NLeqo8iMPJ    (@mod_russia) June 4, 2017

Mr Fomin spoke at the Shangri-La Dialogue, an international security conference in Singapore attended by defence ministers and experts from 39 countries, including US Defence Secretary Jim Mattis.

Russia borders North Korea and saw one of Pyongyangs missiles land close to its waters. But it differs from the US and its allies on how to rein in the Norths rapidly escalating nuclear and ballistic missile programme.

Backing fresh sanctions on North Korea, Russias deputy UN ambassador Vladimir Safronkov stressed in June that the choice here has to be made in favour of using diplomatic tools to the maximum extent possible.

Jim Mattis (Joseph Nair/AP)

But Mr Fomin had similar sentiments. Economical restrictions should be a kind of tool to invoke North Korea to a peaceful process of resolving the dispute and conflict, and not to once again deteriorate the economic solution in North Korea, he said.

Addressing the South China Sea conflict, Mr Fomin chose his words carefully.

All states involved in territorial disagreements in the South China Sea need to adhere to the principle of the non-use of force, he said.

China  a Russian ally  has pitted itself against its smaller neighbours in claiming disputed islands, coral reefs and lagoons in the South China Sea.
Olivier Giroud has dismissed speculation linking him with a move away from Arsenal and targeted winning the Premier League title with the Gunners.

Giroud, 30, found his playing time reduced this past season as many of his 40 appearances for Arsenal came as a substitute  including a late cameo in the FA Cup final victory over Chelsea last week.

But the former Montpellier striker told French television show Telefoot he is not interested in a return to Ligue 1 at this time.

Olivier Giroud has struggled for first-team football this season

 Scores a perfect hat-trick

 First to score a hat-trick for @equipedefrance in 17 years

 16 goals in last 16 starts for #NaNaNaNaa pic.twitter.com/S2M0vCrVPh  Arsenal (@Arsenal) June 2, 2017

I am not insensitive to the approaches of the French clubs and especially that of Marseille, he said. But my future is in the Premier League. I still have titles to win. After the FA Cup, we will go for the league title. Thats my goal.

Giroud was often overlooked this past season as Arsene Wenger preferred to play Alexis Sanchez in a central role, but the Chilean continues to be linked with a move away this summer.

Wenger ended speculation about his own future earlier this week by signing a new two-year contract to remain in charge at The Emirates.
Rafael Nadal produced another dominant display to race into his 11th French Open quarter-final.

The title favourite maintained his record of never having lost to another Spaniard at Roland Garros with a 6-1 6-2 6-2 victory over 17th seed Roberto Bautista Agut.

Nadal, who lost just one game in beating Nikoloz Basilashvili in round three, has dropped only 20 games in the tournament so far.

Rafael Nadal

That is one more than his best-ever record over four rounds, set here in 2012.

Nadal, who celebrated his 31st birthday on Saturday, has looked supremely confident with his forehand this tournament and it was the same again.

He hit 31 winners in the match compared to just 12 for Bautista Agut and clinched victory after an hour and 50 minutes.

Thank you all for you birthday wishes. Here's a pic with the amazing people in @rolandgarros pic.twitter.com/LstDgXcNxD  Rafa Nadal (@RafaelNadal) June 3, 2017

Eighth seed Kei Nishikori looked in trouble against young Korean Chung Hyeon when rain stopped play on Saturday, but recovered to win in five sets.

Nishikori had been two sets up but Chung fought back and was 3-0 up in the fourth when play was called off.

The 21-year-old went on to win that set to love but Nishikori hit back to triumph 7-5 6-4 6-7 (4/7) 0-6 6-4 and next meets Fernando Verdasco.

He said: I think the rain helps me a lot, because I was really down in the fourth set and mentally I wasnt ready. I knew I had to change something to beat him today, so I think I made some adjustments to make it a little better than yesterday.

Russian Karen Khachanov became the youngest man to reach the fourth round at Roland Garros  since Marin Cilic in 2009  by defeating John Isner.

The 21-year-old won the opening set on Saturday and defused Isners big serve to win 7-6 (7/1) 6-3 6-7 (5/7) 7-6 (7/3).
The body of Manchester terror victim Eilidh MacLeod has been repatriated to the Outer Hebrides ahead of the first funeral to come from the attack.

A small chartered plane landed at Traigh Mhor beach runway on the remote island of Barra with the 14-year-olds coffin at 12.45pm on Sunday. Her parents Roddy and Marion were on board.

Eilidh was among 22 people who died in the terrorist attack at the Ariana Grande concert on Monday May 22, which also left dozens injured.

Eilidh MacLeod's funeral will take place on Monday (PA)

Her friend Laura MacIntyre, a fellow pupil at Castlebay Community School on the island, was also seriously injured in the bombing at Manchester Arena. The 15-year-old is still in hospital in Manchester.

On arrival of the plane, Fr John Paul MacKinnon performed a blessing over the casket, which was draped in the green and white flag of Barra.

A procession of six firefighters and two other groups of men relayed the coffin, at waist height, 70 yards across the sandy shallow bay to the hearse.

Piper Duncan Nicholson led the procession (Andrew Milligan/PA)

Piper Duncan Nicholson, son of Eilidhs piping tutor Donald Patrick Nicholson, led the procession with three slow airs she had been learning. They were Mull of the Mountain, Sine Bhan and Leaving Ireland.

Donald Patrick, 76, who taught her since she was eight years old, said: She was brilliant, a fantastic girl. Its devastating. Ive known her since she was in primary school. She was absolutely great, brilliant  a fantastic girl. You couldnt get better.

Roddy and Marion MacLeod accompanied their daughter's body home to Barra (Andrew Milligan/PA)

When the coffin was lifted into the hearse, Eilidhs parents and two sisters walked across the beach to follow in a black car.

Her body was taken to the family home in Castlebay.

A crowd of around 50 people were at the airport to observe the ceremony. They could be seen embracing each other and wiping away tears once the hearse left.

Other members of the community lined the road to pay respects as they passed.

The coffin was draped in the Barra flag (Andrew Milligan/PA)

The funeral will take place on Monday June 5 at Church of Our Lady, Star of the Sea in the village.

Scottish Government ministers  including Deputy First Minister John Swinney, Humza Yousaf MSP and Na h-Eileanan an Iar MSP Alasdair Allan  are expected to attend the ceremony.

First Minister Nicola Sturgeon said: I know that everyone in Scotland will join me in sending our heartfelt sympathy to Eilidhs family and friends ahead of what will be the most difficult day imaginable.

Greater Manchester Police Chief Constable Ian Hopkins and Mayor of Greater Manchester Andy Burnham have sent a message and wreath.
Tens of thousands of Hong Kongers held a candlelight vigil on Sunday to commemorate victims of the Chinese governments 1989 brutal military crackdown on protesters in Beijings Tiananmen Square.

The annual evening vigil in Hong Kong is the only large-scale commemoration on Chinese territory of the Tiananmen bloodshed.

The organisers, an umbrella group of pro-democracy organisations, estimated that 110,000 people attended.

Young and old held candles aloft ( Kin Cheung/AP)

People held up their lit mobile phones  some with pictures of candles showing on the screen  as a band played upbeat songs to rally the crowd and activists gave speeches about the importance of getting young people to attend.

Commemoration of the events, whether public or private, remains taboo in mainland China.

Taiwanese President Tsai Ing-wen said in posts on Facebook and Twitter that 28 years ago, the actions of students and citizens who challenged the political system in China inspired a generation.

She appealed to Beijing to face up to June 4 with an open mind and said Taiwan was willing to share its experiences of transitioning to democracy in the late 1980s to ease the pains of such a transition in the mainland.

Today is 6/4. 28 years ago in #Tiananmen, students & citizens challenged political realities in China. Their actions inspired a generation   Tsai Ing-wen (@iingwen) June 4, 2017

The longest distance across the strait is democracy and freedom. As Prof. He Weifang once said: "What is history for you, is reality for us"   Tsai Ing-wen (@iingwen) June 4, 2017

For democracy: some are early, others are late, but we will all get there in the end, she wrote on Twitter.

While mainland Chinese are only dimly aware of what happened at Tiananmen Square nearly three decades ago, the subject is openly discussed in the self-governing island of Taiwan and in Hong Kong.

The annual evening vigil in Hong Kong, which regularly draws tens of thousands, is the only large-scale commemoration on Chinese territory of the Tiananmen bloodshed.

I dont want this part of history to become blurred, said office worker Emily Yu, 42, who was attending the gathering in Victoria Park. It was really a massacre of people. Those young people came out and did all they could for freedom and democracy but didnt achieve it.

The gathering is the only large-scale commemoration on Chinese territory of the bloodshed 28 years ago (Vincent Yu/AP)

In her posts, Taiwanese President Tsai also called on Beijing to let a pro-democracy activist from Taiwan who was detained in March on the mainland to come home.

Lee Ming-che has been detained on suspicion of conducting activities harming Chinas national security.

I also want to use this opportunity to call on China to deal with #LeeMingChe case in a civilized manner & to let him come home   Tsai Ing-wen (@iingwen) June 4, 2017

Relations between Beijing and Taiwan have been near an all-time low since Tsai, whose Democratic Progressive Party has advocated for Taiwans formal independence, took over as president a year ago. Since then, Beijing has cut off contacts with Taiwans government and discouraged mainlanders from visiting the island as tourists.

The authoritarian Communist Party rulers in Beijing insist that Taiwan and the Chinese mainland are part of a single Chinese nation and have vowed to take control of the island by force if necessary.
The families of a young couple killed in the Manchester terror attack have sent their love and condolences to the relatives of people affected by the London Bridge terror attack, and said their hearts are aching for their loss.

Teenage sweethearts Chloe Rutherford, 17, and Liam Curry, 19, from South Shields, died along with 20 others on May 22 when suicide bomber Salman Abedi detonated an improvised explosive device following an Ariana Grande concert in Manchester Arena.

In a joint statement issued by Greater Manchester Police, their families wished those injured by last nights attack in London a speed recovery.

Chloe Rutherford and Liam Curry died in the Manchester attack on May 22 (Greater Manchester Police/PA)

They said: We would at this point also like to reach out to those affected by the London terror attack, sending our love and condolences to those who have lost loved ones, our hearts are aching for your loss, may those injured have a speedy recovery.

The London attack, at around 10pm on Saturday night in the Borough Market area of central London, killed seven and injured 48 people as three terrorists armed with knives went on a stabbing spree after ramming civilians with a van on London Bridge.

The families of Ms Rutherford and Mr Curry described the past two weeks as a parents worst nightmare following the Manchester attack, and said their children had been taken much too soon.

They also praised the work of the Greater Manchester Police and Northumbrian Police forces and expressed their gratitude to nurses and members of the British Red Cross who had supported them during [their] darkest hours.

They continued: Finally after much heartache and sadness we are in a position at last to bring our babies home where they belong.

We ask that in the days ahead the press show us the respect we deserve and the time to come to terms with the impact this horrendous crime has had on us as families.
Jamie Murray is through to the French Open quarter-finals for the first time with partner Bruno Soares.

The pair have avoided the avalanche of seeds in the mens doubles at Roland Garros and defeated Indians Rohan Bopanna and Pablo Cuevas of Uruguay 7-6 (7/5) 6-2.

Murray and Brazilian Soares, who won the Australian and US Open titles last season, are one of only three seeded pairs left and the highest ranked.

Jamie Murray (left) and Brazil's Bruno Soares (right) are through to the French Open quarter-finals (Jonathan Brady/PA)

Jamie Murray having his best run at the French Open, he and Bruno Soares beat Cuevas/Bopanna 7-6 (5) 6-2 to make the quarters  Eleanor Crooks (@EleanorcrooksPA) June 4, 2017

Murray said: Always in grand slams, sections of the draw open up. Its rare that all the top seeds get through. This tournament everyones been losing and weve kind of just been there watching.

Its a big opportunity for us now to progress far in the tournament. Well just do our best to focus on each match and fight for every point like we did today.

It was a real battle out there, especially the first set was really close, really high level from everyone I thought. Were really proud of ourselves for what we managed to do today.

Murray and Soares, who had won only two matches during the European clay season prior to arriving at Roland Garros, next meet Santiago Gonzalez of Mexico and Americas Donald Young.

In the second round, Murray and Soares defeated Mikhail Elgin and Karen Khachanov, the young Russian who faces Andy Murray in the fourth round of the singles on Monday.

The younger Murray has not yet sought advice from his brother, who said: I think hes practised with him a few times so he knows whats coming.

If Andys playing well then Im sure he starts as a pretty strong favourite. Itll be an interesting match I think.

The guys obviously playing well, hes taken out (Tomas) Berdych and (John) Isner so far. Hes got a big game, big serve, kind of relies on that to win his points, and he can give his forehand a bit of a smash. But Andys pretty good at returning serve and making it difficult for those guys after that. I think Andy will be feeling good after beating (Juan Martin) del Potro.
Ariana Grande is returning to the stage for the first time since the Manchester terror attack for a benefit concert for the victims.

The crowd are told "choose love, Manchester" after a one minute silence at #OneLoveManchester pic.twitter.com/S5T2rFFbvN  Laura Harding (@LauraSHarding) June 4, 2017

The stage is set for tonight's concert at ht Emirates Old Trafford cricket ground (One Love Manchester/PA)

Some fans created banners featuring the bee which has become a symbol of Manchester's resilience (Kevin Mazur/One Love Manchester/PA)

The American star will be joined by other musicians including Justin Bieber, Katy Perry, Coldplay, Take That and Miley Cyrus for the One Love Manchester event.

Filling up fast with 30 mins to go #OneLoveManchester pic.twitter.com/wj498M3I5E  Laura Harding (@LauraSHarding) June 4, 2017

Eleanor Lunn, left, and Abbey Hawkes, both 19, from Sheffield, had lined up outside the venue earlier in the day (Owen Humphreys/PA)

The concert is being streamed live on YouTube. And fans who watch are asked to make donations to the citys appeal at www.redcross.org.uk/love.

Collection buckets were also passed around inside the venue (Kevin Mazur for One Love Manchester/PA)

Earlier in the day Gary Barlow shared a picture of Take That with Ariana Grande. The suicide bombing happened at the end of Grandes gig at Manchester Arena, just three days before Take That were due to play at the same venue.

Many of those attending the concert were in the crowd at Grandes show at the Manchester Arena on May 22 when suicide bomber Salman Abedi detonated a device, killing 22 of Grandes fans and their parents and injuring dozens of others as they left the venue.

Sarah explains what it means to her to be at the #OneLoveManchester gig two weeks after being involved in the Manchester bomb attack @PA pic.twitter.com/1Hk9idU7su  Rich McCarthy (@VJRichMcCarthy) June 4, 2017

Some members of the audience held signs of unity (One Love Manchester/PA)

Other fans had t-shirts printed (Owen Humphreys/PA)

Security was tight outside the venue (Owen Humphreys/PA)

Fans were searched before being allowed to enter (Owen Humphreys/PA)

General view during the One Love Manchester benefit concert (One Love Manchester/PA)

Mayor of Greater Manchester Andy Burnham sent a message of support to London as he addressed crowds at the One Love Manchester concert.

He said: We have received so many messages in recent days, so tonight, Manchester, lets send our own to our friends in London who are going through the same as we were going through.

We know how you are feeling but we will stand with you and we will get through this together.

Mayor of Greater Manchester Andy Burnham on stage (One Love Manchester/PA)

Robbie Williams performing (One Love Manchester/PA)

Pharrell Williams and Miley Cyrus on stage (One Love Manchester/PA)

Grande performed her hits Be Alright and Break Free, shouting: Manchester make some noise! before pink streamers rained down on the crowd.

Pink streamers rained down on the crowd (One Love Manchester/PA)

Ariana Grande and Mac Miller perform (Owen Humphreys/PA)

Police officers and security guards could later be seen dancing with members of the crowd as the band played Viva La Vida before Something Just Like This, their collaboration with The Chainsmokers.

Police officers and security guards dancing with members of the crowd as Coldplay play Viva La Vida at #OneLoveManchester pic.twitter.com/nkq3e11bia  Laura Harding (@LauraSHarding) June 4, 2017

In Manchester now, London today and always in our country: We stand together & united against those who seek to divide us #OneLoveManchester pic.twitter.com/HMmb5D8l9b  Jeremy Corbyn (@jeremycorbyn) June 4, 2017

Katy Perry performing (Dave Hogan for One Love Manchester/PA)

Howard Donald (left)and Gary Barlow (right) of Take That performing (Dave Hogan/One Love Manchester/PA)

Miley Cyrus (left) and Ariana Grande (right) performing during the One Love Manchester benefit concert (Dave Hogan/One Love Manchester/PA)
Tributes have been paid to the vice-chancellor of Queens University in Belfast, Professor Patrick Johnston, who has died suddenly.

Mr Johnston, 58, was regarded as one of the worlds leading cancer researchers.

The universitys registrar, James OKane, said his death had caused a deep sense of shock and loss.

It is, with a deep sense of shock and loss, we announce the untimely and sudden death of our Vice-Chancellor, Professor Patrick Johnston. pic.twitter.com/N9yDp3Faqf  Queen's University Belfast  (@QUBelfast) June 4, 2017

DUP leader Arlene Foster said Professor Johnston was inspirational in the field of cancer research and was a dynamic Vice Chancellor of Queens University.

His loss will be felt not just at home here in Northern Ireland but right around the world where he was hugely respected.

Myself and many colleagues had the pleasure of working closely with him over the years and we always found him willing to give freely of his time to help make Northern Ireland a better place, Mrs Foster added.

Shocked to hear of Paddys death just days after he addressed Belfast leaders in City Hall. Global leader in search for cure 4 cancer. RIP. https://t.co/1vazk0ccpc  Mairtin O Muilleoir (@newbelfast) June 4, 2017

Sinn Fein MLA Mairtin O Muilleoir said Professor Johnston had been in sparkling form on Tuesday past as he delivered a powerful and stirring address to over 100 civic leaders in Belfast City Hall as part of his continuing commitment to leveraging the strength of the university he loved and led on behalf of all the citizens of Belfast.

Mr O Muilleoir added: His loss will be keenly felt also by all those who admired his determination to find a cure for cancer.

The SDLPs Alasdair McDonnell said Professor Johnstons death was a terrible loss to Queens University, cancer research and Northern Ireland.

Devastated to hear of the sudden passing of my dear friend Paddy Johnston VC QUB, a powerful figure in working to find a cure for Cancer RIP  Alasdair McDonnell (@AlMcDonnellSB) June 4, 2017

Professor Johnston was a powerful figure, working to find a cure for cancer. One of his greatest achievements is undoubtedly leading the establishment of the Centre for Cancer Research and Cell Biology in Belfast, he added.

The UUPs Alan Chambers said: The entire University community will be feeling (Mr Johnstons) loss at this time and as the university approaches graduations, his absence will certainly be felt by the many students due to pass along the stage to receive their degree certificate.

Professor Johnston was appointed vice-chancellor in March 2014.

Stunned to hear of sudden death of Patrick Johnston, Vice-Chancellor of Queens Uni and simply one of his generation's and NI's greatest  Mike Nesbitt (@mikenesbittni) June 4, 2017

Previously he was dean of the school of medicine, dentistry and biomedical sciences at QUB and was regarded as one of the worlds leading cancer researchers.

Professor Johnston was also the former director of the Centre for Cancer Research and Cell Biology at QUB.

The 12th vice-chancellor in the universitys history, Professor Johnston was married with four sons.
TUNIS, June 3 (Reuters) - Islamist militants kidnapped and beheaded a young shepherd in Tunisian mountains near the border with Algeria, less than two years after his brother was killed in the same way, security sources and residents told TAP state news agency on Saturday.

Troops found the body of Khelifa Soltani near Sidi Bouzid after he had been snatched by militants on Friday, sources told Reuters. They gave no reason why he was abducted.

Tunisian forces are carrying out operations in Sidi Bouzid, Kasserine and the Chaambi mountain range bordering Algeria to flush out Okba Ibn Nafaa, an al Qaeda-affiliated group, as well as a small number of rival fighters allied to Islamic State.

In November 2015, Soltani's brother Mabrouk was also kidnapped by militants who accused him of spying for the army in the region. He was killed and his head was sent back to the family as a warning, security sources said at the time.

More than 3,000 Tunisians have left to fight for Islamic State and other jihadist groups in Syria, Iraq and Libya over the last four years. Authorities are preparing for many of them to return as jihadist groups face defeat in Iraq and Syria. (Reporting by Tarek Amara; Writing by Patrick Markey; Editing by Andrew Bolton)
June 3 (Reuters) - Emirates Team New Zealand picked Britain's Land Rover BAR as their opponents in the semi-final stage of the America's Cup challenger event scheduled to start on Sunday.

New Zealand helmsman Peter Burling said his crew had chosen Ben Ainslie's team because they considered conditions forecast for the coming days would favour them over the British crew.

"We had a look at the forecast over the coming week and thought that it was our best chance of progressing forward," Burling said at a televised briefing after Saturday's races.

Ainslie has had a troubled campaign so far, including a clash which holed his catamaran and nearly ended his dream of bringing the cup 'home' to Britain. Despite some good starts, the British challenger has been off the pace in light winds.

"For us it will be a real battle, but we're up for it and looking forward to it," Ainslie said at the briefing.

The New Zealand choice leaves Sweden's Artemis Racing and SoftBank Team Japan as the other head-to-head semi-final.

The first crew in each of the two semi-finals to win five races progresses to the challenger final and whoever wins that takes on holders Oracle Team USA for the America's Cup itself.

Earlier on Saturday, the U.S. crew beat Emirates Team New Zealand in the Louis Vuitton America's Cup qualifier event, guaranteeing themselves a bonus point when the racing for the cup begins on June 17 in Bermuda. (Reporting by Alexander Smith in London; Editing by Ken Ferris)
By Linda Sieg

TOKYO, June 4 (Reuters) - - Japan could hold its first referendum on revising its pacifist constitution next year, a historic step which if successful would cement Prime Minister Shinzo Abe's conservative legacy but risks splitting the public and worrying China and South Korea.

Abe, in a surprise move on the 70th anniversary of the U.S.-drafted charter last month, made a proposal to revise its war-renouncing Article 9 by 2020 to clarify the ambiguous status of its military, known as the Self-Defense Forces (SDF).

Amending Article 9 would be hugely symbolic for Japan, where supporters see it as the foundation of post-war democracy but many conservatives see it as a humiliating imposition by the U.S. Occupation after Japan's defeat in 1945.

It would also be a victory for Abe, whose conservative agenda of restoring traditional values and loosening constraints on the military centres on revising the constitution.

"When he looks back on his years in office, he wants to be able to say, 'I revised the constitution'," said former deputy defence minister Akihisa Nagashima.

Concrete steps to change the charter would likely cause concern in China and South Korea, where bitter memories of Japan's past military aggression persist, although analysts said Seoul's new government might refrain from direct criticism given the need for cooperation over North Korea's missile programmes.

"Because of reasons of history, the international community, particularly Asian neighbours, have always paid close attention and been on alert to Japans military tendencies," Chinese Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Hua Chunying said recently.

China hoped Japan could "respect the spirit of the peaceful constitution", she said.

Abe's proposal would add a clause legitimising the SDF to existing clauses renouncing Japan's right to wage war and banning the maintenance of armed forces.

While similar to a past proposal from his Liberal Democratic Party's dovish junior partner, the proposal is a step back from more drastic changes sought by his LDP.

"Abe lowered the hurdle considerably," said Hajime Funada, deputy head of an LDP task force on constitutional reform, told Reuters.

The LDP could draft a proposal by year-end and parliament could vote next year, followed by a referendum, he said.

Past Japanese governments have interpreted Article 9 to allow the existence of a military for self-defence.

In a contentious shift in 2015, parliament enacted laws allowing Japan to exercise collective self-defence, or aiding allies under attack, but based on a reinterpretation of the constitution rather than a formal revision.

The impact of any change on Japan's defence policies is a matter of heated argument.

Proponents of the change say Abe's proposal would simply inscribe in the constitution existing policies but critics worry it would open the door to an expansion of the SDF's role abroad.

Formal revision requires approval of two-thirds of both houses of parliament and a majority of voters in a referendum.

CLOCK TICKING

Proponents of change say it is time for a formal amendment.

"What we must do is properly authorise the SDF, not through an invisible interpretation, but in a form that is clear," Masahiko Shibayama, an adviser to Abe, told Reuters.

The clock, however, is ticking.

Even if Abe wins a third three-year term as LDP leader and hence, premier, when his tenure ends in 2018, the ruling bloc and its allies could well lose their two-thirds majority in a lower house election that must be held by late that year.

Japanese voters are divided.

Support for revising Article 9 has actually dropped from 30 percent in 2002 to 25 percent early this year, according to surveys by NHK public TV, a decline some experts attribute to mistrust of Abe's conservative ideological agenda.

But in a late May poll by the Nikkei newspaper, 51 percent backed Abe's proposal, an apparent sign many could accept a change they think would merely legitimise the status quo.

Opponents of revision, who think Abe's government has already stretched the constitution too far with the collective self-defence legislation, however, suspect it would use the proposed amendment to widen further the military's role abroad.

"In spite of Article 9, the SDF has grown to be as large as the British military," said Sophia University professor Koichi Nakano.

"It is clear that the motive behind the revision of the constitution has always been to undo the post-war pacifist constraints, and that is exactly what they are seeking to accomplish," he said. (Additional reporting by Tetsushi Kajimoto; Editing by Robert Birsel)
By Mai Nguyen

HANOI, June 4 (Reuters) - When Vietnam's prime minister sat down with President Donald Trump at the White House last week, it reflected a concerted Vietnamese lobbying effort unmatched by most Asian peers.

It also underlined the strategic importance the one-time enemy has secured under Trump in the face of China's increasing regional weight and despite a growing surplus that frustrates U.S. trade hawks.

Among Asian leaders, Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc's reception followed only those for his Japanese and Chinese counterparts.

Fearful it would lose security and business gains made under the Obama administration, Vietnam's lobbying began as soon as Trump was elected.

"We were already calculating options," said Tran Viet Thai, vice head of the communist state's Institute for Foreign Policy and Strategic Studies, Diplomatic Academy of Vietnam.

Vietnam got a call set up between Phuc and Trump more than a month before he took office.

Helping to spearhead contacts was Vietnam's ambassador in Washington, Pham Quang Vinh, a veteran of successful efforts under the Obama administration to lift an embargo on arms sales. Pham was also instrumental in the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP) trade pact, which Trump ditched - to Vietnam's consternation.

Unlike most Southeast Asian countries, Vietnam retains a Washington lobbying firm - the Podesta Group - which it pays $30,000 a month, according to Justice Department documents.

Both the foreign minister and deputy foreign minister made trips to Washington. Also pressed into service were friends in congress, academics and both U.S. and Vietnamese businesses, according to diplomats and researchers.

Vietnam's message was taken to the National Security Council, specifically to Matt Pottinger, senior director for East Asia, and to Vice President Mike Pence's office as well as Defense and State Departments.

Having a career U.S. ambassador in Hanoi helped. Vietnamese-speaking Ted Osius was not among political appointees swept out by Trump.

'FLOODED THE ZONE'

Vietnam sought multiple routes to Trump.

"They really 'flooded the zone' and comprehensively improved the relationship," said Carl Thayer, of Australias Defence Force Academy. "The devil will be in the details, but at this point it does seem to be a success as a piece of pro-active diplomacy from Hanoi."

There were broad smiles at the White House, where Trump appeared more at ease with Phuc, a business-minded communist bureaucrat, than Western leaders who bridle at his "America First" policies.

China is always near the top of Vietnam's concerns, although it tries to avoid alienating its neighbour.

The joint statement with Trump was just as supportive for Vietnam as one last year - particularly on the South China Sea, where Vietnam is the most vocal opponent of Chinese claims.

In fact, there was more: a possible U.S. carrier visit, acquisition of U.S. defence equipment and both naval and intelligence cooperation.

Trump is due in Vietnam in November for the meeting of countries in the Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation group.

TRADE TROUBLE

The problem for Trump is the trade deficit - the United States' sixth biggest last year at $32 billion. In the first four months of 2017, Vietnam's U.S. exports grew over $400 million more than U.S. imports did.

Some $8 billion in new deals with U.S. firms hailed by Trump during Phuc's visit were less than they seemed: at least $5 billion related to deals made public last year.

Trump's decision to abandon the TPP trade pact in the name of protecting U.S. jobs didn't only harm Vietnam, which would have seen tariffs disappear. It would have forced Vietnam to improve access to a market of over 90 million people - more than Germany but with economic growth four times as fast.

"Vietnam's commitments under TPP would have opened many new markets for American exporters," James Fatheree, Asia executive director of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, told Reuters.

Phuc told Trump he would keep to commitments on improving intellectual property rights and labour laws. But without TPP's sweeping provisions, scores of points will need discussion.

U.S. pig farmers want Vietnam to open up Asia's second biggest pork market; electronic payment providers are concerned at being forced to channel payments through a state monopoly; restrictions hamper the growth of online advertising; government procurement is opaque.

Phuc and Trump's statement gave an indication of the complexity with mentions of advertising and financial services, information-security products, white offal, distillers dried grains, catfish, shrimp, mangoes...

"While the U.S. will try to address the imbalance, the relationship is not strictly about trade," said Vietnam expert Jonathan London of Leiden University. "Its about the future economic and security order in the Asian region."

(Additional reporting by Matthew Tostevin and Greg Torode; Editing by Lincoln Feast)
JOHANNESBURG, June 4 (Reuters) - South African President Jacob Zuma has denied owning a "palace" in the United Arab Emirates, his office said on Sunday, after local media reported that an influential family bought him a home in the wealthy Gulf state.

Graft accusations in more than 100,000 leaked documents and e-mails last week heaped more pressure on the scandal-plagued Zuma only days after he survived a no-confidence vote by members of his own party's top body.

South Africa's Sunday Times newspaper reported that several independent sources had told it that the Gupta family had bought Zuma a retirement home for 330 million rand ($25 million) in an upmarket suburb of Dubai.

The newspaper did not name the sources, but said they included businessmen, senior officials in the ruling African National Congress and people close to the Zuma family. It also cited some of the leaked e-mails.

The Gupta family, wealthy Indian-born businessmen whose companies have contracts with state-owned firms, have denied all allegations of influence-peddling or improper dealings and through a spokesman last week labelled the e-mails "fake news".

"President Zuma does not own any property outside South Africa and has not requested anybody to buy property for him abroad," his office said in a statement, adding that the report about a "palace" in Dubai was a "fabrication".

"The president has also not received or seen the reported emails and has no knowledge of them," his office said.

South Africa's anti-graft watchdog called in November for a judge to investigate alleged influence peddling in Zuma's government and focused on allegations that the brothers, Ajay, Atul and Rajesh Gupta, influenced appointments of ministers.

Zuma is fighting the report in court and has not appointed a judicial commission to investigate. He denies any wrongdoing.

Last year, South Africa's top court found that Zuma had failed to uphold the constitution by ignoring instructions to pay back some of the $16 million in state funds spent on renovations at his private home.

($1 = 12.7965 rand) (Reporting by TJ Strydom; editing by Mark Heinrich)
ISTANBUL, June 4 (Reuters) - Turkish security forces killed eight militants from the outlawed Kurdistan Workers Party (PKK) in eastern Turkey on Sunday, state-run Anadolu Agency reported, citing the local governor.

Security forces were searching for another militant who was believed to be on the run after the operation, the governor of the eastern Kars province, Rahmi Dogan, was quoted as saying.

"Eight terrorists were killed and the security forces are searching for another terrorist who is on the run," he said.

A ceasefire between the Turkish state and the militants broke down in July 2015 and the southeast subsequently saw some of the worst violence since the PKK insurgency began in 1984.

More than 40,000 people, mostly Kurds, have been killed in the conflict. The PKK is designated a terrorist group by Turkey, the United States and the European Union. (Reporting by David Dolan; Editing by Catherine Evans)
By Tom Allard

MARAWI CITY, Philippines, June 4 (Reuters) - Thousands of civilians hoping to flee fighting in the besieged Philippines city of Marawi remained trapped on Sunday after a four-hour truce to evacuate residents was disrupted by gunfire.

Only 134 were freed on Sunday, less than on previous days, despite government hopes that more than 1,000 would be able to leave a city battered by 13 days of intense fighting.

President Rodrigo Duterte predicted the siege would be over within days despite fierce resistance by militants aligned with Islamic State (IS) in the dense urban heart of the city on the southern island of Mindanao.

"This will be over in about three more days," Duterte said on Saturday after visiting a hospital in Cagayan de Oro where wounded soldiers were being treated. "I will not hesitate to use every power available."

About 400 local militants reinforced by about 40 foreign fighters stormed Marawi on May 23, using sophisticated battlefield tactics to seize large swathes of the lakeside city.

They have been pushed back to the city centre by Philippines forces over the past week after around 4,000 ground troops moved in, bolstered by helicopters and aircraft deploying rockets and bombs.

Many residents have told Reuters that the air strikes caused extensive property damage and dozens of civilian deaths. Authorities raised the civilian death toll from 20 to 38 on Sunday - but said all those deaths were caused by militants.

A presidential spokesman said 120 militants had died, along with 38 government forces. Duterte said the use of air power had been restrained so far.

"I can end this war in 24 hours," he said. "All I have to do is to bomb the whole place and level it to the ground."

Duterte has asked the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF), an Islamic separatist movement based on Mindanao, to help negotiate a peace deal with the militants, who are predominantly drawn from the Maute Group based in and around Marawi.

While touring a Japanese warship docked at a former U.S. navy base on Sunday, Duterte said he had accepted the offer of a second Muslim guerrilla group, the Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF), which signed a peace deal with Manila in 1996, to send 2,000 fighters to battle the IS-linked militants.

Mindanao has a large Muslim population in an otherwise predominantly Roman Catholic country and has been destabilised by separatist insurgencies for decades.

MILF cadres organised Sunday's ceasefire, which was to run from 8 a.m. until noon local time. They roamed the streets with loudspeakers urging residents to leave.

But by 9 a.m., gunfire had broken out, apparently deterring residents from joining a mass exodus.

Marawi City Mayor Majul Gandamra told reporters on Sunday morning he was expecting "more or less 1,000 plus to be rescued today". In the end, 134 were evacuated, less than previous days when there were no ceasefires. About 2,000 civilians remain in the city.

Irene Santiago, appointed by Duterte to organise the "peace corridor", said the effort had been a success as the fighting was several km (miles) away from where the evacuation occurred.

She said negotiations were continuing with the Maute for another temporary ceasefire on Monday. (Reporting by Tom Allard and Karen Lema; Editing by Mark Heinrich)
By Ayesha Rascoe and Yeganeh Torbati

WASHINGTON, June 4 (Reuters) - Former FBI Director James Comey will be grilled on whether President Donald Trump tried to get him to back off an investigation into alleged ties between the Trump campaign and Russia, key U.S. senators said on Sunday ahead of Comey's testimony this week on Capitol Hill.

Comey, who was leading the Federal Bureau of Investigation's probe into alleged Russian meddling in last year's U.S. presidential election, was fired by Trump last month, four years into his 10-year term.

The move sparked accusations that Trump dismissed Comey to hinder that investigation and stifle questions about possible collusion between his campaign and Russia.

"I want to know what kind of pressure - appropriate, inappropriate - how many conversations he had with the president about this topic?" Senator Mark Warner, the top Democrat on the Senate Intelligence Committee, told CBS's "Face the Nation" program on Sunday.

The former FBI chief is due to testify on Thursday before the intelligence committee as part of its own Russia-related investigation.

After Comey's dismissal, news reports emerged that Trump asked Comey to end the probe into former national security adviser Michael Flynn during a February meeting in the Oval Office, the day after Flynn was fired for misrepresenting his contacts with the Russian ambassador.

The account, first reported by the New York Times, was based on a memo Comey wrote after the meeting.

The Comey memo caused alarm on Capitol Hill and raised questions about whether Trump tried to interfere with a federal investigation.

U.S. intelligence agencies concluded in January that Moscow tried to sway the November vote in Trump's favor. Russia has denied involvement, and Trump has denied any collusion between his campaign and Russia.

Republican Senator Susan Collins, who sits on the Senate Intelligence Committee, said she is eager to question Comey to find out more about Trump's allegation that Comey told him on three separate occasions that he was not under investigation.

"We need to hear directly from Mr. Comey on these important issues," Collins told "Face the Nation."

"The tone, the exact words that were spoken and the context are so important and that's what we lack right now and we can only get that by talking to those directly involved," she said.

Trump has called the investigation into alleged ties between his campaign and Russia a "witch hunt" designed to undermine the legitimacy of his electoral win.

After reports that Trump asked Comey to stop investigating Flynn, Deputy Attorney General Rod Rosenstein hired former FBI chief Robert Mueller as special counsel to lead the FBI's Russia probe. (Additional reporting by Lucia Mutikani; Editing by Caren Bohan and Mary Milliken)
Ministry of Industry and Commerce said today that the recent consignment of 'Basmathi' rice imported from Pakistan by Sathosa is suitable for consumption. The Ministry was compelled to issue a statement following a campaign launched by social media to defame the state retail super market chain.

In a statement, the ministry said there is a ongoing campaign with vested interests on social media to damage public trust of Sathosa super markets.

Meanwhile the Daily Mirror learns that this rice variety was not popular among the consumers due to the news carried by online media calling it Plastic Rice .

The statement said 20 metric tons of rice stock has been imported on May 15 this year however it has went through the stipulated protocols of quality assurance tests before it released to the market.

It further said, a food technologist has issued a clearance certificate stating that the consignment does not contain any harmful chemical substance which is unfit for human consumption.

The ministry also warned the public the particular imported rice is stickier after it cooked.

Therefore the ministry requested the public not to mislead on such baseless allegations as the Sathosa is always committed to give the best products at a lowest rate. (Thilanka Kanakarathna)
World Environment Day (WED) is one of the most widely celebrated global days that inspires the general public towards being environmental conscious. Hence, the United Nations (UN) seeks to focus the worlds attention on the environment and organizes positive environmental action programmes and initiatives on 5th June every year, since 1972. This years theme is Connecting People to Nature, and it encourages seven billion people to understand and explore nature, appreciating its natural beauty. It provides the message that every person on this earth has an implied responsibility to utilise the limited resources of nature for multifarious purposes with more care, understating the fact that every activity of a person will directly impact Mother Nature either positively or negatively.

"The time has arrived to connect 20 million of people with the nature, extending multifarious awareness program in different level from top to bottom ..."



This years WED is more important for Sri Lanka with the recent tragedy of the Meethotamulla Garbage Mountain on April 14, 2017, causing approximately 40 deaths, engulfing 130 houses and 1,100 families. The major reasons for this incident are identification of incorrect dumpsites, improper site management and encroachments to risk/buffer zone area by the general public. A similar incident had taken place on April 24, 2008, followed by the eruption of a large mass of solid waste, which engulfed 100 houses, causing the deaths of three people at the previous dumpsites at Bloemendhal.

Currently, Sri Lanka is experiencing Southwest Monsoon (May-September) rain, causing flooding and landslides in many areas of the island. Predominantly Matara, Galle, Kalutara, Ratnapura, Hambantota, Gampaha, Kegalle and Colombo Districts were badly affected, triggering more than 212 deaths, 79 missing and 93 injured. Total number of affected people are approximately 604,713 while 8,473 houses were damage and 157,177 families displaced as on 04.06.2017. Similar calamity had occurred during the period of April/May 2016 as well.

improper management of solid waste is one of the common causes for both calamities.According to my research (2014), approximately 57% female and 43.3% males were affected by different health issues around the dumpsites. 65.5% children, 75% waste pickers and 70% waste collectors/vehicle drivers have been affected by multiple health issues, due to the direct contact with waste dumpsites and related activities.

The major reason behind this situation is stakeholders failing to connect with nature, discharging their individual fiduciary duties as citizens of this nation towards the environment. Therefore, both hazards have turned into a disaster. Although, the Constitution provides a Provision (Sec.14 of Article 27) to protect, preserve and improve the environment for the benefit of the people, various governments in office since 1977 have been attempting to shift their economic policies to meet ever increasing trend of demand, implementing various development projects, without paying much attention to nature, which supports our own prosperity and well-being. This is very hard to be valued in terms of money.

I believe that improper management of solid waste is one of the common causes for both calamities. Approximately 6,400-7,000 MT of waste per day is generated in Sri Lanka with the annual growth rate of 1.2%. The urban areas are responsible for 80% of it. Out of this, the daily waste collection by local authorities is estimated at 2,500 MT (Central Environmental Authority, 2014). The rest ends up in water bodies, cannels, roads, public places and open burning especially in the village areas.

A cohesive strategy that encourages sustainable use of resources should be implemented towards sustainable consumption and production needed

Approximately 57% female and 43.3% males were affected by different health issues around the dumpsites.

The major reason behind this situation is stakeholders failing to connect with nature

Govts shift economic policies without understanding nature...

Improper management of solid waste is one of the common causes for both calamities.

57% female and 43.3% males were affected by different health issues around the dumpsites.

"65.5% children, 75% waste pickers and 70% waste collectors/vehicle drivers have been affected by multiple health issues... "

Hence, the time has arrived to connect 20 million people with nature, extending multifaceted awareness programme in different levels from top to bottom and strictly implementing existing environmental related laws towards a positive change.

A single body cannot achieve this target alone; rather all stakeholders should gather under one umbrella to make a constructive and sustainable change in the future.

Accordingly, progressing towards sustainability requires changes to individual behaviour and mindsets of general public; but also requires structural changes, such as better choices and even less consumption as well as more efficient green production and consumption. Effective policy instruments can help in shaping these. The Government must have policy instruments to influence the operations or behaviours to achieve complex environmental, social and economic challenges.

In addition, a cohesive strategy that encourages sustainable use of resources should be implemented towards sustainable consumption and production. Private companies should also be encouraged to invest wisely in a new Green Production, while developing a socially responsible status with its consumers.

"A single body cannot achieve this target alone; all stakeholders should gather under one umbrella to make a constructive and sustainable change ..."



They can implement a code of practice pertaining to green growth and environmental protection to ensure that all their business processes abide by this practice. Civil society can play a significant role by independently monitoring all parties involved, raising awareness on resources consumptions and supporting grassroots initiatives. Further, the Government should take initiatives to extend an islandwide survey to identify the high risk areas for human settlements and to be provided a viable solution for them.

Eventually, behavioural change from the top to bottom towards a better environment should be initiated by the government, integrating all the stakeholders into a centre point and empowering them to formulate necessary policy measures towards a better environment for future generation.
The recently appointed Competent Authority to manage Disaster Response Activities of the Health Ministry Dr. Athula Kahandaliyanage refuted allegations made by the Government Medical Officers Association (GMOA) last week that he was unfit for the post.

In a media statement he said that he was surprised to see the allegations made by a trade union requesting President to rescind his appointment made by Minister of Health to function as the Competent Authority to manage the Disaster Response activities of the health sector.

He said:

The Hon Health Minister requested me to coordinate and lead the disaster response activities of the Health Ministry giving guidance and support to the Health Ministry Programme considering the vast experience I have gained in my career in Sri Lanka and in the UN in disaster management and response and also considering the valuable service I have rendered as the then Director General of Health Services and Permanent Secretary / Heath.

I was the longest and youngest serving DGHS and I had the rare opportunity of leading the Tsunami response and reconstruction activities in 2005, the worst disaster that has ever struck this country.

Thereafter, as Permanent Secretary of Health I lead the successful campaign conducted by the state to provide health services to a large numbers of internally displaced people during the final stages of the war in the North in 2009.

Both these- disaster management and response efforts -were hailed and commended by the international community and also by the Director General of WHO, who came from Geneva to visit the disaster affected areas in Sri Lanka. I also received a special award for that work by Her Excellency the then President of Sri Lanka.

In recognition of my contributions to the management of these national calamities and also my service to the national health services of Sri Lanka, I was awarded the rare honour by the World Health Organization by appointing me as its Director in charge of the Department of Emergency and Disaster Management, Sustainable Development, Environmental Health, NCDs, Mental Health and Health Systems for the South East Asia Region, which is the largest of the six WHO regions in the world covering 26% of world's population, based in New Delhi.

I served in these capacities for over four years and gathered a lot of experience in disaster management. I am bold and proud to state that I am therefore, competent and qualified to serve in this capacity above anyone else in Sri Lanka today and I consider it my utmost duty to step forward and offer my services at a time of national crisis.

I am also proud to state that I have done so without any remuneration using my own personal funds and I am proud that I got an opportunity to do so. Since the Ministry Secretary and the DGHS have both retired recently the Hon Minister requested me to help the Ministry to coordinate and manage the disaster response work as a service to the country. I thank the Hon Health Minister for using my services at a time of crisis. I happy to state that I was commended by the Health Ministry officials and the UN and other relevant agencies for conducting this work well.

I also serve as the Chairman of Sri Jayawardenepura Hospital helping the government to improve that hospital which I have done very successfully as shown by the performance indicators, during the past two years. I was appointed to this position by His Excellency and the Hon Minister of Health.

The salary I am entitled as Chairman/SJGH, I have dedicated to a hospital fund which pays bills of those who cannot afford. I consider this work without a pay, as another opportunity to serve my motherland who gave me free education to become a doctor. Never in my tenure at SJGH have I done any marketing and branding of any dairy products in the hospital. The staff would vouch for this.

In my retirement after returning to Sri Lanka I was offered to serve on the Board of Directors of the leading dairy company which provides the much required and recommended dairy nutrition especially liquid milk to our people. It is also investing heavily on the local dairy drive of the government.

I am proud to state that this company does not import or sell infant milk foods that violate the breast feeding code and campaign of the WHO and that of Sri Lanka. It respects and honours the national policy and its efforts to promote breast feeding in Sri Lanka.

On the contrary this company has been supporting and sponsoring the breast feeding campaigns conducted by the government working with all the relevant leading professional bodies, over the last few years. It has spent millions of rupees to promote breast feeding in Sri Lanka.

It is misleading to state that the WHO does not approve anyone working in a dairy industry to get involved with disaster management work. It's only the infant food advertising that the WHO discourages in its breast feeding code. It is unethical and unprofessional for anyone responsible to mislead the policy makers and the public making such frivolous and baseless statements in an incriminatory manner.

l would appreciate if the authors of this misleading campaign got their facts straight before writing such irresponsible statements I feel sorry for their ignorance and hope they would act in a more professional, responsible, and an ethical manner in the future. -Dr. Athula Kahandaliyanage, Chairman Sri Jayawardenepura Hospital.
The recent cabinet reshuffle and the new composition of the Finance Ministry has evoked much anticipation. Will the new Finance Minister, Mangala Samaraweera, succeed in revitalising Sri Lankas ailing economy?

Before getting into what the Ministry, under his leadership, may or may not be able to achieve, let us look at where the economy stands. Exactly a year ago, Sri Lanka signed the IMF Extended Fund Facility agreement in June 2016 with stringent conditions for a US$ 1.5 billion loan. However, over the last year the national economy has continued to deteriorate with a widening trade deficit and falling foreign reserves. As some of us have consistently warned, including at the time of the IMF Agreement, neo-liberal policies characterised by the dominance of finance, the market and urban build-out while undermining the rural economy and social welfare services, only aggravate the crisis prone character of the Sri Lankan economy. However, such policies help tycoons and businesses involved in finance, trade and construction,to make windfall profits.

It is not just the flawed analysis of the policymakers and think tanks in Colombo and the problematic economic vision of the Government that is at fault. Rather, it is also the policy prescriptions of the international institutions such as the IMF and the World Bank, serving the interests of global capital that worsen the situation. When countries like Sri Lanka turn to development aid or relief during times of crisis, the policies advocated by international financial institutions and supported by the national elite, often exacerbate the crisis conditions in the economy by pushing for trade liberalisation, financialisation and privatisation.

"Whether it is the drought or the floods, it is the most marginal sections of our society that are worst hit by such natural disasters. The structure of our state, society and economy, lead to their continuing travails as they live in the most vulnerable locations."



From Budget to Budget, even as funds for state services have been cut, managing external finances of the country has not got any easier. After the war, the Rajapaksa regime bubbled up the economy through growth driven by debt-led construction, when global capital flowed into developing countries after the global economic crisis of 2008. The regime opened the country to speculative external financiers and accumulated unsustainable foreign debt. Furthermore, after regime change in 2015, those policies were further expanded by rolling over previous debt with more international loans, even as it became increasingly difficult to borrow in the global markets.

When analysing any economic crisis, the question that always emerges is - for whom? The crisis facing Sri Lanka is two-fold. The Government is trapped by increasing foreign debt and widening trade deficit. The working people in the towns and the countryside, are struggling with increasing costs of living and very less social welfare. They are having to pay high prices for supposedly free services such as education and healthcare.



Government troubles

At the heart of the economic troubles facing the Government are the increasing trade deficit and the falling foreign reserves to pay for the imports. The writing was all over the wall, when this Government came to power in 2015, that the trade deficit was widening and that it could not finance the massive import bill with foreign loans. It does not take a rocket scientist to figure out that imports had to be restricted, but the Government and its ideologues refused to consider restricting imports and idiotically sought further trade liberalisation.

There could be no worse time to expand trade as global trade growth has been declining. Brexit and US trade policies under Trump are powerful manifestations of a world turning protectionist. Contrary to some economists claims that trade is well and kicking in Asia, even the Asian powers such as China and India with whom Sri Lanka is eagerly negotiating trade pacts, are greatly contracting imports into their economies. According to data released by the World Trade Organization, between 2012 and 2016, imports into China and India, had fallen from US$ 150 billion to US$ 100 billion and US$ 40 billion to US$ 30 billion, respectively. In other words, there is a tremendous decline in the demand for exports from other countries into China and India. This shift in trade flows is also a major cause for falling exports from Sri Lanka, and the obvious and most crucial response ought to be restricting imports, but that is taboo for the neo-liberals, as they believe markets forces, balancing the budget and ending corruption will fix the economy.

The IMF blames the budget deficit for Sri Lankas economic woes. Of course, the tremendously low tax revenues amounting to just 12.4% of GDP have to go up, as the wealthier classes get away with paying little in the form of direct taxes and much of the tax burden is on the working people in the form of VAT. But successive Budgets have only sought to decrease government expenditure, which compared to most other countries is already low. Furthermore, no amount of reducing Government expenditure which is 19.7% of the GDP is going to address the foreign exchange problems which is mainly due to foreign imports for private consumption, including luxury items for the rich.

In any event, crises have a way of giving governments a bitter reality check, and taboo or not, the Government has finally accepted that imports have to be restricted. Hopefully, this will also prick the pipe dreams of the neo-liberal ideologues about Sri Lanka fast becoming the next Singapore through an international financial centre. That will only subject Sri Lanka to further risks of speculative financial crises. For the millions of working people even everyday survival has become a serious concern while the rich wax eloquently about Singapore.



Rural vengeance

There is a common refrain by neo-liberal ideologues that dismisses agriculture and fisheries, claiming that 30% of the population produces just 10% of the GDP. They claim there is no future for such an unproductive rural sector. The question, however, is whether that 30% of the population gets even 10% of the share of GDP for their agricultural and fish work? They only get a fraction of the value they have produced, as the traders, the financial institutions and loan sharks siphon off their earnings.

"The Government is trapped by increasing foreign debt and widening trade deficit. The working people in the towns and the countryside, are struggling with increasing costs of living and very less social welfare."

Therefore, a major problem is the lack of redistribution, leading to massive inequalities.

Next, many of these agricultural households are involved in multiple economic activities, including in rural and urban services, migrant urban work and foreign employment. However, their economic life with such diversified income sources depends on them being able to fall back on agricultural production. A woman working in the exploitative garment sector can only do such work for a decade or less before she burns-out, similarly migrant work in the Middle East is also for a limited period. Therefore, even for our export and foreign exchange earning workers, the agricultural sector remains the important economic base.

For the thick headed economists the rural economy remained insignificant until the drought hit the economy head on. It was when agricultural production contracted that they realized it was crippling their economic growth forecasts. According to the Central Bank, agricultural production during the last quarter of 2016 has declined by 8.4%. Moreover, what is not produced by our agricultural sector due to the drought has to be imported expending valuable foreign exchange, which according to the Central Bank is going to amount to an addition US$ 800 million this year.

If we ignore the ideological pronouncements of the economists and look at the import bill, it looks like this. In 2016, Sri Lankas exports were US$ 10.3 billion, but imports were US$ 19.4 billion. Furthermore, of this amount as much as US$ 1.6 billion is for food and beverages, excluding the US$ 250 million in wheat and maize imports. Sri Lanka imports US$ 490 million on paper and paper boards. It begs the question, why are there no efforts to substitute such imports with local production?



Re-thinking policies

Whether it is the drought or the floods, it is the marginal sections of our society that are worst hit by such natural disasters. The structure of our state, society and economy, lead to their continuing travails as they live in the most vulnerable locations. Climate change we know is a reality, and the increasing incidence of droughts and floods are a given, but what investment is the Government making to guard the vulnerable sections of our society and the rural economy, against such repeated disasters?When state policies continue to neglect the rural and urban poor, from their economic activities to their living conditions, they have no choice but to resort to protests.

In this scenario, can we be dewy-eyed about the new leadership in the Finance Ministry? Will Minister Samaraweera be able to bring about any fundamental shift in policy?

While there finally seems to be recognition of the importance of restricting imports and increasing agricultural production, on the larger policies of trade liberalisation, financialisation and privatisation, there is no shift. Continuing with the neo-liberal economic policy trajectory will inevitably result in a deep economic crisis, where state assets accumulated over decades will be sold to pay off foreign loans and the large import bill. But that will only further ruin the economic life of the citizenry as they get ripped off by private services.Will the Government at least now rethink its policies?
Colombo Port City project

While the government was swift to release money for relief and compensation for those affected by the recent floods, the tendency of politicians and bureaucrats has been to blame the victims for the disaster. Officials have attributed it to illegal constructions along river-bank reservation areas, and peoples refusal to comply with directives to evacuate danger-prone areas.Those who build illegal constructions obstructing waterways should know they are building their own graves, said a statement from Minister of Megapolis and Western Development Champika Ranawaka, who also ordered the demolition of illegal structures. Minister of Disaster Management Anura Priyadarshana Yapa said government was considering bringing in laws to forcibly evacuate people in situations where disaster was imminent.

While there is no denying that those living in danger prone areas are putting themselves at risk, doesnt the government have a responsibility to prevent such needless loss of life? As the daily TV updates illustrated graphically, most of those who were struck down were poor.

Though politicians have chosen not to talk about the causes of the severity of the flooding in seven districts, environmentalists have repeatedly drawn attention to factors relating to flash floods which could be mitigated through better planning. They say landfills that destroy wetlands, that would normally accumulate run-off, have been a major contributory factor, along with haphazard building and poor drainage. Similarly scientists link the extensive landslides, which caused most of the deaths this time, to the quarrying of massive amounts of rock for an increasing number of mega development projects, that have created instability in the ground structure.

Regulating these matters clearly comes within the purview of government authorities. By focusing on the illegality of the squatters the government deflects attention away from its own lapses.

Dr. Ranil Senanayake, Sri Lankas only qualified Systems Ecologist, responding to questions on the causes of the recent tragedy said he would not call it unplanned development but rather irresponsible urbanization. Dr. Senanayake who is known internationally for introducing the concept of Analog Forestry (though regrettably his expertise is not made use of in Sri Lanka) said, Development has taken place with no regards to the physical nor cultural geography. In most of the so-called development projects, development seems to be either spending the borrowed money as fast as possible or carving out land for investment.

When planning for development it should at least follow watershed boundaries he said. Watershed boundaries are the lines that indicate where the rainfall moves to, he explained, in an email interview. The rainfall on one side of the boundary feeds one river while the rainfall on the other side feeds another river. One could say these are the lines that determine how the rainfall moves towards the ocean.

"In most of the development projects, development seems to be either spending the borrowed money as fast as possible or carving out land for investment.

-Dr. Ranil Senanayake



The $1.4 billion Chinese-funded Port City - a huge complex consisting of luxury apartments, shops, restaurants, parks and a marina, to be built on land being reclaimed from the sea, is an example of a mega project involving a massive amount of rock-quarrying. Asked if this activity could be related to increased risk of landslides Dr. Senanayake said Mega projects, demanding mega resources will have mega consequences. The quarrying for the Port City has already begun to impact the shallow aquifer. The geological activity in the area of the slides, the rock quarries, the charge impact allowed etc. must be part of the post mortem of the collapsed hills.

Dr. Senanayake has written extensively on the dangers posed by lack of Scientific Environmental Impact Assessment (SEIA) reports relating to Port City. In a scathing critique of the promoters of the project in a newspaper article last month he said SEIAs are being issued to cover any aspect of their crookedness, as it surfaces. This allows them to skirt national laws and genuine concerns that citizens have of impacts on their well-being.

Referring to the 2014 landslide in Meeriyabedde, Koslanda, he told the Daily Mirror that drilling and blasting fractured rock formations for the Uma Oya tunnel, certainly seems to be linked to it.

So what is to be done? Dr. Senanayake says the Government should immediately stop all non essential quarrying. It should ask for detailed impact reports before any rock quarrying can be conducted. The department on mines should be taken to task for allowing dangerous blasting that weakens the ground structure to carry on. At present it is given as a political gift to hangers on etc. No standards, no concern for communities living around...

Last months floods and landslides were a man-made disaster, he said. ... Starting with the fact that cyclonic intensity goes up 25% for each degree rise in sea surface temperatures and we have been contributing to the rise in global temperatures through our acceptance of fossil fuels to drive development processes.It was amplified by the filling up of the wetlands and increasing the impervious surfaces with urbanisation fuelled by the plastic and other domestic garbage choking our drainage.

A problem that has come to light with the recent media focus on landslides is that Sri Lankas lead agency on landslide related matters, the National Building Research Organisation (NBRO) lacks the powers to enforce its own directives. According to its website NBRO issues Landslide Risk Assessment Reports as a pre-requisite for granting of building permits and approval of development projects. But it turns out these are assessments only. The issuance of permits is assigned to local authorities, according to NBROs Director of Landslide Research and Risk Management R. M. S. Bandara.

Those living in danger-prone areas are putting themselves at risk

It is the Governments responsibility to prevent such needless loss of life

Quarrying of massive amounts of rock for development projects weaken grounds stability

Port City project, an example of a mega project involving massive rock-quarrying

Koslanda disaster, a result of blasting rocks to form Uma Oya tunnel



Our approval is required. But people dont come to us. It is a local government process Bandara said. We only give recommendations to the local government authority.

We can only recommend, we cant enforce (the recommendations). Its anybodys guess as to why the government has failed to empower the appropriate and qualified authority in a matter as important as issuing building permits and approvals for development projects. Given the recent rash of building collapses, landslides, roads caving in etc. around the country, along with the consequent loss of life, does it not amount to criminal neglect to assign this task to non-specialists? Or is it that this area is just too lucrative for politicians to lay their hands off?
Six people have been killed in an attack in central London in which three assailants were shot dead by police, Scotland Yard has said.

A white van hit several pedestrians on London Bridge just after 22:00 BST.

Three men then left the vehicle and stabbed a number of people in Borough Market, an area known for its restaurants and bars.

Armed officers confronted and shot three male suspects within eight minutes.

Met Police Assistant Commissioner Mark Rowley said: "The suspects were wearing what looked like explosive vests but these were later established to be hoaxes."

He said it was currently believed there were only three attackers involved.

London Ambulance Service said at least 30 people have been taken to hospital.

The British Transport Police said one of its officers was seriously injured after being stabbed as he responded to the incident, but his condition was not said to be life-threatening.

Prime Minister Theresa May described the incidents as "dreadful events" and will chair a meeting of the government's Cobra emergency committee later on Sunday.

She added: "I can confirm that the terrible incident in London is being treated as a potential act of terrorism."

London Mayor Sadiq Khan called it "a deliberate and cowardly attack on innocent Londoners".

Eyewitnesses told BBC home affairs correspondent Tom Symonds they saw people getting out of the van after the attack on the bridge and running towards Borough Market.

Gunshots were later heard in the area while one social media user posted a photograph appearing to show one of the attackers lying on the ground outside a pub in the food market, with what seemed to be canisters strapped to his body.

The attack comes almost two weeks after 22 people died in a suicide bombing at a concert in Manchester. In March, five people died in London when a car was driven at pedestrians on Westminster Bridge and a police officer was stabbed outside Parliament.

The BBC's Tom Symonds said a security guard who oversees a number of pubs in the London Bridge area said he saw four people stabbed by three attackers.

BBC reporter Holly Jones, who was on the bridge at the time of the attack, said a van driven by a man was "probably travelling at about 50 miles an hour" before it hit a number of people.

"He swerved right round me and then hit about five or six people. He hit about two people in front of me and then three behind," Ms Jones told the BBC News Channel.

Video - Daily Mail
Prince Siddhartha was born 2641 years ago at Lumbini. The parents of the royal prince were King Suddhodana of Kapilavasthu and Queen Mahamaya.

The prince led a life full of luxuries unimaginable in ordinary sense. However, he soon realized that the world he experienced at the royal palace was far from the reality and the world outside was all full of suffering including old age, disease and death and he too would have to perish one day from this suffering. With this knowledge, he left the royal palace forever at the prime age of 29. His renunciation had no parallel in the history of mankind.

This was the turning point in the spiritual development of humans as well as the Devas. After training under several teachers, he soon realized that the religious knowledge of that era was not leading him to the ultimate truth, ending the suffering that he was looking for. So finally, he decided to look for this ultimate truth by himself. For another six years, he tried the other extremity of subjecting the body to extreme pain thinking that this would result in liberation. Ultimately, he realized that this path too was not going to deliver the results he was looking for. Finally, he gave up both extremes of giving too much of pleasure and too much of pain to the body and decided to follow the middle path.

On the Full Moon Day of Vesak, sitting under the Bodhi tree at Gaya, he finally realized the ultimate supreme truth and the end to Samsara by eradicating all the defilements by his own effort without any supernatural help and this was the appearance of Gothama the Buddha, the Enlightened One. Having realized the supreme enlightenment and perfect knowledge, he spent the next 45 years of his life, teaching the humans and devas the Dhamma he personally apprehended, thereby helping them too, to the final liberation. There are 84,000 recorded sermons delivered by Buddha, starting from Dhammachakkappavatthana Suttha which was delivered two full moons later to the five ascetics at Benares and the last was Maha Parinibbana Suttha delivered just before his final passing away.

This vast collection of Buddhas teaching was subsequently catalogued into three large volumes, at the first Convention of Bhikkhus, headed by Arahanth Maha Kashyapa and attended by 500 Arahanths including Arahanths Upali and Ananda, held three months after the Buddhas passing away. They are, the Vinaya Pitaka, dealing with the discipline of the Sangha,the Suthra Pitaka, the random sermons explaining various aspects of Dhamma depending on the situation and explaining the Dhamma to suit the audience and the occasion, and finally, the Abhidhamma Pitaka, the deep Dhamma explaining the Absolute Realities (Paramattha Dhamma).



The Abhidhamma explains all the physical and mental phenomena (Nama / Rupa) at the minutest detail, how they are formed, exist and pass away. The four Absolute Realities namely; mind (citta), mental formations (chethasika), physical phenomena (rupa) and Nibbana are dealt here and this deep analysis of the finer details of phenomena is not found in any other religious teaching or scientific literature anywhere. The Law of Cause and Effect or Dependent Origination (Hethu Phala Dharmaya), explaining the inter relationship of all these phenomena and the law of Kamma too are dealt with here extensively.

In early and mid-20th century, Abhidhamma was practically little known in Sri Lanka except for among a few scholars who had the knowledge of Pali language. It was during this time that Most Rev. Yagoda Dhammaprabha Thera went to Myanmar (then Burma) and learned Tripitakaya, practice of tranquility (Samatha) and vipassana (Insight) meditation and most importantly, detailed learning of Abhidhamma with special attention to Patthana Dharmaya which is the most difficult part of the Abhidharmaya to comprehend. For this, he had to undergo extensive training under the forest dwelling scholar monks of that country, under trying conditions that existed at that time. While in Myanmar he was trained in Tripitaka at the Tripitaka College, Abhidharma and Patthanaya at Patthana Ashram and extensive meditation training at Sasana Seytha Bhavana Ashram.

"In early and mid-20th century, Abhidhamma was practically little known in Sri Lanka except for among few scholars who had the knowledge of Pali language"



On his return to Sri Lanka in 1961 he formed The PATTHANA DHARMA SABHAWA with the help of fellow erudite bhikkhus and lay devotees. Among those who were associated with him in establishing the Dhamma Sabhava were, the Most Rev Prof. Rerukane Chandawimala Maha Nayaka Thera and Agga Maha Panditha Balangoda Ananda Maithriya Maha Nayaka Thera. He shared the extensive knowledge he gained, both in Sri Lanka and Myanmar, to teach the tranquillity and insight meditation and most importantly, the teaching of Patthana Dharmaya in simple language.

He also coordinated annual Patthana recitation at the Jaya Sri Maha Bodhi premises, Anuradhapura, during the Poson season. It is worthy to mention here that Buddha spent the first seven weeks after enlightenment in and around the Bodhi tree at Buddha Gaya spending time recapitulating the vast knowledge and wisdom he gained in the process of attaining Buddhahood. He spent the 4th week in a special enclosure (Rathanaghara) done by devas, going through the Abhidharmaya and towards the latter part of this period, while recapitulating Patthana Dharmaya, the six coloured halo (Shad Varna Buddha rashmi mala) appeared around Buddha due to the extensive joy he experienced as a result of the realization of the depth of the dhamma he comprehended. The Patthana Dharma Sabhava is continuing this recitation of Patthana Dharmaya at Anuradhapura, immediately preceding the Poson full moon day, uninterrupted for the past 56 years.



The Maha Thera also went to all corners of the country, conducting dharma desana, meditation training of fellow bhikkhus and lay devotees and most importantly propagating Abhidhamma and Patthanaya. The most Rev Yagoda Dharmaprabha Thera spent the latter part of his life in writing Dhamma books in simple Sinhala language so that Dhamma reached the ordinary people who were not conversant in Pali. Some of the books that were authored by the Maha Thera include Vidarshana Guru Potha, Patthana Desana Saraya, Patthana Dharani Panna Vibhanga Varaya, Visuddhi Vipassana and Sitha Sirura saha Nivana hevath Dhamma Sangani. Rev Dhammaprabha Thera was honoured by The Most Ven. Maha Nayaka of the Malwatta Chapter of the Siam Maha Nikaya, Amunugama Rajaguru Sri Vipassi Maha Nayaka Thera by conferring the saasanika title ABHIDHAMMIKA VAGISHVARA, in recognition of the relentless service he had done to promote and re-establish Abhidhamma in Sri Lanka. The title was presented by the Prime Minister Dudley Senanayake on 17th December, 1965.



Most Ven Yagoda Dharmaprabha Nayaka Thera passed away on 18th April 1993 as if to prove that everyone that was born had to die one day (Uppajjithva Nirujjanthi). This inevitably created a void that was almost impossible to fill. However, his erudite pupil Rev. Korathota Wessabhu Thera stood up to the challenge and took over the mantle of the Dharma Sabhawa and performed the most difficult task of continuing the unfinished work started by late Maha Thera and further expanding the promotion of the religious and educational activities. It is noteworthy to mention that he was one of the 10 children ordained at the Jaya Sri Maha Bodhi premises in Buddha Gaya on the 14th March 1982 by the late Thera.

The activities conducted currently by the Dharma Sabhawa include:



1. Conduction of Abhidhamma classes and training the students for Abhdharmacharya and Abhidharma Visharadha degrees

2. Tripitaka Education

3. Conduction of Pali classes

4. Poya day meditation programmes and the Thesaththa Gnana Dhamma desana series conducted by Rev Korathota Wessabhu Thera

5. Vipassana meditation programmes on every Wednesday conducted by Rev Kalubowila Amathagaveshi Thera (formerly, Mr Keerthie Adaasuriya).

6. Annual Patthana Dharma Recitation at Jaya Sri Maha Bodhi Premises, Anuradhapura.

7. Conducting annual Abhidharma conventions with the participation of erudite Abhidhamma Teachers.

8. Provision of scholarships annually to poor students in remote areas.

9. Publication of Dhamma books and booklets regularly

10. Provision of accommodation to resident monks and also visiting monks from remote monasteries, travelling to Colombo for their medical needs

11. Provision of accommodation and other basic facilities for student monks from remote monasteries who enrol in Colombo based Pirivenas and other educational institutes.

Patthana Recital in progress at Anuradhapura.

12. Regular meditation retreats conducted at the Bodhi Grama Bhavana Temple, Aluthgama Bogamuwa, Yakkala.

In addition to improving these services, the Dharma Sabhawa is planning to establish a fully equipped library and a project to preserve the rare Dhamma texts and the Pali canon.

The Dhamma Sabhawa will be conducting the annual Patthana recital this year too at Anuradhapura, in a special enclosure built to the north west of Jaya Sri Maha Bodhi, near the Rathanagaharaya on the 4th, 5th and 6th of June 2017 from 6.00 pm to 10.00 pm. Also, the Patthana Dharmaya will be explained in simple language during the procedure. There will be Seela Bhavana programmes on the 5th and 6th to be conducted concurrently. All are welcome to attend, dressed in simple white.

May you realise the supreme bliss of Nibbana in this very existence itself. May all beings be well, happy and contented.
Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe, who is currently in the USA would meet two senior officials of the White House tomorrow, sources said today.

Sources close to the Prime Minister said he would meet the two officials from the White House, who would represent President Donald Trump.

Mr. Wickremesinghe will also attend the UN Ocean Conference in New York tomorrow.

The meeting is expected to take place thereafter.

However, Premier Wickremesinghe is expected to return to the country before the scheduled date as his health condition had improved, a UNP MP said today.

UNP Nalin Bandara Jayamaha told a media briefing that Mr. Wickremesinghe would return home before Sunday, June 11, 2017.

He said Mr. Wickremesinghe had focused on the flood situation and had informed all foreign diplomats in this country to provide assistance to Sri Lanka.

A Bodhi Puja was held at the Gangarama Temple yesterday evening to invoke blessings on the Prime Minister, who was undergoing medical treatment in the US. (Yohan Perera)
Ravindu and Sankalpa of S.De.S. Jayasinghe Central College, Dehiwala shine at Intel-ISEF at Los Angeles

Project is about removing carcinogenic chromium ions from natural water sources

There is a disgraceful misjudgement that exists in the Sri Lankan society that always measures skill by the school that one is attends. Many among us seem to think that children, who go to reputed schools hold far more talent than the rest, who attend schools that do not hold such popular reputations in society. Sankalpa and Shehan are two students who have proven this theory wrong against all odds and barriers by showing us that talent can be found in every school and that each school is worth its weight in gold as long as the school has a Principal with good leadership qualities, dedicated teachers and hardworking students.

The duo with their medals

As two students of the grade 13 AL class in the science stream of S.De.S. Jayasinghe Central College, Dehiwala, Ravindu Sankalpa Perera and Shehan Kavishka have exemplified their talents and emerged triumphant in securing the grand award in 4th place in the earth and environmental science category at Intel International Science and Engineering Fair (Intel-ISEF), 2017 held at Los Angeles, California, this year with their project based on removing carcinogenic chromium ions from our natural water sources.

This international competition hosted 1,778 contestants from 78 countries. Our young Sri Lankans stood as the proud reason for our nations flag to be hoisted up all high and mighty amidst international applause bringing recognition not only to themselves but to our mother land as well making all of us Sri Lankans glow with pride.

Sri Lankan students have been participating in this competition over the past 10 years, but this year is the first time that such a victory has been bestowed on our country and so this victory will be marked on this years calendar as a golden moment and will go down in history as a memorable achievement. In addition to the grand award, Shehan and Sankalpa were also awarded the Mawhibas special award for their experiment.

There were undoubtedly many helping hands that supported them all the way throughout this journey and hence those people also share the happiness no different from the victors.

Speaking to the Daily Mirror, the Principal of S.De.S. Jayasinghe Central College P.P.D.C. Pathirana expressed his happiness.

Our school history goes back to about 71 years. This is the biggest victory we have achieved so far in the 71 years. These two students have brought glory not just to our school but also to our country. I have been principal of this school for a period of three and a half years and Im glad to have witnessed this great achievement during my time as principal.



Its all thanks to the dedication of our students and guidance of our teachers. We hope to continue creating young inventors and help them excel in different fields not just in science, he said.

Sankalpa and Shehan hope to sit for the G.C.E. AL examination this August. Managing time between studies and their experiments would have been quite a tedious challenge and an impossible feat itself, if not for the support and encouragement they got from their school teachers.

We spoke to the teacher in charge Gayani Samarasinghe about the support given to the students during their journey as she had been with the students since day one of this effort.

I directed Shehan and Sankalpa to Dr. Meththika Vithanage, who works in the National Institute of Fundamental Studies which is based in Kandy. There she provided our students with the lab facilities, accommodation and she also guided and supervised them throughout. Our students would not have been able to achieve all of this if not for her help and guidance.

Our students had to conduct their experiments in Kandy which meant that they had to miss out on school. We tried to arrange the dates in such a way so that the students could go to Kandy during vacation holidays and reduce the days that they had to miss school. But on the occasion that they missed out on their lessons, we conducted extra classes for them so that they could keep in touch with their studies.

Ravindu and Sankalpa

We also took them for science society seminars and workshops that would help them in their research and experiments.

Sankalpa and Shehan had to participate in different qualification rounds of the contest before making it to the finale in LA.

According to the teacher in charge, it all started with the science research project competition organised by the National Science Foundation where Shehan and Sankalpa represented their college and surpassed talent from 800 schools and won first place for their project proposal.

Next our students participated in the National Science and Engineering Fair where they won 2nd place for their project. The first three contenders were to take part in the INTEL-ISEF 2017 and our students were qualified to take part in the international competition hosted in Los Angeles.

However, the road to success was not easy. The experience has indeed been a thrilling one for our Lankan inventors and we spoke to Shehan and Sankalpa about their thought regarding the victory.

When they were asked where they got their idea for their experiment that was to filter out carcinogenic chromium ions from our drinking water, this is what Shehan had to say.

It is a common problem today. Chromium is mostly used by leather manufacturing industries. In a developing country like ours, we have no technology to dispose of the toxic waste in industrial effluents and so the normal procedure is to release it into natural water sources. This water is used by local residents for their daily activities including drinking purposes. Chromium ion is carcinogenic.

"Its all thanks to the dedication of our students and guidance of our teachers. ..."

So, we chose to experiment under this topic conducting research and to come up with a solution with the technology available to us.

Like all happy occasions, this was one where emotions could not be expressed with words.

Our hopes got fulfilled in an unexpected way. We started our research with the hope of reaching the final competition in America as we had never gone abroad. It was a great feeling to get there and it felt even greater when we got the award. Said Sankalpa.

We got a lot of experience that we will remember throughout our lives. The US was different and we learnt a lot. Hearing our countrys name being announced and seeing our countrys flag being hoisted at the event made me feel so proud and happy. I cant really express my feelings in words, said a very happy Shehan his voice giving away his joy.

The achievement of such a victory did not make them forget the people who became their pillars of strength throughout their journey. Sankalpa and Shehan, extended their heartfelt gratitude and sincere thanks to everyone who supported them.

We would like to thank the National Science Foundation for organising such competitions. We would like to thank our principal and all our teachers including our teacher in charge, Ms. Gayani Samarasinghe, for always checking on us, guiding us and staying behind us giving us encouragement and support.

We would both like to especially thank Dr. Meththika Vithanage who guided us throughout our research and experiment. She provided the lab facilities for us which was in Kandy. And while we were in Kandy she provided us with food, accommodation and guidance. Last but not least, we would like to thank our parents for always being there for us.
Macron vs. Trump:

The shock and awe of Mother Nature was at full flow in Sri Lanka, reminding us and our policy-makers the wrath of nature when development and developmental programmes ignore the natural configuration of the earth we inherit. While housing schemes, plantations to highways are a necessity in progress ignoring the ecological realities in such installations can be costly and deadly. Haphazard and changing weather patterns in Sri Lanka are a testament to realities of climate change.

On June 1, US President Donald Trump announced that he would be pulling out of the signature treaty for lowering carbon emissions to manage and mitigate global warming that was agreed on in December 2015 and came into force by September 2016. Popularly known as the Paris Climate Agreement, is a key treaty emerging from the UN system that has near universal approval and commitment.

President Trump who is embattled in his presidency and bogged down by controversies in a Whitehouse that is somewhat dysfunctional is trying hard to project his commitment to his electoral pledges. Defending his decision to pull out of the Paris Agreement, his official website claimed that, the Paris Climate deal affects the reduction of six million US Jobs, there is no real scientific validation how these figures were derived. The announcement triggered a firestorm of media confrontations between pro-Trump groups and climate activists, academics, professional and industry leaders. Governors in states from both coasts are trying to go rogue and undermine Trumps decision.

80 Mayors of key American cities are revolting against the President. It seems, as if Trump has just triggered the first wave of a new civil war within the United States.

Many American liberal and left leaning academics pointed out that the repercussions of this pull out are far reaching and it essentially paves the way to an unprecedented decline of American influence in global affairs. The pursuit of the US leadership remains a primary foreign policy responsibility of any American President; Trumps decision may have set a chain reaction in motion denting that capability. Columbia Professor Jeffrey Sachs response to the pull out was quite jarring. In an opinion piece to New York daily News, he claimed, Today is the day that Americas global leadership ends. Joseph Stiglitz claims that Trump is building a rogue state that takes the country back in history as he defies science and progress.

Paris Climate deal affects the reduction of six million US Jobs  Trump

Pull out decision creates chaos among professionals, intellectuals

It is morally wrong for anyone to leave the climate agreement  Modi

Climate agreement is a guarantor of good governance

Analysts warn Trumps ME visit may create possible tension with European allies

Macron, the new super hero of Europe



Indian Premier Narendra Modi claimed that it is morally wrong for anyone to leave the climate agreement; condemnation of the American move was near universal with multiple leaders of the World and UN bodies coming out to criticize and pledge their commitment to the agreement. Even if it does not represent a decline of American leadership, it represents a beginning of a form of American isolationism which may not serve the American people or its industries well.

The argument that reducing reliance on fossil fuel is harming jobs is ill-conceived. The counter argument is that the green and clean energy industry will also create a massive employment stimulus, thus even in countries such as Sri Lanka solar energy production, wind turbines and promoting the idea of clean energy among public are important for achieving certain sustainable development goals. Trumps decision to pull out of the Paris Climate deal also came on the back of a letter sent to him by 22 Republican Senators to do so. It was later revealed that these Senators had their election campaigns bank- rolled by the energy industry, where the cumulative value of donations to their campaigns were around $10 billion in the last three election cycles.



Thus Trumps decision also follows some universal fears in global politics that, domestic political elites are increasingly subjected to pressures by the energy industry, agricultural industry, big pharmaceuticals and defence industry lobby groups and increasingly political campaigns are becoming corporate adventures. Thus Trumps pull out may not help the masses but to boost the financial strength of some billionaires who funded him and his party. The climate agreement itself is a guarantor of good governance, where States are pressurised to diversify the energy industry and bring in multiple investors and innovators to level the field.

Even prior to Trumps presidency and towards the later stages of Obama Presidency, a common critique was that President Obama with his foreign policy was significantly weakening American leadership and its influence in global affairs. With Trump in office, and his first foreign tour to the Middle East and Europe, and his interactions with European leaders and NATO many American analysts warned of possible tensions with European allies and the potential of the Europeans re-strengthening their relationship and standing up to the United States.

25 years ago, the acceleration of the European Union integration came in the aftermath of the fall of the Soviet Union, as Europeans though happy with the communist giants fall, were equally worried in living in the shadow of American dominance. While being touted as being weak and suffering from fragmentation ever since the financial crisis of 2007, the Europeans are finding new hope to unite to cope with an unpredictable and impulsive US leadership. The best signs for Europe recently were the victory of Emmanuel Macron in the French presidential election.

Macron, according to some analysts, is punching above his weight but for many he is the new super hero of European politics within the span of two days he took on the two most powerful leaders on Earth.

On May 30 at Versailles, he took on the Russian President Vladimir Putin during a press conference that featured both leaders. A master of statecraft, President Putin did not see this coming where Macron directly accused Russian state media outlets for spreading fake news during his presidential campaign while having Putin by his side as he spoke.

On June 1; one hour into the announcement of the withdrawal from the Paris Agreement by Trump, Macron appeared on a video and reiterated his commitment to the climate deal, encouraged Americans in all walks of life to come to France to continue their work on climate change related activities and ended his video broadcast with a punch line to make the planet great again. Macron projected France as a sanctuary and open society while Trump is hell-bent on walling America and he put the global agenda first while Trump kept on tweeting about Making America Great Again. Thus a political rookie has managed to land some heavy punches on two leaders who equally have made many European leaders nervous by their actions.

The divisiveness of American politics is rapidly increasing and polarization between the conservative and liberal political camps is widening. American recession in global leadership convinced many that the geo-political West is also being dragged down by the American decline. Yet Merkel and Macron have managed to rise to the challenge, with Macron in power, the French-Deutsch friendship will grow and is already providing hope of a resuscitation of the region and its geo-political relevance. While Trump is reaping the repercussions of imperial over stretch and domestic under reach, it seems the world is not ready to give up hope on a governance agenda that has some critical global issues at hand and the united effort to save the climate deal is the first of many initiatives to reboot global governance.



The writer is the Director, Bandaranaike Centre for International Studies (BCIS)
Minister of Home Affairs Vajira Abeywardene today dismissed the claims made by his Cabinet colleague Patali Champika Ranawaka that the Southern Expressway had been the major cause for the recent floods.

Some say that the Southern Expressway may have had a major impact on the recent floods but the real issue is mismanagement of rivers in the area, Minister Abeywardene said.

Asked whether he would rate the statement made by Minister Ranawaka as a baseless one, Mr. Abeywardene said he would not call it a baseless one.

Everyone has a right to express her or his ideas but what is important is to avoid natural disasters in the future, he said. (Yohan Perera)
US President Trump described his first oversees visit as successful of course he tweeted it.

However, whilst in the US leaders mind he may consider his visit to Saudi Arabia successful, it is painfully obvious that the Saudis played the US leader by using their petro-wealth to purchase armaments from the US and in return won the US presidents endorsement of Saudi leadership in the Middle East and portray Iran as an exporter of international terrorism. Nothing could be further from ground reality.

Iran is in fact actively fighting the Islamic State (IS), whereas Saudi Arabia exports fundamentalist Wahabism and supports the setting up of Madrassa schools - Islamic religious schools world-wide. Many of the Taliban were educated in Saudi-financed Madrassas in Pakistan that teach Wahabism, a particularly austere and rigid form of Islam which is rooted in Saudi Arabia.



The leaders in Europe too, unfortunately did not feel the US Presidents visit was even mildly successful. Britains Guardian newspaper noted There is a horrible irony in the reported remarks of a senior administration official after the G7 meeting, that: This was a summit in which the goals and priorities of the United States and the President really were felt deeply ... President Trump has changed the way many people around the world are thinking of these issues.

German Chancellor Angela Merkel went further and warned her compatriots in Europe that they could no longer depend on the US. Speaking at an election rally in Germany, Chancellor Merkel said Europe can no longer completely rely on its long-standing British and US allies, saying the EU must now be prepared to take its fate into its own hands.



During his discussions with his NATO allies Trump kept up a barrage of criticism of Germany, referring to the sizable trade deficit that the U.S. has with Europes largest economy. According to Trump the U.S. imports nearly $115 billion worth of goods and services from Germany while its exports to Germany are in the region of about $47 billion. A big gap but what the US leader has constantly failed to understand is that the US in fact does not trade with Germany per se, but with the European Union. In fact Ms Merkel was in the end forced to point the mistake out to the US leader. Whether he still realises this, is still in doubt given his twitter broadsides following his return to the US.

Trump also accused German car manufacturers of flooding the US market and hurting US car manufacturers. What the US leader failed to understand was that major German car makers in fact manufacture a number of their vehicles in the US itself!



In fact Germanys BMW operates its largest car factory in South Carolina in the US Mercedes Benz manufactures three of its models in the US, and Volkswagen too runs a manufacturing plant in the US. Again at a meeting with the G-7 countries of which the US is part and parcel, President Trump failed to ratify the Paris Climate Deal which leaders of the other G7 nations  Germany, France, Britain, Italy, Canada, and Japan  issued a communique confirming their support to.

Commenting on the US stand - regards to the climate deal - which is very close to the Europeans hearts Chancellor Merkel described it as very difficult, if not to say very dissatisfying. The US President also accused his European allies, of not paying their dues to NATO. The way the President put it, it would appear that the European members of NATO owed the US. Nothing could be further from the truth. European members of NATO are expected to contribute 2% of their GDP to NATO while the US contributes 3.6%. If the US President wants, he can simply reduce its contribution or walk away from the organisation



But the reality is NATO was set up by the Americans in the aftermath of World War II to as a means to continue and maintain a strong presence in that region to counter Russian influence. Sorry Mr. President your first foreign trip as leader of the US was neither successful nor did it reassure US allies, but it has opened the door to China which was quick to confirm its support for the Paris Climate Deal.

Finally where does this leave Britain after Brexit? Sad... Britain is now left in splendid isolation  a potty little island, not part of the EU and no special status with the US either.
After two days of constant "angry rebuttals" I too got angry - at the rebuttals to Naseeruddin Shahs Hindustan Times piece. On June 3, the fine actor wrote a long piece on being Muslim in India today. It starts with stating that he is not a practising Muslim, inspite of that in the middle he talks about the fear of being persecuted for being seen as a Muslim today and ends with calling for reforms within the community.

While admitting to not being a practising Muslim, Naseer in the same breath admits to have performed "the rite" of reading out the Kalma in the ears of his children at their birth.For the uninitiated, the Kalma  'la ilaha illa -llah, muhammadur rasulu -llah  is the proclamation that there is only one God and Mohammad is his messenger. This proclamation forms the bedrock of the Muslim belief and is evidence enough of being a Muslim.

Naseer goes on to share some experiences of Muslimhood, that we often hear from people around us. The celebration of Diwali and Eid, limited world views of many maulanas, empathy towards non-Muslim friends, etc are issues one is familiar with and Naseer builds his case for distancing himself from religion. Then Naseer states, But over the past few years, the nightmarish possibility of my children being someday confronted by a mob demanding to know their religion could be inching closer to reality.

Naseeruddin Shah traces the growth of hatred in society to the Partition and its aftermath.

The "stop trying to speak for us", "you are not even a Muslim" to "privileged"  all kinds of stuff is doing the social media rounds. I wonder what called for so much anger? Photo: India Today Group

The hatred spawned by Partition taking seventy years to unleash itself is probably evidence that the longer the pot brewed the more potent the venom got, he writes. While briefly touching upon the politics behind the hate, Naseer turns to look within the community itself.

Without mincing words he calls out the "victimisation" and the need "to take matters into our own hands" for development to benefit the economically-weaker sections. He talked of taking up a true reading of the Quran and disposing off the self-appointed spokespersons.

It is easier to call out ones own than the majority at large. See how Aamir or Shah Rukh have long been silenced. But little did Naseeruddin Shah know that he would be at the end of the ire of Muslims themselves.

Not even the maulanas need issue fatwas this time. Yes, his piece did merit discussions as it was not a perfect piece that would do justice to everything under the sun to being a Muslim in todays times. But the matter being so vast and layered, I doubt if such a piece is even possible.

What Naseeruddin Shahs writing did in its imperfection was perhaps greater than what a perfect piece would have been able to achieve. HT had been running the series with efforts at bringing out voices from all corners and spectrums of the Muslim society. Did any other of the rather well researched articles trend on Twitter? No, but they generated a lot of applause from the same Muslim clique who showed resentment at this last of the series. Naseeruddin Shah did trend on Twitter. And in the end got what the whole series deserved - attention and discussions and yes, rebuttals. Yes his star status helped as did the absence of political juggernauts in his imperfect piece.

To my mind, its the same as the backlash about the movie Haider, says Meera Rizvi, writer and researcher. True the film may have had some flaws and did not do justice to the Kashmiri Muslim position. But as a non-Kashmiri, I was shocked with the sense of sadness and hopelessness that engulfs Kashmir. It brought home the barbed wires, the desolation of a beautiful state. Similarly, In the Naseeruddin Shah piece, hopefully some of the people we are trying to win over may have glimpsed the terror ordinary Muslims are experiencing right now. Yes, Naseeruddin Shah disavows his Muslimness but maybe that is needed for some people to pay heed to him. We must not forget that the battle right now is for the hearts and minds of the majority. Some of them may respond to the long missing Najeebs mother, some to intellectuals and some to people like Naseeruddin Shah. So no voices should be shut down. Anyone and everyone who speaks against this senseless violence is an ally.

Every write-up has an audience. And not every write up needs to cater to all audiences. As important as Naseers voice is, so are the vibrant rebuttals. Both are important to keep the conversation going, for the fire to continue burning. This fire will lit up the path ahead.

The rebuttals do have some valid grounds. But some of the hysteric response is akin to "go to Pakistan" statements. The "stop trying to speak for us", "you are not even a Muslim" to "privileged"  all kinds of stuff is doing the social media rounds. I wonder what called for so much anger?

Is critiquing the self not as important as critiquing the state? Will only critiquing one of them all the time not make us cry babies oblivious to the rot within?

Both the self and state form a vicious circle; they feed off each other. And both need to be called out.

What Naseer wrote was his truth. There should be space for everyones truth. For every kind of Muslim  practising or non-practising. After all, when a non practising, elite, privilegeds door gets knocked by fear, it tells us how pervasive the epidemic is.
Mild traumatic brain injury is one of the most common types of neurological disorders, yet one of the least understood.

The University of Virginia is part of a national effort to map the brain in greater detail  a project that could go a long way in helping the medical community understand, diagnose and treat TBI, which affects about 1 million people every year, according to the National Center for Injury Prevention and Control.

Funded by Cohen Veterans Bioscience, a nonprofit institute dedicated to researching TBI and post-traumatic stress disorder, the objective of the project is to create an imaging library that doctors and researchers can use as a point of reference.

Advancements in imaging technology have made it possible to capture whats going on in the brain in greater detail, said Dr. James Stone, UVas vice chairman of clinical research.

Until recent years, a lot of imaging  really hasnt allowed for the discernment of finer details in the tissue, Stone said. We know a lot of things in the brain depend on what occurs on the cellular level and what occurs on the molecular level.

The term imaging can be misleading. Stone and the rest of the research team  including scientists with the Department of Defense, Baylor University, the American College of Radiology and the San Antonio Military Medical Center  are collecting numerical data on structures of the brain at the microscopic scale.

Stone and his team want to know, for example, the thickness of grey matter in a healthy patient, or the movement of water across connective nerve tissues. Once they have collected data on healthy patients, they can use that as a reference in diagnosing and treating patients who have brain injuries.

The database would provide doctors with a useful baseline  like the statistical ranges used in a blood test, Stone said.

That blood test is useful because somebody has already done the work to tell you what levels are normal and what levels are abnormal, he said.

People who have chronic brain injuries will have thinner cortices because of cell loss, Stone added. Wed like to better understand what that range of numbers is.

The image library could prove useful for a variety of neurological disorders, but its especially useful for mild TBI, which may manifest itself in subtle ways. A person with mild TBI may not show many outward symptoms of damage. Conventional brain scans dont always pick up on it, either.

The image library could allow doctors not only to diagnose the problem, but to get a complete picture of their patients injuries.

Were hoping well be able to understand whos going to get better and whos going to need more help, Stone said.

UVa and the projects partner institutions will start by performing image scans on 3,000 healthy adult volunteers from diverse backgrounds. The UVa Medical Center will be one of four sites conducting the tests.

The hospital is not yet ready to recruit volunteers, said Adrienne Stimson, a clinical research coordinator with the Medical Center.

The center plans to bring in 125 volunteers for the initial phase; depending on how it goes, Stimson said, they could bring in more.

The main thing theyd get out of it is they would know theyre furthering scientific contribution to the brain, she said. This information is going to be available to doctors and scientists researching brain disorders.
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New Delhi: The Aadhaar card has now been made mandatory for government subsidy on purchase of kerosene and benefits of Atal Pension Yojana. Those availing kerosene subsidy or contributing for the pension scheme will now be required to furnish proof of possession of Aadhaar number or undergo the enrolment process to get the benefits, officials said today.

The last date to get the Aadhaar or enrolment for getting it will be September 30, in case of Kerosene subsidy. For the Atal Pension Yojana, the deadline for getting the Aadhaar is June 15, they said, quoting an official order.

However, till an Aadhaar card is obtained, ration card, driving licence, voter identity card, Kisan passbook with photo, job card issued under the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme (MGNREGS) and a certificate issued by a gazetted officer or a tehsildar will be considered as proof of identity for the benefits.

It has been also decided to link the Aadhaar number with the ration card issued to households availing the benefits or with the bank account for cash transfer benefit. The Ministry of Oil and Natural Gas has introduced Direct Benefit Transfer through which subsidy is transferred directly to the bank accounts of the beneficiaries, who purchase the PDS kerosene at non-subsidised rate.

The decision to make Aadhaar mandatory for these two schemes will prevent leakages of subsidies and ensure that the beneficiaries get their due. For this, the central government has invoked Section 7 of the Aadhaar Act, 2016, which mandates that when the government gives subsidy, benefit or service from the Consolidated Fund of India (CFI), an individual can be asked to undergo authentication or furnish proof of possession of Aadhaar.

The Centre allocates subsidised kerosene to the states and Union Territories as affordable cooking fuel for domestic use, mainly to those living below the poverty line. Under the Atal Pension Yojana, which is available to all the citizens in the age group of 18-40 years, a subscriber would receive a minimum guaranteed pension of Rs 1,000 to Rs 5,000 per month, depending upon his contribution, from the age of 60 years.

The same pension would be paid to the spouse of the subscriber and on the demise of both the subscriber and the spouse, the accumulated pension wealth is returned to the nominee.
Coimbatore: Major textile industry bodies today welcomed the decision of fixing reasonable GST rates to most of the categories and thanked Union Finance minister, Arun Jaitley for initiating faster decisions on the subject.

In his reaction, Regional Chairman Federation of Indian Exporters' Organisation (FIEO) Southern Region, A Shaktivel said that the lower GST rates across the products which are having high export potential will go a long way in promoting "Make in India".

The leather and footwear sector, Pharmaceuticals, food products, textiles got fair deal in taxation, Sakthivel said in a statement here. On textile, he said that announcement of lower rates of GST for Fabrics, Natural Fibre, Apparels and Made-ups will enable increased value addition, employment and exports and propel domestic production across the sectors.

Sakthivel also said that the simplified procedure of job works by allowing movement of goods by Challan only will go a long way in developing supporting eco system much needed for garment industry competitiveness.

Indian textile industry estimated at 120 Billion Dollars worth today, can reach 230 Billion Dollars by 2020, if further focus was given, so that export of raw materials including fibre and yarn can be replaced with more value added products.

Tirupur Exporters' Association (TEA) also thanked Jaitley for considering the requisition and helping to fix GST rate at five per cent for garments including cotton, cotton yarn and fabrics.

This would help the predominantly cotton based textile industry to grow and also increase exports, TEA president, Raja M Shanugham said in a release today. However, he expressed disappointment for fixing the GST rate at 18 per cent for synthetic Fibre and Fabrics and noted that the garments units may find it difficult in offsetting Input Tax Credit.

The exporters were also concerned about the service tax fixed for job working units at 18 per cent where more than 80 per cent of garment exporting units in Tirupur cluster are carrying out the job working activities, he said and sought to exempt the the job working units in payment of Service Tax.

In a statement, Indian Texpreneurs Federation Secretary, Prabhu Dhamodharan said that the uniform and lowest slab GST in cotton segment up to fabric stage will make the textile manufacturing sector efficient and trigger growth across the country.
Hyderabad: With the race for automated driving tech hotting up, German tech firm ZF is considering collaborating with two Indian start-ups to further its goals, according to a top official.

Speaking to this newspaper ZF chief digital officer Mamtha Chamarthi, who was in Hyderabad, said, The company is open to all options (partnership or acquisition). We already collaborate with Nvidia and recently, we had invited startups from all over the world. Two startups from India managed to pique our interest with their technology. We think their technology, if developed further, can help the product become better.

In recent days, the race for self-driven vehicles has become complex due to firms tying up with multiple partners. So, when asked whether ZF would prefer tie-ups with big firms or with start-ups, Ms Chamarthi said, While we wouldnt rule out the big firms, startups can provide us with useful insights due to their focused approach towards a problem.

When asked about the two Indian start-ups she said, Its too early to reveal anything more but we hope to share it soon. ZF, which inaugurated its technology centre in Hyderabad in March, is also considering building a test track for their automated vehicles after the Government of Telangana offered land for it.
While many filmmakers may be clamouring to cast Aishwarya Rai Bachchan in lead roles, and the actress has been reading scripts since November, its understood that the only two films she has signed are by Mani Ratnam and Sanjay Leela Bhansali only.

Not too long ago, there had been a clandestine meeting between SLB and Ash, on the heavily guarded sets of Padmavati. And the actress seems to have given a nod to these projects for sure.

Sanjay Leela Bhansali

Aishwarya confirms that she has agreed to do films with two directors, And these are people with whom Ive worked with for a long time.

Mani Ratnam

Having said that, there have been rumours of Aishwarya having agreed to work with her Taal co-actor, Anil Kapoor, again in a film called Fanney Khan. However, theres not been an official confirmation from the actress.

Even Prahlad Kakkar was keen on roping in Aishwarya and Abhishek Bachchan, along with Amitabh Bachchan, for a film on marital discord. But Aishwarya refused to do the movie. Anurag Kashyap too wanted to get them together for a film called Gulab Jamun, but those efforts failed too.
Kochi: The Rs 1,000-crore mythological epic based on M. T. Vasudevan Nairs Randamoozham will be named after the novel in Malayalam, but it will be Mahabharata based on Randamoozham in other languages. The shooting of the film will begin in Abu Dhabi in May next year, producer B.R. Shetty said in Abu Dhabi on Sunday.

He said elaborate sets will be erected in the Gulf emirate for the shooting of the multi-lingual project in which Mohanlal will play the lead. We will even create a forest, Dr Shetty said. I didnt come here with money; so every dirham and fils was earned here in Abu Dhabi for the last 43 years, he said, explaining why he chose the location for the film, to be directed V. A. Sreekumar Menon. This is my way to pay it back to this country.
After winning brownie points for her portrayal in her Tamil film Tenaliraman, Meenakshi Dixit is set to star in a high-on-comedy film Takkar, directed by Barani Jaypal. Talking about her role, Meenakshi says, I play an independent Muslim girl hailing from an orthodox family. Amidst comedy of errors, the drama unfolds as I get kidnapped by a group.

Meenakshi, who has been missing from the Telugu screens for a while, explains, I am not getting anything substantial in Telugu, and Kollywood is offering me interesting roles. Her forthcoming Hindi film Lupt, a horror comedy, directed by Prabhuraj, is a cherry on top for the actress.
Attapady: With six deaths per 1000 births, Kerala is known to have the lowest mortality rate in India. But the hilly Attapady region in the state seems to have come across as an exception due to a mortality rate of 33 deaths per 1000 births, with seven infant deaths out of 210 births coming between January and May this year.

While the spike in infant deaths is alarming, the worst affected by it are tribals living in 192 hamlets in the region. They are blaming growing banana plantations in the area for infant deaths or congenital diseases and physical deformities found in most children born to Adivasi couples.

They allege that use of prohibited pesticides in banana and areca nut plantations is leading to contamination of soil and water in the area causing miscarriages and infant deaths. Attapadys Nodal Tribal Health Officer has also demanded a thorough investigation into use of pesticides causing birth defects and infant deaths.

While an environmental advocacy group Thanal has discovered use of monocrotophos, known to be highly toxic, in plantations, tribals say that they are at risk due to water contamination due to the absence of a water treatment facility in Attapady.

Banana farmers in the region moved up the hills as cultivable land near the banks of the Bhavani River became scarce. They used pesticides and fertilizers for more yield, and tribals told a leading news portal that these chemicals seeped into land with time and have led to poisoning of local water resources.

Locals complain of several children being taken to hospitals for nausea, headache and fever, they say the water is contaminated since most plantations are on the slope of the river from where adivasis get drinking water. Earlier a study had tied infant deaths to malnutrition.

Thanal found that pesticides used to control mites and locusts contain toxic monocrotophos and phorates which are banned in Kerala since 2011 and are chemicals found in cooking oil at a school in Bihars Chhapra where 23 children died after eating mid day meals in 2013.

Activists demanding restrictions on use of fertilisers said that if this trend continues survival for the original residents of the region, the Adivasis, will become next to impossible.
40-year-old Rebecca Hockaday was diagnosed with inflammatory breast cancer in 2012 after noticing unusual freckles on her chest and breast.

At the time she didn't think much of it, telling the Daily Mail,"It was summer and it was where my bathing suit cut off. There was only one so I didn't think anything of it."

The mother-of-two went to a dermatologist six months later after the spots started increasing, the Daily Mail reported. The dermatologist recognised the spots and Hockaday was sent to a cancer institute where a biopsy confirmed she had a rare and aggressive form of breast cancer. What she thought were freckles were actually a symptom of stage 3 inflammatory breast cancer.

Inflammatory breast cancer, the National Cancer Institute explains is an aggressive disease in which cancer cells block lymph vessels in the skin of the breast.

Hockaday, from Georgia, was told her condition was progressed and it was also in her lymphatics and lymph nodes. She started an aggressive radiation treatment after her chemotherapy and a bilateral mastectomy.

While she revealed it was exhausting and painful, she told the Daily Mail it was worth it to be cancer-free 10 months after her diagnosis and still is.

Currently, Hockaday has to get monthly injections, scans and takes daily medication.
A Russian woman branded 'ugly' for a rare genetic condition which stops her bones from growing symmetrically has become a Youtube beauty blogging star.

Lily Cvetok was just seven years old when she was diagnosed with a condition called McCune-Albright Syndrome that affects the bones, hormones and skin. She has been left wheelchair bound due to the disorder.

As a child, the now 21-year-old was mocked for her appearance and was called "ugly" and "not beautiful" by her classmates, The Sun reports. However, the bullying didn't stop the young lady from launching her own YouTube channel in 2014. On it, she gives makeup tutorials, which has gained 13 million views.

Despite receiving negative comments online Cvetok said she continues to do what she loves thanks to the support from her family, friends and subscribers. While it is not pleasant reading such horrible comments, she chooses not to pay attention to them.

Cvetok has also won awards for her body positive messages. She hopes that people are motivated and inspired by her videos. "Im just like you, its just that I have more desire than abiliy," she is quoted as saying by The Sun.
TV journalist A. Indrasen was attacked by the owner of a biryani shop and two other persons, who claimed to be associates of a Saroornagar Corporator.

Hyderabad: TV journalist A. Indrasen was attacked by the owner of a biryani shop and two other persons, who claimed to be associates of a Saroornagar Corporator. Mr Indrasen purchased biryani from the Modern Rytu Chicken Bazaar (MRCB), but found the rice to be of poor quality. When he returned to the shop to complain, he was assaulted. A constable tried to intervene but the trio abused him too. The police have registered a case.

On Friday night, Mr Indrasen purchased a packet of chicken biryani from MRCB. After reaching home, he opened the packet and found the rice had a plastic texture. I took some rice, made it into a ball, and hit it on the plate. I was shocked to see that it bounced back, he said. Mr Indrasen took the packet to the shop. Shop owner Srinivas began abusing Mr Indrasen. He called Mohammed Saleem, a businessman, and Rishi, a civil engineer. The three men, who claimed to be aides of Saroornagar Corporator P. Anitha Reddy, assaulted the journalist, says the plaint.

As soon as I dialled 100, the police arrived at the spot. But the trio misbehaved with them and abused them as well, Mr Indrasen said. The three were taken to the police station, and Mr Indrasen and the constable, Santosh, filed complaints against them. They have been charged with voluntarily causing hurt, wrongful restraint, and obstructing a public servant from discharging his duties.

Meanwhile, Corporator P. Anitha Reddy condemned the incident. She said that though the men may have been her followers, their involvement in such activities was not acceptable. She asked the police to take strict action against the accused. We will take the issue up with party seniors and initiate disciplinary action against them, she said.
Addressing a meeting of special invitees here, Shah, who is on a three-day visit to Kerala as a part of his 95-day countrywide tour ahead of the 2019 Lok Sabha polls, said the poor, who did not even have the basic facilities, benefited from the 106 schemes of the Centre. (Photo: PTI)

Thiruvananthapuram: Hitting out at the opposition parties for their criticism on the performance of the three-year old NDA government at the Centre, BJP chief

Amit Shah on Sunday claimed that "achhe din" (good days) had indeed arrived for the poor people of the country.

Addressing a meeting of special invitees here, Shah, who is on a three-day visit to Kerala as a part of his 95-day countrywide tour ahead of the 2019 Lok Sabha polls, said the poor, who did not even have the basic facilities, benefited from the 106 schemes of the Centre.

"Achhe din has come for those families," he added. "My answer to those who ask where is the achhe din, it is there in the houses of those who have received gas, power connections, toilets and opened bank accounts under the Jan Dhan Yojana," said Shah.

In contrast to the previous "corruption-ridden" Congress-led UPA government, the NDA, led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, completed three years without any corruption charges, he claimed.

The Modi government had unveiled a "new development model" for the country which would benefit all the sections of the society, added Shah.

He said the Army's surgical strikes, following the Uri terror attack in Jammu and Kashmir last year, became possible due to the "strong political decision" taken by the prime minister, which was "lacking" during the previous regime, even though several terrorist attacks had taken place.

He also rubbished the allegation of the opposition that the economic growth of the country had slowed down and claimed that in the last three years, the GDP had touched 7.1 per cent from 4.4 per cent, adding that the "main objective of the BJP is to transform the country into a strong economic power".

Shah said the Centre had sanctioned development projects worth Rs 1.5 lakh crore for Kerala.

The National Democratic Alliance (NDA) had also succeeded in putting an end to "family rule, casteism and politics of appeasement", he claimed.

"You (people of Kerala) are electing either the LDF or the UDF in the state. But, the rule of Communists has come to an end the world over and likewise, the Congress has also lost its mass base," he said, adding that hence, the BJP should be given a chance in the southern state.

Shah, who arrived here in the morning, addressed a series of meetings of the state office-bearers, district presidents and morcha in-charges of the saffron party. He asked those at the meetings to reach out to the minority communities and Dalits in the state.

Soon after arriving here, the BJP chief garlanded the statue of social reformer Ayyankali, who had fought for the rights of the oppressed in Kerala and played a vital role in cleansing the social evils in the society.

"His (Ayyankali's) mammoth efforts to eradicate the caste apartheid through innovation and resistance inspire us even today," he later wrote on Twitter.

Shah also met the heads of the Syro Malankara Catholic church and the Latin church in Kerala. Cardinal Baselious Cleemis, Major Archbishop of the Syro Malankara Catholic church, and Archbishop Soosa Pakiam, the head of the Latin Catholic church and President of the Kerala Catholic Bishops Conference (KCBC), met the BJP chief.

The meeting was held at the Major Archbishop's house here in the evening.

On Saturday, at Kochi, Shah had held talks with church leaders, led by Syro Malabar church head Cardinal Mar George Alencherry.
HYDERABAD: Be careful about what you post, advise experts to US- bound students going on F-1 visas. This follows reports that US will now be scrutinising social media content and interactions of students intending to move to the US for higher studies. Ganesh Valmiki, CMD of a Valmiki Group, asks the students not to post any messages against Trump administration or about hate crimes or even messages like 'Good-bye India' or 'Thank God I am leaving the country for good.' These messages will create suspicion in their minds thereby affecting the student's chances for admission in a US college.

The overseas consultant says that last year US officials had enquired along with financial documents and details of the college of admission, also details of social media accounts. These were never a part of the visa issuing process earlier. According to reports from Washington, vigorous screening methods including seeking information about social media identities are part of the new security procedures being implemented from May 25 this year.

According to US officials, consular officers can demand extra information from applicants who they feel require more rigorous national security vetting. Such visa applicants will be asked to provide additional information, including their social media handles, prior passport numbers, additional information about family members, and a longer history of past travel, employment, and contact information.

However, these changes will affect only a fraction of one percent of the more than 13 million annual visa applicants worldwide, US authorities said. Providing the information is voluntary, though the questionnaire informs applicants that individuals who do not provide all the requested information may be denied a US visa. Meanwhile, a city student who has a US visa appointment soon, stated that there was no mention of social media account details in the paper work she had done.
Under the section security, the booklet displayed a map where the Kashmir state was labeled as 'Indian occupied Kashmir'. (Photo: ANI/Twitter)

Lucknow: A booklet depicting the failures of three years of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's government may land the Congress party in a controversy as it has described Jammu and Kashmir State as 'Indian Occupied Kashmir'.

Booklet named Aanch was launched in Lucknow on Sunday, where senior Congress leader and former Jammu and Kashmir chief minister Ghulam Nabi Azad and Congress leader Raj Babbar were also invited.

Under the section security, the booklet displayed a map where the Kashmir state was labeled as 'Indian occupied Kashmir', while explaining about the challenges faced by India with the construction of China Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC).

However, the Congress party swung into defensive mode, calling the gaffe a printing error'.

"This is a printing error. However, we should have taken caution, we have committed a grave mistake, and we will ensure that such type of errors is not repeated," Congress leader Ajay Makhan told ANI.

Makhan went on to further add that the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) had committed the same mistake in 2014, where it had displayed the same map in their website.

"But the difference between Congress and the BJP is that we apologise for our mistake immediately. In 2014, the BJP displayed the map with same error in their website. Till now they have not apologised," he said.
Coast Guard Karnataka received a telephonic message at about 4.45 pm last evening regarding flooding in the barge. (Representational Image)

Mangaluru: The Coast Guard on Sunday rescued all 27 members aboard the barge that was sinking in the Arabian sea off Ullal coast in Dakshina Kannada district.

Official sources said the Coast Guard had rescued four persons on Saturday night and the remaining 23 persons this morning.

It was earlier reported that 33 persons were in the barge.

A lifeboat was used to rescue the stranded men instead of the earlier plan to use a helicopter to airlift them.

The rescue operation, which had been halted due to rough seas last night, resumed at 7 am , the sources said.

They said four people had been rescued from the sinking barge last night with the aid of Gemini, an inflatable rubber boat along with a diving officer and boarding team of Indian Coast Guard vessel ICGS Amartya.

However, the rescue operations had to be aborted in the night due to bad weather and light conditions.

The Barge Ibis, a 2964 GRT vessel with a length of 65.58 metre and breadth of 32 metres, with 27 crew, was engaged in operations to prevent sea erosion, south of Old Port Mangalore.

Coast Guard Karnataka received a telephonic message at about 4.45 pm last evening regarding flooding in the barge.

ICGS Amartya had been maintaining its position in the area with continuous communication with Barge Ibis since last evening, the sources said.
Hubballi: The country's independence and progress mean little here. While the state boasts of a progressive city like Bengaluru, in its villages, time stands still. Denied their rights for years, Dalits in a village in Mudhol taluk are still not allowed entry into local hair saloons by the upper castes and must travel 20 kms for a haircut.

Unable to take the humiliation any more, the Dalits went on a 35 km long padayatra to the office of the Bagalkot deputy commissioner on Saturday, demanding that police and political leaders intervene to stop the harassment.

Machakanur village in Mudhol taluk is home to around 200 Dalit families, who have for decades not been allowed into the local saloons for a haircut, with even barbers toeing the line of the upper castes. Recently, some Dalit youth decided to take things into their hands and quarrelled with the owners of hair saloons in the village. The tahasildar and other officials ordered the saloons to offer their services to the Dalits. The barbers response?

They shut shop for over two weeks, the upper castes called for a bandh in the village and damaged shops belonging to Dalits. The protesting Dalits told the Bagalkot DC that they couldn't afford to visit the city for haircuts. Pointing out that Dalits of over 70 villages in Bagalkot district were being denied haircuts in their local saloons, they demanded an end to such discrimination.

"We are not allowed to enter hotels or flour mills," said Dalit villager, Vittal Kencheppagol, calling for political leaders like B S Yeddyurappa and minister H Anjaneya to visit and set things right.

BJP MLA, Govind Karajol who represents Mudhol Assembly constituency, would have none of it, alleging that some Dalit leaders were simply trying to instigate trouble for their own personal ends.
Hyderabad: Slamming the Congress for incorrectly labelling Jammu and Kashmir as India occupied Kashmir" in its booklet, Union minister M Venkaiah Naidu on Sunday said people would never forgive the party for such a mindset.

In a major gaffe, the Congress on Saturday released a booklet with an incorrect map of the country.

Page 12 of the 16-page booklet titled 'Rashtriya Suraksha par Aanch', which was distributed by the Congress, showed the entire state labelled as "Indian Occupied Kashmir" in the context of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC).

The incident occurred during a conference of the opposition party in Lucknow to highlight the shortcomings of the Narendra Modi government during its three years of rule.

"While the people of the country were celebrating three years of a new India in the making, the Congress party came out with an official publication that described India as having occupied Kashmir and thereby conceding Kashmir to Pakistan," Naidu told reporters here.

He noted that the Congress had recently asked the central government to come out with a final solution over Kashmir.

"Perhaps, the final solution they have in mind is that let Kashmir be given to Pakistan so that we all live in peace. This mindset has been reflected in their official booklet released in Lucknow on Saturday," the information and broadcasting minister said.

"Is it for this that hundreds of our brave soldiers have given up their lives over the years defending our sovereignty and territorial integrity?" he asked.

"People can never forgive the Congress for this mindset which is now a part of their official publication," the senior BJP leader said.
New Delhi: Shocked over the deadly London terror attacks, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday condemned the deadly incident, while extending his condolences to the bereaved families.

Prime Minister Modi took to Twitter to express his anguish.

"Attacks in London are shocking & anguishing. We condemn them. My thoughts are with families of the deceased & prayers with the injured," he tweeted.

Attacks in London are shocking & anguishing. We condemn them. My thoughts are with families of the deceased & prayers with the injured.  Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) June 4, 2017

Met Police Assistant Commissioner Mark Rowley has confirmed that six people have been killed in the attack on London Bridge and Borough Market. The police have also shot dead the three male suspects behind the stabbings.

Rowley said that police got reports that a vehicle struck people on London Bridge at 10:08 pm local time.

The vehicle continued to drive towards Borough Market where three assailants got out and attempted to stab members of the public, including a police officer.

The attack lasted for eight minutes till the police arrived at the scene and the three assailants were shot dead.

Rowley said the assailants were wearing fake explosive vests.

According to some unconfirmed reports, ISIS has taken responsibility for the attack.

Also, at least 20 others have been injured in the attack which comes less than two weeks after 22 people were killed and scores were injured by a suicide bomber at an Ariana Grande concert in the northern English city of Manchester.

British Prime Minister Theresa May will convene an emergency security Cabinet meet known as Cabinet Office Briefing Room (Cobra) following the terror attacks took place at the London Bridge and the Borough Market, where several people were injured.

The top-level security briefing involves a discussion across departments which are designed to respond to national emergencies.
Around eight hawala dealers and traders in the national capital were also raided, sources told ANI. ((Photo: Representational/File)

New Delhi: The National Investigation Agency (NIA) continued to carry out raids against Hurriyat leaders in Srinagar and Jammu on Sunday.

The NIA on Saturday initiated raids at 23 places in Kashmir, Delhi and Haryana in connection with funding received from Pakistan for terror and violence in the Valley.

The agency conducted search at the residences and offices of the separatist leaders.

NIA sources told ANI that the agency had earlier registered a Preliminary Enquiry into the case which was later converted into a Regular Case (RC).

"The NIA raids are underway against Hawala operators, and at separatist leaders' house, office and commercial locations," sources told ANI.

Around eight hawala dealers and traders in the national capital were also raided, they added.

Following the raid, the Hurriyat criticised Narendra Modi led National Democratic Alliance (NDA) government over the National Investigation Agency (NIA) crackdown against its leaders.

However, Minister of State Home Hansraj Ahir assured that the action against separatism in Kashmir won't stop till the separatists are taught the real meaning of 'Azadi'.

Hurriyat leaders Syed Ali Geelani, Mirwaiz Umar Farooq and Mohammad Yasin Malik, in a joint statement, alleged that the NIA has been given the task "just to drag and involve Hurriyat leadership into fabricated cases to pressurise the leadership".

"All these state sponsored tactics won't deter us from pursuing our mission, nor these coercions, suppressive and aggressive measures will make us to surrender," said the statement.

The Hurriyat alleged that "India has simultaneously launched a propaganda war to discredit leadership and (Kashmiri) people's struggle for which tremendous sacrifices have been made".

The Hurriyat leadership said that "it is their (centre's) frustration and we will continue to pursue our cause and won't budge in front of such dogmatic elements".

The Hurriyat leadership also warned Delhi of dire consequences "if all these harassing measures are not stopped forthwith and said that if these unnecessary raids are not stopped, people will take to streets and resent these arbitrary measures with their full might and will".
Chamoli: A suspected Chinese helicopter was on Sunday seen flying over Indian territory in Barahoti area of Chamoli district close to Sino-India border, prompting authorities to launch a probe.

"One chopper was sighted hovering over Barahoti area violating Indian airspace at 9.15 AM. It remained inside the Indian airspace for nearly four minutes," Chamoli Superintendent of Police Tripti Bhatt told PTI.

"There have been similar airspace violations in the past too. However, we cannot say whether the violation was a deliberate act of recce or an unintentional deviation," the SP said.

The SP said an investigation is underway to ascertain details of the airspace violation.
Delhi HC has asked the foreign embassies to brief their citizens regarding local laws during their stay in India. (Representational Image)

New Delhi: The Delhi High Court has asked the Centre to inform the embassies and the high commissions in New Delhi that their citizens should keep in mind the local laws while coming to India.

The direction comes amid a rise in cases lodged against foreigners, found with bullets in their bags at the IGI Airport.

Justice RK Gauba told this to the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) while quashing the FIRs lodged under the Arms Act against two foreigners, one from the UK and the other from Kenya, from whose luggage bullets were found when they were leaving India.

"Having regard to frequency of registration of such cases as at hand, it will be in the fitness of things that the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) sends a communication to all Embassies, Consulates or High Commissions in India advising foreign nationals travelling to this country as to the desirability to bear in mind the local laws...

"... Particularly such laws as Arms Act so that inadvertent infractions of this kind as were the subject matter of these cases do not recur," the court said in its order of May 29.

The UK national, a woman, had come to India on a valid visa in January for charity work and was returning to London on April 18 when the bullet was found in her baggage while it was being checked at the x-ray machine.

In her plea for quashing the FIR, she had claimed she had no knowledge about the presence of the bullet in her baggage and said it might have been inadvertently left in her bag when it was being used by some of her friends when she was in Australia, prior to travelling to India.

The Kenyan national, as per his plea for FIR quashing, had come to India on a valid visa for the treatment of his wife and the bullet was found when he was returning to his country on March 10.

He had claimed that he had a valid arms licence in his country and the bullet might have been left in his bag by mistake as he was not aware about its presence.

The court noted that the averments made in the FIRs in both cases "do not indicate anything even remotely suggesting conscious possession".

It also said that while the possession of live ammunition by itself may be an offence but it would be of no use to the petitioners without a fire arm.

The court said that in the circumstances, the theory of the petitioners that the bullet might have been in their baggage while travelling to India "is highly probable and cannot be ruled out".

It also noted the government lawyer's submission that the investigation in both the cases has not thrown up any evidence suggesting the petitioners were aware of the presence of the ammunition in their respective baggage.

"Thus, in this view, carrying of the ammunition in the baggage cannot be described as conscious possession so as to constitute the offence under the Arms Act. For the foregoing reasons, the petitions are allowed," the court said.
Members of United Bengaluru, led by freedom fighter H.S. Doreswamy, protest at Subramanayapura lake in Bengaluru on Saturday. (Photo: Satish B.)

Bengaluru: Citizen groups, lake experts along with the government officials under the umbrella of United Bengaluru undertook an inspection of Subramanyapura, Vasanthpura and Gowdanapalya lakes and filed police cases against encroachments and illegal dumping of garbage.

At Subramanyapura Lake the team found that the lake bund was broken by unknown miscreants to prevent flooding in nearby residential areas. After finding heaps of garbage and illegal encroachment around the lakes, the team filed a police complaint at Subramanyapura police station.

In a letter demanding action against the encroachers, the United Bengaluru team has raised the concern of encroachment of the Vasanthapura Kalyani by a builder N. Balakrishna Naidu, who in connivance with certain officials was using the land of Kalyani to build a wide road to his property.

Freedom fighter H.S. Doreswamy stressed on need to rejuvenate city lakes. "We should not be dependent only on Cauvery river, if lakes are rejuvenated we can use it too," he said.

Thanking the citizens for showing concern, Doreswamy said he was even ready to go to High Court and Supreme Court to protect the lakes.

Uttarahalli Corporator Hanumanthaiah said that Rs 3 crore has been allocated for the development of lakes.

However, Subbu Hegde, President, Classic Orchards Property Owners Association, said that in order to stop encroachment and dumping of waste around the lakes, the government should put up a board where the details about the allocation of funds to rejuvenate the lakes along with a tentative time for the completion of work are specified.

Hegde also pointed out that it was the mafia which encroaches upon government lands and makes a fortune. "Due to the connivance of the government officials, there has been a huge encroachment on the government lands. This must stop. Mafia earns a huge sum of money from the illegal dumping of waste around the lakes," he added.

Quoting Koliwad committee report United Bengaluru activists pointed out that out of nine acres of Gowdanapalya Lake, three acres has been encroached upon by private establishments and shanty huts on the rajakaluve.

S. Vishwanath of the Rain Water Club said, "Revenue Department and Tahsildar are responsible for the encroachments. They have never been questioned. Unless we start punishing them nothing can be done."

N.S. Mukunda, founding president, Citizens' Action Forum, urged the citizens to fight the unholy builder-politician nexus to reclaim the lakes.
Chennai: The Congress vice president Rahul Gandhi on Sunday accused the BJP government at the Centre of 'arm twisting' and 'running' the Tamil Nadu government.

He also slammed the Union government for the violence and unrest in Kashmir for the last past few months. "They (BJP) are creating a problem for the country by their incompetence and by trying to utilise Kashmir as a political asset", he said.

Speaking to the media after having discussions with party functionaries at the state Congress headquarters, Sathyamurthy Bhavan, he said "The BJP is convinced that they run Tamil Nadu. The BJP believes that the only people who should be in power in India are people who believe in the RSS. The BJP believes that anybody else, regardless of who he is whether it be Congress or any opposition party, should not exist in India".

He also charged the saffron party with trying to enforce the belief that there should be no expression of any feelings other than the feelings of their movement.

He said Tamil culture is the way people of TN express themselves and we have to respect that. Each Indian state has its own way of culture, own way of thinking, its own way of expressing itself and its own food, Rahul said.

Asserting that the differences are Indias strength and not its weakness, he said The BJP is absolutely convinced that these are Indias weaknesses and these different ideas need to be crushed.

Explaining the importance of Saturdays meeting, he said the opposition parties wanted to tell the people of Tamil Nadu and the country that India is not one idea and India is thousands of ideas. He said the one idea of RSS is never ever going to crush the thousands of different ideas here. We will not allow it, Rahul said, adding that the opposition would fight together and defeat the BJP and RSS.

The cultural imperialism of the BJP is not acceptable to the people of India, the Congress leader said, We are not going to allow one single idea of RSS, a bankrupt idea to invade the country.

Earlier, he met DMK president M. Karunanidhi at the latters Gopalapuram residence. Coming out the house, he wished that Karunanidhi should become 100 per cent fit.

Reacting to a query on Kashmir, he said he warned finance minister Arun Jaitley that the centre is mishandling Kashmir, but he brushed him aside and said Kashmir was peaceful. He charged Modi with mishandling Kashmir. Kashmir is Indias strength, but the current government is making it Indias weakness.

CPM general secretary, his CPI counterpart Sudhakar Reddy and CPI national secretary D. Raja met Karunanidhi. Speaking to the media, Raja said the approach of the opposition on the Presidential candidate would be decided after the stand of BJP is known. The opposition wanted a President who will save secularism, he added.
Hyderabad: Asserting that the Central government has no intention of imposing any restrictions or regulate food habits of the people Union minister M. Venkaiah Naidu on Sunday accused the Opposition, especially the Congress and Left parties of creating an unnecessary controversy over the issue.

Condemning the Opposition parties for the slaughter of a calf on the streets in Kerala, Mr Naidu said that the Centre had only acted on the directions of apex court and brought in regulations over slaughter of animals.

It was on the direction of the apex court that we formulated guidelines on slaughter of various animals. The same guidelines had been uploaded on a website for 30 days for the people to raise objections. Only after that did the Centre notify the guidelines. However, there is no ban on eating beef in the notification. Even the Kerala High Court specifically asked the petitioner who challenged the order about this, he said.

The Union minister said that ban on cow slaughter was in vogue in many Congress-ruled states. It has been there in a few Congress-ruled states for quite some time. We did not bring in any new rules or regulations. The same people who imposed the restrictions are now raking up controversies. Even the Rajasthan High Court said that cows must be protected and recognised as the National Animal. The Opposition, which is making a hue and cry, appears to have forgotten all this, he said.

Speaking to newsmen at TS BJP office here, Mr Naidu said that the Opposition parties have no work as on date and that was the reason they were creating controversies from every issue. Unfortunately for them, the people are fully supporting Prime Minister Narendra Modi in every sphere, including the latest regulation on slaughter of animals, he said.
India today successfully test-fired its nuclear-capable Prithvi-II missile, which can carry a 500 kg to 1,000 kg warhead, in Chandipur near Balasore on Friday. (Photo: PTI)

BALASORE (ODISHA): Adding further strength to its missile technology research and development, India on Sunday successfully test-fired indigenously developed missile system QR-SAM (Quick Reaction, Surface to Air Missile) from Launch Pad 3 of the Integrated Test Range at Chandipur of Balasore district. The missile was fired at 12.39 pm.

This was the first time launch of QR-SAM. The QR-SAM weapon system, developed jointly by the DRDO and the Bharat Electronics Ltd, is a quick reaction, all-weather, network-centric capable of search on-the-move missile system.

The weapon can engage multiple targets at a range of about 30 km with two vehicle configuration for area air defence.

The QR-SAM is a truck-mounted missile and has a 360 rotatable, electro-mechanically operated, turret-based launch unit.

Reports said, prior to Sundays test launch, India had tested a Surface to air PYthon and Derby (SPYDER) Missile system in May from the Chandipur Integrated Test Range. The system reportedly fired Python-5 and Derby missiles as its interceptors.

A highly maneuverable missile, the PYthon-5 missile has the feature of "lock-on after launch." The Derby is reportedly a developed version of PYthon-4, with an active feature of radar homing.
Hyderabad: TRS chief and Chief Minister K. Chandrasekhar Rao on Sunday appointed heads to various wings of the party. MLC Shambipur Raju was appointed president of partys youth wing, Mohd Khaja Mujeebuddin will head the minority wing, Sunka Ravishankar the SC wing, Kancharla Ramakrishna Reddy the farmers wing, Muta Gopal the BC wing and G. Rambabu Yadav the labour wing.

Mr Rao had already appointed heads for partys student and women wings. He is expected to appoint presidents for ST, trade and legal wings soon.
Mysuru: Chief Minister Siddaramaiah peddled a bicycle in his hometown, Mysuru, to commission India's first ever fully automated public bicycle sharing system to retain the original identity, green tag and beauty of the heritage city, Mysuru by providing sustainable commuting options to citizens as well as visitors.

Siddaramaiah who recalled how his father had bought him a bicycle when he was a small boy, said "I used to peddle around in the city when I was studying in 1961, and peddled 20 km from Mysuru to my village, Siddaramanahundi, every Saturday. With Mysuru having a 12 lakh population and 6.5 lakh registered vehicles, it is necessary to use non-motorised transport to retain the beauty of the city," he said.

The state government initiative has been taken up at an estimated cost of `20.52 crore with primary funding of Rs 10.40 crore from the Global environment fund of the World Bank. Mysuru city corporation and Directorate of Urban Land Transport are jointly implementing the project. There will be 450 bicycles (430 normal and 30 geared), at 52 automated docking stations at major tourist destinations, colleges and offices. One can register and avail the facility at six registration centres at Mysuru railway station, KSRTC rural bus stand, city bus stand, RTO, Zoo, Palace and get smart cards. One can even register online at www.mytrintrin.com or through a mobile app. In the system, one can use a smart card to take a cycle from one docking station and can return it at any other docking station of their convenience and the user fee would be automatically deducted from the smart card, DC Mr Randeep said.

The comprehensive traffic and transportation plan prepared for Mysuru has said that in the absence of a strategy focussed on improving public transport, the situation in the city would further worsen. After taking approval from the cabinet in January, 2016, a project monitoring committee was formulated under the chairmanship of the Mysuru DC.

The cycle system is operational in over 600 cities worldwide including Paris, London, Mexico city, Hangzhou and others. It may be implemented even at Bhopal, Jaipur, Delhi, Thane, Pune, Chennai, Bhubaneswar and Chandigarh.
Hyderabad: Two persons from Andhra Pradesh along with 20 other crew onboard LPG/C Windsor merchant ship, are crying for immediate help as the ship was detained by Naval officials in Djibouti port after their Captain left the ship illegally.

The crew claimed that they have not been supplied with basic amenities like food and fresh drinking water, in addition to non-payment of wages for the past two months.

The members of the crew alleged that the ship was in bad shape when they reported to work in January and since then, they have been facing trouble with the garbage piled up in the ship. Pleas to the fleet operator and ship owner have fell on deaf ears, they said.

The two persons hailing from AP are Chandrashekar Allu (29) from Vizag, third officer on the ship and Korlayya Gutta (47) from Srikakulam who is a fitter. In addition to these two, are 13 Indians from different other states, two each from Bulgaria and Ukraine and two security officers from Philippines.

The team boarded the vessel in January and despite a bad atmosphere in the ship, they decided to work, however, when things did not change, they sent a first collective letter of protest as there was no food and drinking water provided by the company. The garbage was overloaded onboard as it has been not discharged and it has become a health concern for us. said chief officer LPG Windsor Yevgen Bondarenko.

The new management, Antares Marine, Singapore, assured they would shift the vessel to a safe place and they sailed it to Fujairah. We sailed without port clearance on orders from owners and Captain Todor V Ivanov, from Djibouti to Fujairah. We had made a number of requests to send us charts and ecdis permits to sail to Fujairah but we havent recieved anything and we had to sail blind without any safety and risk our life on the Captains and owners order. the crew claimed.

But since we were refused entry into the port of Muscat and Sohar, as the vessel was sailing illegally without port clearance. We had to drop down anchor at Fujairah outer port anchorage and we were promised a supply of food, water and spare parts as the engine was broken.

After we reached Djibouti, the captain illegally left the port and the vessel has been detained since April, he said.
Chennai: Cattle sale ban for slaughter has united DMK and Left parties which issued a joint statement on Tuesday demanding the withdrawal of the notification.

Condemning the move, DMK working president M.K. Stalin, TNCC president S. Thirunavukkarasar, CPM state secretary G. Ramakrishnan, CPI state secretary R. Mutharasan, VCK leader Thol. Thirumavalavan, IUML leader Khader Moideen and Manithaneya Makkal Katchi leader M.H. Jawahirullah vowed to mobilise people jointly and independently to condemn the Union government. They also urged the state government to break its silence on the issue and record its opposition. They urged Tamil people to come to the streets and agitate against the autocratic act.

Who gave powers to the Centre to decide on what people should eat or should not eat? the leaders asked and welcomed the defiant stand of Karnataka, Kerala, West Bengal, Tripura and Puducherry that they would not implement the notification in their states.

Thousands of people involved in cattle and meat trade would loss their livelihood. Besides, Dalits, tribes, backward communities and minorities will face more losses, they said. Since, the government headed by Prime Minister Narendra Modi has failed in all spheres, it is diverting the discussions and dissent from its failures.

He said the Centres move would affect all sections of people and alleged that the Centre had interfered in states rights in an arbitrary manner. The issuance of notification by the environment and forest department amounted to ignoring the rights of states.

The move will affect farmers who already in the clutches of poverty, since they are forced to maintain unproductive cows and aged cattle, they said and pointed out that it would lead to further economic loss for them. Does the Centre want the continuance of suicides and breakdown of rural economy? the leaders asked.

CPI announced a protest against the ban on June 6 and said it would be led by partys veteran leader R. Nallakannu. TMC leader G.K. Vasan said he would lead an agitation on May 31 at Udumalaipet.

Former Chief Minister O. Panneerselvam also joined the other leaders and issued a separate statement demanding withdrawal of the notification. DMDK leader Vijayakanth recalled that former Chief Minister J. Jayalalithaa withdrew the ban on animal sacrifice after strong opposition and wanted the Centre to do the same. Smaller outfits held protests by taking beef at public places at Coimbatore, Salem, Namakkal, Madurai, Dindigul, Tiruchy and other places.
Kalamandalm Gopi, in a sense, is a miracle man, a man who united the past and the present, the then and the now. He contemporized an art form that was deeply rooted in tenacious traditions and conventions, without compromising, even in the least, the rigours of its craft. There is a general misconception that classical art forms are resistant to change and that their styles and systems are fixed, unchanging, and almost in a state of permanence. Such notions arise primarily from a superficial appreciation that takes into consideration merely the external forms of such arts, and are aided by the idea that these art forms essentially belong to the past, and so are in a state of suspended animation. However, with a more discerning perspective, it will become apparent that such auras of permanence can be thoroughly misleading, because in their latent forms, in their internal dynamics, these art forms are constantly undergoing change. One requires an incisive kind of historical understanding to locate such subtle, and sometimes imperceptible, internal transformations. It may also do us well to realize that the artistes involved in classical forms - whether performers or musicians - are not vestiges of the past or characters in a period drama.

They live in the 'today' like us, and are subject to all the turbulences of contemporary life. Their experiences cannot but have an effect on their existence as art practitioners, and on their very practice of the art form. There also comes a time when these experiences can accumulate historically and achieve a sort of critical mass that can set in motion momentous transformations that can redefine the very identity and nature of the art form. Looking back on the history of Kathakali, it becomes evident that it went through such a transformation around the middle of the last century when a series of changes effectively ushered a culture of modernity into the practices of the form, in both its performative and pedagogic aspects. To a great extent, it was the work of Pattikkamthodi Ravunni Menon that was at the centre of this transformation. On the one hand, he formulated a systematic pedagogy - 'kalari chitta' - that focused on instituting an embodied knowledge in Kathakali trainees that restructured their bodies as performative ones fully suitable for the bodily language and grammar of Kathakali. On the other, he evolved a different kind of performance aesthetic based upon the idea of character and propriety, wherein each major character in the Kathakali repertoire was conceived as being governed by a predominant emotion or 'sthayi bhava', and the nature of all his actions was principally determined by this primary emotion.

The importance of this aesthetic is precisely in that it injected a modern, individual ethos into the classical culture of Kathakali. It also led to a rigorous editing of the performance practices of the form, where all that does not tally with this overriding sense of character propriety - whether it be the dance segments, or the modes of rendering the gestures, or situational responses - came to be edited out of the performance, thereby instituting a harmonious totality and sense of beauty to the performance. It was this system that came to be known as the Kalluvazhi Chitta and came to be institutionalized through Kalamandalam. Stalwarts like Kalamandalam Ramakutty Nair, Kalamandalam Padmanbhan Nair, Kalamandalam Krishnan Nair, Kalamandalam Kumaran Nair, and Vazhayenkada Kunju Nair were the products of this style.. Kalamandalam Gopi, as a disciple of Padmanbhan Nair and Ramakutty Nair, represents not only the next generation but also the next higher stage in Kathakali's process of modernity, where the expressiveness of the form attains new and contemporary dimensions. Firmly rooted in the rigorous systems of the Kalluvazhi Chitta, Gopi is a consummate master at the portrayals of such central characters as Dharmaputra, Bhima, and Arjuna of the Kottayam plays that comprise the essential core of the Kathakali repertoire. At the same time, his foremost contribution is his portrayals of the other major characters of the Kathakali stage, such as Nala, Karna, and Rugmangada, as individuals caught in the throes of internal conflicts and self-questionings.

In a sense, it may be said that what Gopi has achieved is not only a crucial expansion of the Kalluvazhi Chitta to encompass such 'modern' introspective characters, but also to locate the performative discourse of Kathakali in a cultural mileu where the primary quandaries are those of the individual and of persistent self-doubts and self-questionings. With Gopi, Kathakali started to address some fundamental questions that the individual in the contemporary world was constrained to confront in his life. In other words, even while maintaining the rigours of Kalluvazhi Chitta, Gopi moulded the language of Kathakali to express what can be called an individual experience ridden with emotions, conflicts and crises. Gopi made kathakali contemporary, making it accessible to all kinds of people, for the novice and the connoisseur alike. It is then least surprising that for large sections of the audience, when Gopi's Nala and Karna posed such questions as "Who am I?" "Where do I come from?" "What is right and what is wrong?" "What is the meaning of life?", they felt one with him, and even as he was heavily clad in the conventional costumes and make-up of the form, they saw the quintessential human in him.

It is also a fact that Gopi's performances many a time creatively extends the language of Kathakali to build a continuity between it and contemporary visual culture. Even as there are several examples for such enedeavours, probably the most impressive one is Gopi's practice of turning away from his fellow actor/character at moments of heightened emotional intensity, and offering a profile of his face to the audience. Even as such a pose is completely foreign to the established systems of Kathakali acting, for an audience trained in the visual language of cinema, it would make immediate sense as a striking image of introspection and emotional crisis. Far from being the imitation of a cinematic language, what Gopi achieves here is a blending of the language of Kathakali and that of contemporary visual culture, thereby opening a door of transparent access to contemporary audiences. It may be safely said that in Kalamandalam Gopi, we see one of those rare instances where the content of the stage and the content of contemporary life seem to become one. What Gopi has achieved in his performative life is a historical coming together of two seemingly disparate things; the content of Kathakali and the content of contemporary life. The secret of Gopi's appeal lies in his ability to make the conflicts of the age old puranas feel immediate, of the here and the now.

A star-studded birthday bash

Actor Mohanlal and Abu Dhabi-based tycoon B. R. Shetty, who is the producer of his Rs 1,000-crore Mahabharata, on Saturday attended the Haritham cultural programme held here as a part of the 80th birthday celebrations of Kathakali maestro Kalamandalam Gopi.To participate in the function held at Lulu Conventional Hall, Mohanlal flew down breaking his busy shooting schedule in Thiruvananthapuram on a private chopper. The star said for him, Kathakali was a spiritual art form, and his close association with Gopi Asan began during the filming of Vanaprastham in which Mohanlal played the role of a Kathakali artist, and Gopi Asan, his father-in-law.

Actor Mohanlal, industrialist B.R. Shetty and Kalamandalam Gopi light the traditional lamp to start the birthday celebrations. Melam maestro Peruvanam Kuttan Marar, agriculture minister V.S. Sunil Kumar are also seen. (Photo: DC)

"The presence of Gopi Asan in the film was a motivation for me, as I didn't know much about Kathakali to perform with confidence. For me, Gopi Asan means Kathakali and Kathakali, Gopi Asan," the actor said about the veteran who has been performing the art form for the past 60 years. Mr Shetty who had associated with the veteran by organising his shows in Abu Dhabi for the past six years said Kalamandalam Gopi and Mohanlal were like brothers to him. He said the outlay for Mahabharata when it was proposed to him was Rs 750 crore, but he wanted it to be a Rs 1,000-crore film. "The formal announcement regarding the movie will be held in Abu Dhabi on Sunday," said Mr Shetty. The maestro performed Navarasas and a Padham from the Kathakali Bahukan Mariman Kanni for the audience. Melam maestro Peruvanam Kuttan Marar and agriculture minister V.S. Sunil Kumar were also present.
Chennai: In the latest development, the absconding Calcutta High Court judge C.S. Karnan, who is facing a six-month jail term as per a Supreme Court order in connection with a defamation case, has written a letter to the President and Prime Minister seeking an audience with them.

It is a fundamental principle of law that in praesentia majoris potestatis, minor potestas cessat  in the presence of the superior power, the minor power ceases and I have sought the intervention of His Excellency, Justice Karnan said in the letter recalling his earlier petition to the President seeking intervention under Article 72 of the Indian constitution. I continue to face the threat of arrest, despite the DGPs of Tamil Nadu and West Bengal being kept abreast of the steps taken, Karnan said further in the letter, which was released to the media through his lawyer.

My removal from office by the Supreme Court by its order of conviction and sentence dated 9 May 2017 is absolutely unconstitutional, Karnan claims in the letter. Saying that the order of the Supreme Court sentencing him has created a judicial and constitutional crisis. It is time for the President to step in to protect the majesty of the law, the independence of the judiciary and, above all, the supremacy of the Parliament in matters which fall within its exclusive domain, he added.

The National Lawyers Campaign for Judicial Transparency is spearheading the movement to reach out Delhi politicians as a late attempt to get the SC order against Calcutta High Court judge cancelled.

Justice Karnan has been in the news after a seven-judge Constitution Bench, headed by Supreme Court Chief Justice J.S. Khehar, sentenced him to six months imprisonment on May 9 in a contempt case. The SC had ordered the West Bengal police to execute the order.

The Supreme Court had, on May 1, ordered Karnans medical examination on the ground that he was medically unfit to defend himself to the contempt proceedings initiated on February 8 for his letters to the PM and constitutional authorities seeking probe against certain judges. But Justice Karnan refused to undergo a medical test and on May 8 he had passed an order of jail term against eight SC judges. Following this, the SC had ordered his arrest on May 9. Karnan remains untraceable since May 10.
Itanagar (Arunachal Pradesh): The notification for banning the sale of cows for slaughter under the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (Regulation of Livestock Markets) Rules, 2017 by Union Environment Ministry has caught BJP leaders in Itanagar off guard.

The proposed ban has evoked widespread protests, especially in Kerala and West Bengal. In the north east, leaders have joined the bandwagon of Arunachal Pradesh Congress Committee (APCC) president Takam Sanjoy to challenge the Centre over its implementation in Arunachal Pradesh.

Reacting to state BJP president Tapir Gao's statement in Guwahati on Saturday, quoting a Supreme Court verdict to ban the consumption of beef or slaughter of cows is a state subject and the BJP as a party has nothing to do with it, Sanjoy described the BJP leaders as confused and giving out contradictory statements.

"When Gao said it is a state subject, north east people eat all kinds of meat, so individual food habits are not the party's concern. The Centre or the BJP has never said don't eat meat, nor is there any guideline in our party which states that a person cannot consume meat or beef. For that matter, why has the capital DC issued a notification banning cow slaughter," Sanjoy asked.

Sanjoy said that Chief Minister Pema Khandu had in his interview to a news channel on June 2 said: The Centre will have a re-look on the notification banning the sale of cattle for slaughter after consulting states.

"I think Narendra Modi is heading a very sensitive government. Recently, I came to know that Venakiah Naidu has given a statement that he will be consulting all state governments and will have a re-look at the notification," said Khandu, who has admitted consuming beef himself, and saying that there is nothing wrong with that.

"Not just Arunachal, the north east as a whole is tribal dominated and are mostly non-vegetarian," he said.

Accusing the Centre and several state governments of seemingly being governed by invisible teams, Sanjoy said they were dictating 'what to eat and what not, what to wear and what not' which were never seen since independence.

However, he wondered: Does Gao and Khandus' contradictory views match the definition of government- the left hand does not know what the right hand doing, Sanjoy questioned who is trying to befool whom?

State tribal communities are mostly meat eaters. The meat trade, which provides sustaining livelihood to a large section of people across this tribal-dominant state, would be hit hard with far reaching consequences.

Imposing a blanket ban on cow slaughter clearly reflects the Centre and the BJP's Hindutva agenda, Sanjoy said.

Meanwhile, Meghalaya BJP unit president Bernard Marak has quit the party yesterday, saying the BJP is trying to impose its ideology on the people.
BJP leaders B.S. Yeddyurappa, D.V. Sadananda Gowda and R. Ashok inaugurate a meeting of the city unit of the party in Bengaluru on Saturday. (Photo: DC)

Ballari: Denying reports that he will contest in the next state assembly elections next year, former BJP minister and beleaguered mining baron Gali Janardhan Reddy on Saturday said, I will not contest any election, but will work hard to bring the BJP back to power, not only in Karnataka, but also in Telangana and Andhra Pradesh.

Mr Reddy, who is out on conditional bail in alleged illegal mining related cases, arrived in Ballari on Wednesday after getting permission from the Supreme Court to celebrate his 25 wedding anniversary in his hometown among friends and supporters. Mr Reddy performed a pooja at the temple of Kanaka Durgamma, the principal deity of the town, with his family members.

After visiting the temple, Mr Reddy told reporters, The question of contesting elections in 2018, directly or indirectly, does not arise under any circumstances or for any reason. I am a loyal BJP worker and am ready to handle party affairs given an opportunity, he said.

He said that the BJP is gearing up for assembly elections in Karnataka under the leadership of state party president B.S. Yeddyurappa, and he will work hard to make Mr Yeddyurappa the chief minister after the 2018 elections.

He said, I want to see Mr Narendra Modi as Prime Minister again after the 2019 Lok Sabha elections. For that reason, if possible, I will campaign in Telangana and Andhra Pradesh to bring the BJP to power in the two states, where I have my own political strength.

Sources said that Mr Reddy is likely to play a key role in bringing his alleged business ally and YSR Congress chief Y.S. Jagan Mohan Reddy into the NDA fold ahead of the 2019 Lok Sabha polls and to bring the BJP to power in the two Telugu states.

Though Mr Reddy ruled out contesting elections, sources said that his friends and followers, who are visiting him in Ballari, are pressurising him to get back into electoral politics.

In turn, he told them that if Bharatiya Janata Partys top brass gives the green signal, he will consider it, the sources said.

Mr Reddy wants to come back to active politics and handle party affairs, but it remains to be seen how the central leadership will consider his re-entry into electoral politics ahead of the 2018 polls, since the party lost power to Congress in 2013 over the mining scam where Reddy was kingpin, a senior BJP leader said.
KOCHI: Former Union Minister and Congress leader Jairam Ramesh says the progressive, secular and democratic parties in the country will have to come together to end the misrule of the country by the BJP. Ramesh however conceded that bringing all parties in the opposition to an alliance is a difficult and time consuming. We needed to work out the modalities and it takes time, he told reporters in Kochi on Saturday. The former minister also said Congress will have to abandon its defensive posture and to turn aggressive in exposing the maximum publicity and minimum governance act of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Terming the three-year regime of Mr. Modi as a disaster for the country Ramesh said the government has failed in all fields.

In politics the government is following a policy of vendetta and in social matters a policy of division. The economy has been ruined with the GDP plummeting to 6 percent and destruction of jobs, he said. The Congress leader also lambasted Modi government for the failure in foreign policy and handling of the situation in Kashmir. Prime Minister Modi has been taking the country for a ride for too long and this needed to be exposed, he said referring to the claims of the government on fighting black money.

According to him the last two years of the UPA regime helped in recovering Rs 130,000 cr of black money while the Modi regime has managed in recovering only Rs 125,000 cr of the black money despite demonetisation, he said. Mr. Ramesh also challenged the claims of corruption-free governance of the BJP by citing the disappearance of Rs 20,000 cr from Gujarat State Petroleum Corporation (GSPC) when Modi was Chief Minister, Vyapam Scam and the assets amassed by BJP leaders few days before the demonetisation.
New Delhi: The Centre on Sunday said the raids conducted by the National Investigation Agency against Separatist leaders is the outcome of the strong will of the people of the Valley who do not want to he held back by influential forces, adding that there is no compromise as far as safeguarding the security of the nation is concerned.

"I can say that there is no compromise as far safeguarding the security of the nation is concerned and as far as the professional approach of security agencies, as well as military and para military forces is concerned," Union Minister Jitendra Singh told media in New Delhi.

Stating that people of Kashmir Valley want the 'bluff' created by separatist leaders to be called off, he said the youth of the state want to so participate in every activity.

"They (people of Valley) do not wish to be deprived of the opportunities which are available to the youth of the other states. It is the will of the common people of Kashmir Valley that this wheel of fear which is meant to keep them deprived should be undone," he added.

Meanwhile the NIA continued to carry out raids against Hurriyat leaders including spokesman Ayaz Akbar in Srinagar and Jammu.

The NIA yesterday initiated raids at 23 places in Kashmir, Delhi and Haryana in connection with funding received from Pakistan for terror and violence in the Valley.

The agency conducted search at the residences and offices of the separatist leaders.

NIA sources said that the agency had earlier registered a Preliminary Enquiry into the case which was later converted into a Regular Case (RC).

"The NIA raids are underway against Hawala operators, and at separatist leaders' house, office and commercial locations," sources said.

Around eight hawala dealers and traders in the national capital were also raided, they added.

The NIA yesterday initiated raids at 23 places in Kashmir, Delhi and Haryana in connection with funding received from Pakistan for terror and violence in the Valley.

The agency conducted search at the residences and offices of the separatist leaders.

The NIA sources said that the agency had earlier registered a Preliminary Enquiry into the case which was later converted into a Regular Case (RC) last evening.

"The NIA raids are underway against Hawala operators, and at separatist leaders' house, office and commercial locations," sources said.

Around eight hawala dealers and traders in the national capital were also raided, they added.

Following the raid, the Hurriyat criticised Narendra Modi led National Democratic Alliance (NDA) government over the National Investigation Agency (NIA) crackdown against its leaders.

However, Minister of State Home Hansraj Ahir assured that the action against separatism in Kashmir won't stop till the separatists are taught the real meaning of 'Azadi'.

Hurriyat leaders Syed Ali Geelani, Mirwaiz Umar Farooq and Mohammad Yasin Malik, in a joint statement, alleged that the NIA has been given the task "just to drag and involve Hurriyat leadership into fabricated cases to pressurise the leadership".

"All these state sponsored tactics won't deter us from pursuing our mission, nor these coercions, suppressive and aggressive measures will make us to surrender," said the statement.

The Hurriyat alleged that "India has simultaneously launched a propaganda war to discredit leadership and (Kashmiri) people's struggle for which tremendous sacrifices have been made".

The Hurriyat leadership said that "it is their (centre's) frustration and we will continue to pursue our cause and won't budge in front of such dogmatic elements".

The Hurriyat leadership also warned Delhi of dire consequences "if all these harassing measures are not stopped forthwith and said that if these unnecessary raids are not stopped, people will take to streets and resent these arbitrary measures with their full might and will".
Hyderabad: TS TD leaders on Saturday staged a protest in front of Chief Secretary S.P. Singhs chambers in the Secretariat after he was unavailable to meet them, though they had obtained an appointment.

The TD leaders had come to submit a representation to the CS, demanding a CBI probe into the Miyapur land scam. However, Mr Singh was not available in the Secretariat on Saturday.

The TD leaders said that they had been given 2 pm appointment by the CS. The TD leaders, led by party president president L. Ramana and working president A. Revanth Reddy came to Mr Singhs chambers which is located in C Block that also houses the CMO.
Chennai: Tamil Nadu Chief Minister K Palanisamy on Sunday announced a solatium of Rs 20 lakh to the family of Army jawan from the state G Manivannan, killed in a militant attack on a convoy in Jammu and Kashmir.

Palanisamy condoled the death of 25-year old Manivannan, who hailed from Thiappanandhal village in Tiruvannamalai district, and ordered payment of Rs 20 lakh to his family, an official release said.

Manivannan, Gunner (operator), and Naik Dipak Kumar Maity were killed on Saturday when militants attacked the army convoy near Qazigund in Srinagar-Jammu National highway in South Kashmir on Saturday.
New Delhi: External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj on Sunday assured a Pakistani man medical visa for his father provided the case was recommended by the country's adviser on foreign affairs Sartaj Aziz.

Taking to twitter to present his case, Saeed Ayub said "I sold half of my assets 4 (for) my father's liver transplant from India and now no medical visa for us. Why only common man suffers."

Swaraj, known for extending a helping hand to people who approach her through social media, said, her sympathies are with him. "We will give you the visa. Sartaj Aziz Sahib should recommend your case."

Only a letter of recommendation by Pakistan Foreign Affairs Advisor Sartaj Aziz will enable a Pakistani national to get a medical visa for India, the External Affairs Ministry had said recently, a condition reflective of the strained ties between the two neighbours.
THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: BJP president Amit Shah lashed out at the CPM at the foundation stone laying ceremony of the new BJP headquarters at Mararji Bhavan here Sunday, saying each time when it comes to power, it is the BJP and RSS workers who are getting killed. He said it was not only the foundation stone of the party headquarters but for an NDA government in Kerala. BJP's former organising general secretary P. P. Mukundan was not invited. Mr Shah said BJP, which started off with 10 MPs as the Jan Sangh, has now evolved into a party of 11 crore members, but the CPM was not allowing it to function in Kerala.

Our activists are mostly killed in Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayans home district and his constituency. This year alone 13 BJP/RSS activists have been killed. If the Chief Minister believes that he can suppress us through violence, then it is their folly. Those who attack the BJP will be punished by law, he said. The new headquarters of 50, 000 sq ft is coming up on a 55-cent property once owned by Congress leader S. Krishnakumar. In 1999, a trust headed by the then BJP president C. K. Padmanabhan bought the land at the initiative of P.P. Mukundan.

All trust members, O. Rajagopal, K. V. Sreedharan Master, K. Ayyappan Pillai and K. Raman Pillai, were present at the programme, except Mr Mukundan as he was not invited. Mr Mukundan told DC that a day after he wrote an open letter to state president Kummanam Rajasekharan, general secretary M. Ganesh, who is also an RSS nominee, had called him. He asked me whether Mr Rajasekharan had not invited me personally while we had bumped into a programme at Kochi on May 27 which was organised by the BJP intellectual cell. So it is evident that despite the RSS leaderships request to take me back in the party, he is not interested which explains why I have not been invited, he said. Later, Shah had breakfast at BJP activist S. Ratheesh Kumars house in Thycaud as part of its Saha Pankti Bhojanam (eating together) programme.

The other day Telangana Chief Minister K. Chandrasekhar Rao had alleged that during his three-day trip to his state there, the state BJP leadership had that ensured they lunch they took with a Dalit family was prepared by an upper caste Hindu. After having breakfast, Mr Shah went to booth number 95 in Rajaji Nagar colony where an 89-year-old woman, Gomathi Amma, presented him with a pot filled with 36 lotuses and a shawl. He said in his speech that her blessing lifted his spirits. During the end of April when the state unit kicked off its fundraising campaign, Mr Rajasekharan was welcomed by women folks with Rs 50 notes and above catching him off guard as the area is a Congress stronghold. There will be BJP presence in 80 percent of the booths in Kerala within a year, Mr Shah said.
Bengaluru: Answering a question on whether he would be the first Dalit CM in the state post the 2018 election, Dr Parameshwar said he should not be blamed if there is a demand for a Dalit CM.

In the first place, no one declared me the CM candidate during the 2013 elections. There is a convention in the party that the PCC president would be made CM, but people had rejected me at Koratagere from where I contested. I was accidentally born as Dalit and never made it a plank to come up in life. When some members of the Dalit community started feeling the need for a Dalit CM, everyone started saying it was a game being played by Dr Parameshwar. There are many prominent Dalit leaders, including Mallikarjun Kharge,'' he reminded. In 2018 too, the Legislature party will choose its leader like it did in 2013. In politics, everyone is an aspirant, whether he reaches the goal or not, people will decide,'' he said.

On seniors quitting the party, Dr Parameshwar said that he did not know why S.M. Krishna quit the party and appealed to other senior leaders not to leave the party, which they built.

Former Mysuru MP A.H. Vishwanath has not been issuing any statement in the last fortnight and must have reconsidered his decision, he said.

Dismissing reports of early polls to the state Assembly, Dr Parameshwar said the Congress was not in favour of dissolving the Assembly early. I don't know if B.S. Yeddyurappa has specific information from Union government, he quipped referring to the BJP leader's claim.
Thiruvananthapuram: The CPM state secretariat is understood to have come out against fielding party general secretary Sitaram Yechury by taking Congress support and contest from West Bengal. The decision of the party state leadership to oppose such a move was because it was detrimental to the interest of the CPM in the state. Reacting to party's stand, general secretary Sitaram Yechury on Saturday said that the party's decision would be final on the issue.

Earlier the West Bengal State committee meeting of the CPM had sought a third Rajya Sabha term for Mr Yechury and the Congress had made it clear that it would support the CPM to the Rajya Sabha seat if Yechury was the candidate. The CPM polit bureau has scheduled a two-day meeting on June 6 and 7 to discuss the issue. Mr. Yechury is a Rajya Sabha member from West Bengal, and his term expired on August 18.

CPM State Secretary Kodiyeri Balakrishnan who was speaking to reporters at Delhi said that the party congress had taken a decision against any alliance with the Congress and BJP. The last meeting of the central committee had also taken a stand against any alliance with the Congress. The party had also taken a stand that the alliance with the Congress at West Bengal was a wrong decision, Mr Balakrishnan said.
Bengaluru: Dont even think of making Karnataka Congress Mukt, said KPCC president Dr G Parameshwar, poking fun at the BJPs grand claims and added that this was too difficult a dream to implement in a state where the party is still very strong.

Participating in a Meet the press programme on Sunday, he said, The Congress has lost ground to some extent but when our vote share is analysed, it is difficult to write us off.

On whether he would be the first Dalit CM in the state post the 2018 Assembly election, Dr Parameshwar replied: There is a convention that the PCC president is made CM, but people rejected me in Koratagere where I contested in 2013. When some members of the Dalit community started feeling the need for a Dalit CM, everyone started saying it was a game being played by me. There are many prominent Dalit leaders, including Mallikarjun Kharge,'' he reminded.

"The Congress is an ideology-based party, working for the poor and deprived classes. Recently, there has been a surge in the fortunes of the BJP as well as regional parties which have become strong in many states. The Congress has lost ground to some extent but when the vote share of the party is analysed in consecutive elections, it is difficult to write us off," he said.

Admitting that Karnataka was very important and a large state under Congress rule, Dr Parameshwar said the party had regained Punjab recently and was in power in some small states too. In Karnataka, the Congress has been implementing good programmes which have contributed to the state's development. When Mr S.M. Krishna was Chief Minister, the outlay in his last budget in 2004 was only `28,000 crore, today, it has grown to `1.8 lakh crore. Besides, the mid-day meal scheme of the state, which was criticised initially, has become a national programme.

Answering a question on the future of the Congress at the national level if it failed to come back to power in Karnataka, Dr Parameshwar said he was not thinking about this situation. We are studying the anti-incumbency factor and comparing it with the previous BJP government's record. We will get more than our current 124 seats," he said

Taking a dig at the BJP-led NDA government at the Centre, he said Narendra Modi had woven a dream for the country in 2014, which was bought by all youth. All they wanted was a job and a peaceful life. After three years, the situation is disappointing and unemployment is growing. "Agriculture universities have no money for research and for functioning. The government is not even assuring a fair price for the farmers' crop and the future of agriculture looks bleak," he said.

No one understands the basic purpose of demonetisation either, he said.
We are living in stirring and troubled times, with the post-World War II map of Europe and the world changing. First, Europes pre-eminent leader, Germanys Chancellor Angela Merkel, drew her conclusions from her meetings with US President Donald Trump at a series of summit meetings to pronounce that the European Union could no longer entirely depend upon the United States and Britain, on the verge of leaving the EU, for its defence. Ms Merkels foreboding was proved days later by Mr Trumps announcement that his country was withdrawing from the landmark Paris climate agreement. The US President had lectured North Atlantic Treaty Organisation (Nato) members to pay their full share of two per cent of gross domestic product to the organisation. These developments follow the seeming negation of the post-World War II order orchestrated, guided and largely funded by Washington. It has now been overtaken by Mr Trumps America First credo, first leaving the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP) put together by the Obama administration to take in Far East economies in particular by excluding China.

China quietly pocketed this American gift to launch its new Silk Road initiative and now, with President Trump withdrawing from the climate agreement, Chinese Prime Minister Li Keqiang took full advantage of it during his visit to Europe to claim a leadership role, together with Europe, in making the world safer from the ravages of global warming. The Chinese are the last people to look gift horses in the mouth. Judging by the confusion that reigns at the policymaking levels, with the state department short-changed in the projected budget, policy formulation is still in a process of trial and error. After his campaign abuse, Chinas President Xi Jinping seems to have been given a free pass. But we have US defence secretary James Mattis warning Beijing of the dangers of repudiating international law to militarise outcrops in the South China Sea. How long can Europe survive these shockwaves coming from Washington? They have created a crisis mood in Europe, and Ms Merkel captured well by raising the existential question of the European Unions security. It comes at a particularly difficult time for the EU because of Britains exit schedule, the defiance of EU norms by two member states, Poland and Hungary, and the need for greater cohesion inside the organisation.

One consequence of this soul-searching will be a changed relationship between the EU and Russia. Europe, although not short of jingoists, has a different view of Moscow, painted in lurid black colours in Washington. Significantly, Ms Merkel mentioned relations with Moscow in her look at the future. Yet the picture looks incomplete, with Mr Trump changing his positions and the extent of American withdrawal from Europe and the world unclear. At the very least, President Trump is suggesting that his relationship with the world is transactional, apart from ending the so-called Islamic State. Further, he believes that the world had taken America for a ride in the post-World War II world. These are strange ideas coming from Washington, which has exercised tremendous influence in Europe and the world in keeping the peace in a largely US-ordained world order. American failures and tragedies were largely self-inflicted such as its escalation of the Vietnam conflict, the foolish invasion of Iraq, its hands-off policy towards Libya except for using its air power, and taking over the troubled Soviet mantle in Afghanistan. These were of course decisions taken by Mr Trumps predecessors.

The question the world is asking is: Where does it go from here? With Mr Trump in power for the next three and a half years  impeachment seems to be a remote possibility at present  will he learn on the job or continue to wreck the post-World War II order? To an extent, Mr Trump has been forced to change his opinions, as for instance on going back on his promise to move the US embassy from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem. Second, he does not believe that Nato is obsolete, as he did during the campaign, insulting the organisations leaders instead for not paying their full dues.

American scholars suggest that this soul-searching is a cyclical event occurring once every 20 years and this introspective mood will pass, as have his predecessors litanies. The question this leaves unanswered is the harm that the Trump administration will inflict on the country and the world while it remains in power. The world will not stand still while President Trump conducts his unique experiments in governance. The primary responsibility falls on Europe and Ms Merkel in particular. But Ms Merkel has hurdles to cross, first in winning the forthcoming parliamentary election, then to devise a workable formula to bring wayward member states into line and begin the long process of forming a tight defence apparatus less dependent upon the US and Britain. In Europe, Britain is facing continuing problems of terrorism, with the next general election days away. But the UK has always been an odd man (or, more appropriately, woman). It has not been able to reconcile itself with its relatively modest pecking order in a new world after having been the great imperial power not so long ago. Now it is paying for its foolishness in turning its back on the EU. In a sense, it will now depend upon a sequence of events to set equations for the future. Ms Merkel has to win and, as luck would have it, she has a worthy collaborator in the new French President Emmanuel Macron to join forces with her for a more prosperous and safer European future. Americans, meanwhile, have their own future to think of. Americans by nature are not selfish people. Perhaps this idea was best symbolised by the concept of the Peace Corps in offering help everywhere in the world at the grassroots level, whatever other benefits it might or might not have brought.
The body language at Prime Minister Narendra Modis meeting with French President Emmanuel Macron had so much to portray when seen against events surrounding the Paris Agreement, now swirling in world politics. The affectionate bearhug was in direct contrast to the stiff handshake that only last week marked a similar first encounter between US President Donald Trump and Mr Macron. The rest of the world is, justifiably, angry at the US President for reneging on the deal, allowing the internal compulsions of a divided America to dominate his decision-making. The US pullout may have changed the equations somewhat, while the chemistry Mr Modi and Mr Macron appeared to share is positive not only for bilateral ties between two democracies but also for a world waking up to the need to get together in an effort to save the planet from global warming.

Americas exit from the landmark climate deal will come into force only years later. Mr Trump is also besieged by a clutch of top US corporations and political thinkers who still swear allegiance to the plan to save the planet. It appears even Mr Trumps daughter Ivanka and son-in-law Jared Kushner were ignored as he took this regressive decision. All may not be lost, but US funding, expected to be around 20 per cent of the massive funding needed to phase out polluting power plants and, more important, its cutting-edge technology in energy, will be sorely missed. Mr Modi and Mr Macron, like Germanys Chancellor Angela Merkel and Chinese PM Li Keqiang in Berlin just days earlier, pledged to go above and beyond the Paris deal to protect future generations. It appears, in Mr Trumps abdication, there are willing takers for world leadership, at least to save the Paris deal and leave a better world for posterity.

A touch of desperation is, however, visible in reactions to the US move. Its important everyone moves on from sharp rhetoric and gets down to working seriously on reducing greenhouse gas emissions. The financing of the deal may have to change, but there can be no returning to the old arguments on whether all polluters pay equally or make differentiated payments. Who steps in to close the yawning financial gap left by the US is vital, and this is where global unity will be first tested. Indias global role may be constrained by its own difficulties in coming up with funding to switch off coal-fired plants and increase output from renewable sources, now producing less than a fifth of its power. Even so, its visibility in rubbing shoulders with world leaders at this crucial time comes through in its aspiration to take on this responsibility. The climate deal is, after all, to do with saving the planet rather than scoring diplomatic points.
The Trump administration has shown a distinctly regressive approach toward global warming, with its overt encouragement of fossil fuels. Impassioned declarations of solidarity towards the coal miner population must be seen for what they are: mere rhetoric. ( Representational Image)

Donald Trumps decision to withdraw from the Paris Climate Agreement to "protect the United States of America and its citizens" against a "draconian" and "bad" law was, predictably enough, met with a smattering of Republican applause. What may have been intended as a deathblow to the global environment agenda, however, achieved exactly the opposite effect, serving to unify the world in its support of climate change.

The Paris Climate Agreement was drafted in late 2015 and received the support of 195 countries on April 22, 2016. The agreement was signed in favour of slowing down global warming by "holding the increase in the global average temperature to well below two degrees Celsius above pre-industrial levels and to pursue efforts to limit the temperature increase to 1.5 degrees Celsius above pre-industrial levels." This would be achieved through lowering greenhouse gas emissions by encouraging countries to voluntarily pledge emissions reduction targets. Developed countries also agreed under the Agreement to provide finance and technology support to developing countries. Developed countries have pledged a minimum of $100 billion dollars from 2020.

The rest of the world might stand firm in its resolve to uphold the Paris Treaty, but the United States maintains a global economic stronghold (despite its claims to the contrary) and this decision is likely to upset the balance in what has so far been a more or less unified approach to mitigating climate change. The U.S. is the largest historical polluter in the world, responsible for 21% of the carbon stock in the atmosphere and one of the highest per capita emission rates. It has already exhausted its carbon budget.

Americas active participation, therefore, is crucial if the terms of the Paris Agreement are to be met. There are indirect implications as well, likely to play out in developing countries, thanks to Trumps decision to backtrack on the Green Climate Fund (GCF). The fund, which comprises contributions from developed nations, will enable developing countries in their journey towards sustainable growth and also provide aide during climate-related disasters. In 2016, then-president Barack Obama pledged a sum of $3 billion to be paid over the years  twice as much as the second largest contributor, Japan. Trump has decided to withhold $2 billion, thereby, putting a question mark on the future of GCF.

The Trump administration has shown a distinctly regressive approach toward global warming, with its overt encouragement of fossil fuels. Impassioned declarations of love for the coal miner population must be seen for what they are: mere rhetoric. Coal is dying in the US. It provides mere 70,000 jobs, less than a moderate sized super store chain. Blaming Paris Accord for the demise of coal is falsehood, to put it politely! Environmental restrictions cannot be held responsible for the United States languishing coal industry. The sectors biggest setback lies in the fact that shale gas is a widely available and far cheaper source of energy. In fact, so cheap that renewable energy cant compete with this polluting fossil fuel. The U.S. is moving out of Paris Agreement because Trump wants cheap shale gas to drive growth.

Trump blamed Paris agreement shifting jobs and growth out of the US to India and China. But, contrary to Trumps beliefs, jobs are not moving out of the U.S. because of environmental restrictions that he claims tilt the balance in favour of developing nations - it is simply because American industry is unable to compete. Better quality goods are produced at lower prices in India and China. That the US is donating jobs to our country is a canard.

India, which found itself on the receiving end of a Trump tirade, was unjustly described as an "illegitimate beneficiary of the Paris climate pact. "India will be allowed to double its coal production by 2020. Think of it: India can double their coal production. We're supposed to get rid of ours," he said. India, however, has always maintained a clear stand in support of global warming, with Prime Minister Narendra saying in Germany that failing to act on climate change would be "morally criminal."

Coal currently accounts for about 60% of Indian power generation and as a developing nation, we cannot afford to shut down the industry in its entirety. However, we are working extensively towards a greater reliance on renewable energy, having made great leaps in solar, hydro and wind energy sources. About 30% of India's energy is now green and the renewables sector is recording significant growth. In May, 500 MW of solar capacity was auctioned at `2.44 per kilowatt-hour, which is 20% lower than the cost of power from coal. India, therefore, has decide to decisively shift to renewables which good for the climate and good for growth.

As far as the global war against climate change goes, the recent turn of events is hardly ideal. The U.S. cannot be allowed to hold the world ransom to its own economic ambitions, which the Paris Treaty had, in principle, hoped to curb. However, it does put India, with her thriving renewables industry, at the forefront in our collective struggle for sustainability.

The writer is Deputy Director General, Centre for Science and Environment, Delhi (As told to Darshana Ramdev)
Hackers allied with Shiite militants in Bahrain seized control Saturday of the Twitter account of the island's foreign minister, posting a series of threats to its royal family and promising to ``make castles of your skulls.''

No group immediately claimed responsibility for taking over the account of Foreign Minister Khalid Al Khalifa, though images posted bore the logo of the Mokhtar Brigade, a Shiite militant group that has claimed several bombings and attacks on security forces.

Among the videos and images were those of slain protesters in Bahrain, as well as dead civilians in the Saudi-led war in Yemen. Bahrain is part of a coalition of Sunni Arab nations in the Gulf supporting that campaign. ``We are going to paint the floor with your blood,'' one photo caption read.

Bahrain's Foreign Ministry issued a statement Saturday afternoon acknowledging Al Khalifa's Twitter account had been taken over by ``terrorists.'' It said it would work with Twitter to regain control of the account. The hack comes amid a yearlong crackdown on dissent in tiny Bahrain, a Shiite-majority island off the coast of Saudi Arabia that's ruled by a Sunni royal family. Activists have been arrested or forced into exile while authorities have broken up major opposition political parties in the country, which hosts the U.S. Navy's 5th Fleet and an under-construction British naval base.

Al Khalifa's Twitter account posed a tempting target for militants as he has posted provocative comments in the past supporting the crackdown.

It is the latest hack to cause chaos in the greater Gulf. In late May, Qatar said hackers took control of the website of its state-run news agency to publish what it called fake comments from its ruling emir about Iran, roiling relations with its neighbors. Doha-based satellite news network Al-Jazeera remains blocked in several countries over the row.

Click on Deccan Chronicle Technology and Science for the latest news and reviews. Follow us on Facebook, Twitter.
According to official figures, 484 people have been slain in Chihuahua state during the first four months of this year compared with 306 during the same period in 2016. (Photo: Representational)

Mexico City: Authorities say a gunman attacked a group of people at a bar in northern Mexico, killing six and wounding 22 others.

A statement from the Chihuahua state prosecutor's office said the attack was carried out early on Saturday in Ciudad Cuauhtemoc after the assailant arrived in a car. The authorities are trying to determine who is responsible for the assault.

The border state of Chihuahua has seen an increase in violence this year. According to official figures, 484 people have been slain in Chihuahua state during the first four months of this year compared with 306 during the same period in 2016.
Since the incident, Bah and Mansaray said they have both received apologies from the school system, and have even seen an outpouring of support from their fellow students. (Photo: Representational)

Washington: Two Muslim students were allegedly sent home by a US school for wearing hijabs because they were not carrying a 'note' from parents to prove that they had donned the headscarves for religious reasons.

Hajah Bah and Fatmata Mansaray, both cousins and students of Freedom High School, Virginia, allege that the school administrators harassed them over their decision to don hijabs, eventually prompting apologies from Prince William school division leaders.

Bah and Mansaray were quoted as saying by Inside NoVA that they were approached by a school administrator on Thursday and told that they would need a note from a parent to prove they were wearing the head coverings for religious reasons.

When they pushed back against that assertion, they were sent to the principal's office and ultimately dismissed from the school for the day. "Normally, I don't wear the hijab at school, but this time I did because Ramadan fell during the school year and I was fasting," Bah was quoted as saying.

"But why do I need a note if it's my religion?" she said. As the word of the incident reached school division leaders, spokesman Phil Kavits said they, "immediately determined that it runs counter to the PWCS (Prince William County Public Schools) commitment to diversity."

He said school officials have already apologised to both girls and their families, and the division has posted an apology online.

PWCS was quoted by WJLA-TV as saying in a statement, "We regret the circumstances that led a Freedom High School administrator to question students about wearing a hijab or ask for proof of their religious reasons.

"The request was inconsistent with the PWCS commitment to diversity and religious freedom, and we apologise to anyone it may have offended." Mansaray also contended that Thursday's incident was far from the first time she has been accosted by administrators over her head covering.

"I would explain that it's for a religious purpose, and they didn't care. I'd wear my hijab to school, and I'd be constantly told to take off my hijab," she said. Mansaray said she and her parents were initially reluctant to secure a note proving she was wearing the hijab for religious reasons, as they "did not feel it was right".

But she felt she eventually "had to cave in" and delivered a note to the school's office. However, she claimed her encounters with administrators continued.

Since the incident, Bah and Mansaray said they have both received apologies from the school system, and have even seen an outpouring of support from their fellow students.
Oceans have absorbed about one third of the carbon dioxide released by human activities, protecting the planet from the full brunt of climate change.

Miami: World leaders convene at UN headquarters next week for the first major bid to solve the toughest problems facing our oceans, from coral bleaching to plastic pollution, overfishing and rising seas due to climate change.

The Ocean Conference in New York June 5-9 attempts to rally nations big and small to make meaningful changes to preserve what is arguably the Earths most important resource, experts say.

US President Donald Trumps recent decision to withdraw from the Paris climate accord is anticipated to be a hot topic at the talks, which no high-ranking US officials are expected to attend.

But despite Trumps decision Thursday to end US participation in the Paris deal, which drew worldwide condemnation, experts at the Pew Charitable Trust said the United States has been a part of crafting a broad call to action, and is expected to sign it.

We are committed to halting and reversing the decline in the health and productivity of our ocean, says the three-page document, which also expresses alarm at the impact of climate change on the ocean.

The call to action is expected to be signed and released at some point during the week-long conference, which will bring government officials, ocean advocates and some heads of state to New York.

The US pullout from Paris deal means other nations will lead the way at the UN talks, particularly small island nations that have the most to lose from rising seas.

The world just marked its three hottest years in modern times. And the oceans have absorbed about one third of the carbon dioxide released by human activities, protecting the planet from the full brunt of climate change.

Melting glaciers and sea ice at the poles threatens swell sea level to the point of washing away entire islands and populated coastlines  home to 37 per cent of the planets population  in the coming decades.

Just 20 inches of sea level rise could displace 1.2 million people from islands in the Caribbean Sea, Indian and Pacific Oceans.

Recent studies have shown the troubling extent of plastic pollution, even in the most remote parts of the world.

An uninhabited island in the south Pacific, Hende-rson Island, thousands of miles from civilisation was recently shown to be piling up more than 3,500 pieces of plastic per day.

Every year, more than eight million tonnes of plastic washes into the oceans, costing at least $8 billion in damage to marine ecosystems and killing an estimated one million sea birds, 100,000 sea mammals and untold numbers of fish.

And famous coral reefs, such as Australias Great Barrier Reef, are suffering from hot temperatures like never before in modern times, with mass bleaching and die-offs continuing unabated for the past two years.

Small island states cannot afford to be dismayed or feel down or depressed about any of this, said Jumeau during a UN press conference.

Previous global meetings on problems facing the oceans have taken place, but the World Wildlife Funds John Tanzer described this one as historic because the talks are under the auspices of the United Nations for the first time.

The reality is that oceans have been in steep decline for at least the last 50 or 60 years, Tanzer, global oceans lead at WWF, said.
Chengdu became an economic and cultural centre in western China during the Sui and Tang dynasties. (Photo: AP/Representational)

Beijing: Chinese archaeologists have found a famous temple that remained hidden for nearly a millennium in China's southwestern Sichuan province.

The Fugan Temple, located in downtown Chengdu, was a famous temple that lasted from the Eastern Jin Dynasty (317- 420) to the Southern Song Dynasty (1127-1279).

Daoxuan, a famous Tang Dynasty (618-907) monk, once wrote that an official rite to pray for rain to end a persistent drought was held in front of the temple, and it rained as if the prayers had been heard in heaven.

The story was the record of how the temple got its name, Fugan, which means "perceive the blessing." The popular Tang Dynasty poet Liu Yuxi left a poem to commemorate the temple's renovation, describing its heavenly appearance.

The poem further noted the temple's important role at that time, state-run Xinhua news agency reported. However, the building was worn down during the later period of the Tang and Song dynasties, with all traces of the temple disappearing during wars.

Archaeologists unearthed more than 1,000 tablets inscribed with Buddhist scriptures and over 500 pieces of stone sculpture as well as glazed tiles with inscriptions.

"We have only excavated a part of the temple's area, but already have a glimpse of its past glory," said Yi Li, who led the excavation project. He said they have found the temple's foundation, ruins of surrounding buildings, wells, roads and ditches.

During the excavation, archaeologists found some 80 ancient tombs scattered near the temple, dating back to Shang and Zhou dynasties (1600-256 BC). In the temple's surroundings, they have unearthed large amounts of household tools and utensils and building materials dating back to various periods from the Song to Ming dynasties.

Chengdu became an economic and cultural centre in western China during the Sui and Tang dynasties.

The temple's discovery could greatly contribute to the study of the spread of Buddhism in China during that time, said Wang Yi, director of the Chengdu Cultural Relic Research Institute.
Other people less seriously injured were treated at the scene of the attack on London Bridge. (Photo: AP)

London: At least 20 people were rushed to London hospitals following the terror attack in the city centre, the British capital's ambulance service said on Sunday.

Other people less seriously injured were treated at the scene of the attack on London Bridge, where a van drove into pedestrians and in the nearby Borough district on the south side of the crossing, where a subsequent stabbing rampage took place.

"We can confirm we have taken at least 20 patients to six hospitals across London following the incident at London Bridge," Peter Rhodes, the London Ambulance Service assistant director of operations said in a statement.

"We have also treated a number of people at the scene for less serious injuries. We have declared a major incident and continue to work closely with other members of the emergency services, he said. "Our priority is to ensure patients receive the medical help they need as quickly as possible."

The ambulance service said that all their staff and response teams who attended the scene were safe. An emergency response helicopter landed on London Bridge, while emergency service workers rushed people on trolleys to waiting ambulances.

Members of the public were seen leaving the scene wrapped in foil emergency blankets.
Paris: French President Emmanuel Macron will visit India towards the end of this year for a meeting of the International Solar Alliance an initiative that is the

brain child of Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

During two hours of wide-ranging talks with Macron at the presidential Elysee Palace, Modi invited the French president to visit India.

Macron accepted the invitation and said he will visit New Delhi by the end of the year for an international summit on solar power an area on which France plans closer cooperation with India.

"I will be travelling to India towards the end of this year and convene a meeting of the world solar alliance," Macron said, referring to the International Solar Alliance an alliance of more than 120 countries.

ISA was launched in November 30, 2015, as a coalition of solar resource rich countries jointly by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and then French President Francois Hollande in the presence of the then UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon.

Earlier, Macron greeted Prime Minister Modi with a bear hug in the courtyard of the presidential Elysee Palace when he arrived for the meeting and working lunch.

The Prime Minister thanked President Macron for the warm welcome and congratulated him for the election victory. 39-year-old Macron created history last month by becoming the youngest president of France.
London: London was on Saturday hit by a second terror attack in almost three months when a van drove into people on London Bridge which was immediately followed by a stabbing spree in the nearby Borough market.

Thousands of people flooded the popular market but were stuck as police cordoned off the area, many unable to get home with nearby subway stations shut.

However, locals were quick to offer assistance, including Sikhs who posted information about refuge at nearby Gurudwaras on social media.

Phaldip Singh, who describes himself as an entrepreneur and youth activist, tweeted that the Sikh temples were open to provide food and shelter for those affected.
The assault began Saturday night when a van veered off the road and barrelled into pedestrians on London Bridge. (Photo: AP)

London: Police specialists collected evidence in the heart of London after a series of attacks described as terrorism killed seven people and injured 48 others. Prime Minister Theresa May called an emergency security cabinet session Sunday to deal with the crisis.

According to officials, police on Sunday arrested 12 suspects over the London terror attacks.

The assault began Saturday night when a van veered off the road and barrelled into pedestrians on London Bridge. Three men fled the van with large knives and attacked people at bars and restaurants in nearby Borough Market, police and witnesses said. The attack unfolded quickly, and police said officers had shot and killed the three attackers within eight minutes.

The violence turned a summery night in an area packed with revellers into a scene of panic and chaos, with officers running through crowded streets screaming for people to flee. Lifeboats on the River Thames helped evacuate the area.

Emergency officials said 48 people were treated at London hospitals and a number of others suffered less serious injuries. The Metropolitan Police force declared the attacks "terrorist incidents," but there was no immediate claim of responsibility.

Britain was already on edge after a suicide bombing two weeks ago at an Ariana Grande concert in Manchester, in northwest England, that killed 22 people and injured dozens of others. Grande and other stars are scheduled to perform a benefit concert for victims Sunday night.

The latest attacks come just days before Thursday's general election. May's Conservative Party had been expected to win by a wide margin but recent polls have showed the race tightening. Major parties suspended national campaigning Sunday.

London Mayor Sadiq Khan said the attackers hoped to disrupt democracy and hamper plans for voting, but that would not happen. He said Londoners should remain vigilant but added: "I'm reassured we are one of the safest global cities in the world."

Assistant Metropolitan Police Commissioner Mark Rowley said that while police believe all the attackers were killed, the investigation continued. "We believe three people were involved, but we still have got some more inquiries to do to be 100 percent confident in that," he said.

As dawn broke over the capital, a large area on the south bank of the River Thames remained cordoned off. Police told people to avoid the area, leaving tourists and revellers struggling to get home.

Khan said some of the injured were in critical condition. French President Emmanuel Macron said French citizens were among the wounded. Only hours before, bursts of gunfire echoed through the streets - likely from armed police - and at least three blasts rang out as officers performed controlled explosions.

One image taken by a witness showed a man on the ground surrounded by police; he appeared to be wearing a vest with canisters attached to it. "The suspects were wearing what looked like explosive vests," Rowley said. "But these were later established to hoaxes."

Gerard Vowls told The Guardian newspaper that he saw a woman being stabbed by three men at the south end of London Bridge. He said he threw chairs, glasses and bottles at the attackers in a bid to stop them.

"They kept coming to try to stab me. They were stabbing everyone. Evil, evil people," he told the newspaper. "I want to know if this girl is still alive. I've been walking around for an hour and a half crying my eyes out. I don't know what to do."

Bartender Alex Martinez said he hid in a garbage bin for a half hour when a man stormed the restaurant where he worked, which was nearly full. "I saw that man with a knife in his hand and after that a man started screaming so I knew something wrong was happening," he said.

Medics treated the injured near the market as shocked people cried and shouted around them. Police officers yelled at people to run from the area.

Simon Thompson told Sky News that he was just outside Borough Market when he saw crowds fleeing. "We ran for like 100 meters and then saw loads of police cars turned up and there was kind of a period of quite intense gunfire," he said. "I hid in a restaurant basement for about an hour. ... Police told us to get out and then there was more gunfire."

Police received the first call of reports of a vehicle hitting pedestrians on London Bridge at 10:08 pm British time (2108 GMT). Soon after, reports started coming in of stabbings at Borough Market, a nearby area full of bars and restaurants surrounding a popular food market.

Photographer Gabriele Sciotto said he was on his way home from a pub when he saw a man running toward him telling him to turn around and run because there was a terrorist attack. As a documentary filmmaker, though, his instincts were to keep going.

The 25-year-old said that at first, "it didn't look too dangerous." The men went into Borough Market, but then turned around and ran toward the Wheatsheaf Pub after being confronted by a police officer, he said, and suddenly a lot of police came from the other direction.

The attackers "had no clue what they were doing. They were scared. The police were scared," he said. After one of the men was shot, Sciotto captured a photo of the suspect on the ground wearing what appeared to be canisters.

Police initially said officers were also responding to a third incident, in the Vauxhall neighborhood, but later said that turned out to be an unrelated stabbing.

Police tweeted a warning telling people in the area to run to safety, hide and then call police if it is safe to do so. They asked Londoners to "remain calm but be alert and vigilant."

May confirmed the attack "is being treated as a potential act of terrorism" and said her thoughts were with "those who are caught up in these dreadful events." Her office said she would chair a meeting of the government's COBRA emergency committee on Sunday.

As thousands of people flooded from the area of the attacks - many unable to get home with nearby subway stations shut - locals were quick to offer assistance.

The Royal Oak pub, near the area of the attacks, opened its doors to people evacuated from hotels. At least one taxi company offered free rides to people stranded in the area. Phaldip Singh, who describes himself as an entrepreneur and youth activist, tweeted that Sikh temples were open to provide food and shelter for those affected.

It was the third attack to hit Britain in as many months. In March, a British convert to Islam ran down people with a vehicle on Westminster Bridge, killing four, and then stabbed a policeman to death outside Parliament.

Then came the May 22 Manchester concert bombing. After that attack, Britain's official terrorism threat level was raised to "critical," meaning an attack may be imminent. Several days later it was lowered to "severe," meaning an attack is highly likely.
Earlier, with the situation in London still fluid, Trump seized the occasion to plug his thwarted travel ban on people from six mainly Muslim countries. (Photo: AP)

Washington: President Donald Trump offered US help on Saturday to Britain in response to reports of three violent incidents including a vehicle mowing down pedestrians on London Bridge.

"Whatever the United States can do to help out in London and the U. K., we will be there - WE ARE WITH YOU. GOD BLESS!," Trump wrote on Twitter.

Earlier, with the situation in London still fluid, Trump seized the occasion to plug his thwarted travel ban on people from six mainly Muslim countries.

Read: President Macron says France 'more than ever at Britain's side' after attacks

The Justice Department on Thursday went to the Supreme Court to ask that it be reinstated immediately after it has been held up repeatedly in lower courts.

Without mentioning the London events specifically, Trump tweeted: "We need to be smart, vigilant and tough. We need the courts to give us back our rights. We need the Travel Ban as an extra level of safety!"

Trump has been briefed by his national security team on the London Bridge incident, his spokesman Sean Spicer wrote earlier on Twitter. The State Department issued a statement condemning what it called "cowardly attacks targeting innocent civilians."

"We understand UK police are currently treating these as terrorist incidents. The United States stands ready to provide any assistance authorities in the United Kingdom may request," the statement said. "All Americans stand in solidarity with the people of the United Kingdom."
Irfan, the deceased, had dived down to clean the manhole on Thursday when he fell unconscious after inhaling poisonous gases trapped inside. (Photo: File/Representational)

Lahore: A 30-year-old sanitary worker in Pakistan, who fell unconscious while cleaning a drain, died after a fasting doctor at a hospital refused to touch his dirty body, his family has said.

Irfan Maseeh and his three fellow workers fell unconscious while cleaning a manhole on Chorr Road in Umerkot district of Pakistan's Sindh province, following which they were taken to Civil Hospital Umerkot for treatment.

While Maseeh kept gasping for breath, his family members said they pleaded the hospital staff to treat him, but the doctor at the facility refused to touch his sludge-covered body, saying he was fasting.

"Dr Yousuf said he would not touch Irfan's dirty body until it was cleaned. I cleaned his body, after which an oxygen pump was sent for Irfan, but that was empty," said the deceased's brother Pervaiz Maseeh.

He said Irfan had dived down to clean the manhole on Thursday when he fell unconscious after inhaling poisonous gases trapped inside. While Irfan died hours later in the government hospital, the other three sanitary workers were referred to Hyderabad and later to Karachi for medical treatment.

SSP Umerkot Usman Bajwa said the Municipal Committee had not given the workers safety equipment which caused the death of Maseeh. "The doctors refused to treat as they were covered with filth," he was quoted as saying by Geo.tv.

Irfan's enraged family members have staged a protest with his body and allege that the doctors' negligent response to an emergency situation as well as lack of facilities at the hospital resulted in his death.

"No one had come to share our loss or express solidarity with us," Pervaiz said, adding that SSP Bajwa had promised them that a complete investigation would be carried out in the case and then the accused doctor would be taken to task.

Meanwhile, the police said the main accused Dr Jaam Kunbhar in the case had been arrested while raids were being conducted to arrest the other two doctors, Dr Yousuf and Dr Allah Dad Rathore.

Kunbhar has claimed that Irfan had already passed away before arriving at the hospital. A case was registered against six suspects including three doctors on behalf of Irfans father, the report said.
The Foreign Office said Pakistan strongly 'condemns' the terrorist attack and sympathises with the people and the UK. (Photo: AP)

Islamabad: Pakistan on Sunday called terrorism a global "menace" that needs to be tackled with collective effort and cooperation as it strongly condemned the terror attack in London which claimed six lives.

At least six people were killed and 30 others injured in a terror attack at two central London landmarks in which police shot dead three suspects.

"We are deeply shocked and saddened by the horrific act of terrorism in London in which, reportedly, six innocent people have been killed and dozens have sustained injuries," the Foreign Office said.

Terrorism is a global menace and hence a common challenge that needs to be tackled with collective effort and cooperation, it said. It said Pakistan strongly "condemns" the terrorist attack and sympathises with the people and the UK.

"Our heart goes out to the victims and their families. We express our deepest condolences to the bereaved families at the loss of their beloved ones and pray for the speedy recovery of those injured. We stand in solidarity with them in their hour of grief," it said.
US President Donald Trump has underscored his controversial travel ban on citizens from six Muslim-majority countries in view of today's terror attacks in central London in which six people were killed and 20 others injured.



"We need to be smart, vigilant and tough. We need the courts to give us back our rights. We need the Travel Ban as an extra level of safety!" Trump said in a tweet yesterday.



Trump also retweeted a tweet from Drudge Report which said that there were fears of new terror attack after a van ploughed into pedestrians on London Bridge in a terror attack followed by stabbing incidents in the area.



At least six people were killed and 20 others injured today in two terror attacks at central London landmarks in which police shot dead three suspects.



The attack that took place at London Bridge and Borough Market came just days ahead of the general election on June 8.



"Whatever the United States can do to help out in London and the UK, we will be there - we are with you. God bless!" Trump said.



State Department spokesperson Heather Nauert in a statement condemned "the cowardly attacks" targeting innocent civilians in London.



"We understand UK police are currently treating these as terrorist incidents. The United States stands ready to provide any assistance authorities in the United Kingdom may request," she said.



"Our hearts are with the families and loved ones of the victims. We wish a full and quick recovery to those injured in the attacks. All Americans stand in solidarity with the people of the United Kingdom," Nauert said.



The US Department of Homeland Security said it was closely monitoring the ongoing situation in the United Kingdom.



"We are working with our interagency partners and foreign counterparts to gain further insight into reported attacks against civilians on London Bridge and in the surrounding area," it said.



"US citizens in the area should heed direction from local authorities and maintain security awareness. We encourage any affected US citizens who need assistance to contact the US Embassy in London and follow Department of State guidance," the statement said.



The Homeland Security Secretary has been fully briefed on the incidents and the ongoing response.



"At this time, we have no information to indicate a specific, credible terror threat in the United States," the statement said, adding that they are in contact with and stand ready to assist the UK as they respond, investigate and recover.



"We stand resolute with our friends in London and send prayers to the victims. Terror and hate will never triumph," tweeted Paul Ryan, Speaker of the US House of Representatives.



"My heart is with the people of London, the victims of this string of terrorist attacks, and their families. You are all in our prayers," said Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer.



Several US lawmakers condemned the London terror attacks.



"We stand in solidarity with the United Kingdom. Terrorism must not prevail," said Congressman Ted Poe.



"My thoughts and prayers are with the people of London and all of the United Kingdom," tweeted Congresswoman Ann McLane Kuster.



Congressman Eliot L Engel, Ranking Member of the House Committee on Foreign Affairs, said he was shocked by tonight's attacks in London and his heart goes out to all those innocent people affected by this horrific violence.



"As we await details of multiple attacks, the United States must stand ready to help our ally track down the perpetrators and swiftly bring them to justice," he said.



"Tonight is the second attack Great Britain has suffered in just two weeks. During these difficult times, the United States and United Kingdom will remain united in the face of senseless violence in all its ugly forms," Engel said.



"Horrified by news out of #London. My prayers are with the victims & their families, first responders & the British people. #LondonBridge," tweeted Congressman Joe Crowley.



"My heart and soul go out to London tonight. America stands with the people of Great Britain and the victims of the #LondonBridge attack," tweeted Senator Dianne Feinstein.



Today's attacks come after 22-year-old suicide bomber Salman Abedi blew himself up at Manchester Arena on May 22, killing 22 people.



Trump in his executive order had banned visa issuance to citizens of six majority-Muslim countries: Iran, Libya, Somalia, Sudan, Syria and Yemen.
Recently, Chandrasekhar organised a massive Dalit protest in Delhi against "atrocities" by the upper caste in Saharanpur, despite being underground to evade arrest for his alleged role in inflaming caste-based violence in the district.





The presence of around 5,000 supporters carrying blue- themed posters and masks of Chandrasekhar alongside B R Ambedkar's led to observers terming it as the beginning of a new era in Dalit politics and a threat to Bahujan Samaj Party.





Sporting a chevron moustache, a blue scarf and an acquired sturdiness, Chandrasekhar is anything but tame.





Chandrasekhar's 'Bhim army' is based out of Saharanpur from where the founder of BSP, the late Kanshi Ram, began his political career.





While Kanshi Ram got several mentions by Bhim Army, the outfit alleges BSP supremo Mayawati seemed to have failed in leaving an imprint on the Dalits.





"Leaders who represent us have done nothing to make our situation better. That is why we had to come up with our own army to protect our brothers from the upper-caste," a member of Bhim army said.





With nearly six lakhs Dalits residing in the district, Saharanpur had been a stronghold for the BSP until recently when the party lost the seats both in general election in 2014 and Assembly election this year.





The BSP, whose symbolic colour is also blue, however, downplayed losing ground in the district and refused to acknowledge Bhim army or Chandrasekhar as a threat.





"We lost the election as Congress-SP alliance led to polarisation," said BSP's Jagpal Singh who lost the Assembly election in Saharanpur by nearly 12,000 votes to Masood Akhtar of the Congress.





He preferred calling the members of Bhim army as his children who were young and committed to Dalit rights albeit not integrated enough to run an organisation or a party.





"They used WhatsApp to gather Dalits for the protest in Delhi. It did not involve hard work while the BSP is committed to the idea of Bahujan (people in the majority) and brotherhood," Singh told PTI.





The Bhim army, meanwhile, has alleged police action on their members after the violence.





"They are saying we received funds from Naxalites. We have no connection with them yet, but have to rethink if we do not get justice," Jai Bhagwan Jatav, a confidant of Chandrasekhar, said.





The tension between Dalits and Thakurs snowballed into a full-blown clash on May 5 in Saharanpur's Shabbirpur village. The district is simmering following a spate of caste clashes and killings.





Saharanpur police, however, said that it was probing the case only through a criminal angle.





"It hardly matters what their ideology is, and we don't want to get involved in that. We are investigating the matter from a criminal angle," senior superintendent of police Prabal Pratap Singh said.





It has been close to a month since an FIR was registered against Chandrasekhar but he is yet to be nabbed and continues to reach out to his supporters through WhatsApp and Facebook videos.





"We (Bhim army) are not a political outfit. We are representatives of our community who will not sit silently anymore," 30-year-old Chandrasekhar, a lawyer from the Chamar community, said in a Facebook video on May 28.





Saharanpur is the north-most district of Uttar Pradesh. Scheduled caste population in the district is about 21 percent of the total population which is nearly 29 lakhs.

He was billed as the next big thing in Dalit politics in Uttar Pradesh and a challenge for the BSP but Mayawati's party is least impressed by the exploits of Chandrasekhar Azad 'Ravan' let alone consider him a threat.
A court here has convicted a man for whipping his alcoholic father to death for selling his mobile phone to buy more liquor, saying that in a fit of rage he hammered a man "who brought him in this beautiful world".



The court, however, diluted the charge of murder to culpable homicide not amounting to murder under the IPC, noting that the motive of Sandeep Tiwari was to get his mobile phone back and he never wanted to kill his father.



"Accused felt that his father had done a terrible wrong by selling off his mobile. In his zeal to reclaim and retrieve his mobile, he hammered a man, albeit under fit of rage, who brought him in this beautiful world.



"However, the prime interest and motive of accused was to somehow get back his mobile or to reach that man who had purchased the same from his father. He never wanted to kill his father," Additional Sessions Judge Manoj Jain said.



The court observed that Tiwari was a young man who must have felt fumed and annoyed on learning about such fact.



"Mobile is a prized possession for any youngster. He must be finding it hard to live without the same," it said.



The judge said there was no premeditation and the weapon, too, "was a mere danda (stick)" picked up from the house itself.



"Action of accused is outrageous and shocking but I strongly feel that a fleeting impulse of exasperation and frustration overpowered his logical thinking and in the heat of unwarranted obsession, he gave him whipping. To his misfortune, the injuries proved fatal," the judge said.



The judge, however, noted that the manner in which he "bludgeoned" his father showed that he had knowledge that his act might result in his death.



As per the police, on the intervening night of June 27- 28, 2016 when Tiwari found out that his father had sold his mobile phone to purchase liquor, he brutally assaulted him with a stick, till he died.



On the complaint lodged by the tenants of the victim, the police arrested the accused and filed a charge sheet against him for the offence of murder under Section 302 of the IPC.



The investigation revealed that his father had a habit of selling household articles for alcohol and used to beat and abuse his wife and his children.



During the trial, the man had admitted to the quarrel with his father but denied beating him up.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi today condemned the attacks in London, terming them as "shocking".



Two terror attacks at central London landmarks left at least six persons dead and 30 others injured. Three terror suspects were shot dead by the police.



"Attacks in London are shocking & anguishing. We condemn them. My thoughts are with families of the deceased & prayers with the injured," the Prime Minister said in a tweet.



The attack took place at London Bridge and Borough Market.



It was the third terror attack to strike the UK this year, after a man drove a car into pedestrians on Westminster Bridge in March and the bomb attack on an Ariana Grande concert in Manchester two weeks ago.



On 22 May, 22 people were killed and 116 injured in a suicide bombing at Manchester Arena.




The sector, which includes banking, insurance, outsourcing, R&D, courier and technology testing, had received foreign direct investment (FDI) worth USD 6.89 billion in 2015-16, according to data of the Department of Industrial Policy and Promotion (DIPP).





The government has taken several measures such as fixing timeliness for approvals and streamlining procedures to improve ease of doing business in the country and attract foreign investments.





With FDI growth in key sectors like services and telecom, the overall foreign investment inflows in the country too increased by 9 per cent to USD 43.5 billion last fiscal.





Increasing foreign inflows in the services sector assume significance as it contributes over 60 per cent to India's GDP.





The sector accounts for about 18 percent of the total FDI, India has received during April 2000 and March this year. It was followed by key sectors such as computer software & hardware, construction development and telecommunications.





To further boost inflows in the sector, the government is considering a relaxation of policy in areas like single brand retail trading, multi-brand retail trading, print media and construction.





The government is also focusing on enhancing services exports.





It is organising global services exhibition beside the commerce and industry ministry is looking at relaxing norms in areas like higher education to attract foreign players.





Foreign investments are considered crucial for India, which needs around USD 1 trillion for overhauling its infrastructure sector such as ports, airports and highways to boost growth.





A strong inflow of foreign investments helps improve the country's balance of payments situation and strengthen the rupee value against other global currencies, especially the US dollar.

FDI inflows into the services sector rose by about 26 per cent to USD 8.68 billion in 2016- 17 with the government taking steps to improve the ease of doing business and attracting foreign investments.
Almost 25 years after the Babri Masjid was razed in Ayodhya, the spotlight has once again turned on the Ram Janmabhoomi issue in Uttar Pradesh, galvanising the workers of the Bharatiya Janata Party, back in power in the state after 15 years.



Daily hearings at a special CBI court in Lucknow on a case relating to the 1992 demolition of the mosque has put the focus on the temple -- on the back burner for several years -- and party leaders are elated.



BJP leaders are convinced the issue will help the party in the 2019 Lok Sabha elections, as the momentum builds up on the building of a Ram Temple in Ayodhya.



"The matter is sub judice. But there is not an iota of political gesturing in the Ram Temple issue. It is a matter of faith and belief," UP BJP chief and deputy Chief Minister Keshav Prasad Maurya told PTI.



The BJP, which stormed to power in UP bagging 325 out of 403 assembly seats in March this year, believes that the temple issue will have the people's support.



"Every person wants a Ram Temple to be constructed in Ayodhya. And whenever the courts give a decision on any issue (related to the temple), there is some 'garmaahat' (galvanisation)," BJP national vice-president and Rajya Sabha MP Prabhat Jha said.



On May 30, a special CBI court in Lucknow framed charges against 12 people -- including BJP veterans L K Advani and M M Joshi and Union minister Uma Bharti -- in the demolition case. The Supreme Court had ordered the restoration of a conspiracy charge against them.



The apex court's April 19 directive that the special court "complete the trial and deliver the judgment within a period of two years" from the date of the judgment may overlap with the holding of the 2019 general election, when the temple plank is likely to emerge as an emotive issue.



The temple, UP BJP spokesperson Rakesh Tripathi said, would "certainly have a bearing" on the Lok Sabha polls.



"Our party does not consider the Ayodhya issue as a political one, but the BJP is the only party which has raised this issue, and has even committed to constructing a grand Ram Temple in Ayodhya while staying within the ambit of the Constitution," he said.



State leaders have already upped the ante.



"We know that the Ram Temple in Ayodhya will be built eventually," BJP national vice-president and Rajya Sabha MP Prabhat Jha stressed. "It is a national issue, an issue which is directly linked to crores of countrymen," he said.



On May 31 -- a day after the criminal conspiracy charge was framed against the BJP leaders and others in Lucknow -- UP Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath prayed at the makeshift Ram Temple in Ayodhya.



He stressed the need for a resolution of the Ram Janmabhoomi-Babri Masjid dispute through talks. "I want the dispute to be resolved through discussions," he said.



Maurya, too, added that the "best possible way" to resolve the issue would be through "mutual understanding and negotiations".



A day after Adityanath's Ayodhya visit, UP minister Shrikant Sharma said in Ballia a Ram Temple already existed in Ayodhya and all that it needed was a "grand" look.



"The Ram Temple is there in Ayodhya and will remain there. Now it has to be given a grand look," he said.



On May 9, the Uttar Pradesh government endorsed the setting up of two new municipal corporations for Ayodhya- Faizabad and Mathura-Vrindavan. The decision was taken at a meeting of the state cabinet chaired by Adityanath.



The idea was to provide "better amenities" to pilgrims, minister Sharma said. The Ayodhya Municipal Corporation will cover the twin cities of Faizabad and Ayodhya.



In Delhi, plans are afoot for the construction of a Ram- Ramayana museum -- to be located about six kilometres from the disputed Ram Temple site - which, a concept note states, will be like a "grand temple".
The lone suspect behind a deadly attack on a casino and shopping complex in Manila was a heavily indebted Filipino gambling addict, police said today, bolstering their claim the assault was not terrorism-related.



The man's immediate family confirmed his identity as Jessie Carlos, a married father of three and former Finance Department employee who owed more than USD 80,000 dollars.



The revelations confirm that "this is not an act of terrorism," Manila police chief Oscar Albayalde told a news conference. "This incident is confined to the act of one man alone as we have always said."



The Islamic State group claimed responsibility for Friday's attack on Resorts World Manila, where 37 patrons and employees died, mostly from smoke inhalation as they tried to hide in one of the casino's VIP rooms on the second floor.



But authorities have rejected the militants' claim, saying there is no evidence to back it and pointing out the assailant shot no civilians during the two-hour ordeal despite being heavily armed.



The Philippines has faced a Muslim insurgency in the country's south for decades, and Manila has been on edge since government forces began battling Islamic militants who besieged the southern city of Marawi.



Today, Carlos' father told reporters his son had no connections to terrorism. His distraught mother, Teodora, wept and asked for forgiveness.



"We're asking for your apology. We can't accept ourselves that my son became like this, he was a very kind son," she said. "He chose to end his life rather than ... kill people." "The message of what happened to my son is people should not get hooked on gambling so their families won't get destroyed," she said.



Carlos' wife was also brought before reporters. She was so distressed she entered in a wheelchair and kept her head, hidden by a cream-colored towel, down on a desk as she sat beside the police.



Albayalde said that Carlos had sold off property to support his gambling habit of at least several years, including a vehicle. His family had grown so concerned they had asked casinos in the capital to ban their husband since April 3.



The breakthrough in efforts to identify him came when investigators traced his path to the casino from a Manila suburb where he had hailed a taxi after midnight on Thursday. They found his wife there early today.



She told them she had seen images of her husband on TV. "She knew it was him, but she was really afraid," Albayalde said.



In 2014, Philippine newspapers had reported that Carlos was fired from his job at the Finance Department "for grave misconduct and neglect of duty" because he failed to disclose that he owned a Manila house, a Toyota SUV and other business interests, an annual requirement for government officials and employees.



As a result, he was permanently banned from government employment and his retirement benefits were forfeited.

Authorities yesterday released video footage of the attack to bolster their argument that it was a botched robbery attempt by one man with no known link to terrorism.
A 21-year-old British man dubbed "Jihadi Jack" has been captured by Kurdish fighters in Syria where he was accused of joining the Islamic State terror group, media reports said today.



Jack Letts, who emerged as the first from the UK to join ISIS in Syria, told the London-based television network Al- Araby that he was living in a prison controlled by the Kurds.



"I want to see my mum and explain to her some things," he said.



Letts, a former Cherwell School student from the city of Oxford who converted to Islam as a teenager, reportedly said that he had "no idea" what would happen to him.



He said it is the future that no one knows except God.



Letts' parents John Letts, 55, and Sally Lane, 54, are awaiting trial on terrorism-related offences after being accused of sending hundreds of pounds to their son over a five-month period between 2015 and 2016. They are due to stand trial later in the year.



They told the Oxford Mail that they were "immensely relieved" to discover he was alive.



Earlier this year, Letts labelled former prime minister David Cameron an "evil creature" and warned that the UK will be targeted by the militants as long as it keeps bombing Muslims in Syria.



Police began investigating Letts as a suspected member of the Islamic State terror group (also known as ISIS or ISIL) in March 2015. He was understood to have left the UK and travelled to Syria in 2014  with some reports claiming he had joined the ISIS.



The British citizen reportedly adopted the name Abu Mohammed and married an Iraqi woman with whom he has a son, Muhammed.



During his stay in Syria, he posted photographs of himself holding weapons, claiming that he narrowly survived a drone strike.
In a transformational move, the Indian Army is all set to open up combat positions for women, a gender barrier broken by only a few countries globally. Army Chief Gen Bipin Rawat said the process to allow women in the combat role, currently an exclusive domain of men, is moving fast and initially, women will be recruited for positions in military police.



"I am looking at women coming as jawans. I am going to start it soon. Firstly, we will start with women as military police jawans," he said, giving details of the move to allow women in the male-dominated positions in the Army. Currently women are allowed in a number of select areas including in medical, legal, educational, signals and engineering wings of the Army but combat roles are kept off limit for them due to operational concerns and logistical issues.



The Army Chief said he was ready to recruit women as jawans and the matter is being taken up with the government. "We have already started the process," Gen Rawat told PTI in an exclusive interaction recently. He said women will have to show grit and strength in taking up challenges in combat role and shattering the glass ceiling.



Very few countries including Germany, Australia, Canada, the US, Britain, Denmark, Finland, France , Norway, Sweden and Israel have allowed women in combat roles. The roles of military police include policing the cantonments and army establishments, prevent breach of rules and regulations by soldiers, maintaining movement of soldiers as well as logistics during peace and war, handling prisoners of war and extending aid to civil police whenever required.



Creating history, the Indian Air Force, last year, had inducted three women as fighter pilots, less than a year after the government decided to open the fighter stream for women on an experimental basis. A decision on having women as fighter pilots will be taken after evaluating performance of the three women -- Avani Chaturvedi, Bhawana Kanth and Mohana Singh who are now part of IAF's fighter squadron.



The Indian Navy is currently deliberating on a policy on having women onboard the ships. The Navy allows women in various other segments including in legal, logistics, naval architecture and engineering departments.
Slamming the Congress for incorrectly labelling Jammu and Kashmir as "India occupied Kashmir" in its booklet, Union minister M Venkaiah Naidu today said people would never forgive the party for such a mindset.



In a major gaffe, the Congress yesterday released a booklet with an incorrect map of the country.

Page 12 of the 16-page booklet titled 'Rashtriya Suraksha par Aanch', which was distributed by the Congress, showed the entire state labelled as "Indian Occupied Kashmir" in the context of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC).



The incident occurred during a conference of the opposition party in Lucknow to highlight the shortcomings of the Narendra Modi government during its three years of rule.



"While the people of the country were celebrating three years of a new India in the making, the Congress party came out with an official publication that described India as having occupied Kashmir and thereby conceding Kashmir to Pakistan," Naidu told reporters here.



He noted that the Congress had recently asked the central government to come out with a final solution over Kashmir.



"Perhaps, the final solution they have in mind is that let Kashmir be given to Pakistan so that we all live in peace. This mindset has been reflected in their official booklet released in Lucknow yesterday," the information and broadcasting minister said.



"Is it for this that hundreds of our brave soldiers have given up their lives over the years defending our sovereignty and territorial integrity?" he asked.

"People can never forgive the Congress for this mindset which is now a part of their official publication," the senior BJP leader said.
Congress Vice-President Rahul Gandhi today said the opposition would unitedly "fight and defeat" the BJP and RSS's attempts to "thrust one idea" on a country that celebrates diversity.



Each state had a "culture, (its) own thinking, own way of expression and food" and this diversity was India's strength and not a weakness, he told reporters here.



But the BJP viewed these as "weaknesses" that needed to be crushed, he said.



"The BJP and RSS are under the impression that one idea can be placed on top of India," Gandhi said, without elaborating.



Opposition leaders at a DMK event here yesterday raised these issues, Gandhi said, adding, "But India is not one idea; India is thousands of different ideas and this one idea of the RSS will never ever crush

the thousands of ideas (of India)".



Against the background of its ally DMK accusing the Centre of "imposing" Hindi on the people, the Congress leader, who earlier interacted with party workers and leaders here, said all languages needed to be respected.
To curb charging of "unreasonable" fees and levying of "hidden" costs, the CBSE has sought data from private schools about their fee structure and increase carried out in recent years.



The move comes weeks after the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) warned private schools against turning into "shops" by selling uniform and books in their premises.



"We have told the schools that they should not charge unreasonable fees. The charges should be reasonable and there should be no hidden costs as that is the more irritating part for the parents," Union HRD Minister Prakash Javadekar told PTI in an interview.



He said the CBSE has sought data from schools about their fee structure and increase in fees.

"Many schools have sent it and the data is being analysed. Schools which haven't sent it, have been sent reminders and penalised," he said.



The minister, however, did not thrown light on the penalty measures for schools found guilty of overcharging and having hidden costs in their fees structure.



Overcharging by schools and increase in fees every year have been a subject of concern, often raised by the parents.



Gujarat had last month introduced "Gujarat Self-Financed Schools (Regulation of Fees) Bill, 2017" to regulate the charging of exorbitant fees.



The bill empowers the Gujarat government to constitute four 'fee regulatory committees', one each for the state's four zones, to determine "fees for admission to any standard or course of study in self-financed schools".



The fee structure proposed in the bill for primary, secondary and higher secondary schools is Rs 15,000, Rs 25,000 and Rs 27,000 per year, respectively.



Schools that wish to charge more will have to approach the regulatory committee, which will have jurisdiction over all private schools, whether affiliated to the Gujarat board, the CBSE or international boards.



The bill had also caught the interest of several states as also that of the Centre with education ministers from Uttar Pradesh and Maharashtra and Javadekar asking for copies of the bill from Gujarat Education Minister Bhupendrasinh Chudasama.



"There are private schools which are charging Rs 250, Rs 2,500, Rs 25,000 and Rs 2.5 lakh also. That is a choice which has to be made by the parents.



"We value private investment as it contributes to the GDP, but schools should not be overcharging," Javadekar said.
After being sidelined from the AIADMK party, T. T. V. Dhinakaran is expected to meet his aunt V K Sasikala, who is in Bengaluru prison, on Monday to discuss his next course of action.



Dhinakaran, who was granted bail by a Delhi court on Friday, reached Chennai. He was arrested last month for allegedly attempted to bribe officials of the election commission to obtain 'two leaves' symbol for AIADMK (Amma) faction.



Though Edappadi group openly stated that Dhinakaran was removed from the party, Sasikala's nephew continues to assert that none had the power to remove him from the post, which was given by party general secretary (Sasikala).



"Who said I am not in the party. I will continue to engage in party works. I would seek the advice of general secretary Sasikala on various issues tomorrow," Dinakaran said.



AIADMK party sources said that Dhinakaran was annoyed that none of the ministers met him after he reached Chennai on Saturday. Though few MLAs met Dinakaran, Edappadi Palaniswami and senior ministers were yet to meet him.



Education Minister K A Sengottaiyan said chief minister alone could take a decision on Dhinakaran.



The other AIADMK group led by former chief minister O Panneerselvam still insisting that merger of both factions is possible only if Sasikala and Dhinakaran should be officially removed from the party.










British Prime Minister Theresa May today announced that the June 8 general election will go ahead as planned despite another terrorist attack in London as she blamed the "evil ideology of Islamist extremism" for the three terror attacks in the country.



Speaking outside Downing Street after she chaired the emergency COBRA meeting with senior security

chiefs, May said said, "Violence can never be allowed to disrupt the democratic process."



She said "it is time to say enough is enough" as she condemned the terror attack on "innocent and unarmed civilians" on London Bridge and Borough Market area of the city, which left seven people dead and 48 injured in London.



She said the recent terror attacks in Britain, while not directly linked, "are bound together by the single evil ideology of Islamist extremism."



"It is an ideology that is a perversion of Islam and a perversion of the truth. Defeating this ideology is one of the great challenges of our time."



"We believe we are experiencing a new trend in the threat we face as terrorism breeds terrorism," she

said.



The prime minister said attacks are now inspired "by copying one another and often using the crudest of means of attack".



"We cannot and must not pretend that things can continue as they are," she said.



She revealed that the UK's security and intelligence services have disrupted "five credible plots" since the Parliament attack in London in March.



The British Prime Minister announced that she plans to review the UK's counter-terror legislation.

"There is far too much tolerance for extremism in our country," she said.



In reference to the elections, she said that national campaigning will resume tomorrow, adding: "We will come together and, united, we will take on our enemies."



Meanwhile, Metropolitan Police Commissioner Cressida Dick praised the "extraordinary bravery" of her officers, on and off duty, who risked their lives by rushing to confront the attackers.



Calling for calm, she said: "The last thing we need is people over-reacting or taking out their frustrations on people in other communities or in their own communities."



A white van hit pedestrians on London Bridge last night, then three men got out and stabbed people in nearby Borough Market.



It is the third terror attack in the UK in three months, following the car and knife attack in Westminster in March, which left five people dead, and the Manchester bombing less than two weeks ago, in which 22 people were killed.
A police official was today suspended and ten persons were arrested in connection with the lynching of a woman by a mob suspecting her as a child lifter at Domuhani in Mayurbhanj district.



"While ten persons have so far been arrested, some more villagers are likely to be nabbed. Investigation showed involvement of many people in the incident," said S C Roy, Inspector In-Charge of Bangiriposi police station.



Meanwhile, the woman who was lynched yesterday by a mob, has been identified as Basanti Mohanta (48) of village Anla of Mayurbhanj district, he said.



She was on a visit to her daughter residing in Kalikapur area of Baripada town and then went missing from June one. A missing report was also lodged with Baripada town police station by her daughter on that day.



When she went to Domuhani village on Friday, she was caught by the local people who tied her to a tree suspecting her as a child lifter. A mob pelted stones and beat her with sticks when the woman tried to escape yesterday. She died on the spot, police said.



Mayurbhanj SP R Prakash has issued order of suspension of Assistant Sub-Inspector of Police B K Sathua for alleged dereliction of duty, they said.
Union minister M Venkaiah Naidu today termed the Congress the "founder, propagator and patron" of dynasty politics in the country, days after the party vice-president Rahul Gandhi accused the TRS government in Telangana of running a family rule in the state.



"It is the Congress party...you are the perpetrators of dynastic politics...you are the propagators of dynastic politics," the information and broadcasting minister said while addressing a press conference here.



He also accused the Congress of being the "source of inspiration" to other parties to play dynasty politics.



Addressing a public meeting in Sangareddy on June 1, Rahul asked if students and farmers fought for the creation of Telangana for a "single family", a reference to chief minister K Chandrasekhar Rao and his minister-son K T Rama Rao, daughter and Lok Sabha member K Kavitha, and nephew and Minister Harish Rao.



Venkaiah said,"...in utter disregard of the fact that his (Rahul's) family had all along done it and benefited from promoting dynastic rule, he made the accusation. The Congress is the founder, propagator and patron of dynasty politics in India and is the source of inspiration in this matter to other parties".



The senior BJP leader said the Congress accusing other parties of indulging in dynastic politics is like the pot calling the kettle black.



"Such persons are least qualified to criticise the leader of the stature of prime minister Narendra Modi who is leading the nation as per their stated wishes and to their satisfaction," he said.



The minister said the opposition is indulging in a "disinformation campaign" over the recent Central notification regulating trade of cattle for slaughter at animal markets.



"The Kerala High Court has rightly asked where is the ban (on cow slaughter) and pointed out that the (Central) order restricted to sale of cattle at the markets. I have already clarified that

representations received from various quarters are being examined.



"However, in an atrocious manner a procession was taken out and a calf and a cow were killed in front of public and they posed for photographs while the meat was eaten," he said referring to butchering of a calf in Kerala in protest agaisnt the government notification recently.



He said the government never interferes in the food habits of people as choice of food is a personal matter.



"I was president of the BJP and I was strict non-vegetarian," Venkaiah said, alleging that since the Opposition is indulging in disinformation as it is "issue-less, frustrated and demoralised".



Responding to a query on prospects of 'mahagatbgandhan (mega alliance) of the opposition parties in the context of various leaders congregating in Chennai on the occasion of DMK patriarch M Karunanidhi's 94th birthday yesterday, Venkaiah said it is not possible.



"I have already said it is not possible..We (NDA) are united, they are divided, we are confident, they are diffident. They are having only one-point programme...they are into 'D mission', which is a dis-information campaign against the NDA government," he added.
The accused in the killing of 23- year-old engineer Anjali Rathour has been arrested by Noida Police from Mainpuri in Uttar Pradesh.



Ashwini Yadav (24) was a college classmate of Anjali and claimed to have been in a relationship with her, police said.



After his arrest last evening, he confessed to the killing, they added.



Anjali was found dead at the parking lot of her residential complex, Shatabdi Vihar, in Noida on May 31. CCTV footage had shown a man chasing her with a pistol.



Yadav said he had killed her as she got into a relationship with another man and started ignoring him after he lost his job.



According to police, Yadav had met Anjali a day before the murder. He had bought a country-made pistol from his home town of Etawah and planned the killing with an accomplice.



The next morning he entered the society and called her to the parking lot. Sensing trouble, Anjali had tried to run, but was shot dead.
Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath today said that his government has brought in "uniformity" in power supply across the state, unlike the previous governments which favoured "only five districts" at the cost of the remaining ones.



He said that when the BJP-led government took over in the state, a major challenge before it was to bring to an end the VIP culture in power supply.



"We have come up with a policy of electricity supply which will uniformly benefit all 75 districts of UP and not just five districts," he said here at a function where he inaugurated a number of new power sub-stations and dedicated to the public some existing ones upon upgrade.



"We take pride in the fact that on the birth anniversary of Ambedkar last month, we brought in a policy which ensures that all district headquarters will get 24 hours power supply while for tehsil headquarters it will be 20 hours and 18 hours for rural areas," he said.



The firebrand BJP leader did not name any party while speaking about the "VIP culture".



However, his comments came in the light of allegations faced by the Samajwadi Party and the BSP, which have alternately ruled the state for more than a decade, that native districts of their top leaders used to be disproportionately favoured in power supply.



Adityanath said that his government had inherited a system wherein replacement of faulty transformers used to take months in rural areas and several days in urban localities.



"We decided to change that. Now people can lodge complaints regarding the transformer in their locality on a toll-free number and action will be guaranteed within 24 hours," he said.



The chief minister said that his government was also striving to solve the problem of low voltage in rural areas, which was particularly stark in impoverished regions like Bundelkhand.



"Things are looking up and we are confident that by October, 2018 we will be able to provide 24 hours' power supply to every nook and corner of Uttar Pradesh," he said.



Speaking at the same function, state Power Minister Shrikant Sharma claimed that the government had achieved success in curbing the menace of power theft and upgrade of obsolete transformers.



The chief minister is on a two-day visit of the city which will conclude this evening after a meeting with officials, including the chief secretary and the director general of police.



Issues such as law and order and development activities in all districts falling under the Allahabad division would be reviewed.



Earlier, in the morning, Adityanath paid a visit to the Swaroop Rani Nehru hospital, accompanied by state Health Minister Siddharth Nath Singh, to take stock of the services there.



He also inspected a "malin basti" (slum area) in Nevada locality of the city and gave instructions to officials, in the presence of city mayor Abhilasha Gupta, with regard to cleanliness and hygiene.
Apparently not satisfied with the probe into the mysterious death of Karnataka cadre IAS officer Anurag Tiwari, who was found dead near a guest house in the state capital last month, his family members are contemplating to move the court.



According to the sources here on Sunday, the family is likely to file a petition before the Lucknow bench of the Allahabad High Court seeking direction to the CBI to take over the probe forthwith.



Although the UP government has recommended a CBI probe into the death of Tiwari, the premier investigating agency has not yet taken over the probe.



''The special investigating team (SIT) probe is nothing but a mere formality.....it is not investigating the case seriously,'' a member of Tiwari's family told a senior UP cop here.



Tiwari's brother Alok has also contacted the senior UP IPS officer Amitabh Thakur and sought the latter's help in this regard. ''The probe has failed to throw any light on the death so far,'' Thakur's wife Nutan said quoting Alok.



A two-member SIT team had recently visited Bangalore to conduct the investigation in the case. The team returned to the state capital on Saturday.



Anurag Tiwari, who was the Commissioner, Food, Civil Supplies and Consumer Affairs Department in Karnataka, was found dead here a few days back. His body was found lying on the side of the road a few metres away from the Guest House.



Tiwaris postmortem report was inconclusive and the doctors preserved his viscera and heart for further forensic examination to ascertain the cause of death. The death of the IAS officer also triggered a political storm in UP with BJP and Congress getting engaged in a sharp exchange of words.


A seven-year-old gang rape victim was allegedly discharged from a government hospital in Uttar Pradesh's Allahabad town, about 200 kilometres from here, barely a day before chief minister Yogi Adityanath's visit to the city on Sunday.



The mother of the victim alleged that the doctors at the Women's Hospital forced her to take the victim home on Saturday saying that she was all right.



''The doctors had earlier told me that it would take several days for the minor to be all right and that she would have to be in the hospital for some more days,'' the mother alleged.



She said that two police personnel escorted her and the victim home on Saturday.



Sources said that the minor had allegedly been gang-raped by four people a week back after being taken at a secluded place a few hundred metres away from her home. The alleged accused persons have been arrested by the police.



The victim was bleeding profusely when she was found by her mother a little later and admitted to the hospital in a critical condition.



A medical examination confirmed rape. The doctors had then said that the minor victim had suffered serious injuries in her inner parts.



Sources said that Adityanath, who was on a visit to Allahabad on Sunday, could visit the hospital as well and the doctors feared that he might meet the victim and her family there.



The Hospital authorities, however, denied the allegations and said that the victim was discharged after her condition improved and it was felt that she did not require hospitalization.



Earlier also UP officials, apparently aiming to impress Adityanath, had distributed soaps, shampoos, and perfumes among members of 'Mushar' (Dalit) community in Kushinagar district and asked them to use the same before meeting the chief minister.


In a major breakthrough, the Punjab Police have arrested three terrorists and busted a terror module having direct links with Pakistans ISI- backed banned terror outfit International Sikh Youth Federation (ISYF).



The arrested terrorists, Gurdial Singh, Jagroop Singh, and Satwinder Singh, had been trained and tasked by the ISI to carry out terror attacks in India on directions of Pakistan-based ISYF chief Lakhbir Rode. The accused were remanded to police custody today.



Preliminary investigations by the Punjab police have also revealed that a part of the consignment of arms and ammunition seized by the BSF on May 21 this year close to the international border in Amritsar, was supplied by ISYF. Two terrorists, Maan Singh and Sher Singh, had been arrested by the BSF last month, while they were attempting to pick up the said consignment. Arms and ammunition have also been recovered.



Gurdial Singh was the chief operative of this terror module and was introduced to Lakhbir Singh Rode, who is staying in an ISI provided a safe house in Lahore Cantonment, by Germany-based Balvir Singh Sandhu. Gurdial had met Rode several times during his visits to Pakistan, as part of religious contingents in the last 6-7 years.



During his last visit to Pakistan in November last year, Gurdial Singh had arranged a visa for Jagroop Singh and he had travelled to Lahore with the religious consignment. Jagroop confessed that he was taken to the ISYF chief blindfolded at an undisclosed location and imparted a four-day training course by the ISI in handing AK-47 rifle and smaller weapons. He was also trained in techniques of sabotaging railway tracks by loosening the fastening mechanisms of fish-plates, nuts and bolts.



Both Gurdial and Jagroop were tasked to carry out terrorist attacks in India and also motivated to target various anti-panthic and anti-Sikh forces individuals. The police said the accused had mentors in Pakistan and Germany.
The NIA, probing alleged terror-funding to separatist leaders in Kashmir, continued raids on the residences of Hurriyat leaders for second consecutive day on Sunday during which it seized incriminating documents and foreign currency.



Sources said the National Investigation Agency (NIA) teams conducted raids at four places in Kashmir and one in Jammu on Sunday. "The NIA searched the offices of Tehreek-e-Hurriyat, associated with Hurriyat hawk Syed Ali Geelani, the residences of Javed Ahmed Baba alias Gazi Baba, Peer Saifullah and Ayaz Akbar, all leaders of hardline Hurriyat," they said and added residence of a businessman, identified as Farooq Bagoo, was also raided.



The premier central probe agency found a few thousand Pakistani rupees and currencies of UAE and Saudi Arabia, sources said. "Since Saturday cash worth a few crore rupees, gold jewellery/coins worth about Rs 40 lakh, property related documents, letterheads of LeT and Hizbul, pen drives, laptops, mobile phones and other incriminating documents, including phone diaries, katchcha receipts and vouchers have been seized from the financiers, hawala operators and office bearers of separatist groups during the searches at nearly 30 locations."



A top NIA official told Deccan Herald that the bank accounts and lockers revealed during the course of investigation have been ordered to be frozen and the concerned persons have been summoned for questioning. "We are probing the entire terror network and the players behind financing it. Also, people who incite violence and stone pelting and burned down schools during the unrest are on our radar," he revealed.



The raids were carried out after NIA launched Preliminary Enquiry (PE) into alleged hawala funding to separatist leaders to fuel protests and violence in Kashmir. The PE was launched following a sting operation by a New-Delhi based news channel after which three separatists leaders Nayeem Khan, Farooq Ahmed and Gazi Baba who were allegedly receiving funds from 2008 Mumbai terror attacks mastermind and LeT chief Hafiz Saeed, were grilled by the NIA in Srinagar and Delhi for several days.



This is not the first time that such raids have been carried out in the Valley. In December 2002, Jammu and Kashmir police had arrested 16 persons on charges of channelling hawala funds to militant organisations through the cover of their legitimate businesses. Incidentally, the residence of current J&K education minister Altaf Bukhari's father was also raided that time.



However, the case was closed subsequently for lack of evidence. Meanwhile, Geelani in a statement on Sunday alleged that Indian authorities, its agencies and particularly NIA were harassing Tehreek-e-Hurriyat leadership and its activists.



Condemning the NIA raids, he said, "Unfortunate aspect of this is that NIA sleuths during raids harass inmates and even ransack properties. It is sheer vengeance and intimidation and all these coercive tactics wont deter us from advocating just cause."






For the first time, AICC Vice President Rahul Gandhi and Former Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh Akhilesh Yadav and other like-minded national leaders shared a dais in residual Andhra Pradesh demanding special category status for the state as assured by the then Prime Minister Manmohan Singh on the floor of Rajya Sabha.



The Andhra Pradesh Congress Committee organised the meeting at the Andhra Muslim College grounds in Guntur, on Sunday in which JDU leader Sharad Yadav, CPI General Secretary Suravaram Sudhakar Reddy, and D Raja, DMK leader Ilangovan attended. Suravaram demanded the state Chief Minister Nara Chandrababu Naidu to take an all-party delegation to Prime Minister to secure special category for the state.



Special status was a promise made by not just PM but the whole cabinet. I really dont know why AP CM and Jaganmohan Reddy dont want that status, Rahul said. PM says that he wants to protect Hinduism, but Modi made that promise in the holy temple city of Tirupati. What kind of Hindu he is who lies in front of God Balaji, Rahul said.



The Modi governments is brimming with cash from recent demonetization. I ask him to allocate a part of it for AP, Akhilesh said adding that nation needs young leadership. Here also there is a government run by TDP with cycle symbol. But know this only Rahul and I are fit to ride the cycle, Akhilesh said.



However, at the Gannavaram airport, Telugu Desam Party workers raised slogans against Rahul holding Congress responsible for states bifurcation. Several TDP leaders were taken into custody for trying to enter the hotel where Rahul was staying. At the airport Rahul was received by Digvijaya Singh, APCC Chief Raghuveera Reddy, Rajya Sabha MP KVP Ramachandra Rao and former minister Pallam Raju.




The IT employee associations on Sunday sought to allay fears of Infosys founder N R Narayana Murthy towards trade unionism, saying that they do not believe in hartals and lockouts, but compassionate unionism, where problems are addressed in a holistic manner.



We totally disagree with Narayana Murthys fear over formation of unions. We believe in compassionate unionism, where the problems are addressed in a holistic manner, without causing much harm to the IT sector, Forum for IT Employees (FITE) Vice President Vasumathi said.



If Murthy speaks about compassionate capitalism, why shouldnt we be talking about compassionate unionism? IT professionals across the board are not keen on strikes and violent protests, she said.

All India IT Employees



Association President Muqeemuddin said there are several mechanisms, other than hartals and strikes, to put pressure on the government, one of the most potent being the social media.
Israelis and Arabs are mark-ing in very different ways the war launched 50 years ago today by Israel against Egypt, Jordan and Syria. For Israelis, this is an occasion to be proud of their countrys military prowess.



The Israeli air force won the war in its first hour by bombing Egypts war planes and military airfields at 8 oclock on the morning of June 5, 1967, and proceeding to wipe out the air forces of Jordan and Syria. This aerial offensive enabled Israeli ground troops to capture East Jerusalem and the West Bank ruled by Jordan since Israels 1948 war of establishment, Gaza controlled by Egypt, Egypts Sinai Peninsula, and the Syrian Golan heights. In a matter of six days, Israel doubled its territory, acquired strategic depth and, for the religious-minded, fulfilled Biblical prophecies.



For Arabs, the war was the second major military defeat at the hands of Israel since the creation of the Jewish state in 1948  not counting Israel's participation with former colonial powers France and Britain in the 1956 war on Egypt following Cairos nationalisation of the Suez Canal. The Arabs suffered at least 20,000 dead in comparison to fewer than 1,000 Israeli fatalities.



The Arab response to the 1967 defeat was to prepare for the next war which came in October 1973 when Egypt and Syria launched simultaneous surprise attacks on Israel. While the Egyptians and Syrians temporarily regained territory lost in 1967 and restored Arab dignity, Israel, rearmed by the US, retook this territory.



However, Israel learned that the Arabs could be a serious foe and in 1978 agreed to negotiate peace with Egypt and to talk peace with Syria. The peace with Egypt was concluded in 1979. Talks with Syria failed.



For Palestinians, this war amounted to total defeat and ushered in an occupation lasting half a century. Although the UN Security Council adopted a resolution in November 1967 calling for Israeli withdrawal from captured territory, Israel ignored this resolution and the international community did not compel Israel to abide by it. Israel remained in control while Palestinians, who had fled the Israelis in 1948, have remained in place and challenge Israels occupation.



In 1967, Israel completed its conquest of Palestine, a goal of the Zionist movement which created Israel since the 1880s, and gained strategic territory in Egypt and Syria. In breach of international law, Israel began to establish colonies for its citizens in occupied East Jerusalem, the West Bank and Gaza, staking a permanent claim to these areas. Today there are some 400,000 Israelis in the West Bank and more than 200,000 in East Jerusalem. Settlers planted in Gaza were evacuated in 2005 while more than 20,000 Israelis have settled in the Syrian Golan.



During the mid-1970s, Palestinians, progressive Israelis and the international community proposed the two-state solution, the creation of a Palestinian state alongside Israel. This remains the main alternative to indefinite occupation, continuing colonisation of Palestinian land, repression, and denial of the Palestinian right to self-determination.





Multiple failures



Since then, there have been multiple failed opportunities for Israel to reach an agreement with the Palestinians. The most dramatic was the peace process launched after the signing on the White House lawn in Washington of the Oslo Accord secretly negotiated between Israel and the Palestine Liberation Organisation during 1993.



This was an interim deal involving the creation of a temporary Palestinian authority to govern Palestinians living under the occupation and the withdrawal of Israeli troops. Negotiators were asked to reach agreement on East Jerusalem, claimed by Israel as part of its capital and claimed by the Palestinians as the capital of their state-to-be; Palestinian refugees, Israeli settlers, borders, and security.



The negotiations have stumbled and stopped. The interim agreement has become the status quo, which the Israeli establishment seeks to sustain as it rejects the land for peace formula, the basis of the two-state solution.



The current right-wing Israeli government under Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has resisted all US and international efforts to restart talks while the Palestinian Authority, headed by President Mahmud Abbas, has refused to negotiate unless Israel halts colonisation, which is consuming land demanded by the Palestinians for their state.



Recent polls reveal that 47% of Israelis and 47% of Palestinians continue to call for two states. This figure has dropped from 60% between 2014-16. However, the Netanyahu government is dominated by hardline nationalist and religious parties which are opposed to a Palestinian state and insist on Israels right to colonise all the territory it holds.



For Palestinians, this means the continuation of the half-century old occupation and life under an apartheid system which discriminates against them, denies them civic and human rights, allows Israel to appropriate their land and resources, and condemns them to poverty.



The economic gulf between Israelis and Palestinians is striking. The Economist reports that Israeli GDP per person is $35,700, equivalent to France, while a Palestinian in the West Bank earns $3,700, about the same as an Egyptian, and a Gazan $1,700, earnings of citizens of Congo-Brazzaville. These differentials add a compelling socio-economic factor to the urgent need for a political solution based on two-states for two peoples.
The Indian Army on Sunday rejected as false and fabricated a video circulated by Pakistan, purportedly showing attacks by its military on some Indian posts along the LoC in Jammu and Kashmir.



A spokesperson of the Pakistani military had tweeted the video clip titled Pak Army strikes Indian Posts on LoC.



The Indian Army also rejected Pakistans claim that five Indian soldiers were killed in Tatta Pani sector along the LoC on Saturday when Pakistani troops had retaliated to Indian firing. A senior army official said there was no casualty and only a woman sustained injuries in the Pakistani firing.



On May 23, the Indian Army had released a video of punitive fire assaults on Pakistani positions across the LoC, inflicting some damage.



Pakistan, however, had dismissed the Indian Armys assertion of destroying its posts in the Nowshera sector.




The Punjab Police have arrested three militants and busted a module having direct links with banned terror outfit International Sikh Youth Federation (ISYF).



It is said ISYF is affiliated to Pakistans ISI.



The arrested terrorists, Gurdial Singh, Jagroop Singh and Satwinder Singh, had been trained and tasked by ISI to carry out attacks in India on the directions of Pakistan-based ISYF chief Lakhbir Singh Rode. The accused were remanded in police custody on Sunday.



Preliminary investigation revealed that a part of the consignment of arms and ammunition seized by BSF on May 21 close to the International Border in Amritsar was supplied by ISYF. Two terrorists, Maan Singh and Sher Singh, were arrested by BSF last month when they were attempting to pick up the consignment. Arms and ammunition were also recovered.



Gurdial was the chief operative of this terror module and was introduced to Lakhbir by Germany-based Balvir Singh Sandhu. Gurdial had met Lakhbir, who is staying in an ISI-provided safe house in Lahore cantonment, several times during his visits to Pakistan as part of religious contingents over the past six-seven years.



During his last visit to Pakistan in November 2016, Gurdial had arranged a visa for Jagroop and facilitated his travel to Lahore with a religious group.



Jagroop confessed that he was taken to the ISYF chief blindfolded at an undisclosed location, and imparted a four-day training course by ISI in handling AK-47 rifles and smaller weapons. He was also trained in techniques of sabotaging railway tracks.



Gurdial and Jagroop were tasked with carrying out terrorist attacks in India and also motivated to target various anti-panthic and anti-Sikh forces individuals. The police said the accused had mentors in Pakistan and Germany.




The NIA, probing terror funding to separatist leaders in Kashmir, continued searches on the residences of Hurriyat leaders for the second consecutive day on Sunday, during which it seized incriminating documents and foreign currency.



Sources said the National Investigation Agency searched four places in Kashmir and one in Jammu on Sunday.

The NIA searched the offices of Tehreek-e-Hurriyat, linked to Hurriyat hawk Syed Ali Geelani, and the residences of Javed Ahmed Baba alias Gazi Baba, Peer Saifullah and Ayaz Akbar, all leaders of hardline Hurriyat, a source said.



He said the residence of a businessman, identified as Farooq Bagoo, was also searched.



The premier central probe agency found a few thousand Pakistani rupees, and the currency of the UAE and Saudi Arabia, sources said. Since Saturday, cash worth a few crore rupees, gold jewellery/coins worth about Rs 40 lakh, property documents, letterheads of Lashkar-e-Toiba and Hizbul, pen drives, laptops, mobile phones and incriminating documents have been seized from financiers, hawala operators and office bearers of separatist groups, a source said.



A top NIA official told DH that the bank accounts and lockers, revealed during the course of the investigation, were ordered to be frozen and the people concerned were summoned.



We are probing the entire terror network and their financiers. Also, people who incited violence and stone pelting and burnt down schools during the unrest are on our radar, he said.



The searches were carried out after NIA launched a preliminary enquiry into hawala funding to separatist leaders. The enquiry was launched following a sting operation by a New Delhi-based news channel.



NIA had grilled three separatists leaders Nayeem Khan, Farooq Ahmed and Gazi Baba, who were reportedly receiving funds from Hafiz Saeed, the 2008 Mumbai terror attacks mastermind and LeT chief.



In December 2002, the Jammu and Kashmir Police had arrested 16 people on charges of channelling hawala funds to militant organisations under the cover of their legitimate businesses.



Incidentally, the residence of incumbent Jammu and Kashmir Education Minister Altaf Bukharis father was also searched back then.



However, the state police closed the case for lack of evidence.



Meanwhile, Geelani in a statement on Sunday said Indian authorities and agencies, particularly NIA, was harassing the Tehreek-e-Hurriyat leadership and its activists, but such coercive tactics will not deter them from advocating a just cause.

DH News Service
A seven-year-old gang-rape victim was reportedly discharged from a government hospital in Uttar Pradeshs Allahabad town barely a day before Chief Minister Yogi Adityanaths visit to the city on Sunday.



The victims mother said she was forced to take the girl home by doctors at Womens Hospital, saying she was doing well. The doctors had earlier told me that it would take several days for my daughter to get better, and that she would have to be in hospital for some more days, the mother said.



She said two police officers escorted her and the victim home on Saturday. According to sources, the minor, a resident of Yamuna Paar area, had been raped by four men a week ago, after she was taken to a secluded place a few hundred metres away from her home. The preparators have reportedly been arrested.



The mother found the victim a little after the incident, bleeding profusely. She was admitted to hospital in a critical condition.



The medical examination had confirmed the rape. It also revealed that the victim had suffered serious injuries.

Sources said as there was a possibility that Adityanath, on his trip to Allahabad on Sunday, may visit the hospital and meet the victim and her family, the authorities had discharged her.



The hospital authorities, however, denied the allegations and said the victim was discharged after her condition improved.



Recently, state government officials, apparently aiming to impress Adityanath, had distributed soaps, shampoos and perfumes among members of the Mushar (Dalit) community in Kushinagar district, in a bid to make them more presentable to the chief minister.
Karnataka Pradesh Congress Committee (KPCC) president G Parameshwara on Sunday said the sitting MLAs of the party will be given the ticket to contest the next Assembly polls, only if they have bright chances of getting re-elected.



The party always follows certain criteria for giving the ticket. A survey will soon be conducted on the popularity of the sitting MLAs. The ticket will be given to those who are capable of winning the seat again.



As the KPCC president, I would like to give the ticket to all the 124 party MLAs. But, it is the party high command which takes the decision in this regard, he said while interacting with the media here.



He refused to comment on whether the Congress is planning to have a pre-poll alliance with other parties, including the JD(S). I dont want to comment on this (pre-poll alliance) now. We are confident of winning 124 seats again and coming back to power. Moreover, it is as good as accepting the defeat if I start talking about alliance, he stated, indicating that the party is open for all options.



Asked whether he is an aspirant for the post of chief minister after the 2018 Assembly elections, Parameshwara said: All politicians aspire for power. It is said that the party president is a natural contender for the post. But I have not submitted any application seeking the post. It is the legislature party that finally selects the chief minister. We all have to agree if the legislature party decides to make Siddaramaiah the chief minister again.



He said the Congress has honoured him by allowing him to continue as the KPCC president. The state unit will work as a team and strive towards bringing the party back to power in the next elections. He denied speculations in a section of the media that the ruling party is planning to advance the elections.



The KPCC president praised former chief minister S M Krishna, who recently quit the Congress and joined the BJP, as a good administrator.




The Supreme Court has held that a witnesss testimony cannot be rejected just because he/she is related to the deceased in a criminal case. It would, however, call for greater scrutiny and caution in examining the statement.



A bench of Justices L Nageswara Rao and Navin Sinha upheld the conviction and life term sentence awarded to three men from Tamil Nadu  Balasubramanium, Govindaraj and Chandrashekharan  for killing Gnanasekaran in July 2007.



The deceased was the brother of appellants Balasubramanium and Govindaraj. In their plea, the appellants challenged their conviction and sentence, contending that the three prosecution witnesses  Lakshmi, wife of the deceased, her sisters son Udaychandran and her brother Lalbahadur Sastri were closely related to each other.



Among other grounds, they argued that all the three witnesses fall into the category of interested witness and it will not be safe to convict them on the basis of their version.



The fact that the witness may be related to the deceased by marriage, cannot be sufficient reason to classify him as a related and interested witness to reject his testimony. It may only call for greater scrutiny and caution in consideration of the same, the bench said, rejecting their plea.



Relying upon Lakshmis testimony, the bench said, being the wife of the deceased, we find no reason why she would not be speaking the truth with regard to the real assailants, instead of shielding them by false implication.

DH News Service




The Union environment ministry on Sunday said it was open to modifications in the cattle slaughter rules as the government doesnt see it as a prestige issue.



The suggestions that have been submitted will be contemplated upon. It is not a prestige issue for us, Union Environment Minister Harsh Vardhan said here on the sidelines of an official event to mark the World Environment Day.



Rules under the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act were not to influence food habits or affect slaughtering business, the minister said.



Last month, the ministry issued a gazette notification finalising the new Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (Regulation of Livestock Markets) Rules, 2017, in order to improve the conditions of animal markets.



But the rule came with a controversial clause of banning the sale of cattle for slaughtering in the animal markets.

This triggered a massive row all over the country with protests being held in Tamil Nadu, Kerala and Karnataka. Beef eating protests were held by the students of Indian Institute of Technology, Madras.



West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee described the ban as undemocratic and unconstitutional. She also said her government would not implement it.



The meat industry that recorded more than Rs 30,000 crore in export revenue in 2015-16, too, protested against the move.

*Rules not intended toinfluence food habits

*Will not affect slaughtering business

*Suggestions will becontemplated upon

*Not a prestige issue for the Centre


The Indian Coast Guard resumed the rescue operation around 6 am on Sunday. The Coast Guard ship ICGS Amartya maintained its position in area throughout the night with continuous communication with persons in the dredger.



On Sunday, Indian Coast Guard Hovercraft, ACV H-196 was deployed for assistance. Due to the heavy swell and breaking waves, the movement of hovercraft was restricted and ICGS Rajdoot, which was standby ship, was sailed at 7.15 am for the rescue operation.



Meanwhile, ICGS Amartya lowered its dinghy, Gemini at 6.10 am and commenced rescuing of the remaining 23 persons from dredger Ibis.



Despite inclement weather conditions and strong winds, the Gemini continued to ferry the stranded workers from listing dredger to ICGS Amartya.



As there were boulders and reef near the barge and the sea was rough,even the dinghy could not move closer to the barge. As a result, the trapped persons jumped into the sea wearing life jacket and climbed onto the dinghy. The entire operation was seamlessly coordinated amongst various stakeholders, said Coast Guard Karnataka Commander DIG S S Dasila.



The barge is still at the mishap spot. A team of experts from Mumbai will inspect the barge on Monday. The barge is built in Singapore at an estimated cost of Rs 33 crore.

The Indian Coast Guard and Coastal Security Force on Sunday rescued 23 persons who were stranded in a listing barge, around 300 metres from the Arabian Sea coast near Ullal since Saturday.The barge with 27 workers began listing after it hit a boulder on Saturday. The workers were engaged for building an offshore reef in the sea to check sea erosion. The Coast Guard personnel rescued four workers on Saturday night and suspended the operation due to inclement weather.
The Opposition parties, the BJP and the JD(S), are planning to corner the ruling Congress over the farm loan waiver issue in the state legislature session scheduled to commence from Monday.



The principal Opposition party, the BJP, has already decided to take up the farm loan waiver issue in a big way in the coming days, both inside and outside the legislature.



The saffron party leaders are planning to demand that the state government should follow in the footsteps of the Uttar Pradesh government in this regard. The JD(S) too will follow suit as it is a politically sensitive issue, sources in the BJP said.



Chief Minister Siddaramaiah has been saying that his government is ready to waive the farm loan sanctioned by the co-operative banks if the Centre waives at least 50% of farm loans obtained by farmers from the nationalised banks.



Meanwhile, Siddaramaiah on Sunday told reporters in Mysuru that he is waiting for Union governments stand to take a decision of farm loan waiver.



He said he has hope that BJP state president B S Yeddyurappa would exert pressure on the Centre to waive bank loans of farmers.



The state government will announce the loan waiver at a suitable time, if the Centre responds positively, he said.



Other issues

The mysterious death of IAS officer Anurag Tewari, increase in the attacks on the BJP workers in the state and the performance of the Siddaramaiah government in the past four years will also be taken up for discussion in the legislature session scheduled to be held for 10 days.



The ruling party, for its part, is planning to counter the BJP by raising the Centres controversial decision to ban the sale of cattle for slaughter, the sources added.



Besides, the government will seek the approval of the legislature for the full budget of 2017-18 during the session.




Apparently not satisfied with the probe into the mysterious death of Karnataka cadre IAS officer Anurag Tewari, who was found dead near a guest house here last month, his family members are contemplating to move court.



According to sources here on Sunday, the family is likely to file a petition before the Lucknow bench of the Allahabad high court seeking direction to the CBI to take over the probe forthwith.



Although the Uttar Pradesh government has recommended for a CBI probe into the death of Tewari, the premier investigating agency has not yet taken over the probe.



The special investigating team (SIT) probe is nothing but a mere formality.....it is not investigating the case seriously, a member of Tewari's family told a senior Uttar Pradesh police officer here.



Tewaris brother Alok has also contacted senior Uttar Pradesh IPS officer Amitabh Thakur and sought his help in this regard. The probe has failed to throw any light on the death so far, Thakurs wife Nutan said quoting Alok.



A two member SIT team had recently visited Bengaluru to conduct investigation in the case. The team returned to Lucknow on Saturday.



Tewari, who was commissioner, Food, Civil supplies and Consumer affairs department in Karnataka, was found dead here on May 17. His body was found lying on the side of the road a few metres away from a government guest house where he was staying.

DH News Service
The BBMPs negligence in reviving the citys iconic single-screen theatre Shankarnag Chitramandira on MG Road has angered exhibitors in the Kannada film industry.



Shankarnag Chitramandira stopped operations last week as the Palikes lease agreement with Mumbai-based INOX Leisure Limited (ILL) expired. The BBMP is yet to invite tenders for fresh lease, while the ILL management is unwilling to run the theatre for another term due to serious financial differences. It is the only theatre under the Palikes control at present. Puttanna Kanagal cinema in Jayanagar 4th Block, which the Palike owns, was shut down in 2004.



The Palike leased Shankarnag cinema to the ILL for a monthly consideration of Rs 17.5 lakh in 2009. The BBMP and ILL have moved court over financial disputes. Meanwhile, the lease agreement has ended, a leading exhibitor told DH. Exhibitors want BBMP to establish a single window system to manage the theatre. Many of them are willing to renovate it by paying Rs 2 crore from their pockets. They say the renovation is needed to meet multiplex standards and the audience taste. They say they are ready to pay extra monthly lease amount than what was fixed for the ILL. However, they are angry as there is no response from the BBMP.



Manjunath, who exhibited successful films such as Kirik Party, U Turn, Kotigobba and Rajakumara at the theatre says: Over 10 exhibitors, including me, are willing to renovate the cinema on our own and run it on lease, but the BBMP should respond. There is no single single-screen theatre between KG Road and Marathahalli. Shankarnag Chitramandira is well connected by Metro and BMTC buses. The Palike should consider these things and lease out the theatre immediately, he said.



BBMP Commissioner N Manjunath Prasad told DH: We will immediately act on the issue by floating tenders. We are ready to consult Karnataka Film Chamber of Commerce (KFCC) to reopen the theatre.



The KFCC has decided to take up the matter with the Palike. The theatre is a symbol of prestige for the industry. I will meet the BBMP commissioner on Monday to find out a way to reopen it, Sa Ra Govindu, president, KFCC, said. The theatre was established in 1979 and was named Symphony. It mostly screened English movies.



As a mark of respect to one of the most creative directors and talented actors, the theatre was named after Shankarnag, who died in a road accident in 1991. The theatre began screening Kannada movies there after. The theatre was shut for four years between 2005 and 2009.

DH News Service




While government agencies and departments have scheduled World Environment Day celebrations for Monday, Bengalureans who cannot afford to skip work advanced it to the weekend which was filled with activities all green.



Sunday started with theatreperson Prakash Belawadi inaugurating a nature walk programme in Lalbagh organised by Karnataka Walkers Federation. Stressing that youth should play an active role in environment conservation, Belawadi said, It is not enough to protect trees, we need to plant more saplings and nurture them. The government cant do everything, he said.



Federation president C K Ravichandra said efforts should be made to make Lalbagh plastic-free. Over 200 people took part in the programme where saplings planted near West Gate lake. Belawadi and Ravichandra distributed saplings among youths. NGO SayTrees brought 1,600 volunteers to plant saplings at a recently rejuvenated lake in Bommasandra. Another NGO, Adamya Chetana, celebrated 75th Green Sunday by planting saplings near the National High School grounds in Basavanagudi.



Young Indians, Bengaluru chapter, which is part of Confederation of Indian Industry launched an initiative to improve Bengaluru in the Swachh Bharath rankings. The year-long initiative seeks to involve people in various activities to conserve environment.



On Sunday evening, Raag Abhinaya staged a streetplay 'No More Adjust Maadi: Our Planet, Our Responsibility', to stress on the necessity to come out of apathy and conformity to make a difference.



In HSR Layout, the residents welfare association invited tree conservationist Vijay Nishant on Saturday to hold a workshop on making seed balls. As many as 6,000 seed balls were made. Besides residents, over 150 children from JSS and Cambridge schools. Seed balls are thrown near wetlands and they grow without the necessity of daily care, Krupa T S of the HSR Citizens Forum said.



Hundreds of events are lined up on Monday with government agencies and departments organising programmes to mark environment day. Chief Minister Siddaramaiah will present green awards and inaugurate an exhibition focussed on environment at Gandhi Krishi Vijnana Kendra.



KSRTC and BMTC have organised Bus Day to coincide with Environment Day. Several NGOs and resident welfare associations have organised programmes involving planting and distribution of saplings and seed balls.




Rejuvenating a lake in 45 days may seem like a pipe dream against the decades of work by the government which leaves the lakes frothing. But a corporate social responsibility (CSR) initiative has shown the way.



The 36-acre Kyalasanahalli lake, which looked more like a pond till two months ago, has seen a transformation in 45 days thanks to the timely work taken up by a city-based company.



Durgesh Agrahari of SayTrees said, on April 20, Sansera Foundation, CSR arm of city-based company Sansera Engineering, adopted what looked like a pond at Kyalasanahalli in Bommasandra. They have worked relentlessly for the last 45 days to make it what it is today. It is not just the lake, but the surrounding area also has seen a lot of change, he said.



Anand Malligavad, head of Sansera Foundation, said, When we first saw the lake, we knew it was a challenging task. We drew up a Rs four-crore budget and started working on it from Day One. We removed 3.6 lakh cubic metres of silt, increasing the lakes capacity 20 times. The width of stormwater drains connecting the lake has been increased from 1.5 feet to 10 feet, he said.



Noting that the residents of Kyalasanahalli supported the project, Anand said, There are 200 houses in the village and when we explained the project to the residents, most of them chipped in.



K Y Sheshappa, a village leader, said about 12 acres of the 36-acre lake were encroached by residents for agriculture. About 15 of us went to each house and explained the rules related to lakes. Those who had encroached the lake readily agreed to give up the land for development, he said.



If the government had taken up the project, recovering the encroached land would have been tough. In 45 days, we have seen a miracle. Behind all that was hard work and commitment. Work did not stop even when it was raining. We have decided to maintain the lake in future too, he said.



On Sunday, NGO SayTrees brought together 1,600 volunteers to plant 4,000 saplings on the lakes bund and islets in the lake. I was surprised to see the development that has taken place. It is a high quality work done in a very short time. Lakes in and around Bengaluru can be saved if more companies take such CSR initiatives, he said.

DH News Service
The 24-year-old ragpicker accused of brutally raping a five-year-old girl in Veerannapalya, east Bengaluru, early on Saturday has told the police that he was heavily drunk and highly lustful when he reportedly committed the crime.



Veeresha had returned from a village in Bengaluru Rural district on Friday night. He was eager to have sex with his pregnant wife but she turned him down and sent him out of the house. He got disappointed and was loitering in the street, thinking of ways to fulfil his carnal desire. Thats when he spotted the girl.



In a moment of madness, he grabbed her into his arms and took her to a desolate place where he satisfied his lust. He didnt stop at that. He chopped off one of her fingers to silence her as she tried to raise an alarm, said a senior police officer who interrogated the suspect.



He maintained innocence when we softly asked him if he had done the act. But his body language betrayed him. We then used our ways to make him confess, the officer told DH.



MLC V S Ugrappa, the chairperson of the Expert Committee on Preventing Sexual Violence against Women and Children, and his team visited Bowring and Lady Curzon Hospital and met the parents of the girl on Sunday.



Ugrappa instructed the doctors and the police to provide medical support and security to the girl and her family. The child is recovering. There is a minor injury in her skull and a finger has been operated upon. She is responding to the treatment, he told journalists.



Ugrappa directed the police to invoke more sections of the Indian Penal Code (IPC) against the suspect. I have instructed the police to invoke more sections following our conversation with the victim, he said.



The Women and Child Welfare Department has been directed to give Rs 1,000 per month to the victim, while the Revenue Department will release Rs 25,000 for her medical expenses, he said.



Meanwhile, residents of Veerannapalya staged a protest for civic amenities such as streetlights and public toilets in their locality. Had there been more streetlights in this area, the rape could have been averted, said Miskin, a resident.



The residents also demanded regular police patrolling to keep anti-social elements in check, and a crackdown on dumping of garbage.

DH News Service
A NEW route is being considered which would take the proposed 5.6 billion Central Railway line and its freight trains away from the High Wycombe area.

Consultants have been commissioned by the South East England Development Agency (Seeda) to draw up an alternative line for the southern end of the north-south route. This would go east of London, not west. Its report should be ready in about three months.

The decision to reconsider the Central Railway route was taken after a meeting of county council leaders and officers at Gerrards Cross a few weeks ago.

It was hosted by David Shakespeare, leader of Buckinghamshire County Council and chairman of the South East Regional Assembly, and Seeda chairman Allan Willett.

They realised they must support the strategy of getting heavy freight traffic off roads and on to rail, but if they were not to have a route they didn't like they would have to come up with their own.

The current proposed route travels through the middle of Buckinghamshire and along the Chiltern Line through Haddenham, Princes Risborough and High Wycombe. The proposal created an outcry from people along this part of the line, who say they gain no immediate benefit, only noise.

After the Gerrards Cross meeting, Cllr Shakespeare told the Free Press the feedback he had from it was that the line went round the wrong side of London. It should go through Milton Keynes and via the area known as Thames Gateway a growth area.

Regional assembly leaders in the north of England are in favour of the Central Railway project with only the south-east region against it.

Central Railway wants the Government to introduce another bill in the Commons. People would give evidence at the committee stage and there would be no need for two or three years of planning inquiries.

Chris Williams, the council's chief officer, said there was lots of pressure for the scheme from northern regions. "They get lots of benefits from it, which is the opposite of the south, which gets disbenefits," he said.

County councillor David Rowlands, vice-chairman of a consortium of county councillors looking at public transport, said he had discussed the idea with members.

"I am pleased that Seeda has commissioned W S Atkins to review the route," he said. But he said leaders in the north wanted it to go west of London so that there would be good links to the M25 and the motorways to the west of the country.

A Central Railway spokesman said: "Central Railway has undertaken extensive engineering studies using international consultants, and the route to the west of London emerged as our preferred route."
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A new fish counter facility in the designated spring salmon fishery on the River Lackagh at Creeslough has been officially opened by the Minister of State with responsibility for Inland Fisheries, Sean Kyne.

The project, which was devised and delivered by Inland Fisheries Ireland, was completed in recent months and will provide important data for the future management of spring salmon, grilse and sea trout stocks for the River Lackagh catchment, which incorporates Lough Beagh, situated in Glenveagh National Park.

This major infrastructural project, which was funded under Inland Fisheries Irelands Salmon Conservation Fund, includes installation of a crump weir, Logie fish counter and access road to the Lackagh River at Creeslough. The counter will provide verifiable, accurate data on the size, duration and timing of fish migration through the fishery.

The River Lackagh counter project was developed by Inland Fisheries Ireland in response to closure of the River Lackagh salmon fishery in 2007 when scientific advice indicated that salmon stocks had fallen to below their Conservation Limit. The salmon fishery remained closed to enable fish stocks re-build until 2013 when electrofishing surveys confirmed that juvenile salmon stocks had recovered sufficiently to allow for the re-opening of the salmon fishery on a catch and release basis. The counter will be a valuable addition to Inland Fisheries Irelands national suite of index counters and represents the organisations first counter on the north Donegal coast.

Speaking at the openin, Minister Kyne said: I am delighted to officially open this fish counter which will help protect fish stocks in the area. Angling is a valuable asset to local communities here in Donegal. This development will help us ensure the sustainability of fish populations for future generations.

Dr Ciaran Byrne, CEO of Inland Fisheries Ireland said: This fish counter provides real time data on fish stocks in the fishery and allows us to adapt to changing stock levels. This is crucial both from a conservation and economic viewpoint as this fishery contains valuable wild fish populations. I would like to acknowledge all our partners in this project who recognised the importance of this project and worked with us to delivery this facility for the local area.

Angling in Ireland currently contributes 836 million to the Irish economy annually, supporting upwards of 11,000 jobs which are often in rural and peripheral communities. Inland Fisheries Irelands National Strategy for Angling Development aims to ensure the sustainable development of the natural angling resource in a conservation focused manner.

If realised, the strategy could help increase the economic contribution of angling by 53 million annually and support 18,000 jobs.

Inland Fisheries Ireland collaborated with several partners on the River Lackagh project including: Donegal County Council, the National Parks and Wildlife Service and ESB Networks. Inland Fisheries Ireland would particularly like to acknowledge the Creeslough & District Angling Association, owners Hillary Keegan and John Coyle and service providers WD Buchanan & Co. Ltd, H. Harkin Plan Hire Ltd. and Source Civil Ltd.
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A new fish counter facility in the designated spring salmon fishery on the River Lackagh at Creeslough has been officially opened by the Minister of State with responsibility for Inland Fisheries, Sean Kyne.

The project, which was devised and delivered by Inland Fisheries Ireland, was completed in recent months and will provide important data for the future management of spring salmon, grilse and sea trout stocks for the River Lackagh catchment, which incorporates Lough Beagh, situated in Glenveagh National Park.

This major infrastructural project, which was funded under Inland Fisheries Irelands Salmon Conservation Fund, includes installation of a crump weir, Logie fish counter and access road to the Lackagh River at Creeslough. The counter will provide verifiable, accurate data on the size, duration and timing of fish migration through the fishery.

The River Lackagh counter project was developed by Inland Fisheries Ireland in response to closure of the River Lackagh salmon fishery in 2007 when scientific advice indicated that salmon stocks had fallen to below their Conservation Limit. The salmon fishery remained closed to enable fish stocks re-build until 2013 when electrofishing surveys confirmed that juvenile salmon stocks had recovered sufficiently to allow for the re-opening of the salmon fishery on a catch and release basis. The counter will be a valuable addition to Inland Fisheries Irelands national suite of index counters and represents the organisations first counter on the north Donegal coast.

Speaking at the opening on Moday, Minister Kyne said: I am delighted to officially open this fish counter which will help protect fish stocks in the area. Angling is a valuable asset to local communities here in Donegal. This development will help us ensure the sustainability of fish populations for future generations.

Dr Ciaran Byrne, CEO of Inland Fisheries Ireland said: This fish counter provides real time data on fish stocks in the fishery and allows us to adapt to changing stock levels. This is crucial both from a conservation and economic viewpoint as this fishery contains valuable wild fish populations. I would like to acknowledge all our partners in this project who recognised the importance of this project and worked with us to delivery this facility for the local area.

Angling in Ireland currently contributes 836 million to the Irish economy annually, supporting upwards of 11,000 jobs which are often in rural and peripheral communities. Inland Fisheries Irelands National Strategy for Angling Development aims to ensure the sustainable development of the natural angling resource in a conservation focused manner.

If realised, the strategy could help increase the economic contribution of angling by 53 million annually and support 18,000 jobs.

Inland Fisheries Ireland collaborated with several partners on the River Lackagh project including: Donegal County Council, the National Parks and Wildlife Service and ESB Networks. Inland Fisheries Ireland would particularly like to acknowledge the Creeslough & District Angling Association, owners Hillary Keegan and John Coyle and service providers WD Buchanan & Co. Ltd, H. Harkin Plan Hire Ltd. and Source Civil Ltd.
A group of American travel professionals has been visiting Donegal and the Wild Atlantic Way with Goway Travel, a leading tour operator. They were here as guests of Tourism Ireland and Failte Ireland.

The visiting group undertook an action-packed fact-finding visit, which included Glenveagh National Park and a stop for lunch in the Clanree Hotel in Letterkenny.

Alison Metcalfe, Tourism Irelands Head of North America, said: Tourism Ireland was delighted to invite Goway Travel and its top travel agency representatives to visit Donegal and Ireland. We believe it is extremely important for travel decision-makers such as these to experience for themselves the high standard of our tourism offering and the many things to see and do here, so they are better equipped to advise their clients on future travel plans.

We have seen superb growth in North American visitor numbers so far again this year, with the most recent CSO figures for February to April 2017 showing growth of almost +26%  an extra 73,100 North American visitors compared with the same three-month period last year. Tourism Ireland is undertaking an extensive programme of promotions to keep the momentum going and build on that growth.

Tourism Ireland has prioritised North America for 2017, as a market which offers a strong return on investment, in terms of holiday visitors and expenditure. A number of factors are working in our favour, including more airline seats than ever before, from 20 gateway cities across North America to the island of Ireland, with numerous new flights and expanded services in the pipeline for this year.
Trumpcare is a plot to gut Medicaid by giving the richest tax breaks and almost no one is talking about this

It took about a century of proposed reforms to our health care system to get the uninsured rate below 10 percent. But weve done it as we lowered planned health care spending by trillions.

And we did it in less than a decade  a humanitarian equivalent of a moonshot.

Lets be clear: The improvements in Obamacare are not perfect, but what the GOP is proposing is a humanitarian catastrophe that would undo progress faster than anything weve seen in U.S. history.

Yes, Obamacares marketplaces need improvement. And mostly by improvement, I mean more money for better subsidies to draw in better plans with more lower deductibles, as well as public plans. There are lots of good ideas to make the ACA better now  our buddy Charles Gaba has at least a billion of them. And none of the existing problems justify GOP sabotaging your coverage and adding a Trump tax of up to 40% on millions of Americans premiums.

Trumpcare is just about making the health care system worse so rich people who benefit most from our society can pay less. Not just worse than it is now  but worse than it was before the ACA became law.

The GOP focuses on the marketplace to distract from how all of their reforms are designed to help the rich and the wealthy at the expense of the sick and the poor.

The centerpiece of this attack is cutting Medicaid by $880 billion  not just rolling back the Medicaid expansion but gutting the program with cuts designed to change how Americans have been covered since the program first rolled out in the 1960s.

The GOP attack on Medicaid needs to be at the center of this debate because it is inexcusable and its largely  thanks to the scandalous, disgusting way the GOP has pushed through law through Congress  being ignored.

Here are 5 things every American needs to know now before we let this unprecedented transfer of wealth from the poorest to the richest goes down.

Theres been no public debate about these drastic cuts to Medicaid.



As usual, our man Andy Slavitt, who ran the ACA, Medicaid and Medicare for President Obama, puts the stakes of the GOPs attack on our health care system in the clearest terms. Half of the people on Medicaid are children; the program pays for about half of the births in America and a similar percentage of the dollars we spend on long-term care for the aged, which leads us to point we cannot ignore. An attack on Medicaid is an attack on Medicare.

Cindy Mann and Allison Orris sound an alarm that has not yet broken out of wonkdom in defense of the 11 million Medicare beneficiaries who also rely on Medicaid for key components of their care. Yes, about 1 of 5 of the poorest Medicare beneficiaries could be hurt by Trumpcare. This could drastically reduce states ability to provide home care, which would drive seniors to hospitals, spiking Medicare costs and justifying Republican cries to cut Medicare spending. The cuts to Medicaid would be immediate and unconscionable.

Theres no glide path path for cutting Medicaid. Right now the debate in the Senate has centered around how quickly to roll back Medicaid expansion to leave millions uninsured. Its a useless debate because as soon as expansion is frozen, millions would start losing coverage fast as states feel the fiscal pinch, Dee Mahan, Director of Medicaid Initiatives at Families USA notes. Millions who face tough economic times in the future and need Medicaids safety net will become uninsured, she writes.

These points seem to me to most clearly underline the GOPs plot against the most vulnerable but theres so much more including how these cuts could worsen the opioid crisis, punish the disabled and wreak havoc on special education.

Medicaid has a unique name in each state and many people arent even aware that they and their family have or will rely on it. STILL, its extraordinarily popular  with more than 8 of 10 Americans, including 71 PERCENT OF REPUBLICANS, saying its very important for Congress to keep funding for Medicaid expansion.

But its not just expansion thats at risk; its Medicaid as we know it. And as long as the GOP can make the Trumpcare debate about anything else, they have a chance to win it.

[If you care about understanding Medicaid, which actually is akin to mastering rocket science, make sure you follow Emma Sandoe.]
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S P Jain School of Management to have new campus in London

The new campus will also be helpful in easy access to part-time jobs and internships in the UK
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Last week saw the GBP NZD exchange rate turn volatile ahead of the general election, as opinion polls variously predicted a surge in support for the Conservatives and the possibility of a hung parliament.

The Prime Minister was roundly criticised for not appearing in the leaders debate on the 31st, but a following poll still estimated a Conservative advantage.

Non-election news saw the UK manufacturing activity index drop by less than expected, while the construction measure rose instead of dropping as forecast.

The main UK event this week will be the general election on Thursday. The relatively short campaigns will come to an end and voters will go to the polls, to potentially deliver a crushing Conservative victory or turn the tables with a hung parliament.

Trader focus is expected to be dominated by the election; last-minute polls could cause high GBP turbulence, as could exit polls as votes are counted up.

If the Conservatives take a landslide victory then the Pound could rally, as it might imply a stronger hand in Brexit negotiations. An upset like a minority Conservative government or a hung parliament could conversely weaken GBP, as it would mean a disruption of the status quo ahead of Brexit talks later in the month.

There will be UK domestic data out this week, but even a strong services PMI score on Monday and trade deficit reduction on Friday may not be enough to push through overriding general election influences.

Last week saw the New Zealand Dollar fluctuate wildly against the Pound, but it ultimately opened trading at 0.5499 on Monday and closed at 0.5519 on Friday.

NZD demand was influenced primarily by a Reserve Bank of New Zealand (RBNZ) financial stability report, which estimated that the greatest risks to economic stability had passed.

The coming weeks main New Zealand data is out on Tuesday, consisting of a manufacturing sales figure along with the Global Dairy Trade (GDT) price index.

The GDT figure previously showed a rise of 3.2% in late June, which was the fifth consecutive instance of price growth since early March. If the incoming figure shows another rise in dairy prices, even below 3%, then the New Zealand could rally against a potentially unstable Pound.

On the national dairy front, Director of DairyNZ Ben Allomes has been cautious, stating;

Im looking forward to the end of May, and being able to strike it off and look to the new season. I supposed even in bad times there are things you have to learn from and take positives from. But its been a wet hard season, and though milk prices are recovering theres a feeling of shell shock or post-traumatic stress syndrome.

The only other notable data on Tuesday, covering manufacturing sales in Q1, previously showed a 2.3% rise. The sales figure will be year-on-year, so it could be high-impact enough to weaken the New Zealand Dollar in spite of a strong dairy price rise.
The Pound US Dollar (GBP USD) exchange rate ended the session higher last week following a mix of upbeat UK data and lacklustre US figures.

Sterling got off to a slow start this week trending slightly higher, fluctuating in the first half of the week as a recent YouGov poll suggested that Theresa May is under threat of losing her majority in the upcoming election.

Markets are concerned over the impact that a hung parliament would have on the Brexit process, with a minority government likely to be in a weaker position when negotiating with the EU.

Kit Juckes, strategist at Societe Generale said on Wednesday, The importance of politics as a market driver currently cant be overstated. Perhaps that shouldnt surprise anyone when the economic backdrop is relatively dull. This morning, the pound is the main victim again as a YouGov poll points to a possible hung parliament as the Conservatives risk losing seats in next weeks election.

However conflicting polls suggesting that the Tories were still set to gain a sizable majority caused GBP USD to rally as trading entered the second half of the week.

Sterling found strength again on Thursday with the release of the UKs latest Manufacturing PMI, with robust figures reaffirming forecasts from economists that Britains economic growth is likely to have rebounded in the second quarter of 2017.

This was further supported by Fridays Construction PMI, with the index showing that activity in the sector surged from 53.1 to 56 in May.

Meanwhile the US Dollar struggled to advance this week on the back of some lacklustre data, with the Tuesdays US Consumer Confidence showing that household sentiment slipped last month.

USD investors were also concerned on Wednesday as lacklustre pending home sales in May painted a gloomy picture of the US property market.

Finally sentiment in the Greenback softened at the end of the week following the release of disappointing employment figures.

US Non-Farm Payrolls showed that the US economy added 138,000 jobs in May, slumping from 174,000 the month before and falling well behind and expected rise to 185,000.

Analysts were quick to point out that this was an inevitable consequence of US nearing full employment, but it still caused some investors to question whether it would threaten additional rate hikes from the Federal Reserve this year.

Looking ahead the GBP USD exchange rate this week is likely to be closely tied to the outcome of the UK General Election on Thursday, with the Pound likely to tumble if Theresa May finds her party weaker following the vote.

Meanwhile the US Dollar may strengthen at the start of the week following the release of the latest domestic Services PMI, with analysts forecasting that the US private sector will have continued to show strong growth last month.
Even though the UK construction PMI surprised strongly to the upside in May, climbing from 53.1 to 56, this failed to boost the Pound Australian Dollar exchange rate.

Despite this latest sign that the UK economy is rebounding from a weak first quarter the mood towards Sterling remained generally bearish, still clouded by election jitters.

As opinion polls continued to paint a somewhat mixed picture investors remained nervous of the prospect of a hung parliament, even though many still take the polls with a pinch of salt.

Election worries are likely to keep the Pound on a weaker footing throughout the coming week, even if domestic data remains positive.

However, some measure of support could be in store for GBP exchange rates if the services PMI also demonstrates an uptick.

Given that the service sector accounts for more than three quarters of the UK gross domestic product a strong showing here could significantly boost the appeal of the Pound.

On the other hand, any particular disappointment would encourage the GBP CAD exchange rate to shed further ground as confidence in the UK economy remains relatively fragile.

Regardless, if the Conservatives fail to secure an increased majority in Thursdays election the Pound could see some sharp volatility.

Confidence in the Australian Dollar, meanwhile, could weaken if the Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA) proves more dovish in tone at its latest policy meeting.

While the central bank is unlikely to shift towards a loosening bias any fresh expressions of concern over the domestic housing market could weigh heavily on the appeal of the antipodean currency.

As Jane Foley, Senior FX Strategist at Rabobank, noted of the May meeting:

Despite acknowledging the positive outlook for world growth a cautious tone was clearly evident. We would expect these sentiments to remain in place at the RBAs June 6 policy meeting.

If the RBA takes a more positive view, though, this could encourage investors to pile into the Australian Dollar, even if general market risk appetite starts to ease.

AUD exchange rates could also come under pressure if the first quarter Australian gross domestic product report fails to encourage investors.

Any signs that the domestic economy is slowing may dent the Australian Dollar, with falling commodity prices and rising global risk likely to put further pressure on growth in the coming months.

GBP AUD Data Releases

05/06/17:

00:30 AUD AiG Performance of Service Index (MAY)

02:00 AUD TD Securities Inflation (YoY) (MAY)

09:30 GBP Markit/CIPS UK Services PMI (MAY)

06/06/17:

00:01 GBP BRC Sales Like-For-Like (YoY) (MAY)

05:30 AUD Reserve Bank of Australia Rate Decision (6 JUN)

07/06/17:

00:30 AUD AiG Performance of Construction Index (MAY)

02:30 AUD Gross Domestic Product (QoQ) (1Q)

02:30 AUD Gross Domestic Product (YoY) (1Q)
Hello,



I'm very new to this and don't know if anyone can help me of not.



My current situation is that I am 24 and living in the UK, yet I am determined to move to Australia via the 189 skilled migration visa.



I have recently received my IELTS results (overall 8.5). And have submitted all information the Vetassess for my skills assessment. The occupation I am applying under is Other Spatial Scientist ANZSCO code 2322-14.



I am incredibly worried and unsure as to what to do. My occupation is flagged for removal in July 17. I am unsure as to whether is should submit my EOI now without a skills assessment or wait for my skills assessment and risk my occupation being removed.



Any advice would be greatly appreciated.



Thank you
Well my 13a probation periodis nearly over so I went online to do my NBI clearence renewal that went ok so they gave date and time to visit NBI, whe I arrived I explained to the NBI officer what I had done online, the NBI office informed me the online processing is for Filipinos not foreigners so I had to reapply there. Then I went to BI and asked them what I need to do this time, do I take the same paper work as I had the first time, the officer told me just take your passport and NBI but after awhile he said " take all the forms you had the first time just to be sure" I walked out confused lol. But I will take a renewed copies of the same paper work as the first time. I really wanted to ask BI about the letter but I will just retype the old letter to BI in Manila.
I have been thinking of buying a car, most second hand cars in the Philippines are very expensive I would like a Ford Ranger because I live on a farm and during the wet season very hard to access with a normal car. I checked out the price between a secondhand Ford and a brand new one and I believe its best buying a new Ford. I went to my BPI bank and asked about a loan as I have been banking with BPI for five years and my pension goes into the BPI as well. The lady at BPI informed me Foreigners cannot get a loan, I did not ask if my filipna wife could apply because the lady was very busy at that time. Has anyone have any ideas, otherwise I will buy a secondhand car.
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As the end of another school year closed, Chase Stiffler, 18, spent his last days at William J. Brennan High School unwinding at home. Stiffler, the oldest son in a military family, said his grades were pretty good, but he has no plans to attend college. Instead, he plans to work as he discovers what he wants to do.

Military children such as Stiffler make up more than 32,000 military children in the 28 school districts around San Antonio  or 8 percent of the student population.

A new report by Texas A&M University provides greater clarity of how they fare in the annual State of Texas Assessments of Academic Readiness tests.

The report finds military students pass the minimum standards of the STAAR more often than civilian children, but they lagged in meeting college readiness.

When you are looking at the basic standards, military kids, no matter what ethnic group, are doing as well or better than anyone else, David Splitek, director at the Military Child Education Coalition, said. But if you look at the recommended or advanced standards, military kids are not doing so well.

The report analyzes data from the Texas Education Agency from 2013 to 2015. About 1 percent of Texas students are connected to the military.

Civilian students reach scores high enough to be considered college ready at a rate 3.8 percent higher than active duty students, the report found.

Military students who are economically disadvantaged score much higher than their civilian peers. Active-duty military children receiving free lunches scored almost 10 percent better than their civilian peers, according to the report.

Burnie Roper, superintendent of the military-centric Lackland Independent School District, said the military children at his schools boast much higher than average test scores.

Our kids have a wide range of experiences. Some of them having traveled the world, Roper said. They've been able to see a whole lot more than kids that have been here all their lives.

Across all ethnicities, however, military students are less likely to participate in gifted programs, the report found.

The transitory experience of military families can make it difficult for students to enter advanced magnet schools, said Brian Miller, president of the school board at Lackland ISD.

"Military children are at a bit of a disadvantage in regard to magnet school admissions," Miller said. Most, if not all annual magnet school slots are filled by the time military children tend to arrive, which is during the summer.

Most magnet schools hold a lottery in February of the current school year. Three to five times a year, a student misses out on a magnet school because they moved in after the deadline to apply, said Lori Phipps of the Joint Base San Antonio School Liaison Office.

Military families move on average six to nine times during their childrens school years. Sometimes they do not know where they are going until weeks before the move. For these families, advocates for military children argue for an open application process or a waiver for military children.

The students sometimes lose out on an opportunity that everyone else takes for granted, Carmen Fies, head of the Center for Military Families at the University of Texas at San Antonio, said.

As these students move from one state to another, they often encounter contradictory educational standards. A recent law known as the Interstate Compact helps by making it easier for military children to transfer between schools in different states.

The compact does not help military children who are homeschooled, a problem Miller said has to be addressed. Military families with children with special needs also face difficulties moving from one state to another.

Another difficulty for military students: the prospect of hopping from one district to another after moving into town.

Upon arrival families have approximately 2-3 weeks for house hunting and are housed in on-base temporary lodging, Miller said. In some circumstances families have to enroll students in one district and then subsequently enroll in another.

These students may cycle through three schools in a matter of weeks. Families may leave their original home, move into temporary housing at Lackland, and then settle into a new home in a different school district, Phipps said.

Many parents, with enough planning and coordination, can negotiate transitions between school districts well enough, Phipps said. The friction in these moves however add another burden to military students in their education.

The mobility of our military families accentuate the broader issue of educational standards and consistency across the country, Miller said. Our military children and their families are extremely resilient, but that doesnt mean they dont become frustrated chasing unpredictable educational criteria every time they move to a new assignment.

jlawrence@express-news.net
AUSTIN  Sixteen years ago, Texas became the first state to allow undocumented students to pay lower, in-state tuition for higher education.

Republicans who have long opposed the measure failed again this legislative session to repeal it, but they passed a measure that inspires even more/just as much concern: the high-profile sanctuary cities ban known as Senate Bill 4, which undocumented students fear will make them targets for deportation.

The new law includes a provision that allows local law officers to question the immigration status of people who are lawfully detained.

Instead of trying to repeal the Dream Act, you saw an effort to make the environment on campus less hospitable to students with the inclusion of campus police in SB 4, said Mia Ibarra, policy analyst for the think tank Center for Public Policy Priorities.

Karla Perez, a law student at the University of Houston, is a recipient of Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals, an Obama administration program that allows certain undocumented immigrants who came to the United States as children to get a two-year, renewable protection against deportation and work permit eligibility.

But she said her status doesnt exempt her from the fact that she is a person of color or erase the daily concern that her family might be separated if her parents, who brought her from Mexico in 1995 when she was a toddler, are deported.

She said the term lawful detentions is so broad under SB 4 that if someone commits a common mistake of running a red light or jaywalking, that could be the start of a deportation proceeding.

A university campus or college campus is no place for immigration agents or even campus police acting as immigration agents, said Perez, who is a member of immigration advocacy group United We Dream. She pays in-state tuition.

It is not a choice for us or our parents to migrate, she said. You want to raise a family in a safe place. The value of an education was always emphasized by my parents, who werent able to go to college. I think it comes down to what is a place where we can really thrive? The ability to attend a school in a safe place as a young woman was very important to my parents.

While the anti-sanctuary cities law was a big win for Gov. Greg Abbott and other Republicans who wanted to crack down on undocumented immigrants, other measures went by the wayside. But not all Republicans are opposed to giving these immigrants the opportunity for an education.

House Speaker Joe Straus, R-San Antonio, said before the session began that he thought the in-state tuition program was perfectly acceptable.

Former Gov. Rick Perry in 2001 signed the original Texas Dream Act into law, allowing in-state tuition for noncitizens. That became an issue in his unsuccessful race for the 2012 Republican nomination for president, when he angered many GOP primary voters by suggesting those who oppose the idea dont have a heart. Perry is now the U.S. energy secretary.

When Abbott was asked about the program at a December roundtable interview with reporters, he held to his longtime view that the program is flawed and ought to be fixed.

Other bills were filed that would have required Texas education grants to follow federal financial aid eligibility requirements, changed the residency requirements for both state grants and in-state tuition, and imposed more restrictions on proving Texas residency. These provisions would have rescinded some parts of the Texas Dream Act.

Another proposal by Sen. Charles Schwertner, R-Georgetown, would have excluded the DACA students from state programs, such as work-study at higher-education institutions.

It will ensure that students receiving state-subsidized employment are legally eligible to work in this country, Schwertner said during debate.

If we are not a country with borders and the rule of law, we are not a country, state Rep. Mark Keough, R-Woodlands, said at the beginning of the session. The Texas Dream Act is the idea of giving something to someone, no matter where theyre from, as a result of illegal activity of their parents, regardless of whether or not its the students fault. We reward dishonest behavior.

Schwertner tried to add his provision as an amendment twice, to two different bills, but both efforts failed.

All the other measures designed to restrict or end the Texas Dream Act also failed, as they have the previous three legislative sessions.

Setting priorities

Political scientist Cal Jillson of Southern Methodist University said that for leaders like Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick  who pushed the sanctuary cities ban and repeatedly has said he wants to eliminate the program that allows undocumented immigrants to pay tuition at the lower, in-state rate  its a question of where to put their strongest focus.

I do think that the priorities that Patrick set early in the session made him choose which issues he was going to fight hardest on and try to keep on the front burner. And sanctuary cities was one of those, Jillson said.

I think its a question of deciding where you are going to put your effort. And in a session where 75 percent of bills fail  Youre going to lose a lot of em, and I think he chose where he wanted to put his effort, Jillson said.

Rice University political scientist Mark P. Jones said Straus position was key.

There was no way, shape or form that Joe Straus would ever want a repeal of the Texas Dream Act on the House floor, Jones said.

Jones said that would have further damaged Straus relationship with House Democrats, which was strained by the emotional sanctuary cities debate. Moderate Republicans also see repeal as something that would damage their partys image with Latino voters, Jones said.

There is a completely different image between banning sanctuary cities, which can be seen as cracking down on undocumented immigrants who have a criminal record, versus a repeal of the Texas Dream Act, which is punishing students who have done nothing wrong, who were brought here as children, Jones said. Some Republicans oppose it (repeal) because they think its heartless and bad public policy. Others oppose it because they dont think its good strategy. For a combination of those reasons, it never saw the light of day.

Sen. Charles Perry, R-Lubbock, who authored SB 4, said it would in no way affect federal immigration law, including the DACA program. Instead, he said, banning sanctuary cities would keep communities safe by ensuring that those who commit terrible crimes cannot evade federal immigration detainers.

Tea party activist JoAnn Fleming, executive director of the Grassroots America-We the People PAC, said getting rid of in-state tuition for undocumented immigrants also was a priority but it was just one among many important issues.

I think all the focus was put on banning sanctuary cities, Fleming said. Sanctuary cities was the big one because its a security issue  well be back to work on some of those other issues.

Path to opportunity

For her part, Ibarra said the point of the Dream Act is to create pathways for students to contribute to the Texas economy.

State Sen. Eddie Lucio Jr., D-Brownsville, said he knows Dreamers who have three or four jobs to keep up with their college expenses, and that they came here through no fault of their own.

Celina Moreno, legislative attorney for MALDEF, the Mexican American Legal Defense and Educational Fund, sees SB 4 as the main threat on college campuses after the other targeted bills failed. If the police notify federal agents about the immigration status of a student who is lawfully detained, the student will be taken into custody and that opens the door to deportation proceedings, she said.

The passage of SB 4 makes this one of the most anti-immigrant legislative sessions in Texas recent history, she said.

Fleming, the tea party activist, was less than sympathetic to the concerns of people who are here without proper documents.

I am a rule-of-law person.  If you dont like the law, you need to go through the legislative process at the state level and then at the congressional level to change the law, Fleming said.

Simply deciding that youre going to pick and choose which laws youre going to obey is not the right way to go about life in the United State of America, she added. There is an orderly way to go about becoming a citizen of the United States, and people need to do that.

Jillson and Jones said opposition from university administrations would prevent campus police from being zealous in asking students about their immigration status. Jillson said that the greater danger is out in the community rather than on campus.

The overt and covert instruction from campus leadership to campus police is Value our students. Protect our students, Jillson said. That means that you keep order and security on the campus, but youre not not supposed to be putting the students up on the hood of their cars. Not the vibe we want.

Jones agreed, saying, If the campus is universally supportive of undocumented immigrants, there is not going to be much tolerance or support for a police officer who asks about immigration status  meaning any police officer on any campus who is seen as a zealot regarding immigration enforcement is either going to find themselves out of a job or find themselves on the graveyard shift.

But that doesnt mean concerns should be dismissed, Jones said.

Its easy for someone like myself to say in reality very little has changed, but thats not to say nothing has changed.  Just because in 99 cases they dont ask about it, if youre that one person where they do, and youre an undocumented immigrant and you get deported to El Salvador, that one in 100 is significant, Jones said. If I say every time I step out of the house I have a one-in-100 chance of waking up the next day in El Salvador, or at least in a detention facility, I dont know anyone that would accept those as good odds.
John Davenport

American Airlines flight 2214 veered off the runway at a low speed Saturday morning as it was departing for Dallas/Fort Worth causing the flight to get stuck, which led airport authorities to close the airport's lone runway causing delays.

A spokeswoman for the airport said the incident occurred about 9:45 a.m. Earlier reports had the flight stuck in the mud.
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TIJUANA, Mexico  One terrible mistake changed Luis Puentes life, and after 13 years in prison, the former Army sergeant is still paying the debt.

Even as Puentes thought he was getting his life together after serving time for shooting someone in a bar fight, an aggravated assault, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement informed him that he would be deported to Mexico.

I was devastated, Puentes said. It was like being punished all over again.

There are 11,349 green-card holders in the U.S. military, while another 11,524 of these noncitizens are counted among the ranks of Reserves. Its uncertain how many veterans have been deported over the years since neither ICE nor the Department of Defense keeps a tally; however, the American Civil Liberties Union estimate there are likely several thousand.

When these non-citizens enlist, the promise of citizenship is dangled in front of them, yet many fail to understand or complete the application process, or they wrongly assume their oath to serve has made them citizens. The error becomes clear when they run afoul of an immigration system set on deporting them, sometimes for minor, nonviolent crimes.

Earlier this year, Puentes was cast out of the country he served and dropped off in one that was little more than a distant childhood memory. In Tijuana, Puentes is far from alone. Various support groups for veterans have sprung up here on the Mexican side of the border in recent years. Puentes landed at the Deported Veterans Support House, better known as the bunker.

Now the plight of deported veterans has caught the interest of seven members of the Congressional Hispanic Caucus, who are hoping to drum up support for legislation or an executive order that would allow many of these veterans to return home, and prevent others from being deported.

Many Americans dont know about this at all, said Rep. Joaquin Castro, D-San Antonio, who organized the trip to the support house Saturday. Theyre shocked to learn that our nation, which values its military members and its veterans so much, would actually deport people to another country, even after theyve put on a uniform and risked their lives for the United States.

Joining Castro were Rep. Michelle Lujan Grisham, D-N.M., and chairman of the Congressional Hispanic Caucus; Reps. Raul Grijalva D-Ariz, Lou Correa D-Calif., Juan Vargas, D-Calif., Nanette Barragan D-Calif. and Vicente Gonzalez, D-McAllen.

Veterans have been deported across presidential administrations, Castro noted, a fact that incited his colleagues to describe these removals as a sin that demands justice. A procession of more than two dozen veterans briefly spoke of their past transgressions, and a heartfelt desire to return to the United States.

Its got to stop at some point, Castro said. Were here to ask the president and Congress to do right by these veterans.

On the street outside the Tijuana support house, which also serves as a shelter for the newly deported, three men received pardons from California Gov. Jerry Brown. Among the recipients was Army veteran Hector Barajas, 40, director and founder of the bunker support house. They are the first deported veterans to receive pardons.

After years trying to stir politicians to action, Barajas, a former Army paratrooper, is now one step closer to returning home. Barajas was born in the Mexican state of Zacatecas, and brought illegally to California as a child. Driven by a sense of duty, he enlisted after graduating from high school, serving from 1995 until he was discharged honorably in 2001.

Not long after he pleaded guilty to shooting at a vehicle, he landed in prison for nearly two years, and ultimately was deported in 2004 to Nogales, Mexico. He came back illegally, and was deported again in 2010. At that time, Barajas was banished for life.

In 2002, then-President George W. Bush issued an executive order to expedite the naturalization process for aliens and non-citizen nationals who were active-duty military serving during the period of Operation Enduring Freedom. Had Barajas completed the necessary paperwork, he would be a citizen and living with his teenage daughter.

I know I dropped the ball, but I think the military dropped the ball, too, Barajas said. The military gives strict guidance on everything from hygiene to cleaning your boots. Citizenship is barely mentioned.

Barajas settled in Tijuana, opening his support center in 2013. Veterans werent hard to find.

Armando A. Scott, a 56-year-old Panamanian, stumbled upon the support house by accident. Scott immigrated to the U.S. at the age of 18, a year later he was a Marine. During his six years in the Marine Corps, Scott rose to the rank of corporal and served in Granada, Libya and Beirut, narrowly escaping the 1983 barracks bombings that killed 241 U.S. peacekeepers.

Scott pleaded guilty in 2010 to transporting an undocumented immigrant. He considered fighting his deportation, but after six months in prison, and another five in immigrant detention, he had had enough. He was deported to Panama in September 2011.

The judge didnt want to deport me, but I couldnt handle being incarcerated any longer, Scott said, If I had continued fighting Id probably still be in prison.

There are about 300 deported veterans that make up the support center network, which helps them secure their pensions, locate doctors to address medical needs, and connect them with attorneys. A second bunker was recently opened in Juarez, across from El Paso. But not all veterans have access to the assistance or camaraderie found there.

When Marcelino Ramos Rodriguez, 49, was deported to Nuevo Laredo in 2011 he slept on the street. As a former Marine Corporal, Ramos had a certain skill set that made him attractive to drug gangs that controlled the city.

I knew I couldnt stay there, Ramos said. I had to get back across the border.

Withing a few months Ramos made his way to Edinburg, where parents had brought him at the age of 4. He then settled in San Antonio, determined to put behind him a felony injury to a child conviction, which he disputes, but that derailed his life nonetheless. It was here that he met Frances, and together they started a new family.

We had the proverbial American dream, Ramos said from the two-room apartment he now rents in Nuevo Laredo. Ramos worked in a mechanic shop, putting his military training to good use. Frances had also become pregnant, but their bliss would soon unravel. At a family gathering early last year, Ramos got into a fight with a younger brother and ended up in the hospital. His brother was arrested and not long after that, Ramos was picked up by ICE, then eventually deported.

Frances says she hasnt given up on bringing her husband home on a U visa, set aside for noncitizen crime victims. Ramos is far less optimistic. Since his deportation in March, he has insulated himself and his one-and-a-half-year-old daughter, Macy, from the dangers of life on the border, even setting up improvised weapons stations throughout their home. Frances visits regularly, stocking his shelves with his favorite American products. He misses home.

When you take your oath you think youre American, Ramos said, but youre not, and that hurts.

A 2016 report by the ACLU of California traces much of the current problem to the Illegal Immigration Reform and Immigration Responsibility Act of 1996, which expanded the spectrum of deportable offenses to include misdemeanors.

The report, Discharged, Then Discarded, found that many veterans are deported for minor offenses, then cut off from family and military benefits, even as they struggle to cope with the physical wounds and emotional trauma sustained while in the military. Between 1999 and 2008, more than 70,000 green-card holders enlisted, the ACLU report found. Tens of thousands became naturalized Americans during the same period.

For its part, ICE views military service as a positive, and can exercise discretion when deciding whether or not to remove someone from the country. Still, the agency is bound by law.

Law requires ICE to mandatorily detain and process for removal individuals who have been convicted of aggravated felonies as defined under the Immigration and Nationality Act, the immigration agency said in a statement.

Deported veterans have few options for returning to the United States legally. A critical step toward legal resident status, though by no means a guarantee, is to obtain a pardon from the president, or the governor of the state where the veteran was convicted.

Only in death can deported veterans who were discharged honorably return to the U.S. to receive a military funeral and burial.

This stark reality came as a shock to Gonzalez, the freshman congressman from McAllen. As he waded into the issue, he began receiving calls from veterans across the world who had been deported, including some living across the border from his district.

Several congressmen have introduced bills this year that have gained bipartisan support, chief among them is the Veterans Visa and Protection Act introduced by Grijalva. The bill would end the removal of noncitizen veterans convicted of nonviolent crimes, while allowing deportees who didnt commit violent crimes to return to seek legal residence.

Meanwhile, Vargas, of San Diego, California, has introduce three bills, including the Naturalization at Training Sites Act requiring the DOD to set up naturalization offices at training sites, and to inform noncitizens of their naturalization options when they start basic training.

Shortly after taking office, Gonzalez penned a letter to President Donald Trump, urging him to sign an executive order to halt the deportation of veterans. He supports Grijalvas bill, and is ready to propose legislation of his own should others fail.

Were pushing from all fronts, Gonzalez said. I dont consider this an immigration issue. I consider this a veteran issue.

Adjusting to life in Tijuana was not the future Puentes hoped for, but he has managed to make the best of it, leveraging his fluent English to secure a job as a sales representative for an Anaheim-based company.

Yet amid the scrum of veterans, congressional aides and media, and patriotic regalia Satuday, Puentes imagined that one day he, too, might receive a pardon.

I just want to go home, Puentes said. I was born here, but my heart is over there.

anelsen@express-news.net

Twitter: @amnelsen
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SAN ANTONIO  Eleven years after four humbling gigs at Teen Fair of Texas where they were booed, taunted and played for small crowds, the Rolling Stones still were grumbling when they returned for two sold-out concerts at HemisFair Arena in June 1975.

We were here in '64 and only two or three people showed up, Mick Jagger sarcastically said from the stage opening night.

Jagger was referring to the band's second concert stop on its first U.S. tour, a matinee and evening set each day on June 6 and 7, 1964, at Freeman Coliseum.

The Stones, it turns out, were the first British Invasion band to play Texas, beating the Beatles by almost four months. But hardly anyone knew who they were  not even the guy who booked them for the gig.

Many remember the now-legendary rockers as cocky, foul-mouthed, chain-smoking, BO-reeking youngsters on that first visit.

But if Elvis Presley was chagrined singing Hound Dog to a basset hound on NBC's The Steve Allen Show in 1956, the Stones felt equally disrespected during their visit here 50 years ago this weekend.

Bassist Bill Wyman recounted the scene at Teen Fair  touted as a 10-day World's Fair for Teens  in his memoirs, Stone Alone.

Everyone got a poor reception from a mixed crowd of cowboys and kids, he wrote. We had to go on after some performing monkeys. What the hell were we doing here? People didn't know whether to take us seriously or as a joke.

The monkeys were the world famous Marquis Chimps, who got star billing, in fact. The Stones shared the stage that opening weekend with Bobby Vee, George Jones and Diane Renay.

Guitarist Keith Richards, in his book, recalled a freak show with circus seals. With Richard one never knows, but former manager Andrew Loog Oldham apparently hasn't forgotten the same hallucination.

First U.S. tour was pretty diverse. We did play after performing seals in San Antonio, Oldham said via Twitter.

How hostile was the reception at that first appearance? A reporter for the San Antonio Express-News described it, looking back in 1975.

Ten minutes into their act, the group was booed, sneered and laughed at and some even say they were hit by vegetables.

The anti-Beatles

Bob Coffen Jr. had begged his dad in the spring of '64 to book the Rolling Stones for the fair's opening weekend.

My dad was not hip, Coffen said. He said, 'Who the hell is that?'

But Bob Coffen Sr., one-half of the Coffen Brothers promotional team with his younger brother, Charles, relented. They booked the London-based act for $3,500.

The Stones arrived June 6, just before their first show, and were greeted by 150 teenagers at the airport. In one newspaper photo, guitarist Richards is wearing shades and surrounded by girls.

KTSA's Bruce Hathaway picked them up there for the first afternoon gig, which by all accounts was a disaster.

Sixteen-year-old Bob Coffen Jr. was worried. Some in the crowd were yelling, Get a haircut.

There were some cowboys and drunks that had come to see George Jones, said Coffen, now 66. I recall bringing my girlfriend and her mother to see the Rolling Stones. That was a problem. They didn't like the Rolling Stones.

Well, nobody liked the Rolling Stones.

San Antonio musician Joe Sarli was a preteen there because his dad led the Teen Fair big band. He remembers the redneck reaction.

Mick Jagger at one point stopped the show. My mom used to tell the story better than me, 'Shut up, cowboys. Shut up!' Sarli said, attempting a cockney accent.

He was kind of a freak at that time, the pansy look, dancing around, which was real different for people in Texas at that time. Someone yelled, 'Go home.' It was exactly the same thing as the Sex Pistols. It's vivid in my mind. It's locked in like the day Kennedy died.

Later, the scruffy, barely known British rock 'n' roll band  the Stones' remake of Buddy Holly's Not Fade Away was only a minor hit at the time  threatened not to play the evening show. Jagger complained the dressing room mirrors were too small.

The Stones were rattled and angry. Their raw blues sound had been met with stares and jeers by cowboys, and the promised crowd of 14,000 never materialized (Hathaway contends attendance was a few hundred; Coffen Jr. insisted it was closer to 3,000, which still wouldn't have looked like much from the stage of the Freeman).

Bob Coffen Sr., a chain-smoking, former Army soldier who 20 years earlier had stormed Omaha Beach on D-Day during World War II, wasn't going to take any guff from these upstarts.

My dad said, 'What's the problem?' Coffen said. Mick Jagger said, 'We can't go on because we can't see how to dress.'

The promoter glared at the band and said, You haven't changed clothes one time since you've been here in the U.S.

Jagger looked at Richards and, as if on cue, began to strip.

They changed clothes with each other, Coffen recounted. They dropped their pants. I'd never seen that. Mick Jagger had fire engine red, bikini underwear. In 1964, everyone wore boxers or white shorts. They changed clothes and my dad said, 'That's the funniest damned thing I've ever seen. Get these guys some big mirrors.'

Notorious

The Rolling Stones appearance at Teen Fair of Texas is as fabled as the Sex Pistols notorious show at Randy's Rodeo some 14 years later.

Footage of Jagger onstage during that period reveals spastic, overtly sexual dance moves, including turning his back to fans and wiggling his bum en flagrante.

Michelle Edge loved to tell her Lee High School math students that Jagger had mooned the Teen Fair audience.

You would have thought a bunch of criminals were coming to town. Jagger drowned them out with rock 'n' roll, Coffen said. The music scene wasn't ready for the Stones in '64. People got their money's worth.

Tickets were $2.50.

The Stones' set list included yet-to-be recorded covers of the Valentinos' It's All Over Now and Chuck Berry's Around & Around, also Little Red Rooster, Carol and I Wanna Be Your Man.

Teen Fair, which included a carnival midway with a flaming dive of death, auto show, fashion shows, rodeo, space capsule and cultural exhibits, was dominated by pop stars such as Bobby Rydell, Bobby Vee, Lesley Gore and Diane Renay.

Renay's big hit was Navy Blue. She was asked to greet the Stones at the airport. She went even though she'd never heard of them.

At the airport she saw girls screaming. Not like the Beatles, but they were an English group, and there were kids out there screaming.

Pauline Cisneros was one of those kids. The Little Flower High School student was determined to get drummer Charlie Watts' autograph.

He signed one of her mother's blank checks. I pinned it above my desk on a corkboard. I don't know what happened to it, Cisneros said.

San Antonio Light writer Barry Browne asked them about America.

It's different, guitarist Brian Jones said. And now that we're here, we want to stay.

It's big, hot and sunny, added Wyman, who attributed the Stones' success to being lucky and their long hair to the Beatles, who got the whole thing rolling.

The Stones' personal hygiene in S.A. is part of the mythology. Sarli's dad, Don, shared a dressing room with them.

My dad commented on how bad they smelled. They smelled horrible, they reeked. He said they were super foul-mouthed, chain smoked and reeked, Sarli said.

They were the opposite of the Beatles as far as their appearance and their persona, said Renay, who is retired and lives in Las Vegas. But they were very nice. They didn't have groomed haircuts like the Beatles. Everybody had their own thing going on. They dressed informally.

She didn't like their music, but she could see Jagger was a star. He was all over the stage. He's the same now as he was then.

hsaldana@express-news.net
I dont think it is an issue at all, when you are talking about a yield equivalent variety yes then it is a problem but when you are looking at something such as Ninja which is going to conservatively out-do Calingiri by 8-10 per cent there is no real issue, he said.
During the course the group went into the field and examined real-life cases of FMD, as well as undertaking course work with trainers from the United Kingdom and Europe who had been involved with the management of the FMD outbreaks in the UK in 2001 and 2007.
While it had been exporting chilled and frozen beef and lamb products into the Chinese market since being granted its licence, it was looking forward to marketing the Amelia Park range.
For students who came off farms a lot of it is simply knowledge they grew up with, but for city-based students sometimes the reason why farmers do certain things at certain times with their stock is not immediately obvious, Mr Hempsell said.
James Blunt has dubbed the late Carrie Fisher as an "incredibly special individual".

James Blunt

The 'You're Beautiful' hitmaker was a close friend of the 'Star Wars: The Force Awakens' actress - who passed away in December after suffering a cardiac arrest aged 60 - and has said that whilst his recently released album 'The Afterlove' was finished before the star passed, he might record a tribute to her "in the future".

He told the Daily Star Sunday newspaper: "I had already finished the album by the time she died. I might write something in the future. She was an incredibly special individual. The world is a poorer place without her."

It isn't the first time James, 43, has gushed about his late pal either, as he previously said said he's "very sad" his 10-month-old son, whom he shares with his wife Sofia Wellesley, will never get the chance to meet the Hollywood icon.

He said: "I'm very sad my son won't get to know such a special woman. On a personal level, life won't be nearly as much fun without her on it."

Meanwhile, James previously dubbed Carrie as a "hugely bright person", after the pair struck up an unlikely friendship when his ex-girlfriend Dixie Chassay - whose family are long-time friends of the 'Star Wars' star - introduced them.

He said: "She was just the most incredible person. She was a hugely bright person and her brain just jumped between subjects and she was an incredible writer and comedian in her own way. Life will definitely not be as much fun now that she's not around."

Their friendship became stronger when Carrie learnt that James was heading to Los Angeles to record in the US and she kindly invited him to stay with her at her Beverley Hills home.

He recalled: "I met her in Notting Hill and I said, 'I've got a record deal and I'm moving to LA,' and she said, 'Well you're going to need a place to stay,' and she put me up, and has been really, I suppose, my kind-of, godmother in the States, my landlady definitely. She was a very, very special woman and it's an absolute tragedy that she's gone."
Catherine Tyldesley paid tribute to the victims of the Manchester terror attack with a poignant fashion choice at the British Soap Awards on Saturday evening (03.06.17).

Catherine Tyldesley

The 'Coronation Street' actress - who plays Eva Price in the ITV soap - wore a fitting pastel nude pink dress, teaming it with a matching clutch bag, which was decorated with an illustration of the bee, a symbol of Manchester and the words "we stand together".

Sharing a picture of her clutch bag on Instagram, she wrote: "I just adore my clutch for tonight's #soapawards #westandtogether #manchester @candiepayne_illustration. (sic)"

And the 33-year-old actress went on to pay tribute to the victims of the attack as she attended the ceremony in The Lowry in Salford, Manchester.

She told The Sun Online: "It's been a heartbreaking time but I'm so proud of Manchester and being from here."

It comes after it was revealed Ariana Grande has re-released 'One Last Time' to raise money for the victims of the Manchester terror attack.

A message posted alongside the new single reads: "Some of the world's biggest pop stars - including Justin Bieber, Coldplay, Katy Perry, Miley Cyrus, Pharrell Williams, Take That, Niall Horan, Little Mix, Robbie Williams and Black Eyed Peas - join forces for Ariana Grande's One Love Manchester concert to support those affected by the tragic events of May 22.

"Stand united with Manchester: download Ariana's 'One Last Time' and watch the concert live on Sunday on Apple Music. All proceeds from each sale of the track featured on the page will be donated to the We Love Manchester Emergency Fund in coordination with the British Red Cross."
For the second year running, Emmerdale has taken home the award for Best British Soap at the British Soap Awards. It wasnt the only accolade the soap won, picking up a total of six gongs at the ceremony which took place in Manchester yesterday (June 3).

The soap has triumphed once more / Credit: ITV

Former star John Middleton, who played Ashley in the soap, paid tribute to the roster of guest actors who have played other versions of the characters in the special dementia episode that focused on his character. That episode won the Best Single Episode award, whilst the storyline took the Best Storyline gong.

Middleton also won the award for Best Actor, whilst picking up the gong for Best Male Dramatic Performance, which he used to praise fellow star Charlotte Bellamy, who plays on screen wife Laurel. She took the Best Actress award, presented by former EastEnders star Martine McCutcheon.

Coronation Street meanwhile took four awards, including the Best Female Dramatic Performance accolade for Kym Marsh, following her work on the soaps stillbirth storyline.

Hollyoaks won two awards, whilst Doctors and EastEnders each took home a single prize each.

You can see the awards handed out next week when the British Soap Awards airs on Tuesday, June 6 on ITV.

by Daniel Falconer for www.femalefirst.co.uk

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Leading fashion brands have joined the Cradle to Cradle Products Innovation Institutes Fashion Positive PLUS collaboration to accelerate development of safer, circular materials for use in the apparel industry. Under the PLUS initiative, brands, designers and suppliers have come together to develop circular materials to be used and reused perpetually.The five members include H&M, Kering, Loomstate, Zero + Maria Cornejo and Eileen Fisher. The members convened before the Copenhagen Fashion Summit to begin the process of identifying building block materials, such as fibres, yarns, finishings, trims, and dyes that the group will collaboratively work to optimise for material health, safety and circularity.

Leading fashion brands have joined the Cradle to Cradle Products Innovation Institute's Fashion Positive PLUS collaboration to accelerate development of safer, circular materials for use in the apparel industry. Under the PLUS initiative, brands, designers and suppliers have come together to develop circular materials to be used and reused perpetually.#

The process will eventually culminate in the assessment and verification of these materials using the Cradle to Cradle Certified Product Standard. The materials will also be added to the Fashion Positive Materials Collection, which currently lists 70 Cradle to Cradle Certified materials with apparel and fashion applications.The aim of Fashion Positive PLUS is to convene some of the biggest brands and brightest design innovators in the world to collaborate on accelerating the optimisation and availability of positive, circular building block materials for the fashion industry, said Annie Gullingsrud, director of the textiles and apparel sector for the Cradle to Cradle Products Innovation Institute.Specifically, PLUS will focus on driving the improvement of commonly used materials with the highest potential to positively impact human and environmental health and, in the process, catalyse systemic change for the fashion industry, Gullingsrud said.As a company, we see that we need a systemic change to the way that fashion is made and used, and we need to find ways to and scale circular materials. Fashion Positive PLUS is a good way to join forces with others who have the same ambitions, said H&M Circular Lead Cecilia Stromblad-Brannsten.Through PLUS, we think we can achieve a whole range of circular materials that we can put into the market within a very short time, including yarns, fabrics and trimmings. By working together with other PLUS members, we can also focus on the right materials at the right time, finding scalable solutions that will work for companies throughout our industry, Stromblad-Brannsten said."Innovative approaches like circularity have endless possibilities and can truly change the industry as we know it today. Stella McCartney has already been involved in the Fashion Positive Initiative since its launch in 2014 and through the PLUS extension it is an exciting prospect to collaborate with other leaders in this area to augment Kerings circular approach. I am already envisioning the new, sustainably certified materials that our Materials Innovation Lab will be able to offer to all our brands, said Cecilia Takayama, director of the Materials Innovation Lab, Kering.We believe it is the right time to accelerate change in the fashion industry. Fashion Positive PLUS is a strong venue for collaborating with other brands on some of the deepest challenges our industry is facing. We hope this work will help drive global change in our systems and processes, beginning with the development of a suite of Cradle to Cradle Certified base materials, said Inka Apter, designer for fabric research and development at Eileen Fisher.Led by the Cradle to Cradle Products Innovation Institute as part of its Fashion Positive Initiative, Fashion Positive PLUS is funded by the Eric and Wendy Schmidt Fund for Strategic Innovation, Walmart Foundation, H&M Foundation and the DOEN Foundation of the Dutch Postcode Lottery.The Cradle to Cradle Products Innovation Institute is dedicated to advancing the verification of positive materials for the circular economy across many sectors from building materials and interior design finishes to packaging, personal care, household products, textiles and apparel. (SV)

Fibre2Fashion News Desk  India
Lee, a leading American denim brand, has appointed Chris Waldeck as president of Lee and Rock & Republic. Waldeck joins Lee as the brand celebrates 100 years headquartered in the Kansas City metro area. Waldeck has over 20 years of relevant industry experience - his most recent position being vice president and general manager of Reebok International.A returning Kansas City native Waldeck joined the company on May 15, 2017, returning to the Kansas City area with his wife and two daughters.

Lee, a leading American denim brand, has appointed Chris Waldeck as president of Lee and Rock & Republic. Waldeck joins Lee as the brand celebrates 100 years headquartered in the Kansas City metro area. Waldeck has over 20 years of relevant industry experience - his most recent position being vice president and general manager of Reebok International.#

"I'm excited to have the opportunity to lead such an iconic American brand. As I step into my new role, I'm looking forward to working with the passionate and talented Lee team to continue to build on the brand's heritage and deliver amazing products to our consumers," said Waldeck.With more than 20 years of relevant industry experience, Waldeck joins Lee and Rock & Republic from Reebok International, where he was most recently the vice president and general manager. In this role, he was responsible for brand marketing, merchandising, public relations, finance, operations and led a transformational growth platform across all channels - wholesale, retail and ecommerce.During his 14-year career at Reebok, Waldeck held a variety of leadership positions wherein he gained international experience entering new categories, facilitating strong partnerships and endorsements, and establishing franchise models and owned stores."I'm thrilled for Chris to join Lee and Rock & Republic and eager to partner with him and the team to propel the business. He has a passion for the intersection of lifestyle and brand which enables him to reach a broad base of consumers - especially those who engage actively in their apparel as a reflection of who they are and aspire to be," said VF president Phil McAdams. (SV)

Fibre2Fashion News Desk  India
A wide range of fashion textiles, accessories, print studios and vintage garments focusing on autumn/winter 2018 pre-collections will be featured at the London Textile Fair, to be held during July 19-20, 2017. The show will have a hall dedicated to fashion textiles accommodating about 50 new exhibitors. The fair was for the first time organised in 2008.2017 results are above expectations. All our shows are fully booked, and after the successful launch of the Home and Technical textile hall within Texfusion last year, we have introduced a new segment for garment manufacturers in March, which has immediately received a positive response from British buyers, says John Kelley, show organiser and Textile Events owner.

A wide range of fashion textiles, accessories, print studios and vintage garments focusing on autumn/winter 2018 pre-collections will be featured at the London Textile Fair, to be held during July 19-20, 2017. The show will have a hall dedicated to fashion textiles accommodating about 50 new exhibitors. The fair was for the first time organised in 2008.#

Textile Events will launch a new show in New York in August 2017: The Print + Design Fair - New York Edition, dedicated to the best British and European Print Studios.The industry professionals who come to TLTF represent almost every fashion brand and designer within the UK - from high-street chains to independent women, men and children clothing retailers  such as TopShop, John Lewis, Dorothy Perkins, Tesco, Debenhams, Ted Backer, Missguided, All Saints, Coast, Marks&Spencer, Accessorize, River Island and many more.TLTF is such a great place to find new contacts and showcase the newest collections. The best part of the fair is that it has a nice welcoming atmosphere, Ieva Kuojaite, Bruberi Design Oy (UK), exhibitor TLTF (print studio) says.Definitely the show to be at if you want to sell your fabrics among the top UK brands,Gianni Colombo, Dragoni S.p.A (Italy), another exhibitor TLTF (textiles), says.The accessories and textiles halls have together more than 90 per cent of the total exhibiting space and, due to the increasing interest from new companies, the organisers have opened a new room which accommodates 50 new fabric manufacturers. The July 2017 edition will have a wide selection of womenswear, menswear, childrenswear fabrics and accessories with an increasing number of technical textiles manufactures.The accessories hall has grown exponentially over the last five editions, showcasing an impressively diverse range of products from the best European manufacturers. The number of exhibitors has exceeded expectation, with about 30 per cent new companies registered for July.The print design and vintage garments hall attracts the leading UK and international studios, with many studios exhibiting also at The London Print Design Fair which takes place in March and October. (SV)

Fibre2Fashion News Desk  India
The GST Council, chaired by finance minister Arun Jaitley and comprising state counterparts, has finalised the tax rates for textiles and apparel under the Goods and Services Tax (GST) regime that is to be rolled-out pan India from July 1. The Council has made a distinction between various items and textiles and clothing would attract different rates.

After the end of 15th meeting of GST Council, Jaitley told media persons that readymade apparel priced below Rs 1,000 would attract GST at 5 per cent, while the expensive ones would be taxed at 12 per cent.

In the textiles category, no tax would be levied on silk and jute fibre. Cotton and natural fibre will be taxed at 5 five per cent. Man-made fibre and yarn will attract 18 per cent tax rate. All other fibres and yarn would have a uniform 5 per cent rate.

The GST Council, chaired by finance minister Arun Jaitley and comprising state counterparts, has finalised the tax rates for textiles and apparel under the Goods and Services Tax (GST) regime that is to be rolled-out pan India from July 1. The Council has made a distinction between various items and textiles and clothing would attract different rates.#

The Council decided to tax footwear below Rs 500 at 5 per cent while those costing more would be taxed at 18 per cent.

The issue of setting up an anti-profiteering body that would look into complaints was also discussed at the GST Council meeting on Saturday. The body would comprise revenue officers from the Centre as well as the states.

Stating that he was hopeful of the July 1 roll-out, Jaitley said the GST Network (GSTN), the information technology backbone of the new tax regime, had responded satisfactorily to various questions from state finance ministers.

The GST Council would hold its next meeting on June 11 to complete all the remaining processes that are necessary for a smooth rollout of the new tax regime that intends to transform India into a single market. (RKS)

Fibre2Fashion News Desk  India
ORANGE COUNTY, CA / ACCESSWIRE / November 21, 2017 / As a recognized businessman who has been very successful in California's thriving marketing industry, Nick Kohlschreiber recently shared his insights on the vital relationship between marketing and technology, explaining that a significant shift in marketing techniques is already well underway, as mobile apps and Internet users spend more time on their smartphones and computers. This has created a challenge for brands as they seek to connect with customers through all these devices in real-time, while also developing advertising campaigns that are effective across social media, display advertising and e-commerce.

Sweeping technological advances and the expansive outreach of social media has permanently altered the nature of marketing as a whole, a sentiment Guardian contributor David Benady noted prior to a panel discussion with industry executives. "Real-time conversations brands have with people as they interact with websites and mobile apps has changed the nature of marketing," Benady wrote. "The modern-day marketing department needs to combine the creative side of the discipline - using powerful narratives to tap into people's wishes and aspirations - with the technical side of data, digital engineering and analytics." The potential reach of an advertising campaign has also broadened. Facebook, YouTube, online news websites, and integrated apps for smartphones and tablets now allow strong ideas to quickly spread and influence in the span of a single day. "If you come up with that nugget of an idea, you've now got such reach that you can expand that and get tremendous coverage just from a little niche idea," said Mark Singleton, head of marketing at betting brand Paddy Power.

Various technological tools enable modern marketing techniques to provide a highly personalized customer experience, often through insightful analytics providing a more targeted audience. As the number of tools and options continues to grow at rapid rates, marketers are faced with increasingly complicated decisions while deciding on their strategy. Nick Kohlschreiber encourages them to carefully weigh the numerous choices available and focus on methods that best fit their brand, while offering the highest level of direct access to their targeted consumer base. Kohlschreiber also advises companies to constantly reevaluate their strategies in light of emerging entities that may ensure even higher degrees of innovative and strategic advertising. By continuing to embrace evolutions in technology, marketing experts can stay ahead of the latest trends, adapting to changes while receiving optimal results.

Nick Kohlschreiber is an experienced businessman and entrepreneur, beginning his career at a young age as the head of marketing at an online wholesale product company, where he invigorated sales with his innovative approach to the online selling and direct shipping of products to its consumers. Now the owner of a media company based in Newport Beach, Kohlschreiber oversees hundreds of employees and tens of thousands of clients every day, while striving to further the connections to the modern communication platforms -- from document preparation, to online, multimedia-driven business development. In his spare time, he is a dedicated philanthropist assisting both local charities and various international non-profit organizations.

Nick Kohlschreiber - Expert in Modern Marketing: http://www.nickkohlschreibernews.com

Nick Kohlschreiber - Business Entrepreneur & Founder of TeleTree: http://nickkohlschreiberreviews.com

Nick Kohlschreiber - Creative Marketing Solutions Expert: http://nickkohlschreibermarketing.com

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SALT LAKE CITY, UT -- (Marketwired) -- 08/30/17 -- Dwelo, a leading provider of smart apartments, today announced the close of a $4.9 million funding round led by Peterson Ventures. This funding is being used to expand the company's geographic reach and to invest in both the resident and manager experience on the platform.

Since its launch, Dwelo has expanded its offering to nearly 100 communities across the Western U.S. "We've seen explosive demand for what we've brought to the market and are thrilled to provide renters as well as the operators of rental real estate with access to the benefits of smart home technology," said Michael Rovito, CEO of Dwelo. "This capital is enabling us to grow sales and distribution to keep up with that demand. At the same time, we are working to expand the scope of our value proposition to owners and managers by investing further in the development of our product."

Dwelo has created a simple and seamless way for property owners, managers, and residents to benefit from smart home technology. The idea was born when founders Eric Wood and David Beenfield observed the gap between what was available to consumers and what was feasible to technology could do for owners -- and what they needed to make it work. Dwelo provides the technology platform necessary for owners to offer smart homes as an amenity to their residents, and couples it with a hands-on implementation model that makes the process painless for often overburdened management staff.

"Dwelo's exponential growth is a testament to a gap in the smart home market that they identified, understood, and were first to fill," said Ben Capell, a partner with Peterson Ventures. "We are looking forward to fueling their continued growth and the ongoing expansion of the Dwelo platform."

With three years of deploying smart apartments under their belt, Dwelo knows what it takes to deliver technology to the rental industry. "We've seen that implementation and training are key to our customers' success so we developed Dwelo Smart Services," said Rovito. Dwelo Smart Services include strategy consultations with ownership, project management, on-site training, and ongoing in-house customer support. It's those services that have property owners and managers like Wasatch and Alliance citing Dwelo as their favorite vendor. "When owners install our platform, we recognize that they are making an investment," Rovito added. "Our approach ensures that owners realize the maximum return on that investment."

For more information visit www.dwelo.com.

About Dwelo

Headquartered in Salt Lake City, Dwelo is the leading provider of simple, seamless smart apartments. Dwelo's cloud-based mobile and web applications enable renters to benefit from the convenience, savings, and security of a smart home, while streamlining management's operations with digital access, vacant unit control, and more. The company partners with owners to maximize their return on investment and provides support and service to ensure that every implementation is a success. For more information visit www.dwelo.com.

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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.
Salman Khan will be back this Eid with Kabir Khans Tubelight, set against the backdrop of the 1962 Sino-Indian war, followed by his Christmas release, Tiger Zinda Hai (TZH). Firstpost catches up with the candid actor at a suburban hotel. Despite being in pain, probably because of performing stunts for TZH, the actor's wit and innocuous charm remain unaffected.

For someone who is known for his quick wit and smart repartees, isnt it difficult to play a slow-witted man-child?

I am not smart at all; I am a tubelight. When you are growing up, you are naive, innocent, but at the age of 51-52, when you have seen the world, then its difficult to play something like this. I was wondering where should I get that innocence from, but this character allowed me to do everything. I had to dig deep into my childhood. Sohail and I started remembering all our school friends, our batch mates. Luckily, there are many kids in our family, and I learnt many things from them, but I had to be careful to not over do things because it is an emotional film, and not a comedy. It couldnt have looked like a caricature or a joke. It is a film on two brothers, where one goes for war and the other stays behind.

You call yourself a limited performer, but with films like Bajrangi Bhaijaan and Sultan, you have silenced your critics with major acting chops...

I could call myself the best performer, but people dont think that way, so I'd rather call myself limited and let people decide. Actually, I am in a phase where I dont have much to do as an actor, it is the story and screenplay taking me ahead. What did I do in Bajrangi? I just took this little girl on my back because I wanted her to reach Pakistan. Post Sultan, I still have lot of aches, pain, and ligament tears. Once I sit down, its difficult to get about. In Tiger Zinda Hai, I am just shooting, jumping of buildings and running... My next is a dance film. I never took my career for granted; I chose best of the lot offered to me. Now people come with bound scripts and it is difficult to choose from them.

There were reports that you are reuniting with your Kick co-star Jacqueline Fernandez for ABCD 3. Is it the same dance film?



I am not doing ABCD 3. Thats a Disney property. It will be my production and an altogether different film. Yes, its a dance movie, but not every dance based film is ABCD! The film will require me to work on my dancing skills, and I play the role of a father to a 13-year-old girl. I dont know why I went ahead and signed it. I thought I will have to just dance, but now dancing is all about acrobatics and gymnastics.

This is your third film with Kabir Khan, is there a certain comfort level with him now?

Kabir and I have known each other before Tiger happened. He had come to show me Kabul Express. Then Katrina did New York, which she was a bit reluctant to do. Since I had seen his work, I told Katrina that she must do New York, as it was a different setting altogether. Since then, she had a great rapport with him, and both Katrina and I have worked with him a lot. But now, Tiger Zinda Hai is being directed by Ali Abbas Zafar. So, there is comfort level with Kabir, but if he is going to get me a bad script, I am not going to do it no matter what. We will work together only when he gets me the best scripts, and he will work with me only if I give him my best. So there is great understanding between us. Kabir thinks differently; he is more realistic as he has a background in documentary films, whereas my understanding of cinema and emotions is different, so we try to pull each other in our respective directions.

We saw a glimpse of Shah Rukh Khan in the Tubelight trailer...

Shah Rukh has done a days work; he has played a character who comes at a very crucial stage. It's the turning point of this boys character.

A lot has been said about how Tubelight would probably break Baahubali 2's records. Now, the challenge is to make Rs 1000-1500 crore, taking Dangal's collections into consideration. Do you feel the pressure?

I doubt that Tubelight will break Baahubali 2's record, because the latter is one of the most freakish films that has been made. Hindi film-goers lapped up the film despite watching a dubbed version of it. It is because of the Hindi cine-goers that they have got these numbers. But as long as nobody loses money, I am fine. I dont feel the pressure.

How do you deal with social media? Recently, at the trailer launch, the video of you removing threads from your jeans went viral. Do these trolls affect you?

I have not seen that video. But I keep doing that all the time. I also keep nibbling my collar. If they think that all this affects me then they are very sadly mistaken, because I dont check my Twitter or Instagram. They come up with false identities to play mischief and get connected, but now they have taken to the next level. They are inconsequential people for me. They think Shah Rukh, Akshay Kumar and I are some iron curtains which they can hide behind and do anything. They do disgusting stuff by using false identities.

You and Katrina are back after five years with Tiger Zinda Hai...

It has always been great working with Katrina. She is one of the most hard working actresses I have ever worked with. Till date, she rehearses a song for at least six hours, for six to eight days. Now, for Tiger Zinda Hai, the action team is satisfied, but she is not.

How have you managed to maintain camaraderie with all your ex-es?

Eventually, they realize that I wasnt all that bad (laughs out loud). I make a great friend, but as a boyfriend I am hopeless.

Do you still get nervous ahead of your films release?

Yes... for different reasons. So much hard work goes in the making of a film, you signed it because you believed in it. If it turns out to be a disaster, then you start having doubts about the next film you have signed. It not only destroys your career, but also others involved in the project, and disappointing audience is the worst thing to happen for any actor.
Mumbai: Indian celebrities, including Shruti Haasan, Neha Dhupia, Anubhav Sinha and Salim Merchant, were shocked and disturbed with the news of terror attacks in London. They have urged the people to stay calm and united.

Six people were killed and 48 others injured in two terror strikes in London in which three male attackers were shot dead by the police. The attack began on London Bridge when a white transit-style van drove into a crowd of people on 3 June. This is the third terror attack in the UK since March.

Here's what the stars tweeted:

Shekhar Kapur: As terror continues in UK despite best anti terror force in world, the solution must lie in preventing radicalisation... In a global world terrorism knows no boundaries. Its a virus that needs a global cure. It's no longer just 'their' problem #LondonBrige.

As terror continues in UK despite best anti terror force in world, the solution must lie in preventing radicalisation #LondonBridgeAttack  Shekhar Kapur (@shekharkapur) June 4, 2017

In a global world terrorism knows no boundaries. Its a virus that needs a global cure. Its no longer just 'their' problem #LondonBrige  Shekhar Kapur (@shekharkapur) June 4, 2017

Rahul Dholakia: It's no more breaking news; it's 'Heart Breaking News' ...Pray for London #UnitedWeStand

Shekhar Ravjiani: Our thoughts and prayers are with you.Stay safe. Stay strong. And don't let fear into your hearts. Don't let them win.

People of London...our thoughts and prayers are with you. Stay safe. Stay strong. And don't let fear into your hearts. Don't let them win.  Shekhar Ravjiani (@ShekharRavjiani) June 4, 2017

Shruti Haasan: Cannot believe this happened to beautiful London...My prayers to everyone.

Cannot believe this happened to beautiful London  my prayers to everyone   shruti haasan (@shrutihaasan) June 4, 2017

Parineeti Chopra: Cannot believe the world is attacked so often. Praying for peace!!!!

The simplest way to put it! Cannot believe the world is attacked so often. Praying for peace!!!! #LondonAttacks https://t.co/IS7ue5jCgG  Parineeti Chopra (@ParineetiChopra) June 4, 2017

Neha Dhupia: Another terror attack... Another day when innocent lives are lost... another day when you wake up and question what's the world coming to?

Another terror attack .... another day when innocent lives are lost...another day when u wake up and question what's the world coming to ?   Neha Dhupia (@NehaDhupia) June 4, 2017

Salim Merchant: Just landed in Paris and shocked to read about the London attack. When will all this end? I have a feeling the weapon industry is feeding this

Just landed in Paris & shocked to read about the #londonattack .When will all this end? I have a feeling the weapon industry is feeding this  salim merchant (@salim_merchant) June 4, 2017

Anubhav Sinha: Stay safe London. Stay calm because they want you to panic. Keep loving because they want you to hate.

Stay safe London. Stay calm because they want you to panic. Keep loving cuz they want you to hate.  Anubhav Sinha (@anubhavsinha) June 4, 2017

Onir: What a horrible news to start the day with 6 people slain in 'terrorist incidents' on London Bridge.

What a horrible news to start the day with -6 People Slain In 'Terrorist Incidents' On London Bridge https://t.co/8BYtnfNdWz via @ndtv  Onir (@IamOnir) June 4, 2017

Vivek Agnihotri: Even I don't believe in Islamic terror. But what do I do when I see 'Allahism' of terror? London, I feel your pain.

Even I am don't believe in Islamic terror. But what do I do when I see 'Allahism' of terror? London, I feel your pain. #LondonBridge pic.twitter.com/pz3KByaGX9  Vivek Agnihotri (@vivekagnihotri) June 4, 2017

Akshara Haasan: Once again London sees terror. It's so sad. Please be safe, be aware of any doubtful activities etc. Its truly sad to see pain so soon.

Ohoo. Once again London see terror. Its soo sad. Please be safe , be aware of any doubtful activities etc. Its truly sad to see pain so soon  Akshara Haasan (@AksharaHaasan1) June 4, 2017

Armaan Malik: Sad to see these happenings around the world... Not sure if prayers are enough anymore.

Sad to see these happenings around the world... Not sure if prayers are enough anymore  https://t.co/MNDFY0eUBJ  ARMAAN MALIK (@ArmaanMalik22) June 3, 2017

Aftab Shivdasani: Another shocking and disturbing attack in London. Some serious measures need to be taken to stop this. Prayers for the victims.

Another shocking & disturbing attack in London.Some serious measures need to be taken to stop this. Prayers for the victims. #LondonAttacks  Aftab Shivdasani (@AftabShivdasani) June 4, 2017

Prateik Babbar: Thoughts and prayers are with the friends and families of victims... #PrayForLondon #PrayForTheWorld

Hansika: I'm sending my thoughts and prayers to everyone in London. Please Stay Safe everyone.
In a week when Bollywood has brought us that damp squib in the name of a thriller, Dobaara: See Your Evil, here comes a far neater suspense saga from Mollywood and Sandalwood. Careful is the Malayalam remake of last years Kannada release U-Turn, which was written, produced and directed by Pawan Kumar, one of the brightest minds in Karnataka cinema.

Your experience of Careful will obviously be governed by whether or not you have already seen U-Turn. I kept the original bookmarked on my laptop until after I watched Careful for this review. I am glad I did. Imagine knowing, before stepping into the theatre, that the butler did it?

Starring the very pretty newcomer Sandhya Raju with Vijay Babu, Careful begins tamely with two parallel threads. Rachna (Raju), a young journalist living on her own in a Kerala city, is pulled up by her editor for not filing any exclusive reports for the newspaper. Meanwhile, a loving couple (played by Jomol and Saiju Kurup) spend time with their only child. While tracking a bunch of seemingly innocuous traffic violations, Rachna unexpectedly finds herself in the middle of a police investigation involving an offender she is following. The cops suspect that she is up to no good. After their initial high-handedness though, one of them (Vijay Babu) ropes her in to help crack this baffling case.

Director VK Prakashs effectiveness in this film comes from an unusual balance he manages to strike in the tone of his storytelling. When characters around Rachna begin to drop dead like flies in a Baygon haze, the happenings on-screen obviously acquire a certain urgency. Yet, the narrative trots along at a sedate pace, opting for a quiet air of foreboding rather than artificially enhanced speed. It is as if the filmmaker wants to give the audience time to consider various alternative reasons why a string of seemingly unconnected events may, in fact, be connected  it is an unconventional choice to make in this genre.

Is Rachna feigning innocence? Are her boyfriend, that couple we saw first and/or the cobbler in on her game? What ties X to Y and Z? Or are coincidences being erroneously linked? Have we been given all the material we need to solve the mystery ourselves, or in the end will the maker throw in a plot twist unrelated to anything that has happened on screen until then? Whatever conclusion you arrive at, I am willing to bet that the climax is bound to throw up a surprise.

That said, it is important to mention that the road to that climax comes bearing many potholes. The writing of Rachnas colleague-cum-boyfriend, for instance, is awkward. The two are a mismatch. And though they seem very involved with each other, when she disappears for several hours, he does not raise an alarm. Even his dialogues come across as heavy handed in the effort to sound frothy  what on earth was that about not wanting to have coffee with her?

That the police would violate an individuals rights is not inconceivable, but it does seem strange that when the individual in question is a journalist, she does not whimper in protest once she is free from their clutches. There are other irritants, not the least of them being the unnecessary song in the climax right after the big reveal.

Team Careful also does not fully understand the workings of media organisations: pray tell me, which major newspaper would expect a trainee to break exclusive stories on her own, instead of guiding her through material fed to her by a senior?

In fact, why did Rachna need to be a trainee at all? The protagonist would have been more convincing within this plot if she had been slightly older and more experienced  an age when a reporter would naturally be expected to discover stories as a matter of routine, yet might still be intimidated by the unexpected and require hand holding. If Sandhya Raju is not as impactful as her co-stars in Careful, it is not her fault; it is the fault of this illogical choice made in the screenplay.

The rest of the cast is impressive. Vijay Babu brings gravitas to his role as a determined policeman. Jomol and Kurup opt for restraint in scenes that could easily have been overplayed. Their performances and the strategically incremental doses in which information is revealed to the audience are why Careful, in its overall impact, manages to rise above its flaws.

The marketing of Careful has included a video testimonial by actor Mohanlal stressing the films message about traffic violations. That is an oddly reductive way to promote an entertaining whodunnit that does indeed raise a relevant issue, but not quite so literally. The message is not about traffic violations, for heavens sake. Careful is a thriller that, in its poignant denouement, makes a larger point about our tiniest casual actions having consequences. That it does so without an iota of preaching makes it uncommon. This is an immensely watchable film.
Amaravati: If you had paid a bribe for availing of any government service in Andhra Pradesh in the recent days, just dial 1100 and report the matter.

Chance is that the corrupt government servant, who fleeced you, may possibly come knocking on your door to return the amount.

That seems to be the new trend in the state, if claims of the Chandrababu Naidu government are to be believed.

With a recent nation-wide survey report placing AP at the second place after Karnataka as the most corrupt state in the country, the Chandrababu regime has launched this exercise to showcase its fight against corruption.

"So far 12 persons had returned the bribe amounts to the citizens in the past few days. In one instance in Kurnool district, a panchayat secretary had returned (bribe) money to 10 citizens (in separate cases)," Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu said on Saturday.

The 'People First' grievance redressal channel launched by the government on 25 May seems to be "working wonders" and "sending chill down the spines of (corrupt) public servants", some government functionaries have claimed.

"The 1100 call centre has been receiving tremendous response. It's a good effort to cleanse the society. Scared government officials are returning the bribe amounts to citizens," advisor (communications) to the government P Prabhakar said.

The 'People First' is part of the government's real-time governance initiative to build a "happy, healthy and sustainable society". However, a senior bureaucrat said the initiative is just a message to people that even if they have paid any bribe, they can expect it to be returned as the government is taking the calls to 1100 seriously.

"Procedural inquiries are essential for any punitive action against public servants," the bureaucrat said.

Interestingly, the bribe amounts being returned are just about Rs 500 to Rs 1000 in individual cases, and there is no action taken as such on the identified corrupt individual. However, there is no assurance from the government that bribes (taken) will be returned in every case, except that the complainant or bribe-giver will be "protected".

The 750 executives at the '1100' call centre had telephoned 52,000 citizens to inquire about the 'Chandranna Bima' insurance scheme, 6.2 lakh persons on social welfare pensions and 9.5 lakh on public distribution system delivery.

"About 3,000 citizens complained about corruption in implementation of these schemes. As soon as we receive a complaint, we are cross-verifying the details. We are making the corrupt officials to cough up the illegal gratification they received," Prabhakar claimed.

In some of the instances cited by the Chief Minister, private individuals (brokers) indulged in corruption and they too were made to return the money.

In Kadapa, a broker was made to return Rs 1000 he took from a beneficiary of the insurance scheme. In Krishna district, a broker who took Rs 1000 for arranging a ration card to a citizen was also made to return the amount, according to the CM.

The initiative of People First received a complaint the other day that a revenue official took Rs 50,000 as illegal gratification for issuing a pattadar passbook (land deed).

"There will be instances where some people try to defame a particular official even if no bribe is paid. In such cases, we will initiate necessary action only after a proper inquiry," the CM said.
New Delhi: In a transformational move, the Indian Army is all set to open up combat positions for women, a gender barrier broken by only a few countries globally.

Army chief Bipin Rawat said the process to allow women in combat role, currently an exclusive domain of men, is moving fast and initially women will be recruited for positions in military police.

"I am looking at women coming as jawans. I am going to start it soon. Firstly, we will start with women as military police jawans," he said, giving details of the move to allow women in the male-dominated positions in the Army.

Currently women are allowed in a number of select areas including in medical, legal, educational, signals and engineering wings of the Army but combat roles are kept off limit for them due to operational concerns and logistical issues.

The Army chief said he was ready to recruit women as jawans and the matter is being taken up with the government.

"We have already started the process," Army chief Rawat told PTI in an exclusive interaction recently.

He said women will have to show grit and strength in taking up challenges in combat role and shattering the glass ceiling.

Very few countries including Germany, Australia, Canada, the US, Britain, Denmark, Finland, France , Norway, Sweden and Israel have allowed women in combat roles.

The roles of military police include policing the cantonments and army establishments, prevent breach of rules and regulations by soldiers, maintaining movement of soldiers as well as logistics during peace and war, handling prisoners of war and extending aid to civil police whenever required.

Creating history, the Indian Air Force, last year, had inducted three women as fighter pilots, less than a year after the government decided to open the fighter stream for women on an experimental basis.

A decision on having women as fighter pilots will be taken after evaluating performance of the three women Avani Chaturvedi, Bhawana Kanth and Mohana Singh who are now part of IAF's fighter squadron.

The Indian Navy is currently deliberating on a policy on having women onboard the ships. The Navy allows women in various other segments including in legal, logistics, naval architecture and engineering departments.
New Delhi: Army chief General Bipin Rawat has given a thumbs up to the strategic partnership (SP) model rolled out by the government to rope in leading private players for defence production, calling it a "big ticket" move to push modernisation of India's armed forces.

General Rawat said the new model is expected to fast track army's modernisation plan as it will bring new technologies and help implement major military manufacturing projects.

The army has been pressing for updating its weapons systems considering the evolving security scenario in the region and General Rawat said the SP model will help the army in replacing its ageing fleet of tanks and critical weapons.

"The strategic partnership model is a big ticket thing. It will help the modernisation of armed forces. We have to gradually think of replacing our tanks. In the next seven to eight years, some of our old systems will have to be replaced. It is good to start the process now. Because for production to take place, you need time," the army chief told PTI in a recent interaction.

Under the new model, the government will allow Indian private sector companies to form joint ventures with foreign defence majors to build fighter aircraft, helicopters, submarines and main battle tanks in India.

Referring to the army's modernisation programme, General Rawat expressed happiness over its progress and referred to arrival of two ultra light howitzers from the US and also about the Dhanush 155mm artillery gun developed by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO).

"The modernisation programme is moving. It is on fast track. It cannot happen overnight. It is a process," he said, adding the artillery modernisation programme was going on "very very well".

After a 30-year wait for new artillery guns since the Bofors scandal, the army last month received the first two howitzers from the US as part of an order for 145 long-range guns.

General Rawat said modernisation of the armed forces must be a continuous process, adding the Navy and the Air Force are going to benefit significantly from the SP model.

"Modernisation is a process which must continue and must happen at all times. You will always have some equipment in the army which is reaching the stage of obsolescence," he said.

Talking about the need to look for new technology for the Army, he said, "You keep getting future technology and future technology becomes current and the current will become obsolete. It is a cycle."

The government unveiled the much-awaited SP model last week which is aimed at setting up world-class production facilities in India to manufacture submarines, fighter jets and battle tanks.

Asked about his recent comments that the armed forces are not getting their due share of resources, General Rawat said he made the remarks as the defence budget was little less than expected, but added that the SP model will offset the shortage.

"The government is going ahead with the SP model. It is also going for government-to-government contracts (for military procurement). These steps will help us," General Rawat said.

Last month, the army chief lamented that the spending on defence is considered a "burden" by many in the country and the military is not getting its due share.

India's defence budget for 2017-18 was Rs 2.74 lakh crore, which is 1.63 percent of the GDP. China's defence budget is close to three percent of its GDP.

There has been a rising concern among security experts and the defence establishment that the modernisation of armed forces is taking place at a very slow pace and that the government has not been allocating adequate funds for it in the last few years.

Asked about the report of the committee headed by Lieutenant General (retired) DB Shekatkar, he said some of the recommendations are being considered for implementation in a phased manner.

"We are working towards it," he said.

The committee was appointed in May 2016 to recommend steps for enhancing combat capability and re-balancing defence expenditure. The report had been submitted to the then-defence minister Manohar Parrikar in December 2016.
Chennai: Tamil Nadu Chief Minister K Palaniswami on Sunday announced a solatium of Rs 20 lakh to the family of army jawan from the state G Manivannan who was killed in a militant attack on a convoy in Jammu and Kashmir on Saturday.

Palaniswami condoled the death of 25-year old Manivannan, who hailed from Thiappanandhal village in Tiruvannamalai district, and ordered payment of Rs 20 lakh to his family, an official release said.

Manivannan, Gunner (operator), and Naik Dipak Kumar Maity were killed on Saturday when militants attacked the army convoy near Qazigund in Srinagar-Jammu National highway in South Kashmir.
New Delhi: The BJP on Sunday hit back at the Congress over its criticism of the government's Kashmir policy, saying it does not need a certificate from a party "which described India as having occupied Kashmir".

Referring to the Congress releasing a booklet in Lucknow with an incorrect map of the country, labeling the entire state of Jammu and Kashmir as "Indian occupied Kashmir", Union minister M Venkaiah Naidu said people would never forgive the party for such a "mindset".

"Is it for this that hundreds of our brave soldiers have given up their lives over the years defending our sovereignty and territorial integrity?" he said in Hyderabad and asked if the final solution that the Congress had in mind was to give Kashmir to Pakistan.

Asserting that the government has a very strong Kashmir policy, party spokesperson Shahnawaz Hussain said it is making a distiction and treating differently the common Kashmiris, terrorists and separatists and "this policy is bearing fruits".

The government and the security forces are on the same page and they are working to root out Pakistan-sponsored terrorism, he said in Delhi.

Hussain recalled that he had even raised questions on the surgical strikes carried out by the Army across the line of control.

The BJP's reaction came after Congress vice-president Rahul Gandhi on Sunday blamed the Centre for mishandling the Kashmir issue.

Dubbing the BJP-PDP "incompetent", Rahul charged that the Centre was making empty reassurances about peace in the Valley.

In a major gaffe, the Congress on Saturday released a booklet with an incorrect map of the country.

Page 12 of the 16-page booklet titled 'Rashtriya Suraksha par Aanch', which was distributed by the Congress, showed the entire state labelled as "Indian Occupied Kashmir" in the context of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC).

The incident occurred during a conference of the opposition party in Lucknow to highlight the shortcomings of the Narendra Modi government during its three years of rule.

"While the people of the country were celebrating three years of a new India in the making, the Congress party came out with an official publication that described India as having occupied Kashmir and thereby conceding Kashmir to Pakistan," Naidu told reporters.
The world faces a dangerous moment, though media in India is not focused on it. The US has gone back on its commitment to help reduce global warming. The Paris Agreement was signed in 2015, in which nations agreed to lower the carbon dioxide emissions from their industrial plants and automobiles. This was to be done by voluntarily cutting fuels like coal and petrol and diesel, and shifting to solar and wind energy. India is already the largest market for solar power, and because of this, prices have dropped very low.

If all nations that signed the agreement met their commitments, the rise in global warming would be limited to 2 degrees celsius more than it was in the time before industrialisation. China is the biggest source of CO2 emissions, with 30 percent of the world's total, followed by the US (15 percent) and the 28-nation Euro zone (9 percent). India contributes 7 percent of the emissions, but has about 15 percent of the world's population, so on a per-person basis, India is not contributing to the problem as much as China and the US.

However, India is rapidly industrialising and adding a large middle class that uses electricity and petrol and diesel. We can no longer ignore the problem as one being caused by others.

We should credit Prime Minister Narendra Modi with having foresight and courage and for showing leadership on this issue. He said this week that "Paris or no Paris, our commitment to preserving the climate is for the sake of future generations". The government of India has also said that all cars sold in the country by 2030 would have to be electric. The details of how this will happen are not known, but if Modi can pull it off, it will make him a true world leader.

Meanwhile, Trump said that he was putting American jobs ahead of concerns on climate change. He claims that if US sticks to its commitments, 27 lakh jobs will be lost in the next seven years. But this is disputed; in fact, one of the biggest creators of jobs in the US in the last decade has been the electric car and solar industries.

That even American industrialists and many of its largest companies said the US has taken the wrong decision shows how isolated Trump is. One can only hope that the shift from fossil fuels continues, even if it is because of economic viability and efficiency rather than because of climate change concerns.

Now why I say we are at a dangerous moment is because the data is absolutely clear: Climate change is happening as a result of man-made global warming. Since 1880, the Earth's surface temperature has risen at an average pace of 0.07C every decade. This has resulted in a net warming of 0.95C as of now. Land temperatures have risen faster than ocean temperatures so far. But this will change by 2030 unless the world's nations cut their emissions. And once the oceans start to warm up, many countries will quickly be in deep trouble.

Indians will be vulnerable in three ways: Climate change will mean higher oceans and this will lead to huge problems in coastal cities like Mumbai, Chennai and Kolkata; it will also mean the monsoons become much more volatile and unpredictable. This will bring misery down on the Indian farmer. The third problem will come if we continue using fossil fuels like coal. The source of our coal is the Adivasi belt in Chhattisgarh, Jharkhand and Orissa. The tribals there are already being cruelly exploited and must give up their forests and their lands for the rest of us to get coal.

When Mumbai proposed a flyover opposite Bharat Ratna Lata Mangeshkar's house, she threatened to leave the country and got it cancelled. Adivasis do not have that power and must give up their land. If we move to fuels like wind and solar, we will stop their exploitation.

Stopping the use of fossil fuels will help all of us. More than 12 lakh Indians die of pollution every year. However, these deaths, and the danger of climate change are not the focus of our media. Because of this, there is not enough pressure on government and industry to change faster. As a nation we must use Trump's decision to being our focus on a problem that has enormous implications not just for India but the entire world.

In Europe, climate change is a large election issue and requires candidates to debate on what they must do. The Indian voter, particularly the educated middle class one who is aware of the issue, must ensure that this also happens in our country. We owe it to ourselves and the next generation and the ones to follow.
Gareeb bhi gandagi se nafrat karta hai, (The poor too hate filth and dirt)  were the words of Rajesh Kumar, brother of the e-rickshaw driver who was beaten to death by more than 20 men, when he stopped two of them from urinating on the walls of a public toilet outside GTB Nagar metro station, near Delhi Universitys North Campus.

Ravinder, the 31-year-old victim, had no personal enmity with anyone but was killed because he evoked the spirit of Swachh Bharat and offered Rs 2 to the men so they step inside the public toilet instead.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi, while on a four-nation-tour, reacted to the incident and sanctioned an ex gratia payment of Rs 1 lakh from the Prime Minister's National Relief Fund (PMNRF) to Ravinder's family. Firstpost spoke to Ravinder's family and investigated the matter further to learn the cause of increasing incidents of student altercations and mob rage in the North Campus.

Outside Gate number 4 of the metro station is a huge traffic square, where CCTV cameras dont work and PCR vans arent visible amid heavy traffic flow. This is where Ravinder was beaten to death after a group of around 20 men stuffed their gamchaas with bricks and hit him ruthlessly. Other rickshaw drivers spoke up about increasing instances of anti-social elements urinating on the walls that are invariably pasted with pictures of politicians or slogans from student political groups.

Pramod, an e-rickshaw driver who knew Ravinder well, said that this isnt the first time a drunken mob has been on the loose in the area. He revealed one of his own experiences, when drunk students took his rickshaw to pick up liquor from a near by shop and later started beating each other up. Pramod says such episodes are not abnormal.

Inside a small slum cluster just five minutes away from where Ravinder was killed, is his small, low-roofed shanty. His older brother Rajesh, who also raised him up, said the safety of those who live in university areas is a pressing issue. He pointed to Ravinders pregnant wife, who only got married to him last year, and asked why CCTV cameras that have been displayed on signals weren't functional. He urged Indians to keep the flame of the Swachh Bharat Mission alive in them but not at the cost of their lives. The admit card of the student and CCTV footage from the liquor shop has helped the police trace the suspects but the vulnerability of other locals who can become a victim of mob lynching and attacks by anti-social elements remains a concern.

North Campus is home to the oldest Delhi University colleges like Kirori Mal College, Daulat Ram College, Hansraj College, Hindu College, Indraprastha College for Women, Miranda House, SGTB Khalsa College. Ramjas College, St. Stephen's College and Shri Ram College of Commerce, which have over one lakh students coming in the area on an average.

For those who have spent some years of their life at the North Campus, it's not a place but a time that refuses to change in its entirety. Brick walls with writings on them stand on either side of roads where rickshaws and special buses for students carry students from one college to another. Momos and maggi stalls lend fragrance and chai stalls and lemon soda carts dot the entire area. Photocopy shops in Patel Chest have a distinct scent of paper and anxiety, and the Kamala Nagar Market is where pocket money is spent on spicy chinese food at roadside shacks.

But North Campus isnt as peaceful as it used to be. There is an increasing restlessness in students, according to Anil Kumar Chauhan, SHO, Mukherjee Nagar Police Station. For instance, Mukherjee Nagar (another colony adjoining North Campus) which was earlier the hub of civil service aspirants is now also home to IIT-JEE and police forces aspirants. People come here to prepare for competitive exams and many end up distracted and frustrated. We have started outreach programs for students from the North East who face cultural discrimination and we also keep the surveillance in the area tighter, says Chauhan.

Last year, a block of 376 flats in the area shut its doors on outstation students. A circular put up by the residents welfare association last July stated: There are many problems because of student tenants like visits by uncountable and unwanted people, which have raised security concerns... Social norms are being violated, which is leaving a bad influence on children. Ankit Agarwal, who runs Your Choice PG in Mukherjee Nagar shares that the problem is the voluminous rise in the influx of students. Since 2010-11, the number of students landing up, mostly from other states in North and central India, has increased by five times, he says. While PG and hostel authorities impose a strict ban on the consumption of liquor inside the rooms, the rising number of students makes policing harder.

On New Year eve, outside Batra Cinemas, CCTV footage showed a mob pelting stones at some policemen who prevented them from allegedly harassing a woman. Last year, bike-borne assailants shot dead a 25-year-old native of Jhajjar, Haryana, near his rented room in the area.

However, the increasing number of incidents of student rage and violence in such tenements can't solely be attributed to the frustration arising out of a sense of failure, mounting academic pressure, and lack of money. Students in North Campus consider themselves a part of an ongoing ideological war, in which taking a side reaffirms and strengthens their identity. And both sides sound equally insecure.

I dont feel safe in my home. When violence erupted in Ramjas College over the presence of Umar Khalid (JNU Student who was briefly arrested on charges of sedition in February), I had voiced my opinion on Facebook. Not only was I forced to delete my tweet, I also received threatening phone calls from people whose identity I am not sure of, says Sanjay Kumar, student of MA Sociology at the Delhi School of Economics (DSE). The university is a safe place till the time we dont disagree with the other side on a political issue. We can remain neutral but to contest anothers political ideology is riskier than before, adds Nikita, another student at DSE.

In the lawns of the DSE campus, Hegelian dialectics and Kants transcendental idealism reverberate in a rhythm only audible to those well versed with them. In jargon and concept, critical thinking lives on in codes. Only few days ago, a graffiti supporting the Islamic State was scribbled on the walls of DSE. After Ankit Singh Sangwan, Secretary, Delhi University Students Union, filed a complaint, the campus was sealed with police barricades. Some of the students present at the college said they had no idea about the signage that read I AM SYN ISIS and dismissed it as a right-wing conspiracy to malign and weaken the integrity of a fine liberal arts institution. Students are still not indoctrinated per say, whatever political inclinations they bring along with themselves are part of their own identity and an institution like DSE has maintained its neutrality. This new idea of nationalism is a shallow and hollow reading into the concept; policies cannot be equated with national jingoism in political rhetoric, says Soumodip Sinha, who is completing his Phd in Middle Class Youth and the Field(s) of Political Assertion: A Sociological Study of Urban India.

Members of the Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad (ABVP), who also arrived at the green campus on a rainy day, uttered the slogan Gyaan sheel ekta! Gyaan sheel ekta! Gyaan sheel ekta! between a tirade on how the left-wing is merely provoking students so a climate of conflict lingers. They pointed to pictures of Prashant Mukherjee (President, Student Federation of India) beating up their student party workers during the Ramjas violence.

What example are professors like GN Saibaba and Nandini Sundar setting for the students, if they are in conflict with the law? If you want to put your point across, do it peacefully and not through messages that disturb the peace of the campus, said the members of the ABVP, most of whom are pursuing degrees in law.

However, Kawal Preet Kaur, an All India Students Union (left wing) representative from the Delhi University, counter argues that ABVP is backed by the administration and has a free hand to do what it wants to. A woman leader rising up to a student body that managed to get together the support of over 1.5 lakh people isnt a cakewalk, she says, adding that such unprecedented power leads to a sense of impunity.

To the thousands of alumnus, Delhi Universitys north campus may seem exactly the same. But the students who live here, as well as those who provide these students with food, accommodation and transport, are no longer safe. There is fear, there is fury and theres also the possibility of the two clashing violently at anytime.
Ten Indians, convicted of killing a Pakistani man over a bootlegging feud in Abu Dhabi, were absolved of the death penalty in May 2017 after an amount of Rs 60 lakh was paid as blood money (diyah) to the victims family. Dubai-based businessman of Indian origin, SP Singh Oberoi, who paid the amount as per provisions of the sharia law, says that there are several Indians on death row in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) for similar murders. Often, these immigrants, in a bid to make quick money, find themselves in the midst of local turf wars between alcohol runners, and either end up dead, injured or as convicted murderers.

Oberoi, who has rescued 89 Indians from the gallows after paying over three million USD in blood money so far, said that 130 men have been on death row in the UAE for bootlegging-related murders. These include immigrants from Pakistan, Nepal, the Philippines, among other countries; however, the majority  over a hundred of them  have been Indians from various states (Punjab, Haryana, Bihar, Uttar Pradesh, among others). The similarity, he says, lies in the financial background of these men, the abject poverty in each of their homes.

In all these cases, without an exception, the boys have reached the UAE after their families paid an amount of Rs 1 to 1.5 lakh to local agents, who promised lucrative, high-paying jobs for their children abroad. The amount, in all cases, was arranged by the families through loans and mortgages. But when the boys reached UAE, they discovered that they were employed in menial jobs, where their monthly salary did not exceed Rs 14,000. Further, their monthly expenses were around Rs 8,000. They did save Rs 6,000 on an average, but the loan interest itself was Rs 10,000 to 15,000. Thats how they ended up indulging in illegal activities like bootlegging to make a quick buck, said Oberoi, a 62-year-old who owns seven companies in the UAE.

Turf wars, said Oberoi, are a mundane feature of the bootlegging culture in the UAE, where the sale of alcohol is strictly controlled or regulated, especially in the dry emirate, Sharjah. Areas, like in most cities with the presence of local Mafiosi, are divided among gang leaders, each with their own sources and clients for illegal supply of alcohol. However, these gangs often infiltrate into each others zones, leading to turf wars, injuries, and many a time, fatalities. When the police reach the spot after learning of the murder, they pick up members of the rival gang, and in all such cases, the accused are either sentenced to life imprisonment, which ranges from 25 to 40 years in the UAE, or to death.

Oberoi says that the Shariat law has provisions for diyah, which means that a convict can be absolved of the death penalty if he pays a minimum of two lakh dirhams (Rs 35 lakh) as blood money to the victims family if the victim was male, and one lakh dirhams (Rs 17.5 lakh) in case of female victims. Upon accepting the money, the family issues a consent letter for pardon, which is admitted in court, and the death sentence is waived off. But since the amount is substantially high for the immigrant accused to foot, they often remain on death row.

I first learnt of these youths on death row in 2010, when I read a news report about 17 Indians being sentenced to the gallows for the murder of one man. It sounded strange to me. How could 17 men be responsible for killing one? Thats when I visited these boys in jail, spoke to the Indian embassy, and got in touch with the Indian Ministry of External Affairs (MEA). With the MEAs moral backing, I paid the blood money amount of $1.2 million (Rs 6.4 crore as of today) to the victims family, and the 17 boys were pardoned from the death penalty. My contention wasnt to save convicted murderers only because they were Indians. I wanted to help 17 families, the tens of men, women and children waiting for these boys to return, said Oberoi, who has been spending 98 percent of his income on repatriating such Indians for the past seven years.

The businessman, however, says that coughing up money is not as difficult a task as convincing victims families to accept money in exchange for justice for their sons. In every case, he personally reaches out to the families, and often, flies them to Dubai, and sponsors their hotel stays. In the case of the 17 Indians in 201o, he hosted the Islamabad-based family for 40 days in Dubai.

In another case, three boys from Gurdaspur were on death row for killing a youth from Punjab. When I went to the victims home in Punjab, they were ready to beat me up. I explained to them that their boy had lost his life while he was working abroad to make money for his family, and that now that hes gone, they should help serve his purpose. But they were not moved. I explained that families of the three accused would be as aggrieved as them after their boys were hanged, and that they shouldnt let such a fate befall them. But they didnt listen. After a few minutes, I noticed that the murdered boy had three sisters  aged 19, 13 and 9 years. I spoke to the oldest daughter, and explained to her that the money would help marrying the three girls, secure the future of the aged parents. When the girl was convinced, she convinced her father, said Oberoi.

Oberoi stated that he is currently working to secure pardon for 16 other Indians on death row for the same offence in the UAE. One case involves 11 boys from Punjab convicted for murdering two other Indian boys in a bootlegging brawl, and the other involves five Indians (four from Punjab, one from Uttar Pradesh) convicted for killing another Indian from UP.

These boys on death row are not hardened criminals; they do not have criminal antecedents. They are poor and desperate. Thats why the jails here in the UAE are clogged with such children. Even when I get their death sentences pardoned, I do not contest their jail terms. I let them serve it. They should serve it; they have sinned essentially. My only motive is to save their lives so that their families are protected from the inexplicable grief of losing a child, said Oberoi.

The writer is a journalist, and author of the true crime book, The Front Page Murders.
New Delhi: The government is learnt to have initiated the process for appointing 44 high court judges after initially having returned their names to the Supreme Court collegium for reconsideration on two occasions.

While 29 candidates are from the Allahabad High Court, two are from Karnataka, seven from Calcutta and six from the Madras High Courts, highly-placed sources said on Sunday.

On 10 April, the collegium  a body of five senior-most judges of the apex court  had for a second time reaffimed its decision recommending the candidates for appointment as high court judges.

The decision to reiterate the recommendation for the second time was taken by the collegium, now headed by Chief Justice JS Khehar.

As per an established practice, the government usually appoints a person as a judge once the collegium reiterates its recommendation.

But in the recent past, the Modi government had expressed its disapproval of the collegium's recommendations by returning them more than once.

Last week, a total of 17 judges were appointed to the Bombay and the Jammu and Kashmir High Courts.

While 14 judges were appointed to the Bombay High Court, three were appointed to the Jammu and Kashmir High Court.

The approved strength of the 24 high courts is 1,079 judges, but they are functioning with a truncated strength of 629 - a shortage of 450 judges.

Sources in the law ministry said the present strength of 1,079 is unlikely to be raised this year as the main focus would be to fill up vacancies in the 24 high courts.

Over three crore cases are pending in courts across India.
Theres one fake news video that most agitates Pratik Sinha  though hes seen a lot of them. In this particular piece of shaky handheld footage, that Sinha has deconstructed online, a young girl is bloodied and being beaten as an angry mob closes in on her. The frame needs to be rotated, but its pretty clear that a lynching is under way.

Its been in circulation for a couple of years and those forwarding it would have you believe this is a Hindu Marwari girl being beaten by Muslim men in Andhra Pradesh. The accompanying explanation claims the girl refused to wear a burqa after marrying a Muslim man and thereafter met a grisly end. Sinha repeats the line that goes with the video in Hindi, from memory.

All group members are requested that this video should be shared so extensively via WhatsApp that the video reaches Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi so that he can take some instant action regarding this issue and todays the day when WhatsApp needs to be used effectively for this purpose, reads the forward.

But no matter how many times it gets forwarded, it wont change the fact that this is a two-year-old video of a mob attacking a 16-year-old girl in a Guatemalan village following her suspected involvement in a murder. The truth, however, has not come in the way of this video having a fruitful viral run as an instance of communal violence in India.

Its a very horrible video to watch, said Sinha, 35, a co-founder of AltNews.in, a new anti-propaganda site, on the phone from Ahmedabad. Even I felt sick after watching it.

But Sinha knows the video frame by frame  quite literally. When it first came to his notice he broke it down to a manageable frame speed and then reverse-searched images on Google to locate where it had been hosted. This later led to news articles about the Guatemalan incident, and voila, it was the same video being passed off as a lynching in India.

This is just one of several fake news videos the site has debunked since it went live on 9 February 2017. Founded by Sinha and an anonymous co-founder known in the social media world as Unofficial Sususwamy, AltNews describes itself as a website for the post-truth world; one that aims to act as an antidote to the right-wing propagandists that have established themselves in the mainstream media. Its a three-person voluntary effort so far (they have one other contributor) and in four months has been slowly making its presence felt online.

On average they bust one fake news video a week, Sinha estimates. He rattles off other egregious examples: the Pakistani army beheading an Indian jawan, a Muslim killing a Hindu in Bihar.

Almost all of these are cases of grotesque videos of murders, beheadings, violence, he said, and in most cases they are described as Muslims killing Hindus.

When such videos reach Sinha it requires a measure of forensic online work  slowing it down, scraping the internet to find where it has previously been posted, analysing visible signage in the background, looking at streetscapes and trying to catch the language being spoken. For Sinha, this is now a full-time endeavour.

AltNews is one of the platforms to have emerged as a direct response to the proliferation of fake news in India, also an increasingly pernicious problem across the world. Last week, the actor Paresh Rawal became the latest victim of a fake news story when he tweeted that the writer Arundhati Roy should be used as a human shield, following her reported remarks on the Indian army in Kashmir. She said she had neither recently been to Kashmir nor said anything of the kind being reported. The news had ricocheted through a series of right-wing websites after having been picked up from Pakistani sites, leading to a very real brouhaha over a very fake story.

The superhighway of misinformation is paved through Whatsapp, Facebook and social media more broadly, where morphed pictures, mistitled videos and blatantly false accounts move at remarkable speed. Such videos are inciting violence, said Sinha. They are criminal in nature. In its brief career so far, AltNews has quickly begun to acquire a reputation as a slayer of fake news. Sinha said he had compiled a list of at least 40 websites trading in fake news, most in Hindi, and most with a strong pro-BJP bent. Its more in the right wing eco-system, he said.

Alt News is updated about two or three times a day, but upending fake news isnt its only focus. It also does other kinds news updates and analyses. We want to stay away from opinions, he said. My point is, you may not agree with my ideology, which you could say is left of centre, but you wont be able to deny the facts that I am presenting.

About six months before the site went live, Sinha quit his job as a software engineer. He had already been active in Jan Sangharsh Manch, the non-profit his parents founded, that has been working on the Gujarat false encounter cases, among other things. Since 2013 he has also been running the Truth of Gujarat page, a site focused on news about the riots.

Though he didnt explicitly quit his day job to start Alt News, Sinhas ongoing activism work eventually overwhelmed his professional life.

Things came to a head last year when protesting with sanitation workers in Ahmedabad, he kept getting detained by the police. Its difficult to do a software engineering job when you are detained every few days, he said, wryly. I realised I am more inclined towards activism and I thought maybe I can start a website.

Alt News has so far nearly 18,000 fans on Facebook and more than 5,000 followers on Twitter  which may be small, but its reach is slowly growing.

A few days after the website was launched, Sinha received a threatening call from a man claiming to be the gangster Ravi Pujari. He said, 'you must be knowing who I am?', said Sinha. I was still sleepy, I said I didnt recognise him. Pujari was calling to say Sinha should stop writing. He later informed the police.

Sinha didnt sound rattled by the incident. Neither did he sound concerned about the hotly divided nature of public opinion today, with people in ideologically insulated bubbles shunning information not aligning with their worldviews. He said right-leaning people had also shared their stories and that people were thirsty for correct information too. People are also looking for material to debunk [fake news stories], he said. They may know its fake but they dont have the arsenal. The posts are reaching many people.

Still, Alt News can hardly take on the vast and fast-moving fake news machinery on its own, simply by calling out one video a week. Sinha said tackling the menace would require a collaborative effort between the mainstream media, social media platforms and the authorities.

We as a platform cant have much impact on our own, said Sinha. We know our limitations, but it is necessary to keep talking. Only if we keep talking can anything happen.
New Delhi: The CRPF has refused to make public a fake encounter report, filed by one of its inspector generals, citing exemption granted to the paramilitary from disclosures under the RTI Act.

In response to a query seeking a copy of the report on the fake encounter by a joint squad of security forces in Assam in which two people were killed in cold blood, the CRPF cited section 24 of the RTI Act.

Extra judicial killings are a violation of human rights and do not come under the exemption given to some organisations from making disclosures under the RTI Act.

The act says when the information sought for pertains to human rights violations, it "shall be" provided after sanction from the Central Information Commission within 45 days.

But the CRPF rather than referring the matter to the CIC, "rejected" the application.

Rajnish Rai, a 1992-batch IPS officer of Gujarat cadre, had filed a report with the CRPF top brass chronicling how a joint team of the Army, the Assam Police, the CRPF, its jungle warfare unit CoBRA and the border guarding force Sashastra Seema Bal (SSB) conducted the encounter on 29-30 March in Simlaguri area of Chirang district and killed what they called were two insurgents of the banned group NDFB (S).

Rai, in his 13-page report, alleged that information about the incident and FIR filed by the joint squad of forces present a "fictitious account" of the operation to "conceal pre-planned murders of two persons in custody and present it as some brave act of professional achievement".

The home ministry had acknowledged receiving the report and said it is being studied and action on its content will be taken soon.

Advisor to the home ministry Ashok Prasad had said that the CRPF DG had received the report and would send it to the home ministry.

Rai, deputy chief of the CRPF formations in the northeastern states, had also sent the 17 April report to the Chief Secretary of Assam and chairperson of the Unified Command of security forces, the Central Reserve Police Force headquarters in New Delhi, the General Officer Commanding of the 4 Corps in Assam and the Director General of the SSB.
New Delhi: Two helicopters of the People's Liberation Army of China hovered over Chamoli district in Uttarakhand on Saturday, triggering concern in India's security establishment about the fourth such incursion into Indian airspace since March this year.

Official sources said the choppers, which returned to the Chinese side after about five minutes, could have carried out aerial photography of Indian ground troops during what was possibly a reconnaissance mission.

The Indian Air Force (IAF) is probing the incident, an IAF source said.

The choppers were identified as the Zhiba series of attack helicopters.

On previous occasions, Chinese helicopters had entered 4.5 kilometres into Indian territory, an area that China claims as its own and recognises as Wu-Je.

State and army officials have been reviewing the security along the 350-kilometre border with Tibet after China's incursions into these areas, generally referred as the middle sector.

Barahoti is one of three border posts in the sector, comprising Uttar Pradesh, Himachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand, where ITBP jawans are not allowed to carry weapons and are in civilian clothes under a unilateral decision taken by the central government in June 2000.

In 1958, India and China listed Barahoti, an 80-sq-km sloping pasture, as a disputed area where neither side would send their troops. In the 1962 India-China war, the PLA did not enter the 545-km middle sector, focusing on the Western (Ladakh) and Eastern (Arunachal Pradesh) sectors.

However, after the 1962 war,the Indo-Tibetan Border Police Force (ITBP) jawans patrolled the area with weapons in a non-combative manner, under which the barrel of the gun is positioned downward.

During prolonged negotiations on resolving border disputes, the Indian side had unilaterally decided in June 2000 that ITBP troops would not be carrying arms to three posts  Barahoti, Kauril and Shipki in Himachal Pradesh.

Srikanth Kondapalli, professor in Chinese Studies at the Jawaharlal Nehru University, termed these transgression as "testing the nerves" of India and said, "After violating the Line of Actual Control in the Western and Eastern sectors, Chinese troops now seem to be focusing on the middle sector. It's a cause of worry for us".

The professor said after the June 2000 informal agreement, India did abide by all conditions under the assumption that China would yield on the western or eastern sectors.

"But that didn't happen. Today the PAPF (People's Armed Paramilitary Force) and PLA are enforcing China's claims there," he said.

Kondapalli referred to regional equations giving a China a boost. He recalled that Nepal and India had differences on the source of the Mahakali river and in the background of China's forays in Nepal as well as the latter joining the China-led One Belt One Road (OBOR) project, and said, "There have been some moves by the PLA to test us".

He said there had also been a concerted effort by the PLA to test India against the backdrop of the China Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), a collection of infrastructure projects.

"So the latest intrusion is to test our nerves," he said.

He even said China could deploy Unmanned Aerial Vehicles in this region in large numbers to monitor Indian territory.

"So the helicopter incident is a precursor,A recce mission," he said.

Security officials here felt that ahead of its transgression in the Barahoti area, the PLA could have conducted a reconnaissance mission using high class aircraft with Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR), which provides broad-area imaging at high resolutions.

The officials said the PLA's 'TupolovTu 153M' aircraft had carried out two or three reconnaissance missions last year in the middle sector.

They said there was a possibility that the same aircraft, designed by Chinese companies on the basis of technology obtained from the former Soviet Union, could have been used this year, too.

The aircraft flies at an altitude of above 40,000 feet and can go up to 60,000 feet to avoid detection by radars and can take photographs and cyber and communication signatures from that height.

SAR enables the taking of high-resolution pictures even in inclement weather or in the dark.
As'ad's Bio

As'ad AbuKhalil, born March 16, 1960. From Tyre, Lebanon, grew up in Beirut. Received his BA and MA from American University of Beirut in pol sc. Came to US in 1983 and received his PhD in comparative government from Georgetown University. Taught at Tufts University, Georgetown University, George Washington University, Colorado College, and Randolph-Macon Woman's College. Served as a Scholar-in-Residence at Middle East Institute in Washington DC. He served as free-lance Middle East consultant for NBC News and ABC News, an experience that only served to increase his disdain for maintream US media. He is now professor of political science at California State University, Stanislaus. His favorite food is fried eggplants.
Hyderabad: Leading Telugu actor and Jana Sena chief Pawan Kalyan said on Sunday that he will support any political party fighting for grant of special status to Andhra Pradesh.

He tweeted this after the Congress party invited him to a public meeting scheduled to be held in Guntur on Sunday evening to demand special category status for the state.

Congress vice president Rahul Gandhi, Samajwadi Party leader Akhilesh Yadav and Communist Party of India general secretary S. Sudhakar Reddy, among others, will address the meeting.

The actor-politician said he would not be able to make it to the Guntur meeting due to the short notice. He conveyed his best wishes to Raghuveera Reddy, the president of the Andhra Pradesh unit of the Congress party.

Pawan said all parties should come on one platform when it comes to taking on the Centre for the promised special status for Andhra Pradesh.

The actor, who had campaigned for the BJP-TDP alliance in the 2014 elections, fell out with them last year and has since been targeting the BJP for going back on its promise to accord special status to the state, and the TDP for accepting a special package instead of the special status.

Kalyan, younger brother of Congress leader and former Union minister K. Chiranjeevi, has already announced that Jana Sena will contest the 2019 elections in both Telugu states of Andhra Pradesh and Telangana.
New Delhi: Suspended AAP MLA Kapil Mishra on Saturday announced the launch of 'India Against Corruption-2' to take on Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal.

At an event at the Constitution Club in New Delhi, Mishra said he will meet Kejriwal at his janta darbar on Monday and demand a probe into alleged irregularities in the Delhi government.

The event was attended by a sizable number of volunteers, most of whom had participated in the original India Against Corruption movement, with which the likes of Anna Hazare and Kejriwal were associated.

Aam Aadmi Party was formed after some prominent India Against Corruption volunteers including Kejriwal changed their track and took a political plunge.

Mishra has been firing salvos at his former mentor with serious allegations of corruption. The party as well as the government have denied all charges levelled by him.

"We will meet Kejriwal at his janta darbar and demand his resignation as well as a probe," Mishra said, adding there should "resignation before investigation."

A resolution was also passed to have a 'Right to Recall' hearing against Kejriwal in his New Delhi constituency and Health Minister Satyendar Jain.

Demanding transparency in AAP's funding, Mishra said the party must put out list of its donors on its website.

Late AAP leader Santosh Koli's mother Kalavati, who also attended the event, demanded a CBI probe to investigate her daughter's death.

Koli, then an AAP candidate from Seemapuri, had met an accident in June 2013 and died. The party calls her a "martyr" who took on the ration mafia in the national capital.
"She has no idea as to what she wants in life. She appears to be under the control of someone else. It is evident that she has been indoctrinated and influenced by persons whose identities have not been ascertained."

In a controversial judgment in May 2017, the Kerala High Court did something unthinkable: it assumed that women dont have the independence of identity, agency and autonomy. The court assumed the role of "legal protector" while exercising its parens patriate jurisdiction in the present case. Parens patriate means that courts of law as "the monarch or any other authority" takes on a protective legal role where it is understood that the citizens concerned are unable to protect themselves.

In this case, a 24-year old woman named Akhila left her house and parents to convert to Islam because Islamic teachings appealed to her. Therefore, Akhilas father, KM Ashokan, filed a habeas corpus petition to get her back home. Akhila, meanwhile, also married a member of Social Democratic Party of India named Shafin Jahan. Akhilas father filed another petition asking the courts to declare their marriage annulled and that Akhila be returned to his custody. The Kerala High Court, in an astonishing move, decided the case in favour of Akhilas father and after the order was made, the police reportedly took Akhila  an adult woman, capable of taking her own decisions  to her parents house, despite the fact that she refused to do so.

In deciding so, the division bench of the Kerala High Court, consisting of Justice Surendra Mohan and Justice Abraham Mathew, came to nullify the marriage of an adult woman, who by her own volition converted to Islam. In the same breath, the bench declared that the marriage between Akhila and Shafin Jahan, which was alleged to have been performed, is a sham and is "of no consequence in the eye of the law". At the very outset, the judgment is a violation of Akhilas constitutional rights under Article 14 (equality before law), Article 21 (right to life and dignity) and Article 25 (right to freedom of religion).

In January 2016, Akhilas father had submitted a similar habeas corpus petition with similar allegations, and a bench comprising of Justice CK Abdul Rahim and Justice Shaji P Chaly had dismissed it stating: We are convinced that the alleged detenu is not under any illegal confinement. She is at present staying in the above-said institution on her own wish and will. She is not under illegal confinement. Therefore, there exists no circumstances warranting interference for issuance of any writ of habeas corpus."

The shocking judgment in the present matter is a witness to how patriarchal the judiciary is when it comes to the agency of a woman. The judgment assumes that Akhila, an able adult, is the chattel of her parents, and whose identity is immutably linked to that of her parents. The court, in the case, invokes its parens patriae jurisdiction on its own accord, claiming that Akhila is weak, vulnerable and capable of being exploited. It states: "This court exercising parens patriae jurisdiction is concerned with the welfare of a girl of her age. The duty cast on this court to ensure the safety of at least the girls who are brought before it can be discharged only by ensuring that Akhila is in safe hands." The language of the bench is condescending, to say the least, and it embodies within it a sense of patronisation. Akhila is no child, and yet she is treated like one by the judges in the order. Language such as "custody", "permitted", "welfare" and "vulnerable" used persistently throughout the judgment indicates that the court clearly does believe that women are property of men, and must seek permission from them before taking any decisions. The parens patriae jurisdiction indicates that the court believed that Akhila is unable to protect herself in the present situation and that it had to assume the role of the guardian and ombudsman of welfare so that Akhila could be "defended".

As a footnote to the language used in the judgment, it must also be kept in the mind that the court trusts that Akhilas parents are her true guardians  even though she herself does not wish to live in their house, and orders her back in their "custody". It states: "Akhila is the only child of her parents. There are no other persons in this world, who would consider the welfare and wellbeing of their daughter to be of paramount importance than her parents. Nature provides numerous examples of even animals taking care of and protecting their progeny sacrificing their very lives for the purpose. The Homo Sapien is no exception." At many points in the 95-page judgment, the court invokes Akhilas fathers "anguish and sorrow" as legitimate reasons for nullifying Akhilas marriage and the acceptance of the habeas corpus petition.

Another issue is masquerading in the protective nature of this judgment is the overwhelming overtones of religion. While the court explicitly states that it would not want to determine what faith Akhila should follow, but it does pin down that her identity  whether religious or otherwise  is strictly associated with her parents. Through the judgment, it points out that Akhila is the only daughter of "Hindu parents" and that she was brought up as "a Hindu in accordance with the faith of her parents" and that "she has been indoctrinated and influenced by persons whose identities have not been ascertained". Surely, in a habeas corpus petition where the court is concerned with the safety of weak and vulnerable women such as Akhila, the issue of religion should not find a place?

Lastly, while annulling the marriage between Akhila and Jahan, the court indicates that the fact of marriage is "only to scuttle the jurisdiction of this court", and it is a camouflage to transport Akhila out of the country by way of illegal and immoral trafficking. By stating this, the court completely stripped Akhila, and possibly every Indian woman, of independence and agency to make her own decisions as an adult.

While the legislative, the executive as well as the judiciary are looking at legal provisions that prevent crimes against women in a way that they are able to attain self-actualisation, judgments such as these put all Indian women in their right place. She is a property in a mans house, always 'allowed' and 'permitted' to do things, her identity invariably tied to her father, brother or husband, and always asked to remain within the boundaries  the lakshman rekha  that men draw around her to "protect" her.
On 3 March, 2016, Pakistani authorities had reportedly arrested Kulbhushan Jadhav in what was termed as a counter intelligence operation in Balochistan. Jadhav has remained in Pakistan's custody ever since. According to Pakistan, Jadhav was convicted of conducting "subversive activities" for the Indian government in Pakistan and was sentenced to death by a Pakistani military court on 10 April.

The Jadhav case became even more muddled when a confessional video by Jadhav was widely circulated in the Pakistani media. In the video that is now taken down, Jadhav 'confessed to his sabotage activities' and provides details with 'networks with Indian spy agency RAW'.

However, if claims of a Pakistan-based balochi organisation are to be believed, Pakistan's 'watertight' case could have been Islamabad's conspiracy to malign India internationally, and sabotage it's diplomatic influence.

According to ANI, the Jeay Sindh Muttahida Mahaz (JSMM) has sent a letter to several human rights' organisations  including the International Court of Justice (ICJ) and Amnesty International  accusing Islamabad of launching a 'completely nefarious' and 'fabricated tale' against an 'Indian commoner' only to justify its claims of Indian interference in it's affairs.

The letter strongly condemns Pakistan stating that the Jadhav case was merely devised by Pakistan to endanger the Indian economic and geopolitically startegic projects, such as the development of the Chabahar port, building an economic corridor to Afghanistan and other central Asian countries.

The letter says that Pakistan is using the fabricated tale around Jadhav as a "justification to sponsor its religious proxy terrorism against India and brutally silence the unheard voices of the oppressed historic nations chained in its forced federation," as per ANI.

With strenuous relations between the two countries, what seems to be coming to the fore is India's animosity with Pakistan. ANI further reported that Pakistan had tried hard to decrease India's political and economical influence around the western South Asia and Central Asian region.
Resutls to the Maharashtra Common Entrance Test (MH-CET), an examination meant for engineering and pharmacy courses, were declared on Saturday, and students who appeared for the test were able to check their grades on the official website, mhtcet2017.dtemaharashtra.gov.in.

Due to heavy traffic, however, the site was down for large parts of the day, and many students were unable to check their results.

According to a report on Hindustan Times, the results were disappointing to a large number of students, many of whom didn't fare as expected. The report said less than one percent of students could score 75 percent marks or more in the test, which was out of a maximum of 200 marks. Fewer than 9 percent students could even manage 100 marks or more, it said.

This was attributed to tougher and longer question papers this time. Gopakumaran Thampi, principal of Thadomal Shahani Engineering College (TSEC), said, "Poor results don't mean that students have fared poorly. It simply means that the paper was tougher than previous years."

However, he was quoted as saying that this wouldn't have a bearing on the eventual outcome or on admissions to engineering and pharmacy degrees, but will lower cut-offs in colleges. "The admissions are based on the relative merit of students. Besides, the number of seats in engineering colleges far exceeds the number of aspirants. There won't be much competition for seats other than in few popular colleges," he said.
Jammu: There can be no compromise on matters related to the security of the country and the appropriate is being done across the border as well as within, Union Minister Jitendra Singh said on Sunday.

The minister of state in the Prime Minister's Office (PMO) said the intent of the Modi government was clear as well as consistent.

"I would say that there can be no compromise as far as safeguarding the country's security is concerned. As far as the professional approach of the security agencies, be it military or paramilitary forces, you must have realised that for the past few days, appropriate is being done across the border as well as within the borders," Singh told reporters at a function here.

He was replying to questions about the repeated instances of ceasefire violations by Pakistan and the NIA's crackdown on separatists and people involved in funding terror.

"I think it is now the will of the 125 crore people of this country as well as the people of J&K, particularly Kashmiris, that this bluff is called off," he said.

He said the youth of Kashmir have seen the way in which India is moving ahead on a fast track under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and they don't want to be denied opportunities, he said.

It is the will of the common people of Kashmir that this wheel of fear, which is meant to keep them deprived of the opportunities, is stopped, he said.

Singh said that whether it is civil services exam or recruitment for military and paramilitary forces, the youth does not wish to be held back.

It is only the vested interests of a few, who are out to carry forward their agenda and (have) created this kind of mayhem, he said.

On a question about remarks by some opposition leaders about Kashmir being disputed, he said that as far as BJP and the Centre is concerned, if at all there is any issue, it is about retrieving the part of the state which continues to be under illegal occupation of Pakistan even after 70 years of Independence as well as Gilgit-Baltistan.

Asked about a map released by the Congress in which Jammu and Kashmir was labelled as "Indian occupied Kashmir", he said "It should be an eye opener for the political class of India. There are certain issues on which the bottom line has to be drawn. There can be no compromise on political belief."
Prime Minister Narendra Modi has just returned from his four-nation visit to Europe: Germany, Spain, Russia and France. Strictly speaking, Russia is a country belonging to Eurasia, as bulk of its territory lies in Asia. And Indias relations with Russia have been unique in more ways than one.

Germany is the most successful economy in Europe today and it is but natural that economic dimensions dominate the Delhi-Berlin ties. The prime ministers visit to Spain underlined the potential of Spanish expertise in the fields of renewable energy, high-speed rail, infrastructure, tunneling, air space management and waste water management in Make in India, Smart Cities Mission, Digital India, Swachh Bharat, Start Up India, Skill India and other initiatives.

However, a special look at Modis visit to France is in order. Because, France, like Russia, has been a special friend of India. In fact, it has been a friend even during rough times. Therefore, the visit should be seen beyond the common resolve to fight terrorism and withstand climate change by protecting earth and its natural resources as per the Paris Agreement, to which almost the major countries are committed, save the United States under the Trump administration.

This is Modi's third visit to France in the last three years. In 2015, France was the first European country that Modi visited as prime minister. Last year, he was in Paris to attend the UN climate change conference. And this time, it was perhaps necessitated by his desire to meet the newly-elected French president Emmanuel Macron so that the ever-improving bilateral ties under his predecessors, including Francoise Hollande, remained on track.

All told, Macron, whose jump into the race for president was sudden and unexpected, had hardly revealed where he stood on foreign policy during the campaign  which in a way, was the case with Modi during the 2014 election  he focused mainly on domestic matters. Macron's foreign policy vision dealt with only his commitments to the European Union (EU) and NATO. And the only country he mentioned outside the EU was Russia, where he was critical of its alleged interference in the US presidential election.

However, French experts like Jean Luc Racine, senior CNRS fellow at the Centre for South Asian Studies (EHESS) in Paris and Francoise Godement, director of the Asia Programme at the European Council on Foreign Relations, suggest that French policy towards India under Macron will continue to be on upswing.

Their reason? Jean-Yves Le Drian, defence minister under former president Francoise Hollande, who was key to furthering Frances strategic partnerships across Asia in general and India in particular, has joined Macron's camp. In fact, Godement has noted that with Macron being a liberal on immigration and given his focus on innovation and education, it would help Indian students who want to seek higher education in France, especially at a time when things are becoming more difficult for aspirants in countries such as the United States, Britain and Australia.

Bilateral ties between India and France have grown steadily: From 5.13 billion in 2006 to 8.5 billion in 2015. France is the ninth largest foreign investor in India. Today, more than 1,000 French companies across a wide range of sectors in India and employ around 3 lakh people. Around 75 Indian companies operate in France, employing around 7,000 people.

According to French Directorate-General of the Treasury (DGT), France recorded its lowest trade deficit with India for the first nine months of 2016, which was -837 million versus -2.2 billion in 2015. French exports amounted to 3.2 billion in 2015 and imports from India increased to 5.4 billion, thereby reducing our trade deficit by 12.7%.

In 1998, France was also the first country with which India established a strategic partnership, which has since been accorded to more than 30 countries. This special relationship has always centered around three crucial areas: Nuclear, space and defence. Following Indias peaceful nuclear explosion in 1974, the United States and Canada terminated their nuclear engagements with India, but France supplied us with fuel for the Tarapur nuclear plant. Similarly, when the United States and others imposed sanctions on India after the nuclear tests in May 1998, France proved the exception. In fact, the then French president Jacques Chirac publicly supported New Delhi and opposed US sanctions.

Soon after the India-specific waiver was granted by the Nuclear Suppliers Group (NSG) in September 2008 to engage in civil nuclear trade, France was the first country to sign a civil nuclear agreement with India, even before the US Senate had approved the India-US nuclear agreement.

When the NSG later declared that it would not supply enrichment and reprocessing technology to countries that were non-signatories to the Non-Proliferation Treaty, France declared that its bilateral nuclear cooperation with India would not be affected. Although the US played the most important role in granting India the NSG waiver, it was the French companies that outdid their American counterparts when entering Indias nuclear market.

France has decided to construct six EPR (nuclear reactors) of 1,600 MW each in India. Equally important, cooperation between the regulatory agencies in both countries, the French ASN and the Indian Atomic Energy Regulatory Board, have been stepped up. Scientists from both countries are working together at Kalpakkam, Tamil Nadu and sharing knowledge of a new prototype. Another area of cooperation has been the International Thermonuclear Experimental Reactor (ITER) at Cadarache, France where a team of Indian scientists have been since 2007.

India-French cooperation in space technology has not been publicised the way it should have been. It began nearly 60 years ago, when France provided India the technology to start producing the Centaure sounding rockets domestically. The first Indian Satellite Telecommunication Experimental Project (STEP) was undertaken during the 1970s by using the French satellite Symphonie; it was followed by Ariane launching the Ariane Passenger Payload Experiment (APPLE).

In fact, Arianespace was the preferred agency for launching large Indian satellites, particularly the INSAT and GSAT series. And now that India has developed its independent launch capabilities, French organizations like EADS Astrium and Indian commercial arm Antrix have found it mutually beneficial to work to market Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle capabilities together in the West.

Though defence cooperation between the two countries goes back to 1950s and 60s  in the 50s France had provided 104 Ouragan aircraft to the Indian Air Force, rechristened toofani by India  the decision to embark on a strategic partnership in 1998 led to the establishment of a High Committee on Defence Cooperation. This forum promotes political dialogue and high-level military consultations between officials, cooperation between armed forces through exchanges and joint exercises, and long-term partnerships between Indian and French entities in the field of armaments industry.

France was the first country with which India conducted a joint naval exercise called 'Varun' after the 1998 nuclear tests; our two countries have continued to hold this exercise over the years. Similarly, the IAFs first bilateral exercise in 2003 with a foreign counterpart, 'Garuda I', was once again with the French Air Force.

Frances steadfastness as a military ally contrasts strongly with that of the United States, which has not been the most reliable supplier of military items and technologies. It vetoed or slowed components for the Light Combat Aircraft that India is developing and imposed an arms embargo on India following the 1998 nuclear tests.

There are similar apprehensions about Germany's reliability as a partner, as under German law, delivery of weapons and spare parts are prohibited to a country at war. All this explains why India is not only procuring the Rafale fighter aircraft from France, but is also going ahead with three other defence projects with France: Rs 50,000-crore for six Scorpene submarines, nearly Rs 15,000-crore upgrade for 51 Mirage-2000s and about Rs 10,000-crore acquisition of 490 MICA missile systems.

There is what is called the middle powers congruence between New Delhi and Paris as both India and France have valued their respective strategic autonomy. France has never been a blind supporter of the United States, even though it is a member of the US-led NATO.

Modis latest visit to France has strengthened this congruence further, which, indeed, is more important than what the limited headlines on terrorism and climate deal might suggest.
NIA sleuths carried out a raid at the residence of a homeopathic doctor in Srinagar's Nowgam area on Saturday. And though police records don't mention the doctor as being in close proximity with Kashmir's separatist leaders, he is now one of the key suspects and is being investigated for working as a conduit to provide money to Hurriyat leaders in the Valley.

The NIA, which carried out raids at 26 locations in Kashmir, is probing links between Hurriyat leaders and businessmen carrying out trade across the Line of Control (LoC) between two parts of Kashmir, some traders and even hoteliers.

NIA's investigations into the funding of the pro-freedom leaders in Kashmir started in December last year, after its teams seized records of those involved in cross-LoC trade, between areas administered by India and by Pakistan, through the Srinagar-Muzafabard and Poonch-Rawalkaote roads. The NIA seized records of the trade transactions which have been made since its beginning in 2008 and the investigations are currently ongoing.

NIA's investigation is focusing on transportation of goods of other countries  including the US  which are ferried unauthorised across the LoC, since only goods produced in India and Pakistan can be traded here. Alok Mittal, inspector general of NIA, said they have carried out raids at 26 locations in the Valley and investigation is on. "We have not disclosed names of the businessmen who are funding the separatists, but we are investigating these cases," he said.

The Hurriyat leaders on NIA's radar include Hurriyat (G) chairman Syed Ali Shah Geelani, National Front chairman Naeem Khan, JKLF leader Farooq Ahmed Dar alias Bitta Karate, Tehr-i-Ki Hurriyat leader Gazi Javed Baba, Lashkar-e-Taiba chief Hafiz Muhammed Saeed, and other Pakistan-based militant organisations that carry out subversive activities in Kashmir and damage public property, carry out stone pelting on security forces, burn schools and other government establishments.

The agency is also probing claims that large-scale transfer of funds from Pakistan to India has been taking place through the import of goods, including almonds from California, through the trade facilitation centres (TFC) located at Salamabad, Uri, and Chakkan-da-Bagh in Poonch, which is in "gross violation" of State policy of prohibition on trade in third-party origin goods through LoC channels and is used to foment militancy and pro-freedom movement in Jammu and Kashmir.

An NIA report on cross-Loc trade noted, "The central government, with regards to the gravity of the offence as well as its bearing on national security, is of the opinion that the offence involved is of raising funds for militant acts, which is punishable under Section 17 of the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act, 1967, a scheduled offence under the NIA Act, 2008. In view of this, the NIA police station in New Delhi has registered a case vide no. RC-17/2016/NIA/DLI dated 16 December, 2016, against commission of offences under Section 17 of the Unlawful Activities Prevention Act, 1967. The investigation teams have conducted searches and seized several incriminating documents, at several places connected with the crime, in the state of Jammu and Kashmir, since the registration of the case."

Custodian, LoC trade, Tanveer Ahmad, said that the NIA team has seized records of all traders who have taken part in trade here since the beginning. "However, it is difficult to ascertain whether some products are of a third country, like the almonds," he said.

NIA's investigations focus on transactions by businessmen as well as NGOs to find out "case of under and over invoicing" to fund pro-freedom leaders in Kashmir. According to official sources though, it's difficult to establish the hawala transactions, although any discrepancy in the official record of goods traded across the LoC as well outside India and to different parts of country are all being scrutinised as part of a wider probe by the investigating agencies.

"The NIA team would find the actual price of goods that are being traded as well as money that was received against the consignments as part of its overall investigation in the case," said an official.

Similarly, the role of some people including a doctor in being used as a conduit for providing funds to the Hurriyat leaders is being investigated, while some NGOs and their activities are also under the scanner. Houses of some lower rung Hurriyat leaders from both factions  headed by Mirwaiz Umer Farooq and Syed Ali Shah Geelani  have also been raided as part of the investigation.

However, the pro-freedom leadership has reacted sharply over the raids. JKLF chairman Yaseen Malik, Syed Ali Geelani and Mirwaiz Umar Farooq issued a joint statement in which they said that the Indian government is "frustrated to the extent" that it is "framing and arresting pro-freedom leaders and activists to silence them, so that they stop voicing sentiments of their nation".

"By doing so, the government was shielding its atrocities and barbarism against the unarmed, common people. This State-sponsored tactics won't deter us from pursuing our mission, nor will these suppressive and aggressive measures make us surrender. Indian agencies under a well-thought out plan are desperate to malign and defame our sacred movement. We warn India that these inhuman, immoral and undemocratic tactics will not deter the pro-freedom people from advocating their just cause," the statement said.
Lucknow: A village head and three others were arrested on Sunday in connection with separate incidents of violence in Saharanpur district of Uttar Pradesh last month.

The Uttar Pradesh police also announced a reward of Rs 12,000 each for information on Chandrashekhar, the founder of Dalit outfit 'Bhim Army', and two others, Manjeet and Kamal, according to Additional Superintendent of Police (Saharanpur) Prabal Pratap Singh.

Chandrashekhar is facing charges of inciting violence in Saharanpur and is evading arrest.

A police spokesman here said that the pradhan of Saharanpur's Shabbirpur village, which witnessed caste-based violence last month, was arrested for allegedly inciting members of the Dalit community against the Thakurs.

"On 5 May, a Dalit group objected to a procession by Thakurs to mark the birth anniversary of Rajput king Maharana Pratap. This resulted in violence," the spokesman said.

Shivkumar, the pradhan, was the main accused who "instigated" the mob in his village, the spokesman added.

"Village pradhan of Shabbirpur Shivkumar allegedly incited the Dalits (against the Thakurs) and also provoked them to indulge in stone pelting," he said.

In another case related to the Saharanpur violence, the police arrested three persons who had allegedly attacked a crowd and shot dead one person and injured another on 23 May after the visit of Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) chief Mayawati.

The people who had participated in Mayawati's programme were returning to their homes when they were fired upon by anti-social elements in village Chandrapur Majbatta, the spokesman said.

"Ashish and Sachin were fired upon. Ashish died on the spot. A case in this reagrd was already lodged at Badhgam police station," the spokesman said.

The arrested have been identified as Lokesh alias Lukka, Raju alias Bilas Pundir and Sonu alias Sompal.

"During interrogation, the accused said that they executed the killing along with their associates. The hunt for rest of the accused is going on," the spokesman said.

The police also booked a person for allegedly posting false and misleading messages on the social media about Shabbirpur village.
Mumbai: Nationalist Congress Party chief Sharad Pawar said that the farmers' stir took place because the Fadnavis government had "fallen asleep", dubbing the chief minister's allegation that some people wanted to create a situation of anarchy in Maharashtra, as childish.

Devendra Fadnavis had on Saturday announced the "biggest-ever" farm loan waiver amid the statewide agitation by cultivators who stalled movement of vegetables and milk over their demands.

As some sections of protesting agriculturists refused to call off the agitation, Fadnavis, without naming the Congress and NCP, alleged that "some people are trying to create anarchy in the state by using farmers".

Reacting to it, Pawar said, "None of the political parties have taken part in the strike called by farmers. The chief minister's allegations are childish. This is a strike of farmers, led by their representatives only."

"There is no point in giving a political colour to their agitation. Doing so does not suit the chief minister's post," Pawar said in Ratnagiri on Saturday evening.

He also said that, "The strike has taken place only because the government had fallen asleep."

"The chief minister has tried to create a rift between farmers to stop the strike," Pawar alleged.

Fadnavis on Saturday said that the government will waive loans of farmers with small land-holding, and 80 per cent of such farmers in Vidarbha and Marathwada will benefit from it.

Fadnavis said a committee will be formed to decide the details of the loan waiver. The committee will have representatives of farmers too.

While the chief minister agreed to grant the main demand of farmers, which was the loan waiver, it emerged on Saturday that there was no consensus among their leaders about calling off the protest, which continued in many places, blocking supply of milk and vegetables, leading to their prices soaring in cities including Mumbai.

At least 113 farmers were held during the protests across the state for resorting to violent methods like damaging public property and arson, police had said.
New Delhi: To curb charging of unreasonable fees and levying of hidden costs, the CBSE has sought data from private schools about their fee structure and increase carried out in recent years.

The move comes weeks after the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) warned private schools against turning into "shops" by selling uniform and books in their premises.

"We have told the schools that they should not charge unreasonable fees. The charges should be reasonable and there should be no hidden costs as that is the more irritating part for the parents," union HRD minister Prakash Javadekar told PTI in an interview.

He said the CBSE has sought data from schools about their fee structure and increase in fees.

"Many schools have sent it and the data is being analysed. Schools which haven't sent it, have been sent reminders and penalised," he said.

The minister, however, did not thrown light on the penalty measures for schools found guilty of overcharging and having hidden costs in their fees structure.

Overcharging by schools and increase in fees every year have been a subject of concern, often raised by the parents.

Gujarat had last month introduced Gujarat Self-Financed Schools (Regulation of Fees) Bill, 2017 to regulate the charging of exorbitant fees.

The bill empowers the Gujarat government to constitute four fee regulatory committees, one each for the state's four zones, to determine fees for admission to any standard or course of study in self-financed schools.

The fee structure proposed in the bill for primary, secondary and higher secondary schools is Rs 15,000, Rs 25,000 and Rs 27,000 per year, respectively.

Schools that wish to charge more will have to approach the regulatory committee, which will have jurisdiction over all private schools, whether affiliated to the Gujarat board, the CBSE or international boards.

The bill had also caught the interest of several states as also that of the Centre with education ministers from Uttar Pradesh and Maharashtra and Javadekar asking for copies of the bill from Gujarat education minister Bhupendrasinh Chudasama.

"There are private schools which are charging Rs 250, Rs 2,500, Rs 25,000 and Rs 2.5 lakh also. That is a choice which has to be made by the parents," Javadekar said.

"We value private investment as it contributes to the GDP, but schools should not be overcharging," he added.
New Delhi: Two helicopters of the People's Liberation Army of China hovered over Chamoli district in Uttarakhand on Saturday, triggering concern in India's security establishment about the PLA's fourth such incursion into Indian airspace since March this year.

Official sources said the choppers, which returned to the Chinese side after about five minutes, could have carried out aerial photography of Indian ground troops during what was possibly a reconnaissance mission.

The Indian Air Force (IAF) is probing the incident, an IAF source said. The choppers were identified as the Zhiba series of attack helicopters.

On previous occasions, Chinese helicopters had entered 4.5 kilometres into Indian territory, an area that China claims as its own and recognises as Wu-Je. State and army officials have been reviewing the security along the 350-kilometre border with Tibet after China's incursions into these areas, generally referred as the middle sector.

Barahoti is one of three border posts in the sector, comprising Uttar Pradesh, Himachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand, where ITBP jawans are not allowed to carry weapons and are in civilian clothes under a unilateral decision taken by the Central government in June 2000.

In 1958, India and China listed Barahoti, an 80-sq-km sloping pasture, as a disputed area where neither side would send their troops. In the 1962 India-China war, the PLA did not enter the 545-km middle sector, focusing on the Western (Ladakh) and Eastern (Arunachal Pradesh) sectors.

However, after the 1962 war, ITBP jawans patrolled the area with weapons in a non-combative manner, under which the barrel of the gun is positioned downward.

During prolonged negotiations on resolving border disputes, the Indian side had unilaterally decided in June 2000 that ITBP troops would not be carrying arms to three posts  Barahoti, Kauril and Shipki in Himachal Pradesh.

Srikanth Kondapalli, Professor in Chinese Studies at the Jawaharlal Nehru University, termed these transgression as "testing the nerves" of India and said "after violating the Line of Actual Control in the Western and Eastern sectors, Chinese troops now seem to be focusing on the middle sector. It's a cause of worry for us".

The professor said after the June 2000 informal agreement, India did abide by all conditions under the assumption that China would yield on the western or eastern sectors.

"But that didn't happen. Today the PAPF (People's Armed Paramilitary Force) and PLA are enforcing China's claims there," he said.

Kondapalli referred to regional equations giving a China a boost. He recalled that Nepal and India had differences on the source of the Mahakali river and in the background of China's forays in Nepal as well as the latter joining the China-led One Belt One Road (OBOR) project, and said, "There have been some moves by the PLA to test us".

He said there had also been "a concerted effort" by the PLA "to test India" against the backdrop of the China Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), a collection of infrastructure projects.

"So the latest intrusion is to test our nerves," he said. He even said China could deploy Unmanned Aerial Vehicles in this region in "large numbers" to monitor Indian territory.

"So the helicopter incident is a precursor," he said. "A recce mission?" Security officials here felt that ahead of its transgression in the Barahoti area, the PLA could have conducted a reconnaissance mission using high class aircraft with Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR), which provides broad-area imaging at high resolutions.

The officials said the PLA's 'TupolovTu 153M' aircraft had carried out two or three reconnaissance missions last year in the middle sector. They said there was a possibility that the same aircraft, designed by Chinese companies on the basis of technology obtained from the former Soviet Union, could have been used this year, too.

The aircraft flies at an altitude of above 40,000 feet and can go up to 60,000 feet to avoid detection by radars and can take photographs and cyber and communication signatures from that height.

SAR enables the taking of high-resolution pictures even in inclement weather or in the dark.
Union minister Uma Bharti on Sunday said it will take 10 years to completely clean the Ganga, and that it would be done in a phased manner.

"In order to ensure clean Ganga, the industrial units which are located on the banks of Ganga will be shifted to other places. The framework of this plan has been drawn.

The Uttar Pradesh government is making efforts to shift the tanneries located in Kanpur to other places," said Bharti, Minister for Water Resources, River Development and Ganga Rejuvenation, who was here to participate in Ganga Dashera celebrations.

She also said once the Ganga is cleaned, mass awareness will be needed to maintain its cleanliness, for which she will herself undertake a padyatra from Gangotri to Ganga Sagar.

On 31 May, Bharti had said that a central team will visit Bihar as well as Farakka Barrage in West Bengal soon to assess the situation of silting in river Ganga.

Stressing that the central government is serious about the silting in river Ganga, Bharti said that Bihar chief minister Nitish Kumar raised the issue during his meeting with Prime Minister Narendra Modi in Delhi in May.

With inputs from agencies
New Delhi: 'No excuse for sexual abuse' is the stern warning of the Union home ministry to paramilitary personnel serving in United Nations (UN) peace keeping missions in perhaps its first such order on the serious issue to the central forces.

The ministry's direction, which even warned of dismissal and imprisonment for any sexual misconduct, came following an advisory of the United Nations in the wake of reports that some UN peacekeepers allegedly ran a child sex ring in Haiti over a 10-year period and none were ever jailed.

According to officials, no incident has been reported anywhere about involvement of Indian paramilitary personnel in any sexual abuse case during UN peacekeeping duties.

However, as a "precautionary measure", the ministry decided to direct the chiefs of CRPF, BSF, CISF and ITBP to ensure that each of the personnel working under the UN flag abroad carry a 'No Excuse' pocket card, issued by the global body against sexual exploitation and abuse for the personnel deployed in UN missions.

"At all times we must treat the local population with respect and dignity. Sexual exploitation and abuse is unacceptable behaviour and prohibited conduct for all UN and affiliated personnel," the pocket card says.

Sexual exploitation and abuse threatens the lives of people that UN is to serve and protect, and sexual exploitation and abuse undermines discipline and damages the reputation of the UN, it says.

There are around 6,000 paramilitary personnel belonging to Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF), Border Security Force (BSF), Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) and India Tibetan Border Police (ITBP) deployed in different UN peace keeping duties in Liberia, Haiti and Congo.

They are deployed on rotational basis for a period of one year.

"So far, no incident has been reported anywhere about involvement of Indian paramilitary personnel in a sexual abuse case. But the pocket card was issued following an advisory of the United Nations as a precautionary measure," a home ministry official said,

A UN report released in March this year has said action against one such allegation against an army soldier related to 2013 is pending with India.

A 2015 report of the global body had reportedly said that the Indian contingent  among the largest in UN Missions  has the least number of sexual misconduct cases. The Indian Army had punished two of its soldiers for sexual misconduct during UN missions in two African countries in 2010-2013.

The 'No Excuse' card is expected to be carried at all times by all deployed UN civilian, police and military personnel. Commanding officers in the field missions will periodically verify that all personnel have these cards in their possession.

"It is strictly prohibited to have sex with anyone in exchange for money, employment, preferential treatment, goods or services, whether or not prostitution is legal in the host country.

"It is strictly prohibited to have any sexual activity with anyone under the age of 18 years regardless of the age of majority or age of consent locally. It is strictly prohibited to engage in any other form of sexually humiliating, degrading or exploitative behaviour," the pocket card says.

'Silence is no excuse' is another key message to the security personnel.

"If you have knowledge of sexual exploitation and abuse, you must report it to the commander or manager of your unit or the mission conduct and discipline team," it says.

The paramilitary personnel have been told that involvement of any act of sexual exploitation and abuse will be investigated and prosecuted if warranted.

"Any proven act of sexual exploitation and abuse by others will result in measures that can include but are not limited to suspension, immediate repatriation, dismissal, imprisonment and a ban from future UN employment," according to the government order.

The paramilitary personnel have also been told that all victims of sexual exploitation and abuse are entitled to safe and confidential assistance.

If the victim is a child, special considerations for the protection and support to the child are needed.

The victim has to be treated with respect and dignity, and directed or assisted for support to the nearest UN office, the conduct and discipline team or Protection from Sexual Exploitation and Abuse (PSEA) focal point.
Nagercoil: Union Minister Pon Radhakrishnan on Sunday slammed the Diamond Jubilee celebrations to mark DMK leader M Karunanidhi's entry into politics as an attempt to take Tamil Nadu backwards by 50 years.

"The efforts of the Dravidian parties to push the state backwards will not succeed. The diamond jubilee celebrations are being organised by political parties who have been sidelined and boycotted by the people."

"It is not diamond jubilee celebrations... but celebrations of old people who are defeated because people boycotted them. It is an attempt to take the state back by 50 years" he said.

Radhakrishnan was speaking to reporters after inspecting various development projects being implemented in Nagercoil with the central government aid.

On Saturday, a galaxy of opposition leaders had descended to Chennai to attend Karunanidhi's 94th birthday celebrations and the diamond jubilee of his legislative career, amid efforts to forge a broad-based alliance ahead of the presidential poll.

Top non-NDA leaders, including Congress vice president Rahul Gandhi, Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar, Puducherry Chief Minister V Narayanasamy, TMC leader Derek O'Brien, CPI(M) General Secretary Sitaram Yechury, former J&K Chief Minister Omar Abdullah and CPI national secretary D Raja were present.
Hyderabad: Slamming the Congress for incorrectly labelling Jammu and Kashmir as "India occupied Kashmir" in its booklet, Union minister M Venkaiah Naidu on Sunday said people would never forgive the party for such a mindset.

In a major gaffe, the Congress on Saturday released a booklet with an incorrect map of the country.

Page 12 of the 16-page booklet titled 'Rashtriya Suraksha par Aanch', which was distributed by the Congress, showed the entire state labelled as "Indian Occupied Kashmir" in the context of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC).

The incident occurred during a conference of the opposition party in Lucknow to highlight the shortcomings of the Narendra Modi government during its three years of rule.

"While the people of the country were celebrating three years of a new India in the making, the Congress party came out with an official publication that described India as having occupied Kashmir and thereby conceding Kashmir to Pakistan," Naidu told reporters in Hyderabad.

He noted that the Congress had recently asked the central government to come out with a final solution over Kashmir.

"Perhaps, the final solution they have in mind is that let Kashmir be given to Pakistan so that we all live in peace. This mindset has been reflected in their official booklet released in Lucknow on Saturday," the information and broadcasting minister said.

"Is it for this that hundreds of our brave soldiers have given up their lives over the years defending our sovereignty and territorial integrity?" he asked.

"People can never forgive the Congress for this mindset which is now a part of their official publication," the senior BJP leader said.
Scroll through Facebook or Instagram on any given day, and a post by Humans of New York is bound to be on your feed. The raw, emotional and personal nature of stories brought to the fore by founder Brandon Stanton urges social media users to widely share and comment on the posts of this page. Whether the story is a sad or happy one, it manages to connect a chord with millions of people. The success of Humans of New York (HONY) has prompted the birth of other pages in cities across the world, such as Mumbai, Berlin, Prague and Sydney.

But another consequence is the rise of pages that parody HONY and its style. From poking fun at millenials (Millenials of New York) and their ways of thinking, to imbibing inanimate objects with humourous life stories (Non Humans of Bombay), these pages use the same technique of combining photographs with personal quotes, albeit for satire. In this conversation, three such pages speak to Firstpost about what makes HONY click and why they decided to parody it.

Goats of Bangladesh is dedicated to the cause of giving a fictional voice to goats who express their emotions about various subjects. The page began when founder Sadman Sakib Rahman decided to take pictures of goats on Eid-Ul-Azha. "He noticed that the facial expressions of these animals were quite human-like. Then, he decided to start posting photos with stories he made up about the goats, and afterwards, we carried on making them," explains Kadin Ehsan Imdad, one of the admins of the page. The other admins are Sadman Sakib Rahman and Ehtesham Haider; all of them are between the ages of 19 and 20.

The admins either look at a certain picture of a goat and a quote pops into their head, or they think of something clever a goat would say and then find a picture to go with it. "Just like every human has a story, every goat has one too. Our posts put life and meaning into a goat with some lines that we made up to go with the picture. Sometimes, it almost seems like the goat is actually thinking that, and would say it if it could speak to us," Kadin says.

They define their style as being light-hearted and funny, with the occasional deep sentiment or philosophical meditation. They say that they like to keep things happy, because their followers think of their page as a positive, uplifting space. "We also address the hypocrisy of people and the overall situation of the world. Sometimes, we all wish we could do it like the goats do," Kadin laments. If they find it necessary, they also comment on current affairs and politics. "However, we try to be very careful, because, of course, it isn't a safe thing to delve into," he adds.

The admin of Humans of Hindutva always wanted to create a page that satirised current affairs. One day, when he came home after having an argument with a nationalist friend, something forced him to act on the idea instead of sitting on it. As its name suggests, it is a satirical take on people who believe in the Hindutva ideology. Also featured in the posts are right-wing politicians and celebrities. "I went with the name because, despite being a Hindu, Im disgusted with the saffron brigade and the way they are trying to spread their regressive ideas through communal and religious propaganda," he explains.

The says that the photo-and-text combo in HONY was quite earnest and it worked for Brandon Stanton, but he aims to turn that earnestness on its head. "With HONY, your instinct is to trust the content because youve been told that it is based on real people. At HOH, your instinct should be to not trust anything because its a parody (and a bad one at that). And yet, people fall for my most over-the-top posts," says the admin.

He says that if a certain subject in the newspapers lends itself to humour or if it is too important to ignore, he addresses it in a post. He creates the posts in his free time and spends roughly five to ten minutes on each; this is why he finds it funny when trolls and haters ask him to "Get a life."

HoH was started not to sermonise, but so that the admin could make himself laugh. "If some of the posts seem in poor taste, then its because the retrograde ideas that those posts ridicule are in poor taste to begin with. Besides, if youre more offended with an obvious joke on casteism than you are with actual casteism, then you need to set your priorities straight," he asserts.

Jeremy Kaplowitz has been a stand-up comedian for about five years, and he always found the Lizard People Conspiracy Theory (the belief that people who are successful or in positions of power are actually reptiles who wish to enslave humans) hilarious. He made the Lizard People of New York page three years ago to make his friends in comedy laugh; the page kept growing, and he continued making posts.

Lizard People of New York takes pictures from the Humans of New York page and uses dark and silly absurdism to create satiricial stories around the people featured in the posts. He also jokes about celebrities who are in the news or that he finds interesting. He adds that sometimes, he does make a point about society or politics, but that is always second to the main objective, which is to make people laugh.

The admins of all three parody pages praise HONY and laud Stanton for his effort. HoH says that it allows us to momentarily step into the shoes of strangers and hear their stories, which are often poignant. Still HoH does not trust everything posted by it. "Its good at what it does, but some of the stories seem too well articulated to be coming out of a strangers mouth," Kapowitz says that the project could be a little more self-aware.

"It has made the concept of personal histories more popular and this was definitely required in an increasingly digital society where we are looking past each other more than ever before," HoH says. Kadin echoes this sentiment, and says that this story-telling style is successful because it allows readers to look at a person, read their stories and feel differently about them after knowing what they have to say. "Personal stories have always been popular and will always be popular because we all want to share a piece of ourselves and connect with others based on that," opines Jeremy.



Because these pages make use of satire and comedy, they find themselves at the receiving end of hate and trolls. "Trolls are perhaps the best thing about starting a parody page," says the admin of Humans of Hindutva, who was recently blocked from posting for three days by Facebook. He says that initially, he would engage with each commenter, which was manageable. But now that the number of people responding to his posts runs in thousands, he put his hands up. He makes it a point to delete those comments which are racially abuse or personal attacks. Several people have accused him of being on the opposition's payroll, and he has also received death threats.

Goats of Bangladesh has a slightly different response to the problem of trolls. On rare occasions, some people do take offence to their posts. "A few times, we chose to remove those posts to avoid confrontation all the same. We don't like to keep a popular post with controversy. Trolls are all around our page, and there comes a point you just gotta take the hit. After all, they're the ones getting heated over a page about goats," Kadin says.
It has been a 20 year wait. For all her non-fiction that was supposed to slalom to a winding, screeching halt for her second coming as a novelist, the nostalgia of her first book was never going to be far behind.

Arundhati Roy is a pertinently timely writer, in that her first novel appeared 50 years on from independence and her second comes 20 years after that. And in between the two, we have filled gaps with her essays, her politics, her activism, her unabashed anti-establishment stance and the odd journalistic caper to meet an Edward Snowden.

Has the quotidian person-activist in Roy already surpassed the pedigree we are about to assign to her as a storyteller?

Whatever the answer to that, it is worth reminding ourselves, even to the most ardent of her fans, that she has been telling stories, real ones, and presciently more important ones at that, during her absence from fiction. Her return to spinning the mighty old yarn would thus predictably feel the weight of two decades of longing for a second hurrah. The Ministry of Utmost Happiness, reels, often buckles under the spectre of having thwarted time in its wake, but just about manages to keep it together. As Thomas Harris wrote in The Silence of the Lambs: All good things to those who wait.

The Ministry of Utmost Happiness isnt about the good things at all. It is, as is always the case with Roy (but we have just the one book to compare it to) about the little things. Only this time, these things are considered in the shadow of Indias poignant history, the deep-rooted political fibre, the glut of religion and caste and so much more.

We are first introduced to the world of Anjum, a woman inside a mans body, who grows up to be a Hijra and eventually sets up Jannat, a guest house in a graveyard for the worlds oddities. We meet characters who have similarly fractured stories, and we jump between timelines as Roy always has. Only this time it is braver, some would say, even sinister considering that the reader only just starts caring about some of these people.

By the middle of the book we have been jettisoned into Kashmir tailing the story of Tilotamma that Roy, eclectically describes as having the insouciant secretiveness of a pyromaniac. As a love story rears its head in Kashmir, Roys politics wages its own war of credence, and contemplates through her prose, the realities of Kashmirs struggle for freedom. Some of her best writing appears here. Tilotamma is (perhaps like Roy herself) a bit of an enigma, a footloose soldier of conscience and conviction. Her story, for the sake of the novel, eventually merges with that of Anjum and Jannat guest house.

Roys novel isnt a story about protagonists in any one way. It is a story of fragments. More than three dozen characters appear, are shown in the light of their own memories before they fade away. What gives, is a narrative besotted with problems of non-linearity. Now Roy hasnt been known to care for any of those things, but here the jumps at times seem too abrupt, too rushed, even unnecessary. There are detailed scenes and events that though well written, are bafflingly of little use to the narrative, or whatever can be sutured together of it. Then there is the political armband that almost every character wears as an eye into an industry of history rather than history itself.

From the Emergency, to the Sikh riots of '84, through 9/11 and the Gujarat riots, to the rise of Arvind Kejriwal, almost nothing has been confined to the textbooks, as Roy seems intent on telling the wood of history rather than only telling the glass of human it has left cracked. This feels like a book written for the international reader. Reading it from the vein of familiarity, all too swollen from having experienced or learned these events through one form or another will make this voice-over of sorts feel redundant, at times even obtrusive. And hence, it wouldnt be surprising to see Roys experiment garner more praise outside India than it does within India, for it doesnt uptick a brow that hasnt already been raised reading the papers through the last four decades, and neither does it pierce you with the poetic internal despair of the first.

Most of Roys poetic fervour is sacrificed in turn for journalistically telling timelines. And there are many. Perhaps, that is the most disheartening of things about the book. The loss of that ponderous voice, a verse so poetically enfeebling of the politics around it, you could be forgiven for thinking if there were a politics to love and loss at all. She does, however, carry over some of her signature narrative techniques from the first book. And with it, in places, that burst of easy, slight, yet powerful and wondrous prose, woven through the mortality of the little things it considers, like:

It was the only place in his world where he felt the air made way for him. When he arrived, it seemed to shift, to slide over, like a school friend making room for him on a classroom bench.

or

Old secrets were folded into the furrows of her loose, parchment skin. Each wrinkle was a street, each street a carnival.

Or a sense of tragicomedy in:

Young reporters, who spread across the city like a rash, asking urgent, empty questions; they asked the poor what it was like to be poor, the hungry what it was like to be hungry, the homeless what it was like to be homeless.

It would be very easy to reject the novel as bourgeois, even a spiteful attempt at authorising through fiction a disruptive history of India. It meanders in so many places, its lens alights on so many hearts, it is compelling to give up and stop caring about any of the characters. But is that the point? That for their tattered and scattered lives, despite the bed of irony, even in a novel, there is a bankruptcy of investment in their dreams? Is Roy trying to get us to read beyond the politics by repeatedly ushering it in? It would be rather easier to reject her second novel, than to love it. It could be easily mocked or called something like The Lonely Planets Guide to Indias Injustices Through some of its People. But how else do you tell these stories, these stories that exist simultaneously? Maybe Roy has simply given in to the expectation of writing 20 years on, THE novel, and not a novel, that is all too easy to expect of her.

The Ministry of Utmost Happiness may not be the novel we want, but it certainly is one that we deserve. In a line in the first few pages of the book Roy mentions the words Hijra and Kinner as being two identifiers in India. But two words do not make a language, she writes. But perhaps, two novels do. Perhaps Roy has.
Thiruvananthapuram: Hitting out at the opposition parties for their criticism on the performance of the three-year old NDA government at the Centre, BJP chief Amit Shah claimed that "achhe din" had indeed arrived for the poor people of the country.

Addressing a meeting of special invitees, Shah, who is on a three-day visit to Kerala as a part of his 95-day countrywide tour ahead of the 2019 Lok Sabha polls, said the poor, who did not even have the basic facilities, benefited from the 106 schemes of the Centre.

"Achhe din has come for those families," he added. "My answer to those who ask where is the achhe din, it is there in the houses of those who have received gas, power connections, toilets and opened bank accounts under the Jan Dhan Yojana," he said.

In contrast to the previous "corruption-ridden" Congress-led UPA government, the NDA, led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, completed three years without any corruption charges, he claimed.

The Modi government had unveiled a "new development model" for the country which would benefit all the sections of the society, added Shah.

He said the army's surgical strikes, following the Uri terror attack in Jammu and Kashmir last year, became possible due to the "strong political decision" taken by the prime minister, which was "lacking" during the previous regime, even though several terrorist attacks had taken place.

He also rubbished the allegations that economic growth in the country had slowed down, and claimed that in the last three years, GDP had touched 7.1 percent from 4.4 percent, adding that the "main objective of the BJP is to transform the country into a strong economic power".

Shah said the Centre had sanctioned development projects worth Rs 1.5 lakh crore for Kerala. The National Democratic Alliance (NDA) had also succeeded in putting an end to "family rule, casteism and politics of appeasement", he claimed. "You (people of Kerala) are electing either the LDF or the UDF in the state. But the rule of Communists has come to an end the world over and likewise, the Congress has also lost its mass base," he said, adding that hence, the BJP should be given a chance in the state.

Shah addressed a series of meetings of state office-bearers, district presidents and morcha in-charges of the saffron party on Saturday. He asked those at the meetings to reach out to the minority communities and Dalits in the state.

Soon after arriving, he garlanded the statue of social reformer Ayyankali, who had fought for the rights of the oppressed in Kerala and played a vital role in cleansing the social evils in the society. "His (Ayyankali's) mammoth efforts to eradicate the caste apartheid through innovation and resistance inspire us even today," he later wrote on Twitter.

Shah also met the heads of the Syro Malankara Catholic church and the Latin church in Kerala. Cardinal Baselious Cleemis, Major Archbishop of the Syro Malankara Catholic church, and Archbishop Soosa Pakiam, the head of the Latin Catholic church and President of the Kerala Catholic Bishops Conference (KCBC), met the BJP chief.

The meeting was held at the Major Archbishop's house in the evening. At Kochi on Friday, Shah had held talks with church leaders led by Syro Malabar church head Cardinal Mar George Alencherry.
Thiruvananthapuram: BJP president Amit Shah on Sunday wound up his three-day Kerala visit with a call to the party workers to strive hard to "utilise the space" in the southern state's political arena, saying there was "enough potential" for the saffron party's growth there.

Addressing a series of meetings of BJP workers and office-bearers, he said there was enough potential for the party's growth in the state, which was being ruled by the CPM-led Left Democratic Front (LDF) and the Congress-led United Democratic Front (UDF) alternately.

The BJP chief exhorted the workers to ensure an increase in the vote share of the party in Kerala from the present 15 percent to a "minimum of 40 percent", which, he said was "essential" for a poll victory in a three-cornered contest.

He also called for "professionalism" within the party.

Earlier, Shah laid the foundation stone of the new BJP office here and described it as an "equal to the foundation stone for the formation of a BJP-led government in Kerala".

He also ate breakfast at the house of a grassroot-level BJP worker.

In a bid to reach out to the members of the Christian community in Kerala, Shah had met the heads of the Syro Malankara, Syro Malabar and Latin Catholic churches and discussed the issues being faced by them, especially the members of the fishermen community.

Shah's Kerala visit had coincided with the Centre's notification banning the sale and purchase of cattle at the animal markets for the purpose of slaughter.

Kerala, where non-vegetarians account for over 90 percent of the population, had expressed concern over the notification, with Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan terming it as an "infringement on the states' rights".

The contentious issue, however, did not come up during Shah's meeting with the church heads.

The church heads expressed their concern about the Gadgil Committee Report on the preservation of the Western Ghats. The BJP chief assured them that another committee was looking into it.

Stating that certain people had earlier claimed that several of the Centre's initiatives, including demonetisation, were blunders, but were later proved wrong, Shah told the party workers, "No one should think that the notification on cattle trade is a blunder either."

Urging them to work 24x7, he said the party had all the potential in Kerala to defeat both the LDF and the UDF and emerge victorious.

The BJP chief also asked the party workers to take the achievements of the Narendra Modi government to the grassroot-level.

Alleging that the previous Congress-led UPA regime was "corruption-ridden", he claimed that the opponents of the BJP could not level "a single corruption charge" against the NDA government.

"We have provided a transparent, decisive and humane government," he said.

Shah claimed that the Army's surgical strikes in 2016 had given the country "an aura of a strong nation" and expressed confidence that the Jammu and Kashmir issue would be resolved very soon.

He brushed aside the criticism on demonetisation and claimed that tax collection had gone up by 18 percent after the note ban, while 99 lakh new PAN cards had also been issued.

The Centre was set to provide electricity connections to all the villages in the country by March 2018 and no discrimination was being shown to the states ruled by the non-BJP parties, Shah claimed, adding that Kerala would receive Rs 98,912 crore as per the recommendations of the 14th Finance Commission.

The state had received Rs 33,368 crore as per the recommendations of the 13th Finance Commission as its share from central taxes.

According to BJP sources, "no serious discussions" were held on bringing the erstwhile UDF partner, Kerala Congress (M), a regional party led by former state finance minister K M Mani, into the NDA fold during Shah's visit.

The BJP chief also described his party's relations with the Bharat Dharma Jana Sena, a political party formed by the Sree Narayana Dharma Paripalana Yogam, as "very good" and asserted that there was no misunderstanding between the two.

He also met a group of Hindu saints and held discussions with them.

Meanwhile, the ruling CPM and opposition Congress in Kerala hit out at the saffron party and said Shah's "game plan" would not work in the southern state.

CPM state secretary Kodiyeri Balakrishnan alleged that the BJP wanted to "turn Kerala into Gujarat".

"The BJP's strategy will not work," he told reporters in Delhi.

Shah is likely to pay a visit to the state in October again in connection with party matters.
Green Party looks to build political sway beyond British ColumbiaGreen Party looks to build political sway beyond British Columbia1 hour agoTHE CANADIAN PRESSGreen Party Leader Elizabeth May makes an announcement at the National Press Theatre, in Ottawa, on Aug. 22, 2016.Justin Tang/THE CANADIAN PRESSThe surprise role of power-broker played by British Columbia's Green Party in the provincial election, which has pushed the party up in national polls, has seen an increase in people looking to run as candidates against Justin Trudeau's Liberals, the federal Green leader said.Greens in the Pacific Coast province, with just three seats in the knife-edge May 9 election, joined forces with the New Democrat Party (NDP) on May 29 to unseat the incumbent Liberals who had been in power for 16 years.The Greens were wooed by both sides for two heady weeks before pitching their lot with the NDP, which agreed to take up issues they have in common in return for the support.Story continues below advertisementThe Greens' ability to govern alongside the left-leaning New Democrats will serve as a litmus test for other provincial and federal parties ahead of next year's election in Ontario, Canada's most populous province, and a national election in 2019.The party says it has long suffered from would-be supporters voting for parties they see as more likely to hold power."We've been fighting for years against the notion that a Green vote is a wasted vote," federal Green Party leader Elizabeth May, the only Green member of Parliament, told Reuters."(Now) citizens across Canada get used to the idea that electing Greens actually helps you get better government."
3 June has always been an important day for the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) cadre in Tamil Nadu and journalists in Chennai. It is the birthday of DMK chief M Karunanidhi, a day when all roads irrespective of whether he is in power or out of it, lead to his Gopalpuram residence. And for journalists, it has always been a calendar event to report on. On occasions when the DMK family tree was in turmoil, who was in attendance and who was not and the body language of the political honchos gave an indication of their standing in the party and in Karunanidhi's durbar.

This year was no different despite MK Stalin's request to party workers not to flock to Chennai. However, there were many a differences to mark, this year. Karunanidhi is not in the best of health and his semi-retired state has brought the curtains down on the Jayalalithaa-Karunanidhi political rivalry that was characterised by spite and rancour for the better part of the last three decades.

Saturday was less about the poet-politician and more about the rising sun. It was obvious in the manner Stalin occupied several vantage points in Chennai, keen to establish by way of optics that the baton for all practical purposes has been passed. Not that the former deputy chief minister of Tamil Nadu has not been in control of the DMK since 2014, when his elder brother Alagiri was shown the door. But two successive elections  2014 Lok Sabha and 2016 Tamil Nadu assembly  where Stalin led from the front but failed to register a win, has meant he is yet to pass the leadership test.

This is perhaps the reason Stalin decided to use his father's 94th birthday party to announce that he has the party now. On the face of it, the presence of stalwarts from the opposition space  the likes of Rahul Gandhi, Nitish Kumar, Sitaram Yechury, D Raja, Omar Abdullah, Derek O' Brien  was meant to send a political message to Delhi from Chennai (or from the city of Parry's to Paris where the PM is visiting at present, if you please). But it remained just a hands up photo-op with the speeches delivered in Hindi by the likes of the Bihar chief minister with a poor translation, finding no connect with the audience.

For the DMK crowd, Stalin was the only one who mattered and understandably so. Apart from eulogising his father, Stalin spoke about himself and about his association with the DMK. The message was clear. That he is not on the dais only as the host or his father's son but that as a regional chieftain, he represents an important constituency.

At a time when the focus of the national media was on the meet due to the presence of the national leaders, Stalin used it to announce that he is the person to do business with, as far as the DMK is concerned.

And having taken on the BJP in recent days, he would be the fulcrum of any anti-BJP formation from south India. This particularly because the three other major state-specific regional parties in the Peninsula - the Telugu Desam, Telangana Rashtra Samiti and YSR Congress - have a more friendly equation with the BJP. While Chandrababu Naidu is an NDA partner, Jaganmohan Reddy and Chandrasekhar Rao have been warming up to the Prime Minister.

But Stalin has no intentions to go national. His aim is to strengthen himself on home turf and the national ambition is restricted to leaders in Delhi knowing that he is the DMK boss for all practical purposes. He had drafted sister Kanimozhi to personally invite many of the leaders but during the Chennai show, he ensured the spotlight was firmly on him.

In the past, Karunanidhi with the deftness of a streetsmart politician, did business both with Vajpayee's NDA and Sonia Gandhi's UPA. Stalin in contrast, has taken on Narendra Modi to allege that the BJP control the AIADMK by wielding the stick of the enforcement agencies. This means Stalin fancies himself at the head of an anti-BJP, anti-AIADMK formation that is likely to be formed in Tamil Nadu. And after the 2016 experience when the People's Welfare Front of Vaiko and Vijayakanth split the anti-Jayalalithaa vote to hurt the DMK, Stalin would want to get the arithmetic right in 2019. The Congress and the Left, even though miniscule in terms of their electoral contribution, will be his natural allies. Stalin also will be under pressure to get it right in 2019, or whenever elections are held next, because he can hardly afford a hattrick of failures.

Rahul Gandhi spent a considerable amount of time at Stalin's residence, getting to know his family better. The gesture was a way to make amends because on several occasions in the past, Rahul did not bother to call on Karunanidhi even though they were allies. The Congress vice-president also did not enquire about Karunanidhi's health in October when he airdashed to visit Apollo Hospitals to check on an ailing Jayalalithaa. It did not go down too well with the DMK, and Saturday's bonhomie was also intended to lay the foundation for a better working relationship.

But if the event at YMCA in Royapettah was the big political splash, AIADMK's TTV Dinakaran provided the sideshow. He had returned home after securing bail in the party symbol bribery case and his supporters, even if miniscule ensured they created enough din to make it seem VK Sasikala's nephew still mattered in the scheme of things. That his one month long Tihar jail stint does not take away from him, his position as the deputy general secretary of the ruling AIADMK.

Given Edappadi Palaniswami's slender majority in the Tamil Nadu assembly and Dinakaran commanding the support of at least 8 to 10 MLAs, the chief minister cannot rub Dinakaran the wrong way. His bail will be interpreted as a victory of sorts, with his supporters pointing out that while they accused Dinakaran of bribing, the sleuths could not produce the person who was reportedly bribed.

Saturday in that sense was about two men who have a fight on their hands. They have a common political foe in the BJP, even though the two at the same time, remain fierce rivals.
Chennai: Congress leader Rahul Gandhi Sunday attacked the Modi government over its Kashmir policy, accusing it of mishandling the issue and turning the state, which was the country's "strength", into its "weakness".

"They are creating a problem for this country by their incompetence and by trying to utilise Kashmir as a political asset," Gandhi told reporters. The government of India and the Prime Minister "are completely mishandling Kashmir. Kashmir is India's strength and they are making it India's weakness," he said, blaming the Modi government for the current unrest in the Valley.

The Congress vice president said he had told Union minister Arun Jaitley about six-seven months back that they were "mishandling Kashmir and they are going to set it afire". "But Jaitley brushed me aside and said Kashmir is peaceful," said Gandhi, who had Saturday attended an event to celebrate the 94th birthday of DMK chief M Karunanidhi.

He said the opposition would unitedly "fight and defeat" the attempts of the BJP and the RSS to "thrust one idea" on a country that celebrates diversity. "We are not going to allow one single idea of the RSS - the bankrupt idea, to invade this country and we are going to fight the RSS together," he said.

Opposition parties stood united in this task to defeat the BJP and the RSS, he added.
Muzaffarnagar (UP): The police in Muzaffarnagar removed a camp set up for collecting donations by Dalit outfit Bhim army, which has been under the scanner for its alleged role in the recent inter-caste clashes in adjoining Saharanpur.

The workers of the fledgling group had organised a camp at a fair in Shukartal which was removed by the police, officials said.

They group distributed pamphlets and appealed to people to participate in a 'panchayat' to be held by the outfit on 14 June in Ratheri village in Muzaffarnagar, said Superintendent of Police (Rural) Vinit Bhatnagar.

The outfit workers had organised the camp for money collection and on information the police rushed to the spot and removed the boxes used for collecting the sum, the SP said.

Around a month ago an FIR was registered against Bhim army's chief, Chandrasekhar, for his alleged role in caste-based violence in Saharanpur, but he is yet to be nabbed.

30-year-old Chandrasekhar, a lawyer belonging to the Chamar community, continues to reach out to his supporters through WhatsApp and Facebook videos.

Earlier this week his brother was detained by the police while he, along with his mother, was on his way to meet the press in Saharanpur's Budh Vihar.

Chandrasekhar had recently organised a massive Dalit protest in Delhi against "atrocities" by the upper caste in Saharanpur, despite being underground to evade arrest for his alleged role in inflaming caste-based violence in the district.

Some people from Muzaffarnagar had also reportedly participated in the protest in the national capital.

In a video shared on Facebook, he purportedly remarked that the Bhim army was not a political outfit but representative of the Dalit community.
Vijayawada: Telugu Desam Party (TDP) activists showed black flags to Congress Vice President Rahul Gandhi in Vijaywada on Sunday as he arrived to address a public meeting to demand the Centre fulfill its commitment to give special category status to Andhra Pradesh.

The ruling party leaders and workers waved black flags and raised slogans "Rahul go back" as his convoy of vehicles passed by Kesarapalli on the city's outskirts.

The protestors were holding placards which read "Rahul go back" and "Rahul divided the state". Police had to push back the protestors to prevent any untoward incident.

Gandhi and other Congress leaders was on their way to a hotel from Gannavaram airport.

Gandhi will later leave for Guntur later to address a public meeting along with Samajwadi Party leader Akhilesh Yadav, Janata Dal-United leader Sharad Yadav, Communist Party of India General Secretary S. Sudhakar Reddy and other leaders.

This is first public meeting by the Congress since the party was routed in the 2014 election, following the bifurcation of united Andhra Pradesh.

TDP leaders said Gandhi had no right to enter the state as his party was responsible for Andhra's bifurcation.
Singapore: On Sunday the Indonesian defence minister told an international security forum that there are about 1,200 Islamic State operatives in the Philippines, including foreigners of whom 40 are from Indonesia.

Speaking in Singapore amid a bloody standoff between Philippine troops and militants fighting under the IS flag in Marawi city, Defence Minister Ryamizard Ryacudu called the militants "killing machines" and urged full-scale regional cooperation against them.

"I was advised last night, 1,200 ISIS in the Philippines, around 40 from Indonesia," said Ryacudu, using another name for the IS group, at the Shangri-La Dialogue, an inter-governmental security forum held annually by the International Institute for Strategic Studies (IISS).

The threat of heightened terrorism, including the impending return of hundreds of Southeast Asian fighters who fought with IS in Syria and Iraq, has been a hot-button issue at the three-day Singapore summit also attended by US Defense Secretary Jim Mattis.

On 23 May after government forces attempted to arrest Isnilon Hapilon, a militant leader, hundreds of Islamist gunmen rampaged through Marawi, a largely Muslim city of 200,000 in the southern part of Philippines.

Up to 50 gunmen are still controlling the city centre nearly two weeks after the start of fighting that has killed 177 people including 120 militants.

"How can we tackle these foreign fighters? We have to be comprehensive," said Ryacudu, a retired general.

"We have to find complete ways but we must exercise caution, they are killing machines. Their aim is to kill other people so that's why it's our responsibility that we have common understanding, consensus and common proceedings on how to fight these foreign fighters."

Philippine Defense Undersecretary Ricardo David, speaking at the same forum, said the 1,200 figure for total IS fighters in the Philippines mentioned by Indonesia was new to him. "I really don't know, my figure is about 250-400, a lot less," he told reporters.

But David said there were 40 foreign IS fighters among those who seized parts of Marawi, eight of whom have been killed by government forces.

Earlier, Philippine officials said the slain foreign fighters were from Malaysia, Indonesia, Yemen, Saudi Arabia and Chechnya.

"Our intelligence estimates that there are about 40 foreigners that fought in the Marawi incident," David said. The Philippine official added that the foreign fighters used "back channels" in the Sulu and Celebes Seas near the borders of the Philippines, Indonesia and Malaysia to enter the southern island of Mindanao and link up with local terror groups.

"That's why they were able to muster the operations in the area of Marawi," David said.
Mosul: After jihadists turned the roof of his house into a sniper position, Owayid Mohammed and his family fled west Mosul in an escape that made him feel "reborn".

"The Dawaesh took my house... and brought four snipers to the roof," said Mohammed, using a pejorative name for members of the Islamic State jihadist group which seized the city in 2014.

"We stayed near them for about a week and moved from house to house," the 75-year-old man said.

"When we saw that the army was getting close to us, we trusted in God and fled," said Mohammed walking with the aid of a crutch.

He and his family joined hundreds of thousands of people who have fled their homes since the massive operation to retake Mosul from Islamic State was launched in October 2016.

Iraqi forces have since retaken all but a handful of areas around Mosul's Old City, but the jihadists are fighting in densely populated areas, and have used civilians as human shields at various points in the battle.

The United Nations warned last week that up to 2,00,000 civilians may still be trapped in Islamic State-held areas facing shortages of food, water and medicine as well as deadly danger from the battle for the city.

Mohammed and his family were in some ways lucky they were not forced to stay in their house after Islamic State deployed the snipers  circumstances that led to one of the deadliest single incidents for civilians during the Mosul campaign.

In Mosul al-Jadida, another area on the city's western side, the United States carried out an air strike targeting two snipers on the roof of the building.
London: Britain's Prince Harry will begin his five-day visit to Singapore and Australia on Sunday to hold charity events including one that supports children living in Africa.

In Singapore, Harry will stage the Sentebale Polo Cup in aid of his charity of the same name, and will later travel to Australia to launch the 2018 Invictus Games which will be hosted by Sydney.

The charity polo match has become an important annual fund-raising event for Sentebale, a charity which works with children in Lesotho and Botswana who are coming to terms with being HIV positive, have AIDS or have lost their parents to the disease.

"Since Sentebale was founded in 2006, the charity has reached thousands of children and young people in Lesotho, and latterly in Botswana, who have been struggling to come to terms with living with the HIV by addressing their mental health and well-being", Cathy Ferrier, Sentebale's chief executive officer, said.

"It is our ambition to see a reduction in the number of new HIV infections and AIDS-related deaths amongst adolescents in southern Africa, by putting youth first and equipping them with skills and relevant wraparound support that they need to lead healthy, productive lives," she said.

A 2004 gap year trip to the landlocked African nation of Lesotho inspired the prince to set up his charity two years later with the country's Prince Seeiso, younger brother of King Letsie III.

In November 2015 Sentebale opened its 2 million pounds Mamohato Children's Centre in Lesotho to scale up its Mamohato camps, a residential project providing psychological, social and practical support to children struggling to cope with being HIV positive.

In Sydney on Wednesday, the prince will attend events to celebrate the city's hosting of the 2018 Invictus Games, the international sporting competition for wounded, injured and sick service personnel and veterans founded by the prince in 2014.

The Invictus Games, which this year will be held in Toronto, Canada, has been the other main long-term focus of Harry's public work, and he is patron of the Invictus Games Foundation, which oversees the delivery of the tournament.
Washington: Hundreds of people in the principal cities around the US marched on Saturday, demanding an independent investigation of possible ties between President Donald Trump and the Russian government.

The organisers expected the participation of several thousand people in New York, Washington and a hundred other cities to demand an independent investigation into the ties of Trump and his associates with the government of Russian President Vladimir Putin, Efe reported.

The "March for Truth" has the support of members of Congress, actors and progressive groups from around the country, as a means of piling on the pressure for an in-depth investigation of the possible collusion of the Trump team and Russia to torpedo Democratic candidate Hillary Clinton's chances in the presidential election.

Many protesters called for Trump's impeachment for his attempts to thwart an investigation into a possible Russian plot to influence last November's election.

Organisers of the demonstrations hoped to attract around 5,000 people in New York and a similar number in Washington, where the protest coincided with a rally of several dozen Trump supporters in front of the White House.

The Trump supporters, who were called by leaders of the US president's campaign, carried posters praising his decision to withdraw from the Paris accord on climate change.

March for Truth promoters also demanded that Congress force the Republican president to reveal his tax returns, something that has been a presidential tradition up to now, to show whether the nation's chief executive had economic interests linked to foreign countries or organisations.

Besides the special counsel designated by the justice department to investigate Russia's attempt to interfere in the US elections, the protest organisers demand the creation of an independent commission like the one that investigated the 11 September, 2001 attacks against the US.

The justice department has named former FBI Director Robert Mueller as special counsel to investigate the possible collusion with Russia.

The appointment came after Trump decided last May to dismiss FBI Director James Comey, who was leading the investigation into the possible collusion with Russia, something the president has called a "witch hunt" against him without any basis in fact.
Baghdad: Shi'ite paramilitaries have captured the Iraqi town of Baaj from Islamic State, further shrinking the northern region under jihadist control as part of a United States-backed campaign to retake the city of Mosul, the Iraqi military said on Sunday.

Eight months into the Mosul offensive, Islamic State militants have been dislodged from all of the city except an enclave along the western bank of the Tigris river.

Islamic State's grip on the Iraqi side of the northern region along the border with Syria, a desert area where Iraqi and United States sources believe Islamic State leader Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi is hiding, has been ebbing as forces fighting on the side of Iraq's government have advanced.

The Iraqi air force provided cover for the thrust into Baaj of the Shi'ite paramilitaries known as Popular Mobilisation, said a statement from the Iraqi joint operations command.

Popular Mobilisation is steered by neighbouring Shi'ite regional power Iran, an adversary of the United States, but is playing a part in the campaign to defeat Islamic State, an enemy of both, in Mosul and the surrounding province of Nineveh.

Iraqi government armed forces are focusing their effort on dislodging insurgents from remaining pockets in Mosul, Islamic State's de-facto capital in Iraq since 2014.

While reporting nominally to Iraq's Shi'ite-led government, Popular Mobilisation has Iranian military advisers, one of whom died last month fighting near Baaj.

Securing border territory between Iraq and Syria is important for Iran to reopen a land route to supply Syrian President Bashar al-Assad's army with weapons in his protracted war with rebels and militants.

A statement published by Popular Mobilisation announcing the capture of Baaj came from Abu Mahdi al-Muhandis, a prominent leader of the paramilitary with longstanding ties to Iran.

Iran has helped to train and organise thousands of Shi'ite militiamen from Iraq, Afghanistan and Pakistan in Syria's war. Fighters from Lebanon's Shi'ite Hezbollah are also working closely with Iranian military commanders in Syria.

United States and Iraqi officials believe al-Baghdadi has left operational commanders behind with die-hard followers to fight on in Mosul and is now focusing on his own survival.
London: A 21-year-old British man dubbed "Jihadi Jack" has been captured by Kurdish fighters in Syria where he was accused of joining the Islamic State terror group, media reports said on Sunday.

Jack Letts, who emerged as the first from the UK to join Islamic State in Syria, told the London-based television network Al-Araby that he was living in a prison controlled by the Kurds. "I want to see my mum and explain to her some things," he said.

Letts, a former Cherwell school student from the city of Oxford who converted to Islam as a teenager, reportedly said that he had no idea what would happen to him.

He said that it is the future that no one knows except God.

Letts' parents, John Letts, 55, and Sally Lane, 54, are awaiting trial on terrorism related offences after being accused of sending hundreds of pounds to their son over a five-month period between 2015 and 2016. They are due to stand trial later in the year.

They told the Oxford Mail that they were "immensely relieved" to discover he was alive.

Earlier this year, Letts labelled former prime minister David Cameron an "evil creature" and warned that the UK will be targeted by the militants as long as it keeps bombing Muslims in Syria.

Police began investigating Letts as a suspected member of the Islamic State terror group in March 2015. He was understood to have left the UK and travelled to Syria in 2014  with some reports claiming he had joined the Islamic State.

The British citizen reportedly adopted the name Abu Mohammed and married an Iraqi woman with whom he has a son, Muhammed.

During his stay in Syria, he posted photographs of himself holding weapons, claiming that he narrowly survived a drone strike.
London: Britain's main Conservative and Labour parties suspended national campaigning on Sunday for the upcoming general election after six people died in a suspected terror attack in London.

Six victims were killed in the London terror attack and the three attackers were shot dead by armed police, when a van smashed into pedestrians on London Bridge before three assailants went on a stabbing spree, police said on Sunday.

"The Conservative party will not be campaigning nationally today. We will review as the day goes on and as more details of the attack emerge," a spokesman for Prime Minister Theresa May's centre-right party told AFP.

Jeremy Corbyn, leader of the main opposition Labour party, added in a statement, "The Labour party will be suspending national campaigning until this evening, after consultations with other parties, as a mark of respect for those who have died and suffered injury."

Britain goes to the polls on Thursday. This is the second terrorist attack in two weeks, after the suicide bombing in Manchester.
The attackers who killed seven people and wounded 48 in central London on Saturday were probably "radical Islamist terrorists", Britain's interior minister Amber Rudd said on Sunday.

"As the prime minister said, we are confident about the fact that they were radical Islamist terrorists, the way they were inspired, and we need to find out more about where this radicalisation came from," Rudd told ITV television.

Rudd declined to comment on whether the perpetrators of the attack had been known to authorities before Saturday.

"The operation is ongoing so we are finding out more about who these three are," he said.

Rudd also said it did not appear that there was a link between the London attackers and a suicide bombing in Manchester on May 22 that killed 22 people at a pop concert.

"We think it is unlikely. It looks like there wasn't, but we can't rule it out at the moment," she said.

Rudd said Britain's terror threat level, which currently stands at severe, had not been increased to its highest level of critical because authorities believed "that they have got all the main perpetrators".
Washington: President Donald Trump offered US help on Saturday to Britain in response to twin attacks in London that killed six people, after a van plowed into pedestrians and assailants stabbed others.

In a call with British Prime Minister Theresa May, Trump "offered the full support of the United States government in investigating and bringing those responsible for these heinous acts to justice," a White House statement read.

The president also offered his condolences over the "brutal terror attacks," which police said also left at least 20 people wounded. Three attackers were shot dead by police.

"Whatever the United States can do to help out in London and the UK, we will be there - WE ARE WITH YOU. GOD BLESS!" Trump wrote earlier on Twitter.

Whatever the United States can do to help out in London and the U. K., we will be there - WE ARE WITH YOU. GOD BLESS!  Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) June 3, 2017

Early on, with the situation in London still fluid, Trump seized the occasion to plug his thwarted ban on travelers from six mainly Muslim countries.

The Justice Department on Thursday went to the Supreme Court to ask that the plan be reinstated immediately after it has been held up repeatedly in lower courts. Without mentioning the London events specifically, Trump tweeted: "We need to be smart, vigilant and tough. We need the courts to give us back our rights. We need the Travel Ban as an extra level of safety!"

We need to be smart, vigilant and tough. We need the courts to give us back our rights. We need the Travel Ban as an extra level of safety!  Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) June 3, 2017

Trump has been briefed by his national security team on the London Bridge incident, his spokesman Sean Spicer wrote earlier on Twitter.

The State Department condemned the "cowardly attacks targeting innocent civilians."

"We understand UK police are currently treating these as terrorist incidents. The United States stands ready to provide any assistance authorities in the United Kingdom may request," a statement read.

"All Americans stand in solidarity with the people of the United Kingdom."

The Homeland Security Department said that "at this time, we have no information to indicate a specific, credible terror threat in the United States."

"We are in contact with and stand ready to assist our friends and allies in the United Kingdom as they respond, investigate and recover," it added.

New York response

In New York, authorities deployed an increased police presence in heavily trafficked pedestrian area.

The New York Police Department's counterterrorism unit stressed, however, that "there are no specific/credible threats to #NYC."

"New York City stands with the people of London. Our prayers are with the victims, their families and the courageous first responders," Mayor Bill de Blasio said.

New York state Governor Andrew Cuomo said he has directed law enforcement officials throughout the state to step up security and patrols at high-profile locations such as airports, bridges, tunnels and mass transit.

"These apparent terrorist attacks are cowardly and senseless acts that go against everything we believe in, and a sad and sobering reminder of the threats we face today," he added.
A van ploughed into pedestrians and several people were stabbed in central London on Saturday, killing at least six people and injuring over 20 in what police called a "terrorist" attack.

Leaders from around the world have condemned the attacks in central London, while more reactions are pouring in from other leaders showing their solidarity:

Britain

London Mayor Sadiq Khan said that the attack was "a deliberate and cowardly attack on innocent Londoners and visitors to our city enjoying their Saturday night." He added, "There is no justification whatsoever for such barbaric acts".

Here is the statement he released on Twitter

My statement on the cowardly terrorist attack in London tonight: https://t.co/7GYYdImIU8

Please continue to follow @metpoliceuk for updates pic.twitter.com/xxTbH2o2JN  Sadiq Khan (@SadiqKhan) June 4, 2017

Prime Minister Theresa May confirmed that the "terrible incident in London" was being treated as "a potential act of terrorism", and said she would hold emergency ministerial talks later in the day.

Labour Party leader Jeremy Corbyn said, "Brutal and shocking incidents reported in London. My thoughts are with the victims and their families. Thank you to the emergency services."

Scottish Nationalist Party leader Nicola Sturgeon said, "Dreadful news from London. My thoughts are with all those affected."

UKIP leader Paul Nuttall also tweeted about the incident.

Worrying scenes at London Bridge tonight. My thoughts are with those caught up in it. I hope everyone is okay.  Paul Nuttall (@paulnuttallukip) June 3, 2017

United States

President Donald Trump said, "Whatever the United States can do to help out in London and the UK, we will be there - WE ARE WITH YOU. GOD BLESS!"

State department called the assaults "cowardly attacks targeting innocent civilians" and added, "The United States stands ready to provide any assistance authorities in the United Kingdom may request."

American pop star Ariana Grande, whose concert in Manchester in May was the scene of a deadly attack, tweeted simply: "Praying for London."

India

Prime Minister Narendra Modi took to Twitter on Sunday morning to condemn the London attacks.

Attacks in London are shocking & anguishing. We condemn them. My thoughts are with families of the deceased & prayers with the injured.  Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) June 4, 2017

European Union

European Commission chief Jean-Claude Juncker said, "Following latest London incidents with horror. Thoughts and prayers are with the victims and their families. Please stay safe."

France

President Emmanuel Macron tweeted saying, "In the face of this new tragedy, France is more than ever at Britain's side. My thoughts go out to the victims and their loved ones."

Face a cette nouvelle tragedie, la France est plus que jamais aux cotes du Royaume-Uni. Mes pensees vont aux victimes et a leurs proches.  Emmanuel Macron (@EmmanuelMacron) June 4, 2017

Russia

"[Russian president Vladimir] Putin expresses his profound condolences for the British people and condemns the terrorist attack carried out hours ago in London," Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov told Russian news agencies.

Canada

Canadian President Justin Trudeau said, "Awful news from London tonight. We're monitoring the situation."

Australia

Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull offered his solidarity with the British people saying, "Prayers and resolute solidarity are today as always with the people of Britain in the face of the shocking terrorist attacks in London."

New Zealand

Prime Minister Bill English said, "New Zealand's thoughts are with the victims of today's attack, along with their families and friends. Our hearts go out to you. Too many lives are being taken by terrorists set on inflicting pain and suffering on innocent people."

With inputs from AFP
Britain's 8 June election date "probably cannot be changed" following an attack in London on Saturday night, which killed seven people, minister David Davis said on Sunday.

"I'm not sure it can be legally done. In order to do this, you'd have to have some change of law, I think, and who's going to do that? Parliament no longer exists," Davis told the BBC, referring to the fact that Parliament was dissolved ahead of the election. "I think we're locked in," Davis said.

Britain's main political parties suspended campaigning after the attack, although the UK Independence Party (UKIP) said it would carry on.

The truce is the second in the race for the 8 June vote, after campaigning was halted for several days following the Manchester concert attack on 22 May.

But with the race between Prime Minister Theresa May's Conservatives and the main opposition Labour party tightening, the suspension is only for national events  and is likely to last only a few hours.

"The Conservative Party will not be campaigning nationally today. We will review as the day goes on and as more details of the attack emerge," a spokesman for the centre-right party told AFP.

Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn said, "The Labour party will be suspending national campaigning until this evening, after consultations with other parties, as a mark of respect for those who have died and suffered injury."

The Scottish National Party (SNP) said it was suspending national campaigning "this morning", adding, "Appropriate local campaigning will continue."

The smaller Liberal Democrats also followed suit.

However, Paul Nuttall, the leader of the pro-Brexit anti-immigration UKIP, said, "I refused to suspend campaigning because this is precisely what the extremists would want us to do. It is more important than ever for us to confront this evil with the democratic principles that have made this country what it is."

With inputs from agencies
London: Gurdwaras in London opened their doors for victims stranded after Saturday's terror attack in the city by offering them shelter and food, according to media reports.

Almost immediately after the attack was reported, Sikhs tweeted that their places of worship were opened for those caught up in the horrific ordeal. In an incredible show of unity, Sikhs posted maps of nearby Gurdwaras that were open to help those in need in the early hours of the morning, metro.co.uk reported.

"#Sikh Gurdwara in London are open to help & support those affected tonight with shelter & food #LondonBridge #United," @GlasgowGurdwara tweeted.

Other Londoners have been using a new feature on Facebook to offer help to those stuck in London Bridge. People have been offering food, shelter, clothing, and even blood donations for anyone caught up in the terror attacks.

Over 25,000 Sikhs are expected to congregate in Trafalgar Square in central London to remember the victims of 1984 anti-Sikh riots. The Sikh Federation UK said, "Having discussed arrangements for the 'Remembrance and Freedom' event with the Metropolitan police on Saturday night and this morning, we have come to the mutual decision that the event today (Sunday, 4 June) will continue."

"This sends a strong message to all terrorists that they will never stop us remembering the tens of thousands of Sikhs who lost their lives in 1984," it said.

"It will also be an opportunity to remember and to stand shoulder to shoulder with the innocents killed and injured in the last few weeks in Manchester and London," the Sikh Federation UK said.

Three knife-wielding attackers wearing fake suicide vests unleashed a terror rampage through central London, plowing a van into pedestrians on the iconic London Bridge and then running to a nearby market where they randomly stabbed multiple people, killing seven and injuring 48.

The three terrorists had been shot dead.
Narendra Modi wrapped up his four-nation tour with the commitment to go beyond the Paris Agreement on climate change. The swing through Germany, Spain, Russia and France has given the prime minister the kind of coverage in the world press that such bilateral visits seldom gets. It has been one of his most successful visits to Europe, one which seems to have not only repaired ties with old ally Russia but also taken ahead India's relationship with the other three European powers. A multi-polar world seems to be emerging, and in this, India can play an important role. It would be interesting to see how Modis visit to the US, which is scheduled to take place at the end of the month will pan out. Modi will meet US president Donald Trump for the first time during this meeting.

Much of this has to do with the uncertainty that Trump has brought to the world stage. China has been a major player in the international arena for some time, but with the US turning inwards  protectionist and isolationist  India is in a position to play a rightful role as a middle power. Ever since Trump decided to walk out of the Paris Agreement, which the world community had agreed on, climate change has been at the heart of the global debate. And Modis assurance has been music to Europe. "The Paris climate agreement is a shared legacy of the world. It will benefit the future generations as well," Modi said addressing a joint news conference with French president Emmanuel Macron. "We have natural resources because our previous generations protected those resources. We must do the same for our future generations," Modi said. The India-led solar alliance is gaining traction and the brand new French president will travel to India by the end of the year to endorse it. European leaders and Canadas Justin Trudeau are moving closer.

India, which under Narendra Modi had appeared to be moving at a breathless speed to the US camp, is now going to recalibrate his move to make sure its options are not limited. There was much hope in India when the Hindu Republican Coalition with links to the BJP and the larger Sangh Parivar staunchly supported Trump during the elections, even making him mouth Modi's slogan at an event where the US president had made a brief appearance as a presidential candidate. Pujas were held in India too to pray for a Trump victory.

Trumps diatribe against China, as a candidate also gave the impression that like George W Bush and his Republican administration, Washington would use India to balance Chinas rise, especially in the Asia-Pacific region. Before the elections, Trump accused Beijing of currency manipulation, called climate change a myth propagated by the Chinese and gave all indications that the US would break away from Barack Obamas policy towards China.

Yet, after a meeting with President Xi Jinping, Trump changed his views. Trump's grandchildren even sang Chinese songs for the visiting Chinese president and his wife. The US president has been praising China for its support to contain the North Korea. The signs are that the US-China relations, initiated by former US president Richard Nixon and pursued by all succeeding American presidents, now appears to be followed by Trump.

Apart from the changed stance on China, Trump has not made it easy for India. Besides the H1B visa issues for Indias IT sector, Trumps contention that India and China were demanding billions of dollars for implementing the climate deal has nothing to do with facts. It has to do with the US presidents support base and the alternative reality he prefers. The truth is that the industrialised world, especially the US, has contributed to climate change by being the principle pollutants. Emerging economies like India and China are only now becoming pollutants. So, the major part of the blame has to rightfully go to the US and other developed nations. But Trump loves to twist facts to suit himself. Even today, the US remains the number two polluter in the world. China is first and India third. Yet China and India are trying to clean up their acts. China, of course, is far ahead as it has much more resources at its command. But India too is trying to do its best.

A peeved Europe is now turning to both India and China. Both countries are embracing the invitation from the EU with open arms. India will be working with Germany, France, Spain and others in the EU for clean technology. But it will be difficult for the world to find a replacement for the US with its vast resource. Though tempers are frayed at both sides of the Atlantic, for now, this cannot be permanent. The gap between the US and the EU will have to be bridged at some time, the earlier the better for the world. The US after all, despite its relative decline, still remains the leader of the free world. It cannot be ignored because it is well ahead in terms of technology, defence, space and every other field.

Modi is well aware of this. So, much will depend on how Modis American visit shapes up. But New Delhi is making sure that in these uncertain times, the best policy is to have as many friends as possible so that Indias interests do not suffer. For now, a country like India, with its young population and ready markets as well as a commitment to free trade, the environment and democracy is making a mark in Europe. Modis visit could not have been at a better time.
Seoul: North Korea on Sunday slammed the latest United Nations sanctions as "mean" and vowed to press ahead with its missile and nuclear weapons programmes.

The United Nations Security Council on Friday unanimously adopted a United States-drafted resolution imposing new targeted sanctions on a handful of North Korean officials and entities, in response to a series of ballistic missile tests this year that are banned under United Nations resolutions.

The resolution put North Korea's suspected spy chief, 13 other Pyongyang officials and four entities on a sanctions blacklist, hitting them with a global travel ban and an assets freeze.

The North's foreign ministry "condemns and outrightly rejects the sanctions racket put forth by the United States and the United Nations Security Council to prevent the strengthening of our nuclear deterrence", a ministry spokesman said.

"(Washington) talked about the possibility of dialogue but it is nonsense to mention dialogue while laying out unfair preconditions and applying maximum pressure," the spokesman said in a statement carried by the official Korean Central News Agency (KCNA).

The statement said the latest resolution was said to have been put together by the United States and China in the "backroom".

It was Washington's "ultimate double standard" to ban other countries from nuclear or missile tests amid its own attempts to modernise the United States arsenal.

The United States military said last Tuesday that it "successfully intercepted an intercontinental ballistic missile target" in a test conducted amid concerns over the North's weapons program.

Concern over the North's weapons programme intensified after North Korea test-fired yet another ballistic missile last week, the latest in a series of launches in its quest to develop weapons capable of hitting the United States.

It was the third missile test by the nuclear-armed regime in less than three weeks.

The North says it needs nuclear weapons to forestall the threat of United States attack.

It was "a fatal miscalculation" for the countries behind the sanctions resolution to think they could delay the North's nuclear forces, the statement said.

"They would squarely see that their mean and indiscreet act would go in just opposite direction to what they want for."
Mosul: On Saturday the bodies of dozens of civilians killed in the past two days while fleeing an Islamic State-held neighbourhood in Mosul lay in a street close to the frontline with Iraqi armed forces, a Reuters TV crew reported.

The dead included men, women, and children. Bags in which they had carried their belongings were strewn around the road leading out of the Zanjili district, one of three still in the hands of Islamic State in Mosul.

"Over the past two days ISIS has been shooting people escaping this area," said Dave Eubank from the Free Burma Rangers relief association, referring to Islamic State, speaking from a building overlooking the frontline in Zanjili.

"I saw over 50 dead bodies yesterday, we worked with the Americans to get smoke and an Iraqi tank, and followed behind them and we rescued one little girl and one man," Eubank told Reuters. "But there are still more."

Hundreds of others managed to reach the government lines, some wounded and some carrying apparently dead bodies in blankets, crying and shouting. A man carried an unconscious child.

From a building close to the spot where the civilians were killed, a man could be seen hiding behind a wall, trying to find a way out with the help of an Iraqi soldier who came to the rescue.

A young man said he was wounded in the hand a few days ago when an airstrike hit a group of civilians collecting water because an Islamic State fighter was hiding among them.

"We were a group of 200-250 civilians, a Daesh came in amongst us and the aviator hit us, we were all hurt but he (the militant) escaped," said the young man.

Iraqi government forces retook eastern Mosul in January and began a new push on 27 May to capture the remaining Islamic State-held enclave in the western side of the city, where about 200,000 people are trapped in harrowing conditions.

The Mosul offensive started in October with air and ground support from a U.S.-led international coalition. It has taken much longer than expected.

The fall of Mosul would, in effect, mark the end of the Iraqi half of the "caliphate" declared in 2014 over parts of Iraq and Syria by Islamic State leader Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi.

About 700,000 people, which is approximately a third of the pre-war population of Mosul, have already fled, seeking refuge either with friends and relatives or in camps.

In Syria, Kurdish forces backed by U.S.-air strikes are besieging Islamic State forces in the city of Raqqa, the militants' de facto capital in that country.
Quetta: Pakistani forces on Sunday said they had killed around a dozen Islamic State (IS) militants in a three-day raid prompted by intelligence reports that the group were holding two recently kidnapped Chinese nationals.

The operation took place in the rugged Mastung district of southwest Balochistan province and targeted the hideout cave of a group of IS commanders, a senior security official told AFP.

"Some 12-13 IS commanders have been killed after intense gun-battles and the area was cleared late Saturday," he said, but added that the Chinese pair were not recovered from the scene despite the presence of the vehicle used in their kidnapping nearby.

IS has been making inroads in the country through alliances with local militant outfits such as the sectarian Lashkar-e-Jhangvi and Jamaat-ul-Ahrar groups, though its presence is generally downplayed by the government.

Security forces also seized six suicide jackets, a cache of ammunition, explosives, detonators, solar panels and food rations, a second Pakistani security official told AFP, adding the cave was a base used by IS to plan attacks across the country.

The two Chinese workers were abducted last month in Quetta, the capital of Balochistan, raising safety concerns for Beijing's multi-billion-dollar investments in the country.

One Chinese woman managed to escape as the men began firing in the air to scare off onlookers.

A passer-by, Muhammad Zahir, was shot as he tried to prevent the abduction.

Mineral-rich Balochistan has been plagued by Islamist and separatist insurgencies since 2004, with hundreds of soldiers and militants killed in the fighting.

But a greater push towards peace and development by Pakistani authorities has reduced overall levels of violence in recent years.
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Islamabad: A leading Pakistani newspaper on Sunday urged the government to pull out of the Saudi-led military alliance, saying its anti-Iran stance was harmful to Islamabad's interests.

The Dawn said in an editorial that Pakistan's decision to participate in the Islamic Military Alliance or IMA and to allow former Army chief General Raheel Sharif to accept a Saudi offer to militarily head it "appear to have been taken in haste".

The alliance "may have some counter-militancy aims but it is also increasingly clear that it has been conceived the entire Islamic world.

"The IMA is plainly the anti-thesis of that, and, therefore, a potentially dangerous and destabilizing alliance.

"The Saudi leadership has explicitly stated that Iran is a threat to Saudi Arabia and countries allied with it.

"President Trump and his administration have explicitly embraced the Saudi-led IMA as a potential counter to the influence of Iran in the Middle East."

The Dawn said Pakistan cannot afford to be part of "an overtly sectarian military alliance and membership and leadership of the IMA is inimical to the historical and future strategic interests of this country.

"While a close relationship with Saudi Arabia is warranted, better relations with Iran are necessary too.

"The government, the military leadership and Gen Sharif must urgently reconsider their position."
Peshawar: A man was shot dead in Pakistan allegedly by his wife who accused him of raping their daughter-in-law in the absence of her soldier husband, in what local media described as a "rare incident of honour killing".



Begum Bibi, who lived in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa's Shangla village, said she killed Gulbar Khan because "he didn't respect family and relations".

She claimed that Khan had been repeatedly assaulting their daughter-in-law for the past three months, the Express Tribune reported.

The rape victim's husband, a Frontier Crops soldier, said he knew his wife's ordeal "but due to parental respect, I couldn't kill him, but informed my mother that I will leave home after my return" from training, the report said.

Khan was sleeping when his wife opened fire on him with a pistol with their daughter-in-law's assistance, police said.

Begum said that Khan, in the absence of their son, forced his wife into an "illicit relationship" and the practice continued for three months, the report added.

"I decided to kill him when he refused to give up his evil practice," Begum said.

Police yesterday produced Begum, her daughter-in-law and son before a court which remanded them to judicial custody.
Islamabad: Police in Pakistan's Sindh province, for the first time ever, have recruited 40 women in its Counter-Terrorism Department and Rapid Response Force, the media reported on Sunday.

Not only women from major cities but also from rural backgrounds were selected after various tests, interviews and medical examination, police officials told Dawn news on Saturday, adding that they would receive training from Pakistan Army.

After six months of training, the women recruited as police constables would be part of the regular police force.

"After advertisement in newspapers in October 2016, a total of 50,562 candidates applied for the post of constables and finally 30,821 appeared in physical test," said an official citing details of the recruitment process.

"After different tests, interviews and medical examination finally 1,507 were selected who would be joining the force soon. The new recruits would become part of regular force hopefully after six-month training," he said.

The official termed the recruitment of women as a "positive sign".

According to the National Police Bureau, out of 391,364 police personnel across Pakistan, only 5,731 are women, reports Dawn news.
Tehran: Iran on Saturday joined the international chorus of criticism against President Donald Trump's decision to withdraw from the Paris Climate Agreement, saying it would further isolate the United States.

"The withdrawal of the United States from the Paris accord indicates the government's lack of responsibility regarding the global community and it will increasingly isolate them," foreign ministry spokesman Bahram Ghasemi said, according to the IRNA news agency.

Trump announced on Thursday that the United States would withdraw from the 2015 Paris agreement on climate change, joining Syria and Nicaragua as the only non-signatories to the agreement.

"Non-compliance with commitments in the Paris accord by a government which is the second-largest producer of greenhouse gases and is one of the most polluting countries, is unacceptable," said Ghasemi.

Iran faces particular challenges from climate change, having suffered years of worsening drought and dust storms, compounded by poor water resource management.

"The global community must compel the new US administration to implement its international commitments precisely and completely," Ghasemi said.

"It is imperative to avoid undermining global agreements such as the Paris Agreement, which is a global symbol of joint cooperation and has strengthened multilateralism."

Iran is concerned that Trump may also make good on his threat to pull out of the nuclear deal signed with the United States and five other world powers in 2015 that lifted sanctions in exchange for curbs to Tehran's atomic programme.
Beijing: Chinese application users on Sunday defied the internet censorship by sharing images of military tanks, on social media, to recall the Tiananmen protests' 28th anniversary.

A picture being shared on WeChat messaging application replicates the map of Beijing. The application used for bike-hiring, shows images of military tanks instead of bikes at locations where they are hired,reports Efe.

In the image, 10 "tanks" appear in Chang'an Avenue, north of Tiananmen Square, in a clear reference to the pro-democracy demonstrations during 3-4 June, 1989 when the army entered the city to disperse thousands of demonstrators, leaving a number of civilians dead.

So far, the image, as well as a few others that are similar, has escaped the censorship, which has blocked most of the materials related to the event also deemed a massacre.Users from across the world shared other images on Twitter too.

The government, as usual during the time of the Tiananmen anniversary, has stepped up efforts to prevent the commemoration of the event and major social networks have implemented temporary measures to ensure the same.

For example, this week, Weibo  the Chinese Twitter  informed its users abroad that they will not be able to share photos and videos until 5 June due to an upgrade of its systems, coinciding with the anniversary.

To date, there has never been a confirmation on the exact numbers of casualties during the protests between 3 and 4 June in Beijing although estimated numbers by different sources range between hundreds and thousands.

The communist regime, having disseminated no information about the incident, considers the chapter closed.
Singapore: North Korea's nuclear ambitions are threatening to Russia, a Russian official said on Sunday.

"It is not only (a) ballistic missile defense system  it has real function," said Deputy Defense Minister Alexander Fomin. "That is why it is alarming. And it is direct threat to Russia. We are convinced that it will increase the tensions of the region. That is our principle position."

Fomin spoke at the Shangri-La Dialogue, an international security conference in Singapore attended by defense ministers and experts from 39 countries, including US Defense Secretary Jim Mattis.

Russia borders North Korea and saw one of Pyongyang's missiles land close to its waters. But it differs from the US and its allies on how to rein in the North's rapidly escalating nuclear and ballistic missile program.

Backing fresh sanctions on North Korea, Russia's deputy UN ambassador Vladimir Safronkov stressed in June that "the choice here has to be made in favor of using diplomatic tools to the maximum extent possible."

Fomin had similar sentiments. "Economical restrictions should be a kind of tool to invoke North Korea to a peaceful process of resolving the dispute and conflict, and not to once again deteriorate the economic solution in North Korea," he said.

Addressing the South China Sea conflict, Fomin was careful with his words. "All states involved in territorial disagreements in the South China Sea need to adhere the principle of the non-use of force," he said.

China  a Russian ally  has pitted itself against its smaller neighbors in claiming disputed islands, coral reefs and lagoons in the South China Sea.
Damascus: Syrian Army on Sunday seized a key town from the Islamic State group in the east of Aleppo province, a military source said, nearing its goal of

expelling the jihadists from the region.

The capture of Maskana, on the western bank of Lake Assad, comes as part of a major Russian-backed military operation that began in mid-January to drive the jihadists from Aleppo province.

"Military units continue to advance in the east of Aleppo province and track down groups of Daesh terrorists," a military source cited by Syrian state media said, using the Arabic acronym for Islamic State. "Security and stability has been restored to the strategic town of Maskana and a number of areas," the source added.

Maskana was a key target for the Syrian Army, and lies around 15 kilometres from neighbouring Raqa province, where the US-backed Syrian Democratic Forces are expected to soon launch an assault on the Islamic State bastion of Raqqa.

Syria's Army is not expected to play a role in that operation. A military source told AFP the "Maskana area is the last important civilian population centre on the eastern border of Aleppo province before Raqa province".

"Whoever controls Maskana controls the axes running between Aleppo city and Raqa city," he added. Islamic State presence in the east of Aleppo province is now "at its end", he added.

The Syrian Army has captured more than 200 towns and villages since it launched its operation in the east of Aleppo province, after retaking the provincial capital in December.

Islamic State now holds just a handful of "scattered villages that can easily be captured in the east and southeast of Aleppo province, in desert areas," said Rami Abdel Rahman, director of the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights monitor.

More than 320,000 people have been killed in Syria since the conflict began in March 2011 with anti-government protests.
Washington: Two Muslim students were allegedly sent home by a US school for wearing hijabs because they were not carrying a "note" from parents to prove that they had donned the headscarves for religious reasons.

Hajah Bah and Fatmata Mansaray, both cousins and students of Freedom High School, Virginia, allege that the school administrators harassed them over their decision to don hijabs, eventually prompting apologies from Prince William School division leaders.

Bah and Mansaray were quoted as saying by Inside NoVA that they were approached by a school administrator on Thursday and told that they would need a note from a parent to prove they were wearing the head coverings for religious reasons.

When they pushed back against that assertion, they were sent to the principal's office and ultimately dismissed from the school for the day. "Normally, I don't wear the hijab at school, but this time I did because Ramadan fell during the school year and I was fasting," Bah was quoted as saying. "But why do I need a note if it's my religion?" she said.

As the word of the incident reached school division leaders, spokesman Phil Kavits said, "They immediately determined that it runs counter to the PWCS (Prince William County Public Schools) commitment to diversity."

He said school officials have already apologised to both girls and their families, and the division has posted an apology online.

PWCS was quoted by WJLA-TV as saying in a statement, "We regret the circumstances that led a Freedom High School administrator to question students about wearing a hijab or ask for proof of their religious reasons. The request was inconsistent with the PWCS commitment to diversity and religious freedom, and we apologise to anyone it may have offended."

Mansaray also contended that the incident was far from the first time she has been accosted by administrators over her head covering. "I would explain that it's for a religious purpose, and they didn't care. I'd wear my hijab to school, and I'd be constantly told to take off my hijab," she said.

Mansaray said she and her parents were initially reluctant to secure a note proving she was wearing the hijab for religious reasons, as they "did not feel it was right".

But she felt she eventually "had to cave in" and delivered a note to the school's office. However, she claimed her encounters with administrators continued.

Since the incident, Bah and Mansaray said they have both received apologies from the school system, and have even seen an outpouring of support from their fellow students.
LONDON Britain needs to have "difficult conversations" with Saudi Arabia and other Gulf states about the funding of Islamist extremism, opposition leader Jeremy Corbyn said on Sunday, resuming his election campaign after a deadly attack in London.The Labour party leader, who is hoping to win Thursday's national election, said the vote should go ahead to show democracy would not be halted by the London Bridge attack that left seven dead and 48 injured. Earlier, Prime Minister Theresa May called for a stronger response to Islamist extremism after three knife-wielding assailants drove a hired van into pedestrians on London Bridge and stabbed others nearby.

Corbyn said Britain's democratic values must be maintained."We must resist Islamophobia and division and turn out on 8 June united in our determination to show our democracy is strong," Corbyn said in the text of a speech due to be delivered in Carlisle, north England.

"And, yes, we do need to have some difficult conversations starting with Saudi Arabia and other Gulf states that have funded and fuelled extremist ideology."

He attacked May for cutting police numbers during her tenure as interior minister and repeated his pledge to recruit 10,000 new police officers, including armed officers. Opinion polls have shown Corbyn's Labour catching up fast with May's Conservative Party, putting into doubt her gamble that a snap election would boost her majority.Last month U.S. President Donald Trump urged Arab and Islamic leaders to unite and do their share to defeat Islamist extremists, making an impassioned plea to "drive out" terrorists, while toning down his own harsh rhetoric about Muslims. (Reporting by Andy Bruce; Editing by William James)

This story has not been edited by Firstpost staff and is generated by auto-feed.
Sanaa: Fighting between the Shiite Houthi group and forces loyal to Yemen's government left about 30 people killed and scores others injured in the southwestern province of Taiz on Saturday.

The intense fighting that continued for two consecutive days for the purpose of capturing the Houthi-controlled presidential compound in Taiz, Xinhua quoted a local military official as saying on condition of anonymity.

The armed forces loyal to Yemen's internationally recognized President Abdu-Rabbu Mansour Hadi made ground advances and kicked the Houthi rebels out of the presidential compound, the source said.

He added that the Shiite Houthi gunmen also lost control of a key military base near the compound.

According to local medics in different hospitals in Taiz and neighbouring provinces, the fighting left about 20 Houthi gunmen and 10 government soldiers killed.

Media outlets close to Hadi's government said that "over the past few days, the army has managed to clear several strategic sites and locations that were under the Shiite Houthis' control, namely the Central Bank and Faculty of Medicine buildings in Taiz."

A spokesman of Hadi's forces in Taiz said that the battles are pressing ahead according to the plans set to liberate Taiz with all its installations and all the Yemeni territories.

Taiz has, for long, been under total blockade and witnessed indiscriminate shellings by the Shiite Houthis who control most parts of Taiz province.

The Coalition for Humanitarian Relief (CHR) in its new report said that as many as 131 persons were killed and 320 others were injured, including women and children, in Taiz in May, as a result of the Saleh-Houthi militia's military escalation in the province.

Yemen has been suffering from a civil war and a Saudi-led military intervention for around two years.

The civil war began after the Houthi militants with support from forces loyal to the former president ousted the UN-backed transitional government and occupied capital Sanaa militarily in September 2014.

The legitimate government controls the south and some eastern parts, while the Houthi-Saleh alliance controls the other parts including the capital Sanaa.

The UN has sponsored peace talks between the warring factions several times, but the factions failed to reach common ground.

The civil war, ground battles and airstrikes have already killed more than 10,000 people, half of them civilians, injured more than 35,000 others and displaced over two millions, according to humanitarian agencies.
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U.S. President Donald Trump took to Twitter amid the unfolding deadly drama in London on Saturday to offer U.S. help to Britain and to promote his controversial travel ban as an extra level of security for Americans.

British police rushed to two incidents in central London after a van plowed into pedestrians on London Bridge and reports emerged of multiple stabbings in the nearby Borough Market area. Police said the attacks had been declared terrorist incidents.

"Whatever the United States can do to help out in London and the U.K., we will be there - WE ARE WITH YOU. GOD BLESS!" Trump said in one of two tweets.

"We need to be smart, vigilant and tough. We need the courts to give us back our rights. We need the Travel Ban as an extra level of safety!" he said in the other.

Trump's appeal for his travel ban followed his emergency request that the Supreme Court reinstate the executive order that would bar people entering the United States from six predominantly Muslim countries. It has been blocked by lower courts.

The U.S. State Department condemned what it called "the cowardly attacks targeting innocent civilians" in a statement, and echoed Trump's readiness to provide any assistance that British authorities request.

"All Americans stand in solidarity with the people of the United Kingdom," State Department spokeswoman Heather Nauert said in the statement.

Trump was briefed earlier about the London Bridge incident by his national security team, according to White House spokesman Sean Spicer, who said on Twitter that security officials would continue providing the president with updates.

The State Department also said it was monitoring the situation in London closely, and advised American citizens in Britain to heed the advice of local authorities and maintain their security awareness.

Law enforcement officials in major U.S. cities said they were not aware of any threats but were on alert following the attacks in London.

"There is no credible threat or nexus to LA," the Los Angeles Police Department tweeted. "We ask Angelenos to stay vigilant."

The New York Police Department's Counterterrorism Bureau said on Twitter that its critical response teams had been deployed to heavily traveled pedestrian areas.

"Go about your Sat. night, NYPD cops are protecting you. Our prayers are with all in London," the police department's official news account tweeted, along with a picture of three heavily armed officers and a police dog in Times Square.

Trump says the travel ban, a centerpiece of his 2016 campaign, is needed to protect Americans from terrorist attacks. Critics say his reasoning is flawed and assail the ban as discriminatory.

On Thursday, his legal team asked the high court to allow the March 6 executive order to take effect immediately despite being blocked by lower courts. The Supreme Court rarely grants emergency requests.

(Reporting by David Morgan; Additional reporting by Dan Whitcomb in Los Angeles; Editing by Jonathan Oatis and Mary Milliken)
There is no longer any doubt: the mayhem in London Saturday night has raised Islamic terrorism to a new threat level to the Western world.

The van that plowed into pedestrians on the historic London Bridge, the knife attacks near Borough Market  carried out nearly simultaneously  reflect a boldness and brazenness on the part of the twisted warriors of the Islamist campaign to destroy Western civilization and force us all to worship their version of God.

Coming only a few days before British voters go to the polls for a June 8 snap election, and just months after a similar vehicular attack on Westminster Bridge, the weekend violence is certain to have an effect on turnout and, quite possibly, the makeup of parliament and the next British government.

My view is that we are no longer facing random acts of terrorism, says Frank Gaffney, a terror expert who is president of the Washington-based Center for Security Policy. We have reached a tipping point. This is now an insurgency.

Gaffney, who has warned of the dangers of Islamic extremism for years, thinks this latest spate of attacks is the natural evolution of years of recruitment among British Muslims by terror cells like ISIS, the Muslim Brotherhood and Al Qaeda.

The Muslim terrorist population in Britain and Europe no longer feels constrained to live by stealth, Gaffney says. They have built an infrastructure, they have put it in place, and now they are moving up to the next level.

Gaffney calls the new phenomenon Sharia Supremacism. And he warns that the United States is on the same trajectory.

Hes right.

For far too long, Western societies, including in the United States, have tried to rationalize what has now become an avalanche of violent hatred of democratic freedom, basic human rights, and freedom to choose if and how to worship. We have asked if some of this is our fault, if we havent listened to the voices of religious extremism, or if we have failed to understand their message. The result in Britain: government officials estimate there are more than 20,000 jihadists living among the population.

Heres their message: We hate you and want to kill you.

Gaffney is among an emerging group of terrorism experts who now downplays the ideological differences between Shia and Sunni Muslim extremists. Yes, ISIS is peopled by Sunni killers and Hezbollah soldiers are Shia. The two Muslim sects dislike each other and have killed one another  always in Allahs name, of course.

But heres the thing, as Gaffney sees it: Shias and Sunnis have had serious differences for centuries, but what we are seeing now is a global alliance, they are perfectly capable of making common cause to take down the West. And I think it will get worse before it gets better.

For British voters, this weeks election may come down to one central issue: who will call these soldiers of Islam what they really are  savages  and keep us safe?
Eight minutes.

Thats how long it took London police to confront and kill three terrorists after responding to reports of a white van mowing down people on London Bridge and a stabbing spree in nearby Borough Market.

The toll is terrible: 7 dead and at least 48 wounded.

But make no mistake. Amid the carnage and mayhem of this latest Saturday night massacre, Englands third terrorist attack in less than three months, the British police responded impressively. Their counter-assault was swift, and deadly. The knife-wielding perpetrators, wearing fake suicide vests, were quickly neutralized.

There will be no more pussy-footing around what this was -- no more endless debates about the motive and nature of such attacks. The attackers yelled: "This is for Allah." And they shouted in English. So even at this early stage of the investigation, its a safe bet that this was probably a home-grown militant Islamist attack, despite no immediate claim of responsibility.

RELATED CONTENT: London terror: Saturday attacks a tipping point in campaign to destroy the West

It was also an unsophisticated strike, a copy-cat of the truck attacks weve recently seen not only on Westminster Bride in England, where another militant Islamist killed four, but also in France, Germany and even Sweden.

This attack was unlike the one that killed 22 and wounded dozens of other concert-goers in Manchester, Englands deadliest terror since the Islamist strikes of July, 2005. While much is still unclear about that attack, the home-grown suicide bomber of Libyan origin who detonated an improvised explosive device in front of Manchester Arena at Ariana Grandes concert had outside help, probably from ISIS or another radical Islamist group. His bomb was packed with nuts and bolts, shrapnel to intensify its lethality. He had recently traveled to Libya, and probably met there with members of ISIS, only weeks before the strike. Others have been arrested in what appears to have been a sophisticated plot.

The perpetrators of Saturday nights attack in London had no such device. They had knives, not guns. The perpetrators use of fake suicide vests suggests that the British had made it difficult for them to acquire explosives for real ones.

Prime Minister Theresa May responded bluntly and quickly, condemning not only this attack five days before an election, but her countrys tolerance of extremism. Enough is enough, she said, promising to intensify the fight against Islamist terrorism by, among other things, tackling violent incitement on the internet and safe spaces in the real world. This would require difficult conversations, she added.

Several important questions remain. Was this attack part of the conspiracy that produced the attack in Manchester? Probably not. Was it inspired by Manchester. Probably. And were the attackers already known to the police, that is, already under police surveillance? If they were, the police may eventually be blamed for not having done enough to prevent such an attack.

But the British polices response is hard to fault. Better law enforcement training, the high terrorism alert declared after Manchester, and the existence of almost 500,000 surveillance cameras in London alone roughly one for every 11 residents  have bolstered the polices ability to respond to such attacks and capture or kill their perpetrators.

Short of prevention, this is key. For as Prime Minister May said, candidly, this type of low-tech, but lethal terrorism is likely to happen again. What counts, once an attack occurs, is first, how quickly the police respond, and second, how quickly the Brits return to "normal." Albeit, the new normal.

From what we now know, the police responded superbly.

What matters now is how the British public will react. The proverbial stiff upper lip would be terrorisms most ardent foe. Ariana Grandes concert in Manchester is taking place as planned. That, alone, is a failure for terrorists.

Stepped up intelligence and security, steadfastness, and adherence to our own core values must be our objective. For make no mistake. London Bridge will not be the last such attack, in England, or Europe or the U.S.. On September 11th, 2001, there were some 500 Al Qaeda operatives.

Today, U.S. intelligence estimates there are some 40,000 foreign fighters in the self-declared Caliphate, including 7,000 from Europe, many of whom are returning, or have already returned. ISIS has 18 affiliates around the world, while Al Qaeda has over a dozen.

Though the groups have different tactics and strategies, all of them are bound together by what one veteran law enforcement and intelligence official called the common ideology of the global jihad and its core element--- that America is the great apostate.

For such groups, New York City represents the heart of the apostate. Thus their goal will remain to do in New York and other American cities what they are now doing in Europe. At the moment, Europe, for many reasons, is simply an easier target.

ISIS, Al Qaeda, and like-minded groups must be defeated not only on the killing fields of Syria and Iraq, Yemen and Libya, but ideologically. The ideological battle for hearts and minds will take far longer. As the battles rage, resilience is crucial.
President Trump responded Saturday evening to suspected terror attacks in London by vowing U.S. support and apparently using the incidents to bolster his legal argument for a travel ban into the United States.

Trump has tweeted three times since the first incident was reported on the London Bridge shortly after midnight local time.

Fears of new terror attack after van 'mows down 20 people' on London Bridge , the president retweeted from the news aggregator DrudgeReport.com.

A second incident was reported in London shortly after the bridge incident -- multiple stabbings at the nearby Borough Market.

London police said about an hour after the attacks that they are terror related. They also said a third incident, in a southern part of the city named Vauxhall and thought to be connected to the other attacks, has been ruled out as a terror strike.

Trump later tweeted: We need to be smart, vigilant and tough. We need the courts to give us back our rights. We need the Travel Ban as an extra level of safety!

Trump's executive order to impose a temporary travel on six mostly Muslim nations, training grounds for radical Islamic terror groups, is being held up in federal courts and appears headed to the Supreme Court.

His most recent tweet was: "Whatever the United States can do to help out in London and the U. K., we will be there - WE ARE WITH YOU. GOD BLESS!"

British Prime Minister Theresa May said the incidents are being treated as potential terror attacks.

The White House said Trump spoke with May and personally offered his condolences for "the brutal terror attacks."

Trump also praised the "heroic response of police and other first- responders," according to the White House.

The incidents come 12 days after a suicide bomber with apparent ties to terror groups killed 22 people and injured scores of others outside an Ariana Grande concert in Manchester, England.

Within minutes of the first incident, White House Press Secretary Sean Spicer said that the president had been apprised.

The State Department said the United States "condemns the cowardly attacks targeting innocent civilians," which the agency understands are being treated by local authorities as terror incidents.

An agency spokeswoman also said the U.S. "stands ready to provide any assistance" and expressed support for the victims and their families.

The Department of Homeland Security issued a statement in which an official said the agency is "closely monitoring the ongoing situation."

The agency also said it so far has no information to indicate a "specific, credible terror threat in the United States."

Homeland Secretary John Kelly told Fox News said such a attack is "right around the corner" in the United States and that DHS and other domestic law enforcement agencies are working tirelessly to prevent another one here.

He repeated that the biggest threats remain explosives on airplanes and people in the U.S. being "radicalized" and committing attacks on American soil.

"I do toss and turn all night," Kelly also said.

DHS also urged Americans in the area to "heed direction from local authorities and maintain security awareness."

In addition, the agency is encouraging American citizens who need assistance to contact the U.S. Embassy in London and follow State Department guidance.

Fox News' Shannon Bream, Jennifer Bowman, John Roberts and Joseph Weber contributed to this report.
Former Vice President Al Gore, a champion of environmental issues, on Sunday blasted President Trumps decision to withdraw the United States from the 2015 Paris climate agreement, saying the move was reckless and indefensible."

It makes no sense to me, Gore told Fox News Sunday. I think that it was a reckless decision, an indefensible decision.

Trump, citing economic reasons, decided last week not to join six other industrial nations in reaffirming their country's commitment to the accord -- an effort to curb global warming by reducing greenhouse gases and other air pollutants.

Gore talked in person to Trump after he won the 2016 presidential election. Gore said Sunday that the substance of their conversations will remain confidential, but made clear he tried to convince Trump to stay in the Paris deal.

I did my best to persuade him that it was in the countrys best interest, said Gore, whose 2006 documentary An Inconvenient Truth warns about the dangers of global warming. Climate change is real.  The president wont say it, but its true.

Gore argued Sunday that reducing carbon emissions is a global challenge and that Trumps decision to withdraw from the accord has hurt Americas stature.

I think it undermines our nations standing in the world and isolates us and threatens to harm humanitys ability to solve this crisis in time, he said.

Earlier on Fox News Sunday, EPA Administrator Scott Pruitt responded to such claims, saying: Were the United States. Well always have a seat at the table.
Missouri GOP Sen. Roy Blunt said Sunday that he wants fired FBI Director James Comey to testify later this week before Congress on the Russia investigations to help bring this to a conclusion."

Blunt is a member of Senate Intelligence committee that on Thursday is holding the hearing on the matter that is expected to include questions about whether President Trump pressured Comey in the FBIs ongoing Russia investigation.

Two administration officials, speaking on condition of anonymity, have said Trump is leaning against invoking executive privilege to try to block Comey from testifying about their private conversations.

Comey reportedly is expected to testify that Trump, in one of the conversations, asked the director to back off investigating ex-National Security Adviser Michael Flynn, fired for not disclosing talks with a Russian ambassador.

"Sooner than later, let's find out what happened and bring this to a conclusion, Blunt told Fox News Sunday. At some point, we'll hear the president's side. But I frankly think we need to hear Mr. Comey's side and find out what other questions we need to ask."

Blunt supported Trumps 2016 presidential campaign, amid his own difficult re-election bid in swing-state Missouri. And he helped lead Trumps inaugural events on Capitol Hill.

Republicans, at the start of the investigations into whether Russia meddled in the White House race, then into whether Trumps campaign was involved, largely seemed reluctant to expand efforts, opposing Attorney General Jeff Sessions recusing himself and the appointment of a special prosecutor.

However, roughly four months later the FBI and two congressional probes have slowed Trump and congressional Republicans legislative agenda and sparked calls for a conclusion.

Virginia Sen. Mark Warner, the top Democrat on the Senate Intelligence committee, said Sunday that investigators have yet to see a smoking gun.

But theres a lot of smoke, he told CNNs State of the Union.

He also said Trump would likely be on shaky legal ground if he tried to keep Comey from testifying, particularly because Trump fired him and allegedly called him a nutjob in front of Russian guests.

Warner also said the idea that a president would ask the FBI to back off an investigation in which he could be a target is unthinkable.

Trump could invoke executive privilege by arguing that discussions with Comey pertained to national security and that he had an expectation of privacy in getting candid advice from top aides.

But legal experts say the president likely undermined those arguments because he publicly discussed the conversations in tweets and interviews.

Maine Sen. Susan Collins, another Republican on the committee, told CBS Face the Nation that she had several questions for Comey, including whether he indeed told Trump that he was not the subject of an investigation, as the president has said.

"Does Mr. Comey agree that that is what was said? Why would he tell the president that?" Collins asked.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.
Florida GOP Rep. Francis Rooney said Saturday that he is on board with many parts of President Trumps budget proposal, including cuts to entitlement programs.

While congressional Republicans like Rooney are eager to reduce the national debt, the steep cuts in Trumps plan have caused them some concern, especially with every House member facing reelection next year.

There are important reductions in there that cut out government waste, Rooney told Fox News Americas News Headquarters. People have to realize what happened in the election, parts of America rose up and said were tired of being spent to death.

Trumps proposed $4.1 trillion budget plan has received scrutiny from Democrats and Republicans.

Rooney described the plan as an initial guide and said he is mostly pleased with the spending cuts.

Under the administrations aggressive proposal, the country would reach a balanced budget within 10 years.

There are important reductions in there that cut out government waste, said Rooney, a businessman whose family started a Florida-based international investment company.

The so-called skinny budget cuts billions of dollars from such federal agencies as the departments of State, Housing and Urban Development, and Health and Human Services. The Education Department faces the biggest cut -- nearly $5 billion.

Democrats are denouncing the plan largely because it calls for eliminating 66 federal programs.

The problem is when you put a budget forward that actually does cut the budget  it's harder to actually get it done because that involves scaling back programs that are popular in many states, Washington Examiner chief congressional correspondent Susan Ferrechio said Saturday.

Ferrechio cited such programs as low-income heating assistance and Meals on Wheels. She also argued that presidents budget proposals historically are just a starting point for Congress and never popular.

The Republican-led Congress is working on the budget amid efforts to improve the U.S. tax code, the Senates attempt to overhaul ObamaCare and two congressional investigations into whether anybody in the 2016 Trump campaign colluded with Russia.

Weve got so many problems facing our country and we really need to move forward on health care reform. Rooney said.
Perhaps its only appropriate that theres a geographical common denominator between the U.S.s first international agreement and the climate-related pact from which the U.S. most recently withdrew: Paris.

The 1783 Treaty of Paris between Great Britain and the ascendant United States halted the Revolutionary War and set into motion the American experiment. The first article of the treaty granted the U.S. the right to exist as a sovereign nation, liberated from the British. The U.S.s Congress of the Confederation (created between the first and second Continental congresses and prior to the inception of the modern U.S. Congress) ratified the treaty in 1784.

In other words, the concept of international treaties predates the republic. The Founders incorporated the idea of treaties into the Constitution. Article II, Section 2 grants the president power with the Advice and Consent of the Senate, to make Treaties, provided two thirds of the Senators present concur.

This is why President George Washington personally called on the Senate in 1790 to seek advice and consent when trying to hammer out an accord with the Creek Indians.

But over the past 227 years, presidential administrations rarely go by the book when forging international accords.

Getting over the two-thirds bar for ratification in the Senate is a challenge. The Constitution leaves the House out of the picture altogether when it comes to treaties. So when presidents draft international pacts these days, they frequently write them in a way so they arent considered a treaty worthy of Senate consideration. If a Capitol Hill lawmaker howls about being left out of the process, the White House and congressional leaders from both parties often assemble some sort of legislative framework, which entails the approval by both chambers of Congress -- and certainly not requiring two-thirds for adoption.

Consider recent, major international agreements into which the U.S. entered: The North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) wasnt a treaty. The House and Senate voted on that.

The same with the Central American Free Trade Agreement (CAFTA). Former President Barack Obama acquiesced to the demands of Congress for provisional House and Senate consideration of the Iran nuclear agreement. Senate Foreign Relations Committee Chairman Bob Corker, R-Tenn., wrote legislation that didnt necessarily approve or reject the Iran plan. It simply engineered a review process and bolstered the ability of Congress to sanction Tehran.

The same was true in 2015 when Obama tried to score the congressional blessing for a major trade package known as the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP). Congress stumbled first to adopt a structure to ratify TPP (not as a treaty). The House and Senate underwent serious parliamentary gymnastics to advance Trade Promotion Authority (TPA) and Trade Adjustment Assistance (TAA).

The latter served as sidebar that the Obama Administration thought was essential to score some Democratic support. The House argued it was crucial to consider the plans separately. The Senate needed them melded as one. After a major hiccup in the House, the Senate restructured the parliamentary gambit just to lug both across the finish line.

In the end, neither the House nor Senate ever considered the underlying agreement, the Trans-Pacific Partnership. President Trump formally withdrew from TPP earlier this year.

Would it have been easier treating TPP as a traditional treaty and dealing with just the Senate? Maybe. But obtaining ratification with 67 votes? Doubtful.

This backstory brings us to the 2015 United Nations Climate Change Conference held in Paris. Its sometimes referred to as COP 21 (short for Conference of the Parties). The key provision of the Paris agreement was to curb global warming by 1.5 degrees Celsius prior to temperatures at the start of the Industrial Revolution.

The Obama administration didnt submit the plan to the Senate as a conventional treaty. French Foreign Minister Laurent Fabius argued signers must agree to a formula which is valuable for everybody and valuable for the U.S. without going to Congress.

This is why Obama hoped to bypass Congress -- in any form -- with the Paris agreement. Theres a lot of debate about what constitutes a treaty that must head to the Senate. The State Department long ago drafted procedures to determine what qualifies as a treaty, known as Circular 175. Circular 175 runs through a series of eight tests about the impact an agreement has on the U.S., its duration and how the accord affects states.

One of the tests includes a desire of lawmakers from both chambers to weigh-in on an international agreement. But this is all up to interpretation. And facing a hostile, Republican House and Senate, Obama knew it was unlikely hed find much support on Capitol Hill. So he simply inked the deal for the U.S. with an executive order last autumn.

Without congressional sign-off, this calls into question whether the U.S. was ever formally in the Paris agreement.

And as recent history has shown, the U.S. has elected to join international agreements via legislative votes in both the House and Senate, rather than following the Founders prescribed method of submitting a treaty to the Senate for the advice and consent of 67 senators.

This is the latest incident in a growing trend of bypassing the Senate and the provisions dictated in Article II, Section 2 of the Constitution.

Without congressional authorization in any form, some could argue just how deeply the U.S. was involved with the Paris climate agreement. But the U.S. is now out. A strict reading of the Constitution would question whether the U.S. qualified as a signatory.

Its clear the Founders wanted to grant latitude to the executive branch to negotiate treaties. But the two-thirds bar for advice and consent was critical to have buy-in from at least one chamber of the legislative branch.

Now back to the Treaty of Paris, which launched the entire American enterprise. John Adams, Ben Franklin and John Jay negotiated the terms of the treaty on behalf of the incipient United States. It then went to the U.S.s nominal legislative authority for ratification.

The U.S. has been in the original Paris agreement since the start. Its unclear if the U.S. was ever in the latest Paris agreement at all.
Facebook activated its Safety Check feature Saturday after reports of an attack aimed at civilians in London.

The tool has been used in the past to inform friends and family about the welfare of individuals near a crisis. Metro UK reported that the tool has been used in the past during the Orlando attack and the attack at the Westminster Bridge.

The Telegraph reported that it is the third time that the feature has been activated in the United Kingdom. The page is called, The Attack in London, United Kingdom, and individuals can check in as safe.

CLICK HERE FOR THE SAFETY CHECK

Facebook first introduced the feature in 2011, and it was mainly used during natural disasters, like earthquakes. In 2015, it was used during the Paris attacks.

Fox Business reported that The safety check has been activated more than 600 times in two years and was last used in the UK last March during the Westminster attack in London.

According to Facebook, it is enacted after global crisis reporting agencies NC4 and iJET International alert the company about an incident. Facebook then begins to monitor for posts about the incident, in the area, and if a lot of people are talking about it, they may be prompted to check in and mark themselves safe and invite others to do the same.
Closing arguments are scheduled Monday in the trial of a Pennsylvania man accused of having sexually assaulted six girls in the same family, fathering two children by one of them.

The prosecution and defense rested their cases Friday in the Bucks County trial of Lee Donald Kaplan, 52, on numerous charges of rape of a child, statutory sexual assault and more.

Police found the family, including the couple's nine daughters and two grandchildren, living with Kaplan when a neighbor's tip led them to search his Feasterville home last year. Authorities allege that the couple "gifted" the oldest girl to him because he helped them financially.

Deputy District Attorney Kate Kohler argued that Kaplan "brainwashed" the woman and her family, casting himself as a prophet, as he sought "power, manipulation and control." She said "six children became his sex toys." The children's parents are awaiting sentencing on child endangerment convictions.

Several girls testified Thursday that Kaplan had sex with them and they considered him to be their husband. A 9-year-old testified that Kaplan began molesting her when she was 7 and the defendant told her not to tell anyone. The girls' mother testified that she knew about the sexual activity but believed "it could be a good thing."

Defense attorney Ryan Hyde, however, said Kaplan was married to the oldest daughter in the family's eyes and the other children loved him. He denied Kaplan had abused the younger girls and has characterized the family as taking advantage of his generosity.

Hyde said the younger girls initially denied any sexual activity with Kaplan but changed their stories after a meeting with their mother in October. He said he believes an audio recording of that meeting played in court shows an "influence" by prosecutors, and he believes their mother was offered a deal in exchange for evidence against Kaplan.

"As many times as they can tell you 'just tell the truth,' I think that was said with a wink," Hyde said. Kohler, however, said the audiotape speaks for itself and there were no promises made to anybody in the case.
Authorities have caught an inmate who escaped from the Atlanta Transitional Center on Saturday. Dennis Carlyle was spotted Sunday at a package store on Staton Road, according to police.

Someone called the police after the sighting, and Carlyle was located by East Point police along the Stanton Delowe Connector near an apartment complex, according to East Point Police.

According to the Georgia Department of Corrections, Carlyle escaped the facility at 3.a.m on 332 Ponce De Leon Avenue, having walked away. He was last seen wearing civilian clothing.

Carlyle was convicted of robbery for a crime committed in June 2012, and was serving a 7-year sentence.

The Atlanta Transitional Center serves as a residence for inmates before an official release, to transition back to the workplace and sobriety. Corrections officials said the center is not a secure facility.

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A boat exploded at a dock on the North Carolina coast, injuring three, after the boaters accidentally pumped 28 gallons of gasoline into a fishing rod holder instead of the fuel tank.

The three people hospitalized are the boat's owner, David Martin Jr., 40, of Charlotte; passenger Jonathan Bickett, 35, of Charlotte; and Kendrick Schwarz, 24, of Brunswick County, Scott Pritchard with the state Wildlife Resource Commission told WECT.

Schwarz worked for Sea Tow, a towing service called after the two realized the mistake.

Jeff Williamson, who runs a fishing charter out of Ocean Isle Beach, said he warned the boaters after seeing the sheen of gas on the water.

HELP ARRIVES FOR SANDY-WRECKED TOWN AS OTHERS RESIST DUNES

"I advised him he better call a tow company to tow him back to the marina instead of cranking the boat because it might explode," he told WECT.

As battery cables were being disconnected in an effort to prevent a spark, a spark occurred anyway, igniting the fuel.

EARTHQUAKE RATTLES ALASKA'S WEST ALEUTIAN ISLANDS

Martin and Bickett were airlifted to a Chapel Hill hospital. An ambulance took Schwarz to a hospital in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, with minor burns.

Martin told WBTV in a phone interview that he and Bickett are in a burn unit with severe injuries, but they're thankful to be alive.
A New York City teen was arrested Saturday after he was seen beating an elderly man with a cane in an unprovoked attack, police said.

Saul Nunez, 19, of the Bronx, was charged with two counts of assault and criminal possession of a weapon, according to WABC-TV.

The NYPD said the attack occurred at around 6 p.m. Friday. Surveillance footage released by police showed Nunez approaching Juan Llorens, 90, kicking his and striking him on the side of his head with a cane.

Llorens was left with cuts on his ear and head, police said. WABC-TV reported Good Samaritans intervened in the alleged assault and stopped it.

Llorens told PIX 11 he was out getting food and he was attacked. He thanked the people who stepped in to help him and said that he forgave his alleged attacker.
President Donald Trump said Sunday he will do whatever is necessary to protect the United States from a "vile enemy" that he says has waged war on innocents for too long, vowing: "This bloodshed must end, this bloodshed will end."

Trump commented on the vehicle and knife attack that killed at least seven people in London at the conclusion of a fundraiser for Ford's Theater, scene of one of the most famous acts of bloodshed in American history: the assassination of President Abraham Lincoln.

"America sends our thoughts and prayers and our deepest sympathies to the victims of this evil slaughter and we renew our resolve, stronger than ever before, to protect the United States and its allies from a vile enemy that ha swaged war on innocent life, and it's gone on too long," Trump said in his first public comments on the attack late Saturday in a busy section of London. He previously had commented via a series of Twitter posts.

"This bloodshed must end, this bloodshed will end," said the tuxedo-clad Trump, standing on stage with his wife, first lady Melania Trump.

"As president, I will do what is necessary to prevent this threat from spreading to our shores and work every single day to protect the safety and security of our country, our communities and our people," he said.

Trump said he had spoken with British Prime Minister Theresa May to express America's "unwavering support" and offer U.S. assistance as the British government works to protect its citizens and bring the guilty to justice.

Earlier Sunday, Trump had criticized London's mayor after he sought to reassure residents about a stepped-up police presence following the attack, the third in the country in past three months, arguing on Twitter for leaders to "stop being politically correct" and focus on "security for our people."

The mayor's spokesman said he was too busy to respond to Trump's "ill-informed" tweet.

In a series of tweets that began late Saturday, Trump also pushed his stalled travel ban, mocked gun control supporters and pledged that the United States will be there to help London and the United Kingdom.

Trump challenged London Mayor Sadiq Khan for saying there was "no reason to be alarmed." Khan spoke those words in a television interview Sunday in the context of reassuring Londoners about an increased police presence they might see.

"No reason to be alarmed," Khan said, describing a more visible presence as "one of things the police and all of us need to do to make sure we are as safe as we possibly can be."

Trump wasn't satisfied and responded Sunday with a trio of tweets:

"We must stop being politically correct and get down to the business of security for our people. If we don't get smart it will only get worse."

"At least 7 dead and 48 wounded in terror attack and Mayor of London says there is 'no reason to be alarmed!'"

Trump ended with: "Do you notice we are not having a gun debate right now? That's because they used knives and a truck!"

Khan's office dismissed the tweet, saying the mayor "is busy working with the police, emergency services and the government to coordinate the response to this horrific and cowardly terrorist attack and provide leadership and reassurance to Londoners and visitors to our city. He has more important things to do than respond to Donald Trump's ill-informed tweet that deliberately takes out of context his remarks urging Londoners not to be alarmed when they saw more police  including armed officers  on the streets."

Trump's first comment after the attack came late Saturday on Twitter. He promoted a proposed travel ban on visitors from six mostly Muslim countries and refugees from around the world that has been blocked by U.S. courts.

The Trump administration last week formally asked the Supreme Court, the highest court in the U.S., to allow the ban to take effect, arguing that restricting immigration by refugees and visitors from Iran, Libya, Somalia, Sudan, Syria and Yemen is necessary to protect U.S. national security. A date for the court to hear arguments in the case was not immediately set.

"We need to be smart, vigilant and tough. We need the courts to give us back our rights. We need the Travel Ban as an extra level of safety!" Trump tweeted Saturday after the attack.

U.S. lawmakers from both political parties criticized Trump for raising the travel ban and assailing Khan.

Sen. Mark Warner of Virginia, the top Democrat on the Senate intelligence committee, said he was concerned about Trump's call for a travel ban "even though the courts have continued to turn that down."

Warner said Trump has had more than 90 days to review the procedures for admitting people from certain countries.

"If there's new procedures put in place, put those procedures in place. Don't continue to call for this travel ban, which is frankly all of the leaders in the intelligence community have said would be in effect, a slap in the face to Muslim Americans and others, and in many ways, might actually incite more incidents," he said on CBS' "Face the Nation."

Sen. Susan Collins of Maine, a Republican member of the Senate intelligence panel, said the ban was "too broad" but agreed with Trump that better immigration procedures are needed.

Former vice president and 2000 Democratic presidential nominee Al Gore said on CNN's "State of the Union: "I don't think that a major terrorist attack like this is the time to be divisive and to criticize a mayor who's trying to organize his city's response to this attack."

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Follow Darlene Superville on Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/dsupervilleap
Another journalist has come under attack in Mexico. This time the victim is a woman who hosts a program on an indigenous radio station in the southern state of Guerrero.

State security spokesman Roberto Alvarez Heredia says Marcela de Jesus Natalia was shot in the head on Saturday as she left the government-owned station on the town of Ometepec.

He says she's in critical condition at an Acapulco hospital.

Alvarez says he doesn't know of any threats against de Jesus Natalia, who also has worked for a local family aid agency.

At least six journalists have been killed since the beginning of March in Mexico, prompting an outcry that has led the government to promise efforts to protect journalists.

Guerrero has suffered repeated waves of violence by drug-based criminal gangs.
The Latest on the Philippine casino attack (all times local):

9:45 p.m.

Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte says the deadly casino attack in Manila was not the work of the Islamic State group and that the gunman was just "crazy."

He made the remarks Saturday in the southern Philippines, his first comments on the attack.

A gunman entered the Resorts World Manila complex early Friday and set fire to the gambling tables, unleashing smoke that killed 37 patrons and casino employees. He fled with $2 million in stolen casino chips, then forced his way into a room in an adjoining hotel and killed himself.

Duterte said "that guy is crazy" because he stole casino chips, even though he wouldn't be able to use them.

He said the Islamic State's attacks were "more cruel and brutal. They would just simply kill people for nothing. Not even for a reason. And that's the reason why the world today has banded together to fight this scourge of terrorism, especially if you kill in the name of God. There is no rhyme or reason really."

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5:45 p.m.

Stephen Reilly, Resort World's Chief Operating Officer, says the company is giving 1 million pesos ($20,000) to each of the families of those who died in a deadly casino attack in Manila that left at least 38 people dead.

He said Saturday: "Yesterday we lost so many lives because of this senseless act. We hope that we will be able to somehow help."

A gunman entered the Resorts World Manila complex early Friday and set fire to the gambling tables, unleashing smoke that killed patrons and casino employees. He fled with $2 million in stolen casino chips, then forced his way into a room in an adjoining hotel and killed himself.

___

10:30 a.m.

Family members are waiting outside a funeral home for the bodies of their loved ones to be released following an attack on a Manila casino complex in which 36 people died.

At the Rizal funeral home, where 18 bodies were brought, Myra Tengco has been waiting for her sister's body to be released since Friday afternoon.

She says her sister, Arvi Gavino, was a casino employee with two children. Tengco says she cannot understand how a gunman managed to enter the casino.

The gunman, who wasn't identified, entered the Resorts World Manila complex early Friday and set fire to the gambling tables, unleashing smoke that killed patrons and casino employees. He fled with $2 million in stolen casino chips, then forced his way into a room in an adjoining hotel and killed himself.
London Mayor Sadiq Khan on Saturday described the London bridge attack as "deliberate and cowardly," and said it targeted "innocent Londoners."

Khan, Londons first Muslim mayor, made the remarks after a van crashing into a crowd at London Bridge and a series of stabbings nearby, police confirmed -- just the latest attacks to strike the United Kingdom in recent weeks.

"This was a deliberate and cowardly attack on innocent Londoners and visitors to our city enjoying their Saturday night," Khan said. "I condemn it in the strongest possible terms. There is no justification whatsoever for such barbaric acts."

Six people were killed in the attack, and three suspects were shot by police, authorities said. Witnesses told Sky News and the BBC that the attackers shouted "This is for Allah."
The State Department and the Department of Homeland Security are closely monitoring the incidents in London, Fox News confirms.

A State Department official told Fox News that emergency services currently are responding, and recommended that U.S. citizens take guidance from local authorities and maintain security awareness.

Our thoughts are with the family and friends of those affected by this terrible situation, a State Department official told Fox News.

State Department officials are strongly encouraging U.S. citizens in the United Kingdom to directly contact family members in the U.S. to advise them of your safety.

We stand ready to provide all possible consular assistance should we become aware of any affected U.S. citizen, the State Department said.

DHS said that they are working with interagency partners and foreign counterparts to gather further information into the attacks on the London Bridge on Saturday and in the surrounding area.

DHS Secretary John Kelly has been briefed on the incidents, and according to DHS, there is no information to indicate a specific, credible terror threat in the United States.

We are in contact and stand read to assist our friends and allies in the United Kingdom as they respond, investigate, and recover, a DHS official said. Our thoughts and prayers are with those affected by these incidents.

Fox News John Roberts contributed to this report.
The Islamic State has claimed responsibility for the latest London terror attack through its propaganda wing Amaq News Agency, the SITE intelligence group reported Sunday.

The terror network reportedly claimed a "detachment" of its fighters crashed a rented van into a crowd of people on London Bridge before going on a stabbing rampage Saturday night, killing seven people and wounding nearly 50 others. However, ISIS gave no evidence to back up its claim.

Earlier on Sunday, British Prime Minister Theresa May condemned the evil ideology behind the London attacks.

May addressed the attacks Sunday after a meeting of the governments COBRA emergency committee. She called for a tougher stance against extremists and tougher controls on cyberspace to prevent its use by extremists.

She said the measures were needed because terrorism breeds terrorism and attackers copy each other.

Counterterrorism police carried out raids in east London and arrested 12 people in connection with the attacks. "Searches of a number of addresses in Barking are continuing," London Metro Police said as the raids were being conducted.

The homes raided included one belonging to one of the three terrorists who carried out the attacks, Sky News reported.

"He's lived here for about three years," neighbor Damien Pettit said. "He's one of our neighbors. I've said hello in passing more than 50, 60 occasions. He has two young kids. He was a very nice guy."

ISIS has claimed responsibility for a series of attacks in recent years -- but police have pushed back in some instances. The terror network announced it was behind the deadly attack on a casino and shopping complex in the Philippines last Friday -- but Manila police said the killer was a Filipino gambling addict heavily in debt, with no terror links.

Saturdays horror began around 10 p.m. local time when a white van veered off the road and barreled into pedestrians on London Bridge. The vans three occupants then jumped out with large knives and attacked people at bars and restaurants in nearby Borough Market, police said.

Elizabeth ONeill said her son was stabbed in the stomach by a man who approached him and yelled this is for Islam.

Daniel ONeill, 23, suffered a 7-inch knife wound, she said, according to Sky News. He was recovering.

"He had just stepped outside the bar for a second and a man ran up to him and said 'this is for my family, this is for Islam' and stuck a knife straight in him, the mother said.

Gerard Vowles, 47, told local media that he saw the three attackers stabbing a woman at the south end of London Bridge. He said he threw chairs, glasses and bottles at the attackers in a bid to stop them.

"They went 'this is for Allah' and then they just started stabbing her multiple times, he told Sky News.

The Guardian quoted Vowles as saying, They kept coming to try to stab me. They were stabbing everyone. Evil, evil people.

He added, according to the paper, "I want to know if this girl is still alive. I've been walking around for an hour and a half crying my eyes out. I don't know what to do."

Brad Myers, an American vacationing in London, told Fox & Friends Sunday that he had just taken some pictures and was about to walk along the Thames River when he heard a noise.

Then I saw the van come on to the pavement and continue along the side of the road just right where I was a few moments before, just mowing down pedestrians, he said.

Everyone was in shock, he said.

What he saw reminded him of the truck attack in Nice, France.

Its crazy to think I was right there, Myers said.

Eight police officers killed the attackers after arriving on the scene within eight minutes.

The officers fired 50 shots, London's assistant police commissioner Mark Rowley said at a press briefing Sunday, calling the number unprecedented. One of the bullets struck an innocent bystander. The person was recovering in a hospital.

Rowley said that the officers had no choice.

"The situation these officers were confronted with was critical - a matter of life and death - three armed men, wearing what appeared to be suicide belts, had already attacked and killed members of the public and had to be stopped immediately," he said.

It turned out the suicide belts were fake.

Rowley said the van had been rented recently by one of the attackers.

May said 48 people were injured and many had life-threatening injuries. Thirty-six remained hospitalized Sunday.

A courageous cop was one of the wounded. He confronted the three knife-wielding terrorists armed only with a baton. He was stabbed in the face, head and a leg. He was in stable condition.

British Transport Police Chief Constable Paul Crowther said of the officer that "it became clear that he showed enormous courage in the face of danger."

Crowther added that "for an officer who only joined us less than two years ago, the bravery he showed was outstanding and makes me extremely proud."

Those killed included a Canadian and a French national.

May said the Thursday's national election would be held as scheduled because "violence can never be allowed to disrupt the democratic process." Major parties suspended national campaigning Sunday out of respect for the victims.

Speaking to Fox News from London, Secretary of Homeland Security John Kelly said the latest attacks mark the fourth or fifth time he's had to call his British counterpart in just four months on the job because of "terrible events like this."

It was the third terror attack to hit Britain in as many months.

In March, a British convert to Islam ran down people with a vehicle on Westminster Bridge, killing four, then stabbed a policeman to death outside Parliament.

On May 22, a British suicide bomber killed 22 people and injured dozens at an Ariana Grande concert in Manchester. After that attack, Britain's official threat level from terrorism was raised to "critical," meaning an attack may be imminent. Several days later it was lowered to "severe," meaning an attack is highly likely.

ISIS claimed responsibility for those two attacks.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.
The London Bridge incident is being investigated as terrorism, and former U.S. law enforcement officials are not surprised.

Just two weeks after the deadly attack at an Ariana Grande concert in Manchester, the United Kingdom is responding to as many as three different incidents, including a van crashing into a crowd at the London Bridge and a series of stabbings reported at nearby Borough Market.

It appears to be ISIS relatedthis is the result of the West not recognizing that we are at war, former member of the FBI National Joint Terrorism Task Force, Steve Rogers, told Fox News. The United Kingdom Is learning that they must change their rules of engagement and their national policies regarding immigration.

Former deputy secretary at the Department of Homeland Security under President George W. Bush, James Norton, told Fox News that this attack, reportedly occurring in multiple locations throughout London, is similar to that of the Paris attacks in November 2015.

This is another ISIS style attack that we have seen in France, using vehicles as a weapon, as well as knives and other day to day items as weapons of terror, Norton told Fox News.

The U.K. saw a similar knife-style attack on the Westminster Bridge on March 22, with five people, including a London police officer, who was stabbed, and the perpetrator, were killed. More than 40 people were injured outside the Parliament building.

Other terror attacks against the West in recent months involving vehicles and knives include the December attack on the German Christmas market, when a large truck plowed through crowds of people, killing 12 and injuring 48 others; the November attack at Ohio State University when a student ran his car into a group of students and slashed them with a butcher knife; and in Nice, France, when a truck drove through a crowd on Bastille Day, killing 77 people.

This threat speaks to the real issue of homegrown terror and radicalization that has been compounded with lax immigration policies in the U.K., Norton told Fox News. The U.K. is just weeks away from an election, and one of the motivations could be to disrupt the process.
As in Manchester two weeks ago, Londoners were quick to offer assistance to those caught up in the attacks at London Bridge and Borough Market.

Phaldip Singh, who describes himself as an entrepreneur and youth activist, tweeted that Sikh Gurdwaras were open to provide food and shelter for those affected by the attacks. Gurdwaras are places of worship that traditionally serve simple meals to anyone, regardless of their religion.

The Royal Oak pub in Southwark opened its doors to people evacuated from hotels inside the area cordoned off by police. At least one minicab company tweeted an offer of free rides for people stranded in the area.

Britain's official terror threat recently had been lowered from "critical" after the May 22 suicide bombing killed 22 people and injured dozens of others, many of them teenagers, at the pop star Ariana Grande's concert in Manchester, England.

Police say a hit-and-run and stabbings on and near London Bridge officially have been declared a "terrorist incident."

Armed officers flooded the busy area of the city after a van struck multiple people on the bridge. Witnesses also reported seeing people being stabbed by at least one man.

Police say the incidents occurred on the bridge and at Borough Market a short distance away.

The force initially said they were also responding to a reported third incident, in the Vauxhall area of London. But they said later that turned out to be an unrelated stabbing.
There were plenty of warning signs before Salman Abedi unleashed carnage at Manchester Arena.

The concert bombing that left 22 people dead Monday night and dozens hospitalized raises the question of what, if anything, could have been done to stop him.

Relatives had alerted authorities that Abedi, 22, was flirting with extremist ideologies and had been involved in a fracas at a mosque after the imam there denounced terrorism.

One brother living in Libya allegedly had been investigated for links to the Islamic State group, and Abedi's father had allegedly belonged to a Libyan militant group years ago that was backed by al-Qaida. Abedi lived near the same Manchester neighborhood that was home to Abd al-Baset Azzouz, a master al-Qaida bomb maker and recruiter accused in the 2012 attack on the U.S. Embassy in the Libyan city of Benghazi.

Still, Abedi was no longer "under the microscope" of British security authorities, who years ago regarded him as a person of interest, a British government official said on condition of anonymity because he was not authorized to speak about the investigation into the attack. The official would not specify why Abedi was of interest years ago.

"The decision to investigate one person means the decision not to investigate someone else," said Nigel Inkster, a former head of operations at MI6, Britain's foreign intelligence agency. "You have to make pragmatic judgments of where to put your resources, and sooner or later those judgments might turn out to be wrong."

Britain's domestic security agency of MI5 is currently tackling 500 terror investigations and watching some 3,000 suspects. Putting one person under surveillance is expensive, requiring as many as 30 officers. That type of surveillance also requires a high threshold of suspicion that a suspect could turn to violence. British security officials say at least five terror plots in Britain have been thwarted in the past two months, although they have not released details of the plots.

Monday's bombing wasn't the first time in recent months that British security and law enforcement have come under scrutiny following an attack.

Khalid Masood killed five people and injured several others in a March attack near Britain's Parliament, prompting headlines such as "Killer escaped from MI5's radar." Masood, who also was killed in the incident, had once been investigated for violent extremism but was described by Prime Minister Theresa May as "a peripheral figure."

The month before, MI5 was criticized for not keeping track of a former detainee at the U.S. prison camp at Guantanamo Bay who blew himself up at a military base in Iraq. The Islamic State group identified the bomber as Abu Zakariya al-Britani, also known as Ronald Fiddler, a Briton who converted to Islam and became known as Jamal al-Harith. He was freed from Guantanamo Bay in 2004. He is one of 16 men paid a total of 10 million pounds (now worth $12.4 million) in compensation by the British government in 2010 for the time in U.S. custody.

"Below the 3,000 (suspects) is another 12,000 people who have in the past come to our attention and haven't necessarily shown signs of doing anything at all, or no longer posing a risk," said Britain's Security Minister Ben Wallace.

Still, ex-CIA officer Bob Ayers said enough was known to raise red flags on Abedi, who went back and forth to Libya to see his family, and who according to his father, was shortly heading off to a religious pilgrimage in Saudi Arabia.

"He has a dad with former links to al-Qaida and alleged connections to other militants, and his travel wasn't noted by the British?" asked Ayers. "There's something seriously wrong about this. What are these guys watching for and what constitutes the threshold? If they had any of this information, it wasn't properly analyzed."

Other European security agencies have also been criticized for failing to keep track of potential attackers.

Belgian security services were repeatedly accused by French authorities of failing to prevent extremists from the largely Muslim Brussels neighborhood of Molenbeek from plotting the November 2015 attacks in Paris that killed 130 people. They included Abdelhamid Abaaoud, a Belgian man believed to be the mastermind behind the Paris suicide bombings and shootings.

Many of the Paris attack plotters, some of whom also had links to the 2016 suicide bombings at Brussels airport and subway that killed 32 people, either lived in or traveled through Molenbeek.
Conservationists say poachers have killed two male lions that were among more than 30 rescued from South American circuses and airlifted to South Africa.

The killing of lions named Jose and Liso occurred at the Emoya Big Cat Sanctuary, north of Johannesburg.

Animal Defenders International, a group involved in the lion transfer to South Africa last year, said Saturday that South African police and anti-poaching units are investigating.

The Emoya sanctuary says it has increased security and that the site is currently closed to visitors and volunteers.

The conservationists did not provide details about the lion killings.

In January, poachers cut through fences at another animal park in South Africa and decapitated and chopped the paws off three male lions, possibly for use in traditional healing rituals.
Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte said Sunday that he will not negotiate with militants aligned with the Islamic State group who are holding hostages in a besieged southern city, and that he has ordered troops to kill the gunmen even if they slaughter the hostages.

The tough-talking Duterte issued his strongest warning yet to the local and foreign militants, whose stunning siege of Marawi has dragged on for nearly two weeks. Troops have battled to regain control of most of the lakeside city, but the militants, who are believed to be holding a Catholic priest and many other hostages, continue to control pockets of territory.

At least 178 people have been killed in Marawi, the heartland of Islamic faith in the southern Philippines, since hundreds of gunmen waving Islamic State-style black flags rampaged across the city on May 23, burning some buildings and occupying others as they battled troops backed by airstrikes and artillery fire.

The dead include 120 militants, 20 civilians and 38 soldiers and policemen.

"I was asked if I could negotiate. I'm telling you now, you can kill all those you're holding now, but I won't talk to you," Duterte said in a speech before peace talks advocates at an air base in the central city of Lapu-Lapu. "My order really is to shoot you and to shoot you dead."

While he sounded tough, Duterte said troops have held back from indiscriminately bombing away at the militants with newly acquired fighter jets and ending the urban insurrection in a day because the government has to assure the safety of civilians trapped in the fighting.

Nearly 1,500 residents have been rescued from neighborhoods at the scenes of clashes, including 179 people who were plucked from danger after troops held their fire for four hours Sunday in a "humanitarian pause" to allow the rescue in specific areas, military spokesman Brig. Restituto Padilla said.

Marawi officials estimate that about 2,000 residents remained trapped in their houses and many have run out of food and water.

Officials say they have no idea how many civilians are being held hostage by the gunmen, but a Catholic priest, the Rev. Teresito Suganob, said in a video that he and about 200 other captives, including children, were being held by the militants. Suganob apparently spoke under duress in the video, which recently appeared online.

The Marawi siege followed an unsuccessful May 23 army raid that attempted to capture a top terror suspect, Isnilon Hapilon, who has been designated by the Islamic State group as its leader in Southeast Asia.

Hapilon, who was wounded in an airstrike in a nearby town in January, was reportedly wounded anew in the foot by gunfire but escaped. Gunmen loyal to him swept through the city of 200,000 people, torching buildings and taking hostages. Up to 90 percent of Marawi's people have fled to safety.

Duterte has declared martial law across the southern third of the Philippines to deal with the most serious crisis of his year-old presidency.
Syrian government forces pounded parts of the southern city of Daraa with air strikes and artillery fire, activists reported Sunday, one day after rebels attacked government positions in the southern city.

Much of Daraa has been reduced to rubble and the two sides are exchanging fire through the shells of buildings, according to footage released by Syrian military media and the al-Qaida-linked Abaa News Agency over the weekend.

Local opposition activist Ahmad al-Masalmeh recorded 90 missile and bomb strikes by government forces by the afternoon. Syrian military media footage showed clouds of smoke and dust rising over the city.

At least 31 fighters have been killed in the clashes since late Friday, with fatalities distributed nearly evenly between the two sides, according to the Britain-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights monitoring group.

The fighting has underscored the frailty of the "de-escalation" agreement brokered by Russia, Turkey, and Iran one month ago. The three powers are supposed to guarantee cease-fires across four zones in Syria, including Daraa. Russia said it would delineate the four zones by Sunday, but no announcement has yet been made.

Earlier in the weekend, rebels, including al-Qaida-linked fighters, attacked government and allied positions in the city's Manshiyeh district.

"The regime sent 200 of its men to Manshiyeh yesterday. The fighters were afraid of an operation, so they attacked first," al-Masalmeh told The Associated Press.

Casualties could not be independently verified, but a rebel operations room said several Hezbollah fighters had been killed. The Lebanese militant group has deployed thousands of its fighters to Syria in support of President Bashar Assad's forces.

The Observatory said at least three different parts of the city came under rocket and missile attack by government forces on Sunday, and that rebels returned fire.

Syrian military media distributed footage showing its planes and artillery striking built up areas.

The government and its allies have sent reinforcements to the city, including at least seven tanks and 20 other armed vehicles, according to al-Masalmeh, who said rebels could see the government's troop movements on the highway connecting Daraa to Damascus.

Daraa saw some of the earliest demonstrations against the Assad family's four-decade rule in 2011. A violent government crackdown and the rise of an armed insurgency eventually plunged the country into civil war.

The fighting has displaced half of Syria's population and claimed some 400,000 lives.

Daraa's population was around 100,000 before the war.

Elsewhere in Syria, the U.S.-backed Syrian Democratic Forces reported capturing a third dam from Islamic State militants on the Euphrates River in the north on Sunday as they approached Raqqa, the militants' de facto capital. A spokeswoman for the SDF said Saturday the group would launch its battle for Raqqa "within days."

The Kurdish-led group aims to establish an autonomous zone along the Turkish border.
Joint patrols by three Southeast Asian countries in the Sulu Sea may be the start of a larger regional effort to keep Islamic militants at bay, officials said Sunday.

The patrols will be conducted by forces from Indonesia, the Philippines and Malaysia, starting with sea operations from June, with air and land patrols starting at a later date.

The initiative in the Sulu Sea, an area bounded by the Malaysian state of Sabah and the southern Philippines, is a "collective agreement that is followed by the operational level," Indonesian Defense Minister Ryamizard Ryacudu said. It will feature joint command posts and exercises between the trio's ground forces.

Joint patrols are an attempt "to prevent and protect our border, to close the border so that militants don't go to other areas," Ryamizard said. "If the situation escalates and extends to other waters, we would like to request other countries to join."

Indonesia has the world's largest Muslim population. Ryamizard was speaking at the Shangri-La Dialogue, a security conference in Singapore attended by defense ministers and experts from 39 countries.

The presence of Islamic militants has been felt the region. Philippine troops are struggling to end a bloody siege by 500 Islamic State group-aligned extremists in the southern city of Marawi, one of the boldest militant attacks in Southeast Asia in years.

Forty foreigners involved in the Marawi attack may have found a path through the Sulu Sea, said Ricardo David Jr., Undersecretary for Defense Policy at the Philippine Department of National Defense. "They have a back channels corridor in our country, probably in the area of Sulu Sea and Celebes Sea, that they can proceed to Mindanao and link with the terrorist units in the area," he said.

The joint patrols are not conducted under the umbrella of the 10-member Association of Southeast Asian Nations, of which Indonesia, the Philippines and Malaysia are part.

"ASEAN is not a military bloc. It is a defense corporation. If there are any issues, we have to find commonalities" out of the organization, Ryamizard said.

Still, the objectives are aligned. "The very threat we face is a common enemy. Terrorists are the enemy. Especially in ASEAN, we don't have any differences. I believe this can be a framework for other countries like the Middle East," he added.

Singapore Defense Minister Ng Eng Hen said that he has offered assistance, in the form of an information-sharing center at Changi Naval Base.

China has been asked to contribute its ships. Responding to a question from a member of the Chinese delegation, Ryamizard said: "It is like peace patrols. It is very important to underline that it is joint peace patrols."

The inclusion of China is sensitive as the country has pitted itself against smaller Southeast Asian neighbors in claiming disputed islands, coral reefs and lagoons in the South China Sea.

The three-day security conference, which ends Sunday, also focused on the nuclear ambitions of North Korea.
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.
After yet another deadly terrorist attack swept through the streets of Britain late Saturday, lawmakers and leaders were scrambling to take back the reins and foil any further tragedies.

British Prime Minister Theresa May, speaking Sunday after a meeting of the governments COBRA emergency committee, claimed there was too much tolerance of Islamist extremism in the U.K. and insisted that the countrys counterterrorism strategy would be reviewed.

While such reviews remain in preliminary stages, a British intelligence source told Fox News that it is an all hands at the pump approach, with Joint Intelligence Operations to be carried out collaboratively with M15, Scotland Yard and the Armys Special Air Service (SAS) all involved.

The points of focus include: recruiting and deploying even more counterterrorism officers, and pushing through new laws to round up suspected terrorists and, if convicted, stripping them of their citizenship as a deterrent.

There is also early talk that things could go as far as banning the burka, the source said.

The burka debate has, for more than a decade, divided much of the British community. In 2006, MP and government minister Jack Straw first advocated support for such a prohibition in the media, but several years later apologized following the backlash. Nearby European countries such as France, Austria, Germany and Belgium have, over the years, implemented different degrees of legislation to restrict the wearing of full-face veils.

It is just whispers at the moment, but if that goes live, one would guess that it will be enforced across the U.K., the source noted.

Furthermore, the U.K. government is said to be planning how to dismantle the pockets of extremism and enforce better mechanism for community integration.

There are a lot of Muslim strongholds in the U.K. from London and Luton to Birmingham, Burnley and Blackburn, added the intel source. Right now, through weak policies, we have allowed the fundamentalists to spoil it for the majority.

British authorities also are said to be looking at ways to force large Internet companies to ban extremist material on their search engines and additionally report any content that they find.

In her address Sunday, May vowed that the Internet could no longer function as a safe space for jihadism. Another intelligence source confirmed that Mays focus is very much on the role of the Internet  restricting and monitoring  in the quest to infiltrate where cells congregate and how they communicate.

Seven people died and 48 were wounded  several critically  when three masked assailants plunged a van into pedestrians on London Bridge. The attackers, also donning fake suicide vests, then embarked on an on-foot stabbing spree at a nearby bar and were quickly shot dead by police. Tony Schiena, founder and CEO of Multi Operational Security Agency who has been in contact with officials, told Fox News that the vests were stab proof, but not even bullet proof.

Authorities announced Sunday that raids were under way and that 12 individuals had been arrested in connection with the latest attacks. Saturdays assault marks the third to have taken place in the U.K. in 2017 alone.

MAY CONDEMNS LONDON TERROR ATTACKS THAT KILLED 7; POLICE ARREST 12 IN RAIDS

TRUMP ASSAILS 'POLITICAL CORRECTNESS' IN TWEET ON TERROR ATTACKS

On May 22, a British suicide bomber slaughtered 22 people  including children  and injured dozens more after an Ariana Grande concert in Manchester. In March, a British convert to Islam killed four when he rammed his vehicle into people on Westminster Bridge, and then fatally stabbed a police officer outside Parliament.

The British Embassy in Washington, as well as a spokesperson for May, did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
Details on the victims of the latest terror attacks in London began to emerge Sunday. The vehicle assault and stabbing attacks at London Bridge and nearby Borough Market killed at least seven people and wounded nearly 50 others.

----

Four police officers were hurt, the BBC reported. Among them: an off-duty Metropolitan Police officer and rugby player who bravely confronted the killers, tackling one of them before the attacker stabbed him, according to the news agency.

Two other Metropolitan Police officers and one British Transport Police officer also were reported hurt. Officials did not immediately release their names.

----

One French man was killed and seven other French citizens were hurt, according to the country's foreign minister, Jean-Marc Ayrault. He did not identify the deceased or the other victims.

----

A Canadian woman killed has been identified by her family as Christine Archibald. She worked in a homeless shelter until she moved to Europe to be with her fiance, according to relatives in Castlegar, British Columbia.

The 30-year-old from Calgary, Alberta, had recently moved to the Netherlands to be with her fiance Tyler Ferguson, his sister Cassie Ferguson Rowe told the Associated Press. The couple was engaged three months ago.

Ferguson had been walking a few steps ahead of his fiancee on the bridge, and then held her as she died, said Ferguson Rowe.

Her family asked those who wanted to honor her to volunteer their time or donate to a homeless shelter and to tell them "Chrissy sent you."

----

Three Australians were hurt.

Foreign Minister Julie Bishop says Candice Hedge was recovering in St. Thomas' Hospital and Andrew Morrison had received stitches for a wound and was on his way home to Australia. Both had been stabbed in the neck. The government was still looking into the third Australian's condition, Bishop added.

Hedge, a 34-year-old waitress, has been living in Britain for about a year and was working in the Borough Market area where witnesses said she was stabbed as she tried to hide under a table.

She posted on social media: "Hey everyone, just so you know im doing ok. Bit of pain but I will survive."

Morrison, an electrician from Darwin, posted on social media that he had been stabbed leaving Belushi's London Bridge bar after watching the Champions League soccer final.

Morrison said in a video: "All of a sudden this guy comes up with a knife. I just, like, push him off. I walk into a pub and I'm like: `Someone help me, I've just been stabbed.' "

----

Oliver Dowling, from New Zealand, was stabbed in the face, neck and stomach on Saturday night, leaving him in a coma, Sky News reported. His girlfriend, Marie Bondeville, also was wounded, according to the news agency.

----

Geoff Ho, business editor for the Sunday Express newspaper, said he was stabbed in the neck after he tried helping a bouncer targeted by the attackers. "Don't know whether it was stupid or noble to jump in and break up the fight," he posted on Facebook. "But two a-------- trying to do over the lone bouncer on the door isn't happening on my watch."

"Geoff Ho is an absolutely first-class reporter and a fine and decent man and our thoughts are with him and his family at this time," Sunday Express Editor Martin Townsend said.

----

Elizabeth O'Neill told the BBC her 23-year-old son, Daniel, suffered a 7-inch cut outside a bar near Borough Market. "I'm still in shock. I can't quite believe it's happened," his mother reacted.

Click for more from Sky News.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.
A top Russian official said Sunday at a security conference in Singapore that North Koreas nuclear ambitions are a direct threat to Russia.

Russian Deputy Defense Minister Alexander Fomin told defense ministers and experts from 39 countries that Pyongyangs missile defense system has a real function.

That is why it is alarming. And it is direct threat to Russia. We are convinced that it will increase the tensions of the region. That is our principle position," he said.

Once considered a strong ally, Russia has backed fresh sanctions against North Korea.

In early June, Russias deputy U.N. Ambassador Vladimir Safronkov reaffirmed this commitment, the choice here has to be made in favor of using diplomatic tools to the maximum extent possible.

U.S. Defense Secretary Jim Mattis, speaking at the same conference, said that North Korea presented a "clear and present danger."

The United States pushed tough new sanctions against Pyongyang Friday at the U.N. Security Council but they were ultimately blocked by China.

The Security Council voted unanimously to add 15 individuals and four entities linked to North Koreas nuclear missile programs to a U.N. sanctions blacklist.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.
An argument during what was supposed to be a happy family dinner outside Moscow turned into a massacre when a man shot and killed nine people, investigators revealed on Sunday.

Survivors told police the suspect had quarreled with others at the dinner in Redkino on Saturday night, left the cottage, returned with a hunting rifle and opened fire.

The suspect has been arrested, according to the Investigative Committee. It did not give his name but stated he was born in 1974 and lived in Moscow, AFP reported.

He had been "drinking spirits," investigators added.

RUSSIA: NORTH KOREA'S NUKES A 'DIRECT THREAT'

The suspect was detained on suspicion of mass murder after survivors managed to call the police.

Redkino is about 75 miles northwest of Moscow.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.
An explosion on a carriage in a subway train in southwest London injured several people Friday while a knife-wielding assailant tried to attack a soldier in a Paris subway interchange. Both incidents are being investigated by counterterrorism authorities and are the latest attacks in Europe in recent years. Here are some of the other major ones,

Aug. 17, 2017: A van attack kills 14 people in Barcelona, while another person was stabbed to death by the attacker as he fled. Another attack in nearby Cambrils a day later leaves one dead. The attacks were claimed by the Islamic State group.

June 19, 2017: A British man who had reportedly made anti-immigrant and anti-Muslim remarks drives into a crowd of worshippers outside a London mosque. One person dies and nine others are wounded.

June 3, 2017: Three Islamic extremists drive into a crowd of pedestrians on London Bridge and then go on a knife rampage in nearby Borough Market, killing eight people and wounding dozens of others.

May 22, 2017: A suicide bomber kills 22 people and injures dozens during an Ariana Grande concert at Manchester Arena in northern England.

April 7, 2017: A man driving a hijacked beer truck hits pedestrians at a Stockholm department store, killing four.

March 22, 2017: A man drives his rented SUV into pedestrians at London's Westminster Bridge, killing four, before stabbing a police officer to death.

Dec. 19, 2016: A hijacked truck plows through a Christmas market in Berlin, killing 12.

July 14, 2016: A truck driver targets Bastille Day revelers in Nice, killing 86.

March 22, 2016: Suicide attacks on the Brussels airport and subway kill 32 and injure hundreds. The perpetrators have been closely linked to the group that carried out earlier attacks in Paris.

 Nov. 13, 2015: Islamic State-linked extremists attack the Bataclan concert hall and other sites across Paris, killing 130 people.

 Feb. 14, 2015: A gunman kills Danish filmmaker Finn Noergaard and wounds three police officers in Copenhagen. A day later the gunman, Omar El-Hussein, attacks a synagogue, killing a Jewish guard and wounding two police officers before being shot dead.

 Jan. 7-9, 2015: A gun assault on the Paris offices of the satirical magazine Charlie Hebdo and an attack on a kosher grocery store kill 17 people. Al-Qaida in the Arabian Peninsula claims responsibility for the attack, saying it was in revenge for Charlie Hebdo's depictions of the Prophet Muhammad.

 May 24, 2014: Four people are killed at the Jewish Museum in Brussels by an intruder with a Kalashnikov. The accused is a former French fighter linked to the Islamic State group in Syria.

 May 22, 2013: Two al-Qaida-inspired extremists run down British soldier Lee Rigby in a London street, then stab and hack him to death.

 March 2012: A gunman claiming links to al-Qaida kills three Jewish schoolchildren, a rabbi and three paratroopers in Toulouse, southern France.

 July 22, 2011: Anti-Muslim extremist Anders Behring Breivik plants a bomb in Oslo then launches a shooting massacre on a youth camp on Norway's Utoya island, killing 77 people, many of them teenagers.

 Nov. 2, 2011: The offices of Charlie Hebdo in Paris are firebombed after the satirical magazine runs a cover featuring a caricature of the Prophet Muhammad. No one is injured.

 March 2, 2011: Islamic extremist Arid Uka shoots dead two U.S. airmen and injures two others at Frankfurt airport after apparently being inspired by a fake internet video purporting to show American atrocities in Afghanistan.

 July 7, 2005: Fifty-two commuters are killed in London when four al Qaida-inspired suicide bombers blow themselves up on three subway trains and a bus.

 March 11, 2004: Bombs on four Madrid commuter trains in the morning rush hour kill 191 people.
Replacing the old, is the University of Michigan Biological Sciences Building writes Helen Park, identifying Mays subject. Its being built next to (and is the future home of) the Museum of Natural History, writes Dave Sweeton. North Hall and the Annex were demolished to make way for it, writes David Karl. After the museum moves, writes Betsy Williams, the administrators will leave Fleming (last months answer) and take over the museum building.

The dome is a real stand-out, says Kate Silbert. It will house the Digital Dome Theater  that will expand traditional planetarium capabilities into other realms of science, shares Angie Sullivan. Besides the musuems, the BSB will house the Department of Molecular, Cellular and Developmental Biology as well as the Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, says Robert J. Denver. I am starting to feel less bad about the closing of the old Biology Building, writes Mary Keeley. It seems theres a lot of thought being put into this one. Impressive, writes Carol Mousigian, but bittersweet.

We received fifty-three entries, all correct. Our random drawing winner is Gaia Stanley, who will enjoy her $25 gift certificate at Common Grill.

To enter this months contest, use the clue on the Back Page of the June issue and the address at the bottom of the page to submit your answer.
ASK any teacher: School is almost out. For todays kids, the schedule change means a shift to camps and day-care arrangements or a couple of blissfully free months. But how much freedom should kids have these days? Whats safe and whats not?

A few years ago, a Silver Spring, Md., couple got into hot water (temporarily) for letting their kids, ages 10 and 6 at the time, walk about a mile to their home by themselves on a Saturday afternoon. They got about halfway before the police picked them up. A couple of hours later, Child Protective Services arrived to investigate.

Danielle and Alexander Meitiv (shes a climate-science consultant, hes a physicist with NIH) explained to CPS, and later The Washington Post, that they believed in letting their children learn self-reliance by venturing into the world alone. By allowing carefully considered freedom, the Meitivs felt they were instilling confidence and responsibility in their offspring.

The Meitivs story generated a firestorm of responses ranging from you cant do that these days to yes, down with helicopter parenting!

I thought of the Meitivs and the concept of free-range parenting (they prefer to call it just parenting) after a Free Lance-Star reader, Spotsylvania County resident Frank Brodersen, directed my attention to a book about an amazing trip he took as a 14-year-old Boy Scout. Oh, my! How times have changed.

Wheres Frank, by Lloyd Philip Johnson (available on Amazon) documents the journey of 18 Boy Scouts who climbed aboard a fruit truck in Yakima, Wash., in 1946 and took a 10,000- mile journey around the United States.

Their scoutmaster, Curtiss Gilbert, had dreamed about starting a Scout troop that would produce self-reliant, competent men, and in 1921, he began leading Troop 9 in Yakima, a position he would keep for 26 years, until his death.

After years of leading his boys on adventures such as mountain climbing and winter camping expeditions in the Cascade Mountains, and long trips to California and Boy Scout Jamborees, Gilbert had earned the trust of parents. When he proposed the trip around the entire country, the parents were on board and the kids were excited.

Gilbert was an apple grower, so a fruit truck troop carrier was a natural solution to question of how to transport 18 kids and three adults. With its 20-foot bed fitted with benches for riding, shelves behind the cab for storage, slatted sides, and a canvas cover, the 1941 Ford was soon ready to go. It would never pass muster today for safety, nor would most kids be able to tolerate the jostling, the hard seats, and exposure to the elements. But times were different then. Freedom meant adventure, admittedly with risks, Johnson writes.

Traveling east through the northern tier states, the Scouts camped where they could, ate what was available, and carefully cleaned up after themselves. When they stopped in a town (or city), Gilbert would let them roam on their own, with orders to be back at the truck on timeor else. He trusted us, Johnson writes, to behave and use our heads and not get lost. Most of the time, that worked.

Gilbert had picked a route that he felt would help the Scouts appreciate their country. Glacier National Park, Mount Rushmore, Chicago, Niagara Falls and Boston soon were ticked off the list. With the normal amount of shenanigans, all was going well.

Then, in Hartford, Conn., 14-year-old Frank failed to make it back to the truck by the designated departure time. Gilbert decided it would be a good lesson to Frank to have to catch up with us in New York the best way he could. So he drove off. A little while later, young Brodersen found himself all alone in Connecticut with two cents in his pocket.

To the Scouts, leaving Frank was just the natural consequence of his violating the rules. To Frank, though, it was scary.

So what did he do? He started out hitchhiking. Eventually, he was picked up by a beverage distributor and taken to a police station in Danbury. Police there arranged overnight lodging. Then he was given $20 and a bus ticket to New York, where he connected with Boy Scout headquarters.

Unbeknownst to Frank and the other Scouts, Gilbert had alerted Scout officials (along with Franks parents and the police in seven states) to the young boys dilemma. Thanks to help from strangers and some smart thinking on his part, Frank did eventually reconnect with the group, not in New York, but several days later, in Washington, D.C.

As I read his story, all I could do was shake my head. We rarely leave kids alone in their own neighborhoods these days, much less by themselves in an unfamiliar state. What lessons in resilience are our kids missing?

No one suggests we pile kids in the back of a truck and ride around the country these days. Or leave them to fend for themselves. One eras character-building work may be anothers negligence, writes Johnson. Every parent has to make decisions about how much leash to give each kid based on their maturity and self-control.

Still, the seven surviving members of the Wheres Frank? Boy Scout trip, now in their 80s, look back with fondness on their scoutmaster and their fruit-truck journey. Their story proves that a little adventureand a few failuresmay go a long way to producing tomorrows independent adults.

Linda J. White, a former assistant editorial page editor, lives in Fauquier County and has two teachers in her family.
JUNE 5th is the 70th anniversary of the greatest commencement speech ever. On that day, Secretary of State George Marshall did so much more than give words of wisdom to graduating Harvard University students.

Marshall delivered words for peace that would feed and rebuild Europe from the ashes of World War II. His words can mean as much today as they did back in 1947, if we listen. For we need such wisdom to guide us in defeating todays greatest threat: terrorism.

No one at Harvard knew that history was being made that day in 1947. For Marshalls speech was the basic outline for a European recovery program. It led to the Marshall Plan, approved by Congress the following year, which sent billions in aid to Europe for their reconstruction.

The Marshall Plan was Americas humanitarianism at its finest. It gave nations what they need to be free, have a strong economy and be at peace.

As Marshall said in his speech, Our policy is directed not against any country or doctrine but against hunger, poverty, desperation and chaos. Its purpose should be the revival of a working economy in the world so as to permit the emergence of political and social conditions in which free institutions can exist.

Many nations were strengthened by the Marshall Plan so they could resist outside forces such a communism, which was spreading in the postwar world.

But one thing we must remember about the Marshall Plan is that it could never have succeeded without food. That is why hunger is highlighted in Marshalls speech as one of the enemies our policy must be directed against.

This is especially relevant today, with hunger being a threat to the stability of many nations.

Marshall, in addition to being secretary of state, was also a member of President Trumans Cabinet Committee on World Food Programs. Feeding the hungry was a top priority of the administration.

Its a good thing, too. For what happened in Europe after the Harvard speech threatened to derail the Marshall Plan even before it got off the ground. Severe drought struck that summer. Crops could not grow in Europe and other areas, leading to more food shortages as winter approached.

An emergency interim aid food package was approved for Austria, Italy and France. As Marshall told Congress, we had to provide the supplies necessary to permit the people of these three countries to continue to eat, to work, and to survive the winter.

The American public did its part too by collecting food donations via the Friendship Train, CARE packages, the Silent Guest program, Catholic Relief Services food collections, and so many other charitable events.

The end-hunger-first mentality is something we could desperately use today if we want to defeat terrorism. The countries where terrorism thrives also suffer immensely from hunger and malnutrition. Afghanistan, Syria, Iraq, Mali, Somalia and Yemen are just some of the nations where terrorism has grown amid hunger and chaos. The nations affected by Boko Harams evil reign of terror in Africa are also fighting off famine.

According to the U.S. Famine Warning System, there are 45 nations that need emergency food assistance. South Sudan, Yemen, Somalia and Nigeria are at the greatest risk of famine.

What hope can the people of these countries have if they are starving? How can they possibly have the strength to resist and drive out evil influences such as terrorism?

That is why we must help nations overcome hunger if we want them to build peace and be free from terrorist infiltration.

As the U.N. World Food Programme director David Beasley says, ending hunger is the greatest counter-terrorism effort in the world.

We should provide these countries with food assistance to get through emergency times. We should build up their agriculture and local food production. Like the Marshall Plan, we should provide long-term solutions, getting economies and self-sufficiency for these nations.

This would take a dramatic shift in current U.S. policy, which has been emphasizing less foreign aid. There have even been proposals to eliminate food assistance. This would be a tragic mistake. We must instead realize that not every struggle is going to be won through military action, something Marshall understood well.

Humanitarianism is our greatest tool for peace. The Marshall Plan is a reminder of timeless principles that can always guide us against hunger, poverty, desperation and chaos.

William Lambers is an author who partnered with the U.N. World Food Programme on the book, Ending World Hunger.
The president of the U.S. questioned why the Civil War was fought. Virginia Lt. Gov. Ralph S. Northam was among many who answered.

We had a Civil War because people owned other folks as slaves. Read a book, read a May 1 tweet directed at President Donald Trump from Northam, who is in the midst of a tight race with Tom Perriello for the Democratic nomination to be Virginias next governor.

At the time of his tweet, Northam didnt know some of his ancestors on Virginias Eastern Shore owned slaves. He recently called his father, retired judge Wescott Brownlee Northam, to ask.

The news that my ancestors owned slaves disturbs and saddens me, but the topic of slavery has always bothered me, Ralph Northam said in an interview. My familys complicated story is similar to Virginias complex history. Were a progressive state, but we once had the largest number of slaves in the union.

The Northams are from Accomack County, one of the two counties on Virginias portion of the Eastern Shore.

Wescott Northams father, Thomas Long Northam, also was a judge and died when Wescott was 14. Wescotts grandfather was Levi Jacob Northam and Levis father was James Northamgreat great grandfather of Ralph Northam.

The slave schedules with the federal census in 1850 and 1860 show James Northam owned eight slaves in 1860 and nine slaves in 1850. The 1860 slave schedule listed Levi Northam with three slaves, two of whom he employed but were owned by others. The schedules listed the slaves agesfrom 1 year old to 60but not their names.

Wescott Northam, 92, who lives in Onancock, said he grew up with minimal knowledge of slaverywhat little I picked up in school, grammar school. It was just a matter of history. His grandfather, Levi, was long gone when he was born so his knowledge of his ancestry was not extensive, he said.

After Wescott Northam retired, he began thinking about his ancestors and traced the ownership of the Accomack County farm owned by his father, where Wescott was born. During his research, he said, he found papers showing James Northam owned some slaves.

In 1861, he said, Accomack County had the highest percentage of free blacks of any county in Virginia: one in two were free. In 1850, a little over half of white households on the Shore owned slaves, according to Slave and Free on Virginias Eastern Shore, a 2014 book by Shore native Kirk Mariner.

Northam said he was thankful his parents raised him and his brother to be of service and to not emphasize skin color. He and his brother attended public schools in the 1970s.

I have led my life accordingly and that is to help others and really not see color as an issue, said Northam, a state senator before his election as lieutenant governor in 2013.
Sheep and beef producer Rob Livesey describes himself as an undecided voter. There are many issues to consider when choosing who to vote for and he is yet to make up his mind.

Naturally I would vote Tory  their policies are more in line with what mine would be. But I dont like the current attitude that the Conservative party has towards Europe. The EU referendum result was too fine a margin to be definitive and I feel that is a major mistake.

My personal perspective is that Brexit is a disaster  especially for anybody that relies on the sheep sector. As a country, we produce a lot of sheep and exports are vital to our business. I find the whole idea of taking away the European market difficult to swallow.

See also: Conservative manifesto pledges to extend funding for farmers

As a remainer, Mr Livesey has more in common with the Scottish National Partys pro-EU outlook. But he also believes that Scotland should remain part of the UK, which clashes with SNP calls for Scottish independence. In short, he is in a dilemma.

Lessons have to be learned from the EU referendum by the Scottish National Party. If they want another Scottish independence referendum, any result needs to be 60:40 so people can see a clear majority is behind any decision rather than resulting in the divisions of a 52:48 vote.

This constituency has previously been a Liberal Democrat stronghold. They have been very good and very farmer friendly, says Mr Livesey. But Calum Kerr, our sitting MP is SNP agriculture spokesman and he has been very effective and said the right things too.

Mr Livesey believes they SNP are one of the few parties that are standing against the Brexit decision and questioning the government much harder. I think Labour are an utter waste of time. To get a good Brexit deal from Europe, we need a strong opposition to ask the right questions.

It is all very complicated. I dont really want Calum Kerr moved because I think he is a useful opponent to the current government. He has made sympathetic noises towards agriculture and understands business better than many politicians, having worked in the IT industry.

Having said that, the Conservative candidate here John Lamont is a farmers son and he was an effective MSP in the Scottish parliament before resigning to stand for election to Westminister rather than maintain his seat at Holyrood. So Im in a dilemma as who to vote for.

Voting intentions: Four candidates  Conservative, Labour, Liberal Democrat and SNP  standing in the Berwickshire, Roxburgh and Selkirk constituency. Undecided who to vote for.
We know them as 911 dispatchers. Professionally, theyre called public safety telecommunicators.

Whatever title we use, for the past 28 years in Linn County, within the network of first responders, they have been the anonymous conveyors of information, and the coordinators of help. They are trained to remain calm in the chaos, handling 57,000 calls each year.

The first 911 call was in Alabama in 1969. Linn County was the last Oregon county on the Interstate 5 corridor to get a 911 center. That was in 1989, the same year Cathy Orcutt, the centers manager, began her career.

That room today is filled with multiple screens and the latest communications technology, linked with satellite maps and other real time information. But when Orcutt started, she had a push-button phone, an electric typewriter and a notepad, and maybe a paper map for reference.

The technology has changed dramatically since then. But the essential duties  to get help where it needs to go in a hurry and to stay calm in the face of chaos  remain the same.

Entering the chaos

911, whats the address of your emergency? is the greeting every caller gets when they call. It seems an overly casual way to start out a conversation that might involve a desperate situation  a fire or another matter of life or death  but theres a logic to the way the dispatchers start the call. It has to do with gathering important information and establishing clear and reasoned communication.

You learn with experience how to get to the heart of the matter, said Orcutt. Over time you learn how to question people.

And while each call begins in the same way, the voice on the other end is the variable. Orcutt said that scared and traumatized people communicate on a second-grade level. Sometimes they're hysterical. Other times they're confused. Many times, someone on the scene may be near death.

But Orcutt said in her 28 years on the job, shes learned to sense the type of call shes on from those first few seconds.

"Sometimes you get a call and you just know," she said. Whenever the caller takes a deep breath before speaking, you just know its going to be a serious call."

On the other hand, Orcutt and her colleagues universally agree that whenever a caller begins with, This probably isnt an emergency, but  , it never is.

On a recent visit to the 911 dispatch center at the Linn County Sheriffs Office, the day crew, consisting of four of the staff's 14 dispatchers, sat at their stations, which have the appearance of miniature command centers on a spacecraft. The 12-hour shifts can be packed with activity, or devoid of it. As dispatch supervisor Sarah Shelton explains, Its either crazy-busy or its dead.

As a reminder of the hours the dispatchers put in, and the potential for dead time, a chess/checkers/backgammon set leans against a desk.

Graveyard is a long 12 hours, said Shelton, who has worked as a dispatcher since 1993. There are some shifts where literally nothing happens, so its better to be mentally stimulated when a call comes in.

While Shelton explains the intricacies of her control panel  a six-screen setup that includes a digital map, log interface and hands-free digital communication  dispatcher Ginette Gill is on the phone with a caller. The questions shes asking might be cause for alarm somewhere else, but in this room its nothing at all out of the ordinary:

And is she awake? she asks. Is she breathing? Is she vomiting blood? Is there a heartbeat?

Nothing more ever comes from the call, likely because the perceived emergency was solved on the other end, or because the medic crew had already arrived. After the call, Shelton explains how Gill actually delivered a baby over the phone during one call.

Oh yes, that was enjoyable, said Gill. But it was her third, so it wasnt really a big deal.

The day it got real

Each dispatcher smiles when asked if they remember their very first serious call. Of course, they all have that story. Orcutt said shed been on the job for three weeks when an emergency call came in from what became known as the Townsend Oil fire in Lebanon. She explained how the tanks exploded, and the womans husband was on fire.

I could hear the woman screaming, she said.

While dispatchers such as Orcutt and Shelton have risen to leadership positions over the years, the newer dispatchers, just starting out in a digital environment, tell similar stories.

Hannah Jefferson is 23 and the newest on the crew, with just under two years on the job. She said because her father's a Keizer police officer, the work of dispatchers and first responders always has been an interest for her. She was a psychology major in college, with a minor in legal studies. She explained how she was going to law school but decided more school was just too much time and too expensive.

When it comes to her chosen career, she admitted, she didnt really know what she was getting herself into.

But she as well is ready with the story of her first major call.

I took the call from the guy who accidentally shot one of his kids at Foster Lake, she said. The child survived. When asked how she felt during the call, she said it was more frustrating than nerve-wracking.

I was thinking, 'Ive gotta figure out where to send this medic,' she said.

Such calls are always just moments away during any dispatchers shift, and they all know it. But just like any other first responder, their duty is to be the level-headed one in any situation.

You can fall apart afterward, said Shelton, when asked about dealing with stressful calls. Her worst, or the one that bothers her the most, was one where a woman found her husband not breathing and Shelton had to talk a 15-year-old son through an unsuccessful CPR attempt.

Sometimes you just wish you could get somebody there faster, she said.

Other calls become no more than an unfolding incident that the dispatcher can do no more than hear. As an example, Shelton told the story of handling a call where a friend of a husband and wife shot the wife and himself, and the entire incident was caught and recorded on the 911 call.

Its not normal, what we do, said Orcutt. Its not an easy job to do if you dont stay healthy.

She added that dispatchers, like other first responders, can suffer from post-traumatic stress disorder.

Its not a sign of weakness to ask for help, she said.

Asked what her worst call was, Dispatcher Tina Hannon said, immediately: The suicidal woman who wouldnt give me her name and address and then shot herself.

Dispatcher Heather Means has what Orcutt calls the dubious distinction of being on shift for every officer-involved shooting since 1993.

Well, only 50 percent of the time, Means says with a laugh, adding that although she in was in the room for all of those calls, she wasn't necessarily the dispatcher handling the call.

Shelton said her first big call, or at least her most memorable, was the 1993 Scotts Mills Earthquake.

I didnt feel it, but people kept calling to ask if there had been one.

Means was also on the line during an Amber Alert for a child abduction that ended with an officer-involved shooting of the suspect. At the end of such calls, Means said theres always a sort of personal debriefing.

Youre always thinking, what did I do wrong? What could I have done differently? she said.

Repetitive persistence

Not all calls are a matter of the dispatcher navigating a caller's mood and intention. Medical emergencies, for example, trigger an automatic checklist, designed to give identical and critical information to the medic crew. To do this, dispatchers open a binder and ask a series of specific questions in a specific order.

Orcutt said this is when people can become impatient on the phone. Many feel the procedural questions convey no sense of emergency, but thats really the point. In reality, a medical unit is already en route while the dispatcher is asking the questions.

Theres a reason for it, said Shelton.

One method, or mantra, the dispatchers live by is known as repetitive persistence.

You have to ask the same thing three times to get it through to them, said Orcutt. Its hard when youre on the caller end to understand why youre staying on the phone asking so many questions over and over.

Not an emergency

Means said reasons not to call 911 include anything thats not happening right now. Shelton said a large quantity of calls fall under the its not an emergency category. Some of them become funny very quickly, and fellow dispatchers rattle off the memorable ones.

'My husbands blowing his nose into the sink,' said Orcutt, eliciting nods and smiles from fellow dispatchers who can confirm that the call really occurred.

Orcutt also explained that one guy called to say his smoke alarm wouldnt stop blaring, so she sent a fire crew to help out. When they arrived, they discovered it was only his alarm clock going off. Another, said Orcutt, came from a man who had purchased a product at an adult shop that had "stopped working." Again: not an emergency.

Orcutt said day calls tend to be different from nighttime calls as well.

Its more domestics or drunks, said Orcutt of the night shift. She added that, for some reason, 4 to 10 p.m. is always the most active part of the shift.

Pretty much every day at 4 oclock is the witching hour, she said.

How they train

Each dispatcher goes through two weeks, totaling 80 hours of training, at the Oregon Department of Public Safety Standards and Training Academy.

Tammy Atkinson, who spent 29 years as a dispatcher in Newport, is a telecommunications training instructor at the Training Academy. She said the academy is planning an expansion to include an extra week of training. That extra week, she said, would include expanded mental health and veterans awareness training, active shooter training, and more scenario-based training.

As it is, candidates get instruction in criminal law, and on how to talk to a variety of callers, from drunks to children, to suicidal people and the elderly. They also run scenarios in which candidates will play the role of the caller, using scripts taken from actual calls from around the state.

Our intent is to expand on the scenarios, said Atkinson.

Cellphone culture

Orcutt said the ubiquitous cellphone has been both a blessing and a challenge for dispatchers. On one level, it lets people call from anywhere, but thats also the problem. When cellphones were new, Orcutt explained, a person near an emergency might find a person with a phone nearby and call in.

Now everybody calls, she said.

If you pass an accident and theres already a tow truck there, chances are somebodys already called it in, remarked Means.

But Orcutt also points to an incident in the late 1990s, where a man driving from Portland to Eugene became stricken with food poisoning on the highway, and only because he had a cellphone was he able to call for help. But even then, pinpointing his location was not an easy task, and she said it was becoming a desperate situation until responders reached him.

Even though we have better tools, it can still be hard to find you, she said.

And while the advent of cellphones and other technology has changed the nature of the job, dispatchers are now dealing with a new wrinkle when it comes to plans to allow people text message their emergencies.

Thats another challenge, said Orcutt. "The one thing you can count on in this job is change."
Welcome to my genealogy blog. Genea-Musings features genealogy research tips and techniques, genealogy news items and commentary, genealogy humor, San Diego genealogy society news, family history research and some family history stories from the keyboard of Randy Seaver (of Chula Vista CA), who thinks that Genealogy Research Is really FUN! Copyright (c) Randall J. Seaver, 2006-2021.
Asus to announce Zenfone 4-series smartphones today at Computex 2017: Watch live stream here News oi -Samden Sherpa Asus to announce several products today at Computex 2017; here's how to watch the live stream.

The annual Computex 2017 trade show will be taking place between May 30 and June 3. While there will be a lot of companies showcasing their latest products Asus will be holding a press conference on today May 29 at 11:30 AM IST. The company is also live streaming the event and you can watch it by clicking here or go to the bottom of this page .

However, as far the products go, we are expecting Asus to unveil several new PCs as well as the company could announce some smartphones from its Zenfone 4 series. While the details on which computers is not clear but Asus could most likely unveil the ZenBook 4 which will be the successor to last year's ZenBook 3.

Asus ZenFone Live First Impressions: Beautify your Facebook and YouTube live videos

Further, the company could also announce some gaming laptops under ROG and it could be an AMD Ryzen-powered laptop. Other laptop series might be upgraded as well.

As for the smartphones, we are expecting the company to announce the Zenfone 4 Max, Zenfone 4, and the Zenfone 4s smartphones. In any case, the Zenfone 4 Max, will reportedly feature a 5.5-inch HD display, be powered by Qualcomm's Snapdragon 630 or 660 SoC, have 3GB RAM and 32GB onboard storage, dual 13-megapixel and 5-megapixel cameras on the rear and an 8-megapixel camera for selfies. The Zenfone 4 Max will likely run on Android 7.0 Nougat out-of-the-box.

SEE ALSO: Asus Zenfone Live launched at Rs. 9,999: Interesting features and camera upgrades



Talking about the Zenfone 4 smartphone, it will likely come with a 5.7-inch Quad-HD display, Qualcomm's Snapdragon 820 SoC, 6GB RAM and 64GB ROM, a rear 21-megapixel sensor and an 8-megapixel front-facing camera. The ZenFone 4 will run on Android 7.0 Nougat out-of-the-box.

Lastly, the features and specs of Zenfone 4s still remains a mystery but the device is expected to be in the premium category.

Best Mobiles in India

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Trump administration moves to keep CIA torture report secret

Iran Press TV

Sat Jun 3, 2017 4:23AM

The administration of US President Donald Trump has begun returning to Congress copies of a 2014 report describing the CIA's harsh detention and torture techniques under the George W. Bush administration.

The White House made the move in response to requests by Republican Senator Richard Burr, the Senate Intelligence Committee's current chairman, The New York Times reported Friday, citing US officials.

The CIA and the agency's inspector general's office, as well as the national intelligence director's office, have returned their copies, the report said. The State, Justice and Defense departments also have copies but have not returned them yet.

The decision means it could be more difficult for the massive 6,700-page report to be made public so long as Republicans control the Senate and House of Representatives, because documents held by Congress are exempt from laws requiring government records to eventually be made public.

A 500-page summary of the report was released to the public by the Senate Intelligence Committee in 2014.

The administration's move has drawn angry criticism from top Senate democrats. Senator Dianne Feinstein, who chaired the intelligence committee when the report was produced, suggested that Republicans want to destroy the report before it is published.

"No senator, chairman or not, has the authority to erase history. I believe that is the intent of the chairman in this case," she said.

Senator Mark Warner, who succeeded Feinstein as the intelligence committee's top Democrat, said he was "disappointed" with the decision and that the report "must be preserved so we can learn from past mistakes and ensure that abuses are never repeated."

The American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU also blasted the Trump administration's attempt to bury the torture report, saying the document must be made public to expose the CIA's "horrific abuses."

The Senate Intelligence Committee released a report in 2014 about CIA's brutal detention and interrogation program and its use of various forms of torture on detainees between 2001 and 2006 during the so-called war on terror.

The report concluded that the spy agency's interrogation methods were far more brutal and less effective than what the agency had publicly acknowledged.

The report also said that not a single terrorist attack was foiled as a result of the use of harsh interrogation techniques.

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Inherent Resolve Strikes Target ISIS in Syria, Iraq

From a Combined Joint Task Force Operation Inherent Resolve News Release

SOUTHWEST ASIA, June 3, 2017  U.S. and coalition military forces continued to attack the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria yesterday, conducting 17 strikes consisting of 30 engagements, Combined Joint Task Force Operation Inherent Resolve officials reported today.

Officials reported details of yesterday's strikes, noting that assessments of results are based on initial reports.

Strikes in Syria

In Syria, coalition military forces conducted 17 strikes consisting of 30 engagements against ISIS targets:

-- Near Abu Kamal, two strikes destroyed nine ISIS oil tanks and seven ISIS oil stills.

-- Near Dayr Az Zawr, five strikes destroyed 25 ISIS oil barrels, four ISIS oil stills, four ISIS wellheads and two ISIS oil trucks.

-- Near Raqqa, 10 strikes engaged seven ISIS tactical units and destroyed 12 vehicles, five fighting positions, four tactical vehicles, two vehicle-borne improvised explosive devices and an ammunition cache.

Officials also reported that five June 1 strikes near Raqqa engaged two ISIS tactical units and destroyed 17 fighting positions, an ISIS headquarters, an ISIS-held building and an IED. Those details were not yet available at the time of yesterday's report.

Strikes in Iraq

In Iraq, coalition military forces conducted eight strikes consisting of 41 engagements against ISIS targets:

-- Near Hwayjah, a strike destroyed a vehicle and a mortar cache.

-- Near Beiji, a strike engaged an ISIS tactical unit and destroyed an ISIS-held building and a vehicle.

-- Near Kisik, a strike engaged an ISIS tactical unit and destroyed an ISIS checkpoint and a supply cache.

-- Near Mosul, five strikes engaged four ISIS tactical units and a sniper; destroyed 21 fighting positions, three medium machine guns, three mortar systems, two rocket-propelled grenade systems, and two vehicle-borne IEDs; damaged five fighting positions; and suppressed an ISIS tactical unit and mortar team.

Part of Operation Inherent Resolve

These strikes were conducted as part of Operation Inherent Resolve, the operation to destroy ISIS in Iraq and Syria. The destruction of ISIS targets in Iraq and Syria also further limits the group's ability to project terror and conduct external operations throughout the region and the rest of the world, task force officials said.

The list above contains all strikes conducted by fighter, attack, bomber, rotary-wing or remotely piloted aircraft; rocket-propelled artillery; and some ground-based tactical artillery when fired on planned targets, officials noted.

Ground-based artillery fired in counterfire or in fire support to maneuver roles is not classified as a strike, they added. A strike, as defined by the coalition, refers to one or more kinetic engagements that occur in roughly the same geographic location to produce a single or cumulative effect.

For example, task force officials explained, a single aircraft delivering a single weapon against a lone ISIS vehicle is one strike, but so is multiple aircraft delivering dozens of weapons against a group of ISIS-held buildings and weapon systems in a compound, having the cumulative effect of making that facility harder or impossible to use. Strike assessments are based on initial reports and may be refined, officials said.

The task force does not report the number or type of aircraft employed in a strike, the number of munitions dropped in each strike, or the number of individual munition impact points against a target.

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U.S. Department of Defense

Press Operations

News Transcript

Presenter: Defense Secretary Jim Mattis June 03, 2017

Remarks by Secretary Mattis at Shangri-La Dialogue

JOHN CHIPMAN: Ladies and gentlemen, thank you very much for entering the ballroom, and even more for taking your seats. We have a very full complement of senior leaders collected here this morning, and a very full program, and a number of the ministers are speaking this morning. And most of them also have a tight schedule of bilateral and mini-lateral meetings.

So, I want to start this first opening plenary on time. It will run until approximately 0940. And then we will start the next plenary immediately after the conclusion of this. And only after that will you have your first coffee break. But I'm sure you will find the four presentations this morning sufficiently captivating that you won't need to resort early to caffeine.

Let me open the proceedings this morning by again asking you to take your seats. But also by thanking the Hon. Malcolm Turnbull, prime minister of Australia, for his excellent set of remarks yesterday, his spirited answers to questions, and his commitment to the defense diplomatic goals of this dialogue.

This morning at 8 a.m. he was kind enough to meet 35 of our young Southeast Asian leaders that we had gathered here in Singapore from all 10 ASEAN states. And as you know, developing the successor generation of strategists is a key element in building the foundations of sound security in this Asia-Pacific region.

The first plenary is about to begin. And out of courtesy for the speaker, let me just remind you of two or three rules of engagement, to borrow a phrase from the military.

The first -- the first rule of engagement is that this plenary is on the record, as are all the plenaries this morning. Which means the foremost statements made from the podium are on the record.

But it's also true that the questions are on the record. So, I hope the questioners will discipline themselves as much as the speakers from the plenary will in light of that reality.

After each of the plenaries, we will have a question-and-answer session. We want that question-and-answer to be brisk, to engage as many people as possible. And I want to repeat what the method is to seek the floor.

Each of you have a badge. You can actually extend the badge. And if you tap the badge on the left-hand side the microphone, it will then ask you whether you're sitting to the left or the right of the microphone.

Press the left button if you're sitting on the left, or the right button after you've tapped if you're sitting on the right. And if you want to seek the floor, press the microphone button. The microphone button will turn green.

But the fact the microphone button is green does not mean your microphone is on. It only means that you're in the queue in my laptop here. When I call on you, I will turn on your microphone. And when you finish speaking, I'll turn it off.

So, you tap with your badge. You press whether you're to the left or the right. And then you press the microphone button.

I hope those three steps, followed in order, are not too difficult. And it will ensure that we have a number of people quickly engaged in the debate.

The opening plenary this morning is on the theme, the United States and Asia-Pacific security. And we have to address this morning.

The U.S. Secretary of Defense, James Mattis, he's a great friend of the IISS and of defense diplomacy. I came to know him first when he was CENTCOM commander. And he paid extraordinary attention in that role to engaging not just with his peers, but with many people throughout the CENTCOM area in order to understand their politics, their culture, their engagement with the outside world.

Yesterday, you might recall, I uttered the IISS axiom, the one that I developed from my own IISS staff, that good strategy is conducted with a cool head and a warm heart. And if there is a current proponent of that maxim, it certainly is James Mattis.

We thank him for his commitment to the Shangri-La Dialogue. He has a full agenda this whole -- this weekend, packed with many important private meetings. We eagerly await his public remarks.

Mr. Secretary, the podium is yours. (Applause.)

SECRETARY OF DEFENSE JIM MATTIS: Well, good morning. Good morning, ladies and gentlemen, excellencies, fellow ministers. And thank you, Dr. John, for having me here, the invitation. And thank you to IISS, which is always a first-rate outfit, and runs conferences actually worth attending.

It is a privilege to be here at this excellent conference in Singapore, and to be in the company of so many senior defense officials from within and outside the region. Shangri-La, I think, provides one of the finest opportunities available anywhere to broaden my perspective. And Deputy Prime Minister Teo Chee Hean, Minister of Defense Ng, thank you for Singapore's unique and generous hospitality.

We always gain keen insights into the strategic currents of this dynamic region, from this outpost on the sea. And I would also tell you that I first visited Singapore, it was in the last Millennium, in 1979. And I've remained an admirer of Singapore's leadership and of the people ever since.

Ladies and gentlemen, my primary reason for being here is to listen. My goal is to walk away with a more vigorous and more rigorous understanding of the challenges we face so that we can jointly craft solutions.

In that regard, I thought Prime Minister Turnbull last night brought clarity, sir, to the situation facing our nations, setting the stage for our conversation today. And I must add, you gave us reason for optimism in the face of some rather daunting challenges. And I think a dose of good Australian pragmatic optimism is always in order. So, thank you, sir.

Five United States states, including my home state of Washington, have Pacific Ocean shorelines. The United States is a Pacific nation, both in geography and outlook. And from my first trips as secretary of Defense, and from Vice President Pence's first trips, Secretary of State Tillerson's trips, the American administration is demonstrating the priority that we place on relationships in the Asia-Pacific region, a priority region for us.

Specifically, in Vice President Pence 's words, during his trip to South Korea, Japan, Indonesia and Australia, we have affirmed the United States what he called our enduring commitment to the security and prosperity of this region.

That enduring commitment is based on strategic interests, and on shared values of free people, free markets and a strong and vibrant economic partnership, a partnership open to all nations, regardless of their size, their populations or the number of ships in their navies, or any other qualifier. Large nations, as the prime minister reminded us last night, large nations, small nations and even shrimps can all thrive in a rules-based order.

Such an order benefits all nations. America's engagement is also based on strong military partnerships, robust investment and trade relationships, and close ties between the peoples of our countries. Ultimately, we all share this mighty Pacific Ocean, an ocean named for peace.

We are proud so many young people from Pacific nations choose to come to American universities to study. And we appreciate that many of our students attend universities in your countries because they return home enriched by your cultures.

These people-to-people ties highlight the depth and the breadth of America's relationship with Asia-Pacific nations, and the importance that the U.S. has in terms of its role in the region.

This morning, I want to focus on two broad subject areas, and hopefully make this time worthwhile for you, and open to a number of questions afterwards. The first area is America's view of the region's key security challenges. The second is the approach we are taking, alongside Asia-Pacific allies and partners, to address those challenges.

I note up front that in the security arena we have a deep and abiding commitment to reinforcing the rules-based international order. This order, as we all know, is a product. It's a true product of so many nations' efforts to create stability. And these efforts, we must remind ourselves so we don't take them for granted, these efforts grew out of lessons learned the hard way from an economic depression and catastrophic wars.

The international order was not imposed on other nations. Rather, the order is based on principles that were embraced by nations trying to create a better world and restore hope to all.

Those principles have stood the test of time, like equal respect for the international law, regardless of a nation's size or wealth, and freedom of navigation and overflight, including keeping shipping lanes open for all nations' commercial benefit. These principles underwrite stability and build trust, security and prosperity.

The growing prosperity of the people in this region gives proof to the value of institutions, such as the United Nations, ASEAN, the World Bank, the International Monetary Fund, all of which can spur economic growth. They also remind us that each of us have a vested interest in each other's security.

The United States will continue to adapt and continue to expand its ability to work with others to secure a peaceful, prosperous and free Asia, one with respect for all nations upholding international law. Because we recognize no nation is an island isolated from the others, we stand with our allies and the international community to address pressing security challenges, and do so together.

As countries make sovereign decisions that are free from coercion, the region will gain increased stability and security for the mutual benefit of all nations. In our cooperative pursuit of that vision, we cannot ignore the challenges that you and I know we face.

As Vice President Pence stated, the most urgent and dangerous threat to peace and security in the Asia-Pacific is North Korea. North Korea's continued pursuit of nuclear weapons and the means to deliver them is not new. But the regime has increased the pace and the scope of its efforts.

While the North Korean regime has a long record of murder of diplomats, of kidnapping innocents, of killing of sailors, other criminal activity, its nuclear weapons program is maturing is a threat to all. Coupled with reckless proclamations, the current North Korean program signals a clear intent to acquire nuclear arm ballistic missiles, including those of intercontinental range that pose direct and immediate threats to our regional allies, our partners and all the world.

President Trump has made clear that the era of strategic patience is over. As a matter of U.S. national security, the United States regards the threat from North Korea as a clear and present danger.

The regime's actions are manifestly illegal under international law. There is a strong international consensus that the current situation cannot continue. China's declared policy of a denuclearized Korean Peninsula is our policy as well, and also that of Japan and the Republic of Korea. All nations represented in this room share an interest in restoring stability.

The Trump administration is encouraged by China's renewed commitment to work with the international community toward denuclearization. Ultimately, we believe China will come to recognize North Korea as a strategic liability, not an asset. A liability inciting increased disharmony and causing peace-loving populations in the region to increase defense spending.

As China's President Xi said in April, "Only if all sides live up to their responsibilities and come together from different directions can the nuclear issues on the peninsula be resolved as quickly as possible." I agree with the president's words on this point, and those words must be followed by actions by all of us.

North Korea poses a threat to us all, and it's therefore imperative that we do our part, each of us, to fulfill our obligations and work together to support our shared goal of the denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula. We are coordinating with the United Nations, with our allies and partners to put new pressures on North Korea to abandon the dangerous path.

I reiterate Sec. Tillerson's statement at the United Nations this last April. He said, "Our goal is not regime change, and we do not want to destabilize the Asia-Pacific region. We will, however, continue to increase diplomatic and economic pressure until Pyongyang," and I quote, "finally and permanently abandon its nuclear and ballistic missiles programs."

Specifically, the United States will maintain our close coordination and cooperation with the Republic of Korea and Japan, two democracies whose people want peace. Our commitment to the defense of the Republic of Korea and Japan to include the employment of our most advanced capabilities is ironclad.

Moreover, we will take further steps to protect the U.S. homeland, as demonstrated by this week's successful ballistic missile defense test. While North Korea is an urgent military threat, we must not lose sight of other strategic challenges to regional peace and prosperity.

And here I want to talk for a minute about China and the United States. Because of its growing economic power, China occupies a legitimate position of influence in the Pacific.

We welcome China's economic development. However, we can also anticipate economic and political friction between the United States and China. Yet, we cannot accept Chinese actions that impinge on the interests of the international community, undermining the rules-based order that has benefitted all countries represented here today, including and especially China.

While competition between the U.S. and China, the world's two largest economies, is bound to occur, conflict is not inevitable. Our two countries can and do cooperate for mutual benefit. And we will pledge to work closely with China where we share common cause.

We seek instructive, results-oriented relationship with China. We believe the United States can engage China diplomatically and economically to ensure our relationship is beneficial, not only to the United States and China, but also to the region and to the world.

All countries should have a voice in shaping the international system. But doing so by ignoring or violating international law threatens all that this inclusive global community has built together during the last 70 years, an international system that grew out of the grim lessons of World War II, and the immense suffering of tens of millions of people.

For example, the United States remains committed to protecting the rights, freedoms and lawful uses of the sea, and the ability of countries to exercise those rights in the strategically important East and South China Seas.

The 2016 ruling by the Permanent Court of Arbitration on the case brought by the Philippines on the South China Sea is binding. We call on all claimants to use this as a starting point to peacefully manage their disputes in the South China Sea. Artificial island construction and indisputable militarization of facilities on features in international waters undermine regional stability.

The scope and effect of China's construction activities in the South China Sea differ from those in other countries in several key ways. This includes the nature of its militarization, China's disregard for international law, its contempt for other nations' interests, and its efforts to dismiss non-adversarial resolution of issues.

We oppose countries militarizing artificial islands and enforcing excessive maritime claims unsupported by international law. We cannot and will not accept unilateral coercive changes to the status quo.

We will continue to fly, sail and operate wherever international law allows, and demonstrate resolve through operational presence in the South China Sea and beyond. Our operations throughout the region are an expression of our willingness to defend both our interests and the freedoms enshrined in international law.

As Prime Minister Modi of India has stated so clearly, "respecting freedom of navigation and endearing to international norms are essential for peace and economic growth in the interlinked geography of the Indo-Pacific." China's growth over these last decades illustrates that the Chinese people have benefitted enormously from these very freedoms. Where we have overlapping interests, again I say, we seek to cooperate with China as much as possible.

And where we disagree, we will seek to manage competition responsibly because we recognize how important U.S.-China relations are for the stability of Asia-Pacific. And we believe at this time that China also recognizes this.

We will also continue to work together with our longtime, steadfast allies to maximize regional security. We will ensure we have the military means to keep the peace. But we will not use our allies and partners or our relationships with them, or the capability integral to their security as bargaining chips.

In addition to the challenges presented by North Korea and China, there is another situation that we must all work together to address for the good of our nations, and to ensure a healthy future for our peoples. Violent extremist organizations, as noted by the prime minister last night, including fighters returning from the Middle East and local individuals radicalized by malicious ideologies, seek to gain ground in Southeast Asia.

Just last week, ISIS-linked militants in the Philippines attempted to seize part of Marawi City in Mindanao, attacking innocents, killing police and military, and taking worshippers hostage. ISIS also claimed responsibility for the brutal bombings that killed three police officers at Jakarta bus station.

Now I'll just say right now, ladies and gentlemen, that we Americans, we stand in sympathy and support of those whose lives have been brutalized by such criminals. Together we must act now to prevent this threat from growing. Otherwise, it will place long-term regional security at risk and stunt regional economic dynamism. We need only to look at the chaos and violence that our friends in the Mid East are contending with to see why we must swiftly and jointly address threats to our region.

As President Trump emphasized during his first foreign trip in the Middle East, we must defeat extremist organizations wherever they attempt to establish roots. Not just in Iraq and Syria, but also here in Southeast Asia.

As such, the U.S. remains committed to leading the Defeat ISIS Coalition effort, an international team of 66 nations plus the Arab League, NATO, Interpol and the European Union, all fully committed at the political, military and law enforcement levels to the destruction of ISIS. This heartbreaking attack we are observing right now on a city in Mindanao reminds us that terrorists intentionally make battlefields where the innocent live.

These are also humanitarian fields, as we know, and we must all devote ourselves to ensuring a stable environment in which violent extremist organizations wither and die, not our innocent citizens. And I know I speak for all of us in this room today, that we stand with the Philippines and the fight they're currently engaged in.

For our counterterrorism efforts to be successful, however, we must unify our efforts, strengthen by moral clarity, political will and an implacable commitment to fully share the difficult and dangerous work that this will require. In this effort, we are partnering with a number of countries in the region, including Malaysia and Indonesia, for example, to improve information sharing and maritime domain awareness so regional leaders can deliver pragmatic protection for their people.

Information sharing is vital if we are to maintain law and order against a foe that intentionally targets women, children and the innocent in our countries. I am confident in our collective ability to make this vibrant and diverse region safer, without sacrificing either its prosperity or its values.

In light of these challenges, let me describe three ways in which the Department of Defense, which I lead, is pursuing our common objective of regional stability. Our primary effort remains strengthening alliances. This protects and promotes the principles we share with our steadfast allies. History is compelling on this point.

Nations with strong allies that respect one another thrive. And those without allies stagnate and wither. Alliances provide avenues for peace, fostering the conditions for economic growth with countries that share the same vision, while tempering the plans of those who would attack other nations or try to impose their will over the less powerful.

I can note just several examples. I don't want to talk too long, but let me just make note of the United States and Japan implementing the 2015 Defense Guidelines to enhance regional security across the wider spectrum of operations, cooperating ever more closely in the Asia-Pacific.

Japan is also contributing to the relocation of some of our U.S. forces to Guam, which is a significant strategic hub for our regional operations.

We are working transparently in unison with the Republic of Korea to defend against the growing threats posed by North Korea's aggressive and destabilizing nuclear weapons and ballistic missile programs.

For the last 100 years, U.S. and Australian forces, Mr. Prime Minister, have shared the battlefield in every major conflict. President Trump and Prime Minister Turnbull recently commemorated a key part of our shared history when our allied efforts in the Battle of Coral Sea took place. Our alliance remains relevant to the regional stability in the 21st century as well.

And our combined interoperability with allied forces, enhanced through forced posture initiatives that we're taking, ensures we are prepared to cooperate during real-world crises. Deterrence of war, however, remains our ultimate goal.

We are helping to train, advise and assist the Philippine force in their fight against violent extremist organizations in the south. And I think we all owe that support to the Philippine government.

We also continue to support the modernization of the Philippine Armed Forces to address the country's security challenges. During this challenging fight against terrorists, we will stand by the people of the Philippines, and we will continue to uphold our commitments to the Philippines under the Mutual Defense Treaty.

Our oldest ally in the region, Thailand, has been and will remain instrumental in challenging the wide range of regional threats. Thailand's announced its intent to hold elections. We look forward to our longtime friend's return to democratic governance, and the expansion of our military-to-military relationship, grounded in our everlasting confidence in the Thai people.

In addition to our bilateral alliance relationships, we are encouraging an interconnected region. These linkages are expanding, including, but also independent of the United States. And that is a development that we welcome.

Besides strengthening our alliances, our second Department of Defense priority is to empower countries in the region so they can be even stronger contributors to their own peace and stability. The Pacific region countries represented here are obviously critical to strengthening and transforming the underlying security structure that has enabled tremendous regional prosperity. For we don't take that peace or prosperity for granted.

We call upon all countries to contribute sufficiently to their own security. At the same time, we encourage them to actively seek out opportunities and partnerships with other like-minded nations as we do the same to sustain and maintain the peace. We will continue to engage closely with our partners, building on recent progress.

We are exploring new ways to address new challenges as well, from maritime security to the growing threat posed by the spread of terrorism in Southeast Asia. For example, we recognize India, the most populous democracy in the world, as a major defense partner. We did so in part out of respect for India's indispensable role in maintaining stability in the Indian Ocean region.

We are also conducting the first ever transfer of a Coast Guard cutter to Vietnam. And we just completed the inaugural U.S.-Singapore air detachment in Guam, which will give an opportunity to the Singapore Republic to build interoperability between our forces.

The Department of Defense remains steadfastly committed to working with Taiwan and with its democratic government to provide in the defense articles necessary, consistent with the obligations set out in our Taiwan Relations Act. Because we stand for the peaceful resolution of any issues in a manner acceptable to people on both sides of the Taiwan Strait.

But we also know that a stable region requires us all to work together. And that is why we support greater engagement with ASEAN because no single bilateral relationship can get us where we want to go. Only working in concert can take us forward.

This year marks, ladies and gentlemen, the 50th anniversary of the birth of ASEAN and the 40th anniversary of relations between ASEAN and the United States. In America, we are proud of our four decades of working together, and we believe that our best days are ahead.

The future of ASEAN is bright, and that is good for all Pacific nations. And here I note Indonesian President Widodo's statement at the 2016 East Asia Summit when he said ASEAN -- he said, "ASEAN must protect our home and ensure sustainable peace and stability. Hence, we need a strong and comprehensive regional security architecture that could advance ASEAN's centrality and more effectively contribute to security and regional stability."

Finally, our third effort at the U.S. Department of Defense is to strengthen U.S. military capabilities in the region because security is the foundation of prosperity, enabling the flow of commerce. The United States seeks to integrate diplomatic, economic and military approaches to regional concerns, enabling Secretary Tillerson and our diplomats to address tough issues from a position of strength. It is the role of the military to set the conditions for diplomacy to succeed.

The United States has consistently endeavored to use its Armed Forces to support stability in the Asia-Pacific and to reinforce our diplomatic efforts. In our Congress, Sen. McCain, Congressman Thornberry and other American legislators have identified a need to strengthen U.S. operational capability in this region. And I look forward to working with them to develop an Asia-Pacific stability initiative that complements the ongoing large-scale investment in our budget to improve and reinforce the U.S. military's capabilities across the region.

And to give you snapshot, ladies and gentlemen, currently 60 percent of all U.S. Navy ships, 55 percent of Army forces, about two-thirds of the fleet Marine forces are assigned to the U.S. Pacific Command area of responsibility. Soon, 60 percent of our overseas tactical aviation assets will also be assigned to this theater.

The congressional initiative that is being brought forward will expand investment in the Department of Defense, strengthening the rules-based order by better positioning us to support regional stability in a changing region.

By further strengthening our alliances, by empowering the region, and by enhancing the U.S. military in support of our larger foreign policy goals, we intend to continue to promote the rules-based order that is in the best interest of the United States, and of all the countries in the region.

And I would just say to our hosts here today, this unique forum is only possible because of our unique hosts. Singapore is a beacon to this region and to the world. Its openness, its mutual respect that it engenders, and the prosperity of this city-state allows us all to be here to discuss our differences in a positive environment. And for that I am grateful.

Thank you, ladies and gentlemen. And I look forward to your questions. (Applause.)

MR. CHIPMAN: Mr. Secretary, thank you very much for that wide-ranging speech. And you've inspired already about nine people to take the floor.

Let me remind all of you of the way in which to seek the floor. Tap your badge on the left-hand side of the microphone set. Press the button if you're sitting out there on the left or on the right. And then press the silver button underneath that if you want to join the queue. Otherwise, you won't be on it.

But the -- I'll take three or four questions in a group, if I may. The first, from the Lowy Institute in Australia, Michael Fullilove. Your microphone is on.

Q: Secretary Mattis, first of all, let me commend you, if I may, for taking on your current post with all its stresses and strains. For many of us, sir, you are the hope of the side.

General, your speech focus on the rules-based regional order, which has been a preoccupation of this conference for many years. And I'd associate myself with your strong remarks. All of us here in Asia have the right to make our own way without coercion.

And I'd like to thank you too for your comment on alliances. But I'd like to ask you about the rules-based global order, which you mentioned at the outset of your remarks, and in which President Trump appears to be an unbeliever.

Seventy years ago, Secretary Acheson wrote that he was present at the creation of a U.S.-led order that has served all of us well. General, given everything over the past four months, including NATO and TPP and Paris, why should we not fret that we are present at the destruction of that order? Please give us cause for optimism, general.

MR. CHIPMAN: I'll take three more questions before I come back to the secretary. The next from Japan, Taro Kono.

Q: Thank you.

I'm Taro Kono, member of the Japanese parliament. I have explained to my constituency that U.S.-Japan alliance is not just about the security. Its alliance is shared to promote the common values such as democracy, human rights, freedom of press, free trade, environmental protection and so forth.

Today, more and more people are asking if this alliance is just about security, not about the common values. Mr. Secretary, what do you think? If it's alliance based on the common values, what are the common values we are trying to promote today?

Thank you.

MR. CHIPMAN: Two more questions before I go back to the secretary. From China, Qiyu Tu.

Q: OK. Thank you.

General, I think I noticed that as you mentioned, strengthening the defense base between United States and Taiwan. And I think that is quite unusual for the secretary of Defense of the United States to say so in this occasion. And does it mean that there's some change with regard to the One China policy of the United States?

Thank you.

MR. CHIPMAN: And the final question in this round, Lynn Kuok from Singapore, one of our young leaders.

Q: Thank you very much for permitting me this question. I had actually two quick questions. My first one was -- it relates to the statement made by your former NSC Senior Director for Asian Affairs, Dan Kritenbrink on the day of the tribunal's ruling in the Philippines case against China.

Now, he said that the United States has made clear that we have tough national security interests in the -- sorry, top national interests in the South China Sea, just as China does and just as many of the countries in the region do. And that the United States will not turn a blind eye in exchange for cooperation elsewhere.

Can we expect the same approach from the U.S. -- the current U.S. administration? In other words, can we expect that -- not to sacrifice the South China Sea, in a sense, for cooperation, say, on North Korea?

Now, my second question will be about your statement that the United States will not be accepting unilateral changes to the status quo. And in this respect, I presume you mean the island building and construction activities, as well as militarization of features in the South China Sea.

May I please know what the United States -- how the United States intends to approach this question? What are the specific acts that it intends to do to prevent this unilateral change in status quo?

Thank you.

SEC. MATTIS: Well, you can always count on some straightforward questions here, can't you? (Laughter.)

As far as the rules-based order, you know, obviously we have a new president in Washington, D.C. We're all aware of that. And there is going to be fresh approaches taken.

But just the fact that -- just take a look at the president's first trip to the -- outside the United States was straight into the heart of one of the most bewildering and difficult challenges that the world faces in terms of how do we restore stability and peace, right. Into the Middle East where the discussion was about how do we work together, in this case with the Arab League and with other international organizations, in order to reduce the threat of terrorism.

So, I think that we have been engaged in the world for a long time. I think historically the Americans have been reluctant to see themselves in that role. It -- we were quite happy between our two oceans to stay there.

The 20th century took us out of that. But at the same time, we recognized, especially the greatest generation we call them, coming home from World War II. What a crummy world if we all retreat inside our own borders. How many people deprived of good lives during the Depression. How many tens of millions of people killed in World War II.

Like it or not, we're part of the world. That carries through for all the frustrations that are felt in America right now, for the sense that at times we have carried inordinate burden. That is still very deeply rooted in the American psyche, that engagement with the world.

And I think, to quote a British observer of us from some years ago, "Bear with us. Once we've exhausted all possible alternatives, the Americans will do the right thing."

So, we will still be there. And we will be there with you.

The fact that President Trump went to Brussels, he speaks with word of actions too. He was there to show our statement that we are standing with the NATO allies 100 percent.

He sent me on my first trip after I was nominated to Tokyo and Seoul in order to make certain it was no misunderstanding, within weeks of him taking office that we stood with the democracies of Japan and Korea. So, we are there. And I can give you absolute optimism on this issue.

It's -- I would just say about China, as we talked about, you know, whether or not there's any adjustment to One China. No, there is not. The policy remains. We believe in the peaceful resolution of the situation between China and Taiwan. And that's where we've stood for some years. And the One China policy holds.

I would also say that in regards to China and whether or not the North Korea issues outweighs the South China Sea, this sort of thing, there's a lot more between the United States than just two issues. There are many areas, as I noted, of common interest, and certainly on terrorism, on nuclear proliferation.

There are any number of issues where we have common ground with China. And to put it into a binary option of either we have to, you know, walk away from our values and what we stand for on freedom of navigation and all because we need to work with China on North Korea. We're working with China on North Korea, ladies and gentlemen, because that is also a problem with North Korea -- or excuse me, with China -- for China.

I do not choose to send THAAD to South Korea to protect the South Korean people from an imaginary problem. This is a real problem. And the problem is not South Korea putting a fully defensive system for the defense of their own people into position. The problem is North Korea.

And if we want to stop the -- bringing more military capability into the Northwest Pacific, then we have to address the problem that is a threat to Japan, to South Korea and all the other nations.

So, we have many areas that we can work with Korea. But at the same time -- excuse me, with China. But at the same time, Korea, North Korea is a problem. It's got to be addressed. And we can do so. We believe that right now China is working this issue.

But I hope that addresses each of the four questions there, John.

MR. CHIPMAN: Thank you very much.

And I'll take a quick round. Please keep your questions crisp.

From India, Pramendra Kumar Singh.

Q: Secretary, I'm General P.K. Singh from India.

We have been hearing of, not just at this session but earlier we heard, as we talk about rules-based laws being followed. But I don't think China is going to pull back its militarization from those islands. Neither is North Korea going to denuclearize.

So, are we going to lay down a timeline? Or are we going to keep repeating this over the years for the next decade or more?

Thank you.

MR. CHIPMAN: Thank you. I'll take three more.

Richard Lloyd Parry from the U.K.

Q: Thank you, (inaudible). Richard Lloyd Parry of The Times.

Mr. Mattis, you made it clear that the U.S. doesn't seek regime change in North Korea. So, the very simple yes-no question is this. Does the North Korean government of Kim Jung-un have a right to exist?

MR. CHIPMAN: From Singapore, Kishore Mahbubani.

Q: Thank you, Sec. Mattis, for your speech. You said that U.S.-China competition will rise. It'll probably rise more acutely in the economic arena.

China has launched a Belt and Road Initiative. United States has withdrawn from TPP. Is there any possibility at all of the United States reconsidering its decision to withdraw from TPP? Because that will be a powerful signal to this region.

MR. CHIPMAN: And from Russia, Ekaterina Kordinova. Go ahead.

Q: Here? Thank you.

Secretary Mattis, you mentioned rules-based order several times. My understanding is that it can ensure it only for the institutions. But at the same time, we have heard multiple questions about growing unilateralism in the U.S. foreign policy. I will not repeat them.

My question is, what will be the role and function of the original security institutions if this tendency really exists and will go on? And how could we ensure the access neutrality, for example, in these settings?

Thank you.

MR. CHIPMAN: And the final question from Australia, Christopher Roberts.

Q: Thank you. I'm from UNSW at the Australian Defence Force Academy.

Some might argue that China has already largely achieved its goals in the South China Sea. Given my own discussions in Manila and beyond. U.S. relations with President Duterte and President Duterte's stand over the South China Sea, might be improved as the U.S. provides continuous security presence around features such as the Scarborough Shoal.

Perhaps even by a coalition of coast guards, including Australia, and their unconditional guarantee to protect the legally declared EEZ of the Philippines.

Can the U.S. take such steps, in addition to what you have already indicated, to put an immediate halt to the expansion of China's presence within the EEZ or the Philippines? And could something similar be done in the case of Vietnam and perhaps Malaysia?

Thank you.

SEC. MATTIS: Yes. There's a little bit of an echo up here, so we're working together to make sure I've got the right questions, ladies and gentlemen.

On the rules-based order, we have enduring interests. And I think that when you look at those enduring interests, you find the enduring motivations to reinforce and hold fast with the -- with the rules-based approach.

I don't think that this is something new. I think it is as old as history. And the fight between those who want a rules-based order and those who try through coercion to find ways around it, frankly. And it's simply something we have to work together on.

I think that one point I would make is that we have got plenty of valid reasons for many nations to work together in maintaining the rules based order today. These are valid because we can quantitatively show the value in commerce and in security where we work together.

As far as on the ASEAN centrality, I think that we need organizations that allow people to come together to discuss common problems. And I think that ASEAN provides that forum. Where ASEAN goes, these are sovereign nations. They have to work together. And we respect that.

We're happy to be linked to ASEAN. And our status that we maintain, the relationship we maintain and support it. But in the economic arena especially, I think ASEAN will play a role as we look at how do we have not just free trade, but we have fair trade among all the nations involved there.

And I think on how do we -- let me jump over here to South China Sea. Ladies and gentlemen, we're going to have to work together on this. I don't think there's room right now to get into pushing adversarial approaches. What we have to do is take into account, number one, what each nation's interests are there in the South China Sea. And we have to have mediation capability in order to ensure that small nations, large nations, all nations can work them out to mutual satisfaction because that's the only way we will have an enduring solution. One size doesn't fit all in the sense of one nation imposing its will there.

Did I miss any of them there?

MR. CHIPMAN: What about (off mic)?

SEC. MATTIS: Yes. And on the TPP situation, ladies and gentlemen, it's going to be a fresh approach. Obviously, there were many disappointed about the TPP decision. But at the same time, it only directs us to bilateral approaches and other multilateral approaches that we will engage in. I have no doubt that we will stay engaged on those.

It means one avenue did not meet our nation's -- population's desires. But it doesn't mean we're turning our back on relations that we would work out on a bilateral basis as a result.

MR. CHIPMAN: We can take one maybe two questions if they're very brief. So, General Yao from China? But brief.

Q: Thank you. Thank you, Dr. Chipman.

Just one specific question. Because we are talking about rules-based international order, regional order, I'm curious to know what international rules are the freedom of navigation operations based by the United States?

What kind of rules should be applied here? Because to my understanding that about 50 countries in the world have made national laws asking for prior notification of consent while foreign military ships enters their territory waters.

The U.S. has been conducting freedom of navigation operations to challenge this kind of excessive maritime rules since 1979. And United States has not given (inaudible) to the law of the -- Convention on Law of the Seas.

So, what should we take as rules in relating to this kind of military operations, the so-called freedom of navigation operations? Because this -- for the last three years, the U.S. Navy has been challenging China, Vietnam, the Philippines, Malaysia, Indonesia, also including Japan, India, by conducting freedom of navigation. It's not only against China.

I'm just curious to know what are the rules?

MR. CHIPMAN: No. Yes, thank you very much. I'll take one more. Huey Yuku Akita from Japan.

Q: Thank you very much. My question is about North Korea.

You said that if there is a war in North Korea, there's going to be a -- it's going to be tragic on an unbelievable scale. So, my question is, do you think that the hubris will act if necessary, preemptively, militarily, without giving warning to the foreigners living in South Korea?

There -- it is said that there's going to be 700,000 foreigners, including American citizens, living in Korean Peninsula. So, I wonder if option could be to act preemptively without pre-warning if necessary to those people to evacuate.

Thank you.

MR. CHIPMAN: Thank you very much. I'll have the secretary answer those two questions. And then we'll close the section. Mr. Secretary?

SEC. MATTIS: Right. We have the Law of the Sea. I recognize your question, general. But the Law of the Sea is not the only law that we go by in the sea, that one act.

I would just tell you that there's a tradition in the sea -- there's traditional areas of the sea that have been used as international waters since time began. And we believe that those kinds of standards should be maintained. They should not be unilaterally changed, no matter what one nation's interests are. We have to work together if we're going to have the freedom of commerce that all nations can benefit from.

As far as about having any warning or how we address North Korea, right now we are doing our best through the United Nations, through engaging with Beijing's -- offices. We're working with international community, obviously working with the Republic of South Korea, Japan.

We are working diplomatically, economically. We are trying to exhaust all possible alternatives to avert this race for a nuclear weapon in violation -- to go back to an earlier question -- in violation of the United Nations' restrictions on North Korea's activities.

We've also seen North Korea engaged in proliferation activities, which means those nuclear capabilities are not solely being retained by North Korea in their own defense. They are actually exporting some of that capability, some of that knowledge.

And so, to us, we want to stop this. We consider it urgent. But at the same time, we are working right now diplomatically and economically. And we obviously work very, very closely with the United Nations Command.

This is not just an American command here, a United Nations Command, and the Sending nations -- Sending nations being those that sent troops under the U.N. Security Council resolution in 1950. Because that war was never ended, those nations are still committed to maintaining the peace on the peninsula.

And so, we work, obviously with them as well, in terms of the military options. But right now, we're doing our very best to exhaust all economic and diplomatic initiatives to get this under control.

MR. CHIPMAN: Mr. Secretary, thank you very much for a splendid speech, and for the strength, clarity, precision and forward-looking character of your answers to the many questions here.

Please, all of you, would you do two things? First, stay in your seats because in a moment the French, the Japanese and the Australian defense ministers will take the stage for their plenary. And the second thing to do, please thank the secretary for his opening plenary remarks. (Applause.)

http://www.defense.gov/News/News-Transcripts/Transcript-View/Article/1201780/

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Pakistan accuses Indian forces of 'unprovoked' shootings on Kashmir village

Iran Press TV

Sat Jun 3, 2017 10:5AM

Pakistani and Indian troops have traded gunfire at the border dividing Kashmir between the two neighbors, wounding two villagers in the Islamabad-administered part of the disputed Himalayan region.

On Saturday, Pakistan's Foreign Ministry spokesman Nafees Zakaria said India's military is resorting to "unprovoked" firing at Kashmir's ceasefire line, censuring the move as "deliberate targeting of civilians."

Zakaria added that India's latest violation of the ceasefire agreement with Pakistan occurred on Friday.

Pakistani military authorities stated that their troops returned fire after Indian forces opened fire towards them in the border village of Zazapir in the disputed region.

The village where the latest alleged shooting took place is the same area in which Indian troops targeted Muslims celebrating the end-of-Ramadan holiday of Eid al-Fitr in 2015, inciting armed clashes that left several Pakistanis killed and wounded.

Tensions boiled over between nuclear-armed India and Pakistan last September when cross-border raids intensified for several days. Since then, the two sides have reported outbreaks of firing across the LoC, with scores of civilians and security forces killed on both sides of the border.

The clashes last year came after renewed unrest in Kashmir over the death of a top militant commander.

Most of the people in the Muslim-dominated territory have for long sought independence from India or a merge with Pakistan.

While India accuses Pakistan of both arming and funding the independence-seeking movement in Kashmir, Islamabad has denied any involvement.

India and Pakistan have fought two wars over Kashmir since the Himalayan region was split at the end of the British colonial rule in 1947. Nearly 70,000 people have been killed in Kashmir violence since 1989



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Philippines won't take second-hand US military equipment: Duterte

Iran Press TV

Sat Jun 3, 2017 9:37AM

Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte says he will stop taking second-hand military weapons from the United States and will, instead, purchase brand-new systems as the country keeps fighting terrorism in the south.

"I will no longer accept second-hand military equipment," Duterte told soldiers at an army base on the southern island of Mindanao on Friday. "I do not want those given by the Americans. During my time, I will not have second-hand ships. It has to be brand new."

The Filipino president said he was willing to "spend double the money" on modern weapons systems as long as they were new and that he would look at buying equipment such as planes, boats, drones and guns from China or Russia, two traditional rivals of the United States.

Since 2000, Washington has given Manila military aid nearly $800 million worth of drones, helicopters, assault rifles, and combat gear including tactical radios, night-vision devices and spares.

Philippine fighter jets on Saturday launched new air raids on Marawi in a bid to drive the Takfiri group out of the area.

Plumes of smoke could be seen over the now mostly deserted city after fighter jets pounded the potential terrorist hideouts, with armed forces using a combination of ground and air operations in their battle against the terrorists.

The clashes erupted on May 23 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.

Nearly 90 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.

The Philippine president 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 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.

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Mattis warns China on North Korea and South China Sea

Iran Press TV

Sat Jun 3, 2017 8:31AM

US Defense Secretary James Mattis says that North Korea's nuclear weapons program poses a global threat and warned China over its continued "militarization" of the South China Sea.

"It is therefore imperative that we do our part each of us to support our shared goal of denuclearization on the Korean Peninsula," Mattis said Saturday at a security forum in Singapore.

The Pentagon chief called North Korea's nuclear ambitions a "threat to us all," urging the international community to work together on the issue.

On Monday, North Korea test-fired another missile, the latest in a series of launches and nuclear tests that have increased tensions in the region.

Mattis said Washington is encouraged by Beijing's efforts to restrain Pyongyang, but said the US will not accept China's militarization of islands in the South China Sea.

"We oppose countries militarizing artificial islands and enforcing excessive maritime claims," he said. "We cannot and will not accept unilateral, coercive changes to the status quo."

On Wednesday, a US Navy warship sailed within 12 nautical miles of a disputed South China Sea island controlled by China.

The so-called freedom of navigation operation was Washington's first such challenge to Beijing in the strategic waterway since President Donald Trump took office.

China said that the US warship trespassed in its waters 'without permission' and Chinese warships warned it to leave.

China has repeatedly warned the United States against any military activities in the South China Sea.

The South China Sea is the subject of a territorial dispute between China and Vietnam, Taiwan, the Philippines, Malaysia, and Brunei. But those countries seem to have been managing their disputes with China smoothly.

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Malta Holds Snap Elections Amid Corruption Allegations

June 03, 2017

Malta is voting in snap general elections called against a backdrop of corruption allegations that have tarnished Prime Minister Joseph Muscat's government.

Malta, which currently holds the rotating EU presidency, has also warned that it has become the target of cyberattacks that experts say come from Russia.

Opinion polls indicate that 43-year-old Muscat's Labor Party (PL) will retain power with a reduced majority.

Up to 30 percent of the roughly 340,000 registered voters remain undecided, giving hope to Simon Busuttil's opposition Nationalist Party (PN) of a last-minute swing in voters' opinion in his direction.

Muscat called the election a year early after his wife, Michelle, was accused of being the beneficial owner of a secret Panamanian shell company used to bank unexplained payments from Azerbaijan's ruling family.

The prime minister's chief of staff, Keith Schembri, has admitted having his own, previously undeclared Panama-registered company.

Media reports also alleged that Schembri accepted bribes from the sale of Maltese passports to wealthy Russians.

Last month, Muscat said that Malta's security services had been alerted to possible Russian interference in local affairs.

Relations between Russia and Malta have soured recently, mainly after Valleta's refusal to allow Russian warships heading to Syria to refuel in Malta.

Sources in the Maltese government said the country had become a target of increasing cyberattacks.

Security experts say the Fancy Bear -- a hacking collective that is often associated with the Kremlin -- is a prime suspect.

The election is taking place weeks after the country's tax policies also came under scrutiny in a journalistic probe depicting the small Mediterranean island state as a tax haven.

Polls close at 10 p.m. local time (2000 GMT/UTC). First results are expected on June 4.

Based on reporting by AFP, dpa, and The Guardian

Source: https://www.rferl.org/a/malta-snap-elections-russia- cyberattacks-azerbaijan-scandal/28526341.html

Copyright (c) 2017. RFE/RL, Inc. Reprinted with the permission of Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, 1201 Connecticut Ave., N.W. Washington DC 20036.

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Taliban Vows Revenge As Kabul Eyes Prisoner Executions Over Bombing

RFE/RL June 03, 2017

Fears for Western hostages being held by the Taliban arose on June 2 after the Taliban threatened retaliation if the Afghan government executes Taliban prisoners in revenge for this week's devastating truck bombing in Kabul.

Media have reported that President Ashraf Ghani has signed orders to execute 11 Taliban and affiliated Haqqani network militants on death row, despite the Taliban's denial that it was involved in the bombing that killed at least 90 people and wounded hundreds on May 31.

Responding to the media reports, the Taliban warned the Afghan government against harming any of the prisoners even as many protesters in Kabul demanded the executions and other moves by the government to protect the public in demonstrations in Kabul on June 2.

The Taliban threatened "harsh exemplary attacks" in a statement on its website, including the killing of foreign hostages it holds, if the government executes the 11 prisoners.

The Taliban currently is holding two American University of Afghanistan professors, an American and an Australian who were kidnapped last year.

The university on June 2 pleaded with the Taliban to release Kevin King and Timothy Weeks, saying they "are innocents. Both came here to teach young Afghans, helping them to contribute to the rebuilding efforts of Afghanistan."

The Taliban is also holding Canadian backpacker Joshua Boyle and his American wife, Caitlan Coleman, who had two sons in captivity after being kidnapped in Afghanistan in 2012.

The government's reported move toward executing the Taliban prisoners reflects the conclusion of Afghanistan's main intelligence agency, the National Directorate for Security, that the Haqqani network, a group affiliated with the Taliban, was responsible for the bombing, AFP and Reuters reported.

The news agencies said the government has drawn up a list of prisoners from the groups to be executed based on that conclusion.

Some protesters on June 2 were demanding the execution specifically of Anas Haqqani, son of the Haqqani network's founder, who has been held by the Afghan government since 2014.

But a government source told AFP that Anas was not among the 11 prisoners the government planned to execute.

With reporting by AFP and Reuters

Source: https://www.rferl.org/a/taliban-vows-revenge -kaubl-eyes-prisoner-executions-haqqani-network- over-truck-bombing/28526018.html

Copyright (c) 2017. RFE/RL, Inc. Reprinted with the permission of Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, 1201 Connecticut Ave., N.W. Washington DC 20036.

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Deadly Blast Hits Afghan Funeral Service in Kabul

By Ayaz Gul June 03, 2017

A suicide bombing at a funeral service in Kabul, Afghanistan, has killed at least six people and wounded nearly 90 others, but officials said high-ranking government officials and lawmakers attending the event escaped unhurt.

The country's TOLOnews TV, however, quoted its sources at the Afghan Public Health Ministry as saying Saturday's blasts killed up to 20 people.

The bombs went off at a city cemetery where the son of a senior member of the Afghan parliament was about to be buried.

The deceased, Salim Ezadyar, was one of several anti-government protesters killed during Friday's clashes with security forces in downtown Kabul.

Afghan Chief Executive Abdullah Abdullah, who was present at the funeral service along with several cabinet members, including the foreign minister, later told a nationally televised news conference three bombers detonated their vests while mourners were offering their prayers.

He called for an investigation into how the attackers managed to enter the funeral service where high-ranking government officials were present.

Taliban denies involvement

The Taliban swiftly released a statement saying it had nothing to do with the attack and claimed internal government rivalries were to be blamed.

Friday's protest rally was staged to demand President Ashraf Ghani and Abdullah step down for failing to provide security and prevent a massive truck bombing in the capital on Wednesday.

That blast, in a highly-secure diplomatic sector of Kabul, left at least 90 people dead and 450 wounded, including foreign diplomats.

The protesters, including victim families, tried to march on the presidential palace to press for their demands when Afghan forces opened fire to disperse the crowd.

Speaking Saturday, Abdullah dismissed resignation demands, saying that would not help resolve the security and terrorism challenges facing the country.

"At these times, they [victims' families] have their concerns, they have their views and they have their demands. If that would have been the solution for the challenges that the country is faced with, I am sure I can at least talk for myself that I would have been ready to resign," Abdullah said.

He went on to reiterate that a number of terrorist groups are active inside Afghanistan and the government is aware of those supporting the groups. He did not elaborate, but Afghan leaders blame neighboring Pakistan for sheltering Taliban insurgents.

Wednesday bombing

Kabul also has blamed the Pakistani intelligence agency for helping the Haqqani terrorist network plot Wednesday's attack in the city, one of the deadliest strikes in years.

Pakistan's foreign policy advisor, Sartaj Aziz, again rejected those allegations on Saturday.

"I think that instead of blaming Pakistan for the Kabul attack of May 31, we would urge the Afghan authorities to share whatever evidence they have on the tragic incident so that Pakistan can take the required action," Aziz told VOA.

He also dismissed allegations that the Haqqani network is using Pakistani soil for staging cross-border attacks.

Aziz insisted that recent military-led counterterrorism operations have "broken the back of terrorist networks, including the Haqqani network" in the traditionally volatile tribal areas near the Afghan border.

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UN Security Council agrees to blacklist DPRK individuals, entities

People's Daily Online

(Xinhua) 09:11, June 03, 2017

UNITED NATIONS, June 2 (Xinhua) -- The UN Security Council on Friday agreed to add more individuals and entities of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK) to its sanction list in response to the country's repeated ballistic launches.

In a unanimously adopted resolution, the 15-nation council decided to impose travel bans and asset freezes on 14 individuals and put sanctions on two companies, one bank as well as the Strategic Rocket Force of the Korean People's Army.

The Security Council also condemned "in the strongest terms" the nuclear weapons and ballistic missile development activities conducted by the DPRK since September 2016, while urging the DPRK to abandon its nuclear programs and cease all related activities immediately.

The most powerful UN body "reiterates the importance of maintaining peace and stability on the Korean Peninsula and in north-east Asia at large, expresses its commitment to a peaceful, diplomatic, and political solution to the situation," said the resolution.

Liu Jieyi, China's ambassador to the UN, said the adoption of the resolution has sent out a unified message that the international community is against the DPRK's nuclear weapons and ballistic missile development programs.

He noted that there is "a critical window of opportunity" for the nuclear issue of the Korean Peninsula to come back to the right track of seeking a settlement through dialogue and negotiations.

"China calls on all parties to implement fully and comprehensively relevant Security Council resolutions on the DPRK and push for a peaceful settlement to the nuclear issue on the Korean Peninsula through strengthening the efforts on non-proliferation and promotion of peace talks," said Liu.

"We hope that all parties concerned will work with China to keep pushing for dialogue and negotiations in order to seek a solution to the problems concerned on the Korean Peninsula within the framework of the Six-Party talks and continue to work actively and constructively towards the goal of early de-nuclearization and lasting peace and security on the Korean Peninsula," he added.

Over the past weeks, the DPRK has test-fired several ballistic missiles including a medium-range rocket launched on Monday which fell into the Sea of Japan.

According to previous Security Council resolutions, the DPRK is banned from conducting any launches that use ballistic missile technology, nuclear tests or any other provocation.

To curb the DPRK's related activities, the council has ratcheted up its sanction measures on the country since 2006, which includes banning the sale and transfer of coal, iron and iron ore from the country's territory.

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UN Security Council imposes fresh sanctions on North Korea over missile tests

Iran Press TV

Sat Jun 3, 2017 12:48AM

The United Nations Security Council (UNSC) has imposed a fresh array of sanctions on North Korea in response to a number of missile tests carried out by Pyongyang this year.

The council's member states voted unanimously on Friday to impose a global travel ban and asset freeze on 14 officials, including the head of North's overseas espionage operations, and four entities purportedly linked to Pyongyang's nuclear and missile programs.

The voting session came after weeks of negotiations between the US and China on the scope of the new bans. China believes that instead of seeking tougher sanctions on the North, particularly pursued by Washington, the world should find a peaceful diplomatic solution thorough restarting talks with Pyongyang so as to prevent the tensions from exacerbating in the Korean Peninsula.

The UNSC has already slapped the North with six rounds of sanctions, but the White House and its allies are pushing for even tougher measures in an attempt to halt the increasing wave of missile tests by Pyongyang.

The North's latest missile launch came less than a week after it test-fired a Hwasong-12 intermediate-range missile, which landed in the sea between North Korea and Japan on May 14. It has also been making efforts to upgrade its weapon systems, and has recently developed a long-range missile capable of striking the US mainland.

The North says it is developing arms as deterrence against the US threat, and that it would not abandon its missile and nuclear programs unless Washington ended its hostility toward Pyongyang.

Unsettled by North Korean missile and nuclear programs, the US has adopted a war-like posture, sending a strike group and conducting joint military drills with North Korea's regional adversaries Japan and South Korea.

American officials have indicated that military intervention in North Korea is an option on the table.

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Pentagon Chief Says North Korea's Nuclear Pursuits 'Clear And Present Danger'

RFE/RL June 03, 2017

Washington regards North Korea's accelerated push to acquire a nuclear-armed missile capable of threatening the United States and other countries as a "clear and present danger," U.S. Defense Secretary Jim Mattis says.

Speaking on June 3 at an international security conference in Singapore, Mattis called North Korea an "urgent military threat."

"We're working diplomatically, economically, we're trying to exhaust all possible alternatives to avert this race for a nuclear weapon in violation of...the United Nations' restrictions on North Korea's activities," he said.

"We want to stop this. We consider it urgent," he added.

However, during his address to the Shangri-La Dialogue, sponsored by the International Institute for Strategic Studies, Mattis said that U.S. President Donald Trump's administration was encouraged by China's renewed commitment to working with Washington and others to rid North Korea of its nuclear weapons.

China, North Korea's closest ally, blocked tough new sanctions against North Korea that the United States pushed in the UN Security Council on June 2.

However, the Security Council did vote unanimously to add 15 individuals and four entities linked to the North's nuclear and missile programs to a UN sanctions blacklist.

Mattis also delivered sharp criticism of what he called China's disregard for international law by its "indisputable militarization" of artificial islands in disputed areas of the South China Sea.

"We cannot and will not accept unilateral, coercive changes to the status quo" in the South China Sea, Mattis said.

But Mattis voiced hope for cooperation and peace in the Asia-Pacific region.

"While competition between the United States and China, the world's two largest economies, is bound to occur, conflict is not inevitable," he said. "Our two countries can and do cooperate for mutual benefit. We will pledge to work closely with China where we share common cause."

Washington has some 28,500 troops permanently based in South Korea, a defense-treaty ally. In his speech, Mattis said the United States will stick to its treaty commitments to South Korea.

"While the North Korean regime has a long record of murder of diplomats, of kidnapping, killing of sailors, and criminal activity, its nuclear-weapons program is maturing as a threat to all," Mattis said. "As a matter of national security, the United States regards the threat from North Korea as a clear and present danger."

With reporting by AP, BBC, and AFP

Source: https://www.rferl.org/a/us-mattis-north-korea- nuclear-pursuit-clear-present-danger/28526393.html

Copyright (c) 2017. RFE/RL, Inc. Reprinted with the permission of Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, 1201 Connecticut Ave., N.W. Washington DC 20036.

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Iraqi Forces Bogged Down Against IS in Old Mosul

By Rikar Hussein June 03, 2017

Despite vowing that a renewed offensive against Islamic State in Mosul will be a "final push," Iraqi forces continue to get bogged down in ancient parts of the city where IS remains entrenched.

Days after beginning the latest offensive, the U.S.-backed forces slowed operations late last week, citing the difficulty of protecting residents trapped in remaining IS-controlled areas. Commanders admit the fight for Mosul will take longer than anticipated.

"We are fighting a very difficult battle," Iraqi Major General Najim Abdullah al-Jubouri told VOA. "It will take at least another month before we liberate the Old City because IS is using civilians as human shields."

Al-Jubouri said his forces halted their offensive temporarily to open new safe passage routes for civilians fleeing their homes to cross government lines.

"We need to review our plans frequently to change some routes and move to different places based on where fighting is most severe," he said.

The Iraqi commander said 200 foreign fighters and up to 1,000 local members of IS hold less than 10-square kilometers of Mosul in three neighborhoods to the north of the Old City, as well as inside the Old City itself where there is a dense civilian population.

The United Nations estimates that nearly 200,000 people are facing severe shortages of water and food, and are in danger from crossfire and airstrikes.

"We feel those civilians are probably at greater risk now than at any stage of the entire campaign," Lise Grande, the U.N.'s top humanitarian official in Iraq, told reporters last week.

The complex maze of the Old City makes evacuating civilians increasingly harder, Iraqi and U.S. officials say. The ancient city was built during the Ottoman Empire and includes the eight-century old al-Nouri mosque where IS leader Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi declared IS's self-proclaimed caliphate in 2014. Its narrow alleys prevent the Iraqi forces from bringing in tanks and armored vehicles.

"Liberating these final neighborhoods will be among the most difficult fighting the ISF has faced in their campaign to defeat IS," U.S. Col. Ryan Dillon, spokesman for the U.S.-led coalition against IS, said last week, using an acronym for Iraqi forces.

Dillon said coalition planes conducted 21 strikes in the past week targeting different IS positions and destroying more than 120 vehicles.

IS militants who took control of Mosul in June 2014 have had years to prepare their defense inside the city.

"They have stationed snipers in the buildings and the minarets of mosques where they fire down on the Iraqi forces," Gayath Surchi, speaker of the Patriotic Union of Kurdistan party in Mosul told VOA. "They have put civilians in the basements to prevent being hit by airstrikes."

IS has erected barricades, placed car bombs, and planted mines throughout the city, Surchi said.

"Street combat would have been tough even if there were no civilians," he said. "Some streets have walls that are one meter thick and made of massive stones and cement."

Experts say even after IS is pushed from Mosul, its remnants and sleeper cells will continue operating in the city.

"They will definitely continue asymmetric warfare tactics," Ahmad Majidyar, an expert at the Middle East Institute, told VOA. "They will continue to destabilize Mosul in order to create mayhem to prevent any post-conflict reconstruction and undermine the rule of the government."

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Putin Says He Discussed Russia's Possible NATO Membership With Bill Clinton

RFE/RL June 03, 2017

Russian President Vladimir Putin has claimed that he once raised the possibility of Russia joining NATO with then-President Bill Clinton, and that Clinton said he had "no objection."

Putin delivered this account in a series of interviews with U.S. film director Oliver Stone set to air later this month on the U.S. television network Showtime.

Excerpts of the four-part series have been released online in recent days, including one obtained by Politico in which Putin discusses NATO, whose eastward expansion following the collapse of the Soviet Union has long angered Moscow.

Speaking with Stone in what appears to be Putin's presidential plane, the Russian leader recalls one of his final meetings with Clinton, who left office in January 2001.

"During the meeting I said, 'We would consider an option that Russia might join NATO,'" Putin says. "Clinton answered, 'I have no objection.' But the entire U.S. delegation got very nervous."

In a March 2000 interview with the British television journalist David Frost, Putin was asked whether "it is possible Russia could join NATO."

Putin, who at the time was serving as acting president and weeks later was elected to his first term, responded, "I don't see why not."

Russia has repeatedly accused NATO of stoking tensions with its expansion toward its borders.

NATO says it poses no threat to Russia and that it is a defensive alliance. It has denounced Russia's 2014 annexation of Ukraine's Crimean Peninsula and backing of separatists in eastern Ukraine.

The Showtime series, titled The Putin Interviews, is set to begin airing on June 12.

In the interviews, Putin also says he does not agree with former U.S. intelligence contractor Edward Snowden's decision to leak troves of classified documents on government surveillance.

But he says that Snowden, who was given refuge in Russia, is "not a traitor" and "did not give any information to another country that would have caused harm to his people."

With reporting by AFP

Source: https://www.rferl.org/a/russia-putin-says-discussed- joining-nato-with-clinton/28526757.html

Copyright (c) 2017. RFE/RL, Inc. Reprinted with the permission of Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, 1201 Connecticut Ave., N.W. Washington DC 20036.

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US-backed Kurdish forces: Raqqah liberation imminent

Iran Press TV

Sat Jun 3, 2017 8:34PM

US-backed Kurdish forces in Syria say that major operations to liberate Raqqah from Daesh will begin over the next few days.

"The forces reached the outskirts of the city, and the major operation will start ... in the coming few days," said YPG spokesman Nouri Mahmoud on Saturday.

The US currently provides air support for members of the SDF -- a Kurdish-dominated and anti-Damascus alliance.

The so-called Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) is led by the Kurdish People's Protection Units (YPG) which Ankara views as a terrorist organization over its alleged links to the outlawed Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK).

"The battle will not be easyOf course Daesh has tunnels, mines, car bombs, suicide bombers, and at the same time it is using civilians as human shields," added Mahmoud.

Daesh seized Raqqah in 2014, the same year when it started its campaign of terror in Syria. It then proceeded to capture large swathes of Syrian territory.

"Daesh will resist because Raqqah is its capital and if Raqqah goes, that means the entire caliphate is gone," he added.

SDF forces seized Tabqah city, west of Raqqah in May. They have advanced to within several kilometers of the center of Raqqah over the past few months.

A spokeswoman for the Raqqah campaign, Jihan Sheikh Ahmed, also confirmed that the final attack on the city would begin in the "coming few days."

A spokesman for the US-led forces in Syria said that the SDF have reached within three kilometers of Raqqah from the north and east and within 10 kilometers from the south.

"This advance will allow the SDF to expand its control on the southern banks of the Euphrates River and stabilize the western front of Raqqa before launching the final battle to expel Daesh from the city," said the so-called Syrian Observatory for Human Rights.

"We're nearing the major battle," added Observatory director Rami Abdel Rahman.

Different foreign-backed terrorist groups have been wreaking havoc in Syria since 2011.

Over the past few months, Syrian forces have made sweeping gains against Takfiri elements who have lately increased their acts of violence across the country following a series of defeats on the ground.

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I'm sure worst of crisis is behind us, says Syria's Assad

Iran Press TV

Sat Jun 3, 2017 6:6PM

Syrian President Bashar al-Assad has hailed continued victories by the army forces and allies against militants across the country, saying his government has weathered the worst part of the conflict and is now moving in the right direction.

The Syrian presidency released on Saturday an interview by Assad in Damascus to the India-based WION television station, in which Assad expressed satisfaction with the pace the pro-government forces were recapturing territories from militants across the Arab country.

"Unless the West and other countries and their allies, their puppets, support those extremists in... a very massive way, I'm sure the worst is behind us," Assad stated.

"Things now are moving in the right direction, which is a better direction, because we are defeating the terrorists."

Syrian military forces and allied fighters have recorded major gains against militants over the past few months with the most notable of them being the full liberation of the second-largest city of Aleppo in December 2016. Pro-government forces are now advancing in the southeast and east toward positions held by the Daesh Takfiri terrorist group while the battle continues against other militants in the north and northwest.

Assad said in the interview that a peace initiative launched by Russia, Iran and Turkey had helped establish peace in some parts of Syria.

"Until this moment we haven't had any real political initiative that could produce something, although Astana has achieved let's say partial results through the recent de-escalation areas in Syria, which was positive," he said, referring to a deal reached last month in the Kazakh capital that aims to eventually stop fighting in four zones in Syria.

The war in Syria began in March 2011 and has claimed more than 300,000 lives, according to estimates by reliable sources. The government blames the turmoil on certain governments in the Middle East and others in the West, saying if it was not for their support, the devastating militancy could have not spread across the Arab country.

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Syrian government troops liberate 22 towns in eastern Aleppo

Iran Press TV

Sat Jun 3, 2017 3:42PM

Syrian government forces have retaken nearly two dozen villages in the northern province of Aleppo from Daesh Takfiri terrorists as they continue to score more territorial gains in battles against extremists across the country.

An unnamed military source told Syria's official news agency, SANA, that Syrian troops had regained control of 22 towns, including al-Asilan, al-Fakhha, Khirbat al-Fakhha, al-Mezzeh al-Shamaliyah, al-Ajouziyah, al-Ramadaniyah, al-Masoudiyah, al-Hamra, al-Faisaliyah, Umm Hajrah, al-Taybbeh and Rasem al-Ghazal, in the eastern flank of the province on Saturday.

The source added that more than 1,200 Daesh terrorists, including militant commander Abu Hawzaifa al-Libi, were killed and hundreds of others injured during the military operations.

Some 101 vehicles, 7 cannons, four battle tanks, two amphibious tracked infantry fighting vehicles and 12 command centers for the militants were destroyed as well.

Earlier, Syrian government forces, backed by allied popular fighters, carried out a number of offensives against Daesh positions in the southeastern countryside of Aleppo, establishing control over the northeastern and middle parts of al-Towaihina Mountains.

Elsewhere in the eastern province of Dayr al-Zawr, Syrian army soldiers carried out a string of special operations against Daesh positions, killing more than 70 terrorists and destroying four of their machine gun-equipped vehicles.

Syria has been gripped by foreign-backed militancy since March 2011.

Over the past few months, the Takfiri elements operating in Syria have suffered major setbacks as the Syrian military has managed to liberate several regions.

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Syrian Democratic Forces and Kurdish YPG Surround Raqqa

Sputnik News

20:47 03.06.2017(updated 03:14 04.06.2017)

A representative of the Syrian Democratic Forces, who wished to remain anonymous, told Sputnik that the forces have received a batch of heavy weapons and armored vehicles from the US.

This is the fourth consignment of weapons sent to Syrian Kurds since President Trump announced the decision to assist the Kurdish forces in Syria.

"As part of the fight against Daesh, the US sent us another batch of weapons and armored vehicles yesterday, which was delivered to the area of Tabka in 120 wagons," the source said.

He further said that in a few days they expect new supplies of weapons from the US.

The source stressed that the US armaments could be used during the operation to free Raqqa.

"We are planning to enter the city in a week. At present, we have almost surrounded Raqqa. From the north of the city we are separated by about 2 km, from the west by about 6 km. We left only one way for Daesh militants to retreat  from the south," the source said.

A similar statement was released by Kurdish YPG spokesman Nouri Mahmoud.

"The forces reached the outskirts of the city, and the major operation will start in the coming few days," YPG spokesman Nouri Mahmoud told Reuters by phone.

The offensive is being waged by the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF), an alliance of Kurdish and Arab militias backed by the US-led coalition against Daesh.

 Sputnik

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Fight for Raqqa 'Could Begin' In Coming Days, Syrian Kurdish Militia Confirms

By VOA News June 03, 2017

U.S.-backed military forces in Syria are poised to launch in a "few days" an offensive to capture the Islamic State's (IS) defacto capital of Raqqa, according to a spokesman for the Syrian Kurdish militia group YPG.

"The forces reached the outskirts of the city and the major operation will start ...in the coming days," YPG spokesman Nouri Mahmoud said Saturday.

Mahmoud confirmed Saturday remarks by American military officials who said Thursday that Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) have pushed within three kilometers of Raqqa and action to gain control "could begin in the coming days."

Speaking in Baghdad, U.S.-led counter IS coalition spokesman Col. Ryan Dillon told reporters the SDF is "poised around Raqqa," after gaining significant territory from IS in Syria in the last week.

The forces are within three kilometers of Raqqa to the north and the east and about 10 kilometers from the city to the west, said Dillon.

"The fight for the city could begin in the coming days," a U.S. military official separately told VOA on the condition of anonymity. "The encirclement of Raqqa is almost complete."

The U.S. military has distributed weapons and vehicles to Syrian Kurdish fighters in preparation for the Raqqa battle. That move, confirmed earlier this week, placed the United States at odds with NATO ally Turkey, which contends the SDF's Syrian Kurdish militia is a terrorist group affiliated with the outlawed PKK, the Kurdistan Workers' Party, a terror group that has been battling the Turkish state for many years.

Dillon said the SDF has instructed remaining Raqqa citizens to leave the city, with nearly 200,000 people already displaced. Camps for displaced citizens have been established around the Syrian city, Dillon added, with SDF screening sites in place to prevent Islamic State militants from escaping among the fleeing civilian population.

Pro-Syrian regime forces still near al-Tanf

Meanwhile, U.S. military officials say Iranian-backed pro-regime forces continue to violate a deconfliction zone set up around the al-Tanf army base, where special forces are training Syrian militias.

Dillon said the coalition has communicated to the "small element" of forces that they are considered a threat and need to leave the zone.

"We want them out of there," he told reporters from Baghdad Thursday.

Dillon said the forces violating the deconfliction zone have stopped establishing defensive positions after coalition airstrikes targeted their tanks and equipment two weeks ago, but have remained a little more than halfway into the established zone, which has a radius of 55 kilometers from al-Tanf base.

"It's not like they've dipped their toe into the deconfliction zone; they're well inside it," said Dillon.

Additional pro-regime reinforcements have not entered the deconfliction zone, Dillon explained, but forces just outside the deconfliction zone at al-Tanf are reinforcing their positions and bringing in combat type assets, including tanks and artillery systems.

"All these things put together present a threat to the coalition forces," he noted.

VOA Pentagon Correspondent Carla Babb contributed to this report.

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U.S. defense secretary reaffirms commitment to Taiwan

ROC Central News Agency

2017/06/03 19:09:47

Singapore, June 3 (CNA) U.S. Defense Secretary Jim Mattis reaffirmed the U.S. commitment to providing Taiwan with defensive weapons, during an Asia security dialogue held in Singapore Saturday.

His comments were welcomed by Taiwan, but sparked opposition from China.

Mattis said the U.S. remains committed to strengthening cooperation with its allies in the region and will also continue to engage closely with its partners in the region in an effort to address security challenges in the Asia-Pacific, during a speech at the Shangri-La Dialogue being held by the International Institute for Strategic Studies from June 2-4.

The annual defense summit brings together ministers and delegates from over 50 countries to discuss security challenges and opportunities.

Speaking about Taiwan, Mattis said that "the Department of Defense remains steadfastly committed to working with Taiwan and with its democratic government" to provide it with necessary defensive articles, which is consistent with the U.S. obligation set out in the Taiwan Relations Act (TRA).

The TRA was enacted in 1979 by the U.S. Congress to maintain commercial, cultural and other unofficial relations between the U.S. and Taiwan after Washington switched diplomatic recognition from Taipei to Beijing. The act also requires the U.S. "to provide Taiwan with arms of a defensive character."

Mattis' remarks triggered a question about whether there is any change to the U.S.'s "one China" policy, which was asked by a participant from China who felt it was unusual that the U.S. expressed its intention to strengthen defense links with Taiwan on such an occasion.

In response, Mattis said the U.S. is committed to its "one China" policy and there has been no adjustment to this.

"We believe in a peaceful resolution of the situation between China and Taiwan," he said. "That's where we have stood for some years and the one China policy holds."

Commenting on Mattis' remarks, Andrew Yang (), a Taiwanese scholar on defense affairs and a former defense minister, said his remarks sent a message that "Taiwan is still an important regional security partner." Yang was one of the participants in the security conference.

In Taipei, Presidential Office spokesman Sidney Lin () expressed gratitude for the U.S. government's commitment to the TRA and welcomed the strengthening of exchanges between Taiwan and the U.S. in all areas.

At a news conference held on Saturday in Singapore, Lt. Gen. He Lei (), deputy president of China's PLA Academy of Military Science, said the Chinese government is firmly opposed to any U.S. arms sales to Taiwan. He is leading a Chinese delegation to the security conference in Singapore.

(By Elaine Hou, Huang Tzu-chiang and Claudia Liu)

ENDITEM/J

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To the editor:

According to a recent study by the University of Virginia, Virginias population is growing at its slowest pace since the 1920s. In fact, for the third year in a row, more people have moved out of Virginia than have moved in. It doesnt take an economist to see that Virginia is in dire need of new leadership focused on economic prosperity for Virginia. From his experience to his strong economic plans, Ed Gillespie is the answer for Virginians.

Gillespie was born on Aug. 1, 1961, in a small town in New Jersey, later moving to Washington D.C., and attending The Catholic University of America. Gillespie began his career on Capitol Hill as a Senate parking attendant, eventually working his way up to a political career himself. He is married to Cathy Gillespie, and they have three children.

In 1996, Gillespie served as the communications director for the Republican National Committee, and advised Senate Republicans on the impeachment of Bill Clinton after joining a law firm in 1997. Gillespie worked as press secretary for the 1999 presidential campaign of John Kasich, and later served as senior communications advisor in 2000 in the campaign of future President George W. Bush. From 2006 to 2007, Gillespie served as chairman of the Republican Party of Virginia. Gillespie replaced Counselor to the President Dan Bartlett in 2007.

In 2014, Gillespie ran for U.S. Senate against incumbent Mark Warner, losing by a margin of just 0.8 percent.

Now, Gillespie is the leading candidate in the Republican primary for governor of Virginia. Gillespie is principled, experienced and dedicated to improving the Virginia economy. Unlike Gillespies opponents, he is not running a smear campaign and is instead focusing on making his campaign about the voters, and the success of Virginia as a whole.

Economically, Gillespie recognizes the need for a diversified economy in Virginia, promising to make across the board cuts on the state income tax. He recognizes that more money in the pockets of Virginians will create conditions that will allow individuals, families, and small businesses to prosper. As a small business owner himself, Gillespie is dedicated to making an economy all Virginians can succeed in.

Gillespie is committed to slowing down the increasing tuition rates in Virginia while promoting vocational jobs for those who do not wish to attend college.

In being dedicated to pushing back against agricultural regulations, Gillespie believes in opening up the agriculture markets, which have been in decline since 2014, and [balancing] the responsible stewardship of our environment with our economic needs.

Gillespie is 100 percent pro-life, participating in the March for Life in 2017. He also supports our Second Amendment rights and was endorsed by the National Rifle Association in 2014.

Gillespie has also received strong endorsements from influential members of the GOP, including former Gov. Bob McDonnell, former 2016 presidential candidate Carly Fiorina, former South Carolina governor and current U.N. Ambassador Nikki Haley, and Gov. Scott Walker of Wisconsin. State Senators Mark Obenshain and David Sutterlein, U.S. Reps. Bob Goodlatte and Barbara Comstock and former Rep. Robert Hurt have also endorsed Gillespie.

Virginia needs a true conservative to win in 2017, and Ed Gillespie is the only candidate that can faithfully bear that title. If you are interested in learning more about the campaign or volunteering, go to EdForVirginia.com.

AUTUMN PRICE

Cascade
In recent years, most states have changed their workers compensation rules for firefighters. When one of them develops cancer, heart disease or lung disease, the illness is now assumed to be job-related. These changes reflect the hazards of fighting fires. They also reflect the enormous clout enjoyed by firefighters and their unions.The heroic image of firefighters is well earned, but its a political asset as well. No politician wants to be seen as opposed to them, or to the public safety values that they embody. When you think of firefighters in the political sphere, theyre kind of a protected class, says Robert Fellner of the Nevada Policy Research Institute, a free market think tank. Everyone wants firefighters on their side.Firefighters dont simply rely on their image. They work the entire political system. The International Association of Fire Fighters raised $4.5 million for the 2016 federal election cycle. But their greatest impact is at the state and local levels. In Arizona alone, there are more than 30 political action committees representing the interests of firefighters. Last year, they spent seven times as much on campaigns as Arizona police did.But firefighters bring more than money to the table. They are in practically every legislative district in the land. And because their work is done in shifts, theres always someone off-duty whos available to go around and knock on doors.Occasionally, firefighters do get pushback from taxpayer groups such as Fellners, which argue that salary and benefit levels have gotten out of hand. The majority of calls that fire stations answer are for medical emergencies, not fires, yet the median salary nationally for firefighters is 50 percent higher than that earned by emergency medical technicians. Fellner complains that due to their sway in local elections, firefighters are effectively able to hire their own bosses.That may be overstating things, but all candidates want the endorsement of the firefighters union if they can get it. Just about every year, a legislature thats dominated by people who say they are not supportive of labor unions continually does what the firefighter unions ask, says Ken Strobeck, executive director of the League of Arizona Cities and Towns.Nevertheless, Strobeck gives credit to Bryan Jeffries, president of the Professional Fire Fighters of Arizona, for helping to negotiate a reduction in pension benefits last year. Jeffries agreed to a change in the formula for cost-of-living adjustments for retirees, as well as increased contributions from new hires. Those alterations are expected to save the state $1.5 billion over 30 years. Maybe Jeffries was willing to come to the table because he had served on the Phoenix City Council and was able to see the issue from both sides. Or maybe he recognized that the pension system as a whole was at risk and threatened to kill the goose that laid the golden egg, Strobeck says.Regardless of his motives, Jeffries willingness to compromise was essential, says state Sen. Debbie Lesko, who sponsored the package. Quite honestly, I knew if I didnt have the support of the firefighters, it would have been very difficult, if not impossible, to pass the bill, she says. Everybody likes firefighters. Theyre very organized. Theyre very politically organized.
Identification of non-malicious users and repeat violators based on behavior

The ability to automatically sign up non-malicious users and repeat violators for brief policy specific training such as PII handling, phishing, and more

Attestation of completion and post-training behavior is tracked and can be reported on in Security Awareness dashboards

Creating an enterprisewide culture of security is almost always listed as a top priority for experienced security and technology leaders in the public and private sectors.Back in early 2007, when I was Michigans chief information security officer (CISO), I remember being interviewed by Bill Jackson at Government Computer News (GCN) about a long list of security topics. The title of that article wasbased on my final answer. Here is how the interview ends:Fast-forward more than a decade, And I believe transforming the security culture still remains our greatest challenge as we head toward 2020. But how can we get to this elusive culture of security while balancing the cost, benefits and many other business priorities we face? As we think about people, processes and technology, what can we do to enable people and reduce risk over time?One answer that I am seeing and hearing more about is just in time training (or just-in-time learning). According to ShifteLearning.com , there are many practical examples and benefits of just-in-time learning:The articles goes on to list many benefits of just-in-time learning, such as how it enhances worker productivity and speeds up the learning process.Taking the just in time concept further, several companies are advocating the use of these techniques for enterprise security awareness training. The general concept that I am seeing is to provide a very basic compliance-focused training for the majority of people, and to enforce much more specific training for the select few who they identify as needing it most, since they violate some security policy, and/or do something inappropriate, such as clicking on a simulated phishing link.For example, Bay Dynamics encourages their just-in-time security training, which offers:In this article from Dark Reading in 2016, Tom Pendergast elaborates on this trend further:The first time Joe Employee saves a document to an unapproved cloud storage site (for example), he gets a system-generated pop-up that directs him to company policy on the use of cloud storage. Problem solved, 70% of the time  but not always.So the next time he does it, the system provides a two-minute video on the problems with unapproved cloud usage. More improvement. But, Joe is among the 5% who still dont get it, so when he does it again the system enrolls him in a required 15-minute training course on Acceptable Use policies. Can we tune UBA systems to identify these kinds of triggers? I believe we can. Pair these risk triggers with a flexible deployment of just-in-time training and youve created lane assistance warnings for information security, with the added benefit of only training those who need it and not wasting the time of those who dont. Other companies are now offering related education triggers or teachable moments that are targeted at those who violate security policy or need the training the most because they do something wrong. These approaches claim to identify, focus training, (and where necessary) get rid of the bad apples and focus on those in the organization who (despite being non-malicious) pose the greatest risk.Several security leaders I have spoken to were (at least initially) attracted to this approach, since it cuts down on employee time required for security awareness training for the masses. I have heard the argument, If I can focus on a select few troublemakers, and minimize the training for 98 percent of the employees, I can save time and money.Who can argue with the concept of learning just what you need to know at the exact right moment?But other industry leaders are not in favor of this just in time security training approach. They say this practice is like watering down the soup at your favorite restaurant. Yes, it may produce an immediate cost-saving benefit, but is it being penny wise and pound foolish in the end? They insist: With technology and threats moving so fast, dont all staff need constantly refreshed, relevant, focused security awareness training? This blog from Info Security Magazine offers another specific contrarian argument. Kai Roer , founder and CEO of CLTRe, writes, "Blaming people for not handling poor technology correctly is  in my opinion  simply wrong."While there are certainly some benefits to fear-based (or carrot-stick-based) approaches that send you off to training if you fail, others ask where the carrot is for staff in this model. Most parents understand the need for a mix of rewards and punishments, but this is all about punishments.An article frompoints out five myths to changing behavior . Here are two:Other training experts I have spoken with say that fear can certainly help, if done in the appropriate balance with rewards. They have seen the classic carrot and stick approach work well in security training.One well known CISO I spoke with (who wants to remain anonymous for this piece) is fine with just-in-time security training as a supplement. However, he has also seen examples of where it is being overused to penalize staff. This expert said, They even lock staff out of some corporate networks until they complete training. They cant do their jobs. The security team is viewed as the Network Nazis who shut down system access. Not good.Back in 2014, I wrote this article on how to change the security culture in government . Of course, training is only one piece.I also pointed to this fascinating research on what motivates us at work beyond carrots and sticks. If you havent seen this before, I urge you to watch the video.Or, in other terms, we need to offer compelling content that is intriguing and teaches people what they dont already know about security in sticky ways, in order to change behaviors and motivate people.Content is still king, and I also believe that brief, frequent and focused content works best with gamification or game-based learning. I have even suggested tothat we need to make security awareness training more about culture change with a potential name change And while I do think that just in time security training may be able to help select organizations in a very limited context (as a supplemental approach), I have a more fundamental concern with this trend, if it is front and center.I worry that organizations that deploy this approach are making security training a penalty. In the extreme, security organizations can even send the message: Only the bad people (the policy violators, those who click on test phish or others who do something wrong), need go to security awareness training. The implied carrot becomes not having to take the security training.Over months and years, a culture could develop where security awareness training is a punishment for the select few. Like being sent to detention at school or writing phrases on the chalk board multiple times. The message to staff: you dont want to be one of those people who need security awareness training. With memories of ridicule in elementary school, the majority of staff have the goal of not screwing up or not getting caught.Beyond views of the awareness training, the security teams reputation can suffer. In this type of enterprise culture, the security team members are the bad guys  or Dr. No who might pull you over or get you fired. My blog followers are familiar with the seven reasons that security pros fail  and what you can do about it. Bottom line: You DONT WANT TO GO THERE!I was one of the first security pros to say: Be a security enabler  not a disabler. However, I learned this lesson the hard way, after I was almost fired for opposing WiFi deployments in my earlier days as Michigan CISO. Nevertheless, that negative experience set our team on a new course that won us awards for our WiFi implementation and our overall cybersecurity program. We saw that powerful role that each employee must play in protecting the enterprise from cyberthreats.In a healthy security culture, all front-line staff are proactively well trained on information and physical security, know what to do (and not do), where to report incidents, when to ask for help, who to contact and how to work together effectively. Staff have a good relationship with the security team  because the cyberpros are helpful. There is not an us vs. them problem.The meaningful, customized security content is constantly updated in positive ways to meet the culture. Understanding risk (by all) in various scenarios is an important component of this overall security relationship. The security awareness training is a positive bridge to start meaningful conversations to enhance business projects, integrate streamlined processes and apply appropriate technology.When pressed, one well known security luminary friend of mine asked: How can tech-savvy companies encourage employee mistakes to become more innovative , offer training on failing fast and still use this approach to forcing security training mainly on those who screw up. He went even further and commented: The unspoken message to staff will be to hide mistakes and not report them.I recognize that some in the security industry will disagree with me on this blog. But I hope we can agree on this: We need to be passionately building (or rebuilding) enterprise cultures that put security at the top of the priority list.We need innovative companies and government organizations that have healthy cybersecurity practices. The security teams must be enablers of positive change. I often hear staff say, Teach me things I dont already know.No doubt, fear must occasionally be a part of the training menu, but it must be an appetizer and not the main course. Yes, there are bad apples in organizations that need to be disciplined or removed, but spend more time with the good apples.Just as model parents and teachers train their children by demonstrating, encouraging, motivating and challenging in fun, positive ways, much more than disciplining them, we must do the same to build healthy security cultures that endure. We want the staff to say thank you! They will, if we offer helpful security lessons that are intriguing, thoughtful and memorable.And please dont make end-user security awareness training mainly a punishment for doing something wrong.
Achievers

The Rotary Club of High Point Student of the Month for May is Zhodawn Johnson, a senior at Andrews High School, where she has a 4.37 GPA.

Johnsons extracurricular activities include working with special needs children at Jamestown Community Center, participating in an autism walk, collecting shoes and clothes for hurricane victims in Haiti, as well as offering assistance through her church and a nursing facility. She can count more than 1,000 volunteer hours. Johnson also plays seven musical instruments.

She plans to attend Appalachian State University in the fall to double major in nutrition and strength and conditioning.

Awards

The High Point Historical Society held its 51st annual meeting May 23 at the Rickety Bridge Winery. The meeting recognized a variety of volunteers and supporters of the High Point Museum.

The Walsh Award, named in honor of a leading contributor to the historical society, Valette Jones Harris Walsh, was awarded to Rebecca Gurkin.

Bill Phillips received the Mary Lib Joyce Award for distinct service and dedication to the historical society.

Van Voorhees Trivette received special recognition for her help with the fundraising for the Little Red Schoolhouse.

The group voted on the 2017-18 board of trustees: Yvonne Bostic-Short, president; Nicholas Ruden, president-elect; Brandon Hedrick, treasurer; Paul Ringel, secretary and Larry Brandon, Dorothy Darr, Randall Johnson, Gene Kester, Zach Moore and Ericka Saurit.

New board members are Jacqueline Arthur-Montagne, Donald Belton, Jordan Lessard, Flavia Nazareth, Van Trivette and Mark Woodward.

The historical society owns and cares for the High Point Museum collection.

Announcements

The High Point Arts Councils Pullman Poet Society will offer a free writing workshop with North Carolina Poet Laureate Shelby Stephenson at 5:30 p.m. June 12 at Centennial Station Arts Center, 121 S. Centennial St. in High Point.

Stephenson will critique participants poems. Light refreshments will be served, and books will be for sale by Sunrise Books.

For information, call 336-889-2787, Ext. 26, or email programs@highpoint arts.org.

Activities

The Rotary Club of High Point recently presented checks for $2,000 each to the High Point Arts Council and to the Theater Art Galleries.

The council will use the money to benefit the youth segment of the upcoming John Coltrane Jazz Festival. TAG will use the money to help underwrite its summer camp programs.
On July 4, the Southern Independent Booksellers Association will announce the winners of its Southern Book Prizes.

North Carolina-connected nominees include Lee Smith for Dime Store, John Hart for Redemption Road, Kristy Woodson Harvey for Lies and Other Acts of Love, Robert Morgan for Chasing the North Star and Vivian Howard for Deep Run Roots.

UNC-TVs North Carolina Bookwatch recently featured these books, and those episodes will be reshown during June.

Smiths memoir, coming after her 13 novels and many short stories, gives her many fans a chance to know her as well as her good friends do. She shares her childhood years in a small Appalachian coal mining town and her times working, writing and raising a family here in North Carolina. It gives clues about how her life influenced her writing.

She explains: This is an enviable life, to live in the terrain of ones heart. Most writers dont  cant  do this. Most of us are always searching, through our work and in our lives: for meaning, for love, for home. Writing is about these things. And as writers, we cannot choose our truest material. But sometimes we are lucky enough to find it.

Harts Redemption Road comes after four best-selling, prize-winning thrillers that gained praise for their clever storylines. Author David Baldacci says the books prologue is heart-wrenching and the chapters thereafter pull you in like matter to a black hole.

Reviewers praise Harts beautiful writing. Some compare his lyrical descriptions to poetry.

The book introduces more than 30 characters. None is more important or complicated than Detective Elizabeth Black, herself an accused murderer. She is determined to find justice for Adrian Wall, a wrongly, she thinks, convicted murderer. The connections among the characters help drive a plot scheme that will satisfy readers even as it horrifies them.

Hart grew up in Salisbury, as did Harvey. Less than a year after the publication of Dear Carolina, her successful debut novel, her second, Lies and Other Acts of Love, drew favorable attention. It is a heart-rending account of four generations of an eastern North Carolina family in transition.

The two leading characters who tell the story are Lynn Lovey White, a grandmother whose husband is fading away after 60 years of marriage, and her granddaughter, Annabelle, who has changing ideas about who and what she wants in a husband. Harveys book will entertain, challenge and surprise its readers. With her third novel, Slightly South of Simple, already on bookstore shelves, Harvey proves she is a prolific force in Southern literature.

Morgans latest novel, recently released in paperback, is set in pre-Civil War times. It follows a crafty teenage runaway slave on a northward journey toward freedom. From the Carolina mountains all the way to Ithaca, N.Y., he finds dangers, adventures and comedy. Early on, he meets a young enslaved woman who decides to follow him. Sometimes together, sometimes separated, they make their sometimes different ways toward freedom.

Howard has become nationally known as host of public televisions popular program A Chefs Life. She says her book is the story of my life so far, told through the ingredients that fill the plates and pantries of my home: Deep Run, N.C.

She organized her book in a new way. Not by collections of similar dishes like salads, appetizers, main dishes and desserts, but by foods, the raw ingredients. She devotes chapters to sweet potatoes, corn, eggs, watermelon and other food that is seasonally available in Deep Run, near Kinston, site of her Chef & the Farmer restaurant.

Other finalists with North Carolina ties are Ron Rash for The Risen, Ross Howell Jr. for Forsaken, Sharyn McCrumb for Prayers the Devil Answers and Ann B. Ross for Miss Julia Inherits a Mess.

To see a complete list of Southern Book Prize finalists, visit www.sibaweb.com/booksellers/book-award-booksellers/654-2017- prize-finalists.
GREENSBORO  Janet Jacksons Rhythm Nation is blaring from the sound system in the studio, and its the students who are teaching dance instructor LaVerne Harris-Davis a hip-hop move.

OK, OK, we can use that, Harris-Davis says to the girls glee, of changing up the ending in the days before their dance recital piece.

Thats what I like about Miss LaVerne, 8-year-old Brianda Wilson says as she later changes out of her shoes, shes so energetic and shes willing to create a dance with us.

After 40 years of leotards and tap shoes, this years production was also co-founders Harris-Davis and Carolyn Mintz-Strachans last dance  literally. The two, who formed the nonprofit Harris-Mintz School of Dance Arts in the basement of St. James Baptist Church and ended up with a community institution, will close out an era on the stage with their own joint performance.

So, as the girls leave a final practice, as 40 years of memories in the form of pictures and old costumes wait to be packed up, as former students from the thousands of those who have taken classes stop by to reminisce, the emotion of shutting down has so far merited just a pause. For now. Theres too much to do.

It hasnt hit me yet, Harris-Davis, 61, says of what changes after the recital.

Tuesday, when theres no class to come to  thats when its going to hit her, says Mintz-Strachan, 63, who is nearby and will have her own last regular dance class Wednesday afternoon.

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People are trickling into the audience Saturday at Smith Highs auditorium, and Janice Wade looks out onto the empty stage.

Its like Im 10 again, says Wade, a volunteer who was one of the original dancers from 1977. Her daughter, Michelle, now 22, started taking classes there in 1998, and is now part of an assembled alumni group that will later take to that stage. Nearby is Wades mother, Gwendolyn Dawkins, one of the seamstresses over the years who would sew costumes for the dancers.

It became a family affair for us, Wade says.

Mintz-Strachan, who is backstage, cant find her daughter or what she has done with her costume.

She has spent the last half-hour giving directives and answering questions  Will you show me how one more time? asks one dancer.

Then its five minutes until showtime and her daughter appears, costume in hand.

Its always a frenzy, Mintz-Strachan says before racing to the dressing area.

Harris-Davis is looking the dancers up and down  mostly, at this point, drawn to their ears.

Are you planning to dance in those (hoop) earrings? she asks a returning alumna, now a mom herself.

No, maam, the woman replies, reaching up to her ears to pull the hoops out.

Just like 1977, when the women decided that if they were going to have a dance group, they were going to do it right.

Back then, Harris-Davis and Mintz-Strachan were students at N.C. A&T who had grown up attending St. James under pioneering pastor the Rev. Prince Graves, who had opened one of the first community food banks in the churchs basement and had been successful in acquiring the necessary government grants to build affordable housing for the disabled, elderly and low-income.

Mintz-Strachan had been a cheerleader and both had been majorettes at Dudley High, under the tutelage of Georgene Dye, who also taught creative dance there.

Both went on to earn coveted spots as majorettes in A&Ts marching band.

And young girls back at church, where Mintz-Strachan remained a youth Sunday school teacher and Harris-Davis the director of the youth choir, were always asking them to teach them how to dance.

During that time there was not a lot to do, says Mintz-Strachan, who is focused but more soft-spoken. You were either in the choir or you were on the junior usher board.

The two women went to Graves at a time when dancing just wasnt done in most churches, even if it was set to gospel music.

He said he would rather us be dancing in church than out in the streets, recalls Harris-Davis, who is more of an extrovert of the two.

There were restrictions.

The group would only be open to church members. Adults in the church would serve as an advisory committee, to keep a watchful eye.

We had to juggle locations, between the basement of the church and the parking lot of the church, and her parents front yard and my parents front yard, Mintz-Strachan recalls. Even though Rev. Graves said we could do it, we still had barriers from the elders who didnt think it was an appropriate thing.

They started with 14 girls, teaching modern, jazz and ethnic dance. They also taught praise dancing, a mix of dance and expressive moves to Christian music, which caught on in other churches.

For my mother, it was something positive for us to do, says Debbie Dozier-Gillis, who had been in Mintz-Strachans Sunday school class at the time and is now an elementary school teacher. It kind of helped me overcome my shyness.

About that time, Mintz-Strachan and Harris-Davis entered and won a local talent show. They danced with two guys they knew and used the $50 they got for winning first place to buy materials to have a seamstress they knew make costumes for the girls.

We felt like we had a dance group, Mintz-Strachan says.

Soon, they had outgrown the basement and were offered a storage room in a community center that had been cleared out at Cumberland Courts, one of the low-income housing communities the church owned. In exchange, any child who lived there could take classes for free.

Its all we could think about, Harris-Davis says.

Some of their board members filled out the paperwork for them to incorporate as a nonprofit organization, which also opened the program up to anyone. They began charging $5 a month.

I said, Ill be 60 years old and theyll still be here, dancing, says Cynthia Lewis, who served as their first board president  and is now 66.

Outside of Harris-Mintz, there were few opportunities for some of their students to take formal classes. Harris-Mintz was in their community and fees were minimal. They also took anybody who wanted to work, just as their mentor had done at Dudley.

She would choreograph dances and she would put people in parts where they were strong, Mintz-Strachan says.

The two, not much older than some of their early students, wanted to have more than a dance program.

A lot of children wouldnt get the opportunity to find out what talents and skills they have without the school, Harris-Davis says.

They wanted to expose young people to the arts and to enhance their self-esteem and self-confidence.

Students could also earn a year of classes by selling ads for their recital booklet or signing up sponsors.

And with each class, more and more girls began showing up.

l l l

Soon, the challenge was in how to expand their offerings. It was not the kind of dance school that taught ballerinas to dance on their toes, because they could not. Neither of the co-founders had taken a ballet or even tap class themselves. And they were realistic: that required focused study starting at an early age.

The two did begin auditing classes in the dance programs at local colleges and signed up for others at the Greensboro Cultural Arts Center. Then they could teach the others.

Even with full-time jobs it remained an integral part of their week. Even after getting married.

Both of us told our husbands, we have this organization here, and it comes with us, Mintz-Strachan says. We also said, You married us, you are a part of this now.

Over the years that has meant their husbands built props and did behind-the-scenes work at recitals.

And former students, like Dozier-Gillis, often came back to town after having been away, wanting to provide for other students what they had gotten from Harris-Mintz. Other would-be volunteer instructors in the community, who had taken dance or were just good at it, were drawn to them, such as Verna Leslie, a former college dance instructor who saw the dance group take part in a Black Nativity production at A&T.

They work so hard, and it makes you want to be a part of it, too, Leslie says. It was just something about them.

Eventually, they moved into their own studio.

When the two friends had daughters, the girls started taking classes about as soon as they could walk.

At one time, the two instructors were chosen for parts in the traveling Broadway production of The Wiz in Raleigh, which meant out-of-town practices and further juggling of schedules.

We look back at it and we say, How did we do this?  Mintz-Strachan says. We just had people behind us who were willing to be behind us.

When they grew weary, they would often look to the pages of their Bibles, thinking back to those Scriptures harkening to whom much is given, much is expected.

Our husbands told us we needed to do it for profit, Harris-Davis said with a laugh. We just felt like we were doing a service. Carolyn and I just really wanted dance to be the vehicle to so many other things for young people.

Before they knew it they were high-profile role models.

They are legends in the community, especially the African-American community, says Guilford County Commissioner Melvin Skip Alston, a former state NAACP president, who points out they were among the earliest supporters of the International Civil Rights Center & Museum in downtown Greensboro and as participants in the various Martin Luther King Jr. birthday observances.

The dance school has sent performers to local schools and Greensboros City Stage.

When Hurricane Floyd nearly drowned the historic African-American community of Princeville, which is southeast of the Triad and the oldest town in the country built by freed slaves, the founders got students involved in fundraising and led a caravan there to deliver supplies and hope.

They always gave 110 percent, Alston says. They dont ask for any pay. They always say they consider it a duty to the community. And theyve impressed every audience Ive been in.

The Community Foundation of Greater Greensboro awarded them their first grant, $3,000, in 2000, for students who could not pay tuition.

They can count as former students dancers who broader audiences would get to know, including actress Kislyck Kissy Halsey, who is a Triad Stage alumna and was a lead character in director Tyler Perrys I Dont Want to Do Wrong stage play. But mostly, there are teachers, military officers and those in the medical field, like Mintz-Strachans own daughter, Dr. Camille Strachan.

It taught me the value of teamwork and thats what medicine is about, Camille Strachan says of participating. But I also developed lifelong friends in those classes. We go to each others weddings, baby showers, and are there for those special moments.

Until 2006, when money tightened up, the board gave college scholarships to graduating seniors.

What little bit we could offer, we felt it could help, Mintz-Strachan said.

At that time, their recitals needed big spaces, and they could fill the Carolina Theatre and the former War Memorial Auditorium.

Along the way, the two survived 40 years of working together with their friendship intact.

We play off our strengths and divided the work, and we know the other will get it done right, Mintz-Strachan says.

When Mintz-Strachan spent two years in the military, Harris-Davis kept the studio from closing. When years later Harris-Davis had major surgery, Mintz-Strachan took on more of the responsibility.

People are always saying, I danced with your mom, LaStasia Davis says. Shes touched so many people. The school has.

But over the past five or six years, the two founders held serious talks about the next year being the last.

It was still worth it to them.

Mintz-Strachan recalls a recent email from a former dancer now stationed in the military in Iraq.

She wanted me to send her some videos of our past recitals  and the next thing I knew she had a dance program over there in Iraq, Mintz-Strachan says.

But attendance was dropping from more competition, as more churches offered dance for free. Some of their former students were opening studios of their own, and some were attracting lots of young people by focusing just on hip-hop, which Harris-Davis jokes they are too old to learn.

Some of them are not interested in learning tap, in learning ballet, even though we tell them all dance starts with ballet, those basic moves, says Harris-Davis, whose school did offer one class.

They had always depended on volunteer instructors and helpers, like seamstress Joan Dunham, who always made themselves available, no matter the emergency. If they ever had money left over at the end of the year, once all the bills were paid, they would give those volunteer instructors maybe $25 in an envelope with a thank-you note. Mostly those instructors got a heartfelt thanks. And they were OK with that.

We were a sisterhood, says Leslie Ross, an instructor for 35 of those 40 years. Even though we might not always agree, we never let that keep us away from the vision.

Their monthly fee had risen to $20 and then $35, where it would stay for years, even as costs rose. And it was becoming harder to find those volunteers to keep it going.

It was our dream to do what we were doing, says Harris-Davis, whose daughters would also teach classes there. To find other people to dedicate the time is hard. Its not their dream.

With their 40th anniversary approaching, they knew it was time.

I dont feel like its the end because we have other young ladies who have taken the ball and started programs of their own, Mintz-Strachan says. Its like we are products of Ms. Georgene Dye, and we know that at some point, she would have seen her works through us.

Nothing changed after Saturdays performance.

Even as they clutched each other before their final dance together and later wiped away tears, they had not changed their minds.

There is always the dance ministry at St. James, of which they planted the seeds.

And both have jobs that put them in the position to mentor young people.

Its just time, says Harris-Davis, who had spent the last few years teaching despite rheumatoid arthritis. Its just time.
Terror attacks continue one after another around the world.

Suat ToreNow, people get afraid while traveling from one destination to another.

People hesitate to attend events that attract a big crowd.

Terror affects travel and tourism.

From now on all countries around the world join forces and take joint measures.
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The great thing about hiring family members: You can usually trust them more than others. The really awful thing about hiring family members: You cant fire them. Unless, of course, youre Michael Corleone. Poor Fredo.

Its no mere coincidence that The Godfather comes to mind when considering the nations first family and challenges therein. President Trump, like Vito Corleone, has surrounded himself with family members, especially daughter Ivanka and her husband Jared Kushner, and for essentially the same reasons.

If youre Donald Trump, whom can you really trust? When youre a real estate mogul from Queens and Manhattan, with enough questionable paper to keep a cadre of lawyers in chauffeurs for life, you need the blood that binds as your innermost circle.

Hence, Ivanka and Jared, the latter of whom turns out to be the latest person of interest in the FBIs investigation of the Trump campaign.

Thus far, its been reported that Kushner sought a back channel of communication with Russia, which isnt unusual in itself, though generally the president would work through the State Department or U.S. intelligence agencies.

Kushner, who, despite rumors to the contrary, is actually not the president, supposedly discussed the back channel with Russian Ambassador Sergey Kislyak. This meeting reportedly took place at Trump Tower in early December last year, which means that Trump wasnt actually the president, either.

Thus, Kushner was acting as a private citizen. Stranger still, Kushner and Kislyak apparently discussed using Russian diplomatic facilities so that even our own intelligence agencies would remain in the dark. Might we remind dear readers that U.S. intelligence agencies are the ones on our team? Russian operatives, decidedly, are not.

What was so sensitive that Kushner would need a private line to the Kremlin? Surely theres a reasonable explanation; I just cant think of one. The idea that Kushner is that naive is naive in itself. Besides, weve also now learned that former/ousted national security advisor Michael Flynn was also present in the meeting. Wouldnt a three-star general have enough experience to know better  unless he endorsed the idea for purposes that remain unclear?

Another Kushner meeting  with a Russian banker and close friend of Vladimir Putin  has also raised flags. Meanwhile, millions are wondering: Who is Jared Kushner  or the air, as Steve Bannon reportedly refers to him because of his way of breezing in and out of meetings? And what are Kushners qualifications for negotiating with our greatest geopolitical foe?

Often called the shadow secretary of state, Kushner has been a shadow in nearly every way. This is to say, we know little about him other than that he seems savvy in the ways of the paparazzi. In photos, he cuts a rather James-Bondian figure  invariably looking slightly askance, somewhat bemused and ever-knowing.

He seems determined to remain an enigma even as he appears to be in charge of everything from the Nile to the Volga. Not only does he have security clearance, but he also receives his own security briefings each morning.

Theres no question the young man is bright, maybe brilliant, though he did buy the nations most expensive building just before the 2008 recession hit. On balance, he took over his familys real estate business when he was just 25 and reportedly has been able to recoup most of the $500 million invested in the building, which plummeted to half its value during the financial crisis.

In my shallow moments, I confess to the guilty pleasure of watching Jared and Ivanka as one would Prince William and Duchess Kate. But then I remind myself that the U.S. is not a monarchy, though this might be preferable to, say, a thugocracy. Or worse.

At the center of the storm, always, is Trump and the many still-unanswered questions about his and his aides relationships with Russias president and possible collusion during the 2016 campaign. Pertinent to those concerns, why all the secrecy? You dont have to be a paranoid conspiracy theorist to be justifiably skeptical if not suspicious.

Kushner surely deserves a chance to explain his actions before hes indicted in the public square. Reportedly, hes angry and eager to defend his reputation, but it may not be his thats most at risk. As a senior adviser to the president, he has become a liability without family blood to protect him.

With Trump, as with the Corleones, loyalty is all. Without blood to bind him, whats to prevent Kushner getting the boot? Under the circumstances, he might welcome an exit ramp, but hed best steer clear of boat ramps.
The leftists in our country, including the Hollywood activists, have gone beyond protest to sickness and depravity. Madonna and her foul-mouthed tirades and suggesting she wants to blow up the White House, to Robert De Niro and his idiotic comments, but they have now reached a new low.

Most readers wont know this because the mainstream media, including this one, will hide this from you. The ultimate sickie is the so called-comedian Kathy Griffin holding a bloodied mask of President Trump as if he has been beheaded. Appalling and disgusting. He is our president, a father and family man, and can you imagine how his 11-year-old son viewed that as well as all his family? Can you imagine how the families who had sons beheaded by ISIS would feel after seeing this? But can any of you take the same image, but this time its President Obamas bloodied mask? The media would be going crazy and thousands would be on Kathy Griffins yard demanding her arrest. Some in this country are going too far and do nothing but divide this country
Throughout 2016, terror attacks have ripped apart small towns and big cities in the Middle East, Africa and Europe. And it continues in 2017. On Saturday night, 7 people were killed in central London when three attackers drove a van into pedestrians on London Bridge and launched a knife attack in Borough Market.

BBC reported that a van hit pedestrians on London Bridge at 21:58 BST on Saturday. Three men then got out and stabbed people in nearby Borough Market. The attackers were shot dead by eight officers and a member of the public was accidentally shot. 36 people are in hospital and 21 are in a critical condition according to British media.

It is the third terror attack in the UK in three months, following the car and knife attack in Westminster in March, in which five people were killed, and the Manchester bombing less than two weeks ago, in which 22 people were killed.

A casualty line has been set up for members of the public who are concerned about friends and relatives. People have been told they can ring 0800 096 1233 or 020 7158 0197 but only "in a genuine emergency".

"Whatever the United States can do to help out in London and the UK, we will be there - WE ARE WITH YOU. GOD BLESS!",US President Donald Trump said following the attack.

"In the face of this new tragedy, France is at Britain's side more than ever. My thoughts are with the victims and their loved ones," French President Emmanuel Macron commented.

German Chancellor Angela Merkel said, "I'm thinking with sympathy and solidarity in these hours of our British friends and all those in London ... Today, regardless of all barriers, we are united in horror and grief, but also in determination."
GREENWICH  The town has changed its zoning regulations to protect small neighborhoods from overcrowding.

The Planning and Zoning Commission has amended rules to prohibit new multi-family housing from being built in many residential parts of town.

The amendment has been a long time coming, according to commission members. Since the early 2000s, the town has been examining small neighborhoods that allowed single-, two- and multi-family homes. Streets have been getting more congested and parking has become more difficult, said Town Planner Katie DeLuca.

When you look where we are as a community, with such little vacant land left, the (residential) R-6 (zone) is effectively built-out, DeLuca said at a meeting of the commission Thursday. We are at the stage of re-development.

Many single- and two-family homes have been redeveloped into multi-family residences, DeLuca said.

We have seen this action transform Milbank Avenue. We have also seen that start to happen in Cos Cob, she said.

Residents in some areas have complained that changes are too drastic for their neighborhoods character, officials said.

Traditional patterns are what make (these zones) known and loved, DeLuca said. These neighborhoods are made up of tree-lined streets that are walkable and where there are deep-rooted families , many of whom pass their homes down from generation to generation ... There is a continuity of character ... and this is worthy of protection.

Multi-family developments will still be allowed in sections of town specifically zoned for them.

The change affects parts of Byram, Pemberwick Glenville, central Greenwich and Cos Cob. For a detailed zoning map of the town that shows R-6 zones, visit http://bit.ly/2snKXDE.

The change received mixed reviews from developers reached by Greenwich Time.

Lisa Frattarolli-Fisher, of Frattarolli Development, LLC., whose family has owned a multi-family property on Old Field Point Road for 45 years, said there are two sides to the issue.

You know what, we do need apartments, she said. There are families that cant afford a home. ... My daughter is looking for a place. She cant afford it now. She cant afford to live in Greenwich and she should be able to  shes lived here all her life.

The new regulation could make it uneconomical for builders to create any new housing, she said.

In some ways its detrimental. (But) I can see both sides of the story here, Frattarolli-Fisher said. I can see how they don't want to expand and expand and expand. Greenwich is such a beautiful place and we don't want it to be overpopulated and congested.

Dan Natale of Natale Construction disagrees with the change. His grandfather, who came to Byram from Italy in the early 1900s at 16 years old, started the business.

He said his property is surrounded by condos on South Water Street and Mead Avenue, and that because he has waited until now, he can no longer maximize the lands value.

Theres enough square-footage to go under the recent condo law, where I can put three units instead of two, Natale said. With the change, that is no longer true.

Economically, with the cost of drainage and everything, thats why these properties are deadlocked, Natale said. To make it work out numbers-wise, you have to get a new unit in there.

He said officials characterization of R-6 zones is off.

Thats what the R-6 is made for, multi-family. Old Greenwich Commons all the way down to Pemberwick, youve got condos in every little village in Greenwich here, he said. And now the hammer came down and you can only do single- or two-family homes. Do you think that's right?

E: jturiano@greenwichtime.com; T: @jturianoGT; IG: @greenwichgreen
NORWALK  The Stroffolino Bridge is stuck in the open position Saturday evening, a relatively common sight for Norwalk residents.

At around 7:11 p.m., the bridge operators reported that the bridge was stuck open, according to police. Police were redirecting traffic in the area.
Positivity and motivation are all about prioritizing. My time as an entrepreneur has shaped all parts of my life -- especially my experience in prison. Surviving jail time is all about focusing on your endgame: eventually getting out. It is a place for meditating on what you want from your life and how to come to terms with your past mistakes. I quickly had to learn how to make the most of my time, and without things to maintain my positivity and motivation, the experience could have been much worse.

The secret to productivity is to stay motivated and positive. Some people can do this naturally with no problems, while others need a little help. I had very limited resources while I was incarcerated, so I had to focus on the absolute basics: my motivation to get through prison and build my business, and the hope that both things would happen if I worked hard enough. If I hadnt had those two things, I certainly wouldnt be in the position that I am today.

Related: 14 Ways to Improve Your Self-Discipline (Infographic)

As an entrepreneur before I went to prison, I got very good at staying positive in the face of adversity. Prison, in some ways, is no different than building a startup in that the attitude you bring to the table will very much shape your experience.

Do your time with purpose.

Its easier to keep your end goal in mind when youre not in prison. I had to focus on my goals constantly -- I couldnt do any of the things I might have before, such as set a reminder on my phone or place post-it notes. I had to focus on what I wished to do while there and what I wanted to do once my sentence was up.

What am I aiming for? was a question constantly in my mind. The obvious answer was that I wanted to get out -- and I wanted to keep building businesses once I got out. With that in mind, it was much easier to make the most of my time.

Fail forward.

Most people will agree: going to prison feels like failure. Luckily for me, one of the things I learned from being an entrepreneur is that failure is neither a bad thing nor is it the end. So though I may have felt like a failure when I was sent to jail, that wasnt going to stop me from making the most of it. I had to accept that I could use that adverse experience to my advantage. I had messed up, but it didnt have to define the rest of my life.

So many people have a dream or ambition that they want to bring into the world, but many let the fear of failure stop them from pursuing it. So to keep yourself positive as you continue to build and expand your business, dont be afraid of failure. If something fails or doesnt go your way, it doesnt mean that its the end -- in fact, it may open new doors for you.

Remember why you started.

It wouldve been so easy to give up when I found out Id be in prison for two to five years. In tandem with embracing failure, remembering your reason for being an entrepreneur is vital to your success. I never wanted to lose touch with who I was outside of the prison walls -- I wanted to help others grow and build new things.

Anyone who is friends with entrepreneurs know that this is true. According to attorney George Sink, an entrepreneurs ability to remain focused on why they started can almost define their success. Founders who remain laser-focused on bringing their vision to life seem like highly positive people  and highly positive people inspire others to succeed," he says. "That motivation leads to productivity, and the more productive an entrepreneur can be, the better their odds of succeeding in their business. Its a virtuous cycle.

Most entrepreneurs dont become creators just for kicks: you had a reason for jumping into the deep end. Perhaps you started your company or venture to accomplish a goal or fill a need, but now your end goals differ from when you started. Its good to keep both in mind as you work, because if your end goal is business-based, but you started your business to help people, you may find yourself feeling dissatisfied. Without the fundamental creed of your project in the forefront, you may be more likely to give up, or worse, allow your dream to morph into something you dont stand for.

Related: Inspiring Quotes to Help You Get Through Your Work Day

How to stay motivated.

Even people who stay positive about the future sometimes lack motivation. This can be tricky when it seems like nothing is ever going to change your situation -- but if you can stay motivated and keep working even when things suck, youll find your situation turning around soon enough.

Prison is all about time management. Every second is planned, so I had to take advantage of every moment. How I made use of that time was completely up to me, and working as an entrepreneur is the same. Youre the boss, so set goals for yourself and live up to them.

Don't take on more than you can chew.

Its easy to feel like you have a never-ending pile of work in front of you. So easy, in fact, that many people falter in their motivation and productivity because they feel defeated by the sheer the amount of tasks they need to accomplish. Sectioning tasks means that you can prioritize your work a little more easily -- it assists with organization and concentration. If you treat every large project as a whole instead of a series of steps, you may find yourself falling behind due to the overwhelming nature of the tasks. As they say, divide and conquer! Youll have an easier time seeing a progression from beginning to end, as well as more accurately know how long a project will take.

Celebrate daily accomplishments.

This can seem counter-intuitive when youre busy and need motivation, but you need to take some time to celebrate small victories. If you only take time to work and focus on the end goal with no breaks or celebrations in between, youll find that youll be sporting a nasty case of burnout before long.

I had never been to prison before. It seemed like an impossible, uphill battle. But my experience as an entrepreneur allowed me to constantly adapt, especially in such an unfamiliar place. And when I was successful, when I met a goal Id set, I celebrated those, even while in prison. Being proud of my little accomplishments or the completion of a goal not only gave me the willpower to continue working while in prison -- it also helped me once I had the ability to create freely.

Related: Confidence Will Make All the Difference to Your Hustle

I learned a lot in prison, but my time as an entrepreneur allowed me to get through it. I embraced the uncertainty, failure and overwhelming nature of incarceration, and transformed it into drive to pursue my passions. I took what could have been a negative experience and used it to create my own positivity and motivation.

Of course, everyone has off days, so staying productive can be challenging, but if you can keep these tricks in mind, youll find yourself working harder to reach your goals and make your entrepreneurial dreams a reality.

Related:

Keys to Driving Massive Success in the Face of Adversity Learned From My Time in Prison

14 Ways to Improve Your Self-Discipline (Infographic)

Here's What Work-Life Balance Means to These 20 Founders



Copyright 2017 Entrepreneur.com Inc., All rights reserved
President Donald Trump, who has famously called climate change a "hoax," does believe the climate is changing and that humans have a role in it, U.N. Ambassador Nikki Haley told CNN's Jake Tapper.

"President Trump believes the climate is changing and he believes pollutants are part of the equation," Haley said in an interview on "State of the Union," which will be fully aired Sunday.

"The rest of the world wanted to tell us how to do it, and we're saying, we will do it, but we will do it under our terms." She said Trump pulled out of the pact "because it wasn't possible to meet the conditions" under the pact agreed to under President Barack Obama.

Her remarks come amid global criticism of Trump for withdrawing from the United States from the Paris climate pact, which was ratified by nearly 150 countries who agreed to curb carbon emissions to mitigate global warming. Coal-fired power plants in the United States, as elsewhere, would have to have meet environmental standards under the pact.

Trump has made contradictory statements about what exactly he believes amid mounting pressure from other world leaders, the scientific community and even Pope Francis, who has urged urgent action to change human activity causing harm to the environment. The president has said flat out that climate change is "nonexistent" but also at different times hedged his answer, and said there could be some connection to human activity.

Haley, the former South Carolina governor who Trump appointed to the United Nations post, was asked to elaborate on the president's thinking and told Tapper "He knows that it's changing and that the U.S. has to be responsible for it and that's what we're going to do." She said the U.S. pulled out of the Paris pact because the rules hurt U.S. businesses.

"Just because the U.S. got out of a club doesn't mean we aren't going to care about the environment," she said.

Story continues below.

During Friday's daily press briefing, both White House Press Secretary Sean Spicer and Environmental Protection Agency chief Scott Pruitt said that they had not had a discussion with the president on his views on climate change and could not answer questions about what the president thought.

"I was elected to represent the citizens of Pittsburgh, not Paris," Trump said during his announcement that he was pulling out of the pact. And though some Trump supporters carried "Pittsburgh not Paris" signs outside the White House Saturday, the mayor of Pittsburgh denounced the president's move to abandon the global pact meant to safeguard the environment.

In response to Trump's withdrawal from the pact, former New York Mayor Michael Bloomberg also pledged to pay up to $15 million to support the U.N. agency that helps countries implement the agreement.

"Americans will honor and fulfill the Paris agreement by leading from the bottom up - and there isn't anything Washington can do to stop us," said Bloomberg, who appeared Friday with French President Emmanuel Macron and Paris Mayor Anne Hidalgo.
During the evening of the 3rd June London suffered from the cowardly acts of terrorism. The World of Tourism from the four corners of the globe stands with London today to say that we strongly condemn this latest attack perpetrated in the heart of London.

The world was still getting to terms with the recent Manchester attack, and as the great British People was getting to terms with that incident another blow strikes to disrupt lives in Great Britain. As far away as the Seychelles, sitting right in the middle of the Indian Ocean, but still part of the World of Tourism Alain St. Ange says heartfelt condolences and sincere sympathy to the families and friends of the victims and to the people of Great Britain.

St. Ange added, A call I made for the recent UNWTO elections for the post of Secretary General was for Ministers of Tourism and also those for Internal Affairs to sit with the Press Fraternity alongside the tourism industrys public and private sector, the UNWTO and WTTC, to analyze such threats as what happened in London last night. It is very clear that this is a matter for the international community to rally together because innocent lives are being lost and economies threatened because some seem to enjoy such acts of destruction. Today I again call for the Community of Nations to meet and to get the Press on board. Great Britain cannot do this alone, and as we see the number of Cities of the World affected at one point in time by such carnage get longer, we need to join forces and search for solutions.
It doesn't feel like a long time ago when I ventured to Meridian Point Retail Park on a very hot summer's day to cover the grand opening of the latest fast-food eatery to add to the area's ever-increasing repertoire.

When it comes to chain restaurants and cafes, it's not often our area is among the first to get a taste of anything new. Indeed, it's something of a first-world problem that many locals complain about not having access to otherwise commonplace fat-and-sugar-dispensaries such as Nando's. There isn't even a Starbucks.

At least, there won't be one again until later this year.

So, needless to say, the excitement about Taco Bell's appearance was immense with more than 100 people massing beneath the sunny skies on July 16 to be among the first to try the tacos, nachos and burritos which have won the chain huge popularity overseas, particularly in its US homeland.

(Image: Grimsby Telegraph)

Part of the draw that day was the chance of getting a free one-of-a-kind limited-edition T-shirt  something I proudly wore in the office for the rest of the day but never again. I had also previously been tasked with trying out the chain's Beefy Crunch Burrito during a holiday to Florida after it was revealed a man from Grimsby had started an online crusade to bring it back to his new Stateside home after it was pulled from the menu over there.

As such, it's fair to say Taco Bell and I already have previous so, after being invited back to try their new Happy Hour menu, I was hardly going to say "no".

What's new on the menu?

Served between 3pm and 6pm, the Happy Hour offering is firmly focused on sharing but I think only those with the tiniest appetites would struggle to tackle one of these new plates single-handedly.

There are three to choose from but Telegraph photographer Jon Corken and I felt it was necessary to try them all.

Exclusive to the Happy Hour period, the new cheesy Quesadilla Nachos (4.49) - mini quesadillas topped with nacho topping - and crunchy Chicken Share Plate (7.50) are the star attractions. The former comes caked in sour cream and salsa for dipping while the latter, being the more substantial of the two, also features Mexican fries and a few quesadillas.

Happy Hour also brings together the crunchy Churros and sweet Chocodillas as a 6 Dessert Share Plate.

The restaurant's popular beefy, cheesy Loaded Nachos are also available between 3pm and 6pm for 4.49 but we didn't go for those as they're not new and, well, we already had enough and we're not animals.

(Image: Grimsby Telegraph)

Finally, there is a new variety of frozen drink  called the Freeze  which are available as non-alcoholic Strawberry Smash and Lemon Quencher flavours (Freeze) and alcoholic (Twisted Freeze) which come in Margarita and Strawberry Daiquiri. We were working and driving so sensibly opted for the booze-free beverages.

The Freezes and Twisted Freezes are usually available for 1.99 and 2.99 each respectively, but are available exclusively during Happy Hour at two for 3 (Freeze) or two for 5 (Twisted Freeze).

What's it all like?

Each of the new dishes had its highlights. The Chicken Share Plate had an air of KFC about it with three large fried pieces of poultry echoing the Colonel's offerings. Flavourful and tender, my only qualm was why there was an odd number on a share plate as it seemed like a vicious dispute waiting to happen.

The quesadillas were the surprise package as I expected them to be greasy but were instead well textured with a non-cloying cheese that went down very well.

Meanwhile, anyone whose tried the Mexican fries before will know they are among the tastiest available at any fast food restaurant with a delicious spicy kick in every bite.

The Quesadilla Nachos were a lighter affair, with triangle-cheese-stuffed slices of tortilla sat amid a pile of the aforementioned dips. This proved a particularly appealing snack with a bit more grunt than regular nachos and more than enough were supplied for two people.

(Image: Grimsby Telegraph)

By the time we got to the Dessert Share Plate, we were feeling slightly full but nobody's going to throw away churros. If you like cinnamon you're in luck as these are showered in it and, with the sickly-sweet accompanying dips, are a real sugary treat. The Chocodillas on the other hand are basically just the quesadillas with a rich chocolate filling instead of cheese. There's no denying they're very nice but we both decided eating more than one or two would be a bit much.

As for the slushy drinks, I soon quaffed the superbly fruity Strawberry Smash which was most notable for holding its flavour right to the end unlike some other similar icy beverages. My colleague's Lemon Quencher was also just as well received.

Worth a visit?

Okay, it's a fast-food chain so many will simply sneer at it but I still think Taco Bell is something of a cut above a typical shovel-it-out takeaway. For a start, the food actually more or less looks just like the pictures on the menu. It's possibly a tad pricier than its nearby rivals but it makes a change from a burger or pizza and, with that element of added craft, it's arguably worth it.
Week 22 of 2017 is now behind us and it brought some interesting hardware. Andy Rubin's new company Essential announced its first phone, Motorola delivered the Z2 Play, while ZTE brought the beastly Nubia Z17.

Meanwhile OnePlus 5 leaks and teasers kept coming in and the hype around the next flagship by the Chinese company is really building up.

Nokia's return to the global smartphone market is also coming closer and we might be close to seeing the first proper flagship by the brand that is now under HMD ownership.

Check out the list of our most popular stories from the past week below.



Andy Rubin's Essential phone unveiled with unique edge-to-edge screen The on-phone camera has two sensors, but using the accessory pins you can snap on a 360 cam.





OnePlus 5 teaser campaign continues, this time with a camera sample It's actually two samples put together side by side, one of which was captured with the upcoming smartphone.





ZTE nubia Z17 announced with Snapdragon 835 and 8GB RAM The flagship packs Snapdragon 835 chipset with 128 GB storage and 23 MP + 12 MP dual-camera setup.





Galaxy J5 (2017) listed for pre-order in Germany - announce it already, Samsung A bunch of retailers have it on their websites with a price set at 279 and a shipping date later this month.





First look at LG V30 shows Full Vision display, new color We finally get a good look at the upcoming LG V30 and its all-screen front panel.





Samsung Galaxy Note7R pictured, looks just like Note7 A new leak has surfaced allegedly showing the upcoming Note7R or Note FE's front and back.





Oppo R11 stars in more live images, spec sheet leaks too (including for the R11 Plus) The phones have been leaking a lot in the past month or so, but we are now only a few days away from their unveiling on June 10.





Nokia is launching something in India on June 13 How much are you willing to bet that the event is all about the local debut of the Nokia 6, 5, and 3?





Moto X Play is now receiving the update to Android 7.1.1 Nougat The company has posted the update documentation on its support website, so the rollout should start any moment now.





Samsung Galaxy S8+ with 6GB RAM, 128GB storage reaches India The S8+ version with more RAM and expanded storage will be available in a week.





OnePlus 5 to be announced on June 15, leaked poster claims While this may very well turn out to be true, it's incredibly easy to fake such an image.





Apple releases three new ads to convince you to switch to an iPhone They are part of an ongoing campaign by the company to woo owners of smartphones running other operating systems.





Render of Xiaomi Mi Note 3 surfaces, shows dual-camera We may have just gotten our first look at the Xiaomi Mi Note 3 through a leaked render.





Oppo R11 hits GeekBench, Snapdragon 660 is a winner A week ahead of announcement, the phone's already listed in the benchmark's database with its official name.





Samsung Galaxy S8 selling twice as many units as S7 According to a Samsung official the Galaxy S8 is selling at twice the pace of the Galaxy S7.






Haiti - Politics : Tour of Moise in the South





Saturday, President Moise, accompanied by Southern Senators, Francois Sildor and Sorel Jacinthe, Fritz Cayot, Minister of Public Works (MTPTC), Mayors Gabriel Fortune (Les Cayes) and Guildie Joseph (Torbeck) made a preparatory visit of the Caravan of Change in the South Department.



The Head of State visited several warehouses and garages of the CNE and of MTPTC in order to draw up an inventory of the various materials available for the caravan's actions.



While recalling that the reality of the South, in terms of the amount of arable land, is very different from that of Artibonite, the Mayors of Torbeck and of Les Cayes praised the many richness of the department in terms of tourism. They also announced a solidarity partnership between town councils, to facilitate the full exploitation of this potential as well as the development of the agricultural sector of the area.



Senators Sildor and Jacinthe stated that they had noted the amount of equipment available, broken or not used by the CNE and which could, if there is good management, be used to set up large-scale road infrastructures throughout the department. They also promised the accompaniment of Parliament in the steps taken by the Head of State to improve the living conditions of the Haitian population.



Several actions are already under way, including the start of construction of 5 km of road on National #7.



The Head of State reminded the holders of CNE trucks and equipment of the obligation made to them to return the property of the State in their possession as soon as possible. Permanence is thus decreed at the level of the Departmental Directorates of Public Works, Town Halls and Delegations, so that by the end of June all the equipment can be recovered, repaired and put back into service during the activities of the caravan.



HL/ HaitiLibre






















Haiti - Technology : Towards an airwaves war with DR ?





Given of the Haitian interference (radio, TV and telephone) found along the border area, in the Dominican frequency spectrum, the Dominican Telecommunications Institute (INDOTEL) and the National Department of Investigation (DNI) announced the establishment of a "technical committee", which will coordinate joint actions for the protection of the Dominican hertzian sovereignty.



Jose Del Castillo Savinon, the President of INDOTEL recalled that there is an agreement between the regulator INDOTEL and the National Telecommunications Council (CONATEL) dating back to 2007. He said that the Dominican Government had made contact with the Haitian authorities to start looking for solutions. He also believes that telephone interference on the Dominican territory is intentional, explaining that Haitian companies can easily redirect their antennas and control these interferences, but that they do not want to do so.



He said that INDOTEL had made other arrangements, without specifying which ones and met with other government agencies to find technical means to solve, even partially, the penetration of Haitian waves "that violates the sovereignty of the country".



For his part, the Dominican Senator Adriano Sanchez Roa (PLD, Party of the ruling majority), speaks at the radio level, about the dangers of imposing a foreign culture on the Dominican youth along the border. He asserts that the Haitian interference instead of lowering, on the contrary, has increased. Senator Roa urged the Dominican Government to act with determination, recalling that the Dominican radio-electric space is sovereign and part of the integrity of the national territory.



SL/ HaitiLibre


















Published on 2017/06/04 | Source

Girl group AOA will perform at the second annual meeting of the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank on Jeju Island on June 16.

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They will be strutting their stuff in front of finance ministers and central bank governors from 77 countries.

Launched last year, the AIIB is a China-led investment bank that aims to rival the U.S.-dominated World Bank.

The government hopes AOA can help smooth ruffled feathers in relations between China and Korea.

"As they are enjoying huge popularity in Asia, their performance will impress from officials from China and Southeast Asia", said Yoon Tae-sik of the Ministry of Strategy and Finance. "We hope they will help mend strained ties with China as well as lighten up the meeting".
VIRGINIA BEACH, Va. (AP)  A 90-year-old Virginia woman has died after a dog attacked her.

Media outlets report police were called around 7:30 p.m. Wednesday to a Virginia Beach home where the woman was attacked. The woman was rushed to a hospital with serious injuries, but died early Thursday morning.

The victim's daughter, identified by media outlets only as "Linda," says she adopted the one-year-old, 50 pound pit bull hours before the attack from Forever Home Rehabilitation Center.

Linda says she was in the backyard playing with the dog when she heard her mother inside yelling for help after falling. She says that once she entered the home, the dog rushed ahead and began biting her mother.

Forever Home Rehabilitation Center issued a statement saying "none of us could have ever predicted this horrible event."

Linda wants to euthanize the dog.
Photos: Hagerstown firefighters Operation Warm

As part of Operation Warm, the Hagerstown Professional Firefighters provided 150 new coats Thursday to children at Pangborn Elementary in Hagerstown.
Five days to go till June 8 and UKs election hangs in the balance and is making for some very interesting viewing. A win for the Conservative Prime Minister Theresa May was a foregone conclusion as she was up by 24 points in opinion polls when she announced the election in April. Even Left-wing commentators were writing off Labours Jeremy Corbyn; the question they were grappling with was whether he will stay on as party leader after he lost the election.

But the momentum has dramatically shifted. Corbyn has bridged the gap to three points. May called for an early election hoping to have a bigger majority but is not holding up well to media scrutiny every day. She is projecting herself as strong and stable but has shied away from debating Corbyn directly. Home secretary Amber Rudd was sent to the BBC Leaders Election Debate to represent her; May did not make it to BBC Womans Hour and sent colleague Justine Greening instead. The impression gaining ground that May really struggles to answers questions without platitudes. An interview with her characterised as three minutes of nothing has been particularly damaging. Anne Perkins of the Guardian wrote that the notion of casting May as a charismatic leader was a lunatic idea. To build a whole election campaign around one person who is so clearly lacking essential all crowd-pleasing skills indicates a striking lack of awareness, she adds.

Jeremy Corbyn, on the other hand, is cruising for most part, basking in the adulation of the young who are drawn to his idealism and visions of a just society. May often got the better of him in Prime Ministers Questions in Parliament but Corbyn is a lot more comfortable with stump speeches and Q&As. He has a lot of experience of this as a left-wing campaigner and is a bit of a policy wonk himself, able to rattle off three-point arguments with ease. He is focusing on explaining his philosophy of government, of doing things differently, of taxing the rich to address inequality while she is defending her record, flip-flops and austerity that has hurt public services. May is making this about the capacity to lead Brexit talks, Corbyn is drawing attention to student debt and the kind of society Britain will be. Tories are usually better than Labour in defending policy positions but find themselves on the back foot this time for not costing their proposals. The lack of detail on the dementia tax, i.e. using the value of property to pay for care of the elderly, has backfired.

It is in this context that May and Corbyn separately took questions from an audience on BBC Question Time on Friday night. It is quite a revelation to see citizens and journalists in the UK throughout this campaign challenge their Prime Minister and opposition leader in the way they do. The first question on Question Time was whether voters could trust May when she has a track record of bracktracking and broken promises; another accused her of calling for elections for political gain. At one point the anchor David Dimbebly was visibly irritated when May contradicted him on social care.

The debate didnt go well for May and it didnt help that she did not get a single friendly question. She was not convincing when a nurse asked why she was getting only a 1% percent raise and ended up saying there isnt a magic money tree that we can shake that suddenly provides for everything that people want. May was asked about underfunding for state schools and about schools that would get less money each year per child than under Labour. Again she could not guarantee they would get more. May also didnt answer the question as to why she did not sign the letter that leaders of France, Germany and Italy sent to Donald Trump about withdrawing from the Paris climate agreement, merely stating that she conveyed her views to him over the phone the previous night.

Corbyn was more surefooted till halfway through, explaining his approaches to Brexit, suggesting that the process need not be as confrontational as the Tories are making it out to be. He deftly handled questions on raising the minimum wage and the impact of taxes on businesses, by either acknowledging difficulties or pointing to the need to raise funds for other public goods.

But Corbyn had his toughest moments facing questions about his approach to tackling nuclear threats. He said he was for no first use and said his focus would be to work to avoid such a situation in the first place. When asked if he would use nuclear weapons in retaliation or if he would refuse to use them under any circumstances, Corbyn reiterated preventive approaches, spoke about the need for disarmament and said millions would die and that you have to think this through. Corbyn struggled in that six minutes stretch till a young woman relieved the tension saying I dont understand why everyone in this room is so keen on killing millions of people with nuclear bombs. The Labour leaders answers were arguably too peacenik to convince independent voters. The strain showed and he lost momentum for about 10 minutes before recovering when the discussion moved to domestic policies.

Now what? The next five days will likely see the conservative press go to town about Corbyns unreliability on national security. The challenge for Labour will be keep the focus on Tory tax cuts and inequality and ensure that voter turnout is high. May will have to counter the impression that she is weak on empathy. Commentator Owen Jones has written the odds are stacked against Labour, not least because the political map is so weighted towards the Tories. But Corbyn has surprised many so far. The world awaits to see if the populism that is sweeping Europe can take a progressive turn in Britain.

The author tweets as @SushilAaron

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Actor Vicky Kaushal is likely to star opposite Alia Bhatt in Meghna Gulzars next film based on Harinder Sikkas book Calling Sehmat.

After her critically acclaimed film Talvar, Meghna is working on her next project based on Sikkas book.

The film will apparently revolve around a Kashmiri woman married to an Army officer across the border who provides Indian intelligence with invaluable information during the 1971 Indo-Pak war.

Happiest Birthday to one of the most amazing individuals I know... @therichachadha ! A post shared by Vicky Kaushal (@vickykaushal09) on Dec 18, 2016 at 3:53am PST

He (Vicky) is in talks for the film with Alia. The film needed a performer like him. But we are yet to sign on dotted lines and figure out the dates and other things, sources close to the project told PTI.

The yet-to-be-titled film will be jointly produced by Junglee Pictures and Dharma Productions, and is likely to go on floors by next month.

Alia Bhatt poses during the launch of Alia Bhatt: Star Life a game in Mumbai. (AFP)

The Masaan actor is currently working in Sanjay Dutt biopic, directed by Rajkumar Hirani.

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Shah Rukh Khan was left fuming when Egyptian comedian and host of Ramez Underground, Ramez Galal, pranked him on his show. The actor was clearly not amused by the prank and came really close to punching Galal.

Shah Rukh was in Dubai for an interview and was heading for a shoot in the desert with TV presenter Nishan, who was also involved with the prank. The driver loses his way and lands the vehicle in quicksand. The car starts sinking and the driver drowns in the sand. SRK tries his best to stay calm and keep a screaming Nishan and another man who was in the car, from sinking too.

Then Ramez puts on a Komodo dragon costume and comes hissing towards SRK and the others. SRK tries to splash some sand at him but the dragon doesnt budge. After a few more moments of torture, Ramez finally reveals to SRK that it was all a prank.

Shah Rukh refused to take it sportingly and lashed out at Ramez. This is nonsense you got me all the way from India to do this sh*t?, he said.

Ramez apologised to the actor several times but Shah Rukh told him not to speak to him and asked for his team to be called. When Ramez would still not stop talking and apologising, SRK pushed him to the ground and made a fist right above his face as if to hit him. You want me to make this funnier?, he asks him then goes on to drag him on the ground by his leg.

Ramez, sensing that Shah Rukh is still angry at him, started singing Marjani Marjani from the actors film Billu. Shah Rukh finally let out a smile but still went to his car without accepting Ramezs apology.

The comedian even posted a selfie with SRK on Twitter but it cannot be said for sure if the picture was taken before or after the prank.

   

     # #__ pic.twitter.com/50q3Ot3tsq  Ramez Galal (@ramezgalal) June 2, 2017

Ramez has previously pranked many international celebrities, like Paris Hilton and Antonio Banderas. Paris even sued the show for staging a fake plane crash. It was later found out by TMZ that Paris was actually in on it and was faking her reaction the entire time.

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Its World Environment Day today, and talks of doing our bit to preserve the earth have resurfaced. And though just one day in the year is earmarked for green issues, there are some celebrities, who passionately work for the cause for the other 364 days too.

On-screen they are actors and off-screen they are the eco-warriors. And since they are celebrities, their voice is often heard by millions, who in turn do their bit to save the earth. Peoples opinions are built on what the celebs say, says Souparno Banerjee from the NGO Centre for Science and Environment, which came into prominence when Hollywood actor Leonardo DiCaprio contacted them to shoot a documentary. The kind of work he did here got a lot of mileage. It does bring things into consciousness, adds Banerjee.

Here are some of the names from Hollywood and Bollywoods green brigade, who have been toiling for the sake of the environment.

Amitabh Bachchan

Actor Amitabh Bachchan during a cleanliness drive at Juhu Beach in Mumbai. (Pramod Thakur/HT PHOTO)

This one megastar has been not only working towards saving the planet but also directing his fans to take up the cause in all seriousness. One of the prominent faces of Swachh Bharat campaign, the 74-year-old stellar actor is a brand ambassador of the campaign that encourages people to convert kitchen waste into compost. Bachchan has also tweeted in the past about the need to save our climate and environment. Hes also known to celebrate the Earth Hour, by switching off lights of his house for an hour, since past few years.

Brad Pitt

Hollywood actor Brad Pitt has been working tirelessly for environmental issues. (Chris Pizzello/Invision/AP)

His split from actor Angelina Jolie might be the hot news but that cant take away from the actors endeavours to save the environment. In 2007, post Hurricane Katrina, the 53-year-old actor started a project in New Orleans to help build environment-friendly and affordable housing. Whenever in the city, Pitt bicycles around the city. He has made several contributions for mother and recently undertook a road trip across Americas national parks, for a maagazine shoot, apparantly to highlight the significance of parks in the public eye.

Dia Mirza

Actor Dia Mirza has been endorsing many a campaigns to save the earth. (Raajessh Kashyap/HT Photo)

Her passion to work for the environment emanates from the eminent threat to our health and our lives. 35-year-old Dia, who has been working for habitat preservation and wildlife protection says, I have always advocated the need for sustainable living, to make green and environmental-friendly choices in our day to day lives, and for all of us to think about what kind of a world were leaving behind for the future generations. It begins with simple choices. Within my home, I have made multiple changes. For example, creating green spaces with a bird-feeding unit to attract birds, butterflies, bees and thereby helping urban ecosystems thrive. I have also replaced plastic with glass and ceramics, and ensure compulsory daily waste segregation.

Gul Panag

Actor Gul Panag swears by her electric car that she has been driving for two years now. (Yogen Shah)

I have been driving an electric car for over two years now. Its the car that I use seven days a week, its compact, allows me the freedom of moving around in the city. And most important, zero emission. So, electric mobility, to me, is the most achievable way in which most of us can make a contribution to our society in terms of our environment. Because whats choking the lungs of our cities specially Delhi and Mumbai, is essentially emission. While all emissions dont come from personal cars because the larger part of the pollution that we see comes from industrial sites from construction site and burning of fields and commercial vehicles. But there has to be a start somewhere and I think we are in line. If we all start adopting electric mobility only then will we achieve Indias target of full electricity by 2030, which is just 13 years away. Unless we start changing mindsets and accepting electric mobility as a reality and not as an experiment, we are not going to achieve that target. I know Im making a difference every single day when Im driving my car. I think its important to make small changes in our lives and those of us who have influence, I think we should never lose an opportunity to influence other people positively towards climate change and the environment, says the 38-year-old Gul Panag.

Leonardo DiCaprio

Hollywood actor Leonardo DiCaprio has been working for the cause of climate change for quite a few years now. (REUTERS)

If you love him just for his immaculate screen presence then think again for Oscar-winning star Leonardos environmental activism will make you swoon over. The 42-year-old Titanic actor, who is a favourite across generations, has been working tirelessly for the pertinent issue of climate change. Besides his devotion to films, he has associated himself with organisations such as World Wildlife Fund, the Natural Resources Defense Council and Global Green USA. Is there more to say about his love for this planet?

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The incidents of the last few days have shaken the countrys sensitive people to the core. Out of habit, we can choose to blame the rulers for this. But this will be running away from reality. The primary responsibility of preventing such incidents also rests with our society.

The first incident is from Pataudi in Haryana. A woman and her grieving daughter were returning from a hospital with the body of her deceased husband. On the way home two tyres of the ambulance got punctured. As soon as the vehicle stopped, goons emerged from the fields nearby. On gunpoint, they demanded that the mother and the daughter part with all their money and jewellery. The mother and her daughter kept pleading with them to let them go, but the goons didnt relent. The polices preliminary probe revealed that the goons themselves had littered the road with iron nails to puncture the tyres of vehicles passing through that deserted stretch.

This is a country where people used to stop in their tracks when they saw a funeral procession. Leave aside crossing the path of the procession, they began praying for the departed souls and their loved ones. Ive seen a number of friends do this in my childhood. These included Hindus, Muslims and Christians. Today, if those who rob people taking their loved ones on their final journey call themselves Indians, we should feel like getting angry with ourselves rather than take umbrage over their misdemeanours.

Similarly, a video that recently went viral compelled me to gnash my teeth in anger. A few louts had surrounded two young women in Uttar Pradeshs Rampur district. One of them was filming them and the others were harassing the girls. Didnt they have mothers and sisters at home, the agonised girls were asking these louts. We had witnessed such scenes only in Bollywood movies, but it was real and scary. Ironically, a campaign was launched on social media saying that all the perpetrators belonged to a particular religion. Since when did criminals become religious? Did they also conduct a caste and religion postmortem of those convicted for the December 16 gang rape in Delhi?

A day before the video went viral, the news about the Jevar incident near Greater Noida was making newspaper headlines. Even that is heart-rending. A few people from Jevar were compelled to venture out late at night since they were tending to a lady relative who had been hospitalised. On the way, goons robbed them and dragged the women from the family into the fields and gang raped them. A male relative who resisted was shot dead. A similar incident had taken place in Uttar Pradesh a few months ago. At that time, there were attempts to politicise the incident. Similar attempts are again being made. The truth is that in times when a father watches his daughter being raped, a daughter sees it happening with her mother with the sons body lying next to them, only blaming governments wont suffice. The monsters who carry out such crimes are all around us. We have to identify these monsters. The more you ignore them, the more emboldened will they get.

Here we should examine another point. At a time when there is talk about building a world-class highway, there is no attempt to ensure adequate security. Although ensuring law and order is the governments job, why cant those who revel in the spike in property prices after the construction of national highways come to the polices assistance? Why do they remain helpless bystanders?

It isnt that the malaise is limited to the Hindi heartland. You may recall that two years ago, people attacked a prison in Nagalands Dimapur to kill a rape accused. Similarly, S Swathi, a Chennai-based technocrat, was hacked to death in a public place. Clearly, from Kashmir to Kanyakumari, Kamakhya to Dwarka, there is a rise in such shameful acts of violence.

If we look at it, since Independence, we have discarded the model of village security. We may want to revisit our administrative history and social values. During the British Raj, a watchman was enough to keep all mischief at bay. Today we have home guards and watchmen apart from the police, along with the Department of Civil Defence. But these are misused to further selfish agendas and political gains.

I would urge those shedding tears on social media or at street-side tea stalls to discard their hollow, outspoken ways and roll up their sleeves, because the victims of such unfortunate incidents are people like us.

Shashi Shekhar is editor-in-chief Hindustan

letters@hindustantimes.com


RUDRAPUR: The National Highway-74 land scam hit the national headlines after Union minister Nitin Gadkari wrote to chief minister Trivendra Singh Rawat objecting his recommendation for a CBI probe.

Land sharks and a section of administrative officials are alleged to have purchased agricultural land from farmers, converted its land use into commercial under Section 143 of the Land Act before the acquisition by National Highways Authority of India (NHAI). The compensation paid to the beneficiaries for commercial land is almost 10 times higher than agricultural land.

Now, a case has come to light which apparently highlights irregularities in doling out compensations to some farmers whose lands were acquired for widening the two-lane NH-74 to four lanes from Jaspur to Sitarganj.

In July 13, 2015, Mohnish Kumar of village Barilai at Udham Singh Nagars district Gadarpur had submitted a complaint to the then district magistrate Pankaj Pandey alleging conversion of land usage for larger compensation.

Kumar, a Congress worker, alleged that brothers Karnail and Jarnail Singh from his village, whom he dubbed as resourceful farmers, had got compensation worth over Rs 2 crore by getting land use from agricultural to commercial of a portion of their plot. If the land was listed under agricultural category, he alleged, the compensation would be Rs 20-25 lakh. The rate was fixed at Rs 4 crore per hectare for commercial land while doling out compensation

Highlighting this irregularity, Kumar drew the administrations notice to the complicity of some revenue officials who had changed the land use category for benefitting the two farmers in order to purpotedly take hefty cuts. Kumar alleged that the officials lured the two farmers by saying that they would get them compensation at commercial rates, if they gave them cuts ranging from 25-50% of the deal.

Subsequently, Pandey ordered a probe which found irregularties by land registrar Qanungo Charu Chandra Tiwari and revenue inspector Raghuvir Singh. Following this inquiry, the case was reported while making adverse entry in their service book. Pay hike of the two officials was froze for two years.

This reporter visited the site of Karnail Singhs land near a bypass and found it was totally an agricultural area with fields.

But Karnail Singhs son Jasbir told Hindustan Times claimed that the entire issue was politically motivated. We left the Congress to join the BJP due to which we are being victimized by the Congress leaders. Jasbir asserted the due process was followed in the compensation process. If there was any irregularity, then the revenue officials were at fault and not them, he said. We have just been given compensation that is given for agricultural land.

Similarly, Manendra Singh of Jaspur and Manga Singh of Bara, US Nagar, who filed a petition in the high court in December 2016, said they had pointed out to many cases in Jaspur where farmers were given compensation at commercial rates though their lands were agricultural.

Finance minister Prakash refuted the allegations of Congress which had blamed the state government of trying to hush up the investigations. The irregularities took place during the tenure of the Congress government and they are pointing fingers at us, he said, adding that the state government had sent a letter to the Centre recommending a CBI enquiry. No one is being shielded and the guilty will be brought to book as the government is committed to transparency and zero tolerance to corruption. He also said that the transfer of Kumaon Commissioner D Senthil Pandiyan was not related to this matter.

A source at the Galfar Company, which is constructing the national highway from Kashipur to Sitargnj, said work was 80% complete and the rest was held up due to compensation related issues. The project should have been completed by August 2016, but there were delays due to problem related to handing over of land.
Government schools of Delhi have done better this year in the CBSE Class 10 board examinations, the results of which was declared on Saturday.

According to data, around 92.44% students from government schools who appeared for the Class 10 CBSE exams managed to pass this year. This is an improvement of 3.19% from 2016s pass percentage.

The results last year had raised some concerns about government schools, whose pass percentage had slumped to 89.25%, much lower than the previous years results.

This year, out of the 1,55,263 students who appeared for the Class 10 exam, 1,43,525 managed to crack it. Of these, 428 students have also a managed a perfect CGPA of 10.

Atishi Marlena, adviser to Delhi education minister Manish Sisodia, credited the teachers for this years performance. We invested in infrastructure, teacher training and instilled a sense of greater accountability. This has paid off, she said.

This years pass percentage figures also threw up some interesting numbers.

While 92.5% of the female students who appeared for the 10th grade exams across the country passed it, 93.4% of the boys have managed to crack the exam. This goes against the tide, as over the past few years girls have performed better in these exams than boys.

Delhis overall performance, however, recorded a huge dip of 13.67 percentage points, with government schools doing better than their last years result by reporting a pass percentage of 92.44, a jump of 3.19 % points.

This year only 78.09% of students from Delhi, who appeared for the Class 10 exams, managed to crack it.

The Capital has been recording a constant slump in the Class 10 CBSE exams results since 2013.

From 98.40 pass percentage in 2013, the pass percentage in Delhi had plummeted to 91.76% in 2016. The number further plummeted to 78.09% this year.

CBSE officials said that one of the reason for the sharp decline this year was because of higher number of open school students appearing for the exam and very few managing to clear it.

Around 64,570 candidates appeared for the exam as private students, with only 1,654 of them clearing the exam, a pass percentage of only 2.56. The number of private candidates this year increased by 13 times, as compared to last years 4,489.

Officials from the Directorate of Education (DOE) said higher number of students taking the exam as private candidates was a result of their consistent effort to encourage out of school students appear for their Class 10 exam at least.

Our school contact programme has been encouraging more students to take the exam. The pass percentage for them is lower, but at least the out of school system students are attempting to take the exam, said DOE director Saumya Gupta.

On the whole too, pass percentages for Class 10 exams have been slipping since 2014. This year, overall, 90.95% of students who appeared for the exams managed at least a passing grade. This is a few notches below 2014 pass percentage of 98.87% or even last years 96.21%. Sources have also expressed apprehensions if moderation policy was even applied to the Class 10 results.
Most of the schools which opted for internal examination for Class 10 instead of the board-based system have done exceedingly well when it comes to scoring better CGPA (cumulative grade point average).

For instance, nearly all of 117 students of Ajit Karam Singh International School (AKSIPS), Sector 41, opted for school-based exam. The school has 41 students scoring CGPA 10, highest in the tricity.

School principal Jagjit Sekhon said, Students find both systems equally convenient.

This was the last exam, wherein schools could opt for internal system as the CBSE has decided not to give the this option from next year.

However, as a whole, it has also been found that more students opted for the board-based system in tricity schools. Of 18,147 students, 9,900 opted for board-based system while 8,247 went for school-based exam.

This is also because students of most of the government schools opted for board-based system.

Also, DAV Public School, Sector 8, Chandigarh, which produced national topper in non-medical stream with 99.4% marks in CBSEs Class-12 exam, went for the board-based system.

Principal Jaskiran Harika said, External marking system is always better which is a basic feature of board-based exams. I cant comment on other schools inflating their CGPA figures.

All the 110 students had appeared for board based exams, out of which 23 secured 10 CGPA. The school relied on the CBSE boards.

Krit Serai, principal, Satluj Public School, Panchkula, where all students opted for school-based exam, said, Papers come from the CBSE. We dont show these even to our teachers. Inflating results may vary from school to school. Ethics are important to our profession.

As many as 93 of 280 students of the school scored CGPA 10.

Principal of Manav Mangal School, Sector 21, Chandigarh, said, I does not matter if they go for school-based or board-based system, our students have always come up with flying colours.

As many as 39 of 147 students of the school scored CGPA 10.

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Lucknow: Theyre students from cash-strapped families where education is an expensive proposition, and one suffers from a severe eye ailment, but four students in the city beat all odds to shine in the Central Board of Secondary Education Class 10 examination, the results of which were declared on Saturday.

Overwhelmed with happiness,Shivam Asthana, a student of St Anjanis Public School, Rajajipuram, could not stop tears from flowing. I am satisfied with my result. I have earned 9 CGPA (cumulative grade point average, which combines marks from all terms in an academic year) because of the struggles of my parents through the years. Nothing has been served to us on a platter. I dont take anything for granted, Shivam said.

His father works in a private firm and handles the accounts but finds it difficult to earn enough for the family. Luxuries are out of the question as bare necessities take precedence. Students sometimes jeer at us but I do not retaliate. Expensive smartphones, laptops, watches or new clothes are not on my wish list, Asthana said.

Avijit Srivastava (second from left) with his parents. (Sourced)

Shubhams other siblings are bright students too. Older brother Shubham is extremely sharp in studies and a budding film maker. He has already made a few documentaries which have done well on youtube. Asthana has also acted in one of them.

Their youngest sister Stuti has remained a topper since Class 1. The school has been extremely supportive in terms of fee concession, Asthana said.

School manager Taru Saxena is all praise for Shivams father as well as the hard work and talent of the children. Both Shivam and Stuti are sharp as well as hard-working. Their parents have really struggled to give the three children a head start (in life) by imparting quality education despite their modest means, she said.

Celebration time for Ishu Rastogis family. (Sourced)

Another student of the same school, Ishu Rastogi, has also risen above hardships to secure a perfect 10 CGPA in Class 10. His father sells ready-made garments and Rastogi is determined to join an Indian Institute of Technology. I believe my result is the starting point of this success story. Now the pressure to help my father in his work will be less. I worked extremely hard, Rastogi said.

Their friend, Avijit Srivastava, secured 9.6 CGPA despite severe eye problems (related to the cornea). It appears to be hereditary as his older brother (who managed a 10 CGPA despite the ailment) has it too. Srivastavas father is a teacher and the young student is determined to be a doctor and find a cure for the suffering he and his brother have to endure because of the eye problem.

Ayushi Gautam, born in a village in Uttar Pradesh, seemed destined for a life lived in obscurity. Coming to Lucknow changed it all as her school ensured she got enough support to do well. With a 9.8 CGPA, Gautam said, Girls are not expected to study in my family. The ones who do are put only in government schools. My father was progressive enough to put me in a private CBSE school. I have slogged to make him and my mother proud.

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Consider two students, A and B. Both put in equivalent effort for their board exams and write almost identical answers. A is fortunate enough to have his papers examined by a lenient teachers and ends up getting 2% more than B, which in terms of the cut-offs of DU or other universities makes a staggering difference.

If there was a provision for entrance test against the board aggregate where students are left to the mercy of the examiners mood, there would be a better chance for the genuinely deserving students because an OMR-scanner does not artificially inflate the number of correct responses.

The current education system works on the skewed logic that if you want to pursue computers for higher studies, you need to be good at PCM (physics, chemistry, math). Students are largely affected by the nature of marking and end up not getting admission to colleges of repute just because of having one weak subject or one unfavourable day. But unlike the boards marking, luck has a trivial role to play in the entrance-based admissions which bring uniformity to the selection process.

Entrance exams test the students aptitude and in-depth knowledge of the subject which puts things in perspective for the examinee as well since they get to judge their calibre and figure out if they have interest in a career in that field.

Delhi University has merit based admission and entrance based admissions for specific courses, whereas in universities like Jamia Millia Islamia and Indraprastha, both in Delhi, admissions are widely done on the basis of entrance tests.

We also talked to students to find out what they prefer. Shreya Prasad of Carmel Convent School believes one person cannot be good at everything. For the admission process, marks as well as entrances should be given equal importance. There should be an eligibility criteria as per the marks scored, but the deciding factor should be the entrances.

Shivam Sharda of Summer Fields School is all for entrance-based admissions as these not only provide everybody with a fair chance(as long as security measures are adequate) but also bring uniformity in the process of admission into various institutions.

Parth Khanna of Cambridge School SNP, too, votes for entrance-based admissions as marks in school examinations can be scored by rote learning. Though there are concepts to be understood for both the examinations but entrances get the real knowledge out of you. So Ill go for entrances, he adds.

The authors are HT Campus Journalists, 2017 batch.
The Union health ministry has banned 32 private medical colleges from admitting students for two years, overruling a Supreme Court panel that had cleared their alleged substandard facilities.

The ministry also forfeited the colleges security deposit of Rs 2 crore each. It has, however, allowed 4,000 undergraduate students to continue studying at these institutes.

We based our decision on the inspection report which highlighted gross deficiency of facilities. But the decision will not impact students already studying, Arun Singhal, joint secretary, health and family welfare, told Hindustan Times.

Singhal did not explain why the government allowed the colleges that it found unfit to continue.

Over the years, undergraduate medical studies in India have been mired in controversy, and a mushrooming of private colleges to meet growing demand has led to widespread corruption and a fall in the quality of medical education in the country.

In May 2016, the Supreme Court appointed a three-member Oversight Committee (OC), headed by former chief justice ML Lodha, to check alleged corruption in the Medical Council of India, which regulates such studies, and suggest ways to improve standards.

By the time the court panel was constituted, the MCI had completed inspecting 109 new colleges that had applied to admit medical students in 2016. The MCI allowed only 17 colleges.

But the panel reviewed the MCIs decision and permitted 34 more colleges to take in students. This set the panel on a collision course with the MCI.

The panel allowed these colleges based on an undertaking from them that they will fulfill all criteria. It said if they fail a fresh inspection the colleges will be banned for two years and they will forfeit their deposits.

An HT investigation last September found at least two colleges allowed by the panel with locked operation theatres, zero faculty and no patients. Two other colleges, however, had good infrastructure.

Following this, a joint four-member inspection team of the Oversight Committee and MCI visited these colleges between November and December and found them grossly deficient in basic facilities.

The MCI recommended banning 32 colleges. However, just a day before the court panels mandate was to run out on May 15, it reversed the MCI recommendations, permitting 26 colleges to admit students and suggesting fresh inspection of the remaining six.

HT has reviewed a copy of the Oversight Committees May 14 memo sent to the health ministry.

In at least two instances, the committee overruled staff deficiencies by accepting the colleges plea that the staff had gone to exchange old banknotes after demonetisation.

In defence of its decision, the panel cited numerous instances of violation of inspection guidelines by the joint team.

The MCI dismissed the allegation.

It will be unfair to say that MCI did not adhere to the OC guidelines. The MCI has engaged the assessors from the OC panel and OC recommended institution in every team, said Jayshree Mehta, president of the MCI.

The court panel members didnt respond to HTs email about the ministrys decision.

We looked at the inspection report of the MCI and the OCs comment on that and made a decision, Singhal said.

Most of the private colleges called the ban discriminatory and illegal.

Last year, the OC allowed 34 colleges to admit students and put in place a proper mechanism to inspect the facilities, but the MCI has grossly violated that process. It failed 32 colleges deliberately. It is witch-hunting, a promoter of a private college said.

Students said they felt victimised.

If the government thinks that these colleges dont have facilities then we should be shifted to approved colleges immediately, a student from a private college said.

They fear the ban will discourage colleges from improving facilities, impacting their studies.

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According to an American study, a low daily dose of aspirin could reduce the risk of developing certain types of cancer or dying from the disease. The research was recently presented at the annual meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research in Washington, DC.

Researchers at Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School evaluated the benefits of aspirin on cancer risk in more than 86,000 women over 32 years and nearly 44,000 men over 26 years.

Participants in the study took research doses of the drug, around 81mg per day on average, for at least six years.

The study showed taking a low dose (81 mg) of aspirin for six or more years  from less than two tablets per week up to a tablet a day  was associated with a significant decrease in cancer risk, especially for colorectal, lung, breast and prostate cancers.

Aspirin appeared to be most beneficial in reducing the risk of colorectal cancers, with a 31% reduction in women and a 30% reduction in men.

Taking low dose aspirin for six or more years was associated with a significant decrease in cancer risk, especially in colorectal cancers, where the reduction was 31% in women and 30% for men. (Shutterstock)

The risk of dying from cancer also dropped. Women who used aspirin were 11% less likely to die of breast cancer, while men had a 23% lower risk of dying from prostate cancer. Overall, those who regularly used aspirin were 7% to 11% less likely to die of cancer over the next few decades, the study reports.

When an injury or an illness causes chronic inflammation, lasting for months or even years, the environment can become ideal for many kinds of cancer cells to develop and thrive. The study authors explain that aspirin may help reduce cancer risk and the spread of the disease by blocking this mechanism.

People aged 50 to 69 years old with no increased risk of hemorrhage, and with a life expectancy of at least 10 years who are prepared to take low doses of aspirin every day (70 to 81 mg) are likely to benefit the most from this kind of preventative use, according to the latest recommendations from independent experts at the US Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF).

However, taking aspirin isnt without risk, the studys authors warn. Side effects can lead to stomach ulcers and stomach bleeding. These risks increase with age, regular alcohol consumption and when taking certain other medications.

It is therefore important to see a doctor before embarking on a regular aspirin regimen, to help assess whether the benefits may outweigh the drawbacks in each specific case.

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The Ghaziabad police on Sunday arrested three persons and brought back three minor girls. Police said the three men were booked in two different cases at Indirapuram police station and had lured the girls, following which abduction cases were lodged against them.

The officials said that in first case lodged for abduction of a minor girl, they arrested Mukim who is from Aligarh and also found the girl he had gone away with. In the second case, registered at Indirapuram, the police arrested Vikas Gupta, who is from Ghazipur in UP. They have also arrested Minku, who is from Bahraich in UP.

The families had lodged cases of abduction against the three men. They maintain that the girls are minors. The girls will be produced before a magistrate to record their statements. So far, we have not come to know of any case of human trafficking, said Akash Tomar, superintendent of police (city).

Officials also said that the girls refused to get a medical examination at the hospital after they were brought back.

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The Silokhra land protest got a new momentum on Sunday. The residents of 36 villages of urban Gurgaon held a panchayat at Silokhra and decided to stage a big protest on July 2 against the Haryana urban development authority (Huda) over the plot allotment to the BJP for setting up a party office.

The panchayat said that the protest testified to their resentment against Huda for misusing the 12-acre common land for a purpose not meant for the welfare of the village. Silokhra is close to NH-8 near Signature Tower and straddles Sector 30 and 41.

This was the third panchayat since May 14 over Silokhra plot allotment controversy. The second panchayat was held on May 24. Apart from the BJP office, a group housing society for MPs and MLAs has also been proposed on the 12-acre plot allotted by Huda.

Chaudahry Mahender Singh Thakran, pradhan of Jharsa 360 (Jharsa 360 denotes 360 villages of Gurgaon and Rewari districts) who chaired the meeting, told Hindustan Times that 12 acres common village land should have been used for the welfare of villagers only.

The Huda should develop utilities or amenities that serve the common purpose of the village. An office of political party or group housing society would mean nothing for the village. If the Huda does not cancel the land allotment, the panchayats of Jharsa 360 would hold a protest on July 2, said Thakran, adding that rapid urbanisation has ruined the villages.

The panchayat will write to Huda seeking cancellation of the plot allotment and building a community centre and banquet hall instead. They also want the authority to dig a pond and provide for a grazing field.

Om Prakash, former sarpanch of Silokhra, said, We will never allow a group housing society and a party office to come up on our village land.

Read I Gurgaon: For Badshahpur drain expansion, Huda offers land free of cost

Senior Congress leaders Captain Ajay Singh Yadav, Ashok Tanwar and Ashish Dua were also present at the panchayat.

The land is at the heart of the city and is gold mine that the Huda acquired for peanuts keeping villages in dark and conniving with officials of Municipal Corporation of Gurugram (MCG). Huda and MCG cannot misuse common land, Captain Yadav said.

Huda had served land acquisition notice on the village panchayat in 1989 against which the latter moved the Punjab and Haryana high court. The case was in court till 2008-09 before the MCG took control of the village.

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When producer Kevin Feige first mentioned the possibility of seeing the Avengers on screen together, not a single Marvel movie had been released. It was 2006, and the news was met with trepidation. I think having that possibility on the horizon is something that excites all of us, said Feige.

Now, more than a decade (and 15 films) later, a new featurette teases the arrival of Avengers: Infinity War, expected to release in theatres in 2019.

These next two Avengers films will be an event like no one has seen on film before, says Joe Russo, who is co-directing with his brother Anthony. The Russos also made Captain America: The Winter Soldier and Captain America: Civil War for Marvel.

It is a very human story, even with all this spectacle, even with all these players involved, Feige says. There is a simplicity of story were leaning into. This is the team that is most equipped to handle these characters.

Infinity War will also pit the heroes against Thanos, the villain who has been teased ever since his first appearance in the first Avengers. Thanos shows us why he is the biggest, the best, the baddest villain that weve ever had, says Feige.

Avengers: Infinity War will star a large ensemble cast which includes Robert Downey Jr, Josh Brolin, Mark Ruffalo, Tom Hiddleston, Chris Evans, Chris Hemsworth, Jeremy Renner, Chris Pratt, Elizabeth Olsen, Sebastian Stan, Benedict Cumberbatch, Paul Bettany, Samuel L. Jackson, Cobie Smulders, Benedict Wong, Zoe Saldana, Karen Gillan, Vin Diesel, Dave Bautista, Pom Klementieff, Scarlett Johansson, Benicio del Toro, Tom Holland and Anthony Mackie. The two-part Avengers finale has been rumoured to be budgeted at $1 billion.

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The Indian army, with strong backing from the government, has hardened its stance in militancy-hit Jammu & Kashmir that has been on the boil since the Hizbul Mujahideen militant Burhan Wani was killed last July. Officers say it plans to continue to do so, at least for the summer.

The tempo of our operations has been significantly higher than previous years and it will remain high in the coming months. Our approach is way more aggressive than before and has the backing of the forces top hierarchy, said a senior army officer. The army has been carrying out punitive fire assaults against Pakistani posts and has eliminated about a dozen terrorists over the last two weeks.

In a clear departure from the past, the force also officially released a rare video of heavy artillery blasting, on May 23.

Last month, BJP president Amit Shah and army chief Gen Bipin Rawat echoed a similar tone. While Shah said the Centre is formulating a course of action to resolve the situation, Rawat made mention of plans of tackling a dirty war through innovative ways. The army chief even defended Major Leetul Gogois use of a Kashmiri as human shield.

BJPs ideological mentor, RSS, too advocates the use of an iron hand to deal with the insurgency. It wants the government to send out a stern message that those who threaten the state will not be part of any dialogue.

Another facet of the Centres strategy is to focus on development and jobs in the state to wean youth away from militancy.

The home ministry is looking to fast-track pending development projects. Union home minister Rajnath Singh last week reviewed the implementation of the Rs 80,000 crore Prime Ministers Development Package. It consists of 63 projects, for which the centre has already released more than Rs 20,000 crore.

The ministry has a multipronged strategy which includes building of infrastructure and capacity and generation of employment opportunities coupled with firm handling of criminal activities, said Union home ministrys spokesman Ashok Prasad.

The political establishment feels this approach has yielded results. Finance and defence minister Arun Jaitley on Thursday emphasised that the force was not only dominating the LoC but also applying pressure on militant cadres.

But the Opposition says. When we went to Kashmir as a part of the Parliamentary delegation, a lot of proposals were submitted to the government. Not a single proposal has been implemented, said D Raja, CPI MP.

The stance however, has put the J&K police in dilemma. Part of almost all counter-insurgency operations and crackdowns, several J&K police officials, on condition of anonymity, told HT that the force was direction-less as to dealing with the unrest.

The state government has been clear on only one issue no more civilian killings, an officer said.

Police with residences in south Kashmir had been advised not to go home for at least 2-3 months. Police officials stay in societies where there is strong support for militancy, said another official to Hindustan Times.
The government said on Sunday it is open to the suggestions made by various groups on the cattle slaughter notification and was not viewing it as a prestige issue, amid a raging row over the order.

Environment minister Harsh Vardhan said the intention behind the notification was not to harm any particular group, influence food habits or affect slaughter business.

Suggestions that have been submitted will be reviewed. It is not a prestige issue for the government, he told reporters on the sidelines of a function in New Delhi on the eve of World Environment Day.

The minister was asked if these representations were being reviewed and if the government was open to considering alternative views on the issue.

The row over eating beef and cattle trade has sparked a nationwide controversy and protests have been held in several states, including Tamil Nadu, Kerala and Karnataka.

West Bengal chief minister Mamata Banerjee has described the ban as undemocratic and unconstitutional and said her government will not accept it.

On May 30, the Madras high court had stayed for four weeks the enforcement of the contentious notification banning the sale and purchase of cattle at animal markets for slaughter.

The order had come on a petition challenging the bar as inimical to personal liberty, peoples rights to livelihood and an encroachment into matters that are within the domain of the states.

Harsh Vardhan said, Rules under Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act, are not to influence food habits, or affect slaughtering business.

After announcement of the ban under the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act, the environment ministry has received several representations on it asking the government to consider alternative views, he said.

The decision is expected to hit export and trade in meat and leather.

The rules define cattle as a bovine animal including bulls, bullocks, cows, buffaloes, steers, heifers and calves and camels.

Finance minister Arun Jaitley had earlier said that the ban has nothing to do with state laws on cow slaughter and concerns only with the place of sale.

Protests have been held in several parts of Tamil Nadu, including Madurai, Coimbatore, Erode and Hosur. Several activists of a little known Tamil group were detained in Madurai where they had organised a beef-eating contest.

A group of students at IIT-Madras had also held beef- fest at the campus on May 28.

The DMK has slammed the E K Palaniswami government for keeping mum on the matter when neighbouring Kerala and Karnataka had vehemently opposed the notification.
Indira Bishnoi, an accused in the sensational Bhanwari Devi murder case, seemed to have the support of her community as she dodged police for six years before her arrest on Friday.

Indra was arrested by a Rajasthan ATS team from an ashram in Nemawar in Madhya Pradeshs Dewas. Before moving to the ashram, she was staying with a family in Nemawar area, which has a tightly knit community of some 50 Bishnoi families that migrated from Rajasthan more than 50 years ago.

Indiras father was an influential figure in the community and had connections everywhere, so even though she was a fugitive, she received all the support from the Bishnois, Rajasthan anti-terrorism squad SP Vikas Kumar told HT.

They had handed over Indra to the CBI and also a list of people who helped her during her stay in Madhya Pradesh, the ATS superintendent of police said.

Bishnois are members of a Hindu sect that is strictly vegetarian and bans killing of animals and felling of trees. The community that shuns caste name was founded in Rajasthans Bikaner and is scattered in Haryana, Punjab, Madhya Pradesh and Uttar Pradesh.

The murder of the 36-year-old nurse in neighbouring Rajasthan had rocked the Ashok Gehlot-led Congress government.

Sixteen people, including former minister Mahipal Singh Maderna and Indras bother Malkhan Singh, a former Congress MLA, are in jail for Devis murder being probed by the CBI.

Around 18 months ago, the ATS got to know that Indra was moving in and around Nemawar but she managed to evade them, Kumar said.

She kept herself informed of the developments in the case and her business interests in Rajasthan through intermediaries and shunned cellphones to avoid detection. Indra will be in CBI remand for a week.

Before Indra moved to the ashram at Nagar Ghat seven months ago, she stayed in the house of a Parashar family, Dewas police sources said.

While the Parashars lived in Harda, the mother of the head of the family lived in Nagar Ghat. Indra stayed with her in the family home and shifted to the ashram when the woman died seven months ago.

At the ashram, Indra lived under an assumed name -- Geeta Devi.

The Rajasthan ATS was keeping a watch on her for five months. Several teams moved around in Harda and Dewas disguised as businessmen from Rajasthan. They went door-to-door selling handicrafts to collect information.

And on Friday they tasted success.

But the local police and the ATS differ on whether Indra underwent a plastic surgery to escape arrest.

Nemawar inspector Toor Singh Dawar said Indra confessed to the ATS team she had undergone a plastic surgery.

The photo of Indra Bishnoi the ATS team was carrying didnt match with that of the accused arrested. During initial interrogation she told the ATS team she had undergone a plastic surgery to change her face, Dawar told HT on Sunday morning.

Dawar said he didnt have the details and the information was passed on to him by an ATS member.

I dont think she had any plastic surgery done, ATSs Kumar told HT over the phone. The team had some difficulty in matching the photos because the photograph they had of Indra was seven years old and in all these years her appearance had changed, he said.

The murder

Bhanwari Devis murder is a tale of blackmail, political rivalry and revenge.

A trained mid-wife, Devi was abducted from Jodhpurs Bilara area on September 1, 2011. Her husband Amarchand alleged she was abducted on the orders of Maderna, who was then Rajasthans minister for water.

According to the charge sheet filed by the CBI in a Jodhpur court, Devi was in a relationship with Malkhan, who fathered her youngest child, and was constantly demanding money from him.

Indra wanted her brother Malkhan to be a minister and asked Devi to make a sex tape with Maderna, her brothers rival, the CBI said.

Instead of handing over the tape to Indra, Devi began blackmailing Maderna as well. Malkhan, the CBI said, stole the CD from Devis house and distributed copies to journalists.

Maderna, whose reputation took a beating after the sex tape became public, joined hands with Malkhan and they plotted to kill Bhanwari with the help of hired killers, the charge sheet said.

Devis burnt remains were found in Jaloda village near Jodhpur in January 2012.

(With inputs from Rajneet Gupta in Dewas)
HAJIPUR A joint team of the Bihar polices special task force (STF) and the Hajipur sadar police, on Sunday, seized 1,750 kg of ganja (hemp) hidden in a secret compartment of a 10-wheel truck, on national highway 77, in the outskirts of the Vaishali district headquarters town of Hajipur, in north Bihar.

Officials said this was the biggest ganja hauls in Bihar, since total liquor ban was imposed on the state on April 5, 2016. Earlier, in August 2016, officials of the Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) had seized 810 kg ganja and arrested three persons near Maithi toll plaza on Muzaffarpur-Darbhanga Road of north Bihar.

Confirming the Sunday seizure, Vaishali superintendent of police (SP) Rakesh Kumar said the contraband was worth well over Rs 1 crore. Two persons from Punjab have been arrested in connection with the incident. We also believe we have cracked an inter-state gang involved in ganja smuggling, he added.

The SP said the smugglers had hired a 10-wheel heavy truck from Madhya Pradesh, and engaged its driver and his cleaner from Punjab. Thereafter, the consignment was picked up from Tripura for delivery in many districts of Bihar, including Vaishali, he added.

Kumar identified the arrested truck driver as Chanranjeet Singh and his cleaner as Baldeep Singh, both residents of Ludhiana in Punjab.

The STF-Vaishali police team, headed by SHO Sadar Chitranjan Thakur, intercepted the truck, bearing registration number of MP 16H-0409, near Chiall chowk on NH-77. After an intensive search of about 20 minutes, the police team stumbled upon 50 packets of Ganja, each weighing 35 kg, from a secret compartment.

Smugglers sell ganja to retailers at the rate of Rs 50,00 to Rs 7,000 per kg, easily making this haul worth well over Rs 1 crore. In small pouches, it goes for much more than that rate, the SP said, adding, it had come to Bihar from Tripura via Siliguri in West Bengal.

The interrogation of the driver and his cleaner will let us know the exact details of the delivery points in Bihar, Kumar added.

Other officials said the demand for ganja in Bihar had increased since the imposition of total liquor prohibition in the state. This had given a fillip to smuggling of the intoxicant into the state, in recent months.

BLURB

The SP said the smugglers had hired a 10-wheel heavy truck from Madhya Pradesh, and engaged its driver and his cleaner from Punjab. Thereafter, the consignment was picked up from Tripura for delivery in many districts of Bihar, including Vaishali, he added
PATNA The police, late Saturday evening, picked up three more persons from Samastipur in north Bihar in connection with the age forgery by the deposed Bihar School Examination Board (BSEB) intermediate (arts) topper Ganesh Kumar alias Ganesh Ram, who is now in jail.

Those picked up included Dev Kumari, principal of Sanjay Gandhi Vidyalay, Lakshminia in Samastipur, the school in which Ganesh had enrolled in class 9 in 2013, on fake documents and taken the matriculation examination from Rosera. Also held by the police were Kumaris husband, Ramkumar Choudhary, and their son, Gautam Kumar.

All three were being interrogated when reports last came in.

According to the police, the arrests were carried out on the basis of the statement of the alleged mastermind of the forgery, Sanjay Kumar, who was picked up from a lodge in Musallahpur area in of central Patna on Saturday.

Patna SSP Manu Maharaaj said the evidence against those picked was being examined. If corroborative evidence is found, they will be arrested, he added.

Sanjay Gandhi Vidyalay, Lakshminia , was the school where Ganesh got enrolled for the second time by showing his date of birth as June 2, 1993, while his actual date of birth, when he took the matriculation exam for the first time, from Jharkhand, was November 7, 1975.

He later got into Ramnandan Singh Jagdip Narayan Intermediate College (Samastipur), from where he topped in IA this year.

In the face of continuing protests by students, the BSEB has geared up for scrutiny of answer books. The demand for scrutiny is likely to be huge in view of 65% candidates failing in intermediate examinations. Even in language papers, 4.64-lakh candidates failed, including 2.76-lakh in English and 1.87-lakh in Hindi.

We have formed a four-member committee under retired IAS officer Sudhir Srivastava for scrutiny of answer books. Full justice will be done to the meritorious students if any lapse in evaluation is detected, he added.

Other members of the committee include former Bihar education project council official Akhileshwar Pandey, board secretary Anup Kumar Sinha and deputy director, information and technology, Arjun Prasad. Chief minister Nitish Kumar had said that the scrutiny would be completed within a month.

Affiliation verification

Now, the BSEB, which has reiterated that there was nothing wrong with the results while putting the entire blame for Ganesh Kumars case on the school he appeared from, is also planning to step up investigations into the two institutions in the face of question mark over the manner in which they got affiliation.

Board chairman Anand Kishor, who also submitted his report on the intermediate results to the principal secretary, department of education, RK Mahajan, on Saturday, said that the handwriting of Ganesh had also been matched with the writing on his answer books.

He has got marks for the content in the answer book and the experts also vetted it, while practical marks are given by schools. As far as the two schools are concerned, their affiliation has already been suspended, he added

Kishor said that it was apparently due to sheer desire to get into a government job that Ganesh hid his age and indulged in forgery. What I have gathered is that he used to give private tuition to students for the last several years apart from his other engagements, he added, ruling out any discrepancy at the board level.

What is surprising is that the two institutions escaped the axe, while the board terminated the affiliation of over 180 schools in a year following the 2016 toppers scandal, which led to an uproar and arrest of former board chairman Lalkeshwar Prasad Singh and secretary Hariharnath Jha.

Board sources said that the inter college had got affiliation in 2014 itself and as the first job was verify the affiliations granted during the tenure of arrested chairman, it got left out. The government has also written for a thorough check on all the institutions, as many sham institutions still might be off the government radar.

Now, the affiliation of all the institutions will be examined afresh in accordance with the laid down parameters. All the district magistrates will be involved with the process, said Kishor.

Schools accountability

With the intermediate (arts) topper case causing yet another embarrassment to the government despite its claims of cleaning the system after national indignation over irregularities in 2015 and 2016, has finally realised the importance of getting the basics right.

Chief secretary Anjani Kumar Singh said that the government would not like Bihar students to suffer, while it would also not compromise with the sanctity of the examination. If students fail, they cannot be made to pass without knowledge. Now, the government focus is on ensuring that the students excel on the basis of their merit. The schools and teachers will now be made accountable for quality, he added.

Singh said that the department of education would submit a detailed road map as per chief ministers directive in a few days. On that basis, action would be taken for quality improvement in schools with periodic checks, he added.

STRAP

MASTERMIND Arrests were carried out on the basis of the statement of the alleged mastermind of the forgery, Sanjay Kumar, who was picked up from a lodge in Musallahpur area in of central Patna

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The BJP on Sunday hit back at Congress leader Rahul Gandhi over his criticism of the governments Kashmir policy, saying it does not need a certificate from a party which described Kashmir as being occupied by India.

Referring to the Congress releasing a booklet in Lucknow with an incorrect map of the country, labelling the entire state of Jammu and Kashmir as India occupied Kashmir, Union minister M Venkaiah Naidu said people would never forgive the party for such a mindset.

Is it for this that hundreds of our brave soldiers have given up their lives over the years defending our sovereignty and territorial integrity? he said in Hyderabad and asked if the final solution that the Congress had in mind was to give Kashmir to Pakistan.

Asserting that the government has a very strong Kashmir policy, party spokesperson Shahnawaz Hussain said it is making a distinction and treating differently the common Kashmiris, terrorists and separatists and this policy is bearing fruits.

The government and the security forces are on the same page and they are working to root out Pakistan-sponsored terrorism, he said in Delhi.

The Congress, Hussain recalled, had even raised questions on the surgical strikes carried out by the Army across the line of control.

The BJPs reaction came after Congress vice-president Rahul Gandhi on Sunday blamed the Centre for mishandling the Kashmir issue.

Dubbing the BJP-PDP incompetent, Rahul charged that the Centre was making empty reassurances about peace in the Valley.

In a major gaffe, the Congress on Saturday released a booklet with an incorrect map of the country.

Page 12 of the 16-page booklet titled Rashtriya Suraksha par Aanch, which was distributed by the Congress, showed the entire state labelled as Indian Occupied Kashmir in the context of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC).

The incident occurred during a conference of the opposition party in Lucknow to highlight the shortcomings of the Narendra Modi government during its three years of rule.

While the people of the country were celebrating three years of a new India in the making, the Congress party came out with an official publication that described India as having occupied Kashmir and thereby conceding Kashmir to Pakistan, Naidu told reporters.
A groom died after suffering a massive heart attack, minutes before his wedding in Bihars Kaimur district, while in a separate incident, a grooms cousin was killed in celebratory firing in Rohtas, Friday.

Shashikant Pandey,25, collapsed soon after he put on his dancing shoes and broke into a jig with his friends, who had pulled him out of his bedecked car to join them in the celebratory dance.

The tragedy happened just as the baraat (marriage party) was cantering to the marriage venue for jaimaal (exchange of garlands between bride and groom) after dwarpuja (a Hindu marriage ritual to welcome the groom).

Shashikants friends and relatives rushed him to a nearby health facility at Mohania, where doctors declared him brought dead. Doctors said the groom had suffered a cardiac arrest.

Shashikant, son of Daya Shankar Pandey, of Saranpur village, used to help his father at the latters public distribution shop after completing bachelors of education course. He had travelled a distance of 2 kms to nearby Chaubepur village, 50 kms north of the district headquarters Bhabua, for his wedding on Friday. A pall of gloom enveloped the two families.

In another incident, a grooms cousin, Jitendra Singh, 33, was killed in celebratory firing at Gonaila Tola village under Karagahar police station in Rohtas, 150 kms south-west of Patna. Singh was opposed to the celebratory firing by three men, who had joined the baraat reportedly in an inebriated condition.

The baraat was enjoying the dance by women dancers when three drunken youths, waving rifles and country made pistols in their hands, joined the dancers on stage and began firing in the air. Singh walked up to the stage and objected to their action, forcing them to come down from the stage. Ticked off by Singhs resistance, the deviant youths began firing at the stage. One bullet hit Singh and he dropped dead.

The villagers chased down the youths, who tried to escape, and apprehended two while the third managed to escape. The villagers thrashed the two youths  Umesh Singh and Lallan Singh  before handing them to the police.

Police said medical tests proved the youths had consumed alcohol, which in banned in Bihar.

This is the fifth such incident in the district this year. Two young female dancers  Naina Kumari and Chandani Kumari  were shot dead in separate incidents on January 30 and April 5, respectively. On May 8, two boys in their teens were critically injured at Dhanpurwa village, while another youth was injured in celebratory firing at Amartalab village of the district in the last week of April.
Nearly two months after the Supreme Court collegium  a body of five senior most judges of the country  reiterated its choices for 44 positions of high court judges, the government is getting ready to initiate the process for making these appointments, sources in the law ministry have said.

A majority of the names  29 in all  are to be appointed judges to the Allahabad high court, which has 76 vacancies.

The climb down by the government comes at a time when the Memorandum of Procedure, the guidelines for appointing judges, is still pending due to differences on its contents between the executive and the collegium. The friction between the two sides repeatedly hit the headlines during previous Chief Justice of India TS Thakurs time.

The government had told the CJIs court on November 11 last year that it had sent back the names for reconsideration. Days later a bench headed by Justice Thakur admonished the government in court for trying to create a logjam and said the collegium had reiterated the names.

The government asked the collegium to reconsider its decision but on April 10, the current collegium under CJI JS Khehar reiterated its recommendations for the 44 names. With the new MOP yet to be finalised, the government is bound by the collegiums recommendations.

In May, the government cleared a string of appointments in different HCs. Yet, 419 of the 1,079 positions across 24 high courts were vacant on June 1.

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At the break of dawn, Aralammoodu Saturday cattle market is busy. Cows and buffaloes occupy most of the space, as owners and prospective buyers look to strike a bargain.

In the middle of all the haggling at the weekly cattle market, local MLA K Ansalan is administering an oath to a crowd. Our food is our choice, our right. We will protect our food, our right come what may, the crowd repeats after the law-maker, feverishly pumping fists in the air in true Communist style.

As the one-hour meeting draws to a close, organisers distribute small packets of raw meat to register their protest.

It is not an isolated incident.

The southern coastal state has seen a series of beef festivals and noisy protests after the Centre on May 23 came out with a notification banning sale and purchase of cattle from animal markets for slaughter.

Kerala and several other states have criticised the Modi governments cattle-trade rules as a backdoor beef ban, aimed at pushing the ruling BJPs Hindutva agenda.

Some states are planning a legal challenge to the ban that will hurt farmers and squeeze supplies to the countrys Rs 1 lakh-crore meat industry.

Cows, considered holy by many Hindus, have come to dominate political discourse after Prime Minister Narendra Modi stormed to power in 2014. Several BJP-ruled states have brought in strict laws to punish cow slaughter.

Supply drying up

The ban is already hurting farmers and meat traders.

Once a thriving cattle market, Aralammoodu in Neyyattinkara, 20km from the state capital Thiruvananthapuram, is having a slow day.

Between 500 and 700 cattle were traded here every Saturday. The 10 days that notification has been in place, supply from neighbouring Tamil Nadu has thinned the numbers to 150-200.

Traders say truck drivers refuse to ferry cattle from neighbouring states fearing right-wing activists, the self-appointed cow protectors.

The union government is saying it is aimed at checking illegal slaughter houses and cattle smuggling. But we are doing everything legally. We have no idea why the Centre is punishing us, said P Rahim, whose family has been in meat trade for two generations.

One of the few states where cow slaughter is not banned, Kerala relies on neighbouring Tamil Nadu, Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh for cattle supply.

At the Aralummoodu Whole Sale Market in Neyyattinkara. (Vivek R Nair / Hindustan Times)

Prices have gone up. If the situation continues, the state will face a severe meat shortage in coming days, said Nisar Ahmed, who owns five meat outlets in the neighbourhood.

People like him are convinced that the new rule is aimed at minority communities, who rely heavily on the cheap red meat.

Traders say at least five truckloads of cattle were either sent back or seized by activists of the Hindu Munnani in Pollachi and Kanyakumari last week.

Local meat traders association members met chief minister Pinarayi Vijayan and requested him to ask his Tamil Nadu counterpart to ensure the safety of cattle transporters.

Vijayan has already written to the Prime Minister opposing the ban, saying the Centre cant dictate or change food habits.

The state government has convened a special assembly session on June 8 while in neighbouring Tamil Nadu, the Madras high court has put the ban on hold for four weeks.

Religion no bar

In Kerala, 60% of all meat consumed is beef, a cheap source of protein. Almost 60% of the population eats beef and not just Muslims and Christians, a majority of Hindus also consume buffalo and cow meat.

According to the animal husbandry department data, 1.17 million adult cattle and 70,000 young animals were slaughtered last year. Kerala consumes 2.5 lakh tonne of beef, estimated to be worth Rs 6,500 crore, every year.

It is an unorganised sector but transactions worth lakhs of rupees do take place here. Roughly five lakh people directly or indirectly are involved in the sector, said another trader.

In Kerala at least 80% cattle for meat are procured from livestock markets.

A whole sale cattle market off National Highway 47 in Thiruvananthapuram. (Vivek R Nair/HT Photo)

Cattle farmers are demanding the Centre set up gaushalas, or cow shelters, in every village for aged and non-lactating animals.

Since we dont have modern abattoirs, we trade them in the market otherwise the government has to pay money to keep them, said Velappan Nair, who came to Aralammoodu to sell an aged cow.

For farmers, taking care of aged and non-lactating animals is a huge financial burden. Cattle markets are a good option for farmers looking to sell their animals.

I am sad. I have to sell the cow that gave us milk for seven years. I dont have the wherewithal to keep it and dont have any option but to sell it for meat. Nair said.

With new rules in play, farmers may be losing this option.

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India on Sunday successfully test-fired an indigenously developed quick reaction surface-to-air short range missile from a test range along the Odisha coast.

The sophisticated missile was test-fired at about 12.40 pm from a truck-mounted canister launcher from launch complex-1 at the Integrated Test Range (ITR) at Chandipur near here, official sources said.

It was a developmental trial of the state-of-the-art missile, which engaged an aerial target successfully, they said, adding that the QR-SAM was developed by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) and other establishments.

The missile, which has a strike range of 20 to 30 kms, is capable of engaging multiple targets. Designed to be a quick reaction missile, it is an all-weather weapon system capable of tracking and firing, the sources said.

Some more rounds of trial of the weapon system are expected to be conducted in the near future from the same test range.
The Railway Protection Force in the Eastern Railway zone has rescued 650 children from different stations and trains and united 251 out of them with their parents, a spokesman of the railway said here Sunday.

RPF, Eastern Railway, has made significant performance in respect of rescue of children and their rehabilitation as well as efficient functioning of security help line 182 in addition to its normal security related activities, ER spokesman R N Mahapatra said.

As a result of its alert and vigilant activities, RPF rescued 650 children from April, 2016 to May, 2017, Mahapatra said.

Of these children, 251 were united with their parents while the rest of the children were handed over to NGOs, police or GRP, he said.

Child help groups have been established at Howrah station where two child help desks -- Child Line NGO of Don Bosco Ashalayam and Little Big Help are functioning.

A child help desk monitored by NGO Cini Asha is functioning at Sealdah railway station, the spokesman said, adding that another child help group will be set up at Malda station shortly.

Mahapatra said that the RPF has also launched a special campaign -- Operation Muskaan-II, to rescue missing children and has so far succeeded in getting back 71 children, including 3 trafficked children.

Security help line 182, set up to provide passengers especially women passengers necessary security related assistance, is functioning round the clock at RPF divisional control rooms all over Eastern Railway, Mahapatra said.

Stating that security related grievances are attended to by quickest means either by the nearest RPF post or by train escorting parties, he said the average response time to attend each complaint is 20 to 25 minutes.

During 2016-2017, total 397 complaints were received and settled, he said.

To create awareness amongst passengers regarding the security help line number 182, pamphlets are regularly distributed among passengers and stickers have also been affixed at prominent places at stations as well as in trains.

RPF teams are also regularly visiting schools and colleges for spreading awareness about the security help line and distributing leaflets containing salient features of the help line, he said.
Union minister Maneka Gandhi, who was diagnosed with gallstones, underwent surgery on Sunday at the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) in New Delhi.

An official said the 60-year-old minister was doing fine although she was still very weak. She will be discharged from the hospital in the next 3-4 days, he said.

The women and child development minister was admitted to AIIMS on June 2 after she complained of stomach pain while on a visit to her constituency Pilibhit.

The BJP leader was taken to a hospital in Pilibhit where an ultrasound detected gallstones. She was then rushed to Delhi.

She had just one stone, but it was a very large one and resulted in a major inflammation and severe pain, the official said.
Congress vice-president Rahul Gandhi accused the Narendra Modi government of mishandling the situation in insurgency-hit Jammu and Kashmir, where public clashes with security forces escalated after the killing of a popular militant leader last July.

Kashmir is Indias strength and they are making it Indias weakness, he said in Chennai on Sunday and asserted his party will continue to oppose the BJPs plan to thrust its idea of India.

He said he had warned defence minister Arun Jaitley that the Centre is heading towards setting Kashmir on fire.

Around six or seven months ago, Mr Arun Jaitley came to see me and I told him that they are mishandling Kashmir and they are going to set Kashmir on fire. And Jaitley said Kashmir is peaceful, news agency PTI quoted Gandhi as saying.

His comments follow Jaitleys statement on Friday that security forces are in a dominant position along the Line of Control, the de-facto border between India and Pakistan, in Kashmir.

Union home minister Rajnath Singh also assured on Saturday that the government is working towards a permanent solution for Kashmir, but it might take some time.

Congress vice-president Rahul Gandhi greets DMK chief M Karunanidhi on his 94th birthday at his Gopalapuram residence in Chennai on Sunday. (PTI)

Gandhi was in the Tamil Nadu capital to attend the 94th birthday of DMK patriarch K Karunanidhi. The event attracted a host of leaders from the anti-BJP bloc, such as Bihar chief minister Nitish Kumar and Trinamool Congress parliamentarian Derek OBrien.

The Congress vice president said a united opposition will fight and defeat the BJP and RSSs attempts to thrust one idea on a country that celebrates diversity.

Each state has a culture, own thinking, own way of expression and food and this diversity was Indias strength and not a weakness, Gandhi said.

The BJP and RSS are under the impression that one idea can be placed on top of India.

Opposition leaders at the DMK event raised these issues, Gandhi said.

But India is not one idea. India is thousands of different ideas and this one idea of the RSS will never ever crush the thousands of ideas.

The Opposition accuses the RSS, the ideological mentor of the BJP, of trying to make India a Hindu nation. RSS leaders voice this idea but the organisation hasnt officially endorsed it.

The DMK alleges that the BJP-ruled Centre is imposing Hindi on the people of the state, which is historically against the language. Gandhi said all languages should be respected.

(With agency inputs)
The police in East Champaran district of north Bihar, on Saturday , arrested Farmullah Ansari, a Nepal-based alleged supplier of fake Indian currency notes (FICN) and drugs smuggler, who is believed to have close ties with Pakistans inter-services Intelligence (ISI).

Confirming this, East Champaran superintendent of police (SP) Jitendra Rana, said Farmalluh , who carried a reward of Rs 50,000 on his head and was on the most wanted list of the national investigation agency (NIA), was nabbed from Islampur locality in Raxaul town of East Champaran, following a tip-off.

A police team led by Raxaul deputy superintendent of police, Rakesh Kumar, when he had entered Indian territory to meet a contact..

A resident of Hariharpur village in Bara district of Nepal, Farmullah was a close aide of his co-villager, Md Abi Ansari, who was arrested in the first week of May. He had revealed the names of many of his contacts in Indian districts bordering Nepal, who were involved in his racket.

Abi, 35, was arrested from Sikta police station area of West Champaran, following intelligence inputs. Official sources said he also carried a reward of Rs 50,000 on his head.

According to the police, the anti-terrorist squad (ATS) of the Uttar Pradesh police, the Bihar police and central intelligence agencies were interrogating Farmullah, as was the case with Abi, earlier.

Farmullah name came up when the UP ATS interrogated Abi in connection with the recovery near Raxaul, of FICN worth Rs 25 lakh. The fake money was being moved through a courier when the police swooped down on it.

During interrogation, Farmullah admitted to being involved in the fake currency racket for the last five years, along with Abi and others, handling heavy consignments coming from Dubai and Pakistan. .

Police said he would be handed over to the NIA and others agencies for further interrogation.

Abi, Farmullah's boss, was picked up when he was about to catch a bus for an unknown destination on the Nepal border. Two of his associates, Ekramul Ansari and Sharda Shankar Mahto, are currently in judicial custody in India.

Two others - Pakistan national Chacha alias Safi alias Haji and Nepal national Noor Mohd (of Kalaiya in Bara), are both residing in Dubai, at present.

According to NIA sources, Ekram, a resident of East Champaran, had been arrested from IGI airport, New Delhi, by DRI sleuths, with 4,988 numbers of high quality FICN of Rs 1,000 denomination, having a face value Rs 49.88 lakh, in total.

In course of his interrogation, Ekram had confessed that the recovered illegal consignment was handed over to him by a person at the Patna airport on April 18, 2014.

During the investigation, NIA sleuths found that Abi had arrived on a Scorpio vehicle on the Patna airport premises on April 18, to receive Ekram, but the latter had already been detained by immigration officials at IGI airport Terminal 3 in Delhi and handed over to the DRI.

Earlier, on March 21, 2014, Ekram had reached Patna from Dubai via Delhi with a FICN consignment. He hired a taxi and went to Dhaka in West Champaran and later reached Ghorasahan railway station, where Farmullah had received him and handed over Rs 50,000 Nepali currency in exchange for the FICN consignment.

Abi was constantly in touch with Haji Chacha, who is allegedly an ISI agent and had been looking after the FICN trade for a long time. Officials believed he was heading the syndicate, at present.

The NIA had then requested the Interpol to issue a red corner notice against Dubai-based Haji Chacha and his Nepalese associate Abi Mohammad. However, due to insufficient details, a red corner notice could not be issued against Haji in 2014. Abi Ansari was then listed as a 'wanted' person, said an interrogating officer.
The National Investigation Agency (NIA) intends to grill the top Hurriyat leadership following the raids on the premises of separatists leaders, their associates and suspected hawala dealers in the Valley and Delhi for receiving illegal funds.

The raids followed an FIR by the NIA in which the agency accused unnamed Hurriyat leaders and leaders and associates of three terror outfits Hizbul Mujahideen, Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) and Dukhtaran-e-Millat of getting funding from LeT patron Hafiz Mohammed Saeed to fuel violence that includes stone pelting on security forces and setting ablaze schools and government buildings.

All top Hurriyat leaders including chairman of its hardline faction Syed Ali Shah Geelani will be summoned for questioning and they will be confronted with each other and the evidence brought out during the raids to take the probe further. The scrutiny of documents seized in raids is on, said a senior NIA official who spoke on the condition on anonymity.

The NIA is already questioning some of suspects whose premises have been raided.

During the course of searches, several bank accounts have been detected and currencies of Pakistan, UAE and Saudi Arabia have been found and seized, apart from a lot of other incriminating material like correspondence with jailed troublemakers, suspicious transactions and mobile phones, an NIA spokesman said.

The seizures also include letterheads of Hizbul Mujahideen and LeT and other incriminating documents like katchacha (informal) receipts and vouchers.

The joint separatist leadership consisting of the heads of the two Hurriyat factions - Syed Ali Shah Geelani and Mirwaiz Umar Farooq, and JKLF chief Yasin Malik said in a joint statement that the policy of witch hunt launched by the Indian state against the resistance leadership and the business community of the valley to defame and weaken the peoples political struggle and simultaneously cripple the economy of Kashmir is despicable and deplorable to say the least.

The Hurriyat leadership has called a joint meeting on Monday at Geelanis residence to discuss this situation and its implications on hapless Kashmiris including the business community. The Hurriyat will address a press conference after the meetng.

In a separate press statement, Geelani said, Indian authorities, its agencies and particularly NIA, are unnecessarily harassing Tehreek-e-Hurriyat leadership and its activists.

In the last two days, the NIA has raided 33 locations in Srinagar, Jammu, Delhi and in Haryana.

The NIA raided Geelanis son-in-laws house on Saturday.

The spokesman added that prominent among those raided by the NIA on Sunday are Tariq Ahmed Khan, ex-president of the LOC Traders Association, Farooq Baggu and Kamal Bittu of Jammu.

The NIA also raided another house of Zahoor Watali, brother of former inspector general of police Ali Muhammad Watali, in Gurgaon. On Saturday, the NIA had raided another house of Zahoor.
For a rare third time, Reserve Bank of India (RBI) governor Urjit Patel will appear before a parliamentary panel, to face questions on demonetisation and cashless economy.

The House panel on finance has called Patel again after the Indian Bank Association claimed that the process to go cashless has slowed down.

Patel, who had been targeted by a section of the Opposition over demonetisation, had earlier appeared before the finance panel and the Public Accounts Committee.

He is likely to appear next week. He will have a lot of questions to answer, said a member of the panel.

Many opposition leaders have questioned the RBIs autonomy and wondered if the decision to withdraw the old Rs 500 and Rs 1,000 notes was taken by the central bank.

Patel had earlier said demonetisation, in the long term, would benefit the country.

We will ask Patel if they had accounted for the slump in digital transactions after the cash flow was normalised? said another member.

The NDA members, however, are cautious to not allow the Opposition grill Patel beyond a particular point.

Our report on demonetisation will not just be on the basis of what the bankers are saying, but after talking to all stakeholders, said an NDA member, indicating that the panel would talk to more people before arriving at a conclusion.

At the last meeting, bankers demanded subsidy from the government to buy more point-of-sale machines and create more ATM kiosks.

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A year after the BJPs poll promise of granting scheduled tribe status to six OBC communities in Assam, the communities are demanding the fulfilment of the pledge.

The Gorkhas in Sikkim and parts of West Bengal too are waiting to know the outcome of a government-appointed committee to take a final call on grant of ST status to the community.

In both cases, the assurances were given coinciding with assembly polls in their states. The long-drawn process of granting ST status, notwithstanding the demand for inclusion in the list is growing, especially from poll-bound states.

For instance, Odisha and Chhattisgarh, which will go to polls in 2019, have forwarded a list of 20 and 40 communities they want ST status for. Similarly, Punjab that went to polls earlier this year had sent a list of 41, while Jharkhand the year before had sent 13.

The tribal affairs ministry said it follows the process, which involves getting an approval from the ST commission and the Registrar General of India, before getting a sanction of Parliament. Sources, however, said there is no denying the role of political parties in pushing for certain communities.

Despite the reservation from existing tribal communities in Assam, the government favoured the inclusion of six OBC communities as most of these were perceived as a vote bank. On the other hand the long-pending demand by the Yobins in Arunachal Pradesh is yet to be accepted, despite their deprivation, a former bureaucrat told HT.

Grant of ST status to Gorkhas was announced days before the assembly elections in West Bengal; while Irular (including Villi and Vettaikaran) community was included in the ST list weeks after the Puducherry polls.

Tribal affairs minister Jual Oram told Hindustan Times recently that his ministry has not announced any additions to the list, but is in the process of examining the applications. He said the decisions are based on the recommendations of the concerned state government and the registrar general, followed by the approval of Parliament.

There is a demand to have a ST list in big cities including Delhi and Harayana. There are people who say we have been in Delhi for two generations, but why should we be deprived of our rights. They are demanding facilities for tribals in cities, he said.

Bupinder Zutshi, a professor at the Centre for the Study of Regional Development in Jawaharlal Nehru University said the system of allocating ST status needs to be revisited.

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The Punjab police on Sunday claimed to have busted a terror module by arresting three men, allegedly trained and tasked by Pakistans spy agency ISI to launch attacks in India.

In a statement, the police said the module has direct links with ISI-backed banned terror outfit, International Sikh Youth Federation (ISYF).

The arrested men -- Gurdial Singh, Jagroop Singh and Satwinder Singh, had been trained and tasked by the ISI to carry out terror attacks and target various anti-panthic and anti-Sikh forces and individuals by Pakistan-based ISYF chief Lakhbir Singh Rode, and Harmeet Singh alias Happy alias PHD.

Police claimed that preliminary investigations have also revealed that a part of the consignment of arms and ammunition seized by the BSF close to the international border in Amritsar on May 21 was supplied by ISYF.

Two terrorists, Maan Singh and Sher Singh, had been arrested by the BSF last month while they were attempting to pick up the consignment.

Gurdial Singh hails from Hoshiarpur and Jagroop Singh and Satiwinder Singh belong to Nawanshahr. A .32 bore pistol, one magazine and 10 cartridges and a .38 bore revolver, with 7 cartridges, were seized from them.

While Gurdial and Jagroop were arrested from their homes, Satwinder was apprehended at a police checkpoint close to his village Pojewal near Balachaur.

Read more: Explosives seized from Patiala techies house point towards Khalistani module link: Police

Police said Gurdial was the chief operative of this module and was introduced to Lakhbir Singh Rode by Balvir Singh Sandhu who is based in Germany. Gurdial had met Rode, who is said to be staying in an ISI safe house in Lahore cantonment, several times during his visits to Pakistan as part of religious jathas (groups) in the last 6-7 years.

During his last visit to Pakistan in November 2016, Gurdial had arranged a visa for Jagroop Singh and he had travelled to Lahore with a jatha.

Jagroop met Rode and Harmeet through Balvir. Police claim he confessed that he was taken to the ISYF chief blindfolded at an undisclosed location and imparted a four-day training course by the ISI in handing an AK-47 rifle and smaller weapons. He was also trained to sabotage railway tracks.

Lakhbir Singh Rode and his associates had promised to provide arms and ammunition across the border in India to carry out terrorist attacks.

Read | Crackdown on terror funding: NIA conducts fresh raids in Jammu and Kashmir

The interrogation of the suspects has also revealed that during his visits to Pakistan, Gurdial was in regular touch with Balvir who originally hails from Paddi Surat Singh village in Hoshiarpur. Gurdial was also allegedly in touch with some militant groups in Jammu and Kashmir.

Police said that Satwinder was also an active member of this action group and, along with Jagroop, he was directly in touch with his mentors in Pakistan and Germany. Both Gurdial and Balvir have terrorist backgrounds, with criminal cases registered against them in 1992 and 1988.
The Congress party, if voted to power in the 2019 general elections, will grant special category status to Andhra Pradesh on top priority, Congress vice president Rahul Gandhi said on Sunday.

Addressing a public meeting organised by Andhra Pradesh Congress Committee in Guntur, Rahul expressed confidence that the Congress-led UPA would come to power at the Centre in 2019 and the first decision it will then take would be to grant special category status to AP.

Special category status is a special right of the people of AP, the Congress vice president asserted.

Gandhi reminded that while passing the AP Reorganisation Act in 2014, then Prime Minister Manmohan Singh made a statement in Rajya Sabha that the Centre would give special category status to the residuary state of Andhra Pradesh.

However, the NDA government led by the Bharatiya Janata Party deliberately ignored the promise and finally put it on the back burner, he alleged.

The Congress president also recalled the assurance given by Prime Minister Narendra Modi at a pre-election meeting in Tirupati that the NDA would fulfil the promise of granting special category status to AP.

Modi always talks about protection of Hindu dharma. But, he ignored the promise he had given to the people in the presence of Lord Venkateshwara of Tirumala, he said.

He questioned why TDP president N Chandrababu Naidu and YSR Congress party president Y S Jaganmohan Reddy were not raising the issue of special category status with the Centre.

Dont they require the benefits to be accrued to the state, if the status is given? he asked. He alleged that both Naidu and Jagan had surrendered to Modi because they were either afraid of him or had their own selfish interests. But the Congress party will carry on the fight on behalf of the people to achieve their legitimate demand, Gandhi said.

Samajwadi Party leader and former UP chief minister Akhilesh Yadav, JD(U) president Sharad Yadav and CPI national secretary Suravaram Sudhakar Reddy also took part in the public meeting.

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Two people, including a priest, tied a man to a tree in a Rajasthan town and assaulted him with sticks, punches and kicks for at least an hour after suspecting him of stealing from a temples donation box.

Police said the victim appeared to be mentally challenged, and was unable to reveal his identity after he was rescued from the mob assault in Rajasthans Dausa district on Saturday.

The attack was recorded on video by members in a mob that surrounded the victim. It showed at least two people, identified by police as temple priest Umesh Das and one Giriraj, using a stick to repeatedly land blows on the victim. The victim, without any clothing on his torso, is seen repeatedly pleading for the attack to stop.

The incident took place at around 11am on Saturday when the man went to the temple and allegedly touched the box where donation is collected. Suspecting him to be a thief, the priest raised an alarm and the man was tied to a tree where he was assaulted, Niranjanpal Singh, station house officer, Bandikui police station told HT.

The police said the attackers also put chilli on the mans injuries, leaving him writhing in pain.

The victim was sent to a mental health facility in Jaipur on Sunday.

Das, Giriraj and a number of unidentified persons who were in the mob during the attack were booked by the police.

Similar attacks have been reported recently in several parts of the country, with many ending in the victims being killed.

On April 1, Pehlu Khan, a 55-year-old dairy farmer from Haryana was lynched by a mob of cow vigilantes in Alwar who accused him of being a cattle smuggler.

On April 24, a group of four Sikh men were assaulted near Ajmer after accusing them of molesting village women. The charges were later proved false.

Less than a month later, on May 18, seven men were killed in Jharkhand by mobs of villagers riled up by rumours that child abductors were looking for targets. All the victims were innocent.
Union home minister Rajnath Singh on Sunday launched a frontal attack on the Congress government in Himachal Pradesh, calling it one of the weakest governments in the state since Independence. He also exhorted party persons to rout the opposition party from power in the coming Vidhan Sabha elections.

While addressing booth-level workers of the party drawn from all 17 assembly segments of Hamirpur Lok Sabha seat here on Sunday, Singh said Congress had failed on all fronts all over India and he was sure that the people of the state would oust it from power.

Singh lauded the role of the people of Himachal Pradesh in safeguarding the borders of the nation from intruders and neighbouring countries. He asked party cadre to remain disciplined and united.

Singh said that the BJP character was to serve the people of country and not betray them at the cost of winning the elections.

He reiterated that terrorism had receded in all parts of the country and forces were on alert round the clock to wipe out militancy.

Singh laid the foundation stone of a high-tech office of the district unit of the party here.

JP Nadda, Union health minister, Prem Kumar Dhumal, former CM of Himachal, Sat Pal Satti, state BJP chief, and Mangal Pande, party in-charge for state affairs, were present at the sammelan.

Nadda dubbed the rule of the Congress party government in the state as one of the darkest periods since Independence. He claimed that whenever the BJP came to power, the pace of development accelerated and there was equal development all around the state.

Nadda charged chief minister Virbhadra Singh of indulging in corruption and spending most of his time in getting bails from courts rather than working for the well-being of the masses.

Satti, meanwhile, made a strong call to make Singh as the partys star campaigner for the state in the wake of the coming Vidhan Sabha elections. He said that whenever Singh came to Himachal Pradesh, the party won the elections and formed its government.

Local MP Anurag Thakur thanked Singh for visiting Hamirpur and said that his visits helped the party return to power.
The Uttar Pradesh Police have announced a bounty of Rs 12,000 for information leading to the arrest of Bhim Army founder, Chandrashekhar alias Rawan, accused of inciting caste clashes in different areas of Saharanpur.

The award was announced by K S Emanuel, the deputy inspector general (DIG) of police, Saharanpur range on Sunday.

Chandrashekher and his men had been charged with setting police check post and many vehicles on fire during violence on May 9. He mobilised his men to gather for a mahapanchayat and when the district administration refused permission, the men went on a rampage, triggering widespread violence in the district, Saharanpur senior superintendent of police, (SSP) Babloo Kumar said confirming the announcement.

Chandrashekhar had also been spreading hatred among people by misusing social media and evading his arrest for almost a month, he said.

Read more: In Saharanpur, cult of Chandrashekhar grows as Dalit-led Bhim Army takes on Thakurs

Saharanpur has been rocked by a series of clashes between Thakurs and Dalits since May 5 that has left two dead and scores wounded. A lawyer by qualification, Chandrashekhar has been on the run since May 10.

Chandrashekhar addressed a huge Dalit rally in New Delhis Jantar Mantar on May 21 despite a Delhi Police ban on such a rally. He has not been seen after that.

In Saharanpur, Chandrashekhar almost has a cult following among Dalits.

His relatives say his manic quest for social equality was driven by the injustices experienced by his school headmaster-father during his lifetime.
A suspected Chinese helicopter violated Indian airspace by hovering over Uttarakhands Chamoli area close to Sino-India border, a police official said on Sunday.

Superintendent of police, Chamoli, Tripti Bhatt told HT that the helicopter entered the Indian airspace from Tibetan side and hovered over Barahoti for about four minutes at 9.14am on Saturday before it flew back.

She, however, refused to confirm that it was a Chinese helicopter.

Sources said that such violation of the Indian airspace in Chamoli and other areas of the state from the Chinese side have occurred in the past as well.

Bhatt clarified that the chopper was not a military aircraft.

It was, however, a violation of the airspace because it entered into Indian territory without any prior permission, she added.

The local intelligence unit (LIU) spotted the violation, she said, adding the Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP) was also aware of it.

Whatever official procedures are required, we are doing that, Bhat said when asked if the police authorities informed the defence ministry and the state government about the incident.

We cant comment on that, she said when asked if vigil along the border was intensified.

Chinese troops have intruded into Indian territory in Barahoti on number of occasions in the past.

Former chief minister Vijay Bahuguna said Chinese troops intruded into Barahoti 35 times during his about two-year tenure, which ended in 2014.

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Farmers and grain traders in Madhya Pradeshs Neemuch say poppy seeds imported from Turkey originated in Taliban-controlled fields in Afghanistan and Pakistan, urging the government to stop the supply that is also driving down prices for Indian farmers.

Poppy seeds, known locally as posta dana, come from a species of poppy flower that also yields crude opium  the principal ingredient in narcotics like heroin. Poppy cultivation in Afghanistan and Pakistans NWFP region are under control of militant groups like the Taliban, who feed the global underground drug trade in an operation that is regarded as the backbone of their finances.

The government should pay attention to this. Turkey does not produce as much posta as it is exporting to India. It is actually posta dana from Afghanistan and Pakistan, and in a way we are funding the terrorists. The import of posta dana from Turkey should either be stopped or checked, said Niranjan Raju Tiwari, president of Krishi Upaj Mandi, Neemuch.

Neemuch, in northwest Madhya Pradesh, is the biggest market for posta dana in the country. Farmers from Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan and Uttar Pradesh sell their produce here before it is retailed across the country.

Traders in Turkey are purchasing posta dana from middlemen in Taliban-controlled Afghanistan and Pakistan and exporting it to India. The commerce ministry should look into this aspect, said Nilesh Patidar, Neemuch district president of Bharatiya Kisan Sangh, the farmers union affiliated to the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh.

Traders at the market say the imports from Turkey are not only cheaper but also of inferior quality to the domestic produce.

Turkish posta costs around Rs 300 per kg, whereas the Indian posta costs around Rs 450 per kg. We should import posta only when there is need since its consumption in India is more than its production. This year, thanks to bumper production, there wont be any shortfall, said trader Manohar Bamb.

According to Union commerce ministry data, 18,655.41 mertic tonnes of poppy seed was imported from Turkey in 2015-16 and 29,541.43 metric tonne was imported in 2016-17.

Virendra Borana, the president of Opium Producers Association, Neemuch, filed a petition in the Allahabad and Delhi high courts to stop the sale of Turkish posta.

Illegal opium producers in Afghanistan and Pakistan are least interested in posta dana, which is not as lucrative as opium supply, and give it away at nominal price to middlemen. This is why they are able to sell it so cheap. We have met our local MP Sudhir Gupta and also the finance minister to bring this to their notice, but government is not taking any action. The Delhi high court too did not intervene, saying that India has international obligations due to which they cannot ban import of posta dana, he said.

Mandsaur MP Sudhir Gupta, however, said the Turkish import was not hurting farmers.

There is a cap on import of posta dana, he said, also mentioning that he was unaware of the supply being originating in Taliban areas. If the traders know how it is being brought to India, let them tell me, I will get it investigated.

State excise and police say they are aware of the concerns raised by the traders problem but are not sure who should take action.

Neemuch superintendent of police Manoj Kumar Singh said they were not looking into the matter since posta dana did not fall under the narcotics category.

Neemuch state excise officer Bhim Rao Vaidya said the department had information about Pakistani and Afghani posta dana coming to India through Turkey, but did not have jurisdiction of such a sale and pointed to the commercial tax department.

Assistant commissioner of commercial tax, RK Thakur said, We are not interested in knowing from where the posta dana is coming. We are only interested in getting our tax i.e. 5% sales tax and 1% VAT.
A 60-year-old CPI (M) functionary who was injured in police cane- charge on protesting Left activists on May 22, succumbed to his injuries on Sunday.

Salil Bose alias Bablu, a resident of South Dum Dum municipality area in the northern fringes of Kolkata, was hit on his head as several activists of the party clashed with police in various places in the city during their march to the state secretariat, christened as Nabanna.

The march was organised in protest against what the CPI (M) called attack on democracy and growing unemployment and lawlessness in the state under Mamata Banerjee-led Trinamool Congress regime.

Banerjee, who also holds the home portfolio, had instructed the police, prior to the agitation, not to use bullets to avoid any fatality.

To disperse the protestors police resorted to baton charge, used water cannon and fired tear gas shells. Some top CPI (M) leaders, including Left Front chairman Biman Bose and Kanti Ganguly, were injured in the police action.

Many journalists too sustained injuries when police baton-charged them.

Unable to realize the seriousness of the injury, Salil went back home. On May 23, he even came to participate in a protest march against the police atrocities of the previous day. While participating in the march, he suffered a cerebral stroke because of his head injury, said a CPI(M) spokesperson.

He was rushed to the RG Kar Medical College and Hospital, where he died at 7.30 am.

His body was brought to CPI (M) state headquarters on Sunday noon, where top party leaders paid tribute.

Bablu became the victim of the fascist attitude of the government and its attempt to suppress peaceful democratic movement through force. Bablu is the first martyr of brutal police attack on the day of Nabanna (state secretariat) Avijan, said CPI (M) legislator and leader of left parties in West Bengal assembly Sujan Chakraborty.
Chief minister Yogi Adityanath on Sunday promised 24x7 power supply in the state by 2018.

He made the promise after inaugurating 14 newly-constructed substations of varying capacities at a function organized at North Central Zone Cultural Center (NCZCC) here.

The substations, with capacities of 400 KV, 132 KV and 33 KV, were constructed at a cost of Rs 936 crore.

The CM said when he took over his new responsibility it was a challenge to address the power issue in the state.

NEW INITIATIVES Consumers exempted from transaction charge on e-payment of power dues in state. Government to bear the expected Rs 3.5 crore cost on exemption. Introducing trust billing concept, government okays generation of power bills, post meter reading, by consumers themselves. Prepaid meters to be installed to allow consumers to make e-payments and recharge online through tokens for power consumption. Two lakh LED bulbs, 20,000 LED tube lights and 2000 power efficient fans to be distributed in Allahabad division in one week.

Efforts to improve the power scenario would not be done in select districts but in all districts of UP. In Banda, Chitrakoot and surrounding districts electricity was a real problem, especially low voltage issue in rural areas, but now the situation has improved and by 2018, 24x7 power supply would become a reality in the state, he said.

He sought public support for the governments efforts to make cashless billing a reality. UP will have prepaid meters soon which could be recharged online. The Prime Minister has laid stress on cashless transactions and UP government is following the same. This will curb bribe in power billing system, he said.

Read more:UP govt, Centre ink pact for 24x7 power supply in the state

Minister of power Shrikant Sharma said efforts were being made to provide round-the-clock power. Taking a dig at the previous government, Sharma said This is Yogi government. What is promised is fulfilled. Power crisis is an old problem in UP. Under Ujala schemes Power for All agenda, LED lights were being distributed to consumers for saving energy besides, to check pilferage, proper electricity connection to every house was being ensured, he said.

Also present on the occasion were BJP MP Shyama Charan Gupta, cabinet minister Nand Gopal Gupta, power minister Swatantra Dev Singh, chief secretary Rahul Bhatnagar, principal secretary (power) Alok Kumar, managing director of UPPCL Vishal Chauhan, etc.
The Congress on Saturday stepped up its attack on the Modi government for being lax on issues concerning Indias security. However, a 15 page booklet the party released to make its point landed it in a controversy.

A map on page 12 of the booklet refers to Indian Kashmir as Indian Occupied Kashmir.

The state BJP was quick to react, saying the Congress and Pakistan appear to be speaking the same language on the Jammu and Kashmir issue.

Uttar Pradesh Congress spokesman Satyadev Tripathi, however, said the map was only a printing mistake. The Congresss policy on Jammu and Kashmir is very clear. This printing mistake does not change the partys policy, said Tripathi.

The booklet is titled National Security Endangered. Bravado, Rhetoric, Hyperbole Rules and is about the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC).

CPEC worth $ 54 billion built through PoK/Balochistan, connecting Gwadar Port in Arabian Sea, to China with base for Chinese sub-marines. Does it not compromise Indias sovereignty over PoK and affects our strategic interests in the Arabian Sea with Chinese naval presence, read the booklet.

The booklet was circulated to media persons at a press conference that All India Congress Committee (AICC) general secretary (in charge UP) Ghulam Nabi Azad addressed in the presence of UPCC president Raj Babbar at the party headquarters here.

Azad targeted the Modi government for failing to keep promises made to people and misleading the people by inaugurating projects initiated during the tenure of UPA government.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi did not keep the promises he made to the people. All the projects the NDA government leaders have been inaugurating were initiated by the UPA government. Modi government has not taken any initiative. It has been only reacting to actions, said Azad.

He said the BJP government was spending thousands of crores on highlighting achievements to the people. As an opposition, the Congress was telling the people the BJP governments claims of achievements were hollow, said Azad.

Azad read out Modis statement during the 2014 Lok Sabha poll campaign and said instead of acting on his pre-poll promises Modi invited Pakistan Prime Minister for his swearing in ceremony. No other Indian leader, including BJP stalwart Atal Bihari Vajpayee, gave such an honour to a Pakistani Prime Minister, he said.

Azad also targeted Modi for his Pakistan and China policies and said the NDA government was only reacting to their actions.

He quoted instances of beheading of Indian soldiers by Pakistan and said Modi had made beheading of soldiers a big issue during his poll campaign.

Modi, however, failed to do anything after assuming power, he said.

Out of 172 terror attacks in the last three years, 12 major attacks have been made in the past 21 months, he said.

Azad said the government had compromised Indias defence preparedness as Indian Air Forces fighter fleet had fallen to a record low. He said the defence budget had been drastically reduced by the government.

To make his point, Azad presented statistical data about the demands of the armed forces being drastically reduced and the allocated amount remaining unspent.
A month after caste violence rocked Shabbirpur village in Uttar Pradeshs Saharanpur district, police on Sunday arrested the village pradhan for his alleged involvement in the clashes in which Thakurs have been accused of targeting Dalits.

Three young men -- Raju, Lukka and Sonu -- of Ambhetta Chand village were also arrested for their alleged involvement in the attacks on Dalits after a rally of BSP chief Mayawati in Shabbirpur village on May 23.

The arrests came in the background of Dalits alleging that the administration as favouring the Thakur men who were involved in the violence.

Saharanpurs senior superintendent of police (SSP) Bablu Kumar said that pradhan Shiv Kumar was named in the violence of May 5 which broke out in the village over the Thakur community taking out a procession in honour of Maharana Pratap.

One Rajput youth Sumit Rana died in the clashes and in retaliation Thakurs torched more than 50 houses of Ddalits in the village. Many others were injured in brick-batting.

Shiv Kumars 23 year-old-son also sustained multiple injuries and had to undergo four surgeries. The pradhans brother was arrested by police on the night of May 5 but Shiv Kumar escaped. He was arrested from Badagaon area on Sunday morning.

On May 23, a group of unidentified miscreants attacked a group of people returning to their houses after attending Mayawatis meeting. Ashish of Suankhwri village died in the attack and eight others were injured.

The SSP claimed that three arrested men have revealed the names of those who ambushed and killed Ashish. Bablu Kumar said they had also named 15 other people involved in the May 23 violence.

Police also have also identified more than 10 men of Shabbirpur and Ambhetta Chand villages who were sent to the jail for no fault.

We have been working to ensure their release from the jail so that their future would not be spoiled, said Kumar, who claimed that their families had been informed that their cases would be withdrawn soon.

They were arrested in the aftermath of the violence on May 5 and May 23.
The Mumbai crime branch on Sunday arrested a 29-year-old man in connection with a government posting scam. The police have arrested five people.

The man was identified as Kamlesh Kanade. He was in touch with Vidyasagar Hirmukhe, deputy secretary and general manager in Mahanand Dairy.

Kanade was produced in the court and remanded in police custody till June 7. He lives in central Mumbai.

On Wednesday, the Mumbai crime branch arrested Hirmukhe, 47. Others arrested are Vishal Ombale, 40, Kishor Mali, 38 and Ravindra Singh Yadav from a five star hotel in Vile Parle (east). Yadav is from Delhi and said during questioning that he was in the real estate business.

A senior IPS officer said Mali was the mastermind of the scam. On learning that Chavan wanted to be posted in Navi Mumbai, he had approached him a couple of weeks ago. Mali called Chavan two days before the incident and told him that the boss has come from Delhi and was staying in a hotel near the Mumbai domestic airport. He could arrange for a meeting, said the IPS official. The meeting was fixed for Wednesday evening.

During a phone conversation, Chavan suspected something was amiss, so he alerted a senior officer of the crime branch. To verify the information, a police team set a trap at the hotel, added the officer. Yadav has used the names of several ministers of Delhi to show his clout.
The police are yet to file a case against the women who allegedly sent security agencies in Mumbai and Pune on a wild goose by raising a false terror alert.

An officer from Bhoiwada police station said, The GRP stated that the purse [containing fake info] was found in our jurisdiction, which isnt true. It was near the reservation counter under GRPs jurisdiction. We havent registered any case.

The GRP officials stated that they too have not registered any case.

The Pune Anti-Terrorism Squad (ATS), the Dadar Government Railway Police (GRP) and the Bhoiwada police, Parel, were on tenterhooks on Friday.

The woman had handed over the police a piece paper referring to terror strikes being planned across Mumbai and Pune. Later, investigations revealed that she made it up to get even with her paramour. The woman had given a purse containing the fake information to a couple of RPF constables. The paper had mention of a Pakistan-based outfit planning blasts, which were to be executed by a Pune resident  the womans paramour.

During questioning, the man told the Pune ATS officers that he was in a relationship with the woman for the past four years. Based on his version, the officers reached Dadar and detained the woman for questioning. It was here that she confessed to framing the man because she wanted to teach him a lesson for quarrelling with her frequently.

Both of them are from Ratnagiri and know each other since their college days. However, the two had been bickering for the past 15 days after their relationship turned sour,  said a police officer.

The police said that the man is married and has children, while the woman is single.

She told us that the man was having multiple affairs and cheating on her. She even alleged that he had a dominating nature, the officer added.

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An auto-rickshaw driver was felicitated on Saturday by the Govandi police for returning a bag  containing a laptop and bank keys  he found in his auto on Friday afternoon. Ashutosh Shukla, a Ghatkopar resident, approached the police while they were searching for him after Jagannath Ramnan, a senior bank official in Nerul, registered a police complaint about his missing bag.

Police officers said Ramnan hired a rickshaw from Andheri around 3pm for Punjabwadi in Govandi on Friday and forgot his bag in the auto. Upon realising it, he approached the Govandi police. After scrutinising CCTV footages, the police managed to secure registration details of the auto Ramnan had taken.

Surprisingly, a day after Ramnan forgot his bag in an auto, its driver came to us and returned it. Ramnan was contacted and asked to visit the police station to identify the bag, said an officer.

Meanwhile, Deputy commissioner of police (zone 6) Shahji Umap felicitated Shukla for his honesty.

Recent case

The Matunga police successfully traced the owner of an unclaimed bag containing cash and jewellery worth Rs6.60 lakh last Wednesday. It was found by two police constables outside Dadar railway station. The owner was traced through a visiting card of a marriage hall, which the police found in the bag.

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The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) claimed it gave Mumbaiites a flood-free monsoon last year and said it would again achieve that feat this year.

In a press note, the civic body said chronic flooding spots like Hindmata, Milan subway, Nana chowk, Kings Circle and Sion Road number 24 did not witness intense water logging in 2016 despite heavy rains as compared to 2015.

In 2015, the city came to a standstill after heavy rains clogged roads and railways for two days on June 19 and 20. Despite city receiving 61% more rainfall as compared to 2015, there were no major incidents of water logging. BMC is taking all steps to ensure that this year also is the same, the note read.

The civic body is currently racing to finish repairs on 8.6 km of roads by June 7. It is also lagging behind in desilting of the Mithi rivers western stretch which is also expected to be completed in the next 2-3 days. In his monthly meeting held on Saturday, municipal commissioner Ajoy Mehta asked officials to take precautions to ensure that citizens do not face difficulties in the rainy season. BMC has also announced that 2,500 civic workers will be appointed at various places across wards to prevent flooding.

In its array of steps to ensure that the city is rain ready, the civic body will inaugurate the much-delayed Guzderband pumping station in Khar on June 9. This is one of the eight pumping stations planned under the Brihanmumbai storm water drains project (Brimstowad) after heavy rains shattered the city in 2005. The BMC was planning to inaugurate the Guzderband station, aimed to reduce inundation in the western suburbs, in the month of May itself.

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The Uttar Pradesh special task force (STF) on Sunday arrested two more people in the Ankit Chauhan murder case. One of them had roped in the three men who had intercepted Chauhan and his friend in April 2015 in a bid to loot their Fortuner SUV. Chauhan was shot dead in the incident.

More than two years after the incident, a joint team of STF and Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) claimed to have cracked the case with the arrest of techie Shashank Jadaun and Manoj Kumar on June 2. Another accomplice allegedly involved in the murder was Pankaj, a Ghaziabad resident, who died of multiple organ failure five months ago.

Read more: STF scanned over 800 Honda cars to solve two-year-old Noida murder case

Tracking the others involved in the case, an STF team on Sunday arrested Satpal alias Satte and his accomplice Pawan Sharma who are also allegedly involved in other such crimes. STF officials said Satte was in touch with Pankaj and had ordered him to steal a Fortuner to settle a previous debt.

It was to settle the debt that the three went looking for a SUV and cornered Chauhan in Sector 76, Noida. Chauhan was shot dead by Jadaun, said Rajiv Narayan Mishra, additional superintendent of police, STF.

Satte and another man, Anit alias Tota, also confessed to killing a retired Delhi Police

sub inspector (SI) at Vijay Nagar in Ghaziabad. It was Pankaj who had ordered the hit as he had a previous rivalry with the retired SI. The SIs two sons were murdered several years ago and

he was pursuing their cases, he added.

Jwala Prasad, the retired SI, was murdered in February 2015 at Ghaziabad. His two sons, Jyoti and Rajeev, were killed eight years before that.

STF officials said Satte and his accomplice Sharma are linked to the Anil Dujana gang and also involved in smuggling liquor from Haryana.

They snatched cars and SUVs and provided them to criminal gangs and liquor mafias. Satte has 10 cases of serious crimes against him in Ghaziabad, Gautam Budh Nagar and Bulandshahr. His accomplice Sharma has four cases of attempt to murder and Arms Act against him in Gautam Budh Nagar, Mishra said.

During initial questioning, Satte told the police that he came in touch with Pankaj when they worked together with a private bank for loan recovery of financed cars. Later, they got involved in carjacking and came in contact with the Anil Dujana gang. The police also recovered two pistols and several live cartridges from the two. A Polo and Santro, suspected to be stolen, were also recovered from them.

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The district drug department on Sunday seized 12 units of blood allegedly collected during a blood donation camp organised by two blood banks in Ghaziabad without permission.

Officials of the drug department said that the two licensed blood banks, one based in Vasundhara and the other in Nehru Nagar, held a blood donation camp at Sector 23 in Raj Nagar. Information about the same was passed to the department by some local residents.

When we reached the camp, we found that 12 units of blood had already been collected from the donors. There was no permission sought for the camp from our department. We have seized the 12 units and sent them to the district hospital, said Vineet Kumar, drug inspector.

Officials said they have also served a notice to the two blood banks for holding the camp without permission. We have sought their replies to the notice. Further action will be taken by the department headquarters in Lucknow. The reply from the two blood banks is awaited, Kumar said.

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The team of the Uttar Pradesh special task force (STF) probing the Jewar robbery, murder and alleged gang-rape case, has focused its search on Bawariya and Mewati gangs.

According to police sources, apart from the modus operandi, the assailants description and language, as given by the victims, hints at the involvement of gangs from these regions.

Officials said such gangs operate in Moradabad region of UP and in neighbouring Haryana. Teams of civil police and STF have scanned a number of local suspects and are now looking at nomadic gangs who have been involved in robbery incidents during which they have murdered or raped their victims, they added.

Two such gang members were investigated, but they were not found to be involved in the Jewar incident. We have come to know that three of the gang members involved in the Jewar case were lean and thin while two had a protruding belly. There have been previous instances of robberies in the area. Our teams are working on leads that hint at the involvement of outsiders and nomadic gangs, said an official from UP-STF.

The investigators are also working on leads based on the language the robbers used during the incident.

One of the men who was robbed said the robbers spoke in a language similar to the one spoken locally, but their accent was entirely different. The victims, however, couldnt understand the words they used to call each other, the man added.

When we were taken hostage, I was surrounded by two people. I can identify them. Their way of dressing was completely different and they had a stubble, said the victim.

He added that they realised the robbers were not locals when they shot dead the 38-year-old man in their group who tried to resist.

They were also wearing some sort of an ornament around their necks. Some of them were tall and lean, he added.

Officials have also taken four people on police remand who were nabbed at Farrukhabad in connection with a similar robbery and rape incident at a brick kiln under Rabupura police station area.

That incident took place on the intervening night of November 1 and 2, adjacent to the Yamuna Expressway.

The four accused are on a two-day remand. They belong to a nomadic tribe and keep wandering in Haryana, UP, Rajasthan and Delhi. They dont have a fixed place to stay. Wherever they stop, they carry out similar robberies and are also known to rape women, said Rajveer Singh Chauhan, station officer (SHO), Rabupura.

We are questioning them about the Rabupura case. Their identification parade before the victims will be done later under a different legal process, Chauhan added.

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In the largest job fair being held in Delhi-NCR after a long time, Dr Abdul Kalam Technical University (AKTU) will be inviting 65 major companies to its Noida campus on June 9.

More than 9,000 former and present students of AKTU affiliated colleges are going to attend the two-day job fair which will offer hundreds of jobs in the field of engineering, computer science and business management.

The Mega Job Fair will be organised on June 9 and June 10 from 9am at the Noida centre of the university in C-22, Sector 62, Noida.

All final-year students and former students of AKTU affiliated colleges from all BTech branches, Masters in Computer Application and Masters in Business Administration are invited to the fair. Until now, 2,000 students have already registered, Dr Sanjeev Sharma, advisor, Noida centre, AKTU.

Around 900 colleges are affiliated with AKTU across the state and 168 such colleges are located in Greater Noida and Ghaziabad.

Major companies such as HCL, Amazon, Omax, India Mart, NIIT, Just Dial and Tata Project are some of the renowned names in the 65 companies list, AKTU officials said.

Until now, 50 companies have given their confirmation. We are trying to ensure that by June 9, all 65 companies are present, Sharma said.

For registration, applicants will have to fill a form on the universitys website https://aktu.ac.in/.

Applicants will be given three slots to choose from. An applicant can choose a maximum of three companies from any of the slots according to his/her priority. Then they will have to fill their basic details, including educational qualifications, Sharma said.

Regarding the salary package, the university administration said all efforts are being made to ensure that students from both rural and urban background are benefitted.

The minimum package we have kept is Rs 1.2 lakh per annum, keeping in mind students who come from the rural belt. The highest package is Rs 5.6 lakh. Usually, we see that students get a Rs 3.4 lakh package, which is decent, Sharma said.

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In yet another blow to medical aspirants in the region, the Centre has barred Pathankot-based Chintpurni Medical College from conducting admissions for two years.

The institute, which has already been put on a show-cause notice by the Punjab government and fears withdrawal of all permissions granted to establish it in 2011, has 150 MBBS seats. The move comes soon after Punjab lost 100 MBBS seats with the closure of Banur-based Gian Sagar Medical College.

In a letter issued to the college management, the Union ministry of health and family welfare has stated that it had given conditional recognition to the college last year on the ground that it will improve its deficiencies, which it failed to accomplish. The Pathankot institute is among 32 private medical colleges that have been barred from admitting students for 2017-18 and 2018-19 sessions, while overruling a Supreme Court panel that had cleared their allegedly substandard facilities. the ministry has, however, allowed the existing students to continue studying at these institutes.

Counselling for shifting Gian Sagar students from June 12 Baba Farid University of Health Sciences has released the counselling schedule to shift students of Gian Sagar Medical College, Banur, to other institutes in Punjab. It will be held at the varsitys Guru Gobind Singh Medical College in Faridkot. Counselling for MBBS and MD/MS students will be held on June 12 and June 13, followed by that for the dental wing on June 14 and 15. Counselling for remaining wings will be held between June 16 and 19. The Punjab and Haryana high court on Friday gave three weeks to the Punjab government to shift the 1,500 students of the college. The college has been in a financial mess for months now, and classes remain suspended since February when unpaid staff went on strike.

In light of the ministrys May 31 letter and the notice issued by the state government, the revival of the college looks extremely difficult.

Punjab secretary, medical education, Vikas Partap said the government is concerned about students being provided proven deficient infrastructure. He said the department has summoned the college management on June 7 to comply with the state governments show-cause notice.

The next course of action on the fate of students will be decided at the competent level, he said.

PARENTS DEMAND SHIFTING OF STUDENTS

Chintpurni Medical College currently has a strength of 300 students. Of these, 150 students enrolled in the 2014-15 session are already fighting a legal battle in the Punjab and Haryana high court, demanding that they be shifted to another medical college. Another batch was admitted last year (2016-17), whose fate is also uncertain now.

Sushil Garg, a Bathinda-based parent, said the states medical education department has played a proactive role in shifting the students of Gian Sagar college in order to protect their careers. Our wards should also be shifted from a college that has no clinical infrastructure and faculty. In such a scenario, who will trust them with the precious lives of patients? he questioned.

SHUTTING COLLEGE NOT A SOLUTION: CHAIRMAN

College chairman Swaran Salaria, who is also a Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader, said closing down the college was not a solution .

I fully intend to run this institute and will approach the Union health ministry to sort out the matter and start new batches in the next session, he said.

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Chandigarh may have the reputation of being a clean and green city, but its garbage collection system has been raising quite a stink for several years now. Its dismal state was also reflected in the Swachh Survekshan Survey 2017 in which the city slipped from second position last year to 11th in terms of cleanliness. In the sub-category (solid waste collection and transportation), the city scored 348 marks out of 400, while Imphal, notorious for its heaps of garbage, scored the highest 360 marks.

The UT MC is grappling with garbage collection and disposal due to shortage of both manpower and equipment as well as a malfunctioning garbage processing plant. Though the issue has been raised and debated several times in house meeting over the past five years, garbage continues to be dumped along roads and streets.

IN A DUMP

The city, which generates 450 tonnes of garbage a day, has only one garbage processing plant, which too isnt working to its optimal capacity. In the last two months, the Jaypee plant has processed only 700 tonnes of the 3,400 tonnes of garbage it received. The rest 2,700 tonnes of waste was thrown in the nearby dump, much to the chagrin of residents living in surrounding areas.

Although 450 tonnes of garbage is not much, the MC fails to lift it all, exposing its inefficient garbage collection system. Despite being aware of the situation the civic body has failed to find any solution. The MC joint commissioner, Manoj Khatri, admits that they are simply throwing garbage in the dump, resulting in fires . We raised the issue before the National Green Tribunal, following which it directed the plant to accept all garbage or face action, but to no avail, he said.

STENCH AND DISEASE

Councillor Rajesh Kalia, who is a resident of Dadumajra, rages at the MC for sitting pretty on the matter. It is shameful that the MC it is not taking any action against the plant authorities. I will send a representation to MC officials and if no action is taken we will hold a massive protest, he fumed.

Narinder Chaudhary, president of Dalit Chetna Manch, Dadumajra, says he fails to understand how MC can be so insensitive towards the area. The plant workers throw 100 tonnes of garbage in the dump every day without processing it. Residents of our area complain of stink and are suffering from skin diseases, but nothing is being done. In 2012, the MC had started a pilot project of door-to-door garbage collection in Sector 22, following the directions of the Punjab and Haryana HC, but it was scrapped on May 7 after a protest by the private garbage collectors.

Garbage at Sector 45, Chandigarh. (Keshav Singh/HT)

NORTH-SOUTH BIAS

Even though officers of UT administration make a strong pitch for bridging the north-south divide in Chandigarh, the northern sectors in the city continue to be privileged as far as sanitation is concerned. A look at the complaints received by the MC helpline number 155304, in the past one year (January 1, 2016 to May 27, 2017) reveals that 90% of the complaints about sanitation come from south of the Madhya Marg.

FROM FINE TO BINS, MC TALKS ACTION

Smarting at its poor ranking in the Swachh Survekshan Survey 2017, the MC has given the green signal to a series of steps to make the city cleaner. For one, it has decided to enforce garbage segregation at source by distributing 2.5 lakh bins with a capacity of 12 litres each free of cost to all the residents of the city, starting from World Environment Day on June 5.

The bins will be of two colours, blue and green. While green bins are meant for green waste i.e. biodegradable garbage, the blue ones are for non-biodegradable waste. One lakh bins will be distributed on June 5, and the remaining 1.5 lakh bins by June 15.

Recovery charges for littering: For the first time, the MC has decided to impose recovery charges of Rs 5,000 on residential and Rs 10,000 on commercial establishments for littering garbage in the city.

MC commissioner B Purushartha said, These fines will be included in sanitation bylaws and will be approved in the next meeting of MC house after which we will start implementation. The amount will not be considered as fine but will be termed as recovery charge for the additional labour and machinery required to clear the garbage. Rag-pickers for segregation: Taking a cue from the Pune and Mumbai Municipal Corporation, the councillors have decided to involve ragpickers to segregate the garbage.

It also proposes to have a uniform rate for garbage collection across the city to ensure proper collection and disposal of the waste. As of now, there are people who do not pay for garbage disposal and dump it on the sly.

Part 1 of 7, Tomorrow: The toilet trouble

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It was a day of missed opportunity at the Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education and Research (PGIMER).

On Saturday, the regions premier health care institute could well have performed its first-ever lung transplant had it not been for the absence of a surgeon trained for the job.

And this happened even as the department of pulmonary medicine, and that too for the first time, started retrieving lungs from a brain-dead man on Saturday after his family had consented to donate his organs.

Sham Kumar (40) from Himachal Pradesh (HP) met with an accident on May 31 and was admitted to PGIMER the next day. He was declared brain-dead on Saturday.

Of the two trained surgeons the institute has for lung transplantation, one is on leave. Both have to perform the transplant as a team. The Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education and Research had recently procured lung preservatives as well.

Organs taken to Mumbai

The lungs and heart of the patient were taken to a private hospital in Mumbai. Lung transplantation is usually performed when a patient suffering with end-stage lung disease fails to respond to all medical treatment.

A team from Fortis Hospital, Mumbai, flew to the city for retrieving organs to assist the department surgeons to retrieve the organs.

Lungs and heart were shared with Fortis, Mumbai and other organs including kidneys, liver and cornea will be transplanted on patients undergoing treatment at PGIMER only, said a PGIMER official.

Planning transplant since 2013

The institute has been planning to conduct lung transplant since 2013.

As many as 93 cadaveric donations have taken place since then but not a single lung transplant.

These things take time. Surgeons need to be trained and lung preservation solutions are required. We are examining patients and there is a waiting list of lung recipients, said a senior doctor from the department.

When asked whether the department has any trained surgeons, the doctor said, We have two trained surgeons, but one of them is on leave and that is why we couldnt perform the surgery.

Lungs were retrieved three-four months ago but not for transplant.

Another senior doctor from the department said, We are yet to streamline lung transplant protocols. We will start transplants soon.

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Disney has released first teaser for the upcoming Thats So Raven spin-off ahead of its July 21 premiere.

The clip gives a sneak peek of life at Ravens Home, revolving around 11-year-old Booker who shares his mothers psychic ability, reported Ace Showbiz.

Issac Ryan Brown plays the young boy and Navia Robinson stars as his twin sister Nia.

Raven-Symone is back as Raven who is the mother of the two kids. She raises them under the same roof as her friend and fellow single mother Chelsea.

Anneliese van der Pol reprises her role as Chelsea. Another star from the original show, Jonathan McDaniel, is also back as Devon Carter.

Raven-Symone, Annelise Van Der Pol in Thats So Raven.

He was Ravens longtime crush who later became her boyfriend. Hes now the father of her two children.

Follow @htshowbiz for more
A 21-year-old British man dubbed Jihadi Jack has been captured by Kurdish fighters in Syria where he was accused of joining the Islamic State terror group, media reports said on Sunday.

Jack Letts, who emerged as the first from the UK to join ISIS in Syria, told the London-based television network Al- Araby that he was living in a prison controlled by the Kurds.

I want to see my mum and explain to her some things, he said.

Letts, a former Cherwell School student from the city of Oxford who converted to Islam as a teenager, reportedly said that he had no idea what would happen to him.

He said it is the future that no one knows except god.

Letts parents John Letts, 55, and Sally Lane, 54, are awaiting trial on terrorism related offences after being accused of sending hundreds of pounds to their son over a five-month period between 2015 and 2016. They are due to stand trial later in the year.

They told the Oxford Mail that they were immensely relieved to discover he was alive.

Earlier this year, Letts labelled former prime minister David Cameron an evil creature and warned that the UK will be targeted by the militants as long as it keeps bombing Muslims in Syria.

Police began investigating Letts as a suspected member of the Islamic State terror group (also known as ISIS or ISIL) in March 2015. He was understood to have left the UK and travelled to Syria in 2014  with some reports claiming he had joined the ISIS.

The British citizen reportedly adopted the name Abu Mohammed and married an Iraqi woman with whom he has a son, Muhammed.

During his stay in Syria, he posted photographs of himself holding weapons, claiming that he narrowly survived a drone strike.
British Prime Minister Theresa May along with her husband Philip has paid a visit to the Swaminarayan Mandir in north-west London, the largest Hindu temple outside India, days ahead of the UK general election to be held on June 8.

May, 60, visited the temple in Neasden and offered flower petals at the central shrine of Bhagwan Swaminarayan yesterday, a temple spokesperson said.

After meeting young and old volunteers of BAPS Swaminarayan Sanstha, she also met with leaders of other Hindu organisations, the spokesperson said.

In a 20-minute speech, May told around 2,000 worshippers to help her make Britain the worlds great meritocracy.

I say to all British Hindus and Indians, come with me as we make Britain the worlds great meritocracy. Come with me as we build a truly global Britain, and help me build those vital links with India. Come with me as we build a stronger, fairer and more prosperous vision for us all, she said.

May also praised UK-Indians for being inspiring role models across all walks of life and said their achievements were built on the very best of British and Indian values.

May was accompanied by her husband Philip and both removed their shoes before entering the temple, the spokesperson said, adding that she was presented with a traditional memento before her departure.

May visited the temple for the second time yesterday. In March 2013, she was guest of honour and keynote speaker to mark International Womens Day.

The visit came during Mays last weekend campaigning as the UK gears up to vote in the snap general election she called earlier this year on June 8.
President Donald Trump does believe the world climate is changing and humans bear some responsibility, US Ambassador to the United Nations Nikki Haley said in an interview on Saturday.

Amid furious worldwide criticism of Trumps decision Thursday to quit the Paris climate agreement, White House spokesmen had refused on Friday to say whether the president even believed the climate was changing. He said frequently during last years election campaign that climate change was a hoax.

But Haley, in an interview with CNN to be aired fully on Sunday, did not hedge.

President Trump believes the climate is changing and that humans have a role in it, @nikkihaley tells @jaketapper https://t.co/tGux700o39 pic.twitter.com/1GllnVaSUc  CNN (@CNN) June 3, 2017

President Trump believes the climate is changing and he believes pollutants are part of the equation, she said.

He knows that its changing and that the US has to be responsible for it and thats what were going to do, she said.

Haley said the terms of the international agreement curbing global emissions -- signed by every country but Nicaragua and Syria -- were too onerous and placed American companies at a disadvantage.

Trumps decision has left the United States virtually isolated on the world stage, and his insistence that he will seek to renegotiate the international accord has done little to ease a wave of bitter condemnation.

Against that backdrop, a string of administration officials went on the offensive Friday to justify the Republican presidents decision to abandon the 195-nation Paris deal.

Trumps top climate adviser Scott Pruitt was indignant: The world applauded when we joined Paris. And you know why? I think they applauded because they knew it would put this country at a disadvantage.

Trump himself ignored a question about climate change when asked by journalists during an unrelated event Friday, although he did joke that Thursdays decision had proven controversial.

White House press secretary Sean Spicer also refused to answer repeated questions on the subject.
The bodies of dozens of civilians killed in the past two days while fleeing an Islamic State-held neighbourhood in Mosul lay on Saturday in a street close to the frontline with Iraqi armed forces, a Reuters TV crew reported.

The dead included men, women and children. Bags in which they had carried their belongings were strewn around the road leading out of the Zanjili district, one of three still in the hands of Islamic State in Mosul.

Over the past two days ISIS has been shooting people escaping this area, said Dave Eubank from the Free Burma Rangers relief association, referring to Islamic State, speaking from a building overlooking the frontline in Zanjili.

I saw over 50 dead bodies yesterday, we worked with the Americans to get smoke and an Iraqi tank, and followed behind them and we rescued one little girl and one man, he told Reuters. But there are still more.

Hundreds of others managed to reach the government lines, some wounded and some carrying apparently dead bodies in blankets, crying and shouting. A man carried an unconscious child.

From a building close to the spot where the civilians were killed, a man could be seen hiding behind a wall, trying to find a way out with the help of an Iraqi soldier who came to the rescue.

A young man said he was wounded in the hand a few days ago when an aistrike hit a group of civilians collecting water because an Islamic State fighter was hiding among them.

We were a group of 200-250 civilians, a Daesh came in amongst us and the aviator hit us, we were all hurt but he (the militant) escaped, he said.

Iraqi government forces retook eastern Mosul in January and began a new push on May 27 to capture the remaining Islamic State-held enclave in the western side of the city, where about 200,000 people are trapped in harrowing conditions.

The Mosul offensive started in October with air and ground support from a U.S.-led international coalition. It has taken much longer than expected.

The fall of Mosul would, in effect, mark the end of the Iraqi half of the caliphate declared in 2014 over parts of Iraq and Syria by Islamic State leader Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi.

About 700,000 people, about a third of the pre-war population of Mosul, have already fled, seeking refuge either with friends and relatives or in camps.

In Syria, Kurdish forces backed by U.S.-air strikes are besieging Islamic State forces in the city of Raqqa, the militants de facto capital in that country.
An Afghan man killed a 5-year-old Russian boy in a home for asylum seekers near Regensburg in southern Germany on Saturday and was then shot dead by police, said German police, who confirmed earlier news media reports.

The 41-year-old Afghan also severely injured the boys mother before police shot him at the home, where he died of his wounds, online magazine Focus Online reported, adding that the boys brother, age 6, was being treated for shock after the attack.

The motive for the attack was not immediately clear.

Chancellor Angela Merkel, who will seek a fourth term as chancellor in a national election in September, has come under fire for allowing more than one million refugees to enter Germany over the past two years.
There are about 1,200 Islamic State (IS) group operatives in the Philippines, including foreigners of whom 40 are from Indonesia, the Indonesian defence minister told an international security forum Sunday.

Speaking in Singapore amid a bloody standoff between Philippine troops and militants fighting under the IS flag in Marawi city, Defence Minister Ryamizard Ryacudu called the militants killing machines and urged full-scale regional cooperation against them.

I was advised last night, 1,200 ISIS in the Philippines, around 40 from Indonesia, Ryacudu told the Shangri-La Dialogue, using another name for the IS group.

The threat of heightened terrorism, including the impending return of hundreds of Southeast Asian fighters who fought with IS in Syria and Iraq, has been a hot-button issue at the three-day Singapore summit also attended by US Defense Secretary Jim Mattis.

Hundreds of Islamist gunmen rampaged through Marawi, a largely Muslim city of 200,000 in the south of the mainly Catholic Philippines, on May 23 after government forces attempted to arrest their leader, Isnilon Hapilon.

Up to 50 gunmen are still controlling the city centre nearly two weeks after the start of fighting that has killed 177 people including 120 militants.

How can we tackle these foreign fighters? We have to be comprehensive, said Ryacudu, a retired general.

We have to find... complete ways but we must exercise caution, they are killing machines. Their aim is to kill other people so thats why its our responsibility that we have common understanding, consensus and common proceedings on how to fight these foreign fighters.

Philippine Defense Undersecretary Ricardo David, speaking at the same forum, said the 1,200 figure for total IS fighters in the Philippines mentioned by Indonesia was new to him.

I really dont know, my figure is about 250-400, a lot less, he told reporters.

But David said there were 40 foreign IS fighters among those who seized parts of Marawi, eight of whom have been killed by government forces.

Earlier, Philippine officials said the slain foreign fighters were from Malaysia, Indonesia, Yemen, Saudi Arabia and Chechnya.

Our intelligence estimates that there are about 40 foreigners that fought in the Marawi incident, David said.

The Philippine official added that the foreign fighters used back channels in the Sulu and Celebes Seas near the borders of the Philippines, Indonesia and Malaysia to enter the southern island of Mindanao and link up with local terror groups.

Thats why they were able to muster the operations in the area of Marawi, David said.
MASON CITY | Five Mason City-area residents were arrested on felony drug charges and police are seeking four more after a series of months-long investigations.

According to court documents, one of the arrestees, Cole Pearce, 25, of Mason City, was caught growing hallucinogenic mushrooms under his bed. Another, Bradley Anthony, 45, of Mason City, allegedly had 26 pounds of marijuana.

Cerro Gordo County sheriff's deputies say others had methamphetamine, cocaine or prescription pills.

The department announced the arrests Friday morning.

In addition to the felony arrests, several were jailed on misdemeanor charges.

The following people were arrested Thursday on felony charges, according to the Cerro Gordo County Sheriff's Office:

 Bradley Charles Anthony, 45,  Six felony counts of possession of methamphetamine with intent, felony possession of marijuana with intent and misdemeanor possession of cocaine, psilocybin mushrooms and drug paraphernalia.

 Jolene Kay Anthony, 45,  Six felony counts possession of meth with intent to deliver, felony possession of marijuana with intent to deliver and misdemeanor possession of cocaine, psilocybin mushrooms, marijuana and drug paraphernalia.

 Cole Arthur Pearce, 25, Mason City  Three felony counts of manufacturing psilocybin mushroom and misdemeanor possession of marijuana and drug paraphernalia.

 Eric Dean Johnson, 32, Mason City  Four felony counts of possession of meth with intent to deliver, felony failure to affix a drug tax stamp and misdemeanor possession of marijuana and drug paraphernalia.

* Brandi Jean Awe, 38, Mason City Felony possession of meth with intent to deliver.

Six others were arrested for misdemeanors.

Sheriff's deputies are still seeking the following individuals on felony charges:

 Michael Duane Lee, 50, Mason City  Three felony counts of possession of meth with intent to deliver, felony failure to affix a drug tax stamp and misdemeanor possession of drug paraphernalia.

 Todd Kenneth Regan, 50, of rural Worth County  Two felony counts of possession of marijuana with intent to deliver and felony failure to affix a drug tax stamp.

 Riley Gene Steven Willis, 20, of Pueblo West, Colorado  Two felony counts of possession of marijuana with intent to deliver and felony failure to affix a drug tax stamp.

 Lucas Richard Rutta, 34, Mason City  Four counts of possession of meth with intent to deliver, two misdemeanor counts of marijuana possession and one misdemeanor count of possession of amphetamine.

Clear Lake police, Franklin County sheriff's deputies, agents from the Iowa Division of Narcotics Enforcement, Mason City police, Worth County sheriff's deputies and the North Central Iowa Narcotics Task Force assisted with the operation.

Anyone with information about the location of people with outstanding charges can call the Cerro Gordo County Sheriff's Office at 641-421-300 or Crime Stoppers at 800-383-0088.
British police arrested a dozen people Sunday in a widening terrorism investigation after attackers used a van and large knives to kill seven people in London, and the countys major political parties temporarily suspended campaigning with only days to go before the general election.

Prime Minister Theresa May said the vote would take place as scheduled Thursday because violence can never be allowed to disrupt the democratic process.

The assault unfolded over a few terrifying minutes late Saturday, starting when a rented van veered off the road and barreled into pedestrians on busy London Bridge. Three men then got out of the vehicle with large knives and attacked people at bars and restaurants in nearby Borough Market until they were fatally shot by police.

They went This is for Allah, and they had a woman on the floor. They were stabbing her, witness Gerard Vowls said.

Florin Morariu, a Romanian chef who works in the Bread Ahead bakery, said he saw people running and some fainting. Then two people approached another person and began to stick the knife in ... and then I froze and I didnt know what to do.

He said he managed to get near one attacker and hit him around the head with a bread basket.

There was a car with a loudspeaker saying go, go and they (police) threw a grenade. ... and then I ran, he said.

London police said officers killed the attackers within eight minutes of arriving at the scene. Eight officers fired some 50 rounds, said assistant commissioner Mark Rowley, the forces head of counterterrorism.

The three attackers were wearing what appeared to be suicide belts, but the belts turned out to be fake. Investigators were working to determine whether others assisted them, Rowley said.

A bystander was also wounded by the gunfire, but the civilians injuries were not believed to be critical.

Forty-eight people, including two police officers, were treated at hospitals across London. Twenty-one remained in critical condition Sunday. Among the wounded were German, French and Spanish citizens, officials said.

The death toll of seven did not include the three attackers. Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said a Canadian was among the dead.

Counterterrorism officers raided several addresses in Barking, an east London suburb, and arrested 12 people there Sunday, police said.

Neighbors at the site of one raid in Barking said a man who lived there resembled one of the attackers shown in news photographs.

Hes lived here for about three years, Damien Pettit said. Hes one of our neighbors. Ive said hello in passing more than 50, 60 occasions. He has two young kids. He was a very nice guy.

Armed officers also conducted a raid in the East Ham area of the city.

The rampage was the third major attack in Britain in the past three months, including a similar vehicle and knife attack on Westminster Bridge in March that left five people dead.

On May 22, a suicide bomber killed 22 people and injured dozens at an Ariana Grande concert in Manchester, in northwest England. Grande and other stars are scheduled to perform a benefit concert for victims under tight security Sunday night in Manchester.

The Islamic State group claimed responsibility for the Manchester bombing, but there was no immediate claim of responsibility for the London attack, which the Prime Minister linked to Islamic extremism.

May said the attacks were not directly connected, but that terrorism breeds terrorism and attackers copy one another. She said five credible plots have been disrupted since March.

It is time to say, enough is enough, she said.

Britains official terrorism threat level was raised from severe to critical after the Manchester attack, meaning an attack may be imminent. Several days later it was lowered again to severe, meaning an attack is highly likely.

Home secretary Amber Rudd said Sunday that the level would remain at severe because police believe there are no perpetrators still on the loose.

A woman arrives holding a single rose to lay at the police corden at the north end of London Bridge in London. (AFP Photo)

A large area on the south bank of the River Thames remained cordoned off Sunday, and police told people to avoid the area. London Bridge and the adjacent train station, as well as nearby Borough subway station, were still closed.

Hours earlier, the area packed with bars and restaurants around the foodie magnet of Borough Market had been a scene of panic, as people barricaded themselves in pubs and restaurants or fled through the streets.

Medics treated the wounded near the market as shocked people cried and shouted around them. Police officers yelled at people to run from the area, and blasts were heard as officers performed a series of controlled explosions.

Renan Marquese, a sous-chef at a tapas restaurant, said he was working when he heard chaotic sounds outside.

When I open the door I see three dead people on the floor, he said. People running everywhere, police shouting to run away.

He said that he helped a man and his partner, even taking the woman into his arms because she was too upset to walk properly. He said it took him 20 minutes to carry her across the bridge, stumbling all the way.

It was really scary, he said.

Amid the violence and fear were stories of compassion and heroism. The British Transport Police said one of their officers, among the first to arrive, took the attackers on armed only with his baton and was seriously wounded. He was later described as being in stable condition with injuries that were not life-threatening.

Witnesses described how passers-by threw chairs and beer glasses at the attackers in an attempt to stop them.

Richard Angell, who was in a restaurant, said he looked out, and opposite theres a guy who is throwing a table at somebody and its very unclear about what is happening and it turns out to be a heroic guy who saw what was happening and just bombarded these terrible cowardly people with stuff.

Vowls also saw people striking back at the attackers, and said he joined in.

They were trying to force their way into a restaurant, he told ITV. People were throwing bottles at them, pint glasses, whatever they could pick up. Then they went on the Wheat Sheaf (pub). ... I went Oi, oi cowards!  something like that to them. And then I started picking up bottles, I threw a chair at them, a stool, glasses  anything I could get my hands on.

A video still image take from footage courtesy of Kaine Pieri shows the white van (right) that was used by the attackers in the London Bridge and Borough Market attacks in London. (AFP Photo)
The area struck by terror on Saturday night  London Bridge and the Borough Market  is popular among Indian tourists who join thousands from other countries and Britons to relax and enjoy the many culinary and other delights it offers.

The Indian high commission said there was no information of any Indian affected by the attack in which Scotland Yard confirmed that seven people were killed and 48 injured. Three assailants were shot dead as armed police neutralised them within eight minutes of the attack.

Sunil Chopra, senior Labour councillor in the London borough of Southwark where the terror attack occurred, told Hindustan Times: I have lived here over 37 years and have never seen such scenes. I am sure it wont stop us from carrying on as normal.

I am sure it wont stop us from carrying on as normal, said Sunil Chopra, senior Labour councillor in the London borough of Southwark where the terror attack occurred.

I have seen ever more Indian tourists coming to London Bridge, Borough market and my borough over the years, relaxing and enjoying. So far there is no information of any Indian affected; the borough has about 2% of people of Indian origin, Chopra, the New Delhi-origin former lord mayor of Southwark, added.

An Indian tourist, who identified himself as Ajay to The Guardian, was on holiday with his wife and two children aged nine and 14. He said his family had abandoned plans to visit Manchester because of the attack on the Ariana Grande concert but were staying at a hotel close to where Saturday nights attack happened.

They were in a pizzeria on Borough High Street on what was supposed to be the last day of their holiday when panic erupted around them.

He told the paper: We were just sitting having a pizza by the window. We saw a lot of police vehicles, we went out to see what was going on and we heard gunshots. At first we thought it was firecrackers, people celebrating the match (the Champions League final) but then we saw people running and ran into our hotel.

The family was supposed to fly back to India on Sunday morning, but was unable to retrieve their luggage from their hotel, which fell within the police cordon thrown after the attack.

Ajay said: We were supposed to go to Manchester then didnt because of the attack there. I cant believe its happened in London, it makes me feel numb. Im from India and youre used to this type of thing but I thought London was the best, safest place for a holiday.

Southwark council leader Peter John said: This was a pointless and horrific attack which has caused real and great harm but will achieve nothing. Our immediate concern is helping those displaced by last nights incidents, and we have set up a rest centre with colleagues from the British Red Cross on hand to offer support and assistance.

"Just one attack of this sort is devastating, but as a city and a country we have suffered far too much in recent months. Southwark is an amazing borough and we are strongest when we stand together, support one another, and choose unity in the face of hatred.

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They kept coming to try to stab me. They were stabbing everyone. Evil, evil people, Gerard Vowls told a newspaper in the aftermath of a terror attack in central London on Saturday night.

Just minutes before terror struck, pubs in the popular Borough market were crammed with revellers enjoying a balmy summer night out in a trendy part of the city, many of them watching the Champions League final on big screens.

And then a van smashed into pedestrians and a stabbing rampage saw more bloodshed on the streets of the British capital. (UPDATES)

Police said seven people died and 20 were injured in the attacks, while police shot dead three suspects. The Metropolitan Police head of counter-terrorism, Mark Rowley, said police believe all of the attackers were killed, but investigations are underway to ensure there are no more.

People enjoying their evening out near the River Thames told of how their night became a nightmare in seconds as they witnessed the attack unfold.

Vowls told The Guardian newspaper that he saw a woman being stabbed by three men at the south end of London Bridge. He said he threw chairs, glasses and bottles at the attackers in a bid to stop them.

They were stabbing everyone. They were running up and going This is for Allah... I want to know if this girl is still alive. Ive been walking around for an hour and a half crying my eyes out. I dont know what to do, he told BBC.

Another witness Eric told the BBC he had seen three men come out of a white van after hitting pedestrians and thought they were going to help.

But instead they started kicking them, punching them and took out knives. It was a rampage really, he said, adding that he also heard a shout of: This is for Allah.

Taxi driver Chris told LBC radio he saw men brandishing long knives emerging from the van.

Three men got out with long blades, 12 inches (30 centimetres) long and went randomly along Borough High Street stabbing people.

The mayhem began just after 10 pm (2100GMT), when police responded to reports of a vehicle hitting pedestrians on London Bridge, which crosses the River Thames in central London. Multiple witnesses reported a vehicle veering off the road and hitting as many as six pedestrians.

Police held people inside bars and restaurants for their own safety as police cars screamed past.

They were later asked to leave with their hands on their heads.

Frightened people were led away as police officers screamed at them to run. Many were in tears, with friends supporting each other along the road.

Roads were closed off and stations evacuated as police shouted at people to flee the scene.

Bartender Alex Martinez said he hid in a garbage bin for a half hour when a man stormed the restaurant where he worked, which was nearly full.

I saw that man with a knife in his hand and after that a man started screaming so I knew something wrong was happening, he said.

Medics treated the injured near the market as shocked people cried and shouted around them. Police officers yelled at people to run from the area.

Simon Thompson told Sky News that he was just outside Borough Market when he saw crowds fleeing.

We ran for like 100 meters and then saw loads of police cars turned up and there was kind of a period of quite intense gunfire, he said. I hid in a restaurant basement for about an hour. ... Police told us to get out and then there was more gunfire.

Another witness, who declined to be named, his white top covered in blood, described a scene of panic in the bar.

They hit the emergency alarm. There was a line of people going down to the emergency exit. And then people started screaming coming back up, the 31-year-old said.

Another witness, who gave his name as Alessandro, also told BBC radio that he saw a van strike several people on London Bridge.

I saw this van going left and right, left and right, trying to catch as many people as he could. And people just tried to get out of the way of the van.

Then I tried to help people, wounded people.

Husband and wife Ben and Natalie told BBC Radio 5 Live they were outside Borough Market when they witnessed the incident there.

Ben said: We saw people running away and then I saw a man in red with a large blade, at a guess 10 inches long, stabbing a man, about three times.

It looked like the man had been trying to intervene, but there wasnt much he could do. He was being stabbed quite coldly and he slumped to the ground.

Ben said the man then walked towards the Southwark Tavern. He said they saw a metal chair being thrown towards the man.

Then we heard three gunshots, definitely gunshots, and we ran.

As thousands of people flooded from the area of the attacks  many unable to get home with nearby subway stations shut  locals were quick to offer assistance.

The Royal Oak pub, near the area of the attacks, opened its doors to people evacuated from hotels. At least one taxi company offered free rides to people stranded in the area. Phaldip Singh, who describes himself as an entrepreneur and youth activist, tweeted that Sikh temples were open to provide food and shelter for those affected.
The Sikh community rallied to extend food, water and shelter to many tourists and others stranded following Saturday nights terror attack in London Bridge and the Borough Market, repeating the communitys widely appreciated help after the May 22 attack in Manchester. (UPDATES)

Names and addresses of gurdwaras in central London and nearby areas were tweeted and shared extensively on social media. Thousands of people could not reach home after nearby tube stations were closed after the attack.

Phaldip Singh, who describes himself as an entrepreneur and youth activist, tweeted that the Sikh temples were open to provide food and shelter for those affected.

These are the gurdwara in near the incidents if anyone is need of shelter and food or can't get to their hotel #LondonBridge #BoroughMarket pic.twitter.com/l57jBqJ69p    (@RockySingh) June 3, 2017

There is always someone in the gurdwara even overnight we refer to as a paaredaar.Just knock on the door/gate. #LondonBridge #BoroughMarket    (@RockySingh) June 3, 2017

Stay safe everyone, the nearest gurudwara is in either Woolwich or Shepherds Bush to help for those in need #LondonBridge  LGBT Sikhs (@SarbatSikhs) June 3, 2017

The gurdwaras identified included Ramgarhia Sikh Gurdwara Temple, Singh Sabha Gurdwara North East London and Khalsa Centre, Tooting Gurdwara.

On Sunday afternoon, a large section of theSikh community gathered at Trafalgar Square for a rally to remember those killed in 1984 after Operation Bluestar. The gathering also paid tributes to those killed on Saturday night.

The Sikh Federation UK said in a statement: Having discussed arrangements for the Remembrance and Freedom event with the Metropolitan Police last night and this morning we have come to the mutual decision that the event today (Sunday 4 June) will continue.

This sends a strong message to all terrorists that they will never stop us remembering the tens of thousands of Sikhs who lost their lives in 1984. It will also be an opportunity to remember and to stand shoulder to shoulder with the innocents killed and injured in the last few weeks in Manchester and London.

One of the most shared eyewitness accounts of Saturdays terror attack was one by taxi driver Aksha Patel, who told Sky News how a woman, who was part of a couple in his cab on Saturday night, used her own body to barricade a the door of a restaurant in order to stop a terrorist entering.

He said: There were two passengers, they came out of the restauranthow they described it to me was they were preventing the guys from getting into the restaurant. She knew they were bad people trying to break in.

She managed to hold the door for a few seconds but they overpowered her. People managed to escape through the rear door so she saved maybe 20 peoples lives.

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A leading Pakistani newspaper on Sunday urged the government to pull out of the Saudi-led military alliance, saying its anti-Iran stance was harmful to Islamabads interests.

The Dawn said in an editorial that Pakistans decision to participate in the Islamic Military Alliance or IMA and to allow former Army chief General Raheel Sharif to accept a Saudi offer to militarily head it appear to have been taken in haste.

The alliance may have some counter-militancy aims but it is also increasingly clear that it has been conceived by the kingdom as an anti-Iran alliance, the Dawn said.

The editorial said the Muslim world did need leadership and coordination in the fight against militancy, terrorism and extremism and theoretically the IMA could be a meaningful platform. But it should have involved the entire Islamic world.

The IMA is plainly the anti-thesis of that, and, therefore, a potentially dangerous and destabilizing alliance.

The Saudi leadership has explicitly stated that Iran is a threat to Saudi Arabia and countries allied with it.

President Trump and his administration have explicitly embraced the Saudi-led IMA as a potential counter to the influence of Iran in the Middle East.

The Dawn said Pakistan cannot afford to be part of an overtly sectarian military alliance and membership and leadership of the IMA is inimical to the historical and future strategic interests of this country.

While a close relationship with Saudi Arabia is warranted, better relations with Iran are necessary too.

The government, the military leadership and Gen Sharif must urgently reconsider their position.
Several key commanders of the Islamic State group have reportedly been killed in a major counterterrorism operation in Balochistan prompted by intelligence reports that the group were holding two kidnapped Chinese nationals.

The three-day raid took place near the hilly Mastung area of Balochistan province, local media reported on Sunday, quoting security officials.

So far, the armys publicity wing has not confirmed details of the operation, which is being described as one of the biggest against IS supporters in Pakistan.

The influential Dawn daily revealed the operation was prompted by intelligence reports that two Chinese nationals, who had been kidnapped in May from capital Quetta, were believed to be in the vicinity and being kept in one of the caves there.

Dawn quoted a source as saying, The battle is going on ... kidnapped Chinese persons are inside a deep cave being used as command base by the IS. Special Services Group commandos are going in.

The Saturday night operation was highly classified, according to a military source, to prevent any leakage of information.

According to reports, top 10 commanders of the IS from different parts of the country had assembled in the Mastung area for a meeting when the raid began.

It is claimed that at least eight or nine of the commanders were killed and the remaining have been captured.

The names of the slain commanders were not immediately available.

Reports of intense fighting between government forces and IS militias continue as experts say that the area is a very tough terrain and has always been a challenge for the army.

At least seven troops were injured in the operation, including three officers. Two of the injured soldiers are said to be in a critical condition.

The level of the IS leadership claimed to have been taken out, when confirmed, indicates that it could be the biggest operation against the militant outfit since Lashkar-e-Jhangvi leader Malik Ishaq was killed along with his associates in Punjab in 2015, who were then said to be close to joining the IS.

Security sources say elimination of top leadership would serve a major blow to the IS in Pakistan. Officially, the government denies presence of the militant organisation in the country.

Security forces also seized six suicide jackets, a cache of ammunition, explosives, detonators, solar panels and food ration, an official said, adding the cave was a base used by IS to plan attacks across the country.

The two Chinese workers were abducted last month in Quetta, the capital of Balochistan, raising safety concerns for Beijings multi-billion-dollar investments in the country.

One Chinese woman managed to escape as the men began firing in the air to scare off onlookers.

A passer-by, Muhammad Zahir, was shot as he tried to prevent the abduction.

Mineral-rich Balochistan has been plagued by Islamist and separatist insurgencies since 2004, with hundreds of soldiers and militants killed in the fighting.

But a greater push towards peace and development by Pakistani authorities has reduced overall levels of violence in recent years. (With inputs from agencies)
A man who set fire to a casino in the Philippine capital killing 37 people was a father-of-three from Manila motivated by heavy gambling debts, not terrorism, police said Sunday.

We reiterate that this is not an act of terrorism but this incident is confined to the act of one man alone, Manila police chief Oscar Albayalde told reporters after the man was finally identified.

Albayalde said the man was Jessie Carlos, 43, a Catholic with three children from Manila who had been banned from all casinos in April following a request from his family because of a gambling addiction.

He is heavily indebted due to being hooked to casino gambling. This became the cause of misunderstanding with his wife and parents, Albayalde said.

The masked man stormed into the Resorts World casino and hotel complex in Manila on Friday with an M4 automatic rifle and a bottle of petrol, before setting alight a number of different rooms in the complex.

Thirty-seven people died in the fires, dozens more were injured in a stampede to escape, and the gunman was found dead about five hours later in a hotel room after committing suicide by setting fire to himself, police said.

IS claimed responsibility, with a report on its self-styled Amaq news agency saying its fighters carried out the attack.

Authorities had repeatedly insisted on Friday and Saturday the attack was not terrorism related, rather it was a bizarre robbery attempt by a deranged man.

Albayalde said Sunday the confirmed identification of the assailant proved the initial police theory was correct.

We will not allow people or any threat group to use this situation to advance their propaganda or personal causes, whether foreign or local, Albayalde said in reference to the IS claims.

Albayalde spoke at a press conference with some of Carloss relatives sitting next to him.

They express their deepest sympathy to the families and friends of the victims and to the public in general, he said.

They share the pain brought about by the act of Jessie. Today, we hope to have brought closure and peace to the bereaved families.
The much-anticipated voting to select Nepals new prime minister was deferred to Tuesday.

The parliamentary voting slated for Sunday was postponed after the main opposition CPN-UML, led by former prime minister KP Sharma Oli, warned of obstructing the house to protest the election commission's decision to conduct a repolling in Bharatpur Metropolitan City in Chitwan district.

Caretaker Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal Prachanda's daughter Renu Dahal is contesting for the mayoral post there and was trailing behind the UML's candidate, Devi Gyawali.

The CPN-UML has been demanding that the election body resume counting of votes in Bharatpur Metropolitan City after it was stalled since the night of May 28, when two Maoist cadres tore up ballot papers at the counting centre.

On Thursday, it was found that as many as 90 ballot papers were torn when they were counted in the presence of election authorities and party representatives.

The election commission decided to hold a repolling, which the UML has been protesting in the House .

The Parliament meeting scheduled for Sunday morning was put off later after UML clearly stated that it would obstruct the proceedings.

After the top leaders failed to garner consensus, the meeting was postponed to Tuesday.

Nepali Congress President Sher Bahadur Deuba, the only candidate running for the prime ministers post, has received support of most parties. When elected, the veteran politician would become the 40th prime minister of Nepal.

The local polls in Nepal are being held for the first time in 20 years. The next and final phase is set for June 14, when the restive southern Terai region will vote.
Police raided a building in east London that was the home address of one of the three attackers who killed seven people in the city centre, Sky News reported on Sunday, citing unnamed sources.

Police said they were looking into media reports linking the raid to a Saturday night attack in which three people drove a van into pedestrians on London Bridge before stabbing revellers nearby. Police did not confirm the two incidents were related.

Sky News also reported that four men and one woman had been detained during the raid in Barking, east London, which was launched at 0700 by armed police.

A Reuters witness described a heavy police presence and a cordon around a block of flats as residents of other flats in the building looked out from their windows onto the scene. An eyewitness to the raid told Sky he heard several bangs during the operation and was later told they were controlled explosions used to gain access to the building.
Two Muslim students were allegedly sent home by a US school for wearing hijabs because they were not carrying a note from parents to prove that they had donned the headscarves for religious reasons.

Hajah Bah and Fatmata Mansaray, both cousins and students of Freedom High School, Virginia, allege that the school administrators harassed them over their decision to don hijabs, eventually prompting apologies from Prince William school division leaders.

Bah and Mansaray were quoted as saying by Inside NoVA that they were approached by a school administrator on Thursday and told that they would need a note from a parent to prove they were wearing the head coverings for religious reasons.

When they pushed back against that assertion, they were sent to the principals office and ultimately dismissed from the school for the day.

Normally, I dont wear the hijab at school, but this time I did because Ramadan fell during the school year and I was fasting, Bah was quoted as saying.

But why do I need a note if its my religion? she said.

As the word of the incident reached school division leaders, spokesman Phil Kavits said they, immediately determined that it runs counter to the PWCS (Prince William County Public Schools) commitment to diversity.

He said school officials have already apologised to both girls and their families, and the division has posted an apology online.

PWCS was quoted by WJLA-TV as saying in a statement, We regret the circumstances that led a Freedom High School administrator to question students about wearing a hijab or ask for proof of their religious reasons.

The request was inconsistent with the PWCS commitment to diversity and religious freedom, and we apologise to anyone it may have offended.

Mansaray also contended that Thursdays incident was far from the first time she has been accosted by administrators over her head covering.

I would explain that its for a religious purpose, and they didnt care. Id wear my hijab to school, and Id be constantly told to take off my hijab, she said.

Mansaray said she and her parents were initially reluctant to secure a note proving she was wearing the hijab for religious reasons, as they did not feel it was right.

But she felt she eventually had to cave in and delivered a note to the schools office. However, she claimed her encounters with administrators continued.

Since the incident, Bah and Mansaray said they have both received apologies from the school system, and have even seen an outpouring of support from their fellow students.
Per Beverly's wishes, her body has been cremated and a private inurnment will be at Memorial Park Cemetery in Mason City at a later date.
A 43-year old business owner in the US has pleaded guilty to exporting products without a license to Pakistani atomic and space agencies in violation of US federal laws and faces up to 20 years in prison.

Imran Khan, of North Haven, Connecticut, waived his right to be indicted and pleaded guilty on Saturday in Hartford federal court to violating US export law, US Attorney for the District of Connecticut Deirdre Daly said.

According to court documents and statements made in court, from at least 2012 to December 2016, Khan and others were engaged in a scheme to purchase goods that were controlled under the Export Administration Regulations (EAR) and export those goods without a license to Pakistan, in violation of the EAR.

Khan conducted business as Brush Locker Tools or as Kauser Enterprises-USA.

When asked by US manufacturers about the end-user for a product, Khan either informed the manufacturer that the product would remain in the US, or he completed an end-user certification indicating that the product would not be exported.

After the products were purchased, they were shipped by the manufacturer to Khans North Haven residence or to a business owned by him.

The products were then shipped to Pakistan on behalf of either the Pakistan Atomic Energy Commission (PAEC), the Pakistan Space and Upper Atmosphere Research Commission (SUPARCO) or the National Institute of Lasers and Optronics (NILOP), all of which were listed on the US Department of Commerce Entity List, the Justice Department said in a statement.

The illegal exportation of sensitive technology to prohibited entities such as PAEC, SUPARCO and NILOP, poses a significant threat to our national security, said Leigh-Alistair Barzey, Special Agent-in-Charge of the Defense Criminal Investigative Service (DCIS), Northeast Field Office.

Khan never obtained a license to export any item to the designated entity even though he knew that a license was required prior to export.

He pleaded guilty to one count of violating the International Emergency Economic Powers Act.

In pleading guilty, Khan specifically admitted that, between August 2012 and January 2013, he procured, received and exported to PAEC an Alpha Duo Spectrometer without a license to do so.

Khan is scheduled to be sentenced by US District Judge Vanessa Bryant in August 2017, at which time he faces a maximum term of imprisonment of 20 years.

He has been released on a $100,000 bond since he was arrested in December last year.

The US Attorneys office in Connecticut is committed to working with our federal law enforcement partners to ensure that sensitive technology, manufactured in the US and elsewhere, does not fall into the wrong hands, Daly said.
The terror attack in central London that left seven people dead was the latest in a string of strikes to hit Britain in recent years.

Here is a rundown of major terror incidents since 2005.

May 2017: Manchester Arena bombing

A suicide bomber blows himself up outside a pop concert by American teen idol Ariana Grande in Manchester in northwest England, killing 22 people and injuring 116.

Seven of the victims were under the age of 18.

The attack was carried out by 22-year-old Salman Abedi, a Manchester-born university drop-out of Libyan origin. The attack was claimed by the Islamic State group.

March 2017: Westminster Bridge attack

March 22: Five people are killed and more than 50 wounded when a man rams his car into pedestrians on Westminster bridge in London before crashing into the barriers surrounding parliament and then stabbing a police officer to death.

The attacker, 52-year-old British Muslim convert Khalid Masood, is shot dead by police at the scene. Investigators describe the lone-wolf attack as Islamist related terrorism.

2016: Lawmaker murdered

June 16: British Labour lawmaker Jo Cox is shot and stabbed to death by a Nazi sympathiser just days before the historic vote to leave the EU. Far-right white nationalist Thomas Mair is later sentenced to life in prison for her murder.

2015: London underground stabbing

December 5: A paranoid schizophrenic stabs two people at Londons Leytonstone Underground station, two days after Britains first air strikes on the Islamic State group in Syria. The knifeman, Somali-born Muhaydin Mire, 30, is sentenced to life behind bars. The police say the incident is a terrorist attack.

 2013: British soldier slain

May 22: British soldier Lee Rigby, 25, is hacked to death by two Britons of Nigerian descent near an army barracks in London. Witnesses say the attackers encouraged them to film the scene as they shouted Allah Akbar (God is greatest) before being injured and arrested by police. In February 2014, Michael Adebolajo, 29, is sentenced to life in prison for the murder while Michael Adebowale, 22, receives a minimum of 45 years behind bars.

 2009: Northern Ireland shootings

March 2009 sees a sudden resurgence of political violence in Northern Ireland with two soldiers shot dead outside their barracks by republican militants as they went to collect a pizza delivery, the first such slaying since 1997. Two days later a police officer is shot dead by a different paramilitary republican faction.

 2007: Glasgow airport attack

June 30: Two men in a burning vehicle ram into the main terminal of Glasgow Airport in Scotland. An Indian driving the car suffers serious burns and later dies. The passenger, Iraqi doctor Bilal Abdulla, 29, is jailed in December for at least 32 years for plotting to murder hundreds of people.

 2005: Suicide bombers hit London transport -

July 7: Four British suicide bombers inspired by Al-Qaeda attack Londons Underground network and a bus during rush hour, killing 52 people, as well as themselves, and wounding 700.

It was the deadliest attack on British soil since a Pan Am airliner blew up over the Scottish town of Lockerbie, killing a total of 270 people including 11 on the ground, in 1988.

The London attack took place just a day after the city was awarded the 2012 Olympics.
According to the Pentagon, a new batch of arm has been sent to the Kurdish fighters, who are terminating the ISIS militants in Raqqa. The shipment that has been sent to the Syrian Kurds includes arms like AK-47, machine guns as well as other weapons.

In an effort to accomplish the final attack on Raqqa, the Islamic States' de facto capital, the United States is arming the Syrian Kurds. According to reports from New York Times, the first shipment that has been sent by the United States to Syria includes weapons like small arms like the AK-47, machine guns of both small caliber and heavy guns, anti-tank weapons as well as other arms, the Pentagon has confirmed. And, the military officials feel that the weapons will be required to help the Kurdish and Arab fighters, combat with the Islamic State militants in Raqqa and a spokesperson of the military, Col. Ryan S. Dillon has said, "The U.S.-led coalition has begun issuing arms and equipment to Kurdish elements of the S.D.F."

However, Independent reported that the news has caused a lot of anxiety in Ankara. Moreover, Mevlut Cavusoglu, the Turkish Foreign Minister has termed it as a "mistake" since it could be a dangerous step posing threat to Syria's unity and territorial integrity. It is worth mentioning here that even Barack's Obama's administration, had extended a quiet support to the Kurdish fighters. This is due to the fact that this is viewed as an operative ground against the ISIS.

Notably, this comes after the United States President Donald Trump's administration announced that the Kurdish militants will be backed by America with weapons to fight the ISIS militants. But, for many years, Turkey had expressed their objection since they consider the Kurdish fighters to be terrorists. Moreover, Turkey's National Security Council has also expressed concern over this action as it was not something that was suitable a coalition.

@ 2022 HNGN, All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission.
Forever 21 and Urban Outfitters arent new to controversy.

Now, the two retailers are facing yet another accusation of going near something they shouldnt have, but this time its coming with a bit more circumstance.

Danny Clinch, the photographer responsible for Tupac Shakurs famous Rolling Stone Magazine cover is now filing a lawsuit against the two companies for their use of the Rolling Stone cover photos on merchandise.

The photos in question were first used for a profile inside the magazine in 1993 and then repurposed for Shakurs posthumous cover story in 1996, and in 2002 they were copyrighted by Clinch.

It was on Thursday of this week that Clinch filed a suit of copyright infringement in federal court in New York against Urban Outfitters, Forever 21, T-shirt manufacturers Bioworld Merchandising and Planet Productions, and Amaru/AWA Merchandising, the company that handles all licensing of Tupac merchandise.

According to the suit, however, Amaru/AWA claims that they entered a license agreement with Planet Productions in 2012 that allowed the latter to use photos of Tupac, including Clinchs.

Planet then authorized BioWorld to create apparel that would then be sold to Forever 21 and Urban Outfitter as part of a greater distribution deal.

This agreement is alleged to have occurred under the authorization of each copyright holder of each photo of Tupac. But, Clinch maintains that this never happened.

Defendants, without the authorization, knowledge or consent of the plaintiff, deliberately and willfully copied, displayed, distributed, and sold the copyrighted photographs on such infringing T-shirts and perhaps other apparel, writes the lawsuit.

Clinch is currently seeking $600,00 in damages in addition to the destruction of remaining T-shirts, and an order that prohibits the companies from using the copyrighted image in the future.

Tupac Forever 21
To mark the 20th anniversary of the Wu-Tang Clans second album Wu-Tang Forever, the hip-hop crew gathered for a special performance at the second day of festivities at the Governors Ball in New York on Saturday.

Performing against the specially-designed set that was supposed to resemble their Park Hill neighborhood, founding members of Wu RZA, Method Man, Ghostface Killah, Raekwon, Cappadonna, GZA, Inspectah Deck U-God and Masta Killa took the audience down an vivid path of nostalgia and rolled out all of their classic hits from both Enter the Wu-Tang (36 Chambers) and Wu-Tang Forever during one live performance.

The Wu also brought out Ol Dirty Bastards son, Young Dirty Bastard, for renditions of Shimmy Shimmy Ya and Got Your Money.

Check out various clips from Wu-Tang Clans performance below.

wt
Welcome back to Hot Press live coverage of Forbidden Fruit 2017, after a sometimes wet but always enjoyable first day, were all absolutely buzzing to see what the great day 2 lineup has in store.

The Hot Press Speakeasy will be buzzing all day, with interviews with Soule, Heroes in Hiding, Joe Rooney and John Colleary. We will also be posting some great photos from all your favourite acts throughout the day, as well as news and reviews.

Were particularly excited for Aphex Twins headline performance along with some the fantastic Irish acts at the Bulmers Live Stage. Stay tuned for all the updates!
Whether it's the 9/11 Museum in New York City or the Western Wall in Jerusalem, a joint venture between Israel and the state of New York will highlight these and other historic venues.

Gov. Andrew Cuomo announced the launch of the new initiative, the New York-Israel Global Path Through History, during an appearance at the Shimon Peres Day breakfast in New York City Sunday.

I Love New York, the state's tourism arm, joined with the Israel Ministry of Tourism and El Al Airlines to develop travel itineraries that highlight historic sites throughout New York and in Israel.

"Tourism is a key driver of both New York and Israel's economies, and by working together we will showcase our most treasured landmarks to new audiences and increase visitation," Cuomo said in a statement. "This partnership will help strengthen our tourism industries, creating jobs and generating new economic opportunities both at home and abroad."

The list of New York sites includes the 9/11 Museum, Ellis Island and Statue of Liberty in New York City, the Safe Haven Holocaust Refugee Shelter Museum in Oswego and the Women's Rights National Historical Park in Seneca Falls.

The Israel itinerary includes the nation's 9/11 memorial, Independence Hall, the Sea of Galilee and the Western Wall.

A digital advertising campaign will promote the initiative. Press tours, social media and promotional opportunities on El Al flights will also be part of the marketing effort.

Ambassador Dani Dayan, counsel general of Israel to New York, said the Israeli government is "excited" to launch the joint tourism venture with the state.

"We believe tourism can not only serve as a great cultural bridge but also as a source of pride and cause for celebration of the partnership between the great state of New York and the state of Israel," Dayan said. "Israelis and Americans share a history and friendship that enriches all of our lives."

Cuomo's announcement came on Shimon Peres Day, which honors the former Israeli prime minister who died in September 2016. The governor proclaimed June 4 as Shimon Peres Day during his visit to Israel in March.
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UVALDE - It's hard to say which is the more unlikely sight at Ox Ranch, a giraffe munching on mesquite leaves or a West German army tank racing across a spring-fed creek.

But these 18,000 acres west of San Antonio are both a free-roaming range filled with exotic animals - some to hunt, the giraffes and others simply to admire - and home to DriveTanks.com, where tourists pay to transport themselves, "Fantasy Island" style, into another era and another life. With some of history's fiercest military weapons suddenly at their disposal, they can strafe a sandy pasture with a belt-fed machine gun or shell the side of a mountain with a howitzer.

The most adventurous choose from among a half-dozen vintage tanks, steering one like the Cold War-era Leopard around a rugged course through the South Texas brush. Topping the menu is one of the M4 Shermans that helped the Allies win World War II. For $2,800, guests can drive the famed tank and then hurl a round from its massive turret at an abandoned car hundreds of yards down range.

It's the world's only live-firing Sherman gun in private hands the public can shoot, says Todd DeGidio, a retired Houston Police Department helicopter pilot who founded DriveTanks.com with his stepson. The attraction opened last summer.

The primary objective, DeGidio says, is for customers to "just have fun." He stresses that almost as much as safety.

"Everybody who comes here has a smile on their face," adds Glenn Fleming, an Air Force veteran and firearms expert tasked with preparing the guns and ordnance and dealing with the inevitable jams and breakdowns on equipment that is more than 70 years old.

Yet for some visitors, DriveTanks.com proves to be about much more than having a good time.

* * *

The billboards for shooting ranges and feral-hog hunts that line the highways between Houston and Uvalde, four hours to the west, suggest plenty of folks out here would love to empty the clip of a high-powered rifle in a few, adrenaline-soaked seconds. Count Ted Nugent, the controversial rocker, among the unabashed fans of DriveTanks.com and the hunting preserve on which it sits. He's posted testimonials on the website and is a repeat visitor.

DeGidio knows how the business can look to much of the world.

"A lot of people see what we're doing and they think, 'Oh, they're a bunch of gun nuts  a bunch of rednecks blowing up (stuff) in Texas.' "

The story is not so black and white, and DeGidio maintains a sense of humor about the preconceptions. He reflects on them while relaxing on an overstuffed leather couch in the "Patton Lounge" above the tank barn, where the military hardware is stored and all manner of war memorabilia is on display. Overhead, WWII newsreels run in a continual loop on a big-screen television.

"I guess we do get labeled that," he says with a smile. "We are in Texas, but we're not rednecks."

DeGidio, 51, is a man of robust build with an assertive salt-and-pepper beard. He's also a by-the-book sort who taught himself how to run and maintain tanks largely by poring over the original manuals, dry and "definitely not something you want to sit in front of a fire and read."

Before enrolling at the University of Houston in the late 1980s, DeGidio served as a Green Beret. He put in 21 years with HPD before launching his next project, developing a technology to help military and police agencies cope with active shooters, terror attacks and other challenging situations where accurate fire from helicopters, boats or other moving vehicles is required.

Stabilizing camera mounts are common on news helicopters, and DeGidio says he figured he could apply the technology to weapons, so marksmen could rely on more than straps and bungee cords to hold steady.

With an investment from his stepson Brent Oxley - "a business mogul-type guy" and the owner of Ox Ranch - DeGidio worked with engineers in California four or five years to develop a prototype of a portable "gyro-stabilized marksman platform" that can improve a weapon's accuracy to within 6 inches at 300 yards.

The Talon, as it's called, is now in production and being marketed strictly to police and military in a few countries. DeGidio heads the project, overseeing a small staff in Houston and the manufacturing work in California.

* * *

About five years ago, DeGidio went to his stepson with an opportunity to purchase a working Sherman tank from a collector. Again, the younger man saw business potential.

It turned out that Ox Ranch, which sells guided hunts for many of the 40-plus species of exotic animals Oxley has imported over the past five years, has several geographic advantages for tanking as sport. In addition to 28 square miles of space, there are earthen berms, ridge lines and hills tall enough to keep stray shells from skipping onto other properties.

They bought the Sherman and another tank, then some more, plus artillery pieces, rifles, machine guns, mortar launchers and even a flamethrower. Many of the weapons are from the WWII era.

As they built inventory, they also secured an array of licenses from the federal Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. One authorizes DeGidio to pack artillery powder into casings and affix armor-piercing projectiles that are shipped in from a manufacturer in Tennessee. It takes as little as half an hour to prepare a Sherman tank round.

DeGidio also put together a small team of people he could entrust with entertaining customers in a safe environment while also educating them on each weapon's role in history.

"You can't just get anyone off the street to come be in your cadre," he says.

Construction on the DriveTanks.com facility at Ox Ranch began in early 2016, and the first tourists came through last July. Giraffes, camels and kangaroos, kept safely from harm in another part of the ranch, add to the mystique. A television producer is actively shopping a proposal for a reality TV series.

Paradigm SRP, corporate parent of both the Talon project and DriveTanks.com, doesn't disclose financial details. But DeGidio says business at the tank attraction has been about double what was projected for the first year. Expansions are underway.

He, Fleming and the others have hosted bachelor parties and spring break outings, as well as fathers and sons, a single mom with her 15-year-old son and a former Russian military officer who defected to Chicago.

They dispense historical tidbits and encourage people not to worry about hitting a target on the range. Just let that machine gun rattle.

"We're not killing things," says DeGidio. "Just sand. Mostly sand."

* * *

The Jones men arrive just before 9 a.m. on a Wednesday. It is their first "guys' trip" together in three years, and they have purchased the $8,250 "Allies & Axis" package to celebrate Brett Jones' birthday.

The group includes Brett and his brother Scott, longtime co-pastors of Humble-based Grace Church, and their sons, Casey and Spencer. Spencer, at 21 the youngest, is a senior at Houston Baptist University. He has brought a drone with an attached camera that he will deploy during downtime to check out the ranch from the air.

Their daylong outing will feature tank rides, time on the firing range with a variety of U.S.-, German- and Russian-made rifles and machine guns, and five big shots, including one from the howitzer and two from the Sherman. Lunch will be served at 1400 hours.

Starting off inside the tank barn, they listen with interest to guide Brandon Riley. They admire the weapons, occasionally picking one up and pretending to aim it. They talk about a scene from "Saving Private Ryan" that one of the rifles has reminded them of. Spencer takes iPhone videos.

"That's so cool," he says of a British Scorpion tank that was used in the Falklands War.

Their time on the firing range heightens the excitement, as does a trip on the Leopard as it traverses the course and its steep dropoffs. Brett jokes afterward about how useful a tank would be on the Katy Freeway. "It gives a whole new meaning to merge," he says.

But something else begins to happen, a subtle impact that might linger long after the Sherman is parked for the night.

It starts as the men take a German half-track troop carrier out for a spin. Scott Jones can't help but think that his son is the same age as the oldest soldiers crammed onto its uncomfortable benches seven decades ago. He imagines them bumping along trying to rest, maybe catch a little sleep leaning on their rifles, a thin sheet of metal protecting them from a harsh reality outside.

Most likely, he says, the soldiers just wanted to go home.

The glamorized Hollywood images fade away. Scott says he's gained a new appreciation for the soldiers, as well as the tools of their trade. He feels it from the other Jones men, none of whom have been in the military.

"Our conversation keeps going past the machinery," Scott says during a break. "Can you believe what they were doing? It gives you perspective."
Mary Lou Henry and her late husband, Vernon, built a successful planning and urban consulting business, Vernon G. Henry & Associates, which was founded in 1967. But when Henry reflects on some of her proudest achievements, she talks about the work she did improving neighborhoods and helping to elevate Houston's image.

"One of the things I'm most happy about is having gotten rid of all the inflatable pink gorillas," Henry said in a recent interview in her Uptown office. "One day I was driving to the airport on the North Freeway, and on a 3-mile segment I counted seven inflatable animals on top of buildings, and I thought, 'Enough is enough.' "

Henry, an industry leader who in 2014 received the Texas Planning Legend award from the state chapter of the American Planning Association, has been a longtime board member of Scenic Houston. And aside from her corporate work, she was also involved in the redevelopment plan for Midtown and the city of Houston's development code.

Henry sat down with the Chronicle to discuss Houston's past, present and future.

Q: As someone who's been active in Houston's development and planning industry for decades, what sort of changes have you noticed in the way projects are built?

A: There's a lot more concern about quality, and people seem to be rewarded when they do quality-oriented things. I think probably when I started my career we were just getting things done, and now a lot of effort is spent being sure that what's done is nice. I like how many more places have trees. And there's more concern about every part of town, not just the west side.

Q: When you graduated from Rice University, you went to work for the city. What did you do?

A: I was lucky enough to be the only one who wasn't working on either zoning or subdivision control, so I did park plan, library plan, fire station plan. I did the finger annexations that spread Houston's ETJ out to the enormous area that it is.

Q: You were only at the city for a few years. Why did you leave?

A: I learned a lot, but things just move too slow at the city. It takes forever to get something done. So when the man that became my husband offered me a job in the outside world, which was then Neuhaus & Taylor, which became 3DI, doing comprehensive plans for small communities, I left the city.

Q: Where did your career go from there?

A: I went to work for CRS, and I worked there for probably five years, flitting about the countryside. CRS' jobs were all over the country, so I traveled quite a bit. Although they would not send me to Saudi Arabia, they had a big job for the College of Petroleum and Minerals there, because they said they knew I wouldn't walk 10 paces behind and shut up, which was probably a fair assessment. After CRS, I joined the firm my husband started.

Q: Some Houstonians lament the city's increasing density, developmentwise. What are your thoughts on that topic?

A: We aren't dense. People that think that we're dense haven't been to a dense place.

Q: But won't this change? Will we ever become a city that's as dense as, say, Chicago?

A: I think we'll have spots that will be pretty dense. But as an overall city, I don't think so. We've set a pattern here that is going to be very difficult to change. Post Oak Boulevard between San Felipe and the West Loop is going to end up really dense. It's dense now. But all the prevailing lot size or special minimum lot size stuff that's gone on in the last 10 or 15 years has set vast areas of the city at the density they are now, including some that probably shouldn't have been.

Q: Isn't it a good thing that residents have been able to limit development in some neighborhoods?

A: Yes and no. Some areas that should be redeveloped have those regulations passed and I think probably should have been allowed to be redeveloped.

There seem to be a lot of people that think townhouses are evil. I think that probably when we started the prevailing lot size stuff, which was to help neighborhoods that didn't have restrictions or those restrictions had expired, we maybe should have set an area quota. Like, "OK, we'll do this till 50 percent of the area is restricted or something," but we didn't.

People talk about needing more density to support transit use. Well, we've fixed it so a whole bunch of the city can never be in the next 40 years dense enough to support transit.

Q: What about places like Rice Military, Cottage Grove, these places that have become inundated with townhomes? There are often complaints in these areas about excessive street parking, traffic and concerns over flooding.

A: Did you go through Cottage Grove before this started? It was really crappy. There were pipe yards next to machine repair shops, then there would be a little tiny house or two. There was a lot of not attractive industrial and commercial stuff adjacent to small homes.

One of the previous city engineers had a plan to repave all those streets in Cottage Grove, but the people turned it down.

Rice Military wasn't quite as bad, but it was a mixed area way back in the '60s. I understand from my husband, who worked on the zoning effort, that they didn't know what to do with Rice Military then. Rice Military probably should have had a TIRZ created when the redevelopment first started. But they were so far along that there wasn't enough left to redevelop. That wouldn't have paid for a whole lot.

Since Rice Military was mostly redeveloped, the city has adopted guest parking requirements for lots that under are 3,500 square feet, so now once you get over six new units, you have to have a guest parking place. And it can either be on the street adjacent to your property or within your development. We have the highest parking requirements in any major city in the country. People just aren't adjusted to changing times.

If you listen to people that are looking to the future, it's a short-term problem, because there are a lot of people that think we will be one-car families instead of three-car families and no-car families cause you'll simply whistle up your favorite app.

Q: What about flooding?

A: Clearly, we've got to fix it so that water doesn't get into people's homes, but we do have a changing weather pattern. I can remember when St. Thomas University had a weather department, and they were teaching people to be weather bureau people. They did a study of rainfall patterns. You know the prevailing breezes at the surface are out of the southeast. They found that the area northwest of downtown had an increased rainfall, and it was because the buildings in downtown acted like mountains.

Our flooding problems are complex. Some of them are the result of collapsed sewers, some the sewers are too small. Some they didn't have very good topographic information when the area was designed.

The other thing that people don't understand is that we have these highly expansive clays in most parts of town, and they don't absorb much water, and so if it rains, if you get an inch of rain, the ground has absorbed all it's going to absorb, and the rest is going to run off, and you've got to have a place for it to go.

It's a combination of a whole lot of things.
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MACON, Ga. - Southern rocker Gregg Allman was laid to rest Saturday near his older brother Duane in the same cemetery where they used to write songs among the tombstones, not far from U.S. 41.

Thousands of fans lined the streets of Macon to honor Allman, who was carried into Rose Hill Cemetery as a bagpiper played a somber tune. Family and friends, including musicians who played in The Allman Brothers Band over the years, gathered next to his grave and on a nearby hillside shaded by huge oak trees. Toward the end, a freight train rolled in and stopped alongside the cemetery, reminding some mourners of Allman's lyrics to "Melissa."

The funeral was private, with room for only about 100 people inside the small chapel. Allman's ex-wife Cher and his band mates, including the drummer Jaimoe and guitarist Dickey Betts, who wrote and sang "Ramblin Man," also attended.

Some slipped into the chapel through a back entrance. Former U.S. President Jimmy Carter had said he would attend, honoring the keyboardist who drew large crowds to campaign events during his 1976 presidential race.

Allman, who blazed a trail for many Southern rock groups, died May 27 at the age of 69 at his home near Savannah, Ga., said Michael Lehman, the rock star's manager. He blamed liver cancer.

With Gregg at the organ and Duane playing guitar, the band began its rise to fame in the central Georgia city 90 miles south of Atlanta about five decades ago. They used to write songs while hanging out in the cemetery, Alan Paul wrote in "One Way Out: The Inside History of the Allman Brothers Band."

"He's somebody who has been in my life first as an artist and later as a real person since I was about 8 years old, and so it's shocking to think of the world without him," said Paul, 50, who interviewed Allman many times for his book.

Born in Nashville, Tenn., Allman was raised in Florida by a single mother. Allman idolized his older brother, Duane, eventually joining a series of bands with him. Together they formed the heart of The Allman Brothers Band before Duane died in a motorcycle crash in 1971, just as they were reaching stardom.

Lehman said he spoke with Allman the night before he died.

Allman was able to listen to some of the tracks being produced for his final record, "Southern Blood," Lehman said. The album is scheduled to be released in the fall.

"He was looking forward to sharing it with the world and that dream is going to be realized," Lehman said. "I told him that his legacy is going to be protected, and the gift that he gave to the music world will continue to live on forever."
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GALVESTON - The engineers smoothed the sides of the space shuttle parked on the muddy beach, confident that its body could withstand the harsh afternoon heat.

The problem, though, was the rudder. A narrow slab of sand at the back of the "shuttle" stood 6 feet tall and threatened to crumble as the sun reached its peak. The team from Houston-based Integrity Structural misted it with water, hoping for the best in the contest's final hours.

"Tall is hard, especially in Houston on days like this," said Lee Lackey, the company's CFO. "The sand dries out so fast."

Lackey's team was one of nearly 60 that lined up Saturday on Galveston's East Beach to compete in the 31st annual sandcastle competition, hosted by the American Institute of Architects' Houston chapter. Organizers expected the event to draw as many as 25,000 spectators.

"The architects are pulling out all the stops," said Rusty Bienvenue, the chapter's executive director. "There are always so many that could win."

The rules were simple: Each team had until 3 p.m. to turn 10 cubic yards of sand into a masterpiece with only water as a binder. The salty air smelled of sawdust as competitors wrestled with wooden framework and shaped the foundations of precarious sculptures. Numerous awards are handed out to competition winners.

Onlookers applauded as a group of architects and engineers released a hulking 5-foot cube from its mold and prepared to sculpt Darth Vader's unmistakable mask.

Richerd Palumbo, a longtime competitor with Houston's Curry Boudreaux Architects, said it would be a challenge to keep the sand damp enough to withstand hours of tedious carving.

"There's no telling," he said. "Before too long, this might fall apart."

Carmy Pappalardo, who headed a team of engineers from the Arup firm, had the same concern as her group shaped two waist-high replicas of the National Stadium and the National Aquatics Center in Beijing, high-profile projects her company helped design for the 2008 Olympics there. They alternated adding sand and water, aiming for a 1-to-1 ratio.

"The most important thing is the sand composition," she said.

John Mixon, a general contractor with more than 20 years of sandcastle-building experience, sought different proportions as his team carved a model of the Houston skyline. Technically, he said, the proper ratio of sand and water is 2.5-to-1.

"You've got to get enough moisture, but it can't be too wet," he said.

The designs ranged from familiar Houston scenes and other well-known structures to sci-fi fantasies and pop culture tributes.

Ashley Wilson, who traveled from Dallas to take her son to the event for the first time, marveled at the projects' scale. They especially liked ones inspired by Godzilla and "Beauty and the Beast."

"I was really surprised at how well some of these people do," she said.

A team from Freese and Nichols Inc. and Thomas Printworks carefully stacked wide slabs into a tall pyramid, taking care to let each one set before breaking out the carving tools.

They learned patience the hard way last year, said Freese and Nichols engineer Carlos Gularte. An attempt to sculpt the Kool-Aid man bursting through a wall collapsed into a shapeless pile of sand.

"We kept it simple this time," he said.

By early afternoon, several teams fell victim to the same misfortune, as parts of their designs disintegrated in the heat. It happens every year, Bienvenue said, often to the most ambitious designers.

"You can hear the whole beach give a sigh," he said.

Lackey, of Integrity Structural, was determined to keep his team's space shuttle intact. The group prepared for six months, meeting regularly to discuss the properties of sand and determine exactly how to execute the design.

Plan in hand, they gathered on the beach last month to haul sand for a practice run. But they hadn't attempted the fragile rudder until game time Saturday.

"We think it's going to be OK, but 3 p.m. can't come soon enough," Lackey said. "You do it for the fun, but it would be really cool to win."
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CRYSTAL BEACH - Yaremy Herrera, 7, is reading a book a week and recently reached a reading speed of 150 words per minute.

She is far above the 60 words per minute state requirement. Yet Yaremy's success is not the result of enrollment in a private school, magnet program or class for gifted students. She is a first-grade student at Crenshaw Elementary and Middle School on the Bolivar Peninsula.

The Galveston ISD school of 154 students and 15 teachers has consistently surpassed state standards and earned distinctions in reading, mathematics, closing performance gaps and college preparedness. The distinctions were achieved even though 83 percent of its students come from low-income families, far higher than the 59 percent state average.

Crenshaw, which is about 40 percent Hispanic and 60 percent white, saw its performance soar after adopting new approaches to reading and mathematics about three years ago, Principal Annette Dailey said. The change in performance came after Dailey read "Book Whisperer: Awakening the Inner Readers in Every Child," by Donalyn Miller.

Miller wrote she had never met a child that she couldn't turn into a reader.

Inspired by the "Book Whisperer," Dailey met with her teachers and devised a program that emphasized reading and writing from pre-kindergarten through eighth grade.

The curriculum was based on the idea that children who can read well and write well will succeed in every subject.

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The key to turning indifferent students into avid readers was allowing them to read books they enjoyed rather than forcing them to read books chosen by teachers.

"Students told what to read don't want to read anymore," said Tyler Anderson, who teaches fifth-grade through eighth-grade English.

Jordan Vernon, 14, one of Anderson's eighth-grade students, recalled how much he disliked school and reading before Dailey revamped the curriculum.

"I didn't like reading," Jordan said.

Anderson let him pick any book he wanted, and soon he was hooked on science fiction. He has read about 25 books this year, including the entire seven-book Harry Potter series.

Reading has made a dramatic change in Jordan's attitude.

"I don't like it when I miss days of school," he said.

Anderson said some students are harder to convince, especially boys who are more attracted to hunting and fishing. He lures them into reading by offering them magazine articles on their favorite sports.

"You have your reluctant readers and you just have to capture their interest," first-grade teacher Dana Ashbacker said.

"They all know they have to read," Dailey said. "I do not allow failure."

She also allowed teachers leeway to use their own teaching methods and raised student expectations. Every child at Crenshaw, including special education students and those whose primary language is Spanish or a language other than English, is expected to perform in the highest of the four state testing categories.

"We don't want you passing; we want you advanced," Dailey said.

For mathematics, Dailey turned to a concept known as cognitively guided instruction that focuses on developing students' mathematical thinking.

Math, as well as reading, begins in prekindergarten school. Teachers use stories to teach math and encourage students to devise their own stories with mathematical problems. Students are allowed to solve problems any way they choose and teach other students.

The method has resulted in a 100 percent pass rate for eighth-grade algebra for the last three years, Dailey said.

The school's success has attracted the attention of the school board.

"They are doing wonderful things," trustee Anthony Brown said.

The curriculum has made a reader out of Yaremy as well.

"I always like to read books," said Yaremy, who is reading "The Fox in the Moon," by Juan Quintana.

The expectations at Crenshaw elevated her own expectations.

"I want to be a doctor," she said.
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Countdowns are displayed front and center in nearly every classroom at Houston Gateway Academy, marking the dwindling time until state tests. Students spend their final days reviewing test-taking strategies: put a box around the questions, underline the important terms and use a dictionary when needed.

Even the youngest students at the three-campus charter system that spans prekindergarten to high school pore over reams of practice tests stuffed in 3-inch binders.

The effort, they say, has helped their Coral campus middle schools climb to the No. 3 spot from No. 8 for Houston- area middle schools in this year's Children at Risk rankings. All 110 fifth- and sixth-graders passed the math portion of the STAAR, an accomplishment not even the area's top-ranked middle school can tout, yet alone a school that serves predominantly low-income students.

Still, the Texas Education Agency has put the brakes on Houston Gateway Academy's plans to expand, denying additional charters pending the results of an investigation into "misuse and misapplication of public funds." They want to add several new campuses and grow an enrollment of 9,600 students.

Neither the TEA nor Gateway would comment on the parameters of the investigation. TEA officials said, however, that academics were not included in the probe.

Gateway officials said the investigation is unfounded - based on an anonymous tip from 2013 and that they have provided the TEA countless documents to refute it. State officials, however, say Gateway has been uncooperative and rejected a corrective action plan that may have put the charter back in good standing. That's prompted a full-scale investigation, state officials said.

Gateway Superintendent Richard Garza urged the state to sanction his school if it has proof of wrongdoing.

"It's been a long process that's taking away from what I need to focus on," he said. "A little thing like this is just going to deter everyone's hard work that they do."

Garza has had that fiery attitude since he took the reins of the troubled school back in 2006. At the time, the campus had been struggling. Test scores were awful, and the campus owed $300,000 in federal taxes and $500,000 in outstanding payroll.

"I had a fire to put out," he said. "It was like the Titanic sinking slowly."

He stopped paying the bills and freely offered debtors to sue. "I used the word so many times at the beginning it was ridiculous: 'So what? Sue me,' " he recounted.

Garza bought property to get the campus out of a costly mortgage and said he began turning the tide both financially and academically. He offered incentive pay to teachers whose students achieved 90 percent passing rates on the state tests. He started paying Christmas bonuses, celebrating teachers' birthdays and even offering token gifts on Valentine's Day.

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The school has a full-day prekindergarten for both 3- and 4-year-olds and conducts home visits of every student. School leaders developed scripted curriculum that provides exact lessons for teachers.

Leaders of the east Houston charter school system credit tried-and-true strategies for their stunning test results: longer school days, laser-like analysis of student performance and targeted instruction. Students spend a full six hours a day in reading, math, science and social studies. At the younger levels, they break only for lunch and a 45-minute class of either art or physical education. Classes don't dismiss until 5 p.m.

At first, it took some effort to sell the back-to-basics school to parents, Garza said. But not anymore.

"It's not like it used to be," he said. "They take a lot of pride now in their college readiness."

Tiffany Wright, principal of the Houston Gateway Academy elementary school, believes in the program so much that she sends her two young children to the school.

Even the 3-year-olds have thick binders to track their work, she said.

"Our kids are already reading by the time they hit kindergarten," said Wright, who also does evening Kumon tutoring sessions with her first-grade daughter.

Students said the school is friendly and not that difficult.

"At an HISD school, you're pretty much just a number," said Emanuel Ortuno, 16, who transferred in ninth grade from Stevenson Middle School.
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Three kindergartners bent over their books mid-morning on a recent day and read to their teacher aloud. "Food grows in many places," they said, reading the last line. For two, this was a big moment: The English they recited was not the language they first learned to speak.

More than half of the 550 students at the Houston ISD school, Cage Elementary, are learning English as a second language. They're among the 30 percent of students districtwide enrolled in programs for those still mastering English.

As part of a shift across HISD, Cage Elementary students participate in a dual-language curriculum, instead of a bilingual or English-only one. The instructional style works to teach both native Spanish speakers and native English speakers a second language.

The students reading to teacher Erica Reyna were in the English-speaking portion of their day. With her, they studied science and social studies. After lunch, they would move next door to their Spanish classroom with a teacher who would instruct in that language about reading and math.

It's an approach experts say has positive long-term effects for academic performance, global understanding and career success. It's also easier to accomplish at a young age.

"They think it's neat that they're learning Spanish, that they get to talk to people that before they couldn't," Reyna said.

Three years ago at Cage, classes would have looked different. Some students received instruction all in English, while others participated in the bilingual program. That option, now being phased out with each graduating class, was geared toward getting everyone up to speed in English by separating out those who weren't yet English proficient and increasing the amount of their English instruction each year. It didn't involve those who already spoke the language well, nor were English speakers intentionally taught courses in Spanish.

HISD began to move more of its schools toward the dual-language structure in the fall of 2014, when the number of its elementary schools with Spanish dual-language programs increased by 14. It added 21 more elementary campuses the following school year for a current total of more than 50 dual-language elementaries. The district also runs the program in six middle schools and two high schools.

Under the new superintendent, though, expansion of the dual-language program is only being considered for middle schools to help meet the needs of kids graduating from such programs at the elementary level, HISD spokesperson Lila Hollin said.

When Cage learned it would be part of the early switch, Principal Jose Covarrubia asked for a year so the school could do its homework. They bought books, went to seminars and visited schools with the program in another state. They wanted to be sure that they did it right when they implemented it, starting in the fall of 2015.

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Effects of the change haven't yet been reflected in test results at Cage, which scored an A- overall in the 2017 school rankings calculated by Children At Risk. Only kindergartners and first graders are in dual language currently. Older students are still following the former system.

Still, now that they've started, Covarrubia said societal expectations remain that the kids test just as well. This both frustrates and unnerves him, as studies show it can take five to seven years to master a language.

School administrators have wondered, too, if the one-size-fits-all model is fair to each kid. They don't want to lose a generation of students, he said, and are considering a model that offers a choice: dual-language, bilingual or all-English. "We struggle with, 'are we doing right by the kids when we do this?' " Covarrubia said.

Districts such as Clear Creek, Alief and Spring Branch had expanded their dual-language programs around the time Houston did. Clear Creek further plans to start a dual language program in a fourth elementary school this fall. And Alief is still adding dual language to more schools at grade levels beyond elementary.

Meanwhile, districts such as Fort Bend and Cypress-Fairbanks ISDs do not offer dual language at all.

At Cage, the third-grade teachers will be ready if the dual language program continues moving up the grade levels, teacher Rosa Orozco-Borjas said.

After all, they are used to rising to pressure around standardized testing. In Orozco-Borjas' classroom, students spent recent class time reviewing test topics they had missed, with some working individually on iPads and others clustered in a group to work with their teacher at the board.

"If it's coming up, we're excited," she said. "We can do anything."
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Field Elementary School on Studemont and 17th sits in ground zero of gentrification in the Heights with home values soaring every year.

Still, more than 80 percent of the students at the Houston ISD campus are economically disadvantaged and many are still learning English.

Despite the challenges, students at Field are keeping pace with the neighborhood's more affluent and elite schools. And a push from parents in the neighborhood to give the school a chance is credited with some of that progress.

"We get tired of questions from parents concerned it's too Hispanic, too socio-economically disadvantaged and ask if there is violence and gangs," said Linda Ho Peche, whose 8-year-old daughter Anya attends Field. "I'm very frustrated by that, they're just kids."

In 2016 and 2017, Field has made the Top 10 of Gold Ribbon Elementary Schools in Greater Houston with a 75 percent or more economically disadvantaged student body that scored high academic marks.

Field has earned an "A" rating each of the last two years from Children At Risk, a Houston-based nonprofit that advocates on state education policy.

Principal John Hendrickson said dedicated and experienced teachers set the school apart. He said he rarely hires first-year teachers, opting instead for educators who come recommended by his staff.

"Teaching is a really difficult profession and that first-year teaching is a really sharp learning curve," said Hendrickson, who has been principal at Field for 11 years and with HISD for 30.

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He doesn't interfere with successful teachers. If test scores begin to slide, the intervention is low-key and not micro-managed.

Patty McGrail stepped in a few years ago when she realized the administration needed some help. She was warned by neighbors to avoid Field and to apply to the more sought-after Travis and Harvard elementaries.

Just under two miles from Field on 9th Street, Harvard has a International Baccalaureate program, a science and math magnet and a more comprehensive gifted and talented program. The student body is 41 percent Hispanic and 43 percent white with 23 percent of students considered economically disadvantaged.

Even after McGrail found out her son Callum got a spot from the wait list at Harvard, she opted to keep him at Field and made it her mission to convince her neighbors to do the same.

"I wanted to start a wave of parents sending their kids to Field," the former corporate marketing professional said. "I wanted to get more neighborhood families and I thought, 'If not us, then who?'"

Rather than flee, McGrail started Friends of Field, a nonprofit that helps raise money for the school.

The mother is careful choosing her words about the comments she received from area parents about Field. Parents aren't convinced, despite the school's high marks from the Texas Education Agency and Children At Risk.

"It's not about academics," said McGrail. "It's about human nature where people want to go where people look like them, talk like them. It's outside your comfort zone."

She started to work closely with Hendrickson and staff and encouraged them to engage the community and let them see what a great school is in their own backyards. She encouraged the staff to host an open house where parents could meet the teachers.

"It's about changing the administration's mentality and making them understand the value of bringing in neighborhood families," said McGrail.

They're slowly seeing more families from the neighborhood enroll at Field - with currently about half of the 515 seats filled with neighborhood kids.

Sara Muroff, who has a 3-year-old son, is zoned to Field. "I've heard Travis is the best, but I've heard Field is good," said Muroff.

Catie Sangalis moved from New York City about a month ago for her husband's job in oil and gas. Sangalis has a 2-year-old son and another on the way. She had reservations about leaving New York and all its cultural diversity. She said her son will have plenty of white people in his life because of his family, and would like him to be exposed to children of different backgrounds. She's heard good things about Field, too.

"Diversity is a big issue," said Sangalis. "Especially in elementary school. And happy teachers. If they're treated well, they'll treat students well."

Staff and parents invite the skeptical to set foot inside the school before they decide.

"They need to come tour the school and meet the teachers, talk with the teachers," said Hendrickson. "They would learn we have a lot more to offer here than they think, we really do have caring teachers."
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With a whir and a beep, Manuel Carreon sets a nimble drone flying down the halls of his high school.

He shows off his navigation skills by not touching any walls or lockers in the narrow hallway.

For the 17-year-old, drone flights are just part of a regular part of the school day in his geo-information systems class at Houston ISD's High School for Law and Justice.

"Our mission as a school, our statement is that we're learning today to defend tomorrow," said Principal Carol Mosteit. The school, which focuses on preparing students for law enforcement and legal careers, is also among the top-rated schools in HISD, according to Children at Risk's 2017 rankings. And this year, the Dickson Street school scored an A, making it one of the area's most improved campuses after a C- last year.

Founded in 1981 as a recruitment tool for minority police officers, the school now offers tracks for legal studies, law enforcement and firefighting. Class offerings include everything from forensic psychology to civil litigation to emergency communications.

That's the class where 16-year-old Remy Ramos answers simulated 911 calls, plugging away at a keyboard to input the data as quickly as possible. This summer, students like Ramos in the pre-practicum class will get a chance to test out their skills in the real world with jobs at the Houston Emergency Center.

"The goal is to give them a foothold," said Valgene Holmes, a retired police officer who teaches the emergency communications and geo-information systems classes.

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Students will continue that call center position - earning $13 an hour - through their senior year and, for some, it'll be the first step down a career path.

"I want to start as an emergency telecommunicator and move up to 911 telecommunications," Ramos said during a pause between calls. "And then sometime when I'm 20, I'll join the police academy at the Houston Police Department."

While Ramos and his fellow future officers hone their call skills, Khrystalsjha Black sits at the bench in black judicial robes, overseeing a mock trial in the court systems and street law class.

Once a month, the 18-year-old gets to try her hand at real cases through the city of Houston's Teen Court program, in which the students work on cases involving low-level juvenile offenses like truancy, theft and curfew violations.

Although a real judge oversees the court, students fill the roles of jury, defense and prosecution. Someday, Black hopes to segue her current courtroom experience into a legal career. "I want to be an attorney and own my own law firm," she said. "I've thought about being a judge, but I think it'd be good after I start my firm."

Next year, she's headed to Bryn Mawr College in Pennsylvania to start making that dream a reality.

For Mosteit, students like Black offer the success stories the school strives for.

"What we really do exceptionally well is closing the achievement gap," she said. "This is a minority-majority school. We have 80 percent kids that are economically disadvantaged. We help make an even playing field for all kids."

Even so, the school boasts a 100 percent graduation rate and comes in far above district averages for percent of students with satisfactory STAAR scores.

Despite impressive stats, the school has no waitlist and just over 400 students, a figure Mosteit hopes to increase. Although Children at Risk gave the school an A two years ago, last year CAR flagged the school for underperforming and seeing a dip in STAAR exam scores.

Mosteit attributed the sudden downturn to the departure of a talented math teacher, though the school has since worked to compensate for the loss.

Until the start of this year, the campus had been known as the School for Law Enforcement and Criminal Justice, but Mosteit said the name may have been scaring off would-be students.

"The perception was that we were a school for behavior problems," she said. So going into the 2016-2017 school year, the school shortened its name in a bid to attract more learners.

But next year, the school will have an even more attractive draw for HISD's best and brightest: a shiny new building.

"We're getting a brand new school," Mosteit said.

Located on Scott Street near Interstate 45, the $40 million three-story building will feature a courtroom and law library in the heart of the school. The 750-student building will allow for an optimistic bump in enrollment.

The building is slated to open in early 2018 - and Mosteit can't wait.

"We are so excited," she said.
Iwo Jima, March 10, 1945: Machine gun bullets whizzed through the air. Explosions and screams echoed in the distance. Paul Merriman, a month shy of his 18th birthday, hid behind a rock on the beach, trapped.

He and his fellow Marines started chucking grenades toward the Japanese soldiers, now only a few dozen feet away. "I'm getting out of here," one of his buddies said, and as soon as he stood, a bullet blew through his head.

A minute later, Merriman heard a thud in the sand and looked down: An enemy soldier must have picked up one of their live grenades and tossed it back. "Oh, I'm dead," Merriman remembered thinking.

The blast sent his body flying and filled his back with shrapnel  but it did not kill him.

He survived the war, returned to his home in Pennsylvania, got married, raised seven kids, bought a small business in Texas for a $1 and turned it into a $200 million company. Along the way, he became an avid runner, logging more than 50,000 miles over five decades and leading some to believe he might never slow down.

He did, though, and on Saturday, less than two months after celebrating his 90th birthday, Merriman died at an assisted living home in Houston.

"He's one of those people who has lived such an incredible life, it's hard to believe you actually knew him," said Rick Arnett, who spent 20 years working for Merriman at Hisco, the Houston-based industrial supply company he bought in 1970.

Merriman grew up during the Great Depression and remembered his mother sometimes sending him and his siblings out to forage for food. They would return with apples or dandelions cut from neighbors' yards: "It was the best we could do," Merriman said in a March interview with The Veterans Project, which collects stories and photos of combat veterans.

Merriman volunteered for the Marine Corps at 17, even as Allied forces had begun to turn the tide in Europe and was soon shipped out to fight in the Pacific. He landed at Iwo Jima with the 5th Marine Division at the start of one of the war's bloodiest and most iconic battles.

"I wasn't afraid to die because I knew that was part of our duty," Merriman told The Veterans Project. "There were times I was absolutely shocked, but I didn't fear death."

He came close to it on the 20th day of fighting there, when he was hit with the grenade blast. He remembered reaching back afterward and realizing his back was soaked with blood. He made it off the beach and eventually was evacuated.

A dollar into millions

Back home, he found work and fell in love. "My wife would often say that God saved me on Iwo Jima just for her," Merriman said in March. "Like other wives of those times she kept house, she accepted the scarce finances early on, and ... when I took some business and job risks, she trusted me totally."

The biggest risk came in 1970. Merriman was working for General Electric in Philadelphia when his boss offered to sell him a company he owned in Houston for $10,000. The business, Houston Industrial Supply Company, was loaded with debt and at risk of failing. Merriman countered by offering $1.

"I walked out of that office with a new company and a dollar less," Merriman recalled years later, laughing.

Merriman shortened the company's name to Hisco, and over the next four decades, pulled it out of debt and turned it into a multi-million-dollar business, with 38 branches in three countries. It was among the first businesses in the country to begin offering employees a stock-ownership program in the 1970s.

"It's hard to believe something like that was done," said Arnett, who joined the company in the early 1980s and later became a vice president under Merriman. "He took a huge risk taking on all that debt, and he made it work."

Wife came first

Merriman was proud of his military service and business success, but he cared for his wife above all else, said Laura Merriman, his fourth child. Her mother, Patricia, used to dress all the children in nice outfits and have them line up to welcome their dad home after business trips.

"My father always went to my mother first and gave her a hug and a kiss," Laura Merriman said. "My mother always came first in his life."

He was devastated when she died in 2009 and visited her grave often at Houston National Cemetery, where he will be buried alongside her later this week.

Merriman stayed active after her death, speaking frequently at Memorial Day events and visiting schools to tell children about his war experience  stories Laura and her siblings didn't hear growing up.

Merriman also gained notoriety as a prodigious runner, a hobby he'd started in 1967 as a way to blow off steam. Amazingly, he tracked every run over the years, and in 2012, while surrounded by all seven children, he broke through a plastic tape at Memorial Park as he eclipsed 50,000 miles.

"I like the quietness, the aloneness, the non-pressure of the open road," Merriman told a Houston Chronicle reporter that day. "There's something redeeming about being out running by yourself."
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The state's top universities dodged major revenue cuts this session, but regional universities from the Rio Grande Valley to Clear Lake to Victoria weren't as lucky.

In a tight budget cycle, losses of a few million dollars at some universities statewide will force these institutions to re-evaluate programming and potentially eliminate positions. The $216.8 billion state budget awaits Gov. Greg Abbott's signature after being passed by the House and Senate.

Even reductions of up to 10 percent, however, are far more forgiving than projections at the beginning of the session, when public universities feared that to stay afloat financially, they would need to lay off faculty, shut down classes and reduce services such as advising students.

Texas universities bring in revenue from two main sources, state appropriations and student tuition and fees. The state distributes money to universities through a formula largely based on enrollment and a separate channel called special item funding, which supports specific university programs such as research centers and specialized institutes. Senators initially considered cutting hundreds of millions of dollars in special item funding and placing mandatory caps on tuition increases.

But the most severe of these limits never came to fruition. The budget cut a portion of special item funding but kept the structure of state allocations largely intact. Lawmakers added one-time payments to universities to cushion otherwise sharp declines. And the bill that would have capped tuition never passed out of a House committee. Politicians pledged to review the funding process between sessions.

More Information Legislative review Capping tuition: A bill that would cap tuition increases for two years and then limit any further updates passed out of the Senate but never got out of the House's higher education committee. Top 10 percent: The automatic admission policy - which allows top Texas high school students automatic admission into Texas public universities - was on the chopping block with a Senate bill. Though it passed out of a higher education committee, it was never voted on by the full chamber. Tuition set-asides: Ever since Texas universities were allowed to set their own tuitions, lawmakers have required the institutions to put aside a portion of any tuition increase to a financial aid fund. Senate Republicans voted to repeal that requirement, arguing that it burdened tuition-paying families and students with extra costs. While the bill passed the Senate, it never made it out of a House higher education committee. Community colleges: Both the House and Senate passed a bill that would allow some community colleges to offer bachelor's degrees. It's on Gov. Greg Abbott's desk, and he has indicated that he supports it. See More Collapse

"Talking to most of the universities, they were very grateful of where they ended up in light of what it was looking like early on," said Rep. John Zerwas, a Katy Republican who led the House's budget-writing committee.

The University of Houston-Victoria, which saw a 10 percent reduction to formula funding and special items, will evaluate program performance and trim its budget.

Session seen as 'hiccup'

The formula funding system presents a challenge for smaller universities like UH-Victoria because it is largely based on prior semesters' enrollment, which retroactively rewards growth, said Wayne Beran, its vice president for administration and finance. Special items can provide startup money at the outset of starting new programs, he said. They "really help institutions get to the next step."

He said he sees this session as just a "hiccup" for the university. "We have to thin down our budget, but we'll keep these areas alive and going until the state can come back and re-fund it."

High-powered research institutions like the University of Houston, Texas A&M University and the University of Texas at Austin did not see reductions this session, an unexpected respite for public institutions that feared a drop in state allocations and tuition revenue could limit their ability to teach, research and compete for faculty and students nationwide.

"It's absolutely a relief," said Jason Smith, UH's vice chancellor for government relations. "It was a very serious concern for all of our universities when the first Senate budget came out, but they took a very different approach from the House."

Still, he noted the disparities in funding for UH and the University of Houston-Downtown, which gained funding slightly, and UH-Victoria and the University of Houston-Clear Lake, which saw a 10 percent drop in formula funding and special items.

"The smaller regional universities and others across the state seem to be losing out," he said.

Texas Southern University saw losses in formula funding and special item funding that it recovered through a one-time payment - dubbed "hold harmless" funding. State money, then, will be constant year over year.

"We were ecstatic about the fact that we were held harmless," said Dominique Calhoun, director of government relations. "Many institutions took cuts.  To have a cut when you're moving forward as an institution would put the university in a bad position."

Calhoun said alumni, students, staff and faculty called elected officials and expressed what cuts would mean for TSU.

'An endangered species'

Similarly, the University of Texas at Austin saw a drop in formula funding and special item funding that was recovered by a separate $55 million payment, keeping funding about steady.

UT-Austin President Gregory Fenves wrote in a campus letter that the university will reduce its budget thoughtfully over the next two years, assuming the $55 million is a one-time offering.

"With the decrease in UT's recurring base budget, the reality is that we - the leadership, faculty and staff - must allocate our resources more efficiently," Fenves wrote. "Over the coming months, we will develop strategies to improve our operations and refine priorities."

Lawmakers said they would scrutinize the entire higher education funding process over the interim, possibly to change which types of initiatives can receive special item funding.

"They're an endangered species," said Raymund Paredes, the state's higher education commissioner, of special items. "There's going to be some refinement of what that category means in the interim."

Some special item funding supports programs that universities call start-ups for more than a decade.

Lawmakers criticized that practice this year as "over the top," Zerwas said. He said the interim review would allow universities to weigh in on how the state will support them.
Gov. Greg Abbott isn't spiking the ball just yet, but he is celebrating a step closer to the end zone.

Abbott held a reception this weekend to thank people who worked to pass a resolution calling for a "convention of the states" to rewrite the U.S. Constitution.

KTBC-TV in Austin reported that Abbott, who listed the resolution among his emergency items for the just-concluded legislative session, told the gathering that Texans want to place term limits on federal elected officials and require a federal balanced budget amendment.

CALL ISSUED: Texas House approves call to gather to rewrite Constitution

Abbott is also proposing an amendment allowing a majority of states to overrule the U.S. Supreme Court. Story continues below.





Opponents of the concept worry about a runaway convention that could result in a loss of rights. It isn't clear legally what, if any, restrictions could be put on such a convention.

Texas became the 12th state to approve a constitutional rewrite call, and it takes 34 states to call a constitutional convention. If such a convention were held, 38 states would have to sign off on any changes.

So any attempt to have the states rewrite the work of the Founding Fathers has a long way to go.

Scroll through the gallery above to see the ups and downs of rewriting the U.S. Constitution at a convention of the states.
Next frontier

Regarding "NASA's Webb telescope endures chilly test here" (Page A1, Thursday), we can only hope that the telescope finishes its tests and is launched before the ideologues in the Trump administration decide that the world is flat and that the sun revolves around the Earth. Don't laugh! That is totally in line with the administration's thinking about climate change.

Michael Martin, Houston

Distasteful jokesters

Regarding "CNN fires comic over gory images of Trump" (Page A8, Thursday), so now that CNN has fired comic Kathy Griffin for offensive, gory photos about the president of the United States, will we now move against the likes of Stephen Colbert and Bill Maher? They are both comics, too. Both have been equally offensive.

The standards used to judge and punish Griffin should also be applied to both Colbert and Maher.

Mike Gonzales, Houston

Overreaction

Regarding "We finally must choose community over chaos" (Page A13, Thursday), I think that state Rep. Helen Giddings is overreacting with "We finally must choose community over chaos," and she should take a look at the reality of the happenings in the House chamber. Spectators are invited guests and just like in your home, they are expected to act civilly and not disrupt the proceedings.

She quotes Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., writing that he reminded us of many things, but he did not mention in his many sermons the right to disrupt legislative meetings. Most of us see our fellow Texans as neighbors, friends or co-workers and do not see any "enemies," as Giddings would have us believe.

Lawrence Keen, Pearland
Future impact

Regarding "We're getting out" (Page A1, Friday), I'm assuming President Trump loves his grandchildren. How can he make a decision that condemns them as adults to live in an ever-intensifying polluted environment?

As grandmother and great grandmother, my heart breaks as I imagine what damage his decision will have not only on the environment, but also on the humans who will suffer from this decision.

Pat Reed, Houston

Producers

Regarding "Texas reacts: President finds like minds on climate in oil patch" (Page A1, Friday), U.S. Sen. John Cornyn declared an eight-year war on American energy producers by the Obama administration as a reason for celebrating President Trump's plans. A very interesting war, indeed. The conditions were so "adverse" during this war that production of oil and natural gas in the U.S. increased steadily from 2009 through 2015 (last year of data from U.S. Energy Information Administration), increasing so strongly that I have read that some feel America has become great again as a force in world energy production.

So who were the casualties of Obama's war the senator would identify? American consumers experiencing current low energy prices? The many folks employed at good wages and very profitable companies during the early production boom?

I think Senator Cornyn has misdirected us to the wrong enemy. The war was really waged between companies successfully competing in an environment where the Obama administration clearly did nothing significant to deter the free market from allowing the companies to be so productive that prices collapsed. The good senator should look at the realities of the last decade before simply playing politics and not playing straight with us citizens he represents.

Mark T. Perin, Sugar Land

Standing tall?

The U.S. now stands "proudly" with Syria and Nicaragua as the only nations not participating in the Paris accord. This was the first worldwide, organized effort to combine climate change and instead of being a leader, the U.S. will sadly opt out.

Thomas Bickham, Houston

A new world

America pulling out of the Paris accord is neither the jobs bonanza it's supporters say it is or the disaster its opponents say it is. The effects of the pullout will be years in the making. What it does affect immediately is the way America will be viewed by other countries.

America will be seen as looking out for itself first; it will not be a leader in world affairs anymore. Other countries will take the same view as German Chancellor Angela Merkel: Don't look to America; don't rely on America; it's a new world.

Gonzalo Martinez, La Porte

Vote validated

I am extremely happy that President Trump pulled the U.S. out of this terrible deal. Finally, we have a leader who is looking out for this country. This is why people like me voted for him.

Kenneth Waters, Houston

Onerous deal

How many times must it be repeated that the Paris climate agreement is completely voluntary? Apparently at least once more for those who aren't listening. Signatories choose how much they will pay, and what methods they will use to meet climate goals, and there are no penalties for failing to meet those goals. The accord is only as onerous - or as effective - as we decide to make it ourselves. I'm at a loss to think how President Trump believes he can improve upon that deal, unless he expects he can negotiate for the rest of the world to pay us to do nothing.

Donny Jansen, Katy

Solid science

Kudos to the mayor of Pittsburgh for committing his city to follow the Paris accords even if the U.S. as a whole will not. I look to other cities to join and do the same. This is not the time to ignore solid science in order to favor sunset industries.

Alan Jackson, Houston

Greatness?

First Trump refuses to reaffirm Article 5 of the NATO treaty which provides that an attack on one is an attack on all. Then he announces America's withdrawal from the Paris climate accord. How does abrogating America's role as leader of the free world make America great?

Tom Moore, Katy
Our elected officials just wrapped up one of the most heartbreaking and least productive legislative sessions in recent memory. What do their actions - and inactions - mean for more than 7 million children in Texas? Last year the Annie E. Casey Foundation's KIDS Count Data Book ranked Texas 43rd in overall child well-being, so the stakes could not be higher.

While there are a few bright spots that give me hope, overall the state failed to invest in a strong future for Texas children.

State leaders declared fixing the state's troubled Child Protective Services system an emergency item, and just last week Gov. Greg Abbott signed a set of reform bills into law that are good first steps.

House Bill 4 offers modest but important support to grandparents and other "kinship caregivers" who step up to take care of Texas children. The modest subsidy offered to caregivers is well below the true cost of raising a child, but it is still a meaningful improvement. This new law will help the approximately 10,000 children who are in the CPS formal kinship program. But lawmakers failed to pass reforms to help the 250,000 Texas children in "informal" kinship care arrangements who lack adequate support. That is unfinished business for the next legislative session.

Among the other good bills that became law last week are measures that reorganize the Department of Family Protective Services and streamline the interaction between the state's child welfare agency and the courts.

A review of the state budget tells us more about how much state lawmakers are willing to invest in children. The Legislature added about $500 million dollars to the CPS budget. It's critical to realize, however, that even with the added funding, Texas still ranks toward the bottom of all states in our investment in CPS and other children's services.

Lawmakers also blew a big opportunity to enact school finance reform. The 5.3 million students in Texas public schools deserve a quality education, regardless of where they live or what their background. The House worked hard to craft a reasonable plan, but zealots in the Senate stripped most of the funding and held the bill hostage with school vouchers that would have used state dollars to subsidize private school tuition - a "compromise" the House wisely rejected.

Pre-K didn't fare much better. The promise of expanded pre-K led only to a mandate that will force schools to use existing funding to pay for pre-K, resulting in a net loss for districts. Underfunding public education means more kids in crowded classrooms, more inequity between school districts and ultimately, a less-educated workforce.

Legislators under invested in children's futures while leaving more than $10 billion untouched in the state's rainy day fund - an inexcusable decision that threatens not just families but the Texas economy.

Lawmakers have also seriously threatened the safety and well-being of over 2.4 million children in Texas who live with immigrant parents. Senate Bill 4 is one of the worst "show me your papers" laws in the nation. One-third of Texas children live with at least one immigrant parent. The fear of having a parent deported is a stress already having profound psychological effects on children. I witnessed the passionate testimony of children pleading with lawmakers not to dash their parent's dreams of a better future for them. How elected leaders could sleep at night after voting to break apart families is something I will never understand.

Another bottom-of-the-barrel fight this session involved bills to end the practice of "lunch shaming" - the awful practice of throwing away a child's lunch tray during checkout due to insufficient funds in their school lunch accounts, and giving them a paltry replacement. One out of four Texas kids has difficulty meeting basic food needs. Right-wing members of the Legislature voted to weaken several proposals to remedy lunch shaming. State Reps. Helen Giddings, D-DeSoto, and Diego Bernal, D-San Antonio, fought passionately for a fix, but because of push-back, the only plan that passed was one reaffirming an existing grace period that prevents fees from piling up.

It was an ugly session, but I remain inspired by brave lawmakers who fought against the odds for Texas kids, children who stood up for their parents, and all the Texans who testified, rallied and walked the halls of the Capitol to build a better future for all of us.

As Abbott signed laws last week, he said he expected Texas' child protective services programs to "strive for, achieve and to accomplish No. 1 ranking status in the United States of America as it concerns taking care of our children." At number 43 now, we have a long way to go.

Beeson is the executive director of the Center for Public Policy Priorities.
Researchers at the University of Calgary say they've developed a way to get oil to its destination without spilling a single drop.

Engineering professor Martin Mintchev and master's student Thiago Valentin de Oliveira say their leakless pipeline prototype could be a near-risk-free solution  if companies are willing to shell out for the increased cost.

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The proposed pipeline has three things that make it different: it's double-layered, segmented and has real time wireless monitoring sensors embedded in each section. The inner-most pipeline would transmit the fluid, and if a leak were to occur, it would end up in the air gap between the inner and outer layers, where it would immediately be detected from a central monitoring station. The spill would be contained to one segmented section.

As pressure builds, oil will leak into the adjoining segment, tripping the next set of sensors (by filling the space between the two pipes with fluid, interrupting the connection) and giving crew even more time to respond. This gives workers multiple layers of fail safes so they have time to react, reduce pressure and fix the problem before a drop ever leaves the pipeline.

Double-layered pipelines are not a new idea. Mintchev told HuffPost Canada that double-walled lines were first proposed in the 1980s and are now in the public domain.

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In 2015, a double-walled pipeline at Nexen's Long Lake oilsands facility in northern Alberta spilled 32,000 barrels (five million litres) of bitumen, sand and wastewater. The pipeline was less than a year old, and was built with new technology at the time.

But, the pipeline didn't have segmentation to contain the rupture, and its warning system didn't detect it in time  Nexen said it may have been leaking for up to two weeks before it was discovered.

"If we could turn the time back and use the Nexen pipeline that would utilize our technology ... this leak would have been prevented completely and inevitably," Mintchev says.

Mintchev says that in the case of the Nexen spill, the pipe was filled with sensors, but they generated numerous false alarms that motivated employees to turn the sensors off, which was one of the reasons the spill went undetected for so long.

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Nexen isnt alone when it comes to having a flawed leak recognition system. A 2011 report from TransCanada on the Keystone XLs environmental impact noted that its systems cant detect leaks lower than 1.5 to two per cent of the pipes flow rate. For a pipeline that will carry 830,000 barrels of oil each day, thats a lot.

In Mintchev and de Oliveira's proposed pipeline, a leak interrupts the connection between sensor stations, so it'll be immediately obvious something is wrong.

"Any disturbance in the pipeline, any earthquake, any movement, any possible sabotage, we'll catch it at the moment it happens with this approach."

The proposed technology would be more expensive than regular pipelines, depending on whether or not the pipeline needs to be replaced or can be modified, Mintchev says.

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Here's how the proposed costs would break down:

Replacing an existing single-walled pipeline, segment by segment, would cost double the cost of the pipeline's construction

Upgrading an existing double-walled pipeline to add segmenting rings and wireless monitoring stations would add no more than 10 per cent to the cost

Sleeving an existing single-walled pipeline with a second layer, that includes segments and monitoring technology, would increase the cost by 20 to 25 per cent

Upgrading an underground or undersea pipeline would increase the cost by 50 per cent, and would reduce the pipeline's flow, as the second layer would have to be built inside the existing pipeline

If oil companies start by only upgrading pipelines in sensitive areas  near water crossings, ecological reserves and towns  Mintchev says the benefits would far outweigh the costs.

In 2010, an Enbridge pump station in Michigan ruptured, spilling over 20,000 barrels (3.3 million litres) of crude into the Kalamazoo River. People were evacuated, drinking water was contaminated, and a 56-kilometre stretch of the river was closed for cleanup for two years.

The cleanup cost approximately US$1.21 billion, more than the pipelines construction cost of $1 billion.

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Implementing the proposed technology ... turns out to be cheaper than having to face one (or several) oil spills, Mintchev and de Oliveira write in an economic and environmental analysis. And thats not counting the environmental damage and loss of wildlife.

The pair have a working prototype and a patent is pending. The design will be presented to the industry for the first time at the Global Petroleum Show in Calgary on June 13.

"Any disturbance in the pipeline, any earthquake, any movement, any possible sabotage, we'll catch it at the moment it happens with this approach."

Pipelines get a bad rap  but they are currently the safest, cheapest, and fastest way to transport oil and gas.

A 2015 study from the Fraser Institute found that pipelines were 4.5 times less likely than rail to experience an accident when transporting oil and gas.

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If Mintchev and de Oliveiras pipeline design is embraced, that rate could rise.

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The other day, as I was cruising around in my shiny new electric car and proudly proclaiming the merits of solar-powered transportation, I received an unexpected message from South Africa. An old friend by the name of Nkwame had seen my recent writings on clean technology and wondered about the availability of solar power to combat poverty and unemployment in South Africa. "When is it coming down to south?," he asked.

I responded with my customary optimism that solar and wind have the potential to create millions of middle class jobs and offset all 368 million tons of annual carbon pollution emitted by South Africa's coal-fired power plants and other fossil fuels - not to mention extending electricity to the 7.7 million poor South Africans who still are disconnected from the grid. I suggested Nkwame find a local solar company and begin installing the panels in poor communities, one roof at a time.

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Then I came back down to earth. Recalling the time my wife and I spent living in her native land, and the trips I regularly took into South African townships while working for democratic reforms with Nkwame, I had to acknowledge a pair of fundamental flaws in my idea.

First, the homes (if they can be called homes at all) in which South Africa's poorest people currently live, lack not only electricity and plumbing - most lack solid roofs to support solar panels, never mind protect their inhabitants from extreme weather events fueled by climate change.

Second, South Africa, like much of the African continent, is still awaiting the kind of foreign direct investment and technology transfers that could make a clean energy transformation (on rooftops or otherwise) possible in the first place.

After patiently hearing my thoughts, Nkwame got real. What he really needed from me was not more promotion of solar power or my electric car but a little assistance making ends meet in the face of Southern Africa's three-year drought and widespread hunger fueled by climate change. Since paying work was hard to come by in the area of democratic reform, Nkwame was devoting himself to matters close to home: developing small-scale self-reliance projects to counter his country's sky-high unemployment and the raft of social challenges it brings.

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What Nkwame needed from me, specifically, was help buying tools so he could start a carpentry business with some of the unemployed youth he mentors. Perhaps they could then begin constructing the kinds of homes (and roofs) that would someday generate power from the sun - a true course in democratic self-reliance.

What he needs from my government in Washington is something more than drills and saws. He needs the Paris Climate Accord with its long-overdue promise of cutting carbon emissions and helping poor countries adapt to a global warming crisis they did almost nothing to create.

Nkwame's conundrum, and that of more than one billion people in poor countries who are the biggest victims of our carbon binge, puts President Donald Trump's decision on Paris in a new light. Not only do economists and scientists uniformly agree that retreating from global progress on climate change is a profound mistake for the United States, the president's decision also betrays a lack of basic humanity. It violates a fundamental principle of international engagement known as "do no harm."

Since the dawn of the industrial revolution, developed countries like our own have done considerable harm to Africa and the planet through our unfettered consumption of dirty fossil fuels. Although the days of government-sanctioned slave ships and colonial occupation are gone, the 16.4 metric tons of annual carbon pollution released by each American - far more than any other nation - disproportionately contribute to devastating droughts and desertification, crop failures and famine, and mass dislocation of "climate refugees" across the Global South. Small wonder that climate change as been called the greatest security threat of the 21st century by our military leaders. It is also the greatest test of our humanity.

The question is not whether Nkwame and his compatriots are paying an unfair price. The science is long-since settled.

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The question is whether we care. Do we care about our people, our planet, and those beyond our shores whom we have harmed? Do we care about our children and grandchildren who stand to inherit an earth that is increasingly incapable of supporting human life? Do we care about our economic future as a nation and the next industrial revolution in clean energy technology that awaits? Do we care about our moral standing in the world?
As recently as 200 years ago, people still thought that bloodletting was the only cure for diseases. Not thousands of years ago; just two centuries. It's astounding to think of how far we've come since then. A man who became a hero in the world of medicine is French physician Pierre Louis. He's credited as being the father of the clinical trial. You could even argue that he was the first to use data in medicine. But his acceptance didn't come immediately. It took a long time to shift paradigms that had been in place for generations.

We're in an era now where similar to Pierre Louis, data could save the day once again. And this time, it's bigger than ever. But are we all ready to adopt new practices?

The premise of the healthcare industry has been the same for most of its existence. You have a problem and the provider's job is to find a solution - a remedy. It's medicine that is only as good as the information doctors have available to them. The goal is to obtain a wider scope of information. Sure, they can take the lead from previous illnesses, lifestyle choices and family health records. But on the whole, the industry is on the hunt for ways to treat us and improve our wellbeing based on proactive intelligence.

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Up stepped big data. Everything changed - or at least, it is in the process of changing. See, the place we are in now is exhilarating. We're able to use data to our advantage to make healthcare better, treatments more effective and diseases easier to diagnose. Machines can work for us, giving doctors the tools that were previously considered impossible. But that doesn't mean that all is rosy in the industry. As effective as the technology is, society needs to adjust to such a seismic shift.

New approach

The breakthroughs powering this new wave of Digital Health innovation are promising. By improving our ability to monitor, measure and record symptoms, technology enables doctors to collate data on human health on an unprecedented level and scale. Advances in artificial intelligence (AI) can make sense of this unstructured data, from test results, scans, consultation notes and appointment details, by predicting the risk of disease and providing treatment recommendations.

A recent study by Nottingham University compared the use of medical guidelines with machine-learning algorithms to analyse nearly 400,000 UK patient records in order to come up with predictive tools for detecting the risk of heart attacks without any human instruction. The algorithms performed better than the guidelines and correctly predicted 7.6% more potential cases.

IBM Watson's ability to find statistical correlations and trends among cancer patient data sets, provides clinicians with evidence based treatment options for patients. Meanwhile, we're also seeing some clever solutions being developed by the likes of Google Deepmind, Babylon Health and BenevolentAI. They're taking AI concepts and using them to transform the sector. Many of the leading thinking is coming from interesting start-ups, which is great to see.

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Bridging the gap

But trust in these innovations is an issue that we can't ignore. Among the stories of life-changing successes, there's also the data breaches, hoaxes and fake news. The latter overshadows the former and could prove damaging in the long run as the industry wants to continue its growth.

For example, there's the story of Kenyan smartphone users who were misdiagnosed with HIV by a hoax mobile app. Closer to home, there's news that NHS hospital trusts in England reported 55 cyber-attacks last year. And few could avoid the news about the WannaCry ransomware attack that affected hospitals across the country and around the world.

All this contributes to a trust shortfall. Like many industries, healthcare is already reassessing its practices. The changes to be introduced as part of the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) will cause businesses to be vigilant with the data they use. From 2018, companies will receive heavy fines for data breaches. There will be no margin for error.

Call for change

How is the data being used? Why do tech companies want so much of it? And what does that mean for privacy? These are the questions being asked and the way the industry answers them will be vital for how healthcare evolves. Interestingly, the people asking these questions aren't necessarily the patients. Anyone who is sick would welcome an outcome where a human doctor is aided by data, as opposed to a human working without it. And besides, treatments driven by data often wouldn't look much different to patients at the point of delivery.

Be that as it may, there's still a need for health providers to be transparent. As things stand, the Edelman 2017 Trust Barometer finds that trust in the healthcare industry isn't as high as it should be. Trust issues do exist then, and it's the broader liberal societal demand that will be the loudest voices to call for improvements to be made. In order to address this challenge, clear, evidence based communication combined with real life examples that reinforce the benefits will be critical.

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Trust must be earned. We can't bulldoze our way into surgeries. It involves a two-way conversation where companies are cognisant of the concerns that the public has and addresses them.

It's also important to recognise that many of the processes we're discussing involve behaviour changes for both practitioners and the public. For the public in particular, we can't expect them to become accustomed to it all overnight. The NHS and wider healthcare and technology organisations need to focus on working together to gradually change behaviour.

Way forward

To continue in the spirit of Pierre Louis, we have to navigate a number of barriers that hinder the adoption of modern medicine. These include economics; who will pay for it and how? Then there's skills. It's one thing to have the technology and insight but do we have the right amount of adequately skilled people to roll it out nationwide? But trust will be front and centre of the march forward. Questions will be raised about what happens if data is stolen, or even the integrity of the person or computer who trained the AI.
Heartbreaking scenes emerged on Thursday 1st June, 2017 as Nadia Murad returned to her home in Kocho. The last time she was there was 3 years ago, when she witnessed her mother and brothers' brutal execution before being abducted and sold into slavery as part of Daesh's horrific terror campaign in which the Yazidi community and other religious minorities were targets. After enduring months of torture she managed to escape and has since been appointed UN Goodwill Ambassador for the Dignity of Survivors of Human Trafficking and has campaigned all over the world for her people, victims of terror, refugees and women's rights. With cameras following her she moved from wreckage to wreckage throughout her village, trying to find remains of her family's belongings. Her grief-stricken wails are the saddest, most desperate sounds one will ever hear. "What is left is just the bones of our brothers, fathers and mothers."

She tearfully pleaded for international help to free all Yazidi women still captive "All we want," Murad said "is people to save 3,000 women in the Daesh prisons and to document our graves." An estimated 3,500 women and girls are still missing including Murad's niece.

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Kocho is a small village south of Sinjar, northern Iraq and one of the last Yazidi villages to have been liberated from Daesh. It is also where one of the worst massacres of our time took place in August 2014. Those who weren't killed or captured fled to surrounding areas. "The international community has not delivered on its responsibility," Murad said. "I tell anyone that you are being unjust for not supporting a minority like the Yazidis."

There is a huge amount of work that still needs to be done to find and free the remaining Yazidi women, bring Daesh fighters to justice and offer safety to those whose homes have been wrecked and who are too scarred from the memories to return. British Yazidi campaigner, Rozin Hanjool spoke to a friend recently who escaped Sinjar and is now living in her old village, "so many people are scared to go back. They don't want to go back because of the memories. People may think that now the villages are liberated that everything has gone back to normal but it hasn't really. Things haven't changed. The level of safety there is not good at all."

At Women of the World festival in March 2017 we were lucky enough to hear from Eivor Lgreid, a therapist at Yazda's Women's Centre in Dohuk, northern Iraq who works with Yazidi women and children who have survived enslavement. "There's confusion about what the women want," Lgreid said "I can strongly confirm they are desperate for asylum for themselves & their families."

When parliament re-assembles later this month, it is important that we keep pressure on our government to provide its promised support to this vulnerable community. It is not enough to send funds and seek to end a complex conflict in Iraq and Syria. There is simply not enough qualified help and resource in the region to deal with the needs of those who have survived sexual torture and significant trauma. Yazidis have been victims of extremists for centuries and don't feel safe.

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Posters and notices still hang on the walls but no longer do pupils walk its corridors.

Fascinating video footage has captured the inside of the former Hessle Lower School site in Boothferry Road, which is due to be demolished.

The footage, shown in the video above, takes us on a walk around the former school now, through the kitchen, hallway, classroom and, more dramatically, what is said to be the former drama hall.

But with paint strewn on the floor and smashed windows, it is hard to picture the hall as it once was - a place that would have been filled with pupils learning and chatting among friends.

One of those involved in the video, which has been made available to the Mail, said: "Its a different perspective from what you can see in daylight.

"It is like a frozen time capsule. Its interesting.

"The school was quite vandalised. There was still items in there. In the drama hall, people had gone in and thrown paint around. Loads of windows have been smashed.

"I think it was because its a modern school  its interesting to see it like that."

Hessle High School previously had separate upper and lower school sites almost a mile apart, in Heads Lane and Boothferry Road.

However, following development, all pupils have been brought together on the Heads Lane site.

Hessle ward councillor Paul Hogan, who is also on the board of directors at Hessle Academy, urged anyone thinking of going on the site to stay away.

"It is a dangerous site," he said. "It's not a playground. It still has water and electricity.

"They could be taking their life into their own hands."

The Mail contacted East Riding Council for a comment regarding the former Hessle Lower School site and its future.

A spokesman said: "East Riding of Yorkshire Council will be reporting this matter to Humberside Police. As this is the case, we are unable to comment further."

However, he confirmed the buildings are set be demolished and the site "advertised on the market".
Women in the Quad-Cities find themselves with significantly fewer options for health care, as Iowa's GOP-run Legislature achieved its ultimate goal by shuttering the region's Planned Parenthood clinic. And Iowa didn't even try to fake it by rolling out some half-baked list of alleged alternatives.

The Bettendorf clinic was among four that will close in Iowa after the state banned spending Medicaid for any procedure there, Planned Parenthood of the Heartland announced late last week. The organization and its supporters were aghast. The pro-life movement rejoiced.

And, per usual, it is impoverished women who will pay more than their share of the bill.

Medicaid, mind you, provides health care for the poorest Iowans. It's already foundering in Iowa since last year's privatization. President Donald Trump has targeted Medicaid for deep cuts in his draft budget. Hospitals and physicians typically admit Medicaid recipients out of ethical duty or legal mandate. There's little or no money to be made in serving Medicaid patients. In fact, patients with insurance often end up making up the difference, multiple studies have concluded.

Yet, it's these patients to whom Planned Parenthood brought otherwise out-of-reach gynecological care. They're a population with an abnormally high risk for sexually transmitted diseases. They're less likely to receive regular gynecological exams. They're at substantially greater risk for unwanted pregnancy.

Women across the socio-economic strata relied on Planned Parenthood. But, suddenly, those in the lower tiers are destined to have fewer options.

To these women, Iowa just said, "Tough."

Medicaid  in Iowa or anywhere else  doesn't pay for a single abortion, under federal law. No, the Legislature's play here was to structurally hamstring Planned Parenthood while maintaining legal deniability in a constitutional challenge. And, of course, lawmakers hoped to score political points. They refused to back down no matter how many warnings they heard from physicians and social workers; partisan dogma superseded reason or constitutional right.

The timing was especially astounding, as the lawmakers spent this year's session hacking and slashing to plug budgetary holes. Defunding Planned Parenthood will cost Iowa $3 million in federal funds this year. Another $3.3 million will be spent creating a state-run program to, feasibly, make up for the self-inflicted shortfall of women's health care providers.

It's that yet-to-be drafted list that's at the heart of the matter. Four clinics across the state are closing. Many states that have tried similar attacks on a woman's access to health care at least attempted to compile other options. Not in Iowa. Lawmakers just did it blind and directed the state Health Department to force reality into their partisan narrative somewhere down the line.

About 4,000 women have received treatment at Planned Parenthood in Bettendorf over the past three years, the organization's officials say. Representatives with the national Planned Parenthood organization love to parrot statistics that abortions constitute just 3 percent of its procedures. Opponents counter that revenue from abortions make up more than 10 percent of the organization's revenue.

Either way, the vast majority of care received by thousands of women in the Quad-Cities was dealing with women's health outside of abortion. These women suddenly find themselves without access to their provider. They're without the guarantee of a comforting, non-judgmental place in which to grapple with some of life's most personal decisions. They're victims of an anachronistic worldview that treats a woman's body as something over which to lord.

This editorial appeared in the May 26 edition of the Quad-City Times, another Lee Enterprises publication.
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Seven people are now known to have died in Saturday night's terror attack in London - the second attack on the UK in as many weeks.

A total of 48 people were taken to hospital after being injured in the attack.

The suspects drove at pedestrians on London Bridge before making their way to Borough Market, on the south bank of the Thames, where they stabbed a number of people with 12-inch knives.

Three men were shot dead by police within eight minutes of first reports at 10.08pm.

The men were pictured wearing what appeared to be explosive vests, although Scotland Yard later confirmed these were hoaxes. It was the second terrorist atrocity to hit the country in as many weeks after 22 were killed at an Ariana Grande concert in Manchester.

Metropolitan Police Commissioner Cressida Dick, who provided the revised death toll, has described the attack as "appalling and tragic".

She said: "Our understanding is that there were three people involved in the attack.

"We have witness reports of three people armed with knives and three attackers. And we believe the threat that they posed was neutralised within eight minutes.

"Of course it's a very complex and confused scene, and a confused series of events, so it's important that we first of all make sure that there is no one else outstanding.

What we know so far about London terror attack

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"We don't believe there is but we must make absolutely certain ... and as I said we have a very large investigation ongoing and we will be seeking to establish whether anyone else was working with or assisting in any way, or helping in the planning of this attack in the way that you would expect.

"So at the moment we believe there were three attackers and we believe they are dead."

The official terror threat level in the UK is currently at severe, the second highest category.

Ms Dick said authorities are already at a "very high level of alertness".

She said: "Severe means that an attack is highly likely, and the threat level was at severe.

"So, we were prepared potentially for an incident as we have been for some considerable time. The threat level is a matter, as you know, for the independent JTAC, the terrorism analysis centre, and they take a whole range of factors into account in setting the threat level.

"In my view, we responded extremely well. to this ghastly, ghastly incident.

"I can tell you that we will be doing absolutely everything in our power to try to stop such horrendous attack as this.

"We will be working with the Government, and with our colleagues in the intelligence services to do so."

Although police believe the incident is "under control", a large cordon remains in place in the affected areas.

Large numbers of officers are at the scene as a thorough search is conducted to ensure "everyone has been accounted for".

Ms Dick declined to comment on the identity of the attackers, saying: "I can't tell you anything about the identity of the suspects at the moment. Obviously a very high priority for us is to identify them, work out who they are, where they've came from, what is behind this. I'm not prepared to comment at all about any information that we currently have. You understand why."

The commissioner said a "fast-moving" investigation is ongoing with "very significant" resources deployed both to the inquiry and patrols on the streets of the capital.

On Sunday morning, the Conservatives, Labour, Liberal Democrats and SNP all announced they were suspending campaigning ahead of Thursday's general election.
This dynamic helped Gov. Laura Kelly win reelection in Kansas

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Vietnams government claims that Googles parent company Alphabet will help censor toxic content in the country, according to a statement.

The Southeast Asian regime raised concerns about offensive content on Facebook and YouTube (the Google-owned video platform) back in February, and persuaded Vietnamese companies to hold onto their advertising budgets until the American firms were able to address government issues, reported Digital Trends on Sunday. And now, it seems as though at least one company has made those adjustments.

In a statement, the Vietnamese government announced their partnership with Alphabet to censor illegal content in the country.

Mr. Eric Schmidt said (he) will tightly cooperate with Vietnam to remove toxic information violating Vietnamese laws and will consider opening a representative office in the country, they declared following a meeting between Vietnamese Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc and Alphabet Chairman Eric Schmidt.

Despite the apparent success of the meeting, however, Google claims that their policy has not changed

We have clear policies for removal requests from governments around the world, and those policies have not changed, said Google spokesman Taj Meadows. We rely on governments to notify us of content that they believe is illegal through official processes, and where appropriate, will restrict it after a thorough review.

Schmidt also met with Vietnamese activist Mai Khoi during his diplomatic trip, where the two discussed internet freedom.

I told Eric about Vietnams internet censorship issue and he said he knew about it and would try to improve internet freedom here in a delicate way, said Khoi, despite the governments claims that Alphabet would aid them with the opposite.

According to Digital Trends, The Socialist Republic of Vietnam has previously borne criticism for its treatment of dissidents and anti-government personalities, having arrested many who have spoken out against the communist regime.

Charlie Nash is a reporter for Breitbart Tech. You can follow him on Twitter @MrNashington or like his page at Facebook.

Source:




iciHaiti - Agriculture : Distribution of 72 tons of seed to farmers





In the second quarter of 2017, through the Project "Development of small irrigation and access to markets" the United Nations Development Program (UNDP) and the Government of Haiti have put more than 72 tons of seeds (but, peas, rice, vegetable products) at the disposal of farmers in the goavienne region and of Nippes, with financial support from the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD).



With this action among others, the Haitian Government and UNDP wish to contribute to sustainable growth and securing the incomes and living conditions of the most vulnerable rural households.



IH/ iciHaiti






















Haiti - Montfort Institut : Did you know?





The Montfort Institute, which specializes in the teaching of deaf children, celebrated its 60th anniversary this year. Founded in 1957 by the Congregation of the Daughters of Wisdom, the Montfort Institute, it's today three establishments in three major cities of the country: Montfort Institute in Port-au-Prince, Montfort Institute in St Marc since 1985 and Marie Louise Institute in Cap Haitien since 1983. One of the objectives of this school is to make children living with a hearing handicap, often marginalized in this country, citizens accomplished and useful to our society.



The Montfort Institute offers specialized and quality training. Teachers use modular learning methods based on the child's disability. On-site, an assessment of the impairment is made to determine the methods to be followed for each child.



The Institute's premises at Croix-des-Bouquets have 38 classrooms and a dormitory for children and other related compartments in order to better serve them. 8 students will participate this year in the final exams, hoping that university institutions will be open to receive them.



IH/ iciHaiti






















iciHaiti - Energy : Coteaux Electricity Co-operative for 1,200 Families





For two weeks, Francois and Clement, two members of the  Vagabonds de l'energie  (Energy Vagabonds), a French Association for the Study of Energy around the world, investigated on the Coteaux electricity cooperative in Haiti (photovoltaic and diesel), which produces electricity for 1,200 families in 3 communes.



Faced with the Haitian government's inability to provide energy to its citizens on a regular basis, residents use the D system for their everyday life and trade. What happens when an energy cooperative is offered to them by international organizations ?



This cooperative, detached from the electricity grid is a real opportunity for the local inhabitants who are also part of the circle of decisions. What are the benefits of this management ? What are the obstacles faced by the cooperative and the inhabitants ? To discover in this video :







IH/ iciHaiti


















Seven people were killed and 48 wounded when three attackers drove a van into pedestrians on a bridge in central London Saturday night before producing knives and going on a stabbing rampage.

Witnesses described the horror and panic that ensued during the chaos surrounding the attack.

Here are some of their accounts, along with other moments from London's eight minutes of terror.

'I heard a boom behind me'

A witness who was at the London Bridge during the attack describes the scene as the van mowed down pedestrians, saying he saw a person jump off the bridge into the River Thames to escape.

Van 'knocked someone nearly 20 feet in the air'

Mark Roberts, who was on London Bridge during the attack, describes the van's path as it careened across the bridge.

'They're stabbing everyone'

Eyewitnesses recall what they saw and heard as the attack happened.

Bar patrons scramble for safety

Chaos erupts in a bar near London Bridge as police yell for patrons to take cover.

'I thought it was game over'

A witness describes the terror he felt while he was barricaded in a bathroom in London's Borough Market.

'They shot them down'

Photographer Gabriele Sciotto describes the moment armed police officers shot and killed the three attackers.

Dashcam video shows chaos after the attack

Footage from a vehicle's dashcam shows the chaotic scene on London Bridge moments after a van drove into a group of pedestrians.

'I would not say London is the safest city at this moment'

CNN speaks to Londoners after the attack. Many are afraid but remain resilient.

CNN's Steve Almasy, Ralph Ellis, Natalie Gallon, Alex Felton, Carol Jordan, Matt Wells, Antonia Mortensen, Paul P. Murphy, Donie O'Sullivan and Saima Mohsin contributed to this report.
Seattle, WA, June 04, 2017 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- As more than 10,000 Seattle area teens prepare to start summer jobs, the American Industrial Hygiene Association (AIHA) warned that nationwide 59,800 young workers under the age of 18 will be sent to emergency rooms for job-related injuries this year. Local Seattle industrial hygienists, the guardians of workplace safety, are working to equip Seattle young people with the skills and knowledge they need to participate in safe and healthy work environments throughout their working lives.

We must do more. We dont prepare kids to protect themselves at work. In fact, as a society, we pretty much do nothingwe send teenagers off to their first jobs with hardly a word about how to recognize hazards, what to do in an emergency, or who to go to if they feel unsafe, said the president of the American Industrial Hygiene Association Steven Lacey, PhD, CIH, CSP. Every year, nearly 60,000 kids under the age of 18 are sent to the emergency room for job-related injuries, and around 40 of these young workers die on the job. We cant have teenagers die at work.

Did You Know?

Every nine minutes, a U.S. teen is injured on the job.

Approximately 1.6 million U.S. teens (aged 1517) work

On average, each year: 59,800 workers under the age of 18 are sent to the ER for job-related injuries 37 workers under the age of 18 die on the job.

Young workers are twice as likely to be injured compared to adult workers.

Expert Interviews Available

This June 4  7, nearly 4,500 guardians of workplace safety  aka industrial hygienists  will convene in Seattle at the Washington State Convention Center to discuss workplace and worker safety at the American Industrial Hygiene Conference and Expo (AIHce). Among them are local Seattle industrial hygienists who have presented the Safety Matters program to Seattle areas teens to promote workplace safety. To interview AIHA President Steven Lacey or a local Seattle industrial hygienist about the workplace risks facing Seattle teens, please contact Sue Marchese at 202-256-8986.

The Safety Matters Program

The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) and the American Industrial Hygiene Association (AIHA) have created Safety Matters, a one-hour interactive PowerPoint presentation to raise awareness among young people about workplace safety and health and to provide an understanding of the skills they need to become active participants in creating safe and healthy work environments.

For more information: https://www.aiha.org/get-involved/SafetyMattersCenter

Safety Matters Public Service Announcement: https://youtu.be/FG_LhLnwMfE

Watch Mallorys Story: https://youtu.be/jy9YDD1LTiI

Online: #SafeTeensatWork

What is an Industrial Hygienist?

Industrial hygienists anticipate health and safety concerns and design solutions to prevent them. They are the guardians of workplace safety, applying science to identify and solve health and safety problems. Industrial hygienists also unite management, workers and all segments of a company behind the common goal of health and safety.

About AIHA & AIHce

Founded in 1939, AIHA is a nonprofit organization devoted to achieving and maintaining the highest professional standards for its members. More than half of the nearly 8,500 members are certified industrial hygienists (CIHs), and many hold other professional designations. AIHA administers comprehensive education programs that keep occupational and environmental health and safety (OEHS) professionals current in the field of industrial hygiene.

Each year, the American Industrial Hygiene Conference and Expo (AIHce) is the premier destination for thousands of IH/OH professionals, including industrial hygienists, EHS specialists, safety, and risk management professionals, all of whom are responsible for the safety, health, and environment of todays workspaces.

-000-

Attachments:

A photo accompanying this announcement is available at http://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/a2a35775-5345-4403-a7f6-5f5649bf3844
As clean energy is increasingly driven by the emerging economies, global political leadership in advancing clean energy will be increasingly shared. This is precisely the function of the Clean Energy Ministerial (CEM), which was created in 2010, and whose goal is to form a partnership that brings together major industrialized and emerging economies to focus on clean energy technologies and policies, reduce environmental impacts, and ensure reliable and affordable supplies.



Our timing is critical. Action by the 25 CEM members, representing 90% of global energy investment and 75% of global emissions, is crucial for making the world less carbon-intensive than today.



In Beijing, our focus will be to provide a collaborative environment to tackle these challenges in areas ranging from transportation, buildings to the power sector. Our governments will seek to increase electric mobility, with a target to reach 30% of the new vehicle fleet by 2030. The recent announcements of the Indian government will go a long way towards this end. Another challenge for CEM governments will be to increase EV charging providers by a factor of ten in the next five years. Other priority areas include improving efficiency in buildings, which account for nearly a third of all energy consumption and 20% of greenhouse gas emissions. It remains a critical sector and must be addressed at all levels, between governments, industry, regional and city leaders.



In the power sector, the CEM is seeking to move away from the coal-or-renewables paradigm. Coal was the fuel of the last 100 years, and renewables will likely be the dominant fuel of the next century for many countries. At the same time, we must recognize that so-called dispatchable power plants  including thermal generation  are key for many countries to ensure energy security during the transition to a cleaner energy system. And so, the Beijing meeting will launch new work to address this challenge.



To succeed, this energy transition will require the full backing of industry. This is why the CEM includes top-level executives from companies involved in all aspects of the energy field who offer a unique on-the-ground perspective and ultimately determine where investments end up going. They are often the first to recognize what drives clean energy uptake.



This is a unique time for the CEM, which is entering a new phase of cooperation and growth in our short history. The world of energy is changing. Facts on the ground unequivocally point to the key role of emerging economies in clean energy. Come next weeks meeting in Beijing, held from 6-8 June, we are likely to see this reflected in the leadership of the CEM.

The CEM, which is housed at the International Energy Agency, is a global forum that promotes clean energy policies. This Op-Ed was originally published by the Financial Express in India by China Energy News.
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Ariana Grande has responded to the London Bridge and Borough Market attacks that have killed at least six people and injured at least 48.

Three attackers were shot dead after the van and knife attack at London Bridge and Borough Market - locations less than half-a-mile apart - just after 10pm on 3 June.

As news of the attacks emerged Grande tweeted: "Praying for London."

Eyewitnesses reported seeing several people lying injured on the pavement or the middle of the road after a white van began mowing people down on London Bridge.

Police said the suspects then made their way to Borough Market and started attacking people with people with knives. There were reports of Londoners fending off the attackers with chairs and glasses.

The trio were pictured wearing what appeared to be explosive vests, which Scotland Yard later confirmed were hoaxes.

It was initially reported that police believed a stabbing in Vauxhall was linked to the events on London Bridge, but Scotland Yard said later it was unrelated.

General election campaigning has been suspended in the wake of the attack, which occurred just days before the country goes to the polls in the General Election on 8 June.

Recommended How to watch the Manchester benefit concert

It is also less than two weeks since 22-year-old Salman Abedi detonated a homemade bomb at the Manchester Arena shortly after the conclusion of an Ariana Grande concert, killing 22 people and injuring dozens more.

Grande is currently back in Manchester paying visits to victims in hospital and also to the loved ones of those lost.

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She is preparing for the One Love Manchester concert which takes place on the evening of 4 June, and will include performances by herself, Justin Bieber, Coldplay, Katy Perry, Miley Cyrus, Pharrell Williams, Take That, Niall Horan, Little Mix, Robbie Williams and Black Eyed Peas.

Surprise acts and guests are also expected, including the rumoured possibility of an Oasis reunion.

The whole concert will be broadcast live on BBC One and BBC iPlayer, alongside radio coverage on BBC Radio 1, BBC Radio 2, BBC Radio 5 live, BBC World Service and BBC Radio Manchester.

Coverage will start at 6.30pm and run until 10pm, with the presenting team consisting of Scott Mills, Jo Whiley, Phil Williams and Becky Want.

Around 50,000 attendees are expected, and all net ticket proceeds from the show will go towards the We Love Manchester Emergency Fund.
Washington, D.C, June 04, 2017 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- U.S. Conference of Mayors CEO and Executive Director Tom Cochran today issued the following statement on the London terror attack:

The United States Conference of Mayors stands today united with Mayor Sadiq Khan of London and the people of London.

We send condolences to family and loved ones of those dead and injured.

We send praise and absolute respect for the police officers who responded with 8 minutes to kill all three of the London Bridge terrorist murderers.



The Mayors of the USA who haven't had a terrorist attack know full well that in today's age of terrorist actions, domestic and international, an attack could happen in their city.

And the Mayors of the USA whose cities have been hit with an attack of hate and murder have an even more personal feeling for London Mayor Khan. We commend him for his statement today.

He has risen above this crisis of death and destruction, as mayors continue to do, to alleviate fear, to bring comfort to his people of London and to give support to the first responders who continue to protect, defend and provide emergency care to his people of London.

Thank you, Mayor Khan, for your leadership during this crisis.



World Leaders need to know that, in 2017 thus far, in our cities across the globe, there have been 500 attacks and 3500 deaths and many more physically and mentally wounded.

Attachments:

A photo accompanying this announcement is available at http://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/5fe609f8-f1b8-4068-a033-d14cdce33763
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The One Love Manchester tribute concert will go ahead despite the recent terror attacks in London, it has been confirmed.

Issuing a statement, Greater Manchester Police said that the event at Old Trafford would continue as scheduled and also paid tribute to those affected in London.

Assistant Chief Constable Garry Shewan from Greater Manchester Police said: "We're deeply saddened to hear about last night's horrific attacks in London and our thoughts are with everyone affected, including the emergency services responding to the incident.

 'I was throwing bottles, glasses, stools, chairs, but I was defenceless' says London Bridge eyewitness

"There are two large-scale events taking place in Greater Manchester today and we would like to assure people that these will still take place, but with additional security in place to assure the safety of everyone.

"We have dedicated resources at both events, with a significant number of officers from both GMP and colleagues from other forces, some of which will be armed.

"There will be additional security checks taking place and everyone will be searched, including bags. We would ask people not to bring bags if they can, as this will help speed up entry."

The statement also reminded people that the current threat level in the UK is 'severe', which means an attack is highly likely.

General election campaigning has been suspended in the wake of the attack, which occurred just days before the country goes to the polls on 8 June.

It is also less than two weeks since 22-year-old Salman Abedi detonated a homemade bomb at the Manchester Arena shortly after the conclusion of an Ariana Grande concert, killing 22 people and injuring dozens more.

Enjoy unlimited access to 70 million ad-free songs and podcasts with Amazon Music Sign up now for a 30-day free trial Sign up

Grande is currently back in Manchester paying visits to victims in hospital and also to the loved ones of those lost, as well as preparing for the One Love Manchester concert.

The event will include performances by herself, Justin Bieber, Coldplay, Katy Perry, Miley Cyrus, Pharrell Williams, Take That, Niall Horan, Little Mix, Robbie Williams and Black Eyed Peas.

Surprise acts and guests are also expected, including the rumoured possibility of an Oasis reunion.

The whole concert will be broadcast live on BBC One and BBC iPlayer, alongside radio coverage on BBC Radio 1, BBC Radio 2, BBC Radio 5 live, BBC World Service and BBC Radio Manchester.

Coverage will start at 6.30pm and run until 10pm, with the presenting team consisting of Scott Mills, Jo Whiley, Phil Williams and Becky Want - The Independent will also be liveblogging the event.

Around 50,000 attendees are expected, and all net ticket proceeds from the show will go towards the We Love Manchester Emergency Fund.
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Several prominent alt-right leaders are planning on attending a massive rally in Portland, Oregon, where a white supremacist allegedly stabbed two men to death when they stood up to a man verbally harassing two girls over Memorial Day weekend.

The lineup includes an individual who was deemed to be even too offensive for the general group that assumes the alt-right moniker, a man who was arrested at a protest in Berkeley after he attacked anti-fascist protesters, and a self-proclaimed journalist who has been showing up at alt-right rallies across the country and producing propaganda for the cause.

That such a rally would even take place in Portland, which has branded itself as a liberal city in the recent past, may be surprising for some. The Oregon city is known in pop culture for a liberal culture, where residents are seen as more likely to eat kale chips and concern themselves with politically correct verbiage rather than host ostensibly racist movements.

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But the rally, and the planned attendance of those alt-right leaders, underscores a history there of nazi and fascist ideologies clashing with more liberal ideas. Even as recently as the 1990s, individuals sympathetic to those ideologies freely roamed the streets and intimidated anti-racist youth there, according to the Guardian.

Two men were stabbed to death on the Portland light rail system last week after they stuck up for two girls (another man was also stabbed but survived the attack). One of those girls was black, and the other was Muslim.

City Slicker: Portland Show all 7 1 /7 City Slicker: Portland City Slicker: Portland 172288.bin AP City Slicker: Portland 172289.bin PRESS PICTURE City Slicker: Portland 172290.bin PRESS PICTURE City Slicker: Portland 172291.bin PRESS PICTURE City Slicker: Portland 172292.bin PA City Slicker: Portland 172293.bin PRESS PICTURE City Slicker: Portland 172294.bin

The killing has thrust Portland into the centre over the debate between the alt-right and antifascist groups. That debate has been broiling in the United States and was elevated by the election of President Donald Trump, who has brought a former official of Breitbart News, a conservative outlet that is seen as sympathetic to the alt-right, into the White House.
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A campaigner has raised more than 50,000 in two hours to combat far-right groups efforts to raise cash and intercept rescue boats for immigrants and refugees.

Caroline Criado-Perez raised thousands of pounds within minutes of uploading a GoFundMe page to outpace fundraising of anti-immigrant groups who claim Europe is being invaded by enemies and criminals by sea.

The proceeds of Ms Criado-Perez's campaign will be donated to MSF search and rescue teams.

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On the fundraising page, she wrote: You wouldn't try to stop a victim of a terror attack fleeing from danger. Don't let the far right do this to refugees. Don't let the far right's hatred define us as Brits, or as Europeans. Now is not the time to give in to fear and hatred.

The Guardian reported that far-right groups raised more than 50,000 to stop people from fleeing persecution and violence in their own countries.

While aid workers have saved more than 6,000 people from drowning this year, anti-Islam so-called Identitarians are crowdfunding to pay ships to chase down and obstruct rescue missions this summer.

Its a mission to rescue Europe by stopping illegal immigration. We want to get our crew, equip a boat and set sail to chase down these enemies of Europe, says one member of Generation Identitaire in a video posted on its Facebook page, which has over 122,000 likes.

The group have raised more than 56,000 in less than three weeks through an anonymous crowd funding campaign to pay for vessels, travel costs and film equipment.

A French far-right group carried out a trial run off the coast of Sicily last month, disrupting a rescue ship until the Italian coast guard intervened.

The charity, called SOS Mediterranee, said on its website it was established because of the dramatic increase of boats in distress and the insufficiency of existing measures.

Due to conflict in countries like Syria, Yemen and Iraq, hundreds of thousands of people are displaced from their homes every day.

In 2015, around 1 million refugees and migrants crossed the Mediterranean to Europe, found MEDMIG, and since the beginning of 2016, one in 46 people have died or gone missing during the crossing.

According to Eurostat figures, a total of 60,199 people arrived in Europe by sea by 24 May 2017, compared to a total European Union population of 508.4 million.
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A victim of the London Bridge terror attack who was stabbed in the neck and is recovering in hospital said she was in a bit of pain but I will survive.

Candice Hedge, 31, had finished her shift as a waitress at Elliots restaurant in London Bridge and was in a bar with her boyfriend when one of the attackers approached her.

It is understood the man came at her from behind, grabbed her head and stabbed her in the neck, the Courier-Mail reported.

Recommended Donald Trump hits out at Sadiq Khan over London Bridge attack

She was one of 48 people who were injured in the attack on Saturday evening in which seven people died.

Ms Hedge was in a coma but awoke in hospital. The knife had missed her main arteries and windpipe. She received stitches and was recovering.

She wrote on Facebook: Hey everyone, just so you know, Im doing ok. Bit of pain but I will survive. Thanks for your thoughts and well wishes. Love to all.

She has contacted her friends and family to tell them she was safe, as reported by ABC News.

Ms Hedge, from Brisbane, had moved to the UK about six months ago, and was working in the hospitality industry.

Australian Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull said he was aware of reports that two Australians had been directly affected by the attack.

London Bridge Terror Attack Show all 16 1 /16 London Bridge Terror Attack London Bridge Terror Attack Armed police on Borough High Street as police are dealing with a "major incident" at London Bridge PA London Bridge Terror Attack Armed Police talk to members of the public outside London Bridge Hospital as police are dealing with a "major incident" at London Bridge PA London Bridge Terror Attack Police Officers outside the Barrowboy and Banker Public House on Borough High Street as police are dealing with a "major incident" at London Bridge PA London Bridge Terror Attack Armed Police talk to members of the public outside London Bridge Hospital as police are dealing with a "major incident" at London Bridge PA London Bridge Terror Attack Armed police on Borough High Street as police deal with a 'major incident' at London Bridge PA London Bridge Terror Attack Emergency services near the scene of the incident Screengrab London Bridge Terror Attack People run down Borough High Street as police are dealing with a "major incident" at London Bridge Reuters London Bridge Terror Attack Emergency services arrive at the scene near Borough market at London Bridge Carl Court/Getty Images London Bridge Terror Attack Emergency personnel on London Bridge as police are dealing with a "major incident" at London Bridge PA London Bridge Terror Attack Police sniffer dogs on London Bridge as police are dealing with a "major incident" at London Bridge PA London Bridge Terror Attack A second helicopter lands on London Bridge as police are responding to three incidents in the capital, amid reports that a vehicle collided with pedestrians on London Bridge, Scotland Yard said. Officers are dealing with reports of stabbings in Borough Market, where armed officers attended and shots were fired. They are also at an incident in the Vauxhall area PA London Bridge Terror Attack Police attend to an incident on London Bridge in London REUTERS London Bridge Terror Attack Police attend to an incident on London Bridge in London, Britain Reuters London Bridge Terror Attack A police officer escorts members of the public to safety at London Bridge Getty Images London Bridge Terror Attack Police attend to an incident on London Bridge in London, Britain Reuters London Bridge Terror Attack Police attend to an incident near London Bridge in London, Britain Reuters

This afternoon the Foreign Minister spoke to the parents of both Australians. One case has been confirmed and that Australian concerned is in hospital, he told journalists.

In the other case, we are continuing to make inquiries. Our officials will continue to provide every assistance they can to Australians affected by this shocking attack and their families.

New Zealand citizen Oliver Dowling, 32, is in a coma after he was stabbed in the face during the attack, which also left his girlfriend, Marie Bondeville, injured.

Three male suspects were shot dead within eight minutes of the first call to Londons emergency services just after 10pm.

The men had ploughed into civilians on London Bridge before fleeing the vehicle and randomly stabbing people who were enjoying themselves in restaurants and bars.

Metropolitan Police Commissioner Cressida Dick called the incident a terrifying experience for many people and urged anyone with information to contact them.

UK Prime Minister Theresa May said the attack was barbaric and promised legal changes to ensure the Government could combat extremism at home as well as online.

A total of 12 people have been arrested during police raids in the hours after the attack.
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Donald Trump has been criticised for tweeting out unconfirmed information about the London Bridge terrorist attack and using the incident to argue in favour of his so-called Muslim travel ban.

The President re-tweeted a headline about the deadly incident at London Bridge and Borough Market from the Drudge Report, a right-wing outlet.

Fears of new terror attack after van mows down 20 people on London Bridge the headline read, which he re-tweeted on his personal Twitter account.

Recommended Election campaigning suspended after London Bridge attack

NBC responded with its own tweet, warning its audience not to rely on the Presidents social media.

Pres[ident] Trump has used Twitter to share news report on London incident. We arent relaying presidents retweet, as the info is unconfirmed.

Within 20 minutes, Press Secretary Sean Spicer tweeted: National Security team has briefed @POTUS on situation at #LondonBridge and will continue to provide updates.

The President then sent a second message, about 40 minutes later.

We need to be smart, vigilant and tough. We need the courts to give us back our rights.

"We need the Travel Ban as an extra level of safety! he said, referring to his controversial executive order that blocked immigrants from six Muslim-majority countries until it was knocked down by federal courts.

On Saturday evening just after 10pm several men in a white van ploughed into pedestrians on London Bridge before exiting the vehicle and stabbing multiple people near a popular pub beside Borough Market. Three suspects were shot dead by the police.

Mr Trump's apparent attempt to score political points relating to his controversial executive order in the wake of the attack prompted outrage from a succession of experts and human rights lawyers.

John Horgan, a terrorism and political violence expert at Georgia State University, called the President an Opportunist-in-Chief, while Adam Wagner, a human rights barrister, said: Message from London: political point scoring is the absolute, LAST thing we need right now.

Mr Trumps third tweet on the attack was more in line with previous messages sent to the UK after the Manchester Arena explosion, which killed 22 people, and the Westminster stabbing in March.

Whatever the United States can do to help out in London and the UK, he wrote, "we will be there  WE ARE WITH YOU. GOD BLESS!

London Bridge Terror Attack Show all 16 1 /16 London Bridge Terror Attack London Bridge Terror Attack Armed police on Borough High Street as police are dealing with a "major incident" at London Bridge PA London Bridge Terror Attack Armed Police talk to members of the public outside London Bridge Hospital as police are dealing with a "major incident" at London Bridge PA London Bridge Terror Attack Police Officers outside the Barrowboy and Banker Public House on Borough High Street as police are dealing with a "major incident" at London Bridge PA London Bridge Terror Attack Armed Police talk to members of the public outside London Bridge Hospital as police are dealing with a "major incident" at London Bridge PA London Bridge Terror Attack Armed police on Borough High Street as police deal with a 'major incident' at London Bridge PA London Bridge Terror Attack Emergency services near the scene of the incident Screengrab London Bridge Terror Attack People run down Borough High Street as police are dealing with a "major incident" at London Bridge Reuters London Bridge Terror Attack Emergency services arrive at the scene near Borough market at London Bridge Carl Court/Getty Images London Bridge Terror Attack Emergency personnel on London Bridge as police are dealing with a "major incident" at London Bridge PA London Bridge Terror Attack Police sniffer dogs on London Bridge as police are dealing with a "major incident" at London Bridge PA London Bridge Terror Attack A second helicopter lands on London Bridge as police are responding to three incidents in the capital, amid reports that a vehicle collided with pedestrians on London Bridge, Scotland Yard said. Officers are dealing with reports of stabbings in Borough Market, where armed officers attended and shots were fired. They are also at an incident in the Vauxhall area PA London Bridge Terror Attack Police attend to an incident on London Bridge in London REUTERS London Bridge Terror Attack Police attend to an incident on London Bridge in London, Britain Reuters London Bridge Terror Attack A police officer escorts members of the public to safety at London Bridge Getty Images London Bridge Terror Attack Police attend to an incident on London Bridge in London, Britain Reuters London Bridge Terror Attack Police attend to an incident near London Bridge in London, Britain Reuters

Vice President Mike Pence echoed this message, tweeting: Our thoughts & prayers are w/ the victims, courageous first responders & all the people of London. As President Trump said: WE ARE WITH YOU.

Mr Trumps second and third tweets were shared on his official White House twitter page. His first was not.

Other senior politicians followed suit.

 'I was throwing bottles, glasses, stools, chairs, but I was defenceless' says London Bridge eyewitness

Republican House Speaker Paul Ryan said: We stand resolute with our friends in London and send prayers to the victims. Terror and hate will never triumph.

Chuck Schumer, the Senates Democratic minority leader, said: My heart is with the people of London, the victims of this string of terrorist attacks, and their families. You are all in our prayers.

The US State Department issued a statement, condemning the cowardly attacks.

We understand UK police are currently treating these as terrorist incidents. The United States stands ready to provide any assistance authorities in the United Kingdom may request, it read.

Our hearts are with the families and loved ones of the victims. We wish a full and quick recovery to those injured in the attacks. All Americans stand in solidarity with the people of the United Kingdom.
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A journalist has invited any Isis terrorist to a sword duel for a 50,000 reward on his own head after seven people were killed in the attack on London Bridge.

Andre Walker, a New York Observer columnist, posted a photo of himself on the Westminster terrace by the Thames, holding what appeared to be a sword with both hands.

A bounty on my head. Any #ISIS terrorist that kills me gets 50k. I'll give my address. No police. But I've got a sword. Good luck, he tweeted.

 London terror attack: What we know so far

Recommended Read this before you share pictures from the London attacks

He added: "I'm not worried about looking silly, nor am I worried about #ISIS... Come on lads, have a crack."

The reaction to the tweets was mixed, with some people on social media engaging in humour while others criticised the post for its timing.

Not sure what point you're making with this, one person commented.

So let's get this straight. You're offering to fund terrorism? another person asked.

A third said: Probably illegal to carry a sword around in the street like that. This is the dumbest thing I've seen on twitter so far this morning.

Mr Walker said the reason for his offer was very simple.

[] fight someone who is a fair opponent. No honour in running over children, he responded online.

The social media post comes hours after seven people were killed and 48 injured in the third terrorist attack in the UK since March.

"As a Mancunian I was devastated about the terror attack at Manchester Arena," Mr Walker told The Independent. "These cowards want to blow up little girls, and run over tourists.

"As a freeman of the City of London I have a sword. And my offer to any terrorist is this: why don't you pick on someone your own size."

London Bridge Terror Attack Show all 16 1 /16 London Bridge Terror Attack London Bridge Terror Attack Armed police on Borough High Street as police are dealing with a "major incident" at London Bridge PA London Bridge Terror Attack Armed Police talk to members of the public outside London Bridge Hospital as police are dealing with a "major incident" at London Bridge PA London Bridge Terror Attack Police Officers outside the Barrowboy and Banker Public House on Borough High Street as police are dealing with a "major incident" at London Bridge PA London Bridge Terror Attack Armed Police talk to members of the public outside London Bridge Hospital as police are dealing with a "major incident" at London Bridge PA London Bridge Terror Attack Armed police on Borough High Street as police deal with a 'major incident' at London Bridge PA London Bridge Terror Attack Emergency services near the scene of the incident Screengrab London Bridge Terror Attack People run down Borough High Street as police are dealing with a "major incident" at London Bridge Reuters London Bridge Terror Attack Emergency services arrive at the scene near Borough market at London Bridge Carl Court/Getty Images London Bridge Terror Attack Emergency personnel on London Bridge as police are dealing with a "major incident" at London Bridge PA London Bridge Terror Attack Police sniffer dogs on London Bridge as police are dealing with a "major incident" at London Bridge PA London Bridge Terror Attack A second helicopter lands on London Bridge as police are responding to three incidents in the capital, amid reports that a vehicle collided with pedestrians on London Bridge, Scotland Yard said. Officers are dealing with reports of stabbings in Borough Market, where armed officers attended and shots were fired. They are also at an incident in the Vauxhall area PA London Bridge Terror Attack Police attend to an incident on London Bridge in London REUTERS London Bridge Terror Attack Police attend to an incident on London Bridge in London, Britain Reuters London Bridge Terror Attack A police officer escorts members of the public to safety at London Bridge Getty Images London Bridge Terror Attack Police attend to an incident on London Bridge in London, Britain Reuters London Bridge Terror Attack Police attend to an incident near London Bridge in London, Britain Reuters

Three male suspects were shot and killed within eight minutes of the first call to emergency services just after 10pm on Saturday evening.

The men had rented a white van and ploughed into bystanders on London Bridge, before exiting the vehicle and randomly stabbing people in pubs and bars near Borough Market.

Many people were rushed to hospital and remain in critical condition.

On social media, members of the public and politicians vowed not to be divided by terrorism.

Main political parties said they would suspend their campaigns.

The Manchester Arena concert, in honour of the 22 victims who were killed in an explosion last month, will go ahead on Sunday.

People responded negatively to a CNN report that the streets around London Bridge remained eerily quiet, and a New York Times headline which claimed the city was still reeling after the attack in Manchester.

"Woman on CNN talking about London's streets being eerily quiet. Mate, it's Sunday. They're not cowering in fear, they're having a lie in," responded one social media user.
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The indiscriminate slaughter of ordinary members of the public on London Bridge and in Borough Market on Saturday night is fully in keeping with the operational methods of Isis. They have yet to claim responsibility, but it is extremely likely that they were ultimately behind an attack that bears so many Isis hallmarks.

The killings were probably triggered by a pre-arranged instruction to a cell or individual in Britain, the order coming from within the Isis apparatus, and not in response to a more generalised call to its sympathisers to make attacks in Europe and elsewhere. Isis is more professionally organised than is generally supposed, going by its track record over the last five years; its military and terrorist tactics traditionally involve those in charge deciding overall objectives and timings, but leaving local operatives to determine everything else.

Mass murder by Isis of defenceless civilians is frequently carried out in well-known or iconic places to ensure maximum publicity and to spread as much fear as possible. The perpetrators, for the most part, die along with their victims or soon afterwards, making a deliberate public demonstration of their religious commitment. The latest killings in London have all these characteristics, and are very similar in this respect to previous atrocities on Westminster Bridge carried out by Khalid Masood, and in the Manchester Arena by Salman Abedi.

The timing of these three acts of terrorism is most likely connected to Isis setbacks and retreats on the battlefield in Iraq, Syria and Libya. Its fighters have lost most of Mosul  the centre of the self-declared Caliphate since Isis captured the city in 2014  which Iraqi security forces have been assaulting for seven months. The US-backed Syrian Kurds and their Arab allies have said in the last few days that they are about to storm Raqqa, the isolated Isis de facto Syrian capital on the Euphrates River.

Isis uses terrorism in a deliberately sadistic and attention-grabbing way to counter-balance any perception that it is weakening or is fought out. In return for minimum expenditure of men and resources on its part, it can demonstrate to the world that it is still in business despite its loss of territory. It welcomes denunciations because its savagery is geared to topping the news agenda. For this purpose, Isis films its own massacres, ritually decapitates journalists, burns captives alive or drowns them in cages. Last week, a bomb exploded outside an ice cream shop thronged with children in Baghdad killing at least 15, with some reports saying 30 people were killed and dozens more injured.

It has been suggested that the Western mass media plays into the hands of Isis or al-Qaeda by the wall-to-wall coverage of their crimes. But self-censorship is unrealistic since there is overwhelming and understandable public demand for information about terrorists and terrorism which needs to be satisfied. Where authoritarian governments censor or play down Isis and al-Qaeda acts and capabilities, as they do in much of the Middle East, the result is simply to create a vacuum of news and to discredit any media outlet that is silent.

Recommended MI5 and police investigating whether further attack is imminent

The terrorist tactics used by the three men shot dead in Borough Market in the midst of their killing spree, have been developed by Salafi-jihadi movements over the last 20 years. The most notorious example of a suicidal terrorist attack of this nature was 9/11, when the World Trade Centre was destroyed, but they were used on a mass scale from beginning of the war in Iraq in 2003, though they were not pervasive in Afghanistan until later.

The effectiveness of this sort of terrorism is that the entire population is the target and cannot all be defended. Fanaticism but no great amount of military expertise is necessary, so Isis is not depleting its limited number of experienced fighters. Many of the untrained Isis supporters who arrived in Syria and Iraq in recent years, who did not speak Arabic and had no other useful skills, were deployed as suicide bombers, with more than 600 being dispatched, often in vehicles packed with explosives, in the first weeks of the Iraqi security forces advance into Mosul last year.

A further aim of the suicide bombings in Iraq and Syria is to spread out the security forces and to discredit the government in the eyes of its own people, on the grounds that it cannot defend them. In these countries, the ability of bombers to pass through numerous checkpoints without being stopped is often blamed on corruption, but, even when they are stopped, they can cause heavy casualties by blowing themselves up at a crowded security post.

London Bridge Terror Attack Show all 16 1 /16 London Bridge Terror Attack London Bridge Terror Attack Armed police on Borough High Street as police are dealing with a "major incident" at London Bridge PA London Bridge Terror Attack Armed Police talk to members of the public outside London Bridge Hospital as police are dealing with a "major incident" at London Bridge PA London Bridge Terror Attack Police Officers outside the Barrowboy and Banker Public House on Borough High Street as police are dealing with a "major incident" at London Bridge PA London Bridge Terror Attack Armed Police talk to members of the public outside London Bridge Hospital as police are dealing with a "major incident" at London Bridge PA London Bridge Terror Attack Armed police on Borough High Street as police deal with a 'major incident' at London Bridge PA London Bridge Terror Attack Emergency services near the scene of the incident Screengrab London Bridge Terror Attack People run down Borough High Street as police are dealing with a "major incident" at London Bridge Reuters London Bridge Terror Attack Emergency services arrive at the scene near Borough market at London Bridge Carl Court/Getty Images London Bridge Terror Attack Emergency personnel on London Bridge as police are dealing with a "major incident" at London Bridge PA London Bridge Terror Attack Police sniffer dogs on London Bridge as police are dealing with a "major incident" at London Bridge PA London Bridge Terror Attack A second helicopter lands on London Bridge as police are responding to three incidents in the capital, amid reports that a vehicle collided with pedestrians on London Bridge, Scotland Yard said. Officers are dealing with reports of stabbings in Borough Market, where armed officers attended and shots were fired. They are also at an incident in the Vauxhall area PA London Bridge Terror Attack Police attend to an incident on London Bridge in London REUTERS London Bridge Terror Attack Police attend to an incident on London Bridge in London, Britain Reuters London Bridge Terror Attack A police officer escorts members of the public to safety at London Bridge Getty Images London Bridge Terror Attack Police attend to an incident on London Bridge in London, Britain Reuters London Bridge Terror Attack Police attend to an incident near London Bridge in London, Britain Reuters

The emphasis in Britain on seeking to stop Isis attacks by monitoring and neutralising some 23,000 Salafi-jihadi suspects can never be more than partially successful. Only five people are known to have been directly involved in the Westminster, Manchester and London Bridge killings, and these may have been selected, or self-selected, because they were not on a list of prime suspects. But the real key to preventing terrorist attacks lies not in Britain at all, but in eliminating Isis sanctuaries in Iraq and Syria which remain the inspiration and guiding hand for Isis worldwide.
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The London Bridge attackers respect neither life nor faith, according to a statement released by the Muslim Council of Britain.

Harun Khan, secretary general of the Muslim Council of Britain, said: I am appalled and angered by the terrorist attacks at London Bridge and borough market, in my home city. These acts of violence were truly shocking and I condemn them in the strongest terms.

Muslims everywhere are outraged and disgusted at these cowards who once again have destroyed the lives of our fellow Britons.

"That this should happen in this month of Ramadan, when many Muslims were praying and fasting only goes to show that these people respect neither life nor faith."

His remarks come after seven people were killed and 48 injured in an attack on London Bridge and in Borough Market last night. A vehicle was driven into pedestrians before three attackers launched a knife attack, before they were shot dead by armed police.

My prayers are with the victims and all those affected. I commend the work of out emergency services working hard to keep us safe and cope with the ensuing carnage. As ever we urge everyone to assist the authorities so that these criminals can be apprehended and brought to justice.

Muslim charity Al Muntada Trust, based in Parsons Green, said: These acts of terror have nothing to do with our religion.

In fact, they are extremely against the very principals, foundations and teachings of Islam.

We will continue to work to bring communities of all faiths together, and to help those who are in need.

Theresa May said the London terror attack shows Britain is too tolerant of extremism.

The Prime Ministers comments, made in front of Downing Street took on a freshly combative tone. She said things need to change, and called on stricter cyber security.

London Bridge Terror Attack Show all 16 1 /16 London Bridge Terror Attack London Bridge Terror Attack Armed police on Borough High Street as police are dealing with a "major incident" at London Bridge PA London Bridge Terror Attack Armed Police talk to members of the public outside London Bridge Hospital as police are dealing with a "major incident" at London Bridge PA London Bridge Terror Attack Police Officers outside the Barrowboy and Banker Public House on Borough High Street as police are dealing with a "major incident" at London Bridge PA London Bridge Terror Attack Armed Police talk to members of the public outside London Bridge Hospital as police are dealing with a "major incident" at London Bridge PA London Bridge Terror Attack Armed police on Borough High Street as police deal with a 'major incident' at London Bridge PA London Bridge Terror Attack Emergency services near the scene of the incident Screengrab London Bridge Terror Attack People run down Borough High Street as police are dealing with a "major incident" at London Bridge Reuters London Bridge Terror Attack Emergency services arrive at the scene near Borough market at London Bridge Carl Court/Getty Images London Bridge Terror Attack Emergency personnel on London Bridge as police are dealing with a "major incident" at London Bridge PA London Bridge Terror Attack Police sniffer dogs on London Bridge as police are dealing with a "major incident" at London Bridge PA London Bridge Terror Attack A second helicopter lands on London Bridge as police are responding to three incidents in the capital, amid reports that a vehicle collided with pedestrians on London Bridge, Scotland Yard said. Officers are dealing with reports of stabbings in Borough Market, where armed officers attended and shots were fired. They are also at an incident in the Vauxhall area PA London Bridge Terror Attack Police attend to an incident on London Bridge in London REUTERS London Bridge Terror Attack Police attend to an incident on London Bridge in London, Britain Reuters London Bridge Terror Attack A police officer escorts members of the public to safety at London Bridge Getty Images London Bridge Terror Attack Police attend to an incident on London Bridge in London, Britain Reuters London Bridge Terror Attack Police attend to an incident near London Bridge in London, Britain Reuters

We need to do anything we can to reduce extremism online, as this ideology cannot be defeated through military intervention alone.[Islamist ideology] cannot be given the space to breathe.

Mrs May added that things could not continue as they are.
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Calls are growing for authorities to provide better protection for pedestrians on the streets of London after it emerged that a van carrying three terrorists was able to reach speeds of more than 50mph before hitting members of the public on London Bridge.

The suspected extremists involved in Saturday night's attack are believed to have run over and killed at least one victim after mounting the pavement on the bridge in their white van, before speeding south towards a crowd of people, just after 10pm.

And it has since been reported that the City of London Corporation (COLC), the capital's municipal governing body, ruled out installing bollards or security railings in the London Bridge area less than 24 hours before the attack.

Six others died after the attackers crashed their vehicle into a balustrade near Southwark Cathedral and then stabbed members of the public with large knives.

The trio were shot dead by armed police less than eight minutes after the first emergency call - but by then 48 other victims had been injured, and some left a critical condition.

News of the London Bridge atrocity, coming so soon after a similar attack in Westminster, triggered calls for security measures to be installed on the historic bridge - but COLC revealed it has "no current plans" to do so on Friday.

London Bridge Terror Attack Show all 16 1 /16 London Bridge Terror Attack London Bridge Terror Attack Armed police on Borough High Street as police are dealing with a "major incident" at London Bridge PA London Bridge Terror Attack Armed Police talk to members of the public outside London Bridge Hospital as police are dealing with a "major incident" at London Bridge PA London Bridge Terror Attack Police Officers outside the Barrowboy and Banker Public House on Borough High Street as police are dealing with a "major incident" at London Bridge PA London Bridge Terror Attack Armed Police talk to members of the public outside London Bridge Hospital as police are dealing with a "major incident" at London Bridge PA London Bridge Terror Attack Armed police on Borough High Street as police deal with a 'major incident' at London Bridge PA London Bridge Terror Attack Emergency services near the scene of the incident Screengrab London Bridge Terror Attack People run down Borough High Street as police are dealing with a "major incident" at London Bridge Reuters London Bridge Terror Attack Emergency services arrive at the scene near Borough market at London Bridge Carl Court/Getty Images London Bridge Terror Attack Emergency personnel on London Bridge as police are dealing with a "major incident" at London Bridge PA London Bridge Terror Attack Police sniffer dogs on London Bridge as police are dealing with a "major incident" at London Bridge PA London Bridge Terror Attack A second helicopter lands on London Bridge as police are responding to three incidents in the capital, amid reports that a vehicle collided with pedestrians on London Bridge, Scotland Yard said. Officers are dealing with reports of stabbings in Borough Market, where armed officers attended and shots were fired. They are also at an incident in the Vauxhall area PA London Bridge Terror Attack Police attend to an incident on London Bridge in London REUTERS London Bridge Terror Attack Police attend to an incident on London Bridge in London, Britain Reuters London Bridge Terror Attack A police officer escorts members of the public to safety at London Bridge Getty Images London Bridge Terror Attack Police attend to an incident on London Bridge in London, Britain Reuters London Bridge Terror Attack Police attend to an incident near London Bridge in London, Britain Reuters

In an email reported by The Sun, a COLC spokeswoman said: There are currently no plans for the provision of barriers or bollards to be deployed at London Bridge.

The attack came less than three months after Khalid Masood mowed down scores of people in a four by four on Westminster Bridge, killing four and leaving more than 50 injured before he was shot dead on 22 March.

Security barriers were installed outside Buckingham Palace following that incident.

After the London Bridge attack on Saturday, social media users complained that pedestrians were not being protected.

Tom Buckley tweeted: "Terrible scenes at London Bridge. However security there has been shocking since Westminster attack. No bollards, nothing. Joke.#sittingduck."

US journalist Paul Sperry added: "Repeat of Westminster Bridge. Able to build speeds 50 mph+ b/c no bollards/barriers on London Bridge sidewalk itself, just b/t street & walk."

And charity worker Samuel Carvalho said: "I imagine major London bridges/heavily pedestrianised areas are going to need some form or railing or bollards in the future? #Londonbridge."
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Isis has claimed responsibility for the London terror attack through its Amaq 'news agency'.

A statement on the group's propaganda outlet said a detachment of its fighters had carried out the atrocity, in which seven people were killed and 48 were wounded.

One of their victims was Christine Archibald, a Canadian woman who is believed to have worked in a shelter for the homeless until she moved to Europe to be with her fiance.

The three perpetrators, who have not yet been officially named, were shot dead at the scene by police just eight minutes after the first emergency call.

Amaq's statement quoted 'sources', a phrase usually used for attacks inspired, rather than directly commissioned, by Isis.

The group, which also claimed responsibility for the Manchester attack two weeks ago, has called on its followers to carry out increased terror attacks around the world during the Muslim holy month of Ramadan.

Detailed instructions have been issued via propaganda magazines, videos and social media on how to launch mass casualty attacks using vehicles and knives.

Isis's calls for its supporters to take action have been tied to a series of attacks in Europe, including the Westminster attack in March and others in Stockholm, Berlin and Nice.

Analysts have warned that as Isis continues to lose swathes of territory in Iraq and Syria, it will increasingly turn to international terror attacks as a way of maintaining momentum.

Prior to the group's claim, The Independents Middle East correspondent Patrick Cockburn suggested the London attack was an attempt by Isis to prove it is still a major force following major losses in Iraq and Syria.

The slaughter of members of the public on Saturday night bears the group s hallmarks of working in a deliberately sadistic and attention-grabbing way, Mr Cockburn wrote in an analysis on Sunday.

Terrorism in 2016: Terror attacks in Europe claimed by Isis Show all 9 1 /9 Terrorism in 2016: Terror attacks in Europe claimed by Isis Terrorism in 2016: Terror attacks in Europe claimed by Isis Policemen outside Rouen's cathedral during the funeral of Jacques Hamel, the priest who was killed in a church in Saint-Etienne-du-Rouvray in Normandy on 26 July during a hostage-taking claimed by Islamic State group Joel Saget/AFP/Getty Images Terrorism in 2016: Terror attacks in Europe claimed by Isis Two jihadists, both 19, slit Hamel's throat while he was celebrating mass in an attack that shocked France as well as the Catholic Church Joel Saget/AFP/Getty Images Terrorism in 2016: Terror attacks in Europe claimed by Isis Muslims place flowers and hold a minute of silence in front of the church if Saint-Etienne-du-Rouvray, western France, where French priest Jacques Hamel was killed on 26 July Charly Triballeau/AFP/Getty Images Terrorism in 2016: Terror attacks in Europe claimed by Isis Two people hold each other by the new makeshift memorial in Nice, in tribute to the victims of the deadly Bastille Day attack at the Promenade des Anglais Valery Hache/AFP/Getty Images Terrorism in 2016: Terror attacks in Europe claimed by Isis The Islamic State group claimed responsibility for the truck attack that killed 84 people in Nice on France's national holiday. Mohamed Lahouaiej-Bouhlel, 31, smashed a 19-tonne truck into a packed crowd of people in the Riviera city celebrating Bastille Day Valery Hache/AFP/Getty Images Terrorism in 2016: Terror attacks in Europe claimed by Isis Police work at a site where a Syrian migrant set off an explosive device in Ansbach, southern Germany, on 25 July, killing himself and wounding a dozen others Daniel Roland/AFP/Getty Images Terrorism in 2016: Terror attacks in Europe claimed by Isis A Syrian migrant set off an explosion at a bar in southern Germany that killed himself and wounded a dozen others in the third attack to hit Bavaria in a week. The 27-year-old, who had spent a stint in a psychiatric facility, had intended to target a music festival in the city of Ansbach but was turned away because he did not have a ticket Friebe/AFP/Getty Images Terrorism in 2016: Terror attacks in Europe claimed by Isis Police officers walk along train tracks in Wuerzburg southern Germany on 19 July, a day after a man attacked train passengers with an axe. German authorities said they had found a hand-painted IS flag among the belongings of the man, an asylum seeker from Afghanistan, who seriously injured four members of a family of tourists from Hong Kong in his rampage Daniel Roland/AFP/Getty Images Terrorism in 2016: Terror attacks in Europe claimed by Isis German police killed a teenage assailant after he attacked passengers on a train in Wuerzburg, southerg Germany with an axe and a knife on 18 July, seriously wounding three people Karl-Josef Hildenbrand/AFP/Getty Images

He added that the killings were probably triggered by a pre-arranged instruction to a cell or individual in Britain, with the order coming from within the Isis apparatus.

Isis has lost most of Mosul in Iraq  the centre of the self-declared Caliphate since Isis captured the city in 2014  which Iraqi security forces have been assaulting for seven months.

Militants are currently battling to hold the final Isis-controlled districts of the city, while an advance on its largest remaining stronghold of Raqqa in Syria is expected to start this summer.
Estimados amigos,

Les doy cordialmente la bienvenida a este Blog informativo con articulos, analisis y comentarios de publicaciones especializadas y especialmente seleccionadas, principalmente sobre temas economicos, financieros y politicos de actualidad, que esperamos y deseamos, sean de su maximo interes, utilidad y conveniencia.

Pensamos que solo comprendiendo cabalmente el presente, es que podemos proyectarnos acertadamente hacia el futuro.

Las convicciones son mas peligrosos enemigos de la verdad que las mentiras.

There are decades when nothing happens and there are weeks when decades happen.

You only find out who is swimming naked when the tide goes out.

No soy alguien que sabe, sino alguien que busca.

Only Gold is money. Everything else is debt.

Las grandes almas tienen voluntades; las debiles tan solo deseos.

Quien no lo ha dado todo no ha dado nada.

History repeats itself, first as tragedy, second as farce.

If you know the other and know yourself, you need not fear the result of a hundred battles.

We are travelers on a cosmic journey, stardust, swirling and dancing in the eddies and whirlpools of infinity. Life is eternal. We have stopped for a moment to encounter each other, to meet, to love, to share.This is a precious moment. It is a little parenthesis in eternity.
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Muslims are coming forward to offer help for people affected by the deadly terror attack at London Bridge and Borough Market.

Initial reports indicated those behind the attack which left seven people dead were inspired by extremist Islamist groups, with Prime Minister Theresa May saying the killings showed there was too much tolerance towards extremism in the UK.

But people took to social media to share their experiences of Muslim taxi drivers and shop owners who supplied them with free rides, food and a place to stay in the wake of the killings.

Twitter user @JessSmith97 said a Muslim taxi driver took her home and cried over the attacks.

I have just had a Muslim taxi driver take me home and he has cried on me over the attacks tonight, she said. Terrorism has no religion.

One woman showed her gratitude, writing that it was a Muslim taxi driver that got [her] out of that hellish situation and to safety.

Twitter user @gxyred had been stranded in the area after major tube lines shut, and said Muslim shopkeepers offered him food and a place to stay.

YouTuber Luke Cutforth insisted that blame for the terror attack, which injured a further 48, did not lie with Muslims.

He wrote: Blaming all Muslims for terrorism is just like blaming all males for terrorism! Most terrorists are male, so do you deport all of them?

Activist and writer Aleesha reminded people of the indiscriminate nature of the attacks: British Muslims are as terrified as British non-Muslims. This is also our country; I understand the anger but please refrain from hatred.

In a statement about the attack, London Mayor Sadiq Khan expressed his shock, and said he was furious that these twisted and cowardly terrorists deliberately targeted innocent Londoners and visitors to our city.

I condemn these terrorists in the strongest possible terms. They are barbaric cowards and there is absolutely no justification for their evil and unforgivable actions.

My thoughts are with the family and friends of the victims and everyone caught up in this horrific attack.

Muslim taxi drivers were also praised for helping victims and concert-goers following the bombing at Manchester Arena last month.

A spokesperson for the Ramadhan Foundation, a Muslim organisation based in Manchester, echoed the London mayors sentiments, saying real Muslims were fasting during the holy month of Ramadan, and praying in mosques across the country.

[They were] not killing innocent people, these crimes sicken our community, they said. It is no longer good enough for us to offer condemnation and solidarity, we need to confront this twisted evil ideology which distorts and lies about Islamic teachings.

Firstly as a parent and human being my heart goes out to the victims, I cannot imagine their pain and anguish. Secondly as British Muslims we stand resolutely in support of our police and intelligence agencies in confronting this evil, they added.

London Bridge Terror Attack Show all 16 1 /16 London Bridge Terror Attack London Bridge Terror Attack Armed police on Borough High Street as police are dealing with a "major incident" at London Bridge PA London Bridge Terror Attack Armed Police talk to members of the public outside London Bridge Hospital as police are dealing with a "major incident" at London Bridge PA London Bridge Terror Attack Police Officers outside the Barrowboy and Banker Public House on Borough High Street as police are dealing with a "major incident" at London Bridge PA London Bridge Terror Attack Armed Police talk to members of the public outside London Bridge Hospital as police are dealing with a "major incident" at London Bridge PA London Bridge Terror Attack Armed police on Borough High Street as police deal with a 'major incident' at London Bridge PA London Bridge Terror Attack Emergency services near the scene of the incident Screengrab London Bridge Terror Attack People run down Borough High Street as police are dealing with a "major incident" at London Bridge Reuters London Bridge Terror Attack Emergency services arrive at the scene near Borough market at London Bridge Carl Court/Getty Images London Bridge Terror Attack Emergency personnel on London Bridge as police are dealing with a "major incident" at London Bridge PA London Bridge Terror Attack Police sniffer dogs on London Bridge as police are dealing with a "major incident" at London Bridge PA London Bridge Terror Attack A second helicopter lands on London Bridge as police are responding to three incidents in the capital, amid reports that a vehicle collided with pedestrians on London Bridge, Scotland Yard said. Officers are dealing with reports of stabbings in Borough Market, where armed officers attended and shots were fired. They are also at an incident in the Vauxhall area PA London Bridge Terror Attack Police attend to an incident on London Bridge in London REUTERS London Bridge Terror Attack Police attend to an incident on London Bridge in London, Britain Reuters London Bridge Terror Attack A police officer escorts members of the public to safety at London Bridge Getty Images London Bridge Terror Attack Police attend to an incident on London Bridge in London, Britain Reuters London Bridge Terror Attack Police attend to an incident near London Bridge in London, Britain Reuters

The terrorists and the far right have one thing in common and that is to divide communities, create friction, mayhem and chaos. We must not allow them to succeed.

From my home city of Manchester to London I offer our condolences, prayers and love. Our country will never be defeated by such barbaric crimes.

Finally I promise this, we in the Ramadhan Foundation will not stop our work against terrorism and their twisted ideology no matter what the risks.

Imam Tawhidi, a Shia author and researcher, blames the fundamentalist Wahhabist branch of Sunni Islam for the London attack, calling it a cancer on the religion.

Three attackers were killed by armed police, and the investigation is ongoing.
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French President Emmanuel Macron confirmed that at least two French citizens were injured as terrorists launched a fatal van and knife attack at London Bridge last night.

Seven people were killed and at least 48 injured as three terrorists ploughed into pedestrians in a white Hertz hire van before crashing the vehicle near Southwark Cathedral and stabbing random victims in Borough market.

The attackers reportedly donned fake suicide vests and shouted "this is for Allah" as they maimed revellers and a police officer with 12-inch knives.

All three men were shot dead when armed police arrived at the scene within minutes.

Among the victims was New Zealander Oliver Dowling, who was stabbed in the face, neck, and stomach, and remains in an induced coma in hospital, according to Newshub.

A British Transport Police officer was also seriously injured after being stabbed in the face, head, and leg.

London Bridge Terror Attack Show all 16 1 /16 London Bridge Terror Attack London Bridge Terror Attack Armed police on Borough High Street as police are dealing with a "major incident" at London Bridge PA London Bridge Terror Attack Armed Police talk to members of the public outside London Bridge Hospital as police are dealing with a "major incident" at London Bridge PA London Bridge Terror Attack Police Officers outside the Barrowboy and Banker Public House on Borough High Street as police are dealing with a "major incident" at London Bridge PA London Bridge Terror Attack Armed Police talk to members of the public outside London Bridge Hospital as police are dealing with a "major incident" at London Bridge PA London Bridge Terror Attack Armed police on Borough High Street as police deal with a 'major incident' at London Bridge PA London Bridge Terror Attack Emergency services near the scene of the incident Screengrab London Bridge Terror Attack People run down Borough High Street as police are dealing with a "major incident" at London Bridge Reuters London Bridge Terror Attack Emergency services arrive at the scene near Borough market at London Bridge Carl Court/Getty Images London Bridge Terror Attack Emergency personnel on London Bridge as police are dealing with a "major incident" at London Bridge PA London Bridge Terror Attack Police sniffer dogs on London Bridge as police are dealing with a "major incident" at London Bridge PA London Bridge Terror Attack A second helicopter lands on London Bridge as police are responding to three incidents in the capital, amid reports that a vehicle collided with pedestrians on London Bridge, Scotland Yard said. Officers are dealing with reports of stabbings in Borough Market, where armed officers attended and shots were fired. They are also at an incident in the Vauxhall area PA London Bridge Terror Attack Police attend to an incident on London Bridge in London REUTERS London Bridge Terror Attack Police attend to an incident on London Bridge in London, Britain Reuters London Bridge Terror Attack A police officer escorts members of the public to safety at London Bridge Getty Images London Bridge Terror Attack Police attend to an incident on London Bridge in London, Britain Reuters London Bridge Terror Attack Police attend to an incident near London Bridge in London, Britain Reuters

The Elysee Palace in Paris confirmed that one of the two French citizens known to be injured in the attack is in a serious condition in a statement this morning.

It read: "The attack which struck London, days after that which took place in Manchester, is a new abominable and cowardly attack against our free society.

"Fellow French citizens are among the injured. France is putting everything in place to assist them."

Mr Macron joined several world leaders in offering support to the UK on social media, tweeting: "In the face of this tragedy, France is more than ever at the side of the United Kingdom. My thoughts go to the victims and their loved ones."

General election campaigning has been suspended in the wake of the attack.

On London Bridge, eyewitnesses reported seeing several people lying injured on the pavement or the middle of the road, after a white van began mowing people down some time after 10pm.

Police said the suspects then made their way to Borough Market and started attacking people with people with knives. There were reports of Londoners out for a Saturday night, fending off the attackers with chairs and glasses.

Commissioner of the Metropolitan Police Cressida Dick confirmed that seven victims have died and says police are working to identify the attackers.

Additional reporting by agencies.
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A former Metropolitan Police chief has accused the government of "lying" about the number of armed officers on the streets, during an interview in the wake of the London terror attack.

Peter Kirkham, a chief inspector between 1981 and 2002, claimed that the Met was "in crisis" in an interview with Sky News, saying the "extra" officers on the streets were actually officers putting in 16-hour shifts or working on "rare leave days".

However the Conservatives said the Government was "providing record funding for counter terror policing", adding that crime had fallen by a third since 2010.

Mr Kirkham warned "the streets of London have been lost" to knife crime and accused Theresa May of being "criminally negligent with the safety of the public" as she slashed funding and clamped down on stop-and-search tactics.

The Prime Minister said police were able to "significantly increase the number of armed officers on patrol in key locations" because of measures taken after Salman Abedi killed 22 people in a suicide bomb attack at Manchester Arena last month.

But Mr Kirkham said: "The police service is in crisis as a result of the cuts. They are being dragged from pillar to post. We hear talk of extra police officers on the street.

"They aren't extra, they are officers that have had to have their rare leave days cancelled, they have had their 12-hour shifts that are now done routinely being extended to 16 hours, they are being drawn from other areas."

When Sky News anchor Kay Burley asked him to comment on claims there were more armed officers on patrol than ever before, Mr Kirkham said "people that are alleging that are lying" and confirmed he was referring to the Government.

He warned that the Prime Minister had missed the "most obvious, urgent" remedy needed to protect against terror attacks, which he says is a reverse to "cuts to ordinary policing".

Scotland Yard has recorded a surge in violent, gun and knife crime over the last year, which Mr Kirkham said would get worse if budgets were squeezed further.

He told LBC radio: "Everything we predicted has happened, is continuing to happen, and what we are predicting is that it's going to get worse.

"This Government and Theresa May in particular have been criminally negligent with the safety of the public, and they are getting away with it because of the opposition."

Knife crime jumped by almost a quarter (24 per cent) over the last year, with more than 4,000 offences involving blades resulting in an injury in London.

Mr Kirkham said the rise was an inevitable consequence of the drop in stop and searches, which have been criticised for disproportionately targeting black people.

"The only thing police have got, once they get to the point of kids carrying knives, is stop and search, and the Government's been beating the police up constantly over the last few years saying 'don't do stop and search'," he said.

"Stop and search has plummeted, knife crime has gone up, we all knew it was going to happen, we've been warned about it, the Government, and Theresa May personally, has not listened.

"In fact, quite the contrary, she's told us we're crying wolf and we're scaremongering."

The former officer said not enough police were on the beat in London because of huge cuts.

"We haven't got enough cops to actually put people on the street, that's the main problem really, the streets have been lost. And I would put it as strongly as that," he said.

"The streets of London have been lost because there are not police officers patrolling. Why? Because police officers have been cut, not many numbers in relation to London, but those that have [been cut] have been lost off the front line.

"But 30 per cent of police staff doing all the back room things have been lost, it's a lot. [And] the cops that we theoretically still have, aren't on the front line."

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

Officers reported an increasing trend for youths in the capital to keep blades on them for protection rather than in order to carry out crime.

The Met has launched investigations into three separate fatal stabbings in the capital since the start of the week.

Statistics published by the Metropolitan Police show that:

gun crime increased by more than two fifths (42 per cent) year-on-year with 2,544 offences recorded in 2016/17;

knife crime jumped by almost a quarter (24 per cent), with more than 4,000 offences involving blades resulting in an injury;

the total number of offences recorded by the force rose by nearly 4.6 per cent from 740,933 to 774,737;

violence against the person crimes were up by 4.7 per cent while there were also increases in robberies (12 per cent), sex offences (9 per cent) and theft (7 per cent);

there were 110 homicides  one more than the previous year;

and sanction detection rates  the proportion of cases where action is taken against a suspect such as a charge or caution  were down across a number of categories.

A report from HM Inspectorate of Constabulary said it was satisfied with some aspects of the Mets overall performance but warned there were areas of serious concern about its effectiveness that needed to be addressed.

A Conservative party spokesman said: We are supporting the excellent work of the police by providing record funding for counter terror policing.

"We are providing 144m over the next five years to increase armed policing, and providing an additional 1,900 officers across the three security agencies so that we can better respond to the threat we face from international terrorism, cyber-attacks and other global risks.

"And our record speaks for itself: crime is down by a third since 2010."

Additional reporting by agencies
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The defiance began at the police cordon. It was mingled with the first floral tributes and the signs with the slogan For London.

And it found its purest expression in Chris and Isabel Charlton, strolling hand in hand in the sunshine, eight months married; pausing, as it happened, right where the police lines began, to kiss in the middle of the street.

You couldnt let the terrorists win, said Mr Charlton, 39. You couldnt succumb to hate. Youve got to carry on, he added.

Recommended Muslim taxi drivers offer free rides home after London terror attacks

They live locally and had been to Borough Market twice that day. Only the coincidence of friends coming round for supper had stopped them having a meal in one of the markets restaurants that night.

It could have been them, caught up in a terrorist rampage that left seven dead after a van ploughed into pedestrians on London Bridge, before moving on to Borough Market where attackers started stabbing people.

 Video shows police enter bar after London Bridge attack

So werent they now terrified, as the killers wanted them to be, as some news networks seemingly expected them to be? Terrified? said the faultlessly polite Mr Charlton. Thats a bit strong. Were probably going to go shopping  Very mundane. Sorry.

Next to pass was Andrea Woelke, German-born and 25 years a Londoner, in the process of getting a British passport, with his seven-month-old son in a baby carrier.

From where we were in Union Street, you could peer inside the cordon and just about see what looked like containers for first aid equipment, seemingly discarded by paramedics in the rush to help the wounded.

It was horrific, said Mr Woelke. Utterly so for the people caught up in it and their families.

London Bridge Terror Attack Show all 16 1 /16 London Bridge Terror Attack London Bridge Terror Attack Armed police on Borough High Street as police are dealing with a "major incident" at London Bridge PA London Bridge Terror Attack Armed Police talk to members of the public outside London Bridge Hospital as police are dealing with a "major incident" at London Bridge PA London Bridge Terror Attack Police Officers outside the Barrowboy and Banker Public House on Borough High Street as police are dealing with a "major incident" at London Bridge PA London Bridge Terror Attack Armed Police talk to members of the public outside London Bridge Hospital as police are dealing with a "major incident" at London Bridge PA London Bridge Terror Attack Armed police on Borough High Street as police deal with a 'major incident' at London Bridge PA London Bridge Terror Attack Emergency services near the scene of the incident Screengrab London Bridge Terror Attack People run down Borough High Street as police are dealing with a "major incident" at London Bridge Reuters London Bridge Terror Attack Emergency services arrive at the scene near Borough market at London Bridge Carl Court/Getty Images London Bridge Terror Attack Emergency personnel on London Bridge as police are dealing with a "major incident" at London Bridge PA London Bridge Terror Attack Police sniffer dogs on London Bridge as police are dealing with a "major incident" at London Bridge PA London Bridge Terror Attack A second helicopter lands on London Bridge as police are responding to three incidents in the capital, amid reports that a vehicle collided with pedestrians on London Bridge, Scotland Yard said. Officers are dealing with reports of stabbings in Borough Market, where armed officers attended and shots were fired. They are also at an incident in the Vauxhall area PA London Bridge Terror Attack Police attend to an incident on London Bridge in London REUTERS London Bridge Terror Attack Police attend to an incident on London Bridge in London, Britain Reuters London Bridge Terror Attack A police officer escorts members of the public to safety at London Bridge Getty Images London Bridge Terror Attack Police attend to an incident on London Bridge in London, Britain Reuters London Bridge Terror Attack Police attend to an incident near London Bridge in London, Britain Reuters

But now, a stroll in the sunshine had become, in part, an act of defiance. The terrorists want us to freak out, he said. They want life not to return to normal. The best way to stick two fingers up to them is to get on with our lives, and our democracy.

With a restless seven-month-old baby to placate, the best way to keep calm was to carry on walking. We might meet friends for coffee, he said, strolling on, more frightened of the baby starting to wail again than any terrorists.

At the Rose and Crown, across the road from the cordon, you could find people at the bar, still cracking jokes about Brexit and each other (even if today they had to tell the foreign news crews where to find a fancy meal, this being a proper, crisps-only sort of establishment).

Suggestions that fear should have kept them from a Sunday lunchtime pint were met only with bemusement and shrugged shoulders. Well Im not terrified, said Robert Discipline, 53. Life has to go on.

Last night Omar Morris, 37, a decorator and theatrical prop maker, had looked from his window and seen people going to and fro, looking very scared. Today, no terrorist was going to stop him from his game of pool.

They wont stop me from doing nothing, he said. Theres no way they can change me or make me a different person.

Nor was he going to fall into the terrorists trap of starting to hate Muslims. He wasnt going to let the recruiters propaganda that everyone in the West hated Islam ring true. Im not a hater, he said, with a rather cheeky grin.

 Police shot member of public when 50 rounds fired at three suspects during London attack

Outside, John King, 66, had done well to grab a seat outside before the lunchtime rush. From Gravesend, Kent, he runs the family demolition business, down Sidcup way.

He laughed at the idea he must be frightened. Im not frightened in the least, he said. Im the gentlest, politest chap youll meet, but Ive never been terrified of nobody in all my life and Im not going to start now.

Mum had been in the Blitz. Dad had been in a Japanese POW camp. Now that, said Mr King, had been hard, hard, hard.

Yes, there was no denying the frightening nature of the new-style warning, issued for the first time by the Metropolitan Police last night: You must RUN to a place of safety. This is a better option than to surrender or negotiate. If theres nowhere to go then. HIDE Barricade yourself in if you can

But as Mr King suggested, there had been a time when the bombs had been far, far more numerous, when public safety warnings had been infinitely more chilling: Make sure your family have their gas masks with them night and day Learn to put a babys gas helmet on quickly

Back then, he said, the shop windows carried signs saying: Business as usual Mr Hitler. Now, Mr King sipped his pint and chuckled: That bunch of fucking animals arent going to make me afraid.

South Bank near London Bridge last night had, in one cabbies words, been pitch black, with the only thing you could see being the lights on the coppers guns.

But today, to drive through London was to see families returning from lunch, the kids buggy festooned with the balloons offered by restaurants, old boys strolling near Southwark Tube  one with a rather nifty Panama hat  and outside tables filling up at pubs and cafes everywhere.

Down by Embankment, the river still flowed and the Houses of Parliament still stood  despite the squalid efforts of Westminster attacker Khalid Masood in March, despite the Union Flag fluttering at half-mast in honour of those murdered last night. And when you forced your way through the crowds of tourists  still smiling, still snapping away at Big Ben with their cameras  you had to concede it wasnt just the Brits who got this.

For Patrik Ekelund, 44, from Gothenburg, Sweden, Saturdays attack had brought back memories of his near miss in the Brussels Airport attack of March 2016. If his plane had landed on time, he would have been in the airport when the suicide bombers struck. Instead it was delayed, and aborted its landing at the last moment to avoid the horror unfolding at the airport.

Returning from a pop concert on Saturday night, Mr Ekelund found himself once again caught up in the delays and confusion that every big-city terror attack produces. Yet here he was, pint in hand, sitting with his mates in the sunshine outside the Red Lion. If youre terrified, the terrorist wins, he said. If you go for hate, the terrorist wins. So we carry on as normal.

At the neighbouring table Danny and Jeanette Rowley from Stoke-on-Trent, Staffordshire, offered a glass wine and vowed to carry on with their trip to London, despite having seen a group of Americans returning terrified to their hotel after being caught up in the attack on London Bridge.

Mrs Rowley, 50, a midwife, revealed that her granddad had been in the World War One trenches. Those previous generations, she said, had been gutsy.

Were a tough breed us Brits, said Mr Rowley, 48, a carpenter.

It was hard now to resist such pride as other images of defiance emerge such as pint man, who while forced to flee the terror attack did not see the need to abandon his beer, or to spill it.

The New York Times, a newspaper that  despite what the current US President thinks  enjoys a towering reputation built on a near-obsession with fact checking, must have felt entirely safe in describing the London attacks as hitting a nation still reeling from the Manchester Arena bombing.

It was soon put right on Twitter by Alan, an NHS scientist. You really dont understand us Brits do you? he wrote. The only thing that leaves us reeling is a penalty shoot-out against Germany!

Or no milk nor tea bags, added the next twitter user to respond.

Inevitably, the New York Times was informed what reeling means in British English: a wartime wife, sitting atop the rubble of her bombed out home, enjoying a nice cup of tea.

A bunch of murderers may have inflicted death and mayhem on Saturday night. But there is a reason, a folk memory, behind the T-shirt, mug and diary-selling popularity of the slogan Keep calm and carry on.

Perhaps the terrorists have just given us a chance to live up to it.
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An elite SAS unit nicknamed Blue Thunder is believed to have landed by helicopter on London Bridge, following an attack which left at least seven people dead and 48 hurt.

Police shot and killed all three attackers but it was believed during the night that one suspect could have escaped.

Special Forces were apparently mobilised to hunt down the suspected missing terrorist.

 Video shows police enter bar after London Bridge attack

Blue Thunder, who act on orders from the Home Secretary, are a 70-man strong unit formed after the 2015 Paris attacks and trained in tackling domestic terror scenarios.

It is reported to be the first time the squad has been deployed in response to an attack in Britain. The Home Office refused to comment on the reports to The Independent.

Blue Thunders name comes from the unmarked blue Eurocopter Dauphin helicopter in which they travel. Photographs appeared to capture two of the aircraft landing on London Bridge shortly after the vehicle and stabbing rampage.

The civilian style helicopter is used to transport Special Forces troops around the country quickly and covertly.

It is believed the unit was mobilised after three men rammed a truck into pedestrians on London Bridge around 10pm last night, before going on a stabbing rampage, targeting passers-by and drinkers in nearby pubs.

The three attackers were shot dead by armed police within eight minutes of the attack being reported.

Officers entered pubs and bars looking for a potential escaped suspect, and people were seen walking through streets with their hands on their heads.

Metropolitan Police Commissioner Cressida Dick said on Sunday morning that no suspects were believed to be at large.

The main political parties have suspended general election campaigning following the attack.

European leaders have voiced solidarity with the British government and expressed condolences to the victims in the London attacks that left six dead.

French President Emmanuel Macron says French citizens are among the wounded in Saturday's London attack.

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In a statement Sunday denouncing the "abominable and cowardly" attack, Mr Macron said France will continue fighting "terrorism with all our strength alongside Britain and all other countries concerned."

German Chancellor Angela she learned with "sadness and dismay" of the attacks in the London Bridge area Saturday night.

Spanish Prime Minister Mariano Rajoy wrote in Spanish on his Twitter account: "I am following with great concern the attacks in London, sad news. Our solidarity and support for the British people and authorities."

Italian Premier Paolo Gentiloni tweeted Sunday: "Solidarity with the British government and a shared effort against terrorism. We are united in memory of the victims."
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Questions will be asked following the latest terrorist attacks in London about the decision by Theresa Mays government to reduce the threat warning from the highest category after the Manchester murders.

The downgrading of assessment from critical to severe and removing troops from the streets will also lead to deep concern that there has been a failure of intelligence.

Witnesses claimed that 10 to 15 minutes elapsed before armed police arrived at the scene and also that unarmed community police officers appeared to be helpless to act as the stabbing sprees started. The Metropolitan Police later said that armed officers shot the three suspects dead eight minutes after the first emergency call.

The investigation at this stage is being led by Scotland Yards Counter Terrorism Command rather than MI5. Although details about the attacks will emerge over the coming days, security sources say that very early indications are that they may have been organised at short notice.

Shots fired near the scenes of the attacks were, it is believed, were by the armed police as they killed three suspects, rather than terrorists armed with guns.

Sounds of blasts reported by people in the area were controlled explosions, say security sources.

 London Bridge and Borough Market incidents are 'terror attacks'

Security officials also stated that the police are likely to be in a position to carry out raids on Sunday as the identities of the attackers are likely to be known within few hours.

They refused to comment on whether mobile telephones belonging to suspects were found at the scene. One Whitehall source said: There will also be demands to know by tomorrow [Sunday] why the terrorism assessment was reduced, but that was the decision of JTAC ( Joint Terrorism Assessment Centre) on available intelligence.

An emergency meeting of the Cabinets Cobra committee, chaired by the Prime Minister, will reassess the threat level with the strong possibility that it will be raised again to the highest level.
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Malaysia Airlines has told customers they can get a full refund for any flights booked to London over the coming days in the wake of Saturdays terror attacks.

In a statement, the countrys flagship airline said that it regrets the sad news.

:: Follow the latest updates on our live blog here

"Any customer that wishes to cancel their London flight on June 3, 4 or 5 can get a full refund. Customers who wish to reschedule their London flights from June 3, 4 or 5 can do so with no penalty or extra payments, it said.

It urged those who have flights booked to contact its ticketing office for refunds and rebooking.

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Armed men on Saturday night launched the attack that left seven people dead and dozens injured.

The area around London Bridge where the attack took place is popular with tourists due to its proximity to the Tate Modern, the Shard and Londons Southbank.

Similar attacks in Berlin, Nice, Brussels and Paris have been carried out by militants over the past couple of years.
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Three terrorists shouted "this is for Allah" as they stabbed random victims during the horrifying van and knife rampage at London Bridge last night, according to an eyewitness.

The attackers ploughed into pedestrians as they raced south along the bridge in a white Hermes hire van before crashing into a balustrade outside the Barrowboy and Banker pub just after 10pm.

Chaos ensued as the men left the van wearing fake suicide vests and began to stab bystanders with large knives as they made their way to nearby Borough Market.

 Video shows police enter bar after London Bridge attack

Armed police arrived at the scene within eight minutes of the first emergency call and shot the extremists dead.

Seven people were killed during the attack and at least 48 were injured, with some victims remaining in critical condition in hospital.

Bystander Gerard Vowles said he heard the terrorists invoking the name of Allah as they knifed a girl in the street.

He told the BBC: "I saw a geezer lying on the floor saying he'd been stabbed

"I saw these three Muslim guys run up with knives, they ran up and started stabbing this girl. I was defenceless, I couldn't do nothing.

"They attacked her and then they stabbed another guy.

"I started going 'everybody run, they're terrorists, run run'.

"They started running up the road, stabbed the bouncer at the Tavern.

"I was throwing bottles at them, pint glasses, stools, chairs, but I was defenceless.

"They were running up saying 'this is for Allah'.

"They stabbed this girl maybe ten, 15 times. She was saying 'help me, help me'."

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Prime Minister Theresa May has called for the UK's terror strategy to be reviewed, saying internet giants and communities need to stop giving extremist ideology a "safe space".

The Muslim Council of Britain joined Islamic groups condemning the attack, saying the terrorists "respect neither life nor faith".

Secretary General Harun Khan said: "I am appalled and angered by the terrorist attacks at London Bridge and Borough Market, in my home city.

"These acts of violence were truly shocking and I condemn them in the strongest terms.

"Muslims everywhere are outraged and disgusted at these cowards who once again have destroyed the lives of our fellow Britons.

"That this should happen in the month of Ramadan, when many Muslims were praying and fasting only goes to show that these people respect neither life nor faith."
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There is no way to legally suspend or delay the general election following Saturdays terrorist attack at London Bridge, a senior Cabinet minister has said.

David Davis said in an interview on Sunday morning that any postponement would likely require a change in law  which would impossible while Parliament did not exist to enact it.

Seven people were killed and dozens injured in a van and knife attack on London Bridge and Borough Market at around 10pm in Saturday night.

Recommended Sadiq Khan says election should go ahead to defy London attackers

The main political parties have suspended general election campaigning for the day while the Prime Minister chairs a COBRA meeting to review security.

Asked whether the election itself, scheduled for 8 June, could be postponed, Mr Davis told the BBC: Im not sure it can be legally done. In order to do this youd have to have some change of law I think, and whos going to do that?

Parliament no longer exists, Im not a Member of Parliament for the duration, as are none of the other people who were Members of Parliament.

I think were locked into June 8 and I think actually the public would want us to be locked into June 8.

Parliament was dissolved on 3 May ahead of the genral election. While Parliament is in prorogation  the period between legislative sessions  there are no MPs and thus no acts of Parliament or statutory instruments can be passed.

Brexit Secretary David Davis said the election should go on (BBC)

There have been some calls on social media for the election to be suspended, though most public figures and politicians have rejected the idea.

The general election was delayed in 2001 due to the foot and mouth disease crisis. However, it had not been officially called at that point, and there were still MPs in Parliament.

Mr Davis echoed a statement by Mayor of London Sadiq Khan, who said the the continuation of Britains democracy was the best way of showing defiance to terrorists.

Theres a balance here, one the one hand clearly we want to respect the people who have been injured and killed, we want to pay proper respect and we dont want to carry on across it, Mr Davis said.

But on the other hand, the people doing this are doing this because they despise the freedoms we have. Those freedoms can be the freedoms to go out on a Saturday night or the freedom to cast a vote.

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He said he believed the interruption to campaigning would be a relatively brief one, citing the Madrid bombings of 2004 ahead of the Spanish general election as precedent.

Prime Minister Theresa May said last night's events were "dreadful", while Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn described the attack as "brutal and shocking".

The incident is the third attack on the UK in three months. A car and knife attack on Westminster in March left five people dead, while a bomb attack at a concert in Manchester two weeks ago killed 22.
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Ukip has decided against suspending its general election campaigning in light of the attack on London Bridge, arguing that to do so would play into the hands of terrorists.

The Conservatives, Labour, Lib Dems, SNP and Greens have all called off national campaigning for the day after seven people were killed and dozens injured in a knife and van attack in central London.

Ukip leader Paul Nuttall said he would refuse to suspend campaigning because that is precisely what the extremists would want us to do.

Recommended Election campaigning suspended after London Bridge attack

The other parties are expected to resume campaigning this evening after a brief pause.

No party has endorsed sporadic calls on social media to suspend or delay the general election. Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn said he believes that Britian should not allow terrorists to derail our democratic process.

Cabinet minister David Davis told the BBC this morning that he believed there would not in any case be a legal way to delay the general election as there are currently no MPs to change the law due to the dissolution of Parliament. He said the election should continue as planned.

In a statement issued on Sunday morning Ukip leader Mr Nuttall said: With more people murdered on the streets of our capital city last night by Islamist terrorists, it is more important than ever for us to confront this evil with the democratic principles that have made this country what it is.

 Seven people confirmed dead after London terror attack

Our hearts go out to the family and friends of those who lost their lives last night. The courage and quick response of our emergency services have yet again saved countless lives and in the midst of such a tragedy, deserve our respect and admiration.

It is time to start honouring our dead with more than just words. The only guarantee that will come from out choosing to stall the democratic process again will be more attacks; it is what these cowards want us to do.

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For those of us seeking to serve the people of this country, it is our duty to drive the dialogue on how best to confront and defeat this brand of terrorism. That is what Ukip will be doing today and beyond. Therefore, I refuse to suspend campaigning because that is precisely what the extremists would want us to do.

Prime Minister Theresa May has said last night's events were "dreadful", while Labours Mr Corbyn described the attack as "brutal and shocking".

The incident is the third attack on the UK in three months. A car and knife attack on Westminster in March left five people dead, while a bomb attack at a concert in Manchester two weeks ago killed 22.
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Jeremy Corbyn has torn into Theresa Mays security record in the wake of the London Bridge attack, accusing her of trying to protect the public on the cheap.

In a speech in Carlisle, the Labour leader highlighted the 20,000 police officers cut while Ms May was Home Secretary and Prime Minister, and said the police must get the resources they need.

Speaking less than 24 hours after the latest terror outrage following a short political truce, the Labour leader also said the aim of terrorists was plainly to derail our democracy  and that the election must not be postponed.

Pointing the finger again at Ms Mays record, Mr Corbyn said the difficult conversations suggested by the Prime Minister in her Downing Street speech on Sunday morning should start with Saudi Arabia and other Gulf states that have funded and fuelled extremist ideology.

Our priority must be public safety and I will take whatever action is necessary and effective to protect the security of our people and our country, Mr Corbyn told his audience.

That includes full authority for the police to use whatever force is necessary to protect and save life as they did last night, as they did in Westminster in March.

You cannot protect the public on the cheap. The police and security services must get the resources they need, not 20,000 police cuts.

Theresa May was warned by the Police Federation but she accused them of crying wolf.

We will recruit another 10,000 new police officers, including more armed police, as well as 1,000 more security services staff to support our communities and help keep us safe.

The Labour leader said a report critical of Saudi Arabias alleged financing of terror  allegedly suppressed by Ms May  should be released.

He added: Our democratic values must be maintained. We must resist Islamophobia and division and turn out on 8 June united in our determination to show our democracy is strong. And, yes, we do need to have some difficult conversations starting with Saudi Arabia and other Gulf states that have funded and fuelled extremist ideology.

It is no good Theresa May suppressing a report into the foreign funding of extremist groups. We have to get serious about cutting off the funding to these terror networks, including Isis, here and in the Middle East.

Police officers, including the Police Federation, have previously warned that cuts to budgets are making terror policing harder. Soldiers were deployed to protect buildings and landmarks around Britain last month after senior police officers said they did not have the resources to police the sites without extra manpower.

Ms May said Britain needs to be far more robust in identifying extremism and stamping it out (AFP/Getty) (Justin Tallis/AFP/Getty Images)

Conservative security minister Ben Wallace attacked Mr Corbyns speech: This was a hastily arranged speech designed to help Jeremy Corbyn run from his record on counter-terrorism policy, but it failed.

He has boasted about opposing every single counter-terror law, opposed the use of shoot to kill, and gave cover to the IRA when they bombed and shot our citizens. Voters will judge him on his views and actions in the last 30 years, not his desperate promises and evasive soundbites three days out from polling day.

Ms May gave a speech outside No 10 on Sunday morning laying out her proposals for how to stop future terror attacks. She called for regulation of the internet and less tolerance of Islamist extremism.

She said Britain had made significant progress in recent years combating extremism but that the country needed to become far more robust in identifying it and stamping it out.

The PM went on to warn there was a new trend in the threat we face and that while the three recent terror attacks in the UK were not linked by common networks, they were bound together by the single evil ideology of Islamist extremism.

London Bridge Terror Attack Show all 16 1 /16 London Bridge Terror Attack London Bridge Terror Attack Armed police on Borough High Street as police are dealing with a "major incident" at London Bridge PA London Bridge Terror Attack Armed Police talk to members of the public outside London Bridge Hospital as police are dealing with a "major incident" at London Bridge PA London Bridge Terror Attack Police Officers outside the Barrowboy and Banker Public House on Borough High Street as police are dealing with a "major incident" at London Bridge PA London Bridge Terror Attack Armed Police talk to members of the public outside London Bridge Hospital as police are dealing with a "major incident" at London Bridge PA London Bridge Terror Attack Armed police on Borough High Street as police deal with a 'major incident' at London Bridge PA London Bridge Terror Attack Emergency services near the scene of the incident Screengrab London Bridge Terror Attack People run down Borough High Street as police are dealing with a "major incident" at London Bridge Reuters London Bridge Terror Attack Emergency services arrive at the scene near Borough market at London Bridge Carl Court/Getty Images London Bridge Terror Attack Emergency personnel on London Bridge as police are dealing with a "major incident" at London Bridge PA London Bridge Terror Attack Police sniffer dogs on London Bridge as police are dealing with a "major incident" at London Bridge PA London Bridge Terror Attack A second helicopter lands on London Bridge as police are responding to three incidents in the capital, amid reports that a vehicle collided with pedestrians on London Bridge, Scotland Yard said. Officers are dealing with reports of stabbings in Borough Market, where armed officers attended and shots were fired. They are also at an incident in the Vauxhall area PA London Bridge Terror Attack Police attend to an incident on London Bridge in London REUTERS London Bridge Terror Attack Police attend to an incident on London Bridge in London, Britain Reuters London Bridge Terror Attack A police officer escorts members of the public to safety at London Bridge Getty Images London Bridge Terror Attack Police attend to an incident on London Bridge in London, Britain Reuters London Bridge Terror Attack Police attend to an incident near London Bridge in London, Britain Reuters

We cannot allow this ideology the safe space it needs to breed  yet that is precisely what the internet, and the big companies that provide internet-based services provide, Ms May said, reiterating a previous call for internet regulation.

We need to work with allied democratic governments to reach international agreements to regulate cyberspace to prevent the spread of extremist and terrorism planning.

Saturday nights attack at London Bridge was the third terror attack on the UK in three months. A car and knife attack on Westminster in March left five people dead, while a bomb attack at a concert in Manchester two weeks ago killed 22.
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The general election should go ahead as planned on Thursday despite the terror attack at London bridge on Saturday night, Sadiq Khan has said.

The Mayor of London said he can understand why people dont want to be canvassing and knocking on doors today but that it was important the vote went ahead to show Britain would never be cowed by terror.

One of the great things about our way of life is our democracy, he said in a television interview on Sunday morning.

Recommended Election campaigning suspended after London Bridge attack

Elections are a wonderful thing and thats one of the things that these terrorists hate and one of the things that we can do to show were not going to be cowed is by voting on Thursday and making sure that we understand the importance of our democracy, our civil liberties, and our human rights.

He continued: Im not an advocate of postponing the election. Im a passionate believer in democracy and making sure that we vote and that we recognise that actually one of the things these terrorists hate is voting, they hate democracy, they hate elections, and the public choosing who should be our leaders rather than leaders being imposed on us. Thats why Ill be voting on Thursday.

The Conservatives this morning announced they had suspended national campaigning in the wake of the attack.

Normal political television programming, including the Andrew Marr Show, has also been taken off the air, replaced by rolling news.

The general election is scheduled for Thursday 8 June.

Six people were killed and at least 48 injured after terrorists drove a van into a crowd on London Bridge. Three suspects were shot by police after getting out of the van and stabbing people in nearby Borough Market.

Police say the men, who carried out the attack at around 10pm on Saturday evening, were wearing fake bomb vests.

London Bridge Terror Attack Show all 16 1 /16 London Bridge Terror Attack London Bridge Terror Attack Armed police on Borough High Street as police are dealing with a "major incident" at London Bridge PA London Bridge Terror Attack Armed Police talk to members of the public outside London Bridge Hospital as police are dealing with a "major incident" at London Bridge PA London Bridge Terror Attack Police Officers outside the Barrowboy and Banker Public House on Borough High Street as police are dealing with a "major incident" at London Bridge PA London Bridge Terror Attack Armed Police talk to members of the public outside London Bridge Hospital as police are dealing with a "major incident" at London Bridge PA London Bridge Terror Attack Armed police on Borough High Street as police deal with a 'major incident' at London Bridge PA London Bridge Terror Attack Emergency services near the scene of the incident Screengrab London Bridge Terror Attack People run down Borough High Street as police are dealing with a "major incident" at London Bridge Reuters London Bridge Terror Attack Emergency services arrive at the scene near Borough market at London Bridge Carl Court/Getty Images London Bridge Terror Attack Emergency personnel on London Bridge as police are dealing with a "major incident" at London Bridge PA London Bridge Terror Attack Police sniffer dogs on London Bridge as police are dealing with a "major incident" at London Bridge PA London Bridge Terror Attack A second helicopter lands on London Bridge as police are responding to three incidents in the capital, amid reports that a vehicle collided with pedestrians on London Bridge, Scotland Yard said. Officers are dealing with reports of stabbings in Borough Market, where armed officers attended and shots were fired. They are also at an incident in the Vauxhall area PA London Bridge Terror Attack Police attend to an incident on London Bridge in London REUTERS London Bridge Terror Attack Police attend to an incident on London Bridge in London, Britain Reuters London Bridge Terror Attack A police officer escorts members of the public to safety at London Bridge Getty Images London Bridge Terror Attack Police attend to an incident on London Bridge in London, Britain Reuters London Bridge Terror Attack Police attend to an incident near London Bridge in London, Britain Reuters

Prime Minister Theresa May said last night's events were "dreadful", while Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn described the attack as "brutal and shocking".

The incident is the third attack on the UK in three months. A car and knife attack on Westminster in March left five people dead, while a bomb attack at a concert in Manchester two weeks ago killed 22.
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The Mayor of London has more important things to do than respond to Donald Trump's "ill-informed" commentary on Saturday night's London Bridge terror attack, a spokesperson for the Mayor has said.

The US president had hit out at Sadiq Khan in the aftermath of the attack, taking a comment the Mayor had made about the increased police presence on London's streets out of context.

But a spokesperson for the Mayor said Mr Khan would not be responding to Mr Trump's comments.

Recommended Donald Trump hits out at Sadiq Khan over London Bridge attack

"The Mayor is busy working with the police, emergency services, and the government to coordinate the response to this horrific and cowardly terrorist attack and provide leadership and reassurance to Londoners and visitors to our city," the spokesperson said.

"He has more important things to do than respond to Donald Trumps ill-informed tweet that deliberately takes out of context his remarks urging Londoners not to be alarmed when they saw more police - including armed officers - on the streets."

In a series of tweets posted in the aftermath of the attack Mr Trump appeared to take issue with the Mayors warning that that there was no need to be alarmed at the increased police presence on the street

We must stop being politically correct and get down to the business of security for our people. If we dont get smart it will only get worse, the President tweeted.

Mayor of London Sadiq Khan said London should not be 'cowed' by terror (BBC)

At least seven dead and 48 wounded in terror attack and Mayor of London says there is no reason to be alarmed! another of his tweets read.

Mr Khan had said: Londoners will see increased police presence today and over the course of the next few days. Theres no reason to be alarmed.

The row kicked off in the aftermath of the van and knife attack on London Bridge, which was carried out at around 10pm on Saturday night.

Armed police shot three knife-wielding suspects within eight minutes of being called to the scene after a white van ploughed into pedestrians on the bridge at the heart of the capital. Reports said the men then jumped out of the van and began stabbing people nearby.

The US President also commented on the fact that the attack did not feature firearms, in an apparent contribution to the US gun control debate.

He tweeted: Do you notice we are not having a gun debate right now? Thats because they used knives and a truck!

Last night, as the news broke, Mr Trump used the atrocity to promote his travel ban against people from certain Muslim-majority countries.

This morning the Mayor of London issued a message of defiance in the face of terror, arguing that the general election should go ahead as planned on Thursday to show that Britain would never be cowed by terror.

One of the great things about our way of life is our democracy, he said.

Elections are a wonderful thing and thats one of the things that these terrorists hate and one of the things that we can do to show were not going to be cowed is by voting on Thursday and making sure that we understand the importance of our democracy, our civil liberties, and our human rights.

Mr Trumps intervention is the latest in a series of abrasive episodes between the US and UK following terror attacks on British soil. After the Westminster terror attack in March the US Presidents son, who is named Donald Trump Jr, was called disgraceful after goading Mr Khan on social media and quoting him out of context.

London Bridge Terror Attack Show all 16 1 /16 London Bridge Terror Attack London Bridge Terror Attack Armed police on Borough High Street as police are dealing with a "major incident" at London Bridge PA London Bridge Terror Attack Armed Police talk to members of the public outside London Bridge Hospital as police are dealing with a "major incident" at London Bridge PA London Bridge Terror Attack Police Officers outside the Barrowboy and Banker Public House on Borough High Street as police are dealing with a "major incident" at London Bridge PA London Bridge Terror Attack Armed Police talk to members of the public outside London Bridge Hospital as police are dealing with a "major incident" at London Bridge PA London Bridge Terror Attack Armed police on Borough High Street as police deal with a 'major incident' at London Bridge PA London Bridge Terror Attack Emergency services near the scene of the incident Screengrab London Bridge Terror Attack People run down Borough High Street as police are dealing with a "major incident" at London Bridge Reuters London Bridge Terror Attack Emergency services arrive at the scene near Borough market at London Bridge Carl Court/Getty Images London Bridge Terror Attack Emergency personnel on London Bridge as police are dealing with a "major incident" at London Bridge PA London Bridge Terror Attack Police sniffer dogs on London Bridge as police are dealing with a "major incident" at London Bridge PA London Bridge Terror Attack A second helicopter lands on London Bridge as police are responding to three incidents in the capital, amid reports that a vehicle collided with pedestrians on London Bridge, Scotland Yard said. Officers are dealing with reports of stabbings in Borough Market, where armed officers attended and shots were fired. They are also at an incident in the Vauxhall area PA London Bridge Terror Attack Police attend to an incident on London Bridge in London REUTERS London Bridge Terror Attack Police attend to an incident on London Bridge in London, Britain Reuters London Bridge Terror Attack A police officer escorts members of the public to safety at London Bridge Getty Images London Bridge Terror Attack Police attend to an incident on London Bridge in London, Britain Reuters London Bridge Terror Attack Police attend to an incident near London Bridge in London, Britain Reuters

US intelligence agencies also caused a row after the Manchester bombing last month after they repeatedly leaked information about the ongoing investigation into the attack to US media.

The leaks continued after an intervention by Home Secretary Amber Rudd, leading Theresa May to raise the issue with Donald Trump at a Nato summit in Brussels.

Greater Manchester Police ultimately suspended intelligence cooperation with the US on matters related to the incident.
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A CNN host is accused of making what some are saying is a "racist" remark to 12-year-old Scripps Spelling Bee Champion Ananya Vinay who the host said likely misspelled a word on air because "its root is not in Sanskrit, which is what you're probably used to using."

Hosts Alisyn Camerota, who made the comment, and Chris Cuomo jokingly asked her to spell 'covfefe,' what Ms Camerota called a "nonsense word."

Ananya, who is of Indian origin, was born and raised in Fresno, California and had just been named the 2017 champion the previous evening. An Indian-American child has won the competition every year since 2008, and Ananya is the 13th overall to do so.

Donald Trump had used the word in a now-deleted tweet that read "Despite the constant negative press covfefe", which stayed up on his account for nearly five hours overnight as social media mercilessly mocked him for the typo.

The next morning, Mr Trump cryptically tweeted "Who can figure out the true meaning of 'covfefe'??? Enjoy!"

Ms Camerota corrected Ananya's spelling of the word and then said "so, I don't know. Anyway" after her Sanskrit comment.

CNN has not responded to a request for comment on the matter. Ms Camerota has not responded to the several tweets lambasting her for what they feel is a "racist" comment.

The Atlanta-based news network has a pending class action lawsuit that alleges the network gives African-American employees lower performance ratings and pay inequality compared with other employees.

A first time champion among the nearly 11 million children who entered the competition this year, Ananya was called "unflappable" by ESPN commentators for her collected demeanour throughout the rounds of competition.

She won after a long back-and-forth challenge with runner-up Rohan Rajeev by spelling the word "marocain" correctly. She wins $40,000 which she said will go towards her university education.
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A paedophile brainwashed a former Amish couple into regarding him as a prophet and gifting him their six young daughters as child wives, a court heard.

Lee Kaplan, 52, convinced Savilla and Daniel Stoltzfus that his relationships with their six daughters were the will of God, who contacted him in his dreams, the court was told.

The first daughter to be gifted to Kaplan, it was claimed, was given as a future wife when she was nine years old.

Her older sister testified that she too was molested by Kaplan, the abuse allegedly starting when she was ten and leading to her becoming pregnant by him aged 14 in 2013.

Recommended Police arrest 870 alleged paedophiles and rescue hundreds of children

Ms Stoltzfus, 43, also went to live with the accused, Bucks County Court in Pennsylvania heard, and allegedly ended up complaining to her husband that Kaplan had stopped having sex with her, preferring intercourse with her daughters.

For about five years, the court heard, the girls lived in isolation in the house of Kaplan. The windows remained covered, it was said.

The girls, it was claimed, did not go to school and had no contact with anyone their own age because Kaplan told them other children attracted evil spirits.

He allegedly told the girls to call him Lave, meaning Lord, and claimed to be educating them about their place in society.

But the court heard that when the authorities found the children after Kaplans arrest in June last year, it appeared they had been denied basic health care.

Three of the children had allegedly been infected with Lyme disease for about five years.

Five of the girls had to have several teeth removed, Stacy Roach, a Bucks County Children and Youth supervisor told the court. They had to be shown a video of how to wash long hair.

It was obvious with the amount of dental work they needed that they probably didnt brush their teeth.

Kaplan is facing 17 counts of rape, sexual assault and conspiracy charges. He spoke at his trial for the first time on Friday, but only to confim that he would not testify.

When Judge Jeffrey L. Finley asked if it was his decision not to take the witness stand, Kaplan replied in a deep voice: Yes, that is my desire.

It is alleged that when Kaplan met Daniel and Savilla Stoltzfus in 2002 the couple were leaving the Amish faith and struggling financially.

Kaplan allegedly began providing them with money, as well as business and spiritual advice.

Mr Stoltzfus, 44, is said to have told police he and his wife gifted the nine-year-old to Kaplan after he helped them financially, promising her to him as a future wife.

The nine-year-old and her ten-year-old sister, the court heard, began taking turns spending the night in Kaplan's bedroom inside their parents' house in Quarryville, Lancaster County, Pennsylvania.

The older sister told the court that it was here that her sexual relationship with Kaplan began, when she was ten and Kaplan was in his forties.

The two sisters began spending more and more time at Kaplans house in Feasterville and, the court heard, the oldest daughter began having full sexual intercourse with him when she was 12.

The regular intercourse, it was claimed, continued up until the night before Kaplan was arrested last year. By that time, it was alleged, the victim, who was then 17, had had two children by Kaplan.

The alleged victim said she could not personally testify to sexual acts between her five younger sisters and Kaplan, but she confirmed that all of them were considered Kaplan's wives and that she saw Kaplan lead her sisters individually into his bedroom at different times.

Deputy District Attorney Kate Kohler told the court that the Stoltzfus family had been brainwashed.

All they knew was life with the defendant as their leader, their preacher, their husband. she said.

Six children became his victims. Six children became his sex toys.

Kaplan was arrested after police received a complaint about the health and safety of numerous children in his home. When officers attended the property, it has been reported, they found 11 girls  nine of Savilla Stoltzfus children, aged three to 17, plus the toddler and infant born to the oldest daughter.

The house where the children were found (ABC6/YouTube)

Savilla and Daniel Stoltzfus have now pleaded no contest to third-degree felony endangerment of the welfare of a child and will be sentenced after Kaplans trial.

Savilla Stoltzfus has told the court: As we all well know and understand, were familiar with [Kaplan] and his ways, and we understand that hes always motivated to follow the leading of God.

I always trusted him that whatever goes on is a good thing.

In a recording played at the trial, she was heard telling her six daughters to tell the truth in court. She also told her children that the familys way of life might have been accepted in the past, but in the modern world, There is nothing more vile, even people drug-abusing is not as bad as this, in their eyes.

But thats today.

One of the daughters suggests they all pray, saying: God almighty, you brought us to this. Youve been with us all these days. You will make us a shining example to all the people.

In another part of the recording apparently suggesting the extent to which the children been cut off from the normal world, a daughter said she had looked up birthday celebrations online and remarked: The round cake, the candles it comes straight out of witchcraft.

Defence lawyer Ryan Hyde has argued that as the family saw it, Kaplan was married to the oldest daughter and the other children loved him.

He denied Kaplan abused the younger girls.

He was advancing their lives, Hyde claimed, arguing that the family took advantage of Kaplan's generosity. He was running them out of the darkness that was their lives beforehand.

The trial continues on Monday.
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US Ambassador to the United Nations Nikki Haley would not confirm reports that senior White House aide Jared Kushner wanted to use the Russian embassy to securely communicate with the Kremlin before Donald Trump took office, but she "wouldn't do that" herself.

Mr Kushner, the President's son-in-law, allegedly told Russian Ambassador to the US Sergey Kisylak that wanted a back channel of communication with Moscow during Mr Trump's transition into office. Mr Kushner was a private citizen at the time.

I don't know that to be fact. So I can't sit there and agree with an assumption that you're saying," said Ms Haley to CNN.

She said she was "not in that inner circle in the administration" but that she and Mr Kushner continue to do their jobs. "Until we see facts, it's hard to respond to something like that," she added.

Ms Haley is one of the few Trump administration officials who appears to not be involved in the Russia probe and has said in the past to MSNBC that Mr Kushner is "a very calm, stable voice" in the White House.

Mr Kushner has come under increased scrutiny by the FBI in the bureau's investigation into alleged ties between the Trump campaign team and Russia as well as the Kremlin's possible interference into the 2016 US election.

Ms Haley had come to his defence, noting that Mr Kushner "said that he will totally comply with the investigation and give every ounce of information that they need. And I think we can expect that."

He is not the sole focus of the investigation, but his meetings with Mr Kislyak and a Russian bank officer are being investigated, as the Washington Post has reported just a few weeks after former FBI Director James Comey was fired unexpectedly by Mr Trump.

The Democratic National Committee, victim of a computer hacking attack during the election, said Mr Kushner's security clearance should be put on hold until the FBI is done investigating him.

The House and Senate intelligence committees are also running parallel investigations. Mr Comey is set to testify on the matter before the Senate on 8 June.

No testimony date for Mr Kushner, or even if there will a public testimony, has been announced as yet.
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The co-chair of the Senate Intelligence Committee said there is no "smoking gun" in the investigation of the Trump campaign teams alleged ties to Russia, but there is a "lot of smoke."

Committee Vice Chair Mark Warner told CNN that the committee is attempting to "sort through" information to determine whether or not Russia interfered in any with the 2016 US election as well.

Former FBI Director James Comey, unceremoniously fired by Donald Trump, is set to testify in front of the committee on 8 June.

Mr Warner said he and colleagues will have to determine whether there is any truth to the reports that Mr Trump asked Mr Comey and other authorities to "downplay" the Russia investigation in any way.

It has been reported that Mr Comey kept detailed memos of his conversations with the President. The memos are now property of the FBI and one allegedly shows, as reported by the New York Times, that Mr Trump asked Mr Comey to "let it go" when it came to the investigation into former National Security Advisor Michael Flynn allegedly receiving illegal payments from the Turkish government and his ties to Russia.

Mr Trump fired Mr Flynn and said publicly the reason was because Mr Flynn had lied to Vice President Mike Pence about his meetings with Russian Ambassador Sergey Kislyak ahead of Mr Trump's inauguration.

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

Clearly it would be very very troubling if the president of the United States is interfering in investigations that...affect the president and his closest associates, Mr Warner said.

Trump aide Kellyanne Conway confirmed to ABC News that Mr Trump will not use his executive privilege to prevent Mr Comey's testimony. Mr Warner said the White House would have been on shaky ground legally should they have prevented him from appearing before Congress.

Mr Comey is a private citizen now and so he may be allowed to speak publicly about non-classified information should he want to, regardless of whether he appears before Congress or not.

Director of National Intelligence Dan Coats and National Security Agency Director Mike Rogers are also set to appear before the Senate on the matter.

Mr Warner told CBS he would ask Mr Comey and the others "what kind of pressure appropriate, inappropriate, how many conversations he had with the president about this topic, did some of these conversations take place even before the president was sworn in?"

The search for a new FBI Director continues according to the White House.
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Bashar al-Assad has claimed the worst of his countrys civil war is behind us following a series of advances by his forces backed by key ally Russia.

Speaking to an India-based television station in Damascus, the Syrian President said things were moving in the right direction because they were defeating the terrorists.

His army faces Isis and similar extremists groups, but also Kurdish forces and Western-backed rebels formed after the Arab Spring pro-democracy movement.

The Presidents troops and allied fighters have recaptured territory across Syria over the past year, including all of Aleppo city in December.

Mr Assad told India-based WION: Things now are moving in the right direction, which is a better direction, because we are defeating the terrorists.

Unless the West and other countries and their allies, their puppets, support those extremists in... a very massive way, Im sure the worst is behind us.

More than 320,000 people have been killed in Syria since the conflict began in March 2011, when a string of mass demonstrations took place against Mr Assads government. The fighting has driven 11 million people from their homes, according to the United Nations.

Syrian forces surrendered their chemical arsenal to an international watchdog after hundreds died in a sarin attack in Damascus in 2013, although the opposition has long accused the regime of holding back some of its supply.

Last month, Human Rights Watch accused Mr Assads regime of increasing its use of banned chemical agents, saying the army had used nerve agents and chlorine gas on rebel targets at least four times in the last six months.
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The Six Day War was one of the greatest victories in the history of Israel, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu recently said.

Israels swift surprise victory in the 1967 conflict with its Arab neighbours not only secured the young Jewish states survival: it cemented the countrys position as a regional power.

While Israelis and Palestinians are marking the 50th anniversary of the beginning of the war on Monday 5 June, they will do so in very different ways.

 Trump: Israelis and Palestinians are 'reaching for peace'

On Jerusalem Day (because of the Hebrew calendar, this year held on 24 May), Israelis celebrate what some see as the reunification of the city in the aftermath of the war, in which Israel annexed the east of the city and parts of the West Bank.

State-organised ceremonies and memorials are held, talks are given in schools, and blue and white flags are paraded through Jerusalems streets.

This year, as almost always, some Palestinian residents of the city were evacuated by police after ultra-nationalist marches threatened to turn violent.

Israels bold territorial gains in 1967 have never been recognised by the Palestinians or the vast majority of the international community.

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

For those in the West Bank and Gaza, the Arab-Israeli war is viewed as the naksa, or setback, the second worst event to befall Palestinians apart from the creation of Israel in 1948 (the nakba).

There has long been a vocal Israeli community which says the occupation harms Israels claim to legitimate statehood, and damages the chances of reaching peace with Palestinians.

On the 50th anniversary milestone, more than ever are beginning to question whether the struggle to control occupied Palestinian territory is worth it.

Israel must cloak itself in sorrow also over what has happened to Israel since that terrible summer of 1967, the summer in which it won a war and lost nearly everything, wrote Gideon Levy, a columnist in the Haaretz newspaper, in April. Strong, armed and rich as it never was in 1967. Corrupt and rotten as only an occupying country can be.

US President Donald Trump reiterated on his visit to the region last month his desire to broker a peace deal in the intractable conflict.

The Palestinian Authority is still officially in favour of a two-state solution. But the growing Israeli presence over the 1967 Green Line in the form of settlements  now home to thousands of Jewish families  means the likelihood of such a resolution is fading, if it is not already impossible.
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Theresa May might have to get used to sitting at the opposite end of the table from her European counterparts on one more issue  fracking.

Following this weeks vote in the Irish Parliament to ban fracking, the Prime Minister looks increasingly out on a limb as one of the few European leaders to still argue that fracking is a good idea. France, the Netherlands and Germany have all put a stop to this risky method of trying to get gas out of the ground by breaking up rocks at high pressure.

Aside from the fact that no one yet knows how expensive it would be to get shale gas out of the ground in Europe, which is much more geologically crumpled than the US, increasing volumes of studies pointing to risks, such as correlations with spikes in methane, water contamination and health impacts, are giving leaders pause for thought. The impetus to show European commitment to the Paris Climate Agreement in the face of Trumps actions is likely front of mind too.

Its not been going so well for those hoping to make a quick buck out of the gas trapped underneath our homes and countryside. Leaders of the Labour, Liberal Democrat and Green parties have all said they would oppose fracking in their manifestos. In addition, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland have all put in place their own suspensions of fracking, which means whatever the election result large sections of the UK are already off the table as a source of shale gas.

 How Fracking works

The promised European shale gas revolution appears to be sputtering, despite the best efforts of the previous government. Its now been six years since the first and only attempt to frack in England, which ended following earth tremors in May 2011. Six years with nothing to show, despite the millions of pounds of tax breaks, the relaxing of planning rules, the handing out of hundreds of licences to frack, and the secret meetings convened to try to force projects through despite local opposition. Imagine if that much effort was put into supporting clean energy projects like wind farms and solar panels that people actually want?

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When Theresa May became Prime Minster, her words on the steps on 10 Downing Street made me hopeful of a different approach: When we take the big calls, well think not of the powerful, but you. When we pass new laws, well listen not to the mighty, but to you, she said. But I was disappointed when last year Westminster overturned the decision of the local county council in Lancashire to reject the plans of Cuadrilla to frack, and even more so to see proposals in the Conservative manifesto to weaken local decision making in relation to fracking.

Since Cuadrilla arrived back in Lancashire in January, thousands of pounds of public money has been spent on policing to facilitate a company operating without public consent. Money, which as the Lancashire Police Commissioner points out, is not easy to come by and would be much better spent on policing crime than legitimate protest. A vigil has been held daily by local residents, including grandmothers and farmers that have never campaigned before in their lives. This week, these people were pushed into a kettle  a controversial police method of forced containment  to allow a 15-truck convoy to bring pieces of drilling equipment onto the site, a clear sign that the only way fracking can progress is by pushing ordinary people to one side.

Energy saving options in pictures Show all 4 1 /4 Energy saving options in pictures Energy saving options in pictures Nest Thermostat merges cool tech with neat design Energy saving options in pictures Swan has launched a halogen oven which promises faster cooking as well as energy saving and health benefits Energy saving options in pictures Duette blinds have a climate control insulating action so rooms stay cool in the summer months and warm in the winter Energy saving options in pictures Rainshower has a button on the handle that can be pressed to reduce the water used by 40%

This week I was with a delegation of campaigners from 30 different European countries at the site on a fact-finding mission and to give support to the local community. This included the director of Friends of the Earth Netherlands, who won their own battle against Cuadrilla. As I spoke with local residents and campaigners from across our continent and heard their stories, it was clear to me that the minority in favour of fracking may be powerful, but they are increasingly isolated. With those who oppose fracking only increasing in number, I hope that Theresa May realises shes better off listening to the people than sitting by her ideologically isolated self.

Craig Bennett is chief executive of Friends of the Earth
Last month, while we were in London, I took my wife to Dr. Williams Library. The library was established with a bequest from Dr. Daniel Williams, a minister who died in 1716. Williams died childless, so in addition to the 7,600 books in his personal library, he left around 50,000 pounds to fund more acquisitions for the library, as well as schools in Wales, where he was born, and stipends for students preparing for the nonconformist ministry at the University of Glasgow. (Nonconformist refers to Protestant ministers who do not conform to The Church of England.) Glasgow and Edinburgh were popular destinations for students who chose not to subscribe to the 51 articles of the Anglican Church, which was required of students attending Oxford and Cambridge.

One of the highlights of my visit was holding a copy of On the Errors of the Trinity by Michael Servetus. It was published in 1531 in Hagenau, Germany. There are fewer than five copies of the original still in existence. Those that could be found were used as kindling when he was burned at the stake by John Calvins followers in Geneva in 1553. Servetus crimes were refusing to believe in the Trinity and infant baptism. Servetus infuriated Protestants and Catholics alike because he based his arguments on scripture, after reading the Bible in its original languages. Like most scholarly books of the time, it was written in Latin. For me, it was a reminder of the fact that our roots are in Protestant Christianity, though we have certainly grown branches that have led many to reach out and gain sustenance from world religions, such as Buddhism, as well as nature-based eco-theologies and Neopaganism.

As a Unitarian Universalist, Servetus is one of our greatest martyrs. His death attracted considerable attention because it was the first example of Protestant Christians killing another Protestant for heresy. It was also a lesson in the importance of tolerance when it comes to our differences. Sadly, Servetus would not be the last to be killed for a dissenting or nonconforming understanding of Christianity.

Holding Servetus book brought to mind two statements by prominent Christians in todays world. The first was Pope Franciss response when he was asked how he would respond to a gay person who considered her- or himself to be a Christian. To this, Francis responded, Who am I to judge? While he would not have agreed with Servetus interpretation of scripture, I doubt whether Francis would have condemned him to the stake. While his predecessors carried out the Inquisition, Francis seems to imply that we know better now. I see his statement as a rebuke of those who invoke religious and social teachings from the past, and refuse to accept the notion that teachings and social mores evolve over time. I dare say, one could use the same argument against politicians and judges in our current society who would impose the same interpretation of the U.S. Constitution. Our world has changed (mostly) for the better since the time when black slaves who could not vote still counted for three-fifths of a white person when it came to counting toward Congressional representation by the slave-holding states, and women were not permitted to vote because they were considered to be genetically inferior to men.

The other statement was by Vice President Mike Pence, who has famously proclaimed that he is a Christian, a conservative and a Republican, in that order." Personally, I found it disturbing that Pence seemed to be conflating the three, assuming that being a Christian implies that one will also be a conservative  dare I say a social conservative? I would add: The Republican Party is a political party, not a religious institution. In contrast to Pope Francis, Pence has shown that he would not hesitate to judge. Given the fact that he is an impeachment vote away from the presidency, this should concern us. While governor of Indiana, he judged gays by pushing legislation that diminished their human rights. He also judged that women are still inferior to men and incapable of making their own decisions when it comes to reproductive freedom, and that Planned Parenthood should not be supported because it is an organization that facilitates this freedom. I want to be clear: I have no qualms with Pence calling himself a Christian. It is what he does with it that is worrisome, when he uses it to judge, diminish or deny the basic human rights that all people are entitled to, regardless of whether they call themselves Christians, Muslims, gays, transgender or women.

Holding Servetus book in my hands was a reminder that freedom of religion should be encouraged, and visiting Dr. Williams Library was a reminder that education is a necessary corrective and antidote to prejudice and small-minded behaviors.
Women in New York State would have the option to treat debilitating menstrual cramps with medical marijuana under new legislation sponsored by New York Assemblywoman Linda Rosenthal.

The bill sailed through the Assembly's Health Committee this week, by a vote of 21-2. A spokeswoman for Rosenthal said that it's likely to go to full vote this month. Her office is still seeking a Senate sponsor for the legislation. "It's very treacherous over there these days," Rosenthal told Gothamist on Thursday. "But they did pass medical marijuana, right?"

"Midol cannot be the pinnacle of menstrual cramp treatment," she added. "We women demand more; we demand access to pain relieving medication that is safe and effective at relieving menstrual cramps."

In the absence of reliable alternatives, Rosenthal predicts that some women will use opioids, which are addictive and increasingly prevalent in New York. "Let's rely on a more peaceful method," she said.

About 20 percent of women who suffer from period cramps experience extreme dysmenorrhea that limits their ability to go about daily tasks, Newsweek reports.

Under current law, New York's medical marijuana guidelines are narrow. Only patients with one of eleven "severe, debilitating, or life-threatening conditions" can applycancer, HIV infection or AIDS, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, Parkinson's disease, multiple sclerosis, spinal-cord injury with spasticity, epilepsy, inflammatory bowel disease, neuropathy, Huntington's disease or, more recently, chronic pain. Patients also need to have an "associated or complicating condition" such as severe or chronic pain, severe nausea, or seizures. For comparison, California allows doctors to prescribe medical marijuana for any ailment.

New York also has strict regulations on how the marijuana can be consumed (only as an extract), and patients have argued that there are too few dispensaries in New York, too widely dispersed. New York City has been allotted four, in Manhattan, Queens and the Bronx.

Medical marijuana is also not covered by health insurance in New York State, though the state pledged to start waiving a $50 patient and caregiver application fee for those with "financial hardship" last summer.

Rosenthal said Thursday that she'd like to see broader reforms to New York's medical marijuana guidelines, beyond simply adding dysmenorrhea to the list of approved conditions. Today, the Times Union reports that the State Department of Health is working to double the number of registered dispensaries to ten, even as the five currently registered dispensaries sue in court to block the expansion. The state also recently began offering home delivery.

"Ideally it would be widely, widely available," Rosenthal said. "Hopefully the issues with the dispensaries themselves will be resolved while this bill is being hammered out."

Rosenthal recently passed legislation eliminating the tax on feminine hygiene products. Other bills up for consideration would provide free tampons in schools, prisons, and homeless shelters. "Women's issues have not been approached for the longest time because it's generally been men that run government," she said.

Rosenthal crafted the bill with actress Whoopi Goldberg, who also happens to have her own line of medical marijuana products for menstrual pain.

"I'm glad to see states like New York starting to get serious about this," Goldberg stated in release issued by Rosenthal's office.
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After the Manchester Arena terror attack, Amber Rudd told the public: We must not imply that this terrorist activity wouldnt have taken place if there had been more policing  good counter-terrorism activity is because you have a close relationship between the policing and intelligence services.

This kind of rhetoric may seem persuasive and eloquent but, as so often with politicians trying to avoid blame, it is untrue. It is untrue because it misses a key and huge fundamental point to the protection of our national security: community policing intelligence.

Police officers embedded in the community, there to help, there to listen, there to understand the community they serve. It is in the community where the best intelligence is learnt and gathered, from the people who notice a change in behaviour of their friends and neighbours, allowing early intervention and monitoring.

Theresa Mays cuts have removed these officers from the streets. The intelligence they brought in through local knowledge and community engagement has dried up and collapsed, and the local bobby known to all has gone, replaced by a reactive police service that is inadequate  as the press is always so quick to point out when mistakes are made and splashed all over their front pages.

 "I owe you my life", London Bridge bystander tells hero cab driver

Cuts have consequences  this was the tag line used by the Police Federation when the bones were being stripped from British policing. Now we see that this wasnt scaremongering, as Theresa May, the then-Home Secretary told us. We are now seeing the very real consequences of these cuts  in the faces of the victims of this attack we see in our papers.

Recommended The election results could be drastically altered by the London attack

May told her audience at the time the polices warnings didnt serve the public. I ask now: has she served in the publics best interest?

In my force alone, just to meet the service level agreements on officer numbers deployed to the street, shifts are being extended, rest days are being cancelled, and since the Manchester and London attacks more officers are required  officers who dont really exist since the cuts. Many of my colleagues are working 18-plus days straight without any real rest to make sure the public are safe and protected.

The real questioned posed is can any random, lone wolf attack be stopped? With early intervention and the right attention: yes, possibly. Without information being fed into the police service and intelligence services about a particular subject from their community: of course not.

London Bridge Terror Attack Show all 16 1 /16 London Bridge Terror Attack London Bridge Terror Attack Armed police on Borough High Street as police are dealing with a "major incident" at London Bridge PA London Bridge Terror Attack Armed Police talk to members of the public outside London Bridge Hospital as police are dealing with a "major incident" at London Bridge PA London Bridge Terror Attack Police Officers outside the Barrowboy and Banker Public House on Borough High Street as police are dealing with a "major incident" at London Bridge PA London Bridge Terror Attack Armed Police talk to members of the public outside London Bridge Hospital as police are dealing with a "major incident" at London Bridge PA London Bridge Terror Attack Armed police on Borough High Street as police deal with a 'major incident' at London Bridge PA London Bridge Terror Attack Emergency services near the scene of the incident Screengrab London Bridge Terror Attack People run down Borough High Street as police are dealing with a "major incident" at London Bridge Reuters London Bridge Terror Attack Emergency services arrive at the scene near Borough market at London Bridge Carl Court/Getty Images London Bridge Terror Attack Emergency personnel on London Bridge as police are dealing with a "major incident" at London Bridge PA London Bridge Terror Attack Police sniffer dogs on London Bridge as police are dealing with a "major incident" at London Bridge PA London Bridge Terror Attack A second helicopter lands on London Bridge as police are responding to three incidents in the capital, amid reports that a vehicle collided with pedestrians on London Bridge, Scotland Yard said. Officers are dealing with reports of stabbings in Borough Market, where armed officers attended and shots were fired. They are also at an incident in the Vauxhall area PA London Bridge Terror Attack Police attend to an incident on London Bridge in London REUTERS London Bridge Terror Attack Police attend to an incident on London Bridge in London, Britain Reuters London Bridge Terror Attack A police officer escorts members of the public to safety at London Bridge Getty Images London Bridge Terror Attack Police attend to an incident on London Bridge in London, Britain Reuters London Bridge Terror Attack Police attend to an incident near London Bridge in London, Britain Reuters

May was warned that her cuts would force paramilitary style policing in Britain yet she ignored this. The army is now deployed on our streets. More than 1,300 skilled firearms officers have been cut, recruitment of those officers is slow and our national security is at risk.

Officers know the risks of carrying a weapon. They know they will have little or no support from the Government if they are forced to fire their weapon and will face months if not years of investigations for trying to protect others. Would you join a job like this?

I chose to do this job not for the thanks  as there is little  but so people can lie peacefully in their beds knowing there is someone who would do whatever they can to make sure they are safe and protected.

My colleagues and I will continue to go forward when others run, but the reality now felt by officers around the UK, that we are too-often taken for granted and even perhaps un-liked by our Government.

We know if we get killed in the line of duty that the headlines will be gone in a day and our names will be forgotten. But we shall continue, we shall protect. Despite the obstacles we are continually confronted with to make our job harder, we keep going.

This article was written for the Independent by a serving firearms police officer who wished to remain anonymous
Michael D Higgins said this latest attack in London will be condemned "by all those who believe in the rights of our public to live their lives in the public space"

President Michael D Higgins has offered his sympathy to the families of those killed in the London terrorist attack.

Mr Higgins said this latest attack in London will be condemned "by all those who believe in the rights of our public to live their lives in the public space".

He added: "To our neighbours in the United Kingdom I send the sympathy and support of the Irish people, and in particular the heartfelt sympathy to the families of those who have lost their lives, and our thoughts and wishes for such recovery as is possible to the injured and their families."

Deputy Prime Minister and Justice Minister, Tanaiste Frances Fitzgerald, said gardai have offered support to the authorities in London.

"(The) attack in London is another depraved and cowardly attack on innocent people. Our first thoughts are with the families of those killed and with the injured victims.

"I have spoken this morning with the Garda Commissioner who briefed me on developments. The Garda authorities remain in close contact with their counterparts in London and will offer whatever support they can," he said.

Fianna Fail Leader, Micheal Martin, said that London withstood terrorist attacks before and became stronger as a result.

"(Saturday) night's attack will, I have no doubt, bring Londoners of all creeds, races, and ethnicities, even more together and will make the city even stronger.

"We know from our own past that the best response to terror is to be open, tolerant and to stand united," he said.

Mr Martin added: "Those who orchestrated this attack and the previous attack in Manchester are cowards.

"The people of London have, in the few short hours since last night's attack, shown the world what true courage and bravery is."

Brendan Howlin TD, leader of the Labour Party, described the attack as "mindlessly cruel".

"As members of the emergency services ran towards danger, and the people of London opened their homes, cars and businesses to provide support to those affected, the strength and resilience of the city of London was shown to all," he added.

Sinn Fein President Gerry Adams TD said: "I absolutely condemn last night's horrendous attacks in London.

"On behalf of Sinn Fein, I offer my sincere condolences to the victims and the families of those killed and injured and to the people of London."
Well-known Dublin watering hole Scruffy Murphy's is set to be demolished after plans were lodged for a five-to six-storey aparthotel at the site.

A letter lodged with Dublin City Council in the name of Tim O'Connor says O'Connor wants to knock down the old pub and install a 36-bed aparthotel above a ground-floor restaurant, bar or cafe.

The pub, which has been closed for a period of time, was put up for sale for 1m last year.

Located close to Merrion Square, it was a well-known after-work watering hole.

The development mirrors plans by Tetrarch Capital, which was granted permission for an aparthotel in Dublin 2 in December last year by Dublin City Council.

Aparthotels offer bedroom accommodation similar to hotels while also offering kitchen accommodation to facilitate self-catering.

They can be cheaper for owners to run than hotels, according to Aiden Murphy, a partner at accountants and business advisors Crowe Horwath.

"What you're seeing now is that with centralised reservations, [owners] do not have to be on site, and therefore I suppose you can run a property of this nature possibly with one porter to look after the guests' needs. Because you're in a city location, food delivery can come through services such as Deliveroo, and with mobile devices there's no great reliance on having a reception in place," Murphy said.

"What we're seeing is more and more executives are coming in to Ireland where corporates are setting up new locations or taking on more people. They're looking to find their feet in Dublin, find suitable accommodation.

"Having an aparthotel suite available for a number of weeks or a number of months would be very suitable."

Elsewhere in the city, the landmark JJ Smyth's Pub on Aungier Street has changed hands for around 1.4m following the retirement of its owner, JJ Smyth, after a lifetime spent in the licensed trade.

John Ryan of CBRE's Hotel and Licensed division confirmed the sale of the pub which is famed for its first floor music and jazz club, telling the Sunday Independent that it had been acquired by a "well-known businessman supported by an experienced publican".

While Ryan refused to be drawn on the identity of either individual, he said the deal reflected the "continuing strong appetite from existing publicans to acquire city centre licensed premises".
'Unlike their French counterparts, Irish controllers have not shut the country's airspace. But a recent airline industry report showed the potential cost of ATC strikes, with repeated French actions costing the European economy 12bn since 2010.' Stock photo: Bloomberg

Taoiseach-in-waiting Leo Varadkar may be celebrating but his victorious campaign has drawn an angry rebuke from air traffic controllers.

Comments made by the new Fine Gael leader during the leadership campaign were "reprehensible in the extreme", said a letter fired off to Varadkar last week.

Varadkar singled out air traffic controllers as a group he would like to see barred from strike action. But Helen Sheridan, general secretary of Impact's ATC branch, said that the union "will vociferously defend its rights under the Lisbon Treaty to engage in industrial action, including the freedom to strike".

"Indeed, we would defend the rights of all Irish workers to organise and to legally engage in industrial action where warranted," it said.

Unlike their French counterparts, Irish controllers have not shut the country's airspace. But a recent airline industry report showed the potential cost of ATC strikes, with repeated French actions costing the European economy 12bn since 2010.

Nevertheless, Varadkar's moves to single out "a responsible employee grouping ... with a history of engaging with the industrial relations mechanisms of the State are reprehensible in the extreme", she wrote.

"They also show a degree of ignorance of industrial relations in this country," she said, pointing out that a disputes resolutions board at the Irish Aviation Authority was now seen as a model for other European air navigation service providers.

"I would also remind you that strong unions who engage positively with employers are good for employment stability and growth - this is the policy you should be advocating, not seeking to undermine workers' rights."
FitzPatrick, pictured, was last week acquitted on foot of a direction by the judge of allegedly misleading Anglos auditors about a series of loans.

An investment partnership including former Anglo Irish Bank chairman Sean FitzPatrick, and some of the most high-profile names in Irish business, received about $650,000 (576,000) in distributions in 2015.

The partnership - entitled Anglo Irish JCF 1 Limited Liability Partnership (LLP) - also includes Paddy Power Betfair chairman and former Anglo non-executive director Gary McGann, property developer Bernard McNamara, Ardagh chairman Paul Coulson and John Olan Sisk, according to UK Companies House documents.

The documents state the partnership's principal activity is to invest in a Cayman Islands-registered fund entitled JC Flowers II Limited Partnership.

It was incorporated in October 2008, four weeks after the blanket bank guarantee.

The partnership's latest accounts, covering the year to the end of December 2015, state that $1,019,062 was given to the partnership by the JC Flowers fund, with $352,931 of that reinvested in the fund.

The accounts state the partnership was owed a sum of $484,495 from the IBRC as of December 31, 2015, describing this as deposits held for the partnership at the time of the IRBC entering special liquidation.

The accounts - filed last autumn - state that recovery of the sum was "still under discussion" with the NTMA in its role as operator of the eligible liabilities guarantee (ELG) scheme, a successor scheme to the blanket bank guarantee, which covered certain liabilities of Irish banks.

The ELG scheme is operated by the NTMA and was closed to new liabilities in 2013.

The accounts state the LLP also made a claim as a creditor in the special liquidation of IBRC "as a precautionary step in the event of the ELG Scheme operator failing to make a payment".

"It is anticipated recovery of this amount should occur in 2016 and discussions are still ongoing with the joint special liquidators of IBRC," the accounts state.

Eamonn Richardson and Kieran Wallace of KPMG, the joint special liquidators, declined to comment on whether the sum had been paid. The NTMA also declined to comment.

The accounts also state that the IBRC had provided loans to the partnership.

"The balances on these loans at 31 December 2015 is $40,381... no interest has been charged on these loans and they have no fixed repayment terms," the accounts state.

The value of the partnership's investments stood at $3,609,209 at the end of 2015, down from $4,416,492 at the end of 2014 - a reflection mainly of distributions made by JC Flowers to the partnership.

FitzPatrick was last week acquitted on foot of a direction by the judge of allegedly misleading Anglo's auditors about a series of loans. The judge said an investigation by the Office of the Director of Corporate Enforcement (ODCE) "fell short of an unbiased, impartial, balanced investigation that an accused is entitled to".

One ODCE investigator had destroyed potentially relevant evidence during the probe.
Retail parks and shopping centres around the country have generally enjoyed an improved performance over the past two years, but tenants in many centres continue to struggle, according to new research.

Two national surveys of both retail parks and shopping centres by Retail Excellence Ireland (REI) found improvements for both categories of retail complexes but also that many retailers still had issues with specific locations.

REI carries out the research every two years, surveying over 220 shopping centre tenants with over 650 shopping centre stores and 80 retail park tenants with over 240 retail park stores.

Lorraine Higgins of REI said that while the general trend indicates that profitability at retail parks has improved marginally since 2015 "we cannot ignore the fact that 13 retail parks are deemed unprofitable".

The Retail Park Review 2017 records Castlebar Retail Park as being the least profitable.

However, a spokesman for management at Castlebar, questioned the veracity of the survey and said that two retailers at the park want to double their footprint.

The best overall retail park was deemed to be Mahon Point in Cork.

In the research covering shopping centres, two were deemed 'healthy' in 2017 - in the 2015 review no shopping centre received a healthy score.

Dundrum Town Centre is the highest-performing shopping centre in Ireland. Higgins said: "This is a consequence of many leases being close to the market rent and thus at sustainable levels and a good retail mix enhancing footfall."

Liffey Valley emerged as the other top-rated shopping centre in a survey of 38 of the countrys shopping centres.

Higgins said Liffey Valley performed well because it has reported an increase in footfall as a result of new retail offerings such as Penneys. Under the ratings in the survey, the centres were deemed as being in good health with scores of close to eight out of 10.

However, 12 centres were deemed unhealthy with The Laurence Centre, Drogheda, Co Louth rated the least healthy when scores on a number of measures were combined.

Higgins said it is probably experiencing a degree of performance negativity as a consequence of Brexit and sterling devaluation. The Laurence Centre did not respond to requests for a response.

Higgins added in total, 28 centres were deemed on average to be profitable for tenants, as opposed to 12 centres in 2015. Our survey shows that conditions have marginally improved for retailers operating in shopping centres.

There is no doubt with a host of issues facing the industry from Brexit to rents and the migration to online shopping that retailers need to work harder to engage consumers and drive footfall into their shops, Higgins said.

Retail parks around Co Louth also had some of the lower scores.

While wider economic issues are impacting on retailers, some tenants also called for changes in their relationships with landlords and management companies.

Among the concerns raised by many retail park tenants was the need for improved transparency regarding how their service charge fee is spent. The report found that tenants in 12 parks indicated that they might leave because of this issue.
The time is right to dispose of the States 25pc holding in AIB but it must avoid temptation and pressure to unload more stock. File photo: Bloomberg

'Every little helps' is the Tesco slogan and one that seems to apply when it comes to managing our gargantuan national debt. Currently running at around 200bn, the 3bn or so proceeds from the AIB flotation will only make a small dent in it.

However, not only do we have to start somewhere, but under EU fiscal rules, we can't use the AIB proceeds for anything else.

In a strange quirk of fate, we may end up slightly worse off in the short term by paying down some of the debt. As Joan Burton of the Labour Party pointed out last week, AIB is paying out a dividend of 250m per year. We will lose out on 25pc of that or 62.5m per year. The interest on 3bn of national debt over 10 years works out at about 30m per year. It may be a rather simplistic calculation but Labour was keen to emphasise the futility of selling off 25pc of AIB now when it could end up costing us money in the short term.

However, the rationale for selling a quarter or so of the bank now is pretty compelling. The markets are benign. It sets a market for the shares which will make it easier to sell down further stakes in the future. We are still trying to get back our 20.8bn. And this is the best way of ensuring the State gets the best price for the bank, as long as there isn't a rush to flog off the remaining 75pc.

The only dent in the logic of doing this now, is if it creates an undue momentum to sell more too quickly. If the share price falls, as happened when the State sold off 25pc of PTSB, there won't be a clamour to sell off any more for a while. However, if the share price holds up well after the IPO, pressure could come on from within the bank towards government to sell off more too quickly.

In the meantime, aspirations of using the proceeds to build infrastructure are not practical. Firstly, we are not allowed. Secondly, money isn't the problem when it comes to the housing crisis - its everything else.

Hoarders shall inherit the earth

Nama chief executive Brendan McDonagh, wasn't pulling his punches during the week when he blamed investors hoarding sites for the housing crisis. Well, he might as well blame developers, because developers are blaming Nama.

It is a little odd to sell off development sites at reduced prices and then lament the fact the buyers won't go ahead and build houses.

Michael Noonan has said the State cannot apply a "use it or lose it" approach to development sites because of legal difficulties. However, developers are not the only ones who might be accused of hoarding sites.

County councils haven't exactly been very active either. Just two of the country's county councils put up registers of vacant sites to be used as a basis for charging a special levy on not using vacant sites.

Dublin City Council and Donegal were the only local authorities to have even put up a register. Donegal's had just four sites on it, one of which is valued at just 32,000. Most of the Dublin sites are publicly owned.

Other local authorities have said they are compiling lists but haven't put up a register yet. You can hardly blame Leitrim County Council which has not received a planning application for a new housing estate in 10 years.

It is hard not to hold the suspicion that the government is actually quite relaxed about the house price rises caused by a lack of houses. After all one million of us own our homes, which are technically increasing in value, while there are just 50,000 people looking to buy a house.

Perhaps the new Taoiseach will tackle the public and private sector hoarders.

Toland's great Aryzta bake-off

September can't come quick enough for baked goods business Aryzta. That is when its new chief executive Kevin Toland is likely to start the job. Shares in the Swiss/Irish group fell again during the week after it warned that profit margins remain under pressure. Among the causes are declining sales and rising labour costs in the US. It seems that several factors are driving up wage costs in the US, including greater enforcement of migrant work permits.

The Trump era (although greater enforcement began before Trump was sworn in) has left many companies having to offer permanent full-time jobs where in the past many labour gaps were plugged by temporary workers. This is driving up wage costs.

Some of them have been working and paying tax in the US for years, but the crackdown is seeing employers of lower skilled labour across the US facing higher wage bills for more permanent staff.

Aryzta has been doing some soul-searching in recent months by examining its strategic options and its business model - should it be business to business or business to consumer.

With a management vacuum at the top executive level, at least until the autumn, it is taking longer to get decisions made. One of Toland's first tasks will probably be to green light the sale of Aryzta's French frozen food business Picard, which it owns with Lion Capital.

After that he will need to look at all of the options regarding achieving greater efficiencies, disposing of more businesses and driving sales. Aryzta's share price has halved in the last two years. But given the scale of the share price fall, Aryzta might become an attractive proposition for a takeover once things have stabilised. The sale of Picard will improve the balance sheet. There are still too many unknowns but with a degree of certainty and stability, Toland could end up fending off an opportunistic bid.

Water infrastructure plan won't float

Whatever about a new Aryzta CEO, it appears that Bord na Mona boss Mike Quinn will take over the job as chief executive of Ervia, the state company that manages the gas network and Irish Water.

It's one thing charging gas suppliers for using the network, but the plan for financing water infrastructure doesn't look like it will float.

It isn't actually Irish Water's fault, but politicians who agreed the new charging, sorry, non-charging, regime. The only plan available for financing Irish Water's necessary 5.5bn capital investment programme up to 2021, is that the money will come from central exchequer funding.

The state utility needs to spend around 13bn on water infrastructure and treatment in the years over an extended period.

Without very explicit costed commitments from government about how Irish Water will be able to find the money to plug, for example, the 44 locations where untreated waste is going into rivers and ports, it will be vulnerable to political mood swings and shifting priorities.

Quinn will need to use any political connections - or at least be good at persuading politicians - because he will end up in a constant process of lobbying government to come up with the necessary capital spend.
Q My sister, who is a US citizen and has lived all her adult life in the US, is reviewing her will. She has told me, her brother, that she intends willing an amount of money to me. Is there a tax-efficient way of doing this?

It is also her intention to have her remains buried in Ireland, and I will be responsible for making all the funeral arrangements for her internment. To this end, she has asked me to set up a bank account into which she can transfer money on a monthly basis to cover the cost of her funeral. What is the best way of doing this without again having tax implications for either of us?

Anthony,

Cootehill, Co Cavan

A Gift or inheritance from a brother or sister is tax-exempt up to 32,500 in Ireland - providing no other gifts or inheritances have been received. In addition, an annual gift of 3,000 can be received tax-free under the small gift exemption. If your sister is thinking of leaving you more than 32,500, the annual small gift exemption could be a useful way of saving some of the tax which would be payable on any future inheritance.

It might be possible for your sister to set up an Irish bank account giving you signing authority. If this is not possible, then you could get her to transfer 3,000 a year to your account as a gift which will be tax-free here under the small gift exemption. You would then agree to pay for all the funeral expenses from that money. She could make this annual gift each year until she gives to you what is needed to cover the funeral costs.

A complication here is that an Irish citizen receiving inheritances from an American citizen is subject to a complicated double taxation agreement between Ireland and the US. Tax advice should be sought before any monies transfer to clarify your particular situation.

Helping nieces and nephews

Q I am a single person without children. I have two sisters - one sister lives in Britain with two children, and the other lives in Ireland with three children. What is the most tax-efficient way to pass on my few assets to them when I pass away? I have a house and a bit of land, which would realise perhaps 300,000 if sold. My sisters don't need the money, and the kids are too young yet to know what they need or where they might end up. I was thinking of instructing my sisters to dispose of my assets and set up a trust fund for the five kids with the proceeds - with my sisters to manage the fund and control access to it. I would specify in a letter of wishes that I would like the funds to be used to give the children a start in life, leaving the details to be of their choosing, with guidance from their parents. Is this possible? Are there more tax-efficient ways of doing the same job?

Joan,

Ballinastoe, Co Wicklow

Yes, of course it is something that can be done, but my initial reaction is that it is a very complicated way of distributing a relatively simple estate when you go. I am not sure if your sisters will thank you for the complication. In any event, who is to say that you will not outlive the two of them? And who will then administer your estate?

Perhaps there is a simpler solution. Why not update your will and leave instructions for your house and land to be sold on your death. You could then leave it to be divided equally between your two sisters and their five children. Each sister and niece or nephew can receive 32,500 free of tax, which will mean that 227,500 will transfer tax-free. If your sisters have partners, then each of them can receive an additional amount of 16,250 tax-free. Yes, they might have to pay some tax on the excess they receive, but it will be simple and uncomplicated.

Also, as your funeral costs and other expenses from the sale will come off the value, there might not be too much tax payable. If you decide to leave all to your nieces and nephews, and exclude your sisters, then there will be a little more tax payable.

Should your nieces or nephews be under 21 at the date of your death, you can stipulate in your will that the money is to be invested for them by their parents until they reach a certain age.

Do I face bill for house gift?

Q I AM planning to buy a house in Galway, and my parents have kindly offered to provide the entire purchase price. The purchase price is in the region of 270,000. Is there a way to transfer this money and be tax-compliant - but not for my parents or I to be taxed exorbitantly at the time or further down the line? I have a disability: I am registered as blind and have reduced mobility. I am in my mid-20s and I am in temporary full-time employment for the next 10 months.

John,

Galway City

Parents can make a gift to each of their children of up to 310,000 tax-free. So this gift of 270,000, providing no previous gifts have already been made, will be tax-free and the growth in value will not cause any future taxation issues, as the house will be in your ownership and so will any future growth in value. This gift from your parents should be notified to the capital taxes unit of the Revenue Commissioners (by you or your accountant) so that the value of the gift is agreed and recorded.

If you receive future gifts or inheritances from your parents in excess of the difference between the threshold amount (currently 310,000), and the gift you are now receiving of 270,000, you would be liable to tax on that amount at 33pc (current tax rate).

It is worth bearing in mind, though, that in every calendar year, both of your parents can also give you, free of tax, an amount of 3,000. So in total, an extra 6,000 per annum can be given to you free of tax.

It's worth knowing that there is a housing adaptation grant for people with a disability to help you if changes and adaptations need to be made to your new home. You should contact the Citizens Information Board (www.citizensinformationboard.ie) for more information about this.

Tax due on old Eircom shares

Q My wife and I bought Eircom shares in 1999. None of the shares were sold, except for whatever transaction took place when Vodafone's US interests were sold to Verizon. Recently, I realised that I had not returned the annual dividends from those shares in my annual PAYE tax return. From 2004 to date, the combined dividends amount to 1,400. Should my dividends have been included in my tax returns and, if yes, will I be subject to PAYE/PRSI on the dividends?

Tom,

Naas, Co Kildare

Q Irish kresidents are liable to income tax at a marginal rate - plus PRSI and USC on all British dividends received. Recent rules on making a voluntary disclosure regarding offshore assets under the Finance Act 2016 apply here. The amount of additional tax which may apply is potentially around 700 before interest and penalties - but this is dependent on all other factors affecting your tax position.

You should talk to a tax accountant to correct the situation - or contact Revenue directly. There is also a Capital Gains Tax (CGT) implication of the Verizon split, but it will not result in a CGT liability from the Eircom transaction, as a loss will arise.
Sean Gallagher with Anne Fanthom Managing Director of Recruitment Plus, at the Recruitment Plus offices in Stillorgan. Photo: Frank McGrath

Anne Fanthom is managing director of RecruitmentPlus - a specialist recruitment company which she founded in 1999.

Headquartered in Stillorgan, Co Dublin, and with offices in Dundalk and Limerick, the company employs 16 staff and has an annual turnover of more than 4.5m.

"We offer a broad range of recruitment services in a number of specific sectors, ranging from pharmaceutical and healthcare to manufacturing and engineering, as well as property, finance, hospitality and the commercial sector," explains Anne.

"While our services cover traditional permanent recruitment, we also have a busy temp desk, as well as a very successful contract division, where companies can choose to have staff on our monthly payroll, rather than increase their own head count," she adds.

Anne's clients are all Irish-based and are made up of a mix of multinationals, indigenous Irish companies and SMEs, as well as a number of State bodies. "Our USP is that our recruiters are not just sales people," says Anne.

"Each consultant understands and has specific experience or qualifications in the sector in which they recruit.

"This gives them the specific expertise and insights required to best meet, and hopefully exceed, our clients' expectations."

Originally from Limerick, Anne was exposed to business from an early age because her father ran a very successful dental laboratory business which, at its height, employed as many as 40 staff.

Anne recalls spending her school holidays working in various jobs there, from being receptionist in the accounts department to assisting the technicians in the laboratory.

"The experience gave me a strong work ethic, as well as the confidence to one day consider starting my own business," says Anne.

"Watching my father work taught me the value of being team-minded, and of drawing on the resources and skill sets of each individual.

"Importantly, too, he taught me to treat everyone with respect."

However, her father, like many hard-working business owners, spent so much time building and growing the business to provide a good quality of life for his family that when he died prematurely at only 41, Anne promised herself that she would strive for a better work/life balance should she ever find herself in a similar position.

After school, she completed a diploma in teaching before getting a job as a trainee recruiter with Manpower (Department of Labour) in Limerick, where she remained for four years.

In 1985, and eager to broaden her experience, she headed to London, where she joined ADECCO, a Fortune Global 500 company and one of the largest staffing firms in the world. Here, she continued to hone her skills for the next decade.

Married by then and with a daughter, Anne decided it was time to return to Ireland where, for a time, she worked as a sales rep in the Leinster area for the business her father founded, before joining listed recruitment company CPL.

"CPL was a good company to work with," she says. "However, it was a very large company and I felt that there was an opening in the market for a smaller, niche recruitment business, where the staff had sector-specific experience and could, as a result, relate better to the clients they were working with."

So three years later, in 1999, she left to set up RecruitmentPlus, with two staff, from the kitchen table in her family home.

"It was nerve-wrecking at the time," says Anne. "However, after just three days, we landed our first client and within a week our first placement, which gave us the confidence to keep going.

"Things grew gradually from there and before long, we moved into our current offices in Stillorgan and the following year, opened an office in Dundalk."

After only three years in business, RecruitmentPlus were awarded Best Small Recruitment Agency at the National Recruitment Federation Awards, an achievement that helped the company enhance its brand recognition and credibility within the sector.

"For us, it's about getting to know our clients' businesses, their culture and how we can support them to reach their goals by providing the right candidates for the right jobs.

"And that's what has made us successful," explains Anne.

"However, building a strong team and sourcing the right skilled and talented consultants for our own business was our own biggest challenge at the time.

"To achieve this, I had to draw on my own recruitment experience to ensure I hired people who had not only the right skills set, but the right attitude and who were self-motivated.

"Today, though, I am immensely proud of the team we have and even more proud of the fact that many of the original team are still with the company to this day - something that is not very common in our industry."

Anne Fanthom clearly loves what she does. As she looks forward to the future, she is focused on growth.

She is keen to continue to develop her team, hire more staff and possibly branch into new sectors, where she sees further growth potential.

"And who knows - we might even open another office in the near future," she says.

For further information, see www.recruitmentplus.ie
In one of his last acts as Taoiseach, Enda Kenny will travel to the United States for a two-day trade mission.

The outgoing Fine Gael leader, whom commentators have observed has always appeared at his most comfortable while representing Ireland abroad, will spend two days promoting Irish investment and businesses.

As his successor Leo Varadkar meets with various ministers and opposition members at home Mr Kenny will return to the US just a few short months after he met with President Trump at the White House and made an impassioned speech on immigration at a St Patrick's Day event.

However, this time around Mr Kenny will travel to Chicago to support the growth of Irish companies in the state of Illinois and promote trade, investment and tourism for Ireland.

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My visit to Chicago is an opportunity to support the growth of Irish companies in Illinois and further deepen our commercial links with the US, the Taoiseach said.

Throughout my engagements I will communicate Irelands priorities in the context of Brexit and highlight the attributes which continue to make Ireland an attractive location for trade and investment, particularly for US companies seeking a gateway into the European single market.

The mission begins tomorrow with an address to the Chicago Council on global affairs before meeting with Chicago Mayor, Rahm Emanuel and various Irish diaspora.

On Tuesday Mr Kenny will meet with members of the Chicago Irish Immigrant Support Centre and address an event for Tourism Ireland.

He will also meet with potential and current investors in Ireland and Irish companies operating in Illinois during his visit.

The Taosieach is also expected to attend the Messines Commemorations on Wednesday before returning to Ireland.

Mr Kenny's future role in the administration remains unclear and it will likely not be confirmed until after his visit stateside.
Dublin local authorities have issued enforcement orders to a mere 35 property owners believed to be illegally short-term leasing their homes through websites such as Airbnb over the past two years, the Sunday Independent can reveal.

This is despite more than 2,700 people leasing properties to tourists without the proper permission in the capital. The rising popularity of Airbnb and other short-term leasing websites has put huge pressure on the rental sector and added to the worsening housing crisis.

Property owners who want to operate their homes as bed-and-breakfast accommodation must apply for planning permission from their local authority to commercially lease houses.

Housing Minister Simon Coveney recently confirmed it was a breach of planning laws to rent a property as tourism accommodation without the permission of a local authority.

Dublin Bay South Labour Party Senator Kevin Humphreys, who has been campaigning for more regulation around short-term lease properties, said he believed thousands of people were illegally operating Airbnbs in the capital.

Figures obtained under the Freedom of Information Act by Mr Humphreys show the four Dublin local authorities have issued enforcement orders to only 35 property owners operating short-term leases in the past two years.

"The introduction of short-term leasing into the Irish real estate market has negatively affected Irish working families," the Senator said.

"It has taken homes that could be used by working people off the market and put them into the tourist market."

Mr Humphreys said short-term leases have also "negatively affected" the tourism industry by taking business away from hotels, hostels and bed and breakfasts which are operating within the rules.

"Dublin alone has over 2,500 properties being used as full-time short-term leasing properties. It is essential to the service of Irish families and the protection of the tourism industry that we regulated short-term leasing," he added.

Mr Humphreys said he has also been inundated with complaints from residents in his constituencies who are forced to live beside houses operating as Airbnbs.

"Some weekends a dozen lads on a stage party could move in next door to them," he said.
LEO Varadkar wants a high-powered 'Cobra'-style Cabinet committee to prepare for the possibility of a terror attack in Ireland.

The new Fine Gael leader - who's expected to be elected Taoiseach within the next week and a half - has indicated that he intends to set up the group within 50 days of taking office.

It would be similar to the British government's 'Cobra' committee which met this morning in the wake of last night's horror.

While the government has stressed that there is no change in Ireland's security status after last night's van and knife rampage in London, it has warned that Ireland is not immune to such incidents happening here.

A spokesman for Mr Varadkar said: "Although Ireland is not at high risk of a terrorist attack, it is important to be prepared for every eventuality."

"The new Committee will allow greater ministerial involvement in preparing for and managing major security threats, and more extensive cross-Departmental cooperation on these issues," he added.

British Prime Minister Theresa May held a Cobra meeting this morning. The group convenes to deal with major crises such as terrorism.

It's name comes from the Cabinet Office Briefing Room A (Cobra) in in the government buildings in Whitehall where it meets.

Earlier today Mr Varadkar joined other Irish politicians in condemning last night's attack in London which claimed seven lives.

He said:

"Once again innocent people have been targeted in the most craven and horrific manner.

"We extend our solidarity to the people of the UK and condemn this incident in the strongest possible terms.

"The fact that this comes so soon after the Manchester attack only adds to the horror."

Foreign Affairs minister Charlie Flanagan described the incident as "an unspeakable atrocity" and "an attack on innocent people doing what we all like to do on a Saturday evening".

He said he spoke to Tanaiste and justice minister Frances Fitzgerald this morning and told RTE Radio he's "absolutely confident" Gardai are in control of the the situation here adding that intelligence is shared at the highest level with the UK and right across the European Union.

"I did speak to the Minister for Justice earlier this morning. She in turn had already spoken to the Garda Commissioner.

"We dont have any direct evidence of any threat here for Ireland in terms of our national security but of course were by no means immune, were by no means exempt.

"Our threat level is currently moderate," he added saying the prospect of an attack here is considered "unlikely".
A 17-year-old man has been arrested by detectives investigating the rape of a woman in Randalstown, Co Antrim.

The woman aged in her 30s reported the serious sexual assault to police in the early hours of Saturday.

The incident took place in the New Street area of the town at around 2am.

Detective Inspector Ciaran Whoriskey said: A 17-year-old male youth has since been arrested in relation to the incident and is currently in custody assisting with enquiries.

Police have appealed for information.
The election of Leo Varadkar as leader of Fine Gael, with his expected election as Taoiseach to follow, has been correctly assessed to be a seminal moment in the history of this country. While Mr Varadkar would be among the first to eschew what is called identity politics, a tendency for people of a particular religion, race, sexual orientation or social background to form political alliances, it was particularly appropriate for him to recognise the significance of his own election, specifically his statement that it shows prejudice has no hold in this Republic.

In a low-key address upon his election, Mr Varadkar also referred to this country as a "Republic of opportunity" and signalled it as his mission to build an Ireland in which every individual is given the opportunity to meet their full potential and every part of the country an opportunity to share in our prosperity. This is a noble sentiment with which this newspaper wholeheartedly concurs. Mr Varadkar also vowed that every proud parent in Ireland today could dream big dreams for their children; every boy and girl could know that there are no limits to their ambition, to their possibilities, if they were given the opportunity.

In this era of corrosive cynicism towards politics and public life in general, the sentiment espoused by Mr Varadkar in his victory speech may be dismissed in a predictable fashion by some of his political opponents and many among the public in general. Indeed, his election was met with certain ungraciousness by the Sinn Fein president, Gerry Adams, for example, who said it "can only mean further hardship for ordinary people" and that Mr Varadkar as Taoiseach "will mean greater disadvantage". Mr Varadkar was only four years old when Mr Adams became leader of Sinn Fein, the political organisation of the Provisional IRA, a terrorist organisation which has wreaked havoc on this island. Meanwhile, the levels of inequality and social disadvantage in west Belfast, where Mr Adam's Sinn Fein organisation is based, remain at a shockingly high level.

That said, it would be wrong to suggest that there are not significant social issues with which Mr Varadkar and his new Government must contend, the crisis in housing, perhaps, first among them. In this regard, it would be wise for the new Fine Gael leader to, in the first instance, reach out to the Fianna Fail leader, Micheal Martin, and his partners in Government, the Independent Alliance, to deliver in full the confidence and supply agreement which underpins the Government and make function properly the minority administration, given the range of urgent issues which faces the country. Equally, it would be also wrong to suggest that Mr Varadkar is unaware of these issues, as indeed are all of the politicians in Dail Eireann. In this era, it has also become commonplace to wilfully misinterpret the motivation of members of the Oireachtas, the vast majority if not all of whom genuinely have the best interests at heart of all of the people they represent - that is, all of the people of the State - and seek to make better their lives, communities and society in general. In this regard, Mr Varadkar, as Fine Gael leader and Taoiseach, is wished well in his role as leader in the business of politics, that is, the organised control over our human community. That he is a gay man, and the son of an immigrant, will ultimately be of little or no consequence as he sets about building a Republic of opportunity with the co-operation of others.
As news broke of Saturdays terror attack in the London Bridge area, Londoners immediately began looking after each other.

Here are some of the thoughtful acts undertaken by everyday Londoners.

#SofaForLondon

In the hours after the incident, certain areas were blocked off, leaving some people stranded. Londoners leaped into action on Twitter, using the hashtag #SofaForLondon to offer cups of tea, food and places to rest.

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One recipient of this kindness was George Moss, 22, who was unable to get home after police put a cordon between Borough Market and Elephant and Castle.

Moss had lost his phone, but after borrowing one from a reporter at the scene, he was able to get in touch with Holly Robinson and Mary Lynch, who tweeted that strangers with nowhere else to stay could crash at their home in Vauxhall.

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Moss told the Press Association: I was out this evening trying to make my own way home at around 11.30pm but couldnt make my way through anywhere.

(Without Robinson and Lynch) I would have been in a pickle, I wouldnt have anywhere else to go.

Having someone so close and so willing to help makes a massive difference.

Mary Lynch, 23, from Nottingham, said: I think we saw when things (terror attacks) had happened in Orlando and Manchester and thinking if I had been in that situation I would want to know that people were going to open up their homes.

Taking people to safety

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People have also taken to social media to thank those who helped them to safety.

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Thanking the emergency services

With cards, drinks and food, the public has stepped up to thank the emergency services for their quick response.

Lewisham Police station received a postcard expressing support. It read: I wanted to show how much I appreciate what the police and all emergency services do for us every day.

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I baked, but of course realised you wouldnt be able to accept them in case I was trying to harm you.

At this awful time thanks to all of you here at Lewisham and all of your colleagues for what you do every day.

Closer to where the incident occurred, Sainsburys workers were photographed taking food and drinks to police officers on duty.
Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Sen, of the Cambodian People's Party, with his wife, Bun Rany, left, at Takhmua polling station in Kandal province, south-east of Phnom Penh (AP Photo/Heng Sinith)

Cambodia's opposition claimed a victory in local elections on Sunday that could shake Prime Minister Hun Sen's long-time grip on power.

Hun Sen has repeatedly warned of civil war if his Cambodian People's Party lost the majority in city and village councils to the main opposition party, which had made major gains in the general election four years ago, when it claimed it was cheated out of outright victory.

Sunday's polls could have a major impact on Cambodia's political landscape ahead of the 2018 general election.

Opposition party spokesman Yim Sovann said his Cambodia National Rescue Party won about 500 communes out of the country's 1,646.

He said his party received 46 per cent of the vote, up from 30 per cent in the last local elections in 2012, while the ruling party got 51 per cent, down from 62 per cent in 2012.

"This is a huge victory for the Cambodia National Rescue Party," Yim Sovann said at a news conference.

Official results will be announced June 25.

The spokesman for the ruling party could not be reached for comment.

Hun Sen's government has been accused of using violence against opponents.

On Friday, Hun Sen appealed to political parties to accept the election outcome rather than make accusations of irregularities, saying courts can dissolve any party if it challenges the result of the vote.

Hun Sen and some of his top ministers had warned of dire consequences if the opposition won, in what has been seen as an attempt to intimidate voters into supporting him.

Cambodia's ruling party could take some credit for bringing modest economic growth and stability to a country devastated by the communist Khmer Rouge's regime in the 1970s.

Hun Sen left the Khmer Rouge, which was responsible for the deaths of 1.7 million people from starvation, disease and executions before it was toppled in 1979.

Earlier this week Amnesty International accused Cambodia's government of using its grip on the judiciary system to intimidate human rights defenders and political activists.

It said in a report that since the 2013 general election, Hun Sen's government has used the courts as a tool to imprison at least 27 prominent opposition officials, human rights defenders and land activists, as well as hundreds of others facing legal cases.

Earlier this month, the State Department said the US was urging Cambodia's government to "guarantee a political space free from threats or intimidation" and respect freedom of expression for all its citizens.

AP
I suppose that if you are under 30, it must be difficult to imagine a time when stories from Northern Ireland dominated the news.

The Good Friday Agreement - for all its imperfections and awkward compromises - went some way towards settling something that now belongs to something close to ancient history.

The young can be forgiven their ignorance. But there are many people old enough to remember what really happened in the 1970s, 1980s and 1990s who seem determined to ignore historical record. In some curious, inchoate fashion dredging these things up is considered poor form, tiresome carping on about dusty history and even, sometimes, an example of how a good and kindly man has been traduced by appalling people armed with nothing more than the historical record of what he did, what he said and what he thought.

Insisting upon the historical truth, demanding that we remember and acknowledge that what happened really happened, is now a 'smear' designed to influence the outcome of this election. Because, look guys, it was all a long time ago, so surely we can let bygones be bygones and move on. If the Queen can meet Martin McGuinness, why can't everyone else let the past go?

It's a reasonable question, even if it is also one that asks us to indulge a false account of Irish and British political history. The truth of the matter is well-established: by the time Jeremy Corbyn entered parliament, only people actively sympathetic to the Provisional IRA hung out with Sinn Fein politicians or attended Troops Out efforts.

In Britain, only the far-left considered the SDLP - Labour's parliamentary allies, remember - lickspittle sell-outs little better than the Unionists they ostensibly opposed. Only the far-left welcomed the Brighton bombing that almost succeeded in assassinating the British prime minister and her cabinet. Only fringe leftist publications such as Labour Briefing, whose mailing list Jeremy Corbyn reportedly organised and at whose events he spoke at, claimed that only "an unconditional British withdrawal, including the disarming of the RUC and UDR will allow for peace in Ireland".

In December 1984 - after the Brighton bombing - the magazine "reaffirmed its support for, and solidarity with, the Irish republican movement". Not, note, the nationalist movement but the republican movement. The nationalists in the SDLP were too peaceful, too dedicated to constitutional politics, too decent to be thrilling or attract the support of far-left Brits imagining themselves daring revolutionaries. The British, Labour Briefing enthused, 'only sit up and take notice when they are bombed into it'. Labour Briefing was made of stern stuff: "We refuse to parrot the ritual condemnation of 'violence' because we insist on placing responsibility where it lies Let our 'Iron Lady' know this: those who live by the sword shall die by it. If she wants violence, then violence she will certainly get."

Now we are asked to disregard all of this and accept the view that Corbyn's record of accommodating and forgiving republican terrorism should not be held against him now. He should receive some kind of mulligan.

As the Guardian, that noted bastion of Orangeism, said in an editorial in 1996: "Mr Corbyn's actions do not advance the cause of peace in Northern Ireland and are not seriously intended to do so." That was a week after an IRA bomb had exploded in London's Docklands, in response to which Corbyn invited Gerry Adams to Westminster. As the Guardian put it, this episode provided a showcase for Corbyn's 'abiding' qualities: "his lack of wider political and moral judgment, his predilection for gesture politics, his insensitivity to the feelings of most Londoners and his indifference to the policies of his party."

The paper concluded, "Mr Corbyn is a fool, and a fool whom the Labour party would probably be better off without." Just another 'smear', I suppose.

It is true that the UK government talked with terrorists. True that it opened unofficial, back-channel communications with the Provisional IRA at regular intervals. True that, since the peace process reached its tipping point, Sinn Fein have become almost respectable and, as such, have been welcomed into the body of the kirk, the better to ensure there is no slippage and no return to the ghastly bad old days.

But those government contacts were of a quite different order to Corbyn's contacts and relationship with the republican movement. They were contacts designed to explore the possibility of ending the violence. They were not conducted in a spirit of fellow-travelling.

For Corbyn and his ilk, only the Provisionals represented the true spirit of Ireland. They, not constitutional nationalists, were the legitimate voice of Ireland. It was a shameful position to hold then and no amount of whitewash or revisionism can alter that.

Not all the blame for the failure to end the violence sooner can be pinned on the Provisional IRA and Sinn Fein, but a lot of it can be. Noting this does not require us to condone everything done by the British authorities or to turn a blind eye to Loyalist terrorism. Far less does it require us to accept or whitewash the stupidity and cruelty of the Unionist Stormont government whose bigotry and denial of basic civil rights to the Catholic, nationalist, minority played a large part in sparking the conflict in the first place.

Nonetheless, by the time Corbyn became an MP the outlines of a settlement were already known. There was never any great mystery about how this could be achieved. Not for nothing did Seamus Mallon call the Good Friday Agreement 'Sunningdale for slow learners'. It is a grim tragedy that it took 20 years of carnage for the warring factions to tire of the violence and recognise that peace, even if it meant accepting the previously unacceptable, was acceptable.

By that stage, primary responsibility for the continuing violence lay with the Provisional IRA. If the IRA agreed to put the guns away, peace might be possible. But throughout the 1980s and early 1990s, it was the IRA's refusal to countenance a ceasefire that, more than anything else, prolonged the conflict.

By then it was clear the IRA could not bomb Britain out of Northern Ireland but the violence continued. A ceasefire was a necessary precondition for peace talks - but, as far as I am aware, there is no record of Corbyn pressing his republican allies for a ceasefire.

The momentum for peace would not come from the far-left, but from the constitutional nationalists they despised.

The Hume-Adams talks began in January 1988 and lasted five years. The Provos had begun their long march in from the cold but progress was sporadic and subject to countless setbacks, not the least of which was the ongoing IRA campaign.

The Irish Government and the SDLP each accepted that peace would be impossible without a credible and lasting IRA ceasefire.

If much of the preparatory groundwork for this was laid by nationalists, the British government had a role to play too.

When Peter Brooke, Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, declared in 1989 that Britain had "no selfish strategic or economic interests in Northern Ireland" he signalled that, even though Thatcher was still prime minister, an opening was possible.

I mention all this in some small detail because it puts the lie to the notion that Corbyn was a tireless campaigner for peace. No contemporary evidence supporting this proposition has been furnished by his office, doubtless for good reasons.

It seems worth noting that Corbyn does not feature even once in definitive histories of the period such as Ed Moloney's Secret History of the IRA. Nor do those who were there recall Corbyn's useful contributions to the peace process. Truly, he must have been the most secret peacemaker of all.

Instead he exemplified a mindset that viewed Northern Ireland as a colonial problem. Hewing to standard republican orthodoxy, the far-left took the view that because Northern Ireland was an artificial creation its future could, and should, be decided in the imperial capital. And because it should not have existed in the first place, the path to peace assumed that it should not exist in the future either. A mindset and an attitude, in other words, that made peace impossible.

It did so because, far from favouring self-determination (except on an impossible all-island basis) it opposed Northern Irish self-determination, precisely because the people of Northern Ireland would have given - as they continue to give - the wrong answer to that question. This was, to be fair, republican orthodoxy too but peace was impossible until the principle of consent was agreed.

John Hume always knew this; by the late 1980s and early 1990s Gerry Adams knew it too. Peace would be based, as had been proposed at Sunningdale, on a power-sharing assembly in Belfast. Northern Ireland would be transformed, but it would remain British until such time as its people determined otherwise. In response for intellectual capitulation, Sinn Fein would be rewarded with a hefty share of the peace spoils.

A hard bargain for both sides, admittedly, but one worth pursuing.

As late as 1998, UK shadow chancellor John McDonnell was complaining that "an assembly is not what people have laid down their lives for over 30 years. We want peace [sic], but the settlement must be just and the settlement must be for an agreed and united Ireland".

It is worth dwelling on this for a moment. McDonnell took a harder line than Gerry Adams and Martin McGuinness.

Rhetorically, at least, he was closer to dissident republicans than the Sinn Fein mainstream. Five years later McDonnell claimed: "The peace we have now is due to the action of the IRA" which, in addition to being an untruth, ignores the responsibility the provisionals had for the war too.

But isn't all this ancient history? Shouldn't Corbyn and his colleagues on the far-left be granted an indulgence because it was all so long ago?

Some people plainly believe so. These were not merely youthful indiscretions, or student misjudgements of the sort from which most people graduate, however. We are talking about a time when Corbyn was already a member of parliament, a time when McDonnell was a member of the GLC, a time when Diane Abbott was a rising star within London Labour.

To argue this means nothing is to maintain that Corbyn's record is of no account, that his past actions and beliefs say nothing about him or offer no reliable guide to the kind of government he would run were he ever trusted to do so.

It is, if we are being charitable, to say that Corbyn's childhood lasted well into adulthood and that he should not be held to the same standard as other politicians.

Because it is not as though he has 'moved on' or recanted his past support for violent republicanism. Even now, he cannot fully do so. When asked if he condemns IRA violence he offers the platitude that he condemns 'all' violence.

This is the same kind of cant produced by appalling American conservatives who, when asked about Black Lives Matter, gravely intone that actually 'all lives matter'. The response is revealing.

There was never anything reprehensible about seeking a united Ireland provided that it was sought by peaceful means.

Labour's policy in the 1980s was for Irish unity by consent. That troubled Unionists, for sure, but it was also something rejected by Corbyn and his allies on the far-left.

Even today, the likes of Ken Livingstone continue to struggle with the consent principle; it was even worse back then. There was a choice, however, between decency and indecency, between peaceful politics and violence and Corbyn and his people chose indecently. They abetted, to put it kindly, the men of violence.

Perhaps you think this does not matter, that people who, to put it more generously than they deserve, indulged the murder of British soldiers and British civilians, should now be considered fit for the highest offices in Britain.

I disagree. I believe that the historical record matters and that it is no smear to insist that what actually happened was what actually happened. And shame on those who think otherwise, who argue that there's nothing to see here, nothing to be concerned by, nothing that is in any way any kind of big deal.

Nothing that tells us anything useful about Jeremy Corbyn.

This article first appeared in 'The Spectator'
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Christine Archibald, originally from Castlegar, British Columbia, is seen in an undated photo released by her family June 4, 2017 after it was announced that she was killed in the London Bridge area attacks. Courtesy of the Archibald family/Handout via REUTERS

A Canadian woman killed in the London terror attack would have had "no understanding of the callous cruelty that caused her death", her family said as they paid tribute to her.

Christine Archibald has been named as the Canadian national who died during Saturday's atrocity in London Bridge and Borough Market, one of seven killed and 21 critically injured.

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It is understood she was one of the people struck by the van driven by the terrorists.

Her family said in a statement: "We grieve the loss of our beautiful, loving daughter and sister. She had room in her heart for everyone and believed strongly that every person was to be valued and respected.

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"She lived this belief, working in a shelter for the homeless until she moved to Europe to be with her fiance.

"She would have had no understanding of the callous cruelty that caused her death.

"Please honour her by making your community a better place. Volunteer your time and labour or donate to a homeless shelter. Tell them Chrissy sent you."

Mark Ferguson, the brother of Chrissy Archibald's fiance, wrote: "I can't even believe this is real! My brother and his fiance were on London bridge last night. She was one of the victims struck by the van. They tried everything but weren't able to save her.

This is Geoff Ho. We are looking for him. We know he was stabbed and in an ambulance. We need news. #londonattack #london @metpoliceuk pic.twitter.com/b9lRdXMOHs  Isabelle Oderberg (@yodaberg) June 4, 2017

"His life, and all those close to her have been changed forever. My heart goes out to her family in his desperate time. These senseless acts of terror need to stop!

"What does it accomplish other then wreck the lives of innocent people.? I'm so mad at the type of people who can do this. Please everyone live life to the fullest, it's so fragile and can be ripped away at any moment. I love you Tyler! Stay strong.!"

"He is broken into a million pieces," Tyler Ferguson's sister told CBC News in a Facebook Messenger conversation. "He held her and watched her die in his arms."

Cassie Ferguson Row, the sister of Chrissy Archibald's fiancee, wrote on Facebook: "I can't breath. You hear these things so often but it doesn't seem real. Last night in London my baby brother lost the love of his life on the London bridge. In a split second his entire life was ripped away from him.

"Hearing his painful sobs on the phone while he's alone trying to deal with this tears me apart. I have no words. If you know Tyler, please be there for him now, and later when what happened sinks in, he's going to need us all."

Canadian prime minister Justin Trudeau said he was "heartbroken" to learn of Ms Archibald's death.

Applauding the UK for its strength and resilience in the face of adversity, he said: "These hateful acts do not deter us; they only strengthen our resolve.

"Canadians stand united with the British people. We will continue to work together with the United Kingdom and all our allies to fight terrorism and bring perpetrators to justice."

On Sunday Prime Minister Theresa May visited some of the 48 people taken to hospitals across the capital after the attack.

A rest centre was also set up at London South Bank University where volunteers from the British Red Cross helped those affected, Southwark Council said.

Among the injured are:

* A British Transport Police (BTP) officer and an off-duty Metropolitan Police officer are in hospital with serious injuries but neither are believed to be in a life-threatening condition, Scotland Yard said. The BTP officer, who was on duty, was one of the first at the scene after he responded to calls for help from the public, the force said.

He suffered serious injuries when he was stabbed in the face, head and leg, wounds which BTP said are not thought to be life-threatening.

* New Zealander Oliver Dowling is reported to have been left in a coma after being stabbed in the face, neck and stomach.

Mr Dowling, 32, from Christchurch, is said to have had four hours of surgery for his injuries and is in an induced coma.

According to the Mirror, his sister Freddy Dowling said on Facebook: "Doctors are very happy with how he's come out the other side. A massive thank to the University of London Hospital for their tireless efforts in helping my brother out."

It was reported that his girlfriend, Marie Bondeville, was also injured.

* Sunday Express business editor Geoff Ho was left in intensive care after being stabbed in the throat when he tried to help a wounded bouncer.

Mr Ho was filmed being led away from the scene by a policeman, clutching his neck and with his shirt off.

According to the Mirror, he wrote on Facebook: "Don't know whether it was stupid or noble to jump in and break up the fight outside the Southwark Tavern, but two a***s trying to do over the lone bouncer on the door isn't happening on my watch."

Friend Isabelle Oderberg tweeted: "We have found Geoff. He is in intensive care." She told Melbourne newspaper The Age: "He is actually a martial artist and I wouldn't be surprised if he would have stood up and been counted because he's just that type of person."

* Two Australians were stabbed in the neck while prime minister Malcolm Turnbull said the government had "very real concerns" about another two citizens who may have been caught up in the attacks. Candice Hedge is recovering in St Thomas' Hospital, while Andrew Morrison received stitches for a wound and was on his way home to Australia.

* A French citizen died in the attacks and seven were taken to hospital, four of whom were in a critical state, foreign affairs minister Jean-Yves Le Drian said.

Another French national is missing, he added.

Newspaper Ouest-France reported the victim was from St Malo, Brittany, and worked in a bar in the London Bridge area.
Foreign Affairs Minister Charlie Flanagan said Ireland is standing with the UK for the second time in just two weeks.

The minister released a statement the morning after at least seven people were killed and 48 injured in a terror attack carried out in the London Bridge and Borough Market area of London.

"For the second time in two weeks, the ordinary people of the UK have been subjected to cowardly and barbaric attacks. Ireland stands with the UK and condemns these acts utterly," the minister said.

He added; "We continue to closely monitor the situation."

Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Previous Next Close Police cordon off the area around at the scene in London Bridge and Borough Market in London following last night's terrorists incidents. Dominic Lipinski/PA Wire Police entering a bar in London, Britain, June 3, 2017, telling people to get down in this screen grab from video. Twitter/Yatesy17 Police entering a bar in London, Britain, June 3, 2017, telling people to get down in this screen grab from video. Twitter/Yatesy17 People leave the area after an incident near London Bridge in London, Britain June 4, 2017 REUTERS/Neil Hall People wait by a cordon before being escorted through by police, as many residents are not allowed back to their residences inside the cordon after an attack, in London Sunday, June 4, 2017. (AP Photo/Matt Dunham) Police officers guard the approach to Southwark Bridge after an incident near London Bridge in London, Britain June 4, 2017. REUTERS/Neil Hall A man carries a dog with a woman wearing a dressing gown after an attack in London, Sunday, June 4, 2017. (AP Photo/Matt Dunham) People talk to police officers at a cordon as they tried to find their way back to where they were staying after an attack in London, Sunday, June 4, 2017. . (AP Photo/Matt Dunham) / Facebook

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He said anybody with serious concerns about loved ones in London can contact the Department of Foreign Affairs in Dublin on 01 408 2000, or the Irish Embassy in London on 00 44 207 235 2171.

Independent.ie has contacted the Department of Foreign Affairs but it has not yet been confirmed if any Irish were involved in the terror incident last night.

Taoiseach Enda Kenny also paid tribute to the London community, tweeting; "Terrible news coming from London - we stand with our close neighbours again tonight."

He also released a statement the morning after the attack, writing; "We utterly condemn the cowardly attack in London last night and reject the warped motives and world view behind them. This is sheer madness.

"Ireland will continue to work exceptionally closely with the UK and all of our colleagues on security matters and prevention as far as possible. Full details of this attack are only emerging.

"I have been in contact with the Tanaiste and Minister for Justice Frances Fitzgerald this morning and will speak to Prime Minister May when appropriate.

"The Irish people stand with our close neighbours once again.

"We continue to closely monitor the situation. Anyone who has serious concerns about loved ones in London can contact the Department of Foreign Affairs in Dublin on 01 408 2000, or the Irish Embassy in London on 00 44 207 235 2171."
Armed Police officers on London Bridge as police are dealing with a "major incident" at London Bridge Dominic Lipinski/PA Wire

U.S. President Donald Trump took to Twitter amid the unfolding deadly drama in London on Saturday to offer U.S. help to Britain and to promote his controversial travel ban as an extra level of security for Americans.

British police rushed to two incidents in central London after a van plowed into pedestrians on London Bridge and reports emerged of multiple stabbings in the nearby Borough Market area. Police said the attacks had been declared terrorist incidents.

"Whatever the United States can do to help out in London and the U.K., we will be there - WE ARE WITH YOU. GOD BLESS!" Trump said in one of two tweets.

"We need to be smart, vigilant and tough. We need the courts to give us back our rights. We need the Travel Ban as an extra level of safety!" he said in the other.

Trump's appeal for his travel ban followed his emergency request that the Supreme Court reinstate the executive order that would bar people entering the United States from six predominantly Muslim countries. It has been blocked by lower courts.

Trump was briefed earlier about the London Bridge incident by his national security team, according to White House spokesman Sean Spicer, who said on Twitter that security officials would continue providing the president with updates.

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The State Department also said it was monitoring the situation in London closely, and advised American citizens in Britain to heed the advice of local authorities and maintain their security awareness.

The department said it "condemns the cowardly attacks targeting innocent civilians in London".

The president says the travel ban, a centerpiece of his 2016 campaign, is needed to protect Americans from terrorist attacks. Critics say his reasoning is flawed and assail the ban as discriminatory.

On Thursday, his legal team asked the high court to allow the March 6 executive order to take effect immediately despite being blocked by lower courts. The Supreme Court rarely grants emergency requests.

French president Emmanuel Macron also took to Twitter to issue a statement on the distressing events.

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Translated to English his message reads:

"In the face of this tragedy, the France is more than ever at the side of the United Kingdom. My thoughts go to the victims and their loved ones."

Australia's foreign minister Julie Bishop describes the attacks as a "shocking situation."

"We stand ready to support the British Government as it responds to these attacks and our thoughts are with those injured and their families," she said.

Meanwhile, Japan has issued a travel advisory warning its nationals to avoid places of what it calls potential targets in London, including sightseeing spots, department stores, markets, concert venues and political rallies, the Associated Press reports.

Ariana Grande has tweeted out a tribute to London, after the attacks. "Praying for London ," she wrote on Twitter. It is less than two weeks since a suicide bomber killed 22 and injured many more at one of Ms Grande's concerts in Manchester.

Taoiseach Enda Kenny also offered the support of the Irish people to the people of London after the shocking attack.
People at Seoul railway station last week watching a TV news programme showing a file image of a missile launch conducted by North Korea (AP Photo/Ahn Young-joon, File)

Russia has denounced North Korea's nuclear ambitions as a "direct threat" to the country.

"It is not only a ballistic missile defence system - it has real function," said Deputy Defence Minister Alexander Fomin.

"That is why it is alarming. And it is a direct threat to Russia. We are convinced that it will increase the tensions of the region. That is our principle position."

Mr Fomin spoke at the Shangri-La Dialogue, an international security conference in Singapore attended by defence ministers and experts from 39 countries, including US Defence Secretary Jim Mattis.

Russia borders North Korea and saw one of Pyongyang's missiles land close to its waters. But it differs from the US and its allies on how to rein in the North's rapidly escalating nuclear and ballistic missile program.

Backing fresh sanctions on North Korea, Russia's deputy UN ambassador Vladimir Safronkov stressed in June that "the choice here has to be made in favour of using diplomatic tools to the maximum extent possible".

But Mr Fomin had similar sentiments. "Economical restrictions should be a kind of tool to invoke North Korea to a peaceful process of resolving the dispute and conflict, and not to once again deteriorate the economic solution in North Korea," he said.

Addressing the South China Sea conflict, Mr Fomin chose his words carefully. "All states involved in territorial disagreements in the South China Sea need to adhere to the principle of the non-use of force," he said.

China - a Russian ally - has pitted itself against its smaller neighbours in claiming disputed islands, coral reefs and lagoons in the South China Sea.
Taoiseach Enda Kenny has offered the support of the Irish people to Britain in the wake of two shocking terror attacks in London tonight.

A massive emergency operation is in place in the city after multiple casualties were reported after two separate terror incidents.

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Police were called at around 10.08pm to reports of a vehicle hitting pedestrians on London Bridge.

Officers then attended a second incident at nearby Borough Market after reports of stabbings. Armed officers responded and shots were fired.

More than one casualty has been confirmed but the situation remains fluid.

The Irish Embassy is "monitoring the situation" and has asked people to follow the advice of the local authorities.
Preparations are under way in Hong Kong's Victoria Park for Sunday's vigil (AP Photo/Vincent Yu)

Tens of thousands of people attend an annual candlelight vigil at Hong Kong's Victoria Park (AP)

Tens of thousands of Hong Kongers held a candlelight vigil on Sunday to commemorate victims of the Chinese government's 1989 brutal military crackdown on protesters in Beijing's Tiananmen Square.

The annual evening vigil in Hong Kong is the only large-scale commemoration on Chinese territory of the Tiananmen bloodshed.

The organisers, an umbrella group of pro-democracy organisations, estimated that 110,000 people attended.

People held up their lit mobile phones - some with pictures of candles showing on the screen - as a band played upbeat songs to rally the crowd and activists gave speeches about the importance of getting young people to attend.

"I don't want this part of history to become blurred," said office worker Emily Yu, 42, who attended the gathering in Victoria Park.

"It was really a massacre of people. Those young people came out and did all they could for freedom and democracy but didn't achieve it."

Eloise Wu, 36, who works for a non governmental organisation, said: "We don't want to let people think we've forgotten, as if with the passing of time it's like, 'Oh, this never really happened.' No. Every year we remember."

Thousands of unarmed protesters and onlookers were killed late on June 3 and the early hours of June 4, 1989, after China's communist leaders ordered the military to retake Tiananmen Square from the student-led demonstrators.

Commemoration of the events, whether public or private, remains taboo in mainland China.

Taiwanese President Tsai Ing-wen said in posts on Facebook and Twitter that 28 years ago, the actions of students and citizens who challenged the political system in China "inspired a generation".

She appealed to Beijing to "face up to June 4 with an open mind" and said Taiwan was willing to share its experiences of transitioning to democracy in the late 1980s to ease the pains of such a transition in the mainland.

"For democracy: some are early, others are late, but we will all get there in the end," Tsai wrote on Twitter.

While mainland Chinese are only dimly aware of what happened at Tiananmen Square nearly three decades ago, the subject is openly discussed in Taiwan.

Relations between Beijing and Taiwan have been near an all-time low since Tsai, whose Democratic Progressive Party has advocated for Taiwan's formal independence, took over as president a year ago.

Since then, Beijing has cut off contacts with Taiwan's government and discouraged mainlanders from visiting the island as tourists.

The authoritarian Communist Party rulers in Beijing insist that Taiwan and the Chinese mainland are part of a single Chinese nation and have vowed to take control of the island by force if necessary.

AP
The Philippine president Rodrigo Duterte has ordered troops to kill militants aligned to the Islamic State group even if the gunmen slaughter their hostages in a besieged southern city.

Mr Duterte issued his strongest warning yet on Sunday to local and foreign militants who laid siege on Marawi starting May 23.

He warned he will not enter into talks with the militants, saying he has lost too many soldiers and policemen to the violence and will not let that pass.

The military says 178 combatants and civilians have been killed in Marawi, the heartland of Islamic faith in the country's south, after hundreds of gunmen waving IS-style black flags rampaged across the city, burning buildings and taking hostages as they battled troops who were backed by airstrikes and artillery fire.

AP
Senator Bernie Sanders, on his first ever visit to Ireland speaking for the Dalkey Book Festival at the Bord Gais Energy Theatre on Sunday June 4. Picture Conor McCabe Photography.

Senator Bernie Sanders, on his first ever visit to Ireland speaking for the Dalkey Book Festival at the Bord Gais Energy Theatre on Sunday June 4. T Picture Conor McCabe Photography.

Bernie Sanders has used a public appearance in Dublin to lambaste the record of President Donald Trump telling the audience the US president "lies all the time."

The US senator said Trump's Budget proposals are "the ugliest and most destructive attack" ever by an American president on the working class, middle class, and poor people of America.

He was loudly applauded during his address to a sold-out event at the Bord Gais Energy Theatre.

His speech and his one-to-one interview on stage by economist David McWilliams was the opening event of the Dalkey Book Festival which begins in earnest on June 15.

Before Sanders was welcomed on stage by McWilliams, the economist said "the magic of Bernie" resulted in tickets selling out in under five minutes, which was quicker than the selling out of the Katie Perry gig at the theatre.

The 75-year-old Independent senator for Vermont put up a tough battle against Hillary Clinton to be the Democrats' candidate in the presidential election last November. He conceded to Clinton and backed her in the failed bid to beat Trump in the race.

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He was welcomed earlier to Aras an Uachtarain by President Michael D Higgins.

The audience repeatedly applauded the US politician as he sharply attacked the actions of Donald Trump since becoming president.

He said Trump's actions in withdrawing the US from the Paris Climate Accord was "incredibly stupid and short-sighted and will end up harming the American economy and the world economy."

Trump's claims that climate change is a hoax is "dead wrong" and his claims are not believed by the majority of Americans.

"How in God's name do you make public policy in defiance of science?.

Sanders warned that climate change will do huge damage to the planet and cause new migrations of people which will lead to further international conflict.

Trump was "lying through his teeth" when campaigning when he said he was on the side of the working class.

He said that 28 million Americans do not have health insurance and Trump's measures would result in a further 23 million losing their health cover. Trump plans to cut $800billion from Medicaid, which helps the poor, over the next decade while, at the same time, providing a $300billion tax break to the wealthiest two percent of Americans.

Trump's Budget proposals were even worse as he wants to cut $2.5 trillion from programmes that help the poor over the next decade while giving the same amount in tax breaks to the top 1pc.

Under Trump's proposals, the single richest family in America would get a $50bn tax break over a decade.

"If I have anything to do with it, that budget is going nowhere," he said, to loud applause.
The two male lions were killed at the Emoya Big Cat Sanctuary, north of Johannesburg

P oachers have killed two male lions that were among more than 30 rescued from South American circuses and airlifted to South Africa.

The killing of the lions named Jose and Liso happened at the Emoya Big Cat Sanctuary, north of Johannesburg.

Animal Defenders International, a group involved in the lion transfer to South Africa last year, said that South African police and anti-poaching units are investigating.

The Emoya sanctuary said that it has increased security and the site is currently closed to visitors and volunteers.

In January, poachers cut through fences at another animal park in South Africa and decapitated and chopped the paws off three male lions, possibly for use in traditional healing rituals.

Nine lions were rescued from a circus in Colombia, and another 24 from circuses in Peru, and they were flown to South Africa in May last year.

AP
It's hers to lose: Theresa May speaks to supporters at Thornhill Cricket and Bowling Club in Dewsbury, West Yorkshire. Photo: Stefan Rousseau

The Tories are pulling away from Labour as the election finish line approaches, according to the latest poll that puts the Conservative lead at nine points.

A Labour surge last month appears to have been reversed in the past week, according to some election trackers.

Some 45pc of British voters now back the Tories, according to ORB International - up one point. Labour is on 36pc - down two points. That means the Tories hold a nine-point lead going into the final week of campaigning, up from six points a week earlier.

The Liberal Democrats were polled at 8pc and Ukip at 4pc - way down on the 13pc it secured in 2015. The news will be cheered by Tory election chiefs, who have seen their campaign tactics hammered after weeks of tightening polls.

'Leavers' losing faith in Labour and turning to the Tories appears to partly explain the movement, according to a breakdown of the poll, which was taken last Wednesday and Thursday.

The number of voters who backed Brexit and will support Labour dropped two points, while the Tories saw a two-point rise among that group.

It will be seen as an endorsement for the tactics of Lynton Crosby - the controversial Tory election guru - to focus relentlessly on Brexit last week.

It was hoped after prolonged debate about manifesto policies that voters looking at the 'big picture' of Brexit talks would be convinced to pick Theresa May, not Jeremy Corbyn, as prime minister.

ORB International's managing director, Johnny Heald, said: "As we move ever closer to polling day, Jeremy Corbyn and Labour, despite a very credible challenge, appear to be unable to close the gap sufficiently.

"While he polls well among the younger age group - who are also those who are least reliable when it comes to turnout - male voters appear to have increasing doubts about him as prime minister."

Heald said voters who backed the Tories at the last election had "stayed very loyal and largely been unaffected by the campaign".

Labour too had managed to "shore up" more of its 2015 voters, but "some of these voters flirting with the Tories appears to have been just that - a flirt rather than vote.

"One of the main shifts in the campaign has been among those who voted to leave in 2016. With a refocus in the last week on Brexit, Theresa May remains the leader most people have confidence in to get the right deal for the UK."

Pollsters have repeatedly warned that their surveys are a snapshot and should not be read as a prediction.

Critics noted that polls largely failed to pick up Trump's victory in the US or the Brexit vote last June.

Tightening polls gave credence to the Conservative line that their supporters need to turn out. If the Tories replicate that 45pc on Thursday, May will have won her party a higher proportion of votes than any time in almost half a century. Margaret Thatcher never got such a high vote share in her three general election victories. Edward Heath scored 46.4pc in 1970.

If Labour scores 36pc on Thursday, Mr Corbyn's team is expected to use it to justify his staying on as party leader.

It would be higher than Ed Miliband won in 2015 and even Tony Blair's election victory in 2005, when he got 35.2pc of the vote.

Telegraph

Telegraph Media Group Limited [2022]
Image: twitter.com/SSAhluwaliaMP

New Delhi, Jun 4 (IBNS): Union Minister of State for Parliamentary Affairs and Agriculture and Farmers Welfare,S.S. Ahluwalia, led an Indian Parliamentary delegation on a three-day visit to Norway for promoting and strengthening parliamentary relations between the two countries.

The visit, which concluded late last night, is expected to further strengthen bilateral relations between India and Norway.

Ahluwalia, in his meetings with Norwegian dignitaries, stated that both India and Norway should work towards strengthening cooperation in areas such as, combating international terrorism, maritime cooperation, climate change, renewable energy, waste management, fisheries, agriculture, exchange of technology on horticulture and organic farming etc.

Speaking on the global threat of terrorism, Ahluwalia stated that it constitutes one of the most serious threats to international peace and security, hinders the enjoyment of human rights, and undermines social and economic development of democratic societies. The Minister highlighted the need for the international community to combat terrorism, which are well- connected, well-educated well-funded, well-armed and well-trained.

India strongly condemns terrorism and there could be no tolerance for States sheltering, arming, training, or financing terrorists, Ahluwalia reiterated.

Noting that both countries have supported each other in several initiatives in the United Nations and other multilateral fora, he highlighted the need for strengthening this cooperation and even further deepen the interaction on several issues in the United Nations.

The Minister also expressed sincere appreciation for the Norwegian Governments valuable support for India's candidature for a permanent membership of reformed UN Security Council, as well as at the NSG.

In the field of fisheries, Ahluwalia stated that introduction of Recirculation Aquaculture Systems (RAS) is fairly new to India, whereas, Norwegian companies have expertise in this high-tech production technique. India looks to Norway for exchange of knowledge and technical expertise to develop Recirculation Aquaculture Systems (RAS), the Minister said.

The Indian Delegation also interacted with the Indian community and representatives at a reception hosted by Ambassador of India to Norway Shri Debraj Pradhan.
Kabul, June 4 (IBNS): In an insider attack, six policemen were killed and nine others were injured in southern Kandahar and central Uruzgan provinces of Afghanistan, media reports said on Sunday.

According to media reports, two policemen killed six of their colleagues.

Five police were injured in the incident.

A security official was quoted as saying by Pajhwok Afghan News on condition of anonymity the attackers, who wanted to flee, were shot dead by the security forces patrolling the area.

Separately, four more policemen were injured in infighting in central Uruzgan province. Deputy police chief Abdul Qavi Umari told Pajhwok a clash erupted among policemen on Saturday evening.
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
Not many know that Sridevi and Nawazuddin Siddiqui's upcoming film Mom features two Pakistani actors - Adnan Siddiqui and Sajal Ali. During the trailer launch of the film, producer Boney Kapoor said their contribution to the film is immense.

Kapoor praised the Pakistani actors and talked about their professionalism and performance. He said, We have two very talented actors Sajal and Adnan who are unfortunately not here (to promote the film) but their contribution to the film is immense.We miss them today, they have given their best for the film and I am sure we all will like what they have done."

BCCL

Talking about his commitment as a producer, Boney Kapoor added that he is yet to decide on the involvement of Sajal and Adnan in the promotion of the film which features his actress-wife Sridevi in the lead role. He added, I have not put my mind on it as we are finishing the film, the post production is on. They worked on the film and their contribution will remain."

Still from Mom Trailer

Boney praised Sridevis performance in the film and thanked her for giving her best in it. Complimenting her, he said, My wife is the soul of my life and she is my life and thanks to her that I am here today sitting and smiling. My wife has put in tremendous effort as she always does but this one is special as the moment she heard the script she was attached to it. She was so deeply involved in the film that she wanted to be the mom, the character and not my wife."

BCCL

Directed by Ravi Udyawar, the film is set to release on July 7.
At least six people were killed by attackers near London Bridge on Saturday, police said. Police said three attackers drove a vehicle into pedestrians on London Bridge and then stabbed people in Borough Market.

Reuters

"Armed response officers then responded very quickly and bravely and confronted the three male suspects who were shot and killed on Borough Market," Mark Rowley, Britain's top anti-terrorism officer, said. Read more

1. Indian Army Crosses A Gender Hurdle And Opens Combat Roles For Women

The Indian Army is taking a huge step in the progressive direction by opening up combat positions for women. This is a gender hurdle very few countries around the world have crossed.

AFP

Army chief Bipin Rawat said the process to allow women in a combat role, currently, an exclusive domain of men is moving fast and initially, women will be recruited for positions in the military police. Read more

2. Man In London Runs From Terror Attack Spot, But With Beer In Hand, Becomes Symbol Of Resilience

London faced a terror attack last night, in which seven people were killed and at least 48 wounded. One man among the vulnerable has become a symbol of resilience in the face of terror as he walked away from the scene with the beer in his hand still intact.

Twitter

People are praising him for his composure and refusal to bow down in front of fear. Read more

3. India Slays NYT And Their Spiteful History Of Mockery After Trump Exits Paris Treaty

New York Times doesn't maintain a reputation of being easy on current topics, as time and again, its comics have managed to offend eminent personalities and countries, at times. But, they don't know that at the time when India was flourishing in its culture and history, the westerners lagged way too much in most spheres.

In their 2014 October issue, NYT did an utterly tasteless job of mocking India's Mangalyaan success with a cartoon. Read more

4. ISRO Will Soon Launch Rocket To Ferry Indians Into Space. Here's Everything You Need To Know About It

Indian Space And Research Organisation (ISRO) is home to pioneering projects and state-of-the-art technology. In the past, we've seen many successful stories which serve as a testament to the fact that ISRO is blooming as a powerful leader in the given field.

Isro

Adding another one to its glorious list of achievements, it is not planning to launch a mega-rocket, the Geosynchronous Satellite Launch Vehicle Mark III, or the GSLV Mk II to send Indian astronauts in space. Read more

A Facebook group is sharing advice on how to rape a woman by drugging her. The page called Blokes Advice was shut down earlier because of it obvious wrong content. But it's back again as an invitation-only group, and now has thousands of members.

Bloke advice/facebook

Writer Clementine Ford shared screenshots of a thread of disgusting posts, where men are exchanging advice on how to rape a woman. Read more
In an attempt to give Islamic State a message and also to avenge Manchester attack, armourers in UKs Royal Air Force scrawled the message "love from Manchester" on a bomb meant for air strikes against the ISIS.

RAF

ISIS had claimed responsibility for the attack.

A photograph which is going viral on social media showed the message "love from Manchester" on a Paveway IV bomb loaded on a British jet carrying out air strikes in Akrotiri in Cyprus, The Telegraph reported.

Later the RAF official confirmed that photo was not fake and RAF did send a bomb with a message. "The sentiment of the message written on the weapon is understandable and such writing has a history in the RAF, so the individual concerned will not be taken to task," a source was quoted as saying.

Reuters

Manchester attack last week had claimed 22 lives which included children as young as eight. The tradition of writing message goes back to WW-II when American bombs carried a message for Japan after the Pearl Harbour attack. The American bombs also carried messages after the 9/11 attack.
Minister of external affairs Sushma Swaraj has intervened after a man, who used to reside in Andheri, complained of being thrashed by his employer in Mozambique when the day's earnings at their shop "went missing" from the cash box.

Twitter

Swaraj retweeted Indian mission's tweet on Wednesday, "High Commission has established contact with Mr Anand (Krishna Singh) and trying to resolve the issue." The youth is expected to return to Mumbai on Friday.

His family shifted from Andheri (E) to Udupi in Karnataka in 1999.

BCCL

Singh had written to the Indian consulate in Maputo, "On Saturday, my shop amount of 8,63,940 meticals was robbed. I had kept the cash in the box as usual and when I opened it on Monday to deposit, I saw it wasn't there. I informed the owner who accused me of having robbed the amount and began beating me very badly. The owner's son kept a pistol on my forehead and took in writing that I had robbed the money and would pay it back by June 9 otherwise they will kill me." He claimed his pleas of innocence went unheard and his body was swollen from the beating and he required medical help.

Singh alleged that his employers had taken away his passport and other documents, and had also not paid him salary for the last nine months. His friends in Mumbai and Goa had tweeted to Swaraj and the PMO, apart from circulating the message on social media to help repatriate him to India.
Even with all the progress we've made over centuries, terrible disparities continue to haunt our society. One of the most rampant taboos being the notion of impurity, any rational being would say, it's 2017, move on, but sadly, the society refuses to change it's regressive ways.

Case in point: alleged apathy of doctors in Pakistan, led to death of a sanitary worker who was battling for life, their reason? His body was covered with sewage filth and they refused to treat him unless he was 'cleaned'.

Twitter/@HealthNewsBit

According to a report in Tribune, the worker named Irfan Masih along with his three fellow workers fell unconscious while cleaning a manhole on Chorr Road in Umerkot.

The doctors refused to treat him because they were fasting and said my son was napaak [unclean], claimed Irshad Masih, the mother of the deceased to the Tribune.

All of them were rushed for treatment to Civil Hospital Umerkot, however the doctors refused to treat them and asked the attendants to wash their bodies.

While the other three sanitary workers were referred to Hyderabad and later Karachi for medical treatment, Irfan remained at the Civil Hospital.

Irfan's brother, Pervez Masih, told reporters that after his body was cleaned doctors sent for an oxygen cylinder which was empty. He said, "before they could arrange another cylinder, he [Irfan] died, he told local media.

Soon after Irfan's death, family and locals staged a protest outside the hospital. According to reports, the police have registered an FIR against the three doctors who refused treatment. Many people on social media expressed shock over the incident:

1

what a shame

Umerkot sanitary worker dies after doctors refuse treatment of 'unclean' patient https://t.co/pmkxncRUVp  Ibrahim Sindhi (@ibrahimburiro1) June 2, 2017

2

Sanitary worker in #UmerKot dies after doctors refuse treatment of 'unclean' patient

Full video: https://t.co/trnuLJMegP pic.twitter.com/uSgwRjp0tQ  Muhammad Mehdi (@M_Mehdi_pk) June 2, 2017

3

Al-Bakistani Ramadan news: https://t.co/aVkcLDmCuF

Doctors who should be thrown in jail. This self-righteous garbage has to stop.  Imaan Mazari-Hazir (@ImaanZHazir) June 3, 2017

4

Sanitary worker didn't die because he was covered in filth, he died because hearts and souls of doctors were covered in filth. #UmerKot  Zulkaif (@itszulkaifabasi) June 3, 2017

5
Breaking News

7 Killed as in London Terror Attack

Armed police have sealed off London Bridge amid reports of a car mounting the pavement and ploughing into pedestrians.

Eyewitnesses report that as up to "15 to 20" people may have been hit by the vehicle.

Please add news, information or your insights in the comment section below.

Posted 3:40 PST - June 03, 2017

Al Jazeera Coverage

See also

London Bridge, Borough Market and Vauxhall latest amid stabbings, gunfire and people mown down by van : A series of co-ordinated terror attacks have hit London in three different areas, with reports of dozens of casualties from gunfire, stabbings and pedestrians mown down by a vehicle.
The Manchester Bombing as Blowback: The Latest Evidence



By Mark Curtis and Nafeez Ahmed Introduction June 03, 2017 " Information Clearing House " - The evidence suggests that the barbaric Manchester bombing, which killed 22 innocent people on May 22nd, is a case of blowback on British citizens arising at least partly from the overt and covert actions of British governments. The British state therefore has a serious case to answer. We focus primarily here on UK policies towards Libya but also touch on some of those related to Iraq and Syria. Summary In summary, the evidence so far shows that there are six inter-related aspects of blowback: Salman Abedi and his father were members of a Libyan dissident group  the Libyan Islamic Fighting Group (LIFG)  covertly supported by the UK to assassinate Qadafi in 1996. At this time, the LIFG was an affiliate of Osama Bin Ladens al-Qaeda and LIFG leaders had various connections to this terror network. Members of the LIFG were facilitated by the British security services to travel to Libya to fight Qadafi in 2011. Both Salman Abedi and his father, Ramadan, were among those who travelled to fight at this time (although there is no evidence that their travel was personally facilitated or encouraged by the security services). A large number of LIFG fighters in Libya in 2011 had earlier fought alongside the Islamic State of Iraq  the al-Qaeda entity which later established a presence in Syria and became the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria (ISIS). These fighters were among those recruited into the British-backed anti-Qadafi rebellion. UK covert action in Libya in 2011 included approval of and support to Qatars arming and backing of opposition forces, which included support to hardline Islamist groups; this fuelled jihadism in Libya. One of the groups armed/supported by Qatar in 2011 was the February 17th Martyrs Brigade which, some reports suggest, was the organisation which Ramadan Abedi joined in 2011 to fight Qadafi. Qatars arms supplies to Libya in 2011 also found their way to Islamist fighters in Syria, including groups affiliated with al-Qaeda and ISIS. Conclusions The evidence points to the LIFG being seen by the UK as a proxy militia to promote its foreign policy objectives. Whitehall also saw Qatar as a proxy to provide boots on the ground in Libya in 2011, even as it empowered hardline Islamist groups. Both David Cameron, then Prime Minister, and Theresa May  who was Home Secretary in 2011 when Libyan radicals were encouraged to fight Qadafi  clearly have serious questions to answer. We believe an independent public enquiry is urgently needed. The evidence suggests that British actions in three different theatres  Libya, Iraq and Syria  cannot be viewed in isolation: In Libya, US and UK led intervention destroyed the functioning state and created a vacuum allowing hardline Islamist fighters to consolidate their foothold in the country. This paved the way for the empowerment of ISIS. The direct line between Libyan and Syrian Islamist rebels fuelled jihadism in both countries.

In Iraq, US and UK led intervention also destroyed the existing state infrastructure and fuelled an Islamist insurgency which incubated al-Qaeda in Iraq and culminated in the emergence of ISIS.

In Syria, US and UK covert action, again in partnership with Gulf states such as Qatar, and Turkey, has had the effect of augmenting the role of al-Qaeda in the rebel movement. This combination of Anglo-American policies across the region has contributed to further instability and the rise of violent jihadism. In fact, an even stronger conclusion may be warranted based on the evidence of the extent of UK covert and overt action in the region in alliance with states consistently supplying arms to terrorist groups: that agencies of the British government itself have, in some senses, become part of the broader terrorist network with which the British public is now confronted. While a number of factors operate to contribute to an individuals radicalisation, it is difficult to avoid the conclusion that one of these contributory factors is British direct and covert action in Iraq, Libya and Syria. Without these actions  by Britain and its close allies  it is conceivable that Abedi might well not have had the opportunity to become radicalised in the way he did. The Abedis connection to the Libyan Islamic Fighting Group (LIFG) The Manchester bomber, Salman Abedi, then aged 16, is reported to have fought against the Qadafi regime with his father Ramadan in the uprising of 2011. [3] The group that Salman Abedi joined, fighting alongside his father, was reportedly the LIFG. [4] Ramadan Abedi is reported as having been a prominent member of the LIFG, which he joined in 1994. [5] The LIFG was until 2009 an affiliate of al-Qaeda. Abdel Bari Atwan, editor-in-chief of the Arabic daily, Al-Quds Al-Arabi, reports that the LIFG had long-standing ties with al-Qaeda since the Afghan jihad, which were sustained through the role of Libyans and LIFG personnel in key al-Qaeda operations: Abu Anas Al-Libi was one the masterminds behind the 1998 US Embassy bombings; Abu Hafs Al-Libi was Al-Zarqawis lieutenant until his death in 2004; and Ibn Sheikh Al-Libi commanded Al-Khaldan, and Al-Qaeda training camp in Afghanistan. [6] Other reports suggest that Ramadan fought with the February 17th Martyrs Brigade. [7] The BBC notes that many of Qadafis opponents living in the UK and connected to the LIFG joined the February 17th Martyrs Brigade, one of the key fighting units in the 2011 war. It reported that Salman Abedis father was part of the group who left the UK for one last battle against Gaddafi. [8] This group was armed and supported by Qatar in 2011, as part of an overall policy approved by the UK, as we document later. Box 1: Ramadan Abedi Abedis father Ramadan was a member of Libyas secret service under Qadafi but fled the regime with his mother in 1991. [9] They went first to Saudi Arabia in 1991 and in 1992 moved to London after applying for asylum. [10] Ramadan Abedi Ramadan was part of the broad network of opponents in the UK who supported Islamist anti-Qadafi aims. [11] After Qadafi was overthrown, the Abedi family moved to Manchester but Ramadan largely settled back in Libya, with the rest of the family coming and going between Tripoli and Manchester. [12] British covert support to the LIFG, 1996 Leaders in the LIFG had fought together in Afghanistan in the early 1990s, helping the Afghan mujahidin to overthrow the Soviet-backed government in Kabul. [13] The British government and CIA then covertly supported the mujahidin. [14] In the mid to late 1990s, the LIFG was most active in the eastern province of Cyrenaica, was involved in violent clashes with the Benghazi police, and attempted to assassinate Qadafi. In 1996, there is evidence, now widely-known, that MI6 funded an operation to assassinate Qadafi using the LIFG. (See Box 2) The plot failed but the LIFG continued its violence in eastern Libya and sent fighters to at least two military training camps in Sudan in 1996, in which al-Qaeda was also present, thus helping the LIFG make contacts with al-Qaeda. [15] When Qadafi clamped down on the LIFG following the assassination attempt, the UK gave refuge to some of its members and dozens were allowed to settle in Britain. [16] By the end of the 1990s, LIFG activity had slowed drastically and many LIFG members relocated to join al-Qaeda. In 2001, the US Treasury Department listed LIFG as a foreign terrorist organisation linked to al-Qaeda. In 2002, LIFGs al-Qaeda ties came under increasing scrutiny when Anas al-Libi, a senior LIFG commander and companion of Osama bin Laden, was detained by US forces for the 1998 bombings of American embassies in Kenya and Tanzania. In May 2003, the LIFG reportedly worked with the Moroccan Islamic Combatant Group (GCIM) to plan five synchronised suicide bombings that killed 45 people in Casablanca, Morocco. [17] Since then, the LIFGs links to al-Qaeda have been complicated, with the group disavowing a relationship with the terror network in around 2009 and purportedly renouncing terrorism against civilians through the release of a new moral code for jihad. However, despite the fanfare over this renunciation of jihadist ideology, questions have been raised as to whether the contents of the code really go far enough, and the extent to which the disassociation with al-Qaeda ideology and tactics was made under government pressure. [18] Box 2: The plot to assassinate Qadafi, 1996 [19] According to former MI5 officer and whistleblower David Shayler, the episode began when a Libyan military intelligence officer approached MI6 with a plan to overthrow Qadafi. The Libyan, codenamed Tunworth, proposed establishing links with the LIFG. Shayler asserts that he was told by an MI6 officer, David Watson, that in Christmas 1995 he, Watson, had supplied Tunworth with $40,000 to buy weapons to carry out the assassination plot and that similar sums were handed over at two further meetings. A secret MI6 cable dated December 1995  leaked in 2000 and published on the internet  revealed MI6s knowledge of an attempt to overthrow Qadafi in a coup led by five Libyan colonels scheduled for February 1996. The cable also noted that one Libyan officer and twenty military personnel were being trained in the desert for their role in the attack, and that the plotters had already distributed 250 Webley pistols and 500 heavy machine guns among their sympathizers, who were said to number 1,275 people, including students, military personnel and teachers. The plot went ahead in February 1996 in Sirte, Qadafis home city, but a bomb was detonated under the wrong car. Six innocent bystanders were killed, and Qadafi escaped unscathed. Annie Machon, Shaylers partner and a former MI5 officer, writes that, by the time MI6 paid over the money to Tunworth, Osama Bin Ladens organization was already known to be responsible for the 1993 World Trade Centre bombing, and MI5 had set up G9C, a section dedicated to the task of defeating Bin Laden and his affiliates. US intelligence sources later told the Mail on Sunday newspaper that MI6 had indeed been behind the assassination plot and had turned to the LIFGs leader, Abu Abdullah Sadiq, who was living in London. The head of the assassination team was reported as being the Libya-based Abdal Muhaymeen, a veteran of the Afghan resistance. A spattering of other media investigations confirmed the plot while a BBC film documentary broadcast in August 1998 was told that the Conservative government ministers then in charge of MI6 gave no authorisation for the operation and that it was solely the work of MI6 officers. This contradicted the earlier claim by then Foreign Secretary, Robin Cook, that MI6 involvement in the plot was pure fantasy. Equally, the governments denial of knowledge of the plot was decisively contradicted by the leaked cable, which showed that civil servants in the Permanent Secretarys Department, GCHQ, MI5 and the MoD were all aware of the assassination attempt some two months before it was carried out. It is inconceivable that none of them would have informed their ministers. British covert action in Libya, 2011 LIFG members played a key role in the opposition forces that toppled Qadafi in 2011. But Britain also facilitated the flow of LIFG dissidents from the UK to fight Qadafi. It also approved massive arms supplies to the opposition to Qadafi by Qatar, much of which went to hardline Islamist groups. 3.1 Facilitating travel to fight in Libya Middle East Eye has reported that the British government operated an open door policy that allowed Libyan exiles and British-Libyan citizens to join the 2011 uprising that toppled Muammar Qadafi even though some had been subject to counter-terrorism control orders. Several former rebel fighters now back in the UK told Middle East Eye that they had been able to travel to Libya with no questions asked. These dissident were then members of the LIFG and most were from Manchester. One said that, as he was travelling back to Libya in May 2011, he was approached by two counter-terrorism police officers in the departure lounge who told him that if he was going to fight he would be committing a crime. But after providing them with the name and phone number of an MI5 officer he had spoken to previously, and following a quick phone call to him, he was waved through. As he waited to board the plane, he said the same MI5 officer called him to tell him that he had sorted it out. [20] The Daily Mail reported that: when they returned to the UK, having spent months alongside groups thought by British intelligence to have links with Al-Qaeda, rebels were said to have been allowed back into the country without hesitation. [21] The Daily Mail also reported: Libyan officials have backed up the claims, saying the British government were fully aware of young men being sent to fight, turning the North African country into an exporter of terror. [22] Peter Oborne, also writing in the Mail, has written that Libyan dissidents were undoubtedly encouraged to travel to Libya to oust Qadafi and that this was with the encouragement of MI6 which released terror suspects from control orders. [23] Our understanding, however, is that control orders on the Libyan dissidents were actually rescinded in 2009, under the Gordon Brown government, and not in 2011. (See Box 3). Therefore, they were not released from these orders just in time to fight Qadafi. However, we understand their passports were returned early in 2011, enabling them to travel to Libya. No Advertising - No Government Grants - This Is Independent Media Get Our Free Daily Newsletter Box 3: The LIFG and Britain The Libyan Islamic Fighting Group was banned in Britain in 2005 after Blairs deal in the desert with Qadafi in 2004, when Blair agreed to crack down on Libyan dissidents in the UK. [24] But in 2009, Qadafi struck a peace deal with the LIFG following which the Brown government released the LIFG dissident from UK control orders. At the same time, the leaders of the LIFG, most of whom were in jail in Libya, distanced themselves from al-Qaeda and condemned terrorist attacks on civilians. [25] As we show below, however, the LIFG retained connections with al-Qaeda despite formally distancing itself from the group. 3.2 UK covert action in Libya The opposition forces working to overthrow Qadafi in 2011, which were backed by the UK and its coalition, included Islamist elements, former members of the LIFG and suspected al-Qaeda militants previously imprisoned by the US (see Box 4). Abdelhakim Belhaj, was LIFGs emir from 1995 to 2010. In 1998, when LIFG members fled to Afghanistan to help the Taliban, Belhaj developed close relationships with Taliban chief Mullah Omar and al-Qaeda leaders. [26] He also wrote a glowing letter of support to the al-Qaeda mastermind of the 1993 World Trade Centre bombing. [27] Yet Belhaj would go on to become a military commander for the NATO-backed National Transition Council in Tripoli to bring down Qadafi in 2011. During the 2011 war, the Gulf state of Qatar armed the Libyan opposition and in the process supported various hardline Islamist groups. Britain specifically backed the Qatari role in arming the opposition and worked closely with Qatar, supporting its provision of arms and support to fighters on the ground. Indeed, there is evidence that the Qatari role in Libya was specifically proposed by Britain. [28] Qatari arms went to Islamist groups such as the 17 February Martyrs Brigade, a militia comprised in part by Islamist fighters who had fought against Qadafi. Qatari support also went to Rafallah al-Sehati, a group whose extremists later broke away to form Ansar al-Shariah, the militant group that played a role in the death of the American ambassador, Christopher Stevens (see Box 5). The weapons and money from Qatar strengthened militant groups in Libya, allowing them to become a destabilising force since the fall of the Qadafi regime. Box 4: Islamists in the Libyan Opposition [29] Britain provided a range of support to the rebel Libyan leadership, which was grouped in the National Transitional Council (NTC), an initially 33-member self-selected body of mainly former Qadafi ministers and other opposition forces, formed in Benghazi in February 2011 to provide an alternative government. The NTCs military forces were led by various former Libyan army officers, but Islamist elements with links to al-Qaeda were also prominent. Two former mujahidin who had fought in Afghanistan led the military campaign against Qadafis forces in Darnah, to the east of Benghazi, for example. Abdel Hakim al-Hasidi, an influential Islamist preacher who spent five years at a jihadist training camp in eastern Afghanistan, oversaw the recruitment, training and deployment in the conflict of around 300 rebel fighters from Darnah. Both al-Hasidi and his field commander on the front lines, Salah al-Barrani, were former members of the Libyan Islamic Fighting Group (LIFG). It was also reported that Sufyan Ben Qumu, a Libyan army veteran who worked for Osama bin Ladens holding company in Sudan and later for an al-Qaeda-linked charity in Afghanistan, ran the training of many of Darnahs rebel recruits. Qumu spent six years at Guantanamo Bay before he was turned over to Libyan custody in 2007; he was released, along with al-Hasidi, from a Libyan prison in 2008 as part of Libyas reconciliation with the LIFG. [30] Al-Hasidi, who had fought against the US in Afghanistan in 2001, had been arrested in Pakistan in 2002 and turned over to the US, imprisoned probably at the US base at Bagram, Afghanistan, and then mysteriously released. The US Deputy Secretary of State, James Steinberg, told Congressmen he would speak of al-Hasidis career only in a closed session. [31] Other commentators recognised the Islamist nature of some of the rebels. Noman Benotman, a former member of the LIFG who had fought the Soviets in Afghanistan, estimated that there were 1,000 jihadists fighting in Libya. [32] Sir Richard Dearlove observed that the rebel stronghold of Benghazi was rather fundamentalist in character and Admiral James Stavridis, NATOs Supreme Allied Commander in Europe, said that US intelligence had picked up flickers of terrorist activity among the rebel groups; this was described by senior British government figures as very alarming. [33] Shadow foreign secretary Douglas Alexander said in parliament that since there was evidence of the presence of al-Qaeda-linked forces among the rebels, Britain should proceed with very real caution in arming them. In response, Foreign Secretary William Hague downplayed the concern, saying that Of course we want to know about any links with al-Qaeda, as we do about links with any organisations anywhere in the world, but given what we have seen of the interim transitional national council in Libya, I think it would be right to put the emphasis on the positive side. [34] In mid-March 2011, when the Qadafi regime was still clinging to power in Tripoli, Libyan authorities paraded in front of the worlds media a British citizen captured in Libya and branded an Islamic terrorist. Salah Mohammed Ali Aboaoba said he was a member of the LIFG and had moved from Yemen to Britain in 2005, where he stayed until 2010, having been granted asylum, living with his family in Manchester and raising funds for the LIFG. [35] Box 5: Qatars role and British support In April 2011, The Telegraph reported that Britain will urge Arab states to train and lead Libyas rebels, with former British military personnel in line to play a central role in the escalation of the international intervention. The key role was to be played by Qatar and the United Arab Emirates who will be asked to put military trainers into Libya to transform the disparate rebels into a coherent fighting force. The Telegraph noted that the British government was proposing using former British personnel could be used as trainers and force multipliers. And that: Former members of the Special Air Service, Special Boat Serve and other elite British regiments are frequently employed by private military companies and Middle Eastern regimes as advisers for their own armed forces. The Telegraph noted that Britain was already supplying the rebels with non-lethal communications equipment to help them co-ordinate their units. [36] The Times reported in June 2011 that Britain and France are using Qatar to bankroll the Libyan rebels. The reason was that NATO airstrikes failed to dislodge the Libyan leader while the rebels lack the firepower and military discipline to take advantage on the ground. The Times noted that Britain and France are relying on Doha in a bid to tip the balance, according to a senior western diplomat, who was quoted as saying: We need to reinforce military pressure. It has to bite on the ground. The Qataris are doing what needs to be done. A security source in the Gulf also told The Times that British and French officials discussed selling arms to Qatar with a view to Doha passing them on to Benghazi. [37] UK covert forces were deployed to Libya to support the rebels. Britain sent military advice into eastern Libya to make contact with opposition leaders. [38] Indeed, it was reported that dozens of British special forces soldiers and officers from MI-6 were working inside Libya by March 2011. [39] General David Richards, then Chief of the Defence Staff, recently told a Parliamentary enquiry that Britain had a few people embedded with the rebel forces, saying that they were in the rear areas and would go forward and back. [40] In March 2011, it was reported that a suspected British intelligence and special forces unit, had been caught near Benghazi. A senior member of Benghazis revolutionary council said: They were carrying espionage equipment, reconnaissance equipment, multiple passports and weapons. [41] British special forces working alongside others, including Qatar in the final advance on the Gadhafi regime. British forces assisted rebel units by helping them get better organised to conduct operations and to improve their tactics, a NATO official said. [42] Qatar was a major financial backer of the Libyan rebels, providing them with a massive $400 million worth of support, much of which was provided to the Islamist radicals. Moreover, Qatar also sent hundreds of troops to fight on the frontline and to provide infantry training to Libyan fighters in the western Nafusa mountains and in eastern Libya. [43] It secretly supplied anti-tank weapons to the Libyan rebels. [44] Much of Qatars support went to the so-called 17 February Martyrs Brigade, one of the most influential rebel formations led by Abdel-Hakim Belhaj, a leading member of the LIFG who became the rebel military commander in Tripoli. [45] The group had been hired to protect the US consulate in Benghazi, but largely failed to show up on the evening of the attacks on the embassy in 2012. [46] Another group supported by Qatar was an Islamist militia in Benghazi known as Rafallah al-Sehati that had relatively Western-friendly leaders but extremists in its ranks. The extremists later broke away to form Ansar al-Shariah, the militant group that played a role in the death of the American ambassador, J. Christopher Stevens. [47] Britain is reported to have approved of Qatari arms supplies to the opposition. [48] The Obama administration also secretly gave its blessing to arms shipments to Libyan rebels from Qatar. [49] The New York Times reported: Within weeks of endorsing Qatars plan to send weapons there in spring 2011, the White House began receiving reports that they were going to Islamic militant groups. They were more antidemocratic, more hardline, closer to an extreme version of Islam than the main rebel alliance in Libya, said a former Defense Department official. [50] Qatars chief-of-staff, Major-General Hamad bin Ali al-Atiya, later said: We acted as the link between the rebels and NATO forces. [51] Qatar also played a key role alongside Britain in the Libya contact group that coordinated policy against the Qadafi regime; the first meeting of the group, in April 2011, for example, was convened by Qatar and co-chaired by Britain in Doha.. [52] As the New York Times reported: The weapons and money from Qatar strengthened militant groups in Libya, allowing them to become a destabilising force since the fall of the Qaddafi government. [53] Indeed, some of Qatars arms were subsequently moved from Libya to militants in Syria and Mali. [54] From Libya to Iraq to Syria: LIFGs links to ISIS and the fuelling of the jihad NATOs intervention in Libya effectively created the conditions by which the country became a safe haven for jihadists sympathetic to al-Qaeda and ISIS, despite doctrinal disagreements. Far from the LIFG having been simply deradicalised as it had claimed in 2009, the documentary and public record evidence suggests that significant numbers of LIFG members remained sympathetic to the violent Islamist cause. A large number of LIFG fighters in Libya in 2011 had earlier fought alongside the Islamic State of Iraq  the al-Qaeda entity which later established a presence in Syria and became the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria, ISIS (and later the Islamic State). They were then recruited into the British-backed anti-Qadafi rebellion. 4.1 Abedis connection to ISIS Salman Abedis connections to the LIFG may have facilitated his military training and Islamist indoctrination. Yet they also appear to have provided him with access to an environment in postwar Libya which had become fertile ground for the promulgation of violent jihadist ideology  conditions partly created by the British-backed intervention.

That Abedi was influenced by ISIS ideology is suggested by reports that he had links to an ISIS cell operating in south Manchester, in particular an ISIS recruiter called Raphael Hostey who sponsored hundreds of terror recruits. Abedi reportedly had a significant connection to Hostey, who is believed to have been killed in a drone strike in Syria. [55] Salman Abedi was also reportedly connected to another ISIS recruiter, Abdalraouf Abdallah, a Libyan refugee who was jailed for terror offences in Britain for trying to recruit other Manchester-based extremists to join ISIS. Associates of the two families said that Abedis father Ramadan cared for Abdalraouf in Libya after he was shot and paralysed in 2012. Prosecutors described Abdallah as being at the centre of a jihadist network facilitating foreign fighters. Sources said that Salman Abedi and Abdallah were friends. [56]



4.2 The LIFGs links to ISIS The British-backed intervention in Libya paved the way for violent Islamist groups to expand and consolidate their presence in the country. In particular, Britains alliance with the LIFG appears to have played a direct role in facilitating the influx into Libya of foreign fighters sympathetic to al-Qaeda and ISIS (see Box 6). Box 6: The LIFGs links to al-Qaeda and ISIS in Iraq before 2011 According to insurgent personnel records captured by US forces in Sinjar, Iraq, in 2006, LIFG had established early connections during the war in Iraq with the precursor organisation to ISIS. The US Armys Combating Terrorism Centre (CTC) at West Point found in 2007 that LIFG had achieved a unification with al-Qaeda evident in its apparent decision to prioritise providing logistical support to the Islamic State of Iraq. Over 100 Libyans had joined al-Qaeda in Iraq or ISIS between 2006 and 2007. [57] In 2011, the CTCs analysis of the Sinjar records confirmed a real surge in the number of Libyan foreign fighters joining al-Qaeda in Iraq in 2007. [58] Also in 2011, Abdel-Hakim al-Hasidi, a Libyan rebel leader who headed up security under the NATO-backed National Transitional Council in the city of Derna, confirmed that Libyans who had fought with al-Qaeda against US forces in Iraq had returned to topple Qadafi. He told an Italian daily how he had personally recruited 25 Libyans from Derna to fight coalition troops in Iraq. Some of them, he said, are today are on the front lines in Adjabiya, a coastal city in north-central Libya which saw some of the heaviest fighting against Qadafis forces. Al-Hasidi insisted that his fighters are patriots and good Muslims, not terrorists but added that the members of al-Qaeda are also good Muslims and are fighting against the invader. [59] A June 2008 State Department cable from the US embassy in Tripoli corroborated the Sinjar records and further confirmed a direct connection between LIFG fighters returning to Libya from the jihad with al-Qaeda in Iraq against US forces, and noted their aspiration to use their training to eventually topple Qadafi. The document, written by Ambassador Christopher Stevens  who was killed in the 2012 attack on the US consulate in Benghazi  cites evidence that eastern Libyans were sending young Libyans to fight in Iraq. Combating US forces represented a way for frustrated young radicals to strike a blow against both Qadhafi and against his perceived American backers. [60] The document notes that this mindset had a long history: A number of Libyans who had fought and in some cases undergone religious and ideological training in Afghanistan, Lebanon and the West Bank in the late 1970s and early 1980s had returned to eastern Libya in the mid to late 1980s. The same individuals were, the cable assesses, pushing forward: a deliberate, coordinated campaign to propagate more conservative iterations of Islam, in part to prepare the ground for the eventual overthrow by the Libyan Islamic Fighting Group (LIFG) of Muammar Qadhafis regime, which is hated by conservative Islamists. [61] 4.3 Arms to the jihad in Syria Some of Qatars arms supplies to Islamists in Libya in 2011 were subsequently moved from Libya to militants in Syria, fuelling the jihadist cause there (See Box 7). [62] Box 7: Arming the Syrian jihad Document releases under FOIA from the Pentagon and Department of State show that the CIA was well aware of how weapons from anti-Qadafi rebels in Benghazi were covertly shipped to Islamist rebels in Syria by the Gulf states and Turkey. [63] A September 2012 Pentagon Defence Intelligence Agency document confirmed that the Gulf states and Turkey, with Western support, were supporting Syrian rebel groups consisting of the Salafist, the Muslim Brotherhood, and AQI [al-Qaeda in Iraq]. Al-Qaeda in Iraqs role among the major forces driving the insurgency in Syria was noted in the context of anticipating that the support would lead to the creation of a Salafist Principality in eastern Syria. The document even predicted the possibility that al-Qaeda in Iraqs main vehicle, ISI, could also declare an Islamic State through its union with other terrorist organisations in Iraq and Syria. [64] The same powers that were involved in supplying Libyas rebels, particularly Qatar, were active in Syria. Around the time that the DIA report circulated in the intelligence community, classified US intelligence assessments made available to President Obama and senior policymakers showed that most Saudi and Qatari arms were going to hard-line Islamic jihadists, and not the more secular opposition groups. [65] In 2014, a senior Qatari official revealed that Qatar and Saudi Arabia had for years provided economic and military assistance primarily to both al-Qaedas Syrian arm, Jabhat al-Nusra, and to ISIS. [66] A secret memo written for then Secretary of State Hillary Clinton in August 2014 (which appeared on the WikiLeaks website in 2016) noted that the Saudi and Qatari governments are providing clandestine financial and logistic support to ISIL [ISIS] and other radical Sunni groups in the region. [67] Saudi Arabias neighbour Qatar, the worlds only other predominantly Wahhabi state with whom Theresa Mays government has recently signed large commercial deals, may have been the biggest funder of the Syrian rebels, with some estimates suggesting the amount may be as much as $3 billion. [68] While this does not justify labelling all the Syrian rebels as jihadists, it explains why the more secular, democratic forces among the rebels have often been supplanted by hardline Islamist forces. A PDF version of this briefing is available here REFERENCES [1] Mark Curtis is an historian and foreign policy analyst, and the author of five books on UK foreign policy. Website: www.markcurtis.info [2] Dr. Nafeez Ahmed is an award-winning investigative journalist and author of The London Bombings: An Independent Inquiry. A former Guardian blogger on the geopolitics of environmental crisis, he is System Shift columnist at VICE, and the creator of INSURGE intelligence  a crowdfunded public interest investigative journalism project. His work has officially contributed to the 9/11 Commission and the 7/7 Coroners Inquest. He has twice been featured in the Evening Standards Top 1,000 list of most influential people in London. [3] http://www.bbc.com/news/uk-40019135 [4] https://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2017/may/26/salman-abedi-manchester-arena-attack-partying-suicide-bomber?CMP=Share_AndroidApp_Gmail [5] http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-4539462/Jihadi-family-police-warnings-Manchester-bomber.html [6] Abdel Bari Atwan, The Secret History of al-Qaeda (University of California Press, 2008) [7] http://www.express.co.uk/news/uk/809884/Manchester-bombing-terror-cell-investigation-police-raids-Salman-Abedi [8] http://www.bbc.com/news/uk-england-manchester-40037830 [9] http://www.mirror.co.uk/news/uk-news/manchester-bomber-switch-sides-claims-10502683 [10] http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-4539462/Jihadi-family-police-warnings-Manchester-bomber.html [11] http://www.bbc.com/news/uk-england-manchester-40037830 [12] https://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2017/may/26/salman-abedi-manchester-arena-attack-partying-suicide-bomber?CMP=Share_AndroidApp_Gmail [13] http://edition.cnn.com/2009/WORLD/africa/11/09/libya.jihadi.code/ [14] http://markcurtis.info/2016/09/30/training-in-terrorism-britains-afghan-jihad/ [15] http://web.stanford.edu/group/mappingmilitants/cgi-bin/groups/view/675#cite23 [16] http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2036049/Libyan-dissidents-house-arrest-following-Tony-Blairs-deal-desert.html [17] http://web.stanford.edu/group/mappingmilitants/cgi-bin/groups/view/675#cite31 [18] http://www.kronosadvisory.com/Kronos_A.View.To.Extremist.Currents.In.Libya_CondensedVersion.pdf [19] This section is adapted from: http://markcurtis.info/2016/09/29/the-british-plot-to-kill-qadafi/ and Chapter 13 of Mark Curtis, Secret Affairs: Britains Collusion with Radical Islam, Serpents Tail, 2012, where full references can be found [20] http://www.middleeasteye.net/news/sorted-mi5-how-uk-government-sent-british-libyans-fight-gaddafi-1219906488 [21] http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-4540822/Rebels-went-Libya-MI5-blessing-amid-Abedi-probe.html [22] http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-4540822/Rebels-went-Libya-MI5-blessing-amid-Abedi-probe.html [23] http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-4546934/PETER-OBORNE-MI6-share-blame-jihadis.html [24] http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2036049/Libyan-dissidents-house-arrest-following-Tony-Blairs-deal-desert.html [25] http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/6564850/Terrorist-suspects-released-from-house-arrest-after-peace-deal.html http://edition.cnn.com/2009/WORLD/africa/11/09/libya.jihadi.code/ [26] http://web.stanford.edu/group/mappingmilitants/cgi-bin/groups/view/675#note56 [27] http://www.kronosadvisory.com/Kronos_A.View.To.Extremist.Currents.In.Libya_CondensedVersion.pdf [28] http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/africaandindianocean/libya/8432788/Libya-Arab-states-urged-to-train-and-lead-rebels.html [29] This edited section is taken from Mark Curtis, Overthrowing Qadafi in Libya: Britains Islamist Boots on the Ground, an excerpt from Chapter 13 of Secret Affairs: Britains Collusion with Radical Islam, 2012, www.markcurtis.info. [30] https://www.wsj.com/articles/SB10001424052748703712504576237042432212406; http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/africaandindianocean/libya/8407047/Libyan-rebel-commander-admits-his-fighters-have-al-Qaeda-links.html [31] http://www.independent.co.uk/voices/commentators/patrick-cockburn-the-shady-men-backed-bythe-west-to-displace-gaddafi-2260826.html [32] http://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2011/mar/29/1000-freelance-jihadists-join-libyan-rebels/ [33] https://www.thejc.com/news/uk-news/britain-s-former-spy-chief-mi6-kept-secrets-from-israel-hamas-iran-s-puppet-1.22167 ; http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/africaandindianocean/libya/8414583/Libya-al-Qaeda-among-Libya-rebels-Nato-chief-fears.html [34] Hansard, House of Commons, 30 March 2011, Col.351 [35] http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-1366665/Rebel-Al-Qaeda-fighter-Britain-paraded-Libyan-TV.html; http://www.channel4.com/news/british-libyan-detained-by-gaddafi [36] http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/africaandindianocean/libya/8432788/Libya-Arab-states-urged-to-train-and-lead-rebels.html [37] https://www.thetimes.co.uk/article/britain-and-france-using-qatar-to-arm-libyan-rebels-n6fmf5pgmc6; https://theuglytruth.wordpress.com/2011/06/26/britain-and-france-%E2%80%98using-qatar-to-arm-libyan-rebels%E2%80%99/ [38] https://www.theguardian.com/world/2011/mar/04/libyan-opposition-leaders-advice?INTCMP=SRCH [39] http://mobile.reuters.com/article/idUSTRE72U7NM20110331; http://www.nytimes.com/2011/03/31/world/africa/31intel.html?_r=0 [40] http://data.parliament.uk/writtenevidence/committeeevidence.svc/evidencedocument/foreign-affairs-committee/libya-examination-of-intervention-and-collapse-and-the-uks-future-policy-options/oral/27184.html [41] https://www.theguardian.com/world/2011/mar/06/liam-fox-sas-unit-libya [42] http://edition.cnn.com/2011/WORLD/africa/08/24/libya.foreign.forces/ [43] https://www.theguardian.com/world/2011/oct/26/qatar-troops-libya-rebels-support [44] https://www.theguardian.com/world/2011/apr/14/libya-rebels-weapons-qatar [45] https://www.theguardian.com/world/2011/oct/26/qatar-troops-libya-rebels-support; https://mobile.nytimes.com/2012/12/06/world/africa/weapons-sent-to-libyan-rebels-with-us-approval-fell-into-islamist-hands.html [46] http://www.thedailybeast.com/articles/2013/05/10/in-benghazi-cia-trusted-local-militia-that-melted-away [47] https://mobile.nytimes.com/2014/09/08/world/middleeast/qatars-support-of-extremists-alienates-allies-near-and-far.html [48] Britains foreign secretary, William Hague, and colleagues from the 21-nation Libya contact group endorsed Qatars position. Hague insisted the UK would supply only non-lethal equipment. Frances view is similar but both countries  which are leading Nato air strikes in Libya  accept that arming the rebels is legal. https://www.theguardian.com/world/2011/apr/14/libya-rebels-weapons-qatar [49] https://mobile.nytimes.com/2012/12/06/world/africa/weapons-sent-to-libyan-rebels-with-us-approval-fell-into-islamist-hands.html [50] https://mobile.nytimes.com/2012/12/06/world/africa/weapons-sent-to-libyan-rebels-with-us-approval-fell-into-islamist-hands.html [51] https://www.theguardian.com/world/2011/oct/26/qatar-troops-libya-rebels-support [52] Pgymy with the punch of a giant, Economist, 5 November 2011 [53] https://mobile.nytimes.com/2012/12/06/world/africa/weapons-sent-to-libyan-rebels-with-us-approval-fell-into-islamist-hands.html [54] https://mobile.nytimes.com/2012/12/06/world/africa/weapons-sent-to-libyan-rebels-with-us-approval-fell-into-islamist-hands.html; http://www.foxnews.com/politics/2012/12/06/arms-shipments-traveled-from-libya-to-anti-assad-fighters-sources-say.html [55] http://news.sky.com/story/manchester-suicide-bomber-salman-abedi-linked-to-key-uk-is-recruiter-10891692 [56] https://www.ft.com/content/52bed884-413f-11e7-82b6-896b95f30f58; http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-4544236/Abedi-s-father-looked-shot-ISIS-recruiter-Libya.html [57] https://www.files.ethz.ch/isn/45910/CTCForeignFighter.19.Dec07.pdf [58] https://www.ctc.usma.edu/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/Sinjar_2_FINAL.pdf [59] http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/africaandindianocean/libya/8407047/Libyan-rebel-commander-admits-his-fighters-have-al-Qaeda-links.html [60] Full US cable available at http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/wikileaks-files/libya-wikileaks/8294818/DIE-HARD-IN-DERNA.html [61] Full US cable available at http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/wikileaks-files/libya-wikileaks/8294818/DIE-HARD-IN-DERNA.html [62] https://mobile.nytimes.com/2012/12/06/world/africa/weapons-sent-to-libyan-rebels-with-us-approval-fell-into-islamist-hands.html; http://www.foxnews.com/politics/2012/12/06/arms-shipments-traveled-from-libya-to-anti-assad-fighters-sources-say.html [63] http://www.salon.com/2015/05/28/the_benghazi_outrage_we_actually_should_be_talking_about/ [64] http://www.middleeasteye.net/columns/pentagon-confirms-west-gulf-states-and-turkey-created-islamic-state-608321312 [65] http://www.nytimes.com/2012/10/15/world/middleeast/jihadists-receiving-most-arms-sent-to-syrian-rebels.html?pagewanted=all&_r=0 [66] http://www.theatlantic.com/international/archive/2014/06/isis-saudi-arabia-iraq-syria-bandar/373181/ [67] http://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/politics/hillary-clinton-emails-leak-wikileaks-saudi-arabia-qatar-isis-podesta-latest-a7355466.html [68] http://www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/opinion/isis-having-spent-billions-the-wahhabists-of-saudi-arabia-and-qatar-find-they-have-created-a-monster-30533853.html The views expressed in this article are solely those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of Information Clearing House. See also John Pilger: Terror In Britain: What Did The Prime Minister Know? The causes of the Manchester atrocity, in which 22 mostly young people were murdered by a jihadist, are being suppressed to protect the secrets of British foreign policy.
Cause and Effect

John Pilger on Terror in Britain Video These atrocities, like Manchester and London are the product of British foreign policy. Posted June 04, 2017

See also John Pilger: Terror In Britain: What Did The Prime Minister Know? The causes of the Manchester atrocity, in which 22 mostly young people were murdered by a jihadist, are being suppressed to protect the secrets of British foreign policy. No Advertising - No Government Grants - This Is Independent Media Get Our Free Daily Newsletter The views expressed in this article are solely those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of Information Clearing House.
Blame The Internet Is Just Not A Good Enough Response, Theresa May

By Charles Arthur



June 04, 2017 " Information Clearing House " After London Bridge the prime minister has wheeled out the usual scapegoat, and demanded controls on cyberspace  but that would open a Pandoras box

W e can feel pretty certain that the London Bridge attackers did the following things: owned smartphones; and used Google, YouTube, Facebook and WhatsApp. That isnt because owning those things and using those services marks you out as a terrorist: its because it marks you out as someone living in the west in the 21st century.

The problem, as those companies (actually only two: Google owns YouTube, and Facebook owns WhatsApp) are discovering, is that politicians arent too picky about the distinction. Speaking outside 10 Downing St this morning, Theresa May was much more aggressive in her tone than previously. The London Bridge attack had its roots in Islamic extremism, she observed: We cannot allow this ideology the safe space it needs to breed. Yet that is precisely what the internet, and the big companies that provide internet-based services, provide. She continued: We need to work with allied democratic governments to reach international agreements that regulate cyberspace to prevent the spread of extremism and terrorism planning.

Which goes to show that when you need a scapegoat, the internet will always be there, as will big internet companies. The latter are by now becoming familiar with the process: there is an attack; the dots are joined to show how their services were used for tuition and/or planning; governments demand action; the companies improve their methods for removing extremist content; and we await the next cycle.

But nothing substantive is different. The question is whether it ever can be. Germany is seeking a law which brings in hefty fines for being too slow to remove hate speech. But that isnt the same as preventing it, or stopping planning.

The kneejerk blame the internet that comes after every act of terrorism is so blatant as to be embarrassing, commented Paul Bernal , a law lecturer at the University of East Anglia who has worked with the police. The pressure, he says, comes from the politicians. For an example look no further than John Mann, MP for Bassetlaw since 2001, who this morning said: I repeat, yet again, my call for the internet companies who terrorists have again used to communicate to be held legally liable for content .

Perhaps he has forgotten the 1970s, when in the pre-mobile phone era the IRA would use phones to organise its attacks  without anyone calling for (nor were there online social networks to radicalise would-be IRA members, but still they joined). The authoritarian sweep of Manns idea is chilling: since legal liability is meant to deter, the companies would need people to monitor every word you wrote, every video you watched, and compare it against some manual of dissent. Its like a playbook for the dystopia of Gilead, in The Handmaids Tale (which, weirdly enough, most resembles Islamic States framework for living).

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The problem is this: things can be done, but they open a Pandoras box. The British government could insist that the identities of people who search for certain terror-related words on Google or YouTube or Facebook be handed over. But then whats to stop the Turkish government, or embassy, demanding the same about Kurdish people searching on dangerous topics? The home secretary, Amber Rudd, could insist that WhatsApp hand over the names and details of every communicant with a phone number. But then what happens in Iran or Saudi Arabia? Whats the calculus of our freedom against others?

Similarly, May and Rudd and every home secretary back to Jack Straw keep being told that encryption (as used in WhatsApp particularly) cant be repealed, because its mathematics, not material. People can write apps whose messages cant be read in transit, only at the ends. Ban WhatsApp, and would-be terrorists will find another app, as will those struggling against dictators.

Its true that the internet companies business models, of selling adverts against your attention, means they never had an incentive to be careful about what gets on to their platforms. Were living with the unintended consequences. Yet speaking to people in those companies, one still hears enormous resistance to the idea of pre-filtering. Its instead becoming an article of faith that artificial intelligence or machine learning will learn to spot this stuff and act. Thats far from proven, however. These companies are struggling with a problem they made that dwarfs their present capabilities.

So what can be done? It might seem obvious, but while (to quote a famous hacker)  You cannot arrest an idea , you can certainly stifle its attractiveness. Driving Isis out of Mosul and into the desert will cut its funding and its voice. Not helping countries that help jihadi groups would be smart too. Theresa May mentioned working with allied democratic governments. But its really the undemocratic ones  Saudi Arabia, for example  where one might start work. Ideas fade. The internet, though, isnt going anywhere.
Jihad 2.0: the Making of the Next Nightmare





By Pepe Escobar

June 04, 2017 " Information Clearing House " - Lets start with 28 EU leaders discussing the Western Balkans at a recent summit and blaming  what else  Russian aggression in the EUs backyard.

Cue to a Montenegro prosecutor raging that Russian state bodies staged a coup attempt during the October 2016 elections to stop the country from joining NATO.

And cue to President of the European Commission Jean-Claude Juncker warning that Donald Trumps anti-EU rhetoric could lead to war in the Balkans. Juncker, condescending as ever, maintains that, If we leave them to themselves  Bosnia and Herzegovina, Republika Srpska, Macedonia, Albania, all of these countries  we will have a war again.

The Balkans may be about to explode  all over again. Yet with a twist; unlike 1999, NATO wont get away with bombing a defenseless Belgrade for 78 days. A new generation of Russian missiles would easily prevent it.

The 1999 tragedy in the Balkans was essentially stirred up by fake massacres in Kosovo set up by the BND  German intelligence  using local Albanians and BND agent provocateurs, who shot both sides to stir up a war and break up Yugoslavia.

All Eyes on Albania

Whats evolving at the current geopolitical juncture is even murkier.

The usual suspects do what they usually do; blame Russia, and damn any evidence.

So let a knowledgeable insider, Dr. Olsi Jazexhi, director of the Free Media Institute in Tirana, Albania, be our guide.

In December 2016, the CIAs John Brennan went to Albania and issued a fatwa for war against Russia  especially in Macedonia.

As Dr. Jazexhi explains , after Brennan left Edi Rama, Prime Minister of Albania, a close friend of George Soros, gathered all Albanian political parties in Macedonia and ordered them to support Zoran Zaev against Nikola Gruevski. Gruevski is seen as filo-Russian and anti-NATO, while Zaev is a lapdog of Soros. As a result, Gruevski was boycotted by Albanians and Zaev had their support to form a government. The promise of Zaev to Albanians is that Macedonia will adapt Albanian as an official language and create a third (half) Albanian state in the Balkans. Macedonians are resisting, but Tirana and Edi Rama are orchestrating Albanian political parties against Gruevski. The end game is to make Macedonia a NATO member.

Meanwhile, in Kosovo  essentially a nasty narco-Mafioso scam posing as a state and housing Camp Bondsteel, the largest overseas US military base on the planet  Hashim Thaci, the president and former Kosovo Liberation Army (KLA) goon, is building an army for Kosovo. The final aim is to integrate Kosovo into NATO even though Serbia rejects this for its former autonomous province.

Jazexhi also details how, in Albania, we have two major terrorist organizations being protected by the Americans and the Europeans.

The first is what Ankara describes as the Fetullah Gulen Terror organization (FETO), allegedly instrumentalized by German intelligence; Turkey is protesting why Albania hosts the FETO group but the Americans host them against Erdogan.

The second is Mojahedin-e Khalq (MKO), which fights against Tehran; Albania is being turned into the center of MKO. John Bolton was recently in Tirana, with other international supporters of MKO, and they are attacking Iran and calling for regime change.

The MKOs wacky Marjam Rajavi has also visited Tirana, developing plans to topple the Ayatollahs in Iran.

The key issue, as Jazexhi emphasizes, is that after turning the Balkans into a recruiting center for ISIS/Daesh during the Syria war, now the Americans are turning Albania into a jihad 2.0 state.

So what is developing is the same historical mistake as made by the Albanians of Kosovo, who have 100% linked their future with Camp Bondsteel and would will be instantly re-invaded by Serbia in case NATO or the US leave (which they will, sooner or later, inevitably).

Meanwhile, the European Union and the Americans, who want to de-radicalize the Wahhabi Muslims of Europe, keep mum about the Iranian jihadis.

The Invisible Enemy

So the key piece of the puzzle is the configuration of Albania as the center of Jihad 2.0  against the Slavs in Macedonia, against Tehran, and also against Ankara. No wonder the chief adviser of the Albanian government, until a few months ago, was a certain Tony Blair.

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But then there is the invisible enemy that really matters.

In late March, Serbian President Tomislav Nikolic went to Beijing in his last official visit before the April 2 elections. Chinese President Xi Jinping stressed that economic cooperation with Serbia  and the Balkans at large  is a priority for China.

No question. In 2014, Beijing created a fund that will invest 10 billion euros in Central and Eastern Europe. Last year, China Everbright bought Tiranas airport in Albania. China Exim Bank is financing highway construction in both Macedonia and Montenegro.

In Serbia, China Road and Bridge Corporation built the 170 million euro Pupin bridge over the Danube in Belgrade  a.k.a. the Sino-Serbian Friendship Bridge, inaugurated in 2014 and 85% financed by a China Exim Bank loan.

And the cherry in the (infrastructure development) cake is the 350 km, $2.89 billion high-speed rail line between Athens and Budapest, via Macedonia and Belgrade.

The EU has set off alarm bells on the flagship $1.8 billion Budapest-Belgrade stretch, investigating whether the Hungarian section violated strict EU laws according to which public tenders are a must for large transportation projects.

Inbuilt is the proverbial Western haughtiness, ruling that the Chinese could not possibly be capable of building high-speed rail infrastructure as well if not better  and for a lower cost  than in Europe.

Budapest-Belgrade happens to be the crucial stretch of the Land Sea Express Route that Beijing pledged to build, way back in 2014, with Hungary, Serbia and Macedonia. Thats the crux of the Southeastern Europe node of the New Silk Roads, now Belt and Road Initiative (BRI); a trade corridor between the container port of Pireus, in the Mediterranean  co-owned by China Ocean Shipping Company since 2010  all the way to Central Europe.

NATOs official spin is that it must be planted in the Balkans to fight the threat of terrorism. According to NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg, I recently visited Bosnia Herzegovina and Kosovo, and Im encouraged to see how focused they are on countering the threat of foreign fighters.

Well, the foreign fighters happen to be right at home, not only in Kosovo but soon in Albania, the capital of Jihad 2.0. NATO after all excels in creating emerging threats that are essential to justify its existence.
In Bayelsa State, Governor Seriake Dickson told SUNDAY PUNCH that his administration had restricted the activities of herdsmen in the state to the Bayelsa Palm area in Yenagoa, the state capital.

Dickson said the decision was to prevent the invasion of farmlands and check any security breaches.

The governor said the restriction order became imperative in view of the recent upsurge in violent and criminal activities of some herdsmen.

He also warned cattle rearers against bearing arms in the course of grazing their livestock, threatening that anyone caught with weapons would be dealt with in accordance with the law.

It was learnt that the government also set up vigilance groups in the state to identify and report any case of infraction by herdsmen.

Kwara orders herdsmen to pay compensation

The Kwara State Governor, Abdulfatah Ahmed, on Saturday, said the state government had reached an agreement with relevant stakeholders that herdsmen would pay compensation on any farm that their cattle destroyed.

He stated that the arrangement was necessary to ensure that while herdsmen rear their cattle, farmers are also allowed to farm and produce food to feed themselves and for sales.

Speaking in Ilorin, the Kwara State capital, he said the herdsmen had been re-organised with their leaders given the responsibilities to implement the compensation agreement with the farmers.

The governor said the state government had meetings with representatives of traditional rulers, herdsmen association, farmers and other relevant stakeholders where the agreement was reached.

Source: ( Punch Newspaper )
The Christian Association of Nigeria led by Dr. Stephen Ayokunle, has called on the Acting President, Yemi Osinbajo to change his style on issues affecting Christians, especially on the attack by herdsmen in different parts of the country.

CAN asked Osinbajo to query the Inspector General of Police, Ibrahim Idris, asking why no herdsman had been arrested and prosecuted by the Federal Government.

The organisation also demanded an investigation into operations of the Department of State Services, the Nigeria Customs Service and the Nigeria Immigration Service to ascertain how weapons used by the herdsmen got into the country.

The President of CAN, Dr. Stephen Ayokunle, who expressed these observations in an interview with SUNDAY PUNCH, warned that if the Federal Government continued to pay lip service to the menace of herdsmen, Christians might be forced to take up arms.

He said, Let the acting President call the IGP and ask him why none of the herdsmen have been arrested and successfully prosecuted. That is an error.

Ayokunle, who is also the President of Nigerian Baptist Convention, said CAN had lost count of the number of Christians murdered by herdsmen.

He said, We have lost count; we are tired of counting the dead because the more you count, the more you are weighed down. I dont have the current number of those killed by the herdsmen.

The Customs and Immigration cannot be excused from blame. Who is keeping the border? Am I the one? Who is checking the goods coming into the country? Is it not the Customs?

I have said it again and again that an instigation to aggression depends on the level of frustration.
The Nigerian Medical Association (NMA) in Kogi has directed its members to resume a strike they suspended two weeks ago.

The association said in a statement after an emergency congress in Lokoja on Saturday that the resumption of the strike was informed by governments alleged failure to fulfill its promises to meet their demands.

Dr Godwin Tijani, the chairman of the association in Kogi, said the decision was for the entire doctors to resume strike since their demands were being ignored by the state government.

According to him, the state government has failed to honour the agreement in spite of its assurance after the stakeholders intervention.

It is really unfortunate that we have found our self in this mess. We respected all the stakeholders who wanted the progress of the Kogi health sector, but the government is putting deaf ears into our demands.

We have had several promises of salary alerts for the past one week without success; consequently, the Kogi NMA hereby directs all its members to resume strike as from 12 a.m on June 5, 2017, Tijani stated.

The doctors demands include reinstatement and payment of the salaries and arrears of doctors employed in 2015 and correction and payment of arrears of doctors underpaid, among others.

NMA had earlier suspended its 11-day old strike on May 13 to give room for dialogue with state government.
Major Hamza Al-Mustapha (retd.),the former Chief Security Officer to the late head of state, Gen. Sani Abacha on Saturday, claimed that the cause of death of the acclaimed winner of the June 12, 1993 presidential election in Nigeria, Chief MKO Abiola, and the late businessmans last moments were recorded on video.

The former CSO, hinted that some Nigerians were aware of the existence of the tape. However, in swift reactions, a former physician to Abiola, Dr. Ore Falomo, and a human rights activist, Yinka Odumakin, dismissed Al-Mustaphas claims as an attempt to rewrite history.

Hamza Al-Mustapha spoke about the tape and other matters when he fielded questions shortly after he delivered the third South-West annual lecture titled, Developing leadership abilities in youths, which was organised by the Asorodayo Youth Heritage Organisation, at Lafia Hotel, Ibadan, Oyo State.

He said, On October 21, 1998, I was arrested because of a video cassette, not because of the late Kudirat Abiola. The family of the late Abiola was, as it is, a very close family to me. But something happened, which a particular camera in the villa captured.

So, they wanted to take the videotape and burn it so that Nigerians would not know what happened. That was the beginning of my travails.

While he served Abacha, Al-Mustapha had a fearsome reputation for high-handedness, brutality and was widely seen as one of the most powerful men in the country. Shortly after Abacha died, his former CSO was arraigned for a long list of crimes. However, at the Ibadan event, he claimed he was persecuted because of the videotape.

He said, For 15 years, I didnt have the chance to defend myself in newspaper, radio and television. So, the belief was Mustapha had committed an offence, even before my arrest. But the actual thing that happened to the late MKO Abiola is in that cassette that they want to see, that is why Mustapha was subjected to punishment and I was called names. They have wanted to know the whereabouts of that tape in the last 17 years.

I appeared before 14 judges in Lagos. As soon as the matter was about to finish, they would stop it and take us to another court. For 15 years, I was in that state. Out of the 15 years, five years and two months, I served in detention with torture. The remaining was between Ikoyi Prisons, Kirikiri Prisons and Kuje Prisons.

Many people, particularly lawyers, took money from those who were looking for the cassette. They would go to radio and television stations to rain abuses on me, rather than coming to court. But they did not know what was going on in the court of law.

However, the former Army Major, who did not shed light on the whereabouts of the tape, made strenuous efforts to debunk the widely held belief that he organised and superintended the assassination of the late wife of Abiola, Kudirat.

He said, On the late Kudirat Abiola, Rogers himself confessed in a court of law along with other witnesses how much money they were given. Rogers confessed he was told to do so. He was given money. He was given a house. He was given a car every six months, and he was promised to be taken outside Nigeria. The plan was as soon as Lagos court pronounced me guilty and I was to be hanged, then they would rush me to prison and hang me without giving me the option to go for appeal. That was what happened.

I thank God Almighty everything that happened in Lagos State Court was compiled and signed by all the 14 judges. We are putting it together. My father has already put the book together in three volumes. You will see them soon.

Al-Mustapha said if he had been guilty of all allegations against him, his conscience would not allow him to speak about what happened in the public.

If I am guilty, there is no way I can talk, there is no way I can get the confidence to look into their eyes because they are the bigger ones above the law in Nigeria. I am doing so. I have done it yesterday, I am doing it now and I will to do it tomorrow. If I were dishonest, I couldnt do that.

That is why the matter is before the Supreme Court now for appeal. We have been begging them since 2013 for the matter to be heard so that everybody can hear what happened. Up till now, the Lagos State Government ran away from it. We are begging them to come to the matter. We have nothing to hide.

Speaking on Al-Mustaphas latest remark, Falomo, who spoke with SUNDAY PUNCH from London, said Nigerians should ignore Abachas close ally.

He said, It is not for him to tell the public why he was arraigned. It is for the Lagos State Ministry of Justice and the attorney general that handled his case to tell us exactly why he was prosecuted. Should we be listening to what Al-Mustapha says about this?

I was in court to give evidence against him  concerning the killing of Kudirat which he was accused of. I gave evidence of how I rescued her, how she underwent an operation at EKO Hospital and how she died.

I also described the bullet that was retrieved from her body during the operation at the hospital. To the best of my knowledge, the prosecutor, that is, the Lagos State Government, represented by an attorney general back then, presented the case very well to the judge. The judge found Al-Mustapha guilty but on appeal, he was set free. I dont understand how he came about the fact that he was not arrested because of Kudirats death.

I dont know about the video he is talking about now. The video was never mentioned throughout the trial. When he was examined in court, he never spoke about the video.

Also reacting to Al-Mustpahas claims on Saturday, a member of the defunct NADECO, Odumakin, described them as lies.

He said, As much as facts and history are concerned, Al-Mustapha was arrested for the killing of Kudirat; he was charged alongside (Lateef) Sofolahan and others, convicted for the killing, and sentenced. He went on appeal. The appeal freed him. But the Lagos State Government has appealed to the Supreme Court. To now say that he was not arrested and prosecuted for killing Kudirat Abiola is an attempt at rewriting history. If he can tell those lies openly, then the court now knows what he wishes to put on evidence before it.
The Nigeria Police Force on its part to put an end to the menace of the Fulani herdsmen, had deployed undercover operatives in many states of the federation to stop the menace.

The Force Public Relations Officer, Jimoh Moshood, who stated this in an interview with SUNDAY PUNCH, did not mention the names of the affected states.

He, however, said the police were unable to completely disarm the herdsmen on account of their nomadic lifestyle.

He said, The herdsmen move from one place to another, so when you talk of disarming, it means they are in a place where you can disarm them, but these herdsmen move from place to place.

For those we have arrested, we have taken away their arms and they are being tried for unlawful possession of arms and for involvement in loss of lives.

Moshood said the force is prosecuting many herdsmen involved in violent attacks in Benue, Taraba, Kaduna and Enugu states, but declined to give the number of those on trial.

To a very large extent, we have curtailed it (herdsmen attacks), but that does not mean one or two isolated cases that occurred are not being addressed.

We have deployed special intervention forces in all these areas. I may not be able to tell you the states we have special intervention forces because they are engaging in some covert operations.

I cant tell you the number of those being prosecuted, but we are prosecuting suspects in Enugu, Benue, Taraba and we have recovered a huge array of arms from them and the states governments are equally assisting the police.

Moshood added that the agency was collaborating with the Nigeria Immigration Service and the committee on eradication of light and small arms to curb the influx of armed herdsmen and the proliferation of weapons in the country.
Days after the attack by Naval officers on the Police in Cross-River, the Inspector-General of Police, Mr. Ibrahim Idris, on Friday urged men of the Cross River State Police Command and officers across to country not to retaliate Tuesdays attack on Akim Police Station in Calabar by some ratings of the Nigerian Navy.

A naval rating was on Tuesday shot in the shoulder by a policeman after an argument over traffic infractions. The situation later degenerated into a fracas in which two policemen were killed by naval operatives while a section of the Akim Police Station, along the IBB Way, was burnt.

The Inspector-General of Police, who inspected the burnt facilities at the police station including two vehicles, said an independent panel of inquiry would soon be set up to unmask those behind the fracas.

Idris, who was represented by the Deputy Inspector-General of Police in charge of Training and Capacity Development, Mr. Emmanuel Inyang, said it was unfortunate that a minor incident was allowed to escalate to the level it got to.

The DIG, alongside the Assistant Inspector-General of Police, Mr. Abubakar Marafa and the Commander, Nigeria Navy Ship Victory, Commodore Salihu Jibril including the state Commissioner of Police, Mr. Hafiz Inuwa, visited the two policemen injured at the police clinic and the naval rating at a navy clinic in Calabar.

Source: ( Punch Newspaper )
After a week of the abduction of six pupils of the Lagos State Model College, Igbonla, Epe, the parents of the abucted pupils have decided to raise funds among themselves to raise funds to facilitate the release of the children.

Our correspondent learnt that the money would be raised through contributions by each parent as well as aid from relations and friends.

The kidnappers, it was gathered, are currently requesting N100m ransom to free all the children.

The gunmen stormed the school premises at about 6am on Thursday, May 25, after notifying the school authorities of the attack three days earlier.

They broke the hostel doors, seized 10 senior secondary school pupils and led them to a waterside where their boat was anchored.

After profiling their family backgrounds, four pupils were released, while the assailants whisked away the remaining six pupils identified as Peter Jonah, Isiaq Rahmon, Adebayo George, Judah Agbausi, Pelumi Philips and Farouq Yusuf in a speedboat.

The kidnappers had earlier called some parents of the victims on Saturday, May 27, demanding N400m each from two parents while two others were asked to pay N100m each. They told the parents to meet with the school authorities and the state government to pay the ransom.

Three days after, the kidnappers called back and reduced the ransom to N600m, with parents of each child asked to pay N100m. According to the parents, the abductors are now demanding N100m for all the children.

However, the Lagos State Government had declined ransom negotiation with the kidnappers, insisting that they would be freed by the security agencies.

Although three suspects had been arrested, some parents who spoke to our correspondent on Saturday said they had lost patience with the government.

A parent, who did not want her name in print, said, It is already nine days today (Saturday), and our children are still in captivity despite the governments assurance to rescue them. Our minds will not be at rest without seeing these children.

The kidnappers are now demanding N100m and they insist we should meet with the school authorities and the state government to pay. But they said they would not pay any ransom.

All the parents have met again and we have decided to raise whatever amount we can through individual contributions. We have asked ourselves to call on friends and relatives to assist.

Another parent said an agreement was also reached that whoever the kidnappers contacted, thenceforth, should negotiate on behalf of other parents.

We have formed a committee and chosen a parent to coordinate the contributions. We are poor, but we cannot fold our arms while safety of our children are in danger. There is a parent that sells drinks. She said the highest she could raise was N50,000. She said she was the one taking care of the family, the parent added.

The Lagos State Police Public Relations Officer, ASP Olarinde Famous-Cole, said the command disapproved of the parents move to raise the ransom, adding that efforts to free the victims had been intensified.

He said, We are using intelligence report to get those pupils rescued safely. Apart from this, there is no information we can share for now. The command is not aware of the parents move and does not encourage payment of ransom.

Calls put across to the mobile phone of the states Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Steve Ayorinde, on Saturday rang out. He had also yet to reply to a text message sent to him as of time of filing this report.

Source: ( Punch Newspaper )
The Centre for the Vulnerable and the Underprivileged (CENTREP) has given Governor Ifeanyi Okowa seven days ultimatum to offset the 13-month salary arrears owed local government workers or face litigation, Nigerian Tribune reports.

Oghenejabor Ikimi, executive director of the group gave the warning on Saturday in a statement signed and made available to journalists in Warri.

CENTREP hereby gives the Delta State Government 7 (seven) days notice to defray all the monies owed Council Workers in the State, failure of which we shall not hesitate to slam a public interest suit against the Delta State Government enforcing the Fundamental Rights of Council Workers across the 25 Local Government Council Areas in the State under Section 33 of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended) without further notice, he warned.

The human rights crusader described as inhuman and cruel for an oil rich state like Delta to plunge its council workers in hunger and privation.

He called for a constitutional amendment to the 1999 constitution to reposition local government as autonomous of the state government.

This, according to him, would engender independence and development in the third-tier government, adding that Okowa should use the Paris fund of about N150bn to offset the salary arrears of the council workers.

It will be recalled that in the past few weeks workers from the 25 local government areas of the state have embarked on series of protests to call the attention of the state government to resolve their plight.
The Ekiti State Council of Elders and the Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria (IPMAN) called to resolve the fuel scarcity in the state ended in a deadlock.

The residents of Ekiti has been experiencing no supply of petroleum products in the last three weeks because of the face-off between the marketers and Governor Ayodele Fayose.

Recently, the state demolished some filling stations for allegedly contravening the environmental law, with some hoodlums attacking filling stations owned by the Secretary of the Petroleum Dealers Association of Nigeria, Suleiman Akinbami, and another businessman known as Ade Bank.

At the meeting attended by a few leading monarchs in the state, the elders appealed to the union to resume sale of fuel in the state.

A source at the meeting said part of the criteria for a peaceful resolution of the crisis that must be met by the government would be the rebuilding of the two petrol stations that were damaged by hoodlums.

Reading a communique after the meeting, the Secretary General of the Elders Council, Niyi Ajibulu, appealed to the two feuding parties to settle their differences.

At the meeting were IPMAN members led by Remi Oguntuase, leaders of the Nigeria Labour Congress, religious leaders, market men and women as well as transport unions.

Ajibulu added that the stakeholders would meet with the governor to extract a commitment from him for a peaceful and quick resolution of the matter.

Similarly, a chieftain of the All Progressives Congress in the state, Isola Fapohunda, appealed to the marketers to reopen their stations, noting that it would be in the best interest of the Ekiti people.

Meanwhile, the wife of the governor, Mrs. Feyisetan Fayose, has called on the spouses of traditional rulers in the state to support her husbands bid to sustain continuity in governance after his tenure ends.

She stated this at Afao Ekiti while hosting the wives of traditional rulers operating under the umbrella of Ekiti State Council of Oloris on Wednesday.

Source: ( Punch Newspaper )
The six judges that were suspended by the National Judicial Council in Octobe r last year over corruption allegations has been reinstated and told to resume their judicial functions next Wednesday.

The decision was made in a statement by the NJCs Director of Information, Mr. Soji Oye, on Saturday, who said the six judges would be formally informed to resume work by their various heads of court.

The NJC stated that it directed the judges to resume duties following the failure of the Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Justice Abubakar Malami (SAN), to conclude investigation of five of the six judges and charge them with any offence as he indicated to the council about eight months ago.

According to the statement, the affected judges asked to resume their judicial functions include Justice Inyang Okoro of the Supreme Court; Justice Uwani Abba Aji of the Court of Appeal; and Justice Hydiazira Nganjiwa of the Federal High Court.

Others are Justice Adeniyi Ademola of the Federal High Court (who was prosecuted but discharged and acquitted); Justice Musa Kurya of the Federal High Court; and Justice Agbadu James Fishim of the National Industrial Court of Nigeria.

The NJC said in its statement that it took the decision asking the judges to resume duties at its meeting held between May 31 and June 1, 2017.

The meeting was presided over by the Chairman of NJC and Chief Justice of Nigeria, Justice Walter Onnoghen.

The statement said out of the eight judges, whom Malami had in October 2016 requested the NJC to suspend pending the outcome of the cases against them, only three of them were charged.

Those charged were Justice Sylvester Ngwuta of the Supreme Court, Justice Rita Ofili-Ajumogobia and Justice Ademola, who was subsequently discharged and acquitted.

The NJC noted in its statement that its directive to the eight judges to withdraw from work pending the conclusion of the cases against them after eight months, had led to a backlog of cases in various courts.

The statement read in part, In view of the foregoing, the council decided that the various Heads of Court should direct the following judicial officers to resume their judicial duties with effect from Wednesday, June 7, 2017, as there is already a backlog of cases in their various Courts for the past eight months.

But the NJC also said it warned and placed three judges on watch list for various allegations of misconduct levelled against them.

They are Justices M. N. Esowe of the National Industrial Court of Nigeria; Aldolphus Enebeli of the High Court of Justice, Rivers State; and Bassey Frank Etuk of the Akwa-Ibom State High Court.

It, however, said petitions against Justice Okon Abang of the Federal High Court and 11 others were found to be unmeritorious.

Meanwhile, two senior advocates, Adegboyega Awomolo and Sebastine Hon, on Saturday commended the decision of the National Judicial Council to recall some judges accused of corruption who were never charged before any court.

Awomolo described it as a positive omen, adding that all arms of government and the affected judges had learnt their lessons from the development which started with the arrest of some judges on allegations of corruption in October 2016.

He advocated that indecoruos public and private relationships between the bar and the bench should henceforth be monitored and erring persons must be severely punished.

Awomolo said, The decision to recall the judicial officers by the National Judicial Council is a positive omen and indicative of a new direction of the Nigerian constitutional democracy under the rule of law.

We rejoice with the innocent judicial officers and again thank the Honourable Attorney General for supporting the historic decision of the NJC.

Similarly, Hon commended the NJC saying, The decision of the National Judicial Council to lift the suspension of the justices and judges accused of corruption is a most welcome development.

Source: ( Punch Newspaper )
Taoiseach Enda Kenny will travel to Chicago today for a two-day trade and investment mission.

The primary focus is to promote Ireland as a location for investment, trade and tourism and to support the growth of Irish companies in Illinois.

The Taoiseach's programme begins with an address to the Chicago Council on Global Affairs.

He is set to use this opportunity to communicate Ireland's priorities in the context of Brexit and emphasise Ireland's strong commitment to EU membership and to free trade.

Over his two-day programme, the Taoiseach will meet with a number of potential and current investors in Ireland and Irish companies operating in Illinois.

An event will be taking place with business leaders attended by contacts of Enterprise Ireland, IDA Ireland and Bord Bia, throughout these engagements he will promote Ireland's strengths as a location for investment.

On Tuesday, the Taoiseach will meet with representatives of the Chicago Irish Immigrant support centre and address a Tourism Ireland event before departing for Belgium where he will attend Messines Commemorations on Wednesday.
Free wireless broadband is to be rolled out in Irish towns and cities over the next three years.

It follows an agreement reached by the European Parliament, the EU Commission and the EU Council of Ministers.
Ireland's constitution on children's rights and family law is up for debate today.

Compared to other European countries our divorce laws are lagging behind, according to experts.

Dr Louise Crowley of UCC's School of Law says there are areas of family law that could be improved here.

"So many jurisdictions envisage a clean break.

"Certainly in England and Wales - they reformed their laws in 1984 so the court's first role in dividing assets is to do so in order to ensure a clean break wherever possible.

"The difficulty with Ireland is that it simply is not within our regulatory framework to allow a court to take that view even, interestingly, where that might be in the best interest of both parties," she said.
Russia has denounced North Korea's nuclear ambitions as a "direct threat" to the country.

"It is not only a ballistic missile defence system - it has real function," said Deputy Defence Minister Alexander Fomin.

"That is why it is alarming. And it is a direct threat to Russia. We are convinced that it will increase the tensions of the region. That is our principle position."

Mr Fomin spoke at the Shangri-La Dialogue, an international security conference in Singapore attended by defence ministers and experts from 39 countries, including US Defence Secretary Jim Mattis.

Russia borders North Korea and saw one of Pyongyang's missiles land close to its waters. But it differs from the US and its allies on how to rein in the North's rapidly escalating nuclear and ballistic missile program.

Backing fresh sanctions on North Korea, Russia's deputy UN ambassador Vladimir Safronkov stressed in June that "the choice here has to be made in favour of using diplomatic tools to the maximum extent possible".

But Mr Fomin had similar sentiments. "Economical restrictions should be a kind of tool to invoke North Korea to a peaceful process of resolving the dispute and conflict, and not to once again deteriorate the economic solution in North Korea," he said.

Addressing the South China Sea conflict, Mr Fomin chose his words carefully. "All states involved in territorial disagreements in the South China Sea need to adhere to the principle of the non-use of force," he said.

China - a Russian ally - has pitted itself against its smaller neighbours in claiming disputed islands, coral reefs and lagoons in the South China Sea.

AP
Police will be sharing intelligence about the London attacks with the United States - after a spat about leaked evidence about the Manchester attack.

Politicians in the US openly briefed the media on what they had been told about Manchester Arena bomber Salman Abedi and his "cell of Isis-inspired terrorists".
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UPDATED*



FIREFIGHTERS and coastguards are helping two teenagers who have become trapped on the cliff at Ventnor this afternoon (Sunday).

Coastguards using ropes are attempting to rescue the stricken pair. Both are are believed to have been uninjured in the incident which took place at the cliff path.

*The teenagers were hauled to safety by around 6.30pm. A Hampshire Fire and Rescue spokesman confirmed they were unhurt.
When Denice Harris started working at AAA, she had to wear nylons and men were required to wear ties. Now struggling to recruit employees, AAA is doing everything from allowing jeans to being flexible on the required qualifications for some positions.

Montana is facing a workforce shortage that will put the unemployment rate below 2 percent by 2025, according to predictions by the Montana Department of Labor and Industry. While DLI is trying to minimize harm to the states economy by encouraging apprenticeships and getting businesses to be more competitive with wages and work schedules, Commissioner Pam Bucy said its not enough to offset the shortage. Statistics provided by DLI say Montanas population of those 65 and older is expected to grow by approximately 7,000 people each year, while the typical working age population, people aged 16 to 64, is projected to grow by only 475 people each year.

We do not have enough human beings, Bucy said.

Businesses are starting to see symptoms of a workforce shortage and how it can impede growth. Bucy said she thinks it will encourage employers to be more aggressive in recruiting employees and getting creative to appeal to young people entering the workforce.

Harris, the vice president of Brand and Membership at AAA in Helena, said theyve eliminated a book with 200 pages of policy and spend more time emphasizing customer service.

Were trying to treat people like adults, she said. You can wear jeans whenever you would like. Just be appropriate and well-dressed enough to be in front of the public.

While a dress code might seem like it wouldnt be a big deal to potential employees, a shortage of people means applicants can be picky when choosing an employer, which forces businesses to be more accommodating. AAA is also following recommendations the Department of Labor said are proven to improve employee efficiency and prevent high turnover rates. The company updated policies on short-term disability and maternity leave and offers part-time work and flexible schedules.

Harris said she thinks theres several factors that make it particularly difficult to find employees. Since Helena isnt a traditional college town, there arent as many graduates looking for an entry-level position like the insurance and other sales jobs for which AAA is almost constantly hiring. When they do graduate from the flagship universities, Harris said its difficult to sell someone on moving to a smaller town. If they are looking for work in Helena, young people entering the workforce are less likely to want a job in sales, she said.

Were noticing that millennials dont like to sell. They look at it as slimy, she said.

All of the positions at AAA ask for at least a two or four year degree, and higher level positions require a masters degree. Harris said theyve been more willing to forego the education requirements in sales jobs if people demonstrate they can interact with clients.

But Harris said having a degree is still important. While she was finishing her masters degree at Montana State University, a professor told her it didnt matter what degree she chose as long as she had one.

It shows you can be taught, she said. In todays business world, thats so important.

Harris said low wages also keep people from taking a position or from staying long. Although AAA has increased pay over the last few years, she said applicants often say its not enough.

Weve increased our wages so that we can be competitive, Harris said. Im sure theres people out there who think were not.

Wage growth has increased in Montana over the last six years, but the state is still 20 years behind, Bucy said. Because there has always been an influx of workers, Bucy said employers have gotten away with paying people less because there was a pool of people looking for work. But thats quickly changing.

If you cant get people," Bucy said, you have to wonder if youre paying enough.

Some state legislators have been advocating for a minimum wage increase for numerous sessions, but lobbyists concerned the increase would put too much of a burden on small businesses have effectively killed the legislation each time. A bill this session to raise the minimum wage to $10.10 died in committee.

Bucy said the minimum wage conversation often results in state leaders saying the first priority should be to keep graduates from leaving the state for work. But its a misconception that the majority of educated people leave the state when its time to enter the workforce, she said. About 74 percent of two and four year college graduates are working in the state five years after they graduate. Montana does lose a higher portion of graduates with masters and doctorate degrees, however.

That absolutely has a lot to do with wages, she said.

Bucy said there is good data on cases where improving the minimum wage can both help and hurt businesses.

This is a tough catch 22, she said.

Shawn White Wolf, a manager at Helena Transportation, said hes struggled to find qualified employees for several years. The taxi, limo and tour service has enough demand to hire five to 10 employees, but White Wolf said its difficult to get eligible people in the door.

Our challenge is trying to find people who are qualified, he said. Eighty percent have tickets or DUIs or something like that.

If someone is offered a position, the minimum wage pay can be a problem.

It is difficult to make it on minimum wage, White Wolf said. But there just isnt even anybody coming in.

White Wolf said he sees signs looking to hire people all over town. Hes been attending community meetings around town trying to get people in Helena to talk about the workforce shortage. Lewis and Clark County is especially prone to a low unemployment rate due to steady government jobs that arent affected by seasonality and layoffs seen in other parts of the state.

I think weve really got to get ahead of it right now, he said. It really impedes our ability to grow.

The state is working on providing tax incentives to employers to offer apprenticeships. More people can stay in the workforce while getting trained, instead of leaving for several years for schooling.

Gov. Steve Bullock recently signed legislation to provide Montana businesses with a tax credit of $750 for every employee hired and offered training through the Montana Registered Apprenticeship unit. Businesses will receive a $1,500 credit for each veteran they hire.

He also signed a bill giving local governments the option to waive up to 75 percent of a new or growing businesses equipment tax for the first five years. Ideally, the cost savings will allow businesses to increase wages.

DLI also encourages businesses to get creative with recruitment strategies.

Now employees are looking for meaningful jobs, especially if theyre millennials, Bucy said. Instead of only talking about job qualifications and duties in descriptions, the state is crafting their government job descriptions to talk about responsibilities and potential impact an employee will have. Bucy said its made a difference, and DLI now encourages other businesses to rewrite their own job descriptions.

Other strategies, such as offering flexible hours for people who want to work part-time, increases the pool of people applying for jobs and minimizes turnover.

Bucy said she recently had a conversation with an in-home health care provider who found lasting employees by offering flexible schedules and advertising at ski areas.

They marketed their flexible schedules to outdoor people, she said. Businesses are required to be much more creative.
Kalvin Michael Smith is not free.

On Nov. 10, 2016, he was released from Forsyth Correctional Center on Cherry Street. Dressed in a white shirt and dark brown pants, he walked into the embrace of Cheryl Andrews, one of his attorneys who helped win his release, and was greeted by Jim Coleman, a co-director of the Wrongful Convictions Clinic at Duke University School of Law and Smiths longtime attorney.

Minutes later, he was whisked away to see his father, Augustus Dark, at Darks house off Reynolds Park Road. He was home, but he didnt feel free.

Smith spent nearly 20 years in prison after he was convicted of assault with a deadly weapon with

intent to kill and armed robbery in the 1995 brutal assault of Jill Marker, an assistant manager at the Silk Plant Forest store off Silas Creek Parkway. Marker was beaten so badly that she almost died and was in a coma when she gave birth to her son. Her severe brain injuries meant the one-time teacher would eventually go blind and require 24-hour care in Ohio, where she now lives.

Bud Hoisington, Markers father, opposed Smiths release and said he believes that Smith is guilty.

That guy should never get out prison, Hoisingtontold the Winston-Salem Journal in November. He doesnt deserve to get out of prison.

Smith has claimed innocence, and a five-part series produced by the Winston-Salem Journal raised questions about the Winston-Salem Police Departments investigation of the case that led to Smiths conviction, including the actions of the lead detective, Don Williams.

Smiths case is the most prominent allegation of wrongful conviction in Winston-Salem since the late Darryl Hunt was exonerated and released from prison after nearly 20 years in 2004 in the murder of Deborah Sykes, a copy editor at The Sentinel, an afternoon newspaper in Winston-Salem that closed in 1985. Hunt was accused of raping and fatally stabbing Sykes. Hunt killed himself in March 2016.

The cases of Hunt and Smith were both racially charged because they involved black men accused of violently attacking white women. The Silk Plant Forest Truth Committee, which conducted an independent review of the case, and other community activists, such as Larry Little, the Rev. Carlton Eversley and the Rev. John Mendez, have been fighting to get Smith exonerated. Students from Wake Forest University, Winston-Salem State University and Salem College sent petitions to then-N.C. Attorney General Roy Cooper, urging him to help vacate Smiths conviction.

Despite those efforts and his appeals in state and federal courts, Smith is still a convicted felon.

That conviction from 20 years ago feels like a cage, even as he walks the streets freely for the first time in years. He was released from prison on what he called a time cut  attorneys Walter Holton and Andrews filed a motion showing that his trial attorney, William Speaks, failed to present certain evidence that could have resulted in a shorter sentence. Judge Todd Burke of Forsyth Superior Court granted the motion.

Its been kind of rough, Smith said. People think I have money, but I dont have anything.

And he has had to face the added pressure of being a public figure  people recognize him everywhere he goes and some of his supporters hoped he would start speaking out against injustice in the same way Hunt did. Dark said that on the second day after Smith was released, the two went to Hanes Mall to get some clothes for him and some other items.

One guy hollered from one level of the mall to another level ... shouted, When we going to get paid; when we going to get some of that money, Dark said.

Smith just wanted to breathe.

It just seemed like everybody and everything was just trying to pull me in all kinds of directions, he said. I didnt get a chance to figure out what I was going to do. It got overwhelming. I just cut everything off.

Kalvin Michael Smith wanted to be free.

Coming home

Smith was 26 when he was convicted on Dec. 5, 1997, of Markers assault and was sentenced to a maximum of nearly 29 years.

He is 45 now.

At his fathers house, he laughs easily, but the frustration is there, close to the surface. The two joke sometimes about the things Smith still does that he picked up from prison. He wakes up early. Once, he left the room for something and his food was on the table. He told his father to watch his tray  he had been taught in prison never to leave his food unattended.

Smith has scars.

Its harder to do the time, he said. People dont understand. ... It wasnt my fault I did 20 years for something I didnt do.

He had trouble adjusting to prison. Now, he is having trouble adjusting to life outside prison walls. If it had not been for his family, including his father and his mother, Sheila LeGrande, and a number of aunts and uncles and his sister, Latrice Ballesteros, he said, he wouldnt have made it this far.

Smith said he feels that some of his supporters turned their back on him because he didnt become the kind of activist and spokesman they wanted him to be.

People dont speak to you, he said. Everybody spoke to me until they found out I was broke.

Coleman, of Dukes Wrongful Convictions Clinic, said Smith wanted to get out of prison, but the reality is that Smith is an ex-con trying to get his life together. And thats tough. Even tougher is that theres strong evidence that he didnt do the crime, he said.

He didnt receive anything for his wrongful conviction, Coleman said. They just let him out of prison with a conviction and the disabilities that go along with that.

Coleman said he told Smith and Dark that it would be hard.

Some of the people that supported Michael when he was in prison didnt appreciate how difficult it would be for him to be let out, he said. This is when he really needs help.

On March 31, Smith was shot in the back, with the bullet lodging in a space near his ribs. Police said that according to Smith, a dark-colored vehicle pulled up next to him and someone yelled, Hey. Smith took off running, thinking he was about to get robbed. He heard one shot fired. He soon collapsed.

Smith was found lying in the 900 block of North Jackson Avenue, not too far from where he grew up. He was visiting friends and family, he said. He never got a look at the shooter.

Smith was in critical condition but he soon recovered enough that within a week, he was home. These days, he moves around easily as if he had never been shot. Every now and then, he feels a stiffness near his ribs where the bullet landed.

Winston-Salem police, he said, treated him more like a perpetrator than a victim, and it took a long time to get some of his personal belongings back, including his cellphone. He soon stopped cooperating.

Assistant Police Chief Wilson Weaver said in a statement that Smith was not treated as a perpetrator and that he was asked questions that were necessary to help police identify a possible suspect and determine if Smith was targeted. When the police department got word that Smith was asking that his keys and cellphone be returned, Capt. M.D. Weaver coordinated with Holton, one of Smiths attorneys, to get them to Smith. Smiths clothing is still stored as evidence and the case is closed as inactive because there have been no additional investigative leads, Assistant Police Chief Wilson Weaver said.

Smith said he just doesnt trust the police. The last time he talked to police before he was shot, he was locked up for 20 years, he said.

Getting out of prison

Holton, a former federal prosecutor who now works in private practice, and Andrews filed the motion to get Smith released, but the behind-the-scenes work started months before. That included meetings with Forsyth County District Attorney Jim ONeill and a visit with Smith at the Forsyth Correctional Center. ONeill and David Clayton, a retired Winston-Salem assistant police chief, traveled to Ohio to explain the situation to Jill Marker and her family.

ONeill declined to comment about Smiths release or his case, referring questions to David Freedman, a Winston-Salem attorney who represented ONeill in a N.C. State Bar complaint that Coleman of the Wrongful Convictions Clinic filed against him. That complaint was dismissed.

Freedman said ONeill eventually had to declare a conflict of interest because Coleman raised allegations that Forsyth County prosecutors used an affidavit by former Winston-Salem police Officer Arnita Miles to undermine Smiths claims of innocence. Miles said in the affidavit that Marker told Miles that her assailant was a black man on the night of her 1995 assault. That contradicts Miles own police reports, in which she says Marker could not identify her attacker and was incoherent. Miles has since disavowed the affidavit.

Freedman said Colemans allegations have been rejected by state and federal courts.

I believe that if professor Coleman had spent more time researching certain issues and not more personal attacks on the justice system, Kalvin would have been released much earlier than he was, Freedman said.

Coleman disputed Freedmans contentions.

That is just total crap, he said, adding that Smiths claim is not about sentencing. His claim is about actual innocence. The idea that we would be focused on sentencing relief is just ignorance.

Smith was released because everyone agreed he should be released, Coleman said. If Holtons motion had been contested either by Forsyth County prosecutors or the N.C. Attorney Generals Office, it wouldnt have been granted, Coleman said.

What weve always wanted for Michael was for him to get out of prison on the basis of the fact that he had nothing to do with the crime, he said.

As the legal battles continue over whether his conviction will be overturned, Smith is working to live his life the best he can.

Holton said it certainly has been a struggle for Smith. He walked out of prison with a check for $45 that he couldnt cash because he didnt have a bank account. Smith hasnt had a drivers license in 20 years. Job prospects are scarce for a convicted felon.

There should have been a plan for Smith to transition back into society, Holton said.

Youre literally dumped on the street, he said.

Chris Mumma, the executive director of the N.C. Center on Actual Innocence, said the criminal justice system has yet to acknowledge Smiths wrongful conviction, and until it does, Smith wont be made whole.

Theres no question incarceration for an innocent person is 100 times more difficult than for someone who is in prison who understands why they are in prison, she said.

Smith got out on a technicality.

He didnt get to come home with the story he should have come home with  that he was falsely identified and the investigation was a biased investigation, Mumma said.

Fighting for his freedom

Inside Darks home is a sign. Against a white background, big, bold black letters say Free Kalvin Smith.

Dark always said he would take that sign down the moment his son was released from prison. Smith told his father to keep it up.

Kalvin Michael Smith is not free.

But at every turn, Smith hasnt had much luck proving his innocence.

The Silk Plant Forest Citizens Review Committee and a former FBI assistant director, Chris Swecker, produced reports raising questions about the police investigation. No physical evidence linked Smith to the crime scene.

A statement Smith gave police only says Smith was in the store, not that he assaulted Marker. Smith said he was coerced into making the statement. Lead Detective Don Williams zeroed in on Smith after Andra Wilson, a former girlfriend of Smiths, called in an anonymous tip that Smith had admitted to beating Marker. Another former girlfriend, Valerie Williams, also told police Smith confessed.

They later recanted their statements. Prosecution witness Eugene Littlejohn changed his story at least seven times and added a new detail when he took the stand in court to testify  that he and Smith went into the nearby Toys R Us store to shoplift. Williams said in a police report that no one could be identified in the video. When Smith was first questioned in July 1996, he passed a polygraph in which he denied that he assaulted Marker.

The Silk Plant Forest Citizens Review Committee, created by the Winston-Salem city council to review the police investigation, concluded that there was no credible evidence that Smith was ever at the store.

In testimony before the citizens review committee, Williams denied he did anything wrong but could not explain why he dropped Kenneth Lamoureux, a white man with a history of violence and who witnesses said was at the store on the night of the attack, as a suspect. He said he did so after Marker identified her assailant as a black man. But Lamoureux left Winston-Salem in April 1996 and Marker didnt indicate that her attacker was a black man until Oct. 31, 1996. Lamoureux died in 2011.

Williams also insisted he only viewed the video from Toys R Us once, but police reports indicated that happened in December 1995. Williams said he watched the video to corroborate Littlejohns story that he had gone into the Toys R Us while Smith assaulted Marker.

Williams said in the Journals series about the case that he wouldnt turn over certain notes to prosecutors if they were favorable to Smith. That meant that prosecutors wouldnt have certain evidence to turn over to defense attorneys. And even though Marker identified Smith as her attacker, the series raised questions about her identification and quoted medical experts, including her own doctors, who said Markers brain injuries would have made it unlikely that she would have remembered who attacked her.

Coleman said he plans to meet with North Carolinas current attorney general, Josh Stein, or someone in Steins office and present the facts of the case. He said he hopes that once he does that, Stein will do what Coleman said would be the right thing and agree to a joint motion to vacate Smiths conviction.

If that doesnt happen, Coleman plans to file an appeal  known as a motion for appropriate relief  in Forsyth Superior Court.

Our view is that the attorney general has an obligation when there has been a miscarriage of justice to take action to remedy it, he said.

Laura Brewer, a spokeswoman for the attorney generals office, said in an email that theres no pending litigation in Smiths case and that there is no role for the attorney generals office at this time.

Adjusting

Smith sometimes stays in his room all day, just sitting in a comfortable bed and watching television. Other times, he sits outside. He cant believe hes out of prison.

Its still a dream, he said.

He appreciates all the support he has received over the years but he is focusing now on getting his life straight. He wants to get to know his three adult sons (his oldest is 29 and his youngest is about to turn 20), and his three grandchildren. His oldest grandchild is 6 and then there are the twins, who are about 2, Smith said.

For a while, he was planning to attend barber school. He was scheduled to start classes at Winston-Salem Barber School but then he was shot.

After months of searching, he finally got a job. He has been working at a local restaurant for the past two weeks.

Dark, his father, said Smith has to find his own way.

However God leads him, its going to have a wonderful purpose, he said. He has to find and connect his own self.

But the biggest thing, for Smith, is getting his conviction vacated. Theyre like a weight on his back.

When I can walk down the street and people have no doubt Im innocent, Im free, he said.

Until then, Im not free.
One day last September, Harvey Godwin Jr. took a flight from the flat fields and lush pine forests of his Robeson County to Washington, D.C. He was on a mission, one an ancestor of his had helped start more than a century before, that of achieving full federal recognition for their Lumbee tribe.

Its a status that would mean the tribe would get the federal benefits they need just as much as all the other American Indian tribes that have long received those benefits for necessities such as education, housing and economic development.

Its a fight has that resonated across Indian Country nationwide. And its a battle that has long met with bigotry in our state, including from some members of the Eastern Band of the Cherokee, who have in past years hinted that Lumbee culture and bloodlines are not pure enough to be a tribe, an implication that runs counter to the carefully studied acknowledgment federal officials made back when Eisenhower was president.

In September, Godwin, a businessman who is the chairman of his tribe, proudly testified before the U.S. Senate committee on Indian Affairs. I cannot help but feel the significance of the connection today as I come before you asking for your support in empowering my people, in much the same way as my great- grandfather Quinny Godwin did as one of the original petitioners of Lumbee federal recognition in 1888, he said. I am blessed that things have come full circle today 

Godwin, the leader of his tribe since January 2016, wants to succeed where countless other Lumbee leaders and Congress members have failed. He told me in a phone interview last week that he has a feeling that this year, when his tribe needs those benefits more than ever as it fights to recover from the floods rendered by Hurricane Matthew, the fight may finally be won.

In 1956, Congress passed legislation recognizing the Lumbee, but as U.S. Rep. Robert Pittenger of Charlotte noted in a recent press release, the legislation included a terribly unfair caveat  the Lumbees were denied the benefits that every other federally recognized tribe receives.

Last month, Pittenger and Republican Sen. Richard Burr of Winston-Salem, who has fought for Lumbee recognition for years, introduced a bill that would correct that caveat. Democratic Gov. Roy Cooper is also pushing for full federal recognition for the tribe, which has about 55,000 members, mainly in southeastern North Carolina, in the Lumbee heartland of Robeson and in Scotland, Hoke and Cumberland counties.

There is big money involved. The Cherokee have long held the Indian monopoly in this state on a legalized gambling casino. Should the Lumbee finally prevail on full federal recognition and should their tribe approve a casino, the Lumbee could build one on their land near Interstate 95, a casino that could quickly become far busier than the Cherokees remote but popular casino in Western North Carolina.

But Godwin told me that would be a matter for his tribe to vote on. Whats more important, he indicated, are other benefits that would help many people in southeastern North Carolina, including the Lumbees.

Recognition is not just economic development and monies to the Lumbee, he wrote in a recent column for the Robesonian newspaper. It means better health care for our people who suffer from things like heart disease and diabetes at alarming rates. It means increased educational opportunities for our children and their children, as they work to make this world a better place for the seven generations that will come after them. It means never having to explain to our children that theyre Indian but they are not as good as other people or other Indians.

In his testimony before the Senate, Godwin said, We do not seek recognition as an entitlement fostering dependency on the federal government, rather we seek resources to help us cross the bridge towards prosperity that we have been seeking for these many years.

Godwin bristles at the discrimination his tribe has endured. For any tribe to judge another tribes Indianess is not their responsibility. He acknowledged that members of his tribe share blood with whites and African-Americans. Who doesnt? he suggested.

Indeed. His tribe has a common culture built on shared Indian traditions, such as dance and community, and a bond with the land on which theyve long lived, farming, hunting and fishing, a bond that federal researchers documented in the early 1900s. You can walk into most any convenience store in Lumbee country today, behold beautiful Lumbees, and sense that shared culture.

Ive been fortunate enough to dig a little deeper. Back in 2000, as the religion reporter for the Journal, I did a long story about American Indian spirituality and religion, spending hours in Robeson County and in Cherokee County. Both tribes had members who were Christian and others who stuck to Indian spiritual traditions. It became clear to me that both were authentic tribes.

Danielle McLean, a lawyer who is the legal and compliance officer for the tribe, told me last week that full federal recognition will mean people wont ever have to explain again why the Lumbee are different. It will take away that feeling that if youre a Lumbee, youre less than, said McLean, a tribal member.

Oppression of this fine tribe needs to end, starting with full federal recognition. Finally.
Kalvin Michael Smith was shot down on a Winston-Salem sidewalk on the last day of March. Im dying, help me, he said, a nearby resident later told the Journals Jenny Drabble.

In one sense, the 45-year-old has been dying and crying out for help for more than 20 years, since the day he talked to Winston-Salem police investigators. In a statement he later recanted, he put himself at the 1995 scene of one of the citys most notorious beatings, that of Jill Marker at the Silk Plant Forest where she worked. She was left with brain damage and remains severely disabled in her Ohio home.

When Journal reporter Wesley Young talked with Markers brother, Mark Hoisington, about Smith being in critical condition from the shooting, Hoisington said, The Lord works in mysterious ways is all I can say.

I cant see Gods hand on either side of the long tragic tale of Michael Smith and Jill Marker.

Smith is black and Marker is white, and that simple but loaded fact has until this day sunk this case into an ugly place in the citys consciousness. The case was bungled by a white detective, the long-since retired Don Williams, who let his sympathy for Marker pour into his probe of her beating. Prosecutors relied on the testimony of witnesses, most of whom have since recanted. Smith was convicted of beating Marker and shipped off to prison.

But no physical evidence has ever connected him to the crime. There is strong evidence that Smith, who always maintained his innocence (even in his recanted statement never introduced at trial, he only said he was at the scene but never said he was the assailant), didnt commit the crime. A white suspect now dead may have been the real assailant.

Smiths supporters, including the Silk Plant Forest Truth Committee and Darryl Hunt, exonerated in the high-profile 1984 murder of Deborah Sykes, stood by him and kept pushing, finding numerous holes in the case against him, even after an investigative series by Phoebe Zerwick in the Journal and probes by the Duke Innocence Project, a committee appointed by the Winston-Salem City Council and by former FBI assistant director Chris Swecker.

Smith, like most if not all prisoners, had long dreamed of his release. When I talked to him last summer at the Forsyth Correctional Center, the minimum-security prison where hed recently been transferred, he told me about the awe he felt just being transported through town on work release, staring out at all the sights. Finally, local lawyer Walter Holton led a deal this past November that got Smith freed from prison, where hed been since his 1997 conviction, because his trial lawyers didnt submit mitigating factors that would have supported a lesser sentence. It was not an exoneration, but it got him out.

Smith, of course, was jubilant. But if his apprehensiveness and anxiousness didnt set in then, it did soon enough.

Like many prisoners released after long sentences and even ones not so long, he struggled in the days after to cope with newfound freedom. I talked with him by phone a couple of times, trying to set up an interview for this column. He was receptive, but he couldnt quite make an interview time work. He did tell me, Its hard out here.

A push for exoneration for Smith has faced a tough road.

His friend Darryl Hunt had mentored many released prisoners, helping them re-adjust to freedom, or what passes for it for them. But Hunt never got a chance to mentor Smith, having taken his own life by gun in a lonely dark parking lot several months before Smiths release. He was suffering from prostate cancer and depressed, his friends told the Journal.

Its easy for those of us whove never been behind bars to judge. Maybe some men who have lived years in cages, especially those unjustly locked away, never really leave those cages behind. Maybe their hearts and souls remain locked in some dark place.

Love helps and sometimes it heals, whether that be the love of family, friends, a good woman or a good dog. But many never find such sweet comforts.

Smith was recovering by the time I put this column to bed, but the details of his shooting on North Jackson Street, near his home, were still unclear.

This much I do know: We should never forget Jill Marker. And we should never forget Michael Smith.

Their lives were ruined. Justice took a big hit, too. It should speak loudly for Jill Marker and for Michael Smith. But so far, its been sadly silent.
Its not a response you hear from most high school students.

I actually really enjoy taking tests, said Capital High graduate Caleb Noble. Sometimes you can learn a lot from tests and I like to challenge myself and see how well I can do.

The valedictorian walked across the stage Saturday having taken his final test as a high schooler and is on his way to MIT in the fall. In his time at Capital he became a decorated student and fixture in science and math clubs that earned state and national acclaims.

I enjoy learning pretty much anything, any nifty fact from matrices to German grammar, Noble said. I also really like competing and I think thats what draws me to being in math and science clubs.

While competing this year at the state conference of Health Occupations Students of America, Noble took home an unprecedented nine medals in multiple health science events. He earned gold in biomedical laboratory science and several silver and bronze medals.

As a member the math team at Capital High, Noble along with Jack Murphy, Willie Gross and Jaskrit Singh saw their paper earn one of the top two spots in the nation in the High School Mathematical Contest in Modeling. It is the first time in 19 years a Montana team has qualified for the international competition.

Noble says having the math paper qualify is probably the biggest accomplishment, but what he is most proud of is helping Capital Highs Science Olympiad team take second at state -- their highest finish ever.

The consensus around here is that he makes everyone around here better, said Capital High science teacher Sarah Urban. Hes a leader that brings out the best out of himself and everyone around him.

Noble has a humble demeanor and an uncanny ability to teach, she said, adding that he was inspiring to have as a student.

Noble credited Urban with pushing him, particularly for helping spearhead a new spring break science camp that attracted 60 participants in its first year.

I really like teaching and I also enjoy being around and teaching little kids, he said.

Noble naturally lists science as his favorite school subject with physics a top interest. The complexities of electricity and the invisible forces are something that boggle my mind, he said. Biology is also a major interest.

About a week after graduation Noble is one of two Montanans on the way to Virginia for the National Youth Science Camp.

After he returns he hopes to intern at the Montana Department of Environmental Quality to learn more about applying math in solving and tracking in the environment, such as predicting water quality.

Then it is off to the prestigious MIT, which he is looking forward to but says he has some nerves.

My entire life Ive really benefited from Helena Public Schools, Noble said, recalling when the district allowed him to bus from elementary to middle school for more advanced math classes. From there it really started me finding my passion for math and science, and more recently Ive been able to work really closely alongside some great math and science teachers.
On November 10, 1919, the US Supreme Court ruled in Abrams v. United States that the federal government could criminalize speech if it was of a type tending to bring about harmful results, in this case resistance to the United States war effort. In a powerful dissenting opinion, Justice Oliver Wendell Holmes countered that even during wartime, free speech could only be curtailed when there was clear and "present danger of immediate evil or an intent to bring it about."



Read more on the clear and present danger test by Professor Douglas Linder of the University of Missouri-Kansas City School of Law.
The California State Assembly [official website] passed a bill [text] on Thursday with the bare minimum 41 out of 80 votes [vote count] that, if passed by the Senate, will prohibit state and local authorities from assisting federal agencies in the enforcement of marijuana laws without a court order. Assemblyman Reggie Jones-Sawyer [official website], who authored and introduced the bill, says [LA Times report] the law is necessary because [p]rohibiting [Californias] state and local law enforcement agencies from expending resources to assist federal intrusion of California-compliant cannabis activity reinforces the will of our states voters who overwhelmingly supported Proposition 64. Many opponents of the bill, including Republican lawmakers and local law enforcement leaders, have criticized the proposed legislation. An official statement [text] from the California State Sheriffs Association (CSSA) in response to lawmakers trend toward legalization says that California Sheriffs strongly reject the notion that marijuana is harmless Our message is clear: marijuana is a dangerous drug and California should not legitimize its use. Donny Youngblood, president of the CSSA, is critical of the current non-cooperation bill [LA Times report], calling the legislation quite offensive to law enforcement.

As more states have enacted legislation legalizing marijuana, many lawmakers have become concerned by the anti-marijuana policies promoted by Attorney General Jeff Sessions [official profile]. Before Sessionss confirmation, Hilary Bricken of the Canna Law Group [advocacy website] wrote [JURIST op-ed] about how the Trump administration could impact the status of cannabis at the state level. In April, marijuana advocates at an annual gathering in Washington D.C. discussed [NPR report] their uneasiness with Sessions positions. Elsewhere in North America, marijuana legalization has become a priority. The Mexico Chamber of Deputies [official website] approved [JURIST report] a bill in April allowing the use, production and distribution of marijuana for medical and scientific purposes. Also in April Wisconsin Governor Scott Walker [official website] signed [JURIST report] Senate Bill 10, legalizing the medicinal use of a marijuana extract, into law. In March a government official from Canada announced [JURIST report] the countrys intention to legalize recreational marijuana by July 2018.
[JURIST] President Donald Trump [official profile] made a series of tweets [Twitter page] on Saturday to profess the need for his travel ban stemming from the London attack [Reuters report]. Trump also phoned British Prime Minister Theresa May [official website] to offer condolences and give support if Britain would need it, according [Reuters report] to a White House statement. Currently seven people have died from the Saturday night attack as a van drove into crowds of pedestrians on the London Tower Bridge. Three men then proceeded to get out of the vehicle and stabbed people in nearby bars before they were shot dead by police. British PM May released a statement [Reuters report] early Sunday stating that the attack was believed to be terrorism and that Britain must revise their counter-terrorism strategy. This is the third attack in the UK in two months.

Earlier this week the Trump administration filed a petition [JURIST report] to ask the Supreme Court to temporarily lift injunctions that block the presidents executive order suspending visa issuance to individuals traveling to the US from six Muslim-majority countries. Since the original travel ban [JURIST op-ed] was signed, states and lower courts have fought against it. Many states have filed a lawsuit [JURIST report] opposing the ban. Early in February the order faced opposition [JURIST report] from former government employees and private individuals. In March a federal court judge in Wisconsin issued a restraining order against the travel ban [JURIST report] for one Syrian asylum seeker and his family. Thirteen states came out in support of the revised travel ban [JURIST report] by filing a brief with the court stating that the president lawfully acted in the interest of national security.
[JURIST] The United Nations Security Council [official website] decided on Friday to expand [press release] existing sanctions placed on Democratic Peoples Republic of Korea (North Korea) and applied those sanctions to 14 individuals and four organizations. The expansion of resolution 1718 (2006) [text] will impose an asset freeze and travel ban on those that new resolution 2356 (2017) [text] names as being involved in North Koreas alleged nuclear program. North Koreas biggest ally and permanent member of the Security Council, China voted for the resolution [Reuters report] after negotiations and consistent pressure from the United States, the sponsor of the bill. The Councils unanimous decision was positive to the United States, but U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations Nikki Haley [official profile] told the council that the U.S. will continue to work towards peace and security, but [b]eyond diplomatic and financial consequences, the United States remains prepared to counteract North Korean aggression through other means, if necessary.

North Koreas actions towards nuclear capability worry many around the world and is leading toward actions against North Korea [JURIST op-ed]. In May North Korea launched [JURIST report] a short range missile, creating strain in the reunification efforts with South Korea. The same day Moon Jae-in was sworn in as the nineteenth president of South Korea he sought international assistance [JURIST report] with North Korean weapons threats. Back in February Japans Prime Minister Shinzo Abe and US President Donald Trump appeared in a joint press conference in Palm Beach, Florida, strongly condemning [JURIST report] a North Korean ballistic missile test.
President Trump just announced that the U.S. is going to withdraw from the Paris climate accord. For a president who has promised to put America first and bring jobs back to America, this move is incredibly shortsighted and counter to his stated goals. Because now as we join the two other countries who have not signed on to the accords  Syria and Nicaragua  we will find ourselves an international outlier, and an outlaw who has no regard for the future of our planet. But because Trump promised he would do it, and it appeals to his base, thats all the justification needed in Trumps very simple view of the world. His promises to that base will surely ring hollow as the new energy economy, that we were at the forefront of, will leave the U.S. behind as international partners and businesses shy away from such an unreliable partner. And those coal jobs he promised? They arent coming back. Trump might as well have just doubled down on buggy whips on the eve of the automobile era. Our childrens children will look back and wonder just how this great nation could elect someone so utterly unfit to lead the country and set an example for the world.
DECATUR  Talia McGee is a little young to know what she wants to do with her life just yet, but her daddy knows what he hopes she'll do.

Her daddy is an engineer, and he wants her to be one, too, said Talia's mom, Andrea.

The two had intended to visit Scovill Zoo on Thursday, but when McGee saw the full parking lot, she took her daughter next door to the Children's Museum of Illinois. That's where PNC Bank's Grow Up Great traveling exhibit was making a stop.

It was pure coincidence, said McGee, who hadn't known about the event beforehand. Talia is 15 months old and a curious little girl, so it was a good fit for her.

One of the activities was to dress up as a profession to which the child aspires, and since Talia was already wearing an astronaut T-shirt, she dressed as an astronaut. Photos were taken in front of a green screen, and photos were taken with the appropriate background. Talia's made her look as if she were in space.

The children's museum, which is dedicated to activities much like the ones in the Grow Up Great traveling exhibit, was happy to host the event, said Abby Koester, director of education.

They go all over the country, and we were glad to have them here, she said.

Grow Up Great began in Central Illinois in 2008, said Jenna Wiesner, director of client and community relations for the bank. In 2011, PNC made a grant of $30,000 to the museum to support early childhood education.

At that time, Regional President Doug Stewart said early childhood education has been shown to make a significant difference in a child's school success and, he said, that's why PNC wanted to help preschool-age children.

The activities on Thursday required parent-child interaction, and Wiesner said that was an important component. Parents are children's first and most influential teachers. Grow Up Great events are held in 22 states.

At the beginning of the series of activities, children can find out, with parents' help, what a butterfly eats, where pandas live and other interesting facts. Children are given a word of the day and asked if they know what it means. Thursday's word was unique.

I tell them it means one-of-a-kind or special, said Christine Smith, one of the PNC volunteers. Then I ask them what makes them special.

If the kids require a bit of prompting to think of what makes them special, she helps. When two little boys turned shy at the question, she asked the older boy how old his little brother is. At his answer, 1, she told him he's a good big brother and that makes him special.

All the activities included local PNC employees, who are encouraged to volunteer for such activities as a way to stay connected to the community.
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The young woman in my clinic, whom Ill call Nicole, was 8 months pregnant with her third child. It should have been a joyous time  but she was in a county jail. Nicole was awaiting trial for a misdemeanor, and while a judge had set bail, she couldnt afford to pay it.

Im a public health researcher and physician in the Los Angeles County Jails, the largest jail system in the country. I met Nicole when she sought out a doctor to treat her acid reflux. Yet, mostly I just listened as she shared with me how much she missed her children.

Sadly, Nicoles story is all too familiar.

The historical function of jails was to detain people who are a danger to public safety or a flight risk while awaiting trial. Today, jails confine too many people who are neither, simply because they cant afford to pay bail. Californias money bail system locks up low-income people, regardless of risk or the nature of their misconduct while they await trial. In fact, 3 out of 5 people in California jails are awaiting trial or sentencing. This system is not only unjust, it also harms the health and well-being of people held pre-trial, their families, and their communities.

What happens to my patients in jails? People with physical health problems like diabetes and high blood pressure often get sicker when faced with poor food options, restricted physical activity, and the stress of incarceration.

Similarly, an alarmingly high proportion of my patients suffer from serious mental illness and addiction. But jail is far from the ideal place to treat these conditions. Researchers have found that people with mental illness and substance use disorders do better when they are treated in the community rather than in correctional facilities. My colleagues and I do our best to care for them, but rehabilitation can only go so far when the threats of psychological, physical, and sexual violence loom large. Moreover, we cannot protect people like Nicole from the despair of being cut off from their families, jobs, and communities.

Each year, an estimated 1,000 people die while incarcerated in local jails, and a majority are being held pre-trial. People in jail without a conviction have nearly twice the mortality rate of people who have been convicted and are serving their sentence. The shock of sudden isolation and insecurity can prove unbearable. Suicide is the leading cause of mortality in jails, accounting for 35 percent of deaths. Even short periods of jail time can be fatal  the average time in jail for a person who commits suicide is just 9 days.

Parental incarceration also has far-reaching effects on children  a phenomenon that researchers call the collateral damage of confinement. Research shows that nearly 80 percent of women in jail are mothers like Nicole, and the majority are single parents. Like many mothers, Nicole worried about how her children were doing in school, and whether they felt abandoned in her absence.

For children, the emotional consequences of being separated from their parents is compounded by the economic hardship of losing a primary caregiver, all of which can mean children are less likely to succeed in school and more likely to get involved in the criminal justice system themselves. Researchers have found that having an incarcerated parent, even for a short period of time, is a unique adverse childhood experience linked to multiple poor health outcomes including substance use, depression, and even early death.

Is this a fair cost for Nicole, for her children, and ultimately for us as a society to bear, merely because she cannot buy her way out of jail?

To be sure, California needs a system that preserves public safety and ensures that people who have been charged with a crime appear in court. The California Money Bail Reform Act, two identical bills currently making their way through the state legislature, would do just that, building on successful reforms in other states and in some counties here in California.

Money bail harms tens of thousands of Californians. Reforming this system is a crucial public health issue. As a physician, I took a Hippocratic Oath to first, do no harm. Our legislators can do the same by reforming money bail and keeping people like Nicole out of jail in the first place.

Lello Tesema is an internal medicine physician. This article originally appeared in California Health Report.

Image credit: Shutterstock.com
DECATUR  Jim McClarey was thumbing through his Winter 2016 Blackburn College magazine while in his Primrose Retirement Community apartment in Decatur. As a 1953 graduate, he had been receiving the bi-annual publication for years.

He was surprised when he found an article featuring the unveiling ceremony of an 18-by-4-foot long mural, a piece of artwork he created more than 60 years earlier.

It was a semester project I did on the history and purpose of Blackburn, McClarey said.

McClary read about the unveiling in the magazine and learned the college was unable to find him.

But I was on the mailing list for Blackburn, he said with a shrug.

After he discovered the article, he wrote a letter to the Blackburn president John Comerford.

We knew Jim was out there, but we had lost track of him, Comerford said. There were several attempts to reach him.

The large painting had become popular again after it was rediscovered by another alumni. Bonnie Changstrom-Simon graduated from Blackburn College in 1941. Since McClarey and Changstrom-Simon graduated eight years apart, she had never seen the grand painting. One day during a tour of her alma mater, she found the artwork hanging in an obscure classroom.

She saw my Blackburn mural and thought, that's not the place it ought to be, McClarey said.

The painting was created to show the vision of Blackburn, a liberal arts college in Carlinville, and their emphasis of people working together. According to Comerford, the painting was originally displayed in the faculty lounge.

McClarey remembers his art professor at the time was happy to have the painting displayed, no matter where they hung it.

He didn't negotiate enough with whoever was in charge, McClarey said.

The young art student was disappointed by the placement of the painting. He believed it was hidden in a place few could see it.

I had put my heart into that mural, he said.

McClary was an A-student majoring in art and president of the art club while in school. His plans were to become a cartoonist. He graduated from Blackburn, but felt a call to ministry. He began as a United Methodist minister in 1962. He and his wife Kay served in several churches throughout Central Illinois before their retirement 40 years later. Although his career choice had changed, McClarey continued to create art with sculptures and caricatures.

During Blackburn's renovations in the 1980s, the school moved the mural into storage, eventually hanging it in a bookstore and the final classroom. Throughout its time at the college, the painting was damaged in vulnerable areas.

The paint had been rubbed off and had holes, Comerford said.

Changstrom-Simon offered to finance the restoration of the mural. Blackburn students built a box for transportation and hired a truck to send it to a restoration company in St. Louis. The process began in spring 2016 with the unveiling during the September homecoming.

We celebrated with Bonnie, but without Jim, Comerford said.

After McClarey reached out to the college, he and his family were invited to see the mural and its new prominent display in the lobby of Bothwell Conservatory of Music.

That helped me with one of my main life disappointments, he said.

Since his visit, McClarey has begun reconnecting with his college including planning another trip with Primrose residents and administration. He has also begun writing a book about the history and influences of Blackburn.

It has been a real bright spot in his life right now, Comerford said. He really wants his friends to learn about the college.
CAIRO, June 4 (Reuters) - Average yields on Egypt's three-month and nine-month treasury bills dipped at auction on Sunday, data from the central bank showed. The average yield on the 266-day bill dipped to 20.366 percent from 20.478 percent at the last sale. The yield on the 91-day bill fell to 20.338 percent from 20.519 percent in the previous auction.

(Reporting by Arwa Gaballa; Editing by Catherine Evans)

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.
Today

US beat NZ and UK

NZ lost to US

UK beat Japan and lost to US

Japan lost to UK

Sweden beat France

France lost to Sweden

Overall results

US won 8 lost 2

NZ won 8 lost 2

Sweden won 5 lost 5

UK won 4 lost 6

Japan won 3 lost 7

France won 2 lost 6

Points

US 9 NZ 8 UK 6 Sweden 5 Japan 3 France 2

So what this means is:

France is knocked out of the competition NZ get to pick who they race in the challenger semi-finals In the Americas Cup, Oracles opponent will start at -1

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Fascination remains with a beardless Abraham Lincoln.

People packed a room at Rock Springs Nature Center to overflowing March 24 to hear Macon County Historian Mark Sorensen give a presentation on portraits from that period in his life. But first the crowd had to listen to the Friends of Lincoln Trail Homestead State Park and Memorial, whose mission is to elevate Lincolns first home in Illinois to its rightful place in history.

Unfortunately, our 16th president was not photographed until he was past 35 and had been living in what would become the Land of Lincoln for more than 15 years.

And what of the decades that came before 1830, when Thomas and Sarah Bush Lincoln and their blended family settled along the banks of the Sangamon River near modern-day Harristown?

That question led my husband and me to go a bit out of our way recently on a return trip home so we could roughly retrace the familys journey from Kentucky to Indiana before reaching Macon County, Illinois.

Kentucky origins

Our first stop was Sinking Spring Farm near Hodgenville, Ky., where on Feb. 12, 1809, Abraham Lincoln was born in newly constructed log cabin along the south fork of Nolin Creek. The spot is marked by a columned memorial building, dedicated in 1911, that encloses a restored log cabin dating to the early 1800s.

Steps up to the front were closed for construction during our visit, but a handicapped accessible ramp that winds around the back got us there just fine.

A nearby visitor center at Abraham Lincoln Birthplace National Historical Park offers not only what little is known about Lincolns ancestors and the familys life there but also the reason they stayed only two years: Land title disputes that would eventually drive them from Kentucky altogether.

In 1811, they moved 10 miles northeast to Knob Creek, the more fertile and picturesque farm that formed the backdrop for some of Lincoln's earliest memories. There we encountered outdoor storyboards telling about the death of his brother Thomas in infancy, the start of his limited schooling and how a playmate reportedly saved young Abe from drowning in the creek.

Most of Lincolns own recollections, according to David Herbert Donalds 1995 biography, were about working a seven-acre field with his father. Thomas Lincoln would plant corn and his son would come behind and place two pumpkin seeds in every other hill on every other row.

This is also likely where the future president saw slaves in chains being marched to market along the Old Cumberland Trail.

Dont pass this up, even though the investment at Knob Creek is relatively small compared to Sinking Spring, an irony not lost on us after Lincoln Trail Homesteads slide into obscurity in Illinois. Lincolns home until age 7, the place gives you a feel for his formative years like no other can.

Indiana roots

Later that day and early the next, we covered the 128 miles the Lincolns traveled in 1816 to find a farm in Indiana to which they could get clear title.

Lincoln Boyhood National Memorial, created at the 160-acre farm the family claimed near Little Pigeon Creek, is situated near present-day Lincoln City.

It features a pioneer cemetery where Lincolns mother Nancy Hanks Lincoln was laid to rest after her death from milk sickness in 1818, a site memorial marking where the family put up a log cabin in 1829, a living history farm and a well-equipped visitor center.

Pigeon Creek is also where Thomas Lincoln created a new family by marrying a Kentucky widow and mother of three named Sarah Bush Johnston, where Abrahams older sister Sarah married and died in childbirth and where his love of books flourished as his hatred for backbreaking farm work grew.

Donalds most telling description of Lincoln during this time is that the young man was entirely unconscious of his peculiar appearance in buckskin pants that were way too short:

He would rapidly gather the other students around him, cracking jokes, telling stories, making plans  In their eyes he was clearly exceptional, and he carried away from his brief schooling the self-confidence of a man who has never met his intellectual equal.

In 1828, Lincoln also made his first trip down the Mississippi River to New Orleans with the local shopkeepers son, further opening his eyes to the plague of slavery and the wider world.

Far in the future

As for Lincolns famous beard, that seed apparently not planted until he was running for president in 1859 and admirers suggested it would make him look more distinguished.

He didnt let his whiskers grow, however, until after the election and kept that look throughout his presidency.
Benito Bengzon, undersecretary of the Philippines' Department of Tourism, speaks during an interview with The Korea Times at the 32nd Korea World Travel Fair at the COEX in southern Seoul, Friday. / Courtesy of Route & Global Com



By Kim Bo-eun

Southeast Asia is a popular vacation destination for Koreans, due to its proximity and relatively low cost.

The Philippines is one of the favored choices _ 1.4 million Koreans visited the country last year, accounting for 25 percent of all tourists to the island state.

What differentiates the Philippines from other neighboring countries is the diversity it has to offer, according to Benito Bengzon, undersecretary of the Philippines' Department of Tourism.

"The country consists of thousands of islands _ so for a resort experience you can go to Boracay; if you like mountains, Davao; and to see its colonial heritage and Spanish houses, Iloilo," Bengzon said in an interview with The Korea Times in Seoul, Friday.

He was here as head of the Philippines' delegation to the 32nd Korea World Travel Fair (KOFTA) held Thursday through Sunday at the COEX in southern Seoul.

Bengzon said the country also boasts geological diversity.

"In Bohol, you have limestone cliffs which turn brown in the summer, in Davao primary forests with big trees and in Ilocos sand dunes seen in desert areas," he said.

With greater air connectivity within the Philippines, tourists are able to visit several of these attractions on one trip, Bengzon added. The Philippines has the highest low-cost carrier penetration rate in the world.

Meanwhile, for Korean parents, the Philippines is also a destination for ESL programs.

"We not only offer value for money _ another advantage is that Filipinos are able to teach English from the perspective of a non-native speaker," Bengzon said.

English is an official language in the Philippines along with Tagalog, but Filipinos learn their native language first and then learn English when they begin institutionalized education.

However, concerns have grown over safety risks, due to recent shooting incidents. An incident in a Manila casino Friday left 36 people dead.

With regards to the issue, Bengzon said "We are committed to make sure that we remain a peaceful and stable destination. Security measures will be taken to prevent such incidents in the future."

"We have always regarded Korea as a strong, reliable partner and in tourism we would like to work more closely and strengthen our relationship," he said.

KOFTA is Korea's largest travel fair, in which around 500 institutions and businesses from 60 countries take part each year.
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Chef Laurent Dallet and patissiere Lee Hyun-hee pose after an interview at Monsant de Aewol in Jeju. / Korea Times photo by Yun Suh-young





Engineer, bank clerk become chef, patissiere

By Yun Suh-young

JEJU _ Living a life without passion is equivalent to living a life like the walking dead.

For some, keeping a job that they're not passionate about is no problem as long as it's stable and steady. For others, it's a pain that needs to be endured. While those who find it suitable to live a mundane life keep it as it is, those who don't find it enough follow their passion and take a bold turn.

Laurent Dallet and Lee Hyun-hee are of the latter.

"I had a comfortable job. The pay was good, conditions were good too. But there was not a lot of satisfaction," said Dallet, an engineer-turned-chef who cooks for the French Embassy in Seoul and simultaneously runs his own restaurant Le Chef Bleu next to it in Chungjeongno.

Dallet was an engineer who worked for French telecom company Bouygues for 10 years and was with Renault Europa before that. After working 15 years in this profession, he decided he'd had enough.

"During the last few years of my job, I was working at the QS (quality of service) department and I had to deal with all the crises. I was on duty 24/7 and I couldn't control anything but had to solve problems. It was very frustrating. When the service was back, nobody would say thank you. People don't really thank an engineer when you repair a computer," he said during an interview with The Korea Times on Jeju Island, in May, where he attended the Jeju Food and Wine Festival.

He decided to take a one year sabbatical from work and visit New York, a place he had always wanted to go to.

"Three years before taking the vacation, I had watched a program called Ecole de Chef which was about the International Culinary Center (French Culinary Institute at the time) in New York. I had this in my mind but I didn't think of it at that time. Three years later when I wanted to have a break, I said, 'Why not that school?'" said Dallet.

"I liked to cook anyway. Whenever we had parties, I was in charge and I really enjoyed that. But everybody thought I was crazy -- why would a Frenchman learn French cuisine in New York?"

Temporarily setting aside his dream of opening a small auberge in his country, Dallet and his wife Lee Mi-ryung audaciously got on board for an unexpected journey.

After nine months of culinary school, he was luckily hired by the Consulate General of France in New York where he worked until 2012, when he moved to Seoul with his wife.

"When I changed my profession, I was 39 years old," he said.

"The reason why I switched to cooking was when you cook, you can control what's happening. If something happens, you have a way of dealing with it. I could control everything around my kitchen. And when I deliver dishes and meals, most of the time, people are satisfied."

The satisfaction factor was also the reason why patissiere Lee Hyun-hee quit her routine job to take on risk.

"Ten years ago when I was 28, I worked for the data processing team at a bank. It was a team that people were jealous of but I didn't feel rewarded. It didn't feel like my compensation met up to my achievements. We didn't even have the opportunity for promotion. Also, I was a contract worker while my friends who had similar grades came in as regular employees. It felt unfair," said Lee, owner patissiere of Dessertree, now a popular dessert cafe in the posh district of Cheongdam-dong, Seoul, which serves French desserts in courses.

"The job itself was enjoyable and it fit me well, but it wasn't satisfying or challenging. I could imagine a stable future but it wasn't right. I wanted to find something better before I got older," she said.

"After three years at the bank, I dreamed of opening my own cafe. I wanted to be a CEO baking my own cakes. I was also interested in cooking. So initially I thought of a brunch cafe. To do that I would need some professional training, which was why I decided to go to culinary school."

Lee attended Le Cordon Bleu in Paris to learn the art of making pastry properly from the country that was home to haute cuisine. Because she had a concrete dream, she was determined and focused, and didn't waste time.

"When I quit my job, after four years, I was 28. I was not ready at all when I went to Paris. I didn't speak the language. I took intensive French classes for six months to be in the school program," she said.

"After seven months of school, I started work immediately. I couldn't delay because the longer it took to learn, I would need more money. So I applied to only places I thought would accept me and I got accepted buy all of them, including Joel Robuchon."

Lee decided to work at a now-defunct Michelin two-star restaurant called Le Divellec.

"I wanted to learn restaurant management and operations. So I did everything from placing orders to sales. I gained a lot of confidence from that experience. I also learned the basics of dessert because it was a really classic restaurant," she said.

Then she worked at Le Pershing Hall, a hotel on the Champs-Elysees, before returning to Seoul in 2011. When she returned, she opened her own dessert cafe which was revolutionary because it was the first cafe in the city to serve desserts as if they were French full course meals.

"When I worked at the hotels in Paris, there was always a sequence to the dishes, even for desserts. When I came back to Korea, I was appalled by the dried up desserts displayed in the showcases. I hated it. I wanted to serve fresh desserts that were made on the spot," said Lee.

"So I hit off with the desserts when the order came in. I knew it would work with Korean women and indeed it did."
North Korea has been in the spotlight at the forum here of top defense officials from around the world, reflecting increased global concern about its military threats, officials here said Sunday.



"The biggest characteristics of the session this time is that more attention has been paid to the North Korean nuclear and missile issue than in the previous ones," said South Korean Defense Minister Han Min-koo.



The policymaker is leading Seoul's defense delegation to the 16th Asia Security Summit, better known as the Shanggri-La Dialogue (SLD), named after the hotel in this city-state used for its venue.



It's the third straight year that Han is attending the conference as South Korea's defense chief and his last.



The minister is expected to be replaced soon in a Cabinet shake-up by the nation's new leader Moon Jae-in.



This year's SLD was joined by some 23 ministerial-level delegates and 12 chiefs of the defense force, as well as senior defense officials and academics from more than 40 countries, according to the International Institute for Strategic Studies (IISS), a British think tank that has been organizing the gathering.



With the three-day forum set to end Sunday, Han said many participating countries have had "in-depth" consultations on the seriousness of the North Korea issue, the importance of closer international cooperation, and the need for China to play an active role in addressing the problem.



"It shows that the international community... perceives North Korea's threats as not only a Korean Peninsula issue but also a direct challenge to the entire world," Han said.



The nuclear-armed North fired nine ballistic missiles of various types this year alone.



Experts agreed that its threats are getting out of control.



"North Korea's testing tempo of increasingly powerful nuclear and missile capabilities has triggered no end of alarmist reactions. There are no good policy options for dealing with North Korea," said Mark Fitzpatrick, a senior researcher at the IISS.



In contrast, the focus on the territorial spat over the South China Sea, another hot topic in the SLD, has been less intense amid a low-key approach by Chinese delegates.



Han said North Korea was also at the top of the agenda in separate talks with his American, Japanese, Australian, Indonesian, Canadian and New Zealand counterparts on the sidelines of the conference.



In a bilateral meeting with US Secretary of Defense Jim Mattis on Saturday, the minister delivered the Moon Jae-in administration's position on the Terminal High Altitude Area Defense (THAAD) system being installed in Korea.



They reached an "understanding" on the issue despite a political controversy in South Korea about it.



Han and Mattis also held trilateral talks with Japan's Defense Minister Tomomi Inada.



The three regional powers agreed to hold more combined defense drills against North Korea's military threats and promote related information sharing, according to their joint press statement.



But Han had no bilateral meeting with China's top delegate, Lt Gen He Lei, vice president of the People's Liberation Army (PLA) Academy of Military Sciences, due to their hectic schedules.



Meanwhile, the Pentagon chief used his speech at a plenary session to provide details of the Donald Trump administration's Asia security policy.



He assured that the US remains committed to strengthening ties with regional allies, forging closer partnerships with other countries and bolstering its military capabilities in the region.



Currently, 60 percent of all US naval ships, 55 percent of army forces, and about two-thirds of fleet marine forces are deployed to the Asia-Pacific region.



"Soon, 60 percent of overseas tactical aviation assets will be assigned to this theater," he pointed out.



It was a clear message to Asia that the Trump administration, known for the "America First" mantra, is not turning away from the region, although it avoids using such symbolic expressions as "Asia re-balancing" and "Asia pivot."



Last week, Trump announced his withdrawal from the Paris climate change accord. He earlier declared Washington's pullout from the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP) trade deal. (Yonhap)




By Kim Bo-eun







The Agriculture Ministry raised its avian influenza alert level Sunday and ordered a nationwide ban on the selling of raw chicken at markets starting today.



The measure comes after a suspected outbreak of the virus on Jeju Island and in Gunsan, North Jeolla Province. This follows the nation's worst outbreak over the winter, which resulted in the culling of a record 33 million birds.



Concern has been growing over the possibility the disease may spread to the entire country during the summer, thus leading to another massive culling of chickens and ducks, and a second spiraling of prices of poultry products and eggs.



According to the ministry, a small poultry farm in Jeju City, Jeju Island, bought five silkie chickens from a traditional market there May 27, but they all died two days later. On Friday, the farm confirmed the deaths of three additional chickens, prompting it to file a report of suspected bird flu.



Authorities confirmed it was the H5N8 strain but have yet to determine whether it is highly pathogenic.



The silkie chickens were from a farm in Gunsan which breeds around 15,000 birds a year. The chickens were sold at a Jeju market after being kept at another farm on the island.



The Gunsan farm was found to have also sold silkie chickens to farms in Paju, Gyeonggi Province, and Yangsan, South Gyeongsang Province.



Chickens at the farm in Paju tested positive for avian influenza in a simple test.



The ministry culled 30,000 chickens at 19 farms on Jeju, and in Gunsan, Paju and Yangsan.



It has yet to identify the route in which the chickens at the Gunsan farm were infected.



The Gunsan farm had its poultry undergo a bird flu test in March, and they tested negative.



Avian flu outbreaks usually occur during the winter or spring, when migratory birds fly in from China.



It is rare for the virus to be found in the summer, because it does not endure high temperatures and humidity.



Although the H5N8 strain does not spread as fast as the H5N6 strain, which was rampant in winter, it has a long incubation period.



Additional outbreaks of avian influenza could drive up the prices of chickens and eggs, which have already surged due to the earlier winter outbreak, further.



If the ministry confirms the strains from the Jeju and Gunsan farms are highly pathogenic, it will raise the avian flu alert to the highest level and strengthen disinfection measures.




By Kim Rahn



A high-profile Japanese official said Saturday that the former sexual slavery issue has been fully resolved following the 2015 deal between Korea and Japan, and that Tokyo has carried out its duty fully according to the agreement.



The stance is different from Korea's, as many Koreans do not accept the deal emotionally as President Moon Jae-in said earlier.



During the Park Geun-hye administration, Korea and Japan reached a verbal agreement to resolve the issue "finally and irreversibly" in exchange for Japan providing 1 billion yen to help the Korean victims of its wartime sexual enslavement. But many in Korea opposed the deal for failing to reflect the victims' opinions.



"The two nations reached a final agreement on the issue," Japan's Defense Minister Tomomi Inada said via a translator during a session at the Shangri-La Dialogue in Singapore. "According to the final deal, Japan carried out its role and duty fully."



She urged the two countries to make more future-oriented efforts to resolve other issues and develop a better relationship.



The remark may aim at blocking the possibility for any renegotiation of the agreement as Korea's new government is not happy with the deal.



In a phone call with Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe right after his inauguration, Moon said most Koreans do not accept the deal. "Japanese leaders should inherit and respect the statements made by their predecessors, including the Kono Statement (that acknowledged that the Japanese military forced women into sexual slavery)," Moon said at that time.



He also said some parts of the issue involved the private sector that limits any government actions, referring to the girl statues, the symbol of the victims, standing in front of the Japanese Embassy in Seoul and its consulate in Busan. Japan has demanded the removal of the statues.



Although Moon did not mention renegotiating or scrapping the agreement, he again delivered the negative sentiment to Japanese officials including Abe via his special envoy to the country, Rep. Moon Hee-sang of the ruling Democratic Party of Korea.








By Lee Kyung-min







The prosecution is seeking to issue a new arrest warrant for Chung Yoo-ra, the daughter of Choi Soon-sil, the central figure in the influence-peddling and corruption scandal that removed former President Park Geun-hye from office. The prosecution plans to summon Chung again for questioning this week.



Officials at the Seoul Central District Prosecutors' Office are reportedly seeking to add new charges of obstruction of business, obstruction of justice, siphoning away criminal assets, violating the law on foreign currency and bribery against Chung.



The move came after Seoul Central District Court rejected the prosecution's request to arrest Chung, early Saturday, saying it was difficult to recognize the reason and the need for her arrest.



The court's decision was taken to mean it acknowledged that Chung was involved in the alleged crimes, but not deep enough for it to issue the warrant.



It virtually deemed the primary offender was Choi, with Chung's role being minimal, and that her arrest was unnecessary as enough evidence has already been secured.



However, the prosecution is likely to increase its efforts to put her behind bars, as what Chung unwittingly tells to prosecutors could prove to be crucial in the trials of Choi, former President Park and Samsung Electronics Vice Chairman Lee Jae-yong. They have all been indicted on bribery charges. Chung, a former dressage competitor, has allegedly been the core beneficiary of the business group's financial support for her equestrian practice overseas.



The prosecution will also take into account that Chung is the symbolic figure in the influence-peddling scandal that includes admissions and grading irregularities at Ewha Womans University that benefited her, and the alleged conspiracy with her mother to receive bribes from Samsung.



Should Chung become free of any punitive measures, criticism is inevitable given that the school's key faculty members and its former president were all indicted over the suspected granting of illicit favors to Chung.



The school's former President Choi Kyung-hee, former admissions officer Namkung Gon, dean of physical education Kim Kyung-sook and media studies professor Lyou Chul-gyun, whose penname is Lee In-hwa, were all indicted along with Choi Soon-sil.



The prosecution is expected to investigate further to prove that Chung was actively engaged in or conspired with her mother in a string of other criminal activities.



The prosecution did not seem daunted by the district court's rejection Saturday given the second arrest warrant sought for Samsung Electronics Vice Chairman Lee Jae-yong by the independent counsel-led team was issued after the first one was rejected.



Chung has so far denied any knowledge of the allegations raised against her, saying that she did not know about the relationship between her mother and former President Park. She added she thought it was unfair for her to take responsibility for what happened between the two.



Her stance is largely considered a defense strategy for her upcoming trial, as consistent denial of any knowledge about allegations will help her deny responsibility and avoid subsequent punishment.




People celebrate the opening of the newly paved "Path of Mother" walkway in Ojukheon, Gangneung, Gangwon Province, Saturday, where prominent Confucian scholar and statesman Yulgok Yi I and his mother Sin Saimdang were born. Yonhap



Gangneung opens Path of Mother'

By Lee Kyung-min

Gangneung City, Gangwon Province, held an event Saturday to celebrate the opening of the newly paved "Path of Mother" walkway in Ojukheon where prominent Confucian scholar and statesman Yulgok Yi I and his mother Sin Saimdang were born.

The participants in the event walked the 1.5-kilometer path between Ojukheon, where a monument indicating the beginning of the walkway will be erected, and Samojeong Park.

After the participants arrive at the park, various cultural performances took place including poem recitals, choir singing and samulnori (a Korean traditional percussion quartet).

This is the first time to designate a walkway as a key cultural asset symbolizing "hyo," or filial piety, a virtue of respect for one's parents, elders and ancestors in Confucian philosophy. The naming of the walkway was decided in November last year, on the occasion of the 512th anniversary of the birth of Shin.

The mother and the son were well-known figures in the Joseon Kingdom (1392-1910). Shin is especially commended for her love and passion for art, and for being the embodiment of "the good wife and wise mother." These two were key qualities required of women during the conservative Joseon Kingdom when they were usually denied education or chances to pursue high-profile public professions.

Shin is the woman portrayed on the 50,000-won bill, and her son, Yulgok Yi I on the 5,000 won bill.

The city expressed hope the event will be a reminder of the importance of the spirit of "hyo," and for it to be upheld by future generations as a moral compass.
The ruling and opposition parties were again set to clash this week in three separate confirmation hearings for top government and judicial officials, including a vice prime minister and the chief of the constitutional court, observers noted Sunday.



The three confirmation hearings are for Finance Minister-nominee Kim Dong-yeon, who will double as vice prime minister; Foreign Minister-nominee Kang Kyong-hwa; and the nominee for Chief Justice of the Constitutional Court Kim Yi-su.



The hearings for the two minister-nominees will be held Wednesday, while the hearing for the chief justice-nominee will last two days from Wednesday, according to National Assembly officials.



The new Cabinet members -- Kim and Kang -- do not require parliament's approval for their appointment. The chief justice nominee does.



No need to win parliament's approval, however, does not mean their hearings will just take their course, as strong opposition from political parties during a hearing may still lead to the withdrawal of their nomination.



The main opposition Liberty Korea Party and many others are already urging President Moon Jae-in to do just that, at least for some of his nominees.



Kang, for instance, has already been declared unfit for the top office at the foreign ministry for what the opposition parties call a wide range of irregularities that include false registration of address, suspected to have been done for real estate speculation.



The chief justice-nominee too stands opposed by the opposition parties, including the left-leaning People's Party, which earlier helped pave the way for the appointment of Moon's new prime minister, Lee Nak-yon.



Kim, the chief justice-nominee, is accused of handing down rulings favorable to the government's military crackdown on the 1980 democratic movement in Gwangju, a city located some 300 kilometers southwest of Seoul, that left hundreds of people killed.



The three confirmation hearings come as a second round of battle between the ruling and opposition parties following their first clash in hearings for the prime minister and new heads of the Fair Trade Commission (FTC) and the National Intelligence Service (NIS), the spy agency.



Prime Minister Lee and new NIS chief Suh Hoon were appointed last week.



The rival parties have so far failed to publish a joint report on the outcome of the hearing for the new FTC chief Kim Sang-jo.



The main opposition party is threatening to boycott all future parliamentary sessions should the ruling party and other minor opposition parties endorse the new FTC chief-nominee without its blessing.



A senior official from the presidential office Cheong Wa Dae said the presidential official will first wait and see the outcome of discussions over Kim's appointment, but insisted it should be quickly endorsed.



"I believe FTC chief-nominee Kim has thoroughly explained his allegations to an extent that most people can now understand," the Cheong Wa Dae official said, asking not to be identified.



The official noted Kim's appointment did not require parliamentary approval, but said, "We will wait until the parliament completes its due process out of respect for the National Assembly."



The president earlier said he will eventually have to replace all 19 cabinet members, including the prime minister, as the incumbent ministers were appointed under the former conservative government.



Moon has so far named six new ministers, including the finance and foreign minister nominees set to undergo parliamentary hearings this week. The four others are lawmakers from the ruling Democratic Party. Schedules for their confirmation hearings have yet to be set.



The president needs to replace 12 other ministers and name dozens of other top government officials before what can be considered a true Moon Jae-in administration can set sail.



Moon came into office on March 10, only one day after the country held a rare presidential by-election caused by the ouster of former leader Park Geun-hye. (Yonhap)




By Kim Hyo-jin





Kang Kyung-wha

The rival parties are expected to clash again in the second round of confirmation hearings this week for top government and judicial nominees.



The National Assembly will review the ethics and policy plans of Kim Dong-yeon, the deputy prime minister and finance minister nominee, and Kang Kyung-wha, the foreign minister nominee, Wednesday; and Kim Yi-su, the nominee for president of the Constitutional Court, from Wednesday to Thursday.



The opposition parties heralded an all-out offensive particularly against Kang, who has been involved in alleged irregularities including false residence registration, tax evasion and real estate speculation.



Cheong Wa Dae earlier explained she registered an address of her relative as hers so her daughter would get assigned to a high school of her choice in 2000. But this fanned controversy later as it turned out that the house belonged to the school, not her relative.





Kim Yi-su

And suspicions still linger over her alleged involvement in her daughter's business. Kang said she did not know her former subordinate at the U.N. had invested money in the business. But the staffer said he had consulted with Kang beforehand, leading to a further backlash.



"She is unfit for the post considering what has been disclosed so far," Chung Woo-taik, floor leader of the main opposition Liberty Korea Party (LKP) told reporters, Sunday. "The key to diplomacy is trust. We cannot allow a liar to be our leader in diplomacy."



The LKP is also raising questions over whether the court president nominee is politically neutral, taking issue with his earlier opposition to disband the minor United Progressive Party. Meanwhile, the minor opposition People's Party is set to grill Kim over his favorable rulings in the 1980s on the government's bloody suppression of the pro-democracy uprising in Gwangju.



Kim Dong-yeon does not face serious ethics allegations, but lawmakers may hold him partially responsible for economic failures during the Lee Myung-bak and Park Geun-hye administrations as he held various high-profile posts at the time.





Kim Dong-yeon

The appointment of a Cabinet member nominee does not require parliamentary approval while that for the court president nominee does. Still, the opposition parties' disapproval could cause a delay of their appointment; and if President Moon Jae-in pushes ahead with them, this could become a political burden for the new government that has emphasized cooperation with the opposition.



The ruling and opposition blocs have already traded barbs over the endorsement of Kim Sang-jo, the nominee for the top post at the Fair Trade Commission (FTC).



The LKP said it would boycott the upcoming parliamentary sessions if Moon pushes ahead with the appointment of Kim. It claimed Moon should withdraw his nomination or Kim should voluntarily step down, saying his ethical lapses, such as a false report of the value of his house price, were not properly explained in the confirmation hearing Friday.



"He is not qualified to lead the antitrust watchdog. It would put a dent in Moon's morality if he goes ahead with the appointment," Kim Seon-dong, the LKP deputy floor leader, said.





Kim Sang-jo

"He seemed overly generous when it comes to his own life though he sharply criticizes business irregularities through his civic group activities," said Rep. Oh Shin-hwan, spokesman of the minor opposition Bareun Party. "He is unfit for the post that requires a high level of morality."



Despite staunch opposition, however, Cheong Wa Dae hinted that there would be no withdrawal of the appointment.

A series of allegations against Kim Sang-jo, including the false house value report, his wife receiving favors in employment, and plagiarizing an academic paper, were adequately explained during the hearing, a Cheong Wa Dae official said.



The parties plan to discuss whether to endorse Kim, Wednesday. If the Assembly doesn't endorse him, the President can appoint the nominee unilaterally.
By Jun Ji-hye



U.S. politicians are unhappy with the South Korean government's ongoing inspection of the controversial deployment of a U.S. Terminal High Altitude Area Defense (THAAD) battery here.



Regardless of which party they belong to, the politicians claim the anti-missile system is to defend South Koreans as well as U.S. troops stationed here against North Korea's missile threats, calling into question the Moon Jae-in government's move to seek parliamentary approval for the installation.



On Moon's order, Cheong Wa Dae is investigating the former Park Geun-hye government's deployment decision-making process for THAAD.



The presidential office believes that in a recent briefing to Moon's top security adviser, the Ministry of National Defense "intentionally" omitted details about the arrival of four additional launchers.



This has raised suspicion that what some described as a "covert" process might be aimed at evading an assessment of their environmental impact.



Republican Sen. Cory Gardner, head of the Foreign Relations Subcommittee on East Asia, warned that seeking National Assembly ratification would set a bad precedent in handling security affairs, according to Rep. Na Kyung-won of the main opposition Liberty Korea Party, Friday.



Gardner told Na on May 29 that if Moon set such a precedent, he would face problems in the future because opposition parties would highly likely to use the situation as a political tool to disturb the Moon government's security policies by calling for parliamentary approvals for them as well.



Gardner also said the Donald Trump administration and the U.S. Congress strongly supported the THAAD deployment, according to Na.



Rep. Mac Thornberry, a Republican from Texas, and chairman of the House Armed Services Committee, told the Dong-A Ilbo, a local vernacular newspaper, that the U.S. did not go through parliamentary ratification when deploying weapons systems.



He added that the Assembly could criticize the government's policy, but it always adhered to an alliance decision.



The two politicians visited South Korea with other colleagues last week on their way to the Asian Security Summit, also known as the Shangri-La Dialogue, held from Friday to Sunday in Singapore.



Democratic Sen. Dick Durbin, who made a separate visit to Seoul last week, said Washington had transparently proceeded with the deployment, stressing that there were "no secrets," in an interview with reporters after his meeting with Moon, Wednesday.



The ranking member of the Senate Appropriations Committee for Defense also implied that the U.S. could use the budget allocated to the THAAD deployment somewhere else if Seoul did not want the missile defense system on its soil.



He told Yonhap News Agency, "I basically said to him (Moon) two things. We face tough budget times in Washington. We are cutting a lot of programs. And if Korea doesn't want the THAAD missile system, it is $923 million that we can spend some other place."



Cheong Wa Dae denied this Thursday, noting that Durbin only said he was surprised about a heated dispute over THAAD here when the U.S. government was about to spend so much on the deployment.



The U.S. and South Korean governments are making moves to reassure the public that there is no diplomatic conflict between the countries.



U.S. Secretary of Defense James Mattis said Saturday that his country "understands and trusts" Seoul's position on the THAAD controversy.



He made the statement during a meeting with Defense Minister Han Min-koo on the sidelines of the Shangri-La Dialogue, according to Han.



Han said he explained to his U.S. counterpart that Seoul's ongoing inspection was "entirely about a domestic measure" and that the Moon government was not trying to reverse the existing bilateral deal on deployment.



National Security Office (NSO) chief Chung Eui-yong, who met U.S. National Security Adviser H. R. McMaster in Washington last week to arrange the agenda for a Seoul-Washington summit later this month, also told reporters that he explained to U.S. officials the ongoing situation in South Korea.



Chung added that the U.S. officials told him they fully understood.



A THAAD battery consists of six truck-mounted launchers, 48 interceptors (eight per launcher), a fire control and communications unit and an AN/TPY-2 radar.



Two launchers and the radar had been already deployed by the U.S. military before Moon's election earlier in May. Moon criticized this hasty deployment during his campaign.








By Stephen Costello





The wheels are turning so that groundwork for a "pivot to diplomacy" is beginning in East Asia. That is not easy to see right now, as both the U.S. and South Korean administrations fumble for their footing in the rhetoric and policy debates that are so important to each. Those debates are important for East Asia's direction over the next months and years, because they could determine whether there is continued military confrontation, insecurity and an arms race or instead increased diplomacy, greater security, and economic development.

It is difficult to see this pivot in view of the early public positions of the US, South Korea, China and North Korea. Each seems to be reinforcing a previous uncompromising position. This is particularly true of South Korea's new President, who must know that the THAAD deployment and the drive for increased sanctions on North Korea are counterproductive, and will prevent the new policy initiatives he was elected to pursue. If the candlelight activists return to the streets again, their signs may read "Freeze Sanctions," "Switch THAAD Off," and "Reduce Military Exercises." That may be what President Moon is waiting for.

However he intends to switch to his central policies, Moon will have more flexibility to do so, and more support from other interested countries, than ever before. Importantly, the new team in Seoul is less encumbered than any of its predecessors, including that of the progressive Kim Dae-jung and Roh Moo-hyun administrations.

And the differences are important. In the only previous conservative-to-progressive switch of power and interests in modern Korea, DJ was burdened by several complicating factors. Among them was the Asian Financial crisis, which was the logical result of South Korea's own brand of "crony capitalism." Kim also led a coalition government, including the conservative Kim Jung-pil and the industrialist Park Tae-jun, which was required to contain the blow-back from conservative forces after their first ever loss of power. Kim also had only three, rather than five years to accomplish a long list of reforms. At the end of his third year in power the US election of George Bush abruptly ended support from Korea's only ally for Kim's key policy initiatives toward the US and North Korea. Those setbacks, in turn, limited his ability to push through many domestic reforms. To this day it is amazing what that government achieved in such a short time.

Roh Moo-hyun was elected during that radical reversal and re-definition of US interests in Northeast Asia. He never had a chance to advance the progressive goals of engagement, denuclearization and development with North Korea and modernization of the Korea-US alliance. He was destined to work hard simply to maintain each, and in doing that he did exceptionally well.

The next two conservative administrations were more interested in the old anti-communist and anti-diplomacy policies, and their alignment with the US, than they were in the engagement and denuclearization goals of the progressives. This was in line with their greatly reduced ambitions, which were incremental and domestically focused.

Finally, President Moon does not face the radical and relatively unchallenged rejection of engagement from the US that Kim and Roh faced. It is true that President Trump and his increasingly extreme Republican Party allies embrace the same ideological and irrelevant view of the Northeast Asia region. But they are not emboldened by the 9/11 terrorist attacks as Bush was, and they are not staffed with experienced government ministers, as Bush and Obama were. Those sixteen years of US rejection of the Clinton administration's successful 1990s multilateral structural engagement and denuclearization are now over.

In its place, Moon faces a US ally that has a long record of failing to define and collaborate to achieve common goals with South Korea. Additionally, the US administration will be unable to hire top bureaucrats and experts in Asia, and give them authority to develop policies, because their internal fights and contradictions will continue. They are also helplessly allied with the most extreme Republican Party in memory, which opposes diplomacy in general, and is actively undermining the US-Iran and US-Cuba deals of the Obama administration. This loss of institutional and structural policy-making capability, along with the steady drain of American soft power around the globe, means that the US has become an extremely weak player in this region, and it is getting weaker. President Trump's recent visit to Europe and the Mid-East are evidence of this.

The US decline in power, which may not last beyond Trump's first four years, coincides with the particular background of the Moon government, and the decisive public shift to the progressives that has occurred after the failure of the Park Geun-hye government and snap election in Korea. The ability  and rather the necessity  for South Korea to resume its ambitious goals and take on the leading role it shared with the US at the end of the 1990s, is therefore greater than ever.

The Korean government's strategic outreach and coalition-building among fellow middle powers like Germany and France, Australia and Japan, has long been a logical modernization of Korea's foreign policy. The Norwegian countries have always been involved and helpful in the region. Now that outreach is doubly necessary, as the US steps back and Korea steps forward. This can be combined with new approaches to neighbors China, Russia and North Korea to make full use of Seoul's geographic, military, economic and soft-power capabilities.

After the Moon administration is fully staffed, we will find out how they intend to make use of this new flexibility, and if they have learned valuable lessons from the experiences of Presidents DJ, Roh, MB and Park. In particular, they have signaled a return to an economic strategy  rather than a pressure/coercive strategy  to achieve security, denuclearization and infrastructure development.





Stephen Costello is a producer of AsiaEast, a web and broadcast-based policy roundtable focused on security, development and politics in Northeast Asia. He writes from Washington, D.C. He can be reached at scost55@gmail.com.
President Donald Trump's announcement Thursday that the United States will withdraw from the Paris climate agreement may prove to be the biggest miscalculation of his fledgling presidency. It appears to be driven not by an outright denial of climate change but  like his view of NATO, immigration, trade and so many other subjects  by an overheated nationalistic view that foreign countries are taking advantage of the U.S. It is applying the "America First" ideology to an issue where it is least applicable, where mutual cooperation is essential and countries share a common interest  ensuring the planet remains fit for human habitation.



After so much build-up prior to the announcement, how depressing that the president demonstrated so little understanding of the climate accord, of the threat posed by global warming, of the economic opportunities offered by green energy and of the astronomical cost of abandoning the agreement. There are at least two possible reactions by the rest of the world  either other major greenhouse gas polluters will similarly abandon the agreement and by doing so speed up the timetable toward disaster, or the U.S. will be treated as a kind of climate pariah (which is hardly a stretch given that only Syria and Nicaragua occupy the same status of refusing the Paris accord at the moment).



Perhaps the president believes there is no economic cost to this decision. If so, he is sadly mistaken. Trump may be capable of seeing the loss of jobs in coal mines or the paper, cement and steel industries that comes from reducing carbon dioxide emissions, but he fails to appreciate how sea level rise, worsening weather, loss of arable land and drinking water supplies, mass refugee migrations and other effects will dwarf the cost of the much-maligned $100 billion "green fund" to help less developed countries meet their energy needs without expanding their carbon footprints. Does he seriously believe other countries will simply submit to his offer to renegotiate the accords to the advantage of the U.S. merely to accommodate a presidential whim? It was a miracle that India and China have come as far as they have in the first place.



But what truly makes this a miscalculation is that the vast majority of Americans recognize the danger posed by climate change, and they want something to be done about it. They don't support backing out of the Paris agreement. Even in Pittsburgh, a city twice mentioned by President Trump during his Thursday speech as a place he favors "over Paris," a majority of residents (68 percent, according to a Yale opinion poll conducted last year) say global warming is happening. About half of those polled in Pittsburgh believe it's already hurting people in the U.S. That doesn't sound like a community that sees a climate treaty as a "self-inflicted major economic wound."



Even the far-right can't be especially satisfied with Trump's position given that he has offered to either renegotiate the agreement or pursue an "entirely new transaction on terms that are fair to the United States." In other words, the president admits that climate change is real, that it's a threat and that extraordinary action is required; he just doesn't want to pay so much for the solution. It is the philosophy of a real estate developer, not a statesman, scientist or even someone who cares about the country's future. He is signaling that he's willing to walk away  unless he's offered a better deal. Even his aside to Democratic leaders that he's willing to negotiate with them as well sounds like someone who sees climate mostly as a bargaining chip. What's he angling for? Tax reform? The health care rollback? Some other self-aggrandizement?





This editorial appeared in the Baltimore Sun and was distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.




By Strive Masiyiwa and Richard Branson



HARARE  Despite impressive economic development in recent years, Africa still lags far behind on energy, with almost two-thirds of the continent's citizens lacking access to electricity. While getting more power to the people is an important goal, extending electricity grids is expensive and slow. Meanwhile, off-grid options may not be sufficient to meet people's energy needs. Fortunately, there is a third approach that can help fill in the gaps: mini-grids.



Mini-grids are essentially localized electricity networks that supply several users, whether households or businesses. They can be grid-connected, but they do not have to be. And, as a new report from the Africa Progress Panel (of which one of the authors is a member) shows  and as another report by the Rocky Mountain Institute underscores  mini-grids are an important piece of Africa's energy puzzle.



Mini-grids can have a major competitive advantage over grid extension in rural and remote areas, because they can provide electricity more quickly and at much lower cost. Because mini-grids require less capital investment than grid expansion, it can be easier to secure financing for them, meaning that they can electrify communities that might have to wait years for a grid connection.



Mini-grids also have a distinct advantage over off-grid systems: greater power generation. Productivity-enhancing farm machinery, for example, usually requires more power than off-grid household systems can provide.



Moreover, mini-grids can be used to increase the resilience of existing electricity systems. Power cuts on the main grid can affect a large number of businesses and households, and it can be difficult to restore services quickly. Mini-grids can ensure that consumers retain access to power when the grid suffers interruptions.



Despite these benefits, the potential of mini-grids to help address Africa's energy challenge has yet to be tapped. Reliance on mini-grids is expanding more slowly than in other world regions, with Africa being more likely to implement off-grid systems. One obstacle is the lack of proven commercial business models and adequate and appropriate forms of financing. Another is that policy frameworks often are not accommodating. And many developers and operators lack the requisite knowledge and experience.



The situation is ripe for change. With the United Nations sustainable development agenda ambitiously targeting universal access to energy by 2030, policymakers are paying more attention to electrification, and development-finance institutions and partners are making more funding available. Meanwhile, the cost of renewable energy is falling; energy efficiency is improving, both for generating equipment and for the machines to be powered; and innovative digital technologies are facilitating the management of electricity services.



A flexible solution like mini-grids is well suited to this context. As it stands, mini-grids in Africa are mostly diesel or hydropower systems. Yet mini-grids can  and increasingly do take the form of solar PV and hybrid systems, with hybrid systems being particularly promising. Diesel systems face the risk of fuel-supply disruptions or cost increases, while renewable-energy generation can vary according to weather and season. Hybrid systems that combine diesel with solar or wind power mitigate these risks.



Mini-grids are flexible in other ways, too. Mini-grids may or may not be connected to the national grid. They can be operated privately, by utilities, on a community basis, or according to a public-private model. And they can sell electricity to retail consumers, utilities, or both.



So how can African governments use the potential of mini-grids to help expand energy access? As recent experience in the United States has shown, early adoption of technical innovations, particularly of digital management tools, could enable mini-grid business models to become more cost-efficient. New technologies could even enable mini-grid providers to develop entirely new organizational models for electricity systems that are more effective and resilient than the conventional utility-based approach.



Experience in the US, as well as in Asia, also underscores the importance of favorable government policy and regulations, including capital subsidies. The challenge, of course, will be for each African government to design a mini-grid strategy around the options and models that work locally. That means setting appropriate tariffs and establishing a coherent framework of technical, financial, and procedural regulations. It also requires building up the necessary skills and capacities in the labor force.



In developing their electricity systems, most African countries will have to consider and combine many different models and options. For many, mini-grids can play an important role. If African governments embrace diversity in the way electricity is generated and distributed, they could provide modern energy to millions of people, while placing the continent at the forefront of a global energy transformation.





Strive Masiyiwa, a member of the Africa Progress Panel, is the founder and chairman of Econet Wireless. He is also the co-Chair of GROW Africa, and Chairman of the Board of the Alliance for a Green Revolution in Africa. Richard Branson, founder of the Virgin Group, is an investor and philanthropist. Copyright belongs to Project Syndicate.




About 10 million Koreans or one in five live with pets but many of these humans' companions are subjected to cruel treatment or abandoned. In some extreme cases, they are beaten or strangled to death _ by their owners.



Horrible reports abound _ a dog snatched by its neck and thrown into the wall and another canine being chased in hot pursuit and repeatedly kicked. The perpetrator proved to be an employee at a pet hotel and is now charged with animal cruelty.



A sick pet was put into a plastic garbage bag and thrown into a trash can. It was an act by the owner who didn't want to pay a medical bill. A person, who got into an argument over land ownership, flew off the handle and beat his dogs indiscriminately. Five were killed and the two survivors were sent to a shelter.



Abused dogs are often sent back to their owners because of a shortage of shelters and strong protective laws. Animal rights advocates call the discovered cases of animal abuse as the tip of iceberg.



Cho Yong-ryon of the Korean Animal Welfare Association was quoted as saying, "In Korea, animals are treated less as creatures with life than as personal property. Even if a person is found to be abusing animals, there are few tools for legal punishment."



Experts say that the pertinent law in the U.S. that bans abusive owners from having pets for a certain period of time is worth checking out. Plus, they believe that it is important to toughen the current Animal Rights Law.



Incheon has recently become only the second local entity to introduce a municipal decree to protect pets from abusive owners. The first was Gyeonggi Province. The Incheon decree is aimed at heightening registration besides a set of anti-abusive measures to increase the accountability of the owners for harm they do to their animals.




President needs to fight my-way-or-highway' temptation



President Moon Jae-in has an 84 percent approval rating, the highest among all presidents at this stage of their terms. The previous best of 83 percent was held by the late President Kim Young-sam, often called by his initials, YS. In the same Gallup poll last week, Moon's ruling Democratic Party of Korea (DPK) recorded support of 51 percent _ beating the combined number of the three opposition parties by 17 percentage points.



With his high personal popularity and strong party backing, Moon, who won 41 percent of the ballots cast in the May 9 snap election, could make light of opposition parties and push for his liberal agenda unilaterally.



However, he would do so at his own risk and that of the country.



First, it is against the democratic tenet of checks and balances, which he promised to realize by embracing the opposition parties in dialogue and as consulting partners.



Second, his popularity should be put into perspective. True, his efforts to do away with formalities conventionally wed to the highest office of the nation has been greeted well by the people. But those high numbers for him and the DPK are much owed to the relief people feel for the absence of leadership after a traumatic experience caused by his disgraced predecessor, Park Geun-hye, who was impeached for corruption, removed from office and is now on trial.



This collective sense of relief is owed as much to the endorsement of his current job performance as to the high hopes people pin on him for future governance.



Thirdly, popularity is as collapsible as a house of cards. Many leaders before him were taken for a roller coast ride. An attempt to stay on the climbing part is bound to lead Moon to adhere to sugarcoated populist policies, and that is not good for the nation.



Already, there have been some signs. Moon browbeat the opposition into accepting his nominee for prime minister, Lee Nak-yon. Facing objections in the confirmation process, Moon didn't bother to call up the detractors but breathed down the neck of the weakest link in the opposition front, the People's Party, which represents Honam or the Jeolla provinces. Honam residents voted overwhelmingly for Moon over the regional party's candidate Ahn Cheol-soo, with the president's popularity well over 90 percent.



Moon is now asking for a supplementary budget to hire civil servants as part of his campaign pledge to increase the number of decently paid jobs. Even liberal experts argue that Moon's plan for adding 174,000 jobs to the already bloated payrolls of the government, which comes with runaway amounts of budget to cover their general pensions, is unrealistic. Moon's plan for the conversion of non-regular workers appears troublesome for excluding the opinion of employers. In this confrontational atmosphere, it remains to be seen whether his team of anti-chaebol economic aides will implement his distribution-oriented agenda.



Also worrisome are Moon's moves with the United States, Korea's key ally. The alleged "smuggling" of components for a U.S. missile interceptor has not been adroitly handled, leaving Washington room to take offense. Also his hints at dismantling the unpopular Korea-Japan agreement on comfort women or sex slaves under Japanese rule could have been made more subtly. These moves may score well domestically but can entail serious consequences that may strain the alliance and alienate the U.S.



The Moon government should keep reminding itself of the humbleness and modesty it has promised as the successor to the participatory government led by his mentor and friend Roh Moo-hyun. Also its amateurism and populism should be kept to a minimum.



The difference between confident and authoritarian governments can prove paper-thin. So is the difference between a popular and unpopular government. The YS government started with support of 83 percent, the previous record, after the clean-up of the preceding ones led by former generals, but ended as one of the worst for bringing about the currency crisis in the late 1990s.




By Tong Kim





In a video message to the opening of the Jeju Conference for Peace and Prosperity on June 1, President Moon Jae-in outlined his plan to lay a foundation for peace on the Korean peninsula during his term in office. He made it clear that his administration would "play a leading role for the resolution of the North Korean nuclear issue through dialogue, instead of relying on the roles of other countries."

"In cooperation with the relevant countries including the United States and China," he said, "we will lead efforts to pressure and persuade North Korea to come to the table of dialogue and resolve the issues of North Korea's nuclear program, inter-Korean relations, as well as U.S.-DPRK relations, all at the same time."

However, Pyongyang's continuous test firing of ballistic missiles including three that the North has launched since Moon's inauguration less than a month ago make it practically impossible for the new progressive president of the South to ignore the security threat from the North. Moon is equally firm to say to the North, "If North Korea recklessly provokes us, we will immediately retaliate against it strongly with the defense capabilities of our forces and the U.S.-ROK alliance."

The Trump administration, like the Seoul government, prefers a peaceful resolution of North Korea's nuclear and missile programs that threaten the South, and the entire region of Northeast Asia as well as the United States. Neither Trump nor Moon is seeking regime change or collapse in Pyongyang.

As the North advances closer to its capability of striking the United States with a nuclear tipped missile, Washington has no other option but increasing more sanction pressure and consider military action. Just last week, the U.S. successfully tested its interception of a mock ICBM oncoming from the Pacific towards California. The ground based missile interceptors are not perfect yet. It is like a star wars concept of "hitting a bullet with a bullet."

The recent deployment of three aircraft carrier battle groups off the Korean peninsula, or strategic flights of B1-B bombers across the peninsula below the DMZ, or increasing pressure from the international community, or more tightening bilateral U.S. sanctions did not slow down the pace of Pyongyang's missile launches. Neither Chinese pressure nor talk of a preemptive strike by the U.S. changed North Korean behavior.

On the other hand, we note that Pyongyang has not conducted a sixth nuclear test, despite the reports that said the North was ready for it for some months now. There is no reliable information for the delay other than speculation: they may have no more need for tests due to a new advanced technology, they may have shifted resources to missile tests, or they may have been influenced by Chinese pressure to cut off its lifeline in the event of another nuclear test. Trump says China is working hard.

The North already has enough missiles capable of striking all parts of the South and Japan. Experts estimate that Pyongyang will develop its ICBM technology within a few years to be able to strike the continental United States. The North Koreans claim that they have already succeeded in developing a miniaturized, lightweight nuclear warhead to place atop a ballistic missile. After their latest missile test on May 28, they even claimed the accuracy of their Scud missile is in the latitude of 7 meters from the center of the target.

The U.S. can and will defend itself and its allies with the full spectrum of its war assets. However, if diplomacy fails, and if Pyongyang keeps becoming more dangerous and threatening to the security of the United States, there is no guarantee of excluding the possibility of war.

Secretary of defense James Mattis said on CBS May 28, a conflict with North Korea "would probably be the worst kind of fighting in most people's life time" and "the bottom line is it would be a catastrophic war if this turns into combat, if we're not able to resolve this situation through diplomatic means."

All parties concerned, including South Korea, the U.S., and China seek a peaceful resolution of the North Korean issue. It is high time for Pyongyang to decide what their best option is: they can announce a unilateral suspension of their nuclear and missile tests to create an atmosphere for the South and others to take steps to engage them. What's your take?





Tong Kim is a Washington correspondent and columnist for The Korea Times. He is also a fellow at the Institute of Korean-American Studies. He can be contacted at tong.kim8@yahoo.com.
By Oh Young-jin





If one says, "Excuse me," the other wouldn't say, "Thank you," or "You're welcome."

This rhetorical anomaly may best capture the narrative Korea and the United States are having on the allegedly "smuggled" four launchers for the latter's Terminal High Altitude Area Defense (THAAD) missile interceptor battery.

By all means the two allies do know the proper way of initiating and responding  "sorry" or "certainly" to "excuse me," and "you re welcome" to "thank you." So the chance is that it is part of their game to go one up on the other.





Chung Eui-yong

First, Chung Eui-yong, President Moon Jae-in's top national security aide, went to Washington and met his U.S. counterpart, H.R. McMaster, to consult on the Moon-Trump summit in Washington this month. Upon his return, Chung said that McMaster thanked him for explaining the delay in the THAAD deployment due to an environmental impact survey Moon has now insisted on conditioning it on. Chung also said that Washington expressed its understanding on what Seoul claimed was an "intentional omission" of four THAAD launchers being brought into the nation during the Ministry of National Defense's report to Cheong Wa Dae. Two launchers are already deployed at its Seongju, North Gyeongsang, site, but the four in question are now in storage.

There appears to be enough room for reasonable doubt about Chung's claim. What did McMaster appreciate _ deployment delay or an explanation? Chung made it sound like the U.S. did both. But it is highly unlikely that the U.S. appreciated the delay because the missile interceptor is not just to protect Koreans but also to protect American soldiers here, likely one of the first targets of a North Korean missile attack. Also, the U.S. may as well see the new government looking a gift horse in the mouth. As a matter of fact, U.S. Senate Minority Whip Dick Durban of the Democratic Party obviously took offense when he said after his meeting with Moon that the U.S. could have other priorities to spend $1 billion on other than THAAD, if Korea doesn't want it. Trump, a quixotic unilateralist, could be even more convinced about the reliability of the two countries' alliance.

Then, McMaster's word of appreciation would only cover the trouble Chung took to explain. McMaster's "excuse me" was intended to reinforce the U.S. displeasure, while Chung responded with a "thank you."

For the U.S. show of "understanding" over the snafu about the four launchers, it is worthy of scrutiny to appreciate what it really meant. Defense Minister Han Min-koo and Chung's predecessor, Kim Kwan-jin, were questioned by Cheong Wa Dae about their failure to let Cheong Wa Dae know about them. Moon called it "shocking." The whole affair has developed in such a manner as to make the U.S. an accomplice in the smuggling case. Kim and Han insisted that the report was made properly but the presidential office has yet to officially clear them. If the situation is so damning, what would "understanding" by the U.S. mean?

Perhaps, it is as if the U.S. said "excuse me" to reset what it sees as wrong, Korea responded, "You're welcome," taking it as the affirmation of Seoul's stance.

During the recent multilateral regional security dialogue in Singapore, Minister Han met his U.S. counterpart, James Mattis. Han told Mattis that the environmental impact survey is not aimed at reversing the deployment or sending a "message" from the Moon government to the U.S. Mattis said that he trusted Seoul's explanation.

Han, a leftover from the previous government, is out of touch with the new government so when Mattis said he trusted Han's explanation, what did he mean? Perhaps, Mattis's response could have been "thanks but no thanks" to Han's "excuse me," when he meant "sorry."

Miscommunication between Seoul and Washington can be explained in two ways.

First, it represents anomalies typical at the start of their familiarization efforts. That means that the two sides will straighten them out and get back on track if they don't have fundamental differences that affect the two countries' alliance. The second is that they may prove a starting point of a dichotomy in their respective future paths, because one of the two or both are not satisfied with the status quo. That is what some fear from the progressive Moon government that is ready to realign itself  getting closer to China and North Korea even at the expense of the alliance with the U.S.

It won't take long to find out which is true. The summit around the corner will give the first telltale signs.

Oh Young-jin is The Korea Times' chief editorial writer. Contact foolsdie5@ktimes.com and foolsdie@gmail.com.
By Kang Seung-woo



Samsung Electronics is seeking to boost its smartphone sales during the low season with affordable yet high-performing handsets -- until it comes up with another much-expected high-end model later this year.



According to industry officials, Sunday, the world's largest smartphone maker plans to release the Galaxy J7 and a refurbished edition of the ill-fated Galaxy Note 7 soon to target the mid- and low-end segments.



Samsung unveiled the latest flagship smartphone, the Galaxy S8, in March, and is scheduled to release the new large-screen Galaxy Note 8, in the second half. The Note series is the other high-end and premium smartphone lineup of Samsung.



In that respect, Samsung hopes that the Galaxy J7 and refurbished Note 7 will help to underpin its sales during the traditionally unprofitable summer season, appealing to budget-conscious buyers.



Samung will call the refurbished Note 7 the Galaxy Note FE, which stands for "fandom edition."



Samsung ceased the phone's production last October following reports of some of the devices catching fire while charging. In January, Samsung found an overheating problem in faulty batteries.



The refurbished phone is likely to come with a smaller battery than the original's big one because of a safety precaution. Its price is expected to be some 700,000 won ($625). Its initial price was 988,900 won.



Around 300,000 FEs are expected to hit shelves in Korea.



Although Samsung has remained silent on the official launch of the refurbished Note 7, it has already drawn plenty of interest among its faithful users.



An online community recently said that the number of those who have preordered the refurbished Note 7 has surpassed 15,000 since it began to receive orders in April.



In addition to the Note 7, the Galaxy J7 will also come to town.



The budget phone is expected to feature an octa-core Exynos 7870 processor, a full-HD AMOLED display and 3GB RAM. In other words, the smartphone's functions will not be inferior compared to expensive devices.



In addition, it will support Samsung Pay and come with an integrated fingerprint sensor, while running on the Android 7.0 Nougat operating system.



The phone's price will be between 300,000 won and 400,000 won.




American Chamber of Commerce in Korea (AMCHAM) Chairman James Kim, second from left in front row, and heads of member companies make a toast at a charity event at Conrad Seoul on June 2. Clockwise from top left are Pfizer Korea chief Oh Dong-wook; Partners for the Future Foundation Chairman Jeffrey Jones; Outback Steakhouse Korea President Cho In-soo; Asian Tigers Mobility Chief President Joseph Song; Nike Korea General Manager David Song; FedEx Express Korea head Cha Eun-mi; James Kim; and Morgan Stanley CEO Steve Han. / Courtesy of the American Chamber of Commerce in Korea



By Park Jae-hyuk

Chief executives of American Chamber of Commerce in Korea (AMCHAM) member companies served as wait staff their employees, business partners and friends in Seoul last week.

Eight member CEOs of AMCHAM served food and wine to stakeholders at the organization's charity event at Conrad Seoul on June 2. The annual event, held since 2003, raises scholarship funds for university students from families with financial difficulties.

AMCHAM's charitable arm, the Partners for the Future Foundation (PFF), hosted the gatherings, which also brought AMCHAM Chairman James Kim along with PFF Chairman Jeffrey Jones.

Also included on the CEO wait staff were Asian Tigers Mobility chief Joseph Song, FedEx head Chae Eun-mi, Morgan Stanley Managing Director Steve Han and Nike Korea General Manager David Song.

Outback Steakhouse Korea President Cho In-soo and Pfizer Korea chief Oh Dong-wook also took part.

"This meaningful event has been successful for several years and I am proud to say that we have established a unique fundraising custom in Korea," said Chairman Kim, who is also in charge of GM Korea.

"It is important to engage in various corporate social responsibility activities."

Jones said, "This is my 13th time to participate in the AMCHAM CEO servers' night and I am excited to be here this year as well." He is a former AMCHAM leader.

All proceeds from the event, around 34 million won ($30,000), will provide scholarships for university students in need.
As an experiment, reporter Rachel Blundy spends a night in cramped quarters like many domestic helpers do.



Study by Mission for Migrant Workers suggests three in 10 helpers forced to sleep in store rooms, kitchens and even toilets



By Rachel Blundy





Thousands of Hong Kong's foreign domestic workers continue to sleep in appalling conditions leaving them vulnerable to abuse, according to activists, who lament that the government continues to turn a "blind eye" to the problem.

In early 2014, the torture of Indonesian domestic worker Erwiana Sulistyaningsih by her employer Law Wan-tung was exposed. The helper was constantly beaten and lived in appalling conditions, including being forced to sleep on the floor.

More than three years on, the latest study by concern group Mission for Migrant Workers suggests that up to three in every 10 of Hong Kong's 330,000 foreign domestic workers are made to sleep in storerooms, balconies, kitchens and even toilets, while the rest are offered only shared bedrooms, often with their employers' children.

This week, a Post reporter spent a night in a similarly cramped spaced in an attempt to understand and highlight the poor living conditions domestic helpers face after a hard day's work.

Holly Allan, director of campaign group HELP for Domestic Workers said such an experiment could help more Hongkongers understand the plight of these workers.

"I think it is a very useful thing to do," she said. "Everyone should do it  everyone should put themselves in the shoes of these foreign domestic workers. There has not been much progress in terms of accommodation since the Erwiana case."

Allan added that Hong Kong's live-in rule for foreign domestic workers was resulting in many of them being forced to endure inhumane living conditions and leaving them more vulnerable to abuse.

She said the trend towards increasingly small flats meant families were facing more and more challenging living conditions, but this did not excuse forcing foreign domestic workers to live in tiny spaces.

Allan repeated calls for the government to abolish the law and give workers the freedom to choose where they lived, even if some did eventually decide that their employer's home was more comfortable than renting privately.

"[This situation] cannot be improved if the live-in law is still in place," she said.

"A lot of them complain they are tired because they cannot sleep well in these places. I hear of them sleeping in bathtubs, next to toilets and on the kitchen floor.

"This situation manifests itself later when the employer might complain the worker has forgotten something or made a mistake. It is not safe, particularly if they are looking after children."

Study finds Hong Kong domestic helpers subjected to employment terms abuse by more than 70 per cent of agencies

Hong Kong Polytechnic University head and professor Hans Ladegaard, who has written extensively about the plight of foreign domestic workers in Hong Kong, expressed support for the Post's experiment, saying it would help others relate to the hardships workers face.

"This is so far away from the life most of us would live. If we are expatriate professionals in Hong Kong, particularly, then often accommodation is being provided for us, and without that, we might not be able to afford to live here in the present housing situation."

Ladegaard said that his research supports the findings of NGOs, which suggest that thousands of domestic workers are not given their own room when they arrive in Hong Kong despite it being part of their contract.

He said these workers were afraid to complain about substandard accommodation because they desperately needed work to pay off their debts to their employment agency and to eventually send money home.

Ladegaard, who also supports abolishing the live-in rule, added that he was encouraged by the growing awareness of the suffering of foreign domestic workers since Erwiana's 2014 court case, but remained concerned about the government's failure to take action against abuse.

"The Labour Department do not necessarily think [the workers] are in a vulnerable position," he said. "Or they know it's happening, and they are turning a blind eye. I am not content with what we have achieved so far."

Last year, the Global Slavery Index suggested that Hong Kong had one of the highest proportions of people enslaved across Asia, a large proportion of whom were foreign domestic workers.

According to the charitable organisation Walk Free Foundation, at least 29,500 people out of a population of more than seven million are trapped in modern slavery in one of the 10 richest cities in the world.

On Saturday, Hong Kong University will screen Gabriel McKail's 2016 documentary Erwiana: Justice for All. The filmmaker said her case was still hugely relevant for understanding the problems faced by foreign domestic workers.

"It keeps happening; this is not just a one-off thing," he said. "I hear about similar situations all the time. It makes me sad that many of the cases are not reported to police, and when they are, it goes nowhere."

McKail said he believed Erwiana, who revealed during her trial that she was allowed to sleep only about three hours per day between the hours of 10am and 1pm, thought sleeping on her employer's floor was "a normal thing" because she was used to sleeping on mats in her village house in Indonesia.

He agreed that her employer, who was eventually jailed in 2015 for six years for the abuse, had exploited the helper's low expectations in regards to accommodation, which marked the beginning of a cycle of violence.

"Her employer knew that sleeping on the floor was not acceptable," he said. "In Hong Kong, most of us do not sleep on the floor. There was a sense that this is a person who is worse off than me, so I will just put her on the floor."

He added that the live-in rule was "unfair". "We all have our lives, and we should be able to leave work at a certain time and enjoy ourselves," he said.

New window-cleaning rules for domestic workers apply to all flats above ground floor, Hong Kong minister insists

More than 3,000 Filipino and Indonesian domestic foreign workers were surveyed for the Mission For Migrant Workers study last year.

Norman Uy Carnay, programme officer at the mission and lead researcher for the report, subsequently called on the government to ban the worst accommodation conditions for workers, as he claims the current contract is too vague.

But the Labour Department has not yet indicated any plans to make contractual amendments. In January this year, it finally introduced a ban on window cleaning at high-rise apartments for workers, which prohibits them from cleaning external windows above the ground floor unless the window is fitted with a secure grille.

The department did not respond to requests for comment.
Emergency personnel on London Bridge after an incident in central London, Saturday. British police said they were dealing with "incidents" on London Bridge and nearby Borough Market in the heart of the British capital Saturday, as witnesses reported a vehicle veering off the road and hitting several pedestrians. / AP-Yonhap



An alleged terror attack occurred in London, police said Sunday, after a vehicle veered off the road and hit pedestrians on London Bridge and gunshots rang out amid reports of knife attacks at nearby Borough Market.

The attack from Saturday night occurred at an area packed with bars and restaurants.

Police said multiple casualties were reported, and British media reported that more than one person had been killed in the rampage, according to the Associated Press.

Prime Minister Theresa May said it was a potential act of terrorism. The Metropolitan Police force said it had declared the attacks as "terrorist incidents."

Police said they were called just after 10 p.m. to reports of a vehicle hitting pedestrians on the bridge.

Soon after, there were reported stabbings at nearby Borough Market, in which are many bars and restaurants.

The force tweeted a warning telling people in the area to run to safety, hide and then call police if it is safe to do so.





An armed Police officer looks through his weapon on London Bridge in London, Saturday. / AP-Yonhap



About two hours after the first reports of an incident, television images showed people walking away from the London Bridge area with their hands on their heads. Police tweeted that Londoners should "remain calm but be alert and vigilant."

Multiple witnesses reported a vehicle veering off the road and hitting several pedestrians. Others also said they saw at least one man with a large knife.

Witnesses reported seeing injured people on the ground on the bridge. One told the BBC a white van veered off the road and struck as many as six people. She said she saw at least four or five people on the ground.












The anti-corruption prosecutor in charge of investigating members of Spains ruling party resigned Thursday after media claimed that he holds a 25 percent stake in an offshore company in Panama.

Manuel Moixs resignation came days after infoLibre revealed that, when his father died in 2011, Moix and his three brothers inherited ownership of Duchesse Financial Overseas  a company incorporated in the tax haven Panama in January 1988.

One of the companys treasurers is Aida May Biggs, a 93-year-old Panamanian woman, whose name appeared as a front-man to 17,539 companies in last years Panama Papers leak. It was also presided by a lawyer in Switzerland, whose sister was named as the companys secretary.

The sole activity of the offshore company appears to be the ownership of the Moix family home, a three-story chalet worth 550,000 (US$ 620,000) with an indoor pool, located in a gated community close to Madrid.

In the five and a half years that Moix owned the 25 percent stake, he avoided putting the property in his name, choosing instead to keep it camouflaged under the shell companys corporate umbrella.

In the days following the expose, Moix reportedly initially tried to cling to his position by giving false information to the media, and then by claiming "economic reasons" for failing to dissolve the company.

On Thursday, Moix said he was stepping down for personal reasons, but Spanish media reported that he had come under increasing pressure from his boss, Attorney General Jose Manuel Maza.

Moix lasted just 100 days in office, according to infoLibre.

In his short tenure, he had already been accused by the Spanish Parliament of "maneuvering to block some judicial cases against corruption," according to the Catalan News Agency.

For years Spain has been gripped by a cash-for-public-contracts corruption scandal involving the center-right ruling party, the Partido Popular (PP), according to the BBC.

In April, Spanish media accused Moix of trying to hinder the same corruption investigations into the PPs Madrid branch that he was in charge of, Reuters reported.

As a top prosecutor in Madrid, he had already come under criticism for refusing to investigate political leaders in a case involving the Madrid Arena, according to El Mundo.

Moix is not the first Spanish public figure to resign over links to offshore companies. Last year, industry, energy and tourism minister Jose Manual Soria was forced to step down after evidence of his offshore dealings emerged in the Panama Papers.

"Moix should go his way. He has no authority to persecute the corrupt who hide their money in tax havens," said Spanish socialist party (PSOE) deputy Isabel Rodriguez, according to El Mundo.

"Offshore ministers and prosecutors degrade democracy and are parasites on institutions. We must throw them out," tweeted Podemos secretary general Pablo Iglesias.

occrp.org
WRITTEN BY SARUNAS CERNIAUSKAS

Kristina Brazauskiene, widow of Lithuanias former Prime Minister Algirdas Brazauskas, is under investigation for tax fraud. The investigation was launched in April after OCCRPs Lithuanian partner, 15min.lt, disclosed hidden assets in Florida that documents indicate are owned by Brazauskiene and her family.

Investigators are looking into two Florida properties: one owned by Brazauskienes son and business partner, Ernestas Butrimas; and one recently sold by UAB Draugystes Viesbutis, a company owned by the widow and her son. The second property never appeared in the companys official records.

The authorities also want to know where the pair got the money to pay for them.

Brazauskiene and her son deny owning the properties, although Brazauskiene has spoken frequently on TV about her journeys abroad and her status as a frequent flier to Miami. After the investigation by 15min.lt, the Florida properties are being probed by two Lithuanian institutions: the Financial Crime Investigation Service (FNTT) and the Tax Inspectorate (VMI).

Brazauskas was one of the most influential politicians in Lithuanias recent past. The one-time apparatchik broke with the Communist Party as the Soviet Union crumbled and went on to serve as Lithuanias first post-Soviet president from 1993 to 1998 and as prime minister from 2001-2006.

He married Brazauskiene, his second wife, in 2002, and died in 2010 at the age of 77.

Brazauskiene, who is often described as an entrepreneur, has herself also been active in politics, having served on the city council of Vilnius, Lithuanias capital, from 2003-2007. Butrimas is her son from her first marriage.

The Mystery Mansion

Coconut Creek, Fl., is a planned community of about 60,000 residents nearly 40 miles north of Miami, just south of Boca Raton on the Atlantic coast.

In March of this year, reporters for 15min.lt uncovered records connecting an expensive residence at 7433 Northwest 51st Way, Coconut Creek, to UAB Draugystes Viesbutis, a Lithuanian company owned by Brazauskiene and her son Butrimas.

The property is not mentioned in the companys official filings.

According to Florida property records, Brauzauskienes company bought the home in 2010 for US$220,000. Six years later, the records show it was sold for nearly twice the price: $420,000.

Yet in financial statements filed with the Lithuanian business registry, the company said it owned no real estate. Also, its financial records for 2010 and 2011  covering the period when the house was purchased -- show no significant spending on new assets.

Butrimas, Brazauskienes son and business partner, denies owning the house. Ive never heard of it. This is some forgery, he said. He dismisses the documents from Florida as counterfeit, though his signatures were verified by a notary who indicated he had presented his drivers license as identification.

The legal address for UAB Draugystes Viesbutis is in Vilnius, according to the Florida property records. Never mind that, Butrimas says: The company is American. Do you understand? This is an American company. It might even have nothing to do with Lithuania.

Brazauskiene says she knows nothing about any Florida house. Told it was in Coconut Creek, she said, Oh, I love coconuts. Send me an SMS with the address. The next time I visit, Im going to go looking for coconuts.

The prime ministers widow says she loves Florida and would very much like to live there if she ever decides to leave Lithuania. However, she says, she stays with American Lithuanians during her visits to the state.

The Skyscraper Condo

While searching Florida property records, 15min.lt found another Florida property, this one owned by Butrimas. Its located about 25 miles southeast of the Coconut Creek property, closer to the coast and to Miami.

The records show that Butrimas and his father, Brazauskienes ex-husband Antanas Butrimas, paid $380,000 in 2008 for a luxury apartment in Duo Hallandale Condominiums, a complex of two skyscrapers at 1755 East Hallandale Beach Boulevard in Hallandale Beach, Florida.

The Florida business registry also says that Butrimas was involved in at least two local businesses. One, EB Global LLC, was registered in the Hallandale condo and owned by Butrimas.

The second company, BM International LLC, was registered at the Coconut Creek house owned by Draugystes Viesbutis. Butrimas ran that company with Arunas Marachinskas, a Florida resident of Lithuanian origin and the previous owner of the Coconut Creek house.

When an OCCRP reporter asked Butrimas about the property, he said he has been a US resident for nearly two decades but refused to explain the origin of the money he paid for the condo. He accused the reporter of taking part in a plot against him.

Brazauskiene denies any knowledge of the Coconut Creek house or the Duo Hallandale condo. However, her own pictures provide evidence for questioning these claims.

In February 2015, Brazauskiene gave an interview to a Lithuanian news portal alfa.lt, where she discussed her Florida vacation spent with Butrimas and his wife. She also sent a few pictures from Florida to the media outlet.

Two of the pictures appear to have been taken at one of Duo Hallandale's twin towers. Visual comparison of these photos and 3D visualizations provided by Google Maps indicates that the photos were taken from Duo Hallandale.

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The Internet outrage machine continued to churn at a high gear Saturday in the wake of Bill Mahers inexplicable use of a racial slur during the Friday night broadcast of his HBO show, Real Time.

On the program, Maher used the slur to refer to himself as a house slave during a discussion with Republican Sen. Ben Sasse of Nebraska. Sasse suggested that Maher should come to his district to work in the fields, which is when Maher responded with the term. Its a joke, Maher said as the audience groaned.



For the record: For the Record: An earlier version of this post misidentified Senator Ben Sasse.

As social media erupted with criticism of Maher, HBO released a statement on Saturday calling the remark completely inexcusable and tasteless, and indicated that the segment would not be re-aired.

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A short time later, Maher apologized in a statement: Friday nights are always my worst night of sleep because Im up reflecting on the things I should or shouldnt have said on my live show. Last night was a particularly long night as I regret the word I used in the banter of a live moment. The word was offensive and I regret saying it and am very sorry.

The subsequent backlash bears some resemblance to the firestorm that surrounded Mahers fellow comic Kathy Griffin earlier this week in the wake of her posing for provocative photos with a bloodied, fake severed head of President Trump. The resulting condemnation led to Griffin losing her job with CNN, where the comic had appeared on the networks New Years Eve broadcasts.

Maher to this point continues to be employed by HBO, but the voices calling for his ouster have crossed political lines.

Please @HBO Do Not Air Another Episode Of Real Time With Bill Maher.  Chance The Rapper Album in July (@chancetherapper) June 3, 2017

.@HBO, the only statement we want to read is when you write to let us know that his show has been cancelled. Thanks in advance. https://t.co/CkqXQPsaVg  deray (@deray) June 3, 2017

What's HBO waiting for? Delay is tacit approval. Don't suspend him, FIRE him NOW! FOX News fired Bob Beckel for this https://t.co/CqaQ08JPoB  David A. Clarke, Jr. (@SheriffClarke) June 3, 2017

After the show, Sasse also took to Twitter to voice his own regrets for not speaking up about the epithet in the moment.

Am walking off a redeye from LAX.

3 reflections on @billmaher

1. Im a 1st Amendment absolutist. Comedians get latitude to cross hard lines.  Ben Sasse (@BenSasse) June 3, 2017

2. But free speech comes with a responsibility to speak up when folks use that word. Me just cringing last night wasnt good enough.

(2of4?) https://t.co/e4Bw8s8tV2  Ben Sasse (@BenSasse) June 3, 2017

3. Heres what I wish Id been quick enough to say in the moment: Hold up, why would you think its OK to use that word?...

(3of4?) https://t.co/mQL6wMEd7W  Ben Sasse (@BenSasse) June 3, 2017

(4of4)

"...The history of the n-word is an attack on universal human dignity. Its therefore an attack on the American Creed. Don't use it. https://t.co/kEZm5vPFHK  Ben Sasse (@BenSasse) June 3, 2017

However, such a near-consensus of condemnation seemed to provoke some confusion as the indoor sport of inflating individual actions into broader political narratives continued through Saturday. Black Lives Matter activist Deray [McKesson] is calling for Bill Maher to be fired, tweeted an editor at the right-wing conspiracy site Infowars. Thats how I know Im right to defend him.

Others came to Mahers defense as well:

I've been a friend of @billmaher's for years and there's not a racist bone in his body. Let's accept his apology and move on.  Larry King (@kingsthings) June 3, 2017

I wud and yes I'm cool with Bill. Don't mean I agree with all he says but that joke ain't offend me. Sorry bro. Again tho do u bank black? https://t.co/XqSgfRpPKm  Killer Mike (@KillerMike) June 3, 2017

Though Maher is frequently characterized as a hero for the progressive left  a byproduct of his vocal criticism of religion, as seen in his 2008 documentary Religulous  his actions have at times proven otherwise in a career that has been built upon courting controversy. Maher was criticized earlier this year for providing a platform for right-wing, often bigoted blogger/provocateur Milo Yiannopoulos on Real Time, which resulted in journalist Jeremy Scahill canceling his appearance. Though the show mostly found Maher an accommodating host, when Yiannopoulos was ostracized a few weeks later because of offensive comments, Maher took a measure of credit. Youre welcome, he crowed.

In 2014, he engaged in an on-air debate involving Ben Affleck and author Sam Harris on Real Time that went viral after the actor called into question Mahers history of Islamophobic remarks about the Muslim faith. They bring that desert stuff to our world, Maher said in a 2011 interview with Anderson Cooper. We dont threaten each other, we sue each other. Thats the sign of civilized people.

While it remains to be seen where the outrage surrounding his latest controversy will lead, it is not without precedent for Mahers penchant for going too far to lead him off the air. Shortly after Sept. 11, 2001, he invoked an outcry on his show Politically Incorrect when he said the perpetrators of the attacks on the Pentagon and the World Trade Center were not cowardly, as characterized by President George W. Bush. Staying in the airplane when it hits the building, say what you want about it, its not cowardly, Maher said.

Politically Incorrect quickly lost advertisers as a result and was canceled by ABC in 2002. The following year, Maher began hosting Real Time on HBO.

In a 2016 interview with The Times, the comic sounded defiant about his experience running afoul of cultural norms and sensitivities. Everyone says, Im offended. Where did they get this idea that that means something? Maher said. Im offended by  all the time. I dont make a federal case of it.

See the most-read stories in Entertainment this hour 

chris.barton@latimes.com

Follow me over here @chrisbarton.

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I was walking the dog last week in a South Pasadena park when I glanced at a man and woman having breakfast at a picnic table.

Id seen them before; this time I said hello.

Margaret and her son Chris told me they live in their car.

Were lucky, said Margaret, who asked that I not use her last name. Weve got income, and weve got the car. Theres a lot of people who are suffering and dont have that.

Thats kind of how things are going in Los Angeles. Rents have risen while pay remains flat, the homeless population is growing, and some folks consider themselves fortunate to live in a car.

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Nothing can lift them out of the hole

Margaret said her Social Security check is just above $1,000, and Chris gets about $200 in general relief and $200 worth of food stamps.

Even if they could find an apartment for less than $1,000, they said, theyd have nothing left. So theyre coping, hoping to find work that lifts them out of the hole.

Itd be nice if I could tell you they were outliers, but there are now roughly 58,000 versions of their story in greater Los Angeles. The homeless population increased 23% over last year, even though 14,000 people were helped off the streets.

Were going backward, in other words. And who knows how many more people are on the brink?

The median per capita income in L.A. County is less than $30,000, and for households its about $55,000. So for those who pay the median rental price of $1,995 for a one-bedroom apartment, or $2,400 for multiple bedrooms, there isnt much left over.

Housing Works caseworker Anthony Ruffin kneels to check on a homeless woman sleeping on a bus bench in Hollywood. (Francine Orr / Los Angeles Times)

Affordable housing isnt always an easy sell

Through modern history, Los Angeles has been the land of mansions, of post-war housing development and of suburban tract home sprawl. But the majority of residents rent, some by choice, most by necessity, and a staggering 2 million households pay 30% or more of their income on housing. For them, unexpected bills, job loss, physical or mental health problems and other factors can be the difference between holding onto a home and living in a car.

Its not as if solutions do not exist, but political consensus is hard to come by. Every pitch to create more affordable housing  rent control ordinances, requiring developers to include low-income units in new projects, and building on public land  gets pushback from developers, taxpayers, or residents who dont want low-rent housing near them.

L.A. County Supervisor Sheila Kuehl said the government has to do whatever it can to broker as many new units as possible.

But until the private sector has any interest in affordable housing, she said, I dont know that well ever be able to do enough.

Priced out of Silver Lake, Echo Park, the Westside

On a recent trip to Laguna Hills, I met a senior woman who sweeps floors at a Chick-fil-A and took in a roommate to help cover her rent. In Hollywood, a senior gent has hit the point where his rent and income are one and the same.

And then there are those who get by just fine, but still dont have much of a cushion.

After meeting the homeless mother and son in the park last Thursday, I checked in with Angela Campos, an agent who works for the Rental Girl. She handles property in northeast Los Angeles.

Im seeing a lot of people who are being priced out of the Westside, Silver Lake and Echo Park, said Campos.

I met her at a two bedroom, one bath apartment in Eagle Rock. It was clean and updated, but just 900 square feet, with small bedrooms. It was on the market for $2,100.

You have brand-new appliances, including a stackable washer and dryer, which is pretty nice to have. And lots of cabinet space, Campos said to two young women in their early 20s who came to see the apartment while on lunch breaks from their downtown L.A. jobs.

Kayla Camacho and Austin Carroll currently rent in separate places with other friends, but their commutes from Whittier and Brea are too long. So theyre hoping to room together, closer to work.

They can handle $2,100, but not much more, they said. They hoped their application was accepted on this place, because theyd just missed out on two others, both in Pasadena. Competition is stiff, they said.

Campos took their application and drove to another listing, a one-bedroom apartment in Highland Park. This one was a tight 700 square feet, and was listed at $1,595. But Ingrid Ertsaas, 25, liked what she saw.

Its awesome, said Ertsaas, who currently pays $1,300 a month to sublease a room from two friends in a three-bedroom apartment in West L.A.

Slums of Beverly Hills  in real life

Shed be paying more to live in Highland Park, and shed have a wretched commute to her software engineering job in El Segundo. But Ertsaas wants her own place, and there was nothing affordable on the Westside. Besides, she hangs out in Silver Lake and Echo Park on weekends, so shed rather live in that area and endure the commute until she finds a job closer to her new location. If, in fact, she gets the apartment.

Samantha Dormans problem isnt finding an apartment, but holding on to the one she lives in. Shes a single mother who, like a lot of her neighbors, chose to live in South Pasadena because the public schools are highly regarded. Her story reminds me of the movie Slums of Beverly Hills, in which a low-income family finds the cheapest apartment it can find so the kids can attend the public schools there.

Last fall, Dorman and other residents of adjacent, mid-size apartment buildings were hit with 60-day notice of building improvements that would come with a roughly 50% rent increase. Dorman, a physical trainer, was barely hanging on to her apartment as it was, paying $1,300-monthly for a two-bedroom, one-bath unit. Having to pay $1,900 would break her.

She said she understands the owners run a business, and theyre bound to charge whatever they can get.

But I really feel like what happened here should not be legal, Dorman said. I dont think landlords should be able to raise rents 50%.

But it is legal. South Pasadena  like most California cities  has no rent control ordinance. Even where rent-raising restrictions exist  such as in Los Angeles, which limits annual increases to 3%  landlords can raise rents to whatever they want after a vacancy.

Protests by Dorman and others led to a compromise in which the landlord scaled back the rent increase, and the city is studying whether to implement some form of rent increase protections.

But on Thursday, Dormans rent jumped to $1,800, which is roughly 75% of her pay. About 10 of her neighbors have moved out, some taking advantage of relocation payments from the landlord. Dorman said shes able to stay, for now, only because her ex-husband and her family are helping pay her bills.

Her plan is to keep studying new physical training techniques to increase her earning potential. But she said another rent increase is already planned for December.

Thats going to take me right there, said Dorman. Right up to the edge.

Samantha Dorman, a single mother in South Pasadena, just saw her monthly rent jump from $1,300 to $1,800, which is roughly 75% of her income. (Steve Lopez / Los Angeles Times)

Get more of Steve Lopezs work and follow him on Twitter @LATstevelopez

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Under gray, misty skies in the Gaslamp Quarter Saturday morning, there were joggers, babies in strollers, tourists, homeless people, cops and cows. Lots and lots of cows.

Just after 7:30 a.m., a herd of 200 American Longhorn and Mexican Corriente cattle began making its way down Harbor Drive under the guidance of 48 cowpokes on horseback and a small but fast-moving fleet of herding dogs. The cattle drive, said to be first in 100 years in downtown San Diego, was organized by the San Diego County Fair, which opened its annual run Friday with a Where the West is Fun theme.

Thousands of delighted spectators lined the 2-mile route, which began at Harbor Drive and Pacific Coast Highway. Moving at a rate of 3 to 4 mph, the cattle drive moved southeast past the San Diego Convention Center, then turned north on Fifth Avenue and west on Market Street before returning to its staging ground in Ruocco Park near Seaport Village.

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Moments before the drive began, Jim Marshall of San Diego stood near the starting point with his cellphone camera poised for action, just in case an unexpected stampede occurred.

A cattle drive moves past the San Diego Convention Center on Harbor Drive before going through the Gaslamp Quarter in the background. (Hayne Palmour IV / San Diego Union-Tribune)

Cows in downtown San Diego  what could possibly go wrong? he said with a laugh.

Fortunately, the 45-minute drive came off mostly without a hitch. Early on, a cattle dog took off in the wrong direction down Harbor, but a woman on horseback brought him back. Then as the herd moved under the Gaslamp Quarter monument sign on Fifth Avenue, some cows got spooked and began turning in circles.

Near the end of the drive, as the cattle prepared to cross the San Diego Trolley tracks from Market to Harbor, the trolley crossing gates unexpectedly came down in their path, causing some fear and confusion before they were routed around and under the obstacle and carried on.

Nearby watching the cow detour was Rhonda Ohnesorge of Solana Beach, who came down with her 10-year-old yellow Labrador retriever Beauregard. Beau-y had a yellow lariat-style bandanna tied around his neck and Ohnesorge was in cowboy boots and a black Stetson hat. A native of Wisconsin, shes ridden horses all of her life but had never seen a cattle drive.

It was exciting, said Ohnesorge, who specializes in dressage riding. What more could you ask for than cows, dogs and cowboys?

The cattle drive was organized by Newport Beach resident Doug Lofstrom, who retired in 2014 after 35 years in fair promotions. Since 1985, he has produced a combined 11 cattle drives for fairs in Hemet, Los Angeles, Costa Mesa and Huntington Beach. For Saturdays event, he hand-picked all the riders, who came with their horses from as far as Riverside County and the high desert. The cattle  all rodeo-trained event stock that are accustomed to noise, crowds and distractions  were trucked in from the Inland Empire.

The horses walked in an upside-down U formation with the cattle inside the curve, and their path was cleared by a network of police and port authority staff. But Lofstrom said the unsung heroes of the drive were the eight trained cattle dogs who ran around the herds heels to keep them together and in motion.

The well-trained border collies and McNab shepherds were brought down by two real-life cattle ranchers, John Luiz of Modesto and Russ Fields of Castro Valley. Both men raise cattle on 30,000-acre ranches and said the fair-related events are the only opportunity they have to take part in the old-fashioned tradition of the cattle drive, which died out in the 1950s.

Kragen writes for the San Diego Union-Tribune.

pam.kragen@sduniontribune.com

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Deported U.S. military veterans told members of a U.S. congressional delegation visiting Tijuana on Saturday that they had paid dearly for their crimes and wanted to come home.

I committed a crime and I accept it, said Eduardo Agustin Garcia, 59, a former U.S. Navy airman who grew up in Oxnard but was deported to Mexico in 1999 after serving a four-year sentence on a drug charge.

Garcia, who now works in a call center in Tijuana, was among a dozen deported veterans who spoke briefly to members of the U.S. House of Representatives, all Democrats on the Congressional Hispanic Caucus.

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The deported veterans  some of whom served in Vietnam, Iraq and Afghanistan  told of the pride they had felt in the U.S. armed services. They talked about how they missed their families in the United States and needed access to Veterans Affairs services. I just want to go home, they repeatedly said.

Held at the Deported Veterans Support House near the U.S. border, the event aimed to bring visibility to this issue affecting lawful permanent residents who served in the military and were honorably discharged, but then were convicted of crimes. Because they had not become U.S. citizens, they were deported after serving their sentences, returning to a country that many had left as children.

The delegation, led by Hispanic Caucus Chairwoman Michelle Lujan Grisham of New Mexico and First Vice Chair Joaquin Castro of Texas, included three Californians: Lou Correa of Santa Ana, Nanette Barragan of San Pedro and Juan Vargas of San Diego. Also in the delegation were Raul Grijalva of Arizona and Vicente Gonzalez of Texas.

The visitors were given a tour of the center, which offers shelter and other support services to deported veterans. They also watched a documentary that profiled some of the veterans and told of their struggles in Mexico.

About 60 deported veterans live in the Tijuana area. In a report last year, the American Civil Liberties Union said there were at least 239 deported veterans in 34 countries.

This is an injustice. These veterans fought for the United States, said Correa. They broke the law and paid for this mistake. You shouldnt have to pay twice for the same sin.

Castro presented the veterans with a U.S. flag that had been flown over the U.S. Capitol. We cant wait to get you guys home, he said.

The presence of the legislators offered encouragement to the group. Vargas and Grijalva have submitted proposed legislation that would allow the vets to return to the United States and would take measures so that noncitizen members of the military are informed of their opportunities to become U.S. citizens. Two other members of the delegation are also preparing to propose legislation.

This is an opportunity for Donald Trump to do something right, said Vargas. We werent able to get anywhere with the other administration, and we should have.

sandra.dibble@sduniontribune.com

Twitter: @sandradibble

Dibble writes for the San Diego Union-Tribune.
Mayor Eric Garcetti says he is worried that arrests of immigrants by federal authorities could trigger riots in Los Angeles and put police officers in danger.

In an interview last week with the radio show Latino USA about President Trumps immigration policies, Garcetti said relations between the Los Angeles Police Department and the community have improved in the last few decades.

But that trust is tested when U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents portray themselves as police officers or are mistaken for police when making arrests, the mayor said.

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If something goes wrong, I fear a tinderbox out there. Where people will suddenly say no and try to defend, keep that person from being taken, Garcetti said. Thats dangerous for those officers. Thats dangerous for those agents. And were going to have to respond.

Garcetti added that Los Angeles recently recalled the urban unrest from 25 years ago that was triggered by the acquittal of LAPD officers accused of using excessive force in the beating of Rodney King after a traffic stop.

We know how quickly things can explode, the mayor said.

Arrests by ICE are up 35% nationwide since Trump took office, although they remain relatively flat in Southern California.

Trump supporters and others applaud his administrations tough rhetoric on immigration, arguing that immigrants here illegally are a drain on the economy and take jobs away from citizens.

In Los Angeles, however, Garcetti has stepped up the citys protection of immigrants by backing the creation of a legal fund to pay for lawyers for those facing deportation. He also ordered city employees not to grant ICE access to city buildings that arent open to the public unless legally required.

Garcetti and other city leaders sent a letter in February to ICE Deputy Field Officer David Marin, asking that immigration agents cease identifying themselves as police officers in the course of immigration investigations.

The mayor said in the radio interview, however, that he has a tremendous amount of respect for the men and women who serve in ICE.

They have a job to do, they are real human beings, many of them come from our communities, many are immigrants themselves, Garcetti said.

George Kivork, the mayors spokesman, said Saturday that the mayors focus is on strengthening trust between LAPD officers and the community, including immigrants.

Those long-standing partnerships are based on the idea that no one should be targeted because of immigration status  and it is a vital part of keeping our families, friends, and neighborhoods safe, Kivork said.

dakota.smith@latimes.com

Twitter: @dakotacdsmith

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The cost of imprisoning each of Californias 130,000 inmates is expected to reach a record $75,560 in the next year

A guard watches prisoners being escorted across the yard at San Quentin State Prison. (Mark Boster / Los Angeles Times)

More than tuition at Harvard University

Thats enough to cover the annual cost of attending Harvard University and still have plenty left over for pizza and beer

Gov. Jerry Browns spending plan for the fiscal year that starts July 1 includes a record $11.4 billion for the corrections department while also predicting that there will be 11,500 fewer inmates in four years because voters in November approved earlier releases for many inmates.

California State Prison in Corcoran. (Barbara Davidson / Los Angeles Times)

Cost per prisoner has doubled since 2005

The price for each inmate has doubled since 2005, even as court orders related to overcrowding have reduced the population by about one-quarter. Salaries and benefits for prison guards and medical providers drove much of the increase.

The result is a per-inmate cost that is the nations highest  and $2,000 above tuition, fees, room and board, and other expenses to attend Harvard.

Since 2015, Californias per-inmate costs have surged nearly $10,000, or about 13%. New York is a distant second in overall costs at about $69,000.

Critics say with fewer inmates, the costs should be falling.

Now that were incarcerating less, we havent ramped the system back down, said Chris Hoene, executive director of the left-leaning California Budget & Policy Center.

For example, the corrections department has one employee for every two inmates, compared with one employee for roughly every four inmates in 1994.

Costs rising even as prison population declines

California was sued over prison overcrowding, and to comply with a federal court-imposed population cap, the Brown administration now keeps most lower-level offenders in county jails instead of state prisons. Additionally, voters in 2014 reduced penalties for drug and property crimes and last fall approved the earlier releases.

State Sen. Jim Nielsen (R-Gerber) said reformers falsely promised a prison dividend from savings related to the changes. Instead, theres now an uptick in many crimes and hes worried it will lead to an influx of new inmates that will cost more to house.

Joan Petersilia, co-director of the Stanford Criminal Justice Center, said it was highly predictable that per-inmate costs would increase even as the population decreased.

We released all the low-risk, kind of low-need, and we kept in the high-risk, high-need, she said.

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The U.S. should stay out of foreign conflicts. That idea is shared by doves, critics of U.S. power and America firsters, including many who voted for President Trump. The U.S. has a right, and at times a duty, to use its military power. That idea animates some liberals and neoliberals, some old-school conservatives and neocons, and some who voted for President Trump.

Adherents of each position appeal to what they view as the nations foundational values. John Adams famously warned that Americans should not go abroad in search of monsters to destroy, say the doves. The United States was conceived as a beacon of liberty with a special moral purpose, say the hawks.

In assessing such claims today, its worth considering why our founders formed a standing army after the Revolution. What was it they wanted to defend and promote? Who was the enemy, and what was at stake?

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The first regular, uniform, federally administered U.S. army was created early in George Washingtons first term as president, in response to a shocking event: the greatest military victory that indigenous North Americans would ever enjoy over the United States, the high-water mark in resistance to U.S. expansion westward. This devastating defeat of the young republic dwarfs in U.S. casualties and historical significance the famous 1876 Battle of the Little Bighorn. It occurred in November 1791, on a bank of the upper Wabash River in modern-day Indiana. A large confederation of indigenous nations, led by the philosophical Miami chief Little Turtle and the flamboyant Shawnee chief Blue Jacket, wiped out much of the force serving under Gen. Arthur St. Clair: a 1,500-strong hodgepodge of state militiamen, short-term enlistees, a few regular troops, wives, girlfriends, children, drivers, cooks and other civilians.

American military power was born in invading what is now the Midwest and forcing the regions original inhabitants into concentrated areas.

In minutes, what the Washington administration had billed as a swift, highly targeted action to pacify a few recalcitrant savages turned into a horrifying rout. Native tactics and discipline were exemplary. The few surviving U.S. troops threw down their guns and sprinted, and the people of the United States and their government went into a state of shock. Western expansion looked stymied.

Expansionist ambition was a key factor in the movement that led to the founding of the U.S. As a young man, Washington had explored and invested financially in the potential wealth of the great woodland that stretched from the Ohio Rivers headwaters to its mouth at the Mississippi, and from Kentucky and western Virginia up to the Great Lakes. It was chiefly in reaction to British restrictions on land speculation across the Appalachians that hed taken up the cause of American independence in the 1770s. In the 1780s, Washingtons all-important support for forming a nation was again inspired by his continuing financial and political interest in westward expansion. For him, as for many of his peers, without what the United States called its Northwest Territory, the nation had no future.

As president, Washington was eager to maintain a regular army, but after the War for Independence, the Continental Army he had commanded was disbanded in keeping with a century-long American ethos: the preference for militia and short-term, dedicated enlistments rather than a paid, peacetime, nationally organized standing army, an institution widely associated with monarchical oppression. Congress had therefore declined to act on its constitutional power to create a force of any effective size and duration.

Out of the grisly defeat of St. Clairs troops, Washington got both his army and the Ohio Valley.

It took politics. The famous ideological conflict between Alexander Hamilton and Thomas Jefferson, between elite high finance and yeoman agrarianism, was in full swing, yet each man also passionately supported western settlement. In Washingtons Cabinet, they worked together behind the scenes to defeat longstanding opposition in the House of Representatives to forming a national army. Then Washington cut private deals with senators, and the law creating our first army passed. To buy time for a military buildup after the Wabash rout, the administration engaged in sham negotiations with the confederated tribes.

The new army began with a surprise: Washington chose Anthony Wayne as its commander. A hero of the Revolution, Wayne had become mired in debt and public controversy in the 1780s; his reputation was at such a low point that James Monroe, then in the Senate, was among those who thought the appointment would go down in history as Washingtons biggest mistake.

Instead, Wayne won the young nations first and perhaps most decisive victory. Relying on dogged perseverance and an obsession with military discipline, Mad Anthony, as he was known to his men (to his enemy he was the Black Snake), defeated the confederated Native forces at the Battle of Fallen Timbers, not far from todays Toledo. The victory positioned the U.S. to take permanent possession of what would become, with amazing speed, a booming industrial heartland: western Pennsylvania, western Virginia, Ohio, Michigan, Illinois, Indiana, Wisconsin.

American military power was thus born in invading what is now the Midwest, forcing the regions original inhabitants into concentrated areas, realizing returns on real-estate investments, and shifting the center of national production west of the Appalachians. It was the nations founding military action, setting the stage for all that followed. But it was also a war with no name, and it remains a historical blank spot.

That blankness may serve a purpose. We tend to date our political and cultural division over military power to events after the Civil War: the Plains Indians wars and the U.S. actions beyond what are often called our natural borders, such as Teddy Roosevelt leading the Rough Riders in Cuba. As a critic of American military aggression, Mark Twain argued in 1900 against the eagle putting its talons on any other land.

For more than a century, Twains fellow critics of American aggression have insisted that expansionism contradicts founding republican values. Yet a frank look at our first war reveals expansionism as a critical component of American republicanism  indeed, a factor in American independence itself  and continental empire an overriding goal of the most influential American founders.

The eagles talons have been on other lands from the beginning. Our country requires, perhaps more urgently every day, an informed public debate on how and why we use our vast military power. Any such debate ought to begin not with appeals to Americas founding values but with critical attention to its founding actions.

William Hogelands latest book is Autumn of the Black Snake: The Creation of the U.S. Army and the Invasion That Opened the West.

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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

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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

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Assembly Democrats denounce threats made after single-payer healthcare bill was sidelined Facebook

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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Nurses union uses the image of a California bear stabbed in the back after single-payer bill is blocked Facebook

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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Gov. Jerry Brown says Senate healthcare bill has same stench as House version Facebook

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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
This part of Los Angeles, where the flatlands of Boyle Heights and the freeways that dissect it give way to the gentle slope of the citys northeast, has long been a land of opportunity for politically ambitious underdogs.

It was here that Edward Roybal was elected Los Angeles first modern-day Latino city councilman in 1949 and 13 years later was seated as Californias first Latino congressman since the 1800s.

Xavier Becerra, who inherited most of Roybals district in 1992, became the highest ranking Latino in Congress before becoming Californias first Latino attorney general in January.

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In a special election to replace Becerra representing the 34th Congressional District on Tuesday, a different set of voters in this storied Los Angeles district have a shot at making history. In the runoff between two Democrats, an enthusiastic minority of Korean Americans who live in the other end of the district is hoping to propel attorney Robert Lee Ahn, 41, to victory over Assemblyman Jimmy Gomez, 42.

Gomez, who has been endorsed by Becerra, would continue a decades-long tradition of Latino representation in a district where more than half of the voters are Latino. Ahn would be the first Korean American Democrat elected to Congress, and only the second Korean American ever.

Ahn, who has pitched himself as a newcomer who can shake up machine politics in Los Angeles, has also appealed to Korean Americans by saying he can be their voice on immigration, healthcare and the impending crisis with North Korea. His social media posts note the elections historic nature and some of his mailers speak of the chance for Koreans and other Asian Americans to have a seat at the table.

Every ethnic community wrestles with that issue: Do you vote for ethnicity or do you vote for qualifications?  Hyepin Im, president, Korean Churches for Community Development

His campaign has spent a lot on voter registration and turnout in Koreatown. Last week, he attended a luncheon with Korean American pastors who bowed their heads and prayed for his success.

The [Korean American] community is hungry for a voice, Ahn said as he greeted diners at a Korean tofu restaurant in April. I think theres a palpable frustration of not being heard, of not being properly represented.

But in a district where nearly 60% of voters are Democrats, the importance of minority representation is competing with the urgency of fighting against the Trump administration.

For me, its significantly important to keep this a Latino district, said Gloria Molina, a former L.A. County supervisor who spent years fighting for redistricting that gave Latinos more representation on the Eastside. But Im not going to tell you that my daughter knows this battle, or that she has the same passion I do for electing a Latino, Molina said.

Her daughters calculus, Molina suspects, is the same as many voters: They want someone whos effective, and they want someone whos going to move forward the issues they care about.

Molina, the first Latina elected to the state Assembly, the L.A. City Council and the county board, was one of dozens of politicians who benefited from Roybals trailblazing. From his perch in Congress, Roybal built the infrastructure to grow the ranks of Latinos in elected office.

When Roybal announced his intentions to start the Congressional Hispanic Caucus, then-House Speaker Tip ONeill asked if the few Latinos in Congress would be meeting in a phone booth. Today, Latinos hold a record 38 seats in Congress, including 12 from California.

Those are the kinds of numbers people like 56-year-old Ki Chul Jang dream about.

Jang, who runs a flower shop and cafe with his wife in Koreatown, says its been too long since there was a Korean American on the federal stage. We need to have somebody powerful, Jang said in Korean, as his son helped translate.

Jang, who came to the U.S. 28 years ago from South Korea, said he held a gun on a Koreatown rooftop to defend against looters during the 1992 L.A. riots. That was so painful, and I thought, Koreatown needs to have political power . So when those people run for office, I want to support them unconditionally.

Jang cant vote but says he has been volunteering for Ahn, delivering lawn signs like the one thats planted outside his storefront.

Theres something aspirational about Jangs efforts, too. I always prayed for my son, David  you might laugh  to become U.S. president, show them the power of Koreans, he said, as the younger Jang shook his head. Since it doesnt look like my son will do it, Im supporting Robert Ahn instead.

David Jang, 18, says he doesnt know much about either candidate and doesnt see much point in voting. I only know [Ahn] from the billboards, he said. I feel like Id be voting for him just because hes Korean  and if his values or positions arent the same as mine, theres no real reason for me to.

With few major policy differences between the two candidates, Gomez has tried to cast his opponent as too centrist for this deep blue district, while Ahn has said his local roots and private sector experience will help him better address the quality-of-life issues residents face.

Robert Lee Ahn, left, and Assemblyman Jimmy Gomez, both Democrats, at their only debate on May 25 at Occidental College. (Michael Owen Baker / For The Times)

Every ethnic community wrestles with that issue: Do you vote for ethnicity or do you vote for qualifications? said Hyepin Im, president of the Korean Churches for Community Development. I dont think its ever an either/or.

Ahns candidacy comes after an important victory for Korean Americans two years ago: the election of David Ryu, the first Korean American city councilman in Los Angeles.

But, while a surge in Korean American voters in the primary helped Ahn break through a crowded field to make the runoff, they make up just 6% of the electorate. Even if the primarys low turnout holds for the runoff, it will be impossible for Ahn to win with just Korean American votes.

With Gomez touting progressive policies hes supported in the Legislature and dozens of endorsements from the party establishment and progressive groups, Ahn has taken up the mantle of a political outsider who is an alternative to the perceived Latino political dynasty.

Some might say this is a Latino district, Ahn said. But its also a low-income district, thats another way to look at it. At the end of the day ... theyre asking me, Do you, No. 1, understand my problems?

He has appeared at events commemorating the 25th anniversary of the riots and announcing endorsements from church leaders, including J. Edgar Boyd, pastor of the First AME Church, an iconic venue for the African American faithful. African Americans account for 5% of the districts electorate.

His campaign has reached out to other Asian Americans, too, blanketing apartment buildings with Mandarin-language fliers, and has even sent mailers to the districts tiny Republican minority. And recently, he gained the endorsement of the Republican former L.A. Mayor Richard Riordan.

Coalition building has always been the key to success in this area, said Arturo Vargas, executive director of the National Assn. of Latino Elected Officials. Roybal won his first election by forging an alliance between Latinos and the Jewish, Armenian and Japanese American communities in Boyle Heights, he said.

Gomez, on the other hand, has focused on turning out his most faithful supporters in northeast Los Angeles, which he has represented in the Assembly since 2012. Among his efforts are mailers listing each voters recent voting history and messages about the need to stop Trump.

If we dont vote, Donald Trump and the Republicans are going to win, Gomez said in Spanish at a recent debate, appearing to take pains to point out many District 34 neighborhoods beyond his northeast base. If Im elected Im going to represent every single community: Koreatown, MacArthur Park, Pico Union, Downtown L.A., he said, leaving northeast Los Angeles for last.

Despite the candidates messages of unity, Edward J.W. Park, a professor of Asian American studies at Loyola Marymount University, says neither candidate has done much to motivate voters outside their bases. The way that both of these candidates have  run their campaigns. Its just so stridently and narrowly focused on their specific communities, Park said.

Rep. Lucille Roybal-Allard (D-Downey), Roybals daughter who was elected to Congress just before he retired, said the enthusiasm and excitement Korean Americans have for Ahn is understandable and reminds her of how Latinos felt after her fathers groundbreaking wins.

While former L.A. County Supervisor Molina said it was unfortunate that two ethnic blocs were competing over the same district, Becerra said he saw it differently.

Only in America, right? Youve got a proud Latino and a proud Korean American running to represent a very diverse part of L.A. Thats beautiful, Becerra said.

Times staff writer Victoria Kim contributed to this report.

christine.maiduc@latimes.com

For more on California politics, follow @cmaiduc.

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Trump promotes sons Justice with Judge Jeanine interview President Trump promoted via Twitter an interview with his son Eric Trump just before it aired Saturday night on Fox News Justice with Judge Jeanine. Eric Trump on @JudgeJeanine on @FoxNews now!  Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) January 21, 2018 Eric Trump called into the show to defend his father from criticism prompted by the first government shutdown in more than four years, as well as a series of Womens March events that saw protesters in dozens of cities take to the streets to oppose the presidents policies. .@EricTrump joined me over the phone from Mar-a-Lago ! pic.twitter.com/Hro3TzUW52  Jeanine Pirro (@JudgeJeanine) January 21, 2018 Speaking to host Jeannine Piro  who is reportedly an old friend of the presidents  Eric Trump offered effusive praise for his father, ticking off glowing statistics to illustrate the strength of the U.S. economy and gains against Islamic State fighters overseas. My fathers working like no ones ever worked before to bring back this country and to fulfill his promise to make America great again, said the executive vice president of the Trump Organization. He also repeated a sentiment recently expressed on Twitter by his father: That Democratic lawmakers forced a government shutdown on the anniversary of the presidents inauguration in a bid to distract from his achievements. You look at this whole government shutdown, and the only reason they want to shut down government is to distract and to stop his momentum, Eric Trump said. I mean, my father has had incredible momentum. Hes gotten more done in one year than arguably any president in history. Facebook

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Trump tweets: a perfect day for all Women to March President Trump hailed the nationwide Womens March gatherings Saturday. On Twitter, the president called it a perfect day for all Women to March, seeming to imply that those taking part were celebrating his administrations accomplishments: Beautiful weather all over our great country, a perfect day for all Women to March. Get out there now to celebrate the historic milestones and unprecedented economic success and wealth creation that has taken place over the last 12 months. Lowest female unemployment in 18 years!  Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) January 20, 2018 Participants in the marches across the United States were actually seeking to deliver a powerful rebuke to Trumps policies and mount a crucial mobilization for this years midterm elections. But Trump continued to tout his administrations unprecedented success in tweets sent later in the day: Unprecedented success for our Country, in so many ways, since the Election. Record Stock Market, Strong on Military, Crime, Borders, & ISIS, Judicial Strength & Numbers, Lowest Unemployment for Women & ALL, Massive Tax Cuts, end of Individual Mandate - and so much more. Big 2018!  Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) January 20, 2018 The Trump Administration has terminated more UNNECESSARY Regulation, in just twelve months, than any other Administration has terminated during their full term in office, no matter what the length. The good news is, THERE IS MUCH MORE TO COME!  Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) January 21, 2018 In addition to the roll call of major American cities where womens marches took place  including New York, Washington, Los Angeles, Dallas, Philadelphia, Chicago, San Francisco, Atlanta  protesters also raised their voices in suburbs and small towns, reflecting the aim of coalescing a broad-based movement on the anniversary of Trumps inauguration to oppose the presidents stance on immigration, healthcare, racial divides and an array of other issues. Read More This post contains reporting from Times staff writer Laura King. Facebook

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Trump calls shutdown a present from Democrats By Associated Press President Trump is blaming Democrats for the government shutdown  tweeting that they wanted to give him a nice present to mark the one-year anniversary of his inauguration: This is the One Year Anniversary of my Presidency and the Democrats wanted to give me a nice present. #DemocratShutdown  Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) January 20, 2018 That comes after Senate Democrats late Friday killed a GOP-written House-passed measure that would have kept agencies functioning for four weeks. Democrats were seeking a stopgap bill of just a few days in hopes that would build pressure on Republicans, and they were opposing a three-week alternative offered by GOP leaders. Democrats have insisted they would back legislation reopening the government once theres a bipartisan agreement to preserve protections against deporting about 700,000 immigrants  known as Dreamers  who arrived in the United States illegally as children. Trump on Saturday accused Democrats of holding our Military hostage over their desire to have unchecked illegal immigration: Democrats are holding our Military hostage over their desire to have unchecked illegal immigration. Cant let that happen!  Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) January 20, 2018 Democrats are laying fault for the shutdown on Republicans, who control both chambers of Congress and the White House and have struggled with building internal consensus. In a series of tweets hours after the shutdown began, the president tried to make the case for Americans to elect more Republicans to Congress in November in order to power through this mess: Democrats are far more concerned with Illegal Immigrants than they are with our great Military or Safety at our dangerous Southern Border. They could have easily made a deal but decided to play Shutdown politics instead. #WeNeedMoreRepublicansIn18 in order to power through mess!  Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) January 20, 2018 He noted that there are 51 Republicans in the 100-member Senate, and it often takes 60 votes to advance legislation: For those asking, the Republicans only have 51 votes in the Senate, and they need 60. That is why we need to win more Republicans in 2018 Election! We can then be even tougher on Crime (and Border), and even better to our Military & Veterans!  Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) January 20, 2018 #AMERICA FIRST!  Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) January 20, 2018 The stopgap spending measure won 50 votes in the Senate, including five from Democrats. Although the House and Senate were in session Saturday, it was unclear whether lawmakers would take any votes of consequence. Trump had been set to leave Friday afternoon for a fundraiser at his estate in Palm Beach, Fla., where he intended to mark the inauguration anniversary. But he remained in Washington and ended up scrapping his plans to attend the Saturday fundraiser. Read More Facebook

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Trump tweet casts doubt on likelihood of averting shutdown President Trump appeared to cast doubt on the likelihood of reaching a deal to avert a government shutdown Friday night in a tweet. Trump also sought to blame Democrats for what would be the first shutdown since 2013. His message came just hours before the midnight deadline by which lawmakers must pass a measure to fund government agencies, or some operations will cease. Not looking good for our great Military or Safety & Security on the very dangerous Southern Border. Dems want a Shutdown in order to help diminish the great success of the Tax Cuts, and what they are doing for our booming economy.  Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) January 20, 2018 Despite last-minute negotiations Friday between Trump and Senate Minority Leader Charles E. Schumer, Congress remained deadlocked over a spending bill and the federal government was headed toward a shutdown at midnight. Senate Democrats  joined by some GOP deficit hawks and immigration allies  were set to filibuster a stopgap funding bill approved by the House on Thursday. A Senate vote was planned for 10 p.m. Eastern, and even White House officials predicted it would fail. Read More This post contains reporting from Times staff writer Lisa Mascaro. Facebook

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Trump signs surveillance law after confusing tweets By Associated Press President Trump on Friday signed a bill into law to renew a foreign intelligence surveillance program, announcing his action in the latest in a series of confusing tweets about the spy program: Just signed 702 Bill to reauthorize foreign intelligence collection. This is NOT the same FISA law that was so wrongly abused during the election. I will always do the right thing for our country and put the safety of the American people first!  Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) January 19, 2018 Trumps tweet on Jan. 11 created chaos in the House just before it voted to reauthorize what is known as Section 702 of the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act. He linked the intelligence program to a dossier that alleges his presidential campaign had ties to Russia. That caused people to wonder if he didnt support the program that allows U.S. spy agencies to collect intelligence on foreign targets abroad. Trump and other Republicans have alleged that Obama administration officials improperly shared the identities of Trump presidential transition team members mentioned in intelligence reports. Democrats say there is no evidence that happened. Shortly before the House vote, and after conferring with House Speaker Paul Ryan, Trump did an apparent about-face. This vote is about foreign surveillance of foreign bad guys on foreign land, he tweeted. We need it! Get smart! In his tweet announcing that he had just signed the bill, Trump wrote: This is NOT the same FISA law that was so wrongly abused during the election. I will always do the right thing for our country and put the safety of the American people first! There are no obvious links between the dossier Trump spoke of, which includes salacious but unsubstantiated allegations against him, and the reauthorization of the spying program, or between the program and Trumps oft-repeated claims that the Obama administration conducted surveillance on Trump Tower during the presidential campaign. Facebook

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In tweet, Trump suggests that Pennsylvania trip is a political one The White House press office was once again forced to walk back a tweet from President Trump on Thursday morning after he described a trip to Pennsylvania later in the day as a political one  a statement that would force the Republican Party, not taxpayers, to pay for the journey. The White House had said Trump was going to an industrial equipment company outside of Pittsburgh to highlight the good economy and new tax cuts, making it an official, policy-oriented event. It was widely assumed that the trip had a political cast  the area is holding a special election to fill a congressional seat vacated by a Republican who resigned. Trump, by his tweet, seemed to confirm that politics was the whole purpose: Will be going to Pennsylvania today in order to give my total support to RICK SACCONE, running for Congress in a Special Election (March 13). Rick is a great guy. We need more Republicans to continue our already successful agenda!  Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) January 18, 2018 Trump later shared via Twitter a pair of video clips of his speech at H&K Equipment, in which he touted the tax cuts he signed into law just before Christmas and tried to turn the conversation back to his accomplishments after weeks dominated by distractions, including questions about his mental health and comments about immigration that some considered racist: Departing Pittsburgh now, where it was my great honor to stand with our incredible workers, and to show the world that AMERICA is back - and we are coming back bigger and better and stronger than ever before! pic.twitter.com/kWPgylqFzj  Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) January 18, 2018 AMERICA will once again be a NATION that thinks big, dreams bigger, and always reaches for the stars. YOU are the ones who will shape Americas destiny. YOU are the ones who will restore our prosperity. And YOU are the ones who are MAKING AMERICA GREAT AGAIN! #MAGA pic.twitter.com/f2abNK47II  Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) January 18, 2018 The Republican National Committee, rather than the White House, is supposed to pay for political travel so that taxpayers are not financing party activities; for trips that combine policy and politics, parties have split the cost under past presidents. Neither the RNC nor the White House responded to emails sent Thursday asking who would pay. White House Press Secretary Sarah Huckabee Sanders released a statement later Thursday suggesting that taxpayers would foot the bill. She insisted that Trump would be conducting government business while in Pennsylvania. Read More This post contains reporting from the Associated Press and Times staff writer Noah Bierman. Facebook

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Trump tweets praise of Bob Dole after awarding him Congressional Gold Medal By Associated Press Former Senate Majority Leader Bob Dole knew the art of the deal before President Trump published the 1987 book of the same name. The two shared a stage under the Capitol dome Wednesday as Dole, 94, accepted Congress highest civilian honor, the Congressional Gold Medal, for his World War II service and decades of work in the House and Senate. Trump later praised Dole in a tweet, attaching to his message a video composed of clips from the ceremony: Today, we witnessed an incredible moment in history  the presentation of Congress highest civilian honor to our friend, and true AMERICAN HERO, Bob Dole. #CongressionalGoldMedal pic.twitter.com/qNQqDLRmCk  Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) January 17, 2018 At the ceremony, the president saluted Dole as a patriot and gave tribute to Doles struggle as a veteran who worked his way back from a grievous shoulder wound he suffered in Italy. He knows about grit, said Trump. But it was Doles penchant for working across the aisle that earned him his latest award, according to the legislation. Bob Dole was known for his ability to work across the aisle and embrace practical bipartisanship, reads the legislation Trump signed in September. Some of the awards 300 recipients include George Washington and Mother Teresa, according to the Congressional Research Service. Read More Facebook

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Trump touts report that seeks to link terrorism cases with immigration By Joseph Tanfani The Trump administration on Tuesday released a report attempting to link terrorism with migration, arguing that it was evidence of the need to dramatically reshape the nations immigration system. New report from DOJ & DHS shows that nearly 3 in 4 individuals convicted of terrorism-related charges are foreign-born. We have submitted to Congress a list of resources and reforms....  Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) January 16, 2018 ....we need to keep America safe, including moving away from a random chain migration and lottery system, to one that is merit-based. https://t.co/7PtoSFK1n2  Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) January 16, 2018 The report, ordered by President Trump in an executive order last year, said that 75% of the 549 people convicted of terrorism charges since 9/11 were born outside the U.S. Administration officials called that a sign that the U.S. needs to scrap its policy of family preferences for visas, which they call chain migration, and a diversity visa lottery program. But the report did not specify how many  if any  of the convicted terrorists entered the country through those means. It also did not detail how many of the convictions were related to attacks or plans in the U.S. versus overseas and how many involved people who went to fight overseas for the Islamic State or another terrorist group. Those details were not available, officials said. The report, due last year, is being released in a highly charged moment in the immigration debate, as Trump and some Republicans in Congress seek tough new border and immigration measures in return for a deal protecting the 690,000 people in the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals program. Trump also fired off a pair of tweets on the topic earlier Tuesday: We must have Security at our VERY DANGEROUS SOUTHERN BORDER, and we must have a great WALL to help protect us, and to help stop the massive inflow of drugs pouring into our country!  Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) January 16, 2018 The Democrats want to shut down the Government over Amnesty for all and Border Security. The biggest loser will be our rapidly rebuilding Military, at a time we need it more than ever. We need a merit based system of immigration, and we need it now! No more dangerous Lottery.  Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) January 16, 2018 The focus of our immigration system should be assimilation, a senior administration official said on Tuesday, speaking on condition that his name not be used. He said the nation should give priority to potential immigrants who speak English, who have an education and those who are committed to supporting our values  not family members of people already here. The official said the timing of the report was coincidental. Read More Facebook

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Trump tweets welcome to president of Kazakhstan By Associated Press President Trump said Tuesday that he and the president of Kazakhstan are united in a shared determination to prevent North Korea from threatening the world with nuclear devastation. Trump and President Nursultan Nazarbayev discussed North Korea along with other issues during meetings at the White House. Today, it was my honor to welcome President Nursultan Nazarbayev of Kazakhstan to the @WhiteHouse! pic.twitter.com/TerYFZViax  Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) January 16, 2018 Trump said Kazakhstan, once part of the Soviet Union, is a valued partner in our efforts to rid the Korean peninsula of nuclear weapons. Together we are determined to prevent the North Korean regime from threatening the world with nuclear devastation, he said, as both presidents addressed journalists between meetings. Nazarbayev noted that his country once had one of the worlds largest nuclear arsenals but voluntarily gave it up after the Soviet Union collapsed. He said his country is in talks with Iran, which was the focus of a global deal that lifted some economic sanctions in exchange for Irans curbing its nuclear program. Trump has sharply criticized the Iran nuclear deal and threatened last week to pull out soon unless other countries fix what he says are terrible flaws. Read More Facebook

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Trump falsely claims his approval rating among black Americans has doubled By Alex Wigglesworth President Trump lashed out at the news media Tuesday morning in a tweet denouncing the special counsel investigation into Russian meddling in the 2016 election and possible collusion among members of his campaign team. Do you notice the Fake News Mainstream Media never likes covering the great and record setting economic news, but rather talks about anything negative or that can be turned into the negative. The Russian Collusion Hoax is dead, except as it pertains to the Dems. Public gets it!  Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) January 16, 2018 It wasnt immediately clear exactly what prompted the presidents tweet, but it appeared as though he was watching Fox & Friends. A short time later, Trump tweeted a headline from a report that aired during that mornings episode: 90% of Trump 2017 news coverage was negative -and much of it contrived!@foxandfriends  Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) January 16, 2018 The segment focused on the latest survey results from conservative watchdog Media Research Center, which purportedly analyzed the evening news broadcasts on ABC, CBS and NBC from Jan. 20 to Dec. 31 and found that 90% of the statements made about Trump were negative. Study: 90% of Trump media coverage in 2017 was negative pic.twitter.com/vbrwup4Drg  FOX & friends (@foxandfriends) January 16, 2018 But believe it or not, through all this negative coverage, they did a survey of 600,000 people about how black America views this president, co-host Brian Kilmeade said. His numbers have actually doubled in approval. Trump highlighted the statement in another tweet: Unemployment for Black Americans is the lowest ever recorded. Trump approval ratings with Black Americans has doubled. Thank you, and it will get even (much) better! @FoxNews  Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) January 16, 2018 But its not true. The claim appears to have originated from a misreading of data from the online polling firm SurveyMonkey, according to factcheck.org. The firm polled 600,000 Americans in 2017 and found that Trumps approval rating among blacks actually dropped from 23% early in his presidency to about 17%, as of the week ending Jan. 3. Some conservative outlets, including Breitbart, produced an average from those and other SurveyMonkey figures and compared them to the scores Trump received from black voters in the 2016 exit polls. That methodology is not sound. And since the statistics measure different things, the comparison is misleading. Facebook

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Trump goes after senator who surfaced his immigration remark By Associated Press President Trump turned his Twitter torment Monday on the Democrat in the room where immigration talks with lawmakers took a famously coarse turn, saying Sen. Richard J. Durbin misrepresented what he had said about African nations and Haiti and, in the process, undermined the trust needed to make a deal. Senator Dicky Durbin totally misrepresented what was said at the DACA meeting, Trump tweeted, using a nickname to needle the Illinois senator. Deals cant get made when there is no trust! Durbin blew DACA and is hurting our Military. Senator Dicky Durbin totally misrepresented what was said at the DACA meeting. Deals cant get made when there is no trust! Durbin blew DACA and is hurting our Military.  Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) January 15, 2018 Trump was referring to the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals program, which protects young people who came to the United States illegally as children. Members of Congress from both parties are trying to strike a deal that Trump would support to extend that protection. Trump also cast doubt on the likelihood of reaching an agreement in tweets sent earlier Monday: Statement by me last night in Florida: Honestly, I dont think the Democrats want to make a deal. They talk about DACA, but they dont want to help..We are ready, willing and able to make a deal but they dont want to. They dont want security at the border, they dont want.....  Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) January 15, 2018 ...to stop drugs, they want to take money away from our military which we cannot do. My standard is very simple, AMERICA FIRST & MAKE AMERICA GREAT AGAIN!  Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) January 15, 2018 On a day of remembrance for the Rev. Martin Luther King Jr., Trump spent time at his golf course with no public events, bypassing the acts of service that his predecessors staged in honor of the civil rights leader. Instead, Trump dedicated his weekly address to Kings memory, saying Kings dream and Americas are the same: A world where people are judged by who they are, not how they look or where they come from. That message was a distinct counterpoint to words attributed to Trump by Durbin and others at a meeting last week, when the question of where immigrants come from seemed at the forefront of Trumps concerns. Some participants and others familiar with the conversation said Trump challenged immigration from shithole countries of Africa and disparaged Haiti as well. Without explicitly denying using that word, Trump lashed out at the Democratic senator, who said Trump uttered it on several occasions. Read More Facebook

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Trump thanks pundit for laudatory Fox & Friends spot By Alex Wigglesworth President Trump thanked Fox News personality Stuart Varney after Varney praised Trump during an appearance on Fox & Friends. In a pair of tweets early Sunday, Trump quoted from Varneys commentary, in which he argued that Trump deserves more credit for the booming economy. The pundit, who also hosts a show on Fox Business Network, cited moves by some corporations to raise workers minimum wage or pay out one-time bonuses in response to the GOP tax cuts. President Trump is not getting the credit he deserves for the economy. Tax Cut bonuses to more than 2,000,000 workers. Most explosive Stock Market rally that weve seen in modern times. 18,000 to 26,000 from Election, and grounded in profitability and growth. All Trump, not 0...  Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) January 14, 2018 ...big unnecessary regulation cuts made it all possible (among many other things). President Trump reversed the policies of President Obama, and reversed our economic decline. Thank you Stuart Varney. @foxandfriends  Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) January 14, 2018 Varney was reacting to a quote from House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi (D-San Francisco), who on Thursday called the bonuses handed down to workers pathetic in comparison to the gains corporations are expected to see from the tax cuts. In terms of the bonus that corporate America received versus the crumbs that they are giving to workers to kind of put the schmooze on is so pathetic, Pelosi told reporters. Its pathetic. Varney shot back Sunday that the bonuses, along with explosive stock market growth, are enriching all Americans. This is a huge shot in the arm, its the result of this tax cut deal and I think President Trump should get the credit for it, he said. .@Varneyco Sets the economic record straight after Nancy Pelosi calls U.S. mass bonuses crumbs pic.twitter.com/BvjIHGm3HE  FOX & friends (@foxandfriends) January 14, 2018 The sweeping tax plan passed last month lowers the corporate tax rate from 35% to 21% and cuts personal income taxes. Analysts say the benefits will largely flow to corporations and the wealthy, as theyre more likely to be in positions to share in corporate profits. For instance, Wells Fargo & Co., which responded to news of the tax overhaul by announcing it will raise workers pay to at least $15 an hour, also reported that it expects to pay an effective tax rate of 19% this year, down from about 31% in previous years. That should amount to tax savings of more than $3 billion annually. On average, middle-class Americans are expected to see a very small tax cut in the near term and a tax increase after 2025, when all of the tax cuts for individuals expire. The tax cuts for corporations, however, are permanent.  This post contains reporting from Times staff writer James Rufus Koren. Facebook

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Trump touts MLK proclamation in tweet, but ceremony is overshadowed by reports of racist remarks By Associated Press President Trump signed a proclamation Friday for Martin Luther King Jr. Day, noting the contributions of a great American hero. Today, it was my great honor to proclaim January 15, 2018, as Martin Luther King Jr., Federal Holiday. I encourage all Americans to observe this day with appropriate civic, community, and service activities in honor of Dr. King's life and legacy. pic.twitter.com/samlJsz1Nt  Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) January 12, 2018 Overshadowing the event was mounting backlash from Trumps comments during a private meeting with lawmakers the day before. A short time after the meeting, which was called to discuss a possible immigration deal, reports emerged that Trump had asked participants why the United States should accept immigrants from shithole countries in Africa, Central America and the Caribbean. Illinois Sen. Richard Durbin, the Senates second-ranking Democrat, appeared to confirm those reports on Friday. Trump did not respond Friday to several questions about the incident, including whether he actually used vulgar language to describe African nations, or if he is racist. The president said at the White House that love was central to the slain civil rights leader. Trump said the nation celebrates King for standing up for the self-evident truth Americans hold so dear, that no matter what the color of our skin or place of our birth, we are all created equal by God.  This post contains reporting from Times staff writer Noah Bierman. Facebook

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Trump criticizes Democrats in tweet calling for stricter immigration rules President Trump hit out at Democrats on Thursday night in a tweet calling for stricter immigration rules. Trump wrote that members of the party seem intent on having people and drugs pour into our country from the border with Mexico: The Democrats seem intent on having people and drugs pour into our country from the Southern Border, risking thousands of lives in the process. It is my duty to protect the lives and safety of all Americans. We must build a Great Wall, think Merit and end Lottery & Chain. USA!  Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) January 12, 2018 It wasnt immediately clear exactly what prompted the tweet. Earlier Thursday, Trump rejected a bipartisan compromise to resolve the standoff over so-called Dreamers, young immigrants who were brought to the United States illegally as children but have temporary permits to work, attend school or serve in the military. The president drew widespread condemnation after reports emerged that he had asked participants in an Oval Office meeting about the proposal why the United States should accept immigrants from shithole countries in Africa, Central America and the Caribbean. Read More Facebook

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Trump touts bill aimed at improving border screening for fentanyl By Associated Press President Trump signed legislation Wednesday aimed at giving Customs and Border Protection agents additional screening devices and other tools to stop the flow of illicit drugs. Speaking at a surprise bill-signing ceremony while flanked by members of Congress from both parties in the Oval Office, Trump described the bill as a significant step forward in the fight against powerful opioids such as fentanyl, which he called our new big scourge. He echoed that language Thursday in a tweet: Yesterday, I signed the #INTERDICTAct (H.R. 2142) with bipartisan members of Congress to help end the flow of drugs into our country. Together, we are committed to doing everything we can to combat the deadly scourge of drug addiction and overdose in the United States! pic.twitter.com/ELZvFol5Lo  Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) January 11, 2018 The legislation will pay for new portable and fixed chemical screening devices to detect and intercept fentanyl at ports of entry and in the mail, along with other laboratory equipment and personnel, including scientists. Trump has made fighting the opioid epidemic a centerpiece of his administration, though critics say he hasnt dedicated nearly enough money or resources to make a difference. Trump suggested during his remarks on Wednesday that hed like to take a more aggressive approach to the drug crisis  but the countrys not ready for what he has in mind. So were going to sign this. And its a step. And it feels like a very giant step, but unfortunately, its not going to be a giant step, because no matter what you do, this is something that keeps pouring in, he said. And were going to find the answer. There is an answer. I think I actually know the answer, but Im not sure the countrys ready for it yet, he added. Does anybody know what I mean? I think so. Facebook

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Trump applauds news that Toyota-Mazda plant is slated for Alabama By Associated Press Japanese automakers Toyota and Mazda on Wednesday announced plans to build a mammoth, $1.6-billion joint-venture plant in Alabama that will eventually employ about 4,000 people. President Trump lauded the news in a tweet: Cutting taxes and simplifying regulations makes America the place to invest! Great news as Toyota and Mazda announce they are bringing 4,000 JOBS and investing $1.6 BILLION in Alabama, helping to further grow our economy! pic.twitter.com/Kcg8IVH6iA  Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) January 10, 2018 Good news: Toyota and Mazda announce giant new Huntsville, Alabama, plant which will produce over 300,000 cars and SUVs a year and employ 4000 people. Companies are coming back to the U.S. in a very big way. Congratulations Alabama!  Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) January 11, 2018 Several states had competed for the project, which will be able to turn out 300,000 vehicles per year and produce the Toyota Corolla compact car for North America and a new small SUV from Mazda. Alabama Gov. Kay Ivey and company executives held a news conference to announce that the facility is coming to the Huntsville area not far from the Tennessee line. Production is expected to begin by 2021. The decision to pick Alabama is another example of foreign-based automakers building U.S. factories in the South. To entice manufacturers, Southern states have used a combination of lucrative incentive packages, low-cost labor and a pro-business labor environment, because the United Auto Workers union is stronger in Northern states. Read More Facebook

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Trump highlights call for border wall in tweets on visit with Norways prime minister By Associated Press President Trump praised Norways prime minister in a tweet on Wednesday after Erna Solberg became the first foreign leader to visit with the president in 2018. Today, it was my great honor to welcome Prime Minister Erna Solberg of Norway to the @WhiteHouse - a great friend and ally of the United States! Joint press conference: https://t.co/qWR1BhfQZI pic.twitter.com/PJvwznjRCO  Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) January 10, 2018 Trump also shared via Twitter a video clip of a joint news conference he held with Solberg on Wednesday afternoon. In the clip, Trump responds to a question from a reporter by saying there can be no bipartisan immigration deal absent funding for his long-promised wall along the U.S. border with Mexico. Republican and Democratic lawmakers have been seeking a solution for hundreds of thousands of so-called Dreamers, young people who were brought to the United States as children and are living here illegally. The United States needs the security of the Wall on the Southern Border, which must be part of any DACA approval. The safety and security of our country is #1! pic.twitter.com/4CFzQXb5aS  Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) January 10, 2018 We need the wall for security, we need the wall for safety, we need the wall for stopping the drugs from pouring in, Trump said Wednesday.  Any solution has to include the wall because without the wall, it all doesnt work. On Tuesday, Trump drew widespread attention when he said during a meeting with a bipartisan group of lawmakers that he would be agreeable to signing a stand-alone bill to protect the Dreamers, before moving on to a more comprehensive immigration bill. That contradicted the Republican consensus that Dreamers fate needed to be part of a broader immigration bill that would include some version of Trumps promised border wall and other immigration reforms. Trump backed away from a stand-alone Dreamer bill in subsequent tweets and public comments. Read More This post contains reporting from Los Angeles Times staff writer Noah Bierman. Facebook

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Trump praises Cabinet in tweet touting meeting By Associated Press President Trump promoted a meeting of his Cabinet on Wednesday, sharing via Twitter a link to a video of the session posted on the White House YouTube account. In his tweet, Trump thanked his Cabinet for working tirelessly on behalf of our country and wrote that the last year has been one of monumental achievement. I want to thank my @Cabinet for working tirelessly on behalf of our country. 2017 was a year of monumental achievement and we look forward to the year ahead. Together, we are delivering results and MAKING AMERICA GREAT AGAIN! https://t.co/ptXa1hAPwW pic.twitter.com/yv6RALkQf3  Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) January 10, 2018 The former reality television star continued to dispense accolades at the meeting Wednesday, greeting reporters in the Cabinet Room by saying: Welcome back to the studio. Then he proceeded to relive a Cabinet Room session from the prior day, when he had allowed reporters and TV cameras to stick around for much of his meeting with a bipartisan group of legislators on the thorny issue of immigration. It was a tremendous meeting. Actually, it was reported as incredibly good. And my performance  you know, some of them called it a performance  I consider it work, Trump said. Trump went on to say he had received letters from news anchors calling it one of the greatest meetings theyve ever witnessed. He added that the media will ultimately support Trump in the end, because theyre going to say, if Trump doesnt win in three years, theyre all out of business. Asked for examples of letters received from news anchors, the White House said it had received private communications. It also offered a series of positive on-air comments and tweets from journalists about the unusual access to the meeting. During his remarks, Trump swung from praising his own meeting coverage to telling journalists that they were dependent on his presidency for ratings to threatening a strong look at libel laws. Still, Trump thanked the journalists in front of him, joking: Youve gotten very familiar with this room. I appreciate your nice comments yesterday. Facebook

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Trump blasts DACA ruling in tweet calling courts broken and unfair By Lisa Mascaro President Trump denounced the federal courts Wednesday as broken and unfair after a district judge in San Francisco issued a nationwide injunction keeping protections in place for so-called Dreamers. Trump tweeted: It just shows everyone how broken and unfair our Court System is when the opposing side in a case (such as DACA) always runs to the 9th Circuit and almost always wins before being reversed by higher courts.  Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) January 10, 2018 On Tuesday night, U.S. District Judge William Alsup in San Francisco temporarily blocked the Trump administrations decision to phase out the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals program, known as DACA, which has protected from deportation some 700,000 people who came to the country illegally as children. Alsup granted a request by the state of California, the University of California and other plaintiffs to stop Trump from ending DACA on March 5. The administrations decision to end DACA, which was announced in September, was based on a flawed legal analysis, Alsup wrote in his decision. Dreamers would be irreparably harmed if their DACA protections, which allow them to live and work legally in the U.S., were stripped away before the courts had a chance to fully consider their claims, he ruled. The action is the mirror image of a ruling in 2015 by a federal judge in Texas who ruled in favor of that state when it sought to block President Obama from expanding DACA to include the parents of Dreamers. Trump administration officials praised that judicial ruling. By contrast, they sharply criticized Alsups decision. Read More Facebook

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Trump thanks lawmakers for productive immigration meeting, says deal must include border wall President Trump thanked a bipartisan group of lawmakers for participating in a meeting on immigration legislation on Tuesday. Much of the discussion involved so-called Dreamers, an estimated 700,000 young people who were brought to the country illegally as children and are now facing deportation. In a tweet, Trump wrote that there was strong agreement to negotiate a bill to protect Dreamers, as well as put into place some of the reforms favored by Republicans. Thanks to all of the Republican and Democratic lawmakers for todays very productive meeting on immigration reform. There was strong agreement to negotiate a bill that deals with border security, chain migration, lottery and DACA. https://t.co/SdqAQ3aL3z pic.twitter.com/8DYHZHspAy  Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) January 9, 2018 The most notable exchange of the meeting came when Sen. Dianne Feinstein, the San Francisco Democrat, asked Trump whether he would be agreeable to signing a stand-alone bill to protect the Dreamers, before moving on to a more comprehensive immigration bill. Yeah, I would like to do it, Trump responded. The statement drew widespread attention because it contradicted the Republican consensus that Dreamers fate needed to be part of a broader immigration bill that would include some version of Trumps promised border wall and other immigration reforms. Trump later backed away from a stand-alone Dreamer bill, tweeting that a wall along the U.S. border with Mexico must be part of any deal: As I made very clear today, our country needs the security of the Wall on the Southern Border, which must be part of any DACA approval.  Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) January 10, 2018 Pressure has been mounting for Congress to broker an immigration deal by Jan. 19 as part of a must-pass budget package to fund the government. This post contains reporting from Times staff writer Noah Bierman. Facebook

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Trump thanks officers and veterans in tweets President Trump doled out a slew of accolades Tuesday via Twitter. He thanked the nations law enforcement officers, including in his message a hashtag denoting a day of appreciation organized by a national support group for law enforcement families. On behalf of the American people, THANK YOU to our incredible law enforcement officers. As President of the United States - I will fight for you, and I will never, ever let you down. Now, more than ever, we must support the men and women in blue! #LawEnforcementAppreciationDay pic.twitter.com/Qb4uxB4JRm  Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) January 9, 2018 Trump later expressed gratitude for federal immigration agents, in particular: .@ICEgov HSI agents and ERO officers, on behalf of an entire Nation, THANK YOU for what you are doing 24/7/365 to keep fellow Americans SAFE. Everyone is so grateful!#LawEnforcementAppreciationDay

President @realDonaldTrump https://t.co/HXCpTlruVo  Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) January 10, 2018 The president thanked veterans as he cited his administrations efforts to curb the number of veteran suicides by improving mental health treatment for the high-risk group: Today, it was my great honor to sign a new Executive Order to ensure Veterans have the resources they need as they transition back to civilian life. We must ensure that our HEROES are given the care and support they so richly deserve! https://t.co/0MdP9DDIAS pic.twitter.com/LP2a8KCBAp  Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) January 9, 2018 Trumps tweet included photos of the president signing an executive order Tuesday directing the secretaries of Defense, Homeland Security and Veterans Affairs to develop a plan to provide seamless access to mental health and suicide prevention resources for 12 months for members leaving the armed forces. Also on Tuesday, Trump touted a law he signed the day before designating the birthplace of the Rev. Martin Luther King Jr. a national historic park: It was my great honor to sign H.R. 267, the Martin Luther King, Jr. National Historical Park Act, which redesignates the Martin Luther King, Junior, National Historic Site in the State of Georgia as the Martin Luther King, Jr. National Historical Park. https://t.co/Qe0b6HBFTY pic.twitter.com/QTgaqTawPT  Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) January 9, 2018 And he thanked House Majority Leader Kevin McCarthy (R-Bakersfield) for sharing a video compilation comprised of clips of politicians and commentators praising the GOPs tax cut bill: Thank you @GOPLeader Kevin McCarthy! Couldnt agree w/you more. TOGETHER, we are #MAGA https://t.co/QaxtqpyXTR  Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) January 10, 2018  This post contains reporting from the Associated Press and Times staff writer Alex Wigglesworth. Facebook

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Trump hails tax bill in tweets recapping speech to farmers By Associated Press Connecting with rural Americans, President Trump on Monday hailed his tax overhaul as a victory for family farmers. Farm country is Gods country, Trump told the annual convention of the American Farm Bureau Federation. Trump became the first president in a quarter-century to address the federations convention. His Southern swing also included a stop in Atlanta for the national college football championship game. Cant wait to be back in the amazing state of Tennessee to address the 99th American @FarmBureau Federations Annual Convention in Nashville! #AFBF18



On my way now - join me LIVE at 4:00pmE: https://t.co/QaljAqekdD. pic.twitter.com/Wm7Io0hYT8  Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) January 8, 2018 Joined by Agriculture Secretary Sonny Perdue, Senate Agriculture Committee Chairman Pat Roberts (R-Kan.) and a group of Tennessee lawmakers, Trump said most of the benefits of the tax legislation are going to working families, small businesses, and who  the family farmer. The package Trump signed into law last month provides generous tax cuts for corporations and the wealthiest Americans, and more modest reductions for middle- and low-income individuals and families. In every decision we make, we are honoring Americas PROUD FARMING LEGACY. Years of crushing taxes, crippling regs, & corrupt politics left our communities hurting, our economy stagnant, & millions of hardworking Americans COMPLETELY FORGOTTEN. But they are not forgotten ANYMORE! pic.twitter.com/MdYS7xnukQ  Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) January 8, 2018 The president vastly inflated the value of the package in his speech, citing a total of $5.5 trillion in tax cuts, with most of those benefits going to working families, small businesses and who? The family farmer. The estimated value of the tax cuts is actually $1.5 trillion for families and businesses because of cuts in deductions and the use of other steps to generate offsetting tax revenue. We have been working every day to DELIVER for Americas Farmers just as they work every day to deliver FOR US. #AFBF18 pic.twitter.com/QDH7fvFkZ7  Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) January 8, 2018 From Nashville, Trump traveled to Atlanta to watch Alabamas Crimson Tide and Georgias Bulldogs face off Monday night in the College Football Playoff National Championship. We are fighting for our farmers, for our country, and for our GREAT AMERICAN FLAG. We want our flag respected - and we want our NATIONAL ANTHEM respected also! pic.twitter.com/16eOLXg6Fi  Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) January 8, 2018 Before departing for the game, Trump referenced his ongoing defense of the American flag and the national anthem, saying there was enough space for people to express their views. We love our flag and we love our anthem, and we want to keep it that way, he said. Facebook

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Trump tweet hails drop in unemployment rate for African Americans By Associated Press President Trump touted a drop in the unemployment rate for African Americans on Monday in a tweet. African American unemployment is the lowest ever recorded in our country. The Hispanic unemployment rate dropped a full point in the last year and is close to the lowest in recorded history. Dems did nothing for you but get your vote! #NeverForget @foxandfriends  Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) January 8, 2018 The rate fell to 6.8% in December, the lowest level since the government began tracking such data in 1972. The reasons range from a greater number of black Americans with college degrees to a growing need for employers in a tight job market to widen the pool of people they hire from. Trump also hailed the development via Twitter on Saturday. His latest tweet on the topic came about an hour after it was discussed during an episode of Fox & Friends, according to Mediaite. Facebook

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Trump talks up the economy and dresses down the media in Sunday tweets With President Trump cheering from the sidelines, the White House on Sunday pressed its defense of the presidents fitness to govern, as fired former aide Stephen K. Bannon reversed course and apologized for his role in a new books explosive portrait of Trump. The presidents critics, meanwhile, said Trumps stream of taunts and insults in response to the book  Fire and Fury: Inside the Trump White House, released last week  served only to underscore the authors unsettling portrayal of Trumps year-old presidency, depicting a leader whose own aides consider him childish, ignorant and dangerously erratic. Trump provided more ammunition Sunday morning, as he continued to attack the book via Twitter while preparing to depart Camp David for the White House: Leaving Camp David for the White House. Great meetings with the Cabinet and Military on many very important subjects including Border Security & the desperately needed Wall, the ever increasing Drug and Opioid Problem, Infrastructure, Military, Budget, Trade and DACA.  Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) January 7, 2018 Ive had to put up with the Fake News from the first day I announced that I would be running for President. Now I have to put up with a Fake Book, written by a totally discredited author. Ronald Reagan had the same problem and handled it well. So will I!  Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) January 7, 2018 The most vehement defense of Trump on Sunday came from senior advisor Stephen Miller, a onetime Bannon acolyte who distanced himself from his former mentor. In a combative appearance Sunday on CNNs State of the Union, Miller called the book grotesque and writer Michael Wolff the garbage author of a garbage book. Trump is known to closely monitor aides televised performances in putting forth his case, and he gleefully weighed in within moments of Millers televised clash with host Jake Tapper. CNN has long been a particular target of Trumps ire. Jake Tapper of Fake News CNN just got destroyed in his interview with Stephen Miller of the Trump Administration. Watch the hatred and unfairness of this CNN flunky!  Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) January 7, 2018 Trumps reaction, however, seemed to bolster Tappers on-air depiction of Miller as using his appearance on the show to play to the president rather than addressing questions put to him. I get it  theres one viewer that you care about, the host said exasperatedly after Miller turned the discussion repeatedly to negative news coverage of the president while deflecting specific queries. Later on Twitter, Trump took up two themes that have been prevalent on his social media feeds recently. The president again went after the news media, tweeting that the recipients of his self-proclaimed most dishonest & corrupt media awards of the year, which he promised earlier in the week to announce on Monday, would actually be revealed the following Wednesday: The Fake News Awards, those going to the most corrupt & biased of the Mainstream Media, will be presented to the losers on Wednesday, January 17th, rather than this coming Monday. The interest in, and importance of, these awards is far greater than anyone could have anticipated!  Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) January 7, 2018 Trump later lauded a New York Post opinion piece that compared him favorably with his predecessor, President Obama, as well as Democratic presidential nominee Hillary Clinton. In quoting the op-ed, Trump initally misspelled consequential as consensual, but he deleted those tweets and re-sent the messages. His is turning out to be an enormously consequential presidency. So much so that, despite my own frustration over his missteps, there has never been a day when I wished Hillary Clinton were president. Not one. Indeed, as Trumps accomplishments accumulate, the mere thought of...  Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) January 8, 2018 ...Clinton in the WH, doubling down on Barack Obamas failed policies, washes away any doubts that America made the right choice. This was truly a change election  and the changes Trump is bringing are far-reaching & necessary. Thank you Michael Goodwin! https://t.co/4fHNcx2Ydg  Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) January 8, 2018 Trump also continued talking up the economy, which has been enjoying a period of strong gains. The Stock Market has been creating tremendous benefits for our country in the form of not only Record Setting Stock Prices, but present and future Jobs, Jobs, Jobs. Seven TRILLION dollars of value created since our big election win!  Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) January 7, 2018 In addition to Miller, other senior administration officials made the rounds of Sunday news talk shows to decry the claims made in Wolffs book. CIA Director Mike Pompeo said Wolffs characterization of Trump as averse to digesting classified briefing material was ludicrous, and the ambassador to the United Nations, Nikki Haley, insisted that that those around Trump love their country and respect their president. Read More This post contains reporting from Times staff writer Laura King. Facebook

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Responding to book that mocks his intelligence, Trump tweets hes like, really smart By Tracy Wilkinson President Trump declared himself a very stable genius on Twitter on Saturday and later in a televised news conference called the author of a book that questioned his mental fitness a fraud. His comments came on a bone-cold day at Camp David during a weekend retreat with top administration officials and Republican congressional leaders strategizing on the years legislative agenda, including matters such as infrastructure, immigration, welfare reform and national security. Now that Russian collusion, after one year of intense study, has proven to be a total hoax on the American public, the Democrats and their lapdogs, the Fake News Mainstream Media, are taking out the old Ronald Reagan playbook and screaming mental stability and intelligence.....  Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) January 6, 2018 ....Actually, throughout my life, my two greatest assets have been mental stability and being, like, really smart. Crooked Hillary Clinton also played these cards very hard and, as everyone knows, went down in flames. I went from VERY successful businessman, to top T.V. Star.....  Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) January 6, 2018 ....to President of the United States (on my first try). I think that would qualify as not smart, but genius....and a very stable genius at that!  Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) January 6, 2018 Still, Trumps explosive rebuttal to author Michael Wolffs claims not only opened the day, but it also ensured the presidents capability to fill the highest office in the land was a topic that would not go away. In his early-morning tweets, Trump said two of his greatest assets have been mental stability, and being, like, really smart. He noted that his former Democratic rival, Hillary Clinton, played these cards [about competence] very hard and, as everyone knows, went down in flames. I went from VERY successful businessman, to top T.V. Star to President of the United States (on my first try). Read More Facebook

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In morning tweets, Trump touts job numbers and takes digs at news media By Associated Press President Trump used Twitter on Saturday morning to tout a drop in the unemployment rate for African Americans. He also used the tweets as an opportunity to take digs at media outlets whose past coverage he has found to be critical. The African American unemployment rate fell to 6.8%, the lowest rate in 45 years. I am so happy about this News! And, in the Washington Post (of all places), headline states, Trumps first year jobs numbers were very, very good.  Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) January 6, 2018 The unemployment rate for African Americans fell to 6.8% in December, the lowest level since the government began tracking such data in 1972. The reasons range from a greater number of black Americans with college degrees to a growing need for employers in a tight job market to widen the pool of people they hire from. Still, the rate for black workers remains well above those for whites and some other groups, something experts attribute in large part to decades of discrimination and disadvantages. Robust job creation has lowered unemployment for all Americans. U.S. employers added nearly 2.1 million jobs in 2017  the seventh straight year that hiring has topped 2 million. In his tweet, Trump praised a report that noted the numbers, touting the fact that it appeared in the Washington Post (of all places). Minutes later, Trump renewed his attack on an ABC News reporter who was suspended last month after filing an erroneous report on Michael Flynn, Trumps former national security advisor. Brian Ross, the reporter who made a fraudulent live newscast about me that drove the Stock Market down 350 points (billions of dollars), was suspended for a month but is now back at ABC NEWS in a lower capacity. He is no longer allowed to report on Trump. Should have been fired!  Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) January 6, 2018 The reporter, Brian Ross, was reportedly reassigned within ABC News upon returning from his unpaid suspension. But on Saturday, Trump wrote that he should have been fired. Trumps tweets came hours before he was set to host congressional Republicans and administration officials at Camp David. The meeting scheduled to begin at midmorning Saturday was expected to touch on the budget, infrastructure, immigration, welfare reform and the shape of the midterm election this fall. Facebook

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Trump commends Sen. Rand Paul after he proposes eliminating all U.S. aid to Pakistan President Trump commended Sen. Rand Paul after the Kentucky Republican announced plans to introduce legislation that would eliminate all U.S. aid to Pakistan. Trump tweeted Friday night: Good idea Rand! https://t.co/55sqUDiC0s  Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) January 6, 2018 On Thursday, the Trump administration announced it was suspending security assistance to Islamabad until the country moves aggressively against local militants who have attacked U.S. troops in neighboring Afghanistan. Trump has repeatedly expressed frustration at the apparent inability of Pakistani authorities to rein in militants who cross out of the countrys rugged tribal areas to attack U.S. troops in Afghanistan. Read More This post contains reporting from Times staff writer Tracy Wilkinson. Facebook

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Trump continues to lash out at Sloppy Steve Bannon in tweets on tell-all book By Associated Press President Trump is praising a major Republican donor family for distancing themselves from his former advisor Steve Bannon. Trump tweeted Friday: The Mercer Family recently dumped the leaker known as Sloppy Steve Bannon. Smart!  Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) January 5, 2018 Trump has continued to lash out at Bannon over an explosive new book that quoted his former aide as questioning Trumps competence and describing a June 2016 meeting at Trump Tower among Donald Trump Jr., Trump campaign aides and a Russian lawyer as treasonous and unpatriotic. On Thursday, billionaire GOP donor Rebekah Mercer issued a statement distancing her family from Bannon. Mercer is a co-owner of Breitbart, the populist website Bannon helps run. I support President Trump and the platform upon which he was elected, Mercer said. My family and I have not communicated with Steve Bannon in many months and have provided no financial support to his political agenda, nor do we support his recent actions and statements. The book, Fire and Fury: Inside the Trump White House, quickly shot atop Amazons best-seller list, and the publisher moved up its release date by four days, to Friday. Trump took up the topic again on Twitter on Friday night, denouncing both Bannon and the books author, Michael Wolff, in starkly personal terms: Michael Wolff is a total loser who made up stories in order to sell this really boring and untruthful book. He used Sloppy Steve Bannon, who cried when he got fired and begged for his job. Now Sloppy Steve has been dumped like a dog by almost everyone. Too bad! https://t.co/mEeUhk5ZV9  Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) January 6, 2018 Trumps message linked to a meme depicting a parody book cover titled, Liar and Phony, that featured a photo of Wolff and disparaging quotes about the author. In a tweet sent earlier Friday morning, Trump suggested the book was intended to serve as a distraction from the FBIs investigation into possible collusion between the Trump campaign and Russia, which Trump wrote is proving to be a total hoax. Well, now that collusion with Russia is proving to be a total hoax and the only collusion is with Hillary Clinton and the FBI/Russia, the Fake News Media (Mainstream) and this phony new book are hitting out at every new front imaginable. They should try winning an election. Sad!  Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) January 5, 2018 That came amid reports that Trump directed his White House counsel to tell Atty. Gen. Jeff Sessions to not recuse himself from the Justice Departments Russia investigation. Trumps effort to keep Sessions, a vocal and loyal supporter of his election bid, in charge of an investigation into his campaign offers special counsel Robert Mueller yet another avenue to explore as his prosecutors work to untangle potential evidence of obstruction. Read More Facebook

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Trump praises the economy ahead of meetings at Camp David By Associated Press President Trump is praising the strength of the U.S. economy ahead of meetings at Camp David with congressional Republicans. Trump tweeted early Friday: Dow goes from 18,589 on November 9, 2016, to 25,075 today, for a new all-time Record. Jumped 1000 points in last 5 weeks, Record fastest 1000 point move in history. This is all about the Make America Great Again agenda! Jobs, Jobs, Jobs. Six trillion dollars in value created!  Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) January 5, 2018 The president also told reporters on the South Lawn that the tax cuts are really kicking in after Congress passed a package of tax cuts at the end of 2017. And the president praised the December jobs report, which found U.S. employers added 148,000 jobs in December and the unemployment rate stayed at 4.1%, the lowest level since 2000. The modest but steady pace of hiring is a reassuring sign for investors who have been buoyed by the just-passed Republican tax plan and have been sending stock market indexes roaring to uncharted heights. The president is meeting with Republican congressional leaders and members of his Cabinet on Friday and Saturday to discuss the 2018 agenda. Read More Facebook

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Trump tweets as Dow crashes through 25,000 By Associated Press President Trump dispatched a congratulatory tweet as the Dow Jones industrial average rose above the 25,000-point mark Thursday, just five weeks after its first close above 24,000. Dow just crashes through 25,000. Congrats! Big cuts in unnecessary regulations continuing.  Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) January 4, 2018 After the Dow closed above 25,000, Trump shared a graphic depicting the stock indexs record-setting rise. MAKING AMERICA GREAT AGAIN! pic.twitter.com/iONbr1DkVk  Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) January 5, 2018 Later in the day, the president was back on Twitter, complaining that news outlets had barely covered the stock market milestone. He suggested that the strength of the economy would be the biggest story on earth, had it unfolded during the presidency of his predecessor. The Fake News Media barely mentions the fact that the Stock Market just hit another New Record and that business in the U.S. is booming...but the people know! Can you imagine if O was president and had these numbers - would be biggest story on earth! Dow now over 25,000.  Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) January 5, 2018 The Dow broke past 1,000-point barriers in 2017 on its way to a 25% gain for the year, as an eight-year rally since the Great Recession continued to confound skeptics. Strong global economic growth and good prospects for higher company earnings have analysts predicting more gains, although the market may not stay as calm as it has been recently. The Dow has made a rapid trip since it reached 24,000 points Nov. 30, partly on enthusiasm over passage of the Republican-backed tax package, which could boost company profits this year with across-the-board cuts to corporate taxes. Read More Facebook

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Trump reacts to Fire and Fury book in tweet lashing out at author and Sloppy Steve President Trump lashed out at the author of a soon-to-be-released book about the chaotic first year of his presidency Thursday night. In a tweet, Trump called Fire and Fury: Inside the Trump White House, a phony book and claimed that hed never spoken to its author, Michael Wolff. Look at this guys past and watch what happens to him and Sloppy Steve! Trump wrote. He appeared to be referring to former White House chief strategist Stephen K. Bannon, whose stunning criticisms of Trump and his circle figure prominently in the title. I authorized Zero access to White House (actually turned him down many times) for author of phony book! I never spoke to him for book. Full of lies, misrepresentations and sources that dont exist. Look at this guys past and watch what happens to him and Sloppy Steve!  Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) January 5, 2018 Trumps tweet came hours after he had his lawyer demand that Henry Holt & Co. and Wolff stop publication the book. Instead, the publisher expedited the books release to Friday, four days before it was slated to hit bookstore shelves, in response to unprecedented demand. Published excerpts on Wednesday and Thursday whetted that appetite and roiled Washington. Bannons comments, including that it was treasonous and unpatriotic for Trumps son Donald Trump Jr., son-in-law Jared Kushner and campaign manager Paul Manafort to have met in 2016 with Russians said to have dirt on Democratic rival Hillary Clinton, prompted Trump on Wednesday to rebuke his former advisor, saying Bannon had lost his mind. Read More This post contains reporting from Times staff writers Brian Bennett and Alex Wigglesworth. Facebook

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Trump thanks senators who attended meeting on immigration President Trump tweeted thanks to Republican senators who attended a meeting about possible immigration legislation on Thursday. In his message, Trump also listed his top priorities when it comes to any type of overhaul of the nations immigration system. Thank you to the great Republican Senators who showed up to our mtg on immigration reform. We must BUILD THE WALL, stop illegal immigration, end chain migration & cancel the visa lottery. The current system is unsafe & unfair to the great people of our country - time for change!  Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) January 4, 2018 Trumps tweet echoed his remarks at the beginning of Thursdays meeting, when he insisted again that constructing a border wall and overhauling two legal immigration programs must be part of any deal with Democrats to protect the so-called Dreamers from deportation. Two-year deportation protections and work permits given under the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals program begin to expire March 6 under an executive order. Trump announced in September that he was ending the Obama-era program, but told Congress to draft a law to continue protections for people brought to the country illegally as children  a group that has widespread public support. Read More This post contains reporting from Times staff writer Brian Bennett. Facebook

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Trump resumes Twitter war against kneeling NFL players President Trump has resumed his Twitter war against NFL players who kneel during the national anthem to protest social injustice and racial inequality. In a tweet early Thursday, Trump replied to a supporter who shared a meme that appears to depict family members lying on the grave of a fallen soldier with the caption: This is why we stand. Show this picture to the NFL players who still kneel! Trump wrote. So beautiful....Show this picture to the NFL players who still kneel! https://t.co/tJLM1tvbvb  Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) January 4, 2018 The president has denounced players who kneel during the anthem in previous tweets. Hes also called for the firing of players who do so. His latest message came amid news that the NFL finished the regular season with TV ratings that fell nearly 10% below the previous season. Analysts attribute the drop to controversies facing the league, as well as changing viewing habits and a possible saturation point in the number of games available. Read More This post contains reporting from Times staff writers Stephen Battaglio and Alex Wigglesworth. Facebook

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Trump credits himself with facilitating talks between North and South Korea By Associated Press President Trump says his tough stance on nuclear weapons on the Korean peninsula is helping push North Korea and South Korea to talk. Trump tweeted early Thursday: With all of the failed experts weighing in, does anybody really believe that talks and dialogue would be going on between North and South Korea right now if I wasnt firm, strong and willing to commit our total might against the North. Fools, but talks are a good thing!  Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) January 4, 2018 That assertion is in conflict with some of the presidents own statements. Last year, he ridiculed Secretary of State Rex Tillerson for talking about negotiations with the North. This week, Trump seemed open to the possibility of an inter-Korean dialogue after North Korean leader Kim Jong Un made a rare overture toward South Korea in a New Years Day address. But Trumps ambassador to the United Nations insisted that talks wont be meaningful unless the North is getting rid of its nuclear weapons. The overture about talks came after Trump and Kim traded more bellicose claims about their nuclear weapons. In his New Years Day address, Kim repeated fiery nuclear threats against the United States. Kim said he has a nuclear button on his office desk and warned that the whole territory of the U.S. is within the range of our nuclear strike. Trump mocked that assertion Tuesday evening in a tweet. Facebook

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After disbanding his vote fraud panel, Trump still says voting system is rigged By Brian Bennett One day after disbanding his troubled voter fraud commission without any findings of fraud, President Trump continued to call the U.S. voting system rigged and said states should require that Americans have voter-identification cards. In two tweets on Thursday morning, Trump blamed the commissions failure on the lack of cooperation from mostly Democrat States that refused to hand over voter rolls because they know that many people are voting illegally. However, voting supervisors in Republican-led states refused as well, objecting on privacy and other grounds. Many mostly Democrat States refused to hand over data from the 2016 Election to the Commission On Voter Fraud. They fought hard that the Commission not see their records or methods because they know that many people are voting illegally. System is rigged, must go to Voter I.D.  Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) January 4, 2018 As Americans, you need identification, sometimes in a very strong and accurate form, for almost everything you do.....except when it comes to the most important thing, VOTING for the people that run your country. Push hard for Voter Identification!  Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) January 4, 2018 Despite Trumps assertions, analysts have not found evidence of widespread voter fraud. Trump created the Presidential Advisory Commission on Election Integrity in May after alleging, without proof, that millions of illegal votes were cast for Hillary Clinton in the 2016 election. Trump was elected after winning a majority in the electoral college, but the nationwide count showed Clinton received nearly 3 million more votes. The commission sought personal data on voters across the country and faced mounting lawsuits in recent months over privacy concerns. Read More Facebook

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Trump touts another good day for stocks, credits tax cut By Associated Press President Trump touted another good day for the stock market Wednesday in a tweet. Stock Market had another good day but, now that the Tax Cut Bill has passed, we have tremendous upward potential. Dow just short of 25,000, a number that few thought would be possible this soon into my administration. Also, unemployment went down to 4.1%. Only getting better!  Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) January 4, 2018 Big gains for technology and healthcare stocks helped U.S. indexes set records again Wednesday. Some analysts attributed the surge to investor enthusiasm for Trumps $1.5-trillion tax cut. All told, Wall Street analysts estimate the tax package should boost earnings for companies in the Standard & Poors 500 index by roughly 8% this year. Thats much more generous than the average tax cut of 1.6% that middle-class families will receive, according to the Tax Policy Center. MAKE AMERICA GREAT AGAIN!  Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) January 4, 2018 The public has been less enthusiastic about the tax law. A Monmouth University poll last month found that nearly half of Americans disapproved of it, with only 26% in support. Still, as Trump also noted on Twitter, some workers have seen a benefit: So far, dozens of companies have announced bonuses and higher minimum wages as a result of the tax cut. AT&T, Comcast, Bank of America, and American Airlines have all pledged to pay $1,000 bonuses to their employees. Some 40 U.S. companies have responded to President Trumps tax cut and reform victory in Congress last year by handing out bonuses up to $2,000, increases in 401k matches and spending on charity, a much higher number than previously known. https://t.co/bmWrwWzxMR  Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) January 4, 2018 Investors also appear less concerned than many politicians about how the additional profits will be used. The Trump administration says it expects companies will plow much of the extra profit back into their businesses, purchasing more software, machinery, and other equipment. Those investments will make workers more productive and provide a key boost to the economys long-run growth. They should also boost wages and salaries for employees. Opponents of the tax law respond that companies are more likely to pass the windfall on to shareholders in the form of higher dividend payments and share buybacks, which raise the price of those shares still in investors hands. Previous cuts in corporate tax rates, in the United States and overseas, havent always led to higher wages. For Wall Street, its all good, at least in the short run. Most analysts take the view that either way, companies and the economy will benefit. Facebook

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Trump reacts to death of Mormon Church president By Associated Press President Trump mourned the death of Mormon Church leader Thomas S. Monson on Wednesday evening. Trump tweeted a link to a statement in which he said that Monson demonstrated wisdom, inspired leadership, and great compassion and delivered a message of optimism, forgiveness, and faith. Melania and I are deeply saddened by the death of Thomas S. Monson, a beloved President of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints...https://t.co/ETD3fWtfU3  Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) January 4, 2018 A church bishop at the age of 22, Monson became the youngest church apostle ever in 1963 at the age of 36. He served as a counselor for three church presidents before assuming the role of the top leader of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in February 2008. After a life of church service, Monson died Tuesday at his home in Salt Lake City, according to church spokesman Eric Hawkins. He was 90. Read More Facebook

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Trump tweets that Iranian protesters will see great U.S. support at the appropriate time By Associated Press President Trump continued to express support for Irans anti-government protesters on Wednesday. In a tweet, Trump commended the protesters and pledged that the United States will support them at the appropriate time. Such respect for the people of Iran as they try to take back their corrupt government. You will see great support from the United States at the appropriate time!  Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) January 3, 2018 Trumps tweet Wednesday morning came as Iranian Ambassador Gholamali Khoshroo sent a letter to United Nations officials complaining that Washington was intervening in a grotesque way in Irans internal affairs. The President and Vice-President of the United States, in their numerous absurd tweets, incited Iranians to engage in disruptive acts, the ambassador wrote to the U.N. Security Council president and U.N. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres. The U.S. didnt immediately respond to the letter, which maintains that Washington has crossed every limit in flouting rules and principles of international law governing the civilized conduct of international relations. At least 21 people have been killed and hundreds arrested in Iran during a week of anti-government protests and unrest over economic woes and official corruption. Meanwhile, tens of thousands of people took part in counter-demonstrations Wednesday backing the clerically overseen government, which has said enemies of Iran are fomenting the protests. Trump has unleashed a series of tweets in recent days backing the protesters, saying Iran is failing at every level and declaring that it is time for change in the Islamic Republic. Facebook

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Trump congratulates Sen. Orrin Hatch upon news of his retirement By Associated Press President Trump congratulated Sen. Orrin Hatch for an absolutely incredible career upon news of Hatchs impending retirement. In a tweet Tuesday afternoon, Trump called Hatch a tremendous supporter and wrote that he will be greatly missed in the Senate. Congratulations to Senator Orrin Hatch on an absolutely incredible career. He has been a tremendous supporter, and I will never forget the (beyond kind) statements he has made about me as President. He is my friend and he will be greatly missed in the U.S. Senate! pic.twitter.com/0VjzLEeHTl  Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) January 2, 2018 Hatchs decision to retire from the Senate after four decades lets the Utah Republican walk away at the height of his power after helping to push through an overhaul of the tax code and persuading Trump to downsize two national monuments. Retirement also preserves the 83-year-olds legacy by allowing him to avoid a bruising reelection battle that would have broken his promise not to seek an eighth term. Read More Facebook

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Trump tweet exaggerates progress in improving veterans care By Associated Press President Trump played up tremendous progress in improving care for veterans in his first year on Tuesday in a tweet. His message linked to an Instagram video describing eight accomplishments that show Trump is fighting for our veterans. But it overstates the impact of these steps. We will not rest until all of Americas GREAT VETERANS can receive the care they so richly deserve. Tremendous progress has been made in a short period of time. Keep up the great work @SecShulkin @DeptVetAffairs! https://t.co/ir25vW15hx pic.twitter.com/OtuzIgxMn6  Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) January 2, 2018 Of the eight achievements cited, two are ceremonial proclamations recognizing National Veterans and Military Families Month and National Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day. Two are pieces of legislation that extended the troubled Veterans Choice program on a temporary basis. This became necessary because the Trump administration repeatedly miscalculated the amount of taxpayer dollars available to pay for care from private doctors outside the Veterans Affairs system when veterans had to endure long waits for treatment at VA medical centers. The departments poor budget planning caught lawmakers off guard. A fifth claim involves telehealth, a step letting doctors practice medicine across state lines using digital technology. Announced in August, it has yet to take full effect because a proposed VA regulation hasnt been completed. The VA wants authority to practice across state lines to come from legislation, not a regulation. On Wednesday, the Senate approved a telehealth measure that now goes to the House. A sixth claim refers to legislation that streamlines the appeals process for disability compensation claims within the VA. This step has had limited effect so far because it applies to new disability claims, not the 470,000 pending claims. The last two initiatives make it easier for the VA to discipline employees. The department has pointed to more than 1,300 employees who have been fired under Trumps watch. Because their infractions are not detailed in public documents, the effect on veterans care is not fully known. Facebook

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Trump unleashes his first tweetstorm of 2018 By Noah Bierman President Trump clearly didnt resolve to change his Twitter habits this year. With nine disparate tweets over three hours on Tuesday morning, the first working day of 2018, Trump continued to exploit social media to be the most aggressive commentator in chief in American history. For any other president, his posts would have made for a monumental day of (mis-)statements. Yet for Trump, the series  attacks on political foes and media, provocations of foreign leaders and self-praise for events he had nothing to do with  was all but unremarkable. His Twitter barrage  sent between 7:09 a.m. and 10:16 a.m.  reflected a familiar gamut after nearly a year in office: Attacks on political foes: Nearly 14 months after his election, Trump called for the jailing of Huma Abedin, Crooked Hillary Clintons top aid (his misspelling, another occasional feature of Trump tweets). Crooked Hillary Clintons top aid, Huma Abedin, has been accused of disregarding basic security protocols. She put Classified Passwords into the hands of foreign agents. Remember sailors pictures on submarine? Jail! Deep State Justice Dept must finally act? Also on Comey & others  Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) January 2, 2018 In the same tweet, he disparaged the Deep State Justice Dept, headed of course by his appointees, calling on it to act against James B. Comey, the FBI director he fired for investigating the Russia thing. Diplomatic provocations: Trump again called North Korean leader Kim Jong Un Rocket man, ridiculed the volatile nuclear-armed foe for recent military defections and openly speculated about potential talks between North and South Korea. Sanctions and other pressures are beginning to have a big impact on North Korea. Soldiers are dangerously fleeing to South Korea. Rocket man now wants to talk to South Korea for first time. Perhaps that is good news, perhaps not - we will see!  Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) January 2, 2018 Perhaps that is good news, perhaps not  we will see! Trump wrote. Later Tuesday, Trump tweeted: North Korean Leader Kim Jong Un just stated that the Nuclear Button is on his desk at all times. Will someone from his depleted and food starved regime please inform him that I too have a Nuclear Button, but it is a much bigger & more powerful one than his, and my Button works!  Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) January 3, 2018 Also later Tuesday, Trump tweeted an attack on Pakistan, his second in as many days, and added a new one against Palestinians: It's not only Pakistan that we pay billions of dollars to for nothing, but also many other countries, and others. As an example, we pay the Palestinians HUNDRED OF MILLIONS OF DOLLARS a year and get no appreciation or respect. They dont even want to negotiate a long overdue...  Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) January 2, 2018 ...peace treaty with Israel. We have taken Jerusalem, the toughest part of the negotiation, off the table, but Israel, for that, would have had to pay more. But with the Palestinians no longer willing to talk peace, why should we make any of these massive future payments to them?  Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) January 2, 2018 Undermining media: Trump offered Congratulations! to A.G. Sulzberger, who took over as publisher of the New York Times this week. The Failing New York Times has a new publisher, A.G. Sulzberger. Congratulations! Here is a last chance for the Times to fulfill the vision of its Founder, Adolph Ochs, to give the news impartially, without fear or FAVOR, regardless of party, sect, or interests involved. Get...  Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) January 2, 2018 ....impartial journalists of a much higher standard, lose all of your phony and non-existent sources, and treat the President of the United States FAIRLY, so that the next time I (and the people) win, you wont have to write an apology to your readers for a job poorly done! GL  Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) January 2, 2018 But the two-part post was really yet another slam against a perceived media foe: Trump said the paper had a last chance to fulfill its journalistic mission, and accused it of relying on phony sources and substandard reporters  just days after he granted another exclusive interview to the paper. As a bonus, the tweet contained a recycled falsehood, that the paper apologized after the election for reporting on him unfairly. It didnt. Trump later said on Twitter that he would soon announce the most dishonest & corrupt media awards of the year. Stay tuned! I will be announcing THE MOST DISHONEST & CORRUPT MEDIA AWARDS OF THE YEAR on Monday at 5:00 oclock. Subjects will cover Dishonesty & Bad Reporting in various categories from the Fake News Media. Stay tuned!  Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) January 3, 2018 The president also tweeted a quote from Fox Business Networks Lou Dobbs Tonight, which aired a segment praising Trumps first-year accomplishments. Dobbs reportedly joined Trump at Mar-a-Lago on Sunday for a gala to celebrate New Years Eve. President Trump has something now he didnt have a year ago, that is a set of accomplishments that nobody can deny. The accomplishments are there, look at his record, he has had a very significant first year. @LouDobbs Show,David Asman & Ed Rollins  Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) January 3, 2018 Taking credit: Trump congratulated himself for policing the border with Mexico, an area where his policies and anti-immigration rhetoric are believed to have had some effect on reducing illegal crossings. Thank you to Brandon Judd of the National Border Patrol Council for your kind words on how well we are doing at the Border. We will be bringing in more & more of your great folks and will build the desperately needed WALL! @foxandfriends  Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) January 2, 2018 He took credit for employee bonuses by companies after he signed Republican tax cuts into law last month. Companies are giving big bonuses to their workers because of the Tax Cut Bill. Really great!  Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) January 2, 2018 But the jaw-dropper was Trump congratulating himself for planes not crashing. Since taking office I have been very strict on Commercial Aviation. Good news - it was just reported that there were Zero deaths in 2017, the best and safest year on record!  Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) January 2, 2018 It was the safest year on record worldwide, but the American streak without commercial jet passenger deaths goes back to 2009. Trump, who has promoted deregulation as one of his top accomplishments, has not signed off on any new airline safety regulations. The White House pointed to new security screening of passengers, to electronic devices to prevent terrorist attacks and to Trumps support for privatizing air traffic control  a proposal that has gotten nowhere in Congress. Falsehoods: Trump said President Obama, in brokering the 2015 nuclear arms limitation deal with Iran, foolishly gave money to the brutal and corrupt Iranian regime. He didnt. The people of Iran are finally acting against the brutal and corrupt Iranian regime. All of the money that President Obama so foolishly gave them went into terrorism and into their pockets. The people have little food, big inflation and no human rights. The U.S. is watching!  Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) January 2, 2018 The nuclear deal, which included major U.S. allies as signators, released Irans own funds that had long been frozen. Trumps art of the deal: When Trump sees a big deal looming, he often blasts the other side  to gain leverage, as hes written. This week he resumes a showdown with Democratic lawmakers over funding the government and immigration protections for so-called Dreamers, who were brought to the country illegally as children. Democrats are doing nothing for DACA - just interested in politics. DACA activists and Hispanics will go hard against Dems, will start falling in love with Republicans and their President! We are about RESULTS.  Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) January 2, 2018 Trump, who in September ordered a gradual end of the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals program, sought to shift blame for the resulting controversy, saying Democrats are doing nothing for DACA and are just interested in politics. Trump has insisted that any help for Dreamers be paired with funding for a border wall and a crackdown on legal immigration. Democrats, and some Republicans, are opposed. Read More Facebook

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In tweet, Trump suggests U.S. will withdraw financial assistance to Pakistan By Shashank Bengali Pakistan lashed out Monday after President Trump accused its leaders of lies & deceit and suggested the United States would withdraw financial assistance to the nuclear-armed nation it once saw as a key ally against terrorism. It was the presidents latest broadside against Pakistan after a speech in August in which he demanded its leaders crack down on the safe havens enjoyed by Taliban militants fighting U.S.-backed forces in neighboring Afghanistan. The United States has foolishly given Pakistan more than 33 billion dollars in aid over the last 15 years, and they have given us nothing but lies & deceit, thinking of our leaders as fools. They give safe haven to the terrorists we hunt in Afghanistan, with little help. No more!  Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) January 1, 2018 U.S. Ambassador David Hale was summoned to the Foreign Ministry to discuss the presidents statement, U.S. Embassy spokesman Richard Snelsire said. Pakistan lodged a strongly worded protest and asked for clarification about Trumps comments, according to two foreign office officials who spoke on condition of anonymity because they were not authorized to speak publicly. Pakistans prime minister, Shahid Khaqan Abbasi, called a Cabinet meeting for Tuesday and a meeting of the National Security Committee on Wednesday to discuss Trumps New Years Day tweet. Read More Facebook

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Trump continues to tweet in support of Iranian protesters By Laura King President Trump expressed renewed support Sunday for protesters in Iran, declaring that people are finally getting wise as to how their money and wealth is being stolen and squandered on terrorism. In a tweet from his Florida estate, Mar-a-Lago, the president said the nationwide economic protests that began on Thursday  and have taken on wider political overtones as they have grown in size  were a signal that Iranians will not take it any longer. Big protests in Iran. The people are finally getting wise as to how their money and wealth is being stolen and squandered on terrorism. Looks like they will not take it any longer. The USA is watching very closely for human rights violations!  Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) December 31, 2017 Trump has tweeted about the protests for three days straight as Iranians took to the streets despite a heavy police presence, tear gas and scores of arrests. The defiance gained urgency after two people were reported shot to death in the city of Dorud, about 200 miles southwest of Tehran. As the conflict escalated, Iranian authorities on Sunday slapped a temporary ban on Instagram and the messaging app Telegram, which were widely used to fan protest fervor. Iran, the Number One State of Sponsored Terror with numerous violations of Human Rights occurring on an hourly basis, has now closed down the Internet so that peaceful demonstrators cannot communicate. Not good!  Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) December 31, 2017 Irans leaders already are casting Trumps increasingly effusive expressions of support for the demonstrators as opportunistic meddling and are painting the demonstrators as foreign pawns, adopting a strategy that some analysts say could jeopardize the legitimacy of the nascent antigovernment protests. Read More Facebook

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Trump tweets condolences after Colorado deputies are shot in ambush, one fatally By Associated Press A man fired more than 100 rounds at sheriffs deputies in Colorado early Sunday, killing one and injuring four others, before being fatally shot himself in what authorities called an ambush. Two civilians were also injured. President Trump expressed sorrow, writing on Twitter: My deepest condolences to the victims of the terrible shooting in Douglas County @DCSheriff, and their families. We love our police and law enforcement - God Bless them all! #LESM  Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) December 31, 2017 Douglas County Sheriff Tony Spurlock said deputies came under fire almost
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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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Watch live: Press briefing with Deputy Press Secretary Sarah Sanders and Energy Secretary Rick Perry Facebook

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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
A YouTube personality known for filming his daily life and for pranking people was broadcasting live Friday evening when officers from the Burbank Police Department approached him with their guns drawn, unknowingly enlisted in an alleged swatting prank directed at him.

Around 6:30 p.m., Paul Denino, better known by his online moniker Ice Poseidon, was getting into the car of a fan of his YouTube channel on San Fernando Boulevard off of Olive Avenue when Burbank police blocked the road in front of and behind him. The entire incident was captured by Denino, who was live-streaming his day in Burbank.



For the record: A previous version of this story incorrectly stated that Paul Denino was pulled off a Los Angeles-bound flight from Phoenix in April. The flight originated in Los Angeles and was grounded in Phoenix.

In the video, the cars driver could be heard saying oh my god, its a swat, referring to the type of hoax where police are deliberately called to respond to nonexistent incidents.

Burbank Police Lt. Scott Meadows said police were called to the location after receiving a call of an armed robbery committed by a person matching Deninos description.

In the video, Denino could be seen apologizing to the unidentified driver who he had just met minutes before police arrived.

This is not the first time he has been the victim of swatting.

In April, police were called to his home while he was live streaming a video game he was playing. In that instance, officers could be seen pulling Denino aside and entering his home.

Later that month, Denino was pulled off a flight from Los Angeles that was grounded in Phoenix after someone pretending to be him called in a bomb threat.

During the incident in Burbank, Denino could be heard telling a police officer hes been swatted like 30 times and once informed the Los Angeles Police Department to ignore any calls concerning him.

In this instance, he forgot to notify Burbank police of any possible swatting attempts.

People who call are not my fans, theyre my haters, he said in the video. They think its funny.

Meadows said officers quickly found no evidence of a robbery and let Denino go. The incident remains under investigation.

andy.nguyen@latimes.com

Twitter: @Andy_Truc
The violence, pepper spray and arrests that marked the last Make America Great Again march in Huntington Beach were not factors when organizers returned to Orange County Saturday, this time to Mile Square Regional Park in neighboring Fountain Valley.

About 200 marchers showed up to listen to political speeches and march in opposition to the states recent gas tax hikes and sanctuary states that seek to fight the federal governments clampdown on immigrants.

Southern California Silent Majority MAGA, an acronym for Make America Great Again, organized the event.

Darlene Savord, an organizer, said the gathering had similar goals as the Huntington Beach event: to promote patriotism.

Like the last march, the gathering lent support to the Trump administration and the military, with organizers asking that participants bring clothing, blankets, linens and toiletries to donate to Disabled American Veterans.

Attendees held signs that read CNN is ISIS, fake news, no facts and Americans come first, not illegals, not refugees, not Islam.

Many wore red MAGA hats and carried American flags. Some had red, white and blue streaked across their cheeks.

We are proud Americans, and we are grateful we have a president watching out for our country, Rep. Dana Rohrabacher (R-Huntington Beach) told the crowd. Finally, we have a president who supports American principles.

The crowd cheered when Rohrabacher said he was glad Trump turned down the rotten Paris Climate Agreement.

Assemblyman Travis Allen (R-Huntington Beach) stepped up to the podium to Eye of the Tiger.

He posed a series of rhetorical questions to the crowd.

Have you had enough of the Democrats in California?

Yes! the crowd answered.

Do you want to have a high gas tax shoved down your throats?

No!

The primary function of this march was to protest California Senate Bill 54, which would keep state and local law enforcement agencies from using resources to investigate, detain, report or arrest people for purposes of immigration enforcement. It has been dubbed the sanctuary state bill.

The bill, proposed by state Senate President Pro Tem Kevin de Leon (D-Los Angeles), is in the Assembly after passing the Senate in April.

Ray Garcia, 82, of Fullerton said the presence of undocumented immigrants causes more street crime.

If you dont have borders, you dont have a country, said John Grant, 56, of Huntington Beach.

Further fueling Saturdays protest was Senate Bill 1, which seeks to raise gas taxes and vehicle fees to raise $5.2 billion per year to fund efforts to rectify the states crumbling infrastructure.

Garcia said its a superfluous tax because the state already collects enough in taxes to fix roads.

The gas tax is insanity because it hurts people, said Steve Dahlberg, 60, who would only say he hails from Orange County.

There was no violence at the event, Orange County sheriffs Lt. M. Kiernan said.

Only a handful of people showed up to protest the marchers.

Bill Brennan, 70, of Laguna Niguel held a sign that said, Trump is a spray-tanned fart balloon.

Trump is doing everything wrong, Brennan said.

Marchers traded a few barbs with Brennan and the protesters but it didnt escalate.

This comes in stark contrast with a march at Bolsa Chica State Beach that was organized by the Silent Majority in March.

At that event, a brawl broke out between MAGA marchers and protesters opposed to President Trump.

About a dozen demonstrators showed up to protest, and several people were pepper-sprayed and a few were beaten during the altercation.

Three men were arrested on suspicion of illegal use of a Taser, and one woman was arrested on suspicion of assault and battery. All were part of the protest, Capt. Kevin Pearsall of California State Parks said at the time.

The Orange County district attorneys office on Thursday filed two misdemeanor charges against Jessica Aguilar, a Sacramento, resident who authorities say protested at the march.

About 2,000 marchers attended the Huntington Beach event, Pearsall said.

benjamin.brazil@latimes.com

Twitter:@benbrazilpilot
On November 9, 1975, Schwarzenegger won the Mr. Olympia crown - his sixth straight year. Then he retired from bodybuilding competition.

The documentary Pumping Iron, was released in 1977 and helped launch the future California governor to fame. Schwarzenegger briefly returned to bodybuilding, winning the 1980 Mr. Olympia title.

Los Angeles Times staff photographer Harry Chase photographed Schwarzenegger at Golds Gym in Venice just before he departed for the Mr. Olympia contest held in South Africa. This image was published as part of a Sunday View bodybuilding article by Times staff writer Jim Stingley published on Nov. 16, 1975.

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Of course - Schwarzenegger was the central bodybuilder profiled in the article.

This post was originally published on Sep. 23, 2010.

See more from the Los Angeles Times archives here
A shaded promenade traces the river in this southern Chinese city that  when the smog blows away  fills with couples dancing to the sunrise. Nearly 900 miles east, leafy boulevards and mountainside parks cover the former imperial capital of Nanjing.

The first two stops on Gov. Jerry Browns China tour are places that envision themselves as California sees itself  progressive and green.

Browns meetings began Sunday in the Sichuan provincial capital of Chengdu, part of a weeklong trip hinged on his mantra of climate change collaboration. Sichuans rivers and steep terrain have helped make it a hub for hydropower. Nanjings Jiangsu province, which he will visit on Monday, aims to position itself as a leader on renewable energy.

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These local stops take on greater significance amid President Trumps decision Thursday to pull the U.S. from a historic Paris climate accord led by China and the Obama administration. Officials are reinforcing regional partnerships  with the economic links they provide  in a quiet effort to ensure continued ties.

As I see many problems in the world, many tensions and disruptions, I see a growing importance of partnerships such as the one we are building, Brown told Sichuan Communist Party Secretary Wang Dongming, as the two regions prepared to sign a sister agreement.

Gov. Jerry Brown meets with Sichuan Gov. Yin Li as he seeks to build allies for climate change collaboration. (Jessica Meyers / For The Times)

Chinese background music accompanied the ceremonial signing in a high-ceilinged hotel conference room. Wang called it  a very important visit.

Brown led a delegation of nearly 100 business and government officials when he visited China four years ago. This time, he arrived with a crew of 10 and a more focused mission: to affirm a global obligation to green growth.

The consistency of commitment and the consistency of relationships is important, said Isabel Hilton, founder of Chinadialogue, a website that focuses on environmental issues. Why would you invest, at this point, in the federal government level with a Trump administration that is killing off all your partnerships?

Sichuan and Jiangsu were the first Chinese provinces to join an international coalition Brown helped create, which aims to keep the increase in global temperatures below 2 degrees Celsius from pre-industrial levels  the point at which the potential for irrevocable consequences begins.

Brown will co-host a forum on Wednesday with Sichuan officials in Beijing, where state and provincial members of the so-called Under2 Coalition will plot reductions in greenhouse gas emissions. Hell also participate in a conference with global energy ministers. (His daylong Chengdu visit included a quick stop at the popular panda center, where he noted they slept a lot.)

Ive been around so long that when I was governor the first time I welcomed the father of President Xi [Jinping] to California in 1978, Brown told a row of suited Chinese delegates before the signing ceremony.

His long tenure, he said, means Im getting very impatient. I want to see things accomplished.

Hes looking to an unusual partner. China is the worlds leading greenhouse gas polluter and the largest global funder of new coal power projects. More than 60% of its energy use is still tethered to the fossil fuel. A cloak of haze greeted Brown on his arrival in Chengdu.

Washington and Beijing decide the policy level. The actual investment projects ... happen in the states and provinces.  He Weiwen, senior fellow at the Center for China and Globalization

But the country is also the biggest investor in renewable energy and a leading advocate of climate change action. Beijing shut its last coal-fired plant in March and has plans to launch a national carbon emissions trading market this year.

China is on track to reach the point where its emissions peak and start declining before a 2030 deadline. Officials spent $88 billion last year on clean energy sources such as wind and solar power, according to market analyst Bloomberg New Energy Finance, more than the GDP of Ethiopia.

Even with Chinas top-down approach, little happens without buy-in from the provinces.

Washington and Beijing decide the policy level, said He Weiwen, senior fellow of the Beijing-based Center for China and Globalization and a former economic counselor at the Chinese consulate in San Francisco. The actual investment projects on trade and other activities happen in the states and provinces. Thats why its so important to work with them.

Sichuan, known for its mouth-numbing peppercorns, plays a role in the countrys attempt to transmit electricity from the west to the urban east. But much of it has been wasted due to bad planning and insufficient grid capacity. Officials are scouting out ways to best use their hydropower abundance.

There is an esprit de corps in these more isolated southwestern provinces where there is money flowing in for infrastructure and development, and they are very open for ways to innovate with the resources they have, said Daniel Schwartz, director of the Clean Energy Institute at the University of Washington, who has worked with the province.

Sichuans population is more than twice Californias, making it an opportune place to conduct business. Sacramento-based California Center, an organization that connects companies across the Pacific, opened an office last November in the heart of Chengdus towering new high-tech hub.

Brown told reporters he wants to work with the province on electric vehicle production. The Bay Area Council, an advocacy group for the regions companies, will also travel to China during Browns visit to look for economic opportunities in clean energy.

California shares an even longer relationship with Nanjing, another sister state. Sandy beaches rub up against Jiangsu provinces hundreds of miles of coastline, a Californian companion minus the Pacific Coast Highway.

Brown visited Nanjing on his last visit, and signed agreements on renewable energy, biomedicine and high-tech agriculture.

The province launched Chinas first provincial renewable energy association more than a decade ago in a region rich in wind energy potential. Analysts question whether it has made the best use of this opportunity. But the manufacturing hub now counts hundreds of clean energy-related companies, from biofuels to solar panel production.

California has long offered regions guidance on environmental issues  from zero-emission vehicles to air pollution control. Chinese officials recently turned to the state for assistance with the planned emissions trading system, which theyre piloting in several provinces.

Browns trip now represents a tidal shift of power from Washington to subnational leaders, said Orville Schell, director of the Asia Societys Center on U.S.-China Relations in New York, who penned a 1978 biography of Brown and has written 10 books about China.

Its a slow melting away of Washington as the epicenter of American global leadership.

These regional visits, above all else, send a signal to Chinese leaders about the seriousness of Californias intentions.

The key to Paris was President Xi and President Obama meeting together, Brown said. Now its up to President Xi to advance the ball. We want to stand behind him and make that possible.

Meyers is a special correspondent.

Nicole Liu and Gaochao Zhang in the Times Beijing bureau contributed to this report.

Twitter: @jessicameyers

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In one of the most cosmopolitan of world cities, resilience was the order of the day on Sunday.

Londoners expressed defiance and solidarity in the wake of a ramming-and-slashing attack reportedly claimed by Islamic State that killed seven people and injured dozens in a storied slice of the city, one immortalized in nursery rhyme, Elizabethan verse and history books.

British police reported 12 arrests in connection with the attack on London Bridge and Borough Market, a tangle of narrow streets beneath the bridges southern span.

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Prime Minister Theresa May, facing an unexpectedly tough general election this week, called for a far-reaching reworking of Britains counter-terrorism strategy and heightened action to combat Islamist extremism.

The claim of responsibility came from the Islamic State-affiliated Amaq news agency, which said a security detachment from the group had carried out the attack. As is its usual practice, Amaq cited a security source in the group. But such claims do not always point to any actual degree of planning or coordination on the groups part, sometimes serving merely as an endorsement of a strike believed to have been inspired by its ideology.

A Canadian woman was the first person to be identified as a victim of the attack.

Chrissy Archibalds family described her as a loving daughter and sister from British Columbia who worked at a homeless shelter before moving to Europe to be with her fiance.

She had room in her heart for everyone and believed strongly that every person was to be valued and respected, the familys statement said. She would have had no understanding of the callous cruelty that caused her death.

1 / 40 Charles, Prince of Wales, talks to staff during a visit to the Royal London Hospital on Tuesday, following the Saturday night terrorist attack in London. (Peter Nicholls / AFP/Getty Images) 2 / 40 Gathering south of London Bridge, menhold placards denouncing the attackers as not following Islam. (Justin Tallis / AFP/Getty Images) 3 / 40 A police forensics officer walks out of a house during a operation in Ilford, east London, on Tuesday. (Daniel Leal-Olivas / AFP/Getty Images) 4 / 40 Police forensic officers on Tuesday work on Borough High Street, close to Borough Market, where the attackers stabbed people Saturday night. (Justin Tallis / AFP/Getty Images) 5 / 40 People gather for a vigil in Potters Fields Park in London on Monday to commemorate the victims of the terrorist attack on London Bridge and at Borough Market. (Daniel Leal-Olivas / AFP/Getty Images) 6 / 40 Members of the Dawoodi Bohra Muslim community join others at a vigil at Potters Fields Park in London on Monday to commemorate the victims of the terror attack on London Bridge and at Borough Market. (Daniel Leal-Olivas / AFP/Getty Images) 7 / 40 From left: London Home Secretary Amber Rudd, Mayor Sadiq Khan and Shadow Home Secretary Diane Abbott hold flowers at Potters Fields Park in London on June 5, 2017, during a vigil to commemorate the victims of the terror attack on London Bridge and at Borough Market. (NIKLAS HALLEN / AFP/Getty Images) 8 / 40 People attend a vigil for victims of Saturdays attack at Potters Fields Park in London on Monday. (Tim Ireland / Associated Press) 9 / 40 Members of the Dawoodi Bohra Muslim community join others as they lay flowers during a vigil at Potters Fields Park in London. (Niklas Hallen / AFP/Getty Images) 10 / 40 People gather for a vigil at Potters Fields Park on Monday to commemorate the victims of the terrorist attack on London Bridge and at Borough Market. (Niklas Hallen / AFP/Getty Images) 11 / 40 Hundreds gather for the vigil in Potters Fields Park. (Jack Taylor / Getty Images) 12 / 40 People gather at Londons Potters Fields Park along the River Thames. (Odd Andersen / AFP/Getty Images) 13 / 40 A man reattaches a missing-person poster above floral tributes on London Bridge, after it was reopened on Monday following the Saturday night attack. (Leon Neal / Getty Images) 14 / 40 Police forensics officers work at a residential property in east London on Monday as part of their investigations into the terrorist attacks. (Daniel Leal-Olivas / AFP/Getty Images) 15 / 40 A police dog handler arrives to work during an attacks-related investigation at a residential property in east London on June 5. (Daniel Leal-Olivas / AFP/Getty Images) 16 / 40 A man leaves flowers at a tribute in the London Bridge area on June 5. (Alastair Grant / Associated Press) 17 / 40 Police forensic officers work near Borough Market in London on June 4, 2017, as police continue their investigations following the June 3 terror attack. (Niklas Hallen / AFP/Getty Images) 18 / 40 Police forensic officers work near Borough Market in London on June 4, 2017, as police continue their investigations following the June 3 terror attack. (Niklas Hallen / AFP/Getty Images) 19 / 40 Britains Prime Minister Theresa May delivers a statement outside 10 Downing Street in central London on June 4, 2017, following the June 3 terror attack. (Justin Tallis / AFP/Getty Images) 20 / 40 A police officer places a rose at the scene of last nights terrorist attack on London Bridge on June 4, 2017 in London, England. (Dan Kitwood / Getty Images) 21 / 40 A police officer stands near first-aid debris on Thrale Street on June 4, 2017 in London, England. (Leon Neal / Getty Images) 22 / 40 British police work with a detection dog after the attack. (Matt Dunham / AP) 23 / 40 Armed British police work within a cordoned-off area Sunday after the London Bridge attack. (Matt Dunham / AP) 24 / 40 Police and emergency crews attend to victims of a terror attack on London Bridge. (Daniel Sorabji / AFP/Getty Images) 25 / 40 Armed police raid The Blue Eyed Maid in Borough High Street at London Bridge. (Carl Court / Getty Images) 26 / 40 Armed police stand over two suspects shot at the scene of the terror attack outside Borough Market in central London. (Gabriele Sciotto / AFP/Getty Images) 27 / 40 Guests from the Premier Inn Bankside Hotel are evacuated and kept in a group with police on Upper Thames Street after the attack in central London. (Yui Mok / AP) 28 / 40 Police mobilize at London Bridge after reports of a van hitting pedestrians. (Will Oliver / EPA) 29 / 40 Police clear the area near Borough Market at London Bridge. (Dan Kitwood / Getty Images) 30 / 40 Counter-terrorism special forces gatherat London Bridge. (Dan Kitwood / Getty Images) 31 / 40 Armed police stand guard on London Bridge after reports of the attack. (Dominic Lipinski / AP) 32 / 40 People run down Borough High Street in London after the attack, which closed London Bridge in both directions. (Dominic Lipinski / Associated Press) 33 / 40 An officer looks through his scope on London Bridge. (Dominic Lipinski / AP) 34 / 40 Police cars block the entrance to London Bridge after reports of the attack. (Daniel Sorabji / AFP/Getty Images) 35 / 40 Emergency crews tend to the injured on London Bridge after the attack. (Dominic Lipinski / AP) 36 / 40 Police take positions on Borough High Street after the attack. (Dominic Lipinski / AP) 37 / 40 People run down Borough High Street in London after the attack on London Bridge. (Dominic Lipinski / AP) 38 / 40 An armed police officer stands on Borough High Streetin London after the attack. (Dominic Lipinski / Associated Press) 39 / 40 People walk down Borough High Street after the attack on London Bridge. (Dominic Lipinski / Associated Press) 40 / 40 Police turn out in force on Borough High Street after the London Bridge attack. (Dominic Lipinski / AP)

On Sunday, white-clad forensic technicians scoured for clues, and police in black body armor patrolled the scene of the assault, which began late Saturday when a rented white Renault van rammed pedestrians on the bridge and continued with a knife rampage by three attackers in the crowded nightlife district on the south bank of the River Thames.

Londoners of all creeds and visitors from across the globe flocked to the area  drawing as close as they could get behind police cordons  to lay flowers and express defiance amid their grief.

Its to show our solidarity, said Chris Prentice, a 40-year-old British photographer who lives in the city. He was in jeans and stubble as he set down a bouquet. Its a message: You wont break us. You wont break us, ever.

With the country still mourning a major assault less than two weeks ago, in the northern city of Manchester, London Mayor Sadiq Khan tweeted that we will never be cowed by terrorism.

We are all shocked and angry today - but this is our city. We will never let these cowards win and we will never be cowed by terrorism. pic.twitter.com/kcosumkdCR  Sadiq Khan (@SadiqKhan) June 4, 2017

Singer Ariana Grande, whose concert in Manchester was attacked on May 22, returned to headline a star-filled tribute to that citys victims. The crowd of about 50,000 people cheered an opening exhortation from singer Marcus Mumford: Lets not be afraid.

As the London assault unfolded late Saturday, some customers in pubs and restaurants scattered in panic  but others fought back by hurling bottles, beer mugs and even tables and chairs at the knife-wielding attackers, witnesses said. Police, whose response has been honed by two previous large-scale attacks over the last three months, shot the trio of attackers dead within eight minutes of the first distress calls.

In a country where police rarely draw their weapons, authorities acknowledged Sunday that a bystander had been wounded in the fusillade of gunfire  50 bullets fired by eight officers  directed at the attackers. The civilians injuries were not life-threatening, police said.

President Trump, who had caused a stir the evening before when his initial reaction to the attack included a call to reinstitute his court-blocked travel ban, tweeted criticism Sunday morning of Khan, asserting  misleadingly  that the mayor had said there was no reason to be alarmed!

At least 7 dead and 48 wounded in terror attack and Mayor of London says there is "no reason to be alarmed!"  Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) June 4, 2017

Khan on Sunday had in fact urged Londoners to be vigilant and not to be surprised or worried by an increased police presence in coming days. He told the public: Im reassured we are one of the safest global cities in the world.

Britons responded with a stoicism that for many evoked the famous World War II slogan  when London was under relentless German bombardment  to keep calm and carry on.

You will hear the older generation talking about Second World War and the spirit the city had at the time, said Stephen Renaud, a retired postal worker, surveying the scene near police barricades. I think the spirit still carries through today.

With the investigation still in its early stages, May unleashed tough rhetoric against what she called a single evil ideology of Islamist extremism without linking a particular group or network to the latest strike.

Enough is enough, she said as expressions of sympathy and solidarity continued to pour in from around the world. At the Vatican, Pope Francis offered prayers for the victims at his weekly Sunday blessing.

In a televised statement from her official residence at 10 Downing St., where flags had been lowered to half-staff, the prime minister grimly cautioned that the attack marked a new trend in the threat we face  assaults in which methods and ideology echoed those of previous strikes.

While the recent attacks are not connected by common networks, they are connected in one important sense. They are bound together by the single evil ideology of Islamist extremism that preaches hatred, sows division and promotes sectarianism, said May, clad in a dark suit and peering into the cameras.

The identities of the attackers were not immediately disclosed. After the May 22 suicide bombing in Manchester, British officials were dismayed when details including a suicide bombers name were leaked prematurely, apparently by U.S. officials.

Some witnesses accounts, though, suggested an Islamist motive. A pubgoer, Gerard Vowls, told Sky TV that attackers shouted, This is for Allah!

Shortly after May spoke, Londons Metropolitan Police Service said officers from its counter-terrorism command had arrested a dozen people in the East London suburb of Barking in connection with last nights incidents in London Bridge and the Borough Market area.

It said searches of a number of addresses in Barking were continuing. The BBC reported that several of those arrested were women.

The emergency services reported that 48 people had been taken to half a dozen hospitals across the city, with three dozen still hospitalized Sunday, some with critical injuries. Those hurt included an off-duty police officer and an on-duty member of the transport police, and a number of foreign citizens from countries that included Germany, France, Spain, New Zealand and Australia.

As in past attacks in other cities, including the truck rampage last summer in the French Riviera city of Nice, establishments and ordinary people opened their doors to those left stranded by disrupted transport in an area popular with visitors and locals alike.

Borough Market, with its warren of alleyways beneath and near London Bridge, is filled by day with famed specialty food stalls, and by night  particularly on a spring evening like Saturday  with patrons who flock to bars, clubs and eateries ranging from hole-in-the-wall dives to fine-dining establishments.

With Britains general election only four days away, the major parties called off campaign events on Sunday as a sign of respect. The far-right UK Independence Party, known for its anti-immigrant, anti-Muslim stance, said it would press ahead with campaigning  in order, it said, to send a message to terrorists.

Polls had initially indicated a heavy advantage for Mays Conservative Party over her principal Labor Party opponents heading into Thursdays vote, but that lead had narrowed dramatically in recent weeks. The attacks effect on voter sentiments remained unknown.

Home Secretary Amber Rudd said the countrys terrorist threat level would remain at severe, because no perpetrators were believed to be at large. The threat level had been raised to critical, the highest level, for some days after the Manchester attack.

Special correspondent Kirschbaum reported from London and staff writer King from Washington. Times staff writer Melissa Etehad in Los Angeles contributed to this report.

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UPDATES:

5:12 p.m.: This article has been updated with the identity of the Canadian victim and other details.

3:20 p.m.: This article has been updated with the claim that Islamic State carried out the attack.

11:30 a.m.: This article has been updated with Manchester concert beginning, added quotes from Khan, other details.

9:05 a.m.: This article has been updated with police saying one bystander was wounded by police gunfire.

8:40 a.m.: This article has been updated with quotes from the scene and with Canada saying one victim was Canadian.

7:35 a.m.: The story has been updated throughout with staff reporting.

5:30 a.m.: This article was updated with the 12 arrests.

3:40 a.m.: This story was updated with more quotes from May.

2:10 a.m.: Updated with the emergency cabinet session, background and quotes.

This article was first published at 1:45 a.m.
Millions of Mexican voters go to the polls Sunday in closely watched state elections that will provide a critical preview of presidential balloting scheduled for next year.

Gubernatorial elections are taking place in three states  the northern border state of Coahuila; the small western state of Nayarit; and, most significantly, in the sprawling state of Mexico, the countrys most populous and politically significant entity.

In addition, citizens of Veracruz are electing more than 200 mayors amid widespread discontent with rampant crime and massive corruption in the oil-rich state along the Gulf of Mexico.

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Sundays showcase contest, however, is in Mexico state, where a bitterly fought battle featuring accusations of dirty tricks and smear tactics is widely viewed as a bellwether for next years presidential contest, with broad ramifications for the countrys long-term political scene.

The long-dominant Institutional Revolutionary Party, or PRI, has never lost the governors seat in Mexico state since the partys founding in 1929 after the tumult of the revolutionary era. But on Sunday, the PRI faces a stiff challenge in the state, which surrounds Mexico City, the capital, on three sides and is the home turf of President Enrique Pena Nieto.

The president approaches the final year of his single, six-year term as a greatly diminished figure  deeply unpopular in polls and suffering broad citizen dissatisfaction with rising crime, corruption and sluggish economic growth.

Consequently, the vote in Mexico state is also emerging as a referendum on the future of the PRI, which regained the presidency in 2012 with high hopes for a resurgence after losing the top post in 2006 and 2000 to the conservative National Action Party.

Many analysts have predicted that a loss for the PRI in the state of Mexico  home to more than 11 million voters, about as many as in Texas  would doom the PRIs chances in next years presidential race.

The state of Mexico is the support base of the PRI, and if it loses there it will be in a worse position than ever, said Jose Antonio Crespo, a political analyst. If it loses in its bastion, the PRI could face a collapse.

Looming over the race is Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador, 63, a fiery left-wing populist and twice-unsuccessful presidential aspirant who is gearing up for a third run next year. He is not a candidate in Sundays balloting. But Amlo, as he is known, after his initials, has been a prominent and contentious figure in the Mexico state campaign.

In rallies, Lopez Obrador has publicly called for the transformation of Mexico, lumping existing political parties (except his own) into what he labels the mafia of power.

The skilled orator has also seen his political fortunes rise with the election of President Trump, whom he has accused of mounting a campaign of hate against Mexicans.

Lopez Obrador heads the left-wing National Regeneration Movement, known as Morena. A victory for Morena in Mexico state on Sunday would probably cement Lopez Obradors status as front-runner for president, even though major parties have yet to name their nominees.

Polls in Mexico state show a tight, two-person battle in the governors race between the Morena candidate, Delfina Gomez, 54, a former schoolteacher and local mayor, and the PRI hopeful, Alfredo Del Mazo Maza, 41, a ruling-party stalwart who is the son and grandson of former state governors.

Surging in recent polls is Juan Zepeda of the left-leaning Democratic Revolution Party, a former mayor of the gritty suburb of Ciudad Nezahualcoyotl. The resume of the charismatic Zepeda features a singular attribute: He says he lived in the United States illegally for years, an experience shared by millions of Mexican citizens.

The race has featured allegations of electoral improprieties from various candidates and parties. Without offering many specifics, all office-seekers have vowed to reduce crime, improve decrepit infrastructure and public transportation and increase benefits for the poor and working-class multitudes who make up the vast majority of the states population.

The PRI has geared up its immense electoral machinery on behalf of its gubernatorial candidate, Del Mazo. Party loyalists are referring to June 4 as D-day, reported the magazine Proceso. The PRI has long been adroit at corralling votes via handouts, patronage posts, job-generating public works projects and other strategies.

The PRI-led central government has denied opposition allegations of improper use of public personnel and funds in the Mexico state electoral campaign.

A narrow victory by the PRI candidate in Mexico state could spur appeals and protests from Lopez Obrador, who alleges he was cheated out of presidential victories in 2006 and 2012. In 2006, after his razor-thin loss, Lopez Obradors irate supporters practically shut down Mexico City for weeks.

Elsewhere in the country, the PRI also faces a stiff challenge in Coahuila, another state where the party has ruled for decades. Corruption accusations swirling around a former governor have damaged the partys standing. Polls show the PRIs gubernatorial hopeful, Miguel Riquelme, with a slight lead over Guillermo Anaya of the National Action Party.

In Nayarit, where various drug syndicates battle for a vital smuggling corridor, the arrest by U.S. authorities of the former state attorney general, Edgar Veytia, in March on trafficking charges appears to have eroded support for the ruling party. Veytia was a high-profile member of the PRI-controlled Nayarit state government.

The PRI enters Sundays balloting already on its back foot in the Gulf Coast state of Veracruz, which boasts Mexicos third-largest bloc of voters, after Mexico state and Mexico City.

Last June, the PRI suffered a major blow when it lost the governors seat in Veracruz and in neighboring Tamaulipas state, both longtime PRI strongholds. Veracruzs former PRI governor, Javier Duarte, who is jailed while facing multiple corruption charges, has become a symbol of crooked and kleptocratic PRI leadership.

patrick.mcdonnell@latimes.com

twitter: @mcdneville

Cecilia Sanchez of the Times Mexico City bureau contributed to this report.

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All material is subject to strictly enforced copyright terms & conditions and cannot be repurposed or reproduced.  19882022 Latin American Financial Publications Inc.
Jun 3, 2017, 2:17pm ET

Toyota's Camatte is all about letting kids experience cars

The car will be available for kids to design and drive at the Tokyo Toy Show.

The Tokyo Toy Show is taking place this weekend, and Toyota is doing what it can to combat the notion that children are more into electronic devices than cars.

For several years now, Toyota has unveiled a version of the Camatte at the same venue, because it's a car designed especially for kids. It's an electric chassis with an open-top, upon which one can add detachable body panels so that you can make it look like anything you want, from a sporty roadster to a rugged off-roader. The Camatte also has an unusual 1+2 seating arrangement with steering wheel mounted squarely in the center of the dash, so kids can feel like they're in control while adults supervise from the back seats.

The year, Toyota has created a driving school for kids around the Camatte concept. Kids who attend the show can take the Camatte on a short, indoor course that mimics many real world driving situations, including parking. Kids will even be able to earn a pretend driver's license. The idea, Toyota says, is to get kids excited about the idea of following in their parents' footsteps, and even developing confidence by interacting with objects and making decisions that are usually reserved for adults.

Kids will also be able to design the cars as well, with a variety of stick-on magnets that add stripes, flags, or racing liveries on the cars. Although multiple Camattes have been created for this year's show, each one's panels were hand sculpted and are subtly different.

Toyota engineer Sumie Teraoka, who was at the Tokyo Toy Show's Camatte display, said "I hope that the children will come to love driving cars in the future." She then added, "Well, hopefully that of Toyota!"
Moravian Academy held its commencement Saturday at the Upper School in Bethlehem Township.

Check out the celebration by scrolling through the photos atop this post.

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Jim Deegan may be reached at jdeegan@lehighvalleylive.com. Follow him on Twitter @jim_deegan. Find lehighvalleylive on Facebook.
LONDON -- British police arrested a dozen people Sunday in a widening terrorism investigation after attackers used a van and large knives to kill seven people in London, and the county's major political parties temporarily suspended campaigning with only days to go before the general election.

Prime Minister Theresa May said the vote would take place as scheduled Thursday because "violence can never be allowed to disrupt the democratic process."

The assault unfolded over a few terrifying minutes late Saturday, starting when a rented van veered off the road and barreled into pedestrians on busy London Bridge. Three men then got out of the vehicle with large knives and attacked people at bars and restaurants in nearby Borough Market until they were fatally shot by police.

"They went 'This is for Allah,' and they had a woman on the floor. They were stabbing her," witness Gerard Vowls said.

Florin Morariu, a Romanian chef who works in the Bread Ahead bakery, said he saw people running and some fainting. Then two people approached another person and "began to stick the knife in ... and then I froze and I didn't know what to do."

He said he managed to get near one attacker and "hit him around the head" with a bread basket.

"There was a car with a loudspeaker saying 'go, go' and they (police) threw a grenade. ... and then I ran," he said.

London police said officers killed the attackers within eight minutes of arriving at the scene. Eight officers fired some 50 rounds, said Assistant Commissioner Mark Rowley, the force's head of counterterrorism.

The three attackers were wearing what appeared to be suicide belts, but the belts turned out to be fake. Investigators were working to determine whether others assisted them, Rowley said.

A bystander was also wounded by the gunfire, but the civilian's injuries were not believed to be critical.

Forty-eight people, including two police officers, were treated at hospitals across London. Twenty-one remained in critical condition Sunday. Among the wounded were German, French and Spanish citizens, officials said.

The death toll of seven did not include the three attackers. Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said a Canadian was among the dead.

Counterterrorism officers raided several addresses in Barking, an east London suburb, and arrested 12 people there Sunday, police said.

Neighbors at the site of one raid in Barking said a man who lived there resembled one of the attackers shown in news photographs.

"He's lived here for about three years," Damien Pettit said. "He's one of our neighbors. I've said hello in passing more than 50, 60 occasions. He has two young kids. He was a very nice guy."

Armed officers also conducted a raid in the East Ham area of the city.

The rampage was the third major attack in Britain in the past three months, including a similar vehicle and knife attack on Westminster Bridge in March that left five people dead.

On May 22, a suicide bomber killed 22 people and injured dozens at an Ariana Grande concert in Manchester, in northwest England. Grande and other stars are scheduled to perform a benefit concert for victims under tight security Sunday night in Manchester.

The Islamic State group claimed responsibility for the Manchester bombing, but there was no immediate claim of responsibility for the London attack, which the prime minister linked to Islamic extremism.

May said the attacks were not directly connected, but that "terrorism breeds terrorism" and attackers copy one another. She said five credible plots have been disrupted since March.

"It is time to say, enough is enough," she said.

Britain's official terrorism threat level was raised from "severe" to "critical" after the Manchester attack, meaning an attack may be imminent. Several days later it was lowered again to "severe," meaning an attack is highly likely.

Home Secretary Amber Rudd said Sunday that the level would remain at severe because police believe there are no perpetrators still on the loose.

A large area on the south bank of the River Thames remained cordoned off Sunday, and police told people to avoid the area. London Bridge and the adjacent train station, as well as nearby Borough subway station, were still closed.

Hours earlier, the area packed with bars and restaurants around the foodie magnet of Borough Market had been a scene of panic, as people barricaded themselves in pubs and restaurants or fled through the streets.

Medics treated the wounded near the market as shocked people cried and shouted around them. Police officers yelled at people to run from the area, and blasts were heard as officers performed a series of controlled explosions.

Renan Marquese, a sous-chef at a tapas restaurant, said he was working when he heard chaotic sounds outside.

"When I open the door I see three dead people on the floor," he said. "People running everywhere, police shouting to run away."

He said that he helped a man and his partner, even taking the woman into his arms because she was too upset to walk properly. He said it took him 20 minutes to carry her across the bridge, stumbling all the way.

"It was really scary," he said.

Amid the violence and fear were stories of compassion and heroism. The British Transport Police said one of their officers, among the first to arrive, took the attackers on armed only with his baton and was seriously wounded. He was later described as being in stable condition with injuries that were not life-threatening.

Witnesses described how passers-by threw chairs and beer glasses at the attackers in an attempt to stop them.

Richard Angell, who was in a restaurant, said he looked out, "and opposite there's a guy who is throwing a table at somebody and it's very unclear about what is happening and it turns out to be a heroic guy who saw what was happening and just bombarded these terrible cowardly people with stuff."

Vowls also saw people striking back at the attackers, and said he joined in.

"They were trying to force their way into a restaurant," he told ITV. "People were throwing bottles at them, pint glasses, whatever they could pick up. Then they went on the Wheat Sheaf (pub). ... I went 'Oi, oi cowards!' -- something like that to them. And then I started picking up bottles, I threw a chair at them, a stool, glasses -- anything I could get my hands on."
An Allentown woman was hurt Saturday night when her vehicle left the road, crashed into a utility pole and snapped it in half near a Route 31 intersection in Warren County, police said.

Police said the 11:04 p.m. crash happened when Rachel Woodburn, 39, was driving a Volkswagen Jetta south along South Lincoln Avenue -- about 240 feet from the Route 31 intersection -- in Washington Township. She lost control for an unknown reason, the Volkswagen left the road and struck the telephone pole, according to police.

Lt. John Kaufmann said South Lincoln Avenue was shut down in both directions -- from Route 31 to the back entrance to the Speedway gas station -- until 6 a.m. Sunday.

Wooburn was taken by ambulance to Morristown Medical Center with non life-threatening injuries, Kaufmann said.

Also responding to the call were the Washington Rescue Squad, Washington Township Fire Department and paramedics from Hunterdon Medical Center in Raritan Township. The crash remains under investigation by Washington Township police.

Pamela Sroka-Holzmann may be reached at pholzmann@lehighvalleylive.com. Follow her on Twitter @pamholzmann. Find lehighvalleylive.com on Facebook.
Phillipsburg High School students celebrated their senior banquet (they don't call it a prom) Saturday night at SteelStacks in Bethlehem.

Scroll through the photos above, then click through the links below for plenty of more photos from this year:

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If these photos have you looking for more senior banquet images, check out the photos from last year.

Don't forget to check lehighvalleylive.com/prom for full coverage of this prom season's celebrations across our region.

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Jim Deegan may be reached at jdeegan@lehighvalleylive.com. Follow him on Twitter @jim_deegan. Find lehighvalleylive on Facebook.
Mormon Lake was named after a group of Mormon sheepherders who settled in the area in 1880s, said Scott Gold, the general manager of Mormon Lake Lodge. They would graze the sheep in the lake basin. They started the community of Mormon Lake that sits on the southern edge of the lake, he said. They were followed by lumber crews who harvested trees in the area.

Tomblers Lodge, now known as Mormon Lake Lodge, was built in 1924 and quickly became the center of town. It provided housing, a place to eat and drink, Gold said. In the 20s, 30s and 40s cabins were added to provide more housing for the loggers and their families, who would come up to the lake in the summer to escape the heat of Phoenix. A store and a gas station were later added, as well as a post office.

There were some times during the summer when the whole town would be nothing but women and children, Gold said.

In the 1930s and 40s a lumber mill on the northwest side of the lake and a railroad was added to the area help ship wood to Flagstaff faster, he said. The steakhouse at the lodge was built in the 1960s.

On July 4, 1974, the lodge burned to the ground after a faulty hot water heater caught fire. A dishwasher who was deaf and mute attempted to alert someone to the fire but it took him awhile to make himself understood over the festivities, Gold said. The owners of the lodge, with the help of local residents, were able to rebuild the lodge by Labor Day.

Besides food and a place to stay, Mormon Lake Lodge also has a number of activities for tourists and locals.

We have picnic areas, campgrounds, games, buffalo, horseback riding, a petting zoo and a trout pond you can fish out of, Gold said. Nearly every summer weekend we have an event going on.

Summer events include rodeos, archery competitions, conventions and Too Broke for Sturgis, a motorcycle event. The town also has its own water company and a volunteer fire department.

In the winter, the population in Mormon Lake drops dramatically.

Theres a sign at the entrance to town that says Mormon Lake Population 50 to 5,000. Thats about right, depending on the time of year, Gold said.

Most of the homes in the area are vacation homes or cabins. There are about 20 to 25 people, like Gold and his family, who live in the area year round, he said. Most of the year-round residents and the lodge have generators in case of power outages.

There was one storm about five years ago that cut the power for nine days, Gold said. The power came back on for a couple of days and then went out again for another three.

During the winter, the lodge is open on the weekends and visitors are able to rent some of the cabins. The general store stays open seven days a week year-round.

Usually the roads in the area are passable through the winter, said Chris Parish, who also lives in Mormon Lake with his family year-round. The portion of Lake Mary Road that travels along the top of a wind-blown escarpment above the eastern edge of the lake can become unpassable because of drifting snow. On those days, Coconino County will close that section of the road and residents take Mormon Lake Road, which loops around the west side of the lake past St. Josephs Youth Camp and Dairy Springs past the lodge.

Occasionally, both roads are impassable during the winter, Gold said. About five years ago, Gold found himself stuck in town for a couple of days after six feet of snow fell in one week. And in 1967, there was a huge snowfall that required the state and federal government to airlift hay into the area to feed the elk and other wildlife.

The snow was so high that you could walk off the roof of the lodge onto it, he said.

Trying to raise a family 30 miles outside of Flagstaff has its challenges, but its worth it to Parish and Gold.

Parish and his wife, Ellen, and two girls moved to Mormon Lake in 1998. Parish works for the Arizona Game and Fish Department as its Condor Project Coordinator. He and Ellen homeschooled their daughters for a while before driving them into town every school day to attend BASIS.

Its a really great place to raise a family, Parish said. While its a really remote area and the drive into Flagstaff is about 40 minutes, theres a small town feel in Mormon Lake that you cant find in most cities today. Even though there is no official city or town council, nearly everyone in town is a member of the volunteer fire department, its kind of the glue that holds the community together, he said.

Everyone knows everyone else and their kids, he said. People are like family here. If theres a dispute among neighbors, then we talk it out.

When Gold moved to the area, his son and daughter, who are twins, were about 3 years old. Its about an hour school bus ride one way into town. Students often find themselves at the bus stop early in the morning, sometimes before 6 a.m., and arriving home late in the afternoon.

Both of Golds children still live in Mormon Lake -- his son works as the executive chef at the lodge and his daughter helps with the administration of the lodge.

They both love it here, he said.

His daughter moved to the city a few years ago but moved back to Mormon Lake a few months later. She just didnt like the city, he said.

When it gets quiet out here, it gets quiet. And the stars at night are really something, he said.
Frank Lloyd Wright left a mark on Wisconsin just as Wisconsin left a mark on him. The man widely considered to be Americas greatest architect was born in Richland Center, spent much of his youth in Madison, and worked many summers on his uncles farm near Spring Green. It was in that same fertile valley he would build Taliesin, his home, studio, architectural school and laboratory for new ideas.

Thursday marks the 150th anniversary of Wrights birth. It is an occasion to note not only his work, but the creative spirit of the individual and the extraordinary impact of design. More than a century before it became a catchword of contemporary America, Wright was pioneering concepts of sustainability. His houses were positioned to take advantage of solar conditions, inviting natural light. They were built with local materials, dug from the earth.

Wright conceived the Prairie style of architecture, where buildings are designed to be site-specific, becoming an integral part of the landscape. Today, reflections of that style are everywhere.

Wright did not stop with architecture. He designed furniture, textiles and other decorative arts, helping to create a new American aesthetic.

Wrights 150th is being celebrated with tours, lectures, even a new exhibit at the Madison Childrens Museum. Travelers can follow the state Department of Tourisms new Frank Lloyd Wright Trail, which wends from Richland Center to Racine, making stops at Wright masterpieces in Madison such as Monona Terrace and the Unitarian Meeting House.

We have some outstanding buildings in Madison that I think were very close to Wrights heart, said Jim Erickson, director of preservation at Taliesin, which draws some 25,000 visitors from across the U.S. and 17 countries each year.

Taliesin  along with the Herbert and Katherine Jacobs House in Madison and eight other U.S. landmarks designed by Wright  were jointly nominated to the UNESCO World Heritage List. If selected, they will be in the elite global company of the Great Wall of China, Frances Chartres Cathedral and Americas Grand Canyon.

Wright designed buildings in 36 U.S. states, Canada and Japan. Yet the shade of red he picked for the logo to sign his drawings came from the tall, red lilies he knew from the meadows of his Wisconsin youth.

After traveling to the distant, strange and beautiful places that I used to read about when I was a boy, the architect wrote in his 1930 essay titled Why I Love Wisconsin, hed come home.

...(E)very time I come back here, he wrote of his beloved Wisconsin valley, it is with the feeling there is nothing anywhere better than this is.
Women having babies in Portlaoise hospital have complimented staff on excellent care but first time mothers remain nervous and are going elsewhere, according to the hospitals Director of Nursing.

Angela Dunne took over as Director of Midwifery in 2014. She has been to the fore in the overhaul of services but also was part of the clinical review that investigated the deaths of babies and other problems that emerged.

Because of her experience she is on the National Women and Infants Programme which is coordinating an overhaul of maternity services nationally. She is now Director of Nursing at the Midlands Regional Hospital Portlaoise.

The services at Portlaoise are safe, she told the Leinster Express at the press conference in Dublin to launch the clinical review.

A lot of work has gone into implementing lessons. That is why it was important that I sat on the review team because I was able to bring back the feedback from the patients and their experiences to implement the training required, said the director.

She said staffing is almost at the level that is needed.

As regards staffing it was difficult to recruit when we were going through the circumstances that we were going through at the time. We have done very well since. A lot of midwives want to work in Portlaoise. We have one or two midwife vacancies at the moment, she said.

Birth rates have dipped nationally and slowed in Laois but there has been a marked decline in number of women attending Portlaoise hospital. There were 1,470 births in 2016, down 900 since the 2010 peak.

Our difficulty is with first time mothers who havent had the experience going through our services. Mothers who have had babies there are coming back and the compliments are excellent.

The drop in numbers is prima gravia (first time) mothers who are nervous about coming to the hospital, she said.

The midwife added that two obstetricians and two neonatologists have joined in shared posts with the Coombe Hospital, which part runs the unit.

While, the physical infrastructure of the unit has been criticised, Ms Dunne said there had been improvements including the opening of a bereavement room next September.

There are also plans to extend outpatients.
Recruitment of doctors will be a serious issue for services in Portlaoise and other small hospitals, according to the senior HSE manager who led the investigation into the maternity unit.

Dr Susan OReilly, chief executive of the Dublin Midlands Hospital Group, declined to be drawn on the status of the plan she has drawn up for the hospital. She did, however, say that services faced issues.

Challenges recruiting consultants and junior doctors to small volume services, in particular small hospitals, is a serious issue and it is far broader than maternity.

All she would say of her plan for the hospital was that it had been drawn up with eight national clinical leads and has been submitted to the Department of Health.

It is widely speculated to have recommended the downgrade and removal of A&E, ICU and other services.

She said management is satisfied that the level of education, training and staffing at the maternity unit was excellent.

She said there are capital applications for an extended ambulatory (outpatients) facility and other general services in Portlaoise.
Rathangan woman Aoife Kirwan spoke at a briefing session in Leinster House last Friday about the challenges facing Irish people with MS.

She is one of over 9,000 Irish people living with MS and spoke in both a personal and professional capacity , because she works for the Multiple Sclerosis Society of Ireland.

MS is a progressive, neurological condition of the brain and spinal cord.Approximately 250 people are diagnosed with MS every year in Ireland. Women develop it more frequently than men.

At the briefing session, speakers discussed the challenges they face with long waiting times to see neurologists and to access MRI scanning.

A big issue facing people with MS is retaining employment  54% of people with MS are unemployed.

Fellow Rathangan woman Deputy Fiona OLoughlin met Aoife in Leinster House and commented that she is doing a great job spreading awareness of MS.

Listening to people like Aoife is essential in reviewing programmes, therapies and research into an illness like MS and Id like to congratulate her and MS Ireland on the work they are doing.

Read more: Kildare teacher bidding to raise money for her MS treatment
As the venerable County Leitrim Society of New York recently celebrated their 122nd anniversary, Retired Chief Denis Patrick McGowan was reminded of the little-known story behind the author of the song, "Lovely Leitrim."

Patrolman Philip Fitzpatrick, Shield No. 15348 was born in Aughavas, Co. Leitrim in 1895, and emigrated to America in the early 1920s, settling like so many Irishmen and Irishwomen in New York City. He joined New York's Finest in 1926, and became a Patrolman, assigned to Mounted Squad 1 in Manhattan.

Patrolman Fitzpatrick wrote the song, "Lovely Leitrim," in loving tribute to his beloved home county, still popular here and back in his native home.

While off duty on Tuesday, May 20, 1947, with his good friend, Patrolman George H. Dammeyer, Shield No. 3823, Patrolman Fitzpatrick was having lunch at a tavern located at 1703 Third Avenue and East 96th Street on the Upper East Side. Two career criminals, armed with pistols, entered the tavern shortly after the officers had sat down for lunch. These criminals had just robbed another location nearby and had pistol whipped their victims. The criminals then announced that they wanted everyone's money and valuables, pointing their pistols at the customers and staff. At great risk to themselves, Patrolman Fitzpatrick and Patrolman Dammeyer attempted to arrest the criminals, and Patrolman Fitzpatrick was shot twice in the stomach and grievously wounded while grappling with one of the perpetrators. Both of the criminals were shot and killed by Patrolman Dammeyer.

Patrolman Fitzpatrick succumbed to his wounds, and died in Beth Israel Hospital on May 26, 1947, leaving his grieving widow Mary and five sons to mourn his passing. He was given an Inspector's funeral and was awarded the prestigious NYPD Medal of Honor posthumously in a ceremony at City Hall held on May 25, 1948. Commissioner Arthur William Wallander and Mayor William O'Dyer (himself a former NYPD police officer) presented his widow Mary with the medal, and the deep gratitude of the citizens of New York for his making the ultimate and heroic sacrifice. Patrolman Dammeyer was presented with the Combat Cross medal for his heroism.

Many people did not know that Patrolman Fitzpatrick was also a poet, and had written an eerily prophetic poem about a policeman's life, referring to his fellow officers as "soldiers of peace," and included the sad lines, "when he kisses his wife and children goodbye, there's the chance he will see them no more."

Brave Philip never did get to return to Ireland, but he will never be forgotten by his fellow officers, his Brother and Sister Hibernians and the sons and daughters of Leitrim. May Almighty God grant rest to his good soul. A devout Catholic, he was also a member of the NYPD Holy Name Society and the Ancient Order of Hibernians.

Patrolman Fitzpatrick is remembered by the NYPD in a memorial on the walls of their headquarters at One Police Plaza, but shall always be remembered for the great song about Leitrim he authored:

Lovely Leitrim



Last night I had a pleasant dream, I woke up with a smile

I dreamed that I was back again in dear old Erins isle.

I thought I saw Lough Allens banks in the valleys down below

It was my lovely Leitrim where the Shannon waters flow.

I felt enchanted by the scene of grandeur and delight

I headed off to Carrick Town before the dark of night.

I passed Sheemore, that fairy hill where flowers fine do grow

And I saw the grave of Finn McCool where the Shannon waters flow.

I next did visit Fenagh Town with her ancient abbey walls.

Where the preaching of her holy monks once echoed through her halls.

I stood with reverence on the spot, reluctant for to go

From the town of saints and sages where the Shannon waters flow

My eyes are dimmed and wet with tears, I must be dreaming still.

I thought I saw those heroes that died on Selton Hill.

But the fog is lifting from the scene and I am forced to go

And leave the land so fair and grand where the Shannon waters flow.

In all the lands that I have been through the east and west,

In all the lands that I have seen, I love my own the best.

And if ever I return again the first place I will go,

Will be to lovely Leitrim where the Shannon waters flow.




Back in February, I spent a couple of superb days in London. The last event of my trip was a delicious dinner at a Lebanese restaurant called Arabica Kitchen in Borough Market with some friends.

When I was back in London a month later, I went back to Borough Market because Id never seen it in all its foodie fantasticness. It was great to browse around and see the sorts of ingredients you only hear about on Masterchef, including truffle at about 190 per ounce.

I met a friend there and we bought lunch from one of the street food stalls and ate it in glorious sunshine down by the river.

Its a great part of town and one which, on a Saturday night, is teaming with people.

So it was even more shocking to watch as the events unfolded last night in a place I hold in great affection. Yet again, murder and violence feature in our streets.

The response of the emergency services was incredible and courageous as ever. It takes superlative skill and bravery to go into that situation and take down the right people in a crowded area in just 8 minutes.

Our thoughts are with all those who have been affected by last nights attacks, whether as victim, witness, family or friend. There were a fair few of my friends who were either round about or had been in the area a short time before. Thankfully they made it known on social media that they were ok, but I know that they will be feeling that they could easily not have been.

Its also important to note that kindness and a willingness to help was the instant reaction of so many people, who offered shelter to those in the area. Our Brian Paddick was one of them.

10 minute walk from #LondonBridge if you need somewhere safe to stay. DM me.  Brian Paddick (@brianpaddick) June 3, 2017

National campaigning has been suspended for the moment but local campaigning will continue. This is a sensible decision so close to the election. The proximity of the election must mean that the national suspension is shorter than it was for the Manchester attack last week, but our hearts are and will stay with those who are suffering.

Tim Farron has just issued this statement:

My thoughts and prayers are with the victims and their families, and I would like to pay tribute to the emergency services for their professional response in such terrible circumstances. The terrorists kill us because they hate us and what we stand for. They hate our democracy and our freedom. We refuse to let them win. We must respond with a vigorous commitment to our democracy. The election must go ahead as planned. It is right that we suspend our national campaigning for a short while out of respect for those affected by these tragic events, but local campaigning can and must continue. The remainder of this campaign must be a collective showing of defiance and pride in our democratic values.

We must not let these awful people set us against each other. Now more than ever, generous-spirited solidarity, freedom and celebration of our common values of liberty and democracy have to be the order of the day.

* Caron Lindsay is Editor of Liberal Democrat Voice and blogs at Caron's Musings
Welcome to the Golden Dozen, and our 483rd weekly round-up from the Lib Dem blogosphere  Featuring the five most popular stories beyond Lib Dem Voice according to click-throughs from the Aggregator (28 May  3 June, 2017), together with a hand-picked seven you might otherwise have missed.

Dont forget: you can sign up to receive the Golden Dozen direct to your email inbox  just click here  ensuring you never miss out on the best of Lib Dem blogging.

As ever, lets start with the most popular post, and work our way down:

1. Last nights BBC Leadership debate reviewed  who won and who lost? by Nick Tyrone on NickTyrone.com.

Amber Rudd was the winner according to Nick.

2. The Lib Dems are being crushed under the wheels of this presidential style election by Nick Tyrone on NickTyrone.com.

Not an optimistic forecast.

3. Election Notebook #15 by Stephen Tall on Stephen Tall.

Stephen on the debate and The Economists endorsement.

4. Election Notebook #14 by Stephen Tall on Stephen Tall.

On the Paxman programme, Labour and Lib Dem laments.

5. Far from being all over the place, the polls are telling a very consistent story by Mark Pack on Mark Pack.

Its all depending on the young people and whether they vote.

And now to the seven blog-posts that come highly recommended, regardless of the number of Aggregator click-throughs they attracted. To nominate a Lib Dem blog article published in the past seven days  your own, or someone elses, all you have to do is drop a line to [email protected] You can also contact us via Twitter, where were @libdemvoice

6. Why doesnt Corbyn just go and join the Tories? by George Kendal on Labour uncut.

The progressive party in this election is the Liberal Democrats, argues George.

7. Is Theresa May the new John Major? by Matthew Green on Thinking Liberal.

Could she win despite a terrible campaign?

8. 2017 General Election Diary Day 43 by Nick Barlow on What you can get away with.

Nicks analysis of the tightening polls.

9. Somehow I doubt a Lib Dem government might negotiate the acceptable face of Brexit by Alex Wilcock on Love and Liberty.

Alex reckons wed give it a go and present the people with a deal that they might actually accept when we as a party would wish to remain in the EU.

10. 30 young people in Camborne constituency to be left struggling to pay their rent by Anna Pascoe on Anna Pascoe.

Anna on the impact of the withdrawal of Housing Benefit from young people.

11. Theresa May: not so strong and stable when it comes to Trump by Maelo Manning on Lib Dem Child aged 17.

A blistering analysis of the PMs reaction to Trumps withdrawal from the Paris Agreement.

12. The Economist has endorsed the Liberal Democrats and the Tories should be worried by Jonathan Calder on Liberal England.

Itll all end in tears, says Jonathan.

And thats it for another week. Happy blogging n reading n nominating.

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* Caron Lindsay is Editor of Liberal Democrat Voice and blogs at Caron's Musings
A MAN who gardai believe poses an immediate threat to his mother was this week admitted to the Central Mental Hospital (CMH) in Dundrum where he will be detained under the provisions of the Mental Health Act.

The 34-year-old, who cannot be identified for legal reasons, is accused of breaching the terms of a Safety Order which was granted to his mother on separate dates last October.

It is alleged the defendant, who has an address in South County Limerick, called to the womans home late at night putting her in fear.

Gardai previously opposed bail citing concerns the man would re-offend if released. Fears were also expressed that the alleged injured party would be put in danger.

The man has been examined by psychiatrists during his time in custody and a number of reports have been prepared for Limerick District Court.

In February it was determined he is medically unfit to enter a plea or properly instruct his solicitor but no place was available for him at the CMH which is the only approved centre in Ireland.

After being informed on Tuesday that a bed was available, Judge Aeneas McCarthy, who previously criticised the CMH, directed that the man be immediately taken there.

The defendant will be detained at the CMH indefinitely unless the Clinical Director determines he is fit to participate in the legal proceedings.

The man was transferred to Dublin under garda escort following the court proceedings.
HIGH LEVELS of CPE superbug detections are expected at University Hospital Limerick due to the comprehensive screening programme that has been put in place, a spokesperson has said.

Though the UL Hospitals Group is carrying out a review of CPE-positive patient deaths, it can confirm that at least three mortalities of 193 detections in the Mid-West  relate to bloodstream infections.

In November 2016, the UL Hospitals Group chief clinical director, Prof Paul Burke moved to reassure the public that they had total control of this problem.

This followed reports that a HSE staff member alleged that up to 30 patients had died after contracting the CPE superbug, between 2009 and 2015. This claim was repudiated by hospital management.

UL Hospitals stated that the management of the superbug has resulted in a significant financial burden on UL Hospitals Group. Reasons for the major spend include longer hospital stays for patients; significant laboratory costs, with microbiologists doing 1,000 screens per month; additional pharmacy costs; significant additional cleaning costs; and potential loss of income to UHL through closed beds.

These estimates do not include works carried out at UHL in recent years to comply with best practice in infection prevention and control. Among the measures taken by the group over the past two years are the refurbishment of an inpatient ward at UHL, at a cost of 400,000, to facilitate an IPC cohort ward.

Our quality improvement plan has shown this ward to have had a significant positive impact.

However, the hospital has saved 500,000 by cutting its use of carbapenem antibiotics by 22% since 2015.

A spokesperson for the UL Hospitals Group said that vast majority of CPE cases are carriers and are not infected by the superbug. It said that it is crucial that a distinction is made between the two.

Patients colonised with the superbug carry the micro-organisms harmlessly on the skin or within the bowel, with no signs or symptoms infection.

However, those infected with the superbug show adverse signs or symptoms, with a 50% mortality rate. Colonised patients, however, can spread the superbug to other, more vulnerable people.

The spokesperson told the Limerick Leader that the group has developed a quality improvement plan that mirrors NHS standards in relation to problem.

Their multi-faceted approach includes increased use of isolation wards, flagging CPE cases, surveillance through computer technology; and notifying the infection prevention and control team.

According to a HSE report, prepared by Dr Kevin Kelleher in March this year, there are a number of factors contributing to the rise of CPE in Ireland.

These include inappropriate antibiotic screening; understaffing and hospital overcrowding; lack of adherence to infection prevention and control guidance; lack of available isolated facilities; shortage of infection specialists; lack of CPE-specific screening; and lack of awareness.

In 2015, HIQA stated that, despite the hospitals progress in tackling the problem, UHL still has insufficient isolation facilities and the ongoing poor infrastructure in some other areas in the hospital (for instance the emergency department), does not facilitate strong and reliable infection prevention and control practices.

In the same report, HIQA called on the HSE to provide all necessary supports to UHL in order to contain the superbug outbreak.

This Wednesday, the hospital spokesperson said: A shortage of isolation facilities is a problem encountered by many acute hospitals in the country, particularly in older buildings such as the main ward block at UHL.

The long-term solution for this is single occupancy rooms for inpatients such as that provided at the 50-bedded block in Ennis Hospital. UL Hospitals Group plans to provide a new 96-bedded block at UHL and this priority capital project has gone to the design stage.
For all of its educational and promotional purposes, Saturdays annual human-bovine mixer on Capitol Square mainly comes down to one thing: A chance for city folk to touch a cow.

Well, that and the grilled cheese sandwiches.

Its a rare opportunity for consumers right here in the Madison area to get face-to-face with the animals and also the farmers, said Andrea Bloom, co-chair of Cows on the Concourse, which connects consumers with the farmers and animals that make their dairy products. (They) get to learn all about dairy foods and dairy farming in Wisconsin.

Young visitors could get their ed-moo-cation at a booth with kid-friendly teaching activities. Children could also toss cow chips in a modified version of cornhole with brown bean bags.

But the main attraction was the petting zoo-style tent.

Between two grown cows sat the crowd favorite  a 1-week-old calf. Children sat in front of the calf with their hands stretched through the bars of the fence to pet its fur.

I liked the one that was very tiny and it was very soft, Alana Pom, 5, said.

The cows and calves were calm in the face of adoring children and their grabbing hands. Some of the cows stood and ate the hay provided to them while younger calves lay in the sand bedding, where they good-naturedly accepted the strokes and attention.

I think its really fun, and I like how they have all this different food that comes from cows, Isabelle Dehner, 11, said.

That food was generously on display along Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard, where dairy industry booths offered visitors grilled cheese sandwiches, bottles of milk and ice cream. Other booths promoted different organizations like FFA and Girl Scouts of America.

Its no surprise that cows should get such star treatment in Americas Dairyland: Dairy is a major economic driver here, with the average dairy cow contributing $34,000 a year to the state economy, Bloom said.

The cash cows are treated just as well on their farms.

One thing that always surprises folks is that (the cows) probably eat better than what a lot of us do, Bloom said.

Dairy farmers work closely with nutritionists for their cattle herds to make sure the cows are healthy and produce the highest quality milk, Bloom said. Deep sand bedding and continual access to food and water help ensure dairy cows are comfortable and well nourished.

Those wishing to get a closer look at the cows and the dairy industry can attend the Dairy Promotion Committees Breakfast on the Farm, 5191 Vosen Road in Middleton, from 7 to 11:30 a.m. next Saturday. Blue Star Dairy and the Meinholz family are hosting the event with breakfast and family-friendly activities.
THE TWO employees in the University of Limericks finance department who remain suspended from their roles for two years with pay should be reinstated as soon as possible, Fianna Fail deputy Willie O'Dea has urged.

Deputy ODea said that the women were treated terribly by certain elements of the universitys senior management and stressed that the way whistleblowers are dealt with and treated needs to change.

The new president, Dr Des Fitzgerald has, I hope, turned a new page for the university. I hope that under his tenure the institution becomes more transparent and open.

I would urge Dr Fitzgerald to immediately lift the suspension of these two people, he urged.

Fianna Fail deputy Niall Collins, who also raised the case of the UL whistleblowers in the Dail more than a year ago, said he was pressurised and verbally abused by senior staff members in UL, following his own disclosures in the Dail.

Commenting after a RTE Investigates programme into financial affairs at UL and other third-level institutions, Deputy Collins said that the contempt and disdain demonstrated by the University of Limerick to basic principles of oversight and accountability is staggering.

This has to change. When I, along with Willie ODea, raised these issues in Dail Eireann I received pressure from people within UL to pull back.

They also attempted to continue to discredit the whistleblowers.

One senior staff member of UL verbally abused me for raising these issues in the Dail whilst I was canvassing during the last general election, Deputy Collins told the Limerick Leader.

However, he said it is very refreshing to see the open approach by the new UL president in dealing with these issues.

Sinn Fein deputy leader Mary Lou McDonald, a graduate of UL and a member of the Public Accounts Committee (PAC), said it is now clear that representatives of UL failed to be fully frank or give full information to the PAC when they came before the board in relation to its finances this March.

Ms McDonald said she is now more concerned than ever that the new independent review of UL affairs should be as rigorous as possible.

Labours Jan OSullivan, who was Minister for Education at the height of the controversy, said she was shocked at the number of unanswered questions, many of which did not come to light in the HEA-initiated investigation.

Deputy OSullivan said that it is essential that the clouds that hang over it [UL] are lifted and that we know that public money is not abused and that there is full transparency in how it is spent and how decisions are made.

Referring to the legal action taken by UL against the Limerick Leader and its former editor Alan English over its original report on these issues, Deputy Catherine Murphy, Social Democrats, another member of the PAC, said: When you see things like a small local newspaper where the editor is personally put at risk  I think it is deeply disturbing.

Another PAC member, Catherine Connolly, said the State is utterly dependent on whistleblowers  including several in UL  who have contacted the committee in desperation.

Yet they suffer tremendously and are demonised. We have the whistleblowing legislation. To me it is an illusion. It gives legal protection. But on the ground, whistleblowers, he or she does so at a great personal cost.

Leona OCallaghan, the original whistleblower in the UL saga, who brought her complaints regarding ULs finance department to the PAC in 2012, saw her claims rebuffed by the then president, Professor Don Barry.

Her claims eventually went before a full hearing at the PAC this March  five years after she originally sought to bring them to public attention.

One of the two suspended staff members in ULs finance department  both of whom raised similar issues  replaced Ms OCallaghan in that department.

It is almost like they [in UL] are a god onto themselves and they get to make their own decisions and nobody holds them accountable, Ms OCallaghan told RTE Investigates.

PAC chairman Sean Fleming said he is concerned that UL misled the Department of Education and the Comptroller and Auditor General during an inquiry into its payments of unauthorised and excessive severance packages to senior managers.

The unauthorised severance payments were originally spotted by the Comptroller and Auditor General as part of a special report in the management of severance payments in the public sector.
THE PLANNING application process is underway for Aughinish Alumina to build a borrow pit in Aughinish island to extract rock for use in the plants operations.

But some locals fear that such disturbance to the ground near the highly alkaline red mud ponds could increase the chances of a toxic spill.

Plans to blast rock on the Aughinish site are being put forward due to the dwindling stockpile of rock, which is due to be used before the end of 2017.

The proposed borrow pit area is around 4.5 hectares, and the overall depth of the pit would be around eight metres.

Blasting with an overall depth of eight metres is totally unacceptable to us as it is adjacent to existing mud ponds, said Pat Geoghegan of the Cappagh Farmers Support Group.

It has the potential to disturb the foundations and side walls of these mud ponds.

If parts of these structures, especially a section of the embankment is breached, the potential of one of the biggest environmental disasters to the Shannon Estuary as a whole would be devastating for decades to come, he added, citing the 2010 Ajka alumina plant accident - a Hungarian disaster in which a red mud reservoir wall burst and freed one million cubic metres of alkaline waste, killing 10 people and wiping out all life in the nearby river.

According to Aughinish, the depth of eight metres is needed to ensure that the works do not interfere with the water table level.

If planning is successful, the borrow pit will operate over a 10 year period, with blasting occurring six to seven times per year between March and September.

The extracted rock will be used within the confines of the site, and would eliminate the need to import rock from commercial quarries.

But Mr Geoghegan is not confident that the gravity of the situation will be accounted for by Limerick City and County Council in the planning process.

According to a 2006 EPA report that was written by Dr Jonathan Derham, the oldest part of the first mud pond remains unlined except for low-permeability clay and silts.

If the company cut one corner, then its possible others were cut, said Mr Geoghegan.

A planning consultant has been hired by the alumina plant, and an Environmental Impact Statement is currently being prepared to accompany a planning application to the local authorities.

A public consultation period has already passed, and some residents close to the plant received letters outlining details of the project.

But Mr Geoghegan said that the plans and their possible ramifications would affect everybody living in the region and near the Estuary, particularly in Foynes.
I WAS born in Lincolnshire: my father, Tony, was originally from Hospital, but we returned to County Limerick when I was just four years old.

A couple of years later, we moved to Shannon. Back then, everybody seemed to be moving there. Forty years later, and my parents still live there. My mother, Ruth, reads a lot and she always encouraged me to do the same. In fact, as a child I worried that I would run out of books as there never seemed to be enough of them. Although, there was no particular history of writing in our family, several of my first cousins are journalists. In fact, journalism is more like a family business these days!

After attending St Conaires NS and St Patricks Comprehensive School I was pretty sure that I wanted to be a journalist.

So, following my Leaving Cert I undertook Communication Studies at Dublin City University (DCU). My very first job in journalism followed, with Clare FM, back in the early days of local radio. A couple of years later, I was with RTE reading the news on 2FM. Radio presenting wasnt a particular ambition of mine, but as soon as I got the opportunity to do some stand-in presenting, I knew that it was for me. Ive been working on Morning Ireland since 2010. No sane person enjoys rising before dawn, but otherwise its a great job.

As a child I loved writing, but I dont know if I ever really wanted to be a writer as such.

It just wasnt something that I considered to be within the bounds of possibility - even wanting to be a journalist felt a bit showy. As a result, I was in my forties before I finally sat down and started to write a novel (telling very few people about it in the process). In fact, for a long time, I didnt even think that what I was writing was an actual book at all. From my perspective, it was merely a very large file on my computer. So, it was only when I got an agent that I started to tell a wider circle of my friends about what I had been doing all along. That first book, Going Back, focuses on a group of young Irish people who go to America on J1 visas at the end of the 1980s. At the moment, I am working on a story about four friends from the fictional Clare village of Kilmitten. Life sends them in various directions, but they are forever bound together by something that happened to them, when they were just thirteen. Having its genesis in the big snow of January 1982 the reader is gradually led right up to the present day.

My subject matter revolves around family and friends and the dilemmas they face in everyday life.

For example, my current (and third) book, The American Girl tells the story of Rose, a young woman from Boston, who becomes pregnant in the 1960s. As a result, her Irish-American parents send her to an aunt who runs a mother and baby home in Clare. However, against Roses wishes, her little girl is given up for adoption. More than 40 years later, that same daughter tries to find her biological mother but with significant consequences. Large parts of the book are set in Clare, but most of my locations are fictional (inventing towns and villages being one of the joys of writing). Indeed, you can make somewhere as down-at-heel or gossip-ridden as you like without offending anyone. My second novel, Each and Every One, was partially set in Limerick, with one of the main characters, Gus, being born and raised near the Markets Field. As a young man he worked in Ferenka, and his wife had a job in Cannocks. Even after 30 years in Dublin, he continues to read the Limerick Leader!

In my view, you cant write if you dont read, and if you read a lot, a time comes when you want to see if you can do it for yourself.

Being a journalist can be very useful, meeting lots of different people and getting to see different sides of life. All of my books contain bits and pieces of information that I picked-up through my day job. Indeed, several of the characters in The American Girl work in the media, and I have been asked if they are based on real people. Theyre not, but I did have fun creating them. Writing is also a great way of escaping. You invariably find yourself sinking into a make-believe world and, for a little while at least, nothing else matters. A lot of people start-out with short stories, but I only ever wanted to write novels. I love the challenge of telling a long story, with a substantial cast of characters, twisting and turning along the way.

Writing is very like having an addiction: once you start, it can be very difficult to stop.

You become obsessed with creating better sentences, more vivid characters, and more challenging storylines. However, I would encourage anyone who has ever thought about writing to give it a try. It can be incredibly frustrating, and there are days when you think that you will never write a coherent sentence again. But if you like words, and you like story-telling, there is nothing more rewarding than putting your ideas down onto a blank page. If you are writing to make your fortune, though, you are probably wasting your time. It is very difficult to make a full-time living from writing fiction in Ireland, and most of us have to do something else as well. That being said, theres nothing wrong with having your dreams!

For more information on Rachael visit: Facebook.com/ RachaelEnglishwriter
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UKIP is refusing to suspend General Election campaigning in the wake of the London Bridge terror attack in which at least seven people were killed.

The other major parties have all suspended national campaigning.

Dozens of people were injured in the attack which saw a white van drive into pedestrians on London Bridge before men started attacking members of the public with knives.

Three suspects were shot by police within eight minutes of the attack being reported.

Labour, the Conservatives, the Liberal Democrats and the Green Party have all temporarily suspended national campaigning, with local work such as leafleting continuing.

But UKIP are refusing to follow suit, saying it is "what the extremists want".

The Prime Minister Theresa May said in a statement that campaigning would be suspended until tomorrow, but set out a series of measures to tackle extremism.

She said: "On behalf of the people of London, and on behalf of the whole country, I want to thank and pay tribute to the professionalism and bravery of the police and the emergency services  and the courage of members of the public who defended themselves and others from the attackers.

"And our thoughts and prayers are with the victims and with their friends, families and loved ones.

She went to talk in detail about four major changes that need to be made to the way the UK deals with terrorism, including defeating the ideology of Islamist extremism, working with allied Governments - and she said there is "too much tolerance of extremism".

She said: "But it is time to say enough is enough. Everybody needs to go about their lives as they normally would. Our society should continue to function in accordance with our values. But when it comes to taking on extremism and terrorism, things need to change.

"As a mark of respect the two political parties have suspended our national campaigns for today. But violence can never be allowed to disrupt the democratic process. So those campaigns will resume in full tomorrow. And the general election will go ahead as planned on Thursday.

"As a country, our response must be as it has always been when we have been confronted by violence. We must come together, we must pull together, and united we will take on and defeat our enemies."

Jeremey Corbyn said Labour will suspend national campaigning until this evening as a mark of respect.

He said: "We are all shocked and horrified by the brutal attacks in London. MY thoughts are with the families and friends of those who have died and the many who have been injured. Today, we all grieve for their loss.

He went on to thank the emergency services, NHS staff and the public for their professionalism and bravery.

"The Labour Party will be suspending national campaigning until this evening, after consultations with other parties, as a mark of respect for those who have died and suffered injury," he said.

"Those who wish to harm our people, divide our communities and attack our democracy will not succeed. We will stand together to defend our common values of solidarity, humanity and justice, and will not allow terrorists to derail our democratic process."

But UKIP Leader Paul Nuttall said that campaigning should go on. He said: "I am refusing to suspend the UKIP campaign because disrupting our democracy is what the extremists want.

"With more people murdered on the streets of our capital city last night by Islamist terrorists, it is more important than ever for us to confront this evil with the democratic principles that have made this country what it is.

"Our hearts go out to the family and friends of those who lost their lives last night. The courage and quick response of our emergency services have yet again saved countless live and in the midst of such tragedy, deserve our respect and admiration.

"It is time to start honouring our dead with more than just words. The only guarantee that will come from our choosing to stall the democratic process again will be more attacks; it is what these cowards want us to do.

"For those of us seeking to serve the people of this country, it is our duty to drive the dialogue on how to best confront and defeat this brand of terrorism. That is what UKIP will be doing today and beyond. Therefore, I refuse to suspend campaigning because this is precisely what the extremists would want us to do."
Democratic Party of Wisconsin activists have re-elected Martha Laning to lead the party for another two years.

The vote came at the partys annual state convention Saturday in Middleton.

It means Laning will be party chairwoman heading into the critical 2018 election, when Democrats hope to re-elect U.S. Sen. Tammy Baldwin and win the governors race, in which Republican Gov. Scott Walker is likely to seek a third term.

Laning, of Sheboygan, begins her second term as party chairwoman. She was opposed by Glendale Mayor Bryan Kennedy, Madison attorney Eric Finch and Joe Donovan, a retired small business owner from Crivitz.

Laning won with 722 delegate votes, compared to 569 for Kennedy, 50 for Finch and 48 for Donovan, according to party spokesman Brandon Weathersby.

State Rep. David Bowen, D-Milwaukee, was re-elected the partys No. 2 official, its first vice chair.

Former state Rep. Mandela Barnes, D-Milwaukee, was elected second vice chair.

Khary Penebaker was elected to fill the states open slot on the Democratic National Committee. Penebaker ran for U.S. House in Wisconsins 5th Congressional District against Rep. James Sensenbrenner in 2016. Other candidates for that post were Adam Brabender, Luke Fuszard and Peter Peckarsky.

Laning was elected party chairwoman in 2015 and held the post during the 2016 election, one of the most disastrous in decades for Wisconsin Democrats.

But Laning told delegates Saturday she has put a plan in motion to boost the partys fortunes, including hiring a slate of local organizers and providing new levels of support to Democratic candidates for state and local races. She urged delegates not to give up on the plan now.

We have laid the groundwork, but we need to capitalize on it, Laning said.

Barnes, who ran on a ticket with Kennedy, said he hopes and expects party leadership learned from the mistakes of 2016. Democrats lost touch with working people and failed to articulate a clear message, Barnes said.

Trump has given us all the ammo, but we have to still have a solid plan in place, Barnes said.

Laning and Kennedy agreed on the need to emphasize grassroots organizing and better appeal to voters outside Madison and Milwaukee. Kennedy, a former union organizer, ran on a platform that called for recruiting Democratic ward captains in every voting ward in the state.

The convention comes as Wisconsin Democrats mull how to reverse the devastating losses of November. The state voted narrowly for Republican Donald Trump, going red at the presidential level for the first time in more than three decades. Democrat Russ Feingold lost the U.S. Senate race to incumbent Republican Sen. Ron Johnson, despite leading Johnson in polls for most of the race. And Democrats, already deeply in the minority in the state Legislature, suffered further losses.

Laning told reporters after the election that her goal was to recruit Democratic candidates for all 99 state Assembly seats. She predicted the national resistance movement of opposition to Trump will give Democrats fodder for a Badger State comeback, including a win in the governors race.

I know well have a great candidate to go up against Gov. Walker, Laning said. Walker is doing nothing for Wisconsin, and we have numerous people who are going to step up.

Bob Harlow, a recent college graduate from Barneveld, is the only formally declared Democratic candidate for governor, while Madison Mayor Paul Soglin surprised many Saturday by suggesting he might jump into the race despite disavowing it earlier.

Other potential candidates who have said theyre considering a run or have not ruled out the possibility include former Democratic Party of Wisconsin chairman Matt Flynn, Jefferson County District Attorney Susan Happ, state Rep. Gordon Hintz, businessman Andy Gronik, state Sen. Kathleen Vinehout and state Rep. Dana Wachs.

Ronna Swift, a Democratic delegate from Appleton, said she supported Laning in the chair race. Swift said Laning has improved the partys financial standing and done far better than her predecessor, Mike Tate, in communicating with local Democratic activists. Under Laning the party also has ramped up efforts to recruit and support candidates, Swift said.

She has an excellent plan in place, Swift said of Laning.

Wisconsin Republicans said in a statement that Laning led Democrats to historic defeats.

Instead of changing direction, theyre banking on failed leadership heading into 2018, Republican Party of Wisconsin spokesman Alec Zimmerman said.

On the conventions opening night Friday, Baldwin, D-Madison, urged Democrats to avoid distractions and stay focused on the fights that matter to working people.

Folks in Wisconsin are fed up with getting screwed over, she said.

Los Angeles Mayor Eric Garcetti and U.S. Sen. Tammy Duckworth, of Illinois, also spoke at the convention Friday night.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.
Not surprisingly, President Donald Trump has decided to put "America first" by pulling out of the Paris Climate Accord. Unfortunately our country will likely fall behind as other nations focus on new technologies to solve the problems of tomorrow.
A CNN anchor became the target of rebuke for assuming that the 2017 national spelling champion, a California resident who's of South Asian descent, is "used to using" Sanskrit.

Alisyn Camerota and Chris Cuomo were talking to 12-year-old Ananya Vinay on "New Day" after Ananya's Thursday victory at the Scripps National Spelling Bee. Toward the end of the interview - and after several awkward seconds of asking the sixth-grader to spell "covfefe" - Camerota joked about the origin of the gibberish that President Donald Trump conjured on Twitter last week.

"It's a nonsense word. So, we're not sure that its root is actually in Sanskrit, which is what you're probably, uh, used to using, so, I don't know. Anyway," Camerota said.

Vinay, an Indian American, is from Fresno, California.

Criticism of Camerota's comment has since been circulating on social media. Many said her comment was racist, while others were simply in disbelief that the CNN anchor had made such an assumption.

A CNN spokeswoman said Camoreta's comment had nothing to do with the girl's heritage, and the interview was not the first time the anchor joked about Sanskrit being the origin of "covfefe."

"Alisyn made the same joking reference to the root of 'covfefe' in an earlier panel discussion that aired Wednesday. If she's guilty of anything it's recycling a joke. To assign a bias to what was a fun and innocent segment celebrating Ananya Vinay's incredible accomplishment is frankly extremely cynical," the spokesperson said in a statement, referring to a transcript of the Wednesday segment.

Kevin Mazur/Getty Images

Sanskrit, a language closely associated with Hinduism, greatly influenced not just Indian languages, but also languages in China, Thailand, Sri Lanka, Malaysia and the Philippines. The origin of some English words also can be traced back to the ancient language.

Sanskrit is rarely spoken today and is generally used by Hindu priests during religious ceremonies. But activists and Hindu nationalists in India still push for the language to be more widely taught in schools. Government officials in India's northeastern state of Assam announced this year that Sanskrit would be mandatory in public high schools, the New York Times reported. The decision was met with strong resistance from student groups, which argued that other topics are more relevant and that few teachers are equipped to teach the ancient language.

The 4-minute interview with Vinay began with Camerota and Cuomo praising the 12-year-old for her spelling prowess and asking her what it was like to win. Standing in front of a camera next to her trophy, a smiling Vinay talked about how she prepared for the competition.

"I study, like, a couple of hours a day for the whole year, and I just try to figure out language patterns and . . . root words so I can see if I could come up with a spelling that makes sense," said Vinay, who was the first Scripps National Spelling Bee solo champion in years.

Then came the challenge.

Camerota and Cuomo asked Vinay to spell "covfefe." As she did at spelling competitions, the 12-year-old asked for the word's definition.

"Definition is a nonsense word made up by the 45th president of the United States in a late-night tweet," Camerota said.

Vinay, smiling, didn't spell the "word" right away. Here's the rest of the exchange:

Vinay: Language of origin?

Camerota and Cuomo: Gibberish.

Vinay: Part of speech?

Camerota: It's a noun.

Cuomo: It could be a noun but may be used as a verb and as an insult.

Vinay: Are there alternate pronunciations?

Camerota: Yes, oh, many! (Then she goes on to pronounce "covfefe" a few different ways.)

Finally, Vinay spelled: c-o-f-e-f-e. To which Cuomo said, "Good enough!" Camerota then went on to spell the gibberish the way Trump wrote it a few days ago - then joked about its origin.

After making the comment about Sanskrit, Camerota turned to Cuomo, who wrapped up the interview by praising Vinay's performance at the spelling competition.

"You did a great job. You know what I love about this?" Cuomo said. "Not only did you make yourself proud and your family, but do you know that there are kids all over the country, probably the world, who are going to look at you and say, 'I want to put in that work. I want to be a champion. I want to spell like her.'"

Then Camerota said, "You are an inspiration to us . . . Thank you so much and congratulations again."

---

The Washington Post's Sarah Larimer contributed to this report.
Prime Minister Theresa May said extremism has been tolerated for too long in Britain and signaled she'd seek new powers to root out terrorism after Britain was hit by the second attack in as many weeks, ratcheting up her rhetoric four days before a general election.

"It is time to say, 'enough is enough,"' May told reporters outside her Downing Street office on Sunday. "There is - to be frank - far too much tolerance of extremism in our country." Stamping it out "will require some difficult and often embarrassing conversations."

Seven people were killed and 48 were injured in Saturday night's attack, which began just after 10 p.m. in a popular night-life spot and lasted just eight minutes. A van swerved into crowds on London Bridge, before three men got out and went on a stabbing spree through nearby bars. The assault ended when police officers shot them dead a few hundred yards from where it started. The Metropolitan Police said later on Sunday that 12 people had been arrested in connection with the violence.

It was the third attack in the U.K. in less than three months. In March, a lone assailant rammed into pedestrians on Westminster Bridge and then stabbed a police officer outside Parliament. Then two weeks ago, a bomber killed 22 people -- including children -- at a pop concert in Manchester. May said that while the attacks weren't directly linked, "terrorism breeds terrorism." In that time, police and security services had disrupted five "credible plots," she said.

It remains to be seen what impact, if any, the London and Manchester attacks will have on the election. The aftermath of the Manchester bombing led to bitter exchanges between opposition Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn and May, who was in charge of internal security for six years before becoming prime minister.

The opposition Labour party today suggested that May's comments outside Downing Street went too far after the main parties had agreed to suspend campaigning for the day. Foreign affairs spokeswoman Emily Thornberry said she regretted the timing of the premier's comments, saying she is trying to spark a debate too soon.

Emotions were also fired up by a series of tweets from U.S. President Donald Trump, who immediately seized on the attack and took to Twitter early Sunday to criticize London Mayor Sadiq Khan for urging calm.

"It is unbelievable and unforgivable that the President of the United States of America should launch such a self-serving and cheap political attack on London's Mayor," said Wes Streeting, a Labour lawmaker.

Londoners, meanwhile, showed little sign of being disrupted from their weekend routines as people poured out into cafes and parks on a warm Sunday morning.

The prime minister said her response would cover four areas:

- Confronting the ideology of Islamic extremism, and making the case for "pluralistic British values"

- Coordinating with other governments to force Internet companies to stop providing "safe spaces" online for extremists to recruit and coordinate

- Dealing with "safe spaces" in the real world, both abroad, where she pledged military action would continue, and ending the "toleration of extremism" in Britain, including by public sector bodies

- Examining the criminal justice system, including the lengths of prison sentences for offenders

Home Secretary Amber Rudd said social media and Internet companies, including Facebook and Google, need to do more to stop their platforms being used by extremists. Group of Seven leaders last month called on them "to substantially increase their efforts to address terrorist content."

"It's not good enough just to say 'do no harm.' We have to get them to actively work with us to stop their platforms being used to radicalize people," Rudd said in an interview on ITV.

Metropolitan Police Commissioner Cressida Dick said earlier that she believed the incident was now under control. Police raided a block of flats in Barking, to the east of the city, the BBC reported.

Politicians including Brexit Secretary David Davis and Labour's Thornberry said the June 8 election should go ahead as planned. The latest polls indicate the Conservatives' lead over Labour has shrunk to between 1 and 12 percentage points, from more than 20 points at the start of the campaign.

No one has claimed responsibility for the killings on Saturday, which bore similarities to the attack in March, when a lone assailant rammed into pedestrians on Westminster Bridge and then stabbed a police officer outside Parliament. Islamic State claimed the Westminster and Manchester attacks, and has encouraged followers to carry out strikes during the holy month of Ramadan.

Two major events in Manchester will go ahead as planned on Sunday with additional security in place, Greater Manchester Police said in a statement on its website. They include a concert by U.S. pop star Ariana Grande -- who was performing at the venue targeted by terrorists last month -- to raise money for people affected by that attack.

--With assistance from Clementine Fletcher and Kathleen Hunter
Police detained at least 11 Chinese activists after a pair of small events to commemorate the 28th anniversary of the bloody crackdown on pro-democracy protesters in Beijing's Tiananmen Square, according to human rights groups and activists.

Meanwhile, thousands gathered in Hong Kong for the annual candlelight vigil to remember the events of June 4, 1989, which have gained added poignancy in recent years in view of a continuing struggle for democracy there.

Tiananmen Square and the rest of Beijing are habitually placed under tight security for the anniversary, but activist Li Xiaoling apparently had her photograph taken at the square in the early hours of June 4. In it, she is holding up a sign bearing an image of her with a patch over her left eye, after an operation last month for injuries allegedly inflicted by police.

Li and fellow activists Li Zhou and Pu Yongzhu were taken to the Xicheng police station in Beijing, Amnesty International and human rights activists said.

Activists also commemorated the anniversary in Zhuzhou in southern Hunan province, taking photographs such as the one below, in which they form the Chinese characters for six and four, marking the sixth month and fourth day, the date of the crackdown.

At least eight members of the group have been taken away by police, while at least two are unreachable, according to activists and rights groups.

Police in Beijing's Xicheng district and in Zhuzhou did not respond to calls seeking information.

Tens of thousands of troops and tanks converged on Tiananmen Square to quash months of protests on the night of June 3-4, 1989. Several hundred people were killed - possibly several thousand - and more than 1,600 people nationwide were subsequently jailed. The final prisoner, Miao Deshun, a factory worker from Beijing, was released in October, with serious mental and physical health problems.

Despite those tiny protests, few young Chinese people appear to have much knowledge or even interest in the events of June 4, 1989, according to Louisa Lim, author of "The People's Republic of Amnesia: Tiananmen Revisited." That has followed nearly three decades of propaganda and censorship by the Communist Party aimed at suppressing and rewriting history.

"Those who do know about it tend to be largely supportive of the crackdown, because they believe this prevailing view that the party did what was necessary to ensure stability and that stability has paved the way for the country's three decades of economic development," she said.

"For young people, they see that their lives are better than their parents, and so they buy this narrative. It's a very black-and-white picture - chaos or stability - which precludes the possibility of any other outcome apart from repression, but these young people, whose ideas of what happened in 1989 are very sketchy and often completely incorrect, often have no reason to question it."

William Nee, China researcher for Amnesty International, called on the Beijing government to come to grips with the crackdown and end the retaliation against anyone who dares mention the subject.

"Nearly three decades on, the families who lost children in the bloodshed continue to face surveillance and harassment, as the authorities continue to suppress their campaign for justice," he wrote. "Four activists face up to 15 years in prison after they were indicted in March this year, for 'inciting subversion of state power.' Their crime in the eyes of the authorities was to sell wine online with a label referencing June 4, 1989, and a picture of the iconic Tank Man."

It is a very different story in Hong Kong, where tens of thousands gather every year to commemorate the crackdown. The self-governing territory had its own uprising for greater democracy in 2014, known as the Umbrella Movement, which failed to induce any concessions from the governments in Hong Kong or Beijing.

But there is tension in Hong Kong as another important anniversary approaches, the 20th anniversary of the territory's handover from British rule on July 1, with China looking to extend its political control over it and a small but growing cohort of citizens calling for outright independence from Chinese rule - while others maintain their demand for democracy for the territory within China.

"I came to the candlelight vigil not only for mourning, but also because I believe that with the situation in 1989 and the situation nowadays, we are also facing the same enemy and facing the same authoritarian regime," Agnes Chow, a student leader involved in the 2014 protests, told CNN in Hong Kong's Victoria Park during the event.

An annual survey by the University of Hong Kong's Public Opinion Program found this year that 46 percent of the respondents believe that the Beijing students did the right thing in 1989, while 22 percent believe that they did the wrong thing. Meanwhile, just 12 percent supported the Chinese government's handling of the events of 1989, with 69 percent regarding it as wrong. Support for the students is higher among young people but has dwindled over the years.

There is also a small commemoration in the Taiwanese capital, Taipei, which started to move from martial law to democracy in the 1980s and held its first democratic presidential election in 1996. Its president, Tsai Ing-wen, said in a statement Sunday that the actions of the Chinese students and citizens in 1989 had "inspired a generation."

The biggest gap between Taiwan and China is "democracy and freedom," she said in a Facebook post and tweets, offering to help China follow the same path as Taiwan.

"Borrowing on Taiwan's experience, I believe that China can shorten the pain of democratic reform," she said.

U.S. Secretary of State Rex Tillerson also marked the anniversary, with a call for China to make "a full accounting of those killed, detained or missing" because of the events of June 4, 1989.

"We urge China to cease harassment of family members seeking redress and to release from prison those who have been jailed for striving to keep the memory of Tiananmen Square alive," he said. "The United States views the protection of human rights as a fundamental duty of all countries, and we urge the Chinese government to respect the universal rights and fundamental freedoms of all its citizens."
LONDON - A van driving at high speed mowed down pedestrians on London Bridge late Saturday night before the occupants got out and began stabbing patrons at nearby bars and restaurants, witnesses said in an attack that police described as the latest in a string of deadly terrorist strikes to hit Britain this spring.

Witnesses described a rampage that left a trail of bloodied bodies on the bridge and in the adjacent Borough Market - both of which are London landmarks.

The low-tech but high-profile attack will raise questions about how British security services failed to stop yet another mass-casualty strike after years of thwarting such attempts.

Police said in a 4 a.m. news conference on Sunday that six people had been killed, and that officers had shot dead the three attackers. London Ambulance Service issued a statement saying it had taken more than 30 patients to five hospitals.

The attacks set off scenes of panic in the heart of London on a cool June evening as the city's streets were filled with people heading home from dinner or out for a drink.

In packed pubs - normally scenes of Saturday night revelry and merriment - patrons threw chairs, bottles and glasses at the attackers as the assailants used long knives to slash their way through crowds. Tourists gaped at the carnage from the roofs of double-decker buses.

London's Metropolitan Police said the attacks were being treated as "terrorist incidents."

British Prime Minister Theresa May, who returned from the campaign trail to 10 Downing Street for emergency meetings with security officials, had earlier described the "terrible incidents" as "a potential act of terrorism."

London Mayor Sadiq Khan issued a statement condemning "a deliberate and cowardly attack on innocent Londoners and visitors to our city enjoying their Saturday night."

In a dawn news conference, Assistant Police Commissioner Mark Rowley said the three attackers had been shot dead and that authorities did not believe anyone else was directly involved in carrying out the carnage.

Rowley said the men had not used explosives, despite a widely distributed photo that appeared to show one of the assailants lying prone with metal canisters strapped to his body. Rowley said the vest was "a hoax."

Saturday marks the third major attack in Britain this spring. The evening's carnage carried grim echoes of a similar incident in late March, when a driver swerved into pedestrians at Westminster Bridge, another Thames crossing, killing four. The driver then stabbed to death a police officer at the gates of Parliament.

May had lowered the nation's threat level only days ago - from "critical" to "severe" - after having raised it following a bombing last month at a Manchester pop music concert that was claimed by the Islamic State and that killed 22 people.

But even with the lower threat level, the nation's intelligence services had continued to judge that another attack was likely.

Witnesses reported that a white van was traveling fast - approximately 50 mph - when it mounted the sidewalk and plowed into a group of people crossing the Thames River on foot just after 10 p.m.

The van collided with a guardrail. Bystanders said they thought the crash may have been an accident, until the occupants got out.

The three men who had been in the vehicle immediately began stabbing people on the bridge with knives before making their way to Borough Market, a foodie paradise, nestled under the archways of railway viaducts that attracts locals and tourists from around the world.

.

It was in the market, located just south of the bridge, where police killed the attackers and ended the rampage.

"I heard many gunshots, and I heard people running away," said Joe Dillon, 23, who was nearby when the attack occurred. "Police officers were shouting: 'Get out of here, you need to go!' I heard at least eight rounds of gunshots, but I'm not sure who was shooting."

Cellphone video from a restaurant in the market showed people diving under tables amid the sound of breaking glass as officers rushed in and ordered patrons to stay down.

Tamara Alcolea, 24, who works as a bartender in a pub called Southwark Rooms, which is near the bridge, said the first indication that something was wrong was when she heard that someone had been stabbed in the proximity of London Bridge.

"Then we heard gunshots, and people started to hide beneath the tables," Alcolea said. "We locked ourselves in the office. From the window, I could see an injured person being treated by emergency personnel. Then the police came in and told us to run. Everyone was panicking."

As Alcolea recounted her story, she saw two friends who she had lost track of during the melee. She cried and hugged them as they reunited outside a police cordon.

Chris Jacobs, 52, and his wife Kavita Jacobs, 49, were woken up by police officers banging on their door on the third floor of an apartment building at Borough Market.

"I heard gunshots as we left the building," said Chris Jacobs, who stood next to a petrol station outside the cordon, with no shoes on and holding his dog.

Alex Shellum, an eyewitness, told the BBC he was at the Mudlark pub in the London Bridge area when at around 10 p.m. "a woman probably in her early 20s staggered into the pub and she was bleeding heavily from the neck and from her mouth. It appeared to myself and my friends that her throat had been cut."

Another witness, identified by the BBC as Gerard, said he saw three men running with knives: "They said, 'This is for Allah. Then they ran up and stabbed this girl, I don't know how many times, 10 times, maybe 15 times."

He said he and others threw whatever objects they could find - including bottles, glasses and chairs - at the attackers in a futile attempt to stop the rampage.

Within minutes of the attack, dozens of police cars sped to London Bridge and to Borough Market, with helicopters hovering overhead. Police closed the bridge and urged the public to avoid the area.

The incident caused chaos in the heart of London in an area normally bustling on a Saturday night. Pedestrians near the bridge said they were ordered by police to run, and video footage showed people fleeing in a panic. Other images showed members of the public being escorted away from the bridge by police with hands on their heads.

Two hours after the incidents began, police were still widening cordons and pushing bystanders further back from the scenes, as the sound of explosions - apparently controlled blasts carried out by police - echoed through the night.

British leaders scrambled to respond to the attacks.

May, who had been out campaigning ahead of an election slated for Thursday, returned to Downing Street and was being briefed by security officials.

Jeremy Corbyn, leader of the opposition Labour Party, said on Twitter: "Brutal and shocking incidents reported in London. My thoughts are with the victims and their families. Thank you to the emergency services."

President Trump was briefed on the incident, and immediately took to Twitter to say: "We need to be smart, vigilant and tough. We need the courts to give us back our rights. We need the Travel Ban as an extra level of safety!"

After taking criticism online for trying to use the attack to advance a policy goal that is now under review in the courts, he sent a follow up tweet minutes later: "Whatever the United States can do to help out in London and the U. K., we will be there - WE ARE WITH YOU. GOD BLESS!"

A spokesman for the U.S. Department of Homeland Security said the agency was monitoring the incidents in London.

"At this time, we have no information to indicate a specific, credible terror threat in the United States," the spokesman said.

- - -

The Washington Post's William Booth in London and Devlin Barrett in Washington contributed to this report.
MCSO

A Willis woman indicted Thursday has been charged with leading police on a high-speed chase into Houston Heights in March.

Jessica Latrese Chatman, 37, was arrested in the parking lot of a Titlemax location on 11th Street between Shepherd and Durham in Houston, but not before she posted videos of the initial traffic stop in Willis on Facebook prior to allegedly fleeing. The chase started in Willis after an officer stopped Chatman around 10 a.m. March 24, which is when she started filming the videos.
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With the transgender bathroom issue still simmering in Austin, San Antonio put its support for gender and LGBT diversity on public display Saturday with the third annual Family Pride Fair at Market Square.

We embrace all of our diverse communities, said Aurora Perkins, city facilities administrator for the Center City Development and Operations Department, which manages Market Square and organized Saturdays event with Pride San Antonio.

In addition to food and artist stalls, 23 information booths were staffed at Saturdays fair by nonprofit organizations, religious groups and the citys Metropolitan Health and San Antonio Public Library departments, Perkins said.

The citys Metropolitan Health Department offered free HIV, syphilis and gonorrhea screenings as well as protection information against the Zika virus.

One of the participating organizations was the San Antonio LGBT Chamber of Commerce, which had issued emails to members encouraging attendance.

We are seeking positive bridge building and connecting with city officials. Its something important to us, getting our voices heard, said chamber President David Solis.

Solis said the chamber has opposed the different versions of the transgender bathroom bill that were proposed during the just-ended regular session of the Texas Legislature.

The chamber is awaiting word whether Gov. Greg Abbott will add the issue to a possible special legislative session.

We dont support anything that will discriminate against individuals and will economically damage our city, Solis said, citing the position of Texas House Speaker Joe Straus against the bathroom bill measures.

We are non-partisan, but Straus has been a needed voice. We need to work with the city and tourism organizations to show that this (a bathroom law) is not who we are, Solis said.

The chamber president said San Antonio is ranked among the top 10 cities in the nation for friendliness to LGBT communities.

We are working with Visit San Antonio to try to market that. We want to counteract the negativity and show that we are a friendly and inviting city, Solis said.

The 8-year-old chamber has 85 active members, including corporate executives, small-business owners, professionals and nonprofit organization representatives, Solis said.

The chamber operates programs to develop professionals and business owners among its members.

We want the LGBT dollars to be noticed, Solis said.

One of the religious booths was staffed by members of the Metropolitan Community Church, 611 E. Myrtle St.

We are an affirming church. For 38 years, the church has been serving the diverse communities of San Antonio, LGBT and straight, said church volunteer Ryan Baldwin.

dhendricks@express-news.net
Roy L. Washington spent a large part of his career trying to prevent young offenders from becoming adult convicts.

He wanted to help children, and he wanted to help make the city better, daughter Nia Washington Fondacaro said.

His advocacy for children continued, even in retirement, until his unexpected death at home May 24. Washington was 68.

Washington spent the first 20 years of his career at the Texas Youth Commission, then moved into the adult corrections system.

More Information Roy Louis Washington Born: October 02, 1948, Corpus Christi Died: May 25, 2017, San Antonio Preceded by: Father Robert Sr. and mother Frankie Williams Washington Survived by: Son Rolyn C. Washington; daughters Jocklene S. Shelby; Nia M. Washington Fondacaro and son-in-law Tony Fondacaro; sister Beverly Washington McCall; brother Robert Washington; three grandchildren. Services: Have already been held See More Collapse

There was a lot of overlap in promotions, said son Rolyn Washington. At one point, he said, his father was a probation supervisor overseeing more than 52 counties.

Washington rose through the ranks to become assistant facility administrator at the Dominguez State Jail. His next assignment was as senior warden at the Clyde M. Johnston Unit Substance Abuse Felony Punishment Facility in Winnsboro.

He knew his business, and he knew the system, co-worker Paula McClure said.

Coming full circle, he returned to working with youth when he became superintendent of the Cindy Taylor Krier Juvenile Correctional Treatment Center.

He introduced the kids to things they would never have experienced to get them out of the life they were in, McClure said. For example, Washington helped get the late Spurs player Mike Mitchell to visit the kids to share his story of overcoming substance abuse.

Washington wanted to let troubled teens know there were other options, his son said.

Even after retiring in January 2013, Washington stayed at the juvenile center, stepping into an analyst position to ensure the facility's adherence to Prison Rape Elimination Act guidelines.

Washington grew up on Hamilton Street on the West Side of San Antonio. He loved music and excelled as a cellist in middle school and took up the trumpet at Jefferson High School, his children said.

Washington received a political science degree from St. Mary's University. It was here he pledged to Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity making friends who became an extension of his family, his son said.

Married twice, Washington had three children, and after committing to becoming a godfather, he brought three more kids into the extended family. We were like brothers and sisters, hanging out together all the time, his son said.

Washington believed strongly in education and shared his secret for success with his children from an early age. As he dropped them off at school, he always said: Learn something.

iwilgen@express-news.net
As a state regulator, nothing is more evident than how community banks impact Main Street America  in Texas and across the country. They are deeply invested in the community where their customers live and work, helping local businesses and residents, and generating economic growth from the bottom up.

Collectively these banks are responsible for almost half of all small business lending and three-quarters of all agricultural lending in the United States. At a time when the big banks offer cookie-cutter solutions and some are pulling back on their local presence, it is good to know that our citizens can rely on the local community bank that better understands their needs.

But in recent years, community banks have been hampered by regulations defined at the federal level. After the U.S. financial crisis nearly a decade ago, federal policymakers focused on how regulation could head off future crises. And so, a large number of new regulations and procedures were adopted.

There was just one problem: Many new rules addressing too-big-to-fail institutions also applied to community banks that posed no systemic risk to taxpayers.

Due to this increased complexity, compliance costs have increased for community banks. A recent study by the St. Louis Federal Reserve Bank estimates community banks spend about $4.6 billion every year in regulatory compliance. These higher costs have been a contributing factor to a decline in the number of banks, in turn limiting access to credit and banking services for consumers.

In Texas, we have gone from 644 banks in 2009 to 464 today.

Fortunately, there is an opportunity to solve this problem. In the U.S. House of Representatives, the Financial Services Committee chairman is Texas own Jeb Hensarling, who has jump-started congressional efforts to right-size regulation for a post-crisis environment.

As Texans, we should be proud one of our own is playing such a critical role at the federal level.

In addition, similar reform efforts are underway in the Senate. Combined, these developments offer hope that regulatory reforms just might make their way into law.

Perhaps the best place to start is where there is bipartisan support. In my recent visit to Washington, D.C., I met with members of the Texas delegation and others in Congress. The one unifying topic  regulatory right-sizing for community banks.

What could reform look like?

The Conference of State Bank Supervisors, whose members regulate 78 percent of all U.S. banks, supports creating a common definition for a community bank, and then exempting all those that qualify from federal rules aimed at bigger and more complex banks.

Such a definition  based on a combination of factors such as assets, local ownership and lending in the community  would enable legislators and regulators alike to create a regulatory regime tailored for community banks.

This idea of a community bank definition, and the accompanying right-sized regulation, is not a novel one.

The Federal Deposit Insurance Corp. uses a common definition to perform its community bank research.

Governors at the Federal Reserve Board support applying different rules for big and small banks.

In an executive order, President Donald Trump recently directed his administration to make sure that regulation is effective, efficient and appropriately tailored for financial institutions.

When folks head in the same direction, you tend to get results. With the political winds in Washington favoring community banks, I am optimistic we can achieve common-sense regulation that permits community banks to do what they do best  serve their communities.

Charles G. Cooper is commissioner of the Texas Department of Banking and chairman of the Conference of State Bank Supervisors.
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Detailing all of the pop-up restaurants, pop-up bars, pop-up shops, pop-up galleries, and pop-up gigs in London, complete with maps. Please send any tips to dan.calladine@londonpopups.com or via twitter - I'm @LondonPopups
The Irish Medtech Association, the Ibec group that represents the medtech sector, and Plastics Ireland, the Ibec group that represents the polymer technology industry held their official launch of their new manufacturing apprenticeships this week in the Hodson Bay Hotel, Athlone.

The event was launched by John Halligan TD, Minister for Training, Skills and Innovation, and also in attendance was Minister of State for the OPW, Kevin Boxer Moran.



Specifically, The Irish Medtech Association are launching a National Manufacturing Engineer Apprenticeship at level 7, a National Manufacturing Technician Apprenticeship at level 6 and Plastics Ireland are launching a National Polymer Processing Technologist Apprenticeship at level 7.



The polymer programme commenced on May 8, 2017 in Athlone Institute of Technology with a full class of 16 apprentices. A second polymer intake of a similar size will start in September 2017.



Registration of 42 apprentices for the manufacturing apprenticeship programmes is underway with programmes starting in June 2017 in three centres; Galway Mayo Institute of Technology, Limerick Institute of Technology and Cork Institute of Technology, roll out in Institute of Technology Sligo is planned for October 2017 and Waterford, Athlone and Dublin to follow depending on regional demand.



The L6 and L7 manufacturing technician and engineer programmes are 2 and 3 years in duration respectively while the Polymer Technologist, L7 is 3 years. Each programme requires the apprentice to attend a 15 week block at an allocated Institute of Technology, the remainder of the year is spent gaining hands on training and applying their academic learnings on the job with the help of a designated industry mentor from their organisation and an academic mentor from the college.



There's a broad base of companies committed to these programmes in the first year, from major multinationals to smaller indigenous firms spanning the medtech, polymer, engineering, aerospace, electrical, food, furniture, packaging and agricultural industries with 140 apprentices to start over the first two intakes in 2017.



Minister Moran said he was delighted to lend his support to the event as he recognised the importance of providing and expanding the range of apprenticeships on offer to people in the workforce. The introduction of these new apprenticeships will offer employment opportunities to over 140 people in its first year and I fully support Minister Halligan strong initiatives in this area, said Minister Moran.



There are a number of local companies, including Abbott Diagnostics, Longford and Teleflex, Athlone, enrolling apprentices this year which I am particularly pleased about as it reflects a return in confidence in the local economy, added Minister Moran.

Companies from across the medtech and plastics industries along with GMIT and AIT as the lead providers have worked tirelessly together to develop the new occupations to maximise the opportunity for synergies and sharing of expertise across these manufacturing sectors. World class manufacturing demands world class talent, the development of these apprenticeship programmes is an important step for industry, providing them with the much needed pipeline of highly skilled workforce while expanding the talent pool nationwide.



The polymer industry in Ireland has seen strong growth with over 200 companies identified in new Plastics Ireland research. The industry employs more than 6,500 people and over 70% of the companies supply into the medical technology industry in Ireland. The sector exports 1.25 billion worth of product annually and has a turnover of 1.7 billion.
In 2016, silage fields across Ireland were dotted with purple bales which resulted in 14,000 being raised to support CMRF Crumlins work with some of Irelands sickest children.

Again in 2017, for every purple bale wrap roll sold during the campaign a sum will be donated to CMRF Crumlin with a plan to exceed the 14,000 raised in 2016.



CMRF Crumlin, the fundraising body for Our Ladys Childrens Hospital Crumlin and The National Childrens Research Centre, is delighted to partner with Zeus Packaging and the ATC Group/Co-op Source for the second time in 2017 for their Go Purple for Crumlin campaign.



CMRF Crumlin are asking farmers and contractors to support the campaign by choosing to buy purple bale wrap which are supplied by Zeus Packaging and distributed through ATC Group which has 17 member co-ops serving local communities across the length and breadth of the country.



Ciara Smith, Head of Corporate Partners with CMRF said CMRF Crumlin are delighted to be chosen once again as the Irish partner for this campaign which Zeus has rolled out internationally to support the needs of sick children. Every year, over 145,000 children and their families visit Crumlin Childrens Hospital from across the length and breadth of Ireland and CMRF feel partnering with ATC Group reflects the geographical spread of the hospitals patient base



Gavin McCarthy, Product Manager Zeus Group said Were honoured and delighted to be able to help in any modest way we can and I know that ATC Co-op Source and their farmer members feel exactly the same. Id just ask people to support the Purple Promotion in any way they can  through social media and word-of-mouth  but especially by buying it in their local co-op stores and giving the purple bales a nice prominent spot in the fields where people can see them and keep the promotion driving forward.



John Heaphy, General Manager, ATC Group said: We are delighted to have the purple products in our stores again for this season, we are very proud to support such a worthwhile cause again and look forward to making valuable contribution to CMRF Crumlin in 2017.



The purple Bale wrap is available in ATC Group/Co-op source member stores, including Lakeland Dairies Co-operative, Arrabawn Co-operative, Fealesbridge & Headleys Bridge, Ballyjamesduff Co-operative, Inishowen Co-operative.
A man who allegedly shouted obscenities at gardai in Ballymahon after attending a rugby match in Dublin has avoided a criminal conviction.

William Flanagan, of The Pidgeons, Athlone, Westmeath shouted you f****** w***** at gardai shortly after being told to leave a pub as it closed its doors for the night.

The incident, which occurred on April 3 2017 at Main Street, Ballymahon had initially been contested by Mr Flanagan with a request being made for the release of evidence in the case.

This is a man who didnt plead guilty the first day and had to get disclosure, argued Judge Hughes.

Defending, Frank Gearty said Mr Flanagan had attended a Leinster versus Wasps rugby encounter earlier that day.

Unfortunately, he (Mr Flanagan) went into a pub in Ballymahon and there was quite a lot of drink had at that stage, said the Longford town solicitor.

Mr Gearty said regrettably his client committed the public order offence while being at large on Ballymahons Main Street.

An unimpressed Judge Hughes suggested the Gardais presence had aggrieved Mr Flanagan.

He (Mr Flanagan) was upset because he was put out of the pub and that interfered with his level of comfort, argued the Judge.

Hes some rugby supporter.

Mr Gearty countered that by saying the 25-year-old was extremely contrite over what had transpired and wished to apologise to the court.

His sincerity, Mr Gearty added, was perhaps best illustrated by the fact Mr Flanagan was accompanied to the court by his father.

Did you tell your father what was said about you? Judge Hughes queried, as it was revealed his previous appearance had appeared in an earlier edition of the Leader.

Give over 500 to the Inspector Blaithin Moran to put it into the Garda Social Fund, ordered Judge Hughes.

At that stage Mr Flanagan went to the back of the court before returning with the money in his hand.

Judge Hughes asked why Mr Flanagan was relying on his father for financial assistance, but responded by claiming it was in fact he who paid it.

The public order charge, together with a second charge of failing to comply with the directions of a garda, were consequently struck out.
The three suicide bombers who killed 20 people and wounded scores more during a complex attack at a funeral at a Kabul cemetery trained at a Pakistani madrassa, according to Afghanistans National Directorate of Security. The Afghan Taliban has denied involvement in the attack, which has gone unclaimed, and said it was the result of internal enemy feuds.

The NDS claimed it detained a would-be suicide bomber who was supposed to be blowing himself up along with three others at yesterdays funeral for the son of an Afghan senator who was killed after security forces opened fire during a protest in Kabul a day earlier. Twenty people were killed and 89 more were wounded as the three suicide bombers detonated among the crowd of mourners, according to TOLONews. Afghanistans Chief Executive Officer, Abdullah Abdullah, and the acting Foreign Affairs Minister, Salahuddin Rabbani, were present at the funeral but were not injured.

The NDS claimed that they arrested one of the suicide bombers, who decided not to execute the attack. A video confession of the erstwhile suicide bomber was posted on the NDS Facebook page.

According to the NDS, the suicide bombers trained at the Mawlawi Ahmad Madrassa in Chaman, a border town in Pakistans Baluchistan province that is a known hub for the Taliban and a host of jihadists. Afghanistans Interior Ministry has linked the Mawlawi Ahmad Madrassa to the bombing that killed five Emirati diplomats in Kandahar province earlier this year, according to VOA News.

Baluchistan province is seeded with hundreds of madrassas and camps that are known to recruit, indoctrinate and train Taliban fighters and future leaders. The Talibans Rahbari Shura, or central leadership council, is also known as the Quetta Shura because it is based in Baluchistans provincial capital. A host of cities and towns such as Zhob, Killi Nalai, Qila Saifullah, Loralai, Chaman, Pishin, Kuchlak, Ahmad Wal, Dalbandin, Chagai, and Girdi Jangal host the Taliban and provide vital support for the groups activities in Afghanistan.

Well-developed Taliban networks in these cities and towns play a vital role in ensuring the group can recruit, train, and arm new fighters. These networks also provide safe areas for existing Taliban units to regroup as well as furnish their fighters with and commanders an opportunity to visit their families; and gives Taliban leaders a chance to organize new offensives. Taliban recruiters, fundraisers, financiers, training camp commanders, and ideologues operate unmolested, and often with the support of Pakistans military and Inter-Services Intelligence Directorate.

Afghan Taliban denies role in funeral attack

While the NDS has not explicitly stated that the Kabul funeral attack was carried out by the Taliban, the fact that it has linked the suicide bombers to the Mawlawi Ahmad Madrassa is a clear indication that the NDS is accusing the Taliban of complicity. The Mawlawi Ahmad Madrassa is run by the Afghan Taliban.

The Taliban has denied involvement in yesterdays triple suicide attack. Zabihullah Mujahid, one of the groups main spokesmen, instead accused rival factions within the Afghan government of the attack.

Blast at funeral ceremony in Srai Shamli #Kabul has nothing to do with Mujahidin, but is the result of internal enemy feuds, Mujahid said in a statement released yesterday shortly after the attack.

The funeral bombing has yet to be claimed. The Islamic State has not issued a statement claiming credit for the triple suicide attack.

If the funeral attack goes unclaimed, it will be the second major suicide bombing in Kabul in the past week that has not been credited to a jihadist group in the region. The May 31 suicide attack, which used a truck packed with thousands of pounds of explosives that was then detonated in the diplomatic quarters in Kabul and resulted in killing at least eighty people and wounded more than 400.

The Afghan government accused the Haqqani Network, a powerful Taliban faction, of executing the May 31 attack in Kabul. However, the Taliban denied any involvement in that attack.

Bill Roggio is a Senior Fellow at the Foundation for Defense of Democracies and the Editor of FDD's Long War Journal.

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On May 19th, the United States Department of State listed Hashem Saffiedine  the head of Hezbollahs Executive Council  as a Specially Designated Global Terrorist (SDGT) under section 1(b) of Executive Order 13224. The designation imposes sanctions on Saffiedine, seizing any interests or assets he possesses in US jurisdiction, and prohibits US persons from engaging in any transactions.

Hashem Saffiedine

Though Saffiedine is one of Hezbollahs most powerful leaders and one of its earliest members, not much is known about this mysterious figure. He was born in 1964, in the South Lebanons governorates village of Deir Qanoun al-Nahr, according to Saudi news source MzMz. In 1983, he married the daughter of Sayyed Muhammad Ali al-Amin, a member of the Legislative Assembly of Lebanons High Islamic Shiite Council. He is Secretary General Hassan Nasrallahs maternal cousin, and both were taken under the wing of Imad Mughniyeh early on. In fact, Mughniyeh facilitated the duos travel to the Iranian holy city of Qom for religious studies.

Saffiedine appears to have begun his career in Hezbollah as the partys political representative to South Lebanon. According to Asharq Al-Awsat, he was studying in Qom until Nasrallah recalled him to Lebanon in 1994. Joseph Alagha writes in his book Hizbullahs Identity Construction that in 1995, the Shiite organization held its fourth conclave and promoted Saffiedine to its highest council, its governing Consultative Assembly (Majlis al-Shura). He was the only new appointee to that body that year. Additionally, the conclave created the groups Jihadi Council (al-Majlis al-Jihadi), to control all of Hezbollahs military activities. Saffiedine was appointed as its head and Nabil Qaouq  his current deputy as Executive Council head  to his old post of political representative.

Saffiedine continued his rise within the party and during Hezbollahs fifth conclave, held in 1998, he was elected as the head of the partys Executive Council  according to Hezbollahs website, a position held by Nasrallah from 1987 until 1989, and then from 1991 until 1992  a position he has held since, being reelected in subsequent conclaves held in 2001, 2004 and 2009.

In fact, according to a study by the National Defense Universitys Center for Complex Operations  Saffiedine is Nasrallahs heir apparent and de facto second-in-command, despite Sheikh Naim Qassem having the title of Deputy Secretary General. Asharq Al-Awsat says Saffiedine was chosen as Nasrallahs successor due to his political and military experience within Hezbollah, as well as his strong ties with Tehran established during his religious studies in Qom. The paper claims being told by a high-ranking former member of the organization that Saffiedine was chosen as Nasrallahs successor as far back as 1994.

Party officials close to Saffiedine described him to Asharq Al-Awsat as a true leader, simultaneously firm and flexible, and open to hearing criticism from other organization members. They also described his personality as an extension of sayyed Nasrallahs, and a perfect successor to the Secretary General.

As head of the influential Executive Council, Saffiedine wields considerable power within Hezbollah. According Asharq Al-Awsat, he controls all daily sensitive issues, including managing the partys different bodies and organizations, its funds, domestic and foreign investments.

David Daoud is an Arabic-Language Analyst at the Foundation for Defense of Democracies.

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A terror attack in London shortly after 10 pm local time last night left at least seven people dead. Forty-eight people were hospitalized, some with life-threatening wounds.

The assault began when a driver rammed a van into pedestrians on the London Bridge. The van, which was carrying three terrorists, was then driven to the nearby Borough Market. The male perpetrators jumped out and began stabbing people, including a British Transport Police officer. An off-duty Metropolitan Police officer was also wounded.

All three terrorists were shot and killed by during the attack.

Armed officers responded very quickly and bravely, confronting three male suspects who were shot and killed in Borough Market, Mark Rowley, Assistant Commissioner in the Metropolitan Police Service, said in a statement. The suspects had been confronted and shot by the police within eight minutes of the first call.

Rowley added that suspects were wearing what looked like explosive vests but these were later established to be hoaxes.

The Metropolitan police reported this morning that 12 people in Barking, east London have been arrested in connection with last nights incidents in London Bridge and the Borough Market area. A number of addresses in Barking are also being searched. It is too early to tell if any of them will be charged in connection with the plot.

Counterterrorism officials were already investigating the possibility that a wider conspiracy was behind the May 22 Manchester Arena bombing, which killed 22 people and wounded dozens more. That attack was carried out by Salman Abedi, a 22-year-old whose family is from Libya.

Investigators are currently looking into any potential ties between Abedi and Islamic State external operations planners in Libya. The group has an arm in Libya that has been connected to plots in Europe, including the Dec. 19, 2016 truck attack in Berlin, Germany. Salmans father and younger brother, Hashim Abedi, were detained in Libya for questioning. According to Libyan officials, Hashim Abedi has allegedly admitted that he and Salman were members of the Islamic State. The so-called caliphate has claimed responsibility for the Manchester bombing.

No group has claimed responsibility for the assault on London Bridge and Borough Market. But it can take some time before claims are issued.

Vehicles repeatedly used as instruments of terror

The Islamic State has repeatedly called on followers to use vans, trucks or other vehicles in attacks. The organizations propagandists have also encouraged would-be jihadists to combine vehicular assaults with stabbings using knives or other blades. Al Qaeda has similarly implored people to conduct operations using these same crude techniques.

The Islamic State claimed that its soldiers were responsible for a Nov. 28, 2016 attack at Ohio State University, as well as the Mar. 22 assault near the British parliament in London. The terrorists used vehicles and blades in both cases.

The self-declared caliphate also claimed responsibility for the July 14, 2016 operation in Nice, France and the aforementioned incident at a Berlin Christmas market last December. Jihadists used trucks as instruments of terror in each attack.

On Apr. 7, another truck was crashed into a crowd of people in Stockholm, Sweden. Authorities have said that the driver, an Uzbek, had ties to the Islamic State, but the group hasnt claimed any role.

Thomas Joscelyn is a Senior Fellow at the Foundation for Defense of Democracies and the Senior Editor for FDD's Long War Journal.

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Lifestyle / Alcohol

Europes recent weather has caused many problems for the regions winemakers and vineyards

Jun 04, 2017 | By AFP Relaxnews

When a severe, unseasonal cold snap gripped Bordeaux vineyards in late April, winegrowers sprang into action. They set fires in thousands of oil drums, positioning them carefully between the rows of budding grapevines in southwest France. Giant fans were deployed to battle the cold, damp air settling on the plants.

Helicopters also flew low overhead, in another extravagant attempt to battle freezing condensation. In the aftermath of the regions worst late-season freeze in more than two decades, winemakers here are looking forward nervously to the crucial June flowering phase, when pollination occurs.

Shrivelled vines

The freeze left a grim landscape. We have a hangover. Eighty percent of our vineyard was hit by the frost. Its all our work that has been wiped out, says Jean-Francois Galhaud, president of the Saint-Emilion Wine Council that represents nearly 1,000 winegrowers, standing before rows of Merlot grapevines with curled and shrivelled leaves.

The bitter cold struck twice within a week last month, ravaging the fragile shoots and buds that had emerged prematurely following mild temperatures in March. This means poor harvests not only for grapes but also for fruit and vegetables like apples, pears and asparagus.

Wine producers say they have not experienced such a damaging frost since 1991 when over half of vineyards in the Bordeaux region were affected. Francois Despagne, who produces the Saint-Emilion grand cru Chateau Grand Corbin-Despagne, says 90 percent of his vineyard was damaged by the cold, more than he has seen in 20 years in the business.

The weather-inflicted damage was felt throughout France and in other parts of Europe too. In Germany, the frost reached all of the countrys vineyards, which is extremely rare, says Ernst Buescher, of the German Wine Institute.

In Italys Tuscany region, 20 percent of wine production was destroyed, valued at around $90 million (around 80 million euros), according to the agricultural association, Confagricoltura.

Junes flowering vines

The quality of this years grapes depends on the blooms in June, says Stephane Toutoundji, an oenologist based in the southwestern town of Libourne who advises winemakers throughout Bordeaux.

If the buds fail to resume growth between now and next month, the annual harvest will be halved in terms of volume for Bordeaux, costing an estimated 1.5 billion euros in sales, says CIVB, a wine industry association for the region.One thing is certain, the harvest this year will be late.

Lets cross our fingers that we do a 1961, a year with a small harvest that was of very good quality, says Galhaud. However, Toutoundji says what has survived the freeze is only of normal quality.

Long-term damage?

To survive this bad patch, help is on hand for winegrowers in the form of partial unemployment benefits, aid for social charges and financial support from local authorities.

Only a small proportion, 15 percent, of Frances 800,000 hectares (nearly two million acres) of vineyards are insured, mainly because of the high cost of insurance.

Last years abundant harvest in the region will help fill in some of this years gaps, thanks to a programme called VCI, whereby regulators allow winegrowers to keep approved amounts of wine stocks from a previous year in case of natural catastrophes.

But despite the VCI scheme, Bordeaux output is expected to come in at three million hectolitres this year, well below an average annual production of 5.4 million hectolitres.

The VCI allowances however do not help producers who sell their wine in bulk and do not have stocks to mitigate such shortages.

Adds to challenges

Bordeaux growers had been recovering with three good vintage years since suffering a poor year in 2013, making Aprils blow that much more difficult.

Despite the various near-term relief measures, the weather-inflicted damage lays bare other big challenges facing the winegrowers.

Producers in the south of France are frustrated with an increase of cheap Spanish bulk wine, which has sparked several demonstrations in supermarkets in recent months.

There is also competition from further afield. Laetitia Ouspointour, of Chateau Vieux Mougnac in Lussac, worries the region will lose market share to countries like Australia and South Africa. Rising production costs add to the challenge, she says. We will not be able to supply wine, and it will cost more than other wines, Ouspointour says.
Properties / Interiors & Decor

For years China was a playground for international architects, but new government policies aimed at curbing bizarre designs may usher in a new, more purposeful era of building

Jun 04, 2017 | By Sophie Kalkreuth

A birds nest, a boot, a pair of trousers  some of Chinas most infamous contemporary buildings resemble everyday objects more than edifices. And together, they have embodied Chinas desire, throughout the latest building boom, to assert its superpower status through an extraordinary built environment.

But this flamboyant approach to design is poised to change. The Communist Party recently announced offensives against bizarre architecture and Beijing has unveiled rules making it harder for strange buildings to be given planning permission. Included in the new guidelines, released in a statement from Chinas State Council last year, is a ban on buildings devoid of character or cultural heritage. Instead, the directive calls for buildings that are economic, green and beautiful.

The announcement made waves in the architecture and design worlds and was widely reported in the international media. But for many Chinese architecture firms the decree was far from revolutionary: for years, local studios have been quietly designing restrained buildings that are sensitive to their historical and urban contexts.

Yung Ho Chang, an early pioneer of contemporary Chinese architecture established Chinas first private architecture firm, Atelier FCJZ in 1993 and has long emphasised the need for architectural vernacular that is rooted in China. Today, we have too many buildings in China that may look fashionable on the outside and not at all connected with their locales, the architect told me in 2012.

Changs most famous residence is the Split House. Unveiled at the 2002 Venice Biennial as part of Pan Shi Yis Commune by the Great Wall, it was one of the first projects of its scale that relied on Asian designers rather than Western starchitects. Poised on a steep slope, it is literally split in half, with a short glass bridge joining its two sides and forming a V-shaped plan that opens to the hillside. In many respects, the house is Changs take on the traditional Chinese courtyard dwelling. When you see it from the outside, the house seems withdrawn, like any other courtyard house, Chang describes, But inside, you realise that it, in fact, is totally open to nature.

Wang Shu, another pioneer of contemporary Chinese design, set up his Hangzhou studio, Amateur Architecture, with his wife Lu Wenyu in 1997 with the express aim of returning to traditional techniques of craftsmanship. The architect, who was later awarded the Pritzker Prize for Architecture, spent nearly a decade travelling to the countryside to remote villages to learn about traditional building techniques and he incorporated traditional motifs and materials such as bamboo, wood and recycled bricks into his own designs.

One of his early residential projects, the Vertical Courtyard, also references historic lane and courtyard homes. Wang contemporized the traditional building typology by turning the quadrangle on its side and creating double-height courtyards on every floor. Every family has a courtyard and a roof, Wang says of the project. And even though the building is 100m tall, it still maintains the feeling of living only two floors high.

This detail is important to Wang, who believes that much of modern architecture is too concerned with the building and not its inhabitants and how they actually live and feel. Building at a human scale remains crucial given Chinas rapid rate of urbanisation and its ballooning megacities. And, following in the footsteps of the early pioneers, a number of design studios are addressing this and other challenges by drawing from the Chinese vernacular.

ZAO/standardarchitecture which is based in Beijing, recently completed the Micro Yuaner project, an adaptive reuse initiative that introduces a series of micro spaces, a childrens library, an art space, dance studio and craft studio, into the darshilar neighbourhood and thereby attempts to preserve the many layers of traditional hutong (a lane or alley in a traditional residential area of a Chinese city, especially Beijing) life.

The attitude toward Beijings courtyard dwellings has typically swung between total eradication and a kind of static preservation. With this project, Zhang Ke, founder of standard architecture aimed instead to recognise the unique topography of courtyard living that developed in Beijing over the past 60 years and he considers the project a statement about how China should treat its urban history. Altogether [the many components] keep, maintain and conserve the special quality of this big messy courtyard, he says. It becomes a place people feel used to, but they clearly realise something contemporary is going on.

Zhang believes that re-imagining the courtyard, which is at the centre of traditional Chinese culture, could help to propel Chinas new phase of building. I think it could generate a new revolution in urban renewal in China if we start with courtyardsthe traditional dwelling unitswhich is a biological study where you do genetic research of cells then new forms of life can be created.

When it comes to luxury residences, local design studios are also eschewing American-style suburban mansions and instead re-interpreting traditional Chinese dwellings for contemporary lifestyles. Beijing-based studio META-Project recently completed a renovation of Courtyard near West Sea for a client who wanted the building to accommodate a variety of programs, including a teahouse, dining and party space, office and living areas. The firms solution was a design that moves between the traditional, introverted qualities of a courtyard house, and contemporary, extroverted areas that encourage social interaction. Intervention in the hutongs needs to be based on the true understanding of life and cultureinstead of rigid protection to its physical appearance, the studio says.

Even Chinas industrial architecture is taking reference from history. Beijings Arch Studio is perhaps best known for the Haitang Villa, an elegant townhouse that blends indoor and outdoor spaces and balances layering of wood with spare interiors. But the firm also recently completed a 60,000 square foot organic farmhouse in Tangshan that is influenced by traditional courtyard buildings.

The firms idea was to create a magnified version of a courtyard house with a self-contained and flexible workspace that formed a harmonious connection with the surrounding flat fields. The resulting structure is made up of material storage, a mill, an oil-pressing workshop and a packing area. There is an external corridor at the boundary of the building that connects the four areas and an inner courtyard that spans out randomly around the building and lets in light and air. The structure also sits in a 60cm cement base, a method of moisture-proofing the wood, which makes the farm look as if it is softly floating above the fields.

I think the current status quo of China, with more reflection and possibilities, is even more exciting than the previous period of wild development, says Zhang Ke. Subtle architecture may not grab headlines, but it does tend to outlast the more garish designs. And with the Chinese government backing projects that exhibit restraint and cultural specificity, the next phase of construction may end up producing more long-lasting structures that improve the lives of those who inhabit and interact with them.

This article was first published in Palace 19.
PARADISE VALLEY -- Donald Trump may be soliciting bids to build a wall along the border.

But the governors of Arizona and Sonora are doing what they can to ensure there are doors and windows, at least figuratively speaking, to maintain the flow of goods, services and people.

At the meeting Friday of the Arizona-Mexico Commission, Doug Ducey praised the long relationship between the two border states. At the same time, he acknowledged the new administration in Washington which not only wants to build a wall but is also actively pushing to deport Mexican nationals and renegotiate the North American Free Trade Agreement that has helped spur this state's economy.

But Ducey told Capitol Media Services that he and counterpart Claudia Pavlovich just need to keep doing what they have been, regardless of what's happening in Washington.

"We invested in this relationship over the two years previous to a new election,'' he said.

"So I think in many ways we can be a model and an example for a relationship that can work, that can help benefit Arizona's and America's economy,'' Ducey continued. "And this has been a net positive for the job growth and economic growth of Arizona and we intend to continue it.''

Claudia Pavlovich, for her part, told Capitol Media Services she's not going to let the actions and rhetoric coming out of the new president affect what she and Ducey are trying to do here.

"We have maintained this relationship, even in that face,'' she said. "We have to do our job and build bridges between us.''

That, Pavlovich said, won't change no matter what else is going on.

"We're going to create jobs for both states,'' she said.

There's a lot at stake.

The Eller College of Management at the University of Arizona pegs Arizona's experts to Mexico last hear at $8.32 billion. Imports came in at $7.45 billion.

And Pavlovich, for her part, professed not to be overly concerned that all that is going to fall apart, no matter who is in the White House.

"Everything, I think, is going to be all right,'' she said.

All that, of course, presumes that the free trade agreement, even if altered, is maintained.

Trump has made no secret of his feelings.

"NAFTA has been a catastrophe for our country,'' he said earlier this year at the White House. "It's been a catastrophe for our workers and our jobs and our companies that our leaving our country.''

But Trump has backed away from earlier threats to walk away from it entirely, instead more recently suggesting there needs to be major changes, one he quipped "will put an extra F in the term NAFTA,'' that additional letter representing the word "fair.''

Ducey wants a voice in what emerges.

"As a border governor, we'll ask for a seat at the table,'' he said.

"This has been an important relationship for us,'' Ducey continued. "So if we're going to renegotiate this agreement and find ways to improve it, I'd like to be a part of it.''

Pavlovich said she wants the focus of NAFTA talks to be "not so much in ideologies and policies but the well-being of our people.

"And the well-being of our people is that we continue with a treaty with certain things that we have to renegotiate that didn't exist when we signed,'' she said.

Those issues include digital trade as well as concerns about intellectual property rights and how the agreement works with state-owned enterprises. But Pavlovich said she agrees with Ducey that a fix is far better for the region than scrapping the agreement entirely.

"You can't say good bye to something that has given benefits for both countries, and also to Canada,'' she said.

Ducey said a prime example of how cross-border trade can benefit both countries was the announcement last year that Lucid Motors plans to build a $700 million plant in Casa Grande to manufacture luxury electric vehicles.

"They were considering over 60 different markets in 13 different states,'' the governor said. What ultimately put the plant in Arizona, he said, was both the proximity to -- and working relationship -- with Mexico and Sonora where some of the parts will be built and shipped to Arizona.

Still, Ducey acknowledged that NAFTA, which took effect in 1994, needs updating.

"Of course there is opportunity to improve it,'' he said.

So what does he hope for?

"To me, proof and evidence of an improved free-trade agreement would mean that we would have even more employment and even more opportunity in the state of Arizona,'' Ducey said.
Vigilance told the court that it investigated all the cases but could not find any evidence against Senkumar. The court will consider the report on July 4.

Thiruvananthapuram: The Vigilance told a special vigilance court in Thiruvananthapuram that there was no base for the six complaints filed against the state police chief T.P Senkumar. The complaints alleged that Senkumar misused his power while being the director of KSRTC and KTDC.

In the report, Vigilance told the court that it investigated all the cases but could not find any evidence against Senkumar. The court will consider the report on July 4.
Prior to my trip to Ukraine last week, I was extremely nervous - the question in my mind for weeks was, "how bad will Ukrainian International Airlines be?" There's no getting around the facts that this is a small national airline with fairly old aircraft and budget prices. At least in terms of flights to New York from Kiev, it is a "cheaper" way for people to go home to see family and for a handful of business people that want to avoid connections in Europe on the major carriers. If you want a cheap direct flight from New York to Kiev this is your only option and depending on which cabin you happen to have selected seats in you will have a dramatically different perspective on the flight.

During my week in Ukraine, we had the opportunity to fly two transatlantic flights from JFK to KBP in premium economy, one leg in domestic business class, and three other legs domestic economy on. All of our domestic flights were on variations of Boeing 737s, while the transatlantic flight was on one of their Boeing 767s.

I can't say much for the Ukrainian International Airlines business class except that like the rest of the plane, the hard product is old and not even close to what you'd find on other long haul business class flights. For instance, the seats look a bit narrower and it is not a lie-flat seat, but rather a seat that reclines further than what you'd find in the back. From an informal survey on both transatlantic legs from New York, that cabin appeared to be less than half full.

After walking past the two rows of business class seating, you arrive in Premium Economy where I spent my time during the 9-hour flight to and 10-hour flight from Ukraine. It has a 2-3-2 configuration and the seats felt comparable in width and pitch to what you'd typically find on an "extra legroom" seat on an American carrier. The seats were comfortable despite their age and I've had far worse seats while flying.

Thankfully, during both to and from JFK our cabin was about half full and quickly after takeoff people spread out. On our night flight to Kiev, I witnessed one family stake out most of the middle seats with mom, dad, and kid each taking their own row and turn it into a bed. This certainly changes the dynamic and is an interesting (though not always deliverable) perk to this section. From talking with other people, it is often similar depending on the day of the week.

One interesting thing that deserves mention here though is that Ukrainian International Airlines is extremely strict on not just the size but the weight of carry on bags - despite there being PLENTY of bin space in Premium Economy. On my flight over, I had brought a carry on and my backpack. At check-in though, I was told that I had to check the carry on bag since it was way over their limit. After that flight, I checked the FlyUIA.com website and it is somewhat confusing on this topic since it says that hand bags must be maximum of 5kg in weight. (My backpack with laptop was more than this, but maybe there's an exception for laptop bags?) Thankfully though, checked bags are free (1 piece for domestic economy and 2 for international long haul). Maybe I was never flagged on my other flights for my backpack since I just left my "approved bag" tag attached to my backpack and nobody questioned it again.

Despite some horror stories that I had read about the handling of bags in Kiev, people in our party had no issues with either excess damage or bags being opened up and items disappearing. My understanding from talking with others is that in the past there was significant issues with corruption in the airport baggage handling but those problems are largely taken care of now and the level of security is equivalent to what you'd expect in any other European or American airport.

Moving on from the hard product of our Ukrainian International Airlines long haul flights, the service was very good in Premium Economy. I had no problem keeping my wine glass full and the food was good quality and plentiful. Likewise, the flight attendants were extremely professional, attentive and polite - often more so than what is typical on American carriers ... even for long haul flights. They also spoke near perfect English so with one exception they were able to be conversational and descriptive of the meal choices.

In that one example it was humorous because the entree had a Ukrainian name and I asked what it was. The attendant stumbled for the right word and then simply said "veal, it's good!" so I went with that and she was right.

A few rows back in economy, the experience wasn't the same however. Here it is clearly a product that is being produced to hit as low of a cost as possible and every one of our fellow travelers complained about the product to the point where they would prefer never to fly it again. It is a cramped 2-4-2 configuration and I can say that even from my brief journey back to take some photos that the aisles too were super narrow to the point where it wasn't comfortable going any further.

Unlike Premium Economy and Business Class, the Economy Cabin was nearly completely full on both flights - only adding to the discomfort of being jammed together for 10 hours at a time.

In Economy Class on Ukrainian International Airlines, you still get two meals but presentation is scaled accordingly. You can also pre-order a for-fee meal choice too. Paid bar and snacks are also available for purchase, only coffee, tea, juice, and still water are complementary.

Domestic flights within Ukraine were similar to what you'll find with any other European domestic service - though like the long haul flight from New York, our planes were generally pretty old. However we did get one newer 737 though, so it appears that Ukranian International Airlines is in the process of modernizing the fleet.

Business Class domestically was the standard economy seat with a spacer between the two seats.

One thing I love about Business Class in Europe is that even on short flights - such as this one from Kiev to Odessa - they managed to find time to serve a full meal. It was almost comical though since service began as soon after takeoff as it was safe to walk around and then was still going on right up to the point where the captain turned on the seat belt sign for landing. It was good food though and I'm now addicted to the Ukrainian pesto dressing that I would then find on various salads throughout the week.

Economy Class domestically, again is what you'd find on my American or European domestic product - just older in some instances. Once again however, the flight crew was excellent. They were all friendly and spoke great English.

Overall, the experience we had on Ukraine International Airlines comes down to getting what you pay for. The aircraft are generally older than other carriers but I felt safer and more comfortable than I would have on "budget carriers" in the US like Spirit and the crew was always friendly.

Ultimately, the choice is up to you when it comes to booking an airline ticket and cost is but one factor. When looking specifically at fares out of NYC, they are the only ones that offer a non stop flight directly to Ukraine and they do so at a slightly less expensive cost for both Economy and Premium Economy classes. However, the biggest advantage for me, is that they offer non-stop flights to Kiev - something other carriers do not. That in itself saves five or more hours including the hassle of having to clear security an extra time and the stresses of boarding / unboarding and dragging your bags through the airport. As wonderful as London, Paris, and Munich are - I'd prefer to avoid dealing with connections there.
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Hitting clubs and bars to see live music can get expensive, and as a musician myself, I of course want to see performers get paid.

But I also know the other side of the coin, and as a customer, I don't want a night out to break me. Depending on the act, a cover charge shouldn't usually be off-putting.

Reasonable cover charges are a good compromise sometimes, but another avenue for both containing costs and still paying performers is the tried-and-true tip jar. This latter methodology relies on both the honor system and the overall goodwill of customers, but it seems to work in certain venues and for certain types of acts.

One of these venues is

in the Turners Falls section of Montague. Most of the shows there do not charge a cover, but rely on patrons tipping the acts.

Here are some of the great no-cover (but tipping encouraged) shows at The 'Voo this month:

On June 8, Uncle Hal's Crabgrass Band take the stage at 6:30 p.m., followed by Blu Groove Organ Trio on June 10 at 9:30. June 12 sees the return is Scotty K's open mic at 8 p.m.

Shout Lulu (a southern string band) plays the 'Voo at 8 p.m.on June 14, which is also the night Element Brewing debuts Voo IPA, which was brewed specially for the venue. Half Shaved Jazz plays on June 15 at 7:30 p.m.

Scott Kuzmeskus and friends ply their trade on June 23 at 9:30 p.m. and the month rounds out with a June 28 date for the Rear Defrosters, a honky-tonk combo featuring Kate Lorenz of Rusty Belle.

The Rendezvous is at 78 Third St.

Scouting report

*

in Chicopee will host Trendkill, The Ultimate Pantera Tribute on June 8. Also on the bill that evening will be Medicated Savage, Oddium, Nim, An Unction in Braille, and Truth in Forms. Due to the number of bands, this show will kick off at 7:30 p.m. Tickets are $7-10. Maximum Capacity is at 116 School St.

*

will hold a Disney-themed show at The Florence VFW on June 10 at 7 p.m. The venue is cash only, so if you're planning on buying drinks, you'll need some paper money in your pocket. The VFW is at 18 Meadow St.

*

in Northampton will host two benefit shows featuring the music of "Hamilton" on June 11. The show is a singalong cabaret which is suitable for the entire family. Kids are welcome at the 2 p.m. show while the 7:30 p.m. version is for adults only. Proceeds will go to benefit the Massachusetts League of Community Health Centers and Planned Parenthood League of Massachusetts. The suggested donation is $15. Only cash will be accepted. The Deuce is at 50 Conz St.

Do you have a cool event coming up at a club? Drop me a line at least two weeks in advance at geolenker@yahoo.com and I'll try to get it in this space.
Editor's note: Much of this story was first published 25 years ago as part of a series marking the 50th anniversary of World War II through the eyes of Western Massachusetts residents and veterans. Additional stories from the series will be published in the months ahead.

When he first saw the fleet of Japanese warships from the belly of a B-17 bomber 17,000 feet up, the young airman from Holyoke was astounded.

How could the American forces survive the coming battle against so great an enemy, John F. Szymonik remembered wondering that day in early June 1942.



As he manned the radio and readied himself in a gunner's position aboard the Flying Fortress that was preparing to drop bombs at what would be the Battle of Midway, Szymonik had no time to ponder further on the course of history.

He and others who were there, like Peter E. Karetka, of Chicopee, could recall the battle as if it had happened just yesterday.

Etched in Karetka's memory was the sight of two Japanese Zero fighters flying over the deck of the destroyer USS Hughes, aboard which he served as a signalman.

"I can still picture their faces," said a then-70-year-old Karetka in an interview with The Republican in 1992 to mark the 50th anniversary of Midway. "They came in a row over our bow. I can picture the helmets, the fur flying, and the big grins on their faces . . . and our fighters waiting for them. They pounced on them."

The enemy planes were fresh from attacking the carrier USS Yorktown as the battle came to an end on June 6, 1942. The following morning, Karetka was there to see the Yorktown sink. A carefully preserved log book kept by Karetka from the battle would later serve as source material for famed historian Walter Lord's recounting of the Battle of Midway in his "Incredible Victory."

Karetka admitted that as a young sailor he fought back tears watching the proud flattop went down.

"We stood with her all the time. You'd see a gun break off or a plane fall off the deck as she went down," Karetka recalled.

His ship had rescued two of the last survivors from the carrier the previous day, finding one by a trail of blood that led to the Yorktown's sick bay, Karetka said.

"It was tough, knowing we had taken two guys off, and there probably had to be others still on her," he said. "I saw other guys crying, and decided this was it. You can't hold back."

Szymonik, who was 74 in 1992 and living in Mississippi at the time of his interview, enlisted in the Army Air Corps in 1939, soon after war broke out in Europe. "I thought I'd play it smart and go as far away from the war as possible," he recalled.

The furthest away from the battlefront in Europe that he could be assigned was Hickam Field at Pearl Harbor.



"I was there at Pearl when the first bombs were dropped. I went to escape the war and found myself right in the middle," Szymonik said, recalling the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor on Dec. 7, 1941, that catapulted the U.S. into the war.

Karetka, also a Holyoke native, enlisted in the Navy in November 1940 because he wanted to travel and see the world. After basic training, he saw duty aboard the destroyer USS Hughes on patrol in the North Atlantic, before the attack on Pearl Harbor. He was in Portland, Maine, when America entered the war. After the ship was prepared for battle duty, he also found himself under way to Hawaii.

It was late May when Szymonik and Karetka - one by air and the other by sea - shipped out to Midway.

Szymonik had no idea where he was headed, he said. "They told us to pack our ditty bags for a seven-day stay. We were hoping we were going back to the states." But, when they headed westward, they knew there was something else on the minds of their commanders, Szymonik said. His squadron arrived on Midway on May 31, he said.

By then, the forces on Midway were aware an attack was coming in the next 10 days, thanks to the decoding of Japanese radio transmissions. The Americans were also able to learn the map coordinates where the enemy would probably be, Szymonik said.

The bombing crews launched their first search run on June 1, and returned without locating the Japanese, he said. The following day - contrary to what history books report - the Americans dropped their first bombs, albeit missing their targets, when a convoy of troop transports, cruisers and destroyers were located, according to Szymonik.

When the Japanese carrier force was found, Szymonik's crew joined a flight of eight B-17s that made a bombing run, with each plane dropping four 500-pound bombs, he said. On June 3, his crew had two misses and two "near-misses," according to the records he has preserved.



In the midst of the bombing run, enemy planes would take off from the carriers.

"They were at our altitude," he recalled. "They wouldn't come close, though. We could see them blinking at us, firing their guns. And then someone yelled, 'Six o'clock.' A flight of our Navy planes was coming in to attack, and the Zeroes went out to engage them."

Karetka and the Hughes were fresh from a fuel run it had made to Noumea when it was pressed into service as part of the task force assigned to the carriers, Hornet, Enterprise and Yorktown, which had to be repaired hurriedly after the Battle of the Coral Sea in early May.

The group put to sea on May 30, "a calm day, clear with sun and no clouds," Karetka remembered. He recalled how the weather turned rough, and that when the ships were ordered to flank speed, the crew knew they were headed for action.

As a signalman, sending and receiving messages on the ship's bridge, Karetka had a front-row seat during the combat.

"I think in combat a man does not think of the dangers," he said. "It seems the natural behavior is to want to do something to correct the situation. You think of nothing but helping your shipmates."

As with the Yorktown's sinking, Karetka remembered the feeling of helplessness when the Hughes' sister ship, the USS Hammann, was sunk by a torpedo as it went to the carrier's aid.

"I saw the torpedo wakes," he recalled, describing how the waves caused by the impact lifted his destroyer out of the water.

The Hughes survived the Battle of Midway without major damage and, with Karetka aboard through early 1943, went on to see duty that included the Guadalcanal campaign.

Szymonik's bomber escaped unscathed from the battle, but wound up crashing on a return flight to Hawaii, he said. Fortunately, Szymonik was not aboard on the final flight, having joined the ground forces on Midway when the plane was left without fuel or bombs to return to the skies, he said. There, he believes he blacked out while helping with the wounded on the island. The Army wound up listing him as missing in action, a message he changed as quickly as possible, but too late to stop it from reaching his home.

His family was relieved when he finally managed to call home personally, he said. Szymonik went on to fly more than 70 combat missions in the Pacific before the war's end.

Szymonik, who died in 2013, and Karetka agreed with the historians that Midway marked a turning point toward the Allied victory in the Pacific war.

"I saw the armada of ships moving in. If they hadn't been stopped, they would have come into Hawaii and then to the West Coast," Szymonik added.

By battle's end, 362 Americans were dead; an estimated 3,057 Japanese were killed. It marked a significant victory for the U.S., turning back what has been described as the Japanese Navy's strategy to push toward an invasion of Hawaii. From then on, the U.S. forces moved on an offensive, island to island until the surrender of Japan in 1945

In his later years, Karetka went on fighting a war with the U.S. Navy over what he said he saw and what is the official Navy account of the USS Yorktown, the "Fighting Lady," in its final moments as the aircraft carrier went to a watery grave in the Pacific.

Karetka maintained the Yorktown "slid gracefully like a lady beneath the waves. No rollover, no gurgles, no plume of water or foamy froth." The Navy version is that the great ship capsized and then sank.

Over the last years of his life, Karetka amassed a mountain of paperwork, taking his eyewitness account of what he saw shortly after dawn on June 7, 1942, to all who would listen and many who would not, including senators and secretaries of the Navy, authors, an explorer and even a president.

Karetka met the family of one of the men he helped rescue from the Yorktown, Norman Pichette, of Athol. Though rescued, Pichette died aboard the Hughes within a day of the Yorktown's demise.

And, in 2000, Karetka also met with another survivor of the Yorktown, Alvin L. Evasius, who, in a sworn affidavit, attested to how he also saw the carrier descend below the sea. "I was on the hangar deck when the bombs hit. I got bounced around and bruised up. When the orders came to abandon ship, I jumped off the hangar deck into the water," the affidavit reads. "I was on the main deck at the break of the focs'le deck with a group of surviving shipmates (on the USS Hughes DD 410) watching the USS Yorktown go down bow first with a slight list to port."

Any other depiction, Karetka contended, was nothing more than a hoax or some kind of cover-up by the Navy.

Another historian, Peter C. Smith, included Karetka's recollections in a 2007 book, "Midway Dauntless Victory: Fresh Perspectives on America's Seminal Naval Victory of World War II." Smith referenced Karetka's meeting with Evasius in his book, writing, "So strongly did Karetka feel about this that when he met a Yorktown survivor in 2000 who confirmed his own memory, he took him before a notary public to swear an affidavit to that effect. However, despite a stubborn and continuing campaign against the Naval Historical Center for publishing the seemingly irrefutable photographic evidence of the carrier upside down before she took the final plunge, this veteran's specific memories will, no doubt, accompany him to his grave unproven."

Karetka died in 2013 at the age of 91.
Fred Fitzgerald calls it a case of serendipity. Karma, if you will.

He believes in what he says can be a "life-changing nexus of people, places and times."

It was the fall of 1957. He was 19, and his family hadn't had the money to pay his way to Worcester Polytechnic Institute for him to study chemical engineering. He was working at what was then the Westfield Chemical Corp., a company that's still doing business in the city as Westfield Coatings.

He saw an advertisement in the old Springfield Daily News, looking for new members from the community for a chorus at Westfield State College that was planning a performance of Mozart's Solemn Vespers.

Back then, the "college" was composed of just two buildings on Western Avenue, Parenzo and Scanlon halls. He remembers being "scared to death" when he showed up to see if he could pass muster to join the chorus.

The choral organizer was Catherine A. Dower, who asked him what voice he was. He didn't know, but learned he is a baritone and sang under Dower's tutelage as part of the chorus. Along the way, Dower, who was then in her second year on the faculty at Westfield State, suggested, "Why don't you think about coming here," Fitzgerald remembers.

There was a waiting list, but, once again, that thing called serendipity came into play. Fitzgerald's great uncle, also named Fred Fitzgerald, happened to be good friend with a fellow College of the Holy Cross graduate, one Edward Scanlon, who was then the president of Westfield State. Somehow, there was an opening at the top of that waiting list.

Fitzgerald joined Westfield State's Class of 1962, his first step to a career in education, all tied to the presence, he says, of one particular person in his life, Catherine Dower.



Fitzgerald was among the speakers in mid-May at a celebration of Dower's life which was held in the building on the Westfield State University campus that now carries her name, the Catherine Dower Center for the Performing & Fine Arts. It was Dower, he says, who taught him the valuable lesson that "good things come to you if you are a good person."



When she died earlier this year at the age of 92, Dower had more than achieved a life of happiness. She spent 35 years teaching music to a legion of students. In her retirement, she found time to write, to travel, to support causes she held dear and to give back to her community in a myriad of ways. She remained a fierce supporter of Westfield State, even through some pretty bleak times over the course of its most recent history.

In one of her poems, entitled "Persistence Pays," Dower reflected: "Just stick to words that guarantee success: Hard work, persistence, courtesy and thoughtfulness, and you'll achieve a life of happiness."



Two years ago, professor Dower shocked even herself when she made a $1 million gift to Westfield State, at the time the largest gift from a private donor in the university's more than 175-year history. It represented, it seemed, the pinnacle of her life of happiness.

"I can't believe it," she shared with me at the time. "I never paid attention to how much I had. I just kept putting my money away." The nonagenarian was almost as giddy as a teenager when the university celebrated her as if she were a rock star. Little did she know then that her generosity would inspire others to follow her lead. The university used the occasion of her celebration of life event on May 11 to announce that someone who asked to remain anonymous had been inspired to take Dower's monetary philanthropy one step further.

University president Ramon S. Torrecilha called the latest donation of $1.1 million, now the largest private donation in the university's history, a "transformational and inspirational gift, ensuring the musical legacy of Catherine Dower will continue to inspire others."

It will help make some of Dower's dreams for the university's music students come true as the funds will be used to purchase 20 Steinway & Sons pianos, setting the course for Westfield State to earn the distinction of being an All-Steinway School by the fall. It will become the only public university in New England to earn the All-Steinway School distinction, and fewer than 140 colleges or universities in the U.S. hold the status. Two of the instruments are to be concert grand pianos, the ultimate of Steinways for which Dower had set aside $50,000 of her initial gift to be used to buy just one.

The Dower center is situated in what was once the Juniper Park Elementary School, a place where future educators had the opportunity to practice teach the youngest of students in the Westfield Public Schools. Today, it is alive with facilities devoted to academic and performance spaces for the university's music, theater and art departments. Said Torrecilha, "The space enriches and inspires the next generation of performers and teachers."

While his personal forte in education is in mathematics, Fitzgerald says it was music "which got me here (to Westfield State)." It was because of Catherine Dower, he adds, that "I fell in love with teaching." Fifty-five years after his graduation from Westfield, he still teaches, a member of the faculty at Goodwin College in East Hartford and still lives a life embellished with music.

Catherine Dower's generosity was, indeed, about more than just money.

In another poem she penned for fellow members of her Class of 1945 at Hamline University, Dower wrote, "Helping others gave meaning to our lives."

Cynthia G. Simison is managing editor of The Republican; she may be reached by email to csimison@repub.com.
BOSTON - A high-ranking court official was among the nine men arrested Tuesday in connection to a prostitution sting in Boston.

William Marchant, who is the Chief Financial Officer of the Fiscal Affairs Department for Trial Court, was taken into custody after police say he responded to an online ad offering sex for a fee.

Prosecutors say Marchant--who has worked for the Trial Court for over 15 years, according to his Linkedin--answered an online ad for sex services and texted a woman he thought was a prostitute, but who was actually an undercover cop. The "sex worker" told Marchant to come to 20 Pine Street, in Chinatown; when he arrived, he was greeted by police instead of the woman.

Also arrested during the sting was prominent Boston Bishop A. Livingston Foxworth, who has worked as a senior pastor at the Grace Church of All Nations in Dorchester since 1979, and who performed a public blessing on Massachusetts Gov. Charlie Baker after Baker was elected in 2014.

The men caught in the sting responded to an ad on backpage.com, a site largely known for being used to find paid sex services. The ad was secretly placed by police.

Sussex County District Attorney Daniel F. Conley released a statement Thursday regarding the arrests, say that human trafficking "exists because sex buyers make it profitable," and that part of his office's strategy is to make it clear that "there are personal, social, and legal consequences for that behavior. If you come into Suffolk County to buy sex, you aren't just participating in an industry that thrives on exploitation, you're risking arrest and prosecution."

For the offense of soliciting sex, Marchant and the other men could be sentenced to up to two and a half years in county jail, as well as be given a fine of up to $5,000.

Marchant heads the Fiscal Affairs Department, which oversees and processes all financial transactions for court divisions and offices of the Trial Court, and which is responsible for preparing and receiving budget requests from various other departments within the Court.

State databases show that Marchant made $157,000 in 2015.

A spokeswoman for the Trial Court told The Boston Globe that Marchant has been placed on unpaid administrative leave.

Marchant lives in Norwood.
NORTHAMPTON -- A Vermont Law School professor said an independent, bipartisan commission is needed to investigate any improper ties between President Donald J. Trump and the Kremlin -- and that Trump must release his tax returns.

"We need a commission that can work on its own, that's independent of the political process," said Jennifer Taub, an expert on financial regulation and white collar crime.

Taub was one several speakers at a downtown rally following a "March for Truth" organized by the group Indivisible Noho on Saturday. Around 300 people gathered at Pulaski Park on Main Street.

"We have known for many months that there was Russian interference in the 2016 presidential election. Period. That is a fact," said Taub.

She said investigations by former FBI director and special counsel Robert Mueller -- and related investigations by House and Senate intelligence committees -- are important but limited.

"A special counsel's job is to investigate violations of law... It's not Robert Mueller's job to look at the full, whole picture." She said the congressional probes are, by their nature, partisan and politically-infused.

An independent commission of outside experts could have subpoena power, interview witnesses, hold televised hearings, and publish primary documents online. At the culmination of the their investigation, they could issue a detailed report.

Such commissions were formed to investigate 9/11 and the financial collapse. "This is a longstanding tradition, and it should continue," said Taub.

Taub, referring to the fall of President Richard M. Nixon, deployed some Watergate-era language. "Follow the money," she said. "We want Trump's tax returns."

Congress at that time used a 1924 law to force Nixon to reveal his tax returns. The documents showed illegal deductions, and he had to settle with the IRS. In August of 1974, Nixon resigned, facing an impeachment recommendation and obstruction of justice allegations.

As for Jared Kushner's meeting with Russian Ambassador Sergey Kislyak, described by the Washington Post as an attempt to set up secret communication between the Trump team and Moscow, "That's not a 'back channel,'" said Taub. "That sounds like treason to me."

Others who spoke included John Bonifaz, an Amherst lawyer behind the national campaign to impeach Trump. Bonifaz, co-founder and president of Free Speech for the People, delivered a blistering speech.

He said the president has been in violation of the the U.S. Constitution since the day he took office. The "emoluments clause" bans public officials from accepting "of any present, emolument, office, or title, of any kind whatever, from any king, prince, or foreign state."

Trump has failed to fully divest from his foreign and domestic business interests, in open defiance of conflict of interest and anti-corruption requirements, Bonifaz said.

Mueller was appointed in May to investigate any links between Russia and the Trump campaign. The appointment, made by Deputy U.S. Attorney General Rod Rosenstein, followed Trump's firing of FBI Director James Comey. Comey had been investigating alleged Russian meddling in the 2016 election.

Taub said any official in the Trump administration found to be violating federal law should be prosecuted. "People will go to jail," she said.
COEUR dALENE, Idaho  Jakob Namson peered up at the towering ponderosa pine before him. He looked at his notebook, which was full of calculations scribbled in pencil. Then he looked back at the pine. If his math was right  and it nearly always is  he would need to plant 36 trees just like this one to offset the 831 pounds of carbon dioxide that his drive to school emits each year.

Namson, 17, gazed around at his classmates, who were all examining their own pines in northern Idahos Farragut State Park. He considered the 76 people in this grove, the 49,000 people in his home town of Coeur dAlene, the millions of people in the United States driving billions of miles a year  and approached his teacher, Jamie Esler, with a solemn look on his face.

By Sarah Kaplan

Full Story: https://www.washingtonpost.com/national/health-science/how-to-teach-kids-about-climate-change-where-most-parents-are-skeptics/2017/06/03/1ad4b67a-47a0-11e7-98cd-af64b4fe2dfc_story.html?hpid=hp_hp-more-top-stories_idaho-1118am%3Ahomepage%2Fstory&utm_term=.45b7e08c7fdd

***

How G.O.P. Leaders Came to View Climate Change as Fake Science

The campaign ad appeared during the presidential contest of 2008. Rapid-fire images of belching smokestacks and melting ice sheets were followed by a soothing narrator who praised a candidate who had stood up to President George W. Bush and sounded the alarm on global warming.

It was not made for a Democrat, but for Senator John McCain, who had just secured the Republican nomination.

It is difficult to reconcile the Republican Party of 2008 with the party of 2017, whose leader, President Trump, has called global warming a hoax, reversed environmental policies that Mr. McCain advocated on his run for the White House, and this past week announced that he would take the nation out of the Paris climate accord, which was to bind the globe in an effort to halt the planets warming.

The Republican Partys fast journey from debating how to combat human-caused climate change to arguing that it does not exist is a story of big political money, Democratic hubris in the Obama years and a partisan chasm that grew over nine years like a crack in the Antarctic shelf, favoring extreme positions and uncompromising rhetoric over cooperation and conciliation.

By CORAL DAVENPORT and ERIC LIPTON

Full Story: https://www.nytimes.com/2017/06/03/us/politics/republican-leaders-climate-change.html?hpw&rref=politics&action=click&pgtype=Homepage&module=well-regionion=bottom-well&WT.nav=bottom-well
Mention autonomous vehicles, and people conjure two visions of the future. The rosy picture features a world in which cars zip around by themselves, allowing commuters to while away their time checking email as they benefit from technology expected to save 600,000 lives by 2045. The dystopian view holds that all those vehicles will put some 5 million truckers, cabbies, and other drivers out of work.

The truth, of course, lies somewhere between the two extremes. But however it shakes out, the global economy will see a big boost. Like, a $7 trillion, with a t, boost. Thats the word from the data crunchers at Intel and the research company Strategy Analytics. The robocar sector could add as much as $2 trillion to the US economy alone by 2050.

Arian Marshall

Full Story: https://www.wired.com/2017/06/impact-of-autonomous-vehicles/
This week we celebrated the long, illustrious career of Walt Mossberg, who is retiring after spending 26 years writing about tech at Recode, the Verge and the Wall Street Journal.

But before he steps awaywe sat down with Mossberg not so much to look back, but to explore what kind of massive changes he expects to see in tech over the next 10 years. Its a fascinating conversation in an extended #TalkingTech podcast. Click the link below to listen.

Jefferson Graham , USA TODAY

Full Story: https://www.usatoday.com/story/tech/talkingtech/2017/06/03/next-10-years-tech-walt-mossberg/102455394/
Following the London Bridge terrorist attacks, Prime Minister Theresa May has called for foreign leaders to consider regulating the internet as a means to prevent terrorism.

May delivered her remarks in a speech outside 10 Downing Street on Sunday morning. By regulating the internet more strenuously, the Prime Minister suggested, countries could help "deprive the extremists of their safe spaces online."

BY HEATHER DOCKRAY

Full Story: http://mashable.com/2017/06/04/london-bridgetheresa-may-interne/?utm_cid=hp-h-1#b8aA9Mp0SqqB

***

Tech firms react to UK leaders call for curbs

Social media giants Google and Twitter are responding to British Prime Minister Theresa Mays statement that internet companies are complicit in terror attacks by giving extremist views "the safe space it needs to breed."

Full story: http://www.idahostatesman.com/entertainment/article154291779.html
When it comes to infant feeding, new parents are often told that breast is best for their babys health. A new study provides further evidence that breast-feeding can benefit mothers, too, after finding that it may help to reduce chronic pain after cesarean delivery.

Share on Pinterest Breast-feeding for longer than 2 months could help to reduce pain after cesarean delivery, researchers suggest.

Researchers found that new mothers who breast-fed their babies for at least 2 months after undergoing a cesarean section (C-section) were less likely to experience pain at the surgical site than those who breast-fed for under 2 months.

Study co-author Dr. Carmen Alicia Vargas Berenjeno, of the Hospital Universitario Nuestra Senora de Valme in Spain, and colleagues recently reported their results at the Euroanaesthesia Congress 2017, held in Geneva, Switzerland.

Current guidelines from the World Health Organization (WHO) state that infants should be exclusively breast-fed for the first 6 months of their life, in order to achieve optimal growth, development, and health.

According to a 2016 report from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), however, just 51.8 percent of new mothers in the United States meet these recommendations, though the rates are rising.

The new study may help to encourage some mothers to extend their breast-feeding duration, after finding that it could help to ease pain after a C-section.
As more and more people in the United States engage in casual sex, a new study investigates peoples psychological attitudes toward one-night stands. Share on Pinterest New research suggests that religious U.S. adults regret casual sex only slightly more than their Norwegian, more liberal counterparts. Much has been written about the so-called hookup culture and the rising numbers of people engaging in casual sex. Now, researchers from the Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU) in Trondheim, in collaboration with the University of Texas at Austin, set out to examine the psychological differences between liberal Norwegians and religious Americans when it comes to casual sex. Specifically, the team looked at cultural differences between Norwegians and Americans, sex differences between men and women, and individual differences regarding mating strategies, as well as how these factors influence sexual regret. The first author of the study, which is published in the journal Personality and Individual Differences, is Mons Bendixen, associate professor at NTNUs Department of Psychology. Bendixen previously collaborated with Prof. Leif Edward Ottesen Kennair of NTNU, who is also an author on the new study, to analyze sexual regret. In fact, the new research confirms their previous findings.

Religious Americans do not regret casual sex that much more The researchers started out from the premise that Norwegians, being more liberal, would regret having casual sex a lot less compared with Americans, who are part of what is considered to be a more sexually conservative, religious society. Bendixen and colleagues interviewed 853 Norwegians and 466 Americans. The participants were asked if they thought themselves to be religious and how important it was to follow religious doctrines. The study confirmed that Norwegians are more sexually liberated, as they tend to have moderately more one-night stands than Americans do. It also confirmed that Americans tend to put religious faith at the top of their value system; a lot more Americans said that it was important to live in accordance with ones religious beliefs. Surprisingly, however, the study revealed that religious Americans and liberal Norwegians tended to regret one-night stands to about the same extent. We find only small differences between the two nations when it comes to sexual regret, Kennair says. Bendixen adds that although there is a difference between religious and non-religious individuals, [it] is quite small. Interestingly, there is one aspect in which Americans tended to differ from Norwegians: fantasizing about sex. Despite the fact that Americans have less casual sex, they fantasize more than Norwegians do about having sex with people they meet, Bendixen says.
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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.Source: Eurekalert
To the world Pakistan could be described in a hurl of numerous adjectives, but to the common people living in the land, its their homeland, where people from all religions co-exist. Humanity is the biggest religion of them all, and these pictures of Pakistani Sikhs serving Iftar to their Muslim brethren is making this world a better place.

Tars Foundation based in Pakistan shared some more heart-warming pictures of Sikhs doing seva and serving Iftar.

 Tars Foundation

 Tars Foundation

 Tars Foundation

People around the world are applauding these efforts.

"Humanity first"Sikh brothers arranging for Iftar for their Muslim brothers in Peshawar Pakistan  Umar Farooq Jam (@UmarRasheedJam) June 3, 2017

Faith In Humanity Restored! Sikhs In Pakistan Are Serving Rooh Afza In Iftar For https://t.co/daZPdhc6a5 pic.twitter.com/mJj4rAJTta  WAKEUPTECH (@OSINFONE) June 4, 2017

Sikhs are distributing milk amongst people who r fasting in Peshawar. This is #Pakistan where people from all the religions live in peace. pic.twitter.com/EZFnUFD5eB  Ubaid Ali (@ChUbaidAli) June 1, 2017

Love and humanity exist, if we let people be and not pollute religion with hatred.
Theres no secret that our country has a lot of problems when it comes to the safety of women. There have been repeated cases of sexual crimes and they continue to occur even though the government is trying to address the issue.

Smartfuture

However, a Singapore startup "Smartfuture" has developed a necklace that may help women feel safer. Smart futures Ivy necklace can be linked to a smartphone and can summon help the moment a victim taps on the necklace. The necklace is capable of sending an emergency signal to guardians/friends and can also make a phone call when youre in a sticky situation. After tapping the necklace, audio is also recorded so that it can be used in the future as evidence.

Smartfuture

The company is currently working with NGOs and with police in cities like New Delhi and Mumbai. Recently, the government requires all smartphone manufacturers sold in India to have a panic button function installed.

The necklace will be available in different colours that have been designed while keeping Indian tastes in mind. The necklace can also double up as a bracelet and has a battery life of six months. Users can replace the battery when the juice runs out.

You can find out more about the smart jewellery here.
President Donald Trumps decision to withdraw the U.S. from the Paris climate agreement has unleashed a predictable firestorm of criticism. But it was the right move.

The Paris agreement, which committed the U.S. to drastically reducing greenhouse gas emissions, was a truly bad deal  bad for American taxpayers, American energy companies, and every American who depends on affordable, reliable energy. Here are four reasons Trump was right to withdraw.

Paris is costly and ineffective

The Paris Agreement is highly costly and would do close to nothing to address climate change. If carried out, the energy regulations agreed to in Paris by the Obama administration would destroy hundreds of thousands of jobs, harm American manufacturing, and destroy $2.5 trillion in gross domestic product by the year 2035.

Even if every country met its commitments  a big if, considering China has already underreported its carbon dioxide emissions and there are no repercussions for failing to meet the pledges  the changes in the earths temperature would be almost undetectable.

Paris wasted taxpayer money

In negotiations leading up to the Paris conference, participants created the Green Climate Fund, designed to collect $100 billion per year by 2020. The goal of this fund is to subsidize green energy and pay for other climate adaptation and mitigation programs in poorer nations. It was also created to get buy-in (literally) from poorer nations for the final Paris Agreement.

The Obama administration ended up shipping $1 billion in taxpayer dollars to this fund without authorization from Congress.

Some of the nations that will receive these government-funded climate programs have in the past been among the most corrupt, meaning corrupt governments will collect the funds, not those who actually need it. No amount of transparency negotiated in the Paris Agreement is going to change this.

Withdrawal is a demonstration of leadership

The media is making a big to-do about the fact that the only countries not participating in Paris besides the U.S. are Syria and Nicaragua. That doesnt change the fact that its still a bad deal. Misery loves company, including North Korea and Iran, who are signatories of the deal.

Some have argued that it is an embarrassment for the U.S. to cede leadership on global warming to countries like China. But to draw a moral equivalency between the U.S. and China on this issue is absurd.

China has serious air-quality issues (not from carbon dioxide), and Beijing has repeatedly falsified its coal-consumption and air-monitoring data, even as it participated in the Paris Agreement. There is no environmental comparison between the U.S. and China.

Other countries have a multitude of security, economic and diplomatic reasons to work with America to address issues of mutual concern. Withdrawal from Paris will not change that.

Certainly, withdrawing from the Paris Agreement will be met with consternation from foreign leaders, as was the case when the U.S. withdrew from the Kyoto Protocol. However, it could very well help future negotiations if other governments know that the U.S. is willing and able to resist diplomatic pressure in order to protect American interests.

Withdrawal is good for American energy competitiveness

Some proponents of Paris are saying that withdrawing presents a missed opportunity for energy companies. Others are saying that it doesnt matter what Trump does because the momentum of green energy is too strong. Neither argument is a compelling case for remaining in Paris.

Whether conventional or focused on renewables, the best way for American energy companies to be competitive is to be innovative in the marketplace, not build their business model around international agreements.

There is nothing about leaving Paris that prevents Americans from continuing to invest in new energy technologies. The market for energy is $6 trillion and projected to grow by a third by 2040. Roughly 1.3 billion people do not yet have access to electricity, let alone reliable, affordable energy. Thats a big market incentive for the private sector to pursue the next energy technology without the aid of taxpayer money.

Paris was the open door for future U.S. administrations to regulate and spend hundreds of millions of dollars on international climate programs, just as the Obama administration did without any input from Congress.

Now, fortunately, that door has been shut.
The Marine Corps is in the process of installing fiberglass cubicles strong enough to stop five shots from a military-issued rifle at recruiting centers around the country, but Marine Corps Recruiting Command may be in the market for even more ballistic protection.

According to a sources-sought solicitation distributed in May, the command is examining the possibility of topping the new fiberglass cubicles with bullet-resistant glass panels, 12 inches high and 18 inches wide. The front panels would have a protection rating of UL 5, making them strong enough to stop a bullet from a hunting rifle, while the side panels would be rated UL 3, capable of stopping handgun fire. The cubicles being installed are UL 8, the highest ballistic protection rating available.

The new safety measures come in the wake of a pair of 2015 terrorism-related mass shootings in Chattanooga, Tenn., that claimed the lives of four Marines and one sailor. On July 16, 2015, gunman Muhammad Youssef Abdulazeez first opened fire on a Marine Corps recruiting center, where one recruiter, Sgt. Demonte Cheeley, was shot in the leg. Abdulazeez then traveled to a Navy Reserve center, where he killed four Marines and fatally wounded a sailor.

Killed in the shootings were Sgt. Carson Holmquist, Navy Logistics Specialist Second Class Randall Smith, Gunnery Sgt. Thomas Sullivan, Lance Cpl. Skip Wells, and Staff Sgt. David Wyatt. All, including Cheeley, would be honored with Purple Hearts after the FBI determined Abdulazeez was inspired by foreign terrorist organizations.

Last month, Sullivan and Wyatt posthumously received the Navy and Marine Corps Medal, the highest naval award for non-combat heroism, for bravely acting to protect other troops during the shooting rampage.

Following the violence, Marine leaders decided against arming recruiters, opting instead for a range of safety measures, including bulletproof glass inside and outside recruiting facilities and new safety training and protocols.

The Marine Corps spent about $2 million on bulletproof cubicles at 1,500 recruiting centers around the country and began installing them in November. It's not completely clear what concerns prompted the interest in additional bulletproof panels.

"We are currently researching ways we can further increase safety for our personnel, and one of the improvements in the initial development phase is an addition to the bullet resistant panels currently being installed," a command spokesman, Gunnery Sgt. Justin Kronenberg, told Military.com. "The Marine Corps Recruiting Command has an ongoing obligation to ensure our Marines and their guests are afforded the best protection we can provide, given the challenging and varied landscape of recruiting office spaces."

Kronenberg declined to say if any Marine recruiting offices had experienced threats or violent incidents since the Chattanooga shootings.

"We take the safety of our personnel and visitors to our recruiting offices very seriously, which is why we are constantly evaluating our force protection posture and seeking innovative ways to improve the security in our spaces," he said.

According to solicitation documents, the Marine Corps would need glass panels for more than 2,000 workstations, preferably with easy installation or the ability to retrofit onto existing structures. Recruiting command officials asked companies interested in the work to submit information and cost estimates by June 1.

Installation of the bulletproof cubicle walls will be complete by the end of 2019.

-- Hope Hodge Seck can be reached at hope.seck@military.com. Follow her on Twitter at@HopeSeck.
Camp Lejeune Town Halls Aim to Help Those Exposed to Toxic Water. Heres How You Can Go.

Retired Marine Master Sgt. Jerry Ensminger made it his mission to tell the world that if they lived or served on Camp Lejeune...
The former commander of Marine Corps Recruit Depot Parris Island's 3rd Recruit Training Battalion will face charges under the Uniform Code of Military Justice, Marine Corps officials said Saturday night.

Lt. Col. Joshua Kissoon, who was relieved March 31, 2016, will appear at an Article 32 investigative hearing at Marine Corps Base Quantico Monday on charges of failure to obey a lawful general order, false official statement, and conduct unbecoming a general officer. The hearing will determine whether Kissoon's case will proceed to a trial.

Kissoon's firing came just days after the March 18 death of 20-year-old Marine Corps recruit Raheel Siddiqui, whose apparent suicide early in his boot camp training prompted internal probes and congressional inquiries. But officials with Marine Corps Training and Education Command have said the officer's relief was planned before Siddiqui's death and unrelated to the tragedy.

At the time of Kissoon's firing, a Parris Island official told Military.com that the decision to relieve him was made March 17.

Related content:

Prior to Siddiqui's death, however, there was already another major hazing investigation underway within 3rd Recruit Training Battalion focused on troubling allegations of recruit mistreatment. Most notably, that investigation would substantiate that a senior drill instructor threw a Muslim recruit in an industrial dryer and turned it on in a mock interrogation.

Ultimately, the Marine Corps would make three investigations public all related to events of hazing within 3rd Recruit Training Battalion. Six drill instructors have now been charged in connection with these investigations, and another nine drill instructors and five officers, including Kissoon, were sidelined or relieved in the wake of the scandal.

Kissoon is the first officer to be charged amid Parris Island upheaval.

A spokesman for TECOM, Capt. Joshua Pena, said his hearing is scheduled to continue into Tuesday.

-- Hope Hodge Seck can be reached at hope.seck@military.com. Follow her on Twitter at @HopeSeck.
Sen. Debbie Stabenow discusses her American Jobs Agenda at Flint's Rogers Foam Automotive Corporation.

Sen. Debbie Stabenow, of Michigan, answers questions from members of the media after speaking at a press conference about her American Jobs Agenda at Rogers Foam Automotive Corporation on Tuesday, April 11, 2017, in Flint. Stabenow aims to revitalize Michigan's job force with her proposed Make It In America Act and Bring Jobs Home Act, and by promoting stronger trade enforcement with other nations. Rogers Foam plant manager Tim Nyman also spoke at the event. (Mac Snyder | MLive.com)

(Mac Snyder)

As at least one Republican begins laying groundwork for a challenge against U.S. Sen. Debbie Stabenow in the 2018 election, the incumbent says she's not planning to actively campaign for the time being.

"Right now I'm just doing my job," Stabenow said during an interview with MLive at the Mackinac Policy Conference last week. "I have always believed, as someone who's lived in Michigan my whole life, that the best thing I can do is go to work every day and fight for Michigan."

Stabenow, who was first elected to the U.S. Senate in 2000 after defeating Republican Spencer Abraham and easily won two subsequent reelection efforts, is seeking reelection to her seat in November 2018.

Recent campaign finance data from the Federal Election Commission shows Stabenow has $4.3 million of cash on hand in her campaign fund $1.3 million of which was raised in 2017.

Speculation has swirled around who might seek to challenge Stabenow in 2018 on the Republican ticket. The first to publicly make a decision was Lena Epstein, a former Trump campaign co-chair in Michigan who used the Mackinac Policy Conference to up her profile and begin fundraising efforts.

Epstein, a 35-year-old Bloomfield Hills resident and co-owner of Vesco Oil Co., released a three-part economic policy plan at the conference - implementing a one-time 5 percent tax on U.S. companies operating overseas, setting the corporate income tax at 15 percent for all businesses and cutting personal income taxes by at least 10 percent for all income brackets.

Epstein said she decided to run because the 2016 election made it clear that Americans "no longer want politics as usual." She said her campaign has kicked off a nationwide fundraising effort, and she's also working to make introductions and inroads throughout the state.

"Today, I am the Republican Party's sole candidate for U.S. Senate," she saidin a Thursday interview. "We've been strong in our efforts out of the box, and we have an exciting 17 months ahead of us."

Other Republicans are reportedly still considering or being courted to run in the race. Crain's reports a group of Republicans are working to recruit Detroit businessman John James for the race, and others, including former state Supreme Court Justice Bob Young, have shown interest.

An early name thrown into the mix was U.S. Rep. Fred Upton, R-St. Joseph, who has said he's flattered about the speculation but doesn't have a timetable for making a decision on 2018.

Stabenow said she'll focus more on the campaign next year, once she has a formal opponent and the election date gets closer. Until then, she said she's keeping herself busy with work on the next farm bill, fighting for funding for the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative in the federal budget and working on health care policy in the Senate.

Following the results of the 2016 election, Stabenow said people are getting engaged "in a way that I haven't seen in a long, long time" and expressed confidence that political activism would continue into the 2018 cycle.

"I think we will see a very different group of people showing up in 2018, and people who are much more activated," she said. "Now they're realizing they have to be involved."
VAN BUREN TOWNSHIP, MI - Police have identified a man found shot to death in a Tim Hortons parking lot early Sunday, June 4.

Edward Kuehn, 38, of Van Buren Township was found dead in a vehicle at the Tim Hortons, 2141 Rawsonville Road, in Van Buren Township, Van Buren Township Deputy Police Chief Jason Wright said.

Police believe a domestic situation involving another man and a woman preceded a shooting between about 5:30 and 6 a.m. Sunday, Wright said. Kuehn, who police say just gone through the drive-thru and parked, was shot multiple times.

Police were initially called about 7:30 a.m. Sunday for a suspicious incident in the 45000 block of Bemis Road, near Sumpter Road, Wright said. The caller told police there may have been a homicide at the Tim Hortons and the suspect may have fled into the woods off of Bemis.

Police responded to both the Tim Hortons and the Bemis locations, Wright said. They found Kuehn dead in a vehicle at the Tim Hortons and were then able to get the man named by the caller as the possible suspect on the phone and coax him out of the woods near Bemis.

The 45-year-old Van Buren Township resident was then taken into custody, Wright said.

The woman's exact involvement in the matter was not immediately clear, but Wright said the three knew each other.

The motive for the shooting remains under investigation.

Further information on the incident was not immediately available.
GRAND RAPIDS, MI -- If you've experienced the excitement of building and using a tin-can telephone, you might have an inkling of the connections sculptors Nina Caruso and Christopher Schneider hope to forge with their 2017 ArtPrize entry, titled "Anonymous."

The pair were awarded the fourth of six $5,000 grants offered a "pitch night" event Thursday, June 1, at Detroit's Museum of Contemporary Art.

Their entry is part sculpture and part social experiment. It borrows from a 19th-century communications technology once commonly found on ships, known as a "speaking tube" or "voicepipe."

"We wanted to find a way to communicate with people so that you could be somewhat anonymous but also present, the person you're talking to is there," Schneider said. "Ultimately we're looking at what ArtPrize does successfully -- making it accessible to the public, inviting everyone to come in and participate -- and building on that."

The artists will start with four lengths of metal pipe, which will be jumbled and twisted into a freestanding, three-dimensional sculpture about 20 feet long and 10 feet high. At each pipe end will be a funnel-like piece, inviting ArtPrize patrons to either speak or listen.

"When you talk into one end, you won't know who's on the other end hearing what you're saying. It could be the person right next to you, it could be the person across the way," Schneider said. "We see this as a social experiment -- to see what people will say in such a context, where you have some anonymity. Maybe something enlightening, uplifting, funny, challenging, silly or heartfelt."

In addition to the $5,000 grant, the artists also earned a prominent spot to display their sculpture during ArtPrize Nine, in Vandenberg Center and Calder Plaza. The annual art competition will return to downtown Grand Rapids from Sept. 20 through Oct. 8.

The pair of artists and teachers drew inspiration for "Anonymous" during their experience at ArtPrize Eight in 2016, specifically at the "Hybrid Structures" installation as a part of SiTE:LAB's Rumsey Street Project.

While exploring the installation, which featured a series of ramps traversing and connecting buildings on the site, Caruso and Schneider started playing with the railings -- experimenting with speaking through them. Struck by how well sound traveled through the metal pipes, they later decided to build on the phenomenon with a sculpture that invites the community to engage with it directly.

Caruso and Schneider's entry was selected from among five invited to present at Thursday's pitch night event in Detroit.

Cezanne Charles, director of creative industries at Creative Many Michigan, was one of five panelists who selected the winning entry. Charles said one of the proposal's best features was its interactivity and how it could foster communication between ArtPrize visitors.

"This piece really was simple, playful, interactive and filled the space with a challenging art that fostered communication," Charles said.

Thursday's "pitch night" was the fourth of six planned "pitch night" events planned by the organizers and sponsors of ArtPrize.

Artists Kurt Ghode and Kremena Todorova won the first pitch night event held Monday, May 15, at the 21c Museum Hotel in Louisville. Their entry, titled "Unlearn Fear and Hate," earned a grant and a premium spot in downtown's Lyon Square.

Chris Vitiello's entry, titled "The Language is Asleep," won the second pitch night event held May 17 in Durham, North Carolina. For his ArtPrize entry, Vitiello plans to dress as a fox, work from atop a "nest" of dictionaries and cover the walls, ceiling and floor of a large art gallery with thousands of one-line poems written on torn-out dictionary pages.

The third winner, selected from among five entries pitched in Bentonville, Arkansas, on May 22, was "Red Dirt Rug." Artist Rena Detrixhe plans to use 240 gallons of red soil and shoe soles to create an epic rug inside Western Michigan University's downtown Grand Rapids campus.

ArtPrize's pitch night events were first launched in 2013 as a means to discover and support ambitious and exciting projects and reduce barriers to bringing them to Grand Rapids for the annual public art competition. The program has expanded since it's inception, now including events in six cities.

Two more pitch night events remain , one at the Contemporary Arts Center in New Orleans on June 5 and the final event at the Indianapolis Museum of Art on June 8.

At each pitch night event, the winning artist will be awarded a $5,000 grant and a spot in a prominent ArtPrize venue during this year's event.

ArtPrize Nine will take place across the downtown area in Grand Rapids from Sept. 20 through Oct. 8. Artist registration for the competition is now open through June 8.
GRAND RAPIDS, MI - State police remind motorists of the importance of seat belts in this week's Ask a Trooper.

Ask a Trooper

Have a traffic question? Email Lt. Rob Davis and the troopers at the Lakeview and Rockford posts at MSP-AskTpr@michigan.gov

Here's Lt. Davis: Hello again. My hope was to get this out before the Memorial Day Holiday, but it's still timely for summer travel. The Michigan Office of Highway Safety Planning launched their "Get Your Click On" challenge last week in an effort to increase seat belt use and save lives.

Lt. Rob Davis

In an effort to support their cause I dug out a past column written by Lt. Greg Poulson of the Rockford Post which I thought was especially informative. Lt. Poulson has nearly 30 years' of experience and speaks honestly as to the impact that wearing seat belts can have.

Lt. Greg Poulson: Despite the best efforts of law enforcement and others to educate people about the importance and benefits of wearing a seat belt, many still do not. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration 87% of people wear their seat belts, leaving 13% of people unrestrained. While this number is a large increase from the meager 60% of people who wore seat belts in 1995, the number still is not where it should be, at 100%.

According to the Center for Disease Control wearing a seat belt is the most effective way to save lives and reduce injuries in car crashes. Considering car crashes are the leading cause of death among those between the ages of 5 and 34, you could say wearing a seat belt is the most effective way to save lives, period. And remember, requiring that everyone who rides in your car wear a seat belt, may save the life of your child, friend or other loved ones.

Some people still believe that seat belts either don't help or make things worse.

The evidence shows otherwise. More than 50% of people who died in car accidents were unrestrained. That may not seem to prove anything, but when you consider that 87% of people wear their seatbelt, that statistic becomes startling. It has been proven that wearing a seat belt reduces the rate of serious injuries and deaths in car crashes by 50%.

One of the main reasons seatbelts are so helpful is that they prevent people from being ejected from the car during a crash. People not wearing a seatbelt are 30 times more likely to be ejected from their vehicle and 75% of people who are ejected from their vehicle die from their injuries. It is estimated that nearly 5,000 deaths per year could be prevented if everyone wore their seat belt. But, people continue to make excuses as to why they don't want to wear their seat belt. Below are a few of the most common reasons people say they don't wear their seatbelt and reasons they should start.

"I'm not driving very far." While the fact that you are not driving very far may seem like a perfectly good reason for not wearing a seatbelt, it's not. Three out of four crashes (75%) occur within 25 miles of home. So while you may not be driving very far, there is still a chance you may be involved in an accident and your seatbelt may be the only thing keeping you from being thrown through your windshield and into the tree you just hit.

"It hurts me." It may very well be uncomfortable to you, many things that are good for you are not fun. Not many people like to exercise or eat healthy, but they are for your own good. It also becomes habit overtime and then you stop realizing the discomfort or inconvenience. Again, a little discomfort is a much better than suffering a severe injury or worse.

"I'm riding in the back seat." You can be thrown from a vehicle even if you are riding in the back seat. Not only that, but you also pose a larger risk to the people in the front seat if you are unrestrained. If you are involved in a crash there is nothing to keep you from flying into the person in front of you, possibly causing them injuries. So, if possibly saving your own life isn't enough motivation to buckle up, think about the person sitting in front of you that you may hurt by not wearing your seat belt.

As you can see, there is little argument that seat belt usage plays an important role in our lives. The Michigan State Police steadfastly support the seatbelt and child restraint laws in this state and will take primary enforcement action at all observed violations of this law.

Michigan has a primary seat belt law, which means law enforcement can stop and ticket motorists solely for not being buckled up.

The law requires:

* Passengers 8-15 to buckle up in all seating positions

* Drivers and front seat passengers to be buckled up

To provide optimal protection for any rider, and to be in compliance with Michigan law, the lap portion of a lap/shoulder belt must be worn low and snug across the hips and the shoulder portion must be snug across the chest, away from the neck and face. The shoulder portion should NEVER be worn behind the back or under the arm. In older vehicles with separate lap and shoulder restraints, both systems must be used. Improperly wearing a seat belt carries the same penalty as failing to wear a seat belt, and can cause more injury in some crashes than if the belt was not used. Consult your vehicle's owner's manual to determine proper use.

Michigan's child passenger safety law requires:

* Children younger than age 4 to ride in a car seat in the rear seat if the vehicle has a rear seat. If all available rear seats are occupied by children under 4, then a child under 4 may ride in a car seat in the front seat. A child in a rear-facing car seat may only ride in the front seat if the airbag is turned off.

*Children to be properly buckled in a car seat or booster seat until they are 8 years old or 4-feet-9-inches tall. Children must ride in a seat until they reach the age requirement or the height requirement, whichever comes first.

As you can see, wearing a seat belt can be beneficial to both you and others around you. Statistics show that wearing a seat belt makes driving much safer. If your own safety isn't enough to sway you to wear your seat belt, think about the loved ones who would be devastated to lose you. If even that isn't enough think about the fact that police officers can pull you over and give you a ticket just for not wearing your seat belt.

In my 27 years serving in the Michigan State Police I have investigated many accidents and tragic situations. I have also had to deliver death messages to numerous families in the course of my duties.

There is no responsibility more heart wrenching to a police officer than to have to deliver the message of a loved one's tragic death to their family. This is magnified even greater when it involves a traffic crash in which the victim was not restrained properly. Seatbelt usage will save your life. For your sake, your families, friends and the motoring public, please buckle up every time.
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JW Marriott employee Nicole VanLaar received the award for the Top Stepping Company in the 2017 West Michigan Walking Challenge.

(Courtesy | Terryberry)

GRAND RAPIDS, MI -- More than 2,600 workers stepped up their game, topping more than a billion steps in the West Michigan Walking Challenge 2017,

The 6-week business-to-business competition was designed to encourage employee wellness throughout the region.

A total of 2,635 participants walked an average of 66,726 steps per week, over the April 17- May 28 challenge period, with 1,054,931,218 total steps walked - or about 499,494 miles.

Collectively, that's a distance further than a trip to the moon and back.

The friendly competition was organized by Terryberry, a Grand Rapids firm that has been in the business of employee recognition for 99 years.

"We have been absolutely blown away by the level of engagement and personal success stories we have received over these past six weeks," said Terryberry Managing Partner Mike Byam, in a statement announcing the inaugural program's results.

A total of 52 West Michigan businesses and organizations participated, ranging from breweries to banks, construction companies to credit unions, and insurance agencies to aviation suppliers.

JW Marriott received the award for "Top Company Stepper." The downtown hotel averaged 99,556 steps per employee a week.

Keyser Insurance received the award for "Most Improved Company" after employees clocked 16,000 more steps per week at the end of the challenge compared to the beginning.

Flow-Rite Controls collected the award for the "Company with the Most Creative Social Media Posts."

This is the Flow-Rite Team's second week participating in the 2017 West Michigan Walking Challenge! Our associates have... Posted by Flow-Rite Controls on Monday, April 24, 2017

The program wrapped up Friday, June 2, with an awards ceremony.

Byam said companies got their steps in a variety of way including employees walking outside during their lunch hours, marching at their desks and doing strolling meetings.

"This was an incredible home run for our community and you can rest assured that the West Michigan Walking Challenge will return next year," he said.

In recent years, Terryberry has helped a growing number of companies start to recognize employees who commit to a healthy lifestyle.

The Grand Rapids company, at 2033 Oak Industrial Dr. NE, has seen firsthand the benefit of a healthier workforce and last year was named one of "Michigan's Best and Brightest in Wellness."
PORTAGE, MI - The husband of a missing teacher says he has been "victimized" after police called him a person of interest in her disappearance, FOX 17 reported.

Christopher Lockhart denied being uncooperative, as Portage police allege, and said that his wife, Theresa Lockhart, suffered from anxiety and had left home before, FOX 17 said.

"I feel like I'm being victimized," he reportedly told the station.

Police say they are investigating the disappearance as a possible homicide and named the husband as a person of interest.

Theresa Lockhart, 44, a Spanish teacher at Schoolcraft High School, was last seen on May 18. She has not contacted family or friends or used any credit cards since then.

"The key elements of it, the complete void of 'proof of life' for the duration of the time, the lack of communication input, and the lack of cooperation by the spouse, has refocused us," Senior Deputy Chief John Blue, of the Portage Department of Public Safety, told MLive.

"At this point, we are moving the course of the investigation toward a homicide investigation."

Theresa Lockhart left her home around 10 p.m. May 18. Police found her car at a park-and-ride lot off West Centre Avenue and U.S. 131.

Police said the husband has shown little interest in helping investigators. Her disappearance was reported May 20 by the school district, police said.

Kalamazoo District Court records showed that Christopher Lockhart was arrested for domestic violence on Nov. 4.

In a delayed-sentencing agreement, he pleaded guilty to a reduced charge of assault and battery, completed 10 hours of community service and ultimately had the conviction dismissed.

Christopher Lockhart did not immediately return messages left by MLive seeking comment.

Police asked anyone with information to call police at 269-329-4567 or anonymously via the Silent Observer at 269-343-2100.
CASS COUNTY, MI -- Two young Illinois men crashed water scooters on a Cass County lake, injuring one this weekend.

At 3:30 p.m. on Saturday, June 3, deputies from the Cass County Sheriff's Office Marine Division investigated an accident on Shavehead Lake in Porter Township. According to a release from Sheriff Richard Behnke, 25-year-old Kyle Hughes lost control of his personal watercraft and struck another personal watercraft driven by 24-year-old Ryan J. Zawadzki.

Hughes, a resident of Mokena, Illinois, suffered injuries from the accident and was transported to Eklhart General Hospital by personal vehicle.

Zawadzki, a Frankfort, Illlinois resident, was not injured in the accident.

Police said alcohol is not believed to be a factor in the accident. The marine division was assisted at the scene by the Cass County road patrol division.

The Cass County Sheriff's Office reminds all personal watercraft operators born after December 31, 1978 that they must possess a Boater Safety Certificate in order to operate a personal watercraft in the State of Michigan.
Fatal Crash

Wyoming police are investigating a crash that killed a motorcyclist and critically injured the driver of a passenger vehicle.

(MLive file photo)

Updated June 4: Wyoming police misidentified the man in a previous version of this story. Justin Bush was killed in the crash.

WYOMING, MI -- A motorcyclist and the driver of a vehicle involved in a fatal crash on Saturday morning have been identified by law enforcement officials.

Justin Bush, 28, was pronounced dead at the scene of the June 3 crash that occurred on 28th Street east of Burlingame Avenue SW, according to police.

Bush and another motorcyclist were traveling west bound on 28th Street at a "high rate of speed," according to Wyoming police.

A vehicle, driven by 67-year-old Ricardo Trevino of Wyoming, pulled out of a private drive in the 1700 block of 28th Street, south bound to east bound, and was struck by one of the motorcycles in the driver's door, police said.

As of 6 p.m. on June 3, Trevino was reported to be in critical condition. He was transported from the scene to a local hospital, according to police.

Wyoming police responded to the crash at about 7:40 a.m.

The second motorcycle driver stopped briefly at the scene, according to law enforcement officers, and then left without identifying. The driver has since contacted Wyoming police and given a statement.

Officers are still investigating the incident. Anyone with information in regards to the crash can contact Wyoming police at 616-530-7300 or Silent Observer at 616-774-2345.
GAINES TOWNSHIP, MI -- The newly opened Switch Pyramid has topped the list of Top 10 Beautiful Data Centers in DCD magazine's first annual ranking.

"Data centers have a job to do, but there's no reason they shouldn't look good as well. Tell us your favorite data center so our Awards can recognize the world's best facilities!" says George Rockett, DCD CEO and co-founder, in the story explaining the ranking.

DCD, short for data center dynamics, is a trade publication that serves the data center industry.

The publication acknowledges that beauty is subjective, and the data centers might be eyesores to some but the list aims to show the most aesthetically pleasing.

The Switch Pyramid garnered points for a clever repurposing of an iconic West Michigan building.

The massive data center occupies the lower two floors of the seven-story steel-and-glass structure originally created by Grand Rapids office furniture giant Steelcase as a design center.

The red, black and grey futuristic exterior and interior style is tied to the Nevada tech company's patented power and cooling systems.

The Gaines Township campus will eventually have a 1.8 million square foot data center space, and 435,000 square feet of disaster recovery office space.

Google's data center in Oklahoma was the only other U.S. location on the list, coming in fourth. That facility was highlighted for a mural project that incorporates man-made features in Google Maps' satellite images.

The rest of the data centers on the list are in locales around the world, from the Netherlands to South Korea.
MUSKEGON COUNTY, MI - A Muskegon area man has been charged with operating a meth lab in his home.

Matthew Goulette, 35, is accused of producing methamphetamines at his home at 2038 N. Sheridan Road, according to court records.

Goulette is charged as a third-time habitual offender, and an earlier controlled substance conviction doubles the potential sentence he could receive to 20 years, according to Muskegon County Chief Assistant Prosecutor Timothy Maat.

He also has convictions in 2003 for being in possession of burglary tools and resisting and opposing a police officer.

The methamphetamine case was investigated by the West Michigan Enforcement Team, Maat said.

Goulette is being held in the Muskegon County Jail on a $100,000 cash or surety bond following his May 31 arraignment. His preliminary examination is set for 1:30 p.m. June 15 before Muskegon County District Judge Geoffrey Nolan.
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The Muskegon Police Department is holding its regular coffee with the cops event on the east side April 20

(MLive file photo)

MUSKEGON, MI - The Muskegon Police Department is taking its casual outreach effort to the Lakeside, Nims and Campbell neighbhoods.

The Conversation and Coffee with Your Cops event will be 5-6:30 p.m. June 8 at the Lakeside Cafe, 1384 W. Laketon Ave.

The ongoing conversations take police officers throughout the city to meet up with citizens in a friendly, casual atmosphere.

Police officers welcome questions and concerns as well as an opportunity to discuss issues and share fellowship.

The department will be visiting other neighborhoods in coming months.
UPDATE: 6 dead, more than 20 injured in London Bridge attack



LONDON -- British police are responding to at least three different incidents in London Saturday evening the involved a car running into pedestrians and a stabbing at a restaurant.

According to London's Metropolitan Police Service Twitter account, the first incident took place on London Bridge.

We are dealing with an incident on #LondonBridge, when we have more information we will update this twitter feed.  Metropolitan Police (@metpoliceuk) June 3, 2017

The Associated Press reports that witnesses say a car veered into pedestrians on the bridge and injured people were on the ground. The incident took place around 10:10 p.m. local time.

The AP is also reporting that multiple casualties have been confirmed by the British Transport Police from the London Bridge incident.

The Metropolitan Police Service said they will update their Twitter feed with more information as it becomes available. London Bridge has been closed in both directions.

Police have also responded to an incident at Borough Market.

As well as #LondonBridge officers have also responsed to an incident in #BoroughMarket. We have armed police at the scenes.  Metropolitan Police (@metpoliceuk) June 3, 2017

The Borough Market is just a short distance away from London Bridge. Witnesses reported that some people had stab wounds from the Borough Market incident. Police confirmed shots were fired at the Borough Market incident.

Police have also responded to the Vauxhall area as well.

Officers are now responding to an incident in the #Vauxhall area. 3/3  Metropolitan Police (@metpoliceuk) June 3, 2017

This latest incident happened just 12 days after a bombing outside of an Ariana Grande concert in Manchester that left 22 people dead and dozens more injured.
NCAA football: Michigan State vs. Wisconsin - September 24, 2016

Michigan State takes the field before their Big Ten football game against Wisconsin at Spartan Stadium in East Lansing, on Saturday, September 24, 2016.

(Mike Mulholland | MLive.com)

EAST LANSING -- Just a few weeks before the Michigan State recruiting class of 2017 is set to enroll, it's added another member.

Shakur Brown, a three-star athlete from Georgia, announced his commitment to Michigan State on Saturday night on Twitter.

The commitment comes more than four months after signing day, when the vast majority of recruits finalize their commitments, and just over a month before the 2017 class is scheduled to report to campus.

Shakur (6-foot, 180 pounds) is ranked the No. 117 player in Georgia by the 247sports composite. He was named to the Atlanta Journal Constitution's Class 5A All-State team as a defensive back.

Brown announced a public commitment to West Virginia on January 26 on his Twitter page. But he never signed with the Mountaineers, and his recruiting remained open until his commitment to Michigan State.

He also had a host of other reported offers, including Tennessee, Ole Miss, Minnesota and others.

Michigan State has had two scholarships come available in the past several weeks, when defensive backs Kaleel Gaines and Kenney Lyke both left the program.

Brown the second scholarship recruit to join the class since signing day on Feb. 1. Michigan State also added Iowa kicker Cole Hahn in late April.
Photo by Mike Mulholland, MLive

Catcher's club

On Tuesday night in Kansas City, John Hicks joined a fraternity of catchers who can say they caught Justin Verlander.

But if Verlander invites them all to Cooperstown, it will be a crowded ride. Hicks is the 16th catcher to work behind the plate for Verlander in his career. Only four have caught more than 15 games.

Hicks' debut went well, with any pressure eased by the fact that he and Verlander are both natives of Goochland, Va., and have known each other for years.

"I think we worked well together," Verlander said. "Honestly, it was a lot of fun to throw to him. That was pretty cool for Goochland High School."

Can you name the other 15 catchers? Some are easy. Others you've probably forgotten about. They're listed below in order of games caught.

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Photo by Mike Mulholland | MLive

Alex Avila

Totals: 118 games caught, 814 innings, 3.15 ERA, .622 OPS against

Debut with Verlander: May 2, 2010, at Comerica Park. Verlander pitched a gem and Avila added two hits.

Where is he now?: He's back with the Tigers after one year in Chicago and he's raking at the plate.

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Photo by Mike Mulholland | MLive

Ivan Rodriguez

Totals: 62 games caught, 381 innings, 3.90 ERA, .691 OPS against

Debut with Verlander: April 13, 2006, at Comerica Park. Verlander gave up seven runs on seven hits and didn't make it out of the third inning.

Where is he now?: On his way to Cooperstown. Rodriguez will be enshrined July 30 in the Hall of Fame.

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Gerald Laird

Totals: 58 games caught, 380 innings, 3.53 ERA, .675 OPS against

Debut with Verlander: April 6, 2009 at Rogers Centre in Toronto. Verlander gave up eight runs on eight hits in 3 2/3 innings, losing to Roy Halladay and the Blue Jays.

Where is he now?: Laird will manage the Class A (short season) Connecticut Tigers this summer.

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Photo by Mike Mulholland | MLive

James McCann

Totals: 50 games caught, 328 innings, 3.10 ERA, .628 OPS against

Debut with Verlander: Sept. 19, 2014, at Kauffman Stadium. Verlander allowed one run on seven hits in 7 1/3 innings, getting a key win over the Royals in the pennant race.

Where is he now?: McCann has been the Tigers' regular catcher since 2015.

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Brandon Inge

Totals: 14 games caught, 76 innings, 5.57 ERA, .783 OPS against

Debut with Verlander: April 17, 2008, at Progressive Field against the Indians. Verlander walked four and gave up five runs in five innings in an 11-1 loss to the Indians.

Where is he now?: He played his final season in 2013 with the Pirates. He lives on a farm in Virginia, where he's helping out with his son's baseball teams.

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Photo by Mike Mulholland | MLive

Bryan Holaday

Totals: 13 games caught, 89 innings, 4.62 ERA, .746 OPS against

Debut with Verlander: June, 23, 2013, at Comerica Park. Verlander allowed four runs in five innings, but the Tigers rallied to beat the Red Sox.

Where is he now?: He's back in the Tigers system yet again, playing for the Triple-A Toledo Mud Hens.

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Brayan Pena

Totals: 13 games, 85 innings, 3.48 ERA, .704 OPS against

Debut with Verlander: April 7, 2013, at Comerica Park. Verlander pitched seven strong innings but the Tigers couldn't muster any offense against C.C. Sabathia in a loss to the Yankees.

Where is he now?: He's in the Royals organization, but has missed most of the season with injury. The Triple-A Omaha Stormchasers just activated him from the disabled list last week.

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Vance Wilson

Totals: 11 games, 68 innings, 2.78 ERA, .680 OPS

Debut with Verlander: Wilson caught Verlander's first career start, the second game of a doubleheader on July 4, 2005, in Cleveland. Verlander struck out Travis Hafner to get his first career K and Victor Martinez doubled home the first run against Verlander in the first inning. Verlander made it to the sixth inning but took the loss.

Where is he now?: Wilson's last played in the big leagues was 2006, although he didn't retire until 2010. Wilson currently manages the Double-A Northwest Arkansas Naturals in the Kansas City Royals system.

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Mike Rabelo

Totals: 8 games caught, 45 innings, 4.34 ERA, .753 OPS against

Debut with Verlander: April 22, 2007, in a 6-5 victory over the Chicago White Sox.

Where is he now? He's manager of the Tigers' Class A affiliate, the West Michigan Whitecaps.

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Dane Sardinha

Totals: 8 games caught, 55 innings, 2.95 ERA, .592 OPS against

Debut with Verlander: July 31, 2008, at Progressive Field in Cleveland. Verlander struck out nine but allowed six runs in 5 2/3 innings.

Where is he now?: His last big-league season was in 2011, although he played independent ball in his native Hawaii in 2013. He runs a baseball academy with his brother Bronson in Kailua.

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Photo by Mike Mulholland | MLive

Jarrod Saltalamacchia

Totals: 6 games caught, 39 innings, 3.69 ERA, .693 OPS against

Debut with Verlander: April 16, 2016, at Minute Maid Park in Houston. Saltalamacchia doubled and hit a home run as Verlander picked up his first win of the season.

Where is he now?: Saltalamacchia made the Toronto Blue Jays' Opening Day roster but went just 1-for-25 at the plate. He now plays for their Triple-A affiliate in Buffalo.

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Bobby Wilson

Totals: 2 games, 13 innings, 3.38 ERA, .674 OPS against

Debut with Verlander: April 22, 2016, at Comerica Park against the Indians. Verlander struck out 10 but lost a 2-1 game.

Where is he now? Wilson was with the Tigers for only about five weeks. They acquired him from the Rangers, then traded back. He's since been in the Rays and Dodgers organizations. He's currently at Triple-A Oklahoma City.

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Dusty Ryan

Totals: 2 games caught, 11 innings, 6.16 ERA, .889 OPS against

Debut with Verlander: Sept. 14, 2008, in the first game of a doubleheader at Comerica Park against the Chicago White Sox. Verlander only struck out two and took the loss to drop to 10-16.

Where is he now? Wilson, drafted by the Tigers in 2003, was traded to the Padres after the 2009 season. He bounced around the minors in a few organizations through 2011 and had two brief stints with the Padres, but never got another MLB at-bat.

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Photo by Mike Mulholland | MLive

Victor Martinez

Totals: 1 game caught, 6 innings, 4.50 ERA, .879 OPS against

Only game with Verlander: Martinez actually played a fair amount of catcher in 2011, his first year with the Tigers. But he only caught Verlander once, on April 16, 2011, at Oakland. The A's won 6-2.

Where is he now? Still around! Just not catching anymore.

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Omir Santos

Totals: 1 game caught, 6 innings, 4.26 ERA, 1.153 OPS against

Only game with Verlander: June 3, 2012, at Comerica Park against the Yankees.

Where is he now? Santos is a bench coach for Double-A Akron in the Cleveland Indians system and also helps run a baseball academy in Florida during the winter.

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Photo by Orlin Wagner, Associated Press

John Hicks

Totals: 1 game, 7 innings, 1.29 ERA, .528 OPS against

Debut with Verlander: Tuesday in Kansas City. Verlander pitched well, but the Tigers lost 1-0.

Where is he now? On the Tigers, at least until Tuesday when James McCann comes off the disabled list.
Ravi Narain (R), chairman of the National Stock Exchange (NSE) speaks on his mobile phone at a function to launch the first WAP-enabled share transaction in India, in Bombay on December 14, 2000. Satish Naralkar, vice-president, information technology of the NSE is in the background. KK - RTR12G3K

For a man who played a key role in building the National Stock Exchange from scratch into a markets powerhouse and world-class bourse, 62-year-old Ravi Narains swansong was anything but memorable.

On June 2, Narain stepped down from his position as Vice-Chairman and Shareholder Director on the NSE board, ending a 24-year association with Indias number one stock exchange  half of that time as its boss -- with less than a whimper.

His exit draws the line under a remarkable stint that had two distinct parts, one a mirror image of the other. The climb to the peak saw Narain maneuver himself and his exchange into pole position and use his clout to render regulator SEBI all but irrelevant. All that was reversed in his slow drift to the trough: His protegee Chitra Ramakrishna edged him aside, and SEBI, perhaps emboldened by Narains late-career wobble, finally bared its teeth.

The official reason for Narains departure is that he does not want to be party to the discussions the NSE board will be having with SEBI over the investigation into a co-location server controversy that allegedly gave some brokers preferential access to NSEs trading system. Narain is among the 14 officials who have been sent show cause notices by SEBI in the matter.

Narain has also resigned from the board of the National Stock Clearing Corporation, an NSE subsidiary.ridge economist and Wharton MBA, Narain briefly worked as a policy consultant in the United States before returning to India in the 80s. He joined the Industrial Development Bank of India (IDBI), and learnt the ropes under RH Patil, then an Executive Director at the financial institution. A taskmaster and person of high integrity, Patil was soon impressed by the hard-working Narain. A mentor-protege relationship developed, one that would continue beyond IDBI.

In the late 80s, the government had set up a committee headed by ex-UTI chief MJ Pherwani for an overhaul of the stock markets19 of them at that pointin the country. Narain was one of the members in that committee, which recommended the setting up of a national stock exchange.

[caption id="attachment_1056754" align="alignnone" width="1280"] Buildings are reflected on the glass windows of the NSE (National Stock Exchange) building in Mumbai, India, December 27, 2016. Picture taken December 27, 2016. REUTERS/Shailesh Andrade - RTX2WSSZ[/caption]

That stint helped when the IDBI Chairman SS Nadkarni was putting together a team to set up the National Stock Exchange. Nadkarni chose Patil to head the team, and Patil in turn chose Narain as one of the senior members of his core team. Other members of the founding team included Chitra Ramakrishna, Ashish Chauhan, Raghavan Putran and K Kumar.

The Pherwani Committee had recommended that NSE focus on debentures and bonds, which were neglected by other stock exchanges. As for shares, it should limit itself to only mid-sized companies not listed on the major exchanges.

But the top deck of NSE decided that the exchange needed to be present in both stock and debt markets in a big way. And that meant taking on the might of the Bombay Stock Exchange, the undisputed leader among stock markets. It helped that NSE was allowed to expand across the country, while BSE was given permission to spread its reach outside Mumbai only a couple of years later.

"Patil was a master strategist while Narain had excellent execution skills; that made a powerful combination" said one of the earliest employees at NSE.

NSE planned to have screen-based trading as opposed to the open outcry system which was prevalent at that point. But it had to ensure that members across the country could seamlessly connect to its trading platform.

NSE solved this by offering a VSAT (satellite) technology network to help brokers in other states and the far-flung corners of Mumbai city to connect to its trading system. In effect, NSE had to start as a telecom company, hooking a stock trading platform to its telecom network. Narains execution skills were on display during this phase.

Then there was the task of convincing BSE brokers to take up membership on the NSE.

Narain was very persuasive, but almost every single big broker was skeptical about the new exchange, recalls a broker on whom Narain had called on to sell a membership on the NSE.

Ironically, once the NSE became hugely successful within a few years, the same brokers who were once wooed for membership would complain that they were treated disdainfully by the exchange.

RH Patil made no secret about his contempt for the broking community, and as his successor, Narain would carry on the legacy for a long time.

One of the NSEs mandates was to clean up the system, and that called for strong measures to prevent broker interference of any kind, says an ex-colleague who closely worked with Narain in the 90s.

Narain also proved his execution skills in getting the National Stock Clearing Corporation and National Securities Depository (NSDL) up and running. So when it was time for Patil to hang up his boots, there was little doubt as to who should succeed him.

By the time Narain took over as Managing Director and CEO in 2000-01, NSE was the leader in equity trading by a distance.

Self-goals by the BSE no doubt helped. Like the broker defaults following manipulation in BPL, Videocon and Sterlite shares for one, which underscored the weak governance system at the Asias oldest bourse.

But there are market observers who feel that policy makers turned a blind eye to some of the lapses at the NSE, while punishing the BSE heavily.

For instance, the stock market scam of 2001 resulted in the entire board of BSE being superseded. But some of the murky dealings in the Automated Lending and Borrowing Mechanism (ALBM) segment were never thoroughly probed, say veteran brokers as well as NSE insiders. ALBM began as a pure stock lending scheme, and was soon tweaked to incorporate features of a carry forward system like the Badla on BSE. The SEBI approval for the modification came nine months after NSE had informed the regulator, but the mechanism carried on uninterrupted even when it was awaiting the green light.

The lack of leadership at the BSE immensely helped NSE when SEBI permitted trading in equity derivatives in 2001. NSE too had its share of missteps, but rectified them quickly enough to be able to command a near monopoly position in the segment, which it has retained till date.

He has good leadership qualities, but more than that he was well-connected in the corridors of the power and had the ears of policy makers, says a colleague.

In particular, Narain is said to have enjoyed very good relations with key bureaucrats in the finance ministry, which worked to the advantage of NSE where policies were concerned.

Narain sympathisers saw nothing wrong in it, even as it caused heartburn to rivals who were at the receiving end.

It is the CEOs role to help support policy making, and have a fairly sensible engagement with the government, says a confidante of Narain.

Others have a less charitable view.

NSE has benefited from a benign policy environment for far too long, and it has used that mostly to kill competition, says a former SEBI chief.

Some colleagues who have worked closely with him say the only time when the normally unflappable Narain appeared nervous was when Jignesh Shah was planning to get into equities trading some time in 2008.

Narain had reason to be worried. After all, Shah had proven himself in the commodities market with the Multi Commodity Exchange (MCX), beating NSE-promoted NCDEX hollow. In currency derivatives, MCX-SX--an arm of MCX--caught up with NSEs market share, despite having started two months behind. Not long back, Narain and Shah had shared a cordial relationship. That soured as soon as MCX-SX said it would be getting into equities trading.

NSE denied permission for a software developed by MCXs parent company Financial Technologies for currency futures trading by NSE members. NSE cited security issues, but MCX claimed the rejection had to do with the fact that it (MCX) was a rival in currency futures trading. MCX in turn complained to the Competition Commission of India, accusing NSE of anti-competitive practice in currency futures, by not charging its members any fee. There was a sideshow as well with NSE trying to publicly humiliate its ex-compliance officer A Sebastin, who crossed over to MCX-SX. The exchange issued a public notice in all leading business newspapers with Sebastins photograph, announcing that anyone dealing with the said A Sebastin would do so at their own risk. NSE insiders said it was also meant to serve as a warning to others who were considering a job at MCX, and could not have happened without approval from the very top. At another level, it also betrayed Narains insecurity about Shah.

Shah too was politically well connected and seemed to have a limitless supply of funds at his disposal; that was a lethal combination and for the first time NSE appeared to be on the back foot, said a market watcher.

Meanwhile, at the NSE, Deputy Managing Director Chitra Ramakrishna was growing in clout. Some in the senior management resented what they felt was Narains partiality towards Chitra. There was little doubt to most senior managers that Narain was mentoring Chitra as his successor. Narain was the strategist now and Chitra, the operations person. Somewhere along the way, Narain had fallen out with his erstwhile mentor RH Patil, say insiders, and even people outside the NSE.

Patil was not invited for NSEs 10th year celebrations in 2004. A Narain aide says the celebration was a staff only affair, and that not even board members were invited. It is not clear what caused the rift, but some feel Patils decision to accept the mandate to head the government-promoted Clearing Corporation of Indiaa competitor to NSCCLcould have been one of the reasons.

Back to the battle with Jignesh Shah & Co. MCX-SXs application to SEBI for starting an equity trading platform did not get any response for almost two years. In 2010, driven to frustration, MCX-SX sued SEBI for the delay in approval, setting off a legal battle that would drag on for nearly two years. (It was only in February 2013 that MCX-SX finally launched its equity trading platform, a good four-and-a-half years since it had first applied for the license.)

The same year, NSE started offering co-location facility to members. For a fee, members could place their servers in the exchange premise, allowing them faster access to the buy and sell orders being disseminated by the exchanges trading engine. Strangely, SEBI did not put out a discussion paper to collect market feedback as is usually the norm, before giving NSE the go-ahead.

There were other instances of policy favouritism as well. BSEs proposal to buy a majority stake in share registry firm CAMS was nixed by SEBI, which felt that exchanges should not get into unrelated business. (Much to BSEs angst, NSE was allowed to buy a 45 percent stake in CAMS in 2013)

In 2010 again, the Bimal Jalan Committee on Market Infrastructure Institutions (MIIs), a category that included stock exchanges, made its recommendations, some of which appeared to clearly favour NSE. The committee proposed that MIIs should not be allowed to list (NSE had resisted going public for a long time), they should not make unreasonable profits (a cap on profits would discourage new entrants), and that there should be optimal number of exchanges, as large number of stock exchanges will fragment liquidity.

And there were instances where NSE got kid glove treatment from the regulator on technical grounds despite some serious violations. In 2012, SEBI let off NSE with a warning after pointing out that some of its members were brazenly exploiting the client code modification facility to help clients evade tax. In March 2010 alone, client codes for nearly Rs 55,000 crore of trades were modified post trading hours.

Again, NSE was let off with a slap on the wrist in the flash crash episode, in which an erroneous trade order by a broker send the Nifty crashing 10 percent. In contravention of SEBI rules, NSE did not halt trading in equity and equity derivatives for two hours. Trading in derivatives continued uninterrupted, while that in equities was resumed after 10 minutes.

Because of Narains excellent connections in the ministry, it almost came to a point where SEBI did not really matter says a market watcher.

And that sometimes led to strained relations with the regulator, as some NSE managers who had to liase with SEBI found out.

And even as he worked the wheels in the corridors of power, the suave Narain kept a very low profile. Media interactions were rare, and the few times he met journalists, the conversations were mostly off record.

In November 2012, Narain surprised everybody by saying that he would not be staying in office beyond March 31, 2013.

The Narain camp maintains that when his term had come up for renewal, he had already told the board that he would not be staying for more than three years.

But senior managers in NSE say it was a bolt from the blue for them.

We were called into a room and told that he was leaving in March; every one of us was stunned because we all expected him to be around for a while, recalls an NSE employee.

Narains deputy and protegee Chitra Ramakrishna was named his successor from April 1, 2013. No external candidates were considered by the board for the role.

The official reason for Narains departure was that he wanted to pursue other interests. But sources in Delhi say that the ambitious Narain had set his sights higherhe wanted to stake claim for the SEBI chairmans position when the government started looking for UK Sinhas successor. But it was difficult to move directly into that role coming from an executive position in the NSE as there could be allegations of partiality. So there had to be a cooling-off period. Narain stayed on the NSE board in a non-executive position, as vice-chairman and shareholder director.

In a stroke of good fortune for NSE, a scam at MCX-promoted National Spot Exchange in July 2013 destroyed Jignesh Shahs credibility and aspirations to create the largest exchange group in the country.

But things were not going too well for Narain at the NSE either. To his dismay, Narain realized that his protegee was far more ambitious than he was.

One of the first things Ramakrishna did on taking charge was to bring in Anand Subramanian as Chief Strategic Advisor. Subramanians brief was to provide advice in areas as required by the office of MD & CEO.

Insiders say Ramakrishna was initially respectful of Narain. After all, he still wielded influence and there was a possibility of him landing the SEBI Chairmans post or some powerful post in the government. But that equation changed quickly.

Narains erstwhile cabinadjoining to Chitras-- was cut to half in size, and the redone cabin allotted to Subramanian. The cabin reserved for the visiting Chairman was reassigned as Chairman/Vice-chairman.

In a way, that could be seen as Chitras way of signaling who the new boss was, said an NSE insider.

Many new people were hired and some of the older employees were shunted into insignificant positions.

NSE employees say soon there were two factionsone which swore allegiance to Ravi Narain and the other which threw in their lot with Ramakrishna.

Subramanian now controlled access to Ramakrishna and had become an extra-constitutional authority of sorts. Senior managers who could earlier walk up to Chitra now had to wait for a green signal from Subramanian, which sometime would days. Talk in the office was that Ramakrishna would not take a decision without first consulting Subramanian

NSE and external sources say Ramakrishna was known to Subramanians family through a common interest in astrology.

Besides an interest in Carnatic music and playing the veena, Ramakrishna had a deep belief in astrology, say people who know her.

Subbus (as Subramanian was known to colleagues) father was an astrologer and Subbu too was highly superstitious, said a colleague, adding, .the charts had to be consulted for every little decision he took.

There is little doubt that Subramaniams stars were favourably aligned all the way from 2013 till October 2016 when he eventually was forced out by the board.

Sources say Subramaniams clout kept growing, and nobody dared question his decisions for fear of provoking Ramakrishna.

If you crossed her path, you were as good as finished. It did not really matter that you were on good terms with Ravi (Narain), said a senior official.

Those who had worked closely with Narain were surprised at this dramatic shift in the power centre. And they were all the more surprised that Narain was doing nothing or was unable to keep Subramanian in check. Narain was in a non-executive role on the board, but he had run the exchange for 12 years and knew the system inside out.

Maybe it was Chitras insecurity that led her to rely so heavily on Subramanian; she knew that nobody was safe in this high-stakes game, says a person related to Subramanian.

The apparent sidelining of Narain by Chitra had some echoes of his own apparent falling out with mentor Patil.

Just a few years earlier, Patil, the exchanges founding Managing Director had moved out of his official NSE quarters, and insiders say that episode had not been handled well.

One can argue that he was no longer with the NSE, but for somebody who has contributed so much to the exchange, he could have been shown more respect, said a senior official.

Insiders say the power struggle between Narain and Ramakrishna was the beginning of the downfall of NSE, which till then enjoyed the strong support of policy makers.

Sources say Ramakrishna had been advised by her well-wishers in the ministry that she rein in Subramanian. But she took no heed.

On the contrary, Subramanian was given more powers. In November 2014, he was appointed to the board of NSE subsidiary IISL. In March 2015, he was appointed on the boards of subsidiaries Dotex and NSE IT. Narain was also present on these boards, and had approved the appointment.

In April, Subramanian was redesignated Group Operating Officer, and was given charge of People Management, New Business, Corporate Communication, Marketing, Business Excellence, Research and Development, Pricing, Strategic Planning and Subsidiaries.

In August that year, the board granted powers of delegation to Subramanian, something reserved only for the MD and deputy MD till then. Again, as a board member, Narain gave his consent to the proposal despite being aware of the rumblings within the organization.

Subramanian was drawing a salary of around Rs 4 crore annually, but did not figure in the list under Key Management Personnel in the annual report as he was a consultant, and not an employee.

Those who have known Narain for years are still wondering why he did not protest when he knew that there was widespread resentment against Subramanian. Having outmaneuvered rivals for years, it must have been galling for Narain to find himself sidelined in in this manner. Being outsmarted by his own protege would have rankled even more.

There was nothing illegal in any of these proposals, but it was definitely a question of corporate governance standards, said an insider.

But the wheels had slowly begun to come off as the NSE hurtled towards disaster.

The first signs of trouble were the change of bureaucrats in the finance ministry following the change of government at the Centre.

Sometime in early 2015, a whistleblower wrote a detailed letter to SEBI alleging how some NSE brokers who had availed of the co-location facility were profiting from a faster access to the NSE order book. Ideally, all brokers who had availed of the facility should have got access on an equal footing, but the whistle blower showed how a select few managed to jump the queue with the connivance of employees. The letter said that the malpractice had been going on since 2010, and though some of the loopholes had been fixed, a few players still had an unfair advantage over the rest. Surprisingly, a full-fledged probe by SEBI would begin much later. But for now the cat was out of the bag.

Then there was the issue of NSE going public. The exchange had been reluctant to list despite continued pressure from some of its foreign shareholders. These shareholders had bought a stake in the exchange in the hope that they would be able to cash out at a premium when the exchange went public. It is likely that they would have been promised something on those lines. After a patient wait for some years when it became clear that NSE was in no hurry to go public, they began to protest.

The NSE now did not have the outright support of policy makers in Delhi as it used to in the past. The Narain camp claims that Ramakrishna did not engage as well with the powers that be, as her predecessor used to. But it is doubtful if Chitra could have done much to counter the perception in the new regime that NSE had been having a free run for years.

Under pressure, NSE formed a committee to expedite the process of listing. It was opposed to listing on the BSE (cross listing) and insisted that it be allowed to list only on itself (self-listing). But SEBI would have none of that. It threw the rule book at NSE, pointing out that current regulations did not allow self-listing.

The levers of power that till now were working to NSEs advantage suddenly appeared to have got jammed.

In May 2016, former Competition Commission head Ashok Chawla was appointed chairman of NSE. Two months later, the NSE board was revamped with three new members being inducted. Former Secretary at the Ministry of Corporate Affairs Naved Masood, KPMG Indias former Deputy Chief Executive Dinesh Kanabar, and ex-Infosys CFO Mohandas Pai came in as public-interest directors.

Even as power dynamics on the NSE was changing, the SEBI received a complaint about irregularities in Anand Subramanians appointment. The Finance Ministry too got wind of it. The Ramakrishna camp believes it to be the handiwork of the Narain & Co. Likewise, the Narain camp believes that the whistleblowers complaint on co-location facility violations was instigated by Ramakrishna loyalists. After all, the irregularities had started when Narain was the boss.

The mess was out in the open and the authorities had to be seen taking firm action.

In September 2016, nearly 15 months since the whistleblowers letter on the co-location lapses, SEBI directed NSE to conduct a forensic audit into the matter. NSE was also asked to deposit revenues from the co-location facility in an escrow account. That dealt a body blow to NSEs plans of going public as the co-location server facility stream accounted for nearly 35-40 percent of NSEs core revenues till investigations were complete.

Suddenly, investors were not so excited about the exchanges public offering, since a big chunk of its revenues were under dispute.

In October, Subramanian was asked to step down by the board. Two months later, Ramakrishna surprised everyone by resigning abruptly.

NSE observers feel that but for the power struggle between Narain and Ramakrishna, things would not have been as messy as they are today.

The changed policy environment and the war within has hurt the fortunes of NSE, says a market player.

And there are no signs that things are getting any easier. Vikram Limayes appointment as MD and CEO of NSE is yet to get the green light from SEBI nearly three months after the NSE shareholders had approved it. Contrast this with the appointment of Ramakrishna when NSE had decided the date of her taking over as MD & CEO.

Word from Delhi is that the government is intent on a thorough clean up of the system. In all, SEBI had served show cause notices to 14 people, which includes Narain, Chitra, Subramanian, and 11 senior managers, asking them to explain the lapses in the co-location facility.

Narain, Chitra and Subramanian have already gone, and among the 11 senior managers, three have quit. The challenge for NSE is that all 14 will have to speak the same language to SEBI while explaining their actions. Already, some of the managers are claiming that they were merely following orders.

The probe has picked up pace and more action is expected in the coming days. With their benefactors gone, some of the long serving employees embroiled in the co-location controversy are staring at an uncertain future.

As Narain ponders about the road ahead, he might be reminded of a line he had written in a column for the Forbes magazine in 2010.

Without robust institutions following the highest standards of governance, we will never be able to harness the power of finance for the good of the many.
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Reliance Jio topped the chart in 4G network speed for the month of April with an all-time high download speed of 19.12 megabit per second, as per the latest Trai report.

The Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (Trai) collects and computes data download speed with the help of its MySpeed application on a real-time basis. Theoretically, a user can download one Bollywood movie in about five minutes at 16 mbps speed.

Taking the pole position among other operators, Reliance Jio logged download speed of 19.12 mbps during April, even bettering its own performance of 18.48 mbps demonstrated in the previous month, the report said. Also, April was the fourth consecutive month for RJio leading the speed chart.

During April, the download speed on Idea Cellular network stood at 13.70 mbps and Vodafone network at 13.38 mbps.

Vodafone India and Idea Cellular have announced merger of their operations to create the country's largest mobile phone operator worth more than USD 23 billion with a 35 per cent market share.

As per the monthly trend on Trai's portal, Bharti Airtel logged average download speed of 10.15 mbps in April.
New Delhi, June 4 (IBNS): Giving a clarion call to the people of the country and the youth, in particular, Union Minister of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, Harsh Vardhan has said that the real sentiment behind World Environment Day should not be restricted to a single day, but must pervade every moment of the day, till the World Environment Day next year.

Addressing a function on the eve of World Environment Day here today, the Minister emphasised the need to create positive energy and awakening among the people of the country.

Harsh Vardhan urged people to use public transport more, use cycle, reduce the use of air-conditioners and work towards realising the Prime Ministers vision of Swacchh Bharat and cleanliness.

He also appealed to the people to use water judiciously and in appropriate amount.

He directed that Ministry officials must start water conservation in the right earnest in the Environment Ministry itself.

The Minister added that the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change should not work only as a regulator, but more like a facilitator in a true sense.

Harsh Vardhan highlighted that youth programmes such as Jigyasa, which is to be launched soon, in which Kendriya Vidyalaya students are taken to CSIR laboratories, should be replicated in the field of environment also.

The Minister also said that Department of Science & Technology and Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change must work together in the field of waste management  be it solid waste, plastic waste, or E-waste and in creating waste to wealth and waste to energy.

He added that similarly, Ministry of Human Resource Development and MoEFCC can work together to rope in students and harness their strength in spreading messages of positive health and messages for environment protection in the society.

The Environment Minister appealed to NGOs, professionals, teachers and students to make environmental protection, nature and biodiversity conservation a strong social movement.

Harsh Vardhan pointed out that children and environmental volunteers must be awarded in a much bigger way next year.

The Minister said that our ancestors gave us clean rivers, clean air, rich forests, teachings and wisdom on nature and environment.

Harsh Vardhan pointed out that the worship of nature and its protection is in our DNA.

World Environment Day on June 5 is a collective call for preserving and conserving nature and environment. The day reminds us of our responsibility towards sustainable use of resources. It is celebrated every year to raise global awareness for taking positive environmental action. It was established by the United Nations General Assembly in 1972 on the day the United Nations Conference on the Human Environment. The first World Environment Day was celebrated in 1973 at Stockholm. Since then it is hosted every year by a different city with a unique theme. This year, it is being hosted by Canada, and the theme for the year is Connecting People to Nature.

Over the years, World Environment Day has grown to be a broad, global platform for public outreach that is widely celebrated by stakeholders all over the world. It also serves as the Peoples Day for taking positive action for the environment. The onus is on each and everybody to take actions in their daily lives that will help them minimize those activities that contribute to harming nature and enhance those that make the planet a better place. India is deeply committed to protecting as well as greening the environment. The goal is for this growth to be inclusive and as green as possible.
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Tata Communications and Bahrain's Batelco have signed an agreement to collaborate in the field of cloud computing and connectivity solutions to their customers.

The agreement allows Tata communications to extend its data centre footprint in locations like Bahrain, Jordon, among others enabled by Batelco.

"Batelco has chosen Tata Communications as a cloud partner to ensure high levels of flexibility and reliability for its customers through Tata Communications' IZO Cloud Enablement Platform," Tata Communications said in a requlatory filing.

The agreement was signed by Batelco Chief Global Business Officer Adel Al-Daylami and Tata Communications' Senior Vice President for Middle East, Central Asia and Africa Radwan Moussalli, on the sidelines of International Telecoms Week (ITW) which took place in Chicago, USA from May 14-17.

Tata Communications said its IZO Cloud Enablement Platform empowers enterprises to connect and build their cloud, their way  be it private, public or hybrid.

"This allows Tata Communications' customers to have a one stop, seamless solution for their network, cloud and collocation requirements," it added.
US President Donald Trump has underscored his controversial travel ban on citizens from six Muslim-majority countries in view of today's terror attacks in central London in which six people were killed and 20 others injured.

"We need to be smart, vigilant and tough. We need the courts to give us back our rights. We need the Travel Ban as an extra level of safety!" Trump said in a tweet yesterday.

Trump also retweeted a tweet from Drudge Report which said that there were fears of new terror attack after a van ploughed into pedestrians on London Bridge in a terror attack followed by stabbing incidents in the area.

At least six people were killed and 20 others injured today in two terror attacks at central London landmarks in which police shot dead three suspects.

The attack that took place at London Bridge and Borough Market came just days ahead of the general election on June 8.

"Whatever the United States can do to help out in London and the UK, we will be there - we are with you. God bless!" Trump said.

State Department spokesperson Heather Nauert in a statement condemned "the cowardly attacks" targeting innocent civilians in London.

"We understand UK police are currently treating these as terrorist incidents. The United States stands ready to provide any assistance authorities in the United Kingdom may request," she said.

"Our hearts are with the families and loved ones of the victims. We wish a full and quick recovery to those injured in the attacks. All Americans stand in solidarity with the people of the United Kingdom," Nauert said.

The US Department of Homeland Security said it was closely monitoring the ongoing situation in the United Kingdom.

"We are working with our interagency partners and foreign counterparts to gain further insight into reported attacks against civilians on London Bridge and in the surrounding area," it said.

"US citizens in the area should heed direction from local authorities and maintain security awareness. We encourage any affected US citizens who need assistance to contact the US Embassy in London and follow Department of State guidance," the statement said.

The Homeland Security Secretary has been fully briefed on the incidents and the ongoing response.

"At this time, we have no information to indicate a specific, credible terror threat in the United States," the statement said, adding that they are in contact with and stand ready to assist the UK as they respond, investigate and recover.

"We stand resolute with our friends in London and send prayers to the victims. Terror and hate will never triumph," tweeted Paul Ryan, Speaker of the US House of Representatives.

"My heart is with the people of London, the victims of this string of terrorist attacks, and their families. You are all in our prayers," said Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer.

Several US lawmakers condemned the London terror attacks.

"We stand in solidarity with the United Kingdom. Terrorism must not prevail," said Congressman Ted Poe.

"My thoughts and prayers are with the people of London and all of the United Kingdom," tweeted Congresswoman Ann McLane Kuster.

Congressman Eliot L Engel, Ranking Member of the House Committee on Foreign Affairs, said he was shocked by tonight's attacks in London and his heart goes out to all those innocent people affected by this horrific violence.

"As we await details of multiple attacks, the United States must stand ready to help our ally track down the perpetrators and swiftly bring them to justice," he said.

"Tonight is the second attack Great Britain has suffered in just two weeks. During these difficult times, the United States and United Kingdom will remain united in the face of senseless violence in all its ugly forms," Engel said.

"Horrified by news out of #London. My prayers are with the victims & their families, first responders & the British people. #LondonBridge," tweeted Congressman Joe Crowley.

"My heart and soul go out to London tonight. America stands with the people of Great Britain and the victims of the #LondonBridge attack," tweeted Senator Dianne Feinstein.

Today's attacks come after 22-year-old suicide bomber Salman Abedi blew himself up at Manchester Arena on May 22, killing 22 people.

Trump in his executive order had banned visa issuance to citizens of six majority-Muslim countries: Iran, Libya, Somalia, Sudan, Syria and Yemen.
As a result, all plans from Aetna and its subsidiaries, including Medicare and Medicaid plans, will not be accepted as in-network at nearly all LVHN-operated facilities when their current contract ends in 120 days.
Letter to editor: Voting is necessary to protect democracy
Rabbis installation at Keneseth Israel will get a boost of student creativity
New Delhi, June 4 (IBNS): India has rejected Pakistan's claim of killing five Indian jawans in the Tatta Pani-Krishna Ghati sector along the LoC, media reports said.

The Indian army made such a statement even as the countries were engaged in exchange of fires along Line of Control.

A senior Indian army officer has called Pakistan's claims of killing five soldiers and destroying a bunker to be completely false.

"There has been no casualty on our side. Two civilians, including a woman, however, sustained injuries in the ceasefire violation by Pakistan, which began at 11 pm on Friday and continued till Saturday afternoon. We strongly reacted to it," The Times of India quoted an India officer as saying.

Pakistan's statement came after there were reports that Indian army killed five of the neighbouring country's soldiers in "retaliatory fire assaults" across Poonch and Naushera sectors of LoC.


June 04, 2017

Theresa May Says "Enough Is Enough" - We Agree - Remove Her From Office

Some links on Britain - the terror attacks and the upcoming election:

BBC: British rebels attack Theresa May's strongholds in London

That is what the headline of BBC should have been yesterday and today. That is the way it reported when the "rebels" were "Syrians" and the attacks occurred in Damascus. Was that not objective? Why change it now?

Related to the Manchester attack John Pilger asks: What did the Prime Minister Know? (vid)

He points out, as we did, that Theresa May was Home Secretary when control orders were lifted to allow Libyan Takfiris move from Britain to Libya to destroy that country. Half of those came back, well trained, and one killed 22 people in Manchester. A blowback from May's personal decision to sent well known terrorists into British proxy wars. Now she says there is "too much tolerance of extremism"? Who tolerated these?

The current Home Secretary is no better: Amber Rudd Prevents Independent Candidate Questioning Arms Sales to Saudi Sponsors of Terrorism

That is the typical response of authoritarian rulers when their shady deals are openly discussed and their competence is questioned: more censorship: Theresa May calls on internet companies to eradicate 'safe spaces' for extremism in wake of London Bridge terror attack

Is the London Bridge a web server? Were the "safe spaces" on the internet used to attacked it? Or are the "safe spaces" the ones used to question Britain's and May's lucrative love affair with terrorist financing Wahhabi nuts in Saudi Arabia and Qatar? For an even deeper dive read You Cant Understand ISIS If You Dont Know the History of Wahhabism in Saudi Arabia

May's collusion with the terror sponsors is not allowed to be officially known or discussed: Home Office may not publish terrorist funding report amid claims it focuses on Saudi Arabia - Inquiry is thought to focus on Saudi Arabia, which the UK recently approved 3.5bn worth of arms export licences to.

It would be bad for business to publicly acknowledge the real sources of Takfiri terrorism. A few dozens Brits here and there, in Manchester and London, will have to die every now and then to keep the shareholders of BAE Systems and other British arm producers happy. Jermey Corbyn would likely change that. He called for an arms embargo against Saudi Arabia.

London attack: Theresa May says 'things need to change' Prime Minister Theresa May: 'enough is enough' (vid)

We hope that the British voters will agree with her. Thinks need to change. Enough is enough. Vote May out of office. End the cushy relations with the medieval dictatorships of the Arab peninsula.

A change of leadership in Britain is well possible if the young Labour voters turn out in large numbers. Those British who want to end the terror against others and against themselves must now help to achieve that.

Posted by b on June 4, 2017 at 17:31 UTC | Permalink

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The 85th regular session of the Texas Legislature ended on May 29, and I am proud to have spent those 140 days fighting for the priorities of my constituents in Senate District 31.

First and foremost, I voted against Senate Bill 2, which would have lowered the automatic rollback rate on local taxing entities from 8 percent to 5 percent. This bill ultimately failed to pass, but it would have handicapped municipal and county governments and usurped local control while providing little to no tax relief to the average property owner. The only way to address the burden of increasing property taxes is through school finance reform, which I plan to work on with other leaders in the Senate this interim.

Additionally, I filed a bill to lower the tax burden on the oil and gas industry. The Economic Stabilization Fund (ESF) was created in November 1998 by the passage of a constitutional amendment. Crude oil and natural gas production taxes contribute more than 85 percent of its revenue, and the ESFs huge balance, almost $11 billion, is due primarily to extraordinary growth in oil and gas tax collections during the recent boom. In recent years the legislature has not chosen to utilize those funds for their intended purpose -- economic stabilization. Senate Joint Resolution 41 would have reduced the rate of severance taxes and suspended transfers into the ESF when the balance exceeded $5 billion. Although it failed to pass, I plan to file it again next session, because now is the time to stop sticking money under a mattress and to cut taxes on business, and in so doing, create more jobs and stimulate the economy.

As a member of the Senate Finance Committee and the chairman of the Senate Higher Education Committee, I fully understand the importance of state funding for our institutions of higher education. In a tight budget year like this one, it is a delicate balance to ensure that local priorities are addressed while also cutting the budgets of many state agencies. I am proud to have secured an additional $1.07 million in funding for the University of Texas of the Permian Basin College of Engineering, which will be used to expand the chemical and electrical engineering programs. Additionally, I succeeded in securing $4.17 million for Texas Tech Universitys future Veterinary Medical School.

Regarding our local community colleges, I passed Senate Bill 2118 to authorize Midland College to offer a bachelors degree program in nursing and Odessa College to also offer certain four-year degree programs. Both colleges will see an increase in funding of over 9 percent in the upcoming biennium.

Jointly with Rep. Tom Craddick, I passed House Bill 101 to ensure the validity of the public-private partnership between Pioneer Natural Resources and the city of Midland to update the citys wastewater treatment plant. Midland is expected to receive approximately $2.5 million annually for the sale of treated effluent. Meanwhile, Pioneer will use the treated effluent, which will reduce the demand for potable water in one of the states driest regions.

At the request of Ector County officials, I also passed legislation that authorizes the county to regulate game rooms outside the city jurisdiction. Jointly with Rep. John Smithee, I passed House Bill 1463 to help to reduce frivolous law suits and aggressive shake-down tactics relating to the Americans with Disabilities Act that are harming small business in Texas. Also of note, I passed Senate Bill 654 which will help improve access to health care in rural and medically underserved parts of Texas.

I am also proud to have authored Senate Bill 463, a bill that will extend the option of Individual Graduation Committees for high school students who have passed all of their courses but failed to pass up to two state-mandated tests.

One of the most rewarding things about serving as your state senator is being able to honor the lives of some of the exceptional individuals from Senate District 31. House Bill 1483 designates Highway 191 in Odessa as the Chris Kyle Memorial Highway and Senate Bill 867 designates Highway 287 in Claude as the Charles Goodnight Memorial Highway.

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Kel Seliger is the Texas state senator representing District 31, which includes the Permian Basin. You can contact him in his Midland office at 432-620-0436.
Srinagar, June 4 (IBNS): The Indian Army on Sunday paid befitting tributes to two of its comrades who had attained martyrdom in a "dastardly terrorist action" on an Army convoy in Qazigund on Saturday.

In a solemn ceremony at BB Cantt, Srinagar, many senior officials from other Security Forces and civil administration including DGP J&K joined Lt Gen JS Sandhu, Chinar Corps Commander and all ranks in paying homage to the martyrs on behalf of a proud nation.

Martyr Naik Dipak Kumar Maity, 43 years of age, had joined Army in 1997 and hailed from Midnapur in West Bengal.

He is survived by his wife Smt Rikta and a 13 years old daughter.

Coming from Thiruvannamalai in Tamilnadu, the young martyr Gunner (Operator) Manivannan G was only 25 years old and had donned the uniform in 2013. He is survived by his parents, mother Smt G Chinnaponnu and father Sri Gopal G.



The mortal remains of the martyrs will be flown for last rites to their native places where they will be laid to rest with full military honours.

"In this hour of grief, the Army stands in solidarity with the bereaved families of the martyrs and remains committed to their dignity and wellbeing," an army statement read.



(With inputs by Saleem Iqbal Qadri)
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Kolkata, Jun 4 (IBNS): A major fire broke out at a branch of a nationalized bank in Kolkata's M.G. Road area on Sunday, reports said.

According to reports, the incident took place at Syndicate Bank's Burrabazar branch in late evening.

As many as six fire tender engines and police rushed to the scene and firemen fought for hours to bring the massive blaze under control.

After preliminary enquiry, fire officials said that bank's computer room was the centre of the fire.

Fire department and police have started probe into the matter while the exact reason behind the fire has not been known so far.

However, no casualty was reported in the incident while several important documents and computers were gutted due to the fire, officials said.

(Reporting by Deepayan Sinha)


New Delhi, June 4 (IBNS): External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj on Sunday assured a Pakistani national medical visa for his father in case his matter was recommended by the neighbouring nation's adviser on foreign affairs Sartaj Aziz.

Swaraj gave the message to the Pakistani national on Twitter.

Presenting the case, Saeed Ayub earlier tweeted: "@SushmaSwaraj i sold half of my assets 4 my father's liver transplant from india and now no medical visa for us.why only common man suffers."

Swaraj gave him a reply and an assurance by writing: "My sympathies are with you. We will give you the visa. Sartaj Aziz Sahib should recommend your case."

Relationship between India and Pakistan has strained in recent times.
BERLIN  A Meriden man hopes an upcoming fundraiser at the Pine Loft Restaurant in Berlin will help a five-year-old boy living with a rare form of spina bifida.



Hes such a brave little boy, said Steve Drumheller.



The Meriden resident thought of the idea to host a fundraiser for Oliver, the son of his former co-worker Amy Clavette, after learning that the boy will have to undergo his 16th surgery this summer.



Its extremely humbling, said Clavette, a New Britain resident. Im not one to ask for help.



The fundraiser will be at her sons favorite pizza restaurant, the Pine Loft on the Berlin Turnpike.



Its going to be a surprise for him, Clavette said.



The event starts at 6 p.m. on Sunday, June 11, and goes until 9 p.m.



A musician will perform on the restaurant stage and there will be costumed characters for kids like princesses and superheroes. Pizza and cake will be provided.



Drumheller said several baskets and gift cards have been donated for a raffle. He said the goal would be to raise $1,000 from the event.



Any amount we get will help, he said.



Though the boys disease has left him in a wheelchair, Clavette said he is still always smiling.



It doesnt stop him from doing anything, she said. Hes a happy kid.



This will be the third straight summer that he will need a major surgery.



Clavette said she is excited to see his reaction to the fundraiser.



I cant wait to see his face, she said. Its very special.



Tickets and more information can be found by emailing Drumz5@aol.com or calling 203-213-2164






SOUTHINGTON  A retail property broker purchased two empty parcels in front of the AMC Starplex cinema on Meriden-Waterbury Turnpike, property that was subdivided when the movie theater was sold three years ago.



Property alongside the cinemas driveway totals more than 2.5 acres. Last month, Southington Development Partners LLC bought the land for just under $200,000.



Matt Halprin, vice president of New England Retail Properties, is listed by the state as a member of the company.



The movie theater has changed hands numerous times, mostly recently in 2015 when AMC bought the property from Starplex as part of a deal that included a Berlin theater.



The Southington location was one of five Rave Cinemas locations in Connecticut purchased in a $240 million cash deal with Cinemark Connecticut in May 2013 that added 32 theaters to Cinemarks portfolio. Cinemark maintained the Rave brand before selling the Southington and Berlin theaters to Starplex.



The Southington theater was built in 1993 by National Amusements, according to town land records. It operated as Showcase Cinemas until being sold to Rave in 2009.



After Starplex bought the property, the land was subdivided to allow for development along Meriden-Waterbury Turnpike.



In 2014, Chris Gagnon, a civil engineer with BL Cos. in Meriden, won Planning and Zoning Commission approval to develop 1.2-acre and 1-acre parcels in front of the theater.



Commission members said at the time that a potential new theater owner wanted to develop the two areas and they anticipated interest in one parcel for a restaurant.



jbuchanan@recordjournal.com 203-317-2230 Twitter: @JBuchananRJ






WALLINGFORD - A state trooper suffered minor injuries after a motorist struck a state police cruiser on Route 15 early Saturday morning.



Troopers responded to Route 15 north in the area of exit 64 about 4 a.m. Saturday after a car reportedly struck a deer, according to state police. The right lane of the highway was closed and cruisers had emergency lights activated while troopers were on scene.



About 4:45 a.m., a Ford Focus, operated by Brian McLaughlin, of Stratford, struck one of the stopped cruisers operated by a trooper, state police said. The cruiser had minor damage.



The trooper suffered minor injuries. McLaughlin was not injured.



State police remind residents to reduce speed and move over when emergency vehicles are stopped on the highway with lights activated.






Mumbai/New York, June 4 (IBNS): Popular search engine Google on Sunday decorated their Indian homepage with a doodle dedicated to late Bollywood actress Nutan.

The search engine created the special doodle to observe Nutan's 81st birth anniversary.

In the doodle, netizens can witness four expressions of the actress replacing the letters 'o' of the world 'Google'.

Speaking on the doodle, Google said in a statement: "The conflicted murderess (Bandini). The anguished untouchable (Sujata). The hell-raising orphan (Seema). All memorable characters played by Nutan, a celebrated Indian film actress known for communicating complex emotions using only facial expressions and body language rather than dialogue. An icon of Indian cinema for over four decades, Nutan pioneered powerful women-centric films in an age when male actors dominated the silver screen."

The search engine further said "Todays Doodle reflects Nutans expressive acting style on what would have been her 81st birthday. It was hard to sum up her genius in a single portrait, and so we depicted four distinct expressions."

Nutan Samarth Bahl, better known as Nutan, was an Indian actress. She appeared in more than 70 Hindi films in a career spanning nearly four decades.

Nutan started her career at the age of 14 in the 1950 film Hamari Beti, directed by her mother Shobhna. She subsequently starred in such films as Nagina and Humlog (both 1951).

Her role in Seema (1955) garnered her wider recognition and a Filmfare Award for Best Actress. She sang a song in the film "Chhabili" under the baton of Snehal Bhatkar. This movie featured her in the lead and was released in 1960.

She continued playing leading roles through the 1960s until the late 1970s and went on to win the award on four other occasions for her roles in Sujata (1959), Bandini (1963), Milan (1967) and Main Tulsi Tere Aangan Ki (1978).

Some of her other films of this period included Anari (1959), Chhalia (1960), Tere Ghar Ke Saamne (1963), Saraswatichandra (1968), Anuraag (1972) and Saudagar (1973).

In the 1980s, Nutan started playing character roles and continued working until shortly before her death.

She portrayed mostly motherly roles in such films as Saajan Ki Saheli (1981), Meri Jung (1985) and Naam (1986).

Her performance in Meri Jung earned her a sixth and last Filmfare Award, this time in the Best Supporting Actress category.

Nutan was married to Rajnish Bahl in 1959 till her death from breast cancer in 1991.

Their son, Mohnish Bahl is a well-known character actor in Hindi films and television.

Google often creates doodle to celebrate birthday of renowned people and special events or days.
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Galway

A former police officer claims he was fired from the Galway Village Police Department last year after reporting that other officers on the small force had destroyed evidence in criminal cases, illegally possessed fully automatic weapons, voided traffic tickets and unlawfully accessed a state criminal database.

Richard Schoonmaker Sr., 61, who was hired by the small department in June 2013 after retiring from the Troy Police Department, outlined the allegations in a federal lawsuit filed last week in U.S. District Court in Albany. He said the state attorney general's office, after he contacted them, began investigating the Galway police force last year. The status of that probe could not be confirmed late Friday.

In the federal complaint, Schoonmaker said Galway Police Chief Leslie R. Klein promoted him to a captain's position in 2014, and that's when Schoonmaker became aware of "illegal and/or improper practices" by police force members. His allegations included accusing Klein, 71, of certifying that officers under his command had received required training that they had not completed.

Schoonmaker, a Rensselaer County resident, said he reported his concerns to Klein who responded by demoting him to patrolman rather than taking any action, according to the lawsuit. Schoonmaker said he later contacted an official at the state attorney general's office and the agency opened an investigation. He claims Klein fired him in March 2016 after the chief became aware of the attorney general's involvement. The status of the attorney general's investigation is unclear and a spokesman was unable to comment late Friday.

Schoonmaker was a police officer in Troy for 25 years and retired in 2009 as a sergeant. He referred comment to his attorney.

A person close to the case said a second officer who supported the allegations made by Schoonmaker also was fired. The second officer could not be reached for comment.

Klein, who has been chief of the 10-member, part-time police force in Galway for more than 20 years, could not be reached for comment. A spokesman for the department on Saturday referred any comment to the village's attorney, who could not be reached.

The department's officers are all listed as part-time and purchase their own firearms. They patrol an area less than a square mile.

After Schoonmaker was fired from the part-time job last year, he's been unable to find a new police job despite his "vast experience" and having sent applications to 19 police departments. He claims the Galway police force, and Klein, "have impaired his reputation as a police officer."

Mark J. McCarthy, Schoonmaker's attorney, said his client was "stunned at their lack of procedures and the fact they kind of just did what they want to. He took it to the chief and the chief just of brushed it off."

The evidence that was allegedly destroyed included marijuana that an officer disposed of in an open case because it was "stinking up" the police department's office, McCarthy said.

The federal lawsuit, which seeks more than $800,000 in damages, is filed against Klein, the village police department and the village.

The complaint does not identify any officers other than Klein.

blyons@timesunion.com  518-454-5547  @brendan_lyonstu
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BREWSTER  As Lucas LaFleur, 9, stroked the wings of a Harriss hawk, he talked about being fascinated by birds of prey since learning about them in the second grade.

Im fascinated by how they attack their prey and why theyre so fierce and how they adapted to the way they live, he said.

Lucas and his mom, Luisa, traveled Sunday from Queens, N.Y., joining an estimated 2,000 to 3,000 people from across Connecticut and New York attending the Green Chimneys 25th annual Birds of Prey event, which benefits Green Chimneys mission to provide therapy and education for children with special needs as they help rehabilitate injured animals.

Sundays event featured 100 falconers and 150 types of birds, as well as the camels, pigs and other animals in the Green Chimneys Wildlife Center. Food trucks, vendors, pony and hay rides were also available.

Several celebrity wildlife experts, such as Jim Fowler from Mutual of Omahas Wild Kingdom and Jonathan Wood of The Raptor Project, did demonstrations for the crowds.

Paul Kupchok started the event 25 years ago as a way to raise money for the schools first aviary. The first event welcomed 300 to 400 people, but the crowds have been growing ever since.

We're proud that we made it to 25 years and I think over the past 25 years weve taught the community an awful lot about conservation and to respect our environment, Kupchok said.

Green Chimneys also celebrates its 70th anniversary this year. Between its two campuses in Brewster and Carmel, Green Chimneys serves about 240 students, 100 who are residential and the rest who are day students.

Each students comes to the school with social, emotional or behavior problems, but in treating animals the children learn not just science concepts, but how to express themselves, said Jennifer Milillo, director of marketing for the school. She said the students learn responsibility, how to handle stress and how to open up during therapy sessions.

Animals are a great way to get a kids attention, Milillo said. It can be a great outlet.

The goal is for students to spend several months at the school before returning to their home district.

Our philosophy is that the children that come here every day and the children that live here, heal the animals and through that process the animals heal the kids, Kupchok said. If we do a good job as staff here and as an organization here, the kids come here with problems and hopefully they leave here without them.

Milillo said many of the students grow attached to the animals.

Theyre very proud because these are animals they work with, Milillo said. Their parents are here. Theres a lot of pride in the day, a lot of ownership.

And for families, the day was a lot of fun.

Kristina Esposito, of New Milford, took her three children, 7, 4 and 1 to the event.

They love it so far, Esposito said. Its really neat to see birds up close...especially for [my 7-year-old daughter] because shes been watching them in the skies for so long.

Organizers planned at the end of the event to release two red-tailed hawks that have spent the past several months healing at the school after being hit by cars in the winter.

Thats the highlight for all of us; thats the payoff, Kupchok said.
A woman home alone was the victim of a Memorial Day home invasion that resulted in a 16-year-old Houston male being detained by Cleveland police, according to a statement from Chief Darrel Broussard.

The male reportedly is one of two males who forced their way into a residence in the 800 block of S. Franklin Ave. shortly before 3:15 p.m.

"One of the males held a handgun to the victim's head while one of the males entered her bedroom and started loading a backpack with her personal belongings," Broussard said.

The victim told police the assailants, along with a third male, came to the home earlier in the day asking to borrow money before leaving with two bicycles they took from the victim's yard without permission. Her boyfriend and brother reportedly were home at the time and left after the theft to go look for the assailants.

While they were away, two of the assailants returned and forced their way into the home. After taking her belongings, the assailants reportedly fled on foot toward Williams St. The victim called 911 and police were dispatched.

"Officers responded to the area quickly. That's when Sgt. David Edwards spotted one male fitting the given description trying to hide in the high brush and weeds near Parkhurst and Williams streets," Broussard said. "Sgt. Edwards notified other officers who were able to set up a perimeter and they were able to apprehend the juvenile subject who was in possession of a loaded .22 caliber pistol."

After further investigation, the juvenile was later referred to a certified juvenile detention facility where he is currently being held. Officers continued to search the area for possibly other subjects, but were unsuccessful in locating them.

Anyone with information regarding this crime is asked to contact the Cleveland Police Department at 281-592-2622, or the CPD Tip Line 281-592-0800.

Callers can also contact Crime Stoppers at 1-800-392-7867. Crime Stoppers can pay for information leading to the arrest of the individuals responsible for this crime, and the caller will remain anonymous.

"I'm very proud of the quick response by the patrol officers to convene on the area, and apprehend at least one of the subject's responsible for this crime, and no one was hurt," said Broussard.

The chief went on to compliment the "distinct bravery" of Sgt. Edwards and Officers Mendoza, Trevino, and Sanchez, saying they showed "the exemplary character of uniform men and women who go out into the brush looking for people who are armed."
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They've gotten it down pat now. The flow of the ceremony, the scripts recognizing students, the surprise of parents from behind the curtain, the surprised look on students faces all woven together to create a moment in the lives of many children at E. R. Richter Elementary in Dayton that will last a lifetime.

The lessons they have learned will also accompany them and guide them on their journey in life.

It was a bittersweet day on May 25 as students and staff at Richter celebrated their final character trait of Honesty for the year in the EarlyAct FirstKnight (EAFK) program with the ceremonial knighting and recognition of students who had achieved the honors.

The program began back in January with the spectacular Tournament of Champions that featured knights and damsels on horseback competing against each other and engaging teachers in the program as well.

Then the serious work of teaching and learning ethics in the classroom began.

"We have done three traits since the beginning of the semester - Discipline, Perseverance, and Honesty," she said.

Eubanks, who has seen the positive impact of the program when she worked in Galena Park ISD, couldn't be more thrilled about the results she's seen.

"The teachers and the kids really took to the program and the parents really embraced it as well," she said.

The principal said it has transformed her students and teachers on what's happening in the classroom, discipline and overall behavior.

"They talk about the traits when they are having difficulties or challenges. They know what they mean and so it has made a big difference," she said.

Referrals she said are down but need more work.

"It keeps the kids in the classroom so that their academics can continue, which is the reason why they're here at school," she said. "But it also is helping to create a whole student, they're looking at the social aspect and not just the academic aspect only. They're going out into the community later and grow up and we want good, well-rounded citizens leading Dayton into the future."

Apart from the students themselves, for some, there was a bit of apprehension and uncertainty with the program, including the teachers. But many of them found themselves loving those first 10 minutes of class each day with the students.

"Some of them thought okay, here's one more thing added to my list, but EarlyAct FirstKnight has really made it very simple for the students," she said.

The syllabus, also known as "The Code," for every single class day is already online so teachers only need to download it for the next day - no extra prep work - and it doesn't take away from what they're already doing in the classroom.

"It's very user-friendly," the principal said.

The expectations for students are high now.

"They've seen three ceremonies now and they want to be in the Gallery of Champions (GOC), so they work toward that," she said.

Next fall, the students will work on six new traits. Former members of the Gallery of Champions (students singled out for recognition for their being the best at achieving the trait amongst their peers) will have the opportunity to rejoin the GOC again.

Think for a moment once they've achieved the prestige of being installed in the Gallery of Champions on stage in front of their peers that they no longer try? Not a chance.

They must maintain that prestige in order to return to their place of honor and watch over the selection of new members at each ceremony.

"Just because they've earned it doesn't mean they get to keep it forever and ever if they can't maintain it," Eubanks said.

Each of those students wears their own homemade tabard with their medals to each of the ceremonies.

The word about the program has spread.

Eubanks and some of her medieval friends at the school have been making presentations to organizations around the community and have been well-received.

Now, the district has committed to offering the program to the other elementary schools.

"They've come to the ceremonies and all three schools will kick off the year with a Tournament of Champions in August with the jousting and much more," Eubanks said.

The principal, who dresses in her medieval costume along with many of her staff members, couldn't be more proud of her students and staff.

"Absolutely phenomenal!" said Sir James Lehman, KTJ who oversees the program from the EAFK Houston Region program.

"With the leadership of Ms. Eubanks, the Rotary and Dr. Johnson has taken the ball and really ran with it," the Knight said. "Top to bottom, the enthusiasm builds the ceremony to the point of a life-changing effect and they've done such a great job and I can't wait to see how they do it next year."

Lehman said the involvement of the faculty staff dressing up in the medieval garb that bring the ambiance to the knighting ceremony, to the professional setup on the stage produce the priceless looks on the faces of the children when they are recognized.

"I can't believe the community of Dayton has embraced this as quickly as they have," Lehman said. "It's heartwarming. This program truly works and I can't wait to see how it's going to change this community in the next three or four years."

For students advancing into middle school and high school, there are Rotary programs called Interact and then when they become college age, there is Rotaract. Once they are out in the community, they have the opportunity to continue their 'service before self' mantra in one of the thousands of Rotary Clubs across the world.

"It's just an amazing thing that has helped our parents, students and the community," Eubanks. said.
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A fire destroyed eight units of the Autumnwood Apartments in Conroe Saturday night.

While many families were displaced and lost belongings, the 41 occupants of those units escaped without injuries, according to the Conroe Fire Department.

Assistant Fire Chief Mike Legoudes said units responded to a lightning strike call just before 10 p.m. at the 152-unit complex at 2021 Plantation Drive.

Smoke and flames could be seen from Interstate 45 high above the nearby shopping center off North Loop 336.

One of the fire officials knocked on Eduardo Ocambo's door alerting him to the danger only two units away.

"I was watching TV.  I didn't know (there was a fire)," said Ocambo, holding his 7-month-old infant on the sidewalk next to his wife and 5-year-old son. "I got scared."

While most new apartment complexes have fire sprinklers, Legoudes said, the older-model buildings do not. By the time the call came in, flames were through the roof, he said.

Located southeast of the Interstate 45 and North Loop 336 intersection, the Autumnwood Apartments were built in 1983.

". They (the occupants) are pretty fortunate (to be unharmed)," Legoudes said. "Any newer apartment buildings do have fire sprinklers and they typically put the fire out in the beginning stages. In those buildings, we don't typically have very big fires. But these buildings that don't have them, it's older construction; so once the fire starts, it spreads pretty rapidly."

No apartment officials were available for comment late Saturday night.

Conroe Engine 2 arrived at 9:52 p.m. A second alarm went out at 10: 02 p.m.

More than six fire trucks, including units from Conroe., Needham, and Caney Creek, multiple Conroe police officers and EMS personnel rushed to the scene. Multiple neighbors and an apartment complex maintenance man reportedly assisted in evacuating the residents and at least four roofers who were temporarily staying at the complex.

Conditions "rapidly deteriorated" and firefighters changed to a defensive attack around 10:17 pm., Legoudes stated in a release. The fire was declared under control at 11:22 p.m.

Nearby, Regina Johnson waited and watched as firefighters investigated each unit - getting closer to hers. She initially realized something was wrong when the fire trucks pulled up.

"If I hadn't seen the fire trucks, yeah (I would have stayed in the home longer)" Johnson said. "I immediately came out."

The American Red Cross responded to assist with the displaced residents. On scene, Dylan Doucett, 20, and Cameron Williams, 19, walked down the street. The two roommates were at work when the fire broke out. They returned home to learn they may have lost not only their home, but their "life's work" with an estimated $1,000 in belongings and possibly no renters insurance.

"We are poor, we are really poor," said Doucett, discouraged and realizing he may have to move. "We scrape by monthly."

Montgomery County Fire Marshal Jimmy Williams and Needham Fire Chief Kevin Hosler announced Thursday a new safety initiative to supply 750 free smoke detectors in the Tamina community in response to the fatal house fire that killed three children in the 19000 block of Johnson Road just before sunrise in May.

Supplying and maintaining working smoke detectors is the responsibility of the apartment complex, per state law, according to Legoudes, who said it is up to occupants to check their batteries frequently and at least twice a year.

"We don't know if it (smoke detectors) went off and alerted the occupants," said Legoudes, who added it is difficult for apartment management to monitor every smoke detector. "But you know with it being relatively early in the evening as well, it makes a difference too. This might have been a lot different situation at 2, 3 or 4 o' clock in the morning."

For more information about assisting the displaced families, email fire@cityofconroe.org.
A local program meant to limit panhandling and substance abuse has seen a gradual increase in participation during its short existence, but it is still a long way from fulfilling its mission.

After two years, Better Bucks has seen 11,000 of its $1 coupons redeemed while the program has cost the sponsoring foundation $22,000.

Better Bucks was started by the Shadows Foundation and the Flagstaff Police Department is billed as a compassionate solution to panhandling, and a better way of giving."

The "bucks" are a coupon book that a person can buy at a participating locations for $6. In the booklet there are $5 worth of coupons that can be used like cash, with some exceptions, at participating businesses, which are printed on the booklet. The booklet also includes a bus pass and a list of social service providers.

Better Bucks allows people who were apprehensive of giving money to transient people a way to give by handing out a currency that could only be used for essentials and not tobacco and alcohol.

Now, two years since the programs inception, Better Bucks has seen an increase in participation both among Flagstaff residents giving out the booklets and panhandlers using them; however, it is still unclear if the program has done anything to curb panhandling or substance abuse for the transient population.

HEADWAY

The program had a soft launch in 2014, but was fully launched in 2015. Since 2015, over $11,000 worth of Better Bucks have been redeemed at participating merchants. Another $3,000 worth of the coupons have been purchased but not redeemed.

Vicki Burton, the founder and director of the Shadows Foundation, said that one of the best aspects of the program is that every dollar spent on better bucks is a dollar that stays in Flagstaff.

We have taken money and kept it in this community, Burton said. We pay out a dollar for every dollar spent.

Flagstaff Police Department Lt. Paul Lasiewicki, one of the creators of the program, said Better Bucks is a solution to a panhandling problem that does not cost the city a penny.

However, despite an increase in participation, the program has accrued more cost than panhandlers have received in redeemable $1 coupons. Better Bucks has cost the foundation $22,000 since 2014.

WHO RECEIVES THEM?

Jaron Long is sitting on a bench under the shade in Wheeler Park taking a long drag from his cigarette. As a panhandler, he said that he periodically gets Better Bucks, but said he thinks the program has problems.

Real talk, Long said. Better Bucks are useless.

Long and his friend Misty Norris have a number of problems with the program, ranging from the $5 purchase cap to the assumption that giving them money means they are going to spend it all on alcohol or cigarettes.

Five dollars just isnt enough, Long said. It is nice sometimes because I can buy a water or a soda, but I am still using money to buy my food.

Lasiewicki said that the $5 cap was put in place to prevent the chance to abuse the system.

The limit helped prevent a black market for Better Bucks, Lasiewicki said.

Norris agreed with Longs sentiment, but went further, stating that while she would take Better Bucks she found them insulting.

I get what Better Bucks are for and it is better than nothing, Norris said. But the whole thing is kind of messed up. If you wanna give me money then do it and if you dont then dont, but if you give someone money, its their money so how can you tell me what I am supposed to buy with it.

Burton countered this argument by stating that Better Bucks is meant to encourage donors by giving them peace of mind about where their donated money is going. Better Bucks is not meant to spare the feelings of people who need money.

This isnt about how they feel, Burton said. Better Bucks is meant to be an alternative way to give money so people can know what that money is being used for. A lot of these people wouldnt be in the situation they are in if they were good with money.

Jim Miller, who sits in front of the Bashas Grocery Store on Woodlands Boulevard, which sells Better Bucks, said he gets the currency on an almost daily basis and would struggle for food and water if the program didnt exist.

Better Bucks has really helped me out a lot, Miller said. I go to the grocery store and buy a sandwich or some water and since Better Bucks started I can do that more often.

Miller also did not find the program demeaning, stating that Better Bucks were just as good as real money and if people are more comfortable giving me Better Bucks then that is OK.

Even panhandlers who dislike the program like Long and Norris could not argue with the free bus pass on the back of each Better Buck.

I do like the bus pass, Norris said. That pass means I dont have to worry about getting around for another day.

Miller agreed that the bus pass was the most useful aspect of Better Bucks.

The pass gets me to the other side of town where I sleep every night, Miller said. Not having to walk saves me a lot of time and energy.

REDEEMING THE COUPONS

Businesses that accept or sell Better Bucks overwhelmingly consider it a good program that benefits the people who use the currency and the people who donate them.

The Flagstaff Farmers Market is one of the most common places where Better Bucks are redeemed, Burton said. At the market, co-owner Brian Yoskovich said the store is a perfect setting for Better Bucks users to shop because they can get assistance from employees on getting the best value, and because they cannot receive change.

The store sees between four to six Better Bucks customers a day, Yoskovich said, which could be due to the stores proximity to the Flagstaff Family Food Center and the fact that it is one of the few places on the east side of the city that accepts the coupons.

The people who use them have been really genuine, he said.

At Aspen Deli, owner Michael Ferlaino and his staff already had a policy in place stating they would give food to whoever came in hungry and unable to pay. Better Bucks, he said, gave him a more regulated way to help people in need.

Nothing on the delis regular menu, besides a cookie or a soft drink, costs under $5, the maximum value of a booklet of Better Bucks, so Ferlaino created a special menu just for Better Bucks that includes basic sandwiches. Customers can only order the discounted meals if they are using the coupons, so Ferlaino said people are usually grateful to redeem them for the meal.

Ferlaino sold the booklets in the deli as well, but said he only sold about two booklets during the time he tried to sell them. However, he said he sees two to three customers a week using Better Bucks, though most of those people are regulars at the deli.

Id say about 50 percent of the Better Bucks I see come from one family, he said, adding that some service organizations are paying people in Better Bucks for completing small tasks instead of paying in cash.

Better Bucks can be more helpful for people because of the bus pass, he said.

Ferlaino and his staff talk to everyone who comes in the deli, so he has gotten to know many of the people who receive and redeem Better Bucks. He also distributes the booklets himself if he sees someone panhandling.

Ive actually had them rejected from me, he said. It can be a way to tell whos serious and whos not. Im a skeptic at heart, so when I go to hand them Better Bucks and theyre genuinely happy, I know theyre legitimate. If they say, Id really prefer cash, I know they arent really in need.

Bashas store manager Doug Rolfes said it wasa boon for residents of Flagstaff and transients.

It is a good thing for the community and helping people because the money people are giving the homeless community is used for the right purpose, Rolfes said.

Craig Davis, manager of Freddys Frozen Custard and Steakburgers, said that his shop gets around three people a week who use Better Bucks and the program has been a good thing.

We are really happy to accept Better Bucks because it helps people get something to eat, Davis said.

Even people who were somewhat skeptical of the program saw some benefit to Better Bucks.

Bobbi Wilson, manager of Flagstaff Soap Company said that if Better Bucks encourages people do give who would not usually give, then the program is a positive.

Despite his support for Better Bucks, Rolfes said the program has not reduced the amount of panhandling near the grocery store.

Better Bucks is a great tool, but I dont think you can limit panhandling, Rolfes said. I think the program works because it lets people know where their money is going, but people are going to keep panhandling as long as there is money out there.
London, June 4 (IBNS): US President Donald Trump on Sunday condemned the terror attack in London which killed at least six people on Saturday night and injured around 48.

President Trump even offered help to the United Kingdom to fight the menace.

In a tweet, Trump said : "Whatever the United States can do to help out in London and the U. K., we will be there - WE ARE WITH YOU. GOD BLESS!"

The incidents occurred at London Bridge and Borough Market when in one of the attacks a white van ploughed into pedestrians on London Bridge at about 10.08 pm, said reports.

The suspects reportedly also stabbed people and a police officer after jumping out of the van.

"They were stabbing everyone. They were running up and going 'This is for Allah'," a man called Gerard told the BBC.

London's Metropolitan Police confirmed six deaths.

At this stage, we believe that six people have died in addition to the three attackers shot dead by police. And at least 20 casualties have been taken to six hospitals across London," Assistant Commissioner Mark Rowley told media earlier in the day.

Other world leaders also reacted to attack and offered solidarity to UK.

French President Emmanuel Macron was quoted in media as saying: "France is more than ever at Britain's side."

German Chancellor Angela Merkel said "We are united beyond all borders in horror and sorrow, but also in determination."

Spanish leader Mariano Rajoy also offered "solidarity and support" to Britain in the wake of the attacks.

Australian leader Malcolm Turbull tweeted: "Prayers and resolute solidarity are today as always with the people of Britain."

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi condemned the attack and wrote on Twitter: Attacks in London are shocking and anguishing. We condemn them. My thoughts are with families of the deceased and prayers with the injured.

Meanwhile the injured have been taken to hospital for treatment.

London Ambulance tweeted: "We have taken 48 patients to hospital following the incident at #LondonBridge ."

Assistant Commissioner Mark Rowley in a press statement after the attack said: "there will be additional police and officers deployed across the Capital" over forthcoming days #LondonBridge #BoroughMarket."

He said, The investigation is being led by the Counter Terrorism Command and we would ask anybody who has images or film of the incident to pass those to police by uploading it at www.ukpoliceimageappeal.co.uk."

Our thoughts are with all those involved and those responding to both incidents. Those who are concerned about a loved one can contact the Casualty Bureau on 0800 0961 233," Rowly said.

We are reviewing and planning to strengthen our policing stance across London over the forthcoming days, and there will be additional police and officers deployed across the Capital."

I would like to ask the public to remain vigilant and let us know if they see anything suspicious that causes them concern and dial 999 immediately, he added.


One of five Port Arthur silos that has raised health concerns for nearby residents, collapsed Sunday morning.

Around 4:20 a.m., the smoldering German Pellets Texas and Texas Pellets Inc. silo, which holds wood pellets made from logs, bark, wood chips and sawdust, ruptured and collapsed, according to Port Arthur spokesperson Risa Carpenter. Officials confirmed that no one was "in the collapse zone when the collapse occurred and no injuries were reported."
TIJUANA, MEXICO -- Rep. Juan Vargas, D-California, whose district runs the length of the state's border with Mexico, introduced a set of bills last fall aimed at helping U.S. military veterans who were deported after they were convicted of crimes. The bills stalled, casualties of what he called bad timing during the presidential campaign.

Vargas reintroduced the bills last week because now he sees "a real opportunity." He and six other Democratic members of Congress spent Saturday in this Mexican border town visiting deported veterans to press the issue, thinking that President Donald Trump might be receptive to the argument that they are veterans first and deportees second.

These veterans, who agreed to serve in the U.S. military in exchange for a chance at U.S. citizenship, sit at the intersection of an issue with broad bipartisan interest -- the treatment of those who fought for the nation -- and immigration, an issue that resonates with the Democratic base.

"Hopefully someone in the administration, this time, will say, 'We're doing such a horrible job. The world hates us now. This is something we can do that's positive,' " Vargas said in an interview, noting that the administration has been mired in bad news and that the previous White House failed to take up the issue. "It's a good opportunity for them to do something unambiguously positive: to help veterans."

Vargas and his delegation brought their message Saturday to the Deported Veterans Support House in northern Tijuana. Here, they met with veterans who served but then had problems before they obtained full citizenship, finding themselves ejected from the United States after running afoul of the law.

Hector Barajas, who is leading an effort to get his peers back into the United States, made his case in front of the delegation and reporters. Barajas was deported after a crime -- he fired a gun. He was honorably discharged from the Army, and after serving a prison sentence he was sent back to Mexico. He mistakenly thought he'd be given citizenship automatically after his service. California Gov. Jerry Brown, D, recently pardoned Barajas.

Barajas shared a pledge Saturday that the members of Congress signed, which read in part: "We believe that anyone who is willing to join the U.S. military, fight and give their life for the U.S., should be a citizen and not subject to deportation from the country they serve."

Edwin Salgado came to the United States when his parents brought him over the border when he was 3. He later served in Kuwait, joining the Marines at 18 because he "felt it was something I had to do for my country."

He was sent back to Mexico after a conviction on drug and weapons charges. He spent a year in prison.

Salgado said he didn't realize veterans could be deported and he hopes the laws will change. "I'm allowed to go back when I die," he said in an interview prior to the event. "One way or another, I'll find my way back there."

Rep. Raul M. Grijalva, D-Arizona, said that is something that struck him, too: Deported veterans get military burials but are kept out of the country while they're alive. HR 1470, which he introduced in March, aims to prevent the deportation of veterans who commit non-serious crimes. It has 51 co-sponsors, all Democrats.

Grijalva said the national discussion about immigration might work out in the bill's favor. Rep. Joaquin Castro, D-Texas, said he thinks the issue has broad support.

"The terrain is tough in Congress right now," Castro said. "Most people, regardless of their political affiliation, are very surprised and concerned to hear that veterans have been deported, even though they put their lives on the line for the United States."

Among the other bills that have been introduced or reintroduced since March, one would let deported veterans temporarily return to the United States for health care and another would ensure that noncitizen service members receive instruction about naturalization.

Letting noncitizen veterans who engage in criminal activity, whether violent or nonviolent, stay in the United States doesn't sit well with Jeff Schwilk, founder of San Diegans for Secure Borders and a retired Marine. Schwilk said the military has long had a fast-track citizenship program for foreign national service members.

"If deportees didn't apply for U.S. citizenship while in the military, that was their choice," he said. "I don't think they should be held to a lesser standard. When we're in the military, we're held to a higher standard. Crimes that are not crimes in civilian life are crimes in the military, and we all know that, from the day we are sworn in as soldiers or Marines or airmen."

That might be one of the effort's biggest hurdles, trying to draw sympathy for people who committed crimes. Their numbers are difficult to estimate -- advocates say it ranges from several hundred to several thousand -- but they represent a tiny fraction of the foreigners who have served in the U.S. military.

But Rep. Vicente Gonzalez, D-Texas, said the issue often receives the wrong emphasis: "This is not an immigration issue," he said. "This is a veterans' issue."

He met with White House officials several weeks ago and wrote a letter to Trump, urging him to sign an executive order to stop veteran deportations.

Gonzalez was encouraged by something Trump said about deported veterans during the campaign: "I think that when you serve in the armed forces, that's a special situation, and I could see myself working that out," Trump said then. "Absolutely."
A man suffered serious injuries after being pinned between two vehicles while walking down a street south of downtown early Sunday morning.

San Antonio police at the scene said the man, in his mid-20s to mid-30s, was walking south along the 2200 block of South Flores Street shortly before 5 a.m. when a black SUV traveling north made a U-turn and stuck the man, pinning him between another SUV.
London, June 4 (IBNS): In a major development, police on Sunday said 12 people have been arrested in connection with the latest terror attacks which hit London on Saturday that left seven people killed.

We are all shocked and angry today - but this is our city. We will never let these cowards win and we will never be cowed by terrorism. pic.twitter.com/o7ZMwg28mv  Mayor of London (@MayorofLondon) June 4, 2017

"Officers from the Met's Counter Terrorism Command have this morning, Sunday 4 June, arrested 12 people in Barking, east London, in connection with last night's incidents in London Bridge and the Borough Market area. Searches of a number of addresses in Barking are continuing," read a statement issued by the Metropolitan Police Service (MPS).

The police said seven people have died, in addition to the three attackers shot dead by police.

A further 48 people were taken to hospital, some of whom are believed to be suffering serious and life threatening injuries, the police said.

"Among those injured in the attack are a British Transport Police officer and an off-duty Metropolitan Police officer. Both remain in hospital with serious injuries but neither are believed to be in a life-threatening condition," read the statement issued by the police.

Police asked people to share images or film of the incident.

"Anybody who has images or film of the incident are asked to pass those to police by uploading it at www.ukpoliceimageappeal.co.uk," the police said.
The Texas Legislature was embarrassed by the onslaught of teacher-student sex cases recently - as it should be - so it cracked down of the offenders - as it should have. But it still left out an important sanction.

The new law recently signed by Gov. Greg Abbott should do more to reduce this disturbing type of crime that has increased in each of the last seven years in public schools in Texas.

Senate Bill 7 ensures that teachers who engage in inappropriate relationships with students will lose their teaching certification and pension. It punishes any administrators who know about such misconduct but ignore it. The bill also requires school districts to adopt a written policy aimed at preventing improper electronic communications between employees and students.

Again, all of that is good and overdue. But the law does not require mandatory minimum sentences for educators convicted of this crime. A recent case illustrates the need for this.

Former Houston Independent School District police Officer Jacob Delgadillo pleaded guilty to having an improper contact with a 14-year-old student. He admitted fondling the girl but was also accused of having the girl perform oral sex on him in the bathroom of a middle school and showing nude photos of himself to the girl.

Investigators found several cellphone photos of him in various states of undress, including one in which he is exposing himself in his campus office while dressed in his campus uniform. A teacher saw him looking at the girl through a classroom window and blowing kisses to her.

Pretty bad, right? Deserving serious punishment, right?

Well, Delgadillo reached a plea deal for five years of probation but no time behind bars. Worse, it's deferred adjudication, a form of probation that means he will not have a conviction on his record if he completes the probation. Worse yet, he will not have to register as a sex offender.

If educators get a slap on the wrist like that for this type of crime, more will be tempted to exploit students. SB 7 will help, but it won't help enough.

-- Beaumont Enterprise
The stoic determination and decency of the British people and their leaders was on full display in the hours after the latest horrific terrorist rampage. The Brits fought back, launching drinking glasses and chairs at the savages who attacked them. The police acted with lightning-fast precision, killing the three assailants within eight minutes of the emergency call. And, God bless him, a man returned to the bar where he experienced Saturday's horror -- to pay his bill and tip. Civilization is not going to be driven out of Britain by three, or three hundred, killers.

Meanwhile, and it pains me to write this, our president acted like a clod, a heartless and dull-witted thug in sending out a series of tweets. He -- commander in chief and leader of the free world -- first retweeted an unverified, unofficial Drudge headline about the unfolding terrorist attack. Then he aimed to bolster his Muslim travel ban (which is not supposed to be a Muslim travel ban).

"We need to be smart, vigilant and tough," he tweeted. "We need the courts to give us back our rights. We need the Travel Ban as an extra level of safety!" (Aside from the inappropriateness of President Donald Trump's tweet, he fails to grasp that the courts in these cases are reaffirming our rights against an overreaching, discriminatory edict.)

After receiving blowback for that obnoxious missive, he tweeted out, "Whatever the United States can do to help out in London and the U. K., we will be there - WE ARE WITH YOU. GOD BLESS!" But then he decided to slam the mayor of the city attacked, who had calmly warned his fellow Londoners: "Londoners will see an increased police presence today and over the course of the next few days. There's no reason to be alarmed."

Trump took the second part out of context and responded viciously, "At least 7 dead and 48 wounded in terror attack and Mayor of London says there is 'no reason to be alarmed!'" (The mayor, of course, was telling them not to be alarmed by the heightened police presence.) Trump was not done, however, inanely tweeting, "Do you notice we are not having a gun debate right now? That's because they used knives and a truck!"

One is prompted to ask if he is off his rocker. But this is vintage Trump -- impulsive and cruel, without an ounce of class or human decency. His behavior no longer surprises us, but it should offend and disturb us, first, that he remains the face and voice of America in the world and, second, that his fans hoot and holler, seeing this as inconsequential or acceptable conduct. We wound up with this president because millions of Republicans could not prioritize character, decency and overall fitness to serve over their mundane and frankly petty partisan wish list (28 percent top marginal tax rate!). Self-appointed religious leaders fail to see that this soullessness -- not the dreaded liberal elite who insist on saying "Happy Holidays" or refuse to countenance discrimination against gay customers -- is a threat to the moral fiber of a democracy that requires a modicum of common sense and human decency to function.

Sure, Trump's policies and rhetoric are incoherent and based on a tower of lies. Far worse, however, is his appalling character, which accelerates the erosion of democratic norms and social cohesion a diverse democracy requires. In instances like this, those who would lecture us on President Barack Obama's under-appreciation of America's unique place in human history or proclaim that they simply had to vote for Trump because Hillary Clinton was some sort of monster are exposed as fools or hypocrites or both.

The London attacks bring out the best in Britain and in Western leaders on the European continent; it brings out the worst in Trump and his followers. The former protect the soul of Western civilization; the latter drive a stake through the animating ideas that make America special.

- Rubin writes the Right Turn blog for The Post, offering reported opinion from a conservative perspective.
Re: Abbott cracks joke about reporters at gun range, State, Sunday:

Its interesting to note that we are all concerned with our young people being bullied and trying to find solutions for ending bullying, yet our politicians are doing it and its acceptable.

One example is that of our governor making fun of shooting a reporter. He holds the highest office in our state, and for him to show this kind of behavior, especially with a gun in hand, is a bit disturbing.

I wonder if he considers himself an individual with affluenza and that the rule of law doesnt apply to him. I would say to Gov. Abbott: Grow up, quit acting so immature and show our young people how to be respectful. He is an embarrassment to Texas!

Dora Ortiz

Ignorant agenda

Re: Straus vs. Patrick; Speaker says House wont act further on bathroom bill, front page, May 27:

Dear Dan Patrick and Greg Abbott:

The people of Texas do not want any type of discriminatory bathroom legislation. Do not waste state funds on a special session that targets a vulnerable population. Your willfully ignorant and hateful agenda is a national embarrassment to Texans.

Todd Cooper

Hear the one ...

And then theres that timeworn joke: A District 2 councilman walks into a bar ...

Pat Jackson

Common sense

Re: Merkel looking beyond Trump, Nation & World, May 29:

Let me get this straight. German Chancellor Angela Merkel is complaining that European nations must start to really take our own fate into our own hands.

Here is the height of hypocrisy. For more than 70 years, America has rebuilt and defended Europe, all on the American taxpayer dime. If not for American blood, they would be speaking Russian. A new reality, yes  imagine the concept of paying your fair share for your own defense.

Finally, a president, despite all his failings, has a correct grip on Europe and NATO, and the U.N. for that matter. Just imagine if we in America waited for Europe to come to our defense and spend trillions over the years to do so. Just wouldnt happen.

The days of Russian tanks swarming over the border are gone. The world is too economically interconnected. We should bring all our European-deployed troops home, and let Europe take care of its own fate. Isolationist? I dont think so; just common sense.

Steven Hess

Paving paradise

Re: Cellars is highest of high-end; Apartment rents range from $1,830 to $13,975, front page, May 25:

The River Walk, next to the Alamo, is one of our most treasured assets. It is a linear park enjoyed by residents and tourists alike, much of it running through our storied downtown, where most expect high-rise hotels, businesses, apartment buildings, etc.

The Museum Reach portion, when it opened, was a shining example of what could be developed from literally nothing. It was and is a beautiful linear park.

The recent explosion in development along this portion of the River Walk is disturbing. The never-ending construction of high-rise apartments, hotels, etc., has forever changed the landscape of this beautiful area, and I am afraid we have paved paradise and put up a parking lot, as Joni Mitchell lamented in Big Yellow Taxi.

I urge City Council to slow or put a moratorium on the development lest we change the name from the Museum Reach to Cement Canyon North.

Gretchen Mayes

They respect law

Re: Other part of tacit agreement, Robert H. Barton, Another View, May 23:

I read with great interest this commentary. Judge Barton rightfully laments the lack of education and appreciation for the judiciary in our democracy, and that young citizens are not learning about the rule of law.

Unfortunately, Judge Barton opines: Compounding the cause for concern is the fact that immigrants are coming from countries that are not governed by the rule of law and, as a result, the immigrants have no appreciation for the concept.

Nothing could be further from the truth.

Immigrants come to the U.S. with a great appreciation for the rule of law and the importance of equal protection under our laws, which is the chief responsibility of our judicial branch. I would argue that this is the driving force inspiring immigrants throughout history to seek a life of equal opportunity in the U.S.

I would also advise anyone sharing Judge Bartons concern about learning the role of the judiciary to read the relevant excerpts from Democracy in America, published in 1835 and still considered the seminal work on the functioning of our democratic form of government. It was written by Alexis de Tocqueville, a citizen of France.

Charles A. Gonzalez, former County Court-at-Law judge, state District Court judge and U.S. representative

Future at stake

Re: San Antonio ranks third among largest U.S. cities with biggest population gains, Metro, May 25:

Will Rogers once said, Even if youre on the right track, youll get run over if you just sit there.

Beyond questionable ethics, this is a pattern for Mayor Ivy Taylor. Vision has never been her strong suit. Ron Nirenberg excels by leading the massive SA Tomorrow efforts of the past years. Dare we forget?

You think your article would be enough warning to, at least, pursue the objectives of SA2020 and SA Tomorrow. After all, how do you think we got into our gridlocked and congested bind in the first place? Yet the mayor tweaked the plan for our future beyond recognition.

I voted for Ron the first time. I plan to follow through. I dont want the first vote to be meaningless!

Bill Hurley
School Kits Limited is a leading professional school outfitting firm and a one-stop shop for a wide range of requirements for students from pre-school age through the secondary (High) school age. School Kits Limited commenced business in 2000 and has experienced significant growth for the years becoming a credible brand within the school supply industry in Nigeria.Job Type: PermanentSectors: Education, RetailReporting Line: The employee reports to the Store Manager and Retail CoordinatorJob Details:Attend to clients inquiries and complaints. Provide client support services in accurate and timely fashionAbility to Cross sell and up sellFamiliarization with organizations products and advise customers on its availabilityBuild positive and productive relationship with clientsKeep records of sales proceeds at the end of the dayMaintain high level of professionalism and competence in every client interactionWork in compliance with company policies and proceduresPresent and portray a positive image of the organization, its products and services to clientsGive regular and timely updates on stock level to the store managerRecommend potential products or services to the store manager by collecting customer informationWork together as a team with other colleagues.Carry out tasks as assigned by the store managerMinimum qualification HND/B.Sc in Social Sciences and HumanitiesExcellent People and Communication skillsExperience in Retail/ Education sectorProficiency in Microsoft packagesExperience in Customer service especially in a one-on-one interactionFast learnerResponsible and committed to task assigned to handleAbility to blend into a new environment and work with people of different ethnicityAbility to work under pressure especially during the peak periodPunctualAttentive to detailsCourteousAbility to Cross Sell and Up-sellCertification in Customer Service would be an added advantageResides in AbujaRequired Skills:Customer Service: Minimum of 2 years experienceSales and Marketing experience is also an added advantage.RemunerationN50 000 - N60 000 Per Month (Negotiable).Other Benefits:Medical Aid, TrainingApplicants should send their CV's to: careers@schoolkitsng.com 9 June, 2017
Amaiden Energy Nigeria Limited, (formerly Moody International Nigeria Limited) was established in 1996 as a partnership between Moody International Group and Nigerian investors. Since commencing operations in March 1997 the company continues to grow and exerts its presence in numerous Projects in the Nigeria Oil and Gas Industry.Category: Management, Accounting and AdministrationProviding support and assistance regarding the daily task of the Principal screening of visitors with the highest level of friendliness and professionalism.Storing, retrieving and integrating information for dissemination to staff and clients.Attending to incoming/outgoing e-mails and documents.Organize and maintain paper and electronic files.Scheduling meetings and appointments with the Principal.Handle the tasks of scanning and indexing documents and manuals into the Electronic filing systems.Handle records of all contracts, distributions and transmitals.Responsible for the originating and maintenance of the MDR (Master Deliverable Register) in relation to the Principals.Academic Qualification: First degree in Business Administration.Experience: 3 years relevant experience.Gender: FemaleJob Type: ContractsJob Nature: RotationTechnician with 10 years experience of drilling and completion.Good knowledge of oil-well equipment is required as well as a good ability to communicate and co-ordinate jobs involving different departments and companies.Personnel may be required to go to the rig for supervision if need be.Maintain good co-ordination/interface with FO, for the optimisation of Wireline and Well Servicing operationsPlan, coordinate and supervise onshore and offshore Wireline and Well Servicing logistics with site Techlog.Prepare JRA with FO prior to operations commencement.Ensure service companies comply with all Company rulesPromote the protection of environment and the Safety of persons.Minimum of OND in Mechanical Engineering plus.Minimum of with 8 years experience in Wireline operations. Good knowledge of equipment is required to be able to supervise and co ordinate effectively.Good oral, written presentation and communication skill in English language.Have a PC literate with word processing and spread sheet applications in a Window environment.International Well Control (IWCF) Certificate.SAS HUET certificateCategory A, Emergency Breathing System (CA,-EBS)Excellent knowledge of Wireline tools (Halliburton, Baker, etc).Job Type: ContractsEnsures that all drilling and completion equipment sent to the rigs or contractors base from Onne base is shipped as per Total Lifting and Safety standards.Maintains QAQC on all equipment before use or load-outIs in charge of organising the oil equipment storage and handling with the agreement of the head of logistics, material officers and store- keepers for optimised efficiency and control for in/out movement of materialsPerforms all entries in Unisup in relation to Offshore Marine Logistics Management and procedures.Follows up Material Management in close co-operation with stock buyers and warehouse personnel.Ensures that appropriate equipment is effectively shipped as per superintendents instructions, companys HSE policies, cargo manifest and International standards. Proper packaging of material to rig site is essentialLiaise with contractors to ensure they are effectively organising collection of their equipment, in particular to avoid rental equipment to standby on the quay side for several days.Technician with 10 years experience of drilling and completion.Good knowledge of oil-well equipment is required as well as a good ability to communicate and co-ordinate jobs involving different departments and companies.Personnel may be required to go to the rig for supervision if need be.Job Type: ContractsJob Nature: RotationGuarantee the safe execution of agreed X-Mas Tree intervention programmed activities on time at the well site, in compliance with codes of practices, all while optimizing and improving costs and lead times.Prepare and follow up X-mas tree spare parts InventoryImplement controls and processes to safeguard the technical integrity of the well and X-Mas Tree, economic interests and reputation of EPNL assets, in respect of X-Mas Tree intervention.Has a well site responsibility for the planning, coordination, supervision, execution, and evaluation of a wider scope of X-Mas Tree intervention operationsLead and supervise specialized X-Mas Tree intervention team in the execution of on site X-Mas Tree intervention activities to deliver maximum value whilst maintaining HSE standards.Provide input to, and liaise with, superintendent (or RSES-D) to develop and generate suitable well intervention reporting.Organize X-Mas Tree intervention activities, in accordance with the planning and under the control of his superintendent.Organize site logistics related with service equipmentPrepare and follow up X-mas tree spare parts InventoryProvide exemplary HS&E Leadership in support of all X-Mas Tree and wire line intervention activities under area of responsibility. Supervise QHSE audits at well site and contractors support bases in collaboration with Drilling and Completion Operations Safety Leader (OSL).Prepare JRA with FO prior to operations commencement.Minimum of HND in Mechanical EngineeringMinimum of with 8 years experience in X-Mas Tree and wireline intervention operations.Good knowledge of equipment is required to be able to supervise and co-ordinate effectively.Good oral, written presentation and communication skill in English language.Have a PC literate with word processing and spread sheet applications in a Window environment.International Well Control (IWCF) Certificate.SAS HUET certificateCategory A, Emergency Breathing System (CA,-EBS)Excellent knowledge of FMC, CAMERON, VETCO X-Mas Trees and appropriate service tools.Excellent knowledge of Wireline tools (Halliburton, Baker, etc)Category A, Emergency Breathing System (CA,-EBS)Excellent knowledge of Wireline tools (Halliburton, Baker, etc)ContractsPlanning & implementing review of QMS project as per ISO 9001 & statutory requirementDefine required QA/QC resources needed during project phases & manage QA/QC service contractReporting/monitoring inspection dataParticipate in the review of HAZOP reportsCarry out appraisal of contractor quality systemsEstablish criteria for evaluating & selecting suppliers10 years experience in quality managementEngineering Degree with ISO 9001 trainingKnowledge of RBI methodology.Click on Job Title below:PERSONAL ASSISTANTWIRELINE SUPERVISORMATERIAL SUPERVISORXMAS TREE INTERVENTION SUPERVISORQA/QC MANAGER (EXPATRIATE)8 June, 2017
By Don Quijones, Spain & Mexico, editor at Wolf Street. Originally published at Wolf Street

The shares of Spains sixth biggest bank, Banco Popular, plunged 36% this week to 0.43, reducing the banks market capitalization to 1.7 billion. Just three weeks ago, when there was still a glimmer of hope that things could be turned around, it was worth almost double that. Its shares traded at 15 ten years ago, before the collapse of Spains mind-boggling housing bubble that left Popular holding billions of euros of real estate assets.

Popular may not be a systemically important institution, but its nonetheless an institution of great import. It has the largest portfolio of small business customers in Spain and enjoys the patronage of one of Spains most influential institutions, Opus Dei. Its well-heeled members are among the banks most important shareholders and investors, and they stand to lose a lot of money if a last-minute buyer is not found soon.

This is an outcome that can no longer be discounted, especially after reports emerged on Thursday that senior officials of the ECBs regulatory arm, the Single Supervisory Mechanism, had warned the bank could be wound down if it fails to find a buyer. But the EU agency charged with overseeing bank failures later issued a statement saying it never issues warnings about banks.

But the damage has already been done. And its not just Opus Dei, or Populars thousands of long-suffering retail investors, that could end up paying a heavy price. Populars investors also include PIMCO, one of the worlds largest asset managers, which owned 279 million of Populars outstanding 1.25 billion of face value in AT1 bonds at the end of March, making it by far the largest holder at the time.

These AT1 bonds go by another more familiar name: contingent convertible bonds, or Co-Co bonds. These are financial instruments that pay high coupons, because they come with a high risk, designed as they are to absorb losses at times of distress, by converting to equity or being written down when the lenders capital ratio falls below a certain point.

Populars second batch of Co-Cos, worth 750 million, dropped to 59 cents on the euro, the lowest point ever reached by a bank Co-Co bond.

So far, despite their high-risk nature, no AT1 bond has ever been bailed in. But Popular, as a mid-sized bank that has arguably exhausted all its possibilities of resurrection, is in a terribly weak position.

It would be the first triggering of an AT1, Lloyd Harris, an analyst at Old Mutual, told the FT. These types of events are more likely for Popular than they ever were for Deutsche Bank, he added, referring to Deutsche Banks Co-Cos that got trampled last year.

If a triggering occurs, PIMCO and other investors would take a hit. If Popular were wound down, many more wealthy global investors, particularly in Latin America, would also be hit hard. They include the Luksic, Chiles richest family, which bought 3% of Populars shares at the beginning of May in an operation then valued at 87 million. Its now worth little over half of that. Another investor that stands to lose big time is the Mexican billionaire Antonio del Valle, who invested 450 million in Popular in 2013.

In recent weeks rumors have abounded that a loose consortium of Latin American investors is planning to take over the bank, once its share price has tanked low enough. But for the moment, they are just rumors.

By now, the only bank that appears to still have a passing interest in buying Popular is Spains biggest bank, Santander, which would like nothing more than to get its hands on Populars retail business, in particular that massive portfolio of small business clients. But for that to happen, Populars over 30 billion of impaired real estate assets would have to be neutralized, almost certainly involving taxpayer funds. Something would also have to be done to nullify the class action law suits mushrooming on the other side of the Atlantic over Populars alleged misleading of investors in the lead-up to its last capital expansion, in 2016 (Whats the matter with these investors that bought the capital-expansion hype? Dont these people read WOLF STREET?)

The big question is whether the ECB and the European Commission would lend their approval to such a takeover, especially if billions of euros of public funds are required. Having just awarded Italys Monte dei Paschi a last-minute reprieve, prompting accusations that even banks that are not too big to fail are still getting bailed out in Europe 10 years after the financial crisis, they may feel that the time has finally come to test out the EUs bail-in law.

And if they do, a lot of investors, rather than taxpayers, could end up losing their shirts, which would be a welcome change, while market players may even begin questioning just how safe Spains saved banking system really is.

Banco Popular itself cannot at this point make a rough calculation of what its value is, and if they cant, neither can we. Read Banco Populars Co-Co Bonds Plunge as Balance Sheet Chaos Revealed in Potential Forced Sale
By Press Trust of India: and K

New Delhi, Jun 4 (PTI) Army Chief Gen Bipin Rawat and top brass of the force today paid glowing tributes to the two soldiers who were killed in a militant attack near Qazigund on the Srinagar-Jammu national highway.

Militants had yesterday attacked an Army convoy on the highway yesterday, killing Naik Dipak Kumar Maity and Manivannan G in the incident.

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In his brief comment to the media after paying tribute to the soldiers at Palam airport, Gen Rawat said, "Work is worship for us."

"For a soldier, work is his religion and therefore, we are often told that work is worship... We must all pay our respect and homage to these brave soldiers who have attained martyrdom in the line of duty," Rawat said.

The mortal remains of the two soldiers are being taken to their native places where they will be laid to rest with full military honours.

43-year-old Naik Kumar hailed from Midnapur in West Bengal and had joined the Army in 1997. He is survived by his wife Rikta and a 13-year-old daughter.

Hailing from Thiruvannamalai in Tamilnadu, 25-year-old Manivannan G had started his career in the Army in 2013. He is survived by his parents -- mother G Chinnaponnu and father Gopal G.

Gen Rawat had yesterday visited formations on the Line of Control (LoC) in north Kashmir and was briefed on the operational and logistical preparedness of the force.

During his visit, which followed repeated instances of ceasefire violations by Pakistan in recent times, he exhorted soldiers deployed in the Valley to maintain utmost vigil and operational focus.

He had also called on J-K Governor N N Vohra and discussed the internal and external security management issues in the state. PTI MPB KIS

--- ENDS ---
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.

It will not surprise regular readers to hear some of the latest news concerning the revolving door between government service and private sector employment. I post this short piece not because I think theres any chance that anything will be done anytime soon to stop such swinging from occurring but because I think its worth noting that it continues to occur.

One thing thats important to note: the door swings both ways. Although Trump promised to drain the swamp and slammed Hillary Clinton during the campaign for her Goldman Sachs connections he lost no time in turning to vampire squid denizens in staffing his administration (as has indeed, been widely reported. See, for example, these Naked Capitalism posts: Trump Picks Ex-Goldman Banker, Steve Mnuchin, Known as King of Foreclosures to Head Treasury and Trump Selects Jay Clayton, S & C Partner, to chair the SEC.)

Nonetheless, my interest was piqued by a recent New York Time Dealbook piece discussing the revolving door phenomenon, Ex-Obama Officials Find Theres No Place Like Their Old Law Firms. Now, as those who pay occasional attention to Dealbook well know, one key indicator of whether a phenomenon has jumped the shark is whether its attracted Dealbooks attention. So while bearing that caveat in mind, allow me to quote from that source;

When a new administration comes to Washington, top government regulators flock to the exits to find new jobs, but they seldom have to look very far. A few parlay their experience into corporate counsel jobs or trade up to a more rarefied law firm than the one they had left earlier.

Please note that Im not immune to arguments that those who spend years studying law and usually, accruing substantial student loan debts, which, incidentally was even true when I attended law school class of 91 should get some return on their investments of time, energy, and toil. Sadly, the US fails to well compensate lawyers (and other professionals) who elect to take public service jobs. Contrast that with Singapore where there is a clear, well-compensated career path available to those who choose government service. Such a system stops any revolving door from swinging. But thats certainly not the case in the USA. And the failure to compensate government lawyers, means that the lure of private practice always looms large. But I can and do lament that this is the case.

The Big Dogs Go Back to Their Very Comfortable Kennels

Lets start with one of the biggest administration dogs who actually practised any law before his latest round of federal government service, former attorney-general Eric Holder. Hes the progenitor of the eponymous Holder doctrine, under which the Department of Justice (DoJ) eschewed pursuing criminal charges against companies and executives for their crimes and misdeeds and instead opted for negotiated settlements that included minimis, slap-on-the wrist penalties. Ive written about this issue at greater length in The Obamamometers Toxic Legacy: The Rule of Lawlessness and elsewhere. In return for these and other services rendered, after his DoJ stint, Holder returned to his cushy partnership at Washington, D.C. firm Covingtom and Burling.

Ive also written before about Mary Jo Whites lackluster performance as SEC chair, and described how her actions left a weakened SEC primed for Trump appointees to weaken further, Mary Jo White Leaves Behind a Weakened SEC for Trump to Weaken Further. She certainly didnt take any actions during her tenure that would ruffle any feathers and prevent her from easily gliding back to her partnership at white shoe law firm Debevoise & Plimption.

The Revolving Door Continues to Spin

The Holder and White loop de loops are not just the only such examples, with the Wall Street Journal reporting last week, Former SEC Director Higgins Rejoins Ropes & Gray:

Keith Higgins, the former director of the Securities and Exchange Commissions Division of Corporation Finance, rejoined law firm Ropes & Gray LLP, the firm said on Thursday. Mr. Higgins will serve as chair of the firms securities and governance practice in Boston. In this capacity, he will serve as a special advisor on governance and disclosure matters, and will be a resource to Ropes & Grays government enforcement and business and securities litigation practices, the firm said. Mr. Higgins led the SECs Division of Corporation Finance, which reviews financial filings and ensures companies hew closer to regulations, from May 2013 to December 2016. Mr. Higgins resigned a little more than a month before former SEC Chairman Mary Jo White left the agency.

Allow me to note for the record some other examples of how the door revolves, as per the Dealbook article cited above:

In the latest high-profile transition, the law firm Zuckerman Spaeder has welcomed back Aitan D. Goelman, who was enforcement director at the Commodity Futures Trading Commission [CFTC] until February. In his regulatory role, Mr. Goelman oversaw cases using new enforcement powers authorized by the Dodd-Frank Act and other legislation that grew out of the 2008 economic crisis.

Goelmann wont need to spend much time boning up on the issues hell address in his new role, as theyll be the same types of matters that crossed his desk at the CFTC, e.g. the securities, commodities and derivatives industries, internal investigations and defense of cross-jurisdictional regulatory and criminal matters.

And Dealbook lists other examples as well:

As the Obama administration wound down, major firms stepped up their efforts to grab other star lawyers  the kind who have gone toe-to-toe with corporate attorneys and won. Some corporations reach into government ranks and hire directly. PepsiCo hired Tony West, who was the associate attorney general in the Justice Department, as its general counsel in November 2014. More routinely, top-tier firms embrace departing regulators, especially those with experience in securities and foreign corrupt practices law. Cybersecurity is the latest hot commodity, said Jeffrey A. Lowe, the partner practice group leader at the legal search firm Major, Lindsey & Africa.

The Bottom Line

Im not trying to suggest theres anything unique here nor particularly out of bounds nor ethically challenged. To quote Michael Kinsley (IIRC), the scandal isnt whats illegal, the scandal is whats legal. But its just to remind readers that the Trump administration didnt invent conflicted, problematic behaviour, such as the revolving door.

Allow me to conclude with more of the obvious, as again, per Dealbook:

The revolving door between government and law firms is decades old, as the newest political overseers arriving in Washington recruit their own legal hands for savvy counsel to prevent  or rescue them from  misdeeds or mistakes. And, as white-collar practices at major law firms have been booming in the wake of the regulatory overhauls that followed the economys 2008 crisis, that swinging door typically means a big payday for most lawyers.

Payday for them, sure. But at whose expense?
Local people with memories of the halcyon days and nights of dancing to showbands are being sought to retell their tales as part of a new publication due out later this year.

From The Candy Store to the Galtymore will chronicle this unique time in rural and urban Ireland through the stories of the young men and women who religiously went to their local Ballroom of Romance each weekend.

The book will be co-edited by PJ Cunningham and Dr Joe Kearney who are seeking memorable stories from that golden era which saw the beginnings of thousands of romances.

What we want are the stories of romance, of chance meetings or tales that are funny and maybe even mischievous, said PJ.

All human life gathered for the weekly dances in what was a cultural shift away from the more formal ceilis which held sway up until then.

The showband dances were modern and slightly more brash occasions than the country had been used to but, if anything, the number of stories of love and loss, rows and ructions, fun and games grew in the new environment.

We are seeking particular stories rather than people just remembering the night that Joe Dolan, Brendan Bowyer or Dickie Rock played their local hall.

Ideally there should be a bit of tension or drama, humour, love or loss involved in what people send in to us.

With 200 or 300 bands traversing the country every weekend, and dancehalls sprouting up all over the place, everyone has a favourite story from that era.

Co-author Dr Kearney remembers the influence that showbands had on his own youth working in London.

In the sixties, many of us spent our time in poor accommodation in Cricklewood, Kilburn, Manchester or Liverpool, said Joe.

We lived for the visits of the Irish showbands to provide a flavour of the life we had left behind and an escape from the humdrum of ordinary living.

The Galtymore, The 32 Club, The Gresham and the Hibernian in London were meccas for us.

They were packed to the rafters every time the showbands came to town.

Readers are invited to submit stories for inclusion in From The Candy Store to the Galtymore to ballpointpress1@gmail.com before June 30.
(NaturalHealth365) Got bugs? Although this phrase is not likely to rival the American Dairy Associations Got milk? advertising slogan in popularity, alarmed environmental groups say that it may soon accurately reflect the content of your orange juice. Beyond Pesticides fears that the EPAs recent approval of an emergency exemption allowing residues of antibiotics (and other drugs) in Florida orange juice opens the door to increasing bacterial resistance  and scientists agree.

The EPA granted the exception last week for streptomycin and oxytetracycline, which will be used to treat citrus greening, a bacterial disease caused by the Candidatus Liberibacter asiaticus pathogen. Beyond Pesticides says that in granting the exemption  which will extend through December of 2019  the EPA did not consider the public health impact of bacterial resistance on consumers, particularly sensitive groups such as children.

A frightening trends towards increasingly-toxic pesticide usage

The Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services requested that the EPA use its authority under Section 18 of the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide and Rodenticide Act to grant the exemption  in spite of evidence that agricultural use of antibiotics increases bacterial resistance. Under Section 18, also known as the emergency exemption program, the EPA can allow the use of pesticides that are completely unregistered  or, not registered for use on a particular crop.

The USDA has predicted that Floridas orange harvest will be low this year due to citrus greening, with orange yields representing roughly half of what the crop was five years ago. Calling the use of streptomycin an attempt to find a short-term fix, Beyond Pesticides maintains that growers should instead have examined the root causes of the poor harvest and worked to improve soil and organic systems.

Beyond Pesticides notes that the exemption reflects the EPAs history of allowing increasing dependency on highly toxic pesticides  in spite of the fact that they are unsustainable, harmful to people and the environment, and are being used when safe alternatives exist. The group likens the situation to a toxic treadmill, indicative of the same thinking that allows for the advent of new 2,4-D-tolerant corn to replace Roundup Ready corn.

Environmentalists fear this exemption parallels the approaching 2,4-D debacle

The USDA is currently in the process of deregulating new varieties of crops that are resistant to the herbicide 2,4-D,a a neurotoxin and endocrine disruptor associated with increased cancer risk. Environmentalists expect that the deregulation will create a dramatic increase in the use of 2,4-D  which is what happened with glyphosate, the active ingredient in Roundup.

In addition to being linked with increased incidence of non-Hodgkins lymphoma, 2,4-D is toxic to fish, honeybees and earthworms, and can leach from soil and contaminate groundwater.

Staggering amounts of antibiotics will be used

Noting that Florida oranges are eaten across the nation, Beyond Pesticides insists that the EPAs decision increases the likelihood that humans will be exposed to antibiotics. Streptomycin is typically registered for peaches, pears and apples  but not oranges  and is used to treat bacterial infections in humans.

The tolerance for streptomycin residue is set at 2 parts per million for the fresh fruit, and 6 ppm for the dried pulp. For oxytetracycline, the tolerance is set at 0.4 ppm.

The nonprofit coalition Keep Antibiotics Working estimates that the state of Florida requested the use of 36 times as much streptomycin  and four times as much oxytetracycline  as are used by patients nationwide in a year.

Antibiotic resistance is already a grave threat to your health

Bacterial resistance is currently deemed one of the biggest threats to global health, food security and development today by the World Health Organization.

And, pathogens dont even need to be contacted or sprayed by the antibiotic for resistance to develop. Scientists report that the movement of genes in bacteria does not just go from parent to progeny in a vertical motion, but can proceed horizontally  moving from one bacterial species to another in a mechanism known as HGT, or horizontal gene transfer.

When bacteria in plants and soil are sprayed with an antibiotic, those bacteria with genes for resistance to the antibiotic will survive and increase  while those vulnerable to the antibiotics will be killed.

Antibiotic spraying could also create resistance within the bacteria responsible for citrus greening.

Beyond Pesticides has long called for strict regulations to eliminate the use of agricultural antibiotics, saying they lead to antibiotic resistance, create residues in manure and cause contamination of the waterways. The group also calls for a widespread shift to certified organic food production  in which the use of antibiotics on citrus is prohibited.

Unless these measures are enacted, antibiotic resistance may maintain its deadly momentum, threatening human health and the health of the environment. But is anyone listening?

References:

https://www.beyondpesticides.org/programs/genetic-engineering/herbicide-tolerance
British police arrested a dozen people Sunday in a widening terrorism investigation after attackers using a van and large knives turned a balmy evening of nightlife into a bloodbath and killed seven people in the heart of London.

The head of the SITE intelligence group says the Islamic State group has claimed responsibility for the attacks. NBC News has not been able to independently confirm the ISIS claim of responsibility.

Although the attackers were also dead, authorities raced to determine whether others assisted them, and Prime Minister Theresa May warned that the country faced a new threat from copycat attacks.

The county's major political parties temporarily suspended campaigning with only days to go before the general election. May said the vote would take place as scheduled Thursday because "violence can never be allowed to disrupt the democratic process."

The assault unfolded over a few terrifying minutes late Saturday, starting when a rented van veered off the road and barreled into pedestrians on busy London Bridge. Three men then got out of the vehicle with large knives and attacked people at bars and restaurants in nearby Borough Market until they were shot dead by police.

"They went 'This is for Allah,' and they had a woman on the floor. They were stabbing her," witness Gerard Vowls said.

Florin Morariu, a Romanian chef who works in the Bread Ahead bakery, said he saw people running and some fainting. Then two people approached another person and "began to stick the knife in ... and then I froze and I didn't know what to do."

He said he managed to get near one attacker and "hit him around the head" with a bread basket.

"There was a car with a loudspeaker saying 'go, go' and they (police) threw a grenade. ... and then I ran," he said.

London police said officers killed the attackers within eight minutes of arriving at the scene. Eight officers fired some 50 rounds, said Assistant Commissioner Mark Rowley, the force's head of counterterrorism.

The three attackers were wearing what appeared to be suicide belts, but the belts turned out to be fake. Investigators were working to determine whether others assisted them, Rowley said.

A bystander was also wounded by the gunfire, but the civilian's injuries were not believed to be critical.

Forty-eight people, including two police officers, were treated at hospitals. Twenty-one remained in critical condition Sunday. Among the wounded were German, French and Spanish citizens, officials said.

Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said a Canadian was among the dead. A French national was also confirmed dead.

Counterterrorism officers raided several addresses in Barking, an east London suburb, and arrested 12 people there Sunday, police said.

Neighbors at the site of one raid in Barking said a man who lived there resembled one of the attackers shown in news photographs.

"He's lived here for about three years," Damien Pettit said. "He's one of our neighbors. I've said hello in passing more than 50, 60 occasions. He has two young kids. He was a very nice guy."

Armed officers also conducted a raid in the East Ham area of the city. Video showed police shouting at someone: "Get on the balcony. Stand up and show us your hands!"

The rampage was the third major attack in Britain in the past three months, including a similar vehicle and knife attack on Westminster Bridge in March that left five people dead.

On May 22, a suicide bomber killed 22 people and injured dozens at an Ariana Grande concert in Manchester, in northwest England. Grande and other stars performed Sunday night at a benefit concert for victims under tight security in Manchester.

"I don't feel or smell or hear or see any fear in this building. All we feel here tonight is love, resilience, positivity," said Pharrel Williams, who performed alongside Miley Cyrus.

The Islamic State group claimed responsibility for the Manchester bombing, but there was no immediate claim of responsibility for the London attack, which the prime minister linked to Islamic extremism.

May said the attacks were not directly connected, "but we believe we are experiencing a new trend in the threat we face" as "terrorism breeds terrorism" and attackers copy one another. She said five credible plots have been disrupted since March.

"It is time to say, enough is enough," she said.

Britain's official terrorism threat level was raised from "severe" to "critical" after the Manchester attack, meaning an attack may be imminent. Several days later it was lowered again to "severe," meaning an attack is highly likely.

Home Secretary Amber Rudd said Sunday that the level would remain at severe because police believe there are no perpetrators still on the loose.

London Bridge and a large area on the south bank of the River Thames remained cordoned off Sunday, and police told people to avoid the area.

Hours earlier, the area packed with bars and restaurants around the foodie magnet of Borough Market had been a scene of panic, as people barricaded themselves in pubs and restaurants or fled through the streets.

Medics treated the wounded near the market as shocked people cried and shouted around them. Police officers yelled at people to run from the area, and blasts were heard as officers performed a series of controlled explosions.

Renan Marquese, a sous-chef at a tapas restaurant, said he was working when he heard chaotic sounds outside.

"When I open the door I see three dead people on the floor," he said. "People running everywhere, police shouting to run away."

He said that he helped a man and his partner, even taking the woman into his arms because she was too upset to walk properly. He said it took him 20 minutes to carry her across the bridge, stumbling all the way.

"It was really scary," he said.

Amid the violence and fear were stories of compassion and heroism. The British Transport Police said one of their officers, among the first to arrive, took the attackers on armed only with his baton and was seriously wounded. He was later described as being in stable condition with injuries that were not life-threatening.

Witnesses described how passers-by threw chairs and beer glasses at the attackers in an attempt to stop them.

Richard Angell, who was in a restaurant, said he looked out and saw "a guy who is throwing a table at somebody, and it's very unclear about what is happening. And it turns out to be a heroic guy who saw what was happening and just bombarded these terrible cowardly people with stuff."

Vowls also saw people striking back at the attackers and said he joined in.

"I went 'Oi, terrorists, cowards, Oi!'" he told The Associated Press. Then he picked up a chair.

"I chucked it, but I think I missed one of them, and then I picked up a stool, and I threw it at him. And he looked at me. He started running towards me, and then he decided not to.

"Then I was screaming at them, picking up bottles from a beer barrel. I was just throwing it at them, trying to get them to chase me so I could get them out into the main road where the police could see them and obviously take them down."
Prime Minister Theresa May called Sunday for tougher measures to contain Islamic extremism in Britain after an attack that killed seven people in a busy area of London and disrupted Britain's election campaign just days before a nationwide vote.

The assault began Saturday night when a van veered off the road and barreled into pedestrians on busy London Bridge. Three men fled the van with large knives and attacked people at bars and restaurants in nearby Borough Market, police and witnesses said. The attack unfolded quickly, and police said officers shot and killed the three attackers within eight minutes.

Emergency officials said 48 people were treated at London hospitals, including some with life-threatening injuries, and a number of others suffered less serious injuries.

It was the third attack in Britain in the past three months. Britain was already on edge after a suicide bombing two weeks ago at an Ariana Grande concert in Manchester, in northwest England, that killed 22 people and injured dozens of others. Grande and other stars are scheduled to perform a benefit concert for victims under tight security in Manchester Sunday night.

The Islamic State group claimed responsibility for the Manchester bombing, but there has not yet been a claim of responsibility for the London attack, which the prime minister linked to Islamic extremism.

May, facing an election Thursday, said the recent attacks, including an earlier one outside Parliament in March, are not directly connected, but that "terrorism breeds terrorism" and attackers copy one another. She also said five credible plots have been disrupted since March.

"They are bound together by the single evil ideology of Islamist extremism that preaches hatred, sows division, and promotes sectarianism," she said. "It is an ideology that claims our W It was the third attack to hit Britain in as many months.

In March, a British convert to Islam ran down people with a vehicle on Westminster Bridge, killing four before fatally stabbing a policeman on Parliament's grounds.

Then came the May 22 Manchester concert bombing. After that attack, Britain's official terrorism threat level was raised from "severe" to "critical," meaning an attack may be imminent. Several days later it was lowered again to "severe," meaning an attack is highly likely.

May called on international communications companies to do more to block cyberspace to extremist groups who use it for recruitment and for encrypted information about plots.

She called for international agreements to regulate cyberspace and said Britain needs to become more robust at preventing the internet from being used to the advantage of extremist groups.

The British government has long sought more help from internet companies like Facebook and Google in the battle against extremism.

May spoke defiantly about protecting Britain's democracy  and vowed the election would go ahead as planned  after the violence turned a balmy summer night in an area packed with revelers into a scene of bloodshed and chaos, with officers running through crowded streets screaming for people to flee.

Boats on the River Thames helped evacuate the area, which is popular with tourists. It remained closed off Sunday as police urged residents and tourists to stay away.

May said the men attacked "innocent and unarmed civilians" in crowded Borough Market with blades and knives. She said they were wearing what appeared to be explosive vests, but police determined those were only meant to sow panic and fear.

Major parties suspended national campaigning Sunday out of respect for the victims, although the rightwing UK Independence Party said it would keep campaigning to show the extremists they couldn't sidetrack democracy.

May's Conservative Party had been expected to win by a wide margin but recent polls have showed the race tightening considerably. It is unclear how the unprecedented violence in the run-up to the election will impact voter sentiment.

Mayor Sadiq Khan said Londoners should remain vigilant but added: "I'm reassured we are one of the safest global cities in the world."

Khan said some of the injured were in critical condition. French and Spanish citizens were among the wounded.

Assistant Metropolitan Police Commissioner Mark Rowley said that while police believe all the attackers were killed, the investigation is expanding.

"We believe three people were involved, but we still have got some more inquiries to do to be 100 percent confident in that," he said.

As dawn broke over the capital, a large area on the south bank of the River Thames remained cordoned off. Police told people to avoid the area, leaving tourists and revelers struggling to get home. London Bridge and the adjacent train station, as well as nearby Borough subway station, were still closed.

Only hours before, bursts of gunfire echoed through the streets  likely from armed police  and at least three blasts rang out as officers performed controlled explosions after sweeping the area for possible bombs.

Witness Gerard Vowls told The Guardian newspaper that he saw a woman being stabbed by three men at the south end of London Bridge as the assault developed. He said he threw chairs, glasses and bottles at the attackers in a bid to stop them.

"They kept coming to try to stab me. They were stabbing everyone. Evil, evil people," he told the newspaper. "I want to know if this girl is still alive. I've been walking around for an hour and a half crying my eyes out. I don't know what to do."

Bartender Alex Martinez said he hid in a garbage bin for a half hour when a man stormed the nearly full restaurant where he worked.

"I saw that man with a knife in his hand and after that a man started screaming so I knew something wrong was happening," he said.

Medics treated the injured near the market as shocked people cried and shouted around them. Police officers yelled at people to run from the area.

Simon Thompson told Sky News that he was just outside Borough Market when he saw crowds fleeing.

"We ran for like 100 meters and then saw loads of police cars turned up and there was kind of a period of quite intense gunfire," he said. "I hid in a restaurant basement for about an hour. ... Police told us to get out and then there was more gunfire."

Police received the first call of reports of a vehicle hitting pedestrians on London Bridge at 10:08 p.m. (2108 GMT).

Soon after, reports started coming in of stabbings at Borough Market, a nearby area full of bars and restaurants surrounding a popular food market.

Photographer Gabriele Sciotto said he was on his way home from a pub when he saw a man running toward him telling him to turn around and run because there was an attack. As a documentary filmmaker, though, his instincts were to keep going.

The 25-year-old said that at first, "it didn't look too dangerous."

The men went into Borough Market, but then turned around and ran toward the Wheatsheaf Pub after being confronted by a police officer, he said, and suddenly a lot of police came from the other direction.

The attackers "had no clue what they were doing. They were scared. The police were scared," he said.

After one of the men was shot, Sciotto captured a photo of the suspect on the ground wearing what appeared to be canisters.

Police initially said officers were also responding to a third incident, in the Vauxhall neighborhood, but later said that turned out to be an unrelated stabbing.

Police tweeted a warning telling people in the area to run to safety, hide and then call police if it was safe to do so. They asked Londoners to "remain calm but be alert and vigilant."

Associated Press writers Sylvia Hui and Niko Price contributed to this report.

This is a developing story, please check back for more information.
Leaders around the world were quick to condemn the terror attacks that left seven people dead and dozens injured Saturday night in the heart of London. Australian Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull called for "resolute solidarity" with Britain in the face of the "shocking" attacks.

European Union President Jean-Claude Juncker said he was monitoring the situation "with horror" and sent condolences to victims and their families. French President Emmanuel Macron tweeted that "France is more than ever at the side of the United Kingdom."

German Chancellor Angela Merkel released a statement that said, "We are united beyond all borders in horror and sorrow, but also in determination." She also reaffirmed her support for Britain and fighting "every form of terrorism."

Pope Francis offered prayers for the victims during Sunday Mass, that "grants peace to the whole world and heal the wounds of war and of terrorism, which also last night, in London, struck innocent victims."

See what other leaders had to say on Twitter:

Whatever the United States can do to help out in London and the U. K., we will be there - WE ARE WITH YOU. GOD BLESS!  Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) June 3, 2017

British police called the attacks at the London Bridge and the Borough Market "terrorist incidents." Assistant Commissioner Mark Rowley said that while they believe all the attackers were killed, the investigation continues.

This is this third terrorist attack in England in three months.

At Least Seven civilians were killed and dozens more were injured before three attackers were killed by police in London.
Illinois' two Democratic U.S. senators are taking steps to ensure they have a voice in choosing the state's new U.S. attorneys.

President Donald Trump's administration told U.S. attorneys nationwide in March to resign, including then-head Chicago U.S Attorney Zachary Fardon. Joel Levin is now Chicago's acting U.S. attorney.

The Chicago Daily Law Bulletin reports Sens. Dick Durbin and Tammy Duckworth have formed committees to provide input in picking candidates for each of three U.S. judicial districts in Illinois. [[423666984, C]]

The tradition is for a state's top-ranking member of Congress from the president's party to lead the process and for the opposition party to have meaningful input.

Democrats are concerned Republicans under Trump won't adhere as closely to that bipartisan approach.

Trump would nominate candidates and the Senate must confirm them.
Five people were killed and at least 25 others were wounded in shootings across Chicago between Friday evening and Monday morning.

The weekends latest fatal shooting happened about 12:25 p.m. Sunday, when 22-year-old Shantae Nevith was killed in a domestic incident in the Logan Square neighborhood on the Northwest Side. She was shot in the head and back during an argument with a 23-year-old man in the 2500 block of West Lyndale, according to Chicago Police and the Cook County medical examiners office. Nevith was taken to Stroger Hospital, where she was pronounced dead at 1:57 p.m. The man was found about 7:30 p.m. in the 4300 block of West Carroll with an apparently self-inflicted gunshot wound to the head, police said. He was pronounced dead at the scene.

At 3:14 a.m. Sunday, a man was found shot to death in the West Town neighborhood on the Near West Side. Officers responded to a call of shots fired and found 41-year-old Edward Mason in an empty lot in the 1800 block of West Maypole, police and the medical examiners office said. He had been shot in the head and chest and was pronounced dead at the scene at 3:35 a.m.

Another man was killed minutes earlier in a shooting about three blocks west in the same neighborhood. Two men, aged 33 and 34, were walking on the sidewalk about 3 a.m. in the 200 block of North Leavitt when someone fired shots at them. The 33-year-old was shot in the back and leg and taken to Stroger Hospital, where he died at 3:55 a.m., authorities said. His name has not been released. The 34-year-old suffered a gunshot wound to the right leg and was also taken to Stroger, where his condition was stabilized.

A man died after being shot at 1:06 p.m. Saturday in the West Side Austin neighborhood. Someone walked up to the Quinton Flowers, 19, in the 5400 block of West Cortez and shot him in the chest and body, authorities said. He was taken to Loyola University Medical Center in Maywood, where he was pronounced dead at 7:42 p.m.

The weekends first fatal shooting happened about 11:45 a.m. Saturday when 21-year-old Novajah Ringold was gunned down during an argument in the South Side Englewood neighborhood. Ringold was arguing with another male in the 6100 block of South Throop when the male pulled out a handgun and shot him in the head and torso, authorities said. The shooter then ran away. Ringold was taken to Christ Medical Center in Oak Lawn, where he was pronounced dead at 12:37 p.m.

The rest of the attacks continued a violent start to the month, with 52 people shot by the end of the fourth day of June.

At least 318 people were shot in May, and 1,408 people have been shot this year, according to records kept by the Chicago Sun-Times.

At least 24 more people were wounded in shootings across the city between 6 p.m. Friday and 5 a.m. Monday.

Additionally, Chicago Police officers were involved in two shootings this weekend. An officer was shot and a suspect was also wounded in an incident late Saturday in the East Chatham neighborhood on the South Side, police said.

Officers also fatally shot 17-year-old Corsean Lewis after he fired a round at their unmarked squad car late Friday, according to police.
By Press Trust of India: (Eds: Additional inputs)

Jammu, Jun 3 (PTI) Two persons, including a woman, were injured when the Pakistan Army violated ceasefire twice in two sectors of Poonch district firing mortar shells on forward posts and civilian areas along the LoC, prompting retaliation from the Indian troops.

Pakistani troops initiated indiscriminate firing of small arms, automatics, 82 mm and 120 mmmortars from 0920 hours today along the Line of Control (LoC) in Krishana Ghati sector, a defence spokesman said.

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Yesterday at 2300 hours, the Pakistani Army violated ceasefire along the LoC in Poonch sector, the spokesman said.

The Indian Army posts were retaliating strongly and effectively and firing was underway in both sectors, he said.

A woman suffered injuries when a mortar shell exploded close to her house in Qasba Shahpur belt in Poonch sector today, a police officer said, adding that she was hospitalised.

Another person was also injured during the ceasefire violation.

The police said Pakistani troops were targeting residential areas and hamlets with mortar bombs and the shells were landing deep inside the border.

Meanwhile, Pakistans foreign ministry claimed that two of its villagers were injured in firing by the Indian Army.

On June 1, a civilian was killed and four others, including a BSF jawan, were injured when the Pakistani Army targeted forward areasalong the LoC in Rajouri and Pooch districts, prompting retaliation by the Indian troops.

Five Pakistani soldiers were reported to have been killed and some other injured in Indian Armys retaliatory action along the Nowshera and Krishnagati sectors.

Entire top brass of the Indian Army headed by the Army chief and seven commanders, including all corps commanders of Jammu and Kashmir, held a meeting inSrinagar to review the situation in hinterland and borders on the same day. PTI AB AAR TIR

--- ENDS ---
Two paddlers reported missing in Minnesota have been found safe after writing 'SOS' in sand  and their dramatic rescue was caught on camera.

Authorities began searching for the man and woman after they hadnt been heard from after four days while canoeing in the Boundary Waters Canoe Area in St. Louis County, Minnesota State Patrol said in a statement on Facebook.

Pilots in a Cirrus airplane were using heat-seeking equipment to search near Oyster Lake when they spotted the pair on Friday, authorities said.

The paddlers had used flashlights and written 'SOS' in the sand to get the air crews attention, according to the Minnesota State Patrol.

The State Patrol then directed the Minnesota Army National Guard to the location, officials said, and the man and woman were safely rescued.

They were taken to an area hospital as a precaution.
Following the London attacks Saturday night, State Police say theres no known threat to Connecticut.

Still, law enforcement here remains vigilant.

At least seven people were killed and 48 injured in a series of attacks in London Saturday.

Former FBI special agent Kenneth Gray  now a lecturer at the University of New Haven - says a suspect likely chooses a car or knife out of convenience, with little training needed.

This is a new type of attack that is using unconventional weapons, Gray said.

And Gray calls the locations that were struck easy, unprotected targets.

Theres no way to detect it before it actually unfolds. So this makes it very difficult to defend against, Gray said.

Still, police in the state are on guard.

Hartford police tweeted that the departments Crime Center detectives watching international events closely. Isolated to the UK at this time.

Gov. Dannel Malloy released a statement on the attacks:

Our thoughts and prayers are with the victims, their families, and all those impacted by these senseless acts of violence  we mourn for those who lost loved ones and pray for those who are injured. While we do not yet know the full details of todays event, it is an admonition that we must always remain vigilant and is a reminder that if you see something, say something.

Malloy added that safety officials are monitoring the situation.

Saturdays violence in England is the third in recent times.

In March on Westminster Bridge, several people were killed after an attacker in a car plowed into a crowd and then jumped out and stabbed others.

And then about two weeks ago, a suicide bomber killed 22 people at an Ariana Grande concert in Manchester.

Its a horrible trend that Gray says is not surprising.

You normally see one act inspire another act, inspire another act, Gray said.

While terrorism is rare, police remind you if you see something suspicious to alert authorities.
An unsettled weather pattern took over Sunday, bringing with it rain and cooler temperatures that will stick around for several days.

Expect dense fog and the possibility of spot showers for the Monday morning commute. Scattered showers will pop up throughout the day with heavier, steadier showers expected after the evening commute.

Temperatures will hover in the 50s and 60s.

The gloomy weather continues through Tuesday with unseasonably cool temperatures through Wednesday. A warm up comes toward the end of the week.

Get the latest forecast from the NBC Connecticut meteorologists anytime here.
As the schools release for the summer across North Texas, numerous cities are launching their summer nutrition program for children.

Arlington and Garland are among the cities with programs starting Monday.

In Arlington, breakfast and lunch is provided weekdays through June 27 at various elementary schools, Tuesday through June 19 at junior high sites and Tuesday through Aug. 18 at high schools.



For more information on Arlington's program, visit www.aisd.net/arlington-collegiate-high-school/2017/06/02/aisd-summer-meals-program/.

For Dallas, visit http://www.dallasisd.org/Page/6279, call 211 or text FOODTX to 877-877 for more information.

For Fort Worth, visit http://www.fwisd.org/Page/474 or call the Fort Worth Independent School District Child Nutrition Department at 817-814-3540 or 817-814-3500.

In Garland, the meal sites are located in areas where more than 50 percent of children are eligible for free or reduced-price meals. The program requires no registration or proof of income.

For more information on Garland's program, call 972-205-3382 or visit www.garlandtx.gov/gov/hk/housing/fair/nutrition.asp.
In an exclusive interview with NBC News Megyn Kelly that aired Sunday, June 4, Russian President Vladimir Putin claimed that he had limited personal interaction with former U.S. National Security Adviser Michael Flynn, despite a widely circulated Dec. 2015 photo that shows the two sitting next to each other at dinner during an event to celebrate a Russian TV network.

"When I came to the event for our company, Russia Today, and sat down at the table, next to me there was a gentleman sitting on one side," Putin said.

"I made my speech. Then we talked about some other stuff. And I got up and left. And then afterwards I was told, 'You know there was an American gentleman. He was involved in some things. He used to be in the security services' ... that's it. I didn't even really talk to him... That's the extent of my acquaintance with Mr. Flynn."

Flynn served as President Donald Trump's national security adviser in the White House for less than a month before he was fired for what the administration said was lying about his conversations with Russian Ambassador Sergey Kislyak to Vice President Mike Pence.
The California Assembly is being accused of violating a transparency law by voting on 95 bills without making them public three days in advance.

The Assembly, rushing to make a Friday deadline to pass legislation out of that house, breached a constitutional amendment passed by voters last fall, said Sam Blakeslee, a former state Republican lawmaker who co-sponsored Proposition 54.

Ninety-five bills were amended fewer than three days earlier, the Sacramento Bee reported. One measure would repeal a law making it a crime to use fake documents to conceal citizenship status. Another would prohibit the state from contracting with private prisons out of state.

Proposition 54 states that except in emergency cases, a bill with any amendments must be published online "in its final form" at least 72 hours before a vote or it cannot be passed.

However, the measure doesn't define "final form."

The Assembly defines it as a bill that has been voted on in the Assembly and has gone to the Senate for final passage.

"Assembly bills will not be in final form until they are presented on the floor of the Senate," Assembly Chief Clerk E. Dotson Wilson said in a statement. " `Final form' is the version of the bill that is voted on by both houses of the Legislature before the bill is sent to the governor, therefore it does not apply to bills still in the house of origin."

The Senate Pro Tem's Office agreed on that view, but it still waited at least 72 hours to vote after amending bills it took up in the past week, the Bee reported.

Blakeslee noted the difference. "Why is the Assembly working so hard to deprive the public of this 72-hour notice when the Senate is taking the exact opposite approach and embracing the transparency the public demanded?" he said.

Assembly measures that were passed without the 72-hour advance publication could be invalidated if they become law, he argued.

He also said that proponents of Proposition 54 were reviewing legal options.

"We are prepared to go to court," Blakeslee said. "Having said that, we want to be sure that we approach this challenge thoughtfully and at the right time."
A 44-year-old woman shot and killed during a robbery at an Alhambra motel was publicly identified Saturday.

She was Alhambra resident Xiuxia Chen, according to coroner's Lt. David Smith.

The shooting was reported just before 11 p.m. Friday at the Ambassador Inn, 2720 Valley Blvd., according to Alhambra police.

The woman now identified as Chen was a clerk working behind the counter of the motel when she was gunned down by the robber, according to Deputy Trina Schrader of the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department, which is assisting Alhambra police in the investigation.

The woman was discovered bleeding in the motel office by a fellow employee who called for help, Alhambra police Sgt. Richard Aguayo told the Pasadena Star News.

She was shot at least one time in her torso and died at the scene, Schrader said.

The male suspect fled the location in an unknown direction and it wasn't known whether he took any property, according to Schrader.

Chen, a mother of two, was married for 23 years.

Her husband says she was a loving woman and he is heartbroken following news of his wife's death.

"It's a senseless act ... please help my family," the victim's husband Armando Escandor pleaded. "All I need is justice."

Authorities are reviewing surveillance footage of the shooting.

NBC4's Jane Yamamoto contributed to this report.
More than 100 musicians from Mexico, the U.S., Guatemala and Europe performed a concert at the U.S.-Mexico border near San Diego Saturday in an effort to oppose President Donald Trump's plans for a border wall.

German orchestra Dresden Symphony headlined the "Tear Down That Wall!" concert with the help of international musicians. The concert's name was inspired by former President Ronald Reagans famous call to Soviet Union leader Mikhail Gorbachev to tear down the Berlin Wall 30 years ago.

The concert was originally planned to take place at Friendship Park on the U.S. side of the border. Dresden Symphony called on American artists and musicians to get involved with the protest concert by sharing their own initiatives or projects at the border.

However, U.S. authorities denied permission for the event to take place on the U.S. side. The concert was moved to Tijuana, Mexico.

Keith James, an anti-Trump demonstrator at the concert, said building that border wall will only hurt families.

Its outrage because we know in the sights of Trump and Pence and this regime to deport millions and millions of immigrants, to discriminate against them, to detain them, to separate their families, James said. We cannot wait. We have to get out in the street in our millions and weve got to do it now. 

Saturday's concert was met with opposition.

A group of Trump supporters held their own rally on the San Diego side of the border, chanting "USA" while holding signs that read, "Yes, Yes, Build the Wall."

Trump supporter Robin Havidston was among that group.

As Trump supporters, we decided to come out and make a statement that we support our president, and we support border security and we also support building the wall, Havidston said. I feel disappointed that the issue of just upholding our laws is not more prominent.
Police say a Florida housekeeper set fire to a condo to cover up stealing $160 from her 72-year-old employer.

Janette Pacheco, 44, confessed immediately after being confronted about Friday's suspicious fire, according to Coconut Creek Sgt. Scott Slavin. Pacheco told police she started the blaze in an attempt to cover up the theft.



She was charged with first-degree arson and was being held without bond Sunday at the Broward County Jail. Slavin said she could face additional theft and crimes against the elderly charges. Her employer is staying with relatives.

Jail records did not show if Pacheco has an attorney.

The condo sustained considerable damage and is uninhabitable.


Police say they will not charge a Pollo Tropical customer who fatally shot another diner, saying he acted in self-defense.

According to a statement released Sunday, Davie police have concluded that 33-year-old Cardiff Lindo shot 49-year-old road construction worker Eric Primus after being attacked Friday in the parking lot of a Pollo Tropical.



Davie Capt. Dave Engle said Lindo and Primus had argued inside the restaurant. Primus and a co-worker went back to their truck. Engle says that when Lindo went to his car, Primus attacked him. Engle said that Lindo pulled a gun and shot Primus.



Lindo stayed and called 911.

Primus and his co-worker fled and stopped at the Chevron Gas Station just north of the Pollo Tropical to find help. Primus was transported to Broward Health Medical Center where he later died.

Investigators say Primus and Lindo did not know each other prior to the incident.



Under Florida's Stand Your Ground law, a person can use deadly force if they believe it's necessary to prevent imminent death or great bodily harm.



Pollo Tropical reacted to the deadly shooting, tweeting "We are heartbroken to learn that the victim in this senseless shooting has died, and our hearts go out to his family and loved ones."


Champions Trophy 2017: India posted 319/3 in 48 overs with Yuvraj Singh scoring a 29-ball half-century. Pakistan were then bowled out for 164 inside 34 overs.

By Rajarshi Gupta: Yuvraj Singh is a big tournament player and he loves delivering on the big stage. On Sunday, as India defied nature and rain breaks to build a platform, Yuvraj came out all guns blazing to up the ante against Pakistan at Edgbaston.

In an innings affected by rain twice -- consequently shortened to 48 overs as against the normal 50 -- India posted 319/3.

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Further rain interruptions forced the match officials to revise the target to 324 runs off 48 overs according to the the Duckworth Lewis method.

Kohli was not his usual fluent self for the first half of his innings, a composed 68-ball 81, and it was left to Yuvi to take the Pakistani pace attack on.

The stylish southpaw made it all look all too easy, screaming away to his 52nd half-century off only 29 balls . He eventually perished for 53 but his knock had given India the impetus to push past 300.

"Delivering in a big game is sweet. I was lucky to be dropped and then I could capitalise in the end," said Yuvraj after India had stormed to 319/3 in their 48 overs.

Yuvraj, the team-man that he is, gave full credit to Rohit and Dhawan, whose 136-run stand, he said, gave India the platform to raise a huge total. "The partnership between Rohit and Shikhar allowed us to bat deep."

Despite the persistent rain, Yuvraj thought runs could be scored on the pitch if the batsmen spent enough time in the middle.

"It's a very good batting wicket. You have to give yourselves time because of the rain breaks. If you give yourself enough time on this pitch, you will get enough runs," he said.

India's batsmen gave themselves enough time alright. Four half-centuries at the top of the order and a six-ball 20 gave them a total they should fancy defending.

The bowlers then stepped up with Umesh Yadav (3/30), Hardik Pandya and Ravindra Jadeja (2/43) starring in the second innings as Pakistan got bowled out for 164 inside 34 overs.

After the match Yuvi said he was lucky to have been dropped early on in his innings after which he capitalised on the reprieve.

"I thought we all batted really well," he said. "The openers gave us a good start, Virat finished well, and it gave me the opportunity to go and attack. You just have to go and back yourself, and tell the opposition that you're here to attack.

"I was lucky I was dropped, but I capitalised and I was hitting it well. I finished well. India-Pakistan is always a big game, and I think it has set us up really well. Hopefully we'll take this confidence into the next game against Sri Lanka," Yuvraj, who was adjudged Man of the Match, said at the post-match presentation.

--- ENDS ---

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Gov. Chris Christie is nearing a settlement in a lawsuit filed by a nurse who was quarantined in 2014 after working in Sierra Leone during the deadly Ebola outbreak, according to court documents.

Attorneys representing Christie said in a letter last week to District Judge James Clark that the governor reached the agreement to settle "in principle" with Kaci Hickox.

The letter did not include details, and the American Civil Liberties Union, which represents Hickox, didn't immediately respond to a request for comment Sunday.

Hickox was working with Doctors Without Borders in the west African nation during the Ebola outbreak. She was stopped when she arrived at Newark Liberty International Airport and was quarantined. She later tested negative for Ebola and was allowed to go to Maine, where she lived at the time. She now lives in Oregon.

A judge in September dismissed federal claims that Christie violated Hickox's constitutional rights because of the quarantine, but U.S. District Judge Kevin McNulty ruled that she could proceed with parts of her lawsuit alleging false imprisonment and invasion of privacy.

Hickox said in a statement at the time that one thing is certain: "This decision vindicates my rights by giving me the opportunity to find out from Governor Christie directly whether the decision to detain me was motivated by science or by politics," she said in a statement. "Christie was ultimately responsible for my detention, and he should have to answer for it and show it was made in good faith."

The state argued that the primary objective of Christie, then-Health Commissioner Mary O'Dowd and other officials was the "safety and general welfare" of the public during the Ebola virus outbreak. State lawyers maintained that health workers acted with the public's safety in mind when they had Hickox quarantined and that Christie and the other officials are immune from lawsuits over public health quarantines.

The outbreak of Ebola, which is spread through contact with an infected person's bodily fluids, killed thousands of people in Africa. Only a few people were treated for Ebola in the United States.
Former New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg will donate up to $15 million to support United Nations effort to implement the Paris climate accord standards.

The announcement Friday comes after President Donald Trump said the U.S. would withdraw from the agreement. Nearly 200 countries joined the landmark deal forged under Trump's predecessor. Now the U.S. stands with only Syria and Nicaragua as countries on the sidelines.

Bloomberg said the funds will make up the gap lost by money from Washington.

Dozens of cities have said they are committed to upholding the accord. At least 86 mayors signed a statement saying they will adopt the agreement's goals.

Bloomberg, who is a U.N. special envoy for cities and climate change, will also work with other governments interested in supporting the U.N. mission.
What to Know Authorities in the UK reported multiple casualties following incidents near the London Bridge and Borough Market on Saturday night

The incidents were declared terrorist attacks and come less than two weeks after a bombing in Manchester killed nearly two dozen people

Officials in New York said there were no credible threats to NYC, but that local and state law enforcement agencies are increasing patrols

The NYPD has deployed its elite counterterrorism teams to busy areas of the city after multiple people were killed or injured in what British authorities described as terrorist attacks in London.

The department said that while there were no specific or credible threats to New York City, it had deployed its Critical Response Command to tourist hot spots and areas with heavy pedestrian traffic, such as Times Square.

An NYPD spokesman told NBC 4 New York that the department "is monitoring events in London and officials are in touch with their British counterparts."

Gov. Cuomo condemned the attacks in a statement and said he has directed state law enforcement officials to step up security patrols at high-profile locations in the state, including airports, bridges, tunnels and mass transit systems.



Mayor de Blasio tweeted Saturday that people in New York shouldn't be alarmed by the increased police presence.

In another tweet, the mayor said, "New York City stands with the people of London. Our prayers are with the victims, their families and the courageous first responders."

NYPD Commissioner James O'Neill tweeted that his department stands with police in London, and all first responders across the world who "bravely, professionally, and quickly handle cowardly attacks."

There are no specific, credible threats to NYC. Go about your Sat. night, NYPD cops are protecting you. Our prayers are with all in London. pic.twitter.com/kwvL1iVXse  NYPD NEWS (@NYPDnews) June 4, 2017

British police said they were dealing with two incidents related to terrorism near London Bridge and Borough Market on Saturday night, and that multiple casualties had been reported.

The attack at London Bridge involved firearms, a car and knives, police told NBC News. Meanwhile, shots were fired after police responded to reports of stabbings in Borough Market, police said.

Witnesses reported a vehicle hitting pedestrians and injured people on the ground at the London Bridge.

Prime Minister Theresa May said the attacks were being treated as a "potential act of terrorism."

Less than two weeks ago, at least 22 people were killed and dozens more wounded in a bombing at Manchester Arena.

President Trump began tweeting about the attacks an hour or so after initial news reports.

Trump renewed calls for his travel ban in one tweet, and expressed support for the British in another, writing: "Whatever the United States can do to help out in London and the U. K., we will be there - WE ARE WITH YOU. GOD BLESS!"

Less than two weeks ago, at least 22 people were killed and dozens more wounded in a bombing outside an Ariana Grande concert in Manchester.

Top Tri-State News Photos
With summer around the corner, Sen. Chuck Schumer is calling on the federal government to help New York fight ticks and prevent tick-borne diseases.

Health officials are warning of a tick explosion in the tri-state area due to a mild winter.

"We have the law to stop the spread of Lyme disease, but the federal government is moving at a snail's pace," said Schumer during a press conference at Central Park on Sunday.

Deer ticks carry Lyme disease, a bacterial infection that can cause long-term neurological problems if not treated on time.



Schumer, who got Lyme disease but treated it early, referred to the legislation that he helped pass last year which focuses on better ways to diagnose and treat Lyme disease.

"Why isn't there a vaccine yet?" he said.

Schumer also called on the secretary of Health and Human Services, Tom Price, to "diagnose, treat and prevent tick-borne disease," and to "do it fast."

Another disease worse than Lyme that can also be transmitted is the Powassan virus, in which victims need to be hospitalized immediately as massive brain swelling and death can result.

In 2015, there were 331 cases of Lyme in Brooklyn, followed by 326 cases in Manhattan, and 256 in Suffolk County, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
You can make a decision on election day  Darrell Issa began to say at a town hall in San Juan Capistrano Saturday morning. Yes we will! a constituent quickly shouted from the crowd, an implication by the woman that he might be voted out.

The remark was just one of many critical comments aimed at the North County congressman during the two-hour event. Issa answered dozens of questions that ranged from health care to the Russia investigation to Orange County congestion and climate change and even the Electoral College.

NBC 7

The congressman opened the town hall by saying he was disappointed in Trump pulling out of the Paris Climate Agreement. The worlds getting warmer. We know that, he said. Issa has joined the bipartisan Climate Change Solution Caucus that addresses the causes, impacts and policy options on climate change.

While constituents lauded his stance on climate change, health care was a much more combative subject. Issa said the Republican American Health Care Act bill would give people the choice that the Affordable Care Act, with mandated health insurance, did not.

NBC 7

When asked about the nonpartisan Congressional Budget Offices (CBO) projected 24 million people who would stand to lose coverage under the AHCA, Issa was quick to point out the CBOs new projected number was only 23 million.

One if the false assumptions in CBO is many people who are getting the Affordable Care right now also have employers who could and in many cases do provide  but they simply go to the Affordable Care Act because [they think] it has a lower premium for them. He says its a misconception that people will lose health care, rather, he asserts, many people will choose to forego coverage.

In regard to the AHCAs unpopularity among the American public Issa told NBC 7, "the vast majority of Americans didnt want the Affordable Care Act when it was crammed down their throats so its not about popularity, unless it was about popularity then when they won by twisting arms and actually lying to members of Congress about what was actually in it or not in it.

He said the numbers in the CBO score  is very concerning because it doesnt tell any particular story thats meaningful.

Issa stated that if people would rather choose to not have insurance and have more money in their pocket hes sees it as poor judgment but , its a choice and I got booed every time I said its a choice.

In relation to the $839 billion in cuts to Medicaid over 10 years also projected by the CBO, he told NBC 7 People who are on Medicaid will still qualify for Medicaid, and that there would be a work requirement for people who are fit to work.

Issa clearly threaded the needle when it came to Trump. He was careful to not align himself too closely with the president, but he would also not fully rebuke him.

The fact is I made a different decision when it came to the president than maybe you did, he told the booing audience, but quickly said, I have to hold him accountable and his administration accountable.
The mayor of the District of Columbia said she'll continue to follow the guidelines of the Paris climate change accord despite Republican President Donald Trump's decision to withdraw the United States from the pact.

In a statement, the city said Mayor Muriel Bowser will sign an order reaffirming the city's support for the agreement on Monday.

The order will "renew the District's commitment to the historic agreement to reduce global carbon emissions."

Bowser, a Democrat, is one of dozens of mayors that have said they are committed to upholding the accord.
A Maryland high school senior barred from participating in her Christian school's commencement because she is pregnant was awarded her diploma in a separate ceremony.

The Herald-Mail of Hagerstown reported Maddi Runkles, 18, was awarded her diploma Saturday morning in a ceremony at the Benevola United Methodist Church in Boonsboro. The paper reported about 140 friends and family came to support the teenager during the hour-long ceremony.

Runkles wore a white cap and gown and got a standing ovation. She didn't give a speech.

Runkles discovered she was pregnant in January. Her school, Heritage Academy in Hagerstown, barred her from its graduation ceremony because she violated the school's code of conduct by having premarital sex.

She was also removed her from her position as student council president.

"To have a girl who's seven months pregnant walk in a graduation would be easily misunderstood, bringing even more pressure onto Maddi," school principal Dave Hobbs previously told WHAGTV in Hagerstown.

Runkles said she felt she was treated more harshly than students who have been suspended for other reasons. The baby's father does not attend the school, she said.
Nine people reported injuries from sparklers at a party in New Ipswich, New Hampshire, Friday.

Five were transported to a local hospital for precautionary measures, and were all later released, according to New Ispwich police.

The sparklers may have been set inside a glass bottle and lit, which caused the glass bottle to explode violently, sending glass fragments flying into a number of people, according to the New Hampshire State Fire Marshal's office.

Fire Marshal Degnan, Chief Lund and Lt Abel recommend anyone using fireworks or novelty fireworks like sparklers to follow manufacturers recommendations and follow the New Hampshire State Fire Marshal Offices fireworks safety brochure.


Norwich foodbank and FISH Clubs

Norwich foodbank is a phenomenon. In the last 12 months it has given out 8,790 food parcels to families in crisis  that represents an amazing 79,100 meals (nine per box). It also runs school holiday clubs for low income families at multiple sites around greater Norwich.



Norwich foodbank was the first foodbank to launch in Norfolk, back in October 2010, and now receives donations from 150 churches plus scores of schools, businesses, supermarkets and community groups. It operates through distribution centres based in ten city churches.



Project Manager, Hannah Worsley, said: A sudden crisis such as an illness, family breakup, death, benefit delay or redundancy can leave people unable to feed themselves and their families. Such situations can quickly deteriorate sometimes leading to relationship breakdown, housing loss, crime and health problems.



Norwich foodbank supports local individuals and families who find themselves on the edge of disaster through the provision of emergency food supplies. These supplies take the form of nutritionally balanced emergency foodboxes to cover an individual or familys basic needs for 72 hours: the critical time gap before other support services kick in.



Factfile

Project: Norwich foodbank

Who: Churches across Norwich

What: Three-day food parcels for families in crisis

Where: Greater Norwich

How many: 700 emergency parcels a month go out

Contact: Hannah Worsley - Project Manager on 01603 251723 or at hannah@norwich.foodbank.org.uk



www.norwichfoodbank.co.uk

www.facebook.com/Norwich.foodbank/

twitter.com/norwichfoodbank

www.instagram.com/norwichfoodbank





FISH (Food (and Fun) In School Holidays



Organised by the core team behind Norwich foodbank this project runs school holiday clubs for low income families at multiple sites around greater Norwich, mostly linked to local churches. They include St Elizabeth's in Cadge Road, St Matthews and Lionwood schools in Thorpe, St Francis and Heartsease Primary, Norwich Central Baptist Church and George White Junior school and Hope Community Church in Wymondham.



The key elements are providing fun and food for children who normally rely on having free school meals.



Over the last year, the clubs have served around 2,000 meals to 300 different youngsters



Co-ordinator, Hannah Worsley, said: 'In the same vein as the foodbank model, I am saddened that FISH is needed, but encouraged and uplifted by the support we have received from volunteers, churches and businesses. It is a very practical response to a problem the foodbank identified - holiday hunger - and seemed a natural progression to try and address the issues. We have developed relationships with local families and been able to provide emotional as well as practical support, including inviting them along to other events the church or community is putting on, which is a great way to build up communities and friendships.

Factfile
A suspected Chinese helicopter was seen flying over Uttarakhand's Chamoli district for over 4 minutes in a clear violation of international airspace.

By Press Trust of India: A suspected Chinese helicopter was today seen flying over Indian territory in Barahoti area of Chamoli district close to Sino-India border, prompting authorities to launch a probe.

"One chopper was sighted hovering over Barahoti area violating Indian airspace at 9.15 AM. It remained inside the Indian airspace for nearly four minutes," said Chamoli Superintendent of Police Tripti Bhatt.

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"There have been similar airspace violations in the past too. However, we cannot say whether the violation was a deliberate act of recce or an unintentional deviation," the SP said.

The SP said an investigation is underway to ascertain details of the airspace violation.

Also read: Russia to supply S-400 missile system to India: Why Pakistan, China should worry

Also read: China tells Trump after climate withdrawal: We are a responsible major country

Also watch: Chinese helicopter violates Indian airspace, flies over Uttarakhand for 4 minutes

--- ENDS ---
By Express News Service

KOCHI: The Gem & Jewellery Export Promotion Council (GJEPC) and Russias largest Diamond Mining company Alrosa have signed a Memorandum of Cooperation (MoC). It marks a leap in the co-operation between the two biggest entities representing two different segments of the diamond industry. India is the largest diamond cutting and polishing centre in the world with the greatest share in both value and volume terms of the market. Alrosa is the largest volume producer of rough diamonds.



The signing of the Memorandum of Cooperation will take forward the aspirations of the Indian diamond industry which is aligned with the vision of the Prime Minister to develop India as an international diamond trading hub. GJEPCs serious endeavour to get a policy framework on taxation put into place for the special notification zones.

It is also the first step towards Alrosa for setting up a rough diamond representative office within the country. For long, GJEPC has been encouraging diamond mining companies to sell rough diamonds directly to the Indian market, and the MoC may well be the first step to realise this goal, said GJEPC chairman Praveenshankar Pandya.



The GJEPC will share information on the specifics of consumer demand for diamonds in India, while supporting Alrosas international efforts (via the Diamond Producers Association) for generic marketing campaigns, he pointed out.



The mixing of synthetic diamonds with natural diamonds, and the consequent threat to consumer confidence, is one of the biggest challenges facing the diamond industry worldwide.

Gold zooms `300 on strong global cues

Gold staged a smart recovery at the bullion market on Saturday, surging `300 to `29,550 per 10 grams largely on firm global cues and pick up in buying by local jewellers. Silver followed suit and recaptured the `40,000-mark by spurting `1,170 to `40,470 per kg on increased offtake by industrial units and coin makers. Bullion traders attributed the recovery in gold prices to a firm trend overseas after a lacklustre US jobs.

KOCHI: The Gem & Jewellery Export Promotion Council (GJEPC) and Russias largest Diamond Mining company Alrosa have signed a Memorandum of Cooperation (MoC). It marks a leap in the co-operation between the two biggest entities representing two different segments of the diamond industry. India is the largest diamond cutting and polishing centre in the world with the greatest share in both value and volume terms of the market. Alrosa is the largest volume producer of rough diamonds. The signing of the Memorandum of Cooperation will take forward the aspirations of the Indian diamond industry which is aligned with the vision of the Prime Minister to develop India as an international diamond trading hub. GJEPCs serious endeavour to get a policy framework on taxation put into place for the special notification zones. It is also the first step towards Alrosa for setting up a rough diamond representative office within the country. For long, GJEPC has been encouraging diamond mining companies to sell rough diamonds directly to the Indian market, and the MoC may well be the first step to realise this goal, said GJEPC chairman Praveenshankar Pandya. The GJEPC will share information on the specifics of consumer demand for diamonds in India, while supporting Alrosas international efforts (via the Diamond Producers Association) for generic marketing campaigns, he pointed out. The mixing of synthetic diamonds with natural diamonds, and the consequent threat to consumer confidence, is one of the biggest challenges facing the diamond industry worldwide. Gold zooms `300 on strong global cues Gold staged a smart recovery at the bullion market on Saturday, surging `300 to `29,550 per 10 grams largely on firm global cues and pick up in buying by local jewellers. Silver followed suit and recaptured the `40,000-mark by spurting `1,170 to `40,470 per kg on increased offtake by industrial units and coin makers. Bullion traders attributed the recovery in gold prices to a firm trend overseas after a lacklustre US jobs.
By IANS

MUMBAI: Amitabh Bachchan has landed in south European country Malta to join the shoot of Vijay Krishna Acharya's "Thugs of Hindostan", which also stars Aamir Khan and Katrina Kaif.

"In the early hours of Mumbai morning, stepping on to the vehicle of air transport for distant land, to begin the shooting of 'Thugs of Hindostan' in Malta," Bachchan posted on his blog.

The film went on the floors in Malta last month.

Explaining the travel route, he wrote: "Over the waters of the Arabian Sea and on to the sand coloured land of Doha, where we pick up some gasoline for the onward journey. And then on to Malta, flying over Saudi Arabia, over Cairo in Egypt, turning right on to the Mediterranean and driving in the skies straight to the island of Malta."

"I immediately find myself overdressed and uncomfortable, for the dress of the day is nothing beyond the knees," Big B added.

Being made on a lavish budget, the movie features high octane action to be shot on a ship.

An international crew has been working hard to create these elaborate ships.

The film also stars "Dangal" fame Fatima Sana Sheikh.

MUMBAI: Amitabh Bachchan has landed in south European country Malta to join the shoot of Vijay Krishna Acharya's "Thugs of Hindostan", which also stars Aamir Khan and Katrina Kaif. "In the early hours of Mumbai morning, stepping on to the vehicle of air transport for distant land, to begin the shooting of 'Thugs of Hindostan' in Malta," Bachchan posted on his blog. The film went on the floors in Malta last month. Explaining the travel route, he wrote: "Over the waters of the Arabian Sea and on to the sand coloured land of Doha, where we pick up some gasoline for the onward journey. And then on to Malta, flying over Saudi Arabia, over Cairo in Egypt, turning right on to the Mediterranean and driving in the skies straight to the island of Malta." "I immediately find myself overdressed and uncomfortable, for the dress of the day is nothing beyond the knees," Big B added. Being made on a lavish budget, the movie features high octane action to be shot on a ship. An international crew has been working hard to create these elaborate ships. The film also stars "Dangal" fame Fatima Sana Sheikh.
By Express News Service

CHENNAI: Top leaders of opposition parties on Saturday stressed the need for consolidating secular, democratic and Left forces to counter BJP-led Centres agenda of transforming the nation into a monolithic culture.



Addressing a function held by DMK here to mark the 94th birthday of party chief M Karunanidhi and diamond jubilee as a legislator, the leaders shared a view of taking on the BJP by building up a broad alliance.

Leading the chorus, Congress vice-president Rahul Gandhi warned that the opposition parties would not silently watch the move of RSS and PM Modi in forcing a monolithic culture.



We will not let RSS and Modi impose one culture, he told the gathering in a high-decibel address. We will never allow the voice of over a billion people to be silenced, he asserted.



DMK working president MK Stalin called upon the opposition parties to unite. We all must unite to establish a secular government, he said, adding dont force another Independence struggle. People say they are ready. We are also prepared.

Stating that the identity of the country is under threat, CPI M general secretary Sitaram Yechury said, there is a need for all parties coming together and strengthening peoples struggle against the policies of the government. He spoke about the major challenges facing the country today, saying that private armies were being set up to control the lives of people, and anti-Romeo forces on the prowl to impose moral code on the society.

Yechury credited Karunanidhi with setting a political agenda, comprising four principles, namely, secular democracy, social justice, economic self-reliance and federalism.



National Conference leader Omar Abdullah said the BJP should stop thinking of a Congress-free, opposition-free country. He described the current direction that the country is headed towards as dangerous. Like-minded political parties are all united in opposing the anti-people and their anti-constitutional policies, he said.

Trinamool Congress MP Derek OBrien said true federalism is only when it is put in operation. He also stressed the need to protect regional languages. All regional parties must go to Delhi and play a role in the national politics, he stressed.



Other leaders such as Majeed Memon of Nationalist Congress Party (NCP), Sudhakar Reddy, general secretary, CPI, and D Raja, national secretary, CPI, also spoke at occasion.

CHENNAI: Top leaders of opposition parties on Saturday stressed the need for consolidating secular, democratic and Left forces to counter BJP-led Centres agenda of transforming the nation into a monolithic culture. Addressing a function held by DMK here to mark the 94th birthday of party chief M Karunanidhi and diamond jubilee as a legislator, the leaders shared a view of taking on the BJP by building up a broad alliance. Leading the chorus, Congress vice-president Rahul Gandhi warned that the opposition parties would not silently watch the move of RSS and PM Modi in forcing a monolithic culture. We will not let RSS and Modi impose one culture, he told the gathering in a high-decibel address. We will never allow the voice of over a billion people to be silenced, he asserted. DMK working president MK Stalin called upon the opposition parties to unite. We all must unite to establish a secular government, he said, adding dont force another Independence struggle. People say they are ready. We are also prepared. Stating that the identity of the country is under threat, CPI M general secretary Sitaram Yechury said, there is a need for all parties coming together and strengthening peoples struggle against the policies of the government. He spoke about the major challenges facing the country today, saying that private armies were being set up to control the lives of people, and anti-Romeo forces on the prowl to impose moral code on the society. Yechury credited Karunanidhi with setting a political agenda, comprising four principles, namely, secular democracy, social justice, economic self-reliance and federalism. National Conference leader Omar Abdullah said the BJP should stop thinking of a Congress-free, opposition-free country. He described the current direction that the country is headed towards as dangerous. Like-minded political parties are all united in opposing the anti-people and their anti-constitutional policies, he said. Trinamool Congress MP Derek OBrien said true federalism is only when it is put in operation. He also stressed the need to protect regional languages. All regional parties must go to Delhi and play a role in the national politics, he stressed. Other leaders such as Majeed Memon of Nationalist Congress Party (NCP), Sudhakar Reddy, general secretary, CPI, and D Raja, national secretary, CPI, also spoke at occasion.
By PTI

LUCKNOW: Almost 25 years after the Babri Masjid was razed in Ayodhya, the spotlight has once again turned on the Ram Janmabhoomi issue in Uttar Pradesh, galvanising the workers of the Bharatiya Janata Party, back in power in the state after 15 years.

Daily hearings at a special CBI court in Lucknow on a case relating to the 1992 demolition of the mosque has put the focus on the temple -- on the back burner for several years -- and party leaders are elated.

BJP leaders are convinced the issue will help the party in the 2019 Lok Sabha elections, as the momentum builds up on the building of a Ram Temple in Ayodhya.

"The matter is sub judice. But there is not an iota of political gesturing in the Ram Temple issue. It is a matter of faith and belief," UP BJP chief and deputy Chief Minister Keshav Prasad Maurya told PTI.

The BJP, which stormed to power in UP bagging 325 out of 403 assembly seats in March this year, believes that the temple issue will have the people's support.

"Every person wants a Ram Temple to be constructed in Ayodhya. And whenever the courts give a decision on any issue (related to the temple), there is some 'garmaahat' (galvanisation)," BJP national vice-president and Rajya Sabha MP Prabhat Jha said.

On May 30, a special CBI court in Lucknow framed charges against 12 people -- including BJP veterans L K Advani and M M Joshi and Union minister Uma Bharti -- in the demolition case. The Supreme Court had ordered the restoration of a conspiracy charge against them.

The apex court's April 19 directive that the special court "complete the trial and deliver the judgment within a period of two years" from the date of the judgment may overlap with the holding of the 2019 general election, when the temple plank is likely to emerge as an emotive issue.

The temple, UP BJP spokesperson Rakesh Tripathi said, would "certainly have a bearing" on the Lok Sabha polls.

"Our party does not consider the Ayodhya issue as a political one, but the BJP is the only party which has raised this issue, and has even committed to constructing a grand Ram Temple in Ayodhya while staying within the ambit of the Constitution," he said.

State leaders have already upped the ante.

"We know that the Ram Temple in Ayodhya will be built eventually," BJP national vice-president and Rajya Sabha MP Prabhat Jha stressed. "It is a national issue, an issue which is directly linked to crores of countrymen," he said.

On May 31 -- a day after the criminal conspiracy charge was framed against the BJP leaders and others in Lucknow -- UP Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath prayed at the makeshift Ram Temple in Ayodhya. He stressed the need for a resolution of the Ram Janmabhoomi-Babri Masjid dispute through talks. "I want the dispute to be resolved through discussions," he said.

Maurya, too, added that the "best possible way" to resolve the issue would be through "mutual understanding and negotiations".

A day after Adityanath's Ayodhya visit, UP minister Shrikant Sharma said in Ballia a Ram Temple already existed in Ayodhya and all that it needed was a "grand" look.

"The Ram Temple is there in Ayodhya and will remain there. Now it has to be given a grand look," he said.

On May 9, the Uttar Pradesh government endorsed the setting up of two new municipal corporations for Ayodhya- Faizabad and Mathura-Vrindavan. The decision was taken at a meeting of the state cabinet chaired by Adityanath.

The idea was to provide "better amenities" to pilgrims, minister Sharma said. The Ayodhya Municipal Corporation will cover the twin cities of Faizabad and Ayodhya.

In Delhi, plans are afoot for the construction of a Ram- Ramayana museum -- to be located about six kilometres from the disputed Ram Temple site - which, a concept note states, will be like a "grand temple".

LUCKNOW: Almost 25 years after the Babri Masjid was razed in Ayodhya, the spotlight has once again turned on the Ram Janmabhoomi issue in Uttar Pradesh, galvanising the workers of the Bharatiya Janata Party, back in power in the state after 15 years. Daily hearings at a special CBI court in Lucknow on a case relating to the 1992 demolition of the mosque has put the focus on the temple -- on the back burner for several years -- and party leaders are elated. BJP leaders are convinced the issue will help the party in the 2019 Lok Sabha elections, as the momentum builds up on the building of a Ram Temple in Ayodhya. "The matter is sub judice. But there is not an iota of political gesturing in the Ram Temple issue. It is a matter of faith and belief," UP BJP chief and deputy Chief Minister Keshav Prasad Maurya told PTI. The BJP, which stormed to power in UP bagging 325 out of 403 assembly seats in March this year, believes that the temple issue will have the people's support. "Every person wants a Ram Temple to be constructed in Ayodhya. And whenever the courts give a decision on any issue (related to the temple), there is some 'garmaahat' (galvanisation)," BJP national vice-president and Rajya Sabha MP Prabhat Jha said. On May 30, a special CBI court in Lucknow framed charges against 12 people -- including BJP veterans L K Advani and M M Joshi and Union minister Uma Bharti -- in the demolition case. The Supreme Court had ordered the restoration of a conspiracy charge against them. The apex court's April 19 directive that the special court "complete the trial and deliver the judgment within a period of two years" from the date of the judgment may overlap with the holding of the 2019 general election, when the temple plank is likely to emerge as an emotive issue. The temple, UP BJP spokesperson Rakesh Tripathi said, would "certainly have a bearing" on the Lok Sabha polls. "Our party does not consider the Ayodhya issue as a political one, but the BJP is the only party which has raised this issue, and has even committed to constructing a grand Ram Temple in Ayodhya while staying within the ambit of the Constitution," he said. State leaders have already upped the ante. "We know that the Ram Temple in Ayodhya will be built eventually," BJP national vice-president and Rajya Sabha MP Prabhat Jha stressed. "It is a national issue, an issue which is directly linked to crores of countrymen," he said. On May 31 -- a day after the criminal conspiracy charge was framed against the BJP leaders and others in Lucknow -- UP Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath prayed at the makeshift Ram Temple in Ayodhya. He stressed the need for a resolution of the Ram Janmabhoomi-Babri Masjid dispute through talks. "I want the dispute to be resolved through discussions," he said. Maurya, too, added that the "best possible way" to resolve the issue would be through "mutual understanding and negotiations". A day after Adityanath's Ayodhya visit, UP minister Shrikant Sharma said in Ballia a Ram Temple already existed in Ayodhya and all that it needed was a "grand" look. "The Ram Temple is there in Ayodhya and will remain there. Now it has to be given a grand look," he said. On May 9, the Uttar Pradesh government endorsed the setting up of two new municipal corporations for Ayodhya- Faizabad and Mathura-Vrindavan. The decision was taken at a meeting of the state cabinet chaired by Adityanath. The idea was to provide "better amenities" to pilgrims, minister Sharma said. The Ayodhya Municipal Corporation will cover the twin cities of Faizabad and Ayodhya. In Delhi, plans are afoot for the construction of a Ram- Ramayana museum -- to be located about six kilometres from the disputed Ram Temple site - which, a concept note states, will be like a "grand temple".
By Express News Service

NEW DELHI: Amdist growing controversy over recent cattle slaughter notification, the government Sunday said that it is open to review the suggestions submitted by various stakeholders against ban on sale or purchase of cattle for slaughter animal market and there is no prestige issue.

Reiterating that the ban has nothing to do with influencing food habits or meat business, Environment Minister Harsh Vardhan said that the intention was to ensure welfare of animals and to control their smuggling.

We will review the suggestions submitted by various stakeholders and it is not a prestige issue for the government, Vardhan said hinting that the Centre may consider removing buffalo from the list of animals banned to be sold or bought for slaughtering in animal markets.

The centres move last month has drawn criticism from various quarters with Kerala and West Bengal calling the decision undemocratic, unconstitutional and impinging upon the rights of states. Beef festivals were held in Kerala to register protest and Kerala CM has even written to all chief ministers on the issue.

"The new notification under the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act is not to influence food habits or affect slaughtering business but protect animals," said Vardhan.

The Madras High Court had stayed for four weeks the enforcement of the Centres order. The Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (Regulation of Livestock Markets) Rules, 2017 do not ban cattle slaughter or trade but regulate animal markets and illegal trade. The notification includes bulls, bullocks, cows, buffalos, steers, heifers and calves and includes camels.

Several farmers organizations and meat trader groups have been sending their representation to the ministry of environment and forests, mentioning how it will impact the meat business. India is the worlds largest buffalo meat exporter and the new regulations are expected to have an adverse impact on the meat industry.

Livestock market rules will regulate all of Indias live animal markets. Some of the largest cattle markets are hosted by Bihar, Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh, Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu and Andhra Pradesh every year.

NEW DELHI: Amdist growing controversy over recent cattle slaughter notification, the government Sunday said that it is open to review the suggestions submitted by various stakeholders against ban on sale or purchase of cattle for slaughter animal market and there is no prestige issue. Reiterating that the ban has nothing to do with influencing food habits or meat business, Environment Minister Harsh Vardhan said that the intention was to ensure welfare of animals and to control their smuggling. We will review the suggestions submitted by various stakeholders and it is not a prestige issue for the government, Vardhan said hinting that the Centre may consider removing buffalo from the list of animals banned to be sold or bought for slaughtering in animal markets. The centres move last month has drawn criticism from various quarters with Kerala and West Bengal calling the decision undemocratic, unconstitutional and impinging upon the rights of states. Beef festivals were held in Kerala to register protest and Kerala CM has even written to all chief ministers on the issue. "The new notification under the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act is not to influence food habits or affect slaughtering business but protect animals," said Vardhan. The Madras High Court had stayed for four weeks the enforcement of the Centres order. The Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (Regulation of Livestock Markets) Rules, 2017 do not ban cattle slaughter or trade but regulate animal markets and illegal trade. The notification includes bulls, bullocks, cows, buffalos, steers, heifers and calves and includes camels. Several farmers organizations and meat trader groups have been sending their representation to the ministry of environment and forests, mentioning how it will impact the meat business. India is the worlds largest buffalo meat exporter and the new regulations are expected to have an adverse impact on the meat industry. Livestock market rules will regulate all of Indias live animal markets. Some of the largest cattle markets are hosted by Bihar, Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh, Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu and Andhra Pradesh every year.
By PTI

DEHRADUN: A suspected Chinese helicopter was today seen flying over Indian territory in Barahoti area of Chamoli district close to Sino-India border, prompting authorities to launch a probe.

"One chopper was sighted hovering over Barahoti area violating Indian airspace at 9.15 AM. It remained inside the Indian airspace for nearly four minutes," Chamoli Superintendent of Police Tripti Bhatt told PTI.

"There have been similar airspace violations in the past too. However, we cannot say whether the violation was a deliberate act of recce or an unintentional deviation," the SP said.

The SP said an investigation is underway to ascertain details of the airspace violation.

DEHRADUN: A suspected Chinese helicopter was today seen flying over Indian territory in Barahoti area of Chamoli district close to Sino-India border, prompting authorities to launch a probe. "One chopper was sighted hovering over Barahoti area violating Indian airspace at 9.15 AM. It remained inside the Indian airspace for nearly four minutes," Chamoli Superintendent of Police Tripti Bhatt told PTI. "There have been similar airspace violations in the past too. However, we cannot say whether the violation was a deliberate act of recce or an unintentional deviation," the SP said. The SP said an investigation is underway to ascertain details of the airspace violation.
By IANS

NEW DELHI: Dubbing the June 3 EVM challenge of the Election Commission as "too restrictive", the CPI-M on Sunday called for regular discussions between the poll panel and various political parties on the design choices of the voting machines.



The party also asserted that such challenges and counter-challenges were not conducive to building of confidence in the electoral process in the country.



"If the EC exercise was for increasing confidence of political parties in the EVMs, it was too restrictive," the Communist Party of India-Marxist said in a statement here.



"The challenge, counter-challenge and hackathons -- as is being done by certain parties and the EC -- builds an adversarial atmosphere that is not conducive to building confidence in the electoral process," it added.



"While we can accept EC's contention that EVM hardware should not be changed, as this will make it a different machine, we are unable to appreciate why a physical examination of the EVM should not have included attaching instruments and generating a better understanding of EVM and its communication within its various sub-units," it said.



During the EVM challenge, a technical team of the CPI-M wanted to attach hardware probes to the EVM motherboard to develop a better understanding of and potential for hacking of the EVM.



"The EC disallowed this request. Under such restrictive conditions, the team was unable to make an independent assessment of the Electronic Voting Machines, and hence suggest technical improvements or other safeguards," it said.



The CPI-M team held detailed technical discussions with the poll panel's technical expert committee where it was informed about how it has addressed various concerns regarding the EVM.



"Prima facie, these are robust precautions, but without a detailed technical examination, as asked for by the CPI-M's technical team, this remains to be independently verified," the Left party said.



"The CPI-M believes that technical discussions between the EC, political parties and other stakeholders on current and future EVM design choices should be held on a regular basis.

NEW DELHI: Dubbing the June 3 EVM challenge of the Election Commission as "too restrictive", the CPI-M on Sunday called for regular discussions between the poll panel and various political parties on the design choices of the voting machines. The party also asserted that such challenges and counter-challenges were not conducive to building of confidence in the electoral process in the country. "If the EC exercise was for increasing confidence of political parties in the EVMs, it was too restrictive," the Communist Party of India-Marxist said in a statement here. "The challenge, counter-challenge and hackathons -- as is being done by certain parties and the EC -- builds an adversarial atmosphere that is not conducive to building confidence in the electoral process," it added. "While we can accept EC's contention that EVM hardware should not be changed, as this will make it a different machine, we are unable to appreciate why a physical examination of the EVM should not have included attaching instruments and generating a better understanding of EVM and its communication within its various sub-units," it said. During the EVM challenge, a technical team of the CPI-M wanted to attach hardware probes to the EVM motherboard to develop a better understanding of and potential for hacking of the EVM. "The EC disallowed this request. Under such restrictive conditions, the team was unable to make an independent assessment of the Electronic Voting Machines, and hence suggest technical improvements or other safeguards," it said. The CPI-M team held detailed technical discussions with the poll panel's technical expert committee where it was informed about how it has addressed various concerns regarding the EVM. "Prima facie, these are robust precautions, but without a detailed technical examination, as asked for by the CPI-M's technical team, this remains to be independently verified," the Left party said. "The CPI-M believes that technical discussions between the EC, political parties and other stakeholders on current and future EVM design choices should be held on a regular basis.
By PTI

LUCKNOW: Samajwadi Party leader Shivpal Yadav today said he has no plans to take Amar Singh in his proposed Samajawadi Secular Front and that he had also opposed his rejoining the party last year.

"I was not in favour of Amar Singh joining SP again. I knew he will not be getting due respect and one should avoid...You can ask anyone I was not in his favour", Yadav told PTI.

Amar was termed as an "outsider" by SP president Akhilesh Yadav during he state assembly polls.

The Samajwadi Party (SP) had in May 2016 declared Amar Singh as its candidate for the Rajya Sabha elections taking him back to the party, six years after his expulsion.

Amar was expelled from the SP along with then Rampur MP Jaya Prada in February 2010 on charges of anti-party activities, after which he established his own party  Lok Manch.

In 2014, however, Amar Singh and Mulayam were again seen together at a function in Lucknow, after which they kept meeting frequently.

Amar was expelled on Jan 1 this year at the SP national convention when Akhilesh became SP president.

Asked whether he would consider taking Amar in his front Shivpal said, "There is no plan as such to take him. We will take along all the 'samajwadis' (socialists), who are feeling neglected".

Shivpal said, "He is open to do anything for unity within the family. If they (Akhilesh and others) want they can sit with 'netaji' (Mulayam). I want to ensure that netaji gets due respect. And for this I am ready for any placement".

Holding "sycophancy and backbiting" responsible for the dispute within the family, Shivpal said, "all will be well if the family is united. There is no reason for dispute within the family. Our first priority will be to unite the family".

On his decision to form the 'Samajwadi Secular Front', which will be headed by Mulayam, SP legislator Shivpal said that it will bring the party on the "right track".

Maintaining that he is still in the party and will only try to strengthen it, Shivpal, who has been at odds with nephew and SP chief Akhilesh Yadav, however had made it clear that he was forming just a "front" and not a political party.

"We will constitute the Samajwadi Secular Front in July to bring the SP on the right track. We will formally announce it at a meeting in Lucknow", Shivpal said.

"SP patron Mulayam will be the national president of the front and I would be its convenor," he said.

On possibility of the Front jumping in the political arena in the future in case family dispute did not settle down, Shivpal said, "There are no elections right now. The next poll is in 2019 (Lok Sabha polls) and then in 2022 (UP assembly polls). We will decide in later stage what situation arises".

The Samajwadi Party has witnessed a prolonged factional fight that began before the Uttar Pradesh Assembly elections with Akhilesh and Shivpal camps on the opposite sides.

LUCKNOW: Samajwadi Party leader Shivpal Yadav today said he has no plans to take Amar Singh in his proposed Samajawadi Secular Front and that he had also opposed his rejoining the party last year. "I was not in favour of Amar Singh joining SP again. I knew he will not be getting due respect and one should avoid...You can ask anyone I was not in his favour", Yadav told PTI. Amar was termed as an "outsider" by SP president Akhilesh Yadav during he state assembly polls. The Samajwadi Party (SP) had in May 2016 declared Amar Singh as its candidate for the Rajya Sabha elections taking him back to the party, six years after his expulsion. Amar was expelled from the SP along with then Rampur MP Jaya Prada in February 2010 on charges of anti-party activities, after which he established his own party  Lok Manch. In 2014, however, Amar Singh and Mulayam were again seen together at a function in Lucknow, after which they kept meeting frequently. Amar was expelled on Jan 1 this year at the SP national convention when Akhilesh became SP president. Asked whether he would consider taking Amar in his front Shivpal said, "There is no plan as such to take him. We will take along all the 'samajwadis' (socialists), who are feeling neglected". Shivpal said, "He is open to do anything for unity within the family. If they (Akhilesh and others) want they can sit with 'netaji' (Mulayam). I want to ensure that netaji gets due respect. And for this I am ready for any placement". Holding "sycophancy and backbiting" responsible for the dispute within the family, Shivpal said, "all will be well if the family is united. There is no reason for dispute within the family. Our first priority will be to unite the family". On his decision to form the 'Samajwadi Secular Front', which will be headed by Mulayam, SP legislator Shivpal said that it will bring the party on the "right track". Maintaining that he is still in the party and will only try to strengthen it, Shivpal, who has been at odds with nephew and SP chief Akhilesh Yadav, however had made it clear that he was forming just a "front" and not a political party. "We will constitute the Samajwadi Secular Front in July to bring the SP on the right track. We will formally announce it at a meeting in Lucknow", Shivpal said. "SP patron Mulayam will be the national president of the front and I would be its convenor," he said. On possibility of the Front jumping in the political arena in the future in case family dispute did not settle down, Shivpal said, "There are no elections right now. The next poll is in 2019 (Lok Sabha polls) and then in 2022 (UP assembly polls). We will decide in later stage what situation arises". The Samajwadi Party has witnessed a prolonged factional fight that began before the Uttar Pradesh Assembly elections with Akhilesh and Shivpal camps on the opposite sides.
Namita Bajpai By

Express News Service

LUCKNOW: Over 600 meat shops are back to business without licence in Lucknow, all thanks to Ramzan. Even the administration is now going slow against them.

Authorities concerned said that the shops which have re-opened lack eligibility to apply for licence. According to the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI), the licensing authority, the shops cant apply for the papers as they dont have a slaughterhouse in the city to show as source of the raw meat.

The shop owners are supposed to mention their source of meat as they are not allowed to slaughter animals in the shops. As the city has no legal slaughterhouse, the shopowners dont have any source to show and hence cant apply for licence, said a senior FSSAI officer. However, the chief of Bakra Murga Kalyan Vyapari Samiti, Iqbal Qureshi, said that he found the online process to apply for licenses a very complicated one.

He also alleged that FSSAI officials did not address their issues properly.

Even after repeated visits to FSSAI office, the officials do not respond properly. Sometimes, they dont accept applications in the absence of orders from higher ups, Qureshi said. This is the time to earn. We are managing the business somehow. Even authorities are not troubling us, he added. It may be recalled that the Allahabad High Court had directed the state government to issue fresh licences and renew old ones apart from regulating the meat trade in the state by July 17. The court had also asked the state government to file a compliance report on the same date. It also observed it was the responsibility of the municipal corporation to construct a modern slaughterhouse.

However, Lucknow Municipal Corporation (LMC) is yet to move in the direction of getting a slaughterhouse constructed in accordance to NGT rules. It is not even contemplating action against meat shops for functioning without licences. As to why there was no progress in the construction of a modern slaughterhouse, acting mayor Suresh Chandra Awasthi said, The state pollution board is yet to provide a No Objection Certificate (NOC) for the construction.

LUCKNOW: Over 600 meat shops are back to business without licence in Lucknow, all thanks to Ramzan. Even the administration is now going slow against them. Authorities concerned said that the shops which have re-opened lack eligibility to apply for licence. According to the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI), the licensing authority, the shops cant apply for the papers as they dont have a slaughterhouse in the city to show as source of the raw meat. The shop owners are supposed to mention their source of meat as they are not allowed to slaughter animals in the shops. As the city has no legal slaughterhouse, the shopowners dont have any source to show and hence cant apply for licence, said a senior FSSAI officer. However, the chief of Bakra Murga Kalyan Vyapari Samiti, Iqbal Qureshi, said that he found the online process to apply for licenses a very complicated one. He also alleged that FSSAI officials did not address their issues properly. Even after repeated visits to FSSAI office, the officials do not respond properly. Sometimes, they dont accept applications in the absence of orders from higher ups, Qureshi said. This is the time to earn. We are managing the business somehow. Even authorities are not troubling us, he added. It may be recalled that the Allahabad High Court had directed the state government to issue fresh licences and renew old ones apart from regulating the meat trade in the state by July 17. The court had also asked the state government to file a compliance report on the same date. It also observed it was the responsibility of the municipal corporation to construct a modern slaughterhouse. However, Lucknow Municipal Corporation (LMC) is yet to move in the direction of getting a slaughterhouse constructed in accordance to NGT rules. It is not even contemplating action against meat shops for functioning without licences. As to why there was no progress in the construction of a modern slaughterhouse, acting mayor Suresh Chandra Awasthi said, The state pollution board is yet to provide a No Objection Certificate (NOC) for the construction.
1,00,950 girls and 1,05,188 boys across the country have scored a perfect 10 CGPA in Class 10 CBSE board results, announced on Sunday afternoon. (Photo: Qamar Sibtain)

By Arpan Rai: Ranking nowhere in the top regions, Delhi's Class X board results presented a rather disappointing pass percentage of 78.09 per cent this year. Out of a total of 3,67,699 candidates, who appeared for class 10 board examination in 2017 only 2,87,147 qualified the exam, according to the data released by Central Board of Secondary Education officials.

The performance is in stark contrast with Trivandrum, where out of 72,273 students, who appeared, 107 could not qualify, leaving the pass percentage for city at 99.85 per cent.

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Even for Tamil Nadu, the second best performing state, out of 1,78,468 students, a staggering 1,77,784 students qualified, taking the pass percentage for the state to 99.62 per cent.

The performance graph in Class X's pass percentage has also swayed across India. As opposed to last year's 96.21 per cent, this year, 90.95 per cent candidates have qualified the CBSE Class X board examination. Suggesting that the dip in pass percentage from last year's 91.76 to this year's 78.09 was alarming, school principals across the Capital expressed surprise. "The entire point of introducing Continuous and Comprehensive Evaluation (CCE) was to help reform children and not detain them," said Divya Bhatia, Principal of Amity International School, Saket.

"The reduction in Delhi's performance is surprising, especially when the pass percentage for Class XII has been on upward graph," Divya said.

Since board examination is set to make a comeback starting next year, it could be possible that the marking has been strict this time, she added.

Putting forward different opinions, some heads of revered educational institutions pointed out that this is a trend, set every year by Class X results.

"There is little reason to worry as these trends of surge and dip in pass percentage come and go every year. It could go up next year depending on upgradation policy and co-scholastic grades," said Vanita Sehgal, principal of RK Puram's Delhi Public School, where out of 530, 119 students secured a perfect 10 CGPA in results declared on Sunday afternoon.

Pointing out that the abysmal performance in Delhi is due to change in pass percentage calculation method, adopted by the board this year, Atishi Marlena, advisor to deputy CM Manish Sisodia said, "CBSE has included the performance of students studying privately, not under any board, along with the performance of government and private schools."

According to CBSE data, the percentage for school-based candidates is 94.02 per cent and as for boarding-based ones, the percentage is 94.78. However, private candidates stood at a mere 2.56 per cent.

CBSE declared the results of Class X on Sunday afternoon after much delay. The board had first declared the result of five regions - Delhi, Allahabad, Chennai, Trivandrum and Dehradun, bringing a wave of relief for jittery students and parents across the country.

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ALSO READ | CBSE Class 12 results to be announced on Sunday, May 28

--- ENDS ---
By Express News Service

NEW DELHI: In a massive crackdown on terror funding, the National Investigation Agency (NIA) on Saturday raided multiple locations belonging to separatist leaders in Delhi, Haryana and the Kashmir Valley. At least Rs 1.5 crore in cash, incriminating documents, letterheads of the Lashkar-e-Toiba (LeT) and Hijbul Mujahideen (HM), pen drives and laptops were seized, said agency sleuths.

According to official sources, Hurriyat leader Raja Kalwal and recently-suspended Hurriyat leader Naeem Khan were among those whose locations were raided. In all, 14 locations in Srinagar and at least eight in Delhi and Haryana were raided.

The NIA had registered a Preliminary Enquiry, which was converted into a Regular Case (RC) on Friday evening, before searches at residences of separatist leaders began in the Valley in the wee hours on Saturday, said sources, adding that the premises of around eight hawala dealers and traders in the national capital were also raided. NIA teams are also searching two locations in Sonepat in this connection.

Last month, NIA officials who visited Srinagar to probe alleged funding by Pakistan for illegal activities in Kashmir questioned separatist leaders regarding their involvement in raising, collecting and transferring funds through hawala and other channels to fund terror activities in Kashmir. Farooq Ahmed Dar alias Bitta Karate and Gazi Javed Baba were among the leaders questioned.

The NIA has collected details of 13 accused who were charge sheeted in recent cases in the Valley pertaining to damaging schools and public property as part of a larger conspiracy to perpetuate violence in Kashmir.

This is the first time since the early 1990s that a Central probe agency has carried out raids in connection with terror funding to separatists for subversive activities in the Valley.

NEW DELHI: In a massive crackdown on terror funding, the National Investigation Agency (NIA) on Saturday raided multiple locations belonging to separatist leaders in Delhi, Haryana and the Kashmir Valley. At least Rs 1.5 crore in cash, incriminating documents, letterheads of the Lashkar-e-Toiba (LeT) and Hijbul Mujahideen (HM), pen drives and laptops were seized, said agency sleuths. According to official sources, Hurriyat leader Raja Kalwal and recently-suspended Hurriyat leader Naeem Khan were among those whose locations were raided. In all, 14 locations in Srinagar and at least eight in Delhi and Haryana were raided. The NIA had registered a Preliminary Enquiry, which was converted into a Regular Case (RC) on Friday evening, before searches at residences of separatist leaders began in the Valley in the wee hours on Saturday, said sources, adding that the premises of around eight hawala dealers and traders in the national capital were also raided. NIA teams are also searching two locations in Sonepat in this connection. Last month, NIA officials who visited Srinagar to probe alleged funding by Pakistan for illegal activities in Kashmir questioned separatist leaders regarding their involvement in raising, collecting and transferring funds through hawala and other channels to fund terror activities in Kashmir. Farooq Ahmed Dar alias Bitta Karate and Gazi Javed Baba were among the leaders questioned. The NIA has collected details of 13 accused who were charge sheeted in recent cases in the Valley pertaining to damaging schools and public property as part of a larger conspiracy to perpetuate violence in Kashmir. This is the first time since the early 1990s that a Central probe agency has carried out raids in connection with terror funding to separatists for subversive activities in the Valley.
Abhijit Mulye By

Express News Service

AURANGABAD: The notices to acquire land for the proposed Samruddhi Corridor in Maharashtra came as messages of death for at least four farmers in Aurangabad district who could not bear the shock of parting with fertile irrigated land.

Shivnathappa Thenge (68), Vishwanath Hekde (62) and Lakshman Sundarne (65) from Maliwada village of Gangapur taluka in Aurangabad district have died of heart attack in past few months. Their family members say that they died after the notices for measurement of land were served to them and the actual land measurement was carried out in the village.

Kalubhai tried to

commit suicide when

officers came to

measure his land.

My father was healthy and there was absolutely no reason for him to die of heart attack. The day when notice was served to us for land measurement, he went to the field just to get an idea of how much land we are likely to lose. When he realised that we would lose 11 acres of land, he had a massive heart attack and died, his son Balasaheb Hekde told The New Indian Express.

Another farmer Jadusinh Jalamsinh Meher (63) from KachchiGhati village in Aurangabad taluka too died on April 9 of heart attack. This happened after he was served with a notice for land measurement on April 8. His two acre of land was going for the corridor. He couldnt bear the shock.

Abdul Majid Shekh Sultan, alias Kalubhai, from Palshi village in Aurangabad taluka tried to commit suicide by drinking insecticide when the land measurement officers approached him for measuring his land. I have no place to go apart from my land which the government wants to acquire. How can I tolerate it? They had come with police force and tried to bully me.

I was so enraged that I picked up a bottle of insecticide lying nearby and tried to drink it. They prevented me for doing that and went away without measuring my land, Kalubhai said. He has a brick kiln and also rears cows to support his family of nine. Shahaji Pawar from Sonambe village in Sinnar taluka of Nashik district shows a big pouch containing medicines for diabetes and hypertension. He is leading the agitation of farmers from neighboring villages under the banner of Samruddhi Mahamarga Sangharsh Samiti. There are several more like me, he said.

Shivade village in Sinner taluka of Nashik district is famous for its vineyards and almost 100 per cent export-oriented farm yields. Somnath Wagh, a chartered accountent by education and farmer by profession, says that even the modest earning of farmers from the village go up to Rs 30-40 lakh a year.Our village is surrounded by hills which ensure that our wells never go dry. But, with the current alignment of the Samruddhi Corridor we will lose 55 such water-rich wells that irrigate around 150 acre of land apart from the land going under the highway, said Rausaheb Harak, a leading farmer from Shivade.

When we first heard that our land would go under the highway, we were so disturbed that we decided to commit mass suicide and to mark that, we tied noose to trees in our fields, said Anil Harak, who is a former Panchayat Samiti member. Thanks to the efforts of Samruddhi Mahamarga Sangharsh Samiti, the farmers have now resolved to fight out the land acquisition efforts. We wont commit suicide now but well hang those who dare come here to acquire our land, Harak said.

The corridor is a proposed eight-lane 120 metre wide 710- km long expressway that passes through 354 villages of 30 talukas in 10 districts of Maharashtra. The project is expected to change the face of the States economy by providing rapid access for farm produce to ports, airports and agro-processing hubs. Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis had recently declared that construction of the road will begin in October this year and would be completed within the next three years.

AURANGABAD: The notices to acquire land for the proposed Samruddhi Corridor in Maharashtra came as messages of death for at least four farmers in Aurangabad district who could not bear the shock of parting with fertile irrigated land. Shivnathappa Thenge (68), Vishwanath Hekde (62) and Lakshman Sundarne (65) from Maliwada village of Gangapur taluka in Aurangabad district have died of heart attack in past few months. Their family members say that they died after the notices for measurement of land were served to them and the actual land measurement was carried out in the village. Kalubhai tried to commit suicide when officers came to measure his land.My father was healthy and there was absolutely no reason for him to die of heart attack. The day when notice was served to us for land measurement, he went to the field just to get an idea of how much land we are likely to lose. When he realised that we would lose 11 acres of land, he had a massive heart attack and died, his son Balasaheb Hekde told The New Indian Express. Another farmer Jadusinh Jalamsinh Meher (63) from KachchiGhati village in Aurangabad taluka too died on April 9 of heart attack. This happened after he was served with a notice for land measurement on April 8. His two acre of land was going for the corridor. He couldnt bear the shock. Abdul Majid Shekh Sultan, alias Kalubhai, from Palshi village in Aurangabad taluka tried to commit suicide by drinking insecticide when the land measurement officers approached him for measuring his land. I have no place to go apart from my land which the government wants to acquire. How can I tolerate it? They had come with police force and tried to bully me. I was so enraged that I picked up a bottle of insecticide lying nearby and tried to drink it. They prevented me for doing that and went away without measuring my land, Kalubhai said. He has a brick kiln and also rears cows to support his family of nine. Shahaji Pawar from Sonambe village in Sinnar taluka of Nashik district shows a big pouch containing medicines for diabetes and hypertension. He is leading the agitation of farmers from neighboring villages under the banner of Samruddhi Mahamarga Sangharsh Samiti. There are several more like me, he said. Shivade village in Sinner taluka of Nashik district is famous for its vineyards and almost 100 per cent export-oriented farm yields. Somnath Wagh, a chartered accountent by education and farmer by profession, says that even the modest earning of farmers from the village go up to Rs 30-40 lakh a year.Our village is surrounded by hills which ensure that our wells never go dry. But, with the current alignment of the Samruddhi Corridor we will lose 55 such water-rich wells that irrigate around 150 acre of land apart from the land going under the highway, said Rausaheb Harak, a leading farmer from Shivade. When we first heard that our land would go under the highway, we were so disturbed that we decided to commit mass suicide and to mark that, we tied noose to trees in our fields, said Anil Harak, who is a former Panchayat Samiti member. Thanks to the efforts of Samruddhi Mahamarga Sangharsh Samiti, the farmers have now resolved to fight out the land acquisition efforts. We wont commit suicide now but well hang those who dare come here to acquire our land, Harak said. The corridor is a proposed eight-lane 120 metre wide 710- km long expressway that passes through 354 villages of 30 talukas in 10 districts of Maharashtra. The project is expected to change the face of the States economy by providing rapid access for farm produce to ports, airports and agro-processing hubs. Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis had recently declared that construction of the road will begin in October this year and would be completed within the next three years.
By PTI

NEW DELHI: External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj today assured a Pakistani man medical visa for his father provided the case was recommended by the country's adviser on foreign affairs Sartaj Aziz. Taking to twitter to present his case, Saeed Ayub said "I sold half of my assets 4 (for) my father's liver transplant from India and now no medical visa for us. Why only common man suffers."

Swaraj, known for extending a helping hand to people who approach her through social media, said, her sympathies are with him. "We will give you the visa. Sartaj Aziz Sahib should recommend your case."

WATCH VIDEO:

Only a letter of recommendation by Pakistan Foreign Affairs Advisor Sartaj Aziz will enable a Pakistani national to get a medical visa for India, the External Affairs Ministry had said recently, a condition reflective of the strained ties between the two neighbours.

NEW DELHI: External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj today assured a Pakistani man medical visa for his father provided the case was recommended by the country's adviser on foreign affairs Sartaj Aziz. Taking to twitter to present his case, Saeed Ayub said "I sold half of my assets 4 (for) my father's liver transplant from India and now no medical visa for us. Why only common man suffers." Swaraj, known for extending a helping hand to people who approach her through social media, said, her sympathies are with him. "We will give you the visa. Sartaj Aziz Sahib should recommend your case." WATCH VIDEO: window.__ventunoplayer = window.__ventunoplayer||[];window.__ventunoplayer.push({video_key: 'OTQ1NjM3fHw4fHw2fHwxLDIsMQ==', holder_id: 'vt-video-player', player_type: 'vp', width:'100%', ratio:'4:3'});Only a letter of recommendation by Pakistan Foreign Affairs Advisor Sartaj Aziz will enable a Pakistani national to get a medical visa for India, the External Affairs Ministry had said recently, a condition reflective of the strained ties between the two neighbours.
By PTI

CHANDIGARH: In yet another major breakthrough, the Punjab Police arrested three terrorists and busted a terror module with direct links to Pakistans ISI-backed banned terror outfit, International Sikh Youth Federation (ISYF).

The arrested terrorists, Gurdial Singh, Jagroop Singh and Satwinder Singh, had been trained and tasked by the ISI to carry out terror attacks and target various anti-panthic and anti-Sikh forces/individuals by Pakistan-based ISYF chief Lakhbir Rode and Harmeet Singh alias Happy.

Preliminary investigations by the Punjab police revealed that a part of the consignment of arms and ammunition seized by the BSF on May 21 this year close to the international border in Amritsar, was supplied by the ISYF.

Two terrorists, Maan Singh and Sher Singh were arrested by the BSF in May, while they were attempting to pick up the said consignment.

While Gurdial Singh hails from Road Majara in Hoshiarpur, both Jagroop and Satiwinder are residents of Chandpur Rurki in Shaheed Bhagat Singh Nagar.

A .32 bore pistol, with one magazine and ten cartridges and a .38 bore revolver, with seven cartridges, was recovered from the suspects.

While Gurdial and Jagroop were arrested from their native homes, Satwinder was apprehended at a police checkpoint close to his village in Pojewal police station limits in Balachaur sub-division.

A police official said that Gurdial Singh was the chief operative of this terror module and was introduced to Lakhbir Singh Rode, who is staying in a ISI provided safe house in Lahore cantonment, by Germany based Balvir Singh Sandhu.

Gurdial had met Rode several times during his visits to Pakistan, as part of religious jathas, in the last six years.

During his last visit to Pakistan in November 2016, Gurdial Singh had arranged a visa for Jagroop Singh, who then travelled to Lahore with a Jatha.

During interrogation, the duo revealed that during his stay in Lahore from

November 12 to 21 in 2016, Jagroop met Rode and Harmeet through Balvir Singh Sandhu.

Jagroop Singh confessed that he was taken to the ISYF chief blindfolded at an undisclosed location and imparted with four-days of training by the ISI in handling AK-47 rifles and smaller weapons.

He was also trained in sabotaging railway tracks by loosening the fastening mechanisms of fish-plates, nuts and bolts.

Both Gurdial Singh and Jagroop Singh were tasked to carry out terrorist attacks in India. Lakhbir Rode and his associates had promised to provide them with arms and ammunition from across the Indian border.

Interrogation of the suspects also revealed that during his visits to Pakistan, Gurdial Singh was regularly in contact with Balvir, who originally hails from Paddi Surat Singh village in Hoshiarpur.

Gurdial had also been speaking with some militant groups in Jammu and Kashmir.

Sources said that Satwinder Singh was also an active member of this 'action group' and, along with Jagroop Singh, was directly in touch with his mentors in Pakistan and Germany.

Both Gurdial Singh and Balvir Singh Sandhu have terrorist backgrounds, with criminal cases registered against them in 1992 and 1988. A Thompson gun had been recovered from Gurdial in 1992.

They have been booked under sections 121,121A, 120B of the IPC, Arms Act and Unlawful Activities Act.

CHANDIGARH: In yet another major breakthrough, the Punjab Police arrested three terrorists and busted a terror module with direct links to Pakistans ISI-backed banned terror outfit, International Sikh Youth Federation (ISYF). The arrested terrorists, Gurdial Singh, Jagroop Singh and Satwinder Singh, had been trained and tasked by the ISI to carry out terror attacks and target various anti-panthic and anti-Sikh forces/individuals by Pakistan-based ISYF chief Lakhbir Rode and Harmeet Singh alias Happy. Preliminary investigations by the Punjab police revealed that a part of the consignment of arms and ammunition seized by the BSF on May 21 this year close to the international border in Amritsar, was supplied by the ISYF. Two terrorists, Maan Singh and Sher Singh were arrested by the BSF in May, while they were attempting to pick up the said consignment. While Gurdial Singh hails from Road Majara in Hoshiarpur, both Jagroop and Satiwinder are residents of Chandpur Rurki in Shaheed Bhagat Singh Nagar. A .32 bore pistol, with one magazine and ten cartridges and a .38 bore revolver, with seven cartridges, was recovered from the suspects. While Gurdial and Jagroop were arrested from their native homes, Satwinder was apprehended at a police checkpoint close to his village in Pojewal police station limits in Balachaur sub-division. A police official said that Gurdial Singh was the chief operative of this terror module and was introduced to Lakhbir Singh Rode, who is staying in a ISI provided safe house in Lahore cantonment, by Germany based Balvir Singh Sandhu. Gurdial had met Rode several times during his visits to Pakistan, as part of religious jathas, in the last six years. During his last visit to Pakistan in November 2016, Gurdial Singh had arranged a visa for Jagroop Singh, who then travelled to Lahore with a Jatha. During interrogation, the duo revealed that during his stay in Lahore from November 12 to 21 in 2016, Jagroop met Rode and Harmeet through Balvir Singh Sandhu. Jagroop Singh confessed that he was taken to the ISYF chief blindfolded at an undisclosed location and imparted with four-days of training by the ISI in handling AK-47 rifles and smaller weapons. He was also trained in sabotaging railway tracks by loosening the fastening mechanisms of fish-plates, nuts and bolts. Both Gurdial Singh and Jagroop Singh were tasked to carry out terrorist attacks in India. Lakhbir Rode and his associates had promised to provide them with arms and ammunition from across the Indian border. Interrogation of the suspects also revealed that during his visits to Pakistan, Gurdial Singh was regularly in contact with Balvir, who originally hails from Paddi Surat Singh village in Hoshiarpur. Gurdial had also been speaking with some militant groups in Jammu and Kashmir. Sources said that Satwinder Singh was also an active member of this 'action group' and, along with Jagroop Singh, was directly in touch with his mentors in Pakistan and Germany. Both Gurdial Singh and Balvir Singh Sandhu have terrorist backgrounds, with criminal cases registered against them in 1992 and 1988. A Thompson gun had been recovered from Gurdial in 1992. They have been booked under sections 121,121A, 120B of the IPC, Arms Act and Unlawful Activities Act.
By PTI

NEW DELHI: Two helicopters of the People's Liberation Army of China hovered over Chamoli district in Uttarakhand yesterday, triggering concern in India's security establishment about the PLA's fourth such incursion into Indian airspace since March this year.

Official sources said the choppers, which returned to the Chinese side after about five minutes, could have carried out aerial photography of Indian ground troops during what was possibly a reconnaissance mission.

The Indian Air Force (IAF) is probing the incident, an IAF source said.

The choppers were identified as the Zhiba series of attack helicopters.

On previous occasions, Chinese helicopters had entered 4.5 kilometres into Indian territory, an area that China claims as its own and recognises as Wu-Je.

State and army officials have been reviewing the security along the 350-kilometre border with Tibet after China's incursions into these areas, generally referred as the middle sector.

Barahoti is one of three border posts in the sector, comprising Uttar Pradesh, Himachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand, where ITBP jawans are not allowed to carry weapons and are in civilian clothes under a unilateral decision taken by the Central government in June 2000.

In 1958, India and China listed Barahoti, an 80-sq-km sloping pasture, as a disputed area where neither side would send their troops. In the 1962 India-China war, the PLA did not enter the 545-km middle sector, focusing on the Western (Ladakh) and Eastern (Arunachal Pradesh) sectors.

However, after the 1962 war, ITBP jawans patrolled the area with weapons in a non-combative manner, under which the barrel of the gun is positioned downward.

During prolonged negotiations on resolving border disputes, the Indian side had unilaterally decided in June 2000 that ITBP troops would not be carrying arms to three posts -- Barahoti, Kauril and Shipki in Himachal Pradesh.

Srikanth Kondapalli, Professor in Chinese Studies at the Jawaharlal Nehru University, termed these transgression as "testing the nerves" of India and said "after violating the Line of Actual Control in the Western and Eastern sectors, Chinese troops now seem to be focusing on the middle sector. It's a cause of worry for us".

The professor said after the June 2000 informal agreement, India did abide by all conditions under the assumption that China would yield on the western or eastern sectors.

"But that didn't happen. Today the PAPF (People's Armed Paramilitary Force) and PLA are enforcing China's claims there," he said.

Kondapalli referred to regional equations giving a China a boost. He recalled that Nepal and India had differences on the source of the Mahakali river and in the background of China's forays in Nepal as well as the latter joining the China-led One Belt One Road (OBOR) project, and said, "There have been some moves by the PLA to test us".

He said there had also been "a concerted effort" by the PLA "to test India" against the backdrop of the China Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), a collection of infrastructure projects.

"So the latest intrusion is to test our nerves," he said.

He even said China could deploy Unmanned Aerial Vehicles in this region in "large numbers" to monitor Indian territory.

"So the helicopter incident is a precursor," he said. "A recce mission?"

Security officials here felt that ahead of its transgression in the Barahoti area, the PLA could have conducted a reconnaissance mission using high class aircraft with Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR), which provides broad-area imaging at high resolutions.

The officials said the PLA's 'TupolovTu 153M' aircraft had carried out two or three reconnaissance missions last year in the middle sector.

They said there was a possibility that the same aircraft, designed by Chinese companies on the basis of technology obtained from the former Soviet Union, could have been used this year, too.

The aircraft flies at an altitude of above 40,000 feet and can go up to 60,000 feet to avoid detection by radars and can take photographs and cyber and communication signatures from that height.

SAR enables the taking of high-resolution pictures even in inclement weather or in the dark.

NEW DELHI: Two helicopters of the People's Liberation Army of China hovered over Chamoli district in Uttarakhand yesterday, triggering concern in India's security establishment about the PLA's fourth such incursion into Indian airspace since March this year. Official sources said the choppers, which returned to the Chinese side after about five minutes, could have carried out aerial photography of Indian ground troops during what was possibly a reconnaissance mission. The Indian Air Force (IAF) is probing the incident, an IAF source said. The choppers were identified as the Zhiba series of attack helicopters. On previous occasions, Chinese helicopters had entered 4.5 kilometres into Indian territory, an area that China claims as its own and recognises as Wu-Je. State and army officials have been reviewing the security along the 350-kilometre border with Tibet after China's incursions into these areas, generally referred as the middle sector. Barahoti is one of three border posts in the sector, comprising Uttar Pradesh, Himachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand, where ITBP jawans are not allowed to carry weapons and are in civilian clothes under a unilateral decision taken by the Central government in June 2000. In 1958, India and China listed Barahoti, an 80-sq-km sloping pasture, as a disputed area where neither side would send their troops. In the 1962 India-China war, the PLA did not enter the 545-km middle sector, focusing on the Western (Ladakh) and Eastern (Arunachal Pradesh) sectors. However, after the 1962 war, ITBP jawans patrolled the area with weapons in a non-combative manner, under which the barrel of the gun is positioned downward. During prolonged negotiations on resolving border disputes, the Indian side had unilaterally decided in June 2000 that ITBP troops would not be carrying arms to three posts -- Barahoti, Kauril and Shipki in Himachal Pradesh. Srikanth Kondapalli, Professor in Chinese Studies at the Jawaharlal Nehru University, termed these transgression as "testing the nerves" of India and said "after violating the Line of Actual Control in the Western and Eastern sectors, Chinese troops now seem to be focusing on the middle sector. It's a cause of worry for us". The professor said after the June 2000 informal agreement, India did abide by all conditions under the assumption that China would yield on the western or eastern sectors. "But that didn't happen. Today the PAPF (People's Armed Paramilitary Force) and PLA are enforcing China's claims there," he said. Kondapalli referred to regional equations giving a China a boost. He recalled that Nepal and India had differences on the source of the Mahakali river and in the background of China's forays in Nepal as well as the latter joining the China-led One Belt One Road (OBOR) project, and said, "There have been some moves by the PLA to test us". He said there had also been "a concerted effort" by the PLA "to test India" against the backdrop of the China Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), a collection of infrastructure projects. "So the latest intrusion is to test our nerves," he said. He even said China could deploy Unmanned Aerial Vehicles in this region in "large numbers" to monitor Indian territory. "So the helicopter incident is a precursor," he said. "A recce mission?" Security officials here felt that ahead of its transgression in the Barahoti area, the PLA could have conducted a reconnaissance mission using high class aircraft with Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR), which provides broad-area imaging at high resolutions. The officials said the PLA's 'TupolovTu 153M' aircraft had carried out two or three reconnaissance missions last year in the middle sector. They said there was a possibility that the same aircraft, designed by Chinese companies on the basis of technology obtained from the former Soviet Union, could have been used this year, too. The aircraft flies at an altitude of above 40,000 feet and can go up to 60,000 feet to avoid detection by radars and can take photographs and cyber and communication signatures from that height. SAR enables the taking of high-resolution pictures even in inclement weather or in the dark.
By ANI

CHENNAI: Congress vice president Rahul Gandhi on Sunday stated that he was brushed off by Defence Minister Arun Jaitley months ago, when he had warned him that the Centre is heading towards setting Kashmir on fire.

Around six, seven months ago, Mr. Arun Jaitley came to see me and I told him that they are mishandling Kashmir and they are going to set Kashmir on fire. And Jaitley brushed me aside and said that Kashmir is peaceful, Rahul told the media here.



Asserting that the Centre and Prime Minister Narendra Modi are mishandling Kashmir, he added saying that the NDA Government is creating a problem for the country by their incompetence and trying to utilize Kashmir as a political asset.

Kashmir is Indias strength and they are making it Indias weakness, he added.

Rahuls assertion comes after a day of Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh assuring that a solution for the Kashmir unrest will be chalked out at any cost, while adding that all the impediments coming in between the better future of Kashmir will be removed.



"We will find a permanent solution to Kashmir. It might take some time because the problem which has been prevailing since 1947, the solution to it cannot be taken out with just a snap. We will remove all the impediments for a better future of Kashmir. The nature which has given talent in the hands of the people of Kashmir will be used for the development of the Valley and country. Nature has not given those hands to pelt stones," he said.



Rajnath also hinted towards the process of dialogue, saying the Government will talk to anybody who wants to initiate talks.



"The situation in Kashmir has seen a lot of improvement and we can assure that the government will get the situation under control. Despite having a large Muslim population, ISIS has been unable to establish a hold in India," Singh said when addressing the media in New Delhi.



Further lauding the Centre's governance, Singh further stated that under the Modi government, the situation in Jammu and Kashmir situation has improved a lot as 368 terrorists have been neutralized since 2014.



"After the surgical strikes by the Indian Army in September last year infiltration in Jammu and Kashmir has come down 45 percent. I assure that we will bring an end to Pakistan sponsored terrorism in Jammu and Kashmir and establish peace and tranquility in the state," Rajnath added.

CHENNAI: Congress vice president Rahul Gandhi on Sunday stated that he was brushed off by Defence Minister Arun Jaitley months ago, when he had warned him that the Centre is heading towards setting Kashmir on fire. Around six, seven months ago, Mr. Arun Jaitley came to see me and I told him that they are mishandling Kashmir and they are going to set Kashmir on fire. And Jaitley brushed me aside and said that Kashmir is peaceful, Rahul told the media here. Asserting that the Centre and Prime Minister Narendra Modi are mishandling Kashmir, he added saying that the NDA Government is creating a problem for the country by their incompetence and trying to utilize Kashmir as a political asset. Kashmir is Indias strength and they are making it Indias weakness, he added. Rahuls assertion comes after a day of Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh assuring that a solution for the Kashmir unrest will be chalked out at any cost, while adding that all the impediments coming in between the better future of Kashmir will be removed. "We will find a permanent solution to Kashmir. It might take some time because the problem which has been prevailing since 1947, the solution to it cannot be taken out with just a snap. We will remove all the impediments for a better future of Kashmir. The nature which has given talent in the hands of the people of Kashmir will be used for the development of the Valley and country. Nature has not given those hands to pelt stones," he said. Rajnath also hinted towards the process of dialogue, saying the Government will talk to anybody who wants to initiate talks. "The situation in Kashmir has seen a lot of improvement and we can assure that the government will get the situation under control. Despite having a large Muslim population, ISIS has been unable to establish a hold in India," Singh said when addressing the media in New Delhi. Further lauding the Centre's governance, Singh further stated that under the Modi government, the situation in Jammu and Kashmir situation has improved a lot as 368 terrorists have been neutralized since 2014. "After the surgical strikes by the Indian Army in September last year infiltration in Jammu and Kashmir has come down 45 percent. I assure that we will bring an end to Pakistan sponsored terrorism in Jammu and Kashmir and establish peace and tranquility in the state," Rajnath added.
Burak Akcapar By

I woke up today to read that the carbon dioxide level in the air we breathe around the world has set a new global record in May. Pollution is getting worse. Climate change is a reality and not benign. Global temperature is rising. 2016 was the hottest year ever recorded. Arctic ice shelves are melting and sea level is on the rise. Bangalore is not alone in facing droughts, but its experience should stand as a stark warning. Extreme storms and freakish environmental disasters are no longer surprising us. This is the downside of our lavish industrialisation and consumerism.



Yet, rather than complain incessantly about our decadence, something needs to be done. In 2015, the former US president and others led the efforts to convince the world that they should do something about the rapid deterioration of our climate. No less than 195 countries agreed in Paris to curb greenhouse gases. The Paris accord on climate change became a milestone.

Factsheets report that 147 countries, responsible for some 83 per cent of polluting emissions, have ratified the agreement. The accord became an example of global solutions to global problems. It became a contemporary symbol of humanity acting in unison. Turkey submitted its Climate Action Plan even before the Paris agreement was inked.



The agreement is in fact the minimum that could be done. It is a voluntary set of pledges. How different countries would fulfil their pledges is also left to them. They can choose the most convenient and affordable options to curb carbon emissions. The deal survives on volunterism and peer pressure. That, however, does not diminish its global importance.



Some have argued, not totally off the mark, that the rich world, which became rich by exploiting not only other nations but also our environment, are now turning back and championing self-restraint. Even today, a much smaller subset of signatories is polluting inordinately more than others. The rest of the world went along, nonetheless.



The US announcement earlier this week, to pull out of the Paris agreement, was hardly surprising given that President Donald Trump had already committed to it during the election campaign. Strangely though, the US has already met half of what it had pledged to do without incurring major costs. And it, too, suffers from climate change.

If this is about not honouring the $2 billion contribution to the global climate fund, then that is a petty calculation for the worlds largest economy and second-largest polluter. Irrespective of the federal government, many US states and cities have announced that they will stand by the Paris pledges. From China to India to France, world leaders have rallied in support of the Paris deal.



Maybe, it all boils down to the tension between the old and the new. Is there any doubt that the trend towards greener and bluer economies will continue not the least in the United States? The global economy is in a state of rapid transition and this is certainly the case in the energy sector as well. From the US, Europe, Turkey, India and China to the oil-rich Saudi Arabia, there is massive investment in renewable energy resources.

Transport technology, too, is reflecting this transition. Smart, clean cities and industries involve advanced technologies that mean jobs and health for the young and educated. This is the new economy in the offing and, ironically, it is the US which is likely to benefit the most from that transition. The bad news is that I, too, will have to learn a few more technological tricks. And, it is hard to teach an old dog a new trick.

Follow him on Twitter @akcapar

I woke up today to read that the carbon dioxide level in the air we breathe around the world has set a new global record in May. Pollution is getting worse. Climate change is a reality and not benign. Global temperature is rising. 2016 was the hottest year ever recorded. Arctic ice shelves are melting and sea level is on the rise. Bangalore is not alone in facing droughts, but its experience should stand as a stark warning. Extreme storms and freakish environmental disasters are no longer surprising us. This is the downside of our lavish industrialisation and consumerism. Yet, rather than complain incessantly about our decadence, something needs to be done. In 2015, the former US president and others led the efforts to convince the world that they should do something about the rapid deterioration of our climate. No less than 195 countries agreed in Paris to curb greenhouse gases. The Paris accord on climate change became a milestone. Factsheets report that 147 countries, responsible for some 83 per cent of polluting emissions, have ratified the agreement. The accord became an example of global solutions to global problems. It became a contemporary symbol of humanity acting in unison. Turkey submitted its Climate Action Plan even before the Paris agreement was inked. The agreement is in fact the minimum that could be done. It is a voluntary set of pledges. How different countries would fulfil their pledges is also left to them. They can choose the most convenient and affordable options to curb carbon emissions. The deal survives on volunterism and peer pressure. That, however, does not diminish its global importance. Some have argued, not totally off the mark, that the rich world, which became rich by exploiting not only other nations but also our environment, are now turning back and championing self-restraint. Even today, a much smaller subset of signatories is polluting inordinately more than others. The rest of the world went along, nonetheless. The US announcement earlier this week, to pull out of the Paris agreement, was hardly surprising given that President Donald Trump had already committed to it during the election campaign. Strangely though, the US has already met half of what it had pledged to do without incurring major costs. And it, too, suffers from climate change. If this is about not honouring the $2 billion contribution to the global climate fund, then that is a petty calculation for the worlds largest economy and second-largest polluter. Irrespective of the federal government, many US states and cities have announced that they will stand by the Paris pledges. From China to India to France, world leaders have rallied in support of the Paris deal. Maybe, it all boils down to the tension between the old and the new. Is there any doubt that the trend towards greener and bluer economies will continue not the least in the United States? The global economy is in a state of rapid transition and this is certainly the case in the energy sector as well. From the US, Europe, Turkey, India and China to the oil-rich Saudi Arabia, there is massive investment in renewable energy resources. Transport technology, too, is reflecting this transition. Smart, clean cities and industries involve advanced technologies that mean jobs and health for the young and educated. This is the new economy in the offing and, ironically, it is the US which is likely to benefit the most from that transition. The bad news is that I, too, will have to learn a few more technological tricks. And, it is hard to teach an old dog a new trick. Follow him on Twitter @akcapar
US President Donald Trump was reportedly a reluctant traveller during his nine-day international tour which took him to the Middle East and Europe. First international tours of US Presidents are supposed to be trendsetters, but Trump had too much on his mind about the impending and existing scandals back home; all reflective of the inexperience he brought to office and the awkward belief that high officials can get away with anything. The US system is full of checks and balances, and gives little leeway for political mistakes. The effects of becoming tainted are most telling on foreign policy.



There was a time when we eagerly awaited the speech of an American President, on tour to a crucial region of the world. From his words, geopolitics was molded. From Kennedy to Obama, US Presidents were known for their wit, presence of mind and sense of balance. I recall Obamas message to the Islamic world from Al Azhar University in Egypt on June 4, 2009.

His legendary Assalamualaikum may not have impacted with the intent it was delivered, but the symbolism of delivering it from Egypt could not have been missed. Egypt and its ancient civilisation has been much to the Arab world.

Egypt was also the first to recognise the reality of fruitless confrontation against a US-backed Israel. Pragmatism and moderation ruled the country from where Obama decided to commence his journey of engagement with the Islamic world.

He adopted a policy of pragmatism rather than tilting favour to any segment of that world. He was aided by the fact that the US need for energy from West Asia was getting restricted during his time, with internal energy resources increasing within the US. Although he did not support Iran in any strident manner, his accommodative approach enabled the signing of the Iranian Nuclear Deal which is severely opposed by Saudi Arabia and Israel.

In fact, it was Obamas more apparently neutral policy which peeved Saudi Arabia and led to a greater cementing of Israeli-Saudi ties to balance the increasing power of Iran. The US refusal to help the Saudis in the war in Yemen was another sore issue between the two nations.

All this led to a cooling of US-Saudi ties, necessitating Obama to go back twice to Riyadh during his second term to assuage feelings among the Royal leadership. By sheer contrast, President Trump, eight years later, decided to start his foreign tours from Saudi Arabia. It hogged headlines, but not too positively.



Trumps USP was anti-Islamism during his campaign, which should clearly put him on the other side of the divide. It was, therefore, probably a smart thing on the part of his foreign policy team to have the Middle East as his first stop. The Trump visit also took in the Saudi initiative of putting together a virtual summit of the Sunni Islamic world; the President addressed it and had something to say for almost every country.

The message is becoming clearer. Trump, too, is a Realist, or at least his advisers have finally prevailed upon him to be one. Possibly, he has been told that his views on foreign policy are not sufficiently mature and that the US interests in it cannot be dictated by personal whims. So how does this impact the US approach to the Middle East?



Trump had the option of playing midway between Iran and the Saudis. That would have helped improve relations with Iran and sustain the Iran Nuclear Deal, offset the growing Russian and Iranian influence in Levant, put together some joint initiative against the IS and hope to resolve the mess in Syria.

However, the US mindset, based on the ignominy of the hostage crisis of 1979-80, will take years to look at issues concerning Iran in a more positive way. That makes the Russian link with Iran stronger. None of this is going to help the world resist the threats of Islamism.



Yet, Trump has only gone halfway. He has not rescinded the Iran Nuclear Deal, nor has he taken a decision on the visa restrictions against Muslims. He has signed billions of dollars worth of arms deals to sustain the US economy, with no assurance from where his hosts would find the money to pay for that; given the low cost of oil and an economy under threat.



The fight against Radical Islam has to be focused in the Middle East. At the core of it is the Shia-Sunni divide manifesting politically as the Iran-Saudi divide. If the US really wished to take the lead in resolving an enduring problem affecting the world, it perhaps should look towards reduction of Iran-Saudi enmity instead of enhancing it. Israel can play a crucial role in this. For now, that may be utopian, but if Trumps advisers are sensible, this is what they should work towards.



atahasnain@gmail.com

US President Donald Trump was reportedly a reluctant traveller during his nine-day international tour which took him to the Middle East and Europe. First international tours of US Presidents are supposed to be trendsetters, but Trump had too much on his mind about the impending and existing scandals back home; all reflective of the inexperience he brought to office and the awkward belief that high officials can get away with anything. The US system is full of checks and balances, and gives little leeway for political mistakes. The effects of becoming tainted are most telling on foreign policy. There was a time when we eagerly awaited the speech of an American President, on tour to a crucial region of the world. From his words, geopolitics was molded. From Kennedy to Obama, US Presidents were known for their wit, presence of mind and sense of balance. I recall Obamas message to the Islamic world from Al Azhar University in Egypt on June 4, 2009. His legendary Assalamualaikum may not have impacted with the intent it was delivered, but the symbolism of delivering it from Egypt could not have been missed. Egypt and its ancient civilisation has been much to the Arab world. Egypt was also the first to recognise the reality of fruitless confrontation against a US-backed Israel. Pragmatism and moderation ruled the country from where Obama decided to commence his journey of engagement with the Islamic world. He adopted a policy of pragmatism rather than tilting favour to any segment of that world. He was aided by the fact that the US need for energy from West Asia was getting restricted during his time, with internal energy resources increasing within the US. Although he did not support Iran in any strident manner, his accommodative approach enabled the signing of the Iranian Nuclear Deal which is severely opposed by Saudi Arabia and Israel. In fact, it was Obamas more apparently neutral policy which peeved Saudi Arabia and led to a greater cementing of Israeli-Saudi ties to balance the increasing power of Iran. The US refusal to help the Saudis in the war in Yemen was another sore issue between the two nations. All this led to a cooling of US-Saudi ties, necessitating Obama to go back twice to Riyadh during his second term to assuage feelings among the Royal leadership. By sheer contrast, President Trump, eight years later, decided to start his foreign tours from Saudi Arabia. It hogged headlines, but not too positively. Trumps USP was anti-Islamism during his campaign, which should clearly put him on the other side of the divide. It was, therefore, probably a smart thing on the part of his foreign policy team to have the Middle East as his first stop. The Trump visit also took in the Saudi initiative of putting together a virtual summit of the Sunni Islamic world; the President addressed it and had something to say for almost every country. The message is becoming clearer. Trump, too, is a Realist, or at least his advisers have finally prevailed upon him to be one. Possibly, he has been told that his views on foreign policy are not sufficiently mature and that the US interests in it cannot be dictated by personal whims. So how does this impact the US approach to the Middle East? Trump had the option of playing midway between Iran and the Saudis. That would have helped improve relations with Iran and sustain the Iran Nuclear Deal, offset the growing Russian and Iranian influence in Levant, put together some joint initiative against the IS and hope to resolve the mess in Syria. However, the US mindset, based on the ignominy of the hostage crisis of 1979-80, will take years to look at issues concerning Iran in a more positive way. That makes the Russian link with Iran stronger. None of this is going to help the world resist the threats of Islamism. Yet, Trump has only gone halfway. He has not rescinded the Iran Nuclear Deal, nor has he taken a decision on the visa restrictions against Muslims. He has signed billions of dollars worth of arms deals to sustain the US economy, with no assurance from where his hosts would find the money to pay for that; given the low cost of oil and an economy under threat. The fight against Radical Islam has to be focused in the Middle East. At the core of it is the Shia-Sunni divide manifesting politically as the Iran-Saudi divide. If the US really wished to take the lead in resolving an enduring problem affecting the world, it perhaps should look towards reduction of Iran-Saudi enmity instead of enhancing it. Israel can play a crucial role in this. For now, that may be utopian, but if Trumps advisers are sensible, this is what they should work towards.atahasnain@gmail.com
Ravi Shankar By

Great nations are created by great leaders. Great movements are created by great ideas. Donald Trump is just a great folly. The man is a trust-deficit in a fancy suit. During his election campaign, he lampooned Indian call centre workers with a fake accent like a standup comic who also loved Hindus.

After withdrawing from the Paris agreement ahead of Narendra Modis first US visit since the real estate tycoon moved into the White House, Trump called India one of the worlds leading polluters. Now, India is his construction business empires second-largest market outside of the USA. Construction is one of the biggest polluting industriesin Delhi alone, there are 7,35016,200 construction-related premature deaths and six million asthma attacks a year.

However, Modi decided to take Trumps rant in his stride, stating Indias commitment to future generations. The Prime Minister nationalised the international debate summing up Indias Vedic eco-heritagean ancient pastoral vision considered the source of wisdom. Modis international colleagues were not so kind: Trump got eco-bashed by US allies Italian Prime Minister Paolo Gentiloni, German Chancellor Angela Merkel and French President Emmanuel Macron.

Putin thinks Trump is crazy anyway. If there is one global leader who can piss off both allies and foes alike, it is Trump. Boorish, he shoved aside the Prime Minister of Montenegro at the NATO summit; like a school bully, he took on Macron in a handshake contest which he didnt even win.

How does a man with a Wharton degree in Finance say a reason the US was pulling out was that the Green Climate Fund to which the US contributes handsomely is $100 billion when in reality its just $10 billionone zero missing as if an IQ calculator had smoked up. He accused India of asking for billions in American aid while in reality we take only $100 million annually. In contrast, we are Americas second largest arms buyer. This year, the US is eyeing bilateral trade worth $500 billion with India. So much for Trumps Ivy League education.

The Donald is also an unapologetic public liarhe claimed to be the president who won the most Electoral College votes since Ronald Reagan: many, including Obama, had won more. He lied about the size of his inauguration crowd to the CIA. To discredit the hated media, he claimed terrorist attacks across Europe are not even being reported. He lied about being in Scotland the day before the Brexit vote.

The illusion of historical perception sometimes leads us to believe that all great empires had wise leaders such as Chandragupta and Justinian; that the exalted echelons of power hold only visionaries such as Kamal Ataturk and Gorbachev to redeem the souls of lost nations. Yet, the stories of empires also show madness and whimsy in their genealogies of stewardship: Nero burned down Rome, Caligula made his horse a consul to throw parties for senators; Muhammad bin Tughluq had a capital obsession.

America is the worlds most powerful modern empire. It has had great presidents such as George Washington, Harry Truman, Franklin Roosevelt and Bill Clinton. It had crooked presidents like Richard Nixon. It had ignoramuses like George Bush II. But it has never had a national embarrassment until Trump came along.

Great nations are created by great leaders. Great movements are created by great ideas. Donald Trump is just a great folly. The man is a trust-deficit in a fancy suit. During his election campaign, he lampooned Indian call centre workers with a fake accent like a standup comic who also loved Hindus. After withdrawing from the Paris agreement ahead of Narendra Modis first US visit since the real estate tycoon moved into the White House, Trump called India one of the worlds leading polluters. Now, India is his construction business empires second-largest market outside of the USA. Construction is one of the biggest polluting industriesin Delhi alone, there are 7,35016,200 construction-related premature deaths and six million asthma attacks a year. However, Modi decided to take Trumps rant in his stride, stating Indias commitment to future generations. The Prime Minister nationalised the international debate summing up Indias Vedic eco-heritagean ancient pastoral vision considered the source of wisdom. Modis international colleagues were not so kind: Trump got eco-bashed by US allies Italian Prime Minister Paolo Gentiloni, German Chancellor Angela Merkel and French President Emmanuel Macron. Putin thinks Trump is crazy anyway. If there is one global leader who can piss off both allies and foes alike, it is Trump. Boorish, he shoved aside the Prime Minister of Montenegro at the NATO summit; like a school bully, he took on Macron in a handshake contest which he didnt even win. How does a man with a Wharton degree in Finance say a reason the US was pulling out was that the Green Climate Fund to which the US contributes handsomely is $100 billion when in reality its just $10 billionone zero missing as if an IQ calculator had smoked up. He accused India of asking for billions in American aid while in reality we take only $100 million annually. In contrast, we are Americas second largest arms buyer. This year, the US is eyeing bilateral trade worth $500 billion with India. So much for Trumps Ivy League education. The Donald is also an unapologetic public liarhe claimed to be the president who won the most Electoral College votes since Ronald Reagan: many, including Obama, had won more. He lied about the size of his inauguration crowd to the CIA. To discredit the hated media, he claimed terrorist attacks across Europe are not even being reported. He lied about being in Scotland the day before the Brexit vote. The illusion of historical perception sometimes leads us to believe that all great empires had wise leaders such as Chandragupta and Justinian; that the exalted echelons of power hold only visionaries such as Kamal Ataturk and Gorbachev to redeem the souls of lost nations. Yet, the stories of empires also show madness and whimsy in their genealogies of stewardship: Nero burned down Rome, Caligula made his horse a consul to throw parties for senators; Muhammad bin Tughluq had a capital obsession. America is the worlds most powerful modern empire. It has had great presidents such as George Washington, Harry Truman, Franklin Roosevelt and Bill Clinton. It had crooked presidents like Richard Nixon. It had ignoramuses like George Bush II. But it has never had a national embarrassment until Trump came along.
Prabhu Chawla By

Debate by deflection distorts dissent. Discourse in any vibrant, healthy democracy involves the constant catechism between facts and alternatives. Arguments are rebutted with counter-arguments. But perception is also paraded as truth. For the past few weeks, Internet interventionists, liberal lieutenants and figurative foodies with a moral appetite for beef are vocally assuming a growing threat to freedom of choice. The spurt in nationwide attacks on poor animal traders by self-appointed Cow Bhakts is a matter of genuine concern. However, the new flag-bearers of plurality and inclusiveness consider it their dharma to exaggerate every such incident and paint the current dispensation as a mercilessly moral monster.

Be it the lynching of seven men in Jharkhand, the assault on an innocent Muslim cattle trader in Rajasthan or a retiring Rajasthan High Court judges ridiculous remark on the reproductive prowess of the tear glands of celibate peacocks; all such actions are placed at the door of the Sangh Parivar and Modi Sarkar. The insinuation is that the fringe has the official seal of approval from the government and its ideological mentors. Every vicious incident in BJP-ruled states goes viral on social media showing gory visuals of blood-stained victims. Recently, conscience-driven Twitterati went to town on the Jharkhand lynching by posting footage of a young man begging a violent mob for his life with folded hands. They claimed he was from a minority community which later turned out to be untrue.

Undoubtedly, there is a worrisome spurt in incidents of intolerance by fringe elements who misuse their connections with the ruling establishment to find space in a distorted version of Hindutva. They are the ones who go on rampage against innocent citizens and institutions. A five-star hotel in Rajasthan was forced to suspend operations for over two months after goons ran amok on the premises accusing the Muslim owner of selling beef even after a lab test on the meat proved otherwise. Ever since Yogi Adityanath took over the reins of Uttar Pradesh, gaurakshak goondaism has gone vertical; mistakenly presupposing his approval.

By sticking to hardcore, Hindutva agenda, Yogi is the new eyesore for the preachers of vote bank politics who accuse him of being an intolerant ruler. But he quickly clamped down on Romeo Squads and homicidal cow activists. The new DGP is ruthlessly hunting down vigilantes. UP has always been a difficult state to run in terms of law and order. Still, the 45-year-old saffron-clad Ram Bhakts ascension hasnt gone down well with the champions of multicolour politics.

The current slugfest between liberals and nationalists has more to do with retaining control over the nature and contours of political narrative, than factual fundamentals.

Nationalists are using every institution and organisation at their command to organise the Making of Developed India (M.O.D.I) Festival to celebrate three years of NDA rule. Liberals are hitting back by finding holes in government claims and showcasing the uncivilised behaviour of philistines who claim proximity to the ruling establishment. What makes their claims sound credible are the brutal attacksoffline and onlineon persons courageous enough to question the Centres decisions. For example, even as an Ahmadiyya student was lynched on a prominent Pakistan university campus for imagined blasphemy, a student leader in IIT-Madras was mercilessly beaten because he was part of a group which had organised a beef festival.

Modi baiters use beef parties as provocative mediums of protest inviting violent reprisals, which are then used to paint the Sangh as an intolerant constellation of cabalists. But the macabre public butchery of an innocent calf by Congress activists didnt evoke the same condemnation reserved for rogue cow protectionists. Counter-propagandists are creating an atmosphere of fear and insecurity among free thinkers by misinterpreting many administrative decisions and government orders. A perfectly legal order, meant to prevent the smuggling of cattle for illegal slaughter, was marketed as an attempt to curb the sale of meat.

The Centres decision to ban the sale of animals at cattle markets has led to a spate of litigations in various courts. While one court stayed the order, another posed a question: Where is the ban? Those who hate the very name of Modi have converted the holistic issue of animal protection into an attack on the freedom of lifestyle and culinary choices. As the toxic icing on the cake, some prominent BJP leaders openly supported beef consumption to protect their local constituencies. Union MoS for Home Kiren Rijiju and Arunachal Pradesh CM Pema Khandu made their preferences for beef public. A BJP leader from Meghalaya rebelled against the Centres directive and was promptly suspended.

If unchecked, fringe elements will be the nemesis of genuine Hindutva. They are distorting and damaging the image of the BJP government and Sangh Parivar. Some of them have been inexplicably inducted into the party structure at the lower levels. They conceal their nefarious motives with excessive sycophancy and publicity stunts. So far, the media has adopted a policy of restraint in giving them undue publicity. While state governments such as Punjab and Rajasthan have arrested many of them, the BJP leadership seems shy to take political action and disown them. An impression has gone down the line that such unacceptable conduct brings political dividends such as party positions and government sinecures. Modi doesnt need such criminal elements to retain and rev up his popularity. He rode to power on his own credibility and charisma.

Amit Shah has also kept a respectable distance from anti-social attention-seekers. But the rowdies are giving a handle to liberals who are successfully tarring the image of the PM at home and abroad. As the countdown to the 2019 Lok Sabha elections begins, every word and action of anyone even remotely connected with saffron ideology is under intense scrutiny by Modis detractors. He appears to be an invincible political leader at the moment. However, the PM has to be alert to sabotage from within more than from outside.

The Opposition neither has a leader nor an alternative agenda. By whipping up panic over aggressive anarchists and pusillanimous pretenders, his opponents have been laying the groundwork to demolish Modis image as a Development Messiahguilt by unsubstantiated association is a powerful propaganda tool. Caesars wife and animal husbandry dont mix in the current context. A section of media and the Opposition are already looking for holes in the Gujarat growth story. The Opposition message to Indian voters and the international community will be that Modi is more myth than reality. The only way to stymie detractors is to destroy the cabal of fake Bhakts and sycophants who are hijacking genuine Hindutva.

Prabhu Chawla

prabhuchawla@ newindianexpress.com

Follow him on Twitter @PrabhuChawla

Debate by deflection distorts dissent. Discourse in any vibrant, healthy democracy involves the constant catechism between facts and alternatives. Arguments are rebutted with counter-arguments. But perception is also paraded as truth. For the past few weeks, Internet interventionists, liberal lieutenants and figurative foodies with a moral appetite for beef are vocally assuming a growing threat to freedom of choice. The spurt in nationwide attacks on poor animal traders by self-appointed Cow Bhakts is a matter of genuine concern. However, the new flag-bearers of plurality and inclusiveness consider it their dharma to exaggerate every such incident and paint the current dispensation as a mercilessly moral monster. Be it the lynching of seven men in Jharkhand, the assault on an innocent Muslim cattle trader in Rajasthan or a retiring Rajasthan High Court judges ridiculous remark on the reproductive prowess of the tear glands of celibate peacocks; all such actions are placed at the door of the Sangh Parivar and Modi Sarkar. The insinuation is that the fringe has the official seal of approval from the government and its ideological mentors. Every vicious incident in BJP-ruled states goes viral on social media showing gory visuals of blood-stained victims. Recently, conscience-driven Twitterati went to town on the Jharkhand lynching by posting footage of a young man begging a violent mob for his life with folded hands. They claimed he was from a minority community which later turned out to be untrue. Undoubtedly, there is a worrisome spurt in incidents of intolerance by fringe elements who misuse their connections with the ruling establishment to find space in a distorted version of Hindutva. They are the ones who go on rampage against innocent citizens and institutions. A five-star hotel in Rajasthan was forced to suspend operations for over two months after goons ran amok on the premises accusing the Muslim owner of selling beef even after a lab test on the meat proved otherwise. Ever since Yogi Adityanath took over the reins of Uttar Pradesh, gaurakshak goondaism has gone vertical; mistakenly presupposing his approval. By sticking to hardcore, Hindutva agenda, Yogi is the new eyesore for the preachers of vote bank politics who accuse him of being an intolerant ruler. But he quickly clamped down on Romeo Squads and homicidal cow activists. The new DGP is ruthlessly hunting down vigilantes. UP has always been a difficult state to run in terms of law and order. Still, the 45-year-old saffron-clad Ram Bhakts ascension hasnt gone down well with the champions of multicolour politics. The current slugfest between liberals and nationalists has more to do with retaining control over the nature and contours of political narrative, than factual fundamentals. Nationalists are using every institution and organisation at their command to organise the Making of Developed India (M.O.D.I) Festival to celebrate three years of NDA rule. Liberals are hitting back by finding holes in government claims and showcasing the uncivilised behaviour of philistines who claim proximity to the ruling establishment. What makes their claims sound credible are the brutal attacksoffline and onlineon persons courageous enough to question the Centres decisions. For example, even as an Ahmadiyya student was lynched on a prominent Pakistan university campus for imagined blasphemy, a student leader in IIT-Madras was mercilessly beaten because he was part of a group which had organised a beef festival. Modi baiters use beef parties as provocative mediums of protest inviting violent reprisals, which are then used to paint the Sangh as an intolerant constellation of cabalists. But the macabre public butchery of an innocent calf by Congress activists didnt evoke the same condemnation reserved for rogue cow protectionists. Counter-propagandists are creating an atmosphere of fear and insecurity among free thinkers by misinterpreting many administrative decisions and government orders. A perfectly legal order, meant to prevent the smuggling of cattle for illegal slaughter, was marketed as an attempt to curb the sale of meat. The Centres decision to ban the sale of animals at cattle markets has led to a spate of litigations in various courts. While one court stayed the order, another posed a question: Where is the ban? Those who hate the very name of Modi have converted the holistic issue of animal protection into an attack on the freedom of lifestyle and culinary choices. As the toxic icing on the cake, some prominent BJP leaders openly supported beef consumption to protect their local constituencies. Union MoS for Home Kiren Rijiju and Arunachal Pradesh CM Pema Khandu made their preferences for beef public. A BJP leader from Meghalaya rebelled against the Centres directive and was promptly suspended. If unchecked, fringe elements will be the nemesis of genuine Hindutva. They are distorting and damaging the image of the BJP government and Sangh Parivar. Some of them have been inexplicably inducted into the party structure at the lower levels. They conceal their nefarious motives with excessive sycophancy and publicity stunts. So far, the media has adopted a policy of restraint in giving them undue publicity. While state governments such as Punjab and Rajasthan have arrested many of them, the BJP leadership seems shy to take political action and disown them. An impression has gone down the line that such unacceptable conduct brings political dividends such as party positions and government sinecures. Modi doesnt need such criminal elements to retain and rev up his popularity. He rode to power on his own credibility and charisma. Amit Shah has also kept a respectable distance from anti-social attention-seekers. But the rowdies are giving a handle to liberals who are successfully tarring the image of the PM at home and abroad. As the countdown to the 2019 Lok Sabha elections begins, every word and action of anyone even remotely connected with saffron ideology is under intense scrutiny by Modis detractors. He appears to be an invincible political leader at the moment. However, the PM has to be alert to sabotage from within more than from outside. The Opposition neither has a leader nor an alternative agenda. By whipping up panic over aggressive anarchists and pusillanimous pretenders, his opponents have been laying the groundwork to demolish Modis image as a Development Messiahguilt by unsubstantiated association is a powerful propaganda tool. Caesars wife and animal husbandry dont mix in the current context. A section of media and the Opposition are already looking for holes in the Gujarat growth story. The Opposition message to Indian voters and the international community will be that Modi is more myth than reality. The only way to stymie detractors is to destroy the cabal of fake Bhakts and sycophants who are hijacking genuine Hindutva. Prabhu Chawla prabhuchawla@ newindianexpress.com Follow him on Twitter @PrabhuChawla
It was a show of unity and strength among Opposition parties at DMK chief Karunanidhi's 94th birthday celebration.

By Pramod Madhav: DMK chief Karunanidhi turned 94 on Saturday, which called for a big bash and it was a show of unity and strength among Opposition parties. National Conference working president Omar Abdullah, Trinamool Congress leader Derek O'Brien, Nationalist Congress Party's Majeed Memon, Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar and CPI(M) general secretary Sitharam Yechury came together for the event.

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The celebration, which was organised under party working president MK Stalin's supervision, also saw Congress vice president Rahul Gandhi in attendance. Karunanidhi missed the celebration as doctors didn't permit him owing to his health. However, leaders tried to cover up Kalaignar Karunanidhi's absence.

Rahul Gandhi said there is one ideology in the country which thinks it has all the answers and does not find the need to talk to others on various issues.

Speaking about Kalaignar, Rahul Gandhi vividly explained how Karunanidhi became a strong leader by listening to the voice of the people. "Tamil language and culture, which Karunanidhi and other leaders emphasised upon, will never face a threat under him," he said.

He also complemented Stalin for doing a good job while trying to fill into his father'a shoes.

Nitish Kumar, in his speech, highlighted the achievements of the DMK chief including his 60 years of being an MLA.

Beginning his speech, CPI's D Raja praised all the leaders present on the stage but took a jibe at Abdullah, Raja said, "You are here even as Kashmir is burning".

Raja delivered a fiery speech concentrating more on the issues pertaining to the immediate danger to the nation. Keeping Karunanidhi in mind, Raja said, "Had he been here, he would have spoken about the fascist government that is threatening the nation".

Omar Abdullah claimed that he was on the stage to start a new relationship with Stalin and the other leaders present. "I bring you this message from Jaamu and Kashmir that in your struggle, we are with you and in our struggle, you'll be with us," he exclaimed.

Asking all leaders to stand in unity, Sitaram Yechury said, "We need to meet the challenge by uniting together. Two + two in Arithmetic is 4 but in politics, it could become 22, and that is why we need Kalaignar's advice".

Taking a jibe at the BJP, Stalin questioned its work on development and the promises that have not been fulfilled. "PM Modi promised 10 lakh jobs, has it been fulfilled so far?", he asked. Stalin also blamed the BJP of using its majority to crush the Opposition.

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ALSO READ | At 94, Karunanidhi tries to stich Opposition unity against Narendra Modi

ALSO WATCH | DMK celebrates chief Karunanidhi's birthday in Chennai

--- ENDS ---
R Prithvi Raj By

Express News Service

Congress vice-president Rahul Gandhi will be calling for Special Category Status (SCS) for Andhra Pradesh from the dais of a public meeting at Guntur on Sunday even as NITI Aayog Vice-Chairman Arvind Panagariya has ruled out any such possibility and that India has switched over to greater Central devolutions to the States rather than identifying a State for according SCS.



But the point that Panagariya appears to have not taken into consideration is that granting SCS to AP is an emotive issue for people, after losing everything to Telangana. On top of this, the SCS is a promise made to the reorganised State of AP by no less a person than the then Prime Minister Manmohan Singh and in a forum most sacrosanct in Indian democracy - Parliament.



In the first place, division of the State is something which people of AP did not want and in fact it had been thrust on them by the Congress regime with narrow political interests in mind. No proof is required for this since the decision to divide the State was taken just ahead of 2014 elections and not in the beginning of the second innings of the UPA-II.

As a matter of consolation, Manmohan Singh had promised SCS for five years and the BJP which was in the Opposition then, argued for 10 years. An ambitious AP Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu, who was determined to win the election, demanded it for 15 years.

The Congress, which is considered the main culprit for the division o f the State, has been relegated to historys dustbin in the 2014 elections, making its prospects of returning to power in the near future bleak. Many of the Congress leaders left in search of greener pastures and while those who could not leave for technical reasons stayed with the grand old party, which now looks older than its actual age because people think its old sin of dividing the State is casting a long shadow on it now.

A year after the bifurcation, Congress general secretary Digvijaya Singh, who visited Vijayawada, did not fumble for an answer when this reporter asked him if his party was regretting division of the State. In a democracy, a party cannot afford to ignore peoples wish. People of Telangana wanted a separate State and we had to give. But what about the people of AP who did not want division? Singh had no reply and went on to answer questions from other scribes.

Rahul Gandhi will be visiting Guntur tomorrow, probably hoping that the people had forgotten the trauma of division. But he does not seem to know that his appearance might be reopening a wound that is beginning to heal. He will be coming with the slogan of SCS which, everyone is convinced, including those in the Congress, is not possible under Prime Minister Narendra Modis dispensation.

When Panagariya was saying that the demand for SCS would be an exercise in futility, he was unconsciously echoing the opinion of Modi and Finance Minister Arun Jaitley who are opposed to the concept. Though it is debatable if the package they had offered would compensate for the benefits under the SCS, people are reconciling to settle for the crumbs that the Centre will be throwing at them with Naidu also singing Jaitley chorus - package is better than status.

With most of the Congress leaders, who faced the accusation of dividing the State unjustly, having joined the BJP or the TDP or the YSR Congress, there is no one left in the party except State party chief N Raghuveera Reddy. He is trying to flog the dead horse that the party has become but it has not yet shown any signs of coming back to life.

The people of the State have reason to feel slighted. After losing cash cow Hyderabad to Telangana what all they had inherited were only ruins, disputes being raised by the TRS government on sharing of Krishna river waters and problems in division of assets of the institutions listed in the ninth and tenth schedules of the AP State Reorganisation Act, 2014.

Though the Centre had declared Polavaram as a national project and promised to fund it fully, there is a dispute over its actual cost. The State now has come out with an estimate of over `40,000 crore. But no one knows if the Centre is game for this kind of estimate. The State wants reimbursement of the revenue it had lost by ceding Hyderabad to Telangana, which the 14th Finance Commission had estimated at `22,113 crore for five years till 2019-20 and of which the Centre had cleared only `3,979 crore.

The Centre argues that under the package, it had taken care of funding of Centrally sponsored schemes up to 90 per cent of their cost, and promised full reimbursement of revenue lost to Telangana. But how about tax concessions? This is where Naidu has to work harder, getting incentives for industries. In the absence of which, his efforts might not bear any fruit. He is riding shotgun with Modi anyway. A little bit more pressure might do the trick and help the State.



Congress vice-president Rahul Gandhi will be calling for Special Category Status (SCS) for Andhra Pradesh from the dais of a public meeting at Guntur on Sunday even as NITI Aayog Vice-Chairman Arvind Panagariya has ruled out any such possibility and that India has switched over to greater Central devolutions to the States rather than identifying a State for according SCS. But the point that Panagariya appears to have not taken into consideration is that granting SCS to AP is an emotive issue for people, after losing everything to Telangana. On top of this, the SCS is a promise made to the reorganised State of AP by no less a person than the then Prime Minister Manmohan Singh and in a forum most sacrosanct in Indian democracy - Parliament. In the first place, division of the State is something which people of AP did not want and in fact it had been thrust on them by the Congress regime with narrow political interests in mind. No proof is required for this since the decision to divide the State was taken just ahead of 2014 elections and not in the beginning of the second innings of the UPA-II. As a matter of consolation, Manmohan Singh had promised SCS for five years and the BJP which was in the Opposition then, argued for 10 years. An ambitious AP Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu, who was determined to win the election, demanded it for 15 years. The Congress, which is considered the main culprit for the division of the State, has been relegated to historys dustbin in the 2014 elections, making its prospects of returning to power in the near future bleak. Many of the Congress leaders left in search of greener pastures and while those who could not leave for technical reasons stayed with the grand old party, which now looks older than its actual age because people think its old sin of dividing the State is casting a long shadow on it now. A year after the bifurcation, Congress general secretary Digvijaya Singh, who visited Vijayawada, did not fumble for an answer when this reporter asked him if his party was regretting division of the State. In a democracy, a party cannot afford to ignore peoples wish. People of Telangana wanted a separate State and we had to give. But what about the people of AP who did not want division? Singh had no reply and went on to answer questions from other scribes. Rahul Gandhi will be visiting Guntur tomorrow, probably hoping that the people had forgotten the trauma of division. But he does not seem to know that his appearance might be reopening a wound that is beginning to heal. He will be coming with the slogan of SCS which, everyone is convinced, including those in the Congress, is not possible under Prime Minister Narendra Modis dispensation. When Panagariya was saying that the demand for SCS would be an exercise in futility, he was unconsciously echoing the opinion of Modi and Finance Minister Arun Jaitley who are opposed to the concept. Though it is debatable if the package they had offered would compensate for the benefits under the SCS, people are reconciling to settle for the crumbs that the Centre will be throwing at them with Naidu also singing Jaitley chorus - package is better than status. With most of the Congress leaders, who faced the accusation of dividing the State unjustly, having joined the BJP or the TDP or the YSR Congress, there is no one left in the party except State party chief N Raghuveera Reddy. He is trying to flog the dead horse that the party has become but it has not yet shown any signs of coming back to life. The people of the State have reason to feel slighted. After losing cash cow Hyderabad to Telangana what all they had inherited were only ruins, disputes being raised by the TRS government on sharing of Krishna river waters and problems in division of assets of the institutions listed in the ninth and tenth schedules of the AP State Reorganisation Act, 2014. Though the Centre had declared Polavaram as a national project and promised to fund it fully, there is a dispute over its actual cost. The State now has come out with an estimate of over `40,000 crore. But no one knows if the Centre is game for this kind of estimate. The State wants reimbursement of the revenue it had lost by ceding Hyderabad to Telangana, which the 14th Finance Commission had estimated at `22,113 crore for five years till 2019-20 and of which the Centre had cleared only `3,979 crore. The Centre argues that under the package, it had taken care of funding of Centrally sponsored schemes up to 90 per cent of their cost, and promised full reimbursement of revenue lost to Telangana. But how about tax concessions? This is where Naidu has to work harder, getting incentives for industries. In the absence of which, his efforts might not bear any fruit. He is riding shotgun with Modi anyway. A little bit more pressure might do the trick and help the State.
By Express News Service

MANGALURU: Four among 27 men aboard a barge, which began sinking after crashing against a breakwater near Mogaveerapatna Ullal, were rescued by Coast Guard on Saturday. The remaining workers have been left at the mercy of the turbulent sea.

As they clung on to their barge about 4km (2.2 nautical miles) off Ullal coast, the Coast Guard called off the rescue operations in the night after the weather turned stormy. The rescue operation is expected to resume only on Sunday morning.

The barge cum dredger Ibis, owned by a firm entrusted with the construction of breakwater (a wall to break the waves and protect coast), began sending distress signals after crashing against breakwater at about 3.30pm. But the distress signals were picked up late.

The Coast Guard sent patrol vessel Amartya to the rescue of the stranded workers but it reached the site at 6.40pm. Amartya lowered a life boat towards the barge and managed to rescue four workers. But the boat could not be deployed again due to bad weather.

"Besides heavy winds, total darkness also stalled rescue operations, sources said.



Though the sea had become rough, the workers were sent on a barge to the site of breakwater. Local youth besides questioning the logic behind such a risky operation, took officials to task for the delayed response to the distress signals. Many also felt that workers could have been rescued had a chopper been pressed to service.

MANGALURU: Four among 27 men aboard a barge, which began sinking after crashing against a breakwater near Mogaveerapatna Ullal, were rescued by Coast Guard on Saturday. The remaining workers have been left at the mercy of the turbulent sea. As they clung on to their barge about 4km (2.2 nautical miles) off Ullal coast, the Coast Guard called off the rescue operations in the night after the weather turned stormy. The rescue operation is expected to resume only on Sunday morning. The barge cum dredger Ibis, owned by a firm entrusted with the construction of breakwater (a wall to break the waves and protect coast), began sending distress signals after crashing against breakwater at about 3.30pm. But the distress signals were picked up late. The Coast Guard sent patrol vessel Amartya to the rescue of the stranded workers but it reached the site at 6.40pm. Amartya lowered a life boat towards the barge and managed to rescue four workers. But the boat could not be deployed again due to bad weather. "Besides heavy winds, total darkness also stalled rescue operations, sources said. Though the sea had become rough, the workers were sent on a barge to the site of breakwater. Local youth besides questioning the logic behind such a risky operation, took officials to task for the delayed response to the distress signals. Many also felt that workers could have been rescued had a chopper been pressed to service.
By Express News Service

THIRUVANTHAPURAM: BJP national president Amit Shah hit out at the CPM on Sunday, saying Kerala chief minister Pinarayi Vijayan and his party were mistaken if they thought the BJP can be overpowered by violent means in Kerala.



Speaking after laying the foundation stone for the new BJP state headquarters building, he said the lotus will only bloom larger if BJP workers are subjected to violence. He said whenever Left governments have risen to power in Kerala, violence against BJP workers has increased.



Since the Pinarayi Vijayan government came to power, 13 BJP and RSS workers have been killed, Amit Shah said.



''A majority of these murders were committed in the chief minister's constituency and in his district. If they believe that the BJP can be overpowered by violence, they are mistaken,'' Shah declared.

The BJP will ensure, through the path of law, that the assailants get the maximum punishment possible, Shah said.



Many BJP workers have sacrificed their lives for the growth of the party, he said. ''Many have laid down their lives, many have left their families and lived like monks in the karyalayas (BJP offices) for its growth. Today, the BJP has grown into a party with 11 crore members, he said.



BJP Kerala president Kummanam Rajasekharan, O Rajagopal, MLA, and other top state leaders of the BJP were present at the function.

THIRUVANTHAPURAM: BJP national president Amit Shah hit out at the CPM on Sunday, saying Kerala chief minister Pinarayi Vijayan and his party were mistaken if they thought the BJP can be overpowered by violent means in Kerala. Speaking after laying the foundation stone for the new BJP state headquarters building, he said the lotus will only bloom larger if BJP workers are subjected to violence. He said whenever Left governments have risen to power in Kerala, violence against BJP workers has increased. Since the Pinarayi Vijayan government came to power, 13 BJP and RSS workers have been killed, Amit Shah said. ''A majority of these murders were committed in the chief minister's constituency and in his district. If they believe that the BJP can be overpowered by violence, they are mistaken,'' Shah declared. The BJP will ensure, through the path of law, that the assailants get the maximum punishment possible, Shah said. Many BJP workers have sacrificed their lives for the growth of the party, he said. ''Many have laid down their lives, many have left their families and lived like monks in the karyalayas (BJP offices) for its growth. Today, the BJP has grown into a party with 11 crore members, he said. BJP Kerala president Kummanam Rajasekharan, O Rajagopal, MLA, and other top state leaders of the BJP were present at the function.
By Express News Service

CHENNAI: He landed here, made his presence felt and it was clear to everyone that he is not willing to be just a mute spectator in Tamil Nadu politics.



TTV Dhinakaran, AIADMK (Amma) deputy general secretary, who flew down from Delhi to Chennai on Saturday morning after spending nearly 45 days in Tihar jail, was given a rousing welcome by a section of his supporters in the ruling party.

Hundreds of people gathered on both sides of the road near the airport and band music troops performed in front of his house at Besant Nagar.



Since some persons were of the view that I would be an impediment for the merger of the two factions (referring to the rebel camp led by former CM O Panneerselvam) of the party, I have promised to keep myself away from the party affairs. After 45 days, I returned to Chennai with the hope that the factions would have merged by now. But, what I see is there is no chance for merger taking place, Dhinakaran told mediapersons near his residence at Adyar.

However, Chief Minister Edappadi K Palaniswami and his Cabinet colleagues kept themselves away from Dhinakarans return to Chennai.



While Minister for Forests Dindigul C Sreenivasan said there was nothing wrong in Dhinakaran continuing party works, his Cabinet colleagues KA Sengottaiyan and SP Velumani said the Chief Minister would take a decision on this issue.

Ahead of boarding the Chennai flight at Delhi, Dhinakaran dropped enough hints that he would not be a silent spectator in the coming days as far as affairs of the party are concerned by saying that he would continue his party work. Just after he landed in Chennai, he further asserted that position.



Sarcastically noting that the merger of two factions of the AIADMK did not take place despite keeping himself away from the party affairs for more than 45 days, Dhinakaran on Saturday said I can decide the next course of action only after consulting party general secretary V K Sasikala.

Dhinakaran had indirectly hinted that his decision to keep away from party affairs was of no use for merger of talks and that he might take centre-stage in the party soon.



He said he would consult the party cadre and other friends in the party and would work for merger of the factions to ensure that the continuance of this government for the welfare of the people of the State.

Responding to a question on the status of Two Leaves symbol bribery case, Dhinakaran said You must have read the bail order of the Special Judge of the Delhi Court. I will face the case legally and prove my innocence.

Asked whether there was any possibility for organising a meeting with MLAs who support him, he said All MLAs are our supporters. As such, there is no need for a separate meeting. Earlier, at Delhi, answering news persons queries, he asked Where is the question of my resuming party work? I have never been away from party work. Only due to the present case, I had to be away from Chennai for around 40 days and after returning to Chennai, I will continue my party work.

This assertion of Dhinakaran went against his statement made on April 19 when senior ministers in the Palaniswami cabinet said the family of V K Sasikala would be kept away from party affairs and the government and that he would never be a reason to weaken the party.

CHENNAI: He landed here, made his presence felt and it was clear to everyone that he is not willing to be just a mute spectator in Tamil Nadu politics. TTV Dhinakaran, AIADMK (Amma) deputy general secretary, who flew down from Delhi to Chennai on Saturday morning after spending nearly 45 days in Tihar jail, was given a rousing welcome by a section of his supporters in the ruling party. Hundreds of people gathered on both sides of the road near the airport and band music troops performed in front of his house at Besant Nagar. Since some persons were of the view that I would be an impediment for the merger of the two factions (referring to the rebel camp led by former CM O Panneerselvam) of the party, I have promised to keep myself away from the party affairs. After 45 days, I returned to Chennai with the hope that the factions would have merged by now. But, what I see is there is no chance for merger taking place, Dhinakaran told mediapersons near his residence at Adyar. However, Chief Minister Edappadi K Palaniswami and his Cabinet colleagues kept themselves away from Dhinakarans return to Chennai. While Minister for Forests Dindigul C Sreenivasan said there was nothing wrong in Dhinakaran continuing party works, his Cabinet colleagues KA Sengottaiyan and SP Velumani said the Chief Minister would take a decision on this issue. Ahead of boarding the Chennai flight at Delhi, Dhinakaran dropped enough hints that he would not be a silent spectator in the coming days as far as affairs of the party are concerned by saying that he would continue his party work. Just after he landed in Chennai, he further asserted that position. Sarcastically noting that the merger of two factions of the AIADMK did not take place despite keeping himself away from the party affairs for more than 45 days, Dhinakaran on Saturday said I can decide the next course of action only after consulting party general secretary V K Sasikala. Dhinakaran had indirectly hinted that his decision to keep away from party affairs was of no use for merger of talks and that he might take centre-stage in the party soon. He said he would consult the party cadre and other friends in the party and would work for merger of the factions to ensure that the continuance of this government for the welfare of the people of the State. Responding to a question on the status of Two Leaves symbol bribery case, Dhinakaran said You must have read the bail order of the Special Judge of the Delhi Court. I will face the case legally and prove my innocence. Asked whether there was any possibility for organising a meeting with MLAs who support him, he said All MLAs are our supporters. As such, there is no need for a separate meeting. Earlier, at Delhi, answering news persons queries, he asked Where is the question of my resuming party work? I have never been away from party work. Only due to the present case, I had to be away from Chennai for around 40 days and after returning to Chennai, I will continue my party work. This assertion of Dhinakaran went against his statement made on April 19 when senior ministers in the Palaniswami cabinet said the family of V K Sasikala would be kept away from party affairs and the government and that he would never be a reason to weaken the party.
Mouli Mareedu By

Express News Service

HYDERABAD: A major hawala racket at the Army headquarters in New Delhi, exposed by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI), has its origin in Hyderabad.After registering criminal cases against five persons, including senior Army officials in the national capital, CBI special teams arrived in the city Saturday evening and carried out raids at the residence of Army official, Purushottam, in Secunderabad.



The officials, who had already arrested Lieutenant Colonel Ranganathan Suvramani Moni posted in Personnel Division of Army headquarters, New Delhi, and businessman Gaurav Kohli of Gaurav enterprises, Delhi began probing the involvement of Purushottam along with S Subhas, Barracks & Stores Officer, Bengaluru.



Sources told Express that Ranganathan had entered into criminal conspiracy with Kohli with the assistance of Secunderabad-based Army officer Purushottam, who was earlier posted at Kakinada of Andhra Pradesh, to ensure transfer of officers posted in various field formation to places of their choice for bribes.



Purushottam contacted his fellow Army officers who were either posted in different field formation or facing imminent transfer. He also contacted Kohli who has a close acquaintance with many officers in Delhi for pursuing transfer of these officers by accepting bribes. Purushottam requested Kohli to pursue posting matter of one DSRK Reddy and Subhas to get bribes, CBI sources told Express.



Sources revealed that Kohli had engaged Ranganathan to facilitate the transfer of DSRK Reddy and Subhas. The investigation revealed that Kohli was in touch with Subhas through Purushottam to finalise the bribe amount in order to change his transfer from Porbandar to Secunderabad or Golconda. To facilitate the process, Subhas had submitted an application to the office of DG, Personnel at Army Headquarters.



An amount of `5 lakh was delivered by Subhas to Kohli through hawala channel with the help of Purushottam and a Hyderabad-based hawala operator Sunil. The money had been delivered to Kohli by one Rahul in Delhi, sources said.

Middleman Gaurav met senior officers

Gaurav Kohli went to Lt Col Ranganathans home and met senior officers. Ranganathan was in touch with Brig SK Grover, DDG Personnel regarding transfer of BSO Subhas, sources said.

HYDERABAD: A major hawala racket at the Army headquarters in New Delhi, exposed by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI), has its origin in Hyderabad.After registering criminal cases against five persons, including senior Army officials in the national capital, CBI special teams arrived in the city Saturday evening and carried out raids at the residence of Army official, Purushottam, in Secunderabad. The officials, who had already arrested Lieutenant Colonel Ranganathan Suvramani Moni posted in Personnel Division of Army headquarters, New Delhi, and businessman Gaurav Kohli of Gaurav enterprises, Delhi began probing the involvement of Purushottam along with S Subhas, Barracks & Stores Officer, Bengaluru. Sources told Express that Ranganathan had entered into criminal conspiracy with Kohli with the assistance of Secunderabad-based Army officer Purushottam, who was earlier posted at Kakinada of Andhra Pradesh, to ensure transfer of officers posted in various field formation to places of their choice for bribes. Purushottam contacted his fellow Army officers who were either posted in different field formation or facing imminent transfer. He also contacted Kohli who has a close acquaintance with many officers in Delhi for pursuing transfer of these officers by accepting bribes. Purushottam requested Kohli to pursue posting matter of one DSRK Reddy and Subhas to get bribes, CBI sources told Express. Sources revealed that Kohli had engaged Ranganathan to facilitate the transfer of DSRK Reddy and Subhas. The investigation revealed that Kohli was in touch with Subhas through Purushottam to finalise the bribe amount in order to change his transfer from Porbandar to Secunderabad or Golconda. To facilitate the process, Subhas had submitted an application to the office of DG, Personnel at Army Headquarters. An amount of `5 lakh was delivered by Subhas to Kohli through hawala channel with the help of Purushottam and a Hyderabad-based hawala operator Sunil. The money had been delivered to Kohli by one Rahul in Delhi, sources said. Middleman Gaurav met senior officers Gaurav Kohli went to Lt Col Ranganathans home and met senior officers. Ranganathan was in touch with Brig SK Grover, DDG Personnel regarding transfer of BSO Subhas, sources said.
Yatish Yadav By

NEW DELHI: India is planning to unveil its Africa plan in Hamburg, a port city in northern Germany, next month. The documents accessed by The Sunday Standard reveal that Prime Minister Narendra Modi will attend the G20 meeting on July 7-8 to discuss international cooperation on financial and economic issues. But what is happening behind the scene just days before the summit is the strategic manoeuvering, which is being played to restore Indias influence especially in 17 countries across north and southern Africa that are facing the worst drought.

India will send food support with items such as wheat and rice to the African countries facing persistent drought. It is likely to send a team of experts on water harvesting and conservation to propagate integrated water management projects in drought hit areas and also deploying a team of scientists to promote drought resistant varieties of crops in Africa, the Finance Ministrys document revealed.

Top officials said some of these steps could be taken before Prime Minister Modi attends the G20 summit in July. According to reports the drought has affected over 38 million people in 17 countries. Ethiopia, Somalia, Burundi, Malawi and Sudan has been facing food and water crisis. On April 27-28, G20 officials met in Berlin to discuss One World No Hunger: Future of Rural World. Basically, the meeting was convened to discuss food security and rural employment largely in the context of Africa. In that region alone, an additional 440 million young people will be joining an already highly competitive labour market between now and 2030, most of them in rural areas.

The German representative in the meeting requested an Indian official to engage more with African countries to enable them to come out of poverty since India has made significant progress in reducing the social evil.

Once the conference got over, Multilateral Relation Division within the Ministry of Finance stepped in to initiate the process to implement Indias Africa plan. There is also a possibility that the government may send a team of National Resource Organizations working under the umbrella of National Rural Livelihood Mission (NRLM) to explore possibilities of promotion of womens self help groups. India is likely to select self help group members from African nations and train them in Indian institutions and incubation centres on climate resilient agriculture with dairy and other vocations to diversify livelihood portfolios in African countries.

Sources said the government departments have been asked to work out the blueprint for execution and subsequently the Finance Ministry will approach Ministry of External Affairs and the Prime Minister Office (PMO) to take a final view on the subject within next week.

NEW DELHI: India is planning to unveil its Africa plan in Hamburg, a port city in northern Germany, next month. The documents accessed by The Sunday Standard reveal that Prime Minister Narendra Modi will attend the G20 meeting on July 7-8 to discuss international cooperation on financial and economic issues. But what is happening behind the scene just days before the summit is the strategic manoeuvering, which is being played to restore Indias influence especially in 17 countries across north and southern Africa that are facing the worst drought. India will send food support with items such as wheat and rice to the African countries facing persistent drought. It is likely to send a team of experts on water harvesting and conservation to propagate integrated water management projects in drought hit areas and also deploying a team of scientists to promote drought resistant varieties of crops in Africa, the Finance Ministrys document revealed. Top officials said some of these steps could be taken before Prime Minister Modi attends the G20 summit in July. According to reports the drought has affected over 38 million people in 17 countries. Ethiopia, Somalia, Burundi, Malawi and Sudan has been facing food and water crisis. On April 27-28, G20 officials met in Berlin to discuss One World No Hunger: Future of Rural World. Basically, the meeting was convened to discuss food security and rural employment largely in the context of Africa. In that region alone, an additional 440 million young people will be joining an already highly competitive labour market between now and 2030, most of them in rural areas. The German representative in the meeting requested an Indian official to engage more with African countries to enable them to come out of poverty since India has made significant progress in reducing the social evil. Once the conference got over, Multilateral Relation Division within the Ministry of Finance stepped in to initiate the process to implement Indias Africa plan. There is also a possibility that the government may send a team of National Resource Organizations working under the umbrella of National Rural Livelihood Mission (NRLM) to explore possibilities of promotion of womens self help groups. India is likely to select self help group members from African nations and train them in Indian institutions and incubation centres on climate resilient agriculture with dairy and other vocations to diversify livelihood portfolios in African countries. Sources said the government departments have been asked to work out the blueprint for execution and subsequently the Finance Ministry will approach Ministry of External Affairs and the Prime Minister Office (PMO) to take a final view on the subject within next week.
Kumar Vikram By

NEW DELHI: If you want to buy a house in Delhis unauthorised colonies and lack enough money to pay in cash, dont worry. There are loan agents to help you out. Most banks dont sanction home loans for houses in unauthorised colonies, but they look the other way while handing you the cheque if you pay a certain premium or bribes.

This correspondent learnt it firsthand when he met property agents in colonies such as Budh Vihar in north west Delhi, and Ganesh Nagar and Vinod Nagar in east Delhi, which have of late emerged as bustling habitats due to Metro Rail connectivity and infrastructure development.

While prices of a two-bedroom flat vary between Rs 35 lakh and Rs 50 lakh based on localities, property dealers assured this reporter that one can purchase the flat even if he doesnt have enough cash. There are always a way to avail bank loans. Private banks are still not granting loans here. But one can get these through agents. You will have to pay a commission of 7-8 per cent on the loan amount, said Ankit Bansal, a property agent in Vinod Nagar of east Delhi.

Bansal fixed a meeting with the loan agent in east Delhi. How much loan do you need? he asked, identifying himself as Varun. He claimed that his job was to facilitate loans from various nationalised banks. When the reporter asked about the procedure, he said, Just provide photocopies of some basic documents such as ID proof, income or salary certificates, IT Returns, bank account statement and property papers. You will have to wait for about a month for verification process. Thereafter, you will have to come to the bank to sign the loan document.

Varun said a loan of Rs 20 lakh will require Rs 1.5 lakh as commission. This is the going rate. You may try with other agents. They also charge same commission, he added.

This correspondent also talked to some buyers to know their side of stories.

The Yamuna development plans are being derailed by property mafia with the help of police and other authorities.

Ban on any kind of construction in Zone O or River Zone of Delhi has no effect here. You can see how rampant is the construction of illegal flats and houses here, said Arun Rai of Badarpur, adding that lack of action by the authorities has resulted in flourishing of builder mafias.

Manoj Gupta, who bought a flat in Jaitpur area about a year ago, regrets his decision. He was not aware that the house would be an illegal property. I had some cash and bought the flat for `24 lakh. But, when I started staying here, people told me that construction in this area was illegal as it came under the river zone of Delhi. I dont know what to do now, he added.

Posing as a buyer of a two-bedroom flat, this correspondent visited Jaitpur, Meethapur and Madanpur Khadar, in proximity of Kalindi Kunj and Noida, and spoke to property dealers while trying to get the details about operation of the building mafia in the region where construction is banned. It was found that illegal construction has been going on in the area with the help of a nexus between builder mafia and authorities. In fact, rates of bribes are fixed for different sizes of plots and types of buildings.

Sunil Tyagi, a property dealer in Jaitpur, said, A two-bedroom flat costs `25-30 lakh and the rate varies according to location. When asked about the legal aspects, he tried to assure that nothing would happen to these flats. You must be aware that construction here is banned as the area is near the Yamuna.

But that doesnt make any difference. Hundreds of buildings have been constructed, and people have been staying here since long, he said, while trying to convince the correspondent to buy the flat.

Another property dealer did not hesitate to share the details of money transaction that goes during construction of buildings. If you want to start construction on a 100 square-yard plot, you need to pay at least `1 lakh to the police. Rate is lower for construction of individual houses and higher for construction of multiple flats, said Ramesh Singh, a property dealer in Madanpur Khadar.

After talking to some property dealers, it was not tough to understand the economy of constructing and selling flats. A plot measuring around 120 square yards costs around `25-30 lakh. A builder generally constructs three floors comprising six flats. Each flat is sold at `25 lakh or more. Simple calculation reveals the huge profit margin and the reason behind the flourishing business.

Romil Banniya, DCP, south-east Delhi, said police keep taking action against such activities. Police seize material. Land-owning agencies concerned are also informed, and it is their duty to seal the building or take action, he added.

Local sub-divisional magistrate (SDM) Joginder Sehrawat said, Stopping illegal construction doesnt come under his purview. When reminded that construction on agricultural land along the Yamuna comes under his department, he failed to reply.

Construction has been going on in many areas under the O Zone. We have approached the authorities against banned constructions, said Manoj Mishra, Convener, Yamuna Jiye Abhiyan.

Arun Rai, general secretary, Delhi Vikas Morcha, an NGO, has also raised the issue time and again before authorities.

In his complaint to the police and Delhi L-G office, he has alleged that builder mafia has become active in the area as the local police have failed to take action. Police stop only poor people who cant afford to pay money to them. Builders who construct flats are never stopped, said Rai.

NEW DELHI: If you want to buy a house in Delhis unauthorised colonies and lack enough money to pay in cash, dont worry. There are loan agents to help you out. Most banks dont sanction home loans for houses in unauthorised colonies, but they look the other way while handing you the cheque if you pay a certain premium or bribes. This correspondent learnt it firsthand when he met property agents in colonies such as Budh Vihar in north west Delhi, and Ganesh Nagar and Vinod Nagar in east Delhi, which have of late emerged as bustling habitats due to Metro Rail connectivity and infrastructure development. While prices of a two-bedroom flat vary between Rs 35 lakh and Rs 50 lakh based on localities, property dealers assured this reporter that one can purchase the flat even if he doesnt have enough cash. There are always a way to avail bank loans. Private banks are still not granting loans here. But one can get these through agents. You will have to pay a commission of 7-8 per cent on the loan amount, said Ankit Bansal, a property agent in Vinod Nagar of east Delhi. Bansal fixed a meeting with the loan agent in east Delhi. How much loan do you need? he asked, identifying himself as Varun. He claimed that his job was to facilitate loans from various nationalised banks. When the reporter asked about the procedure, he said, Just provide photocopies of some basic documents such as ID proof, income or salary certificates, IT Returns, bank account statement and property papers. You will have to wait for about a month for verification process. Thereafter, you will have to come to the bank to sign the loan document. Varun said a loan of Rs 20 lakh will require Rs 1.5 lakh as commission. This is the going rate. You may try with other agents. They also charge same commission, he added. This correspondent also talked to some buyers to know their side of stories. The Yamuna development plans are being derailed by property mafia with the help of police and other authorities. Ban on any kind of construction in Zone O or River Zone of Delhi has no effect here. You can see how rampant is the construction of illegal flats and houses here, said Arun Rai of Badarpur, adding that lack of action by the authorities has resulted in flourishing of builder mafias. Manoj Gupta, who bought a flat in Jaitpur area about a year ago, regrets his decision. He was not aware that the house would be an illegal property. I had some cash and bought the flat for `24 lakh. But, when I started staying here, people told me that construction in this area was illegal as it came under the river zone of Delhi. I dont know what to do now, he added. Posing as a buyer of a two-bedroom flat, this correspondent visited Jaitpur, Meethapur and Madanpur Khadar, in proximity of Kalindi Kunj and Noida, and spoke to property dealers while trying to get the details about operation of the building mafia in the region where construction is banned. It was found that illegal construction has been going on in the area with the help of a nexus between builder mafia and authorities. In fact, rates of bribes are fixed for different sizes of plots and types of buildings. Sunil Tyagi, a property dealer in Jaitpur, said, A two-bedroom flat costs `25-30 lakh and the rate varies according to location. When asked about the legal aspects, he tried to assure that nothing would happen to these flats. You must be aware that construction here is banned as the area is near the Yamuna. But that doesnt make any difference. Hundreds of buildings have been constructed, and people have been staying here since long, he said, while trying to convince the correspondent to buy the flat. Another property dealer did not hesitate to share the details of money transaction that goes during construction of buildings. If you want to start construction on a 100 square-yard plot, you need to pay at least `1 lakh to the police. Rate is lower for construction of individual houses and higher for construction of multiple flats, said Ramesh Singh, a property dealer in Madanpur Khadar. After talking to some property dealers, it was not tough to understand the economy of constructing and selling flats. A plot measuring around 120 square yards costs around `25-30 lakh. A builder generally constructs three floors comprising six flats. Each flat is sold at `25 lakh or more. Simple calculation reveals the huge profit margin and the reason behind the flourishing business. Romil Banniya, DCP, south-east Delhi, said police keep taking action against such activities. Police seize material. Land-owning agencies concerned are also informed, and it is their duty to seal the building or take action, he added. Local sub-divisional magistrate (SDM) Joginder Sehrawat said, Stopping illegal construction doesnt come under his purview. When reminded that construction on agricultural land along the Yamuna comes under his department, he failed to reply. Construction has been going on in many areas under the O Zone. We have approached the authorities against banned constructions, said Manoj Mishra, Convener, Yamuna Jiye Abhiyan. Arun Rai, general secretary, Delhi Vikas Morcha, an NGO, has also raised the issue time and again before authorities. In his complaint to the police and Delhi L-G office, he has alleged that builder mafia has become active in the area as the local police have failed to take action. Police stop only poor people who cant afford to pay money to them. Builders who construct flats are never stopped, said Rai.
Yatish Yadav By

NEW DELHI: China has scored a major victory in soft power diplomacy by quietly launching its own Nalanda University while the original Nalanda campus in Bihar, planned almost a decade ago, is still stuck with 455-acre dead space.

Chinas education ministry had managed to keep the plan a secret till a few weeks ago when it formally announced the enrolment for Nanhai Buddhist College in Hainan province in May. The first batch is set to take off from September with a strength of 220 students to occupy the vacant Buddhist diplomacy space. Nalanda in 2014 had started with just 14 students and 11 teachers. Sources said the secrecy is baffling since China was part of the global team, which first promoted the idea of reconstructing Nalanda University in the ancient Indian city in 2006.

Nalanda was hit by the careless approach of its mentors, including Nobel laureate Amartya Sen and his team, since the beginning of 2007 when the Manmohan Singh government appointed them to work out the plan for the institution.

In 2011, China had given a million-dollar cheque as donation for reconstruction of Nalanda. It appears now that Chinese were working in parallel to create the Buddhist university. Such sprawling campus cannot be built in one or two years. They must have started construction in 2012, sources said.

The Chinese Nalanda version is a sea-facing structure located on scenic Nanshan Mountains spread across 618.8 acres. Chinese have rechristened the universitys coastline as Brahma Pure Land, a concept borrowed from Yoga Vashistha and Mahayana Buddhism. The Chinese Nalanda will offer courses in three languagesPali, Tibetan and Chinese in six departmentsBuddhism, Tibetan Buddhism, and the Buddhist Architectural Design and Research Institute.

The Chinese Buddhist university is closely linked to the Buddhist centres in Thailand, Sri Lanka, Nepal and Cambodia, which is seen as an attempt to completely sideline the Indian side in soft power diplomacy. The China has appointed monk Yin Shun as the dean of the university, who is interestingly abbot of Lumbini-based Zhong Hua Buddhist temple. Lumbini is the birthplace of Buddha, and China has been aggressively pushing to promote Nepalese pilgrimage site to counter Indias Sarnath and Bodhgaya, where Gautama Buddha is said to have attained enlightenment. Since early 2010, Yin Shun has been advocating the South China Sea Strategy and had closely worked with Thailand and Nepal to create Buddhist One Belt and One Road (OBOR).

It is a known fact that India recently boycotted Chinas high-profile economic design flagging sovereignty concerns over China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), which passes through Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK). The plan, according to sources, is to link Lumbini, Wuxi and Hainan through Buddhist OBOR, usurping Buddhist legacy of India. Wuxi, near Shanghai, has been turned into permanent venue of world Buddhist forum by the Chinese government. According to sources, students as far as South American countries are applying to the Chinese university, which, along with knowledge, promises to provide best air and seawater quality in entire South Asia.

NEW DELHI: China has scored a major victory in soft power diplomacy by quietly launching its own Nalanda University while the original Nalanda campus in Bihar, planned almost a decade ago, is still stuck with 455-acre dead space. Chinas education ministry had managed to keep the plan a secret till a few weeks ago when it formally announced the enrolment for Nanhai Buddhist College in Hainan province in May. The first batch is set to take off from September with a strength of 220 students to occupy the vacant Buddhist diplomacy space. Nalanda in 2014 had started with just 14 students and 11 teachers. Sources said the secrecy is baffling since China was part of the global team, which first promoted the idea of reconstructing Nalanda University in the ancient Indian city in 2006. Nalanda was hit by the careless approach of its mentors, including Nobel laureate Amartya Sen and his team, since the beginning of 2007 when the Manmohan Singh government appointed them to work out the plan for the institution. In 2011, China had given a million-dollar cheque as donation for reconstruction of Nalanda. It appears now that Chinese were working in parallel to create the Buddhist university. Such sprawling campus cannot be built in one or two years. They must have started construction in 2012, sources said. The Chinese Nalanda version is a sea-facing structure located on scenic Nanshan Mountains spread across 618.8 acres. Chinese have rechristened the universitys coastline as Brahma Pure Land, a concept borrowed from Yoga Vashistha and Mahayana Buddhism. The Chinese Nalanda will offer courses in three languagesPali, Tibetan and Chinese in six departmentsBuddhism, Tibetan Buddhism, and the Buddhist Architectural Design and Research Institute. The Chinese Buddhist university is closely linked to the Buddhist centres in Thailand, Sri Lanka, Nepal and Cambodia, which is seen as an attempt to completely sideline the Indian side in soft power diplomacy. The China has appointed monk Yin Shun as the dean of the university, who is interestingly abbot of Lumbini-based Zhong Hua Buddhist temple. Lumbini is the birthplace of Buddha, and China has been aggressively pushing to promote Nepalese pilgrimage site to counter Indias Sarnath and Bodhgaya, where Gautama Buddha is said to have attained enlightenment. Since early 2010, Yin Shun has been advocating the South China Sea Strategy and had closely worked with Thailand and Nepal to create Buddhist One Belt and One Road (OBOR). It is a known fact that India recently boycotted Chinas high-profile economic design flagging sovereignty concerns over China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), which passes through Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK). The plan, according to sources, is to link Lumbini, Wuxi and Hainan through Buddhist OBOR, usurping Buddhist legacy of India. Wuxi, near Shanghai, has been turned into permanent venue of world Buddhist forum by the Chinese government. According to sources, students as far as South American countries are applying to the Chinese university, which, along with knowledge, promises to provide best air and seawater quality in entire South Asia.
Ankur Sharma By

NEW DELHI: Delhis history of choked drains and waterlogged roads will repeat once again, this monsoon, owing to the lackadaisical attitude of the government agencies, who have failed to take steps for cleaning of drains.

The meteorological department has predicted that monsoon will hit north India anytime between June 15 and 25. But city is not at all prepared to deal with the excessive rainwater that clogs the roads during rainy season every year. Nelson Mandela Marg, Sundar Nagar Road and Outer Ring Road have not been cleared by the public works department (PWD) and 70-80% de-silting work is pending. When The Sunday Standard team visited the areas connecting Delhi secretariat and main roads of Delhi, it was found that storm drains were in dire need of cleaning.

The pace of work can be judged from the fact that more than a dozen drains in Deputy CM Manish Sisodias constituency has not even seen 1% of cleanliness work.

Meanwhile, de-silting work on Vikas Marg Road, which connects East Delhi with Central Delhi, was started on Friday evening. Similarly, curb holes on another important stretch connecting Noida and East Delhi are also blocked.

PWD revealed that tenders for de-silting of more than two dozen road drains have recently been given to private firms. Meanwhile, a company that is responsible for cleaning of drains in East Delhi, said, PWD gave tenders to clean the drain stretches, in a hurry. Now, we have asked them to give us deadline till July so that we can finish the work properly.

Apart from this, work of de-silting drains on roads such as GT Road, Mansarovar Park to Apsara Border and Vivek Vihar Jhilmil Colony was also assigned to some firms, but there is no progress in the work, and heaps of garbage can be seen lying along roads.

When contacted, Delhi traffic police, who faces the flak for road jams due to water logging, has claimed that they had informed the agencies concerned a month ago, still the cleaning work has not begun anywhere. A letter was sent to Delhi Development Authority (DDA), New Delhi Municipal Council (NDMC), all three MCD, including the PWD in the second week of May. We had asked the agencies to clear drains and sewerage but got no reply from any office, a top Delhi Traffic police official said. Delhi Traffic police has already identified 370 trouble areas which will have major traffic jams during monsoon season.

We had asked all stakeholdersthree MCDs, NDMC, and Cantonment Board to provide us a list of trouble areas so that de-silting work can be started. We have also asked all the MCDs to ensure timely lifting of garbage so that it doesnt choke the drains. Our plan was also to install more than 2,500 dustbins in across Delhi but areas have not been identified so far. Though work was supposed to be completed by June 15, it seems we will be able to finish it by July only, a top PWD officer told The Sunday Standard.

NEW DELHI: Delhis history of choked drains and waterlogged roads will repeat once again, this monsoon, owing to the lackadaisical attitude of the government agencies, who have failed to take steps for cleaning of drains. The meteorological department has predicted that monsoon will hit north India anytime between June 15 and 25. But city is not at all prepared to deal with the excessive rainwater that clogs the roads during rainy season every year. Nelson Mandela Marg, Sundar Nagar Road and Outer Ring Road have not been cleared by the public works department (PWD) and 70-80% de-silting work is pending. When The Sunday Standard team visited the areas connecting Delhi secretariat and main roads of Delhi, it was found that storm drains were in dire need of cleaning. The pace of work can be judged from the fact that more than a dozen drains in Deputy CM Manish Sisodias constituency has not even seen 1% of cleanliness work. Meanwhile, de-silting work on Vikas Marg Road, which connects East Delhi with Central Delhi, was started on Friday evening. Similarly, curb holes on another important stretch connecting Noida and East Delhi are also blocked. PWD revealed that tenders for de-silting of more than two dozen road drains have recently been given to private firms. Meanwhile, a company that is responsible for cleaning of drains in East Delhi, said, PWD gave tenders to clean the drain stretches, in a hurry. Now, we have asked them to give us deadline till July so that we can finish the work properly. Apart from this, work of de-silting drains on roads such as GT Road, Mansarovar Park to Apsara Border and Vivek Vihar Jhilmil Colony was also assigned to some firms, but there is no progress in the work, and heaps of garbage can be seen lying along roads. When contacted, Delhi traffic police, who faces the flak for road jams due to water logging, has claimed that they had informed the agencies concerned a month ago, still the cleaning work has not begun anywhere. A letter was sent to Delhi Development Authority (DDA), New Delhi Municipal Council (NDMC), all three MCD, including the PWD in the second week of May. We had asked the agencies to clear drains and sewerage but got no reply from any office, a top Delhi Traffic police official said. Delhi Traffic police has already identified 370 trouble areas which will have major traffic jams during monsoon season. We had asked all stakeholdersthree MCDs, NDMC, and Cantonment Board to provide us a list of trouble areas so that de-silting work can be started. We have also asked all the MCDs to ensure timely lifting of garbage so that it doesnt choke the drains. Our plan was also to install more than 2,500 dustbins in across Delhi but areas have not been identified so far. Though work was supposed to be completed by June 15, it seems we will be able to finish it by July only, a top PWD officer told The Sunday Standard.
By PTI

MEXICO: Another journalist has come under attack in Mexico. This time the victim is a woman who hosts a program on an indigenous radio station in the southern state of Guerrero.

State security spokesman Roberto Alvarez Heredia says Marcela de Jesus Natalia was shot in the head yesterday as she left the government-owned station on the town of Ometepec.

He says she's in critical condition at an Acapulco hospital. Alvarez says he doesn't know of any threats against de Jesus Natalia, who also has worked for a local family aid agency.

At least six journalists have been killed since the beginning of March in Mexico, prompting an outcry that has led the government to promise efforts to protect journalists.

Guerrero has suffered repeated waves of violence by drug-based criminal gangs.

MEXICO: Another journalist has come under attack in Mexico. This time the victim is a woman who hosts a program on an indigenous radio station in the southern state of Guerrero. State security spokesman Roberto Alvarez Heredia says Marcela de Jesus Natalia was shot in the head yesterday as she left the government-owned station on the town of Ometepec. He says she's in critical condition at an Acapulco hospital. Alvarez says he doesn't know of any threats against de Jesus Natalia, who also has worked for a local family aid agency. At least six journalists have been killed since the beginning of March in Mexico, prompting an outcry that has led the government to promise efforts to protect journalists. Guerrero has suffered repeated waves of violence by drug-based criminal gangs.
Trump took to Twitter amid the unfolding deadly drama in London on Saturday to offer US help to Britain and to promote his controversial travel ban.

US President Donald Trump took to Twitter to offer US help to Britain. (Photo: Reuters)

By Reuters: US President Donald Trump took to Twitter amid the unfolding deadly drama in London on Saturday to offer US help to Britain and to promote his controversial travel ban as an extra level of security for Americans.

British police rushed to two incidents in central London after a van plowed into pedestrians on London Bridge and reports emerged of multiple stabbings in the nearby Borough Market area. Police said the attacks had been declared terrorist incidents.

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"Whatever the United States can do to help out in London and the U.K., we will be there - WE ARE WITH YOU. GOD BLESS!" Trump said in one of two tweets.

"We need to be smart, vigilant and tough. We need the courts to give us back our rights. We need the Travel Ban as an extra level of safety!" he said in the other.

Trump's appeal for his travel ban followed his emergency request that the Supreme Court reinstate the executive order that would bar people entering the United States from six predominantly Muslim countries. It has been blocked by lower courts.

The US State Department condemned what it called "the cowardly attacks targeting innocent civilians" in a statement, and echoed Trump's readiness to provide any assistance that British authorities request.

AMERICANS STAND IN SOLIDARITY

"All Americans stand in solidarity with the people of the United Kingdom," State Department spokeswoman Heather Nauert said in the statement.

Trump was briefed earlier about the London Bridge incident by his national security team, according to White House spokesman Sean Spicer, who said on Twitter that security officials would continue providing the president with updates.

The State Department also said it was monitoring the situation in London closely, and advised American citizens in Britain to heed the advice of local authorities and maintain their security awareness.

The president says the travel ban, a centerpiece of his 2016 campaign, is needed to protect Americans from terrorist attacks. Critics say his reasoning is flawed and assail the ban as discriminatory.

On Thursday, his legal team asked the high court to allow the March 6 executive order to take effect immediately despite being blocked by lower courts. The Supreme Court rarely grants emergency requests.

ALSO READ | London Bridge, Borough Market incidents are possible terror attacks

--- ENDS ---
By AFP

BERLIN: Chancellor Angela Merkel said Sunday that Germany was "resolutely at Britain's side" after the attack in London that left six people dead and almost 50 injured.

"Today we are united across borders in horror and mourning, but also in determination," Merkel said in a statement. "For Germany, I reiterate that in the fight against all forms of terrorism, we are resolutely at Britain's side."

Three attackers drove a van into pedestrians on London Bridge, in the heart of the British capital, before jumping out and attacking revellers in a popular nightlife area with knives. Police shot dead all three assailants within minutes.

The attack is the third to hit Britain since March and comes less than a fortnight after a suicide bomber killed 22 people at a concert in Manchester, in northwest England.

"At this time, I am thinking of our British friends and everyone in London with solidarity and compassion," Merkel said.

BERLIN: Chancellor Angela Merkel said Sunday that Germany was "resolutely at Britain's side" after the attack in London that left six people dead and almost 50 injured. "Today we are united across borders in horror and mourning, but also in determination," Merkel said in a statement. "For Germany, I reiterate that in the fight against all forms of terrorism, we are resolutely at Britain's side." Three attackers drove a van into pedestrians on London Bridge, in the heart of the British capital, before jumping out and attacking revellers in a popular nightlife area with knives. Police shot dead all three assailants within minutes. The attack is the third to hit Britain since March and comes less than a fortnight after a suicide bomber killed 22 people at a concert in Manchester, in northwest England. "At this time, I am thinking of our British friends and everyone in London with solidarity and compassion," Merkel said.
By AFP

TEHRAN: Iran today joined the international chorus of criticism against President Donald Trump's decision to withdraw from the Paris climate agreement, saying it would further isolate the United States.

"The withdrawal of the United States from the Paris accord indicates the government's lack of responsibility regarding the global community and it will increasingly isolate them," foreign ministry spokesman Bahram Ghasemi said, according to the IRNA news agency.

Trump announced on Thursday that the United States would withdraw from the 2015 Paris agreement on climate change, joining Syria and Nicaragua as the only non-signatories to the agreement.

"Non-compliance with commitments in the Paris accord by a government which is the second-largest producer of greenhouse gases and is one of the most polluting countries, is unacceptable," said Ghasemi.

Iran faces particular challenges from climate change, having suffered years of worsening drought and dust storms, compounded by poor water resource management.

"The global community must compel the new US administration to implement its international commitments precisely and completely," Ghasemi said.

"It is imperative to avoid undermining global agreements such as the Paris agreement, which is a global symbol of joint cooperation and has strengthened multilateralism."

Iran is concerned that Trump may also make good on his threat to pull out of the nuclear deal signed with the United States and five other world powers in 2015 that lifted sanctions in exchange for curbs to Tehran's atomic programme.

TEHRAN: Iran today joined the international chorus of criticism against President Donald Trump's decision to withdraw from the Paris climate agreement, saying it would further isolate the United States. "The withdrawal of the United States from the Paris accord indicates the government's lack of responsibility regarding the global community and it will increasingly isolate them," foreign ministry spokesman Bahram Ghasemi said, according to the IRNA news agency. Trump announced on Thursday that the United States would withdraw from the 2015 Paris agreement on climate change, joining Syria and Nicaragua as the only non-signatories to the agreement. "Non-compliance with commitments in the Paris accord by a government which is the second-largest producer of greenhouse gases and is one of the most polluting countries, is unacceptable," said Ghasemi. Iran faces particular challenges from climate change, having suffered years of worsening drought and dust storms, compounded by poor water resource management. "The global community must compel the new US administration to implement its international commitments precisely and completely," Ghasemi said. "It is imperative to avoid undermining global agreements such as the Paris agreement, which is a global symbol of joint cooperation and has strengthened multilateralism." Iran is concerned that Trump may also make good on his threat to pull out of the nuclear deal signed with the United States and five other world powers in 2015 that lifted sanctions in exchange for curbs to Tehran's atomic programme.
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New Delhi , May 31 : Here's new goal for an Indian traveler- planning visa-less international holidays!





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The Indian passport may be notoriously tricky to travel with, but there are still exotic destinations where travellers can pack their bags and explore, sans visa.Travel search engine Skyscanner has brought together five destinations, which India passport holders can tick off their bucket lists without the hassle of applying for visas.# Senegal: The African country is a lively destination with its buzzing markets, hip nightlife and fantastic cuisine. Indian travellers can visit the country without a visa for up to 90 days. During the stay, delve into African art and culture with over 9000 objects on display at the Musee Theodore Monod, or catch a breath-taking view of the city at the Pont Faidherbe. Mark the evening at the Theatre de L'Engouement that stages performance arts and concerts. Skyscanner's data reveals travellers can save 31 percent on the average fare if they travel in January.# Jamaica: The Caribbean vibe enraptures you as you enter Jamaica. Known for celebrating life to its full vigour, Jamaica is ideal for the laidback traveller. Firstly, music lovers can expect great bass and rhythm as the place is a powerhouse with local and international fusion at play. Eat delectable seafood and be sure to take a tour of the famed Blue Lagoon and a walk to the Reach falls. February is the cheapest month to visit Jamaica as travellers can avail 32 percent savings on the fare.# Nepal: The combination of stunning landscapes, architectural wonders, and colourful cities makes Nepal's exotic locale a great destination for independent travellers and group trekkers alike. The vibrant restaurant scene of Nepal's capital, Kathmandu offers a surprisingly vast choice of dining options, ranging from traditional Nepali restaurants to the best of European fine dining.Tourism is relatively new to Nepal with much of the land untouched and Indian travellers do not require a visa to enjoy Himalayan vistas. The best time to time to travel to Nepal is January, when you can save a 26 percent saving on flights.# Maldives: Find unparalleled luxury amidst sparkling sand - Maldives is the perfect beach haven for travellers and for a perfect stay, plan your travel in February where you can save eight percent on the air fare. The country is home to blue lagoons and coral reefs; and a rich underwater life with astonishing species like manta rays, turtles, sharks and even the world's largest fish - the whale shark. . Indians can visit the country without a visa for up to 90 days.# Mauritius: Mauritius gives you a postcard view of the Indian Ocean with sapphire-blue waters, powder-white beaches and, luxury resorts and Indian travellers can visit with no visa for a good 90 days. A wonderfully aromatic pot of flavours with influence from French, Chinese and Indian communities, Mauritius has some fancy names to boast of such as Lambic and Domaine. Recommended time to visit the island is in July as travellers can avail a seven percent saving on the ticket.# Bhutan: Surrounded in mystery and tranquillity, this mountain beauty celebrates its ethnicity as much as its growing urban culture. Best to book in February with a 23 percent saving on the fare as Bhutan boasts of being one of the most expensive locations in the world with a minimum tariff of 250 dollars a day! While the country has, a strong Buddhist connect, it also houses some of the finest boutique resorts and hotels. If history interests you then take a private tour of the Pashupatinath Temple and Swyambhunath Stupa. Indian travellers do not require a visa for Bhutan.
Slovakian FM appointed next UNGA President

United Nations, June 01 : Slovakian Foreign Minister Miroslav Lajcak has been appointed as the next United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) President to lead the 72nd session in September.





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Secretary-General Antonio Guterres' applauded Slovakia Foreign Minister's Election as President of General Assembly, while hailing outgoing leader's commitment, according to a UN statement."I warmly congratulate Foreign Minister Lajcak Miroslav on his election as General Assembly President. I had the fortune to get to know him as we each presented our vision for the United Nations to the Member States last year. Foreign Minister Lajcak has always demonstrated an impressive command of all aspects of United Nations action and a strong commitment to the principles that govern our work," said the Secretary-General.The General Assembly session on Wednesday elected 16 vice presidents, in addition to five vice presidents appointed by the permanent members of the Security Council.Lajcak will begin his tenure Sept. 12 at the helm of the 193-member UN body.
National Conference on Chemical (Industrial) Disaster Management (CIDM) organized

New Delhi , June 2 : Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FICCI) jointly with Petroleum and Natural Gas Regulatory Board (PNGRB), National Disaster Management Authority of India (NDMA) with the Government of Maharashtra as host and Government of Gujarat as state partners have come together to organize a National Conference on Chemical (Industrial) Disaster Management (CIDM): May 30-June 01, 2017, The Trident, Nariman Point, Mumbai.





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The three day conference witnessed participation of over 400 industry delegates from over 20 states. The main focus of the conference was to make industry globally safe by better emergency planning of accidents - onsite, offsite including isolated storage and special emphasis on chemical emissions. The conference would also provide a platform to companies to share their success stories, best practices and technologies to minimize accidents on production site and during transportation of Chemicals, Hazardous /Toxic Substances, Petroleum Products and Gases either through Pipelines or POL tankers.CIDM conferences attempt to redefine modalities of corporate participation in disaster management activities from the present involvement in post disaster activities to more focused prevention, preparedness and mitigation initiatives so as to be in sync with the initiatives of National Disaster Management Authority.Shri Nirankar Saxena, Assistant Secretary General FICCI welcomed all to the 30th edition of National Conference on CIDM. He elaborated on the role of FICCI which has been pioneering focused education, training and awareness programs to keep all industrial and societal stakeholders in national and international loop of global solutions to outstanding environmental and safety issues. He further stated the idea of private sector involvement in disaster management especially through technological and innovative products which can transform this sector and help in reducing vulnerability and mortality during Industrial and chemical disasters.Shri M P Ramachandran, Executive Committee member, FICCI in his speech elaborated on the Chemical Industrial Disaster Management as a subject of great urgency which affects human-kind. The sheer enormity of a chemical accident and its irrevocable consequences for employees, stakeholders and neighboring communities; demands that every effort must be made to ensure and stop chemical disasters. To that end, joint conferences on chemical industrial disaster management are made especially giving importance to prevention and management of chemical and industrial disasters which has been the focus for Industry Chambers like FICCI for more than twenty years.Dr. D N Sharma, Member NDMA stressed on regulatory regime in country and corporations should derive mileage of this so as to manage disasters efficiently with the involvement of the government machinery.Shri Subhash Rajaram Desai, Hon'ble Minister, Industries and Mining; Government of Maharashtra in his Keynote address expressed "India is developing as a key global player in the industrial and technology sector. Rapid industrialization has increased the hazard, risk and vulnerability to the industry and the environment.Major Chemical (Industrial) disasters are low in frequency but are very significant in the terms of loss of lives, injuries, environmental impact and property damage. While chemical accidents may occur whenever toxic materials are stored, transported or used, the most severe accidents are industrial accidents, involving major chemical manufacturing and storage facilities."Shri Chandrakant (Dada) Bachchu Patil, Hon'ble Minister Revenue, Relief and Rehabilitation, Public Works (excluding Public Undertakings); Government of Maharashtra accolade the conference in his Inaugural speech and also provided a prospective roadmap for the Chemical Industrial Disaster Management mitigation said "This conference will also attempt to redefine modalities of corporate participation in disaster management activities from the present involvement in post disaster management to more focused prevention, preparedness and mitigation so as to be a part of paradigm shift in approach to disaster management."Mr. Rubaab Sood Additional Director FICCI appealed to the government of Maharashtra and the industrial bodies of Maharashtra to join hands for the joint initiative of FICCI and UNISDR namely The Global United Fund for Resilient Risk Management (GUFRRM) which is the first of its kind in the world and worth 100-million-dollar fund. The aim of the project is to help the private sector in utilizing the innovations, research and new ideas for disaster risk management as a business model. Maharashtra state council will be coordinating its membership in western region.Lt. Gen (Dr). J R Bhardwaj; PVSM AVSM VSM PHS (Retd.) Hon'ble Chairman , CIDM Forum thanked Government of Maharashtra and Gujarat, all sponsors and supporters of the conference viz. globally accredited international agencies, NDMA, PNGRB, CIFs and all other institutions, knowledge partners, IITs and faculties, Universities, industries and industry associations who have sent eminent faculties and delegates for their participation in making this epoch event a grand success. He also thanked all the sponsors namely Government of Maharshtra, Directorate of Industrial Safety and Health (DISH), Gujarat Industrial Development Corporation, Gujarat State Petronet Ltd., GAIL (India) Ltd., Mahanagar Gas, Hindustan Petroleum(HPCL) and Indian Oil(IOCL) for their vehement support and sponsorship. He concluded by stating that this conference will provide a platform for exchange of information, best management practices and technical know-how to the entire industry fraternity for disaster risk reduction.The Three day conference witnessed of over 40 eminent speakers and more than 200 delegates Pan India. The conference discussed vital and diverse topics like Legislation, PCPIR & Emergency Scenarios and Outcomes in a Chemical Industry, Disaster Risk Reduction (Mitigation) and Preparedness in Chemical Industry, Safety Measures in Petroleum & Natural Gas Sector, Role of Responders in Disaster Risk Reduction etc.As a part of the CIDM (Conference on Industrial Disaster Management) organized by FICCI and the State Government of Maharashtra on May 30, 31, 2017 in Mumbai a mock exercise was conducted on June 1, 2017 at M/S.SI Group India Pvt. Limited, Navi Mumbai, producing petrochemical products. All the participants of CIDM from 11 states, Disaster Management Division of State, DISH, Thane District Authorities, MARG members and other first responders like Police, Fire & Emergency Response Services (FERS), medical services, NMMC, PRO and others, besides the industry responders participated in the exercise.The simulated scenario was initiated for an "onsite" emergency subsequently escalating to an "offsite" emergency calling for external responders. The unit has got adequate safety systems and the detailed 'onsite' plan for mitigation of any type of emergency/disaster. The casualties declared during the mock exercise were sent to designated government/private hospitals after TRIAGE in OHC of the unit. The response of MARG members was appreciable and the first responders were quick to rise to the occasion. The traffic was managed well without causing inconvenience to the public along the main Sion - Panvel highway.After the mock exercise, a debriefing was organized in which observers gave their inputs and participants shared their learning experience. From FICCI, Brig. (Dr.) B.K. Khanna , Consultant (DM) and former adviser NDMA coordinated the overall mock exercise.The mock was witnessed by Dr. D.N.Sharma, Member NDMA, State and District official Ms. Vandana Suryavanshi, IAS, ADM , Thane and members from DISH and FICCI.Overall the mock exercise was successful and was able to inculcate confidence in the neighboring community. It was also a unique learning experience for the CIDM participants who were mainly from the areas of industrial safety and health. A very positive feedback was received and a lot of fervor was seen amongst the many delegates towards disaster risk reduction and mitigation.
Dharmendra Pradhan lauds Haryana Govt. for its initiative of a Kerosene-free state

Gurugram (Haryana) , June 2 : Union Minister of State for Petroleum and Natural Gas Dharmendra Pradhan on Friday lauded the Haryana Government for its initiative to make the state Kerosene-free.





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"Also compliment Haryana Government for their initiative to make Haryana a Kerosene-free state," Pradhan said.Pradhan said he would ensure Dhaula Village is 100 percent LPG covered, adding that both the Central and the state government wou;d seek to achieve this objective.Haryana has become kerosene-free as the supply of the fuel has been stopped under the Public Distribution System from April 1.With an aim to provide smoke-free and healthy environment while cooking, the state government had decided to provide free-of-cost LPG connections under the Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana.
By Press Trust of India: Tenkasi (TN) Jun 4 (PTI) Fake currency with a face value of around Rs 1.4 crore has been seized following the arrest of two persons here, police said. Hassan (61) and Samidurai (49), who were found moving around suspiciously with a bag at the bus stand here were arrested yesterday, they said. A search revealed that they were carrying fake currency worth Rs six lakh with them.

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After questioning, police personnel seized fake currencies in Rs 2000, Rs 500 and Rs 100 denominations to the tune of Rs. 1,36,60,000 from Samidurai house. Police said a team had been keeping a watch at important places in Tirunelveli district following complaints that a gang was circulating fake currency notes. Apart from the fake currency notes, police also seized three xerox machines used by the two. The two could be part of a bigger gang, police said, adding they were being questioned regarding the places where they had circulated the fake notes. PTI COR SSN SS APR

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Russia won't veto UNSC's resolution on North Korea

Moscow [Russia], June 2 : Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Gennady Gatilov has said that Moscow is not going to veto the UN Security Council's resolution on North Korea which is scheduled to take place on Friday.





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"We are not going to do that. We believe that this (resolution) will be passed. There were discussions and many our concerns were taken into account. Some moments have been left, which we try to coordinate with partners now," Tass news agency quoted Gatilov as saying at the St. Petersburg International Economic Forum.He hoped that the resolution will get passed.North Korea had test fired the country's ninth new missile on Monday.North Korean leader Kim Jong-un had supervised the launch of Pukgukson-2 middle range ballistic missile.Condemning the missile test, the United Nations Security Council said that the current sanctions against North Korea could be expanded in future.
PM Modi interacts with Russian Governors on bilateral relationships

St. Petersburg [Russia], June 2 : Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday interacted with 16 Governors of various provinces of Russia.

Strengthing bonds w Russia's regions. PM @narendramodi attends first ever collective meeting with Governors of 16 regions of Russia pic.twitter.com/1YrmHArN8U  Gopal Baglay (@MEAIndia) June 2, 2017





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Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) spokesperson Gopal Baglay said that Prime Minister Modi attended the first ever collective meeting with Governors of Russia's 16 regions to strengthen bonds with them."Strengthing bonds w Russia's regions. PM @narendramodi attends first ever collective meeting with Governors of 16 regions of Russia," Baglay tweeted.Prime Minister Modi reiterated his vision that relationships between regions and provinces of two countries are a vital part of nurturing the bilateral relationship.He recalled warmly his visit to Astrakhan province of Russia in 2001, as the Chief Minister of Gujarat.The Governors explained opportunities for increasing interaction, people to people, and business links between their provinces, and India.The Governors who attended today's interaction included Governors of Arkhangelsk Oblast, Astrakhan Oblast, Irkutsk region, Moscow region, Primorye Territory, Republic of Kalmykia, Tatarstan, St. Petersburg, Sakhalin Oblast, Sverdlovsk Oblast, Tomsk Oblast, Tula Oblast, Ulyanovsk Oblast, Khabarovskiy Krai, Chelyabinsk Oblast, and Yaroslavl Oblast.Earlier, Prime Minister Modi hailed the ties between India and Russia that span the spectrum from Culture to Defence (Sanskriti se Suraksha) and said India welcomes Russia's unconditional support to India on the issue of cross border terrorism.He was addressing the media yesterday at the end of the 18th Annual India Russia Summit where he met Russian President Vladmir Putin."The ties between India and Russia span the spectrum from Culture to Defence (Sanskriti se Suraksha). 70 years of diplomatic relations between the two countries have been marked by a high degree of convergence on various bilateral and global matters," said the Prime Minister.The Prime Minister welcomed Russia's unconditional support to India on the issue of cross border terrorism.Earlier, Putin said no matter where the threat comes from, it is unacceptable and Russia will always support India in its fight against terror.India and Russia also issued the St. Petersburg Declaration, which Prime Minister described as a "benchmark of stability in a turbulent, interdependent and interconnected world".The Prime Minister described energy cooperation as one of the cornerstones of the relationship between India and Russia, and noted that this cooperation in the nuclear, hydrocarbon, and renewable energy sectors has been considerably deepened by the discussion and decisions taken today. In this context, he mentioned the agreement of Units 5 and 6 of the Kudankulam Nuclear Power Plant.The Prime Minister emphasized the role of the private sector in enhancing trade and commerical ties between the two countries, adding that India and Russia are close to achieving the target of 30 billion U.S. dollars worth of investment by 2025.Speaking on the theme of connectivity, the Prime Minister mentioned cooperation between the two countries in the International North South Transport Corridor. Among other initiatives, the Prime Minister mentioned the "bridge to innovation" to promote startups and entrepreneurship, and the forthcoming commencement of discussions on a Free Trade Agreement with the Eurasian Economic Union.Underlining the time-tested strategic dimension of the India Russia relationship, the Prime Minister mentioned the forthcoming first Tri-services exercise - INDRA 2017, between the two countries. Defence production Joint Ventures for the production of Kamov 226 helicopters and frigates were also mentioned.He said India's participation as a guest country in SPIEF and his address there today would further deepen economic cooperation between the two nations.On the cultural side, the Prime Minister said the deep awareness of Russian culture in India, and of Yoga and Ayurveda in Russia, was a matter of deep satisfaction.The Prime Minister welcomed and applauded President Putin's leadership in the growth of India-Russia relations.He also recalled his first visit to St. Petersburg as Chief Minister of Gujarat in 2001.Prime Minister Modi announced that a road in Delhi has been renamed after Ambassador Alexander Kadakin, whom he described as a friend of India, who passed away recently.Earlier, addressing CEOs of both countries, the Prime Minister invited Russian companies to invest in key sectors of the Indian economy, and particularly mentioned opportunities in the strategic sector.India and Russia signed five agreements in sectors covering nuclear energy, railways, gems and jewellery, traditional knowledge and cultural exchanges.The Prime Minister also paid homage to the heroic defenders and brave soldiers of the Battle of Leningrad, at the Piskarovskoye Cemetery.
EU to forge close ties with Russia

Moscow [Russia], June 3 : Responding to President Donald Trump's decision to pull the US out of the Paris climate agreement, the European Union is considering taking economic measures that could include halting trade talks, forging closer ties with Russia, and imposing heavy carbon taxes on US exports.





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The European Union has pledged to bypass Trump administration to work with U.S. business leaders and state governors to implement the historic accord's commitments .Russia Today reported that former EU Parliament President Martin Schulz has pledged to respond to Donald Trump's pullout by refusing to engage in transatlantic trade talks."If the US drops out of the climate agreement... for European trade policy, this means that American production sites don't need to abide by the climate goals," Germany's center-left chancellor candidate said on Thursday, speaking at the WDR Europa Forum in Berlin."That is a competitive distortion against which we can only protect ourselves by saying: Whoever wants to have access to our market - and the European market is the biggest market in the world - needs to respect the European standards," he addedBritish Prime Minister Theresa May faced criticism for not signing up a joint declaration by Germany, France and Italy in opposition to the US move.Donald Tusk, the president of the European council, described Trump's withdrawal from the Paris pact as a big mistake and said the fight against climate change would continue with or without the US."Strong transatlantic ties are far more important and far more durable than the latest unfortunate decisions of the new administration," Tusk said.Italy, France and Germany have issued a collective statement dismissing US President Donald Trump's suggestion of revising the global pact, hours after the latter decided to 'get out' from the Paris climate accord."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," the leaders of the three countries said in a rare joint statement.At his White House withdrawal announcement, Trump complained that the global agreement, signed by 197 countries during the previous Obama administration, was "unfair" to American workers that imposed "draconian" restrictions on the US sovereignty and domestic economic activities.Italian Prime minister Paolo Gentiloni, German Chancellor Angela Merkel and French President Emmanuel Macron reaffirmed their strongest commitment to swiftly implement the Paris accord and urged all the other partner countries "to spead up their action to combat climate change.""We are convinced that the implementation of the Paris Agreement offers substantial economic opportunities for prosperity and growth in our countries and on a global scale," the three leaders said.
Poonch: Civilian injured in ceasefire violation by Pak

Poonch (Jammu and Kashmir) , June 3 : At least one civilian has been injured in ceasefire violation by Pakistan in Jammu and Kashmir' Poonch sector on Saturday.





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The ceasefire violation started yesterday night at around 11 p.m.Meanwhile, the Indian Army posts are strongly retaliating to the firing from the other side.Small arms, automatics, 82 mm and 120 mm mortars were fired from Pakistan last night.Earlier on Thursday, Two civilians were injured in shelling by Pakistan at Krishna Ghati sector of Jammu and Kashmir.The Pakistani Army had 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 and effectively.
Saying that enough is enough, British Prime Minister Theresa May called the London attack a "brutal terrorist" strike that was "bound together" with the recent attacks in England by the "evil ideology of Islamist extremism".

By India Today Web Desk: British Prime Minister Theresa May gave out a strong statement on the London terror attack that claimed at least seven lives. Calling the attack a "brutal terrorist" strike, May called for a review of Britain's counter-terrorism preparedness while thanking the bravery and professionalism of the security agencies that responded to Saturday's attack.

Three militants drove a van at high speed into pedestrians on the London Bridge, killing one. The attackers got out and went on to stab people, killing six more and wounding nearly 50 others. Armed police responding to the incident gunned down the three male terrorists at the Borough Market.

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Noting that this was the third terror attack to strike England since March, Prime Minister May said while the strikes aren't connected by "common networks" they are "bound together by the single, evil ideology of Islamist extremism that preaches hatred, sows division, and promotes sectarianism".

Here is the full text of PM May's statement on the London terror attack (courtesy UK Prime Minister's Office):

Last night, our country fell victim to a brutal terrorist attack once again. As a result I have just chaired a meeting of the government's emergency committee and I want to update you with the latest information about the attack.

Shortly before 10:10 yesterday evening, the Metropolitan Police received reports that a white van had struck pedestrians on London Bridge. It continued to drive from London Bridge to Borough Market, where 3 terrorists left the van and attacked innocent and unarmed civilians with blades and knives.

All 3 were wearing what appeared to be explosive vests, but the police have established that this clothing was fake and worn only to spread panic and fear.

As so often in such serious situations, the police responded with great courage and great speed. Armed officers from the Metropolitan Police and the City of London Police arrived at Borough Market within moments, and shot and killed the 3 suspects. The terrorists were confronted and shot by armed officers within 8 minutes of the police receiving the first emergency call.

Seven people have died as a result of the attack, in addition to the 3 suspects shot dead by the police. Forty-eight people are being treated in several hospitals across London. Many have life-threatening conditions.

On behalf of the people of London, and on behalf of the whole country, I want to thank and pay tribute to the professionalism and bravery of the police and the emergency services - and the courage of members of the public who defended themselves and others from the attackers. And our thoughts and prayers are with the victims and with their friends, families and loved ones.

This is, as we all know, the third terrorist attack Britain has experienced in the last 3 months. In March, a similar attack took place, just around the corner on Westminster Bridge. Two weeks ago, the Manchester Arena was attacked by a suicide bomber. And now London has been struck once more.

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And at the same time, the security and intelligence agencies and police have disrupted 5 credible plots since the Westminster attack in March.

In terms of their planning and execution, the recent attacks are not connected. But we believe we are experiencing a new trend in the threat we face, as terrorism breeds terrorism, and perpetrators are inspired to attack not only on the basis of carefully-constructed plots after years of planning and training - and not even as lone attackers radicalised online - but by copying one another and often using the crudest of means of attack.

We cannot and must not pretend that things can continue as they are. Things need to change, and they need to change in 4 important ways.

First, while the recent attacks are not connected by common networks, they are connected in one important sense. They are bound together by the single, evil ideology of Islamist extremism that preaches hatred, sows division, and promotes sectarianism. It is an ideology that claims our Western values of freedom, democracy and human rights are incompatible with the religion of Islam. It is an ideology that is a perversion of Islam and a perversion of the truth.

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Defeating this ideology is one of the great challenges of our time. But it cannot be defeated through military intervention alone. It will not be defeated through the maintenance of a permanent, defensive counter-terrorism operation, however skilful its leaders and practitioners. It will only be defeated when we turn people's minds away from this violence - and make them understand that our values - pluralistic, British values - are superior to anything offered by the preachers and supporters of hate.

Second, we cannot allow this ideology the safe space it needs to breed. Yet that is precisely what the internet - and the big companies that provide internet-based services - provide. We need to work with allied, democratic governments to reach international agreements that regulate cyberspace to prevent the spread of extremism and terrorist planning. And we need to do everything we can at home to reduce the risks of extremism online.

Third, while we need to deprive the extremists of their safe spaces online, we must not forget about the safe spaces that continue to exist in the real world. Yes, that means taking military action to destroy ISIS in Iraq and Syria. But it also means taking action here at home. While we have made significant progress in recent years, there is - to be frank - far too much tolerance of extremism in our country.

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So we need to become far more robust in identifying it and stamping it out - across the public sector and across society. That will require some difficult and often embarrassing conversations, but the whole of our country needs to come together to take on this extremism - and we need to live our lives not in a series of separated, segregated communities but as one truly United Kingdom.

Fourth, we have a robust counter-terrorism strategy that has proved successful over many years. But as the nature of the threat we face becomes more complex, more fragmented, more hidden, especially online, the strategy needs to keep up. So in light of what we are learning about the changing threat, we need to review Britain's counter-terrorism strategy to make sure the police and security services have all the powers they need.

And if we need to increase the length of custodial sentences for terrorism-related offences, even apparently less serious offences, that is what we will do.

Since the emergence of the threat from Islamist-inspired terrorism, our country has made significant progress in disrupting plots and protecting the public. But it is time to say enough is enough. Everybody needs to go about their lives as they normally would. Our society should continue to function in accordance with our values. But when it comes to taking on extremism and terrorism, things need to change.

As a mark of respect the 2 political parties have suspended our national campaigns for today. But violence can never be allowed to disrupt the democratic process. So those campaigns will resume in full tomorrow. And the general election will go ahead as planned on Thursday.

As a country, our response must be as it has always been when we have been confronted by violence. We must come together, we must pull together, and united we will take on and defeat our enemies.

ALSO READ | London Bridge attacks: Why terror can't be stopped, quicker response only option

ALSO READ | How UK and world leaders reacted to news of the London terror attacks

ALSO WATCH | India vs Pakistan: Security beefed up in Birmingham after London terror attacks

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PM Modi meets French President Macron at Elysee Palace

Paris [France], June 3 : Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday met newly elected French President Emmanuel Macron at Elysee Palace in Paris.





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"A meeting to mark a new warmth and friendship. PM @narendramodi meets new French President Emmanuel Macron in Paris," Ministry of External Affairs Spokesperson Gopal Baglay tweeted.Prime Minister Modi earlier arrived in Paris for the final leg of his six-day, four-nation tour of Europe.Earlier on Friday, Modi, as Prime Minister attended for the first time the St. Petersburg International Economic Forum, an annual business and economic event hosted by the Russian President in city of St. Petersburg.The Indian Prime Minister asked the Russian business fraternity to explore the immense opportunities in the field of defence, services sector and manufacturing healthcare equipments in India."The eyes of the world are on Asia and there is renewed interest in India. In the last three years there have been substantial reforms guided by the principle of 'Minimum Government, Maximum Governance. India is one of the fastest growing economies and is undertaking reforms at a rapid pace," he said.He said India has taken various reformist measures to ward off red-tapism and has brought in transparency into the system.He also attended a collective meeting of Governors of 16 regions of Russia.On the sidelines of the event, Prime Minister Modi met UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres, Austrian Chancellor Christian Kern, and Chairman of the Eurasian Economic Union Tigran Sargasyan.
Army Chief Bipin Rawat reviews security in LoC

Srinagar (Jammu and Kashmir) , June 4 : Chief of Army Staff General Bipin Rawat on Saturday visited northern Kashmir where he was briefed on the security and logistical preparedness of the security forces along the Line of Control (LoC).





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General Rawat was appreciative of the measures put in place to meet any challenges posed by the elements inimical to the national security and complimented the troops for the recent successfull counter-infiltration operations.Exhorting all the soldiers deployed in the Valley, the Army Chief reassured them of the entire nation's pride and support for their endeavours. He said that it was a privilege for every soldier to be entrusted with the safety, security and integrity of the country.General Bipin Rawat accompanied by five Army commanders is on a two-day visit to Srinagar.The Army Chief also called on Jammu and Kashmir Governor N.N. Vohra to discuss the internal and external security management issues and the steps required to be taken for more effectively dealing with terrorist activities.
Netaji's kin demands SIT to unravel mystery behind his death

Kolkata (West Bengal), June 4 : Grandnephew of Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose and Bengal BJP?vice-president Chandra Kumar Bose has urged the Central Government to constitute a Special Investigation Team (SIT) to unravel the mystery behind the freedom fighter's demise.





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Bose has also asserted that the SIT should comprise of members from the Prime Minister's Office (PMO), and the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) and a member from their family.Bose later took to Twitter to reiterate his stand on the issue."If the Govt. Of India seriously wants to solve #NetajiMystery , a Special Investigation Team must be formed with immediate effect," he tweeted.According to reports, Bose has even sought an appointment with Prime Minister Narendra Modi to press for this demand.The recent RTI disclosure from the Centre, declaring that Netaji died in the plane crash, drew flak and severe criticism not only from the members of the Bose family, but also from the Bengal unit of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and other Opposition parties.For years now, Chandra Kumar Bose has led the section of people, who have raised doubts against the theory that Netaji died in an air-crash in Taiwan on August 18, 1945.While demanding that Prime Minister Modi starts negotiations with the governments of Russia, England and Japan to solve the mystery, the Chandra Kumar faction has even asked for the declassification of secret files with the Centre.
BRICS Media Forum to be held in Beijing next week

Beijing [China], June 4 : The BRICS Media Forum will be held in Beijing from June 7 to 8 and will be attended by the leaders of 25 media groups from Brazil, India, China and South Africa.





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China, which took over the BRICS presidency this year, will host the ninth BRICS Summit in September in Xiamen in the eastern Fujian Province. The summit will be held under the theme "BRICS: Stronger Partnership for a Brighter Future".The attendees will discuss topics including multimedia innovation for media development, as well as media outlets' duty and social responsibility, Xinhua reported.The forum next week aims to improve the high-end dialogue platform for the mainstream media of the BRICS countries as well as advance innovation and promote fairness and justice of international public opinion.During the forum, there will be a BRICS Media Joint Photo Exhibition to show the development and cooperation achievements of BRICS.Proposed by Xinhua, the forum is jointly organised by the mainstream media groups of BRICS countries.Chinese Xi Jinping had reportedly highlighted five key priority areas which include deepening cooperation, strengthening global governance, carrying out people-to-people exchanges, making institutional improvements and building broader partnerships.The BRICS comprises of Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa. The inaugural summit was held in Yekaterinburg, Russia, in 2009.
Congress dubs booklet gaffe as 'clerical mistake'

New Delhi , June 4 : Commenting on the faux pas of releasing a booklet with Jammu and Kashmir shown as Indian occupied Kashmir, the Congress party on Sunday said it was 'a clerical mistake.'





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Congress leader Shakeel Ahmed asserted that Kashmir is an integral part of the nation and that the portion illegitimately occupied by Pakistan belongs to India."It might have been a clerical printing mistake. Kashmir is a part of India. The Congress party believes that even the portion of Kashmir which is occupied by Pakistan illegitimately is also India's. This might be a printing mistake," said Ahmed.Another Congress leader Raj Babbar said that the people responsible for the printing of the pamphlet have admitted their mistake and that there was no need to make an issue out of the matter."People who were responsible for the printing of the pamphlet have given their statements. We should not make this an issue," said Babbar.The Congress party yesterday stirred a controversy when its senior leader Ghulam Nabi Azad released a booklet with a map of Jammu and Kashmir shown as Indian occupied Kashmir.The wrong map on Kashmir was published on page 12 of the 15-page booklet titled "National Security Endangered. Bravado, Rhetoric, Hyperbole Rules" about the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor.
The notice has been sent to transport minister Yunus Khan and agriculture minister Prabhulal Saini, considered close confidantes of Chief Minister Vasundhara Raje.

By Dev Ankur Wadhawan: Senior Rajasthan BJP leader Ghanshyam Tiwari has sent legal notice to two ministers in the Rajasthan government.

The notice has been sent to transport minister Yunus Khan and agriculture minister Prabhulal Saini, considered close confidantes of Chief Minister Vasundhara Raje. It seeks apology and retraction of the statements attributed to the ministers in reference to Tiwari. In the legal notice, allegations leveled against Twiari have been termed as completely untrue, misleading and baseless.

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The ministers, Prabhulal Saini and Yunus Khan, after a series of allegations leveled by Tiwari against Chief Minister Vasundhara Raje, reportedly asked Tiwari to explain how did he acquire vast areas of land.

Tiwari, in response, issued a release mentioning the CM is perturbed as members of Deendayal Vahini, an organization he founded, gave a memorandum to the Lokayukta on May 25 against the CM's attempt to usurp for life government bungalow worth more than 2000 crore and is getting such statements issued by her ministers.

Tiwari stated he has sworn to protect the property of Rajasthan's people and that he will not let it be robbed at any cost. Tiwari had, on various previous occasions, challenged the state leadership claiming that there was dissatisfaction in the BJP cadre owing to Chief Minister Vasundhara Raje and even demanded her removal from the CM's position.

Also Read:

BJP Central Disciplinary Committee issues notice to senior Rajasthan BJP leader

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India believes in 'Sabka Saath Sabka Vikas' on international level: PM Modi

St. Petersburg [Russia] June 4 : Prime Minister Narendra Modi has said that India wants to carry along everyone with development, adding that the nation believes in 'Sabka Saath Sabka Vikas' not only at domestic level but also at international level.





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"We believe in 'Sabka Saath Sabka Vikas' (Cooperation of all, development for all). This is not just for domestic programmes but also for international cooperation. We want to carry everyone along for development," the Prime Minister said during a panel discussion at the St. Petersburg International Economic Forum.He shared the stage with Russian President Vladimir Putin and the leaders of Austria and Moldova."When we talk about world today then we will have to focus on the present as things have changed since 20-30 years. It is not the same bipolar world as before when nations were aligned either with the United States or the former Soviet Union. Today the entire world is inter-connected and inter-dependent. Therefore, you can see that every country is in some way or the other connected with each other," Prime Minister Modi added."There will be some dispute related issues and at some place there will be collaboration as well but everybody is walking together. The bond between Russia and India is based on faith and trust," the Prime Minister asserted.He said that the 24-page St. Petersburg Declaration, released on Thursday after the summit with the Russian President, is a testament to India-Russia relation."I know the world will minutely scrutinize every word for future direction of our relations. Like Russia and China, it is true that we also have a border dispute with China. But in the last 40 years, not a single bullet has been fired because of it," Prime Minister Modi said.He added that despite the differences, New Delhi and Beijing have come together on the BRICS platform to create two financial institutions, one headed by China where India is a partner and one BRICS Bank where the two regional superpowers are collaborators.
Champaign, IL (61820)

Today

Sunny. High 73F. Winds S at 15 to 25 mph. Higher wind gusts possible..

Tonight

Clear to partly cloudy. Low near 45F. SSE winds shifting to WNW at 10 to 20 mph.
By Press Trust of India: Shimla, Jun 4 (PTI) Seven government doctors have been suspended for their alleged involvement private practice and wilful absence while some other doctors are under the lens.

Health and Family Planning Minister Kaul Singh said these doctors were not performing their duties properly and were also involved in private practice.

He said government doctors are barred from doing private practice and therefore an inquiry is being conducted against these professionals.

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He said the state government has taken serious note of the fact that the doctors remained absent from hospitals illegally and hence they were placed under suspension.

The suspended doctors include Dr Prashant Rana, Medical Officer, Regional Hospital (RH) Chamba; Dr Dinesh Thakur, Medical officer, RH Bilaspur; Dr Ashwani Sammi, Medical Officer, RH Chamba; Dr Pankaj Sharma, Medical Officer, Community Health Centre (CHC), Nalagarh, District Solan; Dr. Arvind Sharma, Medical Officer, CHC Kangra; Dr. Deepak Thakur, Medical Officer, Bilaspur; and Dr. Pankaj Sharma, Medical Officer, RH Bilaspur.

They have been attached with the Directorate of Health Services, Shimla, and have been asked not leave headquarters without permission of competent authority. PTI PCL TIR

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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.
Audi's emissions scandal flared up again on 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 such wrongdoing in its home country.The German Transport Ministry said it has asked Volkswagen's luxury division to recall around 24,000 A7 and A8 models built between 2009 and 2013, about half of which were sold in Germany.VW Chief Executive Matthias Mueller was summoned to the Berlin-based ministry on Thursday, a ministry spokesman said, without elaborating. VW didn't return calls seeking comment.The affected Audi models with so-called Euro-5 emission standards emit about twice the legal limit of nitrogen oxides when the steering wheel is turned more than 15 degrees, the ministry said.It is also the first time that Audi's top-of-the-line A8 saloon has been implicated in emissions cheating. VW has said to date that the emissions-control software found in its rigged EA 189 diesel engine does not violate European law.The 80,000 3.0-liter vehicles affected by VW's emissions cheating scandal in the United States included Audi A6, A7 and Q7 models as well as Porsche and VW brand cars.[caption id="attachment_1406195" align="alignnone" width="875"] Audi Q7. (Image: News18.com)[/caption]The ministry said it has issued a June 12 deadline for Audi to come up with a comprehensive plan to refit the cars.Ingolstadt-based Audi issued a recall for the 24,000 affected models late on Thursday, some 14,000 of which are registered in Germany, and said software updates will start in July. It will continue to cooperate with Germany's KBA motor vehicle authority, Audi said.When Audi's headquarters were raided by prosecutors on March 15 in connection with the emissions fraud, Chief Executive Rupert Stadler said investigations into the scandal were far from over, promising to keep at it until the work was done.A source close to Audi said problems in the interaction between transmission and engine control units are to blame for the emissions overshoot. A proposal for a fix has already been submitted to the KBA, the source said, declining to elaborate.
New Delhi: The Aadhaar card has now been made mandatory for government subsidy on purchase of kerosene and benefits of Atal Pension Yojana.



Those availing kerosene subsidy or contributing for the pension scheme will now be required to furnish proof of possession of Aadhaar number or undergo the enrollment process to get the benefits, officials said on Sunday.



The last date to get the Aadhaar or enrolment for getting it will be September 30, in case of Kerosene subsidy.



For the Atal Pension Yojana, the deadline for getting the Aadhaar is June 15, they said, quoting an official order.



However, till an Aadhaar card is obtained, ration card, driving licence, voter identity card, Kisan passbook with photo, job card issued under the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme (MGNREGS) and a certificate issued by a gazetted officer or a tehsildar will be considered as proof of identity for the benefits.



It has been also decided to link the Aadhaar number with the ration card issued to households availing the benefits or with the bank account for cash transfer benefit.



The Ministry of Oil and Natural Gas has introduced Direct Benefit Transfer through which subsidy is transferred directly to the bank accounts of the beneficiaries, who purchase the PDS kerosene at non-subsidised rate.



The decision to make Aadhaar mandatory for these two schemes will prevent leakages of subsidies and ensure that the beneficiaries get their due.



For this, the central government has invoked Section 7 of the Aadhaar Act, 2016, which mandates that when the government gives subsidy, benefit or service from the Consolidated Fund of India (CFI), an individual can be asked to undergo authentication or furnish proof of possession of Aadhaar.



The Centre allocates subsidised kerosene to the states and Union Territories as affordable cooking fuel for domestic use, mainly to those living below the poverty line.



Under the Atal Pension Yojana, which is available to all the citizens in the age group of 18-40 years, a subscriber would receive a minimum guaranteed pension of Rs 1,000 to Rs 5,000 per month, depending upon his contribution, from the age of 60 years.



The same pension would be paid to the spouse of the subscriber and on the demise of both the subscriber and the spouse, the accumulated pension wealth is returned to the nominee.
New Delhi: A court in the capital has convicted a man for whipping his alcoholic father to death for selling his mobile phone to buy more liquor, saying that in a fit of rage he hammered a man "who brought him in this beautiful world".



The court, however, diluted the charge of murder to culpable homicide not amounting to murder under the IPC, noting that the motive of Sandeep Tiwari was to get his mobile phone back and he never wanted to kill his father.



"Accused felt that his father had done a terrible wrong by selling off his mobile. In his zeal to reclaim and retrieve his mobile, he hammered a man, albeit under fit of rage, who brought him in this beautiful world.



"However, the prime interest and motive of accused was to somehow get back his mobile or to reach that man who had purchased the same from his father. He never wanted to kill his father," Additional Sessions Judge Manoj Jain said.



The court observed that Tiwari was a young man who must have felt fumed and annoyed on learning about such fact.



"Mobile is a prized possession for any youngster. He must be finding it hard to live without the same," it said.



The judge said there was no premeditation and the weapon, too, "was a mere danda (stick)" picked up from the house itself.



"Action of accused is outrageous and shocking but I strongly feel that a fleeting impulse of exasperation and frustration overpowered his logical thinking and in the heat of unwarranted obsession, he gave him whipping. To his misfortune, the injuries proved fatal," the judge said.



The judge, however, noted that the manner in which he "bludgeoned" his father showed that he had knowledge that his act might result in his death.



As per the police, on the intervening night of June 27- 28, 2016 when Tiwari found out that his father had sold his mobile phone to purchase liquor, he brutally assaulted him with a stick, till he died.



On the complaint lodged by the tenants of the victim, the police arrested the accused and filed a charge sheet against him for the offence of murder under section 302 of the IPC.



The investigation revealed that his father had a habit of selling household articles for alcohol and used to beat and abuse his wife and his children.



During the trial, the man had admitted to the quarrel with his father but denied beating him up.
By Press Trust of India: Vadodara, Jun 3 (PTI) Police today seized Indian Made Foreign Liquor (IMFL) and beer bottles worth Rs 36.59 lakh from a truck at a toll booth at Bharthan village in the district.

Acting on a tip-off, personnel of the Rapid Response cell under the Vadodara Range of Inspector General of Police (IGP) intercepted a truck on national highway eight and seized the IMFL and beer bottles, G S Malik, IGP, Vadodara Range told PTI.

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One M Indra Thapa, a native of Nepal and a resident of Valsad district was arrested and a case under relevant sections of Gujarat Prohibition Act has been registered, Malik added.

Sale and consumption of liquor is prohibited in Gujarat. PTI COR NRB

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In order to finish off the Naxals, the state created and armed ragtag militias of tribals under its Salwa Judum campaign. (Photo Credits: Suhas Munshi/News18.com)
Sixteen fractures, eight surgeries, teaching five batches of fifteen students in one day and no family support  the story of Ummul Kher, who cleared the Union Public Services Commission exam recently, is not an ordinary one.My success is not about me against my family. It is in fact about the larger problems ailing the society  the way semi-literate and illiterate people who pull rickshaws or mend shoes perceive college as; they have a very misogynistic and distorted view, she tells News18, adding that she'd be meeting her parents very soon.My dreams gave me the energy to go forward. My parents are proud of me now, but there was a time when they werent and it wasnt easy, says Ummul.Years after they withdrew all support to her education, her parents in Rajasthan are now ecstatic about her success.The word college has been demonised because of the influence of popular culture on the minds of semi-literate people. They see colleges as a medium of merry making, she says, adding that her own stint as a teacher cemented her view.To be able to pay her rent and tuition, she was a tutor to almost 75 students every day, which is where she saw young girls afraid of pursuing higher education. For a girl to say she wants to pursue higher education, it means that she has to explain why she is doing what she is doing.There are girls who have a hard timing convincing their parents that going to college doesnt mean being spoiled. Im going to work towards education. My own life changed after getting admitted to Jawahar Lal Nehru University. They provided me with accommodation, food and I only had to concentrate on my academics, she says.Its disheartening to see people not prosper because of not being allowed to go to college. The notion of higher education in the society needs to change, she adds.


We have agreed to most of the demands.... Some peoples agenda is set. They want to create a situation of anarchy in the state and so they do not want the strike to end, Fadnavis said.



A committee will be formed to decide the details of loan waiver and it will ensure that needy farmers are not left out while wrong persons do not benefit

Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis has announced the biggest-ever farm loan waiver, but it failed to comepletely quell the protests as some farmers leaders said they were not calling off the strike that began on June 1.The Maharashtra CM announced that the loan waiver will come into force by October 31, 2017, and will be restricted to small and marginal farmers with land holdings of five acres. He said that an estimated 40 lakh farmers are estimated to benefit from the step.The government will waive loans of farmers with small land-holding, and 80 per cent of such farmers in Vidarbha and Marathwada will benefit, Fadnavis said at a press conference after late-night talks with leaders of farmers.As some sections of protesting farmers refused to call off the agitation, Fadnavis alleged that some people are trying to create anarchy in the state by using farmers.We have agreed to most of the demands.... Some peoples agenda is set. They want to create a situation of anarchy in the state and so they do not want the strike to end, he said, without naming the opposition Congress and NCP.This will be the first loan waiver to farmers in suicide-prone regions. No state in the country has given acomplete loan waiver to farmers, Fadnavis said.In a tweet, the chief minister said this was going to be the biggest-ever loan waiver. Fadnavis also denied that he tried to create a rift between agitating farmers. We have agreed to their demands, he said.NCP chief Sharad Pawar said strike was called by farmers and not by any political party. "The strike has taken place only because the government had fallen asleep. The Chief Minister has tried to create a rift between farmers to stop the strike, Pawar alleged.Fadnavis said a committee will be formed to decide the details of loan waiver and it will ensure that needy farmers are not left out while wrong persons do not benefit, which happened in earlier loan waivers. The committee will have representatives of farmers too.Another decision taken by the government is to make it a criminal offence to pay farmers less than the minimum support price (MSP) for their produce, and a law for this will be enacted during the monsoon session of legislature, he said.The state commission for agricultural produce will be set up within a month, he said, adding that a decision on increasing minimum prices of milk will be taken by June 20, Fadnavis said.While the chief minister agreed to grant the main demand of farmers, which was loan waiver, it emerged during the day that there was no consensus among their leaders about calling off the protest, which continued in many places, blocking supply of milk and vegetables.Prices of vegetables and fruits kept rising in cities including Mumbai due to drastic fall in supply from production centres like Nashik and Ahmednagar.A group of farmers from Puntambe village in Ahmednagar met Fadnavis last night and promised that the strike would be called off. The strike is withdrawn, Fadnavis tweeted.But later in the day, the Kisan Kranti Morcha leader, Samjay Patil Ghatnekar, said the strike was still on. The government tried to create a rift between farmers, he added.Facing flak, Jayaji Suryavanshi, who led the delegation to Fadnavis, apologised for calling off the stir.The strike was only called off temporarily. But if farmers want it to continue, I am with them, he said.At least 113 farmers were held during the protests across the state since last night for resorting to violent methods like damaging public property, arson, etc, during the protest, said Bipin Bihari, Additional Director General of Police (Law and Order).
Saharanpur: Two persons were on Saturday arrested in connection with the violence in the district on May 9 in which a police chowki and 20 vehicles were set ablaze, even as the authorities restored Internet services in the district.



Additional Superintendent of Police Prtabal Pratap Singh said that two main accused, Rajan and Kadam Singh alias Shivam were arrested by the SIT with the help of local police.



During interrogation, Rajan and Kadam have confessed to their involvement in the violence, another senior police officer claimed.



The two have been sent to jail.



Meanwhile, Saharanpur DM P K Pandey said that the Internet services have been restored in the district but the administration is keeping an eye on social media through surveillance teams of Saharanpur, Meerut and Lucknow.



On May 9, a police chowki was burnt, over 20 vehicles torched while several instances of stone-pelting and clashes were reported from across Saharanpur.
Hyderabad: A man dumped the body of his daughter, who had allegedly committed suicide, in a drain as he did not have money for conducting her last rites, police said on Saturday.



According to the Mailardevpally police, Pentaiah (45), who works in a chemical factory, dumped the body of his daughter, who allegedly committed suicide on May 5 by hanging from a ceiling fan.



Pentaiah threw the body into a drain near his house on the outskirts of the city. The highly decomposed body parts were found floating in the drain on May 31.



The police said Pentaiah's son too had allegedly committed suicide last year.



He told police that his daughter Bhavani committed suicide on May 5.



"There was an allegation that she was involved in a theft case. Pentaiah told us that he disposed of the body by dumping in the drain as he did not have money for funeral.



"When the locals informed us about the floating skull, we started inquiries. It was revealed that Bhavani was missing for the past few days. We questioned the father who confessed to the act," Mailardevpally police-sub inspector J Nagachary told PTI.



The police registered a case and are investigating the matter.


I am looking at women coming as jawans. I am going to start it soon. Firstly, we will start with women as military police jawans, Army chief said.

In a transformational move, the Indian Army is all set to open up combat positions for women, a gender barrier broken by only a few countries globally.Army Chief Gen Bipin Rawat said the process to allow women in combat role, currently an exclusive domain of men, is moving fast and initially women will be recruited for positions in military police."I am looking at women coming as jawans. I am going to start it soon. Firstly, we will start with women as military police jawans," he said, giving details of the move to allow women in the male-dominated positions in the Army.Currently women are allowed in a number of select areas including in medical, legal, educational, signals and engineering wings of the Army but combat roles are kept off limit for them due to operational concerns and logistical issues.The Army Chief said he was ready to recruit women as jawans and the matter is being taken up with the government. We have already started the process, Gen Rawat said.He said women will have to show grit and strength in taking up challenges in combat role and shattering the glass ceiling.Very few countries including Germany, Australia, Canada, the US, Britain, Denmark, Finland, France , Norway, Sweden and Israel have allowed women in combat roles.The roles of military police include policing the cantonments and army establishments, prevent breach of rules and regulations by soldiers, maintaining movement of soldiers as well as logistics during peace and war, handling prisoners of war and extending aid to civil police whenever required.Creating history, the Indian Air Force, last year, had inducted three women as fighter pilots, less than a year after the government decided to open the fighter stream for women on an experimental basis.A decision on having women as fighter pilots will be taken after evaluating performance of the three women  Avani Chaturvedi, Bhawana Kanth and Mohana Singh who are now part of IAFs fighter squadron.The Indian Navy is also currently deliberating on a policy on having women onboard the ships. The Navy allows women in various other segments including in legal, logistics, naval architecture and engineering departments.
T 2443 - June 3, 1973 .. 44 years of marriage .. thank you all for the wishes you send .. grateful and filled with love .. !! pic.twitter.com/Pl1eegkAEQ  Amitabh Bachchan (@SrBachchan) June 2, 2017

T 2443 - June 3, 1973 .. 44 years of marriage .. thank you all for the wishes you send .. grateful and filled with love .. !! pic.twitter.com/Pl1eegkAEQ  Amitabh Bachchan (@SrBachchan) June 2, 2017

T 2444 - Up and away to Malta for the 1st schedule of TOH .. Thugs of Hindostan .. Glory be .. !! pic.twitter.com/DEx4jHuLq5  Amitabh Bachchan (@SrBachchan) June 3, 2017

Amitabh Bachchan is known to glorify every special occasion in his life with beautiful words and memories, Recently, the actor celebrated his 44th wedding anniversary with wife Jaya Bachchan and shared beautiful memories from the past with his followers. The actor also thanked all his fans for all the love and good wishes."June 3, 1973,44 years of marriage...Thank you all for the wishes you send. Grateful and filled with love," Amitabh tweeted.The 74-year-old actor went down memory lane and shared some details about his marriage on his blog "And as I set out from Mangal' a rented house of mine in JVPD scheme, 7th Road...in my newly acquired second hand Pontiac Sports, two door, with ma and babuji with me...My driver Nagesh, now passed away, insisting on driving me to an apartment of Jaya's family friend at Malabar Hill," Big B wrote on his blog.He added: "On June 3, 1973, a few drops of rain began to fall...Our neighbour ran out of their house and excitedly screamed to us...hurry to the wedding, its raining, a good omen'. It's been 44 years since."On the joyous occasion, Abhishek Bachchan also wished his parents on Instagram.Credit: @ Abhishek Bachchan On the acting front, Amitabh currently has two films in his kitty -- "Thugs Of Hindostan" and "102 Not Out". He has already left for the first schedule of Thugs Of Hindostan, where he will be seen sharing space with Aamir Khan, Katrina Kiaf and Fatima Sana Shaikh. The actor posted pictures of him boarding flight to Malta, where the shooting is about to begin.In 102 Not Out, he will be seen with veteran actor Rishi Kapoor after two decades on the silver screen. He will be playing Kapoor's 102-year-old father.
My friend @mkoirala new film Dear Maya is out today. She is so beautiful in more ways than anyone can imaginedo go and see her film please.  Shah Rukh Khan (@iamsrk) June 3, 2017

Superstar Shah Rukh Khan has praised his Dil Se co-star Manisha Koirala, calling her beautiful in more ways than anyone can imagine, and requested people to go watch her latest film "Dear Maya".The 51-year-old on Saturday wished Manisha good luck for her film "Dear Maya", directed by debutante Sunaina Bhatnagar."My friend Manisha Koirala's new film 'Dear Maya' is out today. She is so beautiful in more ways than anyone can imagine... Do go and see her film please," Shah Rukh tweeted.Dear Maya, which released on Friday, tells the story about a middle-aged lady named Maya Devi, who leaves her home in search of love.Shah Rukh is currently busy with filmmaker Aanand L. Rai's upcoming film, where he is reportedly playing a dwarf. The film also stars Katrina Kaif and Anushka Sharma.
New Delhi: Senior JD(U) leader Sharad Yadav has indicated that opposition parties will fight the presidential poll if the BJP proposes a candidate with strong Hindutva leanings, suggesting that those who believe in 'love jihad' are not bound by the Constitution.



Yadav, seen as one of the choices of the Congress-led opposition if it fights the poll next month, said a consensus on the BJP-led NDA candidate can emerge if the name proposed by the ruling alliance believes in the Constitution and is bound by the constitutional propriety.



"If they (BJP) propose a name who believes in the Constitution, who understands it and believe in its propriety, then there can be a consensus. We will talk," the Rajya Sabha member told PTI.



Asked to elaborate, he spoke of 'love jihad' and 'ghar wapsi', two issues linked to some Hindutva organisations, and said these run against the Constitution.



"In their three years of rule they have done things outside the Constitution, like 'love jihad'. Where is it written in the Constitution? Our Constitution, in fact, allows adults to marry people of their choice irrespective of castes and religions.



"They have attacked this concept. They do nothing to remove caste barriers but practise 'ghar wapsi'. Opposition parties will support a candidate who believes in the Constitution," he said.



Opposition parties have been in talks to put up their own candidate for the election to the top constitutional post and Congress chief Sonia Gandhi had recently hosted a lunch in which 17 parties, including the Left, the SP, the BSP, the RJD and the JD (U), had participated.



BJP president Amit Shah had recently said his party will speak to opposition parties over its choice of presidential candidate after it consults its allies.



He had, however, sidestepped a query on whether he will seek a consensus, saying "consensus is a word which is used in many ways".



The numbers in the electoral college favour the ruling NDA, more so after it won the Uttar Pradesh Assembly polls with a massive majority and later drew support from the YSRCP, an Andhra-based party.



The TRS, which is in power in Telangana, has hinted that it may support the NDA, which also hopes to get backing from both factions of the AIADMK in the poll.
Hyderabad: Union minister M Venkaiah Naidu on Sunday hit back at opposition parties for accusing Prime Minister Narendra Modi of being "authoritarian", saying they had "completely forgotten the dark days of Emergency" clamped by Indira Gandhi.



Naidu, who holds the portfolio of information and broadcasting, claimed that as more leaders of opposition parties were "getting trailed for their deeds of corruption", they were finding the prime minister authoritarian.



The comments came after some opposition leaders alleged that Modi and the RSS were trying to impose "one idea" on the country and that the prime minister was unilaterally making all the decisions.



The remarks were made by leaders during a meeting on the occasion of 94th birthday of veteran politician M Karunanidhi in Chennai.



Naidu claimed the level and quality of such criticism revealed the unbridgeable disconnect between those parties and the people of the county.



He said it showed the mounting frustration of opposition parties over the growing appeal of the prime minister among the people and steady political expansion of the BJP since 2014.



"While accusing the prime minister of being authoritarian, these leaders have completely forgotten the dark days of Emergency clamped by former prime minister Indira Gandhi. The dubious theory of Indira is India and India is Indira...," Naidu told reporters.



He also claimed that there was "denigration of the dignity and authority of the institution of the prime minister during the 10 years of the UPA rule" and a "gross abuse of power for personal and family gains during the Congress rule".



"What is more amazing is that the communists seem to have forgotten all the hoary past under the Congress and their own rule. This amnesia could only be explained by their getting rolled out of the country's political canvas," he claimed.



Naidu said Modi was making full use of the authority given to him by people in all responsibility to make a difference their lives.



His "decisive and courageous" use of such authority was already evident in the way corruption was being wiped out, governance was being improved and people being made partners in development planning and execution, he claimed.



He said Modi, from day one in office, has been stressing on making the people partners in policy making and implementation. Naidu said there was a difference in a Prime Minister being assertive and being authoritarian.



"Modi is an assertive prime minister for sure and that is what the people of the country would like him to be. He can never be authoritarian as he has no personal agenda unlike the others the country has seen," he said.



He said the opposition leaders who congregated in Chennai voiced concern over the idea of 'One India' of the prime minister and the NDA government.



"Yes, the prime minister firmly believes in One Idea of India and that being a developed India built collectively by all the Indians irrespective of their colour, creed, caste, religion and region," said Naidu.



The prime minister was striving for a New India wherein the constructive energies of citizens are harnessed for the 'Making of Developed India', the BJP leader said. Instead of making a positive contribution to such a mission, the Congress and the communists were indulging in a negative and disinformation campaign against Modi and the new narrative emerging in favour of one idea of India, Venkaiah added.



Referring to rules relating to regulation of the sale of cattle, Naidu charged the opposition with "indulging in a disinformation campaign". The minister said the Kerala High Court has rightly asked where is the ban and pointed out that the order restricted sale of cattle at the markets.



He said the government never interfered in the food habits of people as it is their personal matter. "The opposition is issue-less, frustrated and demoralized and hence indulging in disinformation. We (NDA) are united, they are divided, we are confident, they are diffident," Naidu said.
By Press Trust of India: By Gurdip Singh

Singapore, Jun 3 (PTI) India has an active territorial dispute with China and is unhappy about the Communist nations apparent efforts to stifle its ambitions in multilateral fora such as the UN and NSG, according to a report released at a defence forum here today.

The report, titled Asia Pacific Regional Security Assessment 2017 and released at the Shangri-La Dialogue, notes that India is increasingly worried about Chinas build- up of military forces and infrastructure along the disputed Sino-Indian border.

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New Delhi has also been unhappy about Chinas apparent efforts to stifle Indian ambitions in multilateral fora such as the United Nations and Nuclear Suppliers Group, said the report prepared by the International Institute for Strategic Studies (IISS).

"India has sought to improve its defence partnerships with the US, and several regional powers, based on shared concern about the rise of China," it said.

The report states that Indian officials and analysts remain wary of any formal military alliances, as indicated by the fierce public debate and opposition by some Indian political parties to the Logistics Exchange Memorandum of Agreement (LEMOA), a logistics-service agreement that the US has signed with dozens of countries.

"Nevertheless, the most dramatic change in Indias foreign policy over the last two decades has been its energised relationship with Washington, and the prevailing security rationale for this change ? namely, a shared concern about Chinas rising power," said the report which pointed out the concern of Indo-Pacific countries about Chinas economic and military rise.

India has an active territorial dispute with China, and is increasingly worried out Chinas build-up of military forces and infrastructure along the disputed Sino-Indian border, it said.

The Shangri-La Dialogue is held annually by independent think tank International Institute for Strategic Studies (IISS) in Singapore and is attended by defense ministers and heads of armed forces from Asia-Pacific nations. The current dialogue will take place from June 2-4. PTI GS MRJ AKJ MRJ

--- ENDS ---
India will on Monday launch communication satellite GSAT-19 using its heaviest rocket, the Geosynchronous Satellite Launch Vehicle Mark-III (GSLV Mk-III), that weighs equivalent to five fully-loaded Boeing Jumbo Jets or as much as 200 fully grown elephants.The GSLV MkIII-D1 rocket is scheduled for lift off at 5.28 pm from the second launch pad of the Satish Dhawan Space Centre at Sriharikota, around 120 km from Chennai. "The 25-and-half hour countdown for the launch of GSLV-Mk III-D1, carrying the 3,136 kg GSAT-19 satellite, commenced at 3.58 pm, soon after the Mission Readiness Review Committee and Launch Authorisation Board gave the clearance," ISRO said.On the significance of the launch for ISRO, Chairman AS Kiran Kumar said, "It is an important event as we are putting our communication satellite from our own soil".The 640-tonne GSLV Mk-III is the countrys heaviest but shortest rocket at 43 metres. It is India's rocket of the future as it will undoubtedly be human-rated to carry Indian astronauts likely to be named 'gaganauts or vyomanauts'.Former ISRO chairman K Kasturirangan, the man who conceived the GSLV Mk-III, confirmed it will be India's vehicle to ferry Indians into space.The GSLV Mark-III is intended to launch satellites into geostationary orbit and as a launcher for an Indian crew vehicle. It features an Indian cryogenic third stage and a higher payload capacity than the current GSLV.Till now, ISRO had to depend on foreign launchers for communication satellites weighing more than 2,300 kg. The GSLV MkIII-D1 is capable of lifting payloads of up to 4,000 kg into the Geosynchronous Transfer Orbit (GTO) and 10,000 kg into the Low Earth Orbit.On this maiden mission, the GSAT-19 satellite this monster rocket will ferry is in a technological class that has no parallels in the country.The satellite weighing 3,136 kg is equal to the weight of a single elephant being lofted into space, but this novel satellite promises not to be a 'white elephant in space'.At over three tons, the GSAT-19 satellite will the heaviest satellite made and to be launched from India and is a voluminous animal. The satellite is indeed a test bed for many new technologies.Tapan Misra, director of the Space Applications Centre, Ahmedabad, where the GSAT-19 satellite has been designed, calls it "a game changer communications satellite for India".GSAT-19 is going to be powered for the first time with indigenously-made Lithium-ion batteries. These batteries have been made so that India's self-reliance quotient can increase. In addition, similar batteries can then be used to power electric vehicles like cars and buses.According to ISRO, the GSAT-19 "carries a Geostationary Radiation Spectrometer (GRASP) payload to monitor and study the nature of charged particles and the influence of space radiation on satellites and their electronic components".ISRO says GSAT-19 also features certain advanced spacecraft technologies including "miniaturised heat pipe, fibre optic gyro, Micro-Electro-Mechanical Systems (MEMS) accelerometer". These are all important developments being tested so that they become mainstay systems on future missions.The most innovative development on GSAT-19 is that for the first time there will be no transponders on the satellite.In fact, the word 'transponder' will not be associated with this new bird in the sky, says Misra. Instead for the first time, ISRO is using a whole new way beaming data down using multiple frequency beams and hence it is dubbed "a high through put satellite".Earlier, the ISRO had launched the 3,404 kg GSAT-18 communication satellite from Ariane, French Guiana. In 2014, the space agency successfully undertook the first experimental flight of the GSLV MkIII from Sriharikota.The vehicle in a two stage flight (with a non-functional cryogenic upper stage) carried the Crew Module Atmospheric Re-Entry Experiment to the intended height of 126 km and re- entered the atmosphere safely.The GSLV-Mk III-D1 is a three-stage vehicle with indigenous cryogenic upper stage engine designed to carry heavier communication satellites into the GTO.Apart from the cryogenic engine, designated C25, carrying about 28 tonnes of propellants, it has two solid strap-on motors (S200) and a core liquid booster (L110).The mission would also augment India's communication resources as a single GSAT-19 satellite will be equivalent to having a constellation of six to seven of the older variety of communication satellites in space.At present, out of a constellation of 41 in-orbit Indian satellites, 13 are communication satellites, and the total mission life of the GSAT-19 is 10 years.(With PTI inputs)
London: Just minutes before Saturday's terror attack in London, pubs were crammed with revellers enjoying a balmy summer night out in a trendy part of the city, many of them watching the Champions League final on big screens.



And then terror struck yet again at London's heart as a van smashed into pedestrians and a stabbing rampage saw more bloodshed on the streets of the British capital.



People enjoying their evening out near the River Thames told of how their night became a nightmare in seconds as they witnessed the attack unfold.



First, a van veered wildly into pedestrians crossing London Bridge, with those who managed to avoid the attack rushing to aid those who were hit.



Then the stabbing spree began in the popular Borough district on the south side of the bridge.



Taxi driver Chris told LBC radio he saw men brandishing long knives emerging from the van.



"Three men got out with long blades, 12 inches (30 centimetres) long and went randomly along Borough High Street stabbing people."



Police held people inside bars and restaurants for their own safety as police cars screamed past.



They were later asked to leave with their hands on their heads.



Frightened people were led away as police officers screamed at them to run. Many were in tears, with friends supporting each other along the road.



Roads were closed off and stations evacuated as police shouted at people to flee the scene.



A photograph showed three men lying on the ground in Borough, apparently having been shot by police.



One of them appeared to be wearing combat trousers with what looked like a belt with canisters attached to it.



Scotland Yard police headquarters confirmed that armed officers attended the Borough stabbings and shots were fired.



- Van deliberately swerving -



The white van injured several people on London Bridge as it deliberately swerved into groups of people at speed, said eyewitnesses.



"I saw this van going left and right, left and right, trying to catch as many people as he could," Alessandro told BBC radio.



"There were five or six people that we tried to help, they were young people."



Mark, another witness, was in the centre of London Bridge, taking pictures of Tower Bridge downstream.



"I could see the van coming up the road. It was swerving from side to side. I could see it hitting people.



"It hit one person about 20 foot (six metres) in the air. Poor girl. I just saw her bounce up in the air.



"There must have been about five or six people on the ground, they must have been seriously injured.



"About five or 10 minutes later, I heard a lot of rapid-fire gunshots."



London resident Dee, 26, said she was sure it was a terror attack as the van careered southwards over London Bridge.



"And then there was a man with a knife, he was running, he came down the stairs and went to a bar," she told AFP.



Several other witnesses reported multiple men armed with knives, lashing out at victims at random.



-Blood on chef's uniform -



Video clips circulating on social media showed police officers rushing into bars and restaurants to instruct customers to get under the tables.



Gerard Kavanar, 46, who lives by Tower Bridge, told AFP: "There was lot of chefs in white costumes, one had blood on his shoulder. He told me he was a Romanian chef and that three people attacked his restaurant with a machete and knife.



"He had a video on his phone and he showed me a small piece. You could see an older guy lying on the floor with blood around him."



Police boats scanned the Thames in the dark while helicopters circled overhead and streets were cordoned off, AFP reporters said.



An emergency response helicopter landed on London Bridge, while emergency service workers rushed people on trolleys to waiting ambulances.



Members of the public were seen leaving the scene wrapped in foil emergency blankets while armed police patrolled the scene.



Debris could be seen on the bridge where people had fled the scene.



Jacob Chick, 23, a nightclub security worker who lives nearby, said he saw a convoy of ambulances.



"It's frustrating how these kind of things are becoming more frequent," he told AFP.
Paris: Four French people were injured in the London attack, which left seven dead and nearly 50 wounded, the French foreign minister said on Sunday.



"Four French people were injured and it seems one person was particularly affected," Foreign Minister Jean-Yves Le Drian told France Info radio.



Three men mowed down pedestrians with a van on London Bridge on Saturday before attacking revellers in a popular nightlife hub with knives.



The three were shot dead by police at the scene, while 48 people were rushed to hospital after the attack. This was Britain's third deadly terror attack since March.



The French anti-terrorism prosecution service said on Sunday it had opened an investigation into the attack, a common procedure when French citizens are among the victims of a terror attack outside France.



Presidential spokesman Christophe Castaner had previously told French radio that "two French people are wounded, one in a serious condition".



The Elysee Palace said in a separate statement that France was doing everything it could to help the wounded, adding that security would be tightened for expatriates voting in London today in the upcoming French parliamentary election.



"The attack which struck London... is a new abominable, cowardly attack on our free societies," the presidency said. President Emmanuel Macron voiced his support for Britain and said France "will continue to fight terrorism with all its powers, alongside the United Kingdom and all affected countries".



France has suffered its own wave of terror in recent years, with more than 200 people killed in jihadist attacks since 2015.
Taipei/Hong Kong: Taiwan's president on Sunday offered to help China to transition to democracy, on the 28th anniversary of China's bloody crackdown on pro-democracy protests in and around Beijing's Tiananmen Square, as thousands gathered in Hong Kong for an evening vigil.



Nearly three decades after Beijing sent tanks and troops to quell the 1989 pro-democracy, student-led protests, Chinese authorities ban any public commemoration of the subject on the mainland and have yet to release an official death toll.



Hong Kong, a former British colony that returned to Chinese rule in 1997, is the only place on Chinese soil where a large-scale commemoration takes place, symbolising the financial hub's relative freedoms compared with the mainland.



This year's events are especially politically charged, coming just a month before an expected visit of President Xi Jinping to mark 20 years since Hong Kong was handed back to China.



"When Xi Jinping comes, hell know the people of Hong Kong have not forgotten," said Lee Cheuk-yan, a veteran democracy activist and an organiser of the annual candlight vigil.



"The students who died still haven't got what they deserve. They fought for their future, in the same way we're fighting for our future," 17-year-old Yanny Chan, a high school student, said.



In Taiwan, President Tsai Ing-wen said that the biggest gap between Taiwan and China was democracy and freedom, needling Beijing at a time when relations between China and the self-ruled island are at a low point.



"For democracy: some are early, others are late, but we all get there in the end," Tsai said, writing in Chinese on her Facebook page and tweeting some of her comments in English on Twitter.



"Borrowing on Taiwan's experience, I believe that China can shorten the pain of democratic reform."



Beijing distrusts Tsai and her ruling Democratic Progressive Party because it traditionally advocates independence for Taiwan. Beijing says the island is part of China and has never renounced the use of force to bring it under its control.



After nearly 40 years of martial law, the island in the late 1980s began its own transition to democracy with presidential elections being held since 1996.



On Friday, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Hua Chunying said China had long ago reached a conclusion about June 4.



"I hope you can pay more attention to the positive changes happening in all levels of Chinese society," she said without elaborating.



In Beijing, security was tight as usual at Tiananmen Square, with long lines at bag and identity checks. The square itself was peaceful, thronged with tourists taking photos.



One elderly resident of a nearby neighbourhood, out for stroll at the edge of the square, said he remembered the events of 28 years ago clearly.



"The soldiers were just babies, 18, 19 years old. They didn't know what they were doing," he told Reuters, asking to be identified only by his family name, Sun.



While some search terms on China's popular Twitter-like microblog Weibo appeared to be blocked on Sunday, some users were able to post cryptic messages.



"Never forget," wrote one, above a picture of mahjong tiles with the numbers 6 and 4 on them, for the month and day of the anniversary.
London: At least six people were reported killed when a van ploughed into pedestrians and several people were stabbed in central London in what police called a "terrorist" attack days before a general election. The violence turned a summery Saturday night in an area packed with bars and restaurants into a scene of panic and chaos, with officers running through crowded streets screaming for people to flee and lifeboats drafted to help clear the area.



Heres what we know so far about the attacks:



- Three attackers drove a white van at high speed into pedestrians walking on London Bridge. Police said they responded to the incident at 10:08 local time (2:30am IST).



- The men armed with knives left the vehicle and attacked people in the nearby Borough Market area on the south side of the Thames, witnesses said. Witnesses said the attackers stabbed people in the street and in pubs and restaurants in Borough Market.



- Police said armed police had responded to the reports of stabbings in Borough Market and shots had been fired. "The suspects had been confronted and shot by police within eight minutes of the first call. The suspects were wearing what looked like explosive vests but these were later established to be hoaxes," Mark Rowley, Britain's top anti-terrorism officer, said.



- The men were wearing what appeared to be canisters attached to their bodies. One of them was shown in a photograph lying on the ground outside the Wheatsheaf pub. Another man, was also reported to be an attacker, was pictured on the ground a short distance away. Witnesses said they heard gunfire in the area. The police said the vests were later established to be hoaxes.



- At 12:25am (5am IST) on Sunday the incidents at London Bridge and Borough Market were declared as terrorist incidents. "Following updates from police and security officials, I can confirm that the terrible incident in London is being treated as a potential act of terrorism," Prime Minister Theresa May said just over four days before voting is due to begin in a June 8 national election. May will chair a meeting of Britain's "COBR" emergency response committee on Sunday morning. Intelligence and security chiefs as well as senior ministers and officials attend the meeting.



- It was not clear who might be responsible for the attack. Islamic State earlier on Saturday sent out a call on instant messaging service Telegram urging its followers to launch attacks with trucks, knives and guns against "Crusaders" during the Muslim holy month of Ramzan.



- Phaldip Singh, who describes himself as an entrepreneur and youth activist, tweeted that Sikh Gurdwaras were open to provide food and shelter for those affected by the attacks.



- The attack came less than two weeks after a suicide bomber Salman Abedi blew himself up at a concert in Manchester on May 22, killing at least 22. Britain raised its terror threat to the highest level of "critical" and deployed troops on the streets on May 23, a day after the Manchester suicide attack. The critical level means another attack could be imminent. It was reduced to "severe", which means an attack is highly likely, on May 27.



- The United Kingdom is due to hold a national election on June 8.



- Police initially said officers were also responding to a reported third incident, in the Vauxhall area of London. But they said later that turned out to be an unrelated stabbing.
London: The deadly vehicle and knife attack on London Bridge and in nearby Borough Market is the latest attack in Europe in recent years. Here are some of recent major ones:



May 22, 2017: A suicide bomber killed 22 people and injured dozens during an Ariana Grande concert at Manchester Arena in northern England.



April 7, 2017: A man driving a hijacked beer truck struck pedestrians at a Stockholm department store, killing 4 people.



March 22, 2017: A man drives his rented SUV into pedestrians at Londons Westminster Bridge, killing four people. The attacker then stabbed a police officer to death.



December 19, 2016: A hijacked truck plows through a Christmas market in Berlin, killing 12.



July 14, 2016: A truck driver targets Bastille Day revelers in Nice, killing 86.



March 22, 2016: Suicide attacks on the Brussels airport and subway kill 32 and injure hundreds. The perpetrators have been closely linked to the group that carried out earlier attacks in Paris.



November 13, 2015: Islamic State-linked extremists attack the Bataclan concert hall and other sites across Paris, killing 130 people. A key suspect in the attack, 26-year-old Salah Abdeslam, is arrested in Brussels on March 18, 2016.



February 14, 2015: A gunman kills Danish filmmaker Finn Noergaard and wounds three police officers in Copenhagen. A day later the gunman, Omar El-Hussein, attacks a synagogue, killing a Jewish guard and wounding two police officers before being shot dead.



January 7-9, 2015: A gun assault on the Paris offices of the satirical magazine Charlie Hebdo and an attack on a kosher grocery store kills 17 people. Al-Qaida in the Arabian Peninsula claims responsibility for the attack, saying it was in revenge for Charlie Hebdos depictions of the Prophet Muhammad.



May 24, 2014: Four people are killed at the Jewish Museum in Brussels by an intruder with a Kalashnikov. The accused is a former French fighter linked to the Islamic State group in Syria.



May 22, 2013: Two al-Qaida-inspired extremists run down British soldier Lee Rigby in a London street, then stab and hack him to death.



March 2012: A gunman claiming links to al-Qaida kills three Jewish schoolchildren, a rabbi and three paratroopers in Toulouse, southern France.



July 22, 2011: Anti-Muslim extremist Anders Behring Breivik plants a bomb in Oslo then launches a shooting massacre on a youth camp on Norways Utoya island, killing 77 people, many of them teenagers.



November 2, 2011: The offices of Charlie Hebdo in Paris are firebombed after the satirical magazine runs a cover featuring a caricature of the Prophet Muhammad. No one is injured.



March 2, 2011: Islamic extremist Arid Uka shoots dead two U.S. airmen and injures two others at Frankfurt airport after apparently being inspired by a fake internet video purporting to show American atrocities in Afghanistan.



July 7, 2005: 52 commuters are killed in London when four al Qaida-inspired suicide bombers blow themselves up on three subway trains and a bus.
We need to be smart, vigilant and tough. We need the courts to give us back our rights. We need the Travel Ban as an extra level of safety!  Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) June 3, 2017

Whatever the United States can do to help out in London and the U. K., we will be there - WE ARE WITH YOU. GOD BLESS!  Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) June 3, 2017

You retweeted Drudge Report? Guess it's time for this pic.twitter.com/5YVLqzC5v4  Maury Brown (@BizballMaury) June 4, 2017

I you want to make America safe from terror, why did you go & dance with the funders of terrorism in Saudi???



You're putting Saudi first.  Trita Parsi (@tparsi) June 3, 2017

Nice to see your selfish narcissistic power mad lunacy once again outstrip even a quantum of actual humanity. You'll be a pleasure to jail.  John McNamara (@johnthemcnamara) June 4, 2017

You mean the ban that excludes Saudi Arabia where most of the 9/11 attackers were from & whom we just made a $110 billion weapons deal with?  Jeremy M (@thismyshow) June 4, 2017

You are a horrible man to use the London tragedy in this way. Just stop.  Nancy Hightower (@NancyHightower) June 4, 2017

Fearmongering covfefe  John Moravec (@moravec) June 4, 2017

Another 8 minutes before someone convinced you to express a sentiment abt the ACTUAL victims here. That's malignant narcissism. Shame on you  Amanda Guinzburg (@Guinz) June 3, 2017

President Donald Trump faced strong criticism on Sunday for arguing in favour of his controversial travel ban hours after twin terror attacks in London.One tweet read: "We need to be smart, vigilant and tough. We need the courts to give us back our rights. We need the Travel Ban as an extra level of safety!"At least six people were killed when a truck ploughed into pedestrians on London Bridge and weekend revellers stabbed at nearby Borough Market. Police said three suspects had been shot dead within eight minutes of the first call and that they wore fake suicide vests.Trump began tweeting about the incidents an hour or so after initial news reports. First, he retweeted a Drudge Report item about the attacks, then provided his own message about the travel ban.A few minutes later Trump tweeted a message of support for Londoners: "Whatever the United States can do to help out in London and the U. K., we will be there - WE ARE WITH YOU. GOD BLESS!"The tweet prompted criticism from commentators and political observers who accused Trump of opportunism at Londons expense.According to a report in The Guardian , Daniel Drezner, a politics professor at the Fletcher School of Law and Diplomacy at Tufts University, denounced the president as a cheap hustler occupying an office that you dont understand.John Horgan, a psychologist and terrorist expert at Georgia State University, called Trump the Opportunist-in-Chief.Twitterati, too, were unforgiving in their criticism with many raking up his 'covfefe' tweet and the recent visit to Saudi Arabia.Earlier this week, the Trump administration asked the Supreme Court to immediately reinstate its ban on travelers from six mostly Muslim countries and refugees from anywhere in the world. The administration argues that the U.S. will be safer if the policy is put in place.Lower courts have blocked the Trump policy, citing various reasons including statements Trump made during the 2016 campaign. The legal fight pits the president's authority over immigration against what lower courts have said is a policy that purported to be about national security but was intended to target Muslims.In response to the London attacks, the State Department issued a statement condemning them as "cowardly.""The United States stands ready to provide any assistance authorities in the United Kingdom may request," State Department spokeswoman Heather Nauert said."Our hearts are with the families and loved ones of the victims. We wish a full and quick recovery to those injured in the attacks. All Americans stand in solidarity with the people of the United Kingdom," she said.
At least seven people have been killed and three suspects shot dead after a vehicle veered off the road and mowed down pedestrians on London Bridge and gunshots rang out amid reports of knife attacks. British authorities said the twin strikes were being treated as terrorist incidents.

Stay tuned for live updates:

Read all the Latest News , Breaking News , watch Top Videos and Live TV here.
: North Korea "fully rejects" the latest round of sanctions against its citizens and entities by the United Nations and will continue its weapons development, its official KCNA news agency said on Sunday.The UN Security Council on Friday expanded targeted sanctions against North Korea after its repeated missile tests, adopting the first such resolution agreed by the United States and Pyongyang's only major ally China since President Donald Trump took office.
By Press Trust of India: New Delhi, Jun 4 (PTI) India has been ranked 45th, down four notches from last year, in terms of competitiveness in the annual rankings compiled by IMD which saw Hong Kong topping the list.

US was "pushed out" of the top three slots while Hong Kong consolidated its dominance of the annual rankings for the second year in the list compiled by the International Institute for Management Developments (IMD) World Competitiveness Center.

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Switzerland and Singapore were ranked second and third respectively, with the USA at the fourth spot -- its lowest position in five years and down from third last year.

The Netherlands completed the top five, jumping up from eighth last year.

Others in the top 10 list include Ireland at 6th, Denmark 7th, Luxembourg (8th), Sweden (9th) and UAE at 10th.

As India slid, China improved its position by seven places to 18th, thanks to its dedication to international trade.

"If you look at China, its improvement of seven places to 18th can be traced to its dedication to international trade. This continues to drive the economy and the improvement in government and business efficiency," Professor Arturo Bris, Director of the IMD World Competitiveness Center said.

The bottom of the table, meanwhile, is largely occupied by countries experiencing political and economic upheaval. Ukraine was ranked 60th, while Brazil was placed at the 61st position and Venezuela at 63rd.

The IMD World Competitiveness Center is a research group at IMD business school in Switzerland. It has been publishing the rankings every year since 1989. This years list comprises 63 countries with Cyprus and Saudi Arabia making their first appearance.

Meanwhile, for the first time this year, the IMD World Competitiveness Center also published a separate report ranking countries digital competitiveness.

At the top of the digital ranking is Singapore, followed by Sweden, the USA, Finland and Denmark, while the bottom five are Indonesia, Ukraine, Mongolia, Peru and Venezuela. PTI DRR JM ABM

--- ENDS ---
Manila: An armed man who killed 37 people when he set fire to a casino in the Philippine capital was a father-of-three from Manila motivated by heavy gambling debts and not terrorism, police said Sunday.



The identification of the assailant as Jessie Javier Carlos, a Catholic, proves that claims by the Islamic State group that it was responsible for Friday's attack were false, Manila police chief Oscar Albayalde told reporters.



"We reiterate that this is not an act of terrorism but this incident is confined to the act of one man alone," Albayalde said as he sat alongside Carlos's parents and wife at a press conference held to announce the identity of the attacker.



Albayalde said Carlos was aged 43, had three children and had been banned from all casinos in April by the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (Pagcor) following a request from his family because of his gambling addiction.



"He is heavily indebted due to being hooked to casino gambling. This became the cause of misunderstanding with his wife and parents," Albayalde said.



"He was barred by Pagcor from all casinos because of the request of next of kin. This could have probably triggered him. That's why he was so mad at casinos."



Carlos walked into the Resorts World casino and hotel complex in Manila on Friday with an M4 automatic rifle and a bottle of petrol, before setting alight a number of different rooms in the complex, according to police accounts.



Thirty-seven people died in the fires, dozens more were injured in a stampede to escape, and Carlos was found dead about five hours later in a hotel room after committing suicide by setting fire to himself, police had said.



Security film of the incident released on Saturday showed the gunman calmly and slowly walking through the casino and firing into the air most of the time, apparently as warning shots for people to leave.



At one point he fired at security guards when they confronted him, but missed. After they ran away, he calmly walked up some stairs.



The video also showed him breaking into a secure room where chips and money were being kept, apparently intent on stealing what he could.



Carlos set alight many gambling tables, which police said was probably an attempt to create a diversion so he could escape.



- Begging for forgiveness -

At Sunday's press conference, Carlos's tearful mother said he had been a good man who committed the violence because of his gambling addiction.



"We ask for forgiveness. My son was a good child to us. But since he started playing at the casinos, that's all he did. He did not visit us. It was painful for us not to see him," said his mother, Teodora Carlos.



Albayalde said Carlos had worked in the Department of Finance but had been sacked because he had lied on official forms about unexplained assets and properties.



A 2014 government press release explaining the sacking described Carlos as a tax specialist, who had been fired for not declaring properties and for taking mysterious loans far more than a bank would lend.



Authorities had repeatedly insisted on Friday and Saturday the attack was not terrorism-related but a bizarre robbery attempt by a deranged man.



But IS claimed responsibility, with a report on its self-styled Amaq news agency saying its "fighters" carried out the attack.



President Rodrigo Duterte has repeatedly warned that IS is gaining a greater foothold in the mainly Catholic Philippines.



Those concerns escalated when militants flying black IS flags rampaged through the Philippines' main Islamic city in the south nearly two weeks ago, triggering clashes that are still continuing and have left roughly 200 people dead.



Duterte declared martial law in the south of the Philippines on May 23 in a bid to quash the rising IS threat, and said he was prepared to impose military rule nationwide if terrorism spread.



However Duterte and his police chiefs insisted that the casino attack was not terrorism-related.



After identifying Carlos as the attacker on Sunday, Albayalde repeatedly sought to discredit IS.



"We will not allow people or any threat group to use this situation to advance their propaganda or personal causes, whether foreign or local," Albayalde said.
World leaders convene at UN headquarters next week for the first major bid to solve the toughest problems facing our oceans, from coral bleaching to plastic pollution, overfishing and rising seas due to climate change.The Ocean Conference in New York June 5-9 attempts to rally nations big and small to make meaningful changes to preserve what is arguably the Earth's most important resource, experts say.US President Donald Trump's recent decision to withdraw from the Paris climate accord is expected to be a hot topic at the talks, which no high-ranking US officials are expected to attend.But despite Trump's decision Thursday to end US participation in the Paris deal, which drew worldwide condemnation, experts at the Pew Charitable Trust said the United States has been a part of crafting a broad "call to action," and is expected to sign it."We are committed to halting and reversing the decline in the health and productivity of our ocean," says the three-page document, which also expresses alarm at the impact of climate change on the ocean.The call to action is expected to be signed and released some point during the week-long conference, which will bring government officials, ocean advocates and some heads of state to New York.The US pull-out from Paris means other nations will lead the way at the UN talks, particularly small island nations that have the most to lose."How can you worry about someone who is not in the room?" said Ambassador Ronny Jumeau, permanent representative to the United Nations for Seychelles."Look at who is here, who is sitting in the front row, and say, 'Now what are we going to do about this?'"The world just marked its three hottest years in modern times. And the oceans have absorbed about one third of the carbon dioxide released by human activities, protecting the planet from the full brunt of climate change.Melting glaciers and sea ice at the poles threatens swell sea level to the point of washing away entire islands and populated coastlines -- home to 37 percent of the planet's population -- in the coming decades.Just 20 inches (half meter) of sea level rise could displace 1.2 million people from islands in the Caribbean Sea, Indian and Pacific Oceans.Recent studies have shown the troubling extent of plastic pollution, even in the most remote parts of the world.An uninhabited island in the south Pacific, Henderson Island, thousands of miles from civilization was recently shown to be piling up more than 3,500 pieces of plastic per day.Even year, more than eight million ton of plastic washes into the oceans, costing at least $8 billion in damage to marine ecosystems and killing an estimated one million sea birds, 100,000 sea mammals and untold numbers of fish.And famous coral reefs, such as Australia's Great Barrier Reef, are suffering from hot temperatures like never before in modern times, with mass bleaching and die-offs continuing unabated for the past two years."Small island states cannot afford to be dismayed or feel down or depressed about any of this," said Jumeau during a UN press conference."We are reaching out to all the friends of the oceans that you can think of to meet the challenges that we face."Previous global meetings on problems facing the oceans have taken place, but the World Wildlife Fund's John Tanzer described this one as "historic" because the talks are under the auspices of the United Nations for the first time."The reality is that oceans have been in steep decline for at least the last 50 or 60 years," Tanzer, global oceans lead at WWF, told AFP."Here we are in 2017, and it is impossible to talk of anywhere in the world's oceans as being pristine," he said.Specifically, nations will talk about how to meet the 2015 UN-adopted Sustainable Development Goal 14, to "conserve and sustainably use the oceans, seas, and marine resources."Targets include protecting at least 10 percent of coastal and marine environments by 2020, reducing ocean pollution and strengthening ways to fight illegal, unreported, and unregulated fishing.A recent report found that illegal fishing in the Pacific has reached a "staggering" value of up to $740 million a year, with much of the problem blamed on fleets from the US, Asia and Europe which under-report their catches.Individual nations and advocacy groups are already announcing voluntary steps they will take to conserve oceans and protect marine life.Those pledges will be updated throughout the conference, and can be seen online at https://oceanconference.un.org/commitments.
In this June 6, 1967 file photo, a dead Egyptian soldier and a knocked out Egyptian tank are seen in the Sinai desert, during the Six-Day War. It may well be remembered as a pyrrhic victory for Israel: a six-day war in which it vanquished several Arab armies, only to be saddled with a 50-year fight with the Palestinians for the Holy Land. A half century after the watershed 1967 Mideast war, many in Israel think the lighting victory planted the seeds of doom. (Image: AP)
Army Chief General Bipin Rawat said the process to allow women in combat role, currently an exclusive domain of men, is moving fast and initially women will be recruited for positions in military police.

By Press Trust of India: In a transformational move, the Indian Army is all set to open up combat positions for women, a gender barrier broken by only a few countries globally.

Army Chief General Bipin Rawat said the process to allow women in combat role, currently an exclusive domain of men, is moving fast and initially women will be recruited for positions in military police.

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"I am looking at women coming as jawans. I am going to start it soon. Firstly, we will start with women as military police jawans," he said, giving details of the move to allow women in the male-dominated positions in the Army.

WOMEN ALLOWED IN SELECT AREAS

Currently women are allowed in a number of select areas including in medical, legal, educational, signals and engineering wings of the Indian Army but combat roles are kept off limit for them due to operational concerns and logistical issues.

The Army Chief said he was ready to recruit women as jawans and the matter is being taken up with the government.

"We have already started the process," General Rawat told PTI in an exclusive interaction recently.

He said women will have to show grit and strength in taking up challenges in combat role and shattering the glass ceiling.

IAF INDUCTED WOMEN AS FIGHTER PILOTS

Very few countries including Germany, Australia, Canada, the US, Britain, Denmark, Finland, France , Norway, Sweden and Israel have allowed women in combat roles.

The roles of military police include policing the cantonments and army establishments, prevent breach of rules and regulations by soldiers, maintaining movement of soldiers as well as logistics during peace and war, handling prisoners of war and extending aid to civil police whenever required.

Creating history, the Indian Air Force, last year, had inducted three women as fighter pilots, less than a year after the government decided to open the fighter stream for women on an experimental basis.

A decision on having women as fighter pilots will be taken after evaluating performance of the three women--Avani Chaturvedi, Bhawana Kanth and Mohana Singh who are now part of IAF's fighter squadron.

The Indian Navy is currently deliberating on a policy on having women on board the ships. The Navy allows women in various other segments including in legal, logistics, naval architecture and engineering departments.

ALSO READ:

India's first female fighter pilots pave way for more women in combat

Exclusive: Indian Air Force raising combat force to guard airbases

FRO THE MAGAZINE: Marching proud

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ALSO WATCH

--- ENDS ---
INNOCENT BLOOD SHED

According to reports, at about 9 pm Leandra Alexander of Crown Trace in Enterprise, Chaguanas was liming with friends at Building 7 in Maloney with her son Liam, 11, and daughter Lael, nine. Without warning, two gunmen approached the building opened fire. They ran into the building and continued shooting randomly. When they ran out of bullets, the men ran to a nearby car which sped off.

When the shooting ended, both Lael and Liam were lying on the ground scraming in pain.

They were shot in the left and right arms respectively.

A report was made to the Maloney Police and the children were rushed to the Childrens Hospital at the Eric Williams Medical Sciences Complec in Mt Hope where they remain warded in stable condition.

When Sunday Newsday visited Building 7 yesterday, bullet holes  some from Friday night and others from recent attacks  were clearly visible on the walls, a grim reminder that death from a bullet is a daily reality for those living there and those visiting.

Bloodstains from where Lael and Liam lay, were still on the ground outside Building 7.

Police sources said that an ongoing war between thugs and gangsters from Building 9 and Building 7 is believed to be behind the shooting incident on Friday night as Building 9 gunmen mistook the people liming at Building 7 to be rivals. A manhunt for th gunmen on Friday night and into yesterday morning proved futile.

BULLET IN BEDROOM Claire White, 54 and a Maloney resident for 21 years, said that she was almost killed during the incident as a bullet went into her bedroom.

Thank God I was not in that bedroom, she exclaimed. White said that during the time of the shooting she was in her home and heard the gunshots. She heard a neighbour shouting that, dem fellas shooting up yuh window. When White came out of the bedroom she found a bullet on her bed; the bullet had gone through her window, hit her bed, then the roof and landed on her bed.

During Sunday Newsdays visit yesterday police officers arrived to collect spent shells and to speak to residents in an effort to get a clearer picture of the shooting on Friday night when innocent blood was shed.

She said that last week, there were shootings for three days straight. Things cooled off on Thursday and on Friday night, little Liam and Lael were shot.

She lamented that there are elderly and ailing people in Building 7, who can at any time, collect a bullet. Another resident said that in Maloney, it pays to drop the ground when gunshots are fired.

In here is a war zone, the resident said.

For White, she has had enough.

I dont want to live here. I cannot sleep in a prison. I cannot live like that, she cried. She called for round the clock police patrols in the area. She reported that presently, police drive around but do not come out to check that things are ok. Almost all the Maloney residents interviewed yesterday asked that their names be withheld due to safety concerns.

DUCK AND RUN A man said he was liming outside the building when the shooting occurred and had to duck then run to avoid being shot. Two gunmen run out a car and start to shoot up the place just so like mad men. He continued: It have war going on in the place but the targets of the gunmen were not there Friday night. They had no reason to shoot. It is almost like they decided, we here already let us just shoot up the place. Theu have their target, they have their enemies...but the enemies were not around, he said.

War aint making no sense in Maloney. If you sit down and ask them what they warring for? What they warring about? They cant give you a proper answer.

They just warring because they say they have gun and they just warring one another. He said that a couple of building warring a couple of building. He called for more police foot patrols which they used to have under previous senior police.

A female resident reported that during the shooting there were little children as young as five and they had to dive on the ground for their life. She said that if she had been outside at the time she could have been blown away.

She lamented that innocent people were getting take down in the shootouts and Building 7 had hard working, respectable people.

She reported that things had been quiet for a year but in early 2017 the shootings had picked back up. She recalled a recent incident when a gunman walked into the building and started shooting. I had to run and throw my frame. She said that children and old people, like her father, now fear for their life.
Khan wants Hamel-Smith, Stollmeyer resignations

In an open letter to the pair yesterday, Khan said they should tender their resignations on the sole ground that the membership of the Lawyers Association has lost confidence in their ability and integrity to perform their, Onerous duty as independent and responsible members of the JLSC. I politely remind their Lordships, Khan says, That they owe it to the legal profession and by extension the people and most of all their respective families and ancestors, to demonstrate that they still possess the intrinsic virtue of decency not to cling to status and power in the face of the overwhelming vote of no confidence against them. Khan says that Hamel Smith and Stollmeyer personally need to protect and maintain the reputation and good names of their ancestors, Who were the pillars of the ruling class of our young nation. The Hamel-Smiths during the period of slavery and colonialism; the Stollmeyers during the post slavery and colonial periods. Khan reminded Hamel-Smith that he acted on several occasions as Chief Justice and was recommended to then President, ANR Robinson, by former Chief Justice Michael de la Bastide to replace him as Chief Justice upon his retirement.

The Hamel-Smiths, according to Khan, have established over a 100- year period their merit, ability and integrity in rendering legal services to the country.

To Stollmeyer, Khan says that even though he emerged from the entrenched ruling class where his ancestors demonstrated that they were hard-working, industrious, fair-minded and just inhabitants of our country, there exists a personal cultural blot against him when he ruled in his capacity as a judge of the Supreme Court of Trinidad and Tobago that the Nehru suit does not befit the dignity and majesty of the Magistrates Court as a decent mode of dress for attorneys.

Justice Stollmeyer, Sir, Khan writes, I have documented this cultural slur/blot against you in order to politely remind you that if perhaps you are subconsciously Eurocentric, that you take stock of yourself and demonstrate to the citizens of this country that you are not of the ilk as those who still hold the view that massa day must not done in this country and thus cling on to status and power by virtue of being a member of the JLSC. Khan tells Stollmeyer further that he and his ancestors good name do(es) not need this false pride. Addressing Hamel-Smith and Stollmeyer as Sahibs, Khan says he knows that they possess the inner strength and courage to do what is morally right and decent and resign now, telling them also not to allow the apologists for the Chief Justice to mamaguy you to cling to false status and power. Khan says it is his considered opinion that at this juncture the issue of due diligence is not sufficient in law to ground a legal removal of Hamel-Smith and Stollmeyer by the President.

He says the issue is one of morality in public affairs.

Khan feels that any proper investigation will reveal misbehaviour in public office which he says carries a penalty of 15 years imprisonment for anyone convicted of such an offence.
By Press Trust of India: Karachi, Jun 4 (PTI) Pakistani forces said today they have killed a number of key commanders of the Islamic State group in an operation based on intelligence reports that the militants were holding two Chinese nationals abducted from the restive Balochistan province last month.

The operation was carried out in the mountaneous Mastung district after intelligence reports said the group was holding the Chinese nationals kidnapped on May 24 from Jinnah Town of the provincial capital Quetta. Jinnah Town is one of the affluent residential areas where Chinese NGOs teach mandarin.

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"We received information that the two Chinese language teachers kidnapped from Quetta were being held in the hills of Mastung," Balochistan government spokesman Abdul Kakar said.

"The pair was not found but at least 12 militants were killed in the gun battles," according to a security official.

The official said the vehicles used in the kidnapping of the Chinese nationals were found at the hideout however. The security operation began on Friday and was still on.

The security forced did not identify those killed in the operation, but Dawn newspaper reported that they included the top leadership of the Islamic State group in Pakistan.

Suicide vests, weapons and explosives were also recovered from the scene, which Pakistani officials said could have been used for launching terror attacks in the province.

Seven Pakistani soldiers were injured in the operation, and two were said to be critical, another official said.

Official sources said the operation was the biggest since 2015 when Lashkar-e-Jhangvi leader Malik Ishaq and his associates were killed in Punjab province.

Pakistan officially denies any organised presence of IS in the country but the terrorist group has support among local extremists and has been involved in several militant attacks.

The kidnapping of the Chinese nationals has raised concerns in Beijing over the multi-billion dollar investment in Pakistan. During the incident last month, one Chinese woman had managed to escape when the abductors fired in the air to disperse onlookers but they managed to get hold of two others.

The abduction forced the Chinese embassy in Islamabad to evacuate 10 of its nationals from Quetta and send them home.

Chinese interest in mineral-rich Balochistan has spiked with the USD 50 billion China-Pakistan Economic Corridor, which links Pakistans deep-water Gwadar port to Xinjiang in China.

China has asked Pakistan to improve security, especially in Balochistan where it is building the strategic Gwadar port.

On May 13, ten labourers working on a linking road project of the Gwadar port were shot dead by motorcycle-borne gunmen.

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A day earlier, a suicide bombing targeted the convoy of Deputy Chairman of Senate Maulana Abdul Ghafoor Haideri. The attack in Mastung - the same area where the security operation was carries out today - killed 26 people.

Pakistan has deployed a Maritime Security Force and Special Security Division to protect locals and foreigners working on projects under the CPEC, including Gwadar. PTI SH/CORR ABH

--- ENDS ---
Amazon Is First Company to

Lose $1T in Market Value
Israel has never officially admitted that it developed nuclear weapons. But in interviews recorded nearly two decades ago, a former Israeli brigadier general describes a "doomsday operation" to detonate an atomic weapon on top of a mountain near Egypt during the Arab-Israeli war. Avner Cohen, an expert on Israel's nuclear history, tells the New York Times the plan is "the last secret of the 1967 war." Cohen interviewed Itzhak Yaakova "key organizer" of the plan, code-named "Samson" after the super-strong biblical heromultiple times in 1999 and 2000. Those interviewsand other documents related to the planwill be made public this week on the 50th anniversary of the start of the Arab-Israeli war.

Yaakov, who died in 2013, told Cohen the plan was to detonate an atomic bomb on a mountain on the Sinai Peninsula if it looked like Israel was going to lose the war. This would either scare Egypt and other Arab forces enough to rethink things, or it would cause world powers to intervene in the conflict. Yaakov said the only way to stop an enemy who was "going to throw you to the sea" was to "scare him." The casualties that would have resulted from the plan are unclear. The US considered a similar plan in regards to Japan during WWII before deciding to bomb the country directly. Israel's atomic weapon was never moved to the mountain due the speed at which Israel won the war, and the plan was never carried out. Read the full story here. (Read more Israel stories.)
Stacey Abrams is what the Washington Post describes as "a Yale-trained lawyer and business executive who writes romance novels on the side," but pending the results of Georgia's upcoming gubernatorial election we could be referring to her variously as that state's first black governor or the nation's first black woman governor. Abrams, the 43-year-old House minority leader who's seen as a rising star and the future of the Democratic party, enters the race as the frontrunner for the nomination, but faces no walk in the park on the way to the governor's mansion: No Democrat has won statewide office in Georgia since 2006, notes the Post. "Georgia is ready for a Democratic governor. My success demonstrates that difference doesnt have to be a barrier," Abrams told the Atlanta Journal-Constitution. "Southern politicians have to reject a notion that difference is a barrier and that we cant all be committed to progress and equality."

Abrams is known for her willingness to work with Republicanssometimes to an extent that makes her left-leaning brethren uncomfortable. "Sometimes fighting for Georgians means working with the other side," she says. "Im willing to risk my leadership to make certain that Georgians get what they need from their government." She is not, however, the only woman Democrat eyeing the governor's mansion: Rep. Stacey Evans, who is white, is also in the running to replace term-limited Gov. Nathan Deal. Both women have similar rags-to-riches backstories. But Abrams seems to have a will that finds a way: The Post notes that her career in writing romance books began when publishers weren't interested in a black heroine in the spy novel she wanted to write. "So I made my spy fall in love," Abrams says. (Read more Stacey Abrams stories.)
The lone suspect behind a deadly attack on a casino and shopping complex in Manila was a heavily indebted Filipino gambling addict, police said Sunday, bolstering their claim that the assault was not terrorism-related. The man's family confirmed his identity as Jessie Carlosa married father of three and former Finance Department employee who owed more than $80,000, reports the AP. The revelations confirm "this is not an act of terrorism," Manila police chief Oscar Albayalde said, calling it "the act of one man alone." ISIS claimed responsibility for Friday's attack on Resorts World Manila, where 37 patrons and employees died, mostly from smoke inhalation as they tried to hide in a VIP room on the second floor. But authorities rejected the militants' claim, saying there is no evidence and pointing out that the assailant shot no civilians during the two-hour ordeal despite being heavily armed.

On Sunday, Carlos' father told reporters that his son had no connections to terrorism. Carlos' distraught mother wept and asked for forgiveness. "We can't accept ourselves that my son became like this, he was a very kind son," she said. "The message of what happened to my son is people should not get hooked on gambling so their families won't get destroyed." Albayalde said that Carlos had sold off property, including a vehicle, to support his gambling habit of at least several years. His family had grown so concerned, they had asked casinos in the capital to ban him since April 3. In 2014, Philippine newspapers reported that Carlos was fired from his job at the government's Finance Department "for grave misconduct and neglect of duty." As a result, he was banned from government employment and his retirement benefits were forfeited. (Read more Philippines stories.)
An eastern Kentucky disability lawyer scheduled to be sentenced next month for defrauding the government of nearly $600 million has disappeared, reports the AP. Eric Conn pleaded guilty in March to stealing from the federal government and bribing a judge. He was scheduled to be sentenced next month and had been ordered to pay the government tens of millions of dollars. But Saturday, the FBI said Conn removed his electronic monitoring device, violating the conditions of his bond and prompting the US District Court to issue a warrant for his arrest. David Habich, general counsel for the FBI's Louisville office, said Conn's "whereabouts are currently unknown."

Conn started his law practice in a trailer in 1993 and built it into one of the most lucrative disability law firms in the country. He created a persona for himself as "Mr. Social Security," fueled by outlandish TV commercials and small-scale replicas of the Statute of Liberty and the Lincoln Memorial at his office in rural eastern Kentucky. But Conn's empire crumbled when federal investigators uncovered he had been bribing a doctor and a judge to approve disability claims based on fake medical evidence. "It was totally predictable that he would flee," said attorney Ned Pillersdorf, who represents Conn's former clients. "And there has been a betting pool going on in Prestonsburg on not if he would flee, but when." (Read more disappearance stories.)
Nearly six years after detectives uncovered the dismembered remains of an 8-year-old boy in a Brooklyn house, the brother of the man now imprisoned for killing the child was found dead in the same family home, per the AP. Police responding to a call from the family on Friday discovered the body of Tzvi Aron, bound, wrapped in a blanket, and stuffed in a basement closet, a law enforcement official said. The 29-year-old bakery worker had last been seen on Tuesday. The death is being investigated as a homicide; Aron had recently been threatened but it wasn't clear why, the official said. Meanwhile, Aron's brother, Levi Aron, is currently serving 40 years to life in prison after pleading guilty in 2011 in the kidnapping and killing of 8-year-old Leiby Kletzky.

Leiby had gotten lost on his walk home from a religious day camp. It was the first time he was allowed to go home alone and he was supposed to walk about seven blocks to meet his mother, but missed his turn. On the street, he ran into Levi Aron, who promised to take the boy home. Instead, Aron brought the boy about 40 miles upstate to Monsey, New York, where he attended a wedding before bringing him back to his home. He kept him there overnight and the following day when he went to work at a hardware store. When Aron noticed flyers with the boy's photo, he said he got spooked, went home, and suffocated the boy. Detectives found the boy's severed feet, wrapped in plastic, in a freezer at Aron's home. Tzvi Aron defended his family at the time his brother was arrested, saying they were unaware of Levi's acts. (Read more murder stories.)
The National Investigation Agency today conducted fresh-follow up raids at six locations in Jammu and Kashmir, a day after it raided residences of separatists and sympathisers.

By Pooja Shali: A day after National Investigation Agency (NIA) raids at residences of separatists and sympathisers, fresh follow-up raids were conducted across six locations in Jammu and Kashmir on Sunday.

In a bid to put pressure on the lobby of secessionist leadership, NIA continued to conduct extensive questioning across Jammu and Srinagar today.

On Sunday morning, India Today travelled across Srinagar to speak to Hurriyat aides who faced hours of questioning the previous day, followed by confiscation of items and recovery of alleged terror funding.

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SHAHID UL ISLAM

India Today first reached the residence of Shahid Ul Islam, the aide closest to Mirwaiz Umar Farooq, of Hurriyat's moderate faction. Expectedly, Islam was not reachable and chose not to react on being examined for several hours at his Sanat Nagar residence. The policemen deployed refused to divulge any more information.

Sources told India Today that Islam won't be reachable for the next five days, as phones are being tapped and movements tracked. Not willing to interact with journalists, he appears to have been advised by his high command to keep a low profile.

AYAZ AKBAR

Fresh inputs referred to a pertinent location in Maloora area, on the outskirts of Srinagar city. The raided residence was of Ayaz Akbar, spokesperson of Hurriyat (Geelani faction). Akbar has often faced house arrest and detentions in the past while organising protests, on charges of disturbing law and order.

A shut gate and visible deployment of security personnel from JKP and CRPF attracted curious onlookers around the premises. The two-storey house was barricaded, and no outsider was permitted entry.

The raids are also being aimed at Kashmiri businessmen across North India, where authorities are investigating suspicious transactions.

The All Party Hurriyat Conference in a joint statement had warned the Union government of "dire consequences" and that if such raids continue, "people will take to streets and resent these arbitrary measures with their full might and will".

The exclusive investigation by India Today has sent ripples in the secessionist camp, primarily because a known fact on terror funding was caught on camera, and is proving to be credible evidence.

ALSO READ | Hurriyat terror funding: NIA raids 23 sites in Kashmir, Delhi, Haryana; recovers Rs 1.5 crore cash

ALSO READ | Jammu and Kashmir separatists warn of dire consequences after NIA raids

WATCH VIDEO | Hurriyat nearing end? NIA raids 23 sites in Kashmir, Delhi, Haryana; recovers Rs 1.5 crore cash

--- ENDS ---
China to launch space telescope to observe pulsars in Milky Way

Beijing : China is set to launch a space telescope, the Hard X-ray Modulation Telescope (HXMT), to observe pulsars in the galaxy of Milky Way, according to scientists.

"We are still not clear about the interior of pulsars," Zhang Shuangnan, lead scientist of HXMT and director of the Key Laboratory of Particle Astrophysics of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, said on Saturday.

"Current physical laws cannot describe well the substances in the state of a pulsar, since no lab on Earth can create a density as high as a pulsar. So we have to conduct more observations of pulsars," Zhang says.

Lu Fangjun, chief designer of the payload of HXMT, says long-time monitoring of pulsars could help unravel the mystery of their energy sources.

A pulsar is so strange that when the first one was discovered, it was mistaken for signals from aliens. There are still many mysteries about this kind of star.

It is found to be a highly magnetised, rotating neutron star, which emits two beams of electromagnetic radiation. This radiation can be observed only when the beam of emission is pointing towards the earth. It is much the same as how a lighthouse can be seen only when the light is pointed at an observer.

A neutron star is the collapsed core of a large star. Neutron stars are the smallest and densest stars known to exist. Though they typically have a radius of 10 km, they can have a mass about twice that of the Sun.

A neutron star is so dense that one teaspoon of its material would have the mass of a mountain over 3,000 metres high, or about 900 times the mass of the Great Pyramid of Giza.

British astronomers Jocelyn Bell Burnell and Antony Hewish discovered the first pulsar in 1967.

They nicknamed the strange signal LGM-1, for "little green men". It was not until a second pulsating source was found in a different part of the sky that the "LGM hypothesis" was abandoned.

Scientists have discovered over 2,000 pulsars so far. The Milky Way is thought to have around 100 million of them, a figure obtained by estimating the number of stars that have undergone supernova explosions.

With their super strong gravitational and electromagnetic fields and high density, pulsars are regarded as natural laboratories of extreme physical conditions.
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Sources within ED told India Today that "the complainant, who had filed the FIR before the Economic Offence Wing (EOW) in Delhi against IPRS and PPL for not paying their dues and for gross irregularities, is now ready to withdraw his complain".

By Virendrasingh Ghunawat: If Enforcement Directorate (ED) sources are to be believed, the money laundering case against Indian Performing Right Society Ltd (IPRS) and Phonographic Performance Ltd (PPL) might be dropped in the next few months.

The ED had, in the same case last month, recorded the statement of lyricist Javed Akhtar, who is one of the complainants and now the new chairman of IPRS.

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Sources within ED told India Today that "the complainant, who had filed the FIR before the Economic Offence Wing (EOW) in Delhi against IPRS and PPL for not paying their dues and for gross irregularities, is now ready to withdraw his complain".

The ED had registered a case under Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA) against both premier bodies on the basis of these complaints made by lyricists and song writers.

As per sources, an advocate of the complainant approached ED with a request to withdraw the money laundering case. "It seems, the complainers have got their money (royalties) back or things have been sorted out within IPRS. Now, they do not want to take this case ahead."

A source said based on the latest development, a meeting was held at the ED office and it was decided that the agency would not be strict with its decision on the case and would end it shortly. But ED officials have refused to confirm or deny the developments.

"If the complainant withdraws his FIR before the EOW, Delhi then there would not be any predicate offence against the accused bodies, i.e., IPRS and PPL. And if these complainants approach the court with the same request, then it would be challenging for ED to stand with its money laundering case," Hiten Venegaonkar, legal counsel of ED Mumbai, explained.

WHAT WAS THE CASE?

IPRS is the body that collects royalties on the songs and music being used at public places like restaurants, radio stations, television channels, among others, and then distributing those royalties among authors (lyricists), composers (music directors), and publishers (music companies). Whereas, PPL is the body that exclusively holds public performance rights and radio broadcasting rights of over 5 lakh songs in the country.

During the investigation, the ED found that office bearers of IPRS had assigned their rights to issue user licenses and collect royalties to PPL on the basis of revenue sharing on per song. Later, allegations were made by the complainants that in connivance with few officer-bearers of IPRS and one Select Media Holding Pvt Ltd (SMHPL), PPL got indulged in criminal conspiracy and cheating by not paying the royalties to them.

An amount of Rs 13.04 crore was retained by PPL (perhaps fraudulently), which led to non-payment of royalties to members of IPRS.

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As a result, last year, the ED made an attachment of assets worth Rs 13 crore of PPL, defining it as "the proceeds of crime", in the case. The agency had also attached mutual funds worth Rs 70.17 crore of IPRS.

AKHTAR PLAYED CRUCIAL ROLE

In April 2017, lyricist Javed Akhtar, who was among those complainants who exposed the financial irregularities, was elected as the new chairman of IPRS, by authors, music composers, lyricists and publishers.

In his statement, Akhtar had said, "IPRS has turned over a new page and a new chapter has started, where there is no 'we' and 'them', only 'us'. Writers, composers and publishers have risen above the past conflicts and have a taken a pledge to work together for enhancement of the Indian music industry's reach and prosperity."

As per the statement, the revamped IPRS has adopted a new working constitution and is fully in sync with the Amended Copyright Act.

"The primary objective of this constitution is to ensure rightful royalty flow to all the right owners, while simplifying licensing process for the end users. Definitely, Akhtar may have played a crucial role in the withdrawal of the criminal complaints against IPRS and PPL," the source said.

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Akhtar has not replied to queries sent by India Today, but in his statement to ED officials, he had stated that he would make sure "as a new chairman, financial irregularities would never take place within IPRS".

Also Read:

Enforcement Directorate records Javed Akhtar's statement in IPRS money laundering case

--- ENDS ---
New Delhi:

The Reserve Bank of India has made its latest attempt for improving banking facilities in Indias banking sector. Deputy governor of the country's apex bank, S S Mundra on Thursday asked banks across the country to gear themselves for bank account portability.

If the Reserve Bank is successful in the implementation of bank account portability, customers will be able to transfer from one bank to another using the same account number. According to the deputy governor, the development of digital banking services has already paved the way for bank account portability to become a reality.

Mundra particularly pointed out that the facility has now become possible after the NPCIs extensive efforts and development of apps like Bhim, IMPS and UPI. Speaking at an event organised by the Banking Codes and Standards Board of India, the deputy governor of the RBI said, As such, the prospect of an aggrieved customer silently moving her account to another bank in the near future has become very real.

On Tuesday, Reserve Bank of India said, With increase in Aadhaar enrolment and technology advancements, banks and stakeholders must start thinking and prepare for bank account number portability to be made into reality

Aadhaar (unique identification of customer) and NPCI (as central payment system) are the two important keys for making the banking account number portability possible.

If the bank account is linked to Aadhaar, Aadhaar payment bridge system (APBS) can make it possible to identify one specific bank account as it can route transactions to an individual on the basis of their Aadhaar number. If this idea succeeds, India will be the first country which will adopt this system.

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Mumbai:

Filmmaker Ashwni Dhir says his upcoming comedy "Guest iin London" is not a sequel of Ajay Devgn-starrer "Atithi Tum Kab Jaoge?" as both the films are entirely different.



"Atithi Tum Kab Jaoge?" chronicled the story of an uninvited guest, played by Paresh Rawal and became a sleeper hit upon its release.



The director says "Guest iin London", in which Rawal yet again plays a guest, is not in anyway related to the 2010 film.



"This has nothing to do with Atithi..., only the name guest is there which is drawing similarity. I wanted to make a clean, family comedy with real emotions.



"My screenwriter and I had a concept and then we worked on it. Many people thought it is a sequel, but it isnt anywhere related to that film," Dhir told PTI.



There were reports that Warner Bros. Pictures had filed an injunction in a court and demanded a stay on the release of "Guest iin London" as it was being promoted as a sequel to their 2010 comedy, the remake and franchise rights of which are with them.



"My producers are looking into that (issue with Warner Bros), but all I can say is the story of our film is completely different. We have new characters. Paresh Rawal could be a common link but his character in this film is not related to the previous.



"These are two very different movies with entirely different take on human relationships," he says.



"Guest iin London" stars Kartik Aaryan, Kriti Kharbanda and Tanvi Azmi.



Dhir says that unlike "Atithi...", which was about a family, "Guest iin London" is about a "living for benefits" couple who use people, and how an old couple come into their lives and change a lot of things.



He went to London for two weeks and saw certain situations which inspired him to incorporate them in the film.



This is Dhirs third film with Rawal after "One Two Three" and "Atithi...", but the director says he was under no pressure.



"Paresh Rawal is known for his comic timing, his sense of humour, but I havent ever written any dialogues keeping him or any actor in mind. There isnt any pressure that because hes Paresh Rawal, I have to come up with the best of lines.



"That could happen when youre writing for a star like Salman Khan, there you need to write something which justifies his image. In these (non-star project) movies, youre free from all the pressure. And Paresh is such a fine actor that half your job is done," he says.



The film is scheduled to release on June 16.

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New Delhi:

Tributes to the two soldiers who were killed in a militant attack near Qazigund on the Srinagar-Jammu national highway were paid by Army Chief Gen Bipin Rawat and top brass of the force on Sunday.

For a soldier, work is his religion... work is worship for us, Gen Rawat said after paying homage to the soldiers Naik Dipak Kumar Maity and Manivannan Gat Palam airport.

The two soldiers were killed after militants attacked an Army convoy on Saturday on the Jammu-Srinagar highway. Four other soldiers were wounded in the attack.

We must all pay our respect and homage to these brave soldiers who have attained martyrdom in the line of duty, Gen Rawat added.

The mortal remains of the two soldiers are being taken to their native places where they will be laid to rest with full military honours.

43-year-old Maity hailed from Midnapur in West Bengal and had joined the Army in 1997. He is survived by his wife Rikta and a 13-year-old daughter.

Hailing from Thiruvannamalai in Tamilnadu, 25-year-old Manivannan had started his career in the Army in 2013. He is survived by his parentsmother G Chinnaponnu and father Gopal G.

Gen Rawat had on Saturday visited formations on the Line of Control (LoC) in North Kashmir and was briefed on the operational and logistical preparedness of the force.

During his visit, which followed repeated instances of ceasefire violations by Pakistan in recent times, he exhorted soldiers deployed in the Valley to maintain utmost vigil and operational focus.

He had also called on J-K Governor N N Vohra and discussed the internal and external security management issues in the state.

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Kolkata:

The ban on sale of cattle for slaughter, which has cast a shadow on the leather industry and created concern among importers, could pave the way for American cattle hide to India in the long run, said Ramesh Juneja-president Calcutta Leather Complex Tanners Association.

A few days back American consulate officials in Kolkata called me up and inquired about the situation on the ban, said Juneja.

If buffaloes are not excluded from the ban list, Indian exporters will be bound to import hide to meet their commitments. Buffalo hides account for in excess of 50 per cent of the leather demand, he said.

India has never imported hides so far and has met the demand from domestic supplies. USA produces a lot of cattle hide but due to high labour cost they dont produce leather goods, he said.

ALSO READ | Leather industry opens up on cattle ban, says Centre's decision should be revoked or amended



However, the hide, skin and leather industry in the USA is growing in recent times and according to reports in 2016, the country has exportered cattle hide and semi-proceed leather products worth USD 2 billion.

The hides and skins industry is a major success story for US agriculture and exports. The industry has positioned itself well to capitalize on a highly dynamic, integrated global leather marketplace, president of the US Hide, Skin and Leather Association Stephen Sothmann was quoted in a report.

China is the largest importer of cattle hide from the USA. Other large destinations include Korea, Mexico, Vietnam and the European Union.

Juneja said that West Bengal has a hide stock which will last for two months and major leather fashion brands were concerened.

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Indians affected by Saturday night's attacks in London can contact the Indian High Commission in the UK at 02076323035, and are advised to follow the Metropolitan Police on Twitter at @metpoliceuk

Guests from a hotel are evacuated and kept in a group with police after the attacks (AP Photo)

By India Today Web Desk: At least six people were killed after militants drove a van into pedestrians on London Bridge and then stabbed revellers in the nearby Borough Market area on Saturday. London's ambulance service said it had taken 48 people to hospitals across the British capital.

The incidents were later declared as terrorist incidents. "Following updates from police and security officials, I can confirm that the terrible incident in London is being treated as a potential act of terrorism," Prime Minister Theresa May said.

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The Indian High Commission in the UK has advised any Indian nationals affected by the attacks to contact it at 02076323035.

The High Commission has also asked Indian citizens to take note of the emergency number of the Metropolitan Police - 999 - and to follow the department on Twitter (@metpoliceuk).

"We shall endeavour to be extend all possible assistance to all affected and to their families and friends in this difficult hour," the High Commission said.

(Inputs from Reuters)

ALSO READ | London attacks: Death toll rises to six, three suspects shot dead

ALSO READ | London attacks: Here's what we know so far

ALSO READ | Donald Trump offers help on London attacks, touts need for travel ban

WATCH VIDEO | London terror siege: Speeding Van rams pedestrians, multiple stabbing reported in Borough Market

--- ENDS ---
New Delhi:

The CBSE has sought data from private schools about their fee structure and increase carried out in recent years to curb charging of unreasonable fees and levying of hidden costs.

The move comes weeks after the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) warned private schools against turning into shops by selling uniform and books in their premises.

We have told the schools that they should not charge unreasonable fees. The charges should be reasonable and there should be no hidden costs as that is the more irritating part for the parents, Union HRD Minister Prakash Javadekar told PTI in an interview.

He said the CBSE has sought data from schools about their fee structure and increase in fees.

Many schools have sent it and the data is being analysed. Schools which havent sent it, have been sent reminders and penalised, he said.

The minister, however, did not thrown light on the penalty measures for schools found guilty of overcharging and having hidden costs in their fees structure.

Overcharging by schools and increase in fees every year have been a subject of concern, often raised by the parents.

Also read: CBSE Class 10th result 2017: Delhi's pass percentage falls by over 13 per cent to 78.09 per cent

Gujarat had last month introduced Gujarat Self-Financed Schools (Regulation of Fees) Bill, 2017 to regulate the charging of exorbitant fees.

The bill empowers the Gujarat government to constitute four fee regulatory committees, one each for the states four zones, to determine fees for admission to any standard or course of study in self-financed schools.

The fee structure proposed in the bill for primary, secondary and higher secondary schools is Rs 15,000, Rs 25,000 and Rs 27,000 per year, respectively.

Schools that wish to charge more will have to approach the regulatory committee, which will have jurisdiction over all private schools, whether affiliated to the Gujarat board, the CBSE or international boards.

The bill had also caught the interest of several states as also that of the Centre with education ministers from Uttar Pradesh and Maharashtra and Javadekar asking for copies of the bill from Gujarat Education Minister Bhupendrasinh Chudasama.

There are private schools which are charging Rs 250, Rs 2,500, Rs 25,000 and Rs 2.5 lakh also. That is a choice which has to be made by the parents.

We value private investment as it contributes to the GDP, but schools should not be overcharging, Javadekar said.

Also read: CBSE Results 2017: Overall pass percentage is 90.95 per cent, dip of over 5 per cent

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Mangaluru:

The Coast Guard on Sunday rescued all 27 members aboard the barge that was sinking in the Arabian sea off Ullal coast in Dakshina Kannada district. Official sources said the Coast Guard had rescued four persons last night and the remaining 23 persons this morning.



It was earlier reported that 33 persons were in the barge.



A lifeboat was used to rescue the stranded men instead of the earlier plan to use a helicopter to airlift them.



The rescue operation, which had been halted due to rough seas last night, resumed at 7 am today, the sources said.



They said four people had been rescued from the sinking barge last night with the aid of Gemini, an inflatable rubber boat along with a diving officer and boarding team of Indian Coast Guard vessel ICGS Amartya.

Read | Indian Navy rescues 4 stranded tugboat crew members off Mumbai coast



However, the rescue operations had to be aborted in the night due to bad weather and light conditions.



The Barge Ibis, a 2964 GRT vessel with a length of 65.58 metre and breadth of 32 metres, with 27 crew, was engaged in operations to prevent sea erosion,south of Old Port Mangalore.



Coast Guard Karnataka received a telephonic message at about 4.45 pm last evening regarding flooding in the barge.



ICGS Amartya had been maintaining its position in the area with continuous communication with Barge Ibis since last evening, the sources said.

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Chennai:

I am reading Upanishads and the Bhagwad Gita to take on the RSS and BJP, said Congress Vice-President Rahul Gandhi on Sunday.

Nowadays I study the Upanishads and the Gita since I am fighting the RSS and BJP, he said addressing party functionaries here.

I ask them (RSS men), my friend, you are doing this, you are oppressing people, but it is written in the Upanishad that all people are the same and how come you are contradicting what your own religion says, party sources quoted him as having told them.

He alleged that BJP does not fundamentally understand India, and understand only Nagpur, headquarters of the RSS.

Taking potshots at Narendra Modi, he said BJP men were under the impression that the entire universal knowledge came out of the Prime Minister.

Gandhi, who has accused BJP-RSS of attempting to thrust one idea on the nation, said every individual, be it in Tamil Nadu or Uttar Pradesh, had a right to express dissent if they were aggrieved, and imposition of one idea was not acceptable.

Also read: Rahul Gandhi says he warned Centre against setting Kashmir on fire

While expressing his appreciation for people of Tamil Nadu, their language, culture and culinary, which is a strength for India like other states, Gandhi said he had a special connect with the state.

He also said that he has decided to start watching Tamil movies, and read about the culture of Tamil Nadu people.

Sent an SMS to my sister, I told my sister that I love coming to Tamil Nadu. I dont know ... some how I feel very connected to Tamil people, Gandhi said.

I wrote (to Priyanka), I love Tamil, Tamils. She wrote back I love them too, he added.

Tamil Nadu Congress Committee President Su Thirunavukkarasar, Congress Legislature Party leader K R Ramasamy were among the functionaries who attended the meeting.

Also read: Rahul Gandhi attacks CM Chandrasekhar Rao: 'Was Telangana formed only for benefit of your family?'

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New Delhi:

A Pakistan-based political party has told International Court of Justice that Kulbhushan Jadhav case was conjured up by Pakistan to sabotage India's reputation in world arena, a report said.



The Jeay Sindh Muttahida Mahaz (JSMM) has reportedly written a strongly-worded letter to several human rights' organisations including the ICJ, Amnesty International, confirming of intelligence that the Kulbhushan Jadhav case plan was hatched by Pakistan to sabotage the Indian projects of developing Chabahar and building and economic corridor to Afghanistan and other central Asian countries.



According to a report in Zee News, the letter seeks the attention from the world bodies towards the scenario of ongoing political, economic and military tensions in South Asia, which the JSMM considers the "sole responsible factor in the decades long history of bloodshed, genocides, injustices, barbarism, fascism, religious extremism, sponsorship of terrorism and the humiliating subjugation of the historic natural nations."

Read | Kulbhsuhan Jadhav will not be executed till he exhausts all mercy appeals: Pakistan



The letter, reportedly addressed by JSMM chairman Shafi Muhammad Burfat, says the Kulbhushan Jadhav case is an unjust example of "innocent Indian commoner, around whom Pakistani State has hurled a fake and fabricated tale of espionage to justify its allegation of Indian involvement in its affairs in front of the world and to take it as a justification to sponsor its religious proxy terrorism against India and brutally silence the unheard voices of the oppressed historic nations chained in its forced federation."



The letter adds that the Jadhav case was aimed to stop Chabahar Project as it affects the success of Gwadar project and China Pakistan Economic Corridor ( CPEC). The Gwadar-Chabahar rivalry has been much written and discussed in the Pakistani news media.



Further refuting Pakistan's claims of Jadhav's case being detrimental to the national security, Burfat says the "Pakistani espionage tale about Kulbhushan is a nefarious conspiracy, cheap strategic design and nothing but a fabricated lie."

Read | Kulbhushan Jadhav case: Fearing change of judges, Pakistan requests early hearing at International Court of Justice

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Srinagar:

The Indian Army on Sunday paid tributes to two jawans who were killed in a militant attack on a convoy in south Kashmirs Kulgam district.

In a solemn ceremony at Badamibagh Cantonment in Srinagar, many senior officials from other security forces and civil administration, including the director general of Jammu and Kashmir Police, S P Vaid, Lieutenant General J S Sandhu, general officer commanding of Chinar Corps, participated, a defence spokesman said here.

Naik Dipak Kumar Maity (43) who was killed in the attack on Saturday, had joined the Army in 1997 and hailed from Midnapur in West Bengal, he said.

He is survived by his wife and a 13-year-old daughter.

The spokesperson said Gunner (operator) Manivannan G, who also died, was only 25 years of age and had donned the uniform in 2013.

Trending Now: 21-year-old ISIS suspect 'Jihadi Jack' captured in Syria: Report

Manivannan hailed from Thiruvannamalai in Tamil Nadu and is survived by his parents.

Their mortal remains will be flown for last rites to their native places where they will be laid to rest with full military honours, the spokesman said.

He said in the hour of grief, the Army stands in solidarity with the bereaved families and remains committed to their dignity and well-being.

Two jawans were killed and four others injured when militants attacked the Army convoy on the Srinagar-Jammu national highway on Saturday.

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New Delhi:

Syrian President Bashar al-Assad has said India is welcome to play a role in the reconstruction of the war-ravaged country. He also said India and Syria were victims of terror and they should support each other in the fight against the menace.

India is welcome to play an economic role in the reconstruction of Syria, something we have already started.

We started this project in Damascus, and now we are expanding that project in most of the cities in Syria, of course after the liberation from ISIS and al-Nusra and those terrorist groups. Of course, we welcome any Indian company, he told WION TV.

On the fight against terror, Assad said India and Syria could learn from each other and work towards building a genuine coalition against terrorism, according to a press release issued by the TV channel.

Assad described Indias stand on the Syrian war as one based on international law and the UN Charter, and independent of those countries that sought to pressure New Delhi to end all ties with Syria.

He said India would be among the first countries he plans to visit after the war is over.

Trending Now: 21-year-old ISIS suspect 'Jihadi Jack' captured by Kurdish fighters in Syria: Report

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Dehradun:

A suspected Chinese helicopter was seen flying over Indian territory in Barahoti area of Chamoli district in Uttarakhand on Saturday close to Sino-India border, prompting authorities to launch a probe.

One chopper was sighted hovering over Barahoti area violating Indian airspace at 9.15 AM. It remained inside the Indian airspace for nearly four minutes, Chamoli Superintendent of Police Tripti Bhatt told news agency.

There have been similar airspace violations in the past too. However, we cannot say whether the violation was a deliberate act of recce or an unintentional deviation, the SP said.

The SP said an investigation is underway to ascertain details of the airspace violation.

ALSO READ | China: Paying 'close attention' to issue of missing Indian Air Force fighter jet

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New Delhi:

Union Minister Venkaiah Naidu on Sunday slamming the Congress for labelling Jammu and Kashmir as Indian-occupied Kashmir in its booklet said the people of India would never forgive the party for such a mindset.

Uttar Pradesh Congress on Saturday released a booklet with an incorrect map of the country.

The booklet titled Rashtriya Suraksha Par Aanch in the context of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) was distributed by the Congress in Lucknow. On page 12 of the 16-page booklet showed the entire state of J&K labelled as Indian Occupied Kashmir.

People can never forgive the Congress for this mindset which is now a part of their official publication, the senior BJP leader said.

The Congress party recently asked BJP to come with a final solution of Kashmir Issue. Naidu taking a dig at the partys demand said, perhaps, the final solution they have in mind is that let Kashmir be given to Pakistan so that we all live in peace. This mindset has been reflected in their official booklet released in Lucknow on Saturday.

This was not the first instance of showing the wrong map of India. Earlier, a Class 12 National Council of Educational Research and Training (NCERT) Political Science textbook showed Aksai Chin as part of China with the label Indian claim.

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New Delhi:

Congress Vice-president Rahul Gandhi on Sunday addressed a press conference in Chennai where he said that he was brushed off by Defence Minister Arun Jaitley months ago, when he had warned him that the Centre is heading towards 'setting Kashmir on fire'.

"Around six, seven months ago, Mr. Arun Jaitley came to see me and I told him that they are mishandling Kashmir and they are going to set Kashmir on fire. And Jaitley brushed me aside and said that Kashmir is peaceful," Rahul Gandhi told media.

Asserting his point Rahul gandhi said that the Centre and Prime Minister Narendra Modi are 'mishandling' Kashmir.

NDA Government is creating a problem for the country by their incompetence and trying to utilize Kashmir as a political asset, said Rahul Gandhi.

#WATCH: Congress Vice President Rahul Gandhi addresses a press conference in Chennai. https://t.co/etgCj682YD  ANI (@ANI_news) June 4, 2017

"Kashmir is India's strength and they are making it India's weakness," he added.

ALSO READ | Amarinder Singh meets Rahul Gandhi to discuss expansion of cabinet, tainted minister

Rahul Gandhi's assertion on Kashmir issue comes a day after Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh assured that a solution for the Kashmir unrest will be chalked out at any cost, adding that all the impediments coming in between the better future of Kashmir will be removed.



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Manchester:

Many people and Sikh temples are offering free food and rooms for the night for victims of Manchester terror attack.

As hundreds of people fled Manchester Arena following the explosion, taxi drivers began taking people to safety.

Driver AJ Singh said he tried to help wherever he could.

Ive had people who needed to find loved ones. Ive dropped them off to the hospital. Theyve not had any money, theyve been stranded, he told Channel 4 News.

We should come out and show whoevers done this that it doesnt matter because Manchester, were glue and we stick together when it counts.

Manchester, a heavily industrialised city, some 260 km from London, is home to a significant number of people from South Asia.

Sam Arshad, from StreetCars Manchester asked his drivers to give free rides to anyone stranded after the Ariana Grande concert.

The audience was a very young audience, and there were a lot of people there without their parents, he told the BBC.

There are stories of cab drivers driving over from Liverpool to try and offer people free lifts back to Liverpool.

There were stories of people coming on to the streets of Manchester to offer their spare rooms because people were not able to get back to their hotels.

Muslim taxi drivers giving free lifts, Sikh temples giving food and beds, locals giving blood in the morning. Proud to call Manchester home, tweeted Emily Bolton a local resident.

Liverpool City Region Metro Mayor Steve Rotheram, whose two daughters and two nieces were at the concert, praised the spontaneous acts of ordinary people of Manchester following Saturday nights attack at a concert in the city.

And its then that people were requesting taxis but they didnt have money.

It was at that point that I made the decision that money isnt everything in life and were part of Manchester and we need to do our part to make sure these people get home safe and sound, Rotheram said.

At least 22 people were killed and 59 others injured when a lone suicide bomber set off a bomb at the Manchester Arena after US pop star Ariana Grande concluded her concert on Saturday night.

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Three attackers drove a white van at high speed into pedestrians walking on London Bridge, police said. A witness told Reuters that at least seven people were hit on the bridge. "It looked like he was aiming for groups of people. I froze because I didn't know what to do," Mark Roberts, a 53-year-old management consultant, told Reuters. "It was horrendous."

Police said they responded to the incident on London bridge at 2108 GMT

The men armed with knives left the vehicle and attacked people in the nearby Borough Market area on the south side of the Thames, according to witnesses. Witnesses added the attackers stabbed people in the street and in pubs and restaurants in Borough Market.

"Armed response officers then responded very quickly and bravely and confronted the three male suspects who were shot and killed on Borough Market," Mark Rowley, Britain's top anti-terrorism officer, said."The suspects had been confronted and shot by police within eight minutes of the first call. The suspects were wearing what looked like explosive vests but these were later established to be hoaxes," he said.

The men were wearing what appeared to be canisters attached to their bodies. One of them was shown in a photograph lying on the ground outside the Wheatsheaf pub. Another man, was also reported to be an attacker, was pictured on the ground a short distance away. Witnesses said they heard gunfire in the area. A Reuters reporter nearby said he heard loud bangs afterwards that may have been controlled explosions.

At 0025 British time on Sunday the incidents at London Bridge and Borough Market were declared as terrorist incidents. "Following updates from police and security officials, I can confirm that the terrible incident in London is being treated as a potential act of terrorism," Prime Minister Theresa May said just over four days before voting is due to begin in a June 8 national election.

May will chair a meeting of Britain's "COBR" emergency response committee on Sunday morning. Intelligence and security chiefs as well as senior ministers and officials attend the meeting.

US President Donald Trump tweeted: "Whatever the United States can do to help out in London and the U.K., we will be there - WE ARE WITH YOU. GOD BLESS!"

Islamic State earlier on Saturday sent out a call on instant messaging service Telegram urging its followers to launch attacks with trucks, knives and guns against "Crusaders" during the Muslim holy month of Ramzan. The attack came less than two weeks after a suicide bomber Salman Abedi blew himself up at a concert in Manchester on May 22, killing at least 22.
Washington:

US President Donald Trump has underscored his controversial travel ban on citizens from six Muslim-majority countries in view of todays terror attacks in central London in which six people were killed and 30 others injured.



We need to be smart, vigilant and tough. We need the courts to give us back our rights. We need the Travel Ban as an extra level of safety! Trump said in a tweet on Saturday.



Trump also retweeted a tweet from Drudge Report which said that there were fears of new terror attack after a van ploughed into pedestrians on London Bridge in a terror attack followed by stabbing incidents in the area.



At least six people were killed and 30 others injured on Sunday in two terror attacks at central London landmarks in which police shot dead three suspects.



The attack that took place at London Bridge and Borough Market came just days ahead of the general election on June 8.



Whatever the United States can do to help out in London and the UK, we will be there - we are with you. God bless! Trump said.



State Department spokesperson Heather Nauert in a statement condemned the cowardly attacks targeting innocent civilians in London.



We understand UK police are currently treating these as terrorist incidents. The United States stands ready to provide any assistance authorities in the United Kingdom may request, she said.



Our hearts are with the families and loved ones of the victims. We wish a full and quick recovery to those injured in the attacks. All Americans stand in solidarity with the people of the United Kingdom, Nauert said.



The US Department of Homeland Security said it was closely monitoring the ongoing situation in the United Kingdom.



We are working with our interagency partners and foreign counterparts to gain further insight into reported attacks against civilians on London Bridge and in the surrounding area, it said.



US citizens in the area should heed direction from local authorities and maintain security awareness. We encourage any affected US citizens who need assistance to contact the US Embassy in London and follow Department of State guidance, the statement said.

Read | London terror attack live: 6 dead, including 3 attackers, in 3 separate incidents; PM Modi, Trump condemn attacks



The Homeland Security Secretary has been fully briefed on the incidents and the ongoing response.



At this time, we have no information to indicate a specific, credible terror threat in the United States, the statement said, adding that they are in contact with and stand ready to assist the UK as they respond, investigate and recover.



We stand resolute with our friends in London and send prayers to the victims. Terror and hate will never triumph, tweeted Paul Ryan, Speaker of the US House of Representatives.



My heart is with the people of London, the victims of this string of terrorist attacks, and their families. You are all in our prayers, said Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer.



Several US lawmakers condemned the London terror attacks. We stand in solidarity with the United Kingdom. Terrorism must not prevail, said Congressman Ted Poe.My thoughts and prayers are with the people of London and all of the United Kingdom, tweeted Congresswoman Ann McLane Kuster.



Congressman Eliot L Engel, Ranking Member of the House Committee on Foreign Affairs, said he was shocked by tonights attacks in London and his heart goes out to all those innocent people affected by this horrific violence.



As we await details of multiple attacks, the United States must stand ready to help our ally track down the perpetrators and swiftly bring them to justice, he said.Tonight is the second attack Great Britain has suffered in just two weeks. During these difficult times, the United States and United Kingdom will remain united in the face of senseless violence in all its ugly forms, Engel said.



Horrified by news out of #London. My prayers are with the victims & their families, first responders & the British people. #LondonBridge, tweeted Congressman Joe Crowley.



My heart and soul go out to London tonight. America stands with the people of Great Britain and the victims of the #LondonBridge attack, tweeted Senator Dianne Feinstein.



Todays attacks come after 22-year-old suicide bomber Salman Abedi blew himself up at Manchester Arena on May 22, killing 22 people.



Trump in his executive order had banned visa issuance to citizens of six majority-Muslim countries: Iran, Libya, Somalia, Sudan, Syria and Yemen.

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Kathmandu:

To elect veteran politician Sher Bahadur Deuba as the 40th prime minister of Nepal, the parliamentary voting had to be postponed till Tuesday as the political parties failed to give a consensus to conduct the House proceedings.

The main opposition Communist Party of Nepal-Unified Marxist-Leninist (CPM-UML) led by former prime minister KP Sharma Oli had threatened to obstruct the House proceedings against the repolling ordered in Bharatpur Metropolitan City.

The daughter of caretaker Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal Prachanda, Renu Dahal, is contesting for the post of mayor from the constituency. The counting of the votes was suspended after members of her party - CPN (Maoist Centre) - allegedly tore up ballots during the process on the night of May 28. The Election Commission has ordered a repolling in Kathmandu.

The local polls in Nepal are being held for the first time in 20 years. The next and final phase of the local polls is set for June 14, when the restive southern Terai region home to the ethnic Madhesi population, will vote.

The House meeting was initially slated for 11 am, then it was rescheduled to 3 pm, but Speaker Onsari Gharti Magar finally postponed the meeting until Tuesday after CPN-UML warned it would obstruct the proceedings over the EC decision.

Top political leaders on Sunday held talks at the parliament building to end the deadlock and conduct the voting to elect Deuba as the 40th prime minister of Nepals young democracy.

But with the House meeting postponed, Deuba will now have to wait until Tuesday to be elected as prime minister.

Deuba, president of the Nepali Congress (NC), is the only candidate in the race, after CPN-UML decided not to contest.

The voting is a mere formality to pave his way for the position, according to the Kathmandu Post.

Prachanda, the outgoing prime minister proposed Deubas name and senior NC leader Ram Chandra Poudel seconded the proposal to elect him on the basis of majority.

Deuba, 70, needs to secure 297 votes in the 593-member-strong parliament to prove his majority. As the NC-Maoist Centre alliance enjoys 287 seats in Parliament and has the support of four other parties having 21 seats, it looks plain sailing for Deuba, the report in the daily said.

Deuba served as the prime minister from 1995 to 1997, from 2001 to 2002, and from 2004 to 2005.

Prachanda resigned on May 24 after a brief stint of nine months, honouring a power sharing agreement with the ruling coalition partner Nepali Congress to hand over the countrys leadership to the largest party in Parliament.

For all the Latest World News, Download News Nation Android and iOS Mobile Apps.
New Delhi:

At least six people were killed and several others injured on Sunday (Saturday night GMT) in two terror attacks at central London landmarks in which police shot dead three suspects.



The attack that took place at London Bridge and Borough Market comes just days ahead of the general election on June 8.



The first incident was reported at London Bridge when a van swerved off the road into a crowd of pedestrians, BBC reported.



A white van driver came speeding probably about 50 mph veered off the road into the crowds of people who were walking along the pavement, it said.



Within minutes, there were reports of a second attack at Borough market on the South Bank of the Thames where three men started stabbing people including a young girl.



At least 30 people were taken to hospitals across London after the deadly incident which took place last night, leaving the whole nation in shock which still recovers from the Manchester arena suicide bombing nearly two weeks ago.



This is the third terror attack in the UK since March.



On 22 May, 22 people were killed and 116 injured in a suicide bombing at Manchester Arena.



The attacker, identified as 22-year-old Salman Abedi, detonated a home-made bomb in the arenas foyer as crowds were leaving a performance by US singer Ariana Grande late in the evening.



On 22 March, six people died, including the attacker, and at least 50 people were injured in an attack near the Houses of Parliament.



Attacker Khalid Masood first drove his car at pedestrians on the pavement on Westminster Bridge before crashing into a perimeter fence. Masood, armed with a knife, then left the vehicle and ran towards Parliament, where he was shot dead by police.



Live updates:

#9:30 AM: PM Modi condemns London attacks, terms the incident 'shocking & anguishing'

Attacks in London are shocking & anguishing. We condemn them. My thoughts are with families of the deceased & prayers with the injured.  Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) June 4, 2017

#9:05 AM: London Ambulance Service update: Ove 30 people have been taken to five hospitals following bridge attacks

#8:30 AM: London's police say six people have died in addition to three attackers: AP

#Visuals Police at the site in London after two terror attacks, of a van hitting pedestrians on London Bridge & stabbings at Borough Market. pic.twitter.com/R3KZ4HAJ5z  ANI (@ANI_news) June 4, 2017

7:30 AM: London Mayor statement: We don't yet know the full details, but this was a deliberate and cowardly attack on innocent Londoners and visitors to our city enjoying their Saturday night. I condemn it in the strongest possible terms. There is no justification whatsoever for such barbaric acts.

My statement on the cowardly terrorist attack in London tonight: https://t.co/PaGXogN60N

Please continue to follow @metpoliceuk for updates pic.twitter.com/AcGaju2Svp  Mayor of London (@MayorofLondon) June 4, 2017

Our latest statement about the incident in #LondonBridge. We have taken at least 20 patients to six hospitals across London. pic.twitter.com/eDRdk48CBu  London Ambulance (@Ldn_Ambulance) June 4, 2017

#7:15 AM: World leaders condemn the attack:

We need to be smart, vigilant and tough. We need the courts to give us back our rights. We need the Travel Ban as an extra level of safety!  Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) June 3, 2017

Whatever the United States can do to help out in London and the U. K., we will be there - WE ARE WITH YOU. GOD BLESS!  Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) June 3, 2017

Awful news from London tonight. We're monitoring the situation - Canadians in need of help please see below: https://t.co/NVHwMlD2uu  Justin Trudeau (@JustinTrudeau) June 3, 2017



#7:00 AM: US condemns the terrorist attack on London Bridge, Ivanka Trump tweets "Praying for the people of London. We stand in solidarity with our friends from the U.K. You are in our thoughts and prayers"

Praying for the people of London. We stand in solidarity with our friends from the U.K. You are in our thoughts and prayers.ai #londonbridge  Ivanka Trump (@IvankaTrump) June 4, 2017

After an hour of being stuck in the #londonbridge area and told to run by police, Muslim shopkeepers offered me food and a place to stay.  jared (@gxyred) June 4, 2017

I have just had a Muslim taxi driver take me home and he has cried on me over the attacks tonight,terrorism has no religion #LondonBridge YY  J E S S (@JessSmith97) June 4, 2017

Situation in London must be very serious when 13 ambulances are heading for #LondonBridgepic.twitter.com/POILhfQl9p  Kevin W. (@kwilli1046) June 4, 2017

Terrifying testimony from stabbing witness Gerard who just spoke to me about what happened #LondonBridgepic.twitter.com/9stFtDwYek  Mahrukh (@Mahrukh_Irshad)

#6:30 AM: London police say incident at Vauxhall is not connected to the London Bridge or Borough Market incident

#6:25 AM: British Prime Minister Theresa May called the events a potential act of terrorism.Following updates from police and security officials, I can confirm that the terrible incident in London is being treated as a potential act of terrorism, May said in a statement.

Read | Just before United Kingdom blast, bomber said to have pleaded 'forgive me'

The Prime Minister is in contact with officials and is being regularly updated on the incident at London Bridge, Downing Street said.

Transport for London said the bridge has been closed in both directions due to a major police incident.



London Ambulance Service tweeted: Multiple resources attending an incident at #LondonBridge, please avoid the area.



Holly Jones, a BBC reporter who was present at London Bridge at the time of the incident said a van veered off the road into a crowd of pedestrians.



A white van driver came speeding probably about 50mph veered off the road into the crowds of people who were walking along the pavement, she told BBC News.



He swerved right round me and then hit about five or six people. He hit about two people in front of me and then three behind, she said.



A large number of police officers were seen gearing up with helmets and riot gear, believed to be on the hunt for suspects. There were also reports of some people being taken into police custody.

For all the Latest World News, Download News Nation Android and iOS Mobile Apps.
Here's how UK and world leaders reacted to news of Saturday's terrorist attacks in the British capital.

Police officers with riot shields on Borough High Street after the attack (AP photo)

By India Today Web Desk: Terrorist attacks in London Bridge and the nearby Borough Market claimed seven lives on Saturday in the British capital. London's ambulance service said it had taken 48 people to hospitals across the city.

Here's how UK and world leaders reacted to news of the incident.

NARENDRA MODI, PRIME MINISTER OF INDIA

"Attacks in London are shocking and anguishing. We condemn them. My thoughts are with families of the deceased and prayers with the injured," tweeted Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

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THERESA MAY, PRIME MINISTER OF THE UNITED KINGDOM

"Following updates from police and security officials, I can confirm that the terrible incident in London is being treated as a potential act of terrorism," UK Prime Minister Theresa May said.

"This is a fast moving investigation...I want to express my huge gratitude to the police and emergency services who are on the scene. Our thoughts are with those who are caught up in these dreadful events," she added.

DONALD TRUMP, PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES

"Whatever the United States can do to help out in London and the UK, we will be there - WE ARE WITH YOU. GOD BLESS!" President Trump tweeted.

SADIQ KHAN, MAYOR OF LONDON

In a statement, London Mayor Sadiq Khan called the attacks "horrific," "deliberate" and "cowardly." Read the full statement here.

Photo Courtesy: Sadiq Khan/Twitter

EMMANUEL MACRON, PRESIDENT OF FRANCE

"In the face of this new tragedy, France is more than ever at the United Kingdom's side. My thoughts go to the victims and to their near and dear ones," tweeted France's new president.

JEREMY CORBYN, BRITISH OPPOSITION LEADER

British opposition leader Jeremy Corbyn described the incidents in central London as "brutal and shocking."

"My thoughts are with the victims and their families. Thank you to the emergency services," Corbyn said on Twitter.

(Inputs from Reuters)

ALSO READ | When terrorists drove van into pedestrians, stabbed revellers: All you need to know about the London attack

ALSO READ | Donald Trump offers help on London attacks, touts need for travel ban

SEE PICTURES | London attack in pictures: How terror unfolded in the cultural capital of the world

ALSO WATCH | PM Narendra Modi condemns London terror attacks

--- ENDS ---
It is said that Daoxuan, a famous Tang Dynasty (618-907 A.D.) monk, once performed a religious ritual praying for rains to end a persistent drought in the temple after which it rained - as if the prayers were heard in heaven.

By Indo-Asian News Service: Archaeologists have excavated a temple in China's Chengdu city, around 1,000 years after it was deemed to have been lost, officials said on Sunday.

The Fugan temple lasted from the Eastern Jin Dynasty (317-420 A.D.) to the Southern Song Dynasty (1127-1279 A.D.), Xinhua news agency reported.

It is said that Daoxuan, a famous Tang Dynasty (618-907 A.D.) monk, once performed a religious ritual praying for rains to end a persistent drought in the temple after which it rained -- as if the prayers were heard in heaven.

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Famous Tang Dynasty poet Liu Yuxi left a poem to commemorate the temple's renovation, describing its heavenly appearance. It further noted the temple's important role at that time.

However, the building was worn down during the later period of the Tang and Song dynasties, with all traces of the temple disappearing during wars.

Archaeologists unearthed more than 1,000 tablets inscribed with Buddhist scriptures and over 500 pieces of stone sculpture as well as glazed tiles with inscriptions.

"We have only excavated a part of the temple's area but already have a glimpse of its past glory," said Yi Li, who led the excavation project.

He said they have found the temple's foundation, ruins of surrounding buildings, wells, roads and ditches.

During the excavation, archaeologists found some 80 ancient tombs scattered near the temple, dating back to Shang and Zhou dynasties (1600-256 B.C.).

--- ENDS ---
China developing massive submersible arsenal ship capable of raining hundreds of guided missiles on targets

For decades the Chinese Peoples Liberation Army Navy, or PLAN, was essentially a third-tier, brown water force that was used principally for coastal defense and patrolling. But in the past two decades, as Chinas economy has grown to become the second-largest in the world behind only the United States, it has steadily modernized its navy into a blue water force capable of projecting power globally.

And now, the PLAN is working on the development of a naval vessel that, in the words of Popular Science, would be a warship of naval theorists dreams, an arsenal ship capable of submerging like a submarine.

The magazine, on its website, reported:

The Chinese navy is taking arsenal ships in a new directionas giant submersibles. Post-Cold War naval theorists have long dreamed of recreating the old battleships power through massive arsenal ships, or warships carrying hundreds of guided missiles that could fire at land and sea targets. Now it looks like China wants to make that dream a reality.

In the early 20th century, dreadnoughts  a generic name given to massive battleships after the Royal British Navy launched the first of its class, the HMS Dreadnought  eventually gave way to super-dreadnoughts and both classes were used in World War I & II. The principle armament of these ships were six-to-nine massive guns, but they also bristled with dozens of other gun calibers and types. The only remaining dreadnaught is the USS Texas, but the U.S. Navy refurbished four World War II-era Iowa-class battleships (USS Iowa, USS Wisconsin, USS Missouri and USS New Jersey) during President Ronald Reagans military build-up in the 1980s. The Missouri and the Wisconsin saw action in the first Gulf War; all battleships were retired (again) after that conflict.

The Chinese concept resurrects the notion of a massive arsenal ship that also bristles with weapons, but not guns: The ship would be capable of carrying hundreds of guided missiles that could be launched against multiple targets simultaneously. The fact that the vessel could submerge means that it would be more difficult to locate and target.

Being submersible  fully or even partially  dramatically reduces a ships radar signature. It would also protect it from most anti-ship missile threats (though not submarines).

Stories circulating on Chinese websites, including one belonging to the Wuhan city government, noted that various China-based institutions are studying the concept of the gigantic submersible vessels.

Two concepts have been seen, PopSci noted. One of them envisions a high-speed vessel with most of its hull under water, but it operates with a functional above-water superstructure featuring radar and defensive weapons.

The other ship design is a vessel that is almost completely submerged featuring a pair of conning towers. (RELATED: China Edging U.S. Advantage In Submarine Warfare.)

One major aspect: Both ship designs are massive; each would displace about 20,000 tons fully loaded, PopSci reported.

According to reports, the Chinese have already put a substantial amount of work into designing a submersible arsenal ship. Leading naval engineer Prof. Dong Wei Cai worked right up until his death on a very important component of the ship, its high-speed wave hydroplane.

A key operational function of the first arsenal ship design that the Chinese would eventually decide upon and build would be its ability to remain stealthy, and for that most of the ships hull would have to remain submerged, so as to reduce its radar signature. However, as the vessel sailed with a high-speed naval task force it would need to give up much of its stealth capability as it rises largely above the waterline to hydroplane across the waves.

The second design is much more conventional  more like a massive submarine operating mostly underwater, with two conning towers visible. In order to keep up with the faster-moving surface ships of any task force, the second design would operate largely above water in transit, then submerge before combat operations were to begin, PopSci reported.

Stay up to date with the truth at NewsTarget.com.

J.D. Heyes is a senior writer for NaturalNews.com and NewsTarget.com, as well as editor of The National Sentinel.

Sources:

PopSci.com

NationalSecurity.news

(Photo Credit: Baoxiuyuan, via Popular Science)

Submit a correction >>
State police are encouraging residents to stay vigilant in the wake of Saturday nights terrorist attacks in London.

While there are no known or suspected threats to Connecticut, authorities continue to monitor the situation, the state police said in a Facebook post.

The Connecticut State Police along with our law enforcement and emergency management partners will remain vigilant, police said in the post. As always, we cant do our jobs alone - we need your help. We urge all members of the public to remain alert and immediately contact police if you observe anything or anyone suspicious or seemingly out of place for your surroundings. Dont be apprehensive about reporting; its better to be safe.

To report suspicious activity, residents can call 911 for urgent matters. Call any State Police troop, local police department or the tip line at 1-866-HLS-TIPS (1-866-457-8477) for non-urgent matters. A Suspicious Activity Report is also available at https://sar.demhs.ct.gov/tips/

The warning was sparked partly by the latest terrorist incident, which took place Saturday in London, where seven are reported dead and 48 injured after a van drove into a crowd of pedestrians on London Bridge. Assailants then climbed out of the van and attacked people with knives in nearby Borough Market.

The Department of Emergency Services and Public Protection (DESPP), along with state police partners on the local, state and federal levels, continue to follow the events in London. The Connecticut Intelligence Center (CTIC), which comprises representatives from various law enforcement and intelligence agencies, along with the Department of Homeland Security and the Federal Bureau of Investigation, will determine whether there is information relevant to police in the United States, according to state police.
BROOKFIELD  Residents can discuss proposed changes to ordinances, as well as a program the town administers, at a public hearing Monday.

The Board of Selectmen will hold public hearings at 7:15 p.m. Monday on amendments to ordinances and the Neighborhood Assistance Act.
In the 26 years since federal authorities began monitoring Connecticuts child welfare system, state officials have made progress in overcoming manhy of its deficiencies. But now the court-appointed monitor argues that the progress has slowed so much that he should be given significant influence over the agencys staffing, technology and other resources.

The current caseloads overwhelm an individual social worker and do not allow them to meet the fundamental requirements of their job, Raymond Mancuso, the federal monitor, wrote recently in court documents.

Mancuso, himself a former employee of the state Department of Children and Families, was appointed as court monitor after the 1991 settlement of the landmark Juan F. class action lawsuit, which alleged chronic mismanagement of the agency. As part of the settlement, DCF agreed to a plan, revised several times over the years, to exit federal oversight by fully complying with 22 performance measures.

But Mancusos latest request drew a fiery response from Connecticut Attorney General George Jepsen, who called Mancusos recommendations a breathtaking intrusion into the prerogatives of the states legislative and executive branches and is unsupported in law.

At a time when the court has commended the Department of Children and Families, and when the state faces historic budget challenges, the court monitor has asked that he be given the authority to determine the precise resources needed to run DCF and to micromanage all aspects of fiscal management and policy for the agency - likely leading to tens of millions more in court-mandated spending, Jepsen said.

DCFs budget is about $800 million this year.

Steven Frederick, a Stamford attorney who is co-counsel for the plaintiff class, said the additional steps outlined in Mancusos filing were appropriate under the circumstances.

Resources are becoming more scarce, so I think DCF is slipping, Frederick said. They did have some improvements, some dramatic improvements, but they are slipping now.

The monitor is not seeking unilateral authority over the agency, Frederick added, because the court would have to approve any recommendations or remedies proposed.

The next hearing in the long-running case is scheduled for June 29 in U.S. District Court in Hartford.

According to Mancusos latest status report, filed in February, the state was complying with 16 of the 22 measures from April 1 to Sept. 30, 2016.

Among the measures deemed non-compliant is one requiring that DCF have treatment plans meeting certain standards in 90 percent of its cases.

In Region V, which includes Danbury, the agency met those standards 63.6 percent of the time from July through September, compared to 52.7 percent statewide. But in Region I, which serves Bridgeport, Stamford, Norwalk and Greenwich, treatment plans met the required standards just 14.3 percent of the time.

The exit plan also requires that at least 80 percent of all families and children receive medical, dental, mental health and other services as specified in their treatment plans. But during that same period last year, Region I met these needs just 42.9 percent of the time, Region V, 54.6 percent and the state as a whole 52.7 percent.

The two sides had agreed to update the exit plan last year, about 10 years after its last major revision, an effort the plaintiffs hoped would remedy key deficiencies.

We thought that the revised exit plan filed in September 2016 would have solved a lot of these issues, Frederick said. It had resource provisions and a minimum budget ... and it also had provisions requiring the court monitor to file reports on shortages.

But the General Assembly rejected that plan in February. Immediately afterward, the plaintiffs notified the federal court that the state was not complying with the settlement plan because of shortages at DCF, including a lack of caseworkers and outside mental health services.

We were very concerned that the bottom would fall out, Frederick said.

Mancuso followed up with his request for greater influence over agency resources.

While progress has been made and sustained on some individual Outcome Measures, others have not improved and the harm caused to the Juan F. Class is serious, Mancuso wrote in his May 1 filing.

Jepsen argued last week that the state has made a good-faith effort to live up to its commitments, but that it rejects Mancusos latest proposal as an intrusion on its sovereignty.

DCF has made substantial and sustained progress toward meeting agreed-to goals and takes its responsibilities seriously, recognizing that there is more work to be done, he said. Indeed, the governor has identified a level of resources that he believes is adequate for DCF to meet its responsibilities.

We trust that he and the legislature are best equipped to make that determination, not an unelected court monitor.
The Indian Coast Guard has rescued all 27 workers stranded on a sinking barge in the Arabian sea off Ullal coast in Mangaluru.

The barge hit a huge rock that punctured its body, thereby flooding it with water.

By Rohini Swamy: The Indian Coast Guard has rescued all 27 workers stranded on a sinking barge in the Arabian sea off Ullal in Mangaluru.

The barge hit a huge rock that punctured its body, thereby flooding it with water. The Coast Guard swung into action as soon as they received a distress call, though their search and rescue operation was hampered by swell in sea.

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The rescue operation was halted after five of the workers were rescued due to strong winds and rough waters that impeded the process.

"The Coast Guard swung into action when it received a distress call at 5:00 pm from the workers on the barge, located at 4km south of Old Port Mangaluru, " said Mangaluru Deputy Commissioner of Police KM Shantaraju.

The workers on board the dredger were engaged in its operations when it got flooded by choppy sea water.

Ullal near Mangaluru in Dakshin Kannada (South Canara) is about 350km from the state capital Bengaluru.

With inputs from IANS

--- ENDS ---
Government of Canada encourages Canadians to get closer to nature with Tree Canada's Canada 150 project

OTTAWA, June 4, 2017 David McGuinty, Member of Parliament (Ottawa Centre), today unveiled a City of Ottawa community initiative supported by Tree Canada's program "Canada 150  Tree to Our Nature." He attended this event on behalf of the Honourable Melanie Joly, Minister of Canadian Heritage.

In honour of Canada 150, Tree Canada will bring Canadian communities together through supporting 150 community-based environmental initiatives. Tree Canada has invited community organizations to restore local parks, recreation areas and school grounds through the planting and maintaining of trees. Varieties such as maple, white pine and western red cedar have long been held as traditional symbols of peace and reconciliation among some Indigenous Peoples, and will be planted as part of the project.

The Government of Canada provided funding for this project through the Canada 150 Fund. The Canada 150 Fund supports local, regional and national activities that allow Canadians from coast to coast to coast to celebrate and make 2017 a memorable year.

Quotes

"2017 has been an exceptional year, and there's much more to come! We are delighted to support Tree Canada's initiative, which gives Canadians the opportunity to experience Canada's natural beauty while giving back to their communities. Let's take advantage of Canada 150 to come together with friends, family and neighbours to revitalize our community spaces and strengthen our environmental awareness."

The Honourable Melanie Joly, Minister of Canadian Heritage

"In honour of Canada 150, Tree Canada has taken on a mission to preserve the environment that will leave a lasting legacy for our future. This is a great opportunity to rediscover our beautiful landscapes and highlight the importance of responsible and sustainable management of the environment."

 David McGuinty, Member of Parliament (Ottawa South)

"We're thrilled to be partnering with the Government of Canada to deliver Canada 150 community tree-planting celebrations all across the country. These events are a perfect way to commemorate Canada's legacy in a positive, meaningful and lasting way, all while engaging people from coast to coast to coast."

Michael Rosen, President, Tree Canada

Quick Facts

The Government of Canada is providing funding of $775,000 for Tree Canada's "Canada 150  Tree to Our Nature" program.

The main themes of the Government of Canada's vision for Canada 150 are diversity and inclusion, reconciliation with Indigenous Peoples, the environment and youth.

The Canada 150 Fund was established in April 2015 and has an overall budget of $200 million.

Through this fund, the Government of Canada is investing strategically in activities that support the vision of Canada 150 and encourage the direct involvement of Canadians.

Associated links

Canada 150 http://canada.pch.gc.ca/eng/1468262573081/1468262646675 Tree Canada https://treecanada.ca/en/programs/tree-our-nature/

SOURCE Canadian Heritage

For further information: (media only), please contact: 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


A single treatment giving life-long protection from severe allergies such as asthma could be made possible by immunology research at The University of Queensland.

A team led by Associate Professor Ray Steptoe at the UQ Diamantina Institute has been able to turn-off the immune response which causes allergic reaction in animals.

When someone has an allergy or asthma flare-up, the symptoms they experience results from immune cells reacting to protein in the allergen, Professor Steptoe said.

The challenge in asthma and allergies is that these immune cells, known as T-cells, develop a form of immune memory and become very resistant to treatments.

We have now been able wipe the memory of these T-cells in animals with gene therapy, de-sensitizing the immune system so that it tolerates the protein.

Our work used an experimental asthma allergen, but this research could be applied to treat those who have severe allergies to peanuts, bee venom, shell fish and other substances.

Dr Steptoe said the findings would be subject to further pre-clinical investigation, with the next step being to replicate results using human cells in the laboratory.

We take blood stem cells, insert a gene which regulates the allergen protein and we put that into the recipient.

Those engineered cells produce new blood cells that express the protein and target specific immune cells, turning off the allergic response.

Dr Steptoe said the eventual goal would be a single injected gene therapy, replacing short-term treatments that target allergy symptoms with varying degrees of effectiveness.

We havent quite got it to the point where its as simple as getting a flu jab, so we are working on making it simpler and safer so it could be used across a wide cross-section of affected individuals, Dr Steptoe said.

At the moment, the target population might be those individuals who have severe asthma or potentially lethal food allergies.

Dr Steptoes research has been funded by the Asthma Foundation and the National Health and Medical Research Council.

Asthma Foundation of Queensland and New South Wales Chief Executive Officer Dr Peter Anderson said more than two million Australians have asthma, and current statistics show that more than half of those are regularly burdened with symptoms of the disease.
By Olivier Ferret 4 June 2017 - 11:15





Daniel Ricciardo

I love the Canadian Grand Prix and its my type of track. Its another street circuit where you can get close to the walls, Ive had a race win there and its great fun both on and off-track. Whats not to love?

Its also a tricky track to get right and although there arent a whole lot of corners they are all quite complex. I was pretty happy with my qualifying lap last year and the last chicane was fun but it would be really great to get back on the podium. Last year it was also freezing cold and to be honest that sucked. You would just about warm up after a few laps in the car, so hopefully it will be a little bit warmer this year.

I will definitely spend some time in the US before heading to the race. Ive got some friends coming with me so we will probably go to California first and maybe I will go on a little road trip after the race weekend. But first, lets hope we can get a good result in front of those mega Canadian fans.

Max Verstappen

There is always a big crowd at the Canadian Grand Prix, especially at turns one and two and you can feel the atmosphere when youre in the car. The fans are really into motor racing which is always nice to see and Im looking forward to experiencing that again.

One of my favourite points on the track is also one of the trickiest and thats the last chicane. You arrive at the braking point at very high speed and the brakes can be quite cold. Its tricky to really nail this corner but I had a good battle with Nico there last year and its always good when you come out in front. There are also tight walls on the exit of the chicane and you should be careful not to brush these as it is easy to damage a wheel rim. As usual the cars will run slightly less downforce in Canada so they will be a little looser under braking but we have more grip this year so it should be more comfortable for everyone compared to 2016.

We stay in downtown Montreal which is a really nice place to be. I like being on the American continent, there is always a good feeling and I find the people very friendly so I always enjoy going back there!
By Press Trust of India: By Achinta Borah

New Delhi, Jun 4 (PTI) No excuse for sexual abuse is the stern warning of the Union home ministry to paramilitary personnel serving in UN peace keeping missions in perhaps its first such order on the serious issue to the central forces.

The ministrys direction, which even warned of dismissal and imprisonment for any sexual misconduct, came following an advisory of the United Nations in the wake of reports that some UN peacekeepers allegedly ran a child sex ring in Haiti over a 10-year period and none were ever jailed.

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According to officials, no incident has been reported anywhere about involvement of Indian paramilitary personnel in any sexual abuse case during UN peacekeeping duties.

However, as a "precautionary measure", the ministry decided to direct the chiefs of CRPF, BSF, CISF and ITBP to ensure that each of the personnel working under the UN flag abroad carry a No Excuse pocket card, issued by the global body against sexual exploitation and abuse for the personnel deployed in UN missions.

"At all times we must treat the local population with respect and dignity. Sexual exploitation and abuse is unacceptable behaviour and prohibited conduct for all UN and affiliated personnel," the pocket card says.

Sexual exploitation and abuse threatens the lives of people that UN is to serve and protect, and sexual exploitation and abuse undermines discipline and damages the reputation of the UN, it says.

There are around 6,000 paramilitary personnel belonging to Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF), Border Security Force (BSF), Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) and Indo Tibetan Border Police (ITBP) deployed in different UN peace keeping duties in Liberia, Haiti and Congo.

They are deployed on rotational basis for a period of one year.

"So far, no incident has been reported anywhere about involvement of Indian paramilitary personnel in sexual abuse case. But the pocket card was issued following an advisory of the United Nations as a precautionary measure," a home ministry official said,

A UN report released in March this year has said action against one such allegation against an army soldier related to 2013 is pending with India.

A 2015 report of the global body had reportedly said that the Indian contingent -- among the largest in UN Missions -- has the least number of sexual misconduct cases. The Indian Army had punished two of its soldiers for sexual misconduct during UN missions in two African countries in 2010-2013.

The No Excuse card is expected to be carried at all times by all deployed UN civilian, police and military personnel. Commanding officers in the field missions will periodically verify that all personnel have these cards in their possession.

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"It is strictly prohibited to have sex with anyone in exchange for money, employment, preferential treatment, goods or services, whether or not prostitution is legal in the host country.

"It is strictly prohibited to have any sexual activity with anyone under the age of 18 years regardless of the age of majority or age of consent locally. It is strictly prohibited to engage in any other form of sexually humiliating, degrading or exploitative behaviour," the pocket card says.

Silence is no excuse is another key message to the security personnel.

"If you have knowledge of sexual exploitation and abuse, you must report it to the commander or manager of your unit or the mission conduct and discipline team," it says.

The paramilitary personnel have been told that involvement of any act of sexual exploitation and abuse will be investigated and prosecuted if warranted.

"Any proven act of sexual exploitation and abuse by others will result in measures that can include but are not limited to suspension, immediate repatriation, dismissal, imprisonment and a ban from future UN employment," according to the government order.

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The paramilitary personnel have also been told that all victims of sexual exploitation and abuse are entitled to safe and confidential assistance.

If the victim is a child, special considerations for the protection and support to the child are needed.

The victim has to be treated with respect and dignity, and directed or assisted for support to the nearest UN office, the conduct and discipline team or Protection from Sexual Exploitation and Abuse (PSEA) focal point. PTI ACB RT

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FG Provides N10bn for Workers Promotion Arrears

The Federal Government has set aside N10bn to offset promotion arrears of civil servants on its payroll.The government promised to ensure that only those qualified benefitted from the funds, a statement by the Ministry of Labour and Employment signed by the Deputy Director (Press), Mr. Samuel Olowookere, said.The statement obtained on Friday said that decision to address the lingering issue of unpaid salaries was made in a meeting attended by the Minister of Labour and Employment, Senator Chris Ngige; the Minister of Budget and National Planning, Senator Udo Udoma; the Minister of Finance, Mrs. Kemi Adeosun, and the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, Mrs. Winifred Oyo-Ita.The ministry said this was in compliance with the directive by the government that outstanding allowances on promotion, 28 days relocation, repatriation, training, burial expenses and death benefits to public servants be paid.The ministry said, The Federal Government further demonstrated its commitment to permanently resolve the lingering issue of unpaid salary arrears and allowances of public servants with a meeting by the Hon. Minister of Labour and Employment, Senator Chris Ngige; the Minister of Budget and National Planning, Senator Udo Udoma, the Minister of Finance, Mrs. Kemi Adeosun and the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, Mrs. Winifred Oyo-Ita.The meeting which held in furtherance of the directive of the Federal Executive Council of 24/05/2017 displayed the efforts and iron cast determination of the Federal Government to clear all arrears such as outstanding allowances on promotion, 28 days relocation, repatriation, training, burial expenses and death benefits to public servants.The meeting further stated that the Federal Government since that Federal Executive Council decision, through the office of the Accountant General of the Federation was already processing the sum of N10bn for the payment of promotion arrears with modalities for payment being worked out to make sure that wrong persons are not paid this first olive-waving step of the Federal Government.The ministry stated that a sum of N14.6bn had earlier been disbursed in early 2017 to cater to the salary arrears arising from the shortfalls in the 2016 budget.It added that the governments decision was anchored on a clear understanding that clearing the arrears formed part of the palliative measures being taken to cushion the harsh economic realities affecting the public servants.The Association of Senior Civil Servants of Nigeria had earlier issued a 14-day strike notice, whose ultimatum ended on May 30, 2017, over the issue.It added that Ngige had been engaged in many meetings with the leadership of the Trade Union Congress led by its President, Bobboi Kaigama and the Nigeria Labour Congress led by its President, Ayuba Wabba, in the last one week over the issue.
NNPC Posts N28.38bn Loss as Refineries Fail to Improve

The Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation posted a cumulative loss of N28.38bn, while the combined capacity utilisation of Nigerias three refineries failed to improve, the latest oil and gas report from the oil firm indicated.An analysis of the report, which was released on Friday in Abuja, showed that the corporation recorded a loss of N14.12bn in February 2017, a marginal decline from the N14.255bn recorded in January.Its cumulative year-to-date loss for 2017 was put at N28.38bn.On the operational performances of the refineries in the month under review, the report stated that the combined capacity utilisation of the facilities dropped from 36.73 per cent in January to 29.06 per cent in February.Nigerias three refineries are the Warri Refining and Petrochemical Company, the Port Harcourt Refining Company and the Kaduna Refining and Petrochemical Company.Specifically, the WRPC posted the worst operational performance during the review month as its capacity utilisation plunged from 42.56 per cent in January to 4.7 per cent in February.The PHRC and KRPC showed slight improvements, as their capacity utilisation increased from 38.51 per cent and 26.72 per cent to 40.73 per cent and 34.45 per cent, respectively.The report said, Total crude processed by the three local refineries (KRPC, PHRC and WRPC) for the month of February 2017 was 493,773 metric tonnes (3,620,344 barrels), which translates to a combined yield efficiency of 90.37 per cent compared to the crude processed in January 2017 of 691,122MT (5,067,307 bbls), which translates to a combined yield efficiency of 88.23 per cent.For the month of February 2017, the three refineries produced 331,236MT of finished petroleum products and 114,983MT of intermediate product out of 493,773MT of crude processed at a combined capacity utilisation of 29.06 per cent compared to 36.73 per cent combined capacity utilisation achieved in the month of January 2017.The operational performance is attributable to low crude oil available for production, which dropped by 19.07 per cent relative to last month total available crude oil for refining. The ongoing revamping of the refineries will enhance capacity utilisation once completed. The three refineries were active during the month.The corporation further said that the trading deficit of N14.12bn represents about one per cent improvement compared to N14.26bn recorded in January, 2017.The decrease in the deficit is mainly attributed to the improved upstream result, it said.The national oil firm added that other factors that affected the overall NNPCs performance included production shutdown of Trans Niger Pipeline and Nembe Creek Trunk Line due to pipeline leakages; shutdown of Agbami Terminal for mini-TAM and existing force majeure declared by the SPDC as a result of the vandalised 48-inch Forcados export line after the restoration on 17th October, 2016.It went on to explain that in January, 2017, crude oil production in Nigeria increased to 1.84 million barrels per day, amounting to a 16.51 per cent increase relative to the December 2016 production, but it lagged behind January 2016 performances by 14.52 per cent.It said the Federal Governments engagement with the militants had continued to enhance production.Pipeline sabotage in the country decreased from 60 downstream pipeline vandalised points in January 2017 to 49 in February 2017. This represents 18 per cent decrease relative to the previous month indicating that Federal Government and the NNPCs continuous engagements with the stakeholders are yielding the expected outcome, it added.
Torrential rains and wind destroyed 1,000 makeshift homes in northeast Nigeria over the weekend, aggravating conditions for the thousands of people displaced by Boko Haram violence, the United Nations said.At least 4,300 people have been affected by violent storms that swept the state of Borno, the heart of the eight-year jihadist insurrection, said the International Organization for Migration (IOM) after assessing conditions in 44 camps for displaced people in the state.Rains are just beginning and they will last for 3 or 4 months, Henry Kwenin, an emergency coordinator for the IOM told AFP.The number one priority is to reinforce the shelters, to build adequate drainage systems, and safe places in camps where people can gather in case of violent storms, he added.The storms came with powerful winds damaging precarious structures in Jere, Kaga, Konduga and Maiduguri, killing one person, said the IOM.It began with a sandstorm which lasted for an hour and was followed by a heavy downpour which continued for the next two hours, said a resident of Pompomari, a district in Maiduguri.Our neighbourhood has little trees to break the wind and this makes our houses vulnerable to windstorms, the resident added.Its still raining as we speak. I can confirm that there are damages but I dont have any information concerning human casualties, said Abdulkadir Ibrahim, spokesperson for the national agency that handles emergencies NEMA.The region has been devastated by eight years of conflict, with the majority of roads inaccessible for security reasons. Communication is a big challenge, said Kwenin.The conflict between the army and Boko Haram jihadists has led to over 20,000 deaths and displacing 2.6 million people since 2009.Several hundred thousand people have fled to the capital of the region Maiduguri.According to the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs, 5.2 million people could need life-saving food aid in three northeast states from June to August.But lack of funding is forcing aid agencies to cut feeding programmes in the northeast Nigeria, the UN said last month, warning of growing pressure on resources as refugees return.The World Food Programme has said nearly two million people were living on the brink of famine in the remote region.
The Senior Special Assistant to the Vice President on Legal Matters, Dr Bilkisu Saidu has dismissed recent nepotism charges credited to a ...

Vice President, Yemi Osinbajo

The Senior Special Assistant to the Vice President on Legal Matters, Dr Bilkisu Saidu has dismissed recent nepotism charges credited to a faceless Social Media contributor using the name Ismaila Farouk from Zamfara State regarding appointments made by Acting President Yemi Osinbajo, SAN, into some Federal agencies and the ones done in the office of the Vice President.Dr Saidu, regarded as one of the foremost aides to the Acting President, spoke on Shirin Safe, an interview programme on BBC Hausa Radio on Sunday. She was a law teacher from the Usmanu Dan Fodiyo University Sokoto before she was named an SSA in the Office of the Vice President last year.She described the nepotism charges as simply laughable, untrue, unfair and should not be taken seriously.According to her contrary to Mr Farouks conclusions, most senior positions on the Vice Presidents office are held by Muslims including by individuals who are from the north.Said she, If you are talking about religion, the most senior official or position in the Office of the Vice President apart from the Vice President himself, is the office of the Deputy Chief of Staff to the President and the name of the person occupying that office is Abdulrahman Ipaye and he is a Muslim.The positions following the Chief of Staffs in the order of hierarchy are the Special Advisers in the office of the Vice President. Here there are three Special Advisers and two out of the three Special Advisers are Muslims, Senator Babafemi Ojudu and Barrister Mariam Uwais from Kano State, she added.Dr Saidu said that a cursory look at the other senior positions in the Vice Presidents office indicate that religious consideration was never a factor in the appointment of the officers, noting that If you look at the remaining senior positions in that office, most of them are in the hands of Muslims from the north.She said: For instance the person in charge of Protocol (i.e. the Director of Protocol) is Ambassador Abdullahi Gwary from Yobe State; those in charge of welfare and health in the office of the Vice President are mostly Muslims and from the north.Worthy of note are the stewards, those who serve the Vice Presidents meals, they are mostly Muslims, so what do the critics mean when they talk about religion.Dr Saidu concluded that when non-progressive minded people fail to win public support on their personal agenda they often resort to making some nepotism charges by the use of religion given its sensitivity among Nigerians.According to her, when people lack what to use or have exhausted all avenues to speak evil against perceived opponents or ridicule the good works that they are doing, they resort to use of religion or other means possible to damage the image and reputation of that opponent.The faceless Ismaila Farouk from Zamfara State recently criticized Acting President Yemi Osinbajos recent outings and appointments made in his office describing them as sectional and not in the interest of the north.
The Federal Government on Sunday condemned the deadly terrorist attacks on Central London Bridge and the Borough market in the stronges...

The Federal Government on Sunday condemned the deadly terrorist attacks on Central London Bridge and the Borough market in the strongest terms and voiced its deep condolence to the relatives and victims of the attack.Seven people died in the attack in central London on Saturday night and 48 were injured.The Foreign Affairs Ministry in a statement by its Spokesperson, Dr Clement Aduku, said: the government and people of Nigeria stand with the government and people of Great Britain in the face of continued terrorist attacks on innocent victims.Our thoughts, sympathy and prayers are with those affected in these latest multiple terrorist attacks and their families, the ministry statedThe News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that assailants drove a van into pedestrians at high speed on London Bridge on Saturday night before stabbing revellers on nearby streets.Police said armed officers shot dead all three attackers within minutes of receiving reports of the terrorist attack unfolding in central London.The three men were wearing suicide bomb vests that were later confirmed to be fakes.Cressida Dick, the Metropolitan police commissioner, said on Sunday morning the incident was under control. We believe there were three attackers and we believe they are dead, she saidPolice also confirmed the arrest of 12 people in the Barking district of east London in connection with the attack and raids were continuing there.(NAN)
Parents of the six pupils kidnapped from the Lagos State Model College, Igbonla in Epe, have decided to raise funds to meet the demands of...

Parents of the six pupils kidnapped from the Lagos State Model College, Igbonla in Epe, have decided to raise funds to meet the demands of the abductors.The distraught parents met yesterday to brainstorm on how to raise the ransom for the release of their children.The abductors want N100m, down from the N400m they first demanded.They told the parents to seek Governor Akinwunmi Ambodes assistance in raising the funds.The state government has already ruled out any negotiation with the kidnappers.Yusuf Farouk, Ramon Isiaka, Pelumi Philips, Peter Jonas, Adebanjo George and Judah Agbaosi were whisked away from their hostels- Yellow and Green houses- on May 25, by gunmen clad in police uniform.Sources said the parents met in Epe yesterday and resolved to tax themselves following governments refusal to negotiate with the criminals.The parents, who said they have become weary of governments pledge to rescue the victims using security option, noted that their wards have been in captivity for nine days.It was gathered that a committee was formed at yesterdays meeting for the purpose of raising a substantial amount from relations, friends and good spirited Nigerians.A parent who expressed disappointment at governments handling of the issue, said he wondered how the government wanted them to feel, knowing that their children have been in the custody of armed criminals for so long.The parent said: Its nine days already and our children are still in captivity despite the governments assurance to rescue them.Our minds will not be at rest without seeing these children. The kidnappers have demanded N100m and they insist we should meet with the school authorities and the government to pay. But government said it would not pay any ransom.All the parents have met again and we have decided to raise whatever amount we can through individual contributions. We have asked ourselves to call on friends and relatives to assist.
The Police in Enugu have warned residents in the state and other parts of the country not to eat Suya or drink bottled or sachet water of...

The Police in Enugu have warned residents in the state and other parts of the country not to eat Suya or drink bottled or sachet water offered them by unknown persons as these could contain poison.The police said such have become the nefarious tactics employed by car-snatchers and other hoodlums to defraud or steal valuable belongings from unsuspecting car owners or co-travelers.In a statement issued to newsmen in Enugu on Saturday by the Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), Mr Ebere Amaraizu, it said recent intelligence showed that some unscrupulous persons were using the new contrivance to steal peoples property.He said intelligence revealed that the swindlers usually offered passengers, tricycle and taxi-cab operators drugged or poisoned bottled or sachet water, fruit juice, soft drinks and suya.This usually makes their victims to feel weak and sleepy thereby giving way for the mischief-maker to steal the tricycle or taxi-cab as well as valuables of the targeted passenger(s) or co-traveller(s) Police operatives in partnership with sister security agencies and relevant stakeholders have been directed to fish out those in this unlawful habit with a view to bringing them to book, he added.
First Lady Aisha Buhari sent some cheery news home yesterday from London about her husband, President Muhammadu Buhari: he will return s...

First Lady Aisha Buhari sent some cheery news home yesterday from London about her husband, President Muhammadu Buhari: he will return soon.And hes recovering fast from his ailment.But she wants Nigerians to keep praying for him.Hajiya Aisha is currently in London to be with the President.She gave the update on the Presidents health in a message to the 23rd Annual Ramadan Lecture of Ansar-ud-deen Society of Nigeria (ADS) held in Abuja.The First Lady, who left for London about five days ago, was represented at the lecture by her Senior Special Assistant on Administration, Dr. Hajo Sani.My husband is recovering very fast. And very soon, he will return to the country to resume his official duties, she said.I thank Nigerians for their prayers for my husband. Please, do not relent in your prayers.The message sparked shouts of Allahu Akbar! Allahu Akbar!! Allahu Akbar!!!(God is great) by the Muslim faithful.She added:The President will be back very soon.She said she was hopeful of observing this years Eid-el-Kabir festival at the ADS Mosque in Maitama as she had been doing even before getting into office.The president returned to the United Kingdom early last month for a fresh round of treatment.The presidents Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Femi Adesina, in announcing his departure on his Twitter handle on May 7 had said: PMB travels tonight for medical follow-up. Length of stay to be determined by London doctors. Govt to function normally under VP. Femi Adesina (@FemAdesina) May 7, 2017In his sermon at yesterdays lecture, the Chairman of ADS Northern States Council of Missioners, Sheik Muhydeen Ajani Bello asked a state governor and others wishing Buhari dead to desist from such thought.He said: There is a governor going about wishing Buhari dead. Let us ask him: If Buhari dies, is he going to replace him?We need not wish our leaders dead. If we keep talking like this, it is not good. By the grace of God, the President will return very soon.Deputy Speaker of the House of Representative Lasun Yusuf who also spoke at the event, singled out two of the achievements of the President.He said: The coming of President Buhari into power has succeeded in bringing sanity to our governance. If that is the only thing he has achieved, he has done well.When you mention Buhari, no matter how intelligent or crooked you are, you will shiver.Secondly, the President has also shown that government can be run in an open and transparent manner.He said Nigeria can get out of the economic woods through long term investment with back up innovations.In his address, the National Vice President of ADS, Alhaji Ibrahim Adebayo Yusuf urged Muslims in leadership positions to protect public trust despite the economic recession.He said: Public trust has two meanings-a general meaning and specific meaning-but we must jealously protect it.The general meaning has to do with all commands and prohibitions of Islam while specific meaning is everything that every individual is obliged to take care of, uphold, and fulfil, including protecting the rights of others.Let me as an individual say that, Allah in Quran 23:08 has admonished all believers to faithfully observe trust and covenants. Upholding trust in Islam is a virtue whether public or private.It is public knowledge that among the best virtues of our noble Prophet Muhammed are honesty integrity and upholding trust and covenants in his public and private life. So, as Muslims, we have a good example to follow.
World leaders have condemned Saturdays London terror attack which left seven people dead and more than 30 injured.

World leaders have condemned Saturdays London terror attack which left seven people dead and more than 30 injured.President Emmanuel Macron said France, which had four citizens injured in the attack, was more than ever at Britains side.Australian PM Malcolm Turnbull said his prayers and resolute solidarity were with the British people.One Australian was in hospital and another was affected by the attack, Mr Turnbull said.The person in hospital is believed to be 31-year-old Candice Hedge. ABC quoted a friend as saying she was stabbed in the neck but was not in danger.At least one New Zealander was injured. Oliver Dowling was recovering from multiple stab wounds, his sister said on Facebook.US President Donald Trump tweeted on Saturday evening: Whatever the United States can do to help out in London and the UK, we will be there  WE ARE WITH YOU. GOD BLESS!Mr Trump also called for his travel ban on visitors from six predominantly Muslim countries to be upheld by US courts, where it is being challenged.United In HorrorMr Macron was one of the first world leaders to react to the events.In the face of this new tragedy, France is more than ever at Britains side. My thoughts go out to the victims and their loved ones.Four French citizens were injured in the attack, one seriously, French officials said.Security measures were being reinforced so that French citizens in London would be able to vote in the first round of the countrys parliamentary elections this Sunday, the French news agency AFP reported.German Chancellor Angela Merkel said in a statement (in German): Today we are united across borders in horror and mourning, but also in determination.For Germany, I reiterate that in the fight against all forms of terrorism, we are resolutely at Britains side.Spains foreign ministry said it shared the pain of the relatives of the victims deceased in these cowardly attacks.European Commission President Jean-Claude Juncker said he was following the latest incidents with horror. He said: Thoughts and prayers are with the victims and their families. Please stay safe.Russian President Vladimir Putin sends his deepest condolences to Britons and condemns the terrorist act that happened several hours ago in London, his spokesman Dmitry Peskov said, quoted by Russian media.Later in a telegram to UK Prime Minister Theresa May, Mr Putin said joint efforts to fight terrorism should be a mutual response, according to a Kremlin statement.Commonwealth leaders also rallied round the UK.Awful news from London tonight. Were monitoring the situation, said Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau on Twitter.New Zealands thoughts are with the victims of todays attack, said Prime Minister Bill English. Too many lives are being taken by terrorists set on inflicting pain and suffering on innocent people.-BBC
By Press Trust of India: New Delhi, Jun 4 (PTI) No meeting like the one in Paris or any law can preserve the environment if people dont come forward to address the issue, Union minister Harsh Vardhan today said on the eve of World Environment Day.

Addressing a function, the minister said it is futile to celebrate World Environment Day if people dont inculcate in themselves the idea of conserving the environment throughout the year and batted for a minimalist lifestyle to save the planet.

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He also mooted that the Ministry of Environment and Forest (MoEF) take up the role of a facilitator, and not just a regulator, by initiating proactive steps for conservation of earth with the involvement of people.

"No law or meetings in Paris can protect our environment. It can only happen if people become aware of the issues and do things on their own to protect it. All NGOs should work together to achieve this goal," the minister said.

India has said it is committed to the Paris agreement "irrespective" of the stand taken by any other country after the United States announced its withdrawal from the UN climate deal.

Advocating a change in lifestyle to save environment, especially in the cities, the minister said, "we should learn how to lead simpler lives, simple thought, the concept of early to bed and early to rise, to eat less, to live long".

He urged the people to opt for public transport and cycles more, reduce the use of air-conditioners and work towards realising the Prime Ministers vision of Swachh Bharat and cleanliness.

He also appealed to the people to use water judiciously. He directed the ministry officials to start water conservation in the right earnest in the Environment Ministry itself.

He stressed that the Ministry should "not work only as a regulator, but more like a facilitator in a true sense".

Asking officials to not make it merely "a department for approvals", Harsh Vardhan said that they should initiate steps to save environment and involve children in these endeavours.

He also expressed unhappiness over the way awards were given to mark the day.

"We should do a rethink at these awards that are given out on this day. Why have only three children been awarded? They are being given a very meagre amount, it is unacceptable," he said.

Three students were chosen in different categories for their contribution towards the environment and were given cash rewards of Rs 5000, Rs 6000 and Rs 10,000.

The minister said that the environment ministry should replicate schemes of the ministry of science and technology( (MST). Three lakh students are awarded every year by the MST.

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Harsh Vardhan, who headed MST, was given additional charge of MoEF following the demise of Anil Madhav Dave.

He also said that such students should be supported further by the ministry in their future endeavours.

"To inspire the quest for science, the MoEF should look at Jigyasa (curiosity) programme which was created in collaboration with the HRD Ministry, under which school children will come to CSIR (Council of Scientific & Industrial Research) labs to see for themselves the work being done there," he said.

"Our ancestors had given us pure air, water and earth, they had given us rich forests and great soil.

"They had also given us teachings on how to preserve them. If we had kept our environment clean, then we wouldnt need climate change conferences. In order to deliver new India, all our contributions are needed," said Harsh Vardhan.

Books detailing the new discoveries of Zoological Survey of India (ZSI) and Botanical Survey of India (BSI) were released by Harsh Vardhan on the occasion.

A mobile App and Web GIS of Faunal information of Wildlife Sanctuaries for ZSI were also launched by the Minister on the occasion.

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A brochure on Training Modules for the Pilot: Green Skill Development Programme was also released.

The UN has chosen the theme of connecting people to nature for the World Environment Day this year. PTI ASG RT

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ATLANTIC CITY -- Students from Mainland Regional High School celebrated their 2017 prom on Saturday night as they arrived in style at The Claridge Hotel in Atlantic City.

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.

Lori M. Nichols may be reached at lnichols@njadvancemedia.com. Follow her on Twitter @photoglori. Find NJ.com on Facebook.
BRIDGETON -- The Cumberland County Sheriff's Office is asking for the public's help in finding two of its most-wanted fugitives.

The two fugitives being sought are:

* Ashley E. Scheetz, 26, is being sought on two Superior Court of New Jersey Family Court warrants for failure to appear, authorities say.

Scheetz is described as a white female, 5 feet, 10 inches tall, weighing 135 pounds, with blue eyes and blonde hair. She has tattoo on her left wrist "GIRL" and a tattoo on her neck "BOSS TEAM." Her last known address was in Bridgeton.

* Justin W. Weisman, 35, is being sought on one Superior Court of New Jersey Criminal Court warrant for failure to appear, authorities say.

Weisman is described as a white male, 5 feet, 7 inches tall, weighing 170 pounds, with blue eyes and brown hair. He has a tattoo on his upper left arm "JANET" and a tattoo on his upper right arm of a devil. His last known address was Main Street in Leesburg.

Cumberland County Sheriff Robert A. Austino asks anyone who comes in contact with these individuals to call the police immediately. Resident should contact state or local police, or the Cumberland County Sheriff's Department TIP-LINE at 856-451-0625.

If you know the whereabouts of this individual, share this information anonymously by downloading the CCPOTIP App at the Android or iPhone Store and choosing Cumberland County Sheriff's Department, submitting an anonymous tip via text to 847411 with CCSONJ and your tip in the message line or going to the Cumberland County Prosecutor's Facebook page and clicking "Submit a Tip" and submitting a tip to the Cumberland County Sheriff's Department.

Citizens are reminded not to approach, confront, or attempt to detain these fugitives.

Bill Gallo Jr. may be reached at bgallo@njadvancemedia.com. Follow Bill Gallo Jr. on Twitter @bgallojr. Find NJ.com on Facebook
UPPER DEERFIELD TWP. -- A woman who was seriously hurt when her boyfriend struck another vehicle head-on in Cumberland County has been awarded a $1.3 million, a report says.

Brittany Dean, 37, was a passenger in a pickup truck driven by her boyfriend, David Uhland, when the vehicle crossed the center line of the roadway struck another truck, according to The New Jersey Law Journal.

Uhland died in the crash which took place July 12, 2015 on Cornwell Drive in Upper Deerfield Township. Dean and passengers in the other vehicle involved were injured, Dean seriously, Dean's attorney, Jeffrey Hark of Hark & Hark in Cherry Hill, told the Law Journal.

The report said that the pickup driven by Uhland was owned by his employer, English Sewage Disposal, a Bridgeton-area firm, and was used as both a work and personal vehicle by Uhland.

Hark reportedly said that Uhland's autopsy revealed heroin in his system. The suit, Dean V. Estate of Uhland, claimed Uhland had a history of drug abuse and his employer was aware of this out allowed him to drive a company truck.

The report said a mediator handled the case and English Sewage Disposal on May 2 agreed to settle and pay a $1.3 million settlement to Dean.

Bill Gallo Jr. may be reached at bgallo@njadvancemedia.com. Follow Bill Gallo Jr. on Twitter @bgallojr. Find NJ.com on Facebook.
WOODBURY -- Authorities are looking for a Washington Township husband and wife who skipped their court appearances on burglary, theft and receiving stolen property charges.

Scott A. and Lizabeth R. Farrar, of Washington Township, are sought for skipping a court appearance last month. (Gloucester County Prosecutor's Office)

Scott A. and Lizabeth R. Farrar were arrested earlier this year after Washington Township Police investigated a burglary at a Black Horse Pike motel in which two televisions and an Xbox gaming system were taken, according to the Gloucester County Prosecutor's Office.

Police learned that Lizabeth Farrar, 26, had sold an Xbox at a Sicklerville store and that her husband had given a television to his mother.

Scott Farrar, 36, was charged with burglary and theft by unlawful taking and his wife was charged with receiving stolen property.

Both were due in court May 18 for a pre-indictment conference.

He is described as 6 feet tall, 160 pounds, with brown eyes and brown hair, while she is 5 feet 5 inches tall, 115 pounds, with blue eyes and brown hair.

Anyone who knows their whereabouts should not attempt to apprehend them. Instead, contact the prosecutor's office at 856-384-5643 or Sgt. Ron Koller at 609-929-6348.

Matt Gray may be reached at mgray@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter @MattGraySJT. Find the South Jersey Times on Facebook.
BAYONNE -- Dozens of smiling teens made their way through the the auditorium at Marist High School on Saturday afternoon for the final time.

The Kennedy Boulevard school held its annual graduation ceremony, where enthusiastic students, some with tears in their eyes, received their diplomas.

Marist High School, which first opened over six decades ago, nearly closed its door permanently this year when officials said they needed to raise $1.5 million in two months. Despite falling short of that goal before deadline, the Marist Brothers decided to remain open next school year.

Check out photos from the graduation by Jersey Journal freelance photographer Rich McCormack.

Caitlin Mota may be reached at cmota@jjournal.com. Follow her on Twitter @caitlin_mota. Find The Jersey Journal on Facebook.
By Rick Epstein

Exactly 100 years ago on June 7, a surly farm hand set fire to the Holland Township home of the Queen family and killed them with an ax.

The farmstead, including the house, barn and wagon house, burned to the ground, but it had been near where Route 519 turns west toward Milford from the Mount Pleasant-Little York Road.

In a 1980 interview with Delaware Valley News reporter Peter Zirnite, Mount Pleasant native Clarence Parker, on the occasion of his 100th birthday, recalled the tragedy.

Parker heard the church bells ringing at about 11 p.m., a signal that something bad had happened. His part-time work for the county sheriff gave him some official standing, and "when I heard that church bell, I got out of bed as if I was shot out of a cannon," he recalled. There was a fire at the neighboring Queen farm. Parker didn't mention it, but the schoolmaster's son had also fired several shots into the air to help rouse the village.

When Parker arrived at the farm, he found two men standing outside the burning farmhouse "scared speechless." They had found the bloody bodies of William and Emma Queen, ages 61 and 52, and their 24-year-old daughter Elizabeth, whose nightgown was on fire - either because she'd run through the burning house or because her body lay so close to the inferno.

Fearing the burning house would collapse on the bodies, the three men dragged them away from the flames. "Blood was all over our shoes and trousers. It was worst thing I ever had to do," he recalled 63 years later. "It's something I'll never forget. Never."

The June 13, 1917, issue of the Frenchtown Star tells the story:

A Lithuanian immigrant named Paul Maywoon (also known as Maywood and Maywoern) had been convicted of carrying a concealed weapon in Jersey City. John Queen, a former judge, arranged for Maywood to be put on probation and hired by his ailing brother, William, to do farm work for him in Holland Township.

William Queen "did not like the man when he arrived from the city to go to work, but as he needed help badly, decided to try him for a few days. The man talked rather brokenly and grew sullen and morose as the days went by, frequently swearing even in the presence of the women folk, when he was ordered to do different tasks."

Three uniform headstones in the Mount Pleasant Cemetery mark the graves of William and Emma Queen and their daughter Elizabeth. The date of death on all three markers is June 7, 1917. (courtesy photo)

The Crime

On the day of the murders, after Maywoon had been on the job for almost a month, "it is supposed that Mr. Queen either discharged him or reproached him for swearing and refusing to work, and that hatred grew in him until he ... set the barn (and house) on fire. Mr. Queen, seeing the fire, rushed out - to be met and crushed down by the crazed brute, who had secured the axe from the wood pile to defend himself after firing the house." Maywoon then killed the wife and daughter as they ran out of the burning building, and then ran off, gory ax still in hand.

The couple, still dressed, apparently hadn't gone to bed. But Elizabeth had been awakened either by the fire or by the sounds of murder in the dooryard. Before she fled the house, she had the presence of mind to grab her savings. Her pocketbook, containing $400, was found with her body.

Just outside the house, with the flames providing illumination, "it was a ghastly sight, the innocent faces of these helpless ones, making the stoutest hearts quail and causing men as well as women to shed tears over a scene that seemed too terrible to be true. Far removed from help, they all three perished with only the sight of the fiendish work left to tell what had been enacted."

Three horses perished in the burning barn. The Star had the cattle breaking loose and escaping, but the Hunterdon Republican's report had them dying with the horses.

The Manhunt

For four days, police and private detectives conducted a manhunt for Maywood, who was described as age 28, 5-foot-4, 160 pounds, broad-shouldered and bow-legged, with black hair, dark complexion and a scar across his nose.

At 7 p.m. on Monday, June 11, two young men fishing near Finesville (a hamlet straddling the Musconetcong River between Holland and Pohatcong townships) "were startled by the sight of a man emerging from the woods bareheaded and carrying an axe." The fashion-conscious Hunterdon Republican adds that "he was without a collar and cravat."

Maywoon "started after them, brandishing the axe. They ran for help to a nearby house and all returned with guns and other weapons," the Star wrote. But the Republican reported that after the fishermen saw Maywood "skulking on the woods" in a swampy area associated with the river, they then "notified the Warren Paper Mills nearby, and employees of the plant surrounded the swamp."

The posse found Maywood and chased him across the Musconetcong. The Republican says, "He had with him an axe with a broken handle, which he flourished, and with which he sought to keep the crowd from taking him. Before he was arrested, he was shot twice, once with a shot gun and once with a revolver. Neither shot was very serious."

The Star credits Earle Andrews of Riegelsville with one of the shots, which hit Maywoon in the hip, adding, "The crowd then jumped in and took the fight out him with fists and feet."

The posse meanwhile was augmented by additional armed men, and when Hunterdon Deputy Sheriff Broderick arrived, "the man lay in the road with probably 250 excited persons all trying to hammer him at once." Broderick and his companions "fought their way to the man, and for a little while were pushed and hammered around by the crowd in their endeavor to string (Maywoon) up," the Star wrote.

He had "a bullet wound in his back, also peppered with gunshot inflicted by his captors," according to the Republican. Maywoon was taken to the county jail in Flemington where many of the shotgun pellets were removed, according to the Star, which said he was "in critical condition from his wounds and hunger."

Maywoon told authorities that he had been fired on June 7 and then left the farm at 6 p.m. He said he knew nothing about any murders, the Star reported.

The Milford Leader wrote, "Caught red-handed, looking more like a human vulture than a man - after a four-day lease of his worthless life - Paul Maywoern is behind the bars, and the good people of this and surrounding communities are resting easier."

The funeral for the Queen family drew a crowd estimated at 1,000 to 1,500 to their church, the Alexandria First Presbyterian Church of Mount Pleasant. (courtesy photo)

The funeral of the Queen family was held at the Alexandria First Presbyterian Church of Mount Pleasant, attended by a crowd estimated variously at 1,000 or 1,500. The family was buried in the Mount Pleasant Cemetery, which is just across the road from the church.

The Queens were all natives of the Milford area. Mrs. Queen's maiden name was Beckman. Elizabeth was a graduate of Phillipsburg High School and Trenton Normal School, now known as The College of New Jersey. She had been teaching school in the Mount Joy area of Holland Township, and had been engaged to a Mr. Bellis.

Trial and Punishment

In July Maywoon was tried for the murder of William Queen. In case of an acquittal, the state would be able to try Maywoon for the murders of the women. The trial took place in the old county courthouse in Flemington with Judge Thomas Trenchard presiding. The venue and the judge would receive worldwide attention in 1935 during the trial of Bruno Hauptmann, kidnapper of Charles Lindbergh Jr.

The Republican reports that during the trial "Maywoon maintained an indifferent or stolid demeanor for the most part, except that now and then he would break out into a laugh for which there seemed to be no reason." The mirth is a mystery, but his unresponsiveness may have been a result of his poor grasp of the English language.

Maywoon was found guilty and, just 68 days after the crime, was executed on Aug. 14 in Trenton, according to the Republican. The Star wrote, "With the electrocution of Paul Maywoon for the murder of the Wm. Queen family at Mt. Pleasant, there passes into history the final act of one of the worst tragedies ever enacted in the County of Hunterdon."

The crime that once horrified Hunterdon County has been largely forgotten. But casual visitors to the Mount Pleasant Cemetery might wonder about the identical date of death engraved on three headstones in the Queen family plot.
EAST BRUNSWICK -- It started with anger. Then came the violent instincts.

When Michael Dowens turned to alcohol abuse and thoughts of harming himself to try to cope with his post-traumatic stress disorder, he said he knew it was time to get help.

Dowens, now a Holmdel police officer, wants other veterans suffering from PTSD to be able to access treatment like he got in 2015 when the memories of two U.S. Navy deployments became too much to handle.

He arrived at the East Brunswick Veterans of Foreign Wars post Saturday after walking more than 200 miles from Washington, D.C., non-stop over three days to raise awareness of the mental health issue that affects about 5.2 million Americans each year.

"It prevents you from being in public. It prevents you from being in crowds," Dowens said as he rested inside the VFW building. "You turn to substance abuse, self-harm, suicide ideations, a whole bunch of things because you're stuck in that time that created that stress."

Dowens, 38, was honorably discharged from the military in 2006 for asthma after he served for four years in Iraq, Liberia and Somalia. He said he lived with PTSD for almost 10 years before he hit rock bottom and checked in to an inpatient treatment program in Ocklawaha, Fla., in 2015.

"They open up all these old wounds, they teach you how to deal with these wounds, and then they teach you how to live day to day life after you've seen and done things that you unfortunately have to do in a war zone," Dowens said.

He left the Vietnam Veterans Memorial on Wednesday morning with his service dog, Emery, who wakes him up when he has night terrors. As he trekked from D.C. to the last leg of his trip on Route 130 through South Brunswick, he met people who were curious about why he was walking with a flag and pledged to donate money.

Dowens battled heat and rain on the trek. More than 100 people spilled into Cranbury Road on Saturday evening when police escorted him up the street and into the VFW parking lot accompanied by his wife Christine Dowens and their 3-year-old son, who walked the last part of the journey with him.

Christine Dowens said the couple raised about $10,000 for Unbroken Warriors, the Holmdel-based nonprofit they started last year. They plan to fund veterans' PTSD treatment at The Refuge, where Dowens got help, or the Warriors Heart rehab center in Bandera, Texas.

The walk was Dowens' second trip to create awareness about PTSD. He and a friend walked from the New Jersey Vietnam Veterans Memorial in Holmdel to Washington, D.C., last June to raise money for a veteran to get treatment.

People often think veterans resume life as normal when they return from deployment, Dowens said, but the war doesn't really end for them. He said when he returned from deployment, he became someone he had never been.

"Anything can set off the veteran, like sights, smells, anniversaries," Dowens said. "Anything like that can bring the veteran back to a certain day, a certain place, a certain image."

Tommy Coohill, the commander of the East Brunswick VFW post, said PTSD is far more commonly diagnosed now than it was in the Vietnam era because veterans of the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan have brought newfound awareness to the illness.

"And thank God for it," Coohill said.

Marisa Iati may be reached at miati@njadvancemedia.com. Follow her on Twitter @Marisa_Iati or on Facebook here. Find NJ.com on Facebook.
Senioritis is a crippling affliction affecting millions of college and high school age Americans. It's symptoms include moderate to severe disinterest coupled with a burning desire to get the hell out of whatever institution- be it High School, University or Governor's office- you are currently trapped in. Chris Christie has got it...bad.

You can make a case, and I have, that Chris Christie lost all interest in doing his job before launching his doomed presidential campaign. In some cases, humiliating defeat and mockery at the tiny hands of a wannabee despot can serve as a launching point for reinvigoration and reinvention. A push to rededicate yourself to your work and achieve bigger and better things. This is not one of those cases. In this case, the governor seems to have never gotten off the campaign bus. His body might be in Trenton but his heart is somewhere in Iowa slowly cruising amongst the corn fields wondering where it all went wrong.

Gone are the salad days of the early 2010s when Governor Christie enjoyed a big national profile as a republican rising star. He was a front runner for the presidential nomination, now he's a front runner for a spot in afternoon drive. He was a welcome guest on the Sunday morning talk shows, now he's been relegated to off hours on Fox News. It's been a precipitous decline, mostly self-inflicted by a myriad of petty scandals and compounded by the fact that when he bothered to show up for work he wasn't doing a very good job.

So now, wee the citizens of New Jersey, are left in the same position we have been in for the better part of the past three years-waiting for a governor to show up and do his job, except now there's no pretense that it will be Chris Christie.
TORONTO -- It's not just about Greg Bird's foot. It's about his swing.



The Yankees want Bird to be right at the plate before they bring him back from the disabled list and put him back at first base, manager Joe Girardi told reporters before Sunday's game against the Blue Jays at the Rogers Centre.



Bird joined High-A Tampa on Friday.



"It just depends on how our people evaluate how he's doing. How he's swinging the bat. If they feel he's ready to go. Physically, he's had no complaints. (Saturday), he should be DH-ing. I think that's what he's doing," the manager said.



"We want to feel that during this time he gets his swing right, too. I think that's important, too. Sometimes when you have something like that you can get out of doing what you do. You've got to get it back on track."

Montgomery next James Paxton? Scout says ...



The Yankees could use him back -- yesterday.



Girardi penciled Rob Refsnyder into the starting lineup at first base Sunday. That's because the Yankees have gotten so little from Chris Carter, whom they gave $3.5 million on a one-year deal in the offseason. Carter has 48 strikeouts in 111 at-bats. He's hitting .180 with four homers and 14 RBI. He led the National League in homers (41) and strikeouts (206) last season.



Refsnyder has played 35 career games at first base.



The Yankees could also bring back Tyler Austin (broken foot) from the disabled list to play some games at first while Bird is out. He's played 13 games during his minor-league rehab assignment.

Brendan Kuty may be reached at bkuty@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter @BrendanKutyNJ. Find NJ.com Yankees on Facebook.
TORONTO -- Joe Girardi looked forward to getting home but knew the challenge that awaits.



Not long after a disappointing 3-2 loss to the Blue Jays at the Rogers Centre ended a seven-game road trip, the Yankees manager was already thinking ahead to Tuesday.



That's when the Yankees will be fresh from Monday's off day and will host the Red Sox for a three-game set before the Orioles come to town for three games.



"I think it's big. I think it's a big home stand," Girardi said. "We're playing Boston and Baltimore. You don't want to get ahead too far but these are really important games. We're in a stretch of 13 in our division in a row. We get to go home now. We've got to play better."

Dump Carter for Austin?



At the end of Sunday, the Yankees were two games up on Boston for the American League East lead. They had three games on the third-place Orioles.



The Yankees will be coming off a 3-4 road trip.



Winners of their last two, Boston has also won six of its last 10. They'll throw a pair of formidable lefties at the Yankees in David Price and Drew Pomeranz. Righty Rick Porcello, the reigning AL Cy Young winner, will also take the mound in the Bronx.



Girardi said Boston looks like a different team than the one they beat in two straight games in New York in late April. The first game of the series was rained out.



"They swung the bats really well in May," Girardi said ."Obviously, they got David Price back. They got some people back. (Pablo) Sandoval is back. (Dustin) Pedroia is out. They've swung the bats and they've pitched well, too. Obviously it's a big series. Right now, it's one big series after another."



Left fielder Brett Gardner felt the importance, too.



"It will be exciting," he said. "It's something that us as players we get excited for but the fans probably enjoy it more than we do. Whether we're at Yankee Stadium or we're up at Fenway, it's always a great atmosphere. I'm sure, now that June's here and the summer months, I'm sure the stadium will be packed. It'll be a lot of fun. It'll be a good challenge. We're looking forward to it."

Brendan Kuty may be reached at bkuty@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter @BrendanKutyNJ. Find NJ.com Yankees on Facebook.
By Sonia Nazareth: THE West Coast of New Zealand's mind-bogglingly dramatic South Island is a litany of all that's epic - rivers, rainforests and glaciers. Even to the person who's not naturally an aficionado of the great outdoors, the grandeur will be appreciated. But while you're adventuring through the landscape - trekking or horse-riding, looking at glaciers from a helicopter or swimming in blue pools - notice the deep-seated focus on history, ecology, and conservation (evident in the clearly signposted routes, information centres and strict protocol on how to care for the natural environment); this is a common denominator to any experience in these parts.

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HISTORIC HOKITIKA

History may not be the first thing that comes to mind, when you think of this part of the world; but the enviable quality of the town of Hokitika (now famous for its wild food festival) lies in its courage to embrace a variety of influences. Chances are that when you visit, you're heading to the Wildfood Festival, which began in 1990 and is now held on the second Saturday of every March. But once you've sampled many of the offerings - everything from unusual huhu grubs and sheep's brain, to the tamer whitebait and wild pork, and let your hair down to relish the music and revelry that accompanies the food, take a walk around town to admire the historical buildings. This old river-port is rife with tales of shipwrecks, gold miners and pounamu (greenstone) hunters from times past. Pop into the craft and jewellery galleries that dot the town. The merino scarves, local honey and carved pounamu jewellery - all entice. To learn about the history, formation and manufacture of pounamu, sign up for a workshop with the jade carvers.

Positioned to the east, New Zealand's highest peaks reflect in the Matheson lake. Photo: Mail Today

Also Read: You can now explore New Zealand in 'Lord of the Rings' style

LEGENDARY FRANZ JOSEF

A two-hour drive onward, the town of Franz Josef has long been a favourite with the travelling set. It's earned its stripes as much for its remarkable scenery - glaciers amid the Southern Alps, blueice, caves and crevasses, as it has for developing ways of negotiating the landscape. Scenic flights, guided hikes on the glacier, quad-bike rides through rainforest, riverbed and grassland, kayak journeys on the lake - are among the town's offerings. What's special is that the town has managed to combine the chic and the cosmopolitan. There are a plethora of cafes, restaurants and nightspots around town, and a spa that involves time spent luxuriating in glacier-water fed hot pools.

The piled up stones at Fantail Falls. Photo: Mail Today The piled up stones at Fantail Falls. Photo: Mail Today

THE LAKE MATHESON MIRROR

A half-an-hour drive from the town of Franz Josef, Lake Matheson feels like a set waiting for a film crew to drop by. It's a oneand-a-half hour walk around the lake; but at each lookout point (on a track that leads through ancient forest), you earn the rewards of the sweat that you work up. The darkbrown waters of the lake create a mirror-like surface on a calm day. Positioned coyly to the east, New Zealand's highest peaks reflect in the lake. Mount Cook and Mount Tasman have travellers shooting enough film to garland a gallery. Don't miss reading the signboards -that contextualise the ecosystem you wander through. I learn for instance, that the natural leaching of the organic material from the native forest floor, causes the brown colour of the water.

Photo: Mail Today Photo: Mail Today

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THE FANTAIL FALLS & THE BLUE POOLS

Two hours from Lake Matheson, the Fantail Falls, along the Haast highway are worth stopping for. The 23m waterfalls fed by Fantail Creek are as interesting for the waters themselves, as for the little piles of stones, just about everywhere the eye looks, in the area leading up to them. In this part of the world, this natural mark on the environment is a way of saying 'I was there'. A short drive away, the Blue Pools beckon. From the entrance to the pools, it's a 20-minute walk past thick forest, via a swing bridge, which crosses the Makarora River. The pools are so bright, they look photo-shopped into life. Follow a quick dip in the pools with a walk down the valley, through beech forest. The further you go, the more birdlife you'll have a chance to encounter.

Hokitika, at the yearly Wildfoods Festival, which began in 1990 and is now held on the second Saturday of every March. Photo: Mail Today

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Also Read: These 5 iconic New Zealand locations are in the midst of a Pokemon hunting craze

FACT FILE

GETTING THERE

The best travelling route to Hokitika is from Christchurch, the gateway to the South Island. Air New Zealand operates two flights per day to Hokitika, a 45-min duration flight. Alternatively, it is a 3 1/2 hour drive from Christchurch.

STAYING THERE

The Beachfront Hotel (Hokitika): Smack in the centre of town and on the Tasman Sea, this one has both commanding views and comfort written into its mandate. In the town of Franz Josef, The Scenic Hotel, also centrally located and comfortable, satisfies. Lake Matheson and the Fantail Falls make good road-trip detours, as you journey further south, no matter what your final destination.

DRIVING AROUND

If you're after curated experiences, especially in the South Island, Luxury Touring is a boutique business, which offers scenic transfer in style, in a Mercedes Benz 350GLSd for instance. For more information, visit luxurytouring.co.nz

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OMAHA  Wesson Oil, dresser of salads and fryer of chickens for generations, is the latest part of the business to be pruned from Conagra Brands.

Its the first grocery store brand to be removed from the companys cupboard of labels under a years-long turnaround effort initiated by its CEO that has included moving the companys headquarters and carving off other units of the firm.

Conagra, based in Omaha for 94 years until 2016, said Tuesday that it will sell Wesson Oil for $285 million to J.M. Smucker, the Ohio-based maker of Crisco cooking oil, Jif peanut butter and its namesake jams and jellies.

The sale of Wesson follows that of other parts of Chicago-based Conagra, which is reshaping itself from a seller of low-margin staples  such as 10-for-$10 Banquet frozen dinners  into a purveyor of higher-profit supermarket comestibles with fresher ingredients, such as jarred salsas, all-natural and organic pot pies and Adobo chicken and Cuban pork steamed entrees.

We continue to reshape our portfolio and focus our resources on priorities that support Conagras business strategy and drive value creation for shareholders, said Sean Connolly, Conagra chief executive. We believe the J.M. Smucker Co. will be a terrific steward of the Wesson brand.

Conagra said that it will continue to manufacture Wesson oils and provide certain other transition services for up to one year following the close of the transaction. Wesson products are produced in Memphis, Tennessee. J.M. Smucker said in a statement that Wesson production will move to an existing oil production plant in Cincinnati after the transition.

Wesson will generate about $30 million in earnings a year, J.M. Smucker said, before the deduction of certain accounting items. The deal, which is subject to regulatory approval, unites under the Smucker umbrella the top two U.S. cooking oils, Crisco and Wesson, according to data provided to The Omaha World-Herald by consumer-products researcher Euromonitor.

No. 2 market share notwithstanding, the cooking oil unit at Conagra is among others deemed to no longer fit in the past year or so. What the ones let go have in common is that they dont carry a retail name brand or make groceries that are differentiated in the minds of shoppers.

It started when Conagra sold its private-label operation, the chain of plants that made staples such as soup, cookies and other packaged foods sold under supermarkets own brand names.

Bought in 2012 for $5 billion, the unit never lived up to the sales and profit expectations consistent with the price. It was sold in 2015 for a little more than half that, after activist investors began agitating for change at Conagra and new CEO Connolly had been brought in.

Next were the JM Swank and Spicetec seasonings businesses, sold for about $500 million, after Conagra decided that wholesaling goods such as cumin and anti-caking agents werent the future.

Then came the big one, the spinoff of the Lamb Weston frozen potato business to existing shareholders as its own stand-alone company. French fry supplier to McDonalds and to bistros and snack bars big and small, Lamb Weston was nonetheless trimmed: Its fiscal 2015 sales of $3 billion generated profit of $268 million, a margin of about 9 percent.

Wesson, too, had been identified as on the outside looking in. As long ago as 2006  long before New York activist investor Jana Partners began amassing a stake in 2015 and demanding higher share prices  ConAgra Foods, as the company was known until this year, said Wesson was one of its low-priority brands and would be passed over for internal investment.

Sales of some varieties of vegetable oils have fallen in recent years. Supermarkets have expanded their competing private-label offerings; other oils, like olive and coconut, have surged in popularity; and consumers have turned to other fats like butter and lard for cooking. Conagra, meanwhile, has put its marketing dollars behind the Pam brand of sprayable oils, adding olive and coconut oils to the lineup.

Still, Wesson has a colorful history in business, science and advertising, the brand being more than 100 years old. Wesson was David Wesson, a chemist who in 1899 developed a way to refine cottonseed oil so it didnt taste bad or smell up the kitchen, making it more attractive for cooking.

ConAgra Foods picked up the Wesson brand in 1990 when it acquired the Beatrice Co. (which had its roots in a dairy business in Beatrice, Nebraska) and its subsidiary, Hunt-Wesson, for $1.34 billion from leveraged buyout firm Kohlberg Kravis Roberts & Co. It was ConAgras largest acquisition to that date.

Wesson is the first retail brand that consumers actually see at the grocery store that Conagra has sold under Connollys leadership, while it has acquired several. Analysts have expected the company to begin pruning its brand lineup as it refocuses the company.

Connolly said in December that he can offload brands efficiently  using the loss the company took selling its private label business to offset future capital gains taxes.

Conagra moved last year to the Merchandise Mart commercial plaza in Chicago. Conagra has said it employs 1,200 office workers at its downtown Omaha campus, plus about 800 in a Council Bluffs frozen food plant.
Union Minister Harsh Vardhan today said the recent cattle slaughter notification is not a prestige issue for the government and that they are open to suggestions on the new rules.

Union minister Harsh Vardhan said the government is open to suggestions on the recent cattle slaughter notification (Photo for representation)

By India Today Web Desk: The recent cattle slaughter notification is not a prestige issue and the government is open suggestions made by various group on the new rules, union minster Harsh Vardhan said.

"Suggestions that have been submitted will be reviewed. It is not a prestige issue for the government," Harsh Vardhan, who holds additional charged of the Environment Ministry, was quoted as saying by news agency PTI.

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Harsh Vardhan was responding to reporters' question on whether the Centre was open to suggestions on the cattle slaughter notification were being reviewed and whether the government was willing to consider alternative views on the matter.

The new rules define cattle as a bovine animal including bulls, bullocks, cows, buffaloes, steers, heifers and calves and camels, and bans their sale for slaughter at animal markets in the country.

The order sparked nationwide uproar on beef eating, with critics saying it infringed on personal liberty, people's rights to livelihood and was an encroachment into matters within the domain of the states. The notification is also expected to hit export and trade in meat and leather.

Following the government notifying the new rules, protests erupted in several states, with West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee calling the notification undemocratic and unconstitutional and that her government will not follow it.

Protests were also seen in Tamil Nadu, Kerala and Karnataka. A group of youth Congress workers in Kerala sparked outcry after slaughtering cattle in public, inviting condemnation from senior party leaders including vice-president Rahul Gandhi.

Several beef eating events were also held in Kerala and Tamil Nadu. Students at the Indian Institute of Technology Madras organised one such 'beef fest'. Leaders from several north-eastern states too were quoted in the media criticising the cattle notification.

Then on May 30, the Madras High Court stayed the implementation of the notification on cattle sale and slaughter for four weeks

BJP RELENTS?

The Bharatiya Janata Party seemingly softened it stand, telling India Today last week that states were free to decide their own rules on cattle slaughter. 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", national spokesperson in charge of Meghalaya Nalin Kohli told India Today.

Speaking to reporters on the sidelines of a World Environment day event, minister Harsh Vardhan said the intention behind the notification was not to harm any particular group, influence food habits or affect slaughter business.

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"Rules under Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act, are not to influence food habits, or affect slaughtering business," Harsh Vardhan said, adding that after the rules were notified, the Environment Ministry received several representations asking the government to consider alternative views.

ALSO READ | Kerala calf slaughter row: How ban on cattle sale turned into a full blown political controversy

ALSO READ | Beef row: Sri Sri Ravi Shankar defends right to choice of food but condemns cattle slaughter in public

WATCH THE VIDEO:

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Anyone who spent time in Council Bluffs in the 1950s or first half of the 60s will certainly remember Playland Park. Itt would be impossible to miss a roller coaster three blocks long that passed over two city streets adjacent to the citys busiest thoroughfare.

Playland began as the inspiration of Abe and Louis Slusky, two brothers from St. Joseph, Missouri.

The Slusky brothers had experience in the amusement business, including for a time operating the concessions at Krug Park in Omaha and having their own amusement park  also called Playland Park  in Houston.

Under the proposed plan, Louis would have remained in Houston to operate the brothers park, while Abe would have been in charge of the new park in Council Bluffs in partnership with Harry Cohen, owner of Iowa Clothes Shop.

The firm bought 14 acres north of the Iowa approach to the Ak-Sar-Ben Bridge from the Omaha and Council Bluffs Railway & Bridge Co. and leased additional land, a portion of Dodge Park, from the Frontier Association.

The park was owned by the city, but it was under lease to the Frontier Association for $1 a year; Playland planned to pay the group $8,000 for the sublease. Included in the lease was a grand stand and race track.

Playland Park was to open on Decoration Day in 1948, but not all approved of the plans. Concern was raised that footings on land so near the river wouldnt be sound enough to support such a large roller coaster; some neighbors were concerned about noise.

Objection was raised over the Playland name, noting the land deed stipulated the park carry the name of Susanna Dodge, wife of Nathan P. Dodge. After a brief delay, and the addition of Susannas name to the neon sign, the park opened with much fanfare.

The park prospered and grew. Rides and attractions were modified over the years. The Bullet was allegedly a favorite of park employees because they got to keep whatever change flew out of the riders pockets onto the ground during the ride.

In addition to the amusement rides, the owners developed the Dodge Park race track. In 1949, it was converted from a dirt dog track to a paved midget auto track. In 1952, the track was adapted for modified stock cars.

Racing fans adopted the park as a favorite for its track, crediting owner Abe Slusky for constantly keeping up with innovations that kept the racing up-to-date and fresh. They would remember the stands being packed most of the time.

A news report in 1963 quotes Abe Slusky as saying he was aware of the proposed new interstate bridge to replace the Ak-Sar-Ben Bridge, but he hoped that if it cut off any Playland land, they could double up their amusements on the remaining property and continued business as usual. He said, We have no plans to relocate.

Just a few months later, though, it was confirmed it was more than a little land that the bridge and access ramps to it would claim. The project took two-thirds of the land on which Playland operated, including the spot that essentially was synonymous with the park: the big roller coaster.

Playland appealed the condemnation, but it lost. The famed roller coaster came down in 1964.

While the new bridge was a setback, it wasnt the end. Although the park went from 60 acres to 20, it reopened with 12 rides on the remaining land. A new but smaller roller coaster  the Wild Mouse, featuring a painted nose and round ears on the front of each coaster car  was added.

Loss of the prominent old roller coaster plus congestion from construction of the new bridge and ramps made many think the park had closed. Business fell off, and the race track was idled for two years.

The track reopened in 1966 featuring races with modified coupes and recaptured many of its fans.

Abe Slusky died of a heart attack at 59 in August 1970. It was decided after that to concentrate just on the track, and all of the remaining rides were taken out and shipped to the Frontier City park in Oklahoma City, which the Slusky brothers purchased in 1969.

Playland reopened in 1971, but it just for race fans  there were no amusement rides.

As one of the few asphalt tracks of its kind in the region, Playland continued to attract racers and race fans until the track finally was closed in 1977.

The site is enjoying renewed popularity today as Tom Hanafan Rivers Edge Park, with a riverfront mixed-use development bringing back the Playland Park name to preserve its role in Council Bluffs history.
The stately Italianate house on the corner of Sixth Avenue and South Seventh Street has been a landmark in the neighborhood south and west of Bayliss Park for the past 140 years.

The story of its first family is as fascinating as the architecture of the house itself.

Elijah Walker was born in 1809. Mary Bliss was born in 1815. They were married in Orange County, Vermont, in 1835 and moved to Elkhart County, Indiana, where Alphonso Bliss Walker (better known as A.B. Walker) was born in 1837. According to research completed for the study of the South Eighth Street neighborhood in preparation for the nomination of the district to the National Register of Historic Places, between 1840 and 1842, the family moved to Iowa City  platted in 1839 as the territorial capital of Iowa.

Elijah Walker died in 1845 when Alphonso was 8 years old. Two years later, his mother, Mary, married Chauncey Swan  one of three territorial commissioners appointed to locate the new seat of government for the Iowa Territory. The commission selected Iowa City for the capitol site. Swan remained to oversee the construction of the territorial capitol building (now Old Capitol on the University of Iowa campus) and to engage in other territorial government business.

Swan and his first wife, Dolly (Bowen) Swan, operated Swans Hotel in Iowa City. Dolly died in 1847, a few months before Chauncey Swan married Mary B. Walker. Two years after their marriage, Swan left for California with the gold rush and never returned  reportedly lost at sea on his journey home.

It is not clear when Mary B. Swan first began work for schools for the deaf  possibly at a private school in Iowa City that would one day become the Iowa School for the Deaf. By 1860, she was living in Columbus, Ohio, and working as an attendant at the institution that became the Ohio School for the Deaf.

Around 1865, Mary returned to Iowa City to become the matron for the Iowa Institute for the Deaf and Dumb (later renamed the Iowa School for the Deaf). As the institutions matron, Mary moved to Council Bluffs in 1870 when the school relocated there.

Meanwhile, Alphonso, at age 15, had gone to live with his uncle in Madison County, Ohio, where he clerked for him until he was 21. On Feb. 7, 1860, he married Loraine Byers of London, Madison County, Ohio, and returned with her to Iowa City where he worked as a photographer. Their first daughter, Mary Frances, was born there on Jan. 23, 1861. They returned to Madison County, Ohio, where their second daughter, Jessie Byers, was born on Dec. 23, 1862. Alphonso registered for the civil war draft in Ohio in 1863, listing his age as 26 and his occupation as hotel keeper. Loraine died Feb. 1, 1864, leaving Alphonso with two small daughters.

Other than a brief time of service at the end of the Civil War in 1865, no records indicate his location or occupation in the late 1860s (History of Pottawattamie County, O.L. Baskin & Co., 1883). He may have been working with his mother. In 1871, he joined her in Council Bluffs as steward for the Iowa School for the Deaf.

On July 7, 1875, A.B. Walker married Abbie Rice, daughter of the Rev. G.G. Rice who, in 1853, founded the First Congregational Church in Council Bluffs. He retired as steward of the school and entered the real estate, loan and abstract business with A.W. Squire as a member of the firm of Squire & Walker. The year 1877 marked the beginning of the construction of the Walkers new house at 705 Sixth Ave. In 1878, the house was completed.

In 1879, Mary retired from her position as matron of the school and began a new career. Walker sold the abstract part of the business to Squire and formed a partnership with his mother in the real estate firm of Swan & Walker. In 1880, he began investing in  and assisting in organizing  mine companies in Utah and Colorado (Baskins 1883 History of Pottawattamie County).

The 1880 Federal Census lists those living in the new house at 705 Sixth Avenue: A.B. Walker (43), Abbie (27), Mary Swan, (65), Frances (19), Jessie (17), Hattie (3) and Anna (2). They would be joined by brothers John, Phillip and, George, and sisters Hazel, Madge and Helen.

In 1881, A.B. Walker purchased the small lot next door, just south of his new home. In 1882, he built a Queen Anne house on the lot  sandwiched between his home and the grand O.P. Wickham house constructed the same year on the opposite corner. (During the 1980s and 1890s, the three houses  with shops and businesses  were known as Victorian Row.)

The new home at 618 South Seventh St. (later changed to No. 614) was home to Mary B. Swan, and Walkers two oldest daughters, Mary Frances and Jessie. In 1884, Walker transferred ownership to Jessie and Mary Frances.

In 1887, Jessie married Oscar Keeline, rancher and livestock dealer. The newlyweds continued to live at this address. Oscar worked with his father and brothers on cattle ranches in western Nebraska and Wyoming for part of the year, returning to Council Bluffs during the winter.

Jessie and Oscar built a house on East Pierce Street circa 1908. In 1913, Mary Frances sold the house at 618 South Seventh St. and Mary B. Swan moved back to the Walker House where she lived until 1891 when she died while visiting her sister in Worthington, Minnesota. The real estate firm continued in business under the name of A.B. Walker & Co.

The Walkers sold the house to Thomas Officer in 1893  the year of the great depression that resulted in the failure of banks and businesses across the country.

Alphonso, Abbie and three of their children (all listed as students in the city directories) moved to a smaller house at 451 Glen Ave. where they lived until 1897. Then their rural address suggests that they moved to an acreage in the vicinity of Woodbury Avenue where A.B. Walker is listed as a fruit farmer and A.B. Walker & Co. as his business.

In 1924, the family moved to 701 Third St. Alphonso died there the following year at age 87. Abbie lived there until she died in 1938 at age 84. The Walkers are buried in Walnut Hill Cemetery.

Thomas Officer and subsequent members of the Officer family owned the 705 Sixth Avenue property until 1944 when it was sold by Edith Brock Beardsley, widow of Charles Officer. Since no Officers are shown to have lived there, it likely became a rental property with the shorter rear section of the house enlarged around 1900.

The remodeled porch has an entrance leading to a second floor apartment. The address for this east entrance is 608 South Seventh St. Although still attractive, the architectural details are not nearly as elaborate as on the main house with its tall windows; multiple bay windows; heavy window hood moldings with intricate designs; and decorative brackets, with scallops between, under the eaves. The full-width front porch was removed some time prior to 1982 (Jean Whittakers Early Homes of Council Bluffs). At this writing, the house is for sale.

 Information for this piece was taken in part from the survey conducted in preparation for the nomination of the South Eighth Street Neighborhood to the National Register of Historic Places as well as consultant Richard J. Carlson, architectural historian, Office of the State Archaeologist; Ancestry.com; biographies and obituaries; records of the Pottawattamie County Auditors Office and the Council Bluffs Public Library.
On Saturday, the pit bull and her seven sick puppies are huddled in a concrete kennel in an animal shelter in Texas. But, today, the dogs will fly to a foster home in Glenwood to heal and frolic on 13 acres while they await new homes.

The rescue mission is thanks to the efforts of an Omaha-area group, Muddy Paws Second Chance Rescue, as well as nationally known artist and activist Mark Barones organization, An Act of Dog.

Until the groups stepped in, the dogs were set to be euthanized. There wasnt room in the overcrowded Mount Pleasant shelter to house them. But now, the pit bulls have a ticket to a new life in the Midwest.

The whole thing was just so heartbreaking, said Terri Larson, the founder of Muddy Paws, which operates in Council Bluffs and Omaha. Even though this is happening every day in cities, we just couldnt let it happen to this (pit bull) family.

On Sunday morning, a Muddy Paws volunteer will fly to Mount Pleasant and bring the dogs back via private plane. The flight will cost about $600 for fuel, but it will reduce the stress on the dogs during travel, Larson said.

Barone is raising the money to pay for most of the rescue mission. Larson said she doesnt have a total cost estimate, but it cost another $300 to get veterinary work done so the mother and her puppies are ready to fly. Additional expenses will include food, more medical care, leashes, collars, beds and toys.

Rescuing dogs from other states, particularly Southern states, is becoming more frequent for Muddy Paws, Larson said. Later this month, dogs will be rescued from Louisiana.

Larson, who lives in Council Bluffs, founded Muddy Paws in January 2015. On top of its rescue efforts, the group offers veterinary and training assistance to current pet owners who may be considering giving up their dogs. The goal is to prevent dogs from winding up in shelters.

In its first year, Muddy Paws placed 186 dogs in new homes. In 2016, that number was 248 and included cats. This year, the group expects to place more than 300 dogs, cats, rabbits and a duck named Quackers.

Rescuing the animals involves arranging transportation and finding foster homes as well as paying for veterinary services.

The Texas pit bull puppies have a parasite, and theyll have to get treatment after they move to their temporary home in Glenwood, Larson said.

But once theyre feeling better, theyll have a wonderful foster home and a wonderful place to recover and get adopted, she said.

The pit bull rescue has garnered some national attention because Barone posted about the dogs on the website and Facebook page for his popular organization, An Act of Dog.

Barone has painted 5,500 portraits of shelter dogs, meant to represent the 5,500 dogs killed in shelters every day.

Barone is painting the pit bull family and donating the signed print to donors who are helping to pay for the rescue mission.

Its a huge undertaking, Larson said. We are so fortunate that Mark is helping us with these expenses.
The U.S. Census Bureau doesnt keep data on street smarts.

So when we wanted to figure out which cities in Iowa and Nebraska are the smartest, our choices were limited. How exactly do you define smart?

We could lie to you and say we figured out a perfect way. We didnt. Instead, were using an arbitrary statistic: bachelors degrees.

Specifically, which cities with 5,000 people or more boast the highest percentage of people ages 25 and older with at least a bachelors degree. And when you measure intelligence that way, the data shows one thing.

Iowa has more smart cities than Nebraska.

Now, before we go declaring Iowans as wholly smarter than Nebraskans, remember, this is one arbitrary measure of intelligence.

For all we know, these people could be running into light poles and sticking forks into toasters.

But for the sake of creating arguments at backyard barbecues, were running with it. Weve chosen 33 percent  thats one in three people  as our arbitrary cutoff point. So, cities with at least 33 percent of residents 25 and older holding bachelors degrees qualify as smart cities.

The list of such cities in Iowa is four times as long as that of Nebraska. Sure, Iowa has twice as many people but, still, the difference is stark.

There are 25 smart cities in Iowa; six in Nebraska.

Six cities in Iowa, led by Ames, flex more educational muscle than Nebraskas top entry. Ames is home to Iowa State University but, with a population of almost 60,000, its far from just a college town.

Nebraskas front-runner, Wayne, could certainly be called a college town. Its home to 5,660 people and its school, Wayne State College, has an enrollment of 3,361.

If you look closely at the cities on these lists, youll find that all 31 are either home to a four-year college or are part of a metropolitan area.

Also, its important to note that there are differences in annexation laws between the two states. That could be one reason youll see so many suburbs, and no big cities, on Iowas list.

Some other interesting findings:

* Nebraskas two largest cities, Omaha and Lincoln, make the list, but none of Iowas four largest cities  Des Moines, Cedar Rapids, Davenport and Sioux City  qualify.

* There are eight Des Moines suburbs on Iowas list  Johnston, Clive, West Des Moines, Urbandale, Waukee, Ankeny, Pleasant Hill and Norwalk. Thats in contrast to Nebraska, where Papillion is the only city with a suburban profile to make the list. The Hawkeye State, in fact, has a huge upper hand in suburban presences. Two Cedar Rapids suburbs, and two Iowa City outliers, are also on Iowas list.

* Omahas closest educational clone is Marion, a suburb of Cedar Rapids. Both cities have an identical percentage of people with bachelors degrees  34.1. The difference: Omaha is ranked No. 6 in Nebraska. Marion? No. 22 in Iowa.
DES MOINES  Vice President Mike Pence on Saturday reassured Iowa conservatives, some of them cool to Donald Trump, that the president will deliver on his campaign promises to boost the economy.

Speaking at the annual fundraiser of Iowa Sen. Joni Ernst, Pence told more than 1,400 Iowa Republicans that, thanks to Trump, "American businesses are growing again, they are investing in America again."

Pence promoted low unemployment and the economy's overall health, which he attributed to Trump's cancellation of regulations enacted under President Barack Obama. And, in particular, he described pulling out of the international climate agreement reached in Paris as a show of support for U.S. workers.

"President Donald Trump chose to put the forgotten men and women of America first," Pence said at the sun-drenched Central Iowa Expo in rural Boone, Iowa.

But Pence also pressured Iowa's Senate delegation not to relent on Trump's centerpiece campaign promise to replace the 2010 federal health care law, despite caution from Ernst and senior Iowa Sen. Chuck Grassley that uprooting Obama's overhaul was unlikely in the Senate.

"We've got more work to do," Pence said. "First and foremost, this summer, this Congress must come together and heed the president's leadership and we must repeal and replace Obamacare."

Pence's work to solidify Republican support in Iowa, which Trump won in November by 9 percentage points, came amid caution from the state's influential Christian conservatives who have said Trump had more to prove to them.

"I'm still waiting to see a conservative agenda put forward," Iowa Republican Kay Quirk, a retired nurse from the socially conservative northwest region of the state, said before Pence spoke. "I haven't given up hope by any means. But I'm still waiting."

Pence suggested Trump had made a good start and noted the confirmation of his nominee to the Supreme Court, Neil Gorsuch, a favorite of conservatives.

Trump also "has stood for the sanctity of human life," Pence said. Trump's latest budget proposal would prohibit any funding for certain entities that provide abortions, including Planned Parenthood. Federal law already prohibits money for abortion.

Pence did not mention Trump's difficulties, including investigations over whether people associated with Trump's campaign or administration colluded with the Russians to influence the 2016 elections and over the president's firing of the man investigating the matter, former FBI Director James Comey.

Mike Demastus, a pastor from Des Moines, pointed to Trump's announcement Thursday that he would keep, at least for now, the U.S. Embassy in Israel in Tel Aviv. Trump promised during the campaign last year to move the embassy to Jerusalem, the place most closely associated with the life and teachings of Jesus Christ.

"When it comes to moral issues, he hasn't moved the needle one notch," Demastus said.

It's not as if there is a revolt brewing within the Iowa GOP.

Republicans control both houses of the Iowa Legislature, the governor's office, both U.S. Senate seats and three of four House seats.

And the vast majority of Iowa Republicans approve of the job Trump is doing. Surveys this year have shown Trump's job approval among Republicans around 85 percent, about the same as it is nationally.

But there's more potential meaning to that slice of Republicans who don't give Trump the nod in Iowa than in other states.

Trump finished second to Texas Sen. Ted Cruz in Iowa's leadoff presidential caucuses last year, and many of Cruz's supporters say they would back him again if he runs. A number of them, including Quirk, have scheduled a Cruz campaign reunion for this summer, and are planning to travel to Texas to volunteer for his 2018 Senate campaign.

Emerging national Republican figures also have been accepting invitations to meet Iowa party activists.

Arkansas Sen. Tom Cotton headlined a county GOP dinner in conservative western Iowa last month, though he firmly dismissed the idea that he was making plans to run in 2020.

Nebraska Sen. Ben Sasse, a frequent and vocal critic of Trump, plans to headline a central Iowa county Republican dinner in July.

Pence would seem to be the right validator for Trump in Iowa. Ninety percent of Iowa Republicans approved of the job Pence was doing in a February Des Moines Register Iowa Poll, 6 percentage points ahead of Trump.

In November, Trump's campaign dispatched Pence to the state less than a week before the election. Then Indiana's governor and popular among social conservatives, he told Iowa Republicans during that eleventh-hour visit, "It's time to come home."
With a new Iowa law that allows the sale and possession of most consumer fireworks in the state, local municipalities are gearing up for the Fourth of July season. In early May, then-Gov. Terry Branstad signed into law a bill that legalizes the sale of fireworks, ending an almost 80-year ban.

The Iowa Legislatures decision to legalize most consumer fireworks makes sense.

Fireworks are legal in most of the states that surround Iowa and treks to Nebraska and Missouri for the goods became common for southwest Iowa residents. People are going to shoot off fireworks whether theyre legal or not.

Opening up sales in Iowa to bring tax revenue to the state is a move we hope will help local municipalities.

But the cities, towns and counties working to handle the logistics and planning to accommodate the change in the law have been dealt a tough hand. With the law passing in early May and administrative rules for the implementation of the law still not released, municipalities have had no time to prepare for the change.

Council Bluffs Mayor Matt Walsh said the city would like to create zoning ordinances related to tent sales sites to ensure safety. A change to zoning code usually takes a month, with the rule first needing approval by the city planning commission and then the approval of the City Council over the course of three readings.

In the future, we think well have some zoning regulations to where these sales can take place, Walsh said. We just dont have time to react to the zoning of the law this year. Its unfair how the state rolled this out.

On Wednesday, during a special meeting, the Council Bluffs City Council approved on first reading an ordinance that provides a brief window of time  July 2 to 4  for residents to legally shoot off fireworks during the Independence Day season. Theyll vote on a second reading on June 12. With a law on the books that allows for the sale and possession of fireworks, its a reasonable move.

But the Legislature wouldve served its constituents that operate local governments better had it postponed implementation of the fireworks legalization until 2018. Or, conversely, if the Legislature had passed the bill at the start of its session.

We commend the Council Bluffs City Council and other local, elected bodies for their handling of the process. We wish theyd had more time to do so.
By Press Trust of India: unity

Chennai, Jun 3 (PTI) A galaxy of opposition leaders today descended on Tamil Nadu capital to attend DMK chief M Karunanidhis 94th birthday celebrations and diamond jubilee of his legislative carrer, amid efforts to forge a broad-based alliance ahead of the presidential poll.

They heaped praise on the ailing DMK patriarch and poured scorn on BJP over the recent ban on sale and purchase of cattle at animal markets and vigilantism in the name of cow protection.

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From Congress vice president Rahul Gandhi, to Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar, to National Conference leader Omar Abdullah, to CPI-M general secretary Sitaram Yechury, many frontline opposition leaders were present.

Though West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee and NCP chief Sharad Pawar skipped the event, TMC MP Derek OBrien and NCPs Rajya Sabha member Majeed Memon deputised for their leaders. RJD chief Lalu Prasad could not attend as he was down with fever.

These leaders converged in Chennai days after the top brass of 17 parties attended a luncheon meeting hosted by Congress president Sonia Gandhi on May 26 in New Delhi, the day the Modi government completed three years in office, as frantic efforts continued for a consensus on fielding a common opposition candidate for the presidential poll.

The Congress, which is at the forefront of the initiative, wants a broad-based coalition of secular parties cobbled together before the presidential election which could be extended beyond that to the 2019 Lok Sabha polls.

No leader of the BJP was invited.

Karunanidhi himself could not attend the celebrations as he is still recovering from a surgical procedure.

Karunanidhis son and heir apparent M K Stalin hosted a tea party for Rahul Gandhi on the sidelines of the event where the two leaders were said to have discussed "contemporary issues".

While hailing the DMK supremo for strengthening the social justice movement, Nitish Kumar pitched for total prohibition in the state if the Dravidian party came to power in Tamil Nadu.

He said the presence of several political bigwigs at the event reflected the respect Kalaignar (Karunanidhi) commanded in national politics.

Kumar particularly lauded the DMK chiefs role in implementing the Mandal Commissions recommendations on OBC reservation.

CPI-M leader Sitaram Yechury went ballistic against the BJP, saying "private armies" were taking over the country and called for united efforts to face challenges posed by "political polarisation."

"Who will eat what, who will dress how, who will befriend whom, all these are going to be decided by private armies," he said.

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"You have a private gaurakshak samiti (cow protection committee) that will target Dalits, target Muslims, target the Left, and the private armies are taking over this country," the CPI-M leader said, apparently targeting the Hindu far right without naming the BJP or RSS.

Then he directly hit out at the Modi government, flagging issues like farmer suicides and unemployment, and alleged that "political polarisation" was being created to "benefit one political party."

Making a pitch for opposition unity, Yechury said, "If that is the challenge we have to meet, we need to meet that challenge by coming together and strengthening the peoples struggle against the policies of this government."

TMC leader Derek OBrien also attacked the Modi government over the cattle trade restrictions, terming those "undemocratic" and "unconstitutional".

"This is a country which believes you can eat what you can eat, wear what you want. The decision on cattle ban (by the Centre) is undemocratic, unethical, unconstitutional," he said.

OBrien, also the party spokesperson, while offering his felicitations to Karunanidhi, said there are some big issues that had already been raised by the DMK patriarch. "The first issue, very close to his (Karunanidhis) heart is womens reservation. We want the Womens Reservation Bill. We want it fast", he said. Another issue raised by Karunanidhi was discrimination against transgenders, OBrien said, adding, "it is one of the very important issues as everyone needs to be treated equally". "The other issue raised by Kalaignar that also reflects the views of Trinamool Congress Chairperson Mamataji is the protection of regional languages. Whether it is Tamil in Tamil Nadu or Bengali in Bengal, the regional language is important," he said. PTI Team SK SK

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Pakistan-based group JSMM has written to the International Court of Justice saying that Kulbhushan Jadhav case is a manufactured tale by Islamabad. It claimed that Pakistan is apprehensive about India's growing influence in central Asia.

By India Today Web Desk: In another major embarrassment for Pakistan, a Sindh-based group the Jeay Sindh Muttahida Mahaz (JSMM) has said that Pakistan has told a fabricated story linking former Indian Navy officer Kulbhushan Jadhav with terrorism.

The JSMM has written to the International Court of Justice (ICJ) and several human rights organisations including the Amnesty International giving details about Pakistan's real reason for implicating Kulbhushan Jadhav in terror case.

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According to the JSMM, Pakistan planned the Kulbhushan Jadhav case with an aim to check India's growing influence in central Asia including Afghanistan.

News agency ANI reported that the JSMM considers the "sole responsible factor in the decades long history of bloodshed, genocides, injustices, barbarism, fascism, religious extremism, sponsorship of terrorism and the humiliating subjugation of the historic natural nations."

HOW JSMM NAILS PAKISTAN'S LIE

The JSMM has called the Kulbhushan Jadhav case an unjust example saying that "innocent Indian commoner, around whom Pakistani State has hurled a fake and fabricated tale of espionage to justify its allegation of Indian involvement in its affairs in front of the world and to take it as a justification to sponsor its religious proxy terrorism against India and brutally silence the unheard voices of the oppressed historic nations chained in its forced federation."

Pakistan considers India's engagement with Iran particularly in the Chabahar Project as a challenge to its collaboration with China. Pakistan's apprehension is that if India succeeds in developing Chabahar, its Gwadar port project and the China Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) will be adversely affected. To counter this, Pakistan has presented a fabricated story about Kulbhushan Jadhav, the JSMM said.

Indian agencies believe that Kulbhushan Jadhav was abducted from Chabahar area of Iran by some local terror groups and handed over to the ISI for money.

A Pakistan military court awarded death sentence to Kulbhushan Jadhav following which India took the matters to the International Court of Justice.

The ICJ directed Pakistan to maintain status quo in Kulbhushan Jadhav's case. It effectively translates into a stay on Kulbhushan Jadhav's hanging.

ALSO READ |

Who is Kulbhushan Jadhav, the Indian sentenced to death in Pakistan?

How India argued against Pakistan for Kulbhushan Jadhav at International Court of Justice

7 RAW rules that prove Kulbhushan Jadhav is not an agent; straight from the mouth of former sleuth

ALSO WATCH | What are India's options if Pakistan refuses to accept ICJ's verdict on Kulbhushan Jadhav?

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By Press Trust of India: (Eds: Updating with House adjourned till Tuesday)

By Shirish B Pradhan

Kathmandu, Jun 4 (PTI) The parliamentary voting to elect veteran politician Sher Bahadur Deuba as the 40th prime minister of Nepal had to be postponed till Tuesday as the main political parties today failed to forge a consensus to conduct the House proceedings.

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The main opposition Communist Party of Nepal-Unified Marxist-Leninist (CPM-UML) led by former prime minister KP Sharma Oli had threatened to obstruct the House proceedings against the repolling ordered in Bharatpur Metropolitan City.

The daughter of caretaker Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal Prachanda, Renu Dahal, is contesting for the post of mayor from the constituency. The counting of the votes was suspended after members of her party - CPN (Maoist Centre) - allegedly tore up ballots during the process on the night of May 28. The Election Commission has ordered a repolling there.

The local polls in Nepal are being held for the first time in 20 years. The next and final phase of the local polls is set for June 14, when the restive southern Terai region home to the ethnic Madhesi population, will vote.

The House meeting was initially slated for 11 am, then it was rescheduled to 3 pm, but Speaker Onsari Gharti Magar finally postponed the meeting until Tuesday after CPN-UML warned it would obstruct the proceedings over the EC decision.

Top political leaders today held talks at the parliament building to end the deadlock and conduct the voting to elect Deuba as the 40th prime minister of Nepals young democracy.

But with the House meeting postponed, Deuba will now have to wait until Tuesday to be elected as prime minister.

Deuba, president of the Nepali Congress (NC), is the only candidate in the race, after CPN-UML decided not to contest.

The voting is a mere formality to pave his way for the position, according to the Kathmandu Post.

Prachanda, the outgoing prime minister proposed Deubas name and senior NC leader Ram Chandra Poudel seconded the proposal to elect him on the basis of majority.

Deuba, 70, needs to secure 297 votes in the 593-member- strong parliament to prove his majority. As the NC-Maoist Centre alliance enjoys 287 seats in Parliament and has the support of four other parties having 21 seats, it looks plain sailing for Deuba, the report in the daily said.

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Deuba served as the prime minister from 1995 to 1997, from 2001 to 2002, and from 2004 to 2005.

Prachanda resigned on May 24 after a brief stint of nine months, honouring a power sharing agreement with the ruling coalition partner Nepali Congress to hand over the countrys leadership to the largest party in Parliament. PTI UZM/SBP AKJ ABH

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The Nebraska Trucking Association, along with the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration and Nebraska State Patrol Carrier Enforcement Division, will host a series of town hall meetings regarding electronic logging devices and deadlines.

Topics to be covered include: What is an ELD? Does my vehicle require an ELD? How will NSP Carrier Enforcement enforce ELDs?

There will be opportunities to visit with representatives from each of the supporting organizations.

Dinner will be at 6 p.m. with a program following.

Area locations include: June 13, Lexington at Central Community College, 1501 Plum Creek Parkway; June 14, Sidney at Best Western Plus, 645 Cabela Drive; June 22, Valentine at Peppermill Restaurant, 502 US 20.

Seating is limited and registration is required. $30 per person. Register by emailing dgarcia@nebtrucking.com or calling 402-476-8504 ext. 109 and providing credit card information. Reservations are non-refundable. If unable to attend, someone may be sent in your place.
JUNEAU, Alaska  When most people think of Alaska, they picture its thick forests, hulking grizzly bears and soaring, snow-covered peaks.

What they might not imagine is rockets whisking defense and other payloads into space. But America's northernmost state has that too, entering the high-tech aerospace business more than 25 years ago as it looked to diversify its oil-reliant economy.

The state-owned Alaska Aerospace Corp. hit a low point after a rocket exploded at its launch site in 2014 amid a deepening state deficit. The governor later gave it an ultimatum: Become self-sustaining or shut down.

Today, Alaska Aerospace has rebuilt its launch site and is again showing signs of liftoff. It is no longer confined to Alaska or government contracts, recently winning, for example, a deal with Rocket Lab to track the company's rockets and monitor its onboard systems in New Zealand.

Gov. Bill Walker said he is impressed by the corporation's aggressive pursuit of contracts and its "transformation." His budget office recently freed $2.2 million in state money previously earmarked for the corporation for launch site improvements.

"Two years ago, we had a failed rocket, and we had a destroyed facility, and we had no customers," Alaska Aerospace CEO Craig Campbell said. "We've turned the corner."

Alaska sought to develop its aerospace sector in 1991 as states and private organizations were looking to capture a piece of a space industry that had once been the domain of NASA.

Alaska Aerospace now runs one of 10 commercial launch sites in the U.S. that are regulated by the Federal Aviation Administration. Some are co-located with federal facilities or have buzzy partnerships. The anchor tenant at New Mexico's state-owned Spaceport America is Virgin Galactic.

Campbell is tight-lipped about some of the business at Alaska Aerospace's launch site on Kodiak Island  about 250 air miles (402 kilometers) southwest of Anchorage in the Gulf of Alaska  because of proprietary concerns. But the remote site is well-positioned for polar launches, which often are used for communication and weather satellites and those that take images of Earth.

An advantage Alaska has over major launch sites is a lack of wait times, said Micah Walter-Range, research and analysis director for the Space Foundation, a space advocacy organization. A boom in smaller satellites tied to cheaper hardware components and other factors also presents opportunity, he said.

The corporation launched its first rocket in 1998. It had another 16 launches through 2014, when a rocket carrying an experimental Army strike weapon was blown up after taking off from Kodiak Island. All of the launches it conducted were for the federal government, including NASA.

The blast, which damaged launch site facilities, proved pivotal, coinciding with a ballooning state deficit and a diminished appetite among some Alaska legislators to put more state funding toward what some at that time saw as a money-sucking novelty.

State Rep. Scott Kawasaki, a frequent corporation critic, said Alaska Aerospace officials for the past 10 years have said things will be "wildly great." But Kawasaki said the reality has never measured up.

Still, the Fairbanks Democrat said he's willing to give the corporation time to prove itself amid a changing industry.

"I just don't want them to keep overpromising because this Legislature doesn't have the money to bail them out in the future," Kawasaki said.

Besides rebuilding its launch site, Alaska Aerospace opened an office in Alabama to try to better compete for aerospace business and landed a multiyear contract, worth up to $80 million, with the federal Missile Defense Agency to test its system for detecting incoming missiles.

In addition, the corporation is evaluating building a second launch site closer to the equator so it can handle a wider range of satellites. Campbell called equatorial launches the "predominate orbit to meet the majority of the Earth's population."

Still, Alaska Aerospace remains at a critical juncture, with several launches lined up for this year and next and high hopes for becoming more profitable and further establishing itself in the industry.

Campbell's goal is to have at least six launches a year. So far this year, he expects two as part of the Missile Defense testing program and one involving a company working on a small rocket. He declined to identify the company.

The corporation has 16 staff, down from 44 when Campbell took over. It also has a contingency of about 14 contractors, many of whom are former corporation employees, he said.

State Rep. Louise Stutes, a Kodiak Republican, said an influx of activity surrounding a launch boosts the region's economy, though she noted the need to at times close roads for activities at the site has rankled some residents. About 13,500 people live in the Kodiak Island Borough.

Stutes, one of two nonvoting legislative members on the corporation's board, called the facility first-class and a great asset.

"You just think, 'Oh my God. This is in Kodiak?'" she said.
Appalachia is a section of the country I had never seen. It wasn't even until 2015, when an influential college photojournalism instructor back at Indiana University told us he was from West Virginia that my curiosity was piqued. My eager mind researched gorgeous images of the mountains, valleys and rivers found there.

For about a year and a half after that it was my top choice for a place to visit. I finally completed that goal this month. The Mountain State has something for everyone with its stash of adventures.

Scenery

Cruising through the mountains and hills of Appalachia left me awestruck. Many of West Virginia's cities and towns are situated in valleys, often also along rivers. They're in beautiful landscapes that are quite the contrast from Indiana.

One of West Virginia's popular tourist attractions is the New River Gorge National River, a rugged area of about 70,000 acres from Fayetteville to Hinton. This area housed many of the marvelous sights I wished to see. The stretch has scenic overlooks scattered throughout that offered excellent photography opportunities as the lush greenness of spring continued. I can only imagine how stunning it must also look in the fall. Two frequented and picturesque spots include Hawks Nest and Grandview State Parks, locations that sit above bends on the New River. The views can speak for themselves.

Another grand view worth taking in is that of the New River Gorge Bridge, West Virginia's famous arch structure that carries U.S. 19 across. Until its completion in 1977, motorists had to spend 40 minutes winding through roads down the gorge, across the river, and back up. Now, the drive across takes less than a minute.

Besides the scenic overlooks at the Canyon Rim Visitor Center, walks across the bridge are available too. For about five years, Adventures on the Gorge has offered Bridge Walk, a guided tour across an original catwalk constructed underneath the bridge. If you have the bravery to secure yourself along with informative guides and tread over hundreds of feet above the New River, this adventure, and the views, will not disappoint. Just don't let the vibrations made by traffic overhead spook you too much.

History

West Virginia may rank in the back end of statehood chronology, having joined the Union in 1863. However, its history more accurately begins back in the 1700s when it was still a section of Virginia. Thus, it's a place that holds a bundle of tradition and stories, perfect for those that enjoy delving into U.S. history.

A visit to the state museum in Charleston showed its story is one of hardiness and hardship as pioneers blazed their trails in the mountains and valleys. Conditions were rough and travel was not a straightforward task. The railroad slightly improved the area's fortunes, such as the old town of Thurmond. It's a ghost town in the New River Gorge operated by the National Park Service that anyone is welcome to stop by and walk around in. At least five people actually still live around there.

But a trait that has characterized the state throughout American history, and even fairly recently, is its lineage of coal miners. It's evident while driving some of the roads and seeing stickers or decals on vehicles with coal miner illustrations that below them read "Six inches from hell." There's also a mine you can tour in Beckley. These signs, and others in neighboring Pennsylvania, reminded me very much of northwest Indiana's own industrial and manufacturing background. It made me think of workers, like coal miners, that took on hard jobs and sacrificed their health to keep the lights on in America and use what they could to put dinner on the table for their families.

Legends and more

What else incites some adventure or curious investigation than urban legends and or ghost stories? West Virginia is filled with them. A famous myth is that of the Mothman. Right away after crossing the Ohio River on U.S. 35 is the town of Point Pleasant. The story of this winged creature with glowing red eyes started coming about in the '60s and '70s, and seeing it was rumored to spell doom. So one story goes that it was spotted near the Silver Bridge, which carries U.S. 35. Soon after, a tragic incident occurred in 1967 where the bridge collapsed, resulting in 46 deaths.

The urban legend is honored with a one-of-a-kind Mothman Museum in the downtown section as well as a shiny statue adjacent to it.

If one has a curiosity for ghosts or the paranormal, two notorious locations in that realm are housed in the Mountain State: the Trans-Allegheny Lunatic Asylum in Weston and the West Virginia Penitentiary in Moundsville. Both were some of the first of their kind - the asylum housing mentally ill patients from the area and the prison holding many dangerous criminals of that time period. Both facilities also closed in the '90s. Even though he wasn't housed there, Charles Manson sent a letter, which the penitentiary holds in a display case, requesting to be moved there to be closer to his home. Both have guided tours through the dilapidated structures that feel very much like urban exploration.

Whatever gets you excited about a vacation, West Virginia is likely to have it. From scenery to history, the Mountain State is a majestic destination.
HARTFORD, Conn. (AP)  Many states have victim's advocates or child advocates, people in the judicial system who represent those affected by crime or abuse. Now, one state has created legal advocates for abused animals, an experiment being watched across the nation for signs of success.

There are eight approved volunteer advocates across Connecticut  seven lawyers and a UConn law professor, working with her students. It's up to a judge to decide whether to appoint one, but they can be requested by prosecutors or defense attorneys. In the first six months of the law, advocates have been appointed in five cases.

"Every state has the problem of overburdened courts that understandably prioritize human cases over animal cases in allocating resources," said University of Connecticut professor Jessica Rubin, a specialist in animal law. "Here's a way to help."

The American Kennel Club, though, opposed the legislation, saying it could result in confusion over who is responsible for an animal and limit the rights of animal owners, including in cases in which someone else is charged with the abuse.

Supporters say those issues are easily handled by a judge.

The law was created by the Legislature and went into effect late last year. "Desmond's Law" was named for a dog that was beaten, starved and strangled by its owner, Alex Wullaert, who admitted to the violence but avoided jail time under a probation program for first-time offenders that allowed his record to be wiped clean.

UConn law student Taylor Hansen, one of the volunteer advocates, this week was the first to testify in court, with Rubin by her side, making arguments in a dogfighting case involving three pit bulls.

One emaciated dog with scars from fighting had been found wandering. The other two were found in a home filled with animal feces, rotting food and evidence of dogfighting. One animal had to be euthanized.

Hansen described the abuse dogs suffered, talked of studies linking animal and human abuse, and explained why she believed the man accused of raising them to fight, 33-year-old Raabbi Ismail, of Bloomfield, should be barred from the same program Wullaert used.

Judge Omar Williams listened and read through a letter the UConn advocacy team had written. If Ismail's record were eventually wiped clean, Hansen argued, there would be nothing to prevent him from getting back into dogfighting.

Williams agreed the charges were serious. But after a 45-minute hearing, he found the crime was not on a list that would automatically prevent Ismail, who had never been arrested before, from participating in the program, known as Accelerated Rehabilitation.

On Hansens' suggestions, the judge did impose conditions that will prevent Ismail from owning, breeding or having dogs in his home for at least the next two years. He also will have to perform 200 hours of community service, but nothing involving animals.

Outside the courthouse, Ismail declined to comment to a reporter.

Rubin and Hansen said they weren't discouraged by the outcome.

"It showed the animals do have a voice," Hansen said. "We are able to have an impact on the proceedings."

The animal advocates are an official party to the case. They can do investigative work prosecutors often don't have time for, such as interviewing veterinarians and other witnesses. They also make arguments, write briefs and make recommendations to the judge.

"It has really assisted me in doing my job," said assistant state's attorney Thomas O'Brien, the prosecutor in Ismail's case.

Just having the advocate in court represents a sea change in the handling of animal abuse cases, said Annie Hornish, the Connecticut director for the Humane Society of the United States.

Connecticut's experiment is being watched by other states, Hornish said. And Rubin said she has gotten inquiries from lawmakers elsewhere asking how it might be copied.

A few states, including neighboring Rhode Island, allow veterinarians to advocate for animals in court, said lawyer and animal advocate Thomas Page, but only Connecticut has legal advocates.

According to a legislative report, there were 3,723 animal abuse or cruelty cases charged in Connecticut between 2006 and 2016. Eighty percent were not prosecuted or were dismissed.

Nineteen percent resulted in convictions, and 55 cases  the remaining 1 percent  resulted in the defendant being found not guilty.

"We hope with this law in place, we will start to see much better procedural outcomes," Hornish said. "We are very excited that judges seem to be taking advantage of it."
By Manjeet Sehgal: Despite the allegations of money laundering and bungling, the Punjab government will go ahead with the controversial mine bids allotted to the four 'former' employees of state Irrigation and Power Minister Rana Gurjeet Singh.

Punjab Chief Minister Captain Amarinder Singh on Sunday prima facie ruled out cancellation of the recent sand mine auctions under pressure from the Opposition parties.

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"Captain Amarinder has categorically ruled out taking any arbitrary action on the issue, saying he would not succumb to political pressure, nor would he allow his judgement and decisions to be influenced by media trials. Any decision in the matter would be based on judicious application of the law, and in the interest of justice, "a state government spokesperson said.

AUCTIONS WERE TRANSPARENT AND FAIR: CM

The CM has claimed that the auctions were conducted with total 'transparency and fairness', under the supervision of a committee headed by a retired high court judge and two senior IAS officers. Amarinder Singh had sought detailed inputs from the Department of Mining following media reports that the e-auctions had been compromised to benefit certain individuals.

"Prima facie, no substance in the allegations raised by certain quarters, of unfair and discriminatory dealings in the entire mining auction process has been found. As far as the charges against Irrigation and Power Minister Rana Gurjeet Singh were concerned, the government was awaiting the report of the Judicial Commission set up to probe the same, the chief minister reiterated, underlining the need for a fair and legal investigation into the matter, in the interest of justice ," the spokesperson said.

WEB-BASED SYSTEM

The spokesperson added that unless categorically proved to the contrary, there was no reason to believe any ambiguity or lack of transparency in the process of auction of 102 mines through progressive bidding process on the e-auction platform by ITI Ltd, an Indian government PSU.

"Since it was a web-based system, the identity of the bidders participating in the e-auctions, conducted on May 19 and 20, was not known to other bidders to prevent any cartelisation, or use of pressure of any kind to prevent bidding by other bidders. What is more, any complaint received from bidders regarding any technical issues faced during e-auction was dealt with promptly by the helpdesk provided by ITI Ltd., an official spokesperson cited inputs received by the chief minister from the Department of Mining to point out," the apokesperson said.

The Aam Aadmi Party has planned statewide protests from Monday onwards against the bidding and has demanded resignation of Rana Gurjeet Singh. The BJP has also demanded a CBI probe in the case.

Also read: Punjab: Sand mine auction under ED scanner, Opposition suspects hawala link

Also read: How Punjab CM Capt Amarinder Singh carries forward BJP ideology in his last political inning

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Today, wetlands are known for water purification, flood protection, shoreline stabilization, groundwater recharge and streamflow maintenance. Wetlands also provide habitat for fish and wildlife, including many endangered species. However, in the past marshes were thought of by many as dark, dismal, disease-ridden wastelands to be conquered and modified for mans use. Benjamin Gifford took neither view, but simply saw the Kankakee Marsh as an economic opportunity.

Benjamin Joseph Gifford was born on April 5, 1840, to Freeman and Cornelia Fielder Gifford in Little Rock, Illinois. Although born of humble beginnings, Gifford was intelligent, ambitions and shrewd. Amazingly, at the early age of 11 Gifford negotiated the purchase of an 80 acre agricultural parcel. Because of the 2-mile distance from home, Giffords father overruled the purchase. While plowing a field the following year, Gifford noticed the differing heights of corn at maturity and realized the impact of soil types on crop growth. This observation was to benefit him in later life ventures.

Within a month of the Confederate attack on Fort Sumter, Gifford volunteered in the 13th Illinois Infantry. Having been wounded at Vicksburg, Gifford ended his three-year enlistment with the rank of 2nd Lieutenant. Nevertheless, after his return to Illinois, newly promoted Capt. Gifford raised a company and continued to serve until the Confederate surrender.

After the war, Gifford continued in real estate investments. He applied the farming experience from his youth when purchasing swampland in Champaign County, Illinois. After draining the property, Gifford sold it at great profit. His next investment was the purchase and draining of the Vermillion Swamps in Ford County, Illinois, adding to his fortune after its sale.

In 1873, Gifford made his next career move when he organized the Havana, Rantoul and Eastern Railroad. This 75-mile line from LeRoy, Illinois, to West Lebanon, Indiana, was the beginning of Giffords railroad career. He sold this line to Jay Gould in 1880. Later Gifford became president of the Cleveland & Marietta Railroad. After its sale in 1882, seeing opportunity in the transportation of agricultural products from newly drained swampland in the Kankakee River valley, he organized the Chicago & Wabash Valley Railroad  financing the line with his own personal money. Having been leveraged out by Jay Gould to selling his Havana, Rantoul and Eastern Railroad, he would not make the mistake again of taking loans that could be bought by Gould.

In 1891, with his rail line in place, he began purchasing swampland in the Kankakee River valley. The Monon News stated: His holdings embraced upwards of 33,000 acres in Lake and Jasper counties. With 75 miles of broad dredged ditches this country has been changed from feeding grounds for wild fowl to one of the choicest agricultural sections of Indiana. These lands are divided up into farms, having comfortable houses, good barns and rock wells, which today have become largely the property of thrifty parties, who realize what Mr. Gifford has done to help the man of little means.

Gifford divided the land into 80- to 320-acre parcels. While drilling water wells for the farms, he struck oil near his new town of Gifford, Indiana. By 1900, the oil wells were producing 400 barrels per day.

Giffords railroad continued to grow and expand, transporting farm products from Gifford to Chicago long after his death in 1913. The railway was sold to the Monon Railroad in 1935.
CEDAR LAKE  Police are investigating a fatal hit-and-run accident that occurred Saturday night.

About 10:55 p.m. the Cedar Lake Police and Fire departments responded to the 12500 block of U.S. 41 for a pedestrian who had been struck by a vehicle in the southbound lanes. On arrival it was determined Stanley D. Sellers, 62, of Chicago, had been struck by an unknown southbound vehicle and died upon impact. Police said the driver of the vehicle that struck Sellers did not stop after the crash.

Police said Sellers was in the southbound lanes of U.S. 41 and it is not known if he was walking in the roadway or attempting to cross it.

Family was notified by the Lake County coroners office, at which time police discovered Sellers had been in the Schererville area about 10 p.m. with a friend inside his vehicle. For an unknown reason, the two of them had an argument and Sellers exited the vehicle and decided to walk, police said. Sellers refused attempted to get him back in the vehicle and kept walking, police said. The driver of the vehicle was not able to persuade Sellers to get back inside his vehicle, so he drove off.

Police said Sellers' sister also spoke to him on the telephone in an attempt to get him back into the vehicle and Sellers replied that he was OK. Police said it was the last time anyone heard from Sellers prior to being notified of the accident.

Police are asking for any information or witnesses who may have seen anything related to this incident. Contact Cmdr. Bill Fisher with information related to this crash at 219-374-5416, ext. 126, or email at bill.fisher@cedarlakein.org.
CROWN POINT  Although the goal of ending the pain and suffering of cancer remained the same Saturday for the American Cancer Societys 12-hour Relay for Life of South Lake County, new hours and more participating teams created a buzz.

The 2017 Relay for Life of South Lake County began with opening ceremonies at noon at the Lake County Fairgrounds, 889 S. Court St., and ended at midnight. In past years, the Relay for Life events started at 6 p.m. Friday and concluded the following morning at 6 a.m.

We began looking at the amount of teams who were participating in the closing ceremonies, said Wendy Mang, an American Cancer Society staff member, about the time change.

What worked 30 years ago doesnt work now because people have so many different commitments, said Mang, herself a two-time cancer survivor. We wanted more daylight hours for those participating.

The American Cancer Society will evaluate whether the new schedule works for coming years, she said.

As many as 70 teams participated, an increase from past years.

The largest number we had in the past was 62 teams, Mang said. The event goal this year is to raise $125,000 or more.

Part of the money raised stays locally to support programs in the community, she said. Another portion goes to the national program for cancer research.

Relay For Life is the signature fundraiser for the American Cancer Society. Relay is staffed and coordinated by volunteers in more than 5,200 communities and 27 countries.

We have a leadership team of 29 people who bring expertise in many fields, Mang said about the 2017 Relay for Life of South Lake County.

Saturdays opening ceremony celebrated everyone who has been affected by cancer, whether they were diagnosed a few days before or have been cancer-free for years. Cancer survivors took the first lap around the track, stepping off at 12:20 p.m.

At 12:30 p.m., the caregivers lap honored individuals who care for those who have cancer. Caregivers often walk with those they have supported.

The 9 p.m. candlelight luminaria ceremony gave Relay participants the opportunity to remember loved ones lost to cancer, to support those who have cancer and those who have fought cancer in the past year.
Strong momentum and support for extended and improved commuter rail service between northern Indiana and Chicago is expanding eastward.

Now it's time for some straggling Northwest Indiana leaders, who sit in the potential economic nucleus of an improved South Shore Line, to follow that example and get on board.

As May came to a close, South Bend Mayor Pete Buttigieg, a rising star on the national political scene, announced his city had pledged $25 million toward improving the commuter rail line there.

The money, to be tapped from a South Bend TIF district, would be used for track realignment and a new airport approach for the rail.

It's a visionary extension of a greater project to double-track the existing South Shore Line between Gary and Michigan City to speed commutes and to extend the line from Hammond to Dyer.

Soon, St. Joseph County, home to South Bend, is expected to approve $18.25 million to help double-track 16 miles of the commuter rail line in Northwest Indiana.

That's important to note. The double tracking isn't physically slated to occur in St. Joseph County. But leaders there see the benefit that faster commutes will bring to communities farther east on the rail line.

In short, they see a potential quality of life and economic benefit arising from contributing to a project physically outside of St. Joseph County's borders.

We hope this style of greater-good thinking inspires some Northwest Indiana communities to see the benefits of dedicating funds to rail expansion.

Michigan City, which stands to benefit from the double-tracking, is poised to formally commit $12.1 million to the project. The LaPorte County Council allocated $6.1 million for it last week.

Hammond, a city directly on the existing line and that could benefit from a new gateway station in the West Lake Corridor project, has yet to formally pledge funds.

Last summer, Hammond Mayor Thomas McDermott Jr. noted, "You're not going to find too many places where you can get a 10-to-1 return on your money" like an investment in South Shore Line expansion.

"Do you want to be on the train, or do you want to be on the sidelines complaining?" McDermott asked the council members before their vote to conditionally support the commuter rail extension between Dyer and Hammond.

But Hammond has yet to formally board the figurative train that would mean a new economy of development, quality of life and commuter rail access throughout our Region.

We hope the Hammond mayor remembers his own words and leads his city to the boarding platform.

Some Lake County communities also continue to balk at contributing to the Hammond-to-Dyer extension, in some cases questioning the benefits of investing in a project not directly within their borders.

But investing in the South Shore expansion represents a direct investment in the entire Region's success and prosperity.

Northwest Indiana's neighbors to the east get it. So should we.
We are very fortunate to live in one of the most beautiful areas of the country, and it is being severely threatened by the current administration. The head of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency is suggesting that the Chicago EPA office be closed and the duties there moved to Kansas.
Crossing the line separating Indiana and Illinois sometimes means dealing with different laws and customs. Readers are asked to share ideas for this weekly feature. This week: Rail crossings.

Illinois and Indiana are among the top five states in the country for the number of road-rail intersections, also known as at-grade crossings, that motorists and pedestrians must negotiate on a daily basis.

According to the Illinois Commerce Commission, there are 8,002 public at-grade crossings in Illinois and another 3,706 road-rail intersections on private property.

Nearly 1 in 10 Illinois at-grade crossings are located in Cook County, as Chicago is a major transfer and connection point for the nation's freight and passenger rail.

Indiana has 7,763 public, private and pedestrian at-grade crossings, according to the Indiana Department of Transportation.

Many are found in Northwest Indiana where numerous train lines bunch together curving around the southern tip of Lake Michigan headed for Chicago.

Leaders in both states have said it is a priority to improve safety by separating train and motor vehicle traffic through the construction of over- and underpasses, where possible.
NY1 was honored at the New York Associated Press Awards on Saturday night.

Political Reporter Grace Rauh received the prestigious First Amendment Award in Broadcast for her "Agents of the City" series.

Her reports investigated Mayor Bill de Blasio's relationship with his outside advisors and their influence over City Hall.

She has an ongoing lawsuit against the mayor over access to emails with one of those advisers.

Grace also took first place in the Enterprise Reporting category for her work on the history of Trump Tower.

State House Reporter Zack Fink was awarded third place in that category.

He was honored for his reporting on the water crisis in the upstate town of Hoosick Falls.

And Kristen Shaughnessy took second prize for Documentary Reporting for her special series "Remembering 9/11  15 Years Later"

Congratulations to our NY1 colleagues for their dogged curiosity, research, and empathy in reporting New York's stories.
Congress vice-president Rahul Gandhi hit out at the Centre for mishandling Kashmir.

By India Today Web Desk: Congress vice-president Rahul Gandhi today slammed the Centre for the unrest and violence in Kashmir since the past few months.

"About six, seven months ago, Arun Jaitley came to see me, I told him they are mishandling Kashmir," Rahul Gandhi was quoted by news agency ANI.

"Arun Jaitley brushed me aside and said Kashmir is peaceful. Government of India and the Prime Minister are completely mishandling Kashmir," Rahul Gandhi said.

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"They are creating a problem for this country by their incompetence and by trying to utilise Kashmir as a political asset," the Congress vice-president said.

He said that Kashmir has been India's strength but the current government is making it "India's weakness".

Rahul Gandhi's comment comes a day after Home Minister Rajnath Singh said that cross-border terrorism in the Valley would end soon and security forces were working towards eliminating Pakistan-sponsored terror.

"I assure you that we will uproot Pakistan-sponsored terror from Jammu and Kashmir and establish peace there," Rajnath Singh said.

The National Investigation Agency (NIA) is carrying out raids at several places across the country after an India Today sting operation showed Hurriyat leaders confessing to accepting terror funding from Pakistan to foment unrest in Kashmir.

ALSO READ:

Cycle of violence in Kashmir: Spike in civilian deaths, injuries to security forces in Valley

Hurriyat terror funding: NIA raids 23 sites in Kashmir, Delhi, Haryana; recovers Rs 1.5 crore cash

ISI sending agents to India-Pak Champions Trophy match to display banners on Kashmir

PM Modi alone can help resolve Kashmir unrest, says Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti

ALSO WATCH: Will eliminate Pakistan-sponsored terrorism in Kashmir soon, says Rajnath Singh

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There it is, staring you in the face, as obvious to you as an undervalued stock was to young Warren Buffett.

You dont see cigar butts much anymore, nor does Buffett invest in them. But this butt showed up outside the downtown Omaha YMCA one recent morning.

Maybe it was a reminder that metaphorical cigar butts had a role in the Omaha investors journey to becoming chairman and CEO of the multihundred-billion-dollar Berkshire Hathaway Inc. Its an image-footnote in financial history that bears revisiting occasionally.

While working in New York City, 20-something-year-old Buffett adopted Benjamin Grahams practice of spotting companies that were slightly undervalued, such as having more in the bank account than they were worth on the stock market.

Anything with a bit of value that a smart investor could grab. In cigar terms, a mostly used butt ignored by others but with a few risk-free puffs left.

Looking beyond the unsavory image of smoking a used stogie (The stub might be ugly and soggy, Buffett once wrote), investors can embrace the idea of cigar butts as a lesson in recognizing value that others miss. Buffett used that ability to build up his personal investments in the 1950s before returning to Omaha and forming the partnerships that led to Berkshire.

An early cigar butt example, according to Alice Schroeders The Snowball biography of Buffett: Western Insurance Co.

Westerns stock was selling for $3 a share, but the company was earning a profit of about $29 a share every year. Buffett bought as much Western Insurance stock as he could, realizing that making a substantial profit was a sure thing.

As time went on, Buffett left the cigar butt business, mostly because he needed to make bigger profits than the occasional free puff. But he used the cigar butt concept as a lesson, including mention in 2014 in an essay about Berkshires past and future.

Turns out, Berkshire was itself a cigar butt in 1964, one that Buffett spotted and bought for $7.50 a share and planned to cash in by selling the shares at $11.50 each, under an agreement with then-CEO Seabury Stanton.

But when Stanton made the official offer, it was $11.375, a smaller puff than Buffett expected. In an investment pique, Buffett rejected the 12.5-cent lower offer, bought up control of Berkshire and squeezed Stanton out.

Buffett later called that a monumentally stupid decision because Berkshire, then a New England textile company, was doomed by lower production costs elsewhere, eventually collapsing in 1985.

By then, Buffett had moved into paying fair prices for superior companies. Today youll find no cigar butts in Berkshires portfolio, and hardly any on the streets of Omaha.

Annual auction, and a twist

For once, you dont have to be a billionaire or even a mere millionaire to win something in the annual charity auction for lunch with Buffett.

This years auction, which starts at 9:30 Central time tonight, typically brings a seven-figure winning bid, which goes to the Glide Foundations anti-poverty programs in San Francisco. Even the opening bid, $20,000, is steep for nearly everyone, even though the high bidder gets a luncheon for eight with Buffett.

But this year for the first time, anyone shopping on eBay can make a donation directly to Glide and be entered in a drawing to win a trip to Glides Sunday celebration, as its worship services are called.

Will Buffett be there? Who knows?

The winning bidder will be announced Friday as the auction concludes at 9:30 p.m. Central time. Winning bids over the past 17 years have totaled $23 million, including last years $3,456,789.

Glides programs caught the attention of Buffetts first wife, the late Susan Thompson Buffett, who conceived of the auction in 2000.

To donate, to get pre-approved for bidding or to watch the auction progress, go to eBay.com/glide.

Giving Pledge grows by 14

Fourteen more billionaires have signed the Giving Pledge originated in 2010 by Buffett and Bill and Melinda Gates  seven from the United States, two from China and one each from Australia, Tanzania, Norway, Cyprus and Slovenia.

The nonbinding pledge calls on wealthy people to donate at least half their money to charities of their choice. So far 168 individuals or couples from 21 countries have signed, most of them posting explanatory letters on the pledges website at givingpledge.org.

The new signers, according to last weeks announcement:

Leonard Ainsworth of Australia, head of a game technology company; Mohammed Dewji of Tanzania, head of MeTL Group; Dagmar Dolby of the United States, widow of Dolby Laboratories founder Ray Dolby; Dong Fangjun of China, chair of Dongfang Huiquan Financial Holdings; Kjell Inge Rkke and his wife, Anne Grete Eidsvig, of Norway, owner of Aker ASA; Sir Stelios Haji-Ioannou of Monaco, Cyprus, creator of easyJet and other easy brands; Nick and Leslie Hanauer of the United States, founder of Civic Ventures.

Iza and Samo Login of Slovenia, deputy CEO of Outfit7 Limited; Dean and Marianne Metropoulos of the United States, Metropoulos & Co. private equity firm; Terry and Susan Ragon of the United States, owner of InterSystems Corp.; Nat Simons and Laura Baxter-Simons of the United States, of the investment firm Meritage Group; Robert Frederick Smith of the United States, of the investment firm Vista Equity Partners; geneticist Harry Stine of Adel, Iowa, and Stine Seed; and You Zhonghui of the Peoples Republic of China, chairwoman of Shenzhen Seaskyland Investment Holdings Group Ltd.

Tracking minerals origins

In a filing last week with the Securities & Exchange Commission, Berkshire said it couldnt pin down exactly where its manufacturing divisions got all of their parts or components containing gold, tin, tungsten and tantalum last year.

Congress passed an origin-tracing law covering manufacturers in 2010, and other countries also have intervened, because illegal mining in Congo has been used to finance local wars that have killed and displaced millions of people.

The law also has been criticized for putting miners out of work in Congo.

The Berkshire filing, by Daniel Jaksich, vice president and controller, is intended to meet the laws SEC filing requirement.

About 88 percent of Berkshires revenue and 90 percent of its pre-tax earnings last year came from non-manufacturing businesses, the filing said.

Berkshire said the minerals in its parts and materials come through sometimes-long supply chains that make it difficult to track the minerals to specific smelters or other sources.

Berkshire said it conducted a good faith reasonable country of origin inquiry into the history of the minerals.

The Omaha World-Herald is owned by Berkshire Hathaway Inc.
By Press Trust of India: Chennai, Jun 4(PTI) Congress vice president Rahul Gandhi and Left party leaders called on DMK chief M Karunanidhi here today and wished him well.

Rahul Gandhi, after visiting the nonagenarian leader at his Gopalapuram residence, said he was "very happy" to call on Karunanidhi and described the meeting as "very nice."

"He is much, much better, he was very nice to me," he told reporters.

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He said Karunanidhi was much better than the previous time he visited him in December last at a private hospital here.

DMK celebrated Karunanidhis 94th birthday and 60 years of his legislative career yesterday here and leaders including Rahul Gandhi took part in the event.

CPI (M) general secretary Sitaram Yechury accompanied by party State Secretary G Ramakrishnan, and Rajya Sabha MP, TK Rangarajan called on Karunanidhi.

Yechury said Karunanidhi was looking much better and wished him well.

Also, CPI general secretary S Sudhakar Reddy, senior CPI leader D Raja visited the DMK chief. PTI VGN ROH

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RED CLOUD, Neb.  A first lady came to Willa Cathers hometown Saturday and officially opened a $7 million center meant to re-ignite fascination in the famed novelist and the tiny Nebraska town where she set her most famous books.

Former first lady Laura Bush gave the keynote address during an afternoon ceremony, praising Cathers portrayal of the rugged Great Plains and its tough-as-nails women in books such as O Pioneers and My Antonia. Bush then cut the ribbon on the National Willa Cather Center, which houses a museum, a bookstore, an archive and several apartments and businesses on a historically preserved block of main street.

If Willa Cathers characters built a fire, it was because they were cold and they needed something to warm them, Bush said. Cather helped teach us what it meant and what it means to be a pioneer. ... She gave a lasting voice to the Western spirit that defines us as a nation. That is what makes her work so timeless.

Bush spoke to a capacity crowd of 300 inside the restored Red Cloud Opera House while standing close to the spot where, in 1890, then-16-year-old Willa Cather delivered an above-average high school commencement speech.

Cather went on to Lincoln, then Pittsburgh and then New York, where from a Manhattan apartment she drew from her Red Cloud childhood to write best-selling books and win the Pulitzer Prize.

She became an author who in her time rivaled in fame and fortune slightly younger contemporaries including Hemingway, Faulkner and Fitzgerald.

Cathers success created intense pride as well as a bit of fear and loathing in her hometown. A generation of Red Cloud residents was scandalized by the publication of novels and short stories that drew from, and in some cases were obviously based on, real-life Red Cloud heroes, villains and events. (One famous example: Cather based Antonia Shimerda, the main character in My Antonia, on a Bohemian immigrant and longtime Webster County resident named Annie Pavelka.)

In more recent decades the town of Red Cloud and its homegrown Willa Cather Foundation have, in fits and starts, preserved Cathers childhood home, a chunk of Nebraska prairie and dozens of other homes and buildings key to her life and literature.

Today, Red Cloud  not William Faulkners Oxford, Mississippi, or Mark Twains Hannibal, Missouri  is home to the largest collection of nationally designated historic sites dedicated to an American author.

In 2003 the Cather Foundation reopened the restored small-town opera house where Cather learned to love music and theater. But that project paled in comparison with the National Willa Cather Center, which took more than a decade of planning and a $7 million fundraising effort  a staggering sum in a small town.

Individual board members argued We need to have some vision. We need to give it a shot,  said Andy Jewell, a Cather board member and University of Nebraska-Lincoln professor who co-edited a popular book of Cathers letters.

This is a moment in my life when Im realizing the wisdom of that, Jewell said. Of trying something that doesnt seem quite possible  and then doing it deliberately and intelligently, with lots of people helping out.

Omaha donors and foundations played an outsize role in this effort, with the family of Robert and Joanne Berkshire, the Peter Kiewit Foundation and the Robert B. Daugherty Foundation all giving at least $300,000 to build the National Willa Cather Center.

Now open, that center houses a museum where the public can learn about Cathers life and view important artifacts from her life, such as two writing desks. It houses a climate-controlled archive that, for the first time, allows the foundation to properly store  and allows scholars to view  thousands of letters, manuscripts and other Cather artifacts in her hometown.

The center also includes three spacious apartments and three retail bays for new businesses, delivering a potential economic boost to a town of 1,000 residents that annually hosts roughly 10,000 Cather tourists.

Ashley Olson, the Cather Foundations executive director, said the new center is already driving increased interest in its namesake author. Registrations for this years Cather spring conference more than doubled from last year. And Olson  like Cather, a graduate of Red Cloud High School  notices more townspeople taking an interest in the towns most famous resident.

People who have lived in Red Cloud for years and years are asking me for the first time What time are the tours? What is on the Cather tour? What is the significance of that old church?

They are thinking Hey, this is really cool. I want to be a part of this. And that is so positive for us and for Red Cloud.

During Saturdays event, past met present when stage host the Rev. Charles Peek introduced four living members of the Cather family in the audience as well as the 96-year-old granddaughter of Annie Pavelka, the inspiration for Antonia.

Then Bush spoke. The one-time librarian quoted several passages from Cather novels while praising her ability to describe the prairie and the people who settled here and built towns like Red Cloud. She talked about how Cathers strong female characters reminded her of her Arkansas great-grandmother who, widowed at 42, raised seven children on her own.

She talked about how she felt as if she already knew Red Cloud through Cathers books, how she felt like she had already walked the towns brick main street and run through the prairie grass because Cather described them so vividly in her writing.

She spoke of Cathers focus on the immigrant experience, how Cather demonstrated how we are alike more than we are different. And, standing near where Cather gave her high school graduation speech 127 years ago, Bush congratulated the 300 people crammed into the restored small-town opera house for preserving the famed novelists memory.

You are preserving history. Thanks to your generous support, our children and grandchildren can travel back in time and learn from Willa Cathers example for generations to come, she said.
Jordons first World-Herald byline appeared 50 years ago this week.

I am a reporter.

My job is covered in the U.S. Constitution, the First Amendments guarantee of a free press. Its a duty that I take seriously, and it carries responsibilities  fairness, accuracy, objectivity, thoroughness, constancy.

The goal is to be the eyes, ears and brains for people who cant be everywhere but want to stay informed.

Im uncomfortable using I a lot as I write this, because I dont think of injecting my own views into a story. Its a practice I learned early on, reinforced by years of looking at all sides of the issues, not my own opinions, and telling readers those views.

Its not just a matter of writing style. Its the whole idea of keeping my personal views out of news stories. I may not like a persons attitude, or I may think a proposal is wrong-headed. But my job is to gather facts so readers can decide whats right, wrong or not worth thinking about.

I dont expect readers to read every word. Thats why someone invented headlines. If a topic doesnt interest you, move on. (This is one reason I love printed newspapers. For me, its easier to scan headlines on a page than on a screen, phone or pad.)

I think my work carries value, and I believe that people should pay for the value they receive. At the same time, I love reading other newspaper websites for free. That represents a conundrum the news industry has yet to resolve. But were working on it.

Sometimes the job is easy. I learn about something, talk with people who know whats going on, get all sides of a story, write it, run it through the editors, and its published.

Sometimes the job is hard. Things are happening nobody will admit, or theres an active cover-up underway. Its tough to build trust with people who want to keep a secret or are afraid to deal with a reporter. Maybe they think they were treated unfairly in the past. The deadline clock is ticking. Its a challenge.

Along the way, Ive seen things.

Immigrant workers, without papers, supporting their families by installing drywall on a big public project in Omaha.

The body of a robber who killed a bystander before being fatally shot in a gun battle with police.

The husband of a woman killed in a bank robbery, gathering his thoughts to talk about her while in the yard she had lovingly landscaped.

An abandoned ranch house whose former owner was in prison for fraud.

The funeral for a Boy Scout killed in a tornado.

A bank president rushing into his bank to find it shut down by federal regulators.

A trapper checking his traps along the Platte River.

A mother and father holding the first baby of the year.

I am no different from other reporters, except that we are all different  different backgrounds, different habits, different tastes, different opinions, different styles, different ways of reporting and writing. But the sameness is what counts: We want our readers and listeners to be informed, to be smarter about things and people, to make better decisions.

I want a better world. I want to end the bad stuff  poverty, violence, war, ignorance and all that comes with them. Or at least see improvement.

There are things I am not.

I am not influenced to write untruths. Being a human, I am not immune to errors. I am not an enemy of the people. I am not engaged in a conspiracy. I am not separate from society. I am not special compared with other reporters  only older than most. I am not understanding when it comes to people who dont subscribe to their local paper.

I am a seeker of truth. I am a chronicler of live history. I am caring about readers. I am passionate about my role. I am dedicated to doing the best job I can.

I am a reporter.

402-444-1080
By Press Trust of India: growth

Thiruvananthapuram, Jun 4 (PTI) BJP president Amit Shah today wound up his three-day Kerala visit with a call to the party workers to strive hard to "utilise the space" in the southern states political arena, saying there was "enough potential" for the saffron partys growth there.

Addressing a series of meetings of BJP workers and office-bearers, he said there was enough potential for the partys growth in the state, which was being ruled by the CPI (M)-led Left Democratic Front (LDF) and the Congress-led United Democratic Front (UDF) alternately.

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The BJP chief exhorted the workers to ensure an increase in the vote share of the party in Kerala from the present 15 per cent to a "minimum of 40 per cent", which, he said was "essential" for a poll victory in a three-cornered contest.

He also called for "professionalism" within the party.

Earlier, Shah laid the foundation stone of the new BJP office here and described it as an "equal to thefoundation stone for the formation of a BJP-led government in Kerala".

He also ate breakfast at the house of a grassroot-level BJP worker.

In a bid to reach out to the members of the Christian community in Kerala, Shah had met the heads of the Syro Malankara, Syro Malabar and Latin Catholic churches and discussed the issues being faced by them, especially the members of the fishermen community.

Shahs Kerala visit had coincided with the Centres notification banning the sale and purchase of cattle at the animal markets for the purpose of slaughter.

Kerala, where non-vegetarians account for over 90 per cent of the population, had expressed concern over the notification, with Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan terming it as an "infringement on the states rights".

The contentious issue, however, did not come up during Shahs meeting with the church heads.

The church heads expressed their concern about the Gadgil Committee report on the preservation of the Western Ghats. The BJP chief assured them that another committee was looking into it.

Stating that certain people had earlier claimed that several of the Centres initiatives, including demonetisation, were blunders, but were later proved wrong, Shah told the party workers, "No one should think that the notification on cattle trade is a blunder either."

Urging them to work 24x7, he said the party had all the potential in Kerala to defeat both the LDF and the UDF and emerge victorious.

The BJP chief also asked the party workers to take the achievements of the Narendra Modi government to the grassroot-level.

Alleging that the previous Congress-led UPA regime was "corruption-ridden", he claimed that the opponents of the BJP could not level "a single corruption charge" against the NDA government.

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"We have provided a transparent, decisive and humane government," he said.

Shah claimed that the Armys surgical strikes last year had given the country "an aura of a strong nation" and expressed confidence that the Jammu and Kashmir issue would be resolved very soon.

He brushed aside the criticism on demonetisation and claimed that tax collection had gone up by 18 per cent after the notes ban, while 99 lakh new PAN cards had also been issued.

The Centre was set to provide electricity connections to all the villages in the country by March, 2018 and no discrimination was being shown to the states ruled by the non-BJP parties, Shah claimed, adding that Kerala would receive Rs 98,912 crore as per the recommendations of the 14th Finance Commission.

The state had received Rs 33,368 crore as per the recommendations of the 13th Finance Commission as its share from central taxes.

According to BJP sources, "no serious discussions" were held on bringing the erstwhile UDF partner, Kerala Congress (M), a regional party led by former state finance minister K M Mani, into the NDA fold during Shahs visit.

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The BJP chief also described his partys relations with the Bharat Dharma Jana Sena, a political party formed by the Sree Narayana Dharma Paripalana Yogam, as "very good" and asserted that there was no misunderstanding between the two.

He also met a group of Hindu saints and held discussions with them.

Meanwhile, the ruling CPI(M) and opposition Congress in Kerala hit out at the saffron party and said Shahs "game plan" would not work in the southern state.

CPI(M) state secretary Kodiyeri Balakrishnan alleged that the BJP wanted to "turn Kerala into Gujarat".

"The BJPs strategy will not work," he told reporters in Delhi.

Shah is likely to pay a visit to the state in October again in connection with party matters. PTI JRK UD RC RC

--- ENDS ---
Municipality alone knows why bridge work handed to firm repairing watches, says former dy CM

Alleged ISI agent detained by Gujarat ATS

India

pti-PTI

Ahmedabad, Jun 4: A man was on Sunday detained by the Gujarat ATS on suspicion of being an agent of Pakistani spy agency, the ISI, an officer said.

However, the man who was detained from an undisclosed location, may be released as the agency has not found any evidence against him, he said.

According to the officer, the man, whose identity has been withheld, has been on the radar of ATS for allegedly working for the Pakistani intelligence agency.

"We detained a person on the suspicion of being an ISI agent. However, we may release him soon as ATS has not found any concrete evidence to prove his link with the Pakistani agency," the officer said without elaborating.

In last October, ATS arrested two Kutch-based ISI agents for their alleged role in sending sensitive information about movement of troopers of the Army and the Border Security Force (BSF) to their ISI handlers based in Pakistan.

PTI
'Pollution not a state problem': As Delhi chokes, AAP leader passes the buck to Centre

Why Punjab farmers burn stubble at this scale when others do not

In the killing of those protecting Hindus in Punjab, a massive ISI plot revealed

Flag march held in Phagwara ahead of Operation Bluestar anniversary

India

pti-PTI

Phagwara, Jun 4: Security personnel on Sunday conducted a flag march in Phagwara ahead of the 33rd anniversary of Operation Bluestar on June 6.

Led by Superintendent of Police (SP) Harwinder Singh Sandhu, the march began from his office in local Town Hall in Phagwara.

After passing through Banga road, Bansawala Bazaar, Gaushala road, Nimmawala chowk and Hanumangarhi area, it concluded at the SP's office.

More than 250 security personnel, including the Rapid Action Force (RAF), took part in the flag march, the police said.

Security has also been tightened in and around the city.

Operation Bluestar was a military operation carried out in 1984 to flush out heavily-armed terrorists holed up in the Golden Temple in Amritsar. They were demanding a separate homeland 'Khalistan' for Sikhs.

PTI
Moral Policing Crackdown: Bengaluru man harassed by cops over a T-shirt quote

India

oi-Madhuri

A Bengaluru resident went on a Facebook rant after she witnessed a case of "moral-policing" at Forum Mall Koramangala on Friday.

Parul Agrawal, who happened to witness the entire incident, posted the video of a man being "harassed" for wearing a T-shirt that had some "indecent words" printed on it.

The man was intervened and abused because his T-shirt design read, 'Stop Jerking Start F*cking'. He is seen being questioned for wearing that T-shirt to a public place. The one-minute video also shows the man being given a lecture on maintaining decency at a place where families frequent.

The man is seen defending himself however, it didnt work out. This didn't end here, he was also asked to get a new T-shirt and enter the cinema hall by the policeman. However, the post had mixed reactions some opposing the view while lot of encouragement and support poured in.

Agrawal also reached out to Bengaluru Police via Twitter and apprised them of the incident.

OneIndia News

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Story first published: Sunday, June 4, 2017, 10:25 [IST]
No plans to take Amar Singh in Samajwadi Front: Shivpal Yadav

India

oi-PTI

Lucknow, June 4: Samajwadi Party leader Shivpal Yadav on Sunday said that he has no plans to take Amar Singh in his proposed Samajwadi Secular Front and that he had also opposed his rejoining the party last year.

"I was not in favour of Amar Singh joining SP again. I knew he will not be getting due respect and one should avoid.You can ask anyone I was not in his favour", Yadav told reporters.

Amar was termed as an outsider by Samajwadi Party president Akhilesh Yadav during the state assembly elections. The Samajwadi Party had in May 2016 declared Amar Singh as its candidate for the Rajya Sabha elections taking him back to the party, six years after his expulsion.

Amar Singh was expelled from the party along with then Rampur lawmaker Jaya Prada in February 2010 on charges of anti-party activities, after which he established his own party - Lok Manch.

In 2014, however, Amar Singh and Mulayam Singh Yadav were again seen together at a function in Lucknow, after which they kept meeting frequently.

Asked whether he would consider taking Amar in his front Shivpal Yadav said, that "there is no plan as such to take him. We will take along all the socialists, who are feeling neglected". He went on to say that he is "open to do anything for unity within the family. If they Akhilesh and others want they can sit with Mulayam. I want to ensure that netaji gets due respect. And for this I am ready for any placement".

Saying that sycophancy and backbiting were the reasons for the dispute within the family, Shivpal Yadav said, "all will be well if the family is united. There is no reason for dispute within the family. Our first priority will be to unite the family".

On his decision to form the 'Samajwadi Secular Front', which will be headed by Mulayam Singh, Shivpal Yadav said that it will bring the party on the right track.

Maintaining that he is still in the party and will only try to strengthen it, Shivpal Yadav, who has been at odds with nephew and Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav, made it clear that he was forming just a front and not a political party.

"We will constitute the Samajwadi Secular Front in July to bring the SP on the right track. We will formally announce it at a meeting in Lucknow", Shivpal Yadav said.

"SP patron Mulayam will be the national president of the front and I would be its convenor," he said. On the possibility of the Front jumping in the political arena in the future in case family dispute did not settle down, he said, "There are no elections right now. The next poll is in 2019 Lok Sabha polls and then in 2022 UP assembly polls. We will decide in later stage what situation arises".

The Samajwadi Party has witnessed a prolonged factional fight that began before the Uttar Pradesh Assembly elections with Akhilesh and Shivpal on opposing camps.

PTI
Our govt brought uniformity in power supply, unlike previous govts: Adityanath

India

pti-PTI

Allahabad, Jun 4: Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath on Sunday said that his government has brought in "uniformity" in power supply across the state, unlike the previous governments which favoured "only five districts" at the cost of the remaining ones.

He said that when the BJP-led government took over in the state, a major challenge before it was to bring to an end the VIP culture in power supply.

"We have come up with a policy of electricity supply which will uniformly benefit all 75 districts of UP and not just five districts," he said at a function where he inaugurated a number of new power sub-stations and dedicated to the public some existing ones upon upgrade.

"We take pride in the fact that on the birth anniversary of Ambedkar last month, we brought in a policy which ensures that all district headquarters will get 24 hours power supply while for tehsil headquarters it will be 20 hours and 18 hours for rural areas," he said.

The firebrand BJP leader did not name any party while speaking about the "VIP culture".

However, his comments came in the light of allegations faced by the Samajwadi Party and the BSP, which have alternately ruled the state for more than a decade, that native districts of their top leaders used to be disproportionately favoured in power supply.

Adityanath said that his government had inherited a system wherein replacement of faulty transformers used to take months in rural areas and several days in urban localities.

"We decided to change that. Now people can lodge complaints regarding the transformer in their locality on a toll-free number and action will be guaranteed within 24 hours," he said.

The chief minister said that his government was also striving to solve the problem of low voltage in rural areas, which was particularly stark in impoverished regions like Bundelkhand.

"Things are looking up and we are confident that by October, 2018 we will be able to provide 24 hours' power supply to every nook and corner of Uttar Pradesh," he said.

Speaking at the same function, state Power Minister Shrikant Sharma claimed that the government had achieved success in curbing the menace of power theft and upgrade of obsolete transformers.

The chief minister is on a two-day visit of the city which will conclude this evening after a meeting with officials, including the chief secretary and the director general of police.

Issues such as law and order and development activities in all districts falling under the Allahabad division would be reviewed.

Earlier, in the morning, Adityanath paid a visit to the Swaroop Rani Nehru hospital, accompanied by state Health Minister Siddharth Nath Singh, to take stock of the services there. He also inspected a "malin basti" (slum area) in Nevada locality of the city and gave instructions to officials, in the presence of city mayor Abhilasha Gupta, with regard to cleanliness and hygiene.

PTI
Bharat Jodo Yatra will proceed to Srinagar, come what may, says Rahul Gandhi as march enters Maharashtra

Demonetisation deliberate move by 'PayPM' to help his friends: Rahul Gandhi

Rahul attacks Modi on unemployment issue again in Guntur

India

oi-Vikas

By Vikas

Reiterating that the Union Government had failed miserably on the job creation front, Congress vice-president Rahul Gandhi on Sunday said Modi-led government had promised two crore jobs, but failed to give even one lakh.

Addressing a rally in Guntur, Andhra Pradesh, Rahul said the Congress will grant special status to the state if voted to power.

Andhra Pradesh: Congress VP Rahul Gandhi, SP chief Akhilesh Yadav, JD(U)'s Sharad Yadav, CPI's D Raja at a public rally in Guntur. pic.twitter.com/0B0IL2CXnN  ANI (@ANI_news) June 4, 2017

"Modiji ne kaha tha 2 crore Yuvaon ko rozgaar doonga, ek lakh ko bhi nahi diya (Modi ji had said he will give jobs to 2 crore youth, even a lakh did not get jobs)," he said.

Even during a rally in Telengana's Sangareddy on Thursday, the Congress vice-president had said youth were roaming the streets looking for jobs while Prime Minister Modi was making false promises.

Rahul is on a tour of South India to strengthen the opposition's campaign against the Narendra Modi government.

After visiting Telangana and Tamil Nadu, where he attended Karunanidhi's birthday celebrations, Rahul is now in Andhra to address a rally in Guntur.

[Black flags waved ahead of Rahul's Guntur rally]

Former Uttar Pradesh chief minister Akhilesh Yadav and a host of other leaders also attended the public meeting at Guntur to launch an attack on the TDP and the BJP.

OneIndia News

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Story first published: Sunday, June 4, 2017, 21:44 [IST]
Three down in three days: Congress loses yet another MLA to BJP in Gujarat

Acche din has arrived for the poor: Amit Shah

India

oi-Deepika

By Deepika

Thiruvananthapuram, June 4: Targeting the opposition parties for their criticism on the performance of the three-year old NDA government at the Centre, BJP Chief Amit Shah on Sunday claimed that 'achhe din' had indeed arrived for the poor people of the country.

Addressing a meeting of special invitees, Shah, who is Kerala as a part of his 'Vistar Yatra' countrywide tour ahead of the 2019 Lok Sabha polls, said that "Acche Din has come for the poor people who did not even have the basic facilities. After NDA government assumed power, the government has come out with projects which helps poor."

Elaborating on few projects Shah said that "citizens have got access to toilet facilities, LPG connection and electricity under Modi rule. Quoting of this examples may not be pleasing to people in a city like Thiruvananthapuram but it has helped the needy, who got access to these facilities for the first time."

Many people ask where is acche din, "my answer to those who ask where is the achhe din, it is there in the houses of those who have received gas, power connections, toilets and opened bank accounts under the Jan Dhan Yojana," said Shah.

He said that the "Army's surgical strikes, following the Uri terror attack in Jammu and Kashmir last year, became possible due to the strong political decision taken by the prime minister, which was lacking during the previous regime, even though several terrorist attacks had taken place."

Meanwhile he listed out the facilities availed by Kerala by the NDA government. The 13 the financial commission under the UPA rule fixed Kerala's central tax share as Rs 33,368 crore. The 14th commission under NDA rule fixed it as Rs 98,912 crore. The Centre had sanctioned development projects worth Rs 1.5 lakh crore for Kerala, Shah added.

"People of Kerala are electing either the LDF or the UDF in the state. But, the rule of Communists has come to an end the world over and likewise, the Congress has also lost its mass base," he said, adding that hence, the BJP should be given a chance in the southern state.

OneIndia News (with agency inputs)
Terrorists ramming vehicles: This jihadi from Karnataka popularised it

India

oi-Vicky

By Vicky

A van ran over pedestrians causing multiple casualties in the London Bridge area. The vehicle has yet again been used as a weapon of terror. The ISIS has made the truck or any vehicle as the choice of weapon. Be it Nice in France, Germany and now London, the vehicle has become the most popular weapons for jihadis.

In this context one must date back to 2014 when both the ISIS and al-Qaeda have been making calls to its followers to use vehicles to mow down terror targets.

Vehicle-ramming is not something new and has been used extensively by Palestinian terrorists in Israel. One could also go back to Saturday, 30 June, 2007, when Kafeel Ahmed, a jihadi of Indian from Bengaluru in Karnataka , rammed a burning car into the wall of Glasgow airport.

Investigations in Karnataka against a suspected terrorist operative also had found that he had planned on ramming his explosives-laden van at a popular tourist destination in Goa.

What these incidents, including the carnage at Nice, tell us is that terrorists are moving away from the conventional weapons of terror such as the gun or the bomb.

A vehicle is a simple but a deadly choice of weapon. It is never on the radar and any person can create havoc by mowing down people in large numbers. It does give that element of surprise which has been a nightmare for security agencies to deal with.

In this context we need to revisit a few calls that had been given by the Islamic State as well al-Qaeda. While the Islamic State had spoken about cars as a choice of weapon, al-Qaeda had very specifically mentioned trucks while terming it as the ultimate mowing machine.

In 2015, al-Qaeda called on jihadists to attack with trucks. In a lengthy article that was written in its propaganda magazine, Inspire, it termed the truck as the 'ultimate mowing machine'. The article said "Pick up the truck not to mow grass, but mow down the enemies".

The other call was made by the Islamic State. In a statement released by Abu Muhammad al-Adnani, a leader of the group, said, "If you are unable to find an IED or a bullet, run your enemy over with a car".

In a more recent message, it once again called for the use of cars. The message read, "There are cars available and targets ready to kill. Kill them, spit on their faces and run them over with your cars."

These messages clearly suggest that terrorist groups are going beyond the conventional weapon. The weapons is no longer important. It is more important that the so called infidel is killed.

Adnani not only speaks about cars in his message. He even says poison, rocks and knives can be weapons of choice. Further he also says that it is fine if you push your enemy down from a high place.

The message from Adnani reads, "If you are unable to find an IED or a bullet, then single out the disbelieving American, Frenchman, or any of their allies. Smash his head with a rock, or slaughter him with a knife, or run him over with your car, or throw him down from a high place, or choke him, or poison him."

The basic idea is to ensure that the terror spree continues. Terrorist groups are going to use the more unconventional method to strike in the days to come. The intent is just one and that is to create panic and fear and for them the manner in which it is done is no longer important.

The Islamic State does realise with more attacks, security officials will enhance surveillance and vigil. It may become difficult to sneak in guns and bombs. In such a scenario unconventional weapons come in handy.

An odd choice:

Vehicles, poison, knives or rocks do not come under the nose of the security agencies.

The Islamic State, which has been calling for lone wolf attacks, is looking to make terror easier and cost effective. It would not invest in the attack, but make sure that the strike is attributed to it. The outfit will continue to provide the material for propaganda on the internet and hope that attacks are carried out in its name.

OneIndia News
Shi'ite paramilitaries known as Popular Mobilisation seized control of the Iraqi town of Baaj from the ISIS, further shrinking the norther region that is under the jihadist group's control.

Destroyed buildings are seen in the background as an Iraqi national flag flutters at the frontline in western Mosul, Iraq June 4, 2017. REUTERS/Alkis Konstantinidis

By Reuters: Shi'ite paramilitaries have captured the Iraqi town of Baaj from Islamic State, further shrinking the northern region under jihadist control as part of a US-backed campaign to retake the city of Mosul, the Iraqi military said on Sunday.

Eight months into the Mosul offensive, Islamic State (IS) militants have been dislodged from all of the city except an enclave along the western bank of the Tigris river.

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IS's grip on the Iraqi side of the northern region along the border with Syria, a desert area where Iraqi and US sources believe IS leader Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi is hiding, has been ebbing as forces fighting on the side of Iraq's government have advanced.

The Iraqi air force provided cover for the thrust into Baaj of the Shi'ite paramilitaries known as Popular Mobilisation, said a statement from the Iraqi joint operations command.

Popular Mobilisation is steered by neighbouring Shi'ite regional power Iran, an adversary of the United States, but is playing a part in the campaign to defeat Islamic State, an enemy of both, in Mosul and the surrounding province of Nineveh.

Iraqi government armed forces are focusing their effort on dislodging insurgents from remaining pockets in Mosul, since 2014 Islamic State's de facto capital in Iraq.

While reporting nominally to Iraq's Shi'ite-led government, Popular Mobilisation has Iranian military advisers, one of whom died last month fighting near Baaj.

Securing border territory between Iraq and Syria is important for Iran to reopen a land route to supply Syrian President Bashar al-Assad's army with weapons in his protracted war with rebels and militants.

A statement published by Popular Mobilisation announcing the capture of Baaj came from Abu Mahdi al-Muhandis, a prominent leader of the paramilitary with longstanding ties to Iran.

Iran has helped to train and organise thousands of Shi'ite militiamen from Iraq, Afghanistan and Pakistan in Syria's war. Fighters from Lebanon's Shi'ite Hezbollah are also working closely with Iranian military commanders in Syria.

Islamic State is still in control of a desert stretch alongside the border south of Baaj, including the crossing of al-Qaim which connects its territory in Iraq and Syria.

U.S. and Iraqi officials believe IS leader al-Baghdadi has left operational commanders behind with diehard followers to fight on in Mosul and is now focusing on his own survival.

The fall of Mosul would, in effect, mark the end of the Iraqi half of the self-styled caliphate declared in 2014 by Baghdadi from the pulpit of one of its old mosques.

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But it would still control two smaller Iraqi urban centers: Tal Afar, a city populated by ethnic Turkmen west of Mosul, and Hawija, a pocket between Mosul and Baghdad, the Iraqi capital 400 kms (250 miles) to the south.

In Syria, Kurdish forces backed by US-air strikes are besieging Islamic State forces in the city of Raqqa, the militants' de facto capital in that country.

ALSO READ | Senior Islamic State leader killed in Mosul; ISIS launches chlorine gas attack on Iraqi soldiers

ALSO READ | The endgame battle: How US is planning the final war against Islamic State. It wants Russia's support

--- ENDS ---
Tibet Airlines plane catches fire after it veers off runway at China's Chongqing airport: Watch video

Uttarakhand: Chinese chopper violates Indian airspace in Chamoli

India

oi-Madhuri

A suspected Chinese helicopter violated Indian airspace by hovering over Uttarakhand's Chamoli area close to Sino-India border, a police official said on Sunday.

It is learnt that the helicopter entered the Indian airspace from Tibetian side at aropund 9:14 am on Saturday and flew back.

Superintendent of Police Chamoli Tripti Bhatt told a news agency ANI, "The helicopter violated Indian airspace for over three to five minutes".

This isn't the first time, sources said that the Chinese have intruded into Indian territory on number of occasions in the past.

According to the official, the helicopter was not a militry aircraft. Meanwhile, former chief minister Vijay Bahuguna said Chinese troops intruded into Barahoti 35 times during his about two-year tenure, which ended in 2014. The violation, whether intentional or unintentional, has compelled the authorities to launch an investigation.

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Story first published: Sunday, June 4, 2017, 12:03 [IST]
Haley backs Trump, says US committed to curbing climate change

International

pti-PTI

Washington, Jun 4: US envoy to the UN Nikki Haley has defended President Donald Trump's controversial decision to withdraw from the landmark Paris accord but underlined that America was committed to curbing climate change.

Trump last week withdrew the US from the Paris Agreement and said that India would get billions of dollars for meeting its commitment under the 2015 Paris Agreement along with China and gain a financial advantage over the US.

He had put the US in league with two other nations - Syria and Nicaragua - who have not signed onto the deal agreed by over 190 other nations. The decision has drawn a negative reaction from around the world with world leaders vowed to enhance their commitment to the landmark accord.

"Just because the US got out of a club does not mean we are not going to care about the environment," the Indian- American senior diplomat said on Saturday.

Haley has defended Trump's decision saying he knows climate is changing. Trump "knows that it is changing and that the US has to be responsible for it and that is what we are going to do," Haley said, adding that withdrawing from the Paris agreement will not change the country's commitment to curbing climate change, the CNN reported.

"President Trump believes the climate is changing and he believes pollutants are part of the equation," Haley said.

When asked why the US pulled out of the climate agreement, Haley blamed former President Barack Obama for agreeing to regulations that were "too onerous," too strict and ultimately unachievable. Haley said the regulations from the Paris agreement were disadvantaging the companies.

"I knew that as a governor. The jobs were not attainable as long as we lived under those regulations. It was not possible to meet the goals had we attempted to," she said.

Haley's comments are the closest acknowledgement by an administration official since Trump took office that the President -- who has called climate change a "hoax" on multiple occasions -- believes global warming is occurring and humanity has a role in it.

When asked in November if he believed human activity was connected to climate change, Trump acknowledged that there is "some connectivity." But he backed away from saying to what extent he believed humans were responsible, adding that it "also depends on how much it's going to cost our companies."

Haley said that Trump will always have America's best interests at heart, including what he does in regard to protecting the environment. "The rest of the world wanted to tell us how to do it. But we will do it under our own terms," she said.

PTI
Prosecutions story may be attractive but should be backed by evidence

32,000 girls converted to Islam and sold as ISIS slaves: This is The Kerala Story

ISIS handles celebrate as Britain is hit by terror again

International

oi-Vicky

By Vicky

One can anticipate ISIS responsibility as Britain was hit by terror again. Several jihadist groups were celebrating on Twitter as Scotland Yard and emergency services responded to three incidents on London Bridge and in nearby Borough Market and Vauxhall.

Multiple casualties were feared on Saturday night. Prime Minister Theresa May said the incident on London Bridge was being treated as a "potential act of terrorism".

Intelligence Bureau officials who are monitoring the attack from India tell OneIndia that it looks like a classic ISIS styled 'lone wolf' attack.

An IB official said that there were congratulatory messages being circulated on the messaging service, Telegram by ISIS groups and its sympathisers. They will claim responsibility for the same.

It is a classic ISIS styled attack and is text book said the official. He further added that the ISIS it may be recalled had released a hand book online in which it spoke about such attacks. Use a stone, a knife, push someone down the building, but kill any non-believer the ISIS had said in the book.

OneIndia News
Russia calls North Korea missiles as a 'direct threat'

International

pti-PTI

Singapore, Jun 4: North Korea's nuclear ambitions are threatening to Russia, a Russian official said on Sunday.

"It is not only a ballistic missile defence system it has real function," said Deputy Defence Minister Alexander Fomin.

"That is why it is alarming. And it is direct threat to Russia. We are convinced that it will increase the tensions of the region. That is our principle position." Fomin spoke at the Shangri-La Dialogue, an international security conference in Singapore attended by defence ministers and experts from 39 countries, including U.S. Defense Secretary Jim Mattis.

Russia borders North Korea and saw one of Pyongyang's missiles land close to its waters. But it differs from the US and its allies on how to rein in the North's rapidly escalating nuclear and ballistic missile program.

Backing fresh sanctions on North Korea, Russia's deputy UN ambassador Vladimir Safronkov stressed in June that "the choice here has to be made in favor of using diplomatic tools to the maximum extent possible."

Fomin had similar sentiments. "Economical restrictions should be a kind of tool to invoke North Korea to a peaceful process of resolving the dispute and conflict, and not to once again deteriorate the economic solution in North Korea," he said.

Addressing the South China Sea conflict, Fomin was careful with his words.

"All states involved in territorial disagreements in the South China Sea need to adhere the principle of the non-use of force," he said. China - a Russian ally - has pitted itself against its smaller neighbours in claiming disputed islands, coral reefs and lagoons in the South China Sea.

PTI
Spit, mow, kill: The new jihadi doctrine

International

oi-Vicky

By Vicky

Britain was hit again by a cowardly act of terror. The weapon of choice a van this time. As agencies say that it appears to be a classic act of terror, one must examine that jihadists are using odd weapons in a bid to fox agencies across the world.

A recent investigation in India had shown that an ISIS sympathiser had planned a knife attack on foreigners at the Dal Lake in Srinagar. The Nice, Berlin and UK attacks only suggest that the choice of an odd weapons is becoming more popular among jihadi groups.

The odd choice of weapons:

'Use a truck, van, car, stone, knife or even push a person down the building' a booklet released by the ISIS says. Do anything, use anything, but cause death is what the booklet further reads.

The July 14, 2016 Nice attack was a classic example of how terrorists were using unconventional weapons. Both the Al Qaeda and the Islamic State had put out a booklet for its recruits on the kind of weapons that could be used to carry out a terrorist strike.

A 19-tonne cargo truck was deliberately driven into a crowd that was celebrating Bastille day on the Promenade des Anglais at Nice, France on July 14, 2016. About 86 died in this incident.

The attack was claimed by the IS. Guns and bombs are no longer the conventional weapons for terrorists. The choice of weapons are becoming simpler since it avoids detections. Who would ever imagine a terrorist strike in which a stone or a car is the terrorists's choice of weapon.

Breaking convention:

The truck as a terrorist weapons is pretty odd. But killing using a weapon is not new. It has been used extensively by Palestine-based terrorists. Another infamous incident was the Glasgow bombings of June 30, 2007. Bengaluru-based Islamist, Kafeel Ahmed rammed a burning car into the wall of Glasgow airport.

A follow-up investigation in Karnataka found that terrorists had planned on ramming a bomb-laden vehicles into tourists in Goa.

The mowing machine:

The Al Qaeda has very specifically mentioned trucks as the ultimate mowing machine. In 2015, the terrorist organisartion called on jihadists to attack with trucks. In a lengthy article that was written in its propaganda magazine, Inspire, it termed the truck as the 'ultimate mowing machine'.

The article said 'Pick up the truck not to mow grass, but mow down the enemies'.

Spit on their face:

A similar call was given by the IS leader (killed on August 30, 2016) Abu Muhammad al-Adnani. He had said, "If you are unable to find an improvised explosive device or a bullet, run your enemy over with a car."

"There are cars available and targets ready to kill. Kill them, spit on their faces and run them over with your cars," he said.

Adnani stated that in future, terrorists must use poison, rocks and knives to carry out attacks. The ISIS leader also said if nothing was available, then push the infidel down from a high place.

"If you are unable to find an IED or a bullet, then single out the disbelieving American, Frenchman, or any of their allies. Smash his head with a rock, or slaughter him with a knife, or run him over with your car, or throw him down from a high place, or choke him, or poison him," he said.

Death at any cost:

Such calls clearly indicate that the terrorist is moving away from the conventional bomb or gun. Security is being enhanced across the globe and this would make penetrating a security network difficult with guns and bombs.

However for terrorist groups the show must go on and they must kill the infidel no matter what.

The ISIS in particular is looking to make terrorist attacks deadlier, brutal and also cost effective. It has set the propaganda rolling and wants every Muslim to be part of it. In such a scenario, the use of an unconventional weapon makes sense for the IS.

OneIndia News

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Story first published: Sunday, June 4, 2017, 7:15 [IST]
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By Press Trust of India: Mumbai, Jun 4 (PTI) Industrial and military explosives manufacturer Solar Industries India (SIIL) is expecting Rs 100 crore revenue from its defence business this fiscal as it eyes 20 per cent increase in total income.

"We are bullish about the governments initiatives in the defence sector. It is not only focusing on strengthening it but is also promoting indigenous defence production.

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"We already have an order book of Rs 142 crore in the defence business and we expect a topline of Rs 100 crore from this segment this fiscal," the companys Chief Financial Officer Nilesh Panpalliya told PTI here.

He said the governments strategic partnership programme and Defence Procurement Procedure 2016 guidelines are expected to give boost to indigenous manufacturers.

"In March this year, the government floated RFPs for procurement of eight types of ammunition items like large calibre gun propellants, tank ammunition, artillery fuzes, rockets and gun ammunition. As we manufacture these products we intend to participate in these tender processes," Panpalliya said.

Currently, SIILs defence business contributes nearly one per cent of the total revenues. However, with the company expecting to bag new orders, which are likely to be awarded in the next one year, it is hopeful that the defence segments contribution could increase significantly.

The company entered into the defence sector four years ago and has set up Indias first HMX plant in private sector, a large composite propellant plant and facilities for producing various other products like pyros and war heads.

The facility manufactures HMX and HMX based compositions like Octol, Oma and Okfol for high explosive anti-tank ammunition and missiles like Akash, LR Sam, Invar and Konkur.

He further said the company is eyeing a 20 per cent increase in its total income this fiscal, backed by the growing demand for industrial explosives in the coal mining as well as infrastructure segments.

For fiscal 2016-17, SIILs gross sales increased by 9 per cent to Rs 1,711.28 crore from Rs 1,574.01 crore in FY16.

"Coal and Power Ministrys target of achieving one billion tonnes of coal production from CIL by FY20 will create demand of 80 million tonnes of explosives and we will capitalise this demand with our existing capacity," Panpalliya said.

Similarly, there is renewed focus on infrastructure and housing sectors. "Both put together, we see a healthy growth in demand for our products. Our total order book is around Rs 800 crore and we expect that to go up given these opportunities," Panpalliya said.

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Besides, the company also has manufacturing units in Turkey, South Africa, Nigeria and Zambia, and the revenues from exports contribute to nearly 28 per cent of the total income.

"The demand in overseas market is showing signs of improvement and there is a boost in the Indias infrastructure segment, which is beneficial for us," he added. PTI PSK NRB BAL ABM

--- ENDS ---
By Bibek Debroy: This is an unbelievable and relatively unknown story. Not too many people will have heard of Bhagat Ram Talwar, born in 1908 in the village of Ghalla Dher in North-West Frontier Province, though there may be a vague recollection of someone with that kind of name having helped Subhas Chandra Bose escape from India via Kabul.

Mihir Bose's preface is an excellent statement of what this book is about. "I first became aware of Silver back in the mid-1970s when I was researching The Lost Hero, my biography of Subhas Bose. The material available included the story of how Silver had helped Bose escape India during the war to secure foreign help to free India. In my revised edition of The Lost Hero published in 2004 I did use some of this material with a chapter devoted to 'The Man called Silver', using the code name the British had given him."

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Also Read: This book shares the stories of the valiant women in the Rani of Jhansi Regiment

If you are with me so far, Bhagat Ram Talwar helped Subhas Chandra Bose and was a British spy. By the way, he was codenamed Silver because there was a real official named Silver in London who supervised undercover work in India. This represented British sense of humour, probably due to Peter Fleming, Ian Fleming's brother, who was Silver's handler.

The Indian Spy by Mihir Bose, Aleph; Rs 599. Photo: Mail Today

This book is the story of a secret agent who is much more interesting than that. Let me quote Mihir Bose himself. "Was he only a spy for the Axis powers? Or had he spied for the British and the Russians as well? Indeed had the British and the Russians collaborated in running his spy operation?"

He actually spied for Britain, Italy, Germany, Japan and USSR, simultaneously, and got away with it. "The Germans rated him so highly that they awarded him the Iron Cross, Germany's highest military decoration, for his services to the Reich. He also swindled the Axis of 2.5 million pounds in today's money."

Also Read: This book reveals the tumultuous life of danseuse Sonal Mansingh

The book is not a biography. It is about Silver's role during World War II, a story of deception and betrayal of Subhas Chandra Bose and Uttam Chand. After the War, Silver arrived in India in 1948 and nothing is known of what he did between 1948 and 1973. That's the reason this book isn't a biography.

In 1973, an International Netaji Seminar was held in Calcutta and Silver resurfaced, creating a myth about what he had done during World War II and also publishing his memoir in 1976. It helped that Uttam Chand had been discredited.

The book leaves a lot of holes in reconstructing more about Bhagat Ram Talwar, aka Silver. Perhaps other writing will follow. Since archives have been lost, or have been destroyed, and people have died, perhaps the holes will always remain.

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The reviewer, an economist, is member of Niti Aayog

--- ENDS ---
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By Bill Currier

Dear Mayor Wheeler,

It's time to get your story straight. Jeremy Joseph Christian is a violent ex-convict who, according to news reports, expressed hatred for Christians and Jews, in addition to Muslims, and supported Bernie Sanders and Jill Stein in 2016, not Trump. He is reported to have joined a Trump rally only to be ejected after fighting with them. He sounds more like the types who threatened the 82nd Avenue Parade and who rioted on May 1st. If you oppose hate speech and the climate of violence, when will you look into the activities of the Antifa types, who are responsible for 100 percent of the recent political violence in the Portland Metro Area? You seem entirely unconcerned about the obvious and real "hate speech" of these "Kill Cops" alt-left protesters while you pontificate about threats to public safety from those who have yet to pose any.

You have allowed lawlessness in your city, Mr. Mayor, and now you're declaring that certain political points of view must be silenced in order for everyone to be kept "safe." This is the tactic of tyrants and third world dictators, who have used the excuse that someone's peacefully-expressed point of view must not be heard in order to preserve "public safety." But under the Constitution and laws of our country, free speech is precisely what public safety is supposed to safeguard. Oregon's Constitution is even more emphatic that "free expression" must be protected. Now, it seems you've crossed a dangerous line and have willingly chosen the same excuses of tyrants and dictators who believe that they can utilize mob rule to quash political dissent and preserve their monopoly on public opinion.

To make things even worse, you appear to have enthusiastically issued a permit to the same protest groups that gave the Rose City its riotous, hate-filled protests on May 1st, as well as those in late January and early last November. It's clear that you are using your office to favor these groups while contributing to the very same problem you claim to be trying to prevent. It is getting hard to believe your claim of sincerity and fairness in all of this anymore.

Jeremy Joseph Christian allegedly killed one Republican and one Democrat, while seriously wounding an autistic poet. There was nothing partisan about the atrocity this weekend, except your scapegoating. There was something very American about their heroism. Mr. Mayor, you have a golden opportunity to unite a community against this atrocity. Instead, you chose to scapegoat part of it and spew political talking points. Step up, denounce the scapegoating and be a real leader. Rejoin the civilized world and put your anti-free speech compulsions away for good. Restore peace, safety and freedom of speech for everyone in Portland. Who knows? Maybe you'll inspire Governor Kate Brown to get off the sidelines and finally help!

Bill Currier is the chairman of the Oregon Republican Part.
By Ruth Marcus

WASHINGTON -- Well, Hillary Clinton isn't going gently. That may be understandable, but it's not smart -- not for Clinton, not for her party, and not for other female candidates.

Clinton has emerged in recent weeks, and this version is Hillary Unbound, no words minced, no target spared -- except, for the most part, herself. So there was Clinton at a Recode conference, not merely relitigating the 2016 election but relitigating it like the relentless trial lawyer she once was.

For her Electoral College loss, Clinton variously blamed: the Russians, probably in cahoots with the Trump campaign; the media, for turning her use of a private email server -- "the biggest nothing-burger ever" -- into "Pearl Harbor"; the James Comey letter; misogyny, as in the "unfairly used" fact of her six-figure speeches to Goldman Sachs when "men got paid for the speeches they made"; voter suppression; "unaccountable money flowing in against me"; inheriting a "bankrupt" Democratic National Committee, whose "data was mediocre to poor, nonexistent, wrong"; being "the victim of a very broad assumption I was going to win"; misogyny, again, as in people who are "much more skeptical and critical of somebody who doesn't look like and talk like and sound like everybody else who's been president."

Clinton incanted the ritual words of taking responsibility, if without much conviction. The private server "was a mistake," even though it was "something that others had done before." She "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." In other words, sorry, not sorry.

Much of Clinton's critique is well-founded -- when it comes to Russia, alarming. Most complicated is the matter of misogyny. Yes, it played some role, but it's difficult to tweeze apart voters' hostility toward Clinton as a person and the degree to which that dislike was fueled by gender stereotypes. And if, as Clinton argues, she was on track to win the election on Oct. 27, before Comey issued his fateful letter, then maybe misogyny isn't such a pernicious force after all.

Still, some venting is justifiable. Believing that the presidency was unfairly, even illegally, wrested from you is an unfathomable injury, a wound that takes years to heal, if ever. Al Gore experienced this with the Supreme Court's intervention in 2000; John Kerry with the Swift Boaters and suspicions about the Ohio vote. Imagine how much harder to deal with the blow of losing to Donald Trump -- after winning the popular vote.

And yet, Gore and Kerry demonstrated little appetite for rehashing their loss in public. Gore, The Washington Post reported in August 2001, "has been practically invisible since conceding the election" to George W. Bush. Four years later, Kerry annoyed his Democratic Senate colleagues by twice canceling plans to examine lessons learned. "That's going backwards," he told The New York Times.

Yet Clinton can't seem to stop looking in the rearview mirror, and publicly narrating what she sees, much to the dismay of some advisers. Not that she should stay silent. Speaking out against the actions of the Trump administration is warranted, even imperative. She should sound the alarm about the dangers of Russian intervention in future elections.

But enough, already, with the seemingly never-ending, ever-expanding postmortem. Sure, Clinton was responding to questions, but if anyone knows how to duck a line of inquiry, it's her. Meanwhile, the excuses -- really, bringing up the DNC? -- make her look smaller. Clinton is always at her best when she perseveres, not when she lashes out. It's essential to understand what went wrong in 2016 and to call out the bad actors. Clinton is just the wrong messenger.

What Democrats crave most is not wallowing in theories about the defeat -- it's a template for resisting Trump now, and a vision for 2018 and 2020. Clinton's obsessive summoning of 2016 gives Trump an excuse to change the subject from his missteps. "Crooked Hillary Clinton now blames everybody but herself," he tweeted after the Recode interview.

And Clinton's behavior doesn't help would-be glass ceiling-crackers. Publicly calling out misogyny is probably not the best strategy for combating it, or for encouraging other women to run for office.

The day after her defeat, Clinton rose to the terrible occasion, reassuring "all the little girls who are watching" and predicting a female president, "hopefully sooner than we might think right now."

At the darkest moment, Clinton sounded a note of grace and optimism. It ennobled her then and would serve her better now.

Ruth Marcus' email address is ruthmarcuswashpost.com.

(c) 2017, Washington Post Writers Group
The K-12 education budget approved by the Legislature's Joint Ways and Means education subcommittee Thursday would -- in functional states, at least - seem like great news. The committee is recommending allocating at least $8.2 billion in general fund and lottery dollars for the coming biennium to Oregon's school districts - an 11 percent increase over the current biennium's allocation.

Not in Oregon, however. That enviable increase, fueled by a booming economy that's pouring record amounts of money into state coffers, still won't be big enough to stave off teacher layoffs and cuts across school districts due to rising employee health-care costs and pension obligations. And while Democrats on the subcommittee bemoaned large class sizes and short school years, they promptly approved the budget, arguably taking away some of the momentum for breaking Oregon's cycle of shortchanging students.

This is the price of legislators' inaction in dealing with Oregon's runaway spending problem. Despite facing a $1.4 billion budget deficit, lawmakers have yet to show the public a plan for restructuring how much public employers pay for benefits that threaten to gobble up bigger and bigger chunks of taxpayer dollars. While there's talk of cost-containment proposals coming next week, time is getting short for the thorough analysis and evaluation that must take place. With just over a month left in the session, Democrats - who control the House, the Senate and the governor's office - have a narrowing window to show just how genuine their commitment is to students and Oregonians as a whole.

Editorial Agenda 2017

Boost student success

Get Oregon's financial house in order

Help our homeless

Honor our diverse values

Make Portland a city that works

Expand access to public records

________________________

.

"Kicking the can down the road is no longer an option," Jim Green, executive director of the Oregon School Boards Association, told The Oregonian/OregonLive Editorial Board. Health care and pension contributions are only slated to soar in future biennia. "We need leadership."

Unfortunately, the leadership we're seeing is in the form of how to deflect criticism or shift the blame. Consider Thursday's subcommittee meeting.

Sen. Rod Monroe, D-Portland, who co-chairs the Ways and Means education subcommittee with Rep. Barbara Smith Warner, reminded those at the meeting that each school district is governed by an elected school board that decides how money is spent. People, he advised, should go to their school boards to chime in on what they choose to fund. Except, as Rep. Julie Parrish, R-West Linn, pointed out, the state interferes with districts' authority when it comes to employee compensation, even preventing them from seeking alternatives to the generous and expensive state-run health plan for Oregon educators. She, as well as other Republicans on the committee, voted against the budget for failing to include cost-containment provisions.

Then, Smith Warner provided her own spin. The Portland Democrat decried that her own children will receive a year's less instruction than students in Washington by the time they graduate. She shared her frustration of "having to patch together budgets year after year." And giving a nod to the strong economy that is expected to deliver $1.3 billion more revenue in the 2017-2019 than in the current biennium, she then leaps to this conclusion: "Here, in a year where our economy continues to go great guns, I think what this all demonstrates is we have a broken revenue structure."

How about broken logic? The National Education Association says Oregon's education spending per student exceeds the national average, yet our graduation rates are third worst. The state spends about $2,000 more per student than Washington does on its students. So the question should be: How do we use that money differently so that students get the education Oregonians are paying for?

Oregonian editorials

Editorials reflect the collective opinion of The Oregonian/OregonLive editorial board, which operates independently of the newsroom.

Members of the editorial board are Laura Gunderson, Helen Jung, Mark Katches, John Maher and Len Reed.

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If you have questions about the opinion section, contact Laura Gunderson, editorial and commentary editor, at 503-221-8378 or lgunderson@oregonian.com.

Such denial of Oregon's unsustainable spending only turns Oregonians against all taxation proposals, including ideas that deserve consideration. That's regrettable especially because Smith Warner and other Democrats have a legitimate point: Oregonians do need new tax measures that ease the burden on individuals, increase revenue from businesses and provide more stability than the volatile ups and downs driven by Oregon's overreliance on personal income taxes. Voters should be pressuring all business groups to join in on discussions and help shape a solution. Now. But legislators' tired rhetoric of vilifying corporations while ignoring the costs so clearly driving our budget crisis only gives voters more reason to tune them out.

Smith Warner did acknowledge later in an email to The Oregonian/OregonLive Editorial Board that she recognizes the need to fundamentally address costs as well. That's encouraging. But if so, then she and other Democrats need to be making that case publicly, frequently and directly to the public-employee unions who support them and whose cooperation is essential in fashioning a solution to our fiscal dilemma.

She and others on the education subcommittee voted the education budget through to the full Ways and Means committee. But by no means should they consider their work on that budget done.

- The Oregonian/OregonLive Editorial Board
By Greg Dotson

The time has come for Oregon, and others, to boost their efforts to address climate change. The stakes could not be higher. Over the opposition of our longtime international allies, national business leaders and public opinion, President Trump announced his intention to withdraw from the landmark 2015 Paris Climate Agreement. He incoherently argued that the Paris agreement is both non-binding and unacceptably stringent. This shocking abdication of the nation's leadership role on climate change aligns the United States with Syria and Nicaragua against the rest of the world.

Condemnation of the President's decision has been swift and strong from business, political and environmental leaders. As Disney's Robert Iger and Tesla's Elon Musk quit President Trump's advisory groups in protest, President Obama criticized the move for "rejecting the future" and called upon states, cities and businesses to step up their efforts on climate change. The governors of Washington, California and New York announced the formation of the U.S. Climate Alliance, a coalition of state governments, to do just that.

Here in Oregon, Gov. Kate Brown announced that the state is committed to meeting the goals of the Paris Agreement. The state can play a "huge role," she said, in innovating towards a clean energy future. The Oregon legislature finds itself with a key opportunity to show that the states can lead even if the federal government won't. As the legislative session comes to a head, legislators are considering a clean energy jobs proposal that would cut pollution while providing needed resources to invest in Oregon's priorities.

Acting on this proposal will require environmental leadership, but the good news is that it won't require a leap of faith. Unlike Trump's baseless assertions about the Paris Agreement, ample evidence demonstrates that the clean energy jobs proposal currently being considered in the state house can deliver tremendous benefits to Oregonians.

Over the last decade, 10 states have adopted carbon policies like the one we are considering now and they've been using the proceeds from these markets to drive billions in investments in renewable energy, energy efficiency, affordable and sustainable housing and other state priorities. These states are experiencing economic growth even as they cap and reduce their pollution. For instance, a regional greenhouse gas initiative in nine northeastern states has generated $1.3 billion in economic value and created more than 28,000 jobs thus far. These states are proving that embracing clean energy is compatible with strong economic growth.

Proponents of Oregon's clean energy jobs proposal have built a compelling case that the market-based policy can be a powerful force to unleash business innovation in our state. It can strengthen rural and economically distressed communities in need of support, create good jobs that can't be outsourced and help the state lead in the clean energy economy. Just consider that since the first large wind farm was built here, more than $9.8 billion has been invested in renewable energy in Oregon, creating more than 5,300 jobs. Success stories like this will only increase as we hasten the transition to a clean energy economy.

This is an important opportunity for Oregon. We are at a moment when what we want to signal about our values correlates precisely with the work underway here in the state house. Now is the time to push back against the faulty national narrative that clean energy is bad for the economy and enact a strong climate policy. Oregon can secure its own vibrant future while rejecting the harmful policies of the Trump Administration.

Greg Dotson is an assistant professor at the University of Oregon's School of Law.
Children performed several activities showcasing their talents with their proud parents in audience. A closing ceremony was held with certificates being handed out to all the children as a token of appreciation for their participation.

By Roshani Thokne: The summer camps organised by Delhi government in all 1024 schools run by it for Class 6 came to an end with great fanfare. Consistent involvement of parents during summer camps was highlight of this year's camps.

The camps were held for almost one month, from May 11 to June 3. Children performed several activities showcasing their talents with their proud parents in audience. A closing ceremony was held with certificates being handed out to all the children as a token of appreciation for their participation. Children and their parents returned to their homes on the last day of the camps with immense happiness and jubilation.

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Last year, such camps were held in 551 schools as a pilot, and were widely appreciated and enjoyed by children and parents. After the phenomenal success of last year's camps, for the first time the government held summer camps in every one of its schools in Delhi.

The summer camps were conceptualised as opportunities to bridge learning gaps of children entering Delhi government schools for the first time from MCD schools after Class 5. Activities and games are designed in a way that also educates children in the process. Each schools had assigned at least two teachers to conduct the camps.

Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia said, "This is the first time that across the state, government schools have held summer camps for children. Many big private schools hold such camps each year, but we want children studying in government schools to also get such opportunities. I am happy to share that this year, the summer camps were even more large in scale, as we also invited parents to join with their children."

The highlight of camps this year has been that children's parents too were involved with them in a large way. Activities and games that can be held with parents were incorporated in the summer camps. The government is keen on encouraging parents to take a more proactive role in their children's education.

Several organisations also simultaneously held science, leadership development and physical education camps as well, in some schools. On the last day, schools were also encouraged to award certificates to children for their participation in the summer camps.

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The Punjab Police on Sunday claimed to have busted a three-man terror module. The arrested Khalistani militants are believed to have visited Pakistan and at least one of them confessed to receiving training from the ISI.

Punjab Police arrested three militants suspected to have links to the ISI (PTI file photo for representation)

By Manjeet Sehgal: Two days after the a pressure cooker bomb making unit was discovered in Patiala, the Punjab Police on Sunday claimed to have busted a terror module by arresting three men from two different locations in the state.

The three men, believed to be members of the banned International Sikh Youth Federation (ISYF) have been identified as Gurdial Singh, Jagroop Sigh and Satwinder Singh. The police said the trio were trained by Pakistan based ISYF Chief Lakhbir Rode and Harmeet Singh lias Happy or PHD.

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"They were trained to carry out terror attacks and to target religious leaders and politicians," a Punjab Police spokesperson told India Today.

Notbaly, the arrest of two terrorists, Sher Singh and Man Singh, on May 21 is what led to the arrest of these militants. The two were arrested by the Border Security Force with a consignment of arms and ammunition smuggled from Pakistan.

"Gurdial hails from Road Majara area of Hoshiarpur, and Jagroop and Satiwinder are residents of Chandpur Rurki Shaheed Bhagat Singh Nagar District. A .32 bore pistol, with one magazine and 10 cartridges and a .38 bore revolver, with 7 cartridges have also been recovered from them," the Punjab Police spokesperson said.

The Police said Gurdial Singh was the chief operative of ISYF terror module who was introduced to Lakhbir Singh Rode, currently living in Lahore cantonment, by another terrorist Balvir Singh Sandhu who is hiding in Germany.

ISI LINK

Police said Gurdial visited Pakistan several times during the last six to seven years. He would visit Pakistan purportedly to pay homage at a Sikh shrine. He had last visited Pakistan between November 12 and November 21, last year, and was accompanied Jagroop Singh.

"Jagroop confessed that he was blindfolded and was taken to the ISYF chief blindfolded at an undisclosed location and was imparted a four-day training course by the ISI in handing AK-47 rifle and smaller weapons. He was also trained in techniques of sabotaging railway tracks by loosening the securing/fastening mechanisms of fish-plates, nuts and bolts," Police said.

The Khalistani terrorist are also believed to have been in touch with some terrorist groups in Jammu and Kashmir. The police also said that Satwinder was an active member of this module and along with Jagroop, was directly in touch with mentors in Pakistan and Germany.

ALSO READ | Punjab Police bust Khalistan terror module, 4 including woman arrested

ALSO WATCH | Was IB warning on ISI role in Punjab terror ignored?

--- ENDS ---
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In recent years there has been a boom in beards in mens fashion. While some go for a close-shaved look, others resemble experienced lumberjacks with inches of facial hair.

Beards have become in the last year or two a very trendy part of mens grooming, said Heather Spencer of A Spencer Gellise Salon in Bay City.

Spencer recently helped style beards in the second annual Battle of the Beards in May, hosted by Alberts General Store. Seven gentlemen from around the Great Lakes Bay area competed in the contest, including Scott Pawlak, who won the fullest beard and overall best beard awards.

A couple of friends on Facebook just tagged me in it, he said.

Pawlaks beard, reaching down to the middle of his chest, is 15 months in the making. Pawlak of Midland has sported beards in the past, but this is the longest he has grown. Three years ago he grew one out for one year just to see how long it would get. The beard that won the longest category in the Battle of the Beards had been growing for four years, perhaps a little too long for Pawlak.

Thats a long time. I dont know if Im going to be able to have it that long, he said.

Fortunately, Scotts job working as a construction worker for Three Rivers Corp. does not prohibit him from having facial hair; if he is working with potentially dangerous machinery, he can simply bind it back. Occasionally he might later find chunks of sawdust entwined in his beard, but nothing too serious.

Maintaining a beard requires a bit of work. Pawlak shampoos it every day, uses conditioner once a week, applies beard oil about three times a week to decrease frizzing, and uses his own special beard brush to groom it twice a day. A stack of napkins is set at the ready during meals (soup is the most challenging dish to eat with a beard, according to Pawlak). He even ties the hair in a ponytail when he goes to bed. When it comes time for a trim, his wife, Carrie steps in.

I do hair for a living and he wont let me touch it, except for right here (around the ears), she said, explaining hes afraid she might accidentally cut it off.

One day, maybe she might get the best of me, he said.

But when all is said and done, Scott prefers it to staying clean-shaven.

Its a lot of work, shaving every day.

For Scott, the beard comes with its own set of perks. It keeps him warm in the winter and cool in the summer.

It keeps the sun from beating on it and holds moisture in real well, you know, he explained.

This is anti-aging, Carrie added.

Yeah, definitely. When I finally do shave Im gonna look like Im 21 again.

Initially, the beard was not popular in the Pawlak household. His 12-year-old daughter still cant stand it, according to Scott, but the idea is starting to grow on Carrie.

Its not my favorite. I miss his face, but I guess Im more and more used to it. And now that hes winning some perks, Im getting more and more used to the idea.

But there are some who quite enjoy it.

My niece, she comes in from Georgia and she loves braiding it. Shell braid it but it doesnt stay in long because it hurts my face a little bit.

Sometimes the attention can become a bit too much. Men and women alike often come up to him in public and ask to touch his beard.

Its just so weird though. Before I had my beard, youd go out and wed see somebody with a nice beard. I would never in a million years think of going up and touching it. All the time theres people (who) buy drinks and send them over and people will say, Can I touch it? Its a little awkward. I dont mind if they look at it or say, Nice beard or something like that.

Its kind of like the pregnancy belly thing, Carrie summarized.

Scott said he hopes to participate in other beard competitions in Michigan and Ohio just for the fun of it and just to see whats out there. He once attended a lumberjack contest at Midland Brewing Co. with his kids. There, among other heavily bearded men, he didnt feel as singled out.

It was a fun time. People got to look but not touch so it was kinda nice. But then youre not the only one there so you dont feel like youre in the spotlight. Its not every day you go out to dinner and have a bearded brother sitting next to you, you know.

The attention, side effects and upkeep are all part of the experience for Scott. Baring any major frustration, he plans to continue growing out his beard for at least the remainder of the year.

Now Im getting almost to the halfway mark again for another year, so Id like to see what two years would be, seeing I already grew it out in the past for a year, just to kind of see the difference between one year and two years.
After a frightening discovery, Texas police officers are trying to identify a small boy found alone in Juarez, Mexico, who they believe is an American citizen.

Police say the boy, who appears to be 2-to-3 years old, was found Feb. 22.
This website is intended for U.S. visitors only.
NORMAL  When a 22-year-old Normal man was shot last week outside an apartment building on the town's north side, police quickly released details of the incident to the public.

"We have an active homicide investigation at this point. We have a male victim with multiple gunshot wounds," Police Chief Rick Bleichner told media who were at the chaotic crime scene at the building in the 700 block of South Goldcrest Road.

The chief confirmed the victim, later identified as David Parks, 22, had died and he continued to update the situation through several written statements, including notice that an arrest had been made about 12 hours later. On Thursday, Bleichner and Coroner Kathy Davis held a news conference to answer questions.

When and how much information police release to the public varies on the circumstances of the crime and the potential threat to public safety, according to local law enforcement officials.

"You have to weigh public safety with investigative needs. One-size rule doesn't fit all situations," said McLean County Sheriff Jon Sandage.

Sandage, who was supervisor of the county's criminal investigative unit before becoming sheriff, said "sometimes the need to investigate trumps the need to put all the information out."

The nature of Parks' death and the need for the public's help in finding a suspect dictated a timely release of information, said Bleichner. Normal's media policy spells out general terms for what can be released, but "we always like to share it quickly, if possible," said Bleichner.

That steady flow of information from Normal contrasts sharply with the handling of a recent homicide in Bloomington where police classified the brutal stabbing death of Shannon Hastings a "suspicious death" for five days until a suspect was arrested.

The death was disclosed in a BPD statement more than 24 hours after Hastings was found in a room at the Econo Lodge in the 400 block of Brock Drive on May 21. Authorities think the 27-year-old woman, who had been living at the hotel for several months, may have been killed May 16, according to evidence disclosed by the state.

Bloomington Police Chief Brendan Heffner said the delay in calling the death a homicide  Hastings was stabbed more than 100 times  was "done in order to not jeopardize our investigation."

Heffner said decisions on the release of information by BPD are made on a case-by-case basis, with public safety a primary concern. "The circumstances will dictate what's released. Every one (death case) will not be considered 'suspicious,'" he said.

Heffner said officers canvassed the area near Brock Drive for information, but he is not aware of any effort by BPD to specifically notify nearby business owners of the homicide.

Bloomington police defended a similar process in November 2014 after Pam Zimmerman's body was discovered in her east side Bloomington office. In that case, it was nine hours before the public was told that an investigation was underway into the shooting death that also was initially labeled "suspicious."

In both the Hastings and Zimmerman investigations, Heffner said police did not perceive there to be an imminent risk to public safety, even though no suspect was in custody at the time.

Kirk Zimmerman was charged eight months later, in July 2015, with killing his ex-wife, and Kyle Brestan was charged with murder four days after Hastings' body was found, on May 25.

McLean County Coroner Kathy Davis said her office works in cooperation with law enforcement on investigations and the release of information. In the majority of coroner's cases, the cause of death is released after an autopsy is conducted, but that may be delayed as part of a pending investigation, as was the case in the Hastings death.

The coroner's office "is the voice for the decedent," said Davis, echoing the position of law enforcement that each case is handled individually.

Details of what was described as a "multifaceted investigation" that led to Brestan's arrest were released May 26 in a lengthy statement prepared by the McLean County State's Attorney's Office and read in court at the suspect's bond hearing.

It's apparent that Brestan was quickly targeted as a suspect by police who interviewed him twice in the four days before his arrest. At his bond hearing, prosecutors disclosed for the first time that Hastings had been stabbed more than 100 times with a pocket knife found near the scene.
Editor's note: This is the third part of a continuing series of stories The Pantagraph is publishing on challenges facing people after their release from prison, including issues in housing and employment, and re-entry efforts at the state and federal levels.

BLOOMINGTON  At the end of June, Brian Liska will mark the 20th anniversary of two life-changing milestones: the year he was convicted at 21 of sexually abusing a teenage girl, and two decades without an arrest for another sex offense.

Liska spent 60 days in jail and served two years' probation for aggravated criminal sexual abuse in 1997. His identity also was included on a statewide sex offender registry for 10 years. Removal from the registry made it easier for Liska to start over in the community.

But in November 2011, Liska's attendance at his son's Boy Scout meeting at a District 87 school landed him back in the criminal justice system and onto the state registry  this time for life.

"It was my understanding that since school was not in session at the time that I could be there," said Liska.

The mistake brought a charge of violation of sex offender registration rules and another two years' probation. The registration requirement "felt like a slap in the face over something positive I was trying to do with my son," said Liska.

He and his wife, Synamin, live in an apartment on the city's east side and have been able to make ends meet since he started a job unloading trucks for a local retailer after a five-month job search.

Families struggle, too, with sex offender rules, said Liska's wife.

"I knew about his past, but it's never once bothered me. He helped me in ways no one else could after my father's death," she said.

Brian Liska has completed several programs, including Jobs Partnership, and is a mentor for a domestic violence class at Collaborative Solutions.

He is one of 800,000 registered sex offenders currently residing in the U.S. and one of 213 living in McLean County for offenses ranging from child molestation to predatory criminal sexual assault. Bloomington is home to 145 offenders; Normal 23, with another 40 living in rural areas. The whereabouts of five are unknown, according to the recent sex offender records posted on the state website. In 2016, three offenders in Normal and 13 in Bloomington registered as homeless.

Illinois is among a growing number of states looking at changing laws governing the sex offender registry and strict limitations on where offenders can live, work and be present in the community.

McLean County State's Attorney Jason Chambers is a member of the Illinois Sex Offenders and Offender Registration Task Force set up in 2016 to review potential changes.

The impact of sex offender rules on a person's efforts to successfully reintegrate into the community after a conviction are part of task force discussions, said Chambers, who serves on a 30-member panel of stakeholders who work with offenders at all levels of the criminal justice system.

The recidivism rate for sex offenders and their risk to public safety have been key points of the talks, said Chambers.

"Right now, the registration statute is very black and white and possibly needs more evaluation," he said.

A tiered system that reflects the level of offense and the person's risk to re-offend could replace the current alphabetical listing for those required to register for either 10 years or life, according to records of an April 19 task force meeting. The registry also contains offenders convicted of murder if victims were under a certain age, regardless of whether the crime was sexually motivated.

Other changes under review are a reprieve for longer-term registrants who have been living offense-free for at least five years and the search for precise numbers on how many offenders commit another sex crime.

"Inaccurate information isn't helping," said Chambers, noting that a new conviction for a crime with the potential for violence, such as home invasion or unlawful restraint, should be weighed heavily when an offender's risk is evaluated.

Inaccurate statistics that surfaced 30 years ago labeling a vast majority of sex offenders as likely to recidivate have been repeated in legal arguments to justify strict registration rules, said Emily Horowitz, researcher and author of "Protecting Our Kids? How Sex Offender Laws Are Failing Us."

In research cited on her Sex Offender Research Information Center website, Horowitz points to a 2003 Department of Justice study of 9,691 sex offenders released in 1994 that indicates that 5.3 percent were arrested for a new sex crime within three years and 3.5 percent were convicted of the offense.

A more recent study of sex offenders released in Connecticut in 2012 showed similar low results for arrests and convictions on new sex crimes, according to Horowtiz, who is a professor of sociology and criminal justice at St. Francis College in Brooklyn, N.Y.

The use of evidence-based practices to create a system that protects the public without unnecessarily adding to what have been described as draconian registration guidelines could assist lawmakers and others with their efforts, said Chambers.

"We've been using evidence-based practices in the criminal justice system reforms, but I'm not sure we've ever applied them to sex offender registration," said Chambers.

Like many other communities, McLean County has a wide range of sex offenders on its registry. Offenders defined as "monsters" by prosecutors who secured lifetime prison terms for multiple sexual assaults of young children are listed alongside young adults who completed probation after they became sexually involved with teenage girlfriends.

Both offenders are labeled as "sexual predators," a term the state task force is examining for its broad use.

"Overuse of the term can reduce public safety because it removes the ability to accurately differentiate between high-risk and low-risk individuals and it can produce significant collateral consequences for low-risk individuals," the task force noted in its April discussion.

Liska said he is "grateful that somebody is taking the time to listen" at the state level to concerns over registry issues. "Not everyone needs to be categorized as a big bad wolf," he said.

Recommendations from the task force are due Jan. 1, 2018.
By Press Trust of India: Panaji, Jun 3 (PTI) Goa MP and Union AYUSH minister Shripad Naik today admitted that there is "certain anxiety" among the people on the issue of beef ban.

"There is certain anxiety among the people. Some people have come forward with it (to express it)," Naik said while speaking to reporters at a press conference here.

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It is for the state governments to decide on the beef issue, he added.

BJP spokesperson Sambit Patra, who was also present at the press conference, refused to comment when asked about apprehensions surrounding beef ban and cow vigilantism.

"I have come here with the mandate to speak about Narendra Modi governments achievements in the past three years. I will not trespass beyond my mandate," Patra said.

Asked about a Rajasthan High Court judges comments on importance of cow, Patra said he wont talk about the court.

While incidents of `Go-rakshaks indulging in violence have been reported from several parts of the country, the issue of beef ban came to fore once again recently with Centres ban on sale of cattle for slaughter at animal markets. PTI RPS KRK RDS

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WASHINGTON, D.C.  The U.S. Supreme Court has been asked to review a case against a Normal man to determine the constitutionality of Illinois' rules mandating that sex offenders report all their internet activity to authorities.

In a petition filed with the nation's highest court, lawyers for Mark Minnis, 24, are asking for a review of whether offenders' First Amendment rights are violated by a requirement that they report all internet activity to police who then disclose that information to the public.

Minnis was 16 when he was deemed a delinquent juvenile in 2010 for having sex with a 14-year-old girl. He was required to register as a sex offender for 10 years for criminal sexual abuse, a misdemeanor offense.

In August 2014, Minnis was charged with failure to register as a sex offender, a felony, after he failed to include a previously disclosed Facebook account on a registration form.

McLean County Judge Robert Freitag dismissed the charges on the grounds that the law is unconstitutional based on the breadth of information an offender is required to report.

The Illinois State Supreme Court reversed Freitag's ruling in a 2016 decision that recognized that the right to "publish and distribute writings while remaining anonymous" extends to internet speech but, the court ruled, that right is "not absolute."

Minnis' case is on hold in McLean County until a decision by the high court is made about whether to review the case.

In their petition, filed in February, Minnis' lawyers with the State Appellate Defender's Office note "the issues in this case have been percolating through state and federal courts for years now as variations of this scheme have proliferated across the states, part of a flood of ever-more draconian restrictions on sex offenders."

The Illinois Supreme Court decision is contrary to rulings in similar cases in other states, claim Minnis' attorneys. "Illinois is now a national outlier on this issue," said the court filing.

Defense lawyers also criticize Illinois' handling of youth sex offenders, citing research included in a state Juvenile Justice Commission report that juvenile sex offenders are "highly amendable to treatment and highly unlikely to sexually reoffend."

It opposing the review, the Illinois Attorney General's office argues that public availability of sex offenders' internet identities "allows the public to recognize sex offenders when they encounter them online, just as the public availability of sex offenders' current photographs allows the public to recognize sex offenders when they encounter them face-to-face."

People vs. Minnis is not an appropriate case for the First Amendment challenge, the state argues, because the information released on juvenile offenders is far less than what is available for adult offenders.

The Supreme Court heard arguments earlier this year in a North Carolina case involving a sex offender charged with violating the state's ban on internet access. A decision in that case, along with a potential ruling in the Minnis matter, could change sex offender rules across the nation.
LONDON (AP)  British police arrested a dozen people Sunday in a widening terrorism investigation after attackers used a van and large knives to kill seven people in London, and the county's major political parties temporarily suspended campaigning with only days to go before the general election.

Prime Minister Theresa May said the vote would take place as scheduled Thursday because "violence can never be allowed to disrupt the democratic process."

The assault unfolded over a few terrifying minutes late Saturday, starting when a rented van veered off the road and barreled into pedestrians on busy London Bridge. Three men then got out of the vehicle with large knives and attacked people at bars and restaurants in nearby Borough Market until they were fatally shot by police.

"They went 'This is for Allah,' and they had a woman on the floor. They were stabbing her," witness Gerard Vowls said.

Florin Morariu, a Romanian chef who works in the Bread Ahead bakery, said he saw people running and some fainting. Then two people approached another person and "began to stick the knife in ... and then I froze and I didn't know what to do."

He said he managed to get near one attacker and "hit him around the head" with a bread basket.

"There was a car with a loudspeaker saying 'go, go' and they (police) threw a grenade. ... and then I ran," he said.

London police said officers killed the attackers within eight minutes of arriving at the scene. Eight officers fired some 50 rounds, said Assistant Commissioner Mark Rowley, the force's head of counterterrorism.

The three attackers were wearing what appeared to be suicide belts, but the belts turned out to be fake. Investigators were working to determine whether others assisted them, Rowley said.

A bystander was also wounded by the gunfire, but the civilian's injuries were not believed to be critical.

Forty-eight people, including two police officers, were treated at hospitals across London. Twenty-one remained in critical condition Sunday. Among the wounded were German, French and Spanish citizens, officials said.

The death toll of seven did not include the three attackers. Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said a Canadian was among the dead.

Counterterrorism officers raided several addresses in Barking, an east London suburb, and arrested 12 people there Sunday, police said.

Neighbors at the site of one raid in Barking said a man who lived there resembled one of the attackers shown in news photographs.

"He's lived here for about three years," Damien Pettit said. "He's one of our neighbors. I've said hello in passing more than 50, 60 occasions. He has two young kids. He was a very nice guy."

Armed officers also conducted a raid in the East Ham area of the city.

The rampage was the third major attack in Britain in the past three months, including a similar vehicle and knife attack on Westminster Bridge in March that left five people dead.

On May 22, a suicide bomber killed 22 people and injured dozens at an Ariana Grande concert in Manchester, in northwest England. Grande and other stars are scheduled to perform a benefit concert for victims under tight security Sunday night in Manchester.

The Islamic State group claimed responsibility for the Manchester bombing, but there was no immediate claim of responsibility for the London attack, which the prime minister linked to Islamic extremism.

May said the attacks were not directly connected, but that "terrorism breeds terrorism" and attackers copy one another. She said five credible plots have been disrupted since March.

"It is time to say, enough is enough," she said.

Britain's official terrorism threat level was raised from "severe" to "critical" after the Manchester attack, meaning an attack may be imminent. Several days later it was lowered again to "severe," meaning an attack is highly likely.

Home Secretary Amber Rudd said Sunday that the level would remain at severe because police believe there are no perpetrators still on the loose.

A large area on the south bank of the River Thames remained cordoned off Sunday, and police told people to avoid the area. London Bridge and the adjacent train station, as well as nearby Borough subway station, were still closed.

Hours earlier, the area packed with bars and restaurants around the foodie magnet of Borough Market had been a scene of panic, as people barricaded themselves in pubs and restaurants or fled through the streets.

Medics treated the wounded near the market as shocked people cried and shouted around them. Police officers yelled at people to run from the area, and blasts were heard as officers performed a series of controlled explosions.

Renan Marquese, a sous-chef at a tapas restaurant, said he was working when he heard chaotic sounds outside.

"When I open the door I see three dead people on the floor," he said. "People running everywhere, police shouting to run away."

He said that he helped a man and his partner, even taking the woman into his arms because she was too upset to walk properly. He said it took him 20 minutes to carry her across the bridge, stumbling all the way.

"It was really scary," he said.

Amid the violence and fear were stories of compassion and heroism. The British Transport Police said one of their officers, among the first to arrive, took the attackers on armed only with his baton and was seriously wounded. He was later described as being in stable condition with injuries that were not life-threatening.

Witnesses described how passers-by threw chairs and beer glasses at the attackers in an attempt to stop them.

Richard Angell, who was in a restaurant, said he looked out, "and opposite there's a guy who is throwing a table at somebody and it's very unclear about what is happening and it turns out to be a heroic guy who saw what was happening and just bombarded these terrible cowardly people with stuff."

Vowls also saw people striking back at the attackers, and said he joined in.

"They were trying to force their way into a restaurant," he told ITV. "People were throwing bottles at them, pint glasses, whatever they could pick up. Then they went on the Wheat Sheaf (pub). ... I went 'Oi, oi cowards!'  something like that to them. And then I started picking up bottles, I threw a chair at them, a stool, glasses  anything I could get my hands on."

-- Associated Press writer Niko Price contributed to this report.
Patna: Amidst growing controversy over yet another 'topper scam' in Bihar, the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) on Saturday declared the results for Class X with Patna Zone consisting of Bihar and Jharkhand faring better than the national pass percentage average of 90.95.

Coming fifth in the nation out of ten zones, Patna zone was only behind Trivandrum, Madras, Allahabad, and Dehradun with a 95.50 pass percentage in the nation. Officials said out of 172,296 students from Patna zone, 164,547 had passed the examination.

The result, however, is slightly lower than the last year's result when 96.21 percent of the students appearing in the CBSE test passed the exam.

A number of schools attained 100% success rate in DAV BSEB and Notre Dame.

For a change, after years of outperforming boys, number of girl students passing this year dipped a bit giving the boys some reason to cheer about themselves.
Patna: While Chief Minister Nitish Kumar was trying hard to convince his counterpart in Tamil Nadu on Saturday to impose prohibition in the state, education in Bihar refused to take respite from taking a nosedive as hundreds of angry students in the state capital, for the fourth consecutive day, protested outside the Bihar School Examination Board (BSEB) demanding a high-level probe in the Inter results and the resignation of Bihar Education Minister only to be roughed up and chased away by the lathi-twirling cops.

{gallery}newsimages2017/jun/060317{/gallery}Things started rather slowly on Saturday but by 11:00 am several students had gathered outside the BSEB office on Buddha Marg demanding re-evaluation of their test papers and sacking of Education Minister and Congress state President Ashok Kumar Chowdhary while accusing Chief Minister Nitish Kumar of gutting education in the state.

As the time passed, activists representing various political parties including All India Students Association (AISA) and All India Democratic Students Organization (AIDSO) joined the protest. Soon, what started as a peaceful protest, took a violent turn as some protestors engaged in vandalizing passing by vehicles and other public properties while pelting stones at the law enforcement officials.

Before long, police resorted to lathi charge. Chasing the protestors, police rained batons on running students who said they would be back again tomorrow and days after that until justice was served and guilty parties were either jailed or fired from their position.

Meanwhile during all this drama, the Chief Minister, who is yet to weigh in his opinion on the latest scandal to hit the state education department, was away in Chennai where he was attending the 94th birthday of former Chief Minister Karunanidhi organized by the DMK.
Janata's United, Modern and Liberal Awaaz, or JUMLA, felt jittery. With 2019 Lok Sabha elections less than two years away, the party had not yet picked on a Prime Ministerial face to challenge the puissant, Narendra Damodardas Modi. It's creme de la creme, brooded, brainstormed, belaboured for days but found none. Nothing comes out of scraping an empty barrel. Mr. Modi stood leagues in front of any competition.

Then a young chappy came up with a new idea. If the party didn't have one, it could hire one through a public tender. Not too outlandish an idea if one reckoned the way Amit Shah went about recruiting to fill gaps in BJP's talent pool. Wasn't it much the same thing? Whereas Shah's methods are subterranean, this one looks transparent. Finally, the party was sold on the idea.

An internal committee was promptly set up to work out the modalities and come up with a potent prime ministerial face with utmost expedition. Within a week it finalised the desired personality traits and the party programs to be espoused by interested candidates.

Must qualifications:

be bearded. The three dark horses (I K Gujral, Manmohan Singh, and Narendra D Modi) who leapfrogged more illustrious party colleagues to political stardom, all had it.

be endowed with that veritable political aphrodisiac - risen in life from an obscure humble origin. (It never fails to evoke instant sympathies of the poor and invests the man, effortlessly, with a pro-poor halo. And the poor have numbers.). Any 'poor' vocation like majdoor, khomchawala, paanwala, doodhwala, peanutwala (a 5-year old Jimmy Carter, ex US Prez, sold boiled peanuts on streets) will do. (Not chaiwala though, it's already taken up)

be a powerful orator, capable of rabble-rousing audiences to sufficiently high emotional pitch, enough for faith to overcome reason. Must be a consummate practitioner of the art of rhetoric, spin, bollywoodian innuendos and double entendres (not pun, that is too suave), subtle subterfuge ...and the art of exciting pathos by words, bodily gestures.

be able to cold-stare down one into meek submission. A visage with no-nonsense, business-only signposts most desirable, it adds aura.

be nattily dressed, and at all times. With Mr. Modi making fashion statements once too often, sporting Kurtas with holes in pockets is courting disaster.

Party programs to be orchestrated:

No beef, no goat or sheep meat too. Only horse meat will be allowed because Vedic rituals sanctify horse sacrifice in Aswamedha yagna.

Policy making to be metamorphosed to a genuine, participative Lok Niti. People to decide the GDP growth. Once decided, CSO will make necessary data adjustments, including change of base year, methodology, the extrapolation parameters used to account for material economic activities for which no data is collected etc. Even past data could be revised to align expert's forecasts with popular demands. Non-achievement of GDP growth targets will be a thing of the past.

Ban all paper notes. Only bitcoins transactions to be legal contracts

All neighbourhood policing jobs including crowd control to be outsourced to vigilante groups. Cops only for crime investigation and providing A to Z security cover for politician, corporate and religious honchos.

Ensuring a corruption free India. No Lok Pal, no FIRs against govt officials, politicians unless approved, unanimously, by the Anti-Corruption Crime Heads Authority, ACCHA that included the PM and held office at his pleasure.

RPA to be amended to permit MLAs, MPs not belonging to the ruling party at Centre to freely migrate to it without incurring disqualifications.

A new Ministry of Truth to be set up. It will recall print and electronic versions of all Indian history texts ever written for scrutiny. All 'untrue' texts will either be deleted or altered by educationists in the ministry to reflect ' truth'. Falsehoods like Akbar the Great, instead of Maharana Pratap the Great, won't be tolerated any longer. After such redactions, the books will be reissued as the original texts of the authors. Those objecting will be sent to Pakistan.

Special treaty with Pakistan for interchange of ' inconvenient citizens.' For example, those who can't live without beef in India to be exported to Pak and those who can't live without eating pork to be imported from Pakistan.

A new Ministry of Love to channel love in right directions - increasing Hindu fecundity, suppressing that of other communities to restore proper 'demographic' balance. 'Errant' Love to be 'discouraged'.

The 'grammar of silence ' for victims of domestic atrocities and 'idiom of heartbreaks' for victims of ethnic terror abroad approach to be reversed to 'idiom of heartbreaks' for domestic victims, a 'grammar of silence' for victims abroad. After all, the latter is the responsibility of respective states.

Acronyms will be made the official lingo of government. A wing in the Dept. of Comm., GYAN (get your acronym now), will engage full time in churning out real catchy ones. For example, an officer approving a project would sign off as GAGA - Government Approves Go Ahead. If not, he may write NADA - Not Approved Do Again. Measures to aid poor would be called SOPS - stamping out poverty schemes and sops to promote business would be called GIFTS - Government Incentives for Trade Schemes; stuffs like that. So scintillating!

Dairying will be made a national endeavour, MUD, to boost national production of Milk, Urine, (gau-mutra) and Dung (gobar). Every employee, serving or retired, in govt, PSU, or institutions in receipt of govt support/funds/grants to maintain a cow. Milk cooperatives to specially monitor quantities of MUD received daily from these privileged people so that there are no defaults.

Last heard, notices inviting Expression of Interest were due within the next few days.

A R Mishra, Patrakar Nagar, Patna.
News and commentary on organized crime, street crime, white collar crime, cyber crime, sex crime, crime fiction, crime prevention, espionage and terrorism.
Arjun had been unwell for the past few days.

By India Today Web Desk: Illness has struck the world of Indian television. After Naagin star Adaa Khan aka Sesha was hospitalised after suffering from acute stomach pain, her former co-star and close friend Arjun Bijlani, who is currently seen in Pardes Mein Hai Mera Dil, has been admitted to an Andheri hospital, according to a report in Mid-day.

Also read: Naagin 2: Adaa Khan hospitalised after suffering from acute stomach pain

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Arjun had been suffering from a bad case of fever for the past few days. Like Adaa, the actor didn't take any rest and continued to work and shoot for scenes.

The actor has been advised complete bed rest for the next few days.

Well, we hope this time Arjun listens to the doctor and takes good care of himself.

Get well soon, Arjun!

--- ENDS ---
Today (Saturday), June 3 marks two years when a national tragedy struck the heart of the country.



June 3, in the nation's archives, disaster hit the Circle Interchange in Accra as gas explosion consumed hundreds of Ghanaian citizenry.



As the country commemorates June 3, Minister for Gender, Children and Social Protection Otiko Afisah Djaba has paid a tribute to affected families.



Hon. Otiko Djaba pledged government's support for the affected families with their emergency leap program.



"Today marks two years of total depression that hit the nation. The wounds and scars are still indelible in our minds and heart. As the nation still mourn in remembrance, let us reach out to the affected families with love, condolence and support. As Government, we will continue to support the affected families with our emergency LEAP program", Hon. Otiko Djaba expressed.

Source: Ameyaw Adu Gyamfi/Peacefmonline.com/Ghana









Disclaimer : Opinions expressed here are those of the writers and do not reflect those of Peacefmonline.com. Peacefmonline.com accepts no responsibility legal or otherwise for their accuracy of content. Please report any inappropriate content to us, and we will evaluate it as a matter of priority.

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A total of 468,053 candidates will write this years Basic Education Certificate Examination (BECE) which commences on Monday, June 5 to June 9, 2017.



Out of the total number of candidates, 241,148 are males, while 226,905 are females.



A statement signed and issued by the Director of Public Relations of the Ghana Education Service (GES), Rev. Jonathan Bettey, said the GES would work with the West African Examinations Council (WAEC) and security agencies to ensure that the candidates would write the examinations in a secure environment free from all forms of intimidation and malpractices.



Resolve



The statement issued on behalf of the acting Director-General, Professor Kwasi Opoku-Amankwa, also expressed the resolve of the GES to ensure that the BECE was conducted in all 1,702 centres in a free, fair and transparent manner.



It said the management of the GES would not countenance any acts of connivance involving candidates, teachers, officials and members of the general public which had the propensity of casting doubts on the integrity and relevance of the examinations.



Prof. Opoku-Amankwa expressed best wishes to the candidates in the examination.



I wish all candidates the best of performance in this years BECE, which is slated to commence on Monday, June 5 to June 9, 2017, the statement added.

Source: Daily Graphic









Disclaimer : Opinions expressed here are those of the writers and do not reflect those of Peacefmonline.com. Peacefmonline.com accepts no responsibility legal or otherwise for their accuracy of content. Please report any inappropriate content to us, and we will evaluate it as a matter of priority.

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Today, June 3rd, 2017 is exactly the second year of the tragic fire-flood incident which occurred at the Kwame Nkrumah Circle in Accra.



The tragedy on that fateful Wednesday night claimed over 200 lives, injured several others and caused damage to properties worth hundreds of thousands of Ghana cedis, sending the entire nation into a state of shock.



As the nation remembers the victims  especially the departed souls  across the country this morning, some of the survivors who are unhappy that the previous government of President Mahama and the current President Akufo-Addo administration had not compensated them since the incident happened, have threatened to take a legal action against the state.



This came to light yesterday during a cleanup exercise jointly organized by Zoomlion Ghana Limited, the Accra Metropolitan Assembly (AMA) and the National Disaster Management Organization (NADMO) at the spot where the tragedy struck.



President of the Ghana Burns Survival Foundation, Dennis Opoku-Gyamfi, speaking to the media on the sidelines of the exercise, lamented the fact that more survivors of the disaster were yet to be compensated by the state.



According to him, for those who sustained burns alone, 25 of them joined the Foundation and that out of the number, about 20 persons, including a pregnant woman, had not been given anything.



Some of the survivors were present during the cleanup, among them was the pregnant woman who DAILY GUIDE gathered was seriously struggling to eke out a living.



NADMO, in an apparent move to stop the remaining victims from making their frustrations public, invited them to its head office in Accra on Thursday, June 1, 2017 to ostensibly see how best to compensate them.



Asked why the organization had to wait two years before calling the victims to have them compensated, the Metro Director of NADMO, Alhaji Seidu Benjamin, told DAILY GUIDE emphatically that it had not been easy compensating all the victims at once.



He indicated that an amount of GH10,000 was given to each family of deceased victims and some survivors of the incident, noting that about 60 percent of the victims had been compensated.



But Mr Opoku-Gyamfi argued that indeed all the victims could have been compensated at once but for what he termed the selective manner in which the government at the time decided to carry out the compensation plan.



He said with frustration that even though the victims suffered similar fate on that fateful night, some of them were completely discriminated against when it came to the disbursement of the compensation packages.



He appealed to the new board of Ghana Oil (GOIL) to consider compensating the remaining victims in the interest of fairness.



Meanwhile, the authorities have called for attitudinal change by the masses with respect to managing waste, so as to save the nation from experiencing such a tragedy again.



Head of the Rapid Response Unit of AMA, Moses Abor, said the assembly had put in place several measures to get the city clean, as it forms a stronger partnership with Zoomlion and other key stakeholders.



Mr. Opoku-Gyamfi at the site



Some staff of NADMO, Zoomlion and AMA at the site with cars that got burnt during the incident parked.

Source: Daily Guide









Disclaimer : Opinions expressed here are those of the writers and do not reflect those of Peacefmonline.com. Peacefmonline.com accepts no responsibility legal or otherwise for their accuracy of content. Please report any inappropriate content to us, and we will evaluate it as a matter of priority.

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President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo arrived in Monrovia, Liberia Sunday morning to participate in the 51st Ordinary Session of the Authority of Heads of State and Government of the Economic Community of West African States.



President Akufo-Addo is joining his counterparts for the first time as a Head of State, reports Graphic Onlines Presidential Correspondent, Victor Kwawukume who is in Monrovia for the summit.



High on the agenda at the meeting would be topical political, economic and security concerns within the sub-region.



The Presidents participation would also give impetus to Ghanas commitment to the ECOWAS project regarding integration, the common currency and trade liberalization.



President Nana Akufo-Addo has already paid visits to member countries since assuming power where he reiterated Ghanas commitment to the ideals of the ECOWAS and the need to scale up activities to leverage the economic potentials that abound within the sub-region with a population of 350 million.



The meeting would also consider the application for membership by Morocco, a request by Tunisia for observer status, as well as the Association Agreement between Mauritania and the ECOWAS.



Also on the agenda would be the election of a new Chair of ECOWAS to replace Liberias Ellen Sirleaf Johnson, whose tenure as president ends this year.



The meeting would also consider series of reports, particularly that of the ECOWAS mid-year statutory meetings that that took place before the summit, including reports by the Ad-Hoc Ministerial Committee on Institutional Reforms and End of Tenure of Statutory Appointees; 78th Ordinary Session of the ECOWAS Council of Ministers; 38th Ordinary Meeting of the Mediation and Security Council and the 2017 Interim Report of ECOWAS.



It would also decide on a date and venue for the 52nd summit.



Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and the Moroccan King Mohammed V1 are expected to attend the meeting.



The meeting is the first to be hosted by Liberia since the inception of the ECOWAS 42 years ago.



As of 6pm on Saturday, June 3, 2017, some heads of state had arrived at the Farmington Hotel, near the Roberts International Airport, the venue of the meeting.

Source: Daily Graphic









Disclaimer : Opinions expressed here are those of the writers and do not reflect those of Peacefmonline.com. Peacefmonline.com accepts no responsibility legal or otherwise for their accuracy of content. Please report any inappropriate content to us, and we will evaluate it as a matter of priority.

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The woman who reportedly set ablaze Capt. Maxwell Mahamas body after he was lynched at Denkyira-Oboase in the Upper West Denkyira district of the Central region has been arrested.



She was arrested Friday night, the Central Regional Police commander DCOP David Ampah Benin told Kasapa News.



The suspect was seen in the murder video torching the body of the Junior Military Officer with a match.



Sixteen people have since been arrested following the murder of Capt. Maxwell Mahama.



Seven out of the 16 are on remand including William Baah, the assemblyman who allegedly mobilised the youth to attack the soldier.



Background



Captain Maxwell Mahama, who was a Commander of a Military Detachment in Boase was killed by the inhabitants when he went for jogging Monday morning on suspicion he was an armed robber.



Two women reportedly saw a pistol on him, and because of an armed robbery incident that had happened recently in the area, alarmed by their discovery of the pistol called the assemblyman for the area who organized the youth of the town to lynch him.



Captain Maxwell Mahama who was not dressed in military uniform at the time pleaded several times that he was not a criminal, but the angry residents kept hitting him with cement blocks until he died. They then burned his body.







CLARIFICATION: Woman Who Was Captured With A Phone Recording Captain Mahamas Murder Which Many Took For Lighting A Fire ARRESTED

The woman is seen in some of the photos up-close to Captain Mahamas body on the floorrecording his body with a phone. Initially, many thought she was lighting fire into him but a later video showed that she was just holding a phone and not lighting any fire.



Apparently, she had escaped to a village near Kumasi, where she was arrested.





Source: kasapafmonline.com









Disclaimer : Opinions expressed here are those of the writers and do not reflect those of Peacefmonline.com. Peacefmonline.com accepts no responsibility legal or otherwise for their accuracy of content. Please report any inappropriate content to us, and we will evaluate it as a matter of priority.

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Twelve people have been arrested in connection with the terror attack in London on Saturday night, which left seven people dead and at least 48 injured.

The arrests were made in the east London suburb of Barking, after police raided a flat belonging to one of the three attackers. Police are continuing searches of other addresses in the suburb.

In a statement, Metropolitan Police Assistant Commissioner Mark Rowley said we are making significant progress in identifying the three attackers, and that work is ongoing to understand more about them, their connections and whether they were assisted or supported by anyone else.

After a van was driven into pedestrians on London Bridge, the three men exited the vehicle and began stabbing pedestrians in the nearby Borough Market precinct.

Armed police officers were on the scene within eight minutes of the first emergency call. All three attackers were shot dead by police.

Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull has confirmed that two Australians were directly affected by the incident, including Brisbane woman Candice Hodge.

Hodge is recovering in hospital after having her throat slashed.

Well update this story as more details emerge.

Source: BBC / Reuters / Metropolitan Police.

Photo: Christopher Furlong / Getty.
UPDATE: Police have confirmed that three male suspects were shot and killed within eight minutes of the attacks. After hitting pedestrians on London Bridge in a white van, the three exited the vehicle with knives and stabbed a number of people in the Borough Market area. Police currently believe that only three attackers were involved.

London Ambulance now say that 30 people have been taken to hospitals across the city, while the Metropolitan Police say that the current number of casualties from the attacks is six, in addition to the three attackers.

London Ambulance now say that 30 people have been taken to hospitals across the city, while the Metropolitan Police say that the current number of casualties from the attacks is six.





Londons Metropolitan Police have responded to multiple incidents across the city, and appear to be treating the three as related, urging residents to run, hide and tell in a warning issued via social media.

Earlier today, there were reports that a van had run into a group of pedestrians on London Bridge, with eyewitness accounts saying that a man had been arrested and at least five people were injured.

Since then, Metropolitan Police have responded to incidents in the nearby bar and restaurant area of Borough Market, where there have been reports of stabbings, and also in the area of Vauxhall.

UPDATE: Police now say that the incident in Vauxhall was a stabbing unrelated to the other two.

Current reports indicate that there has been at least one fatality related to the attacks. UK Prime Minister Theresa May has made a statement to the media, saying:

Following updates from police and security officials, I can confirm that the terrible incident in London is being treated as a potential act of terrorism. This is a fast moving investigation. I want to express my huge gratitude to the police and emergency services who are on the scene. Our thoughts are with those who are caught up in these dreadful events.

Foreign Minister Julie Bishop says she has been in contact with UK High Commissioner Alexander Downer in the wake of the attacks, and early reports indicate that there are no Australians involved.

Source: BBC News.

Photo: Dan Kitwood / Getty.
As details continue to emerge about the devastating terror attack that rocked London overnight, Labor senator Sam Dastyari, who was present at the scene, has described the panic and dread as the events of the night unfolded.

Dastyari told ABC News that he was having a quiet beer at a restaurant in Borough Market, near London Bridge, when a van ploughed into pedestrians, and assailants with knives attacked bystanders.

The senator told ABC News:

We heard screaming  you could obviously tell there was an incident and someone starts running past, obviously covered in blood, kind of down the street. It takes you a moment to register whether or not obviously if its a bar fight gone wrong or that kind of thing  you dont know whether its anything more serious than that.

Dastyari said police entered the restaurant and put it in lockdown, sending diners upstairs. He continued:

There was a real sense of panic and dread that obviously runs through in these kinds of scenarios  In these scenarios, no-one has any information, right? Everyones running off the same tidbits  someone got a text from someone, someone saw something, someone saw something said on Twitter. Theres no point pussyfooting around it in these kind of scenarios  people are afraid. Theres a real lack of information. Thats obviously natural. But the police  the number of armed police that appeared in a very, very short period to lock down the area  obviously demonstrated that they were treating it as a very, very serious incident.

London Ambulance Service confirm that 20 people have been hospitalised in the wake of the attack.

UPDATE: London Police believe that the death toll from the attack stands at six.

AC Rowley confirmed At this stage, we believe that six people have died in addition to the three attackers shot dead by police.  Metropolitan Police (@metpoliceuk) June 4, 2017

Source: ABC News.

Photo: Andrew Taylor / Getty.
Schapelle Corby, convicted drug smuggler, bona fide Instagram star, and now charity champion, is auctioning off one of the only possessions she brought back with her from Bali: her parole book.

Shes donated the tattered piece of paperwork, which was with her for the entire three years she was living in Bali on parole, to child rescue charity Project Rescue Children.

Theyve put it up on eBay for a week, and will use the money from its sale to continue their work rescuing and caring for children exploited by trafficking and prostitution in Cambodia and Kenya.

Corby has shown a strong interest in missing children cases, using the media scrum around her departure from Bali to draw attention to William Tyrrell, who vanished in 2014 aged three, and recently posting on Instagram about Hayley Dodd, who went missing in 1999 when she was just 17.

At the time of writing, bidding on Corbys parole book has already topped $2,000  and its got another six days to go.

Onya Schapelle for using that notoriety for good. Saving kids is a passion project thats pretty hard to fault.

Source: News.com.au.

Image: Instagram / @schapelle.corby.
The video that has gone viral shows the accused policeman Ishwari Prasad lying down and touching one of the girls in an inappropriate manner.

By India Today Web Desk: A policeman was suspended after a video of him, allegedly molesting two sisters, went viral on social media. The incident happened at the Karhal Gate Police Station in Mainpouri, Uttar Pradesh.

The sisters had gone to the police station to register a complaint of molestation.

The situation turned ugly when the policeman started misbehaving with the sisters inside the police station.

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The video that has gone viral shows the accused policeman Ishwari Prasad lying down and touching one of the girls in an inappropriate manner.

COP'S VERSION

Prasad, however, has given a different version in his defence, saying that the girls came to him saying a man had insulted them by trying to grab the drawstrings of their pants. To which he replied saying that nobody wore such kind of clothes these days. He added that he just touched her hand while asked them to go.

However, after the video went viral, the accused cop has been suspended by Superintendent of Police (SP) Rajesh S. The investigation into the incident has been handed over to the city's Circle Officer.

SP Rajesh has assured that no sort of misbehaviour with the complainants would be tolerated. (With inputs from ANI)

Also read: Crime graph on the rise in Uttar Pradesh

Also read: Uttar Pradesh too big a state to ensure zero crime: Yogi minister day after Jewar gangrape-murder

--- ENDS ---
Its not surprising, but it still takes the wind outta you: Donald Trump is being ghoulish again.

In the wake of another terror attack in the UK, the President of the United States has made his first official message on the matter not one of support, shock, respect or solidarity. Of course not.

Trumps first response was this:

We need to be smart, vigilant and tough. We need the courts to give us back our rights. We need the Travel Ban as an extra level of safety!  Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) June 3, 2017

I hate to use words that smack of patriotism, but if this isnt the most unpresidential bullshit Ive ever seen, Ill eat my keyboard.

No-one else is thrilled with this blatant grab for political gain, either.

Families just lost a loved one&youre using the incident, prematurely might I add,as political https://t.co/KZomMBguMN are dangerously dumb  Incwell (@Incwell) June 3, 2017

Glad we both agree the ban is a ban. https://t.co/p1qXkffyIL  ACLU National (@ACLU) June 4, 2017

We need to be outraged when the president exploits a terrible violent crime to push his discriminatory and illegal policy. https://t.co/fcEi6WPmlv  Cecillia Wang (@WangCecillia) June 4, 2017

People died in a London terrorist attack, and this is your first tweet, Mr. President? W/ADR, this is not making America great again.  Art and Life (@dmcinnis) June 4, 2017

For some context, heres how other world leaders have responded to the unfolding tragedy in London.

Following latest #London incidents with horror. Thoughts and prayers are with the victims and their families. Please stay safe.  Jean-Claude Juncker (@JunckerEU) June 3, 2017

Our prayers and resolute solidarity are today as always with the people of Britain in the face of the shocking terrorist attacks in London.  Malcolm Turnbull (@TurnbullMalcolm) June 4, 2017

Awful news from London tonight. Were monitoring the situation  Canadians in need of help please see below: https://t.co/NVHwMlD2uu  Justin Trudeau (@JustinTrudeau) June 3, 2017

Saddened to hear of events on #LondonBridge My thoughts and prayers go out to all who have been affected. It isnt easy. https://t.co/xzirl5oERF  Timothy Harris (@pmharriskn) June 3, 2017

And from Trump, more xenophobic fearmongering without even a gesture towards simple decency.

Nearly ten minutes later, we got this hasty, caps-laden missive.

Whatever the United States can do to help out in London and the U. K., we will be there  WE ARE WITH YOU. GOD BLESS!  Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) June 3, 2017

Which hyperventilating aide was responsible for this bit of frantic damage control? Give them a lollipop and send them on their way, cos even if they tried their best, theres no saving this diabolical mess. The man is a putrefying vortex of bad intentions and dangerous, narcissistic impulses. God bless, indeed.

Image: Alex Wong / Getty.
Among the horror of the terror attacks in London yesterday, there was at least one image of hope: this bloke calmly strolling his way out of the danger zone while clutching his pint, spilling nary a drop.

The image spread across Twitter and Facebook after being shared from a video by a number of accounts.

At least seven people have died and 48 are seriously injured after the attack, in which several suspects plowed a van into a crowd of pedestrians at London Bridge, before fleeing on foot to Borough Markets where they attacked restaurant patrons with a 12-inch hunting knife.

Police told nearby people to run from the scene, leading to this gentlemans decision to slowly perambulate while still clutching his mostly-full beer. The full video is below. Note everyone else panicking while he just takes it slow and low.

The tweets, as you might expect, were good  and mostly focused on the fact that no terrorist can possibly surpass the horror of leaving a pint that you just paid London prices for behind:

Hate goes to:

MCR  thousands of people sing Oasis

LPOOL  gets chased out of town to the Benny Hill theme

LDN  man legs it w6 pint.  norters (@norters) June 4, 2017

Its London bridge ffs hes paid 5.50 for that pint  m i l l e r (@DrCMiller) June 4, 2017

Evacuate? Well, OK. But this beer cost 6 a pint. Im taking it with me. #LondonBridge pic.twitter.com/luPkuZxin6  Andrew Brooks (@taxbod) June 4, 2017

British as children taught to run while balancing an egg on a wooden spoon Gives us the skills required for times like this  Goonerjay (@Goonerjay86) June 4, 2017

Cheers for it.

Source: Twitter.

Photo: Twitter.
Earlier this week, human remains were unearthed under a cabbage tree palm in Royal National Park, in a spot that appeared to be consistent with the case of murdered Sydney man Matthew Leveson.

Though police are still awaiting the results of forensic tests, crime scene investigators have concluded their work in the park, and Levesons grieving parents have been allowed to take a tree home from the site in their sons memory.

Overnight, Matthews father Mark Leveson took to Twitter to thank those involved in the search, as he and his wife Faye raised a glass to everyone who has helped in the long process of bringing Matthews body home.

#MatthewLeveson Crime scene complete. Coming home with Matts palm & raising a glass to ALL those involved in bringing Matt home. xx pic.twitter.com/Mz8k3djLrg  Mark Leveson (@MarkLeveson) June 3, 2017

An image attached to the Tweet showed a tree that would appear to be Matts palm loaded onto the back of a ute, with the couple standing in front of it.

Matthew Leveson, aged 20, was last seen leaving ARQ nightclub in Darlinghurst in 2007 with his then-boyfriend Michael Atkins, who was tried and acquitted of his murder and manslaughter 2009.

Atkins, who now lives in Queensland, admitted that he lied on the stand during Levesons inquest, but led police to the burial site in exchange for a deal that granted him immunity from prosecution for perjury.

Though it appears that Levesons body has been recovered, double jeopardy laws mean that Atkins is unlikely to be prosecuted for murder a second time, unless fresh and compelling evidence is uncovered linking him to the alleged crime.

Source: 9 News / ABC News.

Photo: Supplied.
By Press Trust of India: Allahabad, Jun 4 (PTI) Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath today said that his government has brought in "uniformity" in power supply across the state, unlike the previous governments which favoured "only five districts" at the cost of the remaining ones.

He said that when the BJP-led government took over in the state, a major challenge before it was to bring to an end the VIP culture in power supply.

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"We have come up with a policy of electricity supply which will uniformly benefit all 75 districts of UP and not just five districts," he said here at a function where he inaugurated a number of new power sub-stations and dedicated to the public some existing ones upon upgrade.

"We take pride in the fact that on the birth anniversary of Ambedkar last month, we brought in a policy which ensures that all district headquarters will get 24 hours power supply while for tehsil headquarters it will be 20 hours and 18 hours for rural areas," he said.

The firebrand BJP leader did not name any party while speaking about the "VIP culture".

However, his comments came in the light of allegations faced by the Samajwadi Party and the BSP, which have alternately ruled the state for more than a decade, that native districts of their top leaders used to be disproportionately favoured in power supply.

Adityanath said that his government had inherited a system wherein replacement of faulty transformers used to take months in rural areas and several days in urban localities.

"We decided to change that. Now people can lodge complaints regarding the transformer in their locality on a toll-free number and action will be guaranteed within 24 hours," he said.

The chief minister said that his government was also striving to solve the problem of low voltage in rural areas, which was particularly stark in impoverished regions like Bundelkhand.

"Things are looking up and we are confident that by October, 2018 we will be able to provide 24 hours power supply to every nook and corner of Uttar Pradesh," he said.

Speaking at the same function, state Power Minister Shrikant Sharma claimed that the government had achieved success in curbing the menace of power theft and upgrade of obsolete transformers.

The chief minister is on a two-day visit of the city which will conclude this evening after a meeting with officials, including the chief secretary and the director general of police.

Issues such as law and order and development activities in all districts falling under the Allahabad division would be reviewed.

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Earlier, in the morning, Adityanath paid a visit to the Swaroop Rani Nehru hospital, accompanied by state Health Minister Siddharth Nath Singh, to take stock of the services there.

He also inspected a "malin basti" (slum area) in Nevada locality of the city and gave instructions to officials, in the presence of city mayor Abhilasha Gupta, with regard to cleanliness and hygiene. PTI NAC IKA

--- ENDS ---
People with their hands on their heads as they leave inside a police cordon after an incident in London, Sunday, June 4, 2017. A vehicle veered off the road and mowed down pedestrians on London Bridge, turning a summery Saturday night into a scene of panic and chaos. (AP Photo/Matt Dunham)
A police officer lays flowers passed to him by members of the public on the north side of London Bridge following last night's terrorist incident, Sunday, June 4, 2017. Police specialists collected evidence in the heart of London after a series of attacks described as terrorism killed several people and injured more than 40 others. (David Mirzoeff/PA via AP)
Lynda Carter arrives at the world premiere of Wonder Woman with a Jeffrey Levinson handbag Read more

The scrumptious red-and-silver-starred clutch that original Wonder Woman Lynda Carter carried last week to the Los Angeles premiere of the 2017 version comes courtesy of a local designer.

Read more: Gal Gadot, Chris Pine shine in 'Wonder Woman'

Yasss!

Jeffrey Levinson, the Wynnewood-based luxury automobile marketer turned uber-upcale clutch-maker, designed the precious beauts that Carter and daughter Jessica Altman carried with them on the red carpet.

"We made a one-of-a-kind clutch for them that we turned around in four business days," Levinson told me as he drove through the Lincoln Tunnel on Friday morning. "And we used every hour of that time to get it to them in time. I mean, those bags were on the last plane out to California last Wednesday."

Levinson fashions his clutches  now available at Barneys New York and Moda Operandi, where they start at $895  from two aerospace-grade, hand-cut aluminum shells held snugly together with a specially designed frame. But this bag is more than just a red-carpet jewel; it's also functional, boasting a clasp that doesn't pinch fingers and an airtight seal that still lets you hear your cellphone ring.

Levinson's eponymously named bags have been featured in Vogue and Vanity Fair. And celebrity stylists like Ann Caruso  who, according to her website, has dressed Oprah, Taraji P. Henson and first lady Melania Trump  are calling on Levinson to supply them with the special occasion, dainty confections. It was Caruso who asked Levinson to make Carter's couture clutch.

Levinson, who launched the clutch three years ago, is enjoying the flurry of A-list attention. Model Chrissy Teigen is a fan.

Last month, Elizabeth Hurley carried a satin blush rose Levinson to the Breast Cancer Research Foundation's hot pink party.

And on Memorial Day weekend, model and actress Adriana Lima carried a hot little number that Levinson named after volcanic red stone to the Monaco Grand Prix.
By Press Trust of India: By Lalit K Jha

Washington, Jun 4 (PTI) The US today asked China to respect the "universal rights" and "fundamental freedoms" of all its citizens and called for making a full account of those killed or detained in the Chinese governments 1989 military crackdown on protesters in Beijings Tiananmen Square.

"We call again on China to make a full account of those killed, detained, or missing due to the events of June 4, 1989," US Secretary of State Rex Tillerson said in a statement on the occasion of the 28th anniversary of the Chinese governments violent suppression of a peaceful protest at the iconic Tiananmen Square.

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The US urged China to cease "harassment" of family members seeking redress and to release from prison those who have been jailed for striving to keep the memory of Tiananmen Square alive.

"The US views the protection of human rights as a fundamental duty of all countries, and we urge the Chinese government to respect the universal rights and fundamental freedoms of all its citizens," Tillerson said.

"Today, the Chinese government continues to deny the legacy of those courageous Chinese men and women. Children learn of their story only in whispers told by parents ? not from the pages of history books, where they belong," House Democratic Leader Nancy Pelosi said.

"We must use this anniversary to remember what happened and what is still happening, each day. The Chinese government continues to jail journalists, human rights lawyers, those fighting to practice their own religion, booksellers and other human rights activists at a disturbing rate. It is unconscionable that the Nobel Peace Prize Laureate Liu Xiaobo is still behind bars," she said.

Pelosi said if US will not support human rights in China, then the country lose all moral authority to speak about human rights anywhere in the world.

"America must stand up for the dignity and worth of every person and speak out against the many human rights abuses that China continues to commit," said the top Democratic Leader.

Also a bipartisan group of lawmakers in a letter have urged Chinese President Xi Jinping to lift restrictions on public discussion of the Tiananmen protests and their violent suppression and to release individuals detained for commemorating the June 4 anniversary and human rights lawyers detained in the "709" crackdown.

"The ongoing prohibition of public and online discussion of what transpired in the spring and summer of 1989 has done more to negatively shape global perceptions of the Chinese government than anything else in your countrys recent history," it said.

"Open information about the Tiananmen massacre and its aftermath is crucial for Chinese citizens, and is a vital concern to those of us seeking more productive US-China relations," said the letter written by members of the Congressional-Executive Commission on China (CECC).

Joining Senator Marco Rubio and Representative Chris Smith, respectively the CECCs Chair and Cochair, in signing the letter were Commissioners Senators Jeff Merkley and Tom Cotton and Representatives Timothy Walz, Robert Pittenger, Randy Hultgren, and Marcy Kaptur.

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The Commissioners also said in the letter that they were "gravely troubled" by the nationwide campaign targeting Chinese human rights lawyers and rights advocates that started in July, 2015 and asked the Chinese President to unconditionally release those still detained and investigate reports of torture, including the forced ingestion of "unknown substances with adverse psychological and physical effects."

Every year June 4 is seen as a stark reminder of the day when thousands of young people took over the streets of Beijing, challenging the might of the Communist Party of China (CPC) and the military.

The riots followed the death of one CPCs reformist leaders Hu Yaobang who was forced to resign as Party General Secretary.

The CPC, which termed the protests counter revolutionary riots, ordered the military to put down the rebellion following which heavy violence ensued.

For its part the CPC and the government continued to reiterate that history has shown that the path chosen by the Party was right. PTI LKJ KJ PMS KJ

--- ENDS ---

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Valley Forge Military Academy held its 2017 commencement Saturday morning under cloudy sky which at times turned into a drenching rain. Here, Col.l John C,. Church opens his arms and looks to the sky during a downpour near the end of the commencement ceremony. Standing with Church are Megan Sukkivan, Director of Guidance, and General H.R. McMaster, National Security Adviser. Read more

Editor's note: Story has been updated to correct John Church's rank and title with the school.

It was a homecoming of sorts for Lt. Gen. H.R. McMaster, President Trump's national security adviser, who gave the commencement address Saturday for 60 graduating cadets at Valley Forge Military Academy.

McMaster is a 1980 graduate of the academy and his fondness for the school seemingly has not flagged over the years.

"I am happy for you because of what lies ahead for you; what you have learned here has prepared you for what is ahead," McMaster told the graduates and some 200 friends and relatives gathered at the school's parade grounds in Wayne.

McMaster is a celebrated battlefield commander  he was a key architect of the troop surge strategy of President George W. Bush that ultimately defeated the Iraq insurgency  and a widely respected military historian whose book on the Vietnam War, Dereliction of Duty, described the failures of U.S. military commanders to confront civilian military leaders when their strategies had unraveled.

The Roxborough native did the same during the Iraq war, voicing concern that Bush and then-Defense Secretary Donald Rumsfeld had failed to adjust tactics against the jihadist insurgency.

In recent months, McMaster has emerged as a key defender of President Trump. When the Washington Post reported in May that Trump had inappropriately disclosed details of an emerging ISIS plot to Russian Foreign Minister Sergey V. Lavrov and Russian Ambassador Sergey Kislyak, McMaster held a news briefing to assert that the president's actions were defensible .

"What the president discussed with the foreign minister was wholly appropriate to that conversation and is consistent with the routine sharing of information between the president and any leader with whom he is engaged," McMaster said.

McMaster, 54, gave only passing reference to pressing global security problems and Washington controversies on Saturday. Col. John C. Church, president of the academy and college, said McMaster had driven with his security detail to the school that morning from Washington, and wanted only to share time with the newly minted graduates and their relatives, not hash over problems of war and terrorism and politics.

"As we look across the world today, we see some huge challenges," McMaster told the preparatory school graduates. "In the Middle East, what we see is a humanitarian catastrophe. The threat of North Korea is significant. We took a holiday from history for a while in the 1990s. Great power competition has reasserted itself."

But McMaster spent much of his address exhorting the young cadets, who had completed their senior year in high school, to put their training to use in future careers, whether they enter the military or eventually go into business or some other occupation.

"You are an extraordinary generation, and extraordinary young men," he said. "Humanity needs you to lead and to serve."

McMaster offered his thoughts on leadership.

"Leadership means building teams and to lead by example," McMaster said. "If you are an enthusiastic leader, it will be contagious. How often do you see a team adopt the leader's attitude, the leader's standards?"

Soon the graduates were collecting their diplomas, and in a final flourish cheered as they tossed their caps into the air at the ceremony's conclusion.
ULAANBAATAR, Mongolia  The expansive blue sky is an object of worship in Mongolia, where people flick drops of milk and vodka heavenward as a tribute. Nomads are often retired urban professionals in search of a lower-stress life and the company of livestock. Genghis Khan is everywhere  in statues, on money, in banks  and suspiciously resembles Orson Welles.

Could the Philadelphia Orchestra achieve impact and relevance in a world so far afield from home? The second and final full day of the orchestra's Ulaanbaatar residency included three concerts with vastly different audiences, inevitably yielding a wait-and-see provisional verdict. Undoubtedly, the visit to Mongolia's capital was a diplomatic success, with the Philadelphians wined, dined, and lauded by U.S. Ambassador Jennifer Galt and applauded by Walter Douglas, the deputy assistant secretary of state whose territory is East Asia. More practically speaking, the orchestra had to step out of its protective Mozartean bubble and meet the situation more than halfway in several respects.

The usual, well-choreographed tour stop was not in the cards in this third city on the orchestra's 16-day Asian tour. In a goodwill visit to Philadelphia last year, Mongolian President Tsakhiagiin Elbegdorj originally envisioned a grand, outdoor concert at Genghis Khan Square. The plan changed radically weeks before the event when the government announced that the full Philadelphia Orchestra couldn't be afforded because of a national financial crisis. The U.S. State Department stepped in to bring in an 18-member contingent for less formal concerts and master classes. With Elbegdorj leaving office this month with his country in a recession, nobody wants to mention his name in conjunction with the Philadelphia Orchestra. Smart.

But Plan B was barely in place when the musicians arrived late Thursday night. Then, plans changed almost by the hour. Or less. "We're doing Mozart but dropping Haydn," announced cellist Yumi Kendall just before Saturday's children's concert. Then she learned a Mongolian folk song in minutes.

In the evening when the orchestra walked into Ulaanbaatar's Philharmonic Hall for its climactic concert Saturday night, one musician scanned the barren stage in the plain, aging auditorium  decorated in what might be called "Mongolian wicker"  and said, "At least there are two music stands." More materialized, of course, though nobody knew for sure how the concert would unfold, especially since the opening act, so to speak, was schoolchildren performing an interpretive dance to the sassy, sexy overture to the Broadway show Chicago.

The Mongolian State Philharmonic Orchestra showed up at the rehearsal and played, in tribute, Night on Bald Mountain. But those musicians went home. They weren't participating in the concert. Ultimately, the Philadelphians took the situation in hand, pulling repertoire out of their back pockets, from a Beethoven trio to Steve Reich's raucous Music for Pieces of Wood. Cellist Kendall volunteered as a stagehand, rearranging chairs and stands between performances in which she was not participating. "You just step up to the plate," she said.

It's hard to know how the music was received. The brass quintet drawn from the orchestra offered an encore  Sousa's Liberty Bell March  though Mongolians preferred snapping their fingers to clapping along. The morning concert for children bused in from the humble Ger District had a constant undercurrent of conversation. But might that be true in many American children's concerts? At noon, the quintet gave a concert in a public square in the middle of the city and came away with sunburned noses, having been heard only by a handful of people.

But are audiences always measured in numbers? The noon concert was covered by Mongolian television. The evening concert at the small 250-seat Philharmonic Hall was loaded with dignitaries. Seemingly every time you turned around, somebody significant was talking in terms of "when" the Philadelphia Orchestra comes back in its unabbreviated glory, especially from Ulaanbaatar's mayor/governor, Sundui Batbold. "We will do all that we can to provide all the support that [the Philadelphia Orchestra] needs, but we can't say exactly when it will happen," said Jantsannorov Damdintseren, head of the city's arts and culture department.

The visit can be viewed as a pilot. The point is the total package, not any one event, said Ryan Fleur, executive vice president for orchestra advancement. This Plan B has also spawned a closer relationship with the State Department. "It's not just Mongolia. There are possibilities beyond that," he said. Possible example: If relations with Turkey need shoring up, a Philadelphia Orchestra visit could be the focal point. One problem, though, is that the orchestra plans years ahead. Next year's tour is Europe and Israel. Maybe the year after could include Mongolia. But who will still be in power then?

But the orchestra isn't exactly scrambling for Asian gigs, since prospects remain good in China with new five-year agreements in Beijing and Shanghai. And Ulaanbaatar isn't the easiest or most gracious city for visitors to navigate. But even though the 18 Philadelphians were not formally polled, the general feeling toward Mongolia was that of utter fascination, with an urge to return.

The musician who went deepest into the local culture was principal hornist Jennifer Montone, who with her husband, Tim Ressler, and two children made good on their wish to spend a night in an Airbnb Ger (a tentlike structure also known as a "yurt," often inhabited by nomads). Said to be only a 10-minute cab ride out of town, this ger was an hour away, not on some dirt road, but in an area with no roads at all. They came back starry-eyed, having loved the peace of the place and the atmosphere of kindness, not to mention fresh yak milk.

"The people here are amazing," said Montone. "And I'm hearing about all of these Mongolian musicians who are graduating from Oberlin College and Yale University and coming back here. The music seems to be flourishing."

The Philadelphians had just been conducted by Nyamsaikhan Odsuren, a young University of South Carolina student who had been introduced to the players on Friday as a native-Mongolian interpreter. He also brought along his violin to participate in outreach concerts.

Suddenly, Nyamka, as he is called for short, was leading a side-by-side performance with local musicians and the Philadelphia players in an excerpt from the Mongolian ballet Uran Khas by Jamyangiin Chuluun. Musicians said his conducting had the clarity and authority needed to guide them through the unfamiliar music.

The local orchestra was a good semiprofessional group named Itgil Orchestra. It is translated as "hope."
From age 19, our third president and principal author of the Declaration of Independence, Thomas Jefferson, suffered from prolonged, incapacitating headaches. Frequently lasting for weeks, they usually came on when he was under stress, and were complicated by bouts of indecision, self-recrimination, and buried rage.

For instance, at age 20, in March 1764, he had a violent headache for two days after behaving awkwardly in front of a girl he fancied.

After his mother's death in March 1776, he suffered headaches for six weeks. In 1782, he lost his wife of 10 years, Martha. Grief stricken and head pounding, he walked until he was exhausted, and sought relief in long horseback rides on secluded roads around his beloved Virginia estate, Monticello.

Jefferson had another six weeks of headaches after arriving in Paris as President Washington's minister to France in 1784, taking over for Benjamin Franklin. Some attributed his headaches to the stress of his role; others thought they were associated with romance. The 45-year-old widower had fallen in love with Maria Cosway, 27, an English-Italian artist and musician/composer. Jefferson learned that Cosway was married, and she suddenly returned to London at her husband's insistence. Jefferson's headaches worsened, but the couple maintained their correspondence throughout his terms as secretary of state, vice president and president, until his death in 1826.

Back in America to serve as Washington's secretary of state starting in 1790, Jefferson suffered from repeated headaches, presumably brought on by the many stresses of creating a new nation.

Jefferson was among those who favored states' rights and a limited role for the new federal government. Federalists, including Treasury Secretary Alexander Hamilton, wanted to have the federal government assume the states' war debts  something that Jefferson, James Madison and other "Republicans" feared would lead the nation in the wrong direction. The Compromise of 1790 granted Hamilton's debt proposal, while moving the nation's capitol south from Philadelphia, as Jefferson and Hamilton wanted, to the shores of the Potomac River.

But Jefferson continued to be alarmed by the political rivalries he saw forming between Federalists and Republicans. In May 1792, Jefferson urged Washington to run for reelection, seeing him as the best hope for unifying the factions.

In December 1793, Jefferson infuriated Washington when he resigned his Cabinet position and returned to Monticello, saying he wanted to resume private life. But his political life and his headaches were far from over.

Jefferson ran for the presidency in 1796, narrowly losing the electoral college vote to Federalist John Adams. Due to a mistake in voting for Adams' running mate, Jefferson became his rival's vice president.

At his own inauguration as president in 1801  after a bitterly contested election  Jefferson again called for unity.

"We have been called by different names brethren of the same principle. We are all Republicans, we are all Federalists," he said.

Solution

The source of Jefferson's headaches has long been a source of debate for physicians and historians, who have alternately proposed that they were migraines, tension headaches or even cluster headaches. One medical historian concluded he suffered from a form of cluster headaches with a tension component, as the solace of horseback riding offered relief for this pain, as well as for depression and even dysentery.

Retiring from public life also seems to have helped. At age 75 Jefferson wrote: "A periodical headache has afflicted me occasionally, once perhaps in six to eight years for two to three weeks at a time, which seems now to have left me."

Cluster headaches are a series of frequent, short, extremely painful headaches occurring daily for weeks to months. In some patients, they may occur seasonally, and may be associated with allergies or even cyclical business stress.

Age of onset usually is under 30, they occur in men more than women, and they are thought to originate in a deep part of the brain such as the hypothalamus. Among other functions, this region serves as the body's "internal biological clock," controlling sleep and wake cycles. The pain impulses travel via the trigeminal nerve to the face on either the left or right side.

Contemporaries found Jefferson difficult to know, borne out by letters and notes, a man alternately strong and frail, convivial and reclusive, extraordinary and ordinary with a disappointing romantic life. Headaches may have been a somatic complaint in a man plagued by emotional crises and uncertainties suffering from periodic bouts of dejection and despair.

However, they did not shorten his life.

In June 1826, at age 83, Jefferson was confined to bed. He fell into a coma on July 2, 1826. On July 3 he awakened and asked, "Is it the fourth?" He died 50 minutes into the next day, July 4, 1826, the 50th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence.

Allan B. Schwartz, M.D., is a professor of medicine in the Division of Nephrology & Hypertension at Drexel University College of Medicine.
Jennifer Woods looked stunned when she peered into the oven.

There were two cookie trays filled with marijuana buds that were browning ever so slowly.

"Wait, how do you know which one is mine?" she nervously asked the instructor, Brian Valay.

"The one on top," he replied, smiling.

Woods' moment of concern was understandable -- medical marijuana in New Jersey costs $400 to $500 an ounce, depending on the strain and the various discounts the state's five dispensaries offer.

Woods, 44, who lives in Point Pleasant, near the Jersey Shore, was among the eight licensed marijuana patients who attended a novel cannabis cooking class Saturday at the New Jersey Alternative Medicine clinic in Turnersville.

Each brought a plastic baggie containing one-eighth or one-fourth of an ounce of cannabis buds that, voila, would be converted into infused butter and then into extra-special muffins or cookies if all went well. One-eighth of an ounce would yield eight chocolate chip or oatmeal cookies.

The students ranged in age from 43 to 77 and their occupations included construction contractor, retired farmer, hospital worker. They suffer from such ailments as severe spinal problems, post-traumatic stress syndrome, Ehlers-Danlos syndrome, and chronic pain.

"I take marijuana by smoking it or using the lozenges, but I plan to start cooking with it so that I can avoid getting smoke into my lungs," said Craig Johnson, 69, a Lawnside resident. Before he retired he was a custodian for the Haddonfield School District. He has intractable muscular skeletal spasticity.

The lozenges, Johnson said, have produced inconsistent results.

Cannabi Kitchen, a business owned by Vanessa Amador, held the cooking class at the Gloucester County clinic where Andrew Medvedovsky, a neurologist who specializes in pain management, writes marijuana recommendations for qualified patients. The four-hour class was $50 and was limited to patients with a New Jersey marijuana license.

Soon after the patients arrived, the small office was abuzz as they eagerly shared stories about which strains worked best and how they cope. They quickly bonded and exchanged contact numbers.

Though each had a different ailment, it was clear they were in this together. They wanted to learn as much as possible so that they could make the best darn cookies they could to relieve their pain and make their expensive medicine stretch.

Six of the eight students didn't want their last names used because of the social stigma they believe is still attached to marijuana use. In February, a Quinnipiac poll found 93 percent of Americans are in favor of medical marijuana, while 59 percent support full legalization, but that didn't give them comfort.

Some of the students have businesses and worry about losing customers. They said some customers don't understand even though they got approval from doctors to use marijuana and they selected strains that don't affect their work performance.

Others said they just aren't ready to publicly admit they are medical-marijuana patients.

Woods said she was willing to disclose she is a patient because she is convinced the marijuana is working and is better than the 60 surgeries and medications she was prescribed for complex regional pain syndrome. She brought to the class a baggie with AC-DC strain, which she said eases pain without delivering a high.

Woods said she enrolled in the class because she is still experimenting and searching for the most effective way to use medical marijuana.

Eleanor, 77, of Hainesport, said she decided to take the class because her previous attempts to bake cannabis cookies at home failed to deliver adequate pain relief. "I kept trying, but I was wasting it," she said. She has spinal problems, including stenosis.

Valay suggested she try using less butter with her marijuana. He provided the ratio and she wrote it down.

Valay, 35, of Washington Township, previously worked for the Compassionate Sciences dispensary in Bellmawr, where part of his job was to give cooking demonstrations. Dispensaries are tightly regulated, and a hands-on class was not permitted.

On a recent tour of several dispensaries in Colorado, Valay learned how to cook cannabis chicken from a chef. "Everyone thinks of brownies and cookies, but you can make real food with cannabis," he said.

The cooking method he teaches produces cannabis cookies that don't have a strong taste or smell, he said. "We won't be making space cakes to go to the moon. But you will know it's working and you won't feel totally spaced out," he told the students.

Valay advised the students to eat only a small amount the first time and to gradually increase it after seeing how well they tolerate it. "There are many variables, including metabolism, body-mass index," he said.

Like many states with medical-marijuana programs, New Jersey allows dispensaries to sell edibles. But the state Health Department has rejected the dispensaries' applications for approval of an edible product.

During the class, Valay taught the students how to heat the marijuana in the oven to activate it, how to crumble it into fine pieces to mix into melted butter, and how to strain it through a cheesecloth. The canna-butter would then be the special ingredient added to a cookie or muffin mix to produce cannabis sweets.

The students enthusiastically scribbled notes, asked questions, and followed instructions, stirring their strains  Blue Dream, Wappa, Lavender, and Very Berry  into their pots of butter.

But the class wasn't just academic.

"Who is going to fight me to lick the spoon?" Woods asked in jest after mixing her cannabis into the butter. Everyone laughed.
The Tokay Gecko and Rhino horn were to be smuggled from India to China through Bhutan.

By Tanseem Haider: The Sashastra Seema Bal (SSB) on Sunday apprehended two persons for illegal smuggling of Rhino horn, Tokay gecko and Reindeer horn from India to China.

After receiving specific information on June 3, the SSB Simlabari, under FTR Siliguri, seized one Rhino horn weighing 145gms worth Rs 4,640000 approcimately, four Tokay Gecko worth Rs 30,000,000 approximately and one Reindeer horn worth Rs 51,666 approximately.

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The total value of seized items is Rs 3,51,56666. The apprehended persons Dhiren Barman and Dhalu Barman were handed over to Jaldapara south, forest office Alipurdwar.

Along with the regular duty of guarding the borders, the SSB plays an important role in protecting the floura and fauna. Smuggling of forest produce and wildlife is a major crime which comes under the responsibilities of the SSB.

These Tokay Gecko and Rhino horn were to be smuggled from India to China through Bhutan. These are used for preparing medicines in China.

Tokay and Rhino are found in Jaldapara forest and Buxa Tiger reserve and are smuggled through the route of Alipurdwar, West Bengal to Bhutan. From Bhutan they are sent to China.

During preliminary interrogation, it was revealed by apprehended persons that they usually get Rs 5-20 lakhs per Tokay, as per weight and size. However, valuation of Tokay and Rhino as calculated by forest officials according to international market rate is Rs 3,51,56,666.

The SSB is mandated to guard 1751 kms long Indo-Nepal and 699 kms long Indo-Bhutan international borders, which also involves prevention of smuggling along the border areas including the smuggling of forest produce and wildlife. Besides this, the SSB is also mandated to check the cross border crime.

The SSB had earlier made seizures of Tokay Gecko and seized two jars of snake venom in the May 2017. The value of these seizures was evaluated at Rs 70 crores.

Also read: Last eligible bachelor: Looking for mate, this Kenyan white rhino joins dating app Tinder

Also Watch: Zoo burns rhino horns worth Rs 7 crore to raise awareness about the endangered species

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Valentino F. "Val" DiGiorgio III has had quite a year. He was running for chairman of the Pennsylvania Republican Party at the same time Donald Trump was running for president last year. DiGiorgio, an attorney at a Center City law firm, won the post in a hotly contested election in February. Four months into the job, we spoke with him last week about the last year and the coming challenges for his party.

When did you first see President Trump's Pennsylvania victory coming?

"As I started to travel the state for my campaign for state chairman I saw two states  Southeastern Pennsylvania where then-candidate Trump was trailing by 15 to 20 points, and the rest of the state, where the state chairman and activists were saying they'd never seen anything like this. I think by the summer I had decided he could win Pennsylvania."

You were chairman of the Republican Party in Chester County, where Trump did not win in November. Did that affect your campaign to be state chairman?

"It affected it. The folks running against me made a caricature of me as some corrupt Republican-in-name-only politician who was a 'Never-Trumper.' Now I was with [U.S. Sen. Marco] Rubio early on. But once Rubio was out I was for Trump. And they played that up. And in trying to play that up they tried to paint the narrative that I somehow didn't work for Trump in Chester County. Nothing could be further from the truth."

How do you see the Republican primary for the nomination to challenge Gov. Wolf, a Democrat seeking a second term, shaping up for 2018?

"He went from the nation's most liberal governor, according to the Huffington Post, by proposing the largest tax increase in Pennsylvania history, to the most angry governor, when he shut down the government last year and caused school districts and social services agencies to suffer, to this year as the most ineffective governor."

The Philadelphia GOP has a new chairman. Do you think the party can be competitive in the city, where Democrats hold a 7-1 voter registration advantage?

I think this DA's race is a gift from heaven for us, it's manna from heaven just to show just how far left they've gone. We can point that out to Philadelphia voters, to the extent that you care about being able to walk down the street. You know white voters have concerns about what's happening in black neighborhoods too. We have a chance to get, not just white voters, but black voters who care about their neighborhoods to vote Republican in the DA's race. You have in the DA candidate [Democratic nominee Larry Krasner] not just a defense attorney who has never prosecuted a case, you have an extremist, anti-cop extremist who has said that he is not going to take the word of cops, who is going to do away with cash bail, who has represented anti-cop organizations like Black Lives Matter."

Philadelphia Fraternal Order of Police President John McNesby, who had been critical of Krasner, met with him last Wednesday and they seemed to get along very well.

"I'll let McNesby speak for himself, but I can't foresee any circumstances where the FOP endorses an anti-police, anti-law enforcement DA. I would bet my house the FOP is not going to endorse this guy."

Your wife [Carolina Cabrera DiGiorgio] was recently embroiled in a controversy for attending a rally held by Trump, where you were the emcee. Some activists demanded that she resign as CEO of Congreso de Latinos Unidos, a social services agency serving Latinos in Philadelphia. When did you realize this would be a problem?

"I don't think we had any idea it would turn out to be what it has become. The narrow-mindedness and nastiness of the left just never ceases to amaze me. You could go into a neighborhood, raise money for that neighborhood, give up your law practice to work for that organization, and because you appear at the rally of someone they don't agree with politically, they're going to call for your resignation. It just shows how far the country has come and how petty the Democratic Party has become."

How do you resolve that kind of partisan division in the country?

"I don't know. I struggle with this as a party leader, as someone who on one hand has to rally the base and be a partisan leader and on the other hand is conscious of the fact that the country is so divided. Do I want to add to that divide? I don't have an answer to that as a party leader."

Will state House Speaker Mike Turzai become the third candidate in the 2017 Republican primary for governor?

"We're going to have three. Turzai is in."

There is some skepticism that Turzai will ultimately enter the race.

"I've said that to him and he said he plans to run. He has to get past the [state] budget [due June 30].

You have two millionaire candidates  State Sen. Scott Wagner and businessman Paul Mango  who can self-fund. How do you navigate the primary so they don't inflict enough wounds on each other that the winner enters the general election weakened?

"I think as the party leader you have to call in the party chairs and state committee members and the donors and have them insist that this stay as friendly as possible. If they choose to go into a nasty battle, that's their decision. But you try to be the voice of reason and bring everyone together the best you can."

Next year's midterm elections could be an opportunity for Democrats, especially if Trump's agenda remains stymied and the investigation into Russian meddling in the 2016 election and potential collusion by Trump's campaign is still going on. You call the Russian stories a "made-up" scandal. Why?

"The Democrats are doing a good job on what they set out to at 10:30 on the night of the election, which was to form the resistance."

All 17 U.S. intelligence agencies concur that the Russians interfered in the election.

"They're investigating the president based on a hunch that they'd like to be true. . . . You can't just say there's collusion. You have to have some evidence of it. This isn't Watergate, where we knew there was a crime and they worked backwards from there, a crime that Americans were involved in."

But we know there was a crime  the Democratic National Committee and Hillary Clinton's campaign were hacked for information that was released to damage them.

"We don't know there was a crime. We knew that people involved with [President Richard] Nixon committed a crime against the Democratic Party [in the Watergate scandal]. You're investigating the president and his allies before you have a scintilla of evidence that they were involved in it. Just rumor and innuendo."
A trailblazer and advocate for change, Ahmeenah Young was a first of her kind who made sure she wouldn't be the last.

"She was a great role model and opened a lot of doors for others like myself," said Julie Coker Graham, president and chief executive of the Philadelphia Convention and Visitors Bureau.

"She always had a deep and abiding affection for those who are the 'least of us,' and carried that throughout her life," said longtime friend Sylvia Wright.

"Ahmeenah was a true citizen/pioneer," declared Congressman Dwight Evans. "She loved the city of Philadelphia, fought the battle for change and in my view will go down as one of the greatest citizens for the sake of this city. I called her the Harriet Tubman of the hospitality industry."

On Friday, this ever "positive, vivacious, fastidious" personality died at her West Mount Airy home, just three weeks shy of what would have been her 70th birthday. The cause was cancer, said another longtime friend, Frances Jones, "though she was cheery and upbeat almost to the last day. She'd been having treatments for a year. It caught us all by surprise."

A lifelong Philadelphian, Ms.Young's trailblazing was most visible as the first African American and first female president and chief executive officer of the Convention Center  a job she held from September 2008 through December 2013 "when the board" (of the Pennsylvania Convention Center Authority) "decided to go to private management, and trouper that she was, Ahmeenah executed a perfect transition," said her predecessor in the CEO job, Al Mezzaroba.

But her impact on the Convention Center spans its existence, said Gregory Fox, chairman of the PCCA, from the late 1980s, when Ms. Young directed the center's affirmative-action team.

That was the first of several important jobs she held there, with some time off spent working as a headhunter  specializing in executive hospitality placements  and as general manager of the Independence Visitors Center Corp.

Promoted to president/CEO during the building of the Convention Center's $787 million expansion, Ms. Young made it her mission to ensure that women, minorities, disadvantaged, and small-business owners received almost one-third of the project's contracts. "While others called it a minority participation program, she preferred to call it a small-business program," said Mezzaroba. "She wanted to take small disadvantaged businesses and bring them up to an even playing field so they could bid on the big projects, not just as subcontractors. And she saw through the large companies that tried to get the contracts with just one minority owner on the books."

Ms. Young also stood up, noted Evans, to unions that didn't play fair and promoted featherbedding in the center. "I'd argue the changes you see today, she set the tone."

Born in South Philadelphia, educated at Maria Goretti High School and Temple University, where she majored in psychology, Ms. Young was a lifelong social activist, said Wright, a friend for 40 years. "Just out of college, Ahmeenah started working for the American Friends Service Committee, organizing workers, helping to elevate women, people of color. Later, she worked for the Mental Health Consortium in West Philadelphia, before going to work for the Convention Center. She was certainly steeped in the Convention Center culture, served as a great administrator, ambassador, and promoter to bring groups there. But she never lost the passion of social activism, carried that throughout her life."

After retiring from the Convention Center, Ms.Young continued to participate in the center's Expansion Art Project Committee, served on numerous boards, recently joined the Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board, and toured "all over the world" with her close-knit group of female friends, said Wright.

She also devoted time to her two grown children  a daughter, Asiya Young, and a son, Pakeso Young, and their respective sons, Kyumasi Mandela and Ayinde.

Ms. Young maintained spiritual ties to both Triumph Baptist Church and at the Mosque of Shaikh M.R. Bawa Muhaiyadden, 5820 Overbrook Ave., Philadelphia, 19131, where a janazza funeral service will be held Sunday, June 4, at 1 p.m.
Private First Class Walter Frank Piper, who died while a prisoner of war in Korea, will be buried with honors on June 17. Read more

Sherry Bumm grew up knowing very little about her uncle. He died five years before she was born.

Her mother, Lillian Grace Piper  his older sister  died when she was young, and through the years, Bumm, of Magnolia, lost touch with that side of her family. The only photos she ever saw of her Uncle Walter were from when he was a child.

"I just knew that he had been in the Korean War and died in the war," she said. "What I didn't know was that he was a prisoner of war and died as a prisoner of war."

Army Pvt. First Class Walter Piper died on June 18, 1951, of wounds received during the Battle of Hoengsong about four months earlier, according to Korean War Project Remembrance. His remains were not recovered until 1990 and not identified until April.

On June 17, he will be buried with full military honors at the Gloucester County Veterans Memorial Cemetery in Williamstown. A visitation will be held at the Farnelli Funeral Home, 504 N. Main St., Williamstown, at 9:30 a.m. followed by a service at 11, according to his obituary.

Piper was born in Philadelphia in 1930 to Charles and Alice Piper. He and his siblings, all now deceased, eventually moved to New Jersey, and he graduated from Glassboro High School in 1949.

Bumm said her parents grew up together in South Philadelphia, and moved to New Jersey around the same time.

"The two families were intertwined for a long time," she said.

Piper enlisted in Philadelphia and became a member of Headquarters Company, Third Battalion, 38th Infantry Regiment, Second Infantry Division. He was taken a prisoner of war in South Korea on Feb. 13, 1951.

During the Battle of Hoengsong, the Chinese army inflicted heavy casualties on U.N. troops and captured hundreds or soldiers.

Piper's remains were returned to a military forensics lab in Hawaii in 1990. It wasn't until 1996 that a DNA sample was obtained from his older brother Charles, who died in 2001. Piper's remains were positively identified in April.

Bumm received a call Wednesday from a group that had been searching for Piper's living relatives. Bumm said she is still notifying her family about the burial plans.

"This was all in motion before me," she said. "Everybody has done everything to make sure this is going to be a special burial."

Piper was posthumously awarded the Purple Heart with Oak Leaf Cluster, the Combat Infantryman Badge, the Prisoner of War Medal, the Korean Service Medal, the U.N. Service Medal, the National Defense Service Medal, the Korean Presidential Unit Citation, and the Republic of Korea War Service Medal. His name is inscribed on the Courts of the Missing at the Honolulu Memorial, National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific.

"To have him sitting in a warehouse someplace is kind of sad," Bumm said.

She said it is "very respectful" to have her uncle returned and buried with full honors.

"It is nice to know my family will be part of it," she said. "He was my uncle."
Gerard Vowls, 47, had been watching the Champions League final at the Ship pub in Borough. He was at the start of the south side of London Bridge and saw a woman being stabbed by three men 10 or 15 times.

Guests from the Premier Inn Bankside Hotel are evacuated and kept in a group with police on Upper Thames Street following an attack in central London, Saturday, June 3, 2017. (Photo:AP)

By Press Trust of India: Horrified witnesses of the terror attacks at two central London landmarks today narrated tales of the gruesome events that unfolded when three knife-wielding men mowed down people and launched a stabbing spree when many were out for dinner or drinks in restaurants and pubs.

Bethany Atkin, a journalist, was at Boro Bistro at small restaurant which sits under a small bridge on Borough High Street.

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"We were sitting outside under umbrellas underneath the bridge and there was a shower of rubble that landed on the umbrellas, a van had crashed into the bridge.

"We stood up, everyone was moving, I saw a man who was bleeding. I don?t know how he was injured. We ran into the restaurant and tried to find a safe place but there wasn't one," Atkin, who works for the Guardian newspaper, said.

Running back outside, Atkin said he saw another casualty.

"We saw a woman with blood, about 20 metres from the bridge. I saw her lying down on the floor."

A witness called Mark told the BBC Radio 5 Live programme he saw a van hit a group of people on the bridge.

HORRIFIC SITE

"It knocked a person about 20ft in the air. Within my line of sight there must have been about five or six people on the ground. They looked either dead or dying," he said.

Police boats were searching the Thames River ? apparently looking for people who may have been thrown off the bridge.

BBC reporter Holly Jones, who was on the bridge at the time of the attack, said a van driven by a man was "probably travelling at about 80km an hour" before it hit a number of people.

"He swerved right round me and then hit about five or six people. He hit about two people in front of me and then three behind," she said.

"I would say there are about four severely injured people. They all have paramedics assisting them at the moment."

Speaking to the Press Association, Will Orton described being in a pub in the area and seeing people coming running inside.

"We didnt really know what was going on. We thought maybe there was a fight or something outside. And then there were almost hundreds of people coming inside," he said.

"The bouncers did a really good job, they shut the doors and locked everyone in. There was panic - it seemed like it was literally outside the door. People were coming inside and saying they had witnessed people being stabbed."

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Alex Shellum told Fairfax Media that he was at the Mudlark pub underneath London Bridge at about 10 pm when a woman entered bleeding from the neck.

"At around 10:00 pm an injured woman came into the pub seeking assistance. It appeared that her throat had been cut."

Another witness in the Mudlark, 54-year-old Jeff Whitsey, said the woman, in her 20s, staggered into the pub, aided by her friends. She was clearly seriously injured.

"It was a very deep cut. There was blood everywhere... blood was spurting out. It was awful. Absolutely awful."

Gerard Vowls, 47, had been watching the Champions League final at the Ship pub in Borough. He was at the start of the south side of London Bridge and saw a woman being stabbed by three men 10 or 15 times.

"She was going, Help me, help me and I couldnt do nothing," he said. "I want to know if this girl is still alive. Ive been walking around for an hour and a half crying my eyes out. I don?t know what to do."

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Vowls said he was throwing chairs, glasses and bottles at the attackers in a bid to stop them.

MEN BRANDISHED KNIVES

Men brandishing knives reportedly jumped from a van that crashed near Brindisa restaurant and began stabbing people.

"They literally just started kicking them, punching them, they took out knives. It was a rampage really," one man told the BBC. The group of attackers headed towards Southwark Cathedral.

"Throughout the whole way across the bridge, there were people littered across bleeding. People were trying to help each other," the witness said.

Owen Evans, 39, was in The Wheatsheaf pub nearby on Stoney Street, with friends when shooting broke out.

"I was in the back of the pub. A wave of about 30 people ran in and tried to get into the cellar or cupboard. Then there were shots outside. They didnt seem real ? like a kid letting off firecrackers. We saw police lights and everyone got down under a table. People turned tables over," he said.

The attack comes almost two weeks after 22 people died in a suicide bombing at a concert in Manchester. In March, five people died in London when a car was driven at pedestrians on Westminster Bridge and a police officer was stabbed outside Parliament.

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READ | How UK and world leaders reacted to news of the attacks

READ | If you're an Indian citizen and need help after the London attack, read this

READ | US singer Ariana Grande pays visit to victims of Manchester terror attack

WATCH | London terror siege: Speeding van rams pedestrians, multiple stabbing reported in Borough Market

--- ENDS ---
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NBC News refused to report on a retweet from Donald Trump of a Drudge story because it contains unconfirmed information.

Donald Trump retweeted:

Fears of new terror attack after van 'mows down 20 people' on London Bridge  DRUDGE REPORT (@DRUDGE_REPORT) June 3, 2017

Trump then tweeted a plea for his travel ban as a tool to fight terrorism:

We need to be smart, vigilant and tough. We need the courts to give us back our rights. We need the Travel Ban as an extra level of safety!  Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) June 3, 2017

NBC News refused to report on Trumps tweet because the information was not confirmed:

Pres. Trump has used Twitter to share news report on London incident. We aren't relaying president's retweet, as the info is unconfirmed.  NBC Nightly News (@NBCNightlyNews) June 3, 2017

The White House has at the time of publication not released an official statement on the London Bridge incidents, but Trumps retweet of Drudge was irresponsible because the President Of The United States should not be tweeting unconfirmed information.

This is what the presidency has come to.

The press cant report on what Trump tweets, because the accuracy of the information cant be trusted.

Trump has so little credibility that the media isnt trusting his retweets and tweets.

UPDATE: NBC NEWS reported on Trumps tweets apparently because they are the only White House reaction, a few hours after they were posted. This confirms that NBC refused to run Trumps tweets before the info was independently confirmed.
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Donald Trump gave the US a peek into how he would handle a terrorist attack by responding to the London Bridge attack with a demand for his Muslim ban before he knew who carried out the London attack.

Trump tweeted:

We need to be smart, vigilant and tough. We need the courts to give us back our rights. We need the Travel Ban as an extra level of safety!  Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) June 3, 2017

The President Of The United States doesnt know who carried out the attack that began at London Bridge, but he assumed it was Muslims and argued for his Muslim ban. Trumps tweet demonstrates why the White House has consistently lost the argument that their travel ban is not a Muslim ban. Trump also assumed that the attackers were foreign Muslims and not domestic terrorists. Trump ban would do nothing to prevent homegrown terrorism.

If or when an attack happens in the United States, this is the kind of reaction that people can expect from Donald Trump. Trump made an assumption without information that is likely to be proven false on some level, but he is so eager to discriminate against Muslims that he doesnt care one bit about the facts.

America is not safe with Trump as president.
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The ACLU pounced after Trump screwed up and destroyed his own administrations argument that the Muslim ban is not a ban.

Trump tweeted:

We need to be smart, vigilant and tough. We need the courts to give us back our rights. We need the Travel Ban as an extra level of safety!  Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) June 3, 2017

The ACLU tweeted after Trump admitted that his executive order is a ban:

Glad we both agree the ban is a ban. https://t.co/p1qXkffyIL  ACLU National (@ACLU) June 4, 2017

Here is how badly Trump screwed up. Last Sunday, his own Homeland Security Secretary went on national television and argued that there was no travel ban, The fact is that in those countries, we have very little ability to actually verify, vet the people that are coming out of those countries. So, what the president and its not a travel ban, remember. Its the travel pause. What the president said, for 90 days, we were going to pause in terms of people from those countries coming to the United States that would give me time to look at additional vetting to see 

Trump has once again been allowed to tweet without adult supervision, and the outcome is that he destroyed his administrations legal argument with a tweet that will definitely be used against him if the Supreme Court ever hears the full case on the constitutionality of Trumps executive order.

Because he was allowed to tweet without adult supervision, Trump may have destroyed his Muslim ban.
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Acting US Ambassador to the UK Lew Lukens broke with Trump and made a fool out of the President by praising the London mayor that Trump had criticized earlier in the day.

Lukens tweeted:

It is with a heavy heart I offer my condolences and support to the people of the United Kingdom. America grieves with you.  LLukens 1/3  U.S. Embassy London (@USAinUK) June 4, 2017

The response from emergency services, law enforcement & officials in Ldnas well as ordinary Londonershas been extraordinary.  LLukens 2/3  U.S. Embassy London (@USAinUK) June 4, 2017

I commend the strong leadership of the @MayorofLondon as he leads the city forward after this heinous attack.  LLukens 3/3 https://t.co/p4dDZuCpyO  U.S. Embassy London (@USAinUK) June 4, 2017

What the Ambassador tweeted was the sort dignified statement of support that should have come from the President Of The United States.

Instead, we got this:

At least 7 dead and 48 wounded in terror attack and Mayor of London says there is "no reason to be alarmed!"  Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) June 4, 2017

4

Do you notice we are not having a gun debate right now? That's because they used knives and a truck!  Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) June 4, 2017

Lukens showed the world that Donald Trump might be president, for now, but American values arent dead. Every time a civil servant does the right thing, it serves to remind America that a small minded fool is currently occupying the White House.
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Trump keeps finding new ways to make himself less popular. His latest move of with withdrawing the US from the Paris Climate Accord has sent his approval rating tumbling to a new low of 36%.

According to the Gallup Daily Tracking poll, Trumps approval is 36% and his disapproval is 58%:

Trumps approval rating has dropped six points in the last six days from 41%-36%, while his disapproval rating has grown by five points from 53% to 58%. It is not a coincidence that the Presidents approval rating started to plunge as soon as he returned home from his first overseas trip.

The Presidents numbers have been on a steady decline since he announced the withdrawal of the US from the Paris Climate Accord on Thursday. The American people arent buying the White Houses excuse that the deal was bad for the US economically, and viscerally, they dont like the idea of the US withdrawing from the rest of the world and not leading.

Trumps approval rating has reached the red zone where it is clear that he is losing some Republicans and Independents who voted for him.

With the unpopular health care bill following him around like a shadow and the Russia scandal acting as his constant companion, the last thing this president needed was an unpopular agenda, but thats exactly what hes got.

Climate change may not be the most important issue on the priority list of voters, but that doesnt mean that they want to see the US break from the rest of the world and lead from behind.

An overwhelming majority of Americans are rejecting the presidency of Donald Trump.
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Hillary Clinton showed the real what the leader of the free world is supposed to sound like as she blew Donald Trumps tweets away with a dignified message of support to the people of London.

Clinton tweeted:

After acts of unspeakable cruelty & cowardice, the people of London & the UK choose resolve over fear. Your friends in the US stand w/ you. https://t.co/ZUkeTG4qoh  Hillary Clinton (@HillaryClinton) June 4, 2017

Clinton was correct. The people of London and the UK should ignore the ramblings of the present occupant of the White House because the American people will never try to use your battle against terror for their own personal gain. The real America that gives Donald Trump a 36% approval rating will stand with you.

In case the American people have forgotten, Clintons tweet is what a real leader with deep compassion and actual knowledge of the issues sounds like. Hillary Clintons message was what the American people should demand out of their president at a time of global crisis. Clintons message was what a real president is supposed to say to US allies.

Every voter in America should burn this contrast into their memories and keep it in mind when they step into the voting booth in 2018 and 2020.
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President Trumps attempts to show off his national security prowess by trolling our allies after a terrorist attack backfired big league Sunday morning, prompting journalists to point out that Trump is not prepared for a disaster.

Amid Trump tweets, notable there is no FBI Director; no US Ambassador to London; and the State Department is missing leaders at all levels, Robert Moore, an ITV News Washington correspondent, noted.

Amid Trump tweets, notable there is no FBI Director; no US Ambassador to London; and the State Department is missing leaders at all levels.  Robert Moore (@robertmooreitv) June 4, 2017

After the firing of former FBI Director James Comey, the Acting Director of the FBI is Andrew G. McCabe, who is the Deputy Director of the FBI. Trump nominated billionaire New York Jets owner Woody Johnson as the Ambassador to Britain, but he has yet to be confirmed. Johnson, a top Republican donor, is also a Johnson & Johnson heir.

The State Department is facing an assault from all sides, from being ignored by Trump to defunding and a Bannon-led destruction of the administrative state.

The Atlantic reported:

With the State Department demonstratively shut out of meetings with foreign leaders, key State posts left unfilled, and the White House not soliciting many department staffers for their policy advice, there is little left to do. If I left before 10 p.m., that was a good day, said the State staffer of the old days, which used to start at 6:30 in the morning. Now, I come in at 9, 9:15, and leave by 5:30. The seeming hostility from the White House, the decades of American foreign-policy tradition being turned on its head, and the days of listlessness are taking a toll on people who are used to channeling their ambition and idealism into the detail-oriented, highly regimented busywork that greases the infinite wheels of a massive bureaucracy. Without it, anxiety has spiked. People arent sleeping well. Over a long impromptu lunch one afternoonI can meet tomorrow or today, whenever! Do you want to meet right now?the staffer told me she too has trouble sleeping now, kept awake by her worries about her job and Americas fading role in the world.

Vera Bergengruen, a national correspondent covering national security for McClatchy DC added:

Trump has filled 5 out of 53 top jobs at the Pentagon, and 2 out of 16 at the Department of Homeland Security. https://t.co/u1hJL4o55J  Vera Bergengruen (@VeraMBergen) June 4, 2017

Trump used the terrorist attack to hit the first Muslim mayor of a major western capital and generally troll the world as he posed as a national security expert, writing, We must stop being politically correct and get down to the business of security for our people. If we dont get smart it will only get worse.

No one is stopping Donald Trump from getting down the security for our people but Donald Trump. His travel ban is nonsense, and wont do anything to protect Americans. In fact, experts argue that it would make us less safe and endanger our troops. President Trumps executive order curtailing immigration could do long-term damage to the United States national security and foreign policy interests, endangering troops and intelligence agents and disrupting efforts to prevent terror attacks, 10 former senior U.S. diplomats and security officials asserted Monday in a court document.

What might help is actually having a functioning government, competent people in place who were given the resources to do their jobs, and some basic understanding of the function and purpose of government.

Instead, Donald Trump, the Leaker-in-Chief who gave the Russians highly classified details from an ally about an ISIS plot while they were in the Oval office visiting with him, the man who fired the FBI Director who was investigating Trump for possible collusion with Russia, is posing as the Big Man who can Fix This.

Id love to be able to tell you that while I dont agree with Donald Trump on many things, he is competent. But he is not. Worse yet, incompetent leaders prone to breeding chaos and in-fighting do not usually appoint people for their skills. They pick people who wont show them up, people who will worship them first and foremost. So the incompetence trickles down, hard and fast.

Theres no one at the helm of our country.
Charleston, SC (29403)

Today

Thunderstorms likely. Potential for heavy rainfall. High 74F. Winds E at 15 to 25 mph. Chance of rain 100%..

Tonight

Tropical storm conditions possible. Thunderstorms. Low 71F. Winds SE at 15 to 25 mph. Chance of rain 100%.
David Slade is a senior Post and Courier reporter. His work has been honored nationally by Society of Professional Journalists, American Society of Newspaper Editors, Scripps foundation and others. Reach him at 843-937-5552 or dslade@postandcourier.com
Blackbaud Inc.'s finance chief said the Daniel Island tech stalwart is aiming to slash its overhead expenses by as much as $50 million. One factor: the software industry's obscure "Rule of 40." Read moreCharleston's 2 biggest tech firms surprise investors, 1 more than the other
Jarrell Kwabbie Boyan, 29, had worked with the department for over five years in October 2016, when he and two lower-ranking officers restrained an inmate and removed him from his cell, where the inmate had broken a lightbulb, according to federal court records.
Boaters enjoy a day on Lake Murray. Last year, South Carolina had 23 boating fatalities, its most since 2013, according to a U.S. Coast Guard report, a number the state is on pace to match this year. File/Free Times
South Carolina's coastal counties are under a tropical storm warning as coastal flooding and damaging winds are possible through Nov. 11, according to the National Weather Service's Charleston office. Read moreSC coast begins to feel effects of Tropical Storm Nicole after landfall in Florida
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


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  ,        , -     28         .
The run up to the elections prompted all candidates to unveil corruption in their senior ranks, giving rise to increased demands from the people of Iran. Protests and demonstrations were seen in more than 30 cities and towns across Iran.

In an article by Shahriar Kia for The American Thinker, he says this was followed by the bankruptcy of two state-run financial firms, Caspian and Arman.

Additionally, a new international coalition is shaping and targeting Tehrans interests. The Arab-Islamic-American alliance, includes 55 States, but excludes Iran.

As well, the victory of Iranian opposition Peoples Mojahedin Organization of Iran (PMOI/MEK), in transferring all its members from Iraq to a number of European countries, shows that it has become ever more powerful. Their vast network of supporters inside Iran were able to significantly influence the recent elections and place the regime in a quagmire like never before.

In Paris, on July 1st, the annual major rally held by supporters of the National Council of Resistance of Iran (NCRI), the political umbrella group of Iranian dissidents, including the PMOI/MEK is expected to be attended by more than 100,000 people based on attendance of last years rally. Policymakers and influential figures from across the globe will gather to provide a concrete plan to establish freedom and democracy in Iran, and peace and stability in the Middle East.

US President Trump strongly condemned Iran during his trip to the region for its support for terrorism, destructive role across the Middle East, and meddling in Syria, Iraq, and Yemen.

Kia writes, Tehran is most specifically concerned with world leaders denouncing Irans human rights violations and acknowledging how the Iranian people are the main victims of the mullahs atrocities. He adds, Despite the heavy blows and new sanctions against Tehran, Khamenei has chosen to remain completely silent.

The Trump administration imposed sanctions on several Iranian companies, which sends an important message. Sanctions have now encompassed not only ballistic missiles, but also human rights, and designation of the Revolutionary Guards (IRGC) as a foreign terrorist organization is now under consideration.

Fars news agency described a new U.S. Senate bill as an effort to bring Europe aboard in nuclear sanctions.

Naseem Online cited a UN report, Foreign investment in Iran during the past four years has halved during the past four years, lowering from $4.6 billion to $2.05 billion.

Kia writes, The Arabs, as the flagbearers of implementing U.S. sanctions, have launched the domino of freezing Irans money abroad. Iranian bank accounts in countries such as Turkey, Oman, and the UAE, especially in Dubai and Abu Dhabi, are being blocked one after another. This can be considered the prelude to comprehensive sanctions on Irans banking network.

Irans power structure is controlled by the Supreme Leader, so Rouhani is unable to carry out any measures without Khameneis approval, so change emanating from within Iran is unlikely. This was evident in Rouhanis first term.

They want to change our behavior, but changing it means changing our regime, Khamenei said recently.

Rouhani recently stated that Tehran would continue its ballistic missile program.  US officials should know whenever we need to technically test a missile, we will do so and will not wait for their permission, he said in a news conference.

The construction of a third underground ballistic missile production factory and continued development of its missile program was reported recently by the Iranian regime. The report came during the week of Trumps foreign visit, where he described Iran as a supporter of militia groups and a threat to all Middle East countries.

Kia writes, Rouhani is an utterly ruthless operator, who had presided since 2013 over a collapsing economy and what Amnesty International called a staggering execution spree, murdering and imprisoning so many dissidents that Iran has per capita the highest execution rate in the world, according to Christopher Booker in a recent Telegraph article.

Only regime change will bring about what the Iranian people desire and deserve, according to the National Council of Resistance of Iran (NCRI) and their president-elect Maryam Rajavis ten-point plan, which calls for a free and democratic Iran where equal opportunities are provided to all citizens regardless of gender, ethnicity, and religion. During Irans presidential campaign, Iranians showed their support for Rajavis plan by putting up posters reading Maryam Rajavi is our president.
In the aftermath of another turbulent election season, maybe its time for politicians, regulatory agencies and the media to return to something that feels almost quaint: the truth. During World War II, the Superman radio show writers coined the phrase Truth, Justice and the American Way. Read moreCommentary: Now that we're finally past Election Day, let's get back to truth and honesty
The city of Charleston has an amazing opportunity to have a new urban park right in the heart of downtown, on Dominion Energys site between Meeting and King streets, roughly between the City Market and the Four Corners of Law. City leaders and others in the community should seize this chanc Read moreEditorial: Charleston should seize on this unique chance for a new urban park
The details are even murkier than usual, but multiple terrorist attacks, apparently coordinated, killed at least seven people in London tonight. Five or more Muslims apparently collaborated in the attacks, which employed a vehicle that ran down pedestrians on London Bridge as well as knives and possibly one or more firearms. With Britains election scheduled for June 8 and Labour supposedly closing rapidly, the attacks, along with the recent mass murder in Manchester, could impact the election significantly.

It is hard to imagine that anyone concerned about Islamic terrorismand in Britain, how could you not be?would vote to make Jeremy Corbyn the prime minister. In an unfortunate bit of timing, it came to light yesterday that one of Corbyns key allies, Barbara Ntumy, tweeted in 2014:

one mans Jihadist/Terrorist is another mans Freedom Fighter #JustSaying

Ntumy, a member of the National Union of Students executive committee, introduced Corbyn at a meeting last week where he unveiled his race and faith manifesto. Ntumys repetition of a moron nic liberal cliche isnt likely to win votes with British voters who are already concerned that Corbyns long history of sympathy for the IRA, Hamas and other terrorist groups makes him unfit for office.

UPDATE: As the dust has settled, it turns out that there was a single vehicle/knife attack carried out by three terrorists. Twelve more people have been arrested this morning. Prime Minister Teresa May is vowing to get tough with Muslim extremists, saying Enough is enough.

One policeman is being praised as a hero for taking on all three terrorists, armed only with a baton. He was seriously wounded but fortunately will survive. I havent seen anyone in the U.K. press asking why London still has policemen armed only with batons.
A Chinese multinational telecommunications equipment and systems company, ZTE Corporation, has debunked media reports that it had flouted its expatriate quota limits.

Yawei Yang, Head of Administration of the companys Nigerian subsidiary, ZTE Nigeria Limited, said in Lagos at the weekend that they are committed to investing in the economy despite the recession affecting the telecoms industry.

It is true that our ZTE China staff routinely visit Nigeria on Business Visa as support group for discussions with telecommunication operators to enable us have good business prospects leading to signing of agreement which unfortunately has not been successful since 2014, Ms. Yang said.

It is the practice and this is for most foreign companies operating in Nigeria that those coming for such business discussions come with Business Visas because that is just for short visit and it is allowed under the law.

They only come around when we are having some business discussions and then travel out of Nigeria within a short time. The law is there for all to see.

Ms. Yangs statement came two months after members of organised Labour picketed ZTE Communication office in Lagos over allegations of expatriate quota abuse.

At the picketing, which involved members of the United Labour Congress of Nigeria and Private Telecommunication and Communication Senior Staff Association of Nigeria, the Chinese company was accused of bringing in unskilled Chinese workers and paying them large salaries while they are trained by Nigerians who earn a fraction of their pay.

ZTE Corporation is one of the leading multinational ICT solution and service providers in the world, operating in 160 countries with a total turnover of $15 billion and over 60,000 staff.

Ms. Yang said ZTE Nigeria Limited has always been above board regarding Nigerian laws, including those relating to taxes and pensions.

She, however, regretted that the economic recession has adversely affected the telecommunications sector which, she said, had led to the redundancy of some Nigerian and Chinese staff.

We recognized the current situation in Nigeria but are going to maintain our high standard in terms of service delivery and our commitment to good welfare package for our staff, Ms. Yang said.

We have faith in the resilience of this country and her people and will continue to do pur part to ensuring a return of boom in the Nigerian telecom industry.

Ms. Yang noted that since the Nigerian arm of ZTE Corporation began operations in 2002, it had been involved in government and telecommunication project for operators in the country.

We are among the few telecom companies that allow our staff to unionise, we have generous welfare packages that include trainings and sundry allowances even including mobile phone allowance because of our belief in the development of the local workforce.

We have not outsourced any of our operations outside Nigeria as some telecom firms are currently doing to cut costs, only 17 per cent of our entire workforce are foreigners and we have always operated within the ambit of the Extant Immigration Laws and Regulations of Nigeria 2015 and all other administrative directives.

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When he recently visited Saudi Arabia, Trump called for unity against Tehran and told assembled Arab leaders that, For decades, Iran has fueled the fires of sectarian conflict and terror. He added, Until the Iranian regime is willing to be a partner for peace, all nations of conscience must work together to isolate Iran, deny it funding for terrorism, and pray for the day when the Iranian people have the just and righteous government they deserve.

Trump has assembled a leadership team of active or retired military officials on the National Security Council, of whom The Washington Post says, hold at least 10 of the 25 senior policy and leadership spots on the Council.

The increased military presence on the NSC is a necessary shift for the US to address the recent conflicts in which it finds itself.

Some are concerned about the concentration of military experience and the corresponding reduction in diplomatic staff on the NSC. Most of the military officials draw from their experiences in Iraq in the late 2000s. Colin Kahl, a former Pentagon and White House official says that this may be limit their worldview, and provoke further conflict.

Retired Army colonel and Boston University history professor, Andrew Bacevich, said, It would take a remarkable individual to stand back from those experiences and think critically of them. It would be hard for them to consider that the path they had taken [in the wars] might have been a wrong one.

National-security adviser, Army Lt. Gen. H.R. McMaster, believes Iran was behind attacks on US troops in Iraq. Also viewed at a hawk, is the NSCs senior director for the Middle East, Derek Harvey. The NSC senior director for intelligence, Ezra Cohen-Watnick, has said he wants to use US spies to depose the Iranian government.

Secretary of Defense James Mattis commanded the 1st Marine Division during the 2003 invasion of Iraq. Mattis devised plans for strikes in Iranian territory in retaliation for Iran-backed attacks on US personnel. The Obama administration blocked those plans, but Mattis has since maintained an aggressive stance toward the Iranian regime.

After taking over as chief of US Central Command, in 2010, former President Obama asked Mattis what his priorities were. Iran, Iran, and Iran, Mattis replied.

Mattis called Iran more of a revolutionary movement than a country, according to a New Yorker profile. He has also spoken about what lies ahead for the US in the Middle East. The future is going to be ghastly, he said in 2016. It is not going to be pleasant for any of us.

Under the CIAs new director, an adversary of the Iran deal, Mike Pompeo, the intelligence agency has made moves toward more aggressive spying and covert operations. As well, according to The New York Times, Pompeos leader for the Iran operations, Michael DAndrea, is an experienced intelligence officer known as the Dark Prince or Ayatollah Mike.

Former CIA lawyer, Robert Eatinger, sees DAndreas appointment as step toward a more hardline policy on Iran. He can run a very aggressive program, but very smartly, Eatinger said. DAndrea has gotten much of the credit for US efforts to weaken Al Qaeda.

There are signs the nationalist elements on Trumps domestic-policy team are influencing the foreign-policy decision-making process, which may increase the chance for conflict. However, its also possible that the military figures may moderate the administrations positions and spur more thoughtful consideration of foreign affairs. Mattis has spoken of strong diplomacy as a preventative to war and has said military force can only be successful when it comes as part of a larger political strategy.
Six people have been confirmed killed and over 30 others injured in a terrorist attack in central London that involved a van which mowed through a crowd of pedestrians near London Bridge and a stabbing incident at nearby Borough Market on Saturday night.

The police said three persons they believed to be the attackers were shot dead.

Just after 10 p.m. local time, a white van swerved off the road and mowed down people walking on the bridge. One person is believed to have been killed in the incident.

The attackers soon jumped out of the van and started stabbing people at nearby Borough Market, a popular spot for pub and restaurant goers.

The police soon described the attacks as a terrorist incident and condoned off a large area of central London.

Gunfire could be heard through the street and police carried out controlled explosions.

A witness on London Bridge, told the BBC he saw three men stabbing people indiscriminately, shouting this is for Allah in a rampage.

The attack occurred less than two weeks after a suicide bombing at a concert in Manchester killed at least 22 people, most of them were children.

Three months ago, an attacker had ploughed into pedestrians on Westminster Bridge before stabbing a police officer to death near the British parliament.

There was another stabbing incident at the Vauxhall area about the same time as the attacks in the London Bridge and Borough Market but police later said the incident was unconnected to the terrorist attacks.

A witness, Gerard Vowls, told the Wall Street Journal that all the attackers wanted to do was to kill as many people as possible.

All they wanted to do was kill people. It was the hardest thing Ive ever seen.

He said he saw three attackers stab a girl about 10-year-old about than 15 times.

They stabbed a girl. So I follow them, toward Borough Market, they were running into the pubs and bars and stabbing everyone. They were running up, saying this is for Allah, and they run up and stabbed this girl 10, maybe 15 times.

Another witness who gave his name as Ben told the BBC that he was with his wife Natalie when the attacks occurred.

I saw a man in red with quite a large blade  I dont know the measurement, I guess maybe 10 inches, Ben said. He was stabbing a man. He stabbed him about three times fairly calmly. He was being stabbed quite coldly and he slumped to the ground.

He said someone threw a table and a bottle at the man with the knife, but then we heard three gunshots and we ran.

The mayor of London, Sadiq Khan, called the attack a deliberate and cowardly attack on innocent Londoners.

The attacks come less than a week before Britons vote in a national election. On social media, many people are already calling for the postponement of the election.

U.S. President Donald Trump offered to help. Whatever the United States can do to help out in London and the UK, we will be there  we are with you. God bless!, he said on Twitter.

Mr. Trump also spoke to the British prime minister, Theresa May, on the phone.

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The families of the six victims of the June 2005 police extra-judicial killings in Abuja have reiterated their dissatisfaction with the March 9 judgement of the FCT High Court in the case and have vowed to pursue an appeal.

Twelve years after the killings that drew fury across Nigeria, the Chief Judge of the High Court of the Federal Capital Territory, Ishaq Bello, sentenced two officers, Emmanuel Baba and Ezekiel Acheneje, to death for the killings of two of the victims, Augustina Arebu and Anthony Nwokike.

The judge however, discharged and acquitted three other officers, including a then deputy commissioner of police, Danjuma Ibrahim; Nicholas Zakaria; and Sadiq Salami for want of evidence.

The five were among six officers arraigned over the killings of the traders on June 7, 2005. The police had claimed that the victims, who had just left a nearby night club, were armed robbers.

Othman Abdulsalam, the then Divisional Police Officer in Apo, and the sixth defendant on the charge sheet, is currently on the run.

One of the lawyers of the victims families, Kanayo Okafor, who spoke to PREMIUM TIMES, faulted the judgement of the high court and said the families were shocked by the acquittal of some of the accused officers.

We are going to appeal the judgement because from our own view justice has not been delivered. The judge was on the frolic of his own. We placed before the court enough materials. We tendered about 31 exhibits, including the AK 47 used by the first accused person, Inspector Danjuma to shoot those innocent Nigerians at close range and killing four of them.

His own pistol, a Brownie was also tendered in evidence. We called about 13 witnesses  all of them are police witnesses who came to say that they received instructions from Danjuma to do what they did and if that is the truth why would the court allow him to go scot free?

We have damning evidences against him which implicated him in the cause of trial. Danjuma and Othman had asked them (two sentenced officers) to shoot them (Augustina and Anthony) whenever they were caught. That admission proved to the court that Danjuma was involved.

Mr. Okafor said the case lasted so long because it was a peculiar one as the police had to investigate itself.

Most of our witnesses are policemen and the matter is against the police. You have to write to the IG (Inspector-General) to send signals to where a particular witness is being posted, and before you know it, it takes time. And we also suffered a lot of adjournments because the judges might go for national assignments which can take months.

Thank God we have the appellate court, we have tasted the judgement of the court below and we are still aggrieved. We are still not satisfied with the decision and judgement of the high court so we want to take it further to the appeal court.

We want to make sure that justice is served. These innocent Nigerians didnt do anything, they were murdered in cold blood. We want to extend the judgement further to the other defendants to see the full wrath of the law.

Mr. Okafor, however, could not disclose the date the matter would be filed at the appeal court as only the Attorney General of the Federation, AGF, Abubakar Malami could order such appeal.

A DITHERING ATTORNEY GENERAL

Family members of the victims in March stormed the AGFs office to register their displeasure over the judgment of the high court.

While protesting, the leader of the aggrieved families, Chimezie Ifeh, who is also the Chairman of Apo Traders Association, vehemently condemned the courts decision on the matter.

Mr. Ifeh said the real culprits of the gruesome murder of the Apo Six were let off the hook.

According to him, It was DCP Danjuma Ibrahim that orchestrated the execution of our brothers and sister. But the same police officer and his cohorts were freed by the court.

We urge the AGF to appeal against the judgment and ensure that the perpetrators are brought to book, he told PREMIUM TIMES.

The attorney general rejected repeated request to seek his stance on the appeal and when it will be executed. Mr. Malamis aides requested PREMIUM TIMES send a letter of our questions. About two weeks after the letter was delivered, his office is yet to reply and has ignored subsequent phone calls and text messages.

VICTIMS FAMILIES SPEAK

Speaking with our reporter, an anguished brother of one of the deceased, Elvis Ozor, lamented that his death left the family devastated.

He said the victim, Ifeanyi Ozor, was the bread winner of the family.

He dismissed the outcome of the case as the highest injustice ever witnessed in this country.

Those that gave the orders for the shooting where freed while those who carried out the orders were sentenced to death. We cannot accept this judgement. As a matter of fact, we want our lawyer to further this appeal.

Mr. Ozor recalled that his brother had just bought the Peugeot 406 car when it was shot at that fateful night of June 7. He described the police claims that the victims were criminals and that locally made guns were found in the car as lies because he saw the group before they left to catch fun that night.

He said that the only female victim, Augustina Arebu, was in a relationship with Ifeanyi and they were planning to get married. He said she had travelled from Benin to meet Ifeanyi in Abuja.

Mr. Ozor further urged the federal government to compensate the families of the victims.

When this judgment was delivered, I was surprised that the judge did not say anything about compensation for the families. They gave us three million naira and said go and bury these people and come back for the case.

After that, nobody is talking about compensation. You cannot give us three million naira for their burial and say it is compensation. If my brother was alive today, he would have made more than N100 million.

Monica Arebu, the mother of the deceased Augustina, corroborated Mr. Ozors claim of marriage plans between Ifeanyi and her daughter.

Mrs. Arebu, who hails from Edo State, told PREMIUM TIMES that Augustina was her first daughter.

How can six people commit a crime and they only sentenced two, leaving the main pillar of the case, Ibrahim Danjuma? We are appealing the judgement.

On the issue of compensation, she said: We were only given money for their burial. They didnt compensate anybody, we want government to compensate us.

THE APO 6 KILLING

The Apo Six case centered on the extra-judicial killing of five young auto-spare parts dealers in Apo, a satellite town in Abuja, and a young woman, by police officers on the night of June 7, 2005.

The victims, Ekene Isaac Mgbe, Ifeanyi Ozor, Chinedu Meniru, Paulinus Ogbonna, Anthony Nwokike, and Augustina Arebu, were returning from a night club when they were stopped at a police checkpoint.

The police had claimed that the victims, aged between 21 and 25 years, were members of an armed robbery gang that had opened fire on the officers when accosted at the checkpoint.

But a judicial panel of inquiry set up by former President Olusegun Obasanjo found the police account to be false and recommended the trial of the six officers for extra-judicial killings.

The five officers accused of the killings and eight other police witnesses testified before the panel of inquiry that Danjuma Ibrahim, the most senior of the accused officers, allegedly ordered the killings.

According to the report of the panel, the victims were at a nightclub located at Gimbiya Street, Area 11, in Abuja that night when they had a face-off with Mr. Ibrahim after the female victim, Augustina Arebu, allegedly turned down romantic advances of the senior police officer.

Mr. Ibrahim had allegedly stormed out of the night club to a police checkpoint at the end of the street and told the officers on duty that he had sited a group of armed robbers in the area.

According to the panels report, which formed the bulk of the evidence in court, when the six unwary young people later arrived at the checkpoint in their car, Mr. Ibrahim allegedly had the car blocked and ordered the officers to shoot at the occupants.

Four of the occupants of the car died on the spot, but two of them, Mr. Nwokike and Ms. Arebu, survived the initial onslaught.

They were later murdered by the two convicted police officers in the early hours of June 8 on the grounds that they attempted to escape from custody.

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The Federal Government on Sunday said that it will not relent until it has exposed those behind the fake news phenomenon in the country and bring them to justice.

In a statement in Abuja, the Minister of Information and Culture, Lai Mohammed, said that those behind the fake news had the intention of destabilising the polity and causing disunity among the countrys various ethnic and religious groups.

The statement was signed by Segun Adeyemi, the Special Adviser to the Minister.

The minister urged Nigerians to be extra vigilant in view of the worsening cases of fake news being spread by the unscrupulous persons.

Mr. Mohammed noted that over the weekend alone, several major cases of fake news were recorded, each of them capable of causing panic, triggering chaos or setting one group against the other.

He said that a gory video of a blast that occurred many years ago was being circulated along with the false news of a bomb blast in Abuja, while news of a non-existent bomb blast in Lagos was also widely circulated.

He said the police had, however, debunked the fake news.

Mr. Mohammed said the latest strategy being employed by the purveyors of fake news was to attribute to top government officials, improbable statements capable of destabilising the polity, causing tension and threatening the countrys unity.

This is why we are appealing to Nigerians not to ever engage in a knee-jerk reaction to any news, and to subject every information to a very serious scrutiny by checking with security agencies and government spokespersons, he said.

The minister described the fake news phenomenon as the scourge of our times noting that it would probably get worse in the months ahead

He, therefore, called on all Nigerians to be very vigilant so that fake news purveyors do not succeed in their quest to sow the seeds of chaos and confusion.

He also appealed to the traditional media, which has a reputation to protect, to join the campaign against the purveyors of fake news.

(NAN)

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Three former top officials of the Nigerian Ports Authority and a former special adviser to President Goodluck Jonathan have been named in a massive foreign bribery scandal that has led to the conviction of a company and some of its top officials in Switzerland, PREMIUM TIMES can exclusively report today.

Dredging International Services (Cyprus) Ltd was sentenced to a fine of one million Swiss Francs and asked to refund 36 million Swiss Francs illegal profit after it was indicted for allegedly making illicit payments to a former Managing Director of the NPA, Adebayo Sarumi; a former Managing Director of NPAs Eastern Ports, Felix Ovbude; a former Executive Director of Finance at the NPA, Abba Murtala Mohammed; and Daniel Afam-Obi, a former executive assistant to Sullivan Akachukwu Nwankpo who was ex-President Goodluck Jonathans special adviser on technical matters.

Investigators believe Mr. Afam-Obi acted on behalf of Mr. Nwankpo.

While Messrs Sarumi, Ovbude and Mohammed allegedly collectively received $2.6million in kickbacks, Mr. Afam-Obi was said to have been paid $157,000 for unknown reasons. Another $18million dollar was passed to companies in which some yet unknown Nigerian officials have interests.

Dredging International Services (Cyprus) Ltd is part of a consortium which formed The Bonny Channel Management Limited that in turn entered into a joint venture arrangement with the NPA to form The Bonny Channel Company saddled with creating and maintaining a safe navigational passage for all marine users to and in the Eastern Ports of Bonny Island, Onne, Okrika and Port-Harcourt.

The NPA holds 60 per cent equity in the JVC while The Bonny Channel Management Limited consortium (comprising Dredging International, Vinci, IPEM and Dapesa Limited) has the remaining 40 per cent.

The bribery scheme

Each year, NPA awards the company contracts worth $70million without any open or competitive bidding as required by Nigerian law, and the firm is believed to have so far cornered jobs worth at least N717 billion.

Dredging International is a subsidiary of the Belgian group, Dredging, Environmental and Marine Engineering NV (DEME), which specializes in petroleum infrastructure and dredging, and has a turnover of two billion euros and employs 4,600 people worldwide. The French company VINCI is one of its main shareholders.

In an indictment dated May 1, 2017, the Swiss Federal Prosecutors Office (MPC) said between 2006 and 2011, the company wired huge bribes to the companies in which Mr. Sarumi and his colleagues were beneficial owners.

In addition, according to the document issued by Federal Prosecutor Alice de Chambrier, Dredging International, through its agent, transferred more than $18 million to nine offshore companies whose real beneficial owners are yet unclear. The companies are Noble Gate Projects Ltd., Liam Engineering Nigeria Ltd., Nianza Fze, Alfonsor Trading Corporation, Monogate Ltd., FIFC Management And Development Ltd., Reinex Bureau of Change Ltd, Annacro Ltd., and Agro Systems Ltd.

Dredging had through two of its executives  Alexandre Maes (Chief Financial Officer) and Christian Van Meerbeeck (Chief Legal Officer)  entrusted the treasury of its Nigerian project to a Geneva-based asset management company, Driancourt & Cie, and its director, Alain Driancourt. It was this asset management company and its director that executed the complicated foreign bribery scheme on its behalf.

In arranging the illicit scheme, Mr. Driancourt of the asset management firm, documents show, set up three offshore companies: Berndale Trading Ltd, with accounts with Credit Suisse and EFG Bank in Geneva, as well as Bayhill Finance Ltd and Dacklin Trading Ltd, each with an account with EFG Bank. The accounts were regularly funded by Dredging International. The payment orders were given by Alexandre Maes and Christian Van Meerbeck, then executed by Alain Driancourt.

The bribe payments, investigators said, began in 2007 after the NPA refused to pay Dredging International $43 million for dredging work already done. To recover this amount, the company elaborately organized the payment of several million dollars to executives of the NPA and other officials in the hope that that would push them to act.

And for five years, as indicated above, more $20million were wired to companies in which the named Nigerian officials are believed to be beneficial owners as well as to firms whose real beneficial owners are yet to be determined (also listed above).

As required by Swiss laws, the bank Credit Suisse alerted authorities to these suspicious transfers in 2011, and an investigation immediately commenced. The investigation was initially entrusted to Prosecutor Felix Reinmann and then to Olivier Thormann.

Switzerland slams indictments

Dredging International tried to justify the payments, with its lawyer, Marc Henzelin, telling investigators, Our clients admit to having engaged intermediaries close to the government in 2007 to ensure the security of the local personnel in the Delta when there were serious threats to their lives (kidnappings, attacks and immobilizations of boats etc.).

At the same time, our customers found themselves in a situation of near-constraint when the Nigerian Port Authority, contractually obliged to pay nearly $ 50 million to operators, blocked the payments due. DISC regrets that it chose this solution at the time and has fully cooperated with the Swiss criminal authorities. The subsidiary of the DEME group has since set up an OECD compliance system since the beginning of the criminal procedure in 2011.

Despite that explanation, the Swiss Prosecution Office indicted the company, and mandated it to pay a fine of 37million Swiss Francs. The companys officials directly involved in the bribery scheme were also convicted, with authorities saying Alexander Maes and Christian Van Meerbeeck failed to verify the economic background of the payments they were ordering, even though the company operated in a country where the risk of corruption was notoriously high.

Christian Van Meerbeeck received a bonus of 800,000 euros over the period, of which 40,000 was in connection with the Bonny Channel project. He will have to reimburse 56,000 francs out of this sum, and pay 5,000 francs in procedural costs. He is also sentenced to 12 days fine of 210 francs with suspended sentence.

Alexandre Maes received 2.7 million in bonuses, including  136,000 for Bonny Channel. He was ordered to pay 197,000 francs, plus 5,000 francs in procedural costs. He also received a 12-day fine with suspended sentence.

The asset management company, Driancourt & Cie, had earlier in August 2015 been ordered dissolved by regulatory authorities in Switzerland for its insufficient controls in view of the risks of corruption in Nigeria. Its director, Alain Driancourt, was also prohibited from practicing as financial intermediary in the country.

The public prosecutors officers decided not to issue compensatory fine against Mr. Driancourt in view of the bankruptcy of his company. He was however sentenced to 60 days fine of 150 francs per day with suspended sentence, and will have to pay 1000 francs of procedural expenses.

Nigeria wont prosecute

Switzerland said it sought assistance from Nigeria and that the then Minister of Justice, Mohammed Bello Adoke, replied that there was no case for criminal prosecution.

Sources at the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) confirmed the anti-graft agency received a request from Switzerland on the matter. We interrogated the named individuals, did other investigations and then forwarded our findings to the Attorney Generals office for onward passage to the Swiss embassy, one of the investigators who handled the matter told PREMIUM TIMES.

The difficulty we had then was that the companies into which the monies were paid were offshore ones, and they had no bank accounts in Nigeria. However, we sent our report to the Attorney General but we had no idea what he told the Swiss. We also did not hear back from the Swiss since then.

Mr. Adoke, who is wanted by the EFCC in connection with the Malabu Oil investigation, has been out of Nigeria since the end of his tenure in May 2015, and could not be reached to comment for this story. A source close to him however quoted the former minister as saying everything he did while in office was in compliance with Nigerian laws.

The incumbent Attorney General, Abubakar Malami, did not answer or return calls. Neither did he reply a text message sent to him.

The Managing Director of NPA, Hadiza Bala Usman, said she was not aware of the case, and that no one or agency had discussed the matter with her since she assumed duties at the Authority on July 18, 2016.

Indicted officials react

When contacted by telephone, Mr. Ovbude, who is a now managing consultant with Lagos-based Renaissance Consulting, first said, I dont know what they are talking about. But when he was told that the company which paid the bribe had confessed, the former NPA official said, I worked and many people worked. Its one thing to say you are specifically in charge, but issue can come up and you are exonerated. When told that he was specifically mentioned in the charge and that Dredging International had been convicted, he said, I am not told, I am not aware.

Mr. Sarumis telephone failed to connect Friday and Saturday. But he later replied a text, saying he was travelling abroad and that our reporter should telephone him again at 2 p.m. Nigerian time on Sunday.

He kept that appointment, telling this reporter, As far as Im concerned, I am not aware of the matter you are talking about. I hope we were not named just because we represented NPA on the board of the joint venture company.

He then requested PREMIUM TIMES to furnish him with documents detailing the indictments in Switzerland.

Mr. Afam-Obi is yet to answer questions sent to him via Facebook by our reporter while Mr. Mohammed could not be reached for comments.

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To eradicate corruption in the society, the federal government needs to orientate citizens on how corruption affects every individual in the society, ActionAid Nigeria said on Saturday.

The chairman of the governing board of the civic group, Patricia Donli, made the call during a press conference after the organisations Annual General Meeting held in Abuja.

In her address titled State of the Nigeria Nation, she said corruption remains the greatest epidemic in the country and citizens ought to be aware of the link between corruption and the lack of infrastructure in Nigeria.

She added that proper orientation would help Nigerians see the negative side of corruption and cease to glorify suspects.

Also speaking, the convener of the 2017 general assembly, Mac John Nwaobiala, stressed that the government needs to invest in the fight against corruption by enlightening workers across federal, state and local governments as well as school children, religious leaders and non-governmental organisations on the menace.

Orientation should be given to young graduates entering the civil service on how to save and obtain loans. Corruption thrives because of fear of the unknown in which general incentives can reduce corruption in the society, he said.

Also speaking, the country director, ActionAid Nigeria, Ojobo Ode Atuluku, called for local government councils to be granted autonomy so that more matters affecting citizens can be solved there.

She warned that while the whistle blowing policy of the federal government appeared to have been effective since its recent introduction, it could also become a tool for blackmail; therefore, government must seek better ways of eradicating corruption.

The essence of ActionAid is to energise and facilitate citizens to raise their voice and make their demands as part of governance. Our primary objective is to make government realise that there are gaps as citizens needs and rights must be met.

If this single call cannot bring about a change, then we have to move from collaboration to confrontation if collaboration is not yielding results, she said.

Another member of the board of the organisation, Amaka Azuike, said all Nigerians must strive for the country to be one.

Charity begins at home, therefore transparency should be encouraged while greed, war, tribalism must be discouraged.

We must go back and declare ownership of the country; let there be communality instead of individualism, she said.

In a press statement made available to PREMIUM TIMES, the organisation also lamented the seeming increase in suicide among Nigerians.

This new phenomenon undoubtedly has arisen as a result of inequality and poverty level on the citizenry.

It is our belief that the distortion of facts, trade in lies and mobilisation of sectional interest in ongoing cases of corruption would have been countered better where citizens have taken ownership of the anti -corruption effort of government.

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The Group Managing Director of the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation, NNPC, Maikanti Baru, on Sunday pledged to support any legislative process to end gas flaring.

Mr. Baru made the pledge in Abuja in a statement by Ndu Ughamadu, Group General Manager, Group Public Affairs Division NNPC.

The Department of Petroleum Resources,DPR, had said that it put in place measures and facilities to curb gas flaring preparatory to the 2020 flare deadline.

Mr. Baru, while making this submission during a one-day public hearing on Gas Flaring Prohibition Bill 2017, at the National Assembly expressed NNPCs strong support for the legislation to reduce gas flaring.

Represented by the Managing Director of the Nigerian Petroleum Development Company, NPDC, Yusuf Matashi, Mr. Baru said the Corporation considered the legislation from the financial benefits it promises to capture rather than seeing it from the point of view of penalty.

NNPC supports the legislative intervention to prohibit gas flaring in line with global best practices, considering its negative impacts on the environment and the communities where the gas is flared.

NPDC, the Exploration and Production arm of the Corporation, is going ahead to see that the monetization of flared gas is realized despite the challenges of the past, Baru said.

He said that NPDC was the highest gas supplier to Nigerian domestic market and was therefore committed to the reduction and elimination of gas flaring to generate more revenue for the country.

Earlier, Senate President Bukola Saraki, who was represented by the Deputy Majority Leader, Bala Nallah, while declaring open the public hearing, said the issue of gas flaring was a national embarrassment.

He added that the 8th Senate was committed to enacting a legislation that would end gas flaring in the country.

Gas flaring is as old as crude oil exploration in the country.

We are, therefore, committed to this legislation which seeks to put an end to gas flaring which has deprived the nation of huge revenue, impacted the lives of oil producing areas negatively and depleted the ozone layers, Mr. Saraki said.

On his part, the Senate Committee Chairman on Gas, Albert Bassey, stated that the Gas Flaring Prohibition Bill 2017 served as a legislative panacea to end gas flaring in the country.

He said the public hearing was to collate views of relevant stakeholders that would enrich the bill and find a lasting solution to the challenge of gas flaring in line with the Paris Agreement on clean environment and World Bank 2030 flare out deadline.

NAN reports that on May 28, the Senate began legislative processes aimed at prohibiting gas flaring and imposing stiffer penalties on defaulting oil and gas firms, as proposed by the Gas Flaring (Prohibition and Punishment) Bill 2017.

The bill is intended to address the inadequacies and shortcomings of the Associated Gas Re-Injection Act of 1979, provide stiffer penalties in line with current economic realities, and ensure the achievement of the National Flares-out Target of January 1, 2030.

The bill, which recently passed through second reading, also makes it mandatory for operators to submit gas utilisation plan within 90 days of the commencement of the Act for effective monitoring.

The sponsor of the bill, Bassey Akpan, Chairman of the Senate Committee on Gas, speaking on the bill, said that gas flaring remains one of the most dangerous environmental and energy waste practices in the oil industry.

He added that the continuous practice has disastrous consequences on human and environmental health and causes loss of revenue by depriving the government of tax and trade opportunities.

Mr. Bassey also stated that the emphasis on creation of infrastructure for gas utilisation should be a condition for grant of licenses, as being done in countries like the United States.

The bill also makes specific provisions for the installation of requisite gas flare meters equipped with facilities that enable real time, online data retrieval for independent reporting and monitoring by the industry regulator, he said.

The current gas flare penalty of N10 per 1,000scf is too low, and not in line with current economic realities and encourages continuous gas flaring by operators with its attendant negative effect on our environment instead of encouraging investment in infrastructure by the operators to make gas available for our domestic use, he said.

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The Nigerian Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers, NUPENG, on Saturday said it will resist any attempt to adjust the price of petrol.

Tokunbo Korodo, South-West Chairman of NUPENG, said this in Lagos while reacting to the proposed N5 petrol levy by the Senate.

Mr. Korodo, who described the proposal as a huge joke, noted that it was also ill- timed.

He wondered how the nation s Upper Chamber could think of another fuel price increase when Nigerians were striving to cope with the current harsh economic realities.

How can the Senate propose such a bill at this particular period when poor Nigerians can hardly feed themselves?

The prices of foodstuffs have tripled in the market , while workers salary has not been increased, Mr. Korodo said.

Earlier in the week, Kabiru Gaya (APC- Kano ), Chairman Senate Committee on Works, had on June 1 presented a bill entitled National Roads Bill to the House.

The bill recommends that importers should pay N5 levy on every litre of imported petroleum products and that the levy will form part of the proposed national roads fund .

It also recommends the deduction of 0.5 per cent on fares, paid by passengers travelling on interstate roads to commercial mass transit operators, as well as the return of toll gates on federal roads, among others.

But in his reaction, Mr. Korodo lambasted the government over the plan, adding that it also smacked of insensitivity to the current economic hardships facing Nigerians.

The NUPENG boss, however, called on well-meaning Nigerians to prevail on the leadership of the Senate to shelve the bill, stating that any attempt to push it through will be roundly rejected.

Just a year ago, the pump price of petrol was increased from N87 to N 145 per litre and Nigerians accepted the increment because of the sincerity of President Muhammadu Buhari s administration, he said.

Any attempt to adjust the price of petrol under any guise will be resisted by the Organised Labour.

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BIRD FLU IN SEVEN NIGERIAN STATES

The Federal Government alerted the public to the outbreak of Avian Influenza or bird flu in the FCT and seven states of the country.

Gideon Mshelbwala, the Director of Veterinary and Pest Control Services, Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development, stated this at a meeting with state Commissioners of Agriculture in Abuja and listed the states affected by the outbreak to include Bauchi, Kano, Katsina, Nasarawa, Plateau, FCT and Kaduna, which reported a case on May 30.

He said that the disease had spread across 26 states of the federation and the FCT since it started in 2008 affecting 800 farms in no fewer than 123 local government areas.

He, however, warned poultry farmers against illegal vaccination of birds, saying that it was a deadly alternative to the control of the disease.

NIGERIA INTRODUCES TOBACCO REGULATIONS

Marking this years World No Tobacco Day, Nigerias Health Minister, Isaac Adewole, 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.

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.

AIDS EPIDEMIC NOT YET OVER

Amina Mohammed, Deputy UN Secretary-General, said globally, more than 36.7 million people are living with HIV/AIDS and warned that the pandemic was still far from over.

She called for a reinvigorated global response to HIV/AIDS and said tackling it required a life-cycle approach based on community-level solutions and adequate funding which remains critical to meet the objectives as about $7 billion funding gap is needed for the global AIDS response.

BREASTFEEDING REDUCES RISK OF UTERUS CANCER

Researchers at the QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute in Australia said that women who breastfeed their children have been found to be at substantially less risk of developing uterus cancer.

Susan Jordan, head of the Cancer Causes and Care research group, said they found that the longer women breast-fed each child, the more their risk of uterine cancer reduced. Women who had ever breastfed had an 11 per cent lower risk of developing uterine cancer than women who had never breastfed.

Ms. Jordan said since not every woman is able to breastfeed, other things that women can do to lower the risk of endometrial, or uterus cancer is taking the oral contraceptive pill which can reduce the risk of endometrial cancer; but probably the best thing to do is make sure you have a healthy lifestyle.

FEC APPROVES NIGERIA, MAY & BAKER VACCINE PRODUCTION

The Federal Executive Council, FEC, has approved joint venture agreement between the Federal Government and May & Baker to produce vaccines from 2017 to 2021.

The Minister of Health, Isaac Adewole, who confirmed the approval revealed that the federal government would own 49 per cent of the joint venture while May and Becker would own 51 per cent.

According to the minister, the company is expected to meet the nations basic vaccines requirements in the next four years with a take-off capital of N100 million. May and Becker would make an equity contribution N1.3 billion while the federal government would contribute N1.2 billion.

BRITISH EBOLA NURSE SURVIVOR RETURNS TO SIERRA LEONE

British nurse Pauline Cafferkey who survived the Ebola virus after contracting it while on duty in Sierra Leone in 2014 has returned to the country to see Mbalu, an Ebola patient she was trying to save when she was affected.

Ms. Cafferkey returned to Britain in December 2014, after six weeks volunteering with Ebola patients in Sierra Leone, only to find she too had caught the disease.

Dubbed the Ebola angel for her selfless efforts during the epidemic  which also spread into neighbouring Liberia and Guinea, killing 11,000 in total  Pauline was diagnosed with the a bid to find closure.

WORKERS SHUT BINGHAM UNIVERSITY TEACHING HOSPITAL

Striking workers of the Bingham University Teaching Hospital, Jos, on Wednesday locked the hospitals gates, vowing to keep the hospital shut until their salaries were paid.

The angry workers did not allow anyone into the premises.

A worker, who spoke on condition of anonymity, accused management of being insensitive to the welfare of workers.

Nuhu Asama, the hospitals Director of Administration, however, said the anger was based on emolument arrears owed them and the management is working very hard to resolve the issues.

RENOVATION OF SULEJA GENERAL HOSPITAL TO COST N1.1 BILLION

The Niger State Governor, Abubakar Bello, said that N1.1 billion will be required for the total renovation of Suleja General Hospital.

Mr. Bello said listed the rehabilitation of wards, consulting rooms, installation of state of the art medical equipment, laboratory facilities, doctors and nurses quarters as what is involved in the project.

He said the decision to renovate the health facility was in compliance with his administrations restoration agenda following the infrastructural decay in the hospital due to many years of neglect and with the rate of population expansion of Suleja.

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The Federal Government on Sunday condemned the deadly terrorist attacks on Central London Bridge and the Borough market in the strongest terms and voiced its deep condolence to the relatives and victims of the attack.

Seven people died in the attack in central London on Saturday night and 48 were injured.

The Foreign Affairs Ministry in a statement by its spokesperson, Clement Aduku, said: the government and people of Nigeria stand with the government and people of Great Britain in the face of continued terrorist attacks on innocent victims.

Our thoughts, sympathy and prayers are with those affected in these latest multiple terrorist attacks and their families, the ministry stated

The News Agency of Nigeria, NAN, reports that assailants drove a van into pedestrians at high speed on London Bridge on Saturday night before stabbing revellers on nearby streets.

The police said armed officers shot dead all three attackers within minutes of receiving reports of the terrorist attack unfolding in central London.

The three men were wearing suicide bomb vests that were later confirmed to be fakes.

Cressida Dick, the Metropolitan police commissioner, said on Sunday morning the incident was under control.

We believe there were three attackers and we believe they are dead, she said

Police also confirmed the arrest of 12 people in the Barking district of east London in connection with the attack and raids were continuing there.

In his reaction, Acting President Yemi Osinbajo said he strongly condemns the sickening atrocity perpetrated by a misguided and cowardly group of terrorists who attacked innocent persons in the London Bridge area on Saturday night.

Mr. Osinbajo stated that Nigeria stands with the government and people of the United Kingdom and extend our condolences to the families of the victims.

The Acting President notes that the latest attack in the U.K. reinforces the need for the global community to act with greater vigour to overcome the extremist ideologies which underpin terrorism, his spokesperson said.

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The family and lawyer of an opposition politician arrested in Kogi State on Saturday have called on Governor Yahaya Bello to help secure his release.

The wife of Etudaye Momoh, Joy, and his lawyer, Mike Bello, called PREMIUM TIMES on Saturday night and Sunday morning, alleging that he was arrested by unknown security operatives in Okene around 2:00 a.m. Saturday.

Mr. Momoh, widely known and addressed as Etuz in downtown Okene, was described as a member of the Peoples Democratic Party, Nigerias main opposition.

He was arrested at his residence at Coca-Cola Depot by a combined team of police, State Security Service and Army, his wife and lawyer said.

The men gained access to the house by climbing through the fence and breaking down Mr. Momohs door. They promptly rounded him up and told him they were sent by the authorities to bring him to the office, Mr. Bello said in a follow up email to PREMIUM TIMES late Saturday.

Mrs. Momoh said her husband was arreated by operatives who had DSS inscribed on their gears at the presence of their six-year-old son. The SSS is also known as DSS, and the agency had been known to deploy agents with DSS signs on them in recent years.

Family members said their preliminary findings suggested that Mr. Momoh, 36, was being held at a facility run by the SSS in Lokoja, the state capital. He didnt have any clash with government prior to his arrest, his family said.

PREMIUM TIMES could not reach the SSS because the agency does not have a spokesperson.

Wilson Inalegwu, the Commissioner of Police in Kogi, told PREMIUM TIMES he was not aware of the development.

The Kogi government spokesperson, Petra Onyegbule, said the Bello administration had no knowledge of the incident.

Shehu Lukman, vice chairman of Okene Local Government Area, said he would make make efforts to unravel those behind the arrest and get back to PREMIUM TIMES.

At least three opposition figures have been detained in Kogi within the last three months.

In March, Abdulrahman Mohammed, a PDP chieftain, was detained in Lokoja.

The following month, police arrested Austin Okhai, a PDP blogger and strategist, in Abuja and transported him to Lokoja where he was later arraigned before a Chief Magistrates Court.

Governor Bello strongly denied ordering the arrests.

Mr. Momoh must not be allowed to be wasted by enemies of democracy, his lawyer said.

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The senator representing Kaduna Central, Shehu Sani, has described Northerners who attack Acting President Yemi Osinbajo as reactionary conservative elements and counter revolutionaries, wanting to create ethnic disunity.

Mr. Sani said this in Kano on Sunday after paying condolence visit to the family of the wife of late Aminu Kano, Aishatu, who died last week.

The lawmaker said the actions and utterances of such northerners are aimed at creating disturbance and conflict between Mr. Osinbajo and President Muhammadu Buhari.

We must be careful not to create a crisis between North and South West who suffered to form an alliance of progressive forces which brought us to where we are today, he said.

Mr. Sani said those who see no good in the acting president and accuse him of ethnic bias fail to appreciate the efforts he and his political benefactor, ex-Lagos governor Bola Tinubu, made to defeat the Goodluck Jonathan administration.

These persons have worked tirelessly and invested so much to have the government in place, he said. So, my own advice to them is to keep up their antics and intrigues aside while Im advising Acting President Yemi Osinbajo to be very careful and watchful not to let a misstep in his conduct of affairs and give room for ethnic and religious forces to thrive.

The activist said Mr. Osinbajo has proven to be a capable deputy and loyal to President Buhari. You should appreciate him for that rather than condemning him, he said.

Mr. Sani also cautioned against the use of force on Biafran protesters.

He said the best way to douse the Biafran agitation is to ensure that all parts of Nigeria are carried along politically, economically, socially and culturally.

These young people fighting for Biafra are ignorant of violence and bloodshed that befalls civil war but still using of force is not the answer to their agitations.

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The former Kebbi State PDP Chairman, Bello Doya, and 25,000 other members of the party including key party stalwarts decamped to the APC on Sunday.

Governor Atiku Bagudu, APC executives, and hundreds of supporters from the 21 local government areas of the state were on hand to receive the decampees, among whom were Isah Argungu, the former director general of the campaign organization of former governor Saidu Dakingari and the 2015 PDP gubernatorial candidate, Bello Sarkin-Yaki.

Others are three current PDP State House of Assembly members led by Muhammad Ismail, ten former local government council chairmen, as well as former local government party and ward chairmen.

No fewer than 160 former PDP councillors, businessmen and contractors, as well as women and youth groups decamped.

The states APC chairman, Attahiru Maccido, said the decampees joined the party willingly.

In his remarks, Mr. Bagudu promised to give equal opportunities to both the new and old members of the APC.

APC is a blessing to Nigeria, it has become the party of all, in APC everybody is equal, all will be treated equally and fairly, he said.

The spokesperson of the decampees, Mr. Argungu said their decision to decamp was informed by the achievement of the APC administration at both the state and federal levels.

(NAN)

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The Ministry of Niger Delta Affairs has asked Nigerians to report the status of its projects and that of the Niger Delta Development Commission, NDDC, in various communities across the Niger Delta region.

The ministry said it was collating the status of the projects carried out in the region between 2009 and 2015, and that it wanted the public to be involved in their status verification.

Usani Usani, the Niger Delta Affairs Minister, on Saturday shared on Twitter, a guide on how citizens could file a report on projects status.

Simply identified projects carried out by Ministry of Niger Delta (MNDA) and Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) in your locality and take snapshots of their current states, the guide stated.

Indicate if they are working, moribund (that it, functional before but no longer functional), or abandoned (that is, has never worked) using the various hashtag that we will give you.

The Minister tweeted with his personal handle @usaniuguruusani. The tweet was later shared by the Niger Delta Ministry through its official account @MNDA_Ng.

The ministry gave example of how citizens could hashtag their snapshots:#EdoAbandonedProjects,#CrossRiverAbandonedProjects,#AkwaIbomAbandonedProjects#AbiaMoribundProjects,#RiversMoribundProjects and#DeltaWorkingProjects.

The guide asked citizens to use MNDA and NDDC to indicate that a particular project belongs to the ministry or the commission.

The photos should be posted on Twitter or Facebook, the ministry said, adding that people with a document or special report could send them to the ministry via email.

Mr. Usani recently revealed that only 12 per cent of his ministrys projects in the Niger Delta were completed in six years despite the agency spending N423 billion.

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The Ekiti State Governor, Ayodele Fayose, has called on the Federal Government to pay more attention to the menace of herdsmen in the country, with a view to curtailing their activities.

He said the government should pay particular attention to the events in Benue State, where herdsmen were unleashing violence on farmers.

What is going on in Benue State is more like an organised pogrom and those responsible for the killings in the State must be arrested and prosecuted., the governor said in a statement on Saturday by his media aide, Lere Olayinka.

Accoringmto Mr. Fayose, the Acting President, Yemi Osinbajo, should be allowed to function as the President so as to be able to deploy instruments of the federal government to tackle the herdsmen menace.

As it is today, it appears that Prof. Osinbajo does not have the full powers of the president, he said.

While declaring his support for the new law prohibiting open grazing in Benue State, Mr. Fayose said those opposed to the law were only doing so as part of their plot to undermine the land and people of Benue State.

He expressed his sympathy for the government and people of Benue State, adding that the Federal Government must stop playing the ostrich to the menace of the Fulani herdsmen.

Like I have maintained, cattle farming is not different from fish farming, snake farming, poultry farming, snail farming, etc, he said in his remarks on the law.

Therefore, if fish farmers are providing their own ponds and poultry farmers building their own pens, while also buying feed for their animals, there is no reason cattle farmers should not also provide their own ranch and feed their cows without encroaching on other peoples farmlands.

How can Nigerians embrace farming when those already in the farms are losing billions of naira worth of crops to destruction of their farmlands by the Fulani Herdsmen and the Federal Government is not doing anything about it?

He said the continued silence by the Buhari-led government on the alleged killing of harmless Nigerians by Fulani herdsmen was unacceptable.

In May, 2016, Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria boldly told Nigerians that herdsmen killed over 1,000 Agatu people of Benue State then because over 800 of their cows were killed by Tiv youths. The man who openly made that comment was never questioned by the security agent, he further said.

The same Miyetti Allah is now against the Anti-Open Grazing Law in Benue State, vowing to mobilize its members to resist the law and claiming that pastoralists like other citizens of the country have the right to move freely and to reside in any part of the country.

Does pastoralists have rights to destroy other peoples farmlands, invade homes and rape peoples wives and daughters? Shouldnt people who are into cattle farming be able to provide feeds for their animals?

Mr. Fayose was the first governor to sign a law banning open grazing in Ekiti State after herdsmen reportedly killed two persons during an invasion of one of the communities last year.

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The Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria, IPMAN, in Ekiti on Sunday suspended its strike.

The IPMAN embarked on the action on May 25, over demolition of some petrol stations and the revocation of some Certificate of Occupancy by the Governor Ayo Fayose.

The suspension of the strike is contained in a communique issued in Osogbo at the end of a peace meeting called by Governor Rauf Aregbesola of Osun.

The communique, which was signed by Mr. Aregbesola, Mr. Fayose and the representatives of the marketers, was made available to journalists at Osun Government House where the peace meeting was held.

According to the communique, an ad hoc committee would be constituted to fashion out in clear terms the conditions and guidelines for the establishment and operations of filling stations in Ekiti state.

It stated that the committee, to comprise representatives of Ekiti State government and oil and gas stakeholders, shall begin work on June 7.

In the spirit of reconciliation, the Ekiti government has agreed to pleas for reversal of the revocation of some Certificates of Occupancy of landed properties on which filling stations are built, except the ones on waterways and canals, the communique said.

It also stated that the Ekiti government had agreed to stop further demolitions pending the outcome of the committees report.

The Nigerian Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers (NUPENG), IPMAN and other related oil and gas unions, hereby, suspend the industrial action embarked upon by their members, with immediate effect, it said.

Mr. Fayose, while speaking with journalists after the meeting, commended the black marketers, who had taken over the streets of Ado Ekiti and other towns.

He said their services cushioned the effect of the scarcity caused by the strike.

Mr. Fayose, however, said that with the fuel marketers resuming operations, black marketers were sure to fizzle out.

On his part, Mr. Aregbesola said the resolution of the crisis was a confirmation that the people had the capacity to resolve their differences.

He commended the maturity of his Ekiti State counterpart and the fuel marketers for allowing the crisis to be successfully resolved.

(NAN)

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My heartfelt condolences go to the Victims of London attack. Europe needs unity and solidarity, but also a stern and tough stand, tweeted Sunday Polish President Andrzej Duda.

Late on Saturday, attackers rammed their car into pedestrians on the London Bridge, after which they would stab random people near Borough Market. 7 people are reported to have been killed, more than 50 are injured. All 3 terrorists were gunned down by the police. (PAP)
COMMERCIAL TOWNSHIP  The oyster industry in Port Norris was so profitable in the late 1800s and early 1900s that historical reports claim the town in rural Cumberland County had more millionaires per square mile than any city in New Jersey.

Hints of that era remain in some grand old homes. But as disease decimated the oysters in the 1950s, the loss of jobs left the bayshore towns that depended on them struggling to survive.

The Port Norris School is celebrating its 100th anniversary, and students in the fourth and eighth grades and Club 21 After-School program were assigned to learn more about their hometowns history.

Bayshore Center storytellers remember families' oystering past At the Bayshore Center at Bivalve in Port Norris, you can see a fairly large tin can with a 

Their projects, presented from the viewpoint of youth, reflect both pride of heritage and the knowledge that their small township of some 5,000 residents is not what it once was.

Its an interesting place, said Grant Loatman, 11. Just because you never heard of it doesnt mean its not interesting.

Loatman fell in love with old maps of the area because you can take a trip into the past. Its not like Google Earth.

Projects featured the Lenni Lenape Indians who originally settled the area, the Battle of Dallas Landing in 1781 and the oyster industry that spawned local place names like Shellpile and Bivalve.

Members of the Mauricetown Historical Society, Bob Moore, Nancy Albertson and Carol Perrelli, who is also president of the Commercial Township school board, reviewed the projects and were impressed.

I liked the ones that have a personal touch, Moore said.

Students go wild about nature in Cumberland Fourth-graders from schools in Cumberland County are spending Tuesday and Wednesday learning

A dozen students honored for their projects were Zachary Cornwell, Alexia Weldon, Zach Toler, Nevin Ojeda, Paige Rain, Brielle Schlenger, Penelope Richardson, Kaylee Rain, Harlee Sheppard, Jake Plummer, Alexis Burns and Sky Romer.

Ayden Collins, 14, wrote about James and Lucy McBride because they were reportedly the only African Americans to own a fleet of oyster boats in the mid 1900s.

Eighth-grader Paige Rain did a project on the Mauricetown Bridge because I live right around the block from it and no one else was doing it.

Alexia Weldon, 14, whose great-great grandfather was a shipbuilder, built a scale model of the oyster schooner Ada C. Lore that was so good the judges at first did not realize she had built it herself, albeit with some help from her grandfather, a carpenter.

Weldon used copies of the original blueprints acquired from the Bayshore Center at Bivalve, which works to preserve the areas history and houses the restored schooner A.J. Meerwald.

It was a lot of work, Weldon said.

Teacher Kerri Zeleniak said the anniversary of the school was an opportunity for students to learn more about their heritage and to see what the past here looked like.

Inspira opens third Family Success Center in Cumberland County COMMERCIAL TOWNSHIP  Cumberland County now has a third Family Success Center to help famili

It is forgotten mostly because the oysters got nearly wiped out (twice) and it is slowly falling apart, student Katelyn Raymond wrote. Bivalve should not be forgotten because it is an important part of our history.

In his project on oyster farming, which is helping revive the industry, eighth-grader Zachary Cornwell ended on a hopeful note:

The citizens of Commercial Township, through their courage and dedication, have continued to flourish, prosper and still live on to this day.
OCEAN CITY  A city woman arrested on suspicion of driving under the influence was paid $140,000 in March to settle a lawsuit with the city over her alleged contraction of MRSA, a bacterial infection, through unauthorized and improper catheterization in 2012.

Norma Powells 2014 lawsuit said that after she was pulled over by police for erratic driving and was unable to submit to breath or urine tests, she was taken to Shore Medical Center for blood and urine samples.

The settlement deal, obtained through an Open Public Records Act request, is between the city and Powell. In it, Powell agrees Ocean City admits no guilt and promises to dismiss the litigation in exchange for payment by the city.

Powell said the samples were extracted without her consent and a police officer assisted with the catheterization, which is how she contracted the infection.

City Officer Laura Hall and Sgt. Daniel Dubbs and nurse Kathryn Page were named defendants.

Powells attorney, Richard Stoloff, was not available for comment Thursday. Pages attorney, Michael McGann, said that Page was dismissed from the suit and that she paid no settlement to Powell.

A. Michael Barker, of Barker, Gelfand and James in Linwood, represented the city and police through the citys Joint Insurance Fund. City Business Administrator James Mallon said the city could not comment on the suit or the settlement.

The suit, filed in U.S. District Court July 11, 2014, alleged illegal search and seizure, malicious prosecution and Fifth Amendment due-process violations, excessive force, negligence, conspiracy, assault and battery related to the 2012 DUI arrest. Judge Joseph Rodriquez dismissed some counts in 2015.

It was not known if this is the only settlement in this case, however court documents show the claims against Page, Dubbs and Hall were dismissed May 8.
Consistent with its mission to improve and save lives, Baheal will extend the reach of Watson for Oncology across China, where a quarter of the world's cancer deaths occur

BEIJING and ARMONK, New York, June 5, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- IBM (NYSE: IBM) today announced that Baheal Pharmaceutical Group is extending the reach of Watson for Oncology to clinicians across China through a new multi-year strategic alliance. As the primary channel partner for Watson for Oncology in China, Baheal will serve a key role in not only accelerating cancer patients' access to cognitive technology, but over time, may also partner to bring Watson for Genomics and other future Watson Health innovation to China.

Baheal has a proven track record delivering value to hospitals across China working with more than 12,000 hospitals today, and the company has already implemented Watson for Oncology at Qingdao University Affiliate Hospital and Qingdao City Hospital, impacting more than 350 patients to-date.

IBM Watson Health is actively partnering with organizations like Baheal within China's healthcare and technology community to establish an ecosystem that will bring the benefits of machine learning into clinical practice to serve the needs of doctors and patients while maintaining compliance with local laws and regulations, including data privacy and security requirements.

"Oncologists in China have very little time to spend with each of their patients, and by deploying Watson for Oncology across our network, we aim to give our doctors more time to focus on the best decisions they can make for their patients," said Gang Fu, Chairman, Baheal Pharmaceutical Group. "Watson for Oncology will complement the robust digital health program that Baheal has already implemented in an effort to improve efficiency and quality across China's healthcare system."

With more than 4.3 million cancer diagnoses and 2.8 million cancer deaths in China each year(1), China is home to one-fourth of all global cancer deaths, and cancer constitutes one-fifth of all deaths in China.(2) An explosion of medical information has created both challenges and opportunities to help improve quality care. Currently, approximately 50,000 oncology research papers are published annually,(3) and by 2020 medical information is projected to double every 73 days, outpacing the ability of humans to keep up with the proliferation of medical knowledge.(4)

"We are proud to work with Baheal, one of China's foremost leaders in the healthcare industry, to drive adoption of cognitive technology," said Deborah DiSanzo, General Manager, IBM Watson Health. "In communities all around the world, there is a growing need for tools that help increase efficiency and enable quick access to important information from the collective body of cancer knowledge available today. Watson for Oncology offers the promise to provide evidence based care while enabling clinicians to spend more time focusing on their patients."

Watson for Oncology is a cognitive computing platform that was trained by Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center in New York to provide evidence-based treatment options to oncologists. It identifies individualized treatment options, scales access to oncology expertise, and analyzes massive volumes of medical literature drawing from more than 300 medical journals, 200 textbooks and nearly 15 million pages of text. Watson also ranks evidence-based treatment options, linking to peer reviewed studies and clinical guidelines. Its machine-learning capability means it continuously learns, gaining in value and knowledge over time. Watson for Oncology is currently trained to assist clinicians in developing treatment plans for breast, lung, colorectal, cervical, ovarian, gastric and prostate cancers.

Sources

[1] Cancer Statistics in China. CA: A Cancer Journal for Clinicians, Jan 2016.

http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.3322/caac.21338/full

[2] Goss et al. "Challenges to effective cancer control in China, India, and Russia." The Lancet Oncology, Accessed at: http://www.thelancet.com/journals/lanonc/article/PIIS1470-2045%2814%2970029-4/fulltext

[3] PubMed, accessed at pubmed.com

[4] Densen, Peter, Challenges and Opportunities Facing Medical Education 2011. Transactions in the American Clinical and Climatological Association. Accessed at https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3116346/

About Baheal Group

Baheal Pharmaceutical Group, established in 2005, focuses on the investment and operation in the health industry. Baheal has established multiple ecosystems that function as a platform to best utilize resources in the health industry through the integration of global brands, Internet application, medical services and investment.

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. IBM Watson Health is a business unit that helps 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. For more information on IBM Watson, visit: ibm.com/watson. For more information on IBM Watson Health, visit: ibm.com/watsonhealth.

Media Contacts

Yan Wang

Baheal Pharmaceuticals Group Media Relations

86 13811484257

wangyan@baiyyy.com.cn

Jim Lin

IBM Media Relations  China

86 13911126101

ljglinbj@cn.ibm.com

Christine Douglass

IBM Media Relations  U.S.

415-535-4479

cgdouglass@us.ibm.com

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SOURCE IBM
COLUMBUS, OHIO, June 4, 2017 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Later today, the Columbus, Ohio, chapter of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR-Columbus) will hold a news conference to call on law enforcement authorities to investigate an attack yesterday on a Muslim woman in that city as a possible hate crime and to urge police to arrest the alleged assailant.

The woman, who reportedly intervened to protect another Muslim woman from harassment by the alleged attacker  a white male - was beaten unconscious, resulting in facial fractures and the loss of several teeth. According to the victim, the alleged attacker reportedly screamed "you all will be shipped back to Africa" prior to beating. CAIR-Columbus is her legal representative in the case.

According to witnesses, the alleged attacker was interviewed by police, but released without charge. He had reportedly made racist statements to neighbors in the recent past.

WHAT: CAIR-Columbus News Conference to Call for Hate Crime Probe of Attack on Muslim Woman

WHEN: Sunday, June 4, 4 p.m.

WHERE: Outside Riverside Methodist Hospital, 3535 Olentangy River Road, Columbus, OH 43214

CONTACT: CAIR-Ohio Legal Director Romin Iqbal, 614-783-7953, [email protected]; CAIR-Columbus Executive Director Jennifer Nimer, 614-946-9675, [email protected]

A third party has set up a fundraising page to assist in the victim's medical expenses.

GO TO: https://www.launchgood.com/project/stand_with_sister_rahma#/

CAIR's national headquarters in Washington, D.C., has noted an unprecedented spike in hate incidents targeting Muslims and other minority groups since the November 8 election.



The Washington-based Muslim civil rights group is asking Muslim 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/civil-rights/report-an-incident/view/form.html



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.



Become a Fan of CAIR on Facebook

http://www.facebook.com/CAIRNational

Subscribe to CAIR's Email List

http://tinyurl.com/cairsubscribe

Subscribe to CAIR's Twitter Feed

http://twitter.com/cairnational

Subscribe to CAIR's YouTube Channel

http://www.youtube.com/cairtv



CONTACT: CAIR-Ohio Legal Director Romin Iqbal, 614-783-7953, [email protected]; CAIR National Communications Director Ibrahim Hooper, 202-744-7726, [email protected]

SOURCE Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR)

Related Links

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One in every 33 babies in the United States is born with a birth defect. Many times, these conditions are so rare most parents have never heard of them and even some clinicians may only encounter one or two cases throughout the duration of their career. Too often families are unaware that a place like CHOP exists.

The reunion brought together a unique community of families who share the common bond of receiving a birth defect diagnosis prenatally. Conditions such as spina bifida, congenital diaphragmatic hernia, or twin-twin transfusion syndrome have potentially devastating outcomes, but the Center for Fetal Diagnosis and Treatment at CHOP is a pioneer in the field, increasingly treating more birth defects with either fetal surgery or by providing complex care immediately after birth.

"Each year, the fetal family reunion serves as a visual testament to the advancements made in fetal medicine," said N. Scott Adzick, M.D., Surgeon-In-Chief at CHOP and director of the CFDT. "To reflect back to our first reunion 21 years ago, with only 10 families in attendance, and to look at how far we've come, is both humbling and inspiring. It is a privilege to care for these patients and their families."

The Center's large patient volume, coupled with the diversity of patients seen each day, gives the team at CHOP a depth and breadth of experience that helps to offer the best possible care. The staff has cared for more than 20,000 expectant parents from all 50 states and more than 60 countries.

"The reunion continues to be our most cherished day of the year," said Lori J. Howell, RN, MSN, DNP, Executive Director of the CFDT. "Knowing these children before they were even born, and getting to see how much they've grown up, is beyond rewarding. The reunion serves as a way to celebrate many obstacles these children have overcome, and our team is so happy to celebrate with them and their families."

Each week at CHOP, highly sophisticated surgical teams repair spina bifida and other birth defects in the womb, place fetal shunts to treat life-threatening congenital conditions, or perform minimally invasive procedures in the mother's uterus to treat complications in fetal twins. Of approximately 5,000 fetal surgeries done worldwide, a quarter of them have been performed at CHOP, more than at any other hospital. The Center staff has also managed thousands of pregnancies complicated by birth defects in which newborns need immediate specialized medical care or surgery after delivery. Learn more about our Center here.

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 546-bed hospital recognition as a leading advocate for children and adolescents. For more information, visit http://www.chop.edu

Contact: Ashley Moore

[email protected]

Cell: 215.630.4683

SOURCE Children's Hospital of Philadelphia

Related Links

http://www.chop.edu


STOCKHOLM, June 4, 2017 /PRNewswire/ --

Pharmalink AB, a specialty pharma company, is pleased to announce that its recent publication in The Lancet on the positive Phase 2b trial of Nefecon in primary IgA nephropathy (IgAN) patients, was presented at the European Renal Association-European Dialysis and Transplant Association (ERA-EDTA) conference (Madrid, Spain).

The Phase 2b trial (known as the NEFIGAN trial), was presented in a special session co-hosted by The Lancet by lead author Bengt Fellstrom, MD, PhD, Professor of Nephrology at Uppsala University Hospital and Principal Investigator of the NEFIGAN Trial.

In The Lancet paper, published March 28, 2017, clinical data from the NEFIGAN trial are presented that demonstrate the clear potential of Nefecon, a novel, oral, targeted-release formulation of the corticosteroid budesonide, as a new treatment for patients with primary IgAN (a progressive inflammatory kidney disease and orphan indication with a high unmet need). The trial met its primary endpoint and concluded that the use of Nefecon, in addition to standardized rigorous blood pressure control (optimized RAS blockade), reduced proteinuria and stabilized estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) in patients at risk of developing end-stage renal disease (ESRD). Both of these effects are indicative of a reduced risk of future progression to ESRD.

Pharmalink is preparing to start pivotal Phase 3 studies of Nefecon in this indication.

Renee Aguiar-Lucander, CEO of Pharmalink, said: "We are proud that the results of our positive Phase 2b trial have been selected for presentation in this prestigious forum. The study provides strong confirmation of the potential of Nefecon to become the first disease-specific treatment for primary IgAN. Our data suggest that Nefecon could delay disease progression, thereby minimizing any further loss of renal function and reducing the requirement for dialysis or kidney transplantation. We look forward to further evaluating the therapeutic potential of Nefecon in this orphan indication in the Phase 3 trial that we are currently planning."

The full reference of the publication in The Lancet is:

Fellstrm, BC, et al. Targeted-release budesonide versus placebo in patients with IgA nephropathy (NEFIGAN): a double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled phase 2b trial (2017) The Lancet, Vol. 389 (No. 10084) p2117-2127 http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/S0140-6736(17)30550-0

Prof. Fellstrom will give a further presentation of results from the NEFIGAN trial at the conference entitled "Proteinuria reduction in IgA nephropathy by Nefecon, a targeted release formulation of budesonide - results from the NEFIGAN trial," in the communication session "Glomerulonephritis" on June 6, 2017 between 8.00-9.30 CET in the Sala Neptuno.

Notes to Editors

About Pharmalink AB

Pharmalink is a specialty pharmaceutical company developing high value products for patients with significant unmet medical needs. With a highly experienced, dynamic management team, Pharmalink draws on its extensive experience of pharmaceutical development and marketing to efficiently identify and progress valuable and de-risked products. Visit www.pharmalink.se for further information.

About Nefecon

Nefecon is an investigational treatment for patients with primary IgA nephropathy (primary IgAN) at risk of developing ESRD. Nefecon has successfully completed a randomized, placebo-controlled Phase 2b study in 149 primary IgAN patients (full analysis set) at risk of developing ESRD, under standardized rigorous blood pressure control with an angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitor (ACEI) and/or angiotensin II receptor blocker (ARB). A Phase 3 registration trial is being planned.

Nefecon is an oral, targeted-release and locally acting formulation of the potent corticosteroid, budesonide, that down-regulates the disease process in the kidney through suppression of the gastrointestinal immune system thus exploiting the pivotal role the gastrointestinal tract plays in the overall immune response. Promising results indicate that treatment with Nefecon may provide clinical benefits to primary IgAN patients at risk of progressing to ESRD, and provide an alternative to dialysis and transplantation. Nefecon has received orphan drug designation in primary IgAN by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the European Medicines Agency (EMA).

About the NEFIGAN trial

The NEFIGAN trial was randomized, double-blinded, and placebo-controlled in male and female patients (aged 18 years) with primary IgAN and overt proteinuria considered at risk of progressing to end-stage renal disease (ESRD). The trial was conducted at 62 sites across 10 European countries between November 2012 and June 2015. Data from 149 patients constituted the final analysis set, from a total of 249 patients screened.

Following a 6-month run-in phase (to optimize RAS blockade treatment), patients underwent a 9-month treatment phase in which they were randomized in a 1:1:1 ratio to receive Nefecon at 16 mg/day, 8 mg/day or placebo.

The primary outcome of the Phase 2b clinical trial was assessed on the full analysis set (n=149), defined as all randomized patients who took at least one dose of trial medication and had at least one post-dose efficacy measurement (modified intention-to-treat analysis). At nine months, mean urine protein creatinine ratio (UPCR) decreased by -26.4% with Nefecon [p=0.0066] (-29.3% with 16 mg/day [p=0.009], non-significant -23.7% with 8 mg/day [p=0.029]), vs. placebo. The effect was sustained throughout follow-up; mean UPCR decreased by -32% from baseline at 12 months for 16 mg/day vs. a 0.5% increase for placebo. Over nine months, eGFR was stable with Nefecon but decreased 9.8% with placebo (Nefecon vs. placebo: p=0.001). Nefecon was well tolerated and the total incidence of treatment-emergent adverse events was similar across all treatment groups.

About IgA Nephropathy

IgA nephropathy (IgAN) is the most common form of glomerulonephritis (inflammation of the kidney glomeruli). The disease is characterized by deposits, predominantly containing polymeric IgA antibody, in the kidney that cause inflammation and renal damage.

IgAN can occur at any age, but the clinical onset is commonly during the second or third decades of life. It has been estimated that up to 40% of patients with primary IgAN progress to renal failure, often referred to as ESRD within 5-30 years following diagnosis. This patient population is estimated to at least 200,000 in major markets.

Patients suffering renal failure require dialysis or kidney transplantation. Primary IgAN accounts for 10% of renal transplants among patients with primary glomerulonephritis in the US and between 7-20% of patients in Europe and Australia in long-term dialysis and renal transplantation programs.

www.pharmalink.se

SOURCE Pharmalink AB
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Ghaziabad, May 30 : The UNICEF regional director (South Asia) Jean Gough visited Ghaziabad and expressed satisfaction at the measures being taken to stop child trafficking by the joint efforts of police and civil administration.

Ghaziabad district magistrate Ministhy Nair, who chaired the meeting, briefed the UNICEF team on how the police, civil administration and Mahila Samman Prakosth of Uttar Pradesh police coordinate to stop child trafficking in this district bordering the national capital.

SP City Akash Tomar represented the police along with CO crime Anup Singh. The UNICEF team visited the Anti-Human Trafficking Unit of Ghaziabad police. A workshop was also organized there.

The regional director of UNICEF expressed her satisfaction at the efforts being taken by the joint team of police district administration and the NGOs to stop child trafficking in the area.
Riyadh, May 31 : Two teachers were killed by a "disgruntled employee" in a shooting at a private school here on Wednesday.

The shooter, was a former Iraqi teacher who had been laid off, state-linked Saudi newspaper Okaz reported. The gunman fled the scene after firing and there were no children present during the attack on the Kingdom School in Riyadh, local media reported.

The victims were the school's principal and a teacher, reports said.

The shooting was "a case of a disgruntled employee," Talal Al-Maiman, CEO of Kingdom Holding and chairman of Kingdom Schools said.

The victims were a Saudi national and a Palestinian national, he said, while a third person was also injured in the rampage. The security situation at the school was contained.

A spokesperson for the Saudi Interior Ministry said the attack was being treated as a "criminal case", rather than a terror investigation.

The official Twitter account of the US Mission in Saudi Arabia had posted a warning to avoid the area that had heavy police presence.

The tweet that was posted around 2 p.m. (local time), stated that "shooter still at school. School closed, no children present. Please avoid area."

Another tweet around 3.15 stated: "Ongoing security incident at Kingdom School as of 3 p.m. local time. Please avoid area due to heavy police presence."
Washington, June 3 : Pakistan's envoy to the US has said the Haqqani network, blamed for Wednesday's massive bombing in Kabul, has moved to Afghanistan and Afghan officials should focus on tackling the militants within their territory instead of blaming Pakistan.

Aizaz Chaudhary, in an interview to the Washington Times, published by Dawn, rejected Kabul's claim that a Pakistan-based terror group was responsible for the bombing that killed 100 persons and wounded more than 400.

The Pakistani Ambassador rejected the Afghan allegations as baseless.

Afghan intelligence officials have said that a suicide bomber from the Haqqani network had detonated an explosives-laden sewage tanker in Kabul's diplomatic enclave near the German embassy on Wednesday.

The Afghan National Directorate of Security also claimed that the Haqqani network enjoyed Pakistan's support and was still operating from its hideouts in the Federally Administered Tribal Areas (Fata). The US media also carried the allegations.

Chaudhary said Pakistan had carried out large-scale counterterrorism offensive in North Waziristan and other tribal areas, uprooting all terror groups hiding there.

The Haqqani network "is on the run, as far as we are concerned", Chaudhry said. "They have moved into Afghanistan and need to be taken care of there."

He also said that "scapegoating Pakistan for failures in Afghanistan will not help" improve the security situation in either country. "It is too simplistic to say all of these (problems) are because of Pakistan...," he added.

"It is outright barbaric terrorism, and we should condemn it with all the might that we have," he said. The attack should serve to "strengthen our resolve" to work with Kabul on counterterrorism operations, he added.

Chaudhary pointed out that only Afghan intelligence officials had linked the Haqqanis to Wednesday's blast, and the government of Afghan President Ashraf Ghani was yet to endorse the findings.
Mexico City, June 4 : At least six people were killed and 21 others were injured on Saturday in an attack on a bar in the city of Cuauhtemoc in Mexico's northern state of Chihuahua.

The attack took place on Saturday morning when an unknown man entered the night club named Chicho's, and opened fire on the crowd, according to the prosecutor's office. He apparently used an AK-47 assault rifle.

Paramedics for the Red Cross rushed to offer first aid to the injured before transferring them to a nearby hospital, Xinhua reported.

Municipal and state police as well as officials from the Chihuahua government have opened an investigation, and were gathering evidence about the alleged gunman.

Until now, the identity of the victims has not been revealed.

Chihuahua has been the scene of numerous scenes of violence, with Ciudad Juarez, one of Mexico's border cities, having been the epicenter of clashes between rival drug gangs.

The incident took place a day after fighting left 11 dead in the states of Sinaloa and Tamaulipas.
Washington, June 4 : US space firm SpaceX on Saturday launched supplies to the International Space Station (ISS), including an experiment from a Chinese university that will test the effects of space environments on DNA.

The SpaceX Dragon cargo spacecraft lifted off on the company's Falcon 9 rocket from the Kennedy Space Centre in Florida, Xinhua reported.

About 10 minutes later, the rocket's first stage achieved a successful landing at SpaceX's Landing Zone 1, just south of the launch site at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station.

On this trip, the Dragon will deliver almost 6,000 pounds (2,700 kilograms) of supplies, including solar panels, tools for Earth-observation and equipment to study neutron stars.

Among the cargo is a 3.5kg device from the Beijing Institute of Technology that sought to answer questions like "Does the space radiation and microgravity cause mutations among antibody-encoding genes and how does it happen?"

There is a US law in place, known as the Wolf amendment, that bans cooperation between the US space agency NASA and Chinese government entities, but this deal is purely commercial and therefore considered legal.

NASA spokesperson Kathryn Hambleton said that there is a Chinese experiment that is launched on this mission, known as SpaceX CRS-11.

"NASA complied with all legal requirements to notify the Congress of this activity, and all of the ISS partners approved the inclusion of the experiment," Hambleton said in an email.
Washington, June 4 : Hundreds of people in the principal cities around the US marched on Saturday, demanding an independent investigation of possible ties between President Donald Trump and the Russian government.

The organisers expected the participation of several thousand people in New York, Washington and a hundred other cities to demand an independent investigation into the ties of Trump and his associates with the government of Russian President Vladimir Putin, Efe reported.

The "March for Truth" has the support of members of Congress, actors and progressive groups from around the country, as a means of piling on the pressure for an in-depth investigation of the possible collusion of the Trump team and Russia to torpedo Democratic candidate Hillary Clinton's chances in the presidential election.

Many protesters called for Trump's impeachment for his attempts to thwart an investigation into a possible Russian plot to influence last November's election.

Organisers of the demonstrations hoped to attract around 5,000 people in New York and a similar number in Washington, where the protest coincided with a rally of several dozen Trump supporters in front of the White House.

The Trump supporters, who were called by leaders of the US president's campaign, carried posters praising his decision to withdraw from the Paris Accord on climate change.

March for Truth promoters also demanded that Congress force the Republican president to reveal his tax returns, something that has been a presidential tradition up to now, to show whether the nation's chief executive had economic interests linked to foreign countries or organisations.

Besides the special counsel designated by the Justice Department to investigate Russia's attempt to interfere in the US elections, the protest organisers demand the creation of an independent commission like the one that investigated the September 11, 2001 attacks against the US.

The Justice Department has named former FBI Director Robert Mueller as special counsel to investigate the possible collusion with Russia.

The appointment came after Trump decided last May to dismiss FBI Director James Comey, who was leading the investigation into the possible collusion with Russia, something the president has called a "witch hunt" against him without any basis in fact.
Brasilia, June 4 : A special advisor to Brazilian President Michel Temer has been arrested in a corruption investigation, police said.

In a police video released last month, the adviser Rodrigo Rocha Loures was seen receiving a suitcase containing 500,000 reais ($150,000) in cash that prosecutors say was a bribe from the owner of the world's largest meatpacking company, JBS, Xinhua news agency reported.

Investigators are now seeking to determine if Rocha Loures received the money on behalf of Temer to defend the interests of the JBS in the government.

The presidential office has not commented on the arrest that took place on Saturday.

The owner of JBS reportedly turned over a tape in which Temer can seemingly be heard signing off on bribes and indicating that Rocha Loures could help the company with certain issues.

The Supreme Court has ordered an investigation against Temer and Rocha Loures for corruption, criminal organization and obstruction of justice, triggering the worst political crisis.
Chennai, June 4 : Actor Rana Daggubati on Sunday said the teaser of his upcoming Telugu political drama "Nene Raju, Nene Mantri", in which he plays a politician, will release on June 6.

"Teaser of my next 'Nene Raju, Nenu Mantri' will be out on June 6. Can't wait to share," Rana wrote on his Twitter page.

Being directed by Teja, the film also stars Kajal Aggarwal, Catherine Tresa, Navdeep and Ashutosh Rana.

Talking about the movie, Rana had said in a statement: "I always admired Teja's hunger for brilliance and this one is turning out to be a compelling and thought provoking film. It's going to be a delight for everyone."

The film marks the first-time collaboration between Rana and Teja, and it is being produced by Suresh Babu.

"Nene Raju, Nenu Mantri" will also be released in Tamil, Hindi and Malayalam.
New Delhi, June 4 : A former Indian Administrative Service (IAS) officer, who is currently a professor of Public Policy and Political Science at Duke University, spent long periods in distant villages and city slums of India to study their problems. The result: A scholarly work that presents possible solutions to the problems of neediness and inequity in India.

Delving into the lives of ordinary individuals, Anirudh Krishna realised that there is a lot of latent talent in these parts of the country but individuals in these situations do not have the opportunity to rise to a level commensurate with their capabilities.

In an interview with IANS on his just-released book "The Broken Ladder: The Paradox and the Potential of India's One Billion" (Penguin/Rs 599/382 pages), Krishna focused on the three factors that, according to him, combine to keep poverty alive in India.

The first factor, perhaps the most important one, is the question of poverty-creation. Krishna said that one-third of all those who are poor today were not born poor, they fell into poverty because of various reasons. The author lamented that bad health and high treatment costs play a very large role in turning people poor in India.

"It is estimated that between 3 and 5 percent of the population fall into poverty every year on account of health care bills that are unaffordable. It's one of the highest rates of poverty creation in the world. That has to be controlled," Krishna, who holds a PhD in Government from Cornell University, told IANS.

The second factor that Krishna holds responsible for continuing poverty in India is the failure of the State. He said that there is relatively little that is being done to support people's movement out of poverty. While agreeing that "we have a number of impressive schemes and programmes" that serve as a source of succour, providing wage employment and subsidised rations and mid-day meals and so on, he maintained that these are only in the nature of "survival benefits".

"They help poor people get by from day-to-day, which is important and necessary. But these schemes and programmes don't generate investible surpluses or send a child to college. Those who obtain these benefits remain near-poor," said Krishna, who has published five other books and more than 50 journal articles.

The final reason that Krishna presented for massive poverty in India has to do with "beliefs and values". He said that the beliefs harboured by the rich and well-to-do about the poor and the reasons for their poverty has no basis.

"For instance, many believe that people are poor because they don't work hard or are feckless or given to drink, and yes, there are some such individuals. But a wider search shows that the majority haven't become poor or remained poor because of character flaws," he pointed out.

The nature and depth of poverty is known to most Indians and the author regretted that very few, no matter how talented, are able to rise high from situations of poverty in India.

"Many smart young women and men who, given a chance, could have been star athletes or artists or business managers, have become vegetable vendors, delivery boys, and labourers. The ladder to higher opportunity, which these individuals encounter, has many broken rungs. Nearly 60 percent of the population has trouble accessing higher opportunity. Fixing the broken rungs in the ladder is necessary for social justice. It is essential for sustained economic development," Krishna maintained.

The author added that "the tragedy of India" is that it provides few viable opportunities to its teeming millions. Many talented children who grow up in faraway villages and city slums are not given the support that all children need if they are to make superior achievements, he said.

"Tackling inequality of opportunity is essential so the country can grow faster, making better use of its human potential. Too many people remain unrepresented at the higher levels in diverse walks of life, as a result of which the country punches well below its weight in international competitions. India wins the fewest Olympic medals per million population of any country, lower by a factor of 10 than the next-lowest country's score," he contended.

Krishna received an honorary doctorate from Uppsala University, Sweden in 2011; the Olaf Palme Visiting Professorship from the Swedish Research Council in 2007; the Dudley Seers Memorial Prize in 2005; and the Best Article Award of the American Political Science Association, Comparative Democratisation Section in 2002. Before returning to academia, he spent 14 years with the Indian Administrative Service, managing diverse rural and urban development initiatives.

(Saket Suman can be contacted at saket.s@ians.in)
Srinagar, June 4 : The Army on Sunday paid tributes to two of its soldiers killed in a militant ambush on the Jammu-Srinagar national highway on Saturday.

"Army paid befitting tributes to two of its comrades who had attained martyrdom in a dastardly terrorist action on an Army convoy in Qazigund," spokesperson Col Rajesh Kalia told media.

The ceremony at Badamibagh Cantonment was attended by senior officials from other security forces and civil administration, including state police chief.

The two soldiers were Naik Dipak Kumar Maity and Manivannan G.

Maity, 43, had joined Army in 1997 and hailed from Midnapur in West Bengal. He is survived by his wife Rikta and a 13-year-old daughter. Manivannan, 25, hailed from Thiruvannamalai in Tamil Nadu and had donned the uniform in 2013. He is survived by his parents, mother G. Chinnaponnu and father Gopal G.

The mortal remains of the soldiers will be flown to their home towns where the last rites will be performed with full military honours, the spokesperson said.
Mumbai, June 4 : Indian celebrities, including Shruti Haasan, Neha Dhupia, Anubhav Sinha and Salim Merchant, were shocked and disturbed with the news of terror attacks in London. They have urged the people to stay calm and united.

Six people were killed and 48 others injured in two terror strikes in London in which three male attackers were shot dead by the police. The attack began on London Bridge when a white transit-style van drove into a crowd of people on Saturday. This is the third terror attack in the UK since March.

Here's what the stars tweeted:

Shekhar Kapur: As terror continues in UK despite best anti terror force in world, the solution must lie in preventing radicalisation... In a global world terrorism knows no boundaries. Its a virus that needs a global cure. It's no longer just 'their' problem #LondonBrige.

Rahul Dholakia: It's no more breaking news; it's 'Heart Breaking News' ...Pray for London #UnitedWeStand Shekhar Ravjiani: Our thoughts and prayers are with you.Stay safe. Stay strong. And don't let fear into your hearts. Don't let them win.

Shruti Haasan: Cannot believe this happened to beautiful London...My prayers to everyone.

Parineeti Chopra: Cannot believe this is happening so often now. Praying for peace everywhere!

Neha Dhupia: Another terror attack... Another day when innocent lives are lost... another day when you wake up and question what's the world coming to?

Salim Merchant: Just landed in Paris and shocked to read about the London attack. When will all this end? I have a feeling the weapon industry is feeding this Anubhav Sinha: Stay safe London. Stay calm because they want you to panic. Keep loving because they want you to hate.

Onir: What a horrible news to start the day withA 6 people slain in 'terrorist incidents' on London Bridge.

Vivek Agnihotri: Even I don't believe in Islamic terror. But what do I do when I see 'Allahism' of terror? London, I feel your pain.

Akshara Haasan: Once again London sees terror. It's so sad. Please be safe, be aware of any doubtful activities etc. Its truly sad to see pain so soon.

Armaan Malik: Sad to see these happenings around the world... Not sure if prayers are enough anymore.

Aftab Shivdasani: Another shocking and disturbing attack in London. Some serious measures need to be taken to stop this. Prayers for the victims.

Prateik Babbar: Thoughts and prayers are with the friends and families of victims... #PrayForLondon Hansika: I'm sending my thoughts and prayers to everyone in London. Please Stay Safe everyone.
Hyderabad, June 4 : Leading Telugu actor and Jana Sena chief Pawan Kalyan on Sunday said he will support any political party fighting for grant of special status to Andhra Pradesh.

He tweeted this after the Congress party invited him to a public meeting scheduled to be held in Guntur on Sunday evening to demand special category status for the state.

Congress Vice President Rahul Gandhi, Samajwadi Party leader Akhilesh Yadav and Communist Party of India General Secretary S. Sudhakar Reddy, among others, will address the meeting.

The actor-politician said he would not be able to make it to the Guntur meeting due to the short notice. He conveyed his best wishes to Raghuveera Reddy, the President of the Andhra Pradesh unit of the Congress party.

Pawan said all parties should come on one platform when it comes to taking on the Centre for the promised special status for Andhra Pradesh.

The actor, who had campaigned for the BJP-TDP alliance in the 2014 elections, fell out with them last year and has since been targeting the BJP for going back on its promise to accord special status to the state and the TDP for accepting a special package instead of the special status.

Pawan, younger brother of Congress leader and former Union Minister K. Chiranjeevi, has already announced that Jana Sena will contest the 2019 elections in both Telugu states of Andhra Pradesh and Telangana.
London, June 4 : Suspected Islamists rammed a van into a group of unsuspecting pedestrians and tourists on the London Bridge and later launched knife attacks at nearby pubs, killing seven people and injuring 48. Police shot dead all three suspects.

Some of the wounded, including a police officer, were reportedly in critical condition. Police said 12 suspects have been arrested in connection with the terror attack.

The Saturday night mayhem in the heart of London came less than a fortnight after a young British suicide bomber detonated a powerful bomb in the Manchester Arena just when an American concert had ended, killing 22 people and injuring more than 100.

It all began when a white transit-style van speeding toward the London Bridge Tube station drove into people including foreigners enjoying a pleasant weather around 10 p.m., sending one man flying some 20 feet in the air.

In no time, four or five people were on the ground, dead or dying, witnesses told the media.

The vehicle continued to drive towards Borough Market, just south of the bridge, where three assailants got out and began stabbing civilians at a restaurant as well as police officers who tried to stop them, the BBC reported.

One attacker was seen with "a big knife" attacking people in the Borough Market whose pubs and restaurants were packed.

Armed officers who reached the scene within eight minutes after getting the first call gunned down the suspects, who wore fake bomb vests.

By then, however, the terrorists -- who like the dead have not been identified by name or nationality -- had done the damage.

One of them barged into a crowded pub and repeatedly stabbed a young woman.

An eyewitness, Gerard, told the BBC: "They were running up shouting 'This is for Allah'. They stabbed this girl maybe 10 times, 15 times."

Others in the pub fought off the terrorist with chairs and bottles, forcing him to exit.

Some of the wounded were in critical condition, including a French citizen. Among the foreigners attacked were two Australians, a New Zealander and his French girlfriend and some other French citizens.

The attack triggered panic in the tourist area. People fled the scene, in some places with their hands raised on police instructions. The ruling Conservative Party immediately suspended its nation-wide election campaign.

London Bridge Tube station and the London Bridge were closed from both directions. Authorities said additional police and officers would be deployed across London in the coming days.

Metropolitan Police Assistant Commissioner Mark Rowley said: "We are treating this as a terrorist incident." A Traffic Police officer, an off-duty officer and two more officers were injured as they took on the terrorists before their armed colleagues arrived.

British Prime Minister Theresa May said: "It's time to say enough is enough." She said the counter-terrorism strategy would be reviewed, the election campaign would resume on Monday and the parliamentary elections would be held as planned on June 8.

This is the third terror attack in Britain since March.

On March 22, six people, including a lone attacker, were killed and at least 50 people were injured in a similar attack on Westminster Bridge near Parliament. Then came the Manchester horror.

London Mayor Sadiq Khan said he was "appalled and furious that these cowardly terrorists would deliberately target innocent Londoners", reports the Guardian.

President Donald Trump offered help to Britain and reiterated his call for a travel ban on citizens entering the US from select countries.

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who returned home early on Sunday after a four-nation European tour, denounced the killings of the innocents and offered condolences to the victims.
Mosul (Iraq), June 4 : Iraqi pro-government militias regained control on Sunday of an important stronghold of the Islamic State terror group located west of the city of Mosul, near the border with Syria, a military source said.

The leader of the Popular Mobilization Forces (PMF), Abu Mahdi al-Muhandis, said his forces stormed and seized the district of al-Baaj, 130 km west of Mosul, where the offensive to expel the IS from its main stronghold in the country is on, reports Efe.

He said in a statement that the PMF and the Iraqi people celebrated the liberation of al-Baaj, calling the operation to free this border area with Syria "a great achievement".

Al-Muhandis, who praised his militias for continuing the fighting during the holy month of Ramadan, affirmed that these intense clashes had caused human and material casualties in the ranks of the IS but he did not give figures.

He also did not say whether any of his militia fighters perished in the offensive.

The PMF, led by Shias, the second largest branch of Islam, continued to recover territories that are on the border with Syria and which IS fighters are using to flee.

The PMF operate in the territories west of Mosul, while the army and the police fight against the IS inside the city.
New Delhi, June 4 : Actor Pankaj Tripathi is happy to land the role of a policeman in Tamil film "Kaala" which features his "idol" Rajinikanth as a slum lord-turned-gangster.

Being directed by Pa. Ranjith, the film is currently being shot in Mumbai.

Sharing his joy, Pankaj told IANS over phone: "It's a big thing for me to be part of Rajini sir's film. I consider Rajinikanth as the most ideal person in the cinema industry because despite his super stardom, he stays real and humble. I relate to him very much.

"As an actor, you may need to adapt to make-up or a certain get-up, but in life, one should always remain simple. It's a thing to learn for our generation of actors."

Pankaj has not yet seen a complete Rajinikanth film -- just bits and pieces of "Robot" -- but he is a fan of the iconic actor's personality. That's why getting a chance to feature with him in a movie makes him feel fortunate.

"I play a policeman with shades of grey. Sometimes the audience will feel that he's a villain, but sometimes they might find him genuine. The biggest thing is I will get to act with a person who I consider an idol," added the actor, who has featured in films like "Gangs of Wasseypur", "Omkara", "Singham Returns", "Dabangg 2", "Fukrey", "Dilwale" and "Nil Battey Sannata".

His performance in "Gangs of Wasseypur" and "Nil Battey Sannata" helped him bag a role in "Kaala".

"First during the meeting, I said why to listen to the story when the film has Rajinikanth sir. But then it's part of the process, so I heard it. I felt it was a good and important character.

"Then I wondered who wanted to cast me. So, the assistant director who had come to narrate the script, said Pa. Ranjith, the director. I asked her which of my works had he seen? She said 'Gangs of Wasseypur' and 'Nil Battey Sannata'. I was convinced then that he had seen my work and must have given a thought to cast me in his film," said Pankaj.

"Kaala" also features Huma Qureshi and Nana Patekar.

Apart from the film, Pankaj has his kitty full with projects like Tarun Mansukhani's "Drive", "Fukrey Returns" and Rajkummar Rao-starrer "Bareilly Ki Barfi" and "Newton".
Ghaziabad, June 4 : Three persons who had abducted three women for trafficking were arrested here and the victims released, police said on Sunday.

During a campaign launched to stop trafficking of women, a team of policemen nabbed three suspects near Dabur India factory in Kaushambi area, said a police officer, adding that during questioning, the trio confessed they had abducted three women, who would be taken to a far-off area and be sold to brothels.

The three identified themselves as Mukeem, of Delhi's Turkman Gate area, Vikas Gupta of Ghazipur and Minku of Bahraich, both in Uttar Pradesh.

On the information obtained from them, police rescued the three girls whom they had kept in their hideouts places in Delhi and NCR.

"We had constituted team of good officers to work out such pending cases and to suggest preventive measures. The team have shown good results due to which three victims were rescued. Other preventive measures are underway to stop such happenings in future" said Superintendent of Police, City, Akash Tomar.
Mangaluru, June 4 : All 23 workers still stranded on a flooded barge in the Arabian Sea off Ullal in Karnataka were rescued by the Coast Guard on Sunday, said police.

"A Coast Guard ship rescued all the workers stranded on Barge Ibis. The rescue operation began at 6.30 a.m. and ended at 9.30 a.m.," Mangaluru Deputy Commissioner of Police K.M. Shantaraju told IANS.

The Coast Guard ship had evacuated four of the 27 workers off the barge on Saturday before the rescue operation was called off due to inclement weather.

"The Coast Guard swung into action when it received a distress call at 5 p.m. on Saturday from the workers on the barge, located at 4 km south of Old Port of Mangaluru, " said Shantaraju.

The workers on board the dredger were engaged in operations when it got flooded.

Meanwhile, Karnataka Food and Civil Supplies Minister U.T. Khader has ordered an inquiry by the Deputy Commissioner of Mangaluru into the accident.
Tehran, June 5 : Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei on Sunday called for settling issues in the region through dialogue.

"Foreigners, including Saudi Arabia, should stop their interference in the internal affairs of Syria, Yemen and Bahrain," Xinhua quoted Khamenei as saying.

He added that the people of these states should decide the fate of their countries through political dialogue.

Certain foreign states should also stop sending arms to the terrorists inside the crisis-stricken regional countries, Khamenei stressed.

The Iranian leader also condemned what he called the "illogical" presence of Saudi Arabia in Bahrain and said the Bahraini government must engage in negotiations with the people of the country.

Khamenei regretted that people in some Muslim countries, including Yemen, Syria, Bahrain and Libya, are facing numerous problems even in the holy fasting month of Ramadan.

The leader warned that enemies are waging "proxy wars" in Syria, Bahrain and Yemen as well as other parts of the Muslim world.

Khamenei also called on Saudi Arabia to stop what he called "crimes against the innocents" in Yemen.

"Saudi Arabia makes a mistake by bombing Yemeni people," he said.

"Saudi Arabia is better to know that even if they insist on their current policy for 10 or 20 years, they won't be able to defeat Yemeni people."

"This is a crime that they are committing against the innocent people in Yemen which will bear no fruit," he added.

Khamenei also criticised US President Donald Trump for casting support for Saudi Arabian rulers.
Islamabad, June 5 : Pakistani security forces have killed 12 hardcore terrorists in southwestern Balochistan province, the military said on Sunday.

An intelligence-based operation was conducted in Mastung, some 50km south of Quetta, the provincial capital, over the past two days, Xinhua quoted an army statement as saying.

"Terrorists were hiding inside a cave for planning, coordination and execution of terrorist activities in Balochistan," the statement from the Inter-Services Public Relations of Pakistan army said.

"During exchange of fire 12 hardcore terrorists have been killed. Five security officials, including 2 officers, got injured," the army said.

The statement did not say which group the terrorists belonged to, however, local media quoted official sources as saying that the terrorists belonged to Daesh or the Islamic State.

The army said more details about the operation will be shared with the media later.
In this industry, every second counts.

Digitaland, a digital production agency specializing in scalable digital advertising solutions for brands, recently announced the launch of their redesigned website. The revamp makes the site more user-friendly for brands looking for digital ad solutions to capture consumer attention across all their devices.

Weve seen a big shift in the type of inquiries were getting for digital ads and banner ads, said Digitaland VP Managing Director Yoni Levy. Historically, most of the questions weve fielded come from agencies. In the past year, weve been approached by a significant number of brands looking for a digital production partner that can function like an in-house team.

The shift comes amidst a steady increase in display advertising spend. Brands earmark substantial budgets to snag consumer attention and Digitaland says time is of the essence.

In this industry, every second counts, said Levy. HTML5 ad technology makes it possible for brands to turn virtually any idea into a digital ad reality. But they need to act fast, before a competitor moves on the idea.

Thats why more brands are bypassing traditional agencies and going directly to digital production agencies. The brands have the assets and the ideas. The roadblock is execution. They need a digital production partner that can turn those ideas into realities, fast.

As consumers increase their screen time and number of devices, brands and their ad agencies are looking for solutions that enable them to connect with distracted audiences.

Digitaland thinks the solution is simple: show consumers better digital ad creative.

Youll hear a lot of industry people say consumers are banner blind and advertising is dead, said Digitaland Production Manager Juan Manuel Sosa Vives.

"But consumers arent really banner blind. Theyre just tired of ads that are intrusive and irrelevant. Brands can improve the customer experience and the industry by focusing on creative first. Build better digital ads and consumers will take notice. Thats what we want to convey with our new site.

About Digitaland

Digitaland is a digital production and creative agency headquartered in Miami, Florida. We specialize in creating cross-screen, rich media ad campaigns at scale. We build everything from HTML5 standard banners to high-impact ad formats like game ads, interactive landing pages and more. Our high-volume capabilities and fast turn times enable brands to launch campaigns faster and reach audiences on any device.

Press Contact

Yoni Levy

305-709-0737
MidwestHR, LLC has been named one of the first Certified Professional Employer Organizations (CPEO) in the United States by the Internal Revenue Service (IRS). Thus far, only 84 companies have met the rigorous criteria to have earned this recognition, which puts MidwestHR among the top in the industry.

In 2015, the IRS established a voluntary certification program for PEOs enacted by the Small Business Efficiency Act. In order to achieve this status, PEOs must meet exemplary standards in their tax compliance, experience, and financial reporting among other categories. Once a PEO achieves this certification, companies partnering with or leaving a PEO no longer risk the liability of double taxation.

MidwestHR CEO Jeffrey Bartelt comments on the subject saying, One of our many goals at MidwestHR is to constantly improve to ensure we are best servicing our clients. When we learned of the IRS certification, MidwestHR immediately began the process seeking to be one of the first PEOs certified. This gives our clients assurance that they are partnering with a trusted company that has met high standards set by the US government. We are honored to receive this certification and proud of our company for achieving this goal.

As a CPEO, MidwestHR can continue to enable business owners to focus on their core business objectives and improve the lives of their employees. This is accomplished by managing employment related functions such as human resources, employee benefit plans, retirement packages, payroll services, and more for client businesses. With this recognition of certification by the IRS, MidwestHR continues to be a premier PEO in the Midwest region and throughout the country.

The IRS does not endorse specific Certified Professional Employer Organizations. For more information about MidwestHR, LLC, please call 630-836-3000 or visit our website at http://www.midwesthr.com.
The Manse on Marsh, award-winning San Luis Obispo retirement community, is hosting two events in June for seniors and their families.

The first is an Open House and Tour of Models on June 15, 2017. The event begins at 3 pm, and wine and cheese will be served. Bring friends and family to our San Luis Obispo retirement community, and have fun exploring our numerous floor plans and free-standing cottages.

The Manse on Marsh has a wide-variety of choices, ranging from well-appointed suites with fireplaces to free-standing cottages, some with full kitchens. Along with our private residences, we offer several warm and welcoming common areas. And, as the only San Luis Obispo retirement community located in the heart of the citys charming downtown, residents can take advantage of visiting our neighboring restaurants, shops, and galleries.

Then on June 29th, join The Manse on Marsh and Central Coast Smooth Transitions President Joann Peters for Downsize Your Home, Upsize Your Lifestyle.

Peters has worked in the real estate industry since 1988, and launched her company after helping her parents and other family members downsize and disperse their estates.

Later in life, our homes become cluttered with our 'stuff, and it is natural to be overwhelmed by the daunting prospect of downsizing, de-cluttering, organizing, and discarding, says Peters.

From advice on how to find new homes for some special possessions, to helping decide if its time to move and what to look for in a smaller place, Peters offers a refreshing perspective on making this life-changing decision.

Downsize Your Home, Upsize Your Lifestyle begins at 3 pm, and light appetizers and cocktails will be served. You can RSVP for one or both events by calling The Manse on Marsh at 805-541-4222.

About The Manse on Marsh

The Manse on Marsh is San Luis Obispos retirement community of choice for independent living, assisted living, and respite, recover, and hospice care. In the heart of the Central Coast, The Manse on Marsh is close to home for families seeking San Luis Obispo retirement community living. Amenities include spacious flats and private homes, restaurant-quality open dining, convenient transportation, social activities, maid and laundry services, nurse on staff, attentive caregivers and discrete personal assistance. Learn more or schedule your tour of The Manse on Marsh San Luis Obispo retirement community at http://www.themanse.net.

Press release by San Luis Obispo online marketing company Access Publishing, 806 9th Street, #2D, Paso Robles, CA 93446. (805) 226-9890.

The Manse on Marsh

475 Marsh Street, San Luis Obispo, CA 93401

(805) 541-4222
All of my wines have won gold medals and I just learned from a wine judge that only two wineries in the state can make that claim.

Michael Gill Cellars has announced a number of wine awards for 2017, including Best of Varietal and Best of Class for both their 2016 vermentino and 2016 viognier. These same wines were also awarded gold medals along with the best of varietal and class at the Jerry Meads New World International Wine Competition (NWICW) held in late February in Ontario, CA.

Along with the awards from the NWICW, Michael Gill Cellars 2014 syrah was awarded a gold at the 2017 Berlin International Wine Competition (BIWC) and five golds and one double gold for 2016 vermentino at the 2017 Florida State Fair Wine and Grape Growers Competition. The BIWC was held in March in Berlin, Germany. The Florida State Fair competition was also held earlier this year. Michael Gill Cellars was also named the Best Paso Robles Winery at the Berlin competition.

I have received 17 Best of Class awards since I started entering wine competitions in mid-2013, said owner and founder Michael Gill. All of my wines have won gold medals and I just learned from a wine judge that only two wineries in the state can make that claim. Gill has entered more wines in four more competitions for 2017, but the results from those competitions have not yet been announced.

Located in the hills of Californias Central Coast, Michael Gill Cellars is Paso Robles premier vineyard and tasting room. As a vintner, Gill is known for his ability to naturally cultivate luxurious wines unmatched in quality. We work to keep our quality high, said Gill. It is about quality, not quantity. Michael Gill Cellars tasting room, inspired by the history and beauty of illustrious French hunting lodges, is open to the public on weekends during season or any time by appointment. The $10 tasting fee is waived with bottle purchase and 10 percent discount is applied to any case purchase. The winery also offers periodic pairing dinners.

The wine club offers three shipments each year at a special members discount of 20 percent off the regular wine price. Some limited vintages are only available to wine club members.

Gill has owned the land since 1977 and planted syrah as his first grapes in 1998. Since planting those first vines, Gill has focused on nurturing the best from the vines and grapes. We let the grapes talk to us. We do what the vines tell us to do to make them perform the best. Were not trying to mass produce everything, get on a treadmill, and be married to budget and expectations. If one grape takes extra care, it gets extra care. We make the time, said Gill.

Michael Gill Cellars

4125 Peachy Canyon Road Paso Robles, CA 93446

(805) 239-1668

Press release by San Luis Obispo online marketing company Access Publishing, 806 9th Street, #2D, Paso Robles, CA 93446. (805) 226-9890.
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"The morale of these farmers is down and the way to bring it up is to motivate them and encourage them. This is an unforeseen situation and they must be bailed out of this challenge," he told Accra-based Citi FM.

The Akufo-Addo administration last month released GH15m to fight the army worm invasion on several farms across the country.

The amount was used to buy pesticides as well as the provision of logistics for a task force step up by the ministry for the combat exercise.

But according to Eric Opoku, the losses the farmers have incurred have not been factored in the amount released.

He said part of the GHC15 million should be used to compensate the farmers whose farms were affected.

We are missing out on an important aspect how do we deal with the losses of the affected farmers? They have invested resources. Some went to the banks to borrow and invest these monies in their farming activities, he said.

He added: we have to commit part of these resources to compensate for the losses of the affected farmers to serve as a motivation so that next year, these same people will be encouraged to go into farming activities.

The fall army worm is said to have so far invaded farms in the Ashanti, Brong Ahafo, and Eastern regions.

It has also destroyed over 500 acres of maize farms in 13 districts the Ashanti region.

The pests attack leaves of crops, flowers and even the stalk.

They feed on several crops including -staple food source - maize, cotton, soya bean, potato and the cash crop - cocoa.
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Mahama, Ghana's president from 2012 to 2017, took to Twitter on Thursday to criticize U.S President Donald Trump's attempts to "sacrifice global interest to pander to a narrow domestic political base" by his controversial decision to leave the global agreement on Climate Change, which was adopted by consensus in December 2015.

President Trump on Thursday caused shock waves across the world by announcing that the U.S.A would be pulling out of the agreement, which was made within the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) and currently has 195 signatories, of which 148 have formally ratified.

Mahama, who was president of Ghana when the West African nation formally became a signatory in April 2016, said in a series of tweets:

"We all worked hard to reach the 2015 Paris Climate Change Agreement. US contributes 20% of CO2 pollution in the atmosphere.

"From Ghana, Former President J.A Kufuor was one of the eminent coordinators at the COP21.

"Sacrificing global interest to pander to a narrow domestic political base is eroding US leadership of the world."

Mahama later released an official statement, in which he said Trump's decision "comes from a truly misinformed position," calling Thursday "a sad day for global cooperation".

The Paris Agreement was reached in order to mitigate the threat of global warming by controlling greenhouse gas emissions.

According to the agreement, the signatories commit to "holding the increase in the global average temperature to well below 2 C above pre-industrial levels and to pursue efforts to limit the temperature increase to 1.5 C above pre-industrial levels."

President Trump defended his decision by arguing that he was only fulfilling his "solemn duty to protect America and its citizens", claiming that the agreement would cost the US $3 trillion in lost GDP and 6.5 million jobs.
The agreement between 196 countries aims to curb the impacts of climate change.

In an interview on "Meet The Press," Kerry compared Trump's pledge to "see if we can make a deal that's fair," to OJ Simpson's famous 1995 pledge to find the person who killed Nicole Brown and Ron Goldman. Though Simpson was found not guilty by a jury in a criminal case, a judge in a civil case found him liable for Brown and Goldman's murder, and many remain convinced that Simpson killed both at Brown's home in 1994.

"He's going to go out and find a better deal?" Kerry said. "That's like OJ Simpson saying he's going to go find the real killer. Everybody knows he isn't going to do that because he doesn't believe in it. Because if he did believe in it he wouldn't pull out of Paris. American has ceded global leadership on this issue."

The former secretary of state repeatedly criticized the president for failing to acknowledge the economic benefits of sustainable energy, and that climate change exists at all.

But he also argued that Democrats need to do a better job of convincing voters that green energy jobs can have a positive economic impact on the economy.

"There has to be far more focus on the economic message," Kerry said, saying the US is putting itself at a competitive disadvantage in green technology sectors.

He added: "We do have to do a better job of pointing out to people who this is part of the economic future."

Despite Trump's claim that he would renegotiate a climate agreement, many countries immediately announced they would not negotiate another environmental treaty with the US.

The Paris agreement implemented a series of targets designed to limit the global average temperature, which proponents said could help halt the numerous impacts of climate change.

Trump argued earlier this week that the economic impact of the Paris agreement on American energy sectors was too great to risk action to curb emissions, a fact that many economists and major US companies pushed-back on.
The dinner  where the two men were seated next to each other  celebrated Russian state media outlet Russia Today (RT).

"I didn't even really talk to him," Putin told NBC News' Megyn Kelly during an interview that will air Sunday at 7 p.m. EST.

Putin explained that although he sat next to Flynn at the dinner, the two had limited contact. "I made my speech. Then we talked about some other stuff. And I got up and left," Putin said.

He added: "And then afterwards I was told, 'You know there was an American gentleman. He was involved in some things. He used to be in the security services' ... that's it. I didn't even really talk to him"

"That's the extent of my acquaintance with Mr. Flynn."

Flynn is currently the focus of two congressional investigations and an FBI probe into the Trump campaign's potential ties to Russia, as well as any efforts to collude with the Kremlin and hand Donald Trump the presidency during the 2016 election.

Flynn was forced to resign from his position as national security adviser when The Washington Post reported in February that he had discussed US sanctions on Russia with Russian ambassador Sergey Kislyak during the presidential transition period, and then misled Vice President Mike Pence about his conversation.

Flynn's resignation came days after the Post's report was published, but it was later revealed that the White House had already been aware of Flynn's actions  former acting attorney general Sally Yates had warned the Trump administration in late January that Flynn was susceptible to Russian blackmail, but Flynn did not resign until 18 days later, following the Post's report.

In addition to his ties to Russia, Flynn is also under another FBI investigation for failing to disclose that he had worked as a paid lobbyist for Turkey. Flynn reportedly informed the Trump transition team in early January of the investigation into his Turkey ties, which means the administration was aware of Flynn's vulnerabilities before Trump took office.

Flynn's background prompted so many questions, in fact, that former president Barack Obama warned newly-elected Trump in 2016 not to hire Flynn as national security adviser.

Trump's own relationship with Flynn has also attracted scrutiny, particularly after it was reported that Trump asked former FBI director James Comey to drop the FBI's investigation into Flynn's Russia ties during a February Oval Office meeting that took place the day after Flynn resigned.

"He's a good guy," Trump told Comey, according to a memo Comey wrote shortly after the meeting. "I hope you can let this go." Though the meeting reportedly took place in February, news of it didn't emerge until later in May, after Trump abruptly fired Comey.

As the Trump-Russia controversy continued gaining steam in March and Flynn began emerging as a central focus, his lawyer, Robert Kelner, asked for immunity for Flynn in exchange for his testimony on Russian election interference. Flynn previously said during an interview in 2016 that "when you are given immunity, that means you probably committed a crime."
More than a third of Americans don't get the seven to nine hours of sleep a night that the CDC recommends. Some people think they can function on less, but usually that's because the sleep-deprived brain loses the ability to tell when it isn't functioning right after just a few nights of short sleep.

Getting better sleep can change your life in powerful ways. Simple, everyday adjustments may be all that some people require for better sleep, but there are also things that true insomniacs can do to soothe sleep troubles.

Business Insider has reviewed a number of studies and interviewed sleep experts to figure out how to best transform your sleep habits. Here are 14 science-backed tips.

1. Figure out how much sleep you really need.

Our daily schedules while we're working is often anything but natural. It ignores our individual chronotype (whether we're night owls or morning people) and forces us onto a societal sleep schedule instead of an individual one. Plus, anxiety can make natural sleep difficult.

So the next time you have a few days off, go to sleep when you are tired and see how long you naturally sleep  you need a few days for your body to relax and tell you your needs. Most likely, you'll find yourself sleeping seven to nine hours.

2. Pick a bedtime.

Don't try to go to bed "as early as possible"  that's a vague goal, which makes it almost impossible to achieve. Instead, plan ahead.

Do you want to be up by 7:00? Did your vacation experiment show you that you really need eight hours, not six? Then get in bed by 11:00, if not a little before. Try to stick to your bedtime as closely as possible, even on weekends. But don't freak out if you change your routine every so often. Exceptions are okay.

3. Set some rules for the future.

Since you've already taken note of your habits, you can now start re-building your bedtime routine to train yourself to sleep. Set rules that will help you relax. Maybe dim the lights and turn off the TV an hour before bed.

One big one: never do anything work-related in bed, including checking your email or social media accounts. If you associate your bed with work, it'll be much harder to relax there. That old advice about reserving your bed for sleep and sex is pretty solid  even if 9 out 10 Americans ignore it  but really, just make sure you don't do anything in bed that isn't relaxing.

4. Don't eat or drink alcohol right before bed.

5. Put your smartphone and laptop away at least 30 minutes before bedtime.

This is advice that people love to ignore, but there are very good reasons for it. The blue light from your phone is bright and tells your brain to stop producing melatonin, an essential hormone that regulates your circadian rhythm and tells your body when it's time to wake and when it's time to sleep.

Disruptions to your circadian rhythm are not only linked to poor sleep, they're also connected to vision problems, cancer, and depression. Put the phone away.

6. Spend 30 to 60 minutes before bedtime relaxing.

Here are a few recommendations from the National Sleep Foundation and a other sources:

 Read a book or magazine you enjoy  just make sure it's not work related.

Write your thoughts down. Experts say journaling at night can help manage stress and anxiety, making it easier for you to drift off. Spending a few minutes writing in a journal is associated with more productive workdays, less stress, fewer symptoms of depression, and more.

Create a hygiene ritual that sends a psychological signal that you are getting ready for bed. Brush your teeth, wash your face, floss.

Try meditation. Studies show that mindfulness meditation lowers stress and promotes psychological well-being. If you want something that will send you to sleep, the UCLA Mindful Awareness Research Center has a selection of free downloadable meditations, including one specifically designed to be done in bed.

7. In the a.m., don't hit snooze.

8. Get some exercise and in particular, some sun, early on.

Go camping for a full sleep schedule reset.

The thing that seems to have the most influence over our circadian rhythms or chronotype is exposure to light  natural light in particular. But going from home to office to home, we're rarely in the sun. That means that our daytime is less bright than it would be if we were spending time outside and our nighttime is brighter than it naturally would be.

That makes it hard for us to get on a good schedule. But there's a simple solution: a camping trip.

light exposure and its effects on sleep found that even a weekend camping trip was enough to reset sleep schedules to be more in line with the sunrise and sunset, helping people shift their schedule up to two hours earlier. Sleep hormone levels started following the same track after the weekend.

These tips will help most people, but they don't work for everyone. Fortunately, experts also have some suggestions for eliminating true insomnia.

If you've ever lay there awake in bed, getting increasingly agitated because you know that you're going to be exhausted the next day after yet another night with little to no sleep, you know it's incredibly disheartening and frustrating.

But there are particular strategies that experts say can help with sleepless nights, even when things feel particularly rough.

9. Stop freaking out about sleep.

Easier said than done, sure.

But people who start to face the night with dread and stare at their clocks until it's time to get up start to develop negative emotions like fear, anxiety, and anger that they associate with trying to sleep. That can lead to chronic insomnia.

Stimulus-control therapy seeks to break those associations, so you simply associate bed with sleep and not all that extra baggage. Doctors recommending this approach will suggest things like not keeping a clock in bedroom and not lying in bed when you can't sleep.

The Ohio Sleep Medicine Institute recommends that "patients should not 'catastrophize' when faced with a 'bad night.'" Instead of worrying about how awful your day is going to be because you are tired, realize that you may be better able to sleep the next night because of it.

10. Practice relaxation.

When you're anxious about being unable to sleep, your body produces stress hormones that make it harder to let go of that anxiety.

Training yourself to relax using a technique like progressive muscle relaxation (individually focusing on relaxing every part of your body in sequence) or meditation can help.

11. Change how you think about sleep.

This is a two-part strategy. The cognitive part includes changing people's beliefs about their insomnia. In many cases, people who are stressed about their inability to sleep tend to exaggerate the problem, thinking they've slept even less than they actually have. Changing these negative thoughts can reduce some of the distress.

For altering behavior, experts recommend combining both the relaxation training and stimulus control therapy described above. Creating an environment conducive to sleep, like a cool dark quiet room, can help too.

12. If you can't sleep, get out of bed.

This strategy is simple  if you can't sleep, don't lie in bed and try to fall asleep.

If you've been trying for more than 20 minutes, get out of bed and go do something else. Don't use your computer, phone, or watch TV though  those can all make sleep problems worse.

Experts say that staying out of bed when you can't sleep helps break the cycle of linking your bed with negative emotions. Plus, the mild sleep deprivation this causes could make it easier to sleep the next day.

13. Stop trying to go to sleep.

As funny as this may sound, the trick to falling asleep might be trying to stay awake.
A Surulere Chief Magistrates Court gave the ruling after the accused pleaded not guilty to the charges brought against him.

In addition to the bail, Chief Magistrate Ipaye Nwachukwu, granted the accused two sureties in like sum, one of whom must be a community leader.

She said the sureties should also provide evidence of tax payment to the government.

Akagha a resident of No. 20, Mustapha Kosoko St., Ijesha in Itire area of Surulere, is facing a two-count charge of unlawful sexual advances and indecent treatment.

Earlier, Police Prosecutor Anthonia Osayande told the court that the accused gave the 15-year-old boy a ride from Ayantuga Grammar School, Surulere, at 3.00 p.m. on May 9 and took him to his house for sexual overtures.

She said the accused conveyed the boy in his Toyota Rav4 with registration no. SMK 219 BP to his house to commit the offences.

When Akagha took him to his house, he indecently treated him by touching his body without his consent. 

The offences contravened Sections 135 (1) and 136 of the Criminal Law of Lagos State 2015.
Mosurat, 48, told the court that she was no longer interested in the marriage, because her husband labelled her as a witch responsible for his predicament.

My husband goes about telling whoever cares to listen that I am a witch and I was responsible for his low financial status.

Most times, he comes to my shop wearing worn-out clothes to curse me and destroy my goods, the mother of three alleged.

She further alleged that Munirudeen was an irresponsible husband and father.

According to her, since the inception of our marriage, I have been the one paying our house rent and the children school fees.

Our first child is in the university and I am the one paying her fees.

Six years ago, my husband packed out of the house to stay in Sango-Ota in Ogun, claiming Lagos State is expensive.

He married another woman and abandoned us.

After some months, he came back to Lagos to squat with friends in my area from where he comes to my shop to insult and curse me, she said.

She said that she had not been at peace because her husband always beat her on any provocation.

My husband takes alcoholic drink a lot. He drinks to stupor after which he will vomit everywhere in the house.

I have reported him to his family, but he refused to change, she said.

The woman urged the court to terminate the marriage because she was no longer interested in it.Please, dissolve the marriage. I want to live to eat the fruit of my labour. In fact, the love I once have for him has faded, she said.

Munirudeen, who was said to have been summoned, was however, not in court.
Olalere, who accused his wife of starving him of sex, said: My wife is always denying me sex, and whenever I reported her to her mother, she will ask me how many times will I be having sex with her daughter.

She would ask me not to kill her with sex, instead of admonishing her.

The respondent said his wife moved out from his house with the children in January to stay with her mother and thatwhenever he called her, her mother would be raining curses on him.

There was a day my mother-in-law cursed me, and I also cursed her that thunder will kill her.

He said his mother-in-law was always accusing him of planning to use her daughter for ritual.

On whether the children are his, Olalere said that he doubted the paternity of the four children.

Whenever my wife and I quarrel, she tells me that the children are not mine; so, I am confused if truly thechildren belong to me, he said.

The husband, however, pleaded with the court not to dissolve the marriage, saying in spite of her shortcomings hestill loves her.

Earlier, the wife had accused her husband beating her on the slightest provocation.

He once beat me to the point that I fainted and was hospitalised for four days.

When I was on admission, none of his family members came to see me since we all live in a family house and myhusband also refused to pay the bills, she said, urging the court to terminate the marriage.

I am no longer interested in the marriage.
Also, it succeeds against a backdrop of filmmaking issues.

There is a reason, no matter how ill-thought, why theres a shortage of female-led superhero movies in Hollywood; its a risky venture financially, and they are more likely to be poorly-received, by critics and audiences.

The recent examples of Catwoman and Elektra, both cinematic disasters, lend substance to the apprehension of Hollywood executives throwing their weight behind female-led superhero movies.

This is why despite years of hanging out with the guys on the fringes of the Marvel Cinematic Universe, the studio keeps fighting the demands to make a standalone Black Widow movie.

The discussion on why there has to be more female-led superhero projects definitely played a pivotal role in the development of Wonder Woman as a standalone movie especially after her electrifying appearance in the agonising Batman vs Superman.

Since a Wonder Woman movie was announced, it carried not just the weight of the entire DCEU to finally have a movie a little less lousy since Man of Steel kickstarted the universe, but also to serve as a litmus test for the future of female-led superhero movies across the board; a gamechanger.

While many have tried to downplay the burden of this expectation, Wonder Woman rises to the occasion as a statement of intent that you can make a female-led superhero movie that simply does not suck if you know what you are doing.

The movies best moments are fueled by director Paula Jenkins' genuine belief in the Amazonian Princess Diana of Themyscira.

The movie starts off on the island of Themyscira, a hidden society of all-female Amazon warriors, where we see a curious strong-willed child grow into a brave young woman who is finding her place in her secluded world, unaware of the immensity of her own powers or purpose.

Wonder Woman is an origin story of how Diana became the ambassador of peace that we know she becomes in the future.

Jenkins' decision to take the audience back to the beginning of her story and allow the audience to watch her grow into that capacity is ultimately a wise choice.

Sculpted from clay and brought to life by Zeus' breath, Dianas story ties into the origin of life on earth.

In the beginning, Zeus creates mankind, before his son Ares, the god of war, does his best to corrupt them, which leads to Zeus' creation of the Amazon warriors who, with Ares' influence, the humans soon enslave. As a last resort to give mankind a chance, Zeus wounds Ares in a major battle, shields the Amazons from the rest of the world, births Diana as a savior and equips them with weapon to defeat Ares when he comes back with vengeance.

Its a story thats shares a striking resemblance with that of the biblical Jesus Christ.

While Diana is still battling with fully realizing herself as an Amazonian, the serene life on the island is interrupted by Allied spy, Captain Steve Trevor (Chris Pine) who crashes into the sea in his plane.

Diana dives headfirst into the ocean to save the first man shed ever be in contact with, and this decision catapults the rest of the movie into the chaotic world of World War I it is set in.

Steve brings with him a company of hostile soldiers hot on his tails and their clash with the Amazonian warriors is an impressive display of plenty of good tidings that's littered all over the movie.

The director works with a visual style thats stunning and leaves you with a remarkable sense of awe.

The fight coordination and the execution of sequences, each unique from character to character, is a benchmark that the movie builds on for the rest of its run time. Its exciting!

The clash claims its first real character of note, and it is a pivotal point to one of Dianas building blocks to becoming Wonder Woman.

This is one of the most admirable things about the movie; the fight sequences arent just used as a sideshow to the real story, but a major catalyst that pushes the narrative.

After Steve reveals that an ongoing war that has already claimed 25 million lives is in danger of escalating even more, Diana strongly feels Ares is back to continue his reign of destruction, and against the wishes of her mother, Queen Hippolyta (Connie Nielsen), she travels with Steve to 1918-era London to put an end to the war with a single stab.

This is the period where the movie comes fully into life to show its impressive range of refreshing ideas as Steve and Diana get an intelligence report to the Imperial War Cabinet about a rogue German General Ludendorff(Danny Huston) and Doctor Poison (Elena Anaya) who are trying to make a dangerous chemical weapon thatll put ongoing peace talks at risk.

When their concerns are dismissed, they put together a team of mercenaries to go to the warfront and foil the generals evil plans. The team is secretly-backed by Sir Patrick Morgan (David Thewlis), a member of the cabinet, who believes their threat is credible and hopes they put a stop to it.

Believing General Ludendorff to be actually Ares whos corrupting the minds of everyone else to wage war, Diana marches the team into the belly of a dying war thats still claiming victims.

Gal Gadot breathes a certain kind of boundless warmth into Diana in an electrifying way that lights up the movie and makes its humbling tone even more effective.

The love between Diana and Steve is largely due to Gadot and Pines intense chemistry; and Jenkins' patient buildup makes their eventual connection feel genuine and earned, and not just a cheap necessity arising out of the close proximity of two attractive characters.

Pine is not just a pretty face though. He fearlessly marches into battle with Diana and is a well-defined character that is important to the affairs of the story. He serves as a great sounding board for Diana as she learns about the world with the innocence and naivette of a child.

The movie grounds itself in the sort of light-heartedness that has characterized Marvels more critically-acclaimed movie universe, and Gadot is at the center of everything.

Diana grows as a naive island girl, with charming innocence, into a more disgusted character the more she learns about the ways of the world after she arrives in London.

Jenkins punctuates Dianas emotional turmoil about the way of the world and mans inhumanity to man with some well-executed humour that jabs its way through the stench of death during World War I.

As Diana plods through the wasteland of the Western Front in Belgium, Wonder Woman diligently explores DCEUs recurring theme of identity where the protagonist deals with a crisis of a philosophical nature; but rather than punch through the problem like youre likely to see in a Batman or Superman movie, Wonder Woman treats the subject with a more nuanced human approach thats less frustrating than its peers have managed.

Despite the movies deliberate light-heartedness, Wonder Woman, quite fittingly, does not shy away from political topics ranging from sexism to racism of the period thats still very much around in this present time.

Diana dons the movie's feminist agenda like a garb thats not as subtle as the director might have intended but it is effective in a way that it doesnt emerge as the characters primary drive. Jenkins portrays this with humour delightful enough to not make it too obvious, but just enough to stress its importance.

Diana does not allow herself to be motivated by what the doubtful, sexist male-oriented time period demands of a woman, and her character, unlike in many other superhero movies, is more in control of her fate with the actions she decides to take.

Wonder Womans dramatization of war is one of its highlights. Unlike what youre very likely to witness in a superhero movie where the action moves too quickly to truly show its effect on the average person, Wonder Woman slows down to reflect on the devastation of war and reflect on war-time horrors and what it means for the world going forward.

The movie evokes a sense of simple thrill by grounding itself in the reality of the ugliness of war that ultimately plays a role in Dianas disenchantment with humanity when the events of Batman vs Superman occur.

This is not to say that Wonder Woman is not without its own shortcomings; its still a superhero movie after all.

General Ludendorff and Doctor Poison are villains that are painted in such broad strokes that rob their characters of any significant impact, which is a shame because you get the sense that there is so much more Jenkins could have done with the Doctor Poison character who comes off as extremely sympathetic, and the exploration of her character could have served the movie better than the eventual appearance of Dianas adversary, Ares.

Despite his presence being sprinkled throughout the course of the movie, Ares is an underdeveloped character that seems forced into action when he shows up in the end. Although his appearance does throw up some interesting, well-executed reveals, he fails to serve as a meaningful foil to Dianas complete transformation and the movie could have benefited from his physical omission.

The movie squanders some of the goodwill it had built during the course of its run as the final act devolves into a schizophrenic mess in the obligatory climactic battle, relying too heavily on special effects and failing spectacularly because it feels disconnected from what had been happening.

The decision to revert to the unoriginal excessive CGI-infested final battle is disappointing for a movie that had excelled so much on being its own movie before it started ticking off boxes in a catalogue of action movie cliches.

The climax runs for far too long, and even though it still pulls a few heart strings in the middle of all the destruction, Jenkins tried to run too many plot threads in the end that loses momentum and produces underwhelming results.

This does not mean some of the action sequences are not impressively epic and enjoyable. Diana uses her strength to great effect, wielding her lasso and sword with her bracelets and shield with poise and elegant self-assuredness.

At its heart, Wonder Woman is a story of love and hope, and more importantly, the strength to actively effect the change you want to see in the world.

The clumsiness at the end does not do significant damage to the general tone of the movie and on the evidence of this, filmmakers might be more open to making more female-led superhero movies now.
Rawlings is expected to deliver a speech today in Wa to commemorate the day.

Mr Mahama said that this years June 4 celebration coincides with the 25th Anniversary of the NDC which falls on June 10.

This twin events presents another opportunity for members of the NDC to rededicate themselves to the values of the June 4 Revolution, which brought into being the 31st December Revolution and the National Democratic Congress, the statement said.
Family members, including former president John Mahama, tried consoling her with the former president holding her hand and one woman behind her whispering to her to take heart. A man is also pictured whispering to her words to condolence.

She arrived in Ghana from Britain on Friday aboard a British Airways flight.

The family has scheduled Friday June 9 for his burial, the family spokesman, WOII Ibrahim Samed, has said.

He will be buried at the military cemetery in Accra, Samed told to the media.

According to him, the family is planning three funerals for the fallen soldier: one in Accra, one in Bole, the paternal grandmothers hometown in the Northern Region and the last one at Tumu, the paternal grandfathers hometown in the Upper West Region.

The late Captain was the son of Captain Chubby Adam Mahama (Rtd.), who has disclosed plans to set up a civil group to combat the menace of mob justice in the country.

He was murdered in Diaso in the Upper Denkyeira West District of the Central Region by a mob who mistook him for a thief.
The slain soldier was the nephew of Mr Mahama.

Citing the the biblical story of David and the Gibeonites, Rev. Bempah said during the long famine in the days of David, David sought for the presence of God and the Lord said, it is for Saul and his bloody house, because he put the Gibeonites to death" so David called the Gibeonites and spoke to them and they demanded seven men from Saul's sons to be given to them to be hanged to pacify their ancestors which David did.

He further explained that Capt Maxwell Mahama represents one of the seven sons (family) of former President Mahama who must suffer punishments in order to cleanse the land.

He added that to avert this, the clergy in Ghana must fast and pray for God to avert His anger against the country.

But reacting to the Rev. Bempah's comments on GHOne TV, a family spokesman, Zakari Ahmed said the prophecy was a "lie," saying he must go and sleep where he slept again and seek clarification from God.

God never revealed to him. We feel what has happened can happen to anybodys son," he said.
The loss of that captain has sent a shock wave throughout the country. I sincerely hope that this will serve as a wakeup call to all of us, to government, to the law enforcement agencies, the courts, to wake up to our duties and responsibilities in order to prevent this sort of thing from happening in the future, he said.

This is a very uncivilized behavior. The early we find a way to contain this irresponsibility, the cruelty, the better it will be for all of us, he added.

He posited that had the government dealt with other lawless behaviors in the past, the situation were people act with impunity would had been nipped in the bud.

Had we reacted appropriately as a government, there is no doubt in my mind that this kind of brutal cruel behaviour could have gone on for this long," he said.
The Vice President made gave the assurance when he joined Muslims in Shama in the Western Region for Jummah (Friday Prayer).

He said the process has been automated in such a way that potential pilgrims do not have to come and sleep at the Hajii Village for days for their flight to be ready.

At the comfort of your home, you will receive your text a message, with your details and flight number arrangement. When you arrive in Mecca, government will also provide for all your transportation needs, he said.

This years Hajj will be stress free, he assured.

The Vice Presidents assurance comes after years of chaotic Hajj organisation.

Touching on other issues, Dr Bawumia said the government is fulfilling its promises.

He also said about GHC200 has been allocated to the Zango Development Fund.

In addition, he said the free Senior High School will commence September 2017.

We promised a lot of things prior to the elections and were fulfilling them. We have allocated Ghc 219 million for the Zongo Development Fund, he said.
The Minority Leader made demand when he addressed the the 38 anniversary of the June 4 Revolution in Wa.

He said: There is still discrimination in this country. Today as I speak, if you go to public and civil government entity, you will hear these are NPP men, those are NDC men.

"Let this group go home. That is political discrimination. We demand an end to it. The fact you have inherited a political system that you yourself admit that has a coexistence of NPP, NDC means it existed before you got there. If you cannot do anything about it, allow the status quo.

"We demand the an end to the continuous harassment and dismissal of public and civil servants from the current administration."

On May Day, he issued a statement claiming the government was creating 'fear and panic' among workers.

It is sad to note that elements associated with this current administration attacked public institutions, forced out workers of these institutions and in many instances physically assaulted these lawful employees all in the name of political takeovers.
London police said seven victims and three suspects are dead following terrorist attacks Saturday evening, when attackers in a white van mowed down pedestrians on London Bridge and then stabbed passersby at the nearby Borough Market.

Police killed all of the attackers involved in the incidents, according to

Rowley added that the scene is "complex" and authorities are still determining how events unfolded.

Police conducted a raid on a block of flats in Barking, London, on Sunday morning as part of that investigation, according to Sky News. The neighbourhood is home to many Muslims and it is common to see women wearing the burka there. Sky said the raid was on the home of one of the attackers. 12 people were arrested. Locals told Sky that they recognised a neighbour as the suspect who had been killed by police last night. For more on the identities of the suspects, click here.

Police action shut down several streets in the Barking area on Sunday afternoon.

Here is the Metropolitan Police's statement on the arrests this morning.

According to investigators, police first received reports of a vehicle striking pedestrians on London Bridge around 10:08 p.m. local time (5:08 p.m. ET), and the vehicle then drove to the nearby Borough Market just south of the bridge.

At that point, the three attackers  all of them male  left the vehicle and began stabbing people with what witnesses said were large knives. The three were initially confronted by a single unarmed police officer who was beaten to the ground by the men, according to Sky News. That officer survived the confrontation and is in stable condition in a London hospital.

Armed officers then arrived and shot and killed the suspects in Borough Market.

Prime Minister Theresa May made a strong  and possibly controversial  statement this morning, condemning "Islamic extremism" and the internet services companies who give it "the safe space it needs to breed."

"It is time to say `Enough is enough,'" May said. "When it comes to taking on extremism and terrorism, things need to change." Read Theresa May's full statement here.

US President Trump woke up this morning and tweeted a similar sentiment:

He also criticised London Mayor Sadiq Khan:

That's not exactly what Khan said. Here is the mayor's full message, in which he urges Londoners to remain calm:

Here is a look at the scene last night as it was ongoing:

Some of the eyewitness accounts of the attack are terrifying.

Lewis Bennett was in The Globe pub at London Bridge. (The Globe is the building in which Bridget Jones' flat is located in the movie.) He told The Guardian that one man came in dressed in a black robe, he carried a long, curved knife:

Everyone gasped when he ran into the pub but he didnt do anything at first, just stood still for about 10 seconds, said Bennett. But then he grabbed the knife and stabbed people closest to him. He stabbed people in the stomach and legs, I think about five or six people. People started screaming and running out the back door. He was shouting Allah Akbar, Allah Akbar and he had a British accent.

I went to go stand in the loo and I could hear all the screaming. I came back out and he was standing there right in the centre of the pub and all the blood was dripping from his blade.

At 9.20 a.m. Cressida Dick, the commissioner of the London Metropolitan Police, gave an update on the attack:

It was "an appalling and tragic incident in London, something we hoped we would not see again," Dick said.

She has "visited one of the hospitals where the injured are being treated."

They "ran toward the danger as the incident unfolded. Many, many people risked their own safety to help others and to treat the injured, and indeed to confront the suspects involved," she said. "The courage of those people during and after the attack was extraordinary. ... I'm sure they helped to save lives."

"Our officers confronted the suspects and brought this terrible incident to a conclusion within 8 minutes."

"Seven members of the public have died. In addition, as you know, three suspects are dead. My current information is that 48 people have been injured. And 48 people were indeed taken to hospital for treatment."

Police responded "at 10.08 p.m. last night, to reports a vehicle had struck pedestrians at London Bridge," Dick said.

"That vehicle continued to drive from London Bridge to Borough Market. The suspects then left the vehicle, and a number of people were stabbed."

"The suspects were shot dead by armed officers."

"We believe that this incident is under control."

"However a large cordon remains in the area of London Bridge and Borough Market" while the police conduct "a thorough search of the area" ... "to make the whole area safe."

"I do appreciate this has been a terrifying experience for many people."

"To anyone currently within the cordon, our advice is to stay inside and we will be in touch."

"London Bridge station and the Underground is also closed."

"Avoid the area if you possibly can."

"This is a fast-moving investigation. ... we will have increased patrols in many areas  these will include armed officers."

The police are now working "to establish more details about the individual who carried out the attacks and the background to it," Dick said.

"Remain calm, please of course be very vigilant. If you see anything suspicious, anything at all, or if you are concerned about anyone at all, even if you think it is very insignificant," she said.

Witnesses had terrifying descriptions from the bars and restaurants in the area.

One man, Gerard Vowles, 47, had been drinking in a pub while watching the Champions League final between Real Madrid and Juventus. After leaving to get something to eat, he saw the terrorists stabbing a woman, and ran after them, throwing a chair, bottles, and a pint glass at them. He hit one of them with a chair.

She was going, Help me, help me and I couldnt do nothing, he told The Guardian. I want to know if this girl is still alive. Ive been walking around for an hour and a half crying my eyes out. I dont know what to do.

I know it was a silly thing to do but I was trying to save peoples lives, he said.

A witness named Ben told the BBC: "I saw a man in red with quite a large blade. I am guessing 10 inches. He was stabbing a man, maybe three times, fairly calmly. It looked like the man maybe had been trying to intervene but there wasnt much he could do. He was stabbed quite coldly and slumped to the ground."

The suspects were wearing what appeared to be explosive vests, but those were later determined to be fake, Rowley said.

Rowley told media that the police department's counter-terrorism command is conducting a full investigation, and that the public should continue to avoid the London Bridge and Borough Market areas.

So far, no group has claimed responsibility for the attacks.

Ruby Rose, an actress from Orange is the New Black,

Four French citizens were injured.

Andrew Marr and Andrew Neil cancelled their Sunday morning politics TV shows on the BBC to allow rolling coverage of the attack

The major political parties said they would suspend campaigning in the general election, just four days before the vote.

Geoff Ho, a business editor at the Sunday Express, is in intensive care after being stabbed.

The van used in the attack appears to be a white rented Hertz vehicle

Saturday nights terrorist incidents in London prompted the first use of a new police warning to the public, to run, hide, tell in the event of an attack.

Witnesses told the BBC they heard the attackers shouting, This is for Allah.

An incident in Vauxhall shortly afterward turned out to be unconnected.

US President Donald Trump was also briefed on the incident, and posted tweets offering the UK support from the US, and touting his travel ban that has been blocked by federal courts.

Media outlets reported scenes of chaos and violence during the attacks. Reuters reported that one witness had seen people who may have had their throats cut.

"A van came from London Bridge itself, went between the traffic light system and rammed it towards the steps," the driver said. "Then three men got out with long blades, 12 inches long, and went randomly along Borough High Street stabbing people at random."

Lara Al-Ostta witnessed the aftermath of the London Bridge incident. Al-Ostta told The Guardian she was having drinks with a friend at the Old Thameside Inn, which is located south of London Bridge, when people ran into the bar and told patrons to run away because "people are stabbing each other."

Stephen Tull was under the bridge when the attack happened. He said he heard a bang and ran up to the bridge to help. He said he saw one man jump out of a van and begin attacking people.

When Al-Ostta and her friend ran up to London Bridge, she said she and her friend were told by officers to run away. Al-Ostta provided video footage to The Guardian which showed at least three injured people being treated for their injuries on the bridge.

"I saw people moving, but we thought, fuck, this is a serious thing," Al-Ostta said.

Londoners also reportedly sprang to the aid of those affected by the incidents, offering up food, shelter, or assistance.

The Royal Oak pub in Southwark offered shelter to people who had been evacuated from hotels inside the area police had blocked off, the Associated Press reported. One cab company also reportedly tweeted an offer to provide free rides to anyone stranded.

Here are some tweets from the scene:

In the aftermath of the attacks, police reportedly evacuated people from bars and restaurants in the vicinity of London Bridge and Borough Market. Here's a video of police entering a pub and ordering people to get down:

TV presenter Piers Morgan tweeted this:

This is what the scene at Brindisa, the best-known restaurant at Borough Market, looks like on a normal day:
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President Muhammadu Buhari returned to London on May 7 for medical follow-up.

He had earlier spent 49 days in the British capital to treat an undisclosed ailment.

Mrs Buhari joined the President in London five days ago.

She spoke in Abuja through her senior special assistant on administration, Hajo Sani, at the 23rd annual Ramadan lecture of Ansar-ud-deen Society of Nigeria (ADS).

"My husband is recovering very fast. And very soon, he will return to the country to resume his official duties", she was quoted as saying.

"I thank Nigerians for their prayers for my husband. Please, do not relent in your prayers."

ALSO READ:

Mrs Buhari added: "The President will be back very soon."
In a letter to Osinbajo, Falana said members of the Buhari administration who said Sambo Dasuki, former National Security Adviser (NSA), and Ibrahim El-Zakzaky, Shia leader, would not be released despite court orders must be called to order.

Presidential spokesman, Garba Shehu, had told State House correspondents that Dasuki was still in detention, despite a court order for his release, because of other charges against him.

Shehu also said El-Zakzaky, whom a court ordered his unconditional release, is still being detained for his own safety.

Also, the Minister of Information Lai Mohammed in an interview on The Osasu Show, had said that the government disregarded the court orders in the interest of national security.

In his letter to Osinbajo, Falana urged the Acting President to direct the State Security Service (SSS) to release El-Zakzaky and his wife, as well as Dasuki.

The letter read in part: "Since we have a responsibility to resist all who might seek to sow confusion and hatred for their own selfish interests we urge Your Excellency to sanction the overzealous public officers who have publicly denigrated the rule of law by saying that the valid and subsisting orders of competent courts for the release of Sheik El-Zakzaky and his wife would not be obeyed by the federal government."

"Notwithstanding the commitment of the federal government to operate under the rule of law the same individuals have continued to give the dangerous impression that the federal government would not comply with the orders of the federal high court, the high court of the federal capital territory and the community court of justice to the effect that Col Sambo Dasuki (retd) be admitted to bail.

"In view of the resolve of the Muhammadu Buhari administration to end impunity in the country we urge Your Excellency to use your good offices to direct the State Security Service to release Sheik Elzakzaky and his wife from further incarceration in compliance with the orders of the federal high court. At the same time Col Dasuki (retd) should be admitted to bail as ordered by the municipal and regional courts."
Justice Binta Nyako had granted Kanu bail on April 25, 2017, with conditions the IPOB camp consider 'unconstitutional'.

The judge barred Kanu from granting interviews and participating in any rally.

Justice Nyako also prohibited him from being in any crowd of more than 10 persons.

It was reported on Saturday, June 3, that the Federal Ministry of Justice in Abuja said Kanu has repeatedly breached his bail conditions.

The ministry, which is in charge of the IPOB leader's prosecution, said it is taking record of the breaches and may ask the court to revoke his bail.

In reaction to the ministry's statement, the IPOB said the Federal Government would be making a major mistake by arresting Kanu again.

ALSO READ: Kanu meets Igbo leaders in Enugu behind closed doors

The group's spokesman, Comrade Emma Powerful, said the revocation of Kanus bail would not affect the agitation for Biafra.

"We dont give a damn  whether they arrest him (Kanu) or not we dont bother," Powerful said in an email he sent to Punch.

"Whether keep Nnamdi Kanu in or out of Nigerian prisons, the restoration effort continues unabated."
Okurounmu stated this in an interview with Punch.

"A northerner can promise anything if he wants power. In 2007, Afenifere supported President Buhari when he promised restructuring and true federalism in his manifesto when he was in All Nigeria Peoples Party.

"We made special dresses and campaigned for him in Ibadan. The same President Buhari in 2015 had jettisoned what he promised in 2007.

"So, that Atiku is supporting restructuring means nothing to me. All they want is power to control the rest of us," he said in response to a question on Atiku Abubakars advocacy for a restructuring of the country.

Reacting to the recent coup plot, Okurounmu said it was an attempt by the Army Chief, Tukur Buratai to test how Nigerians would react if there was an actual coup.

ALSO READ: Afenifere says Buhari's administration has performed poorly

He said the "Hausa-Fulani cabal" is standing by to retain power in the region if anything happens to Buhari.

"The Chief of Army staff is only flying a kite to see how people will react if there is a coup. It is the Hausa-Fulani cabal  each time they feel threatened that power might slip from their hands, they think of a coup. All other coups save for the (Kaduna) Nzeogwu and (Gideon) Orkar coups, were all planned by the northerners.," he said.
The largest of the many US rallies organized as a March for Truth appeared to be in New York, where as many as 3,000 anti-Trump protesters descended on Foley Square in Lower Manhattan, with some shouting "Liar!" or "Lock him up!" or "Take back America!"

Perhaps 2,000 people converged around the Washington Monument in the US capital to similarly demand an independent and transparent investigation of the allegations that Trump or his aides might have colluded with Russia ahead of last year's US presidential election.

Organizers planned rallies in cities from Seattle on the US West Coast to Munich, Germany and Lima, Peru. They also demanded that Trump release his tax returns.

The US demonstrations appeared to be mostly peaceful. They were far smaller than some of the earlier anti-Trump protests.

They took place just days before the highly anticipated appearance June 8 before a Senate committee of James Comey, who as FBI director was leading an investigation of the Russia matter before Trump fired him early in May.

Trump has denied placing pressure on Comey or the FBI, as well as denying any collusion with Russia.

At the same time as the other rallies Saturday, a few hundred Trump supporters gathered on the street in front of the White House to applaud the president's withdrawal from the Paris treaty -- a move widely criticized around the world -- and to demonstrate their backing for the Republican president.

That rally was dubbed "Pittsburgh, Not Paris" -- a reference to the president's statement Thursday, in announcing his plan to withdraw from the international climate treaty, that "I was elected to represent the citizens of Pittsburgh, not Paris."

The Trump supporters included Vince Harrison, 56, a burly retired firefighter from Washington, who said it was his first rally ever.

"I believe in clean air, and I think Americans will still lead on clean air," he said. But he added that the treaty "was costing us billions to be in it while other countries were not required to do anything."

Treaty supporters note that it is actually non-binding -- no country was required to do anything -- but the presence of the United States, the second-largest polluter after China, was considered vital.
Witnesses reported three blasts at the burial site of Salim Ezadyar, who was among four people killed on Friday when an anti-government protest over spiralling insecurity in Kabul degenerated into street clashes with police.

The hilly, wind-swept cemetery was littered with bloodied corpses and dismembered limbs, local television footage showed, with one witness telling AFP that "people were blown to pieces" due to the impact of the blasts.

"So far seven dead bodies and 119 wounded people have been brought to Kabul hospitals," health ministry spokesman Waheed Majroh told AFP.

The funeral of Salim Ezadyar, the son of an influential Afghan senator, was attended by senior government figures including Chief Executive Abdullah Abdullah and Foreign Minister Salahuddin Rabbani, but they escaped unharmed.

No group has so far claimed responsibility for the attack, with the Taliban -- the biggest insurgent group in Afghanistan -- denying any involvement.

The fresh killings are likely to further polarise a city that has been on edge since a truck bombing on Wednesday in Kabul's diplomatic quarter killed 90 people and wounded hundreds, in the deadliest attack on the Afghan capital since 2001.

President Ashraf Ghani urged restraint after the funeral bombings, saying: "The country is under attack. We must stay united."

Wednesday's assault 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. The government has blamed the Taliban-allied Haqqani Network for the attack.

On Friday, the district centre again became a battlefield when hundreds of demonstrators incensed by the bombing clashed with police, prompting officials to beat them back with live rounds in the air, tear gas and water cannon.

City on lockdown

Police on Saturday locked down much of Kabul city, with armed checkpoints and armoured vehicles patrolling the streets to prevent a repeat of Friday's violence.

Before the blasts at the funeral, authorities had sealed off roads in the centre of the city, citing the threat of new attacks on large gatherings of people.

"We have intelligence reports that our enemies are trying again to carry out attacks on gatherings and demonstrations," Kabul garrison commander Gul Nabi Ahmadzai said earlier Saturday. "We hope that people will stay away from protests."

But dozens of protesters still gathered under a tent close to the presidential palace calling for Ghani's government to resign, but the assembly was largely peaceful.

"Any government attempt to disrupt our fair and just demonstration will show their complicity with terrorist groups and the perpetrators of Wednesday's attack," said Asif Ashna, a spokesman for the protesters.

"It is the duty of the government to ensure security to the protesters... and the government will be held responsible for any violence."

The United Nations and a host of international allies have urged the protesters for restraint.

"The enemy seeks to manipulate the people's anger and sadness to create division and sow instability," the US embassy said in a statement.
"Many people have been killed and wounded at the funeral of Salim Ezadyar," the son of a prominent Afghan politician, witness Abdul Wudood told AFP.

Authorities were unable to immediately confirm the death toll, but another witness told AFP that "people were blown to pieces" due to the impact of the blasts.

The funeral was attended by senior Afghan government officials including Chief Executive Abdullah Abdullah, but his office told AFP that he was unhurt.

Ezadyar was among four people killed on Friday when an anti-government protest spiralled into street clashes, with police firing live rounds to disperse hundreds of stone-throwing demonstrators incensed by a catastrophic bombing.
"The Dawaesh took my house... and brought four snipers to the roof," said Mohammed, using a pejorative name for members of the Islamic State jihadist group which seized the city in 2014.

"We stayed near them for about a week and moved from house to house," the 75-year-old man said.

"When we saw that the army was getting close to us, we trusted in God" and fled, Mohammed walking with the aid of a crutch.

He and his family joined hundreds of thousands of people who have fled their homes since the massive operation to retake Mosul from IS was launched last October.

Iraqi forces have since retaken all but a handful of areas around Mosul's Old City, but the jihadists are fighting in densely populated areas, and have used civilians as human shields at various points in the battle.

The United Nations warned last week that up to 200,000 civilians may still be trapped in IS-held areas, facing shortages of food, water and medicine as well as deadly danger from the battle for the city.

Mohammed and his family were in some ways lucky they were not forced to stay in their house after IS deployed the snipers -- circumstances that led to one of the deadliest single incidents for civilians during the Mosul campaign.

In Mosul al-Jadida, another area on the city's western side, the US carried out an air strike targeting two snipers on the roof of building.

'Out of the fire'

The blast detonated IS explosive material in the building, killing 101 civilians inside it, while four more died in an adjacent building.

Like many civilians who have fled Mosul, Mohammed recalled with sadness the circumstances people face in the city.

"In our lives, we have never seen something like this... For four days, we were sleeping without eating," he said.

But his sadness quickly dissipated: "I was able to get out, and I consider myself to have been reborn."

He is not alone in celebrating his escape.

"I came out of the fire to paradise... I feel like I am a queen," said Sara Adham, another septuagenarian who had recently left Mosul.

She fled with her son and daughter days after the jihadists stormed her house, which was on the front line with Iraqi forces.

"They removed the door of the house and entered the upper floor while we were hiding in the basement," Adham said.

"My son heard a noise and I said to him that maybe it was a cat, and after the noise got louder, I went up to look and found one of the Dawaesh in front of me, and he demanded that we leave the house."

Adham tried to refuse, but the jihadists threatened to kill her son, so they fled.

Mohammed Abdullah, 43, said the jihadists "tightened their patrols and restricted our movements, threatening to move into our houses if they suspected we intended to escape".
South Africa remains deeply divided more than 20 years after the end of white-minority apartheid rule, as stark racial inequality leaves millions of black people with poor housing, education and job opportunities.

Mmusi Maimane, the DA's first black leader, said Zille's social media posts "in connection with colonialism undermine our reconciliation project".

"Our public representatives must, at all times, be sensitive to the legitimate anger that people still feel about our past and its legacy," he added.

Zille, who is the current premier of Western Cape province, vowed that she would not "plead guilty to charges of misconduct which I never committed".

On Saturday, the DA initially announced that she was suspended before changing its position to say a final decision would be made after she has been given the chance to defend herself.

In the contentious tweet, which was sent in March, Zille wrote: "For those claiming legacy of colonialism was ONLY negative, think of our independent judiciary, transport infrastructure, piped water."

She has 1.14-million Twitter followers.

The DA, which promotes a liberal, equal-opportunity message, is pushing hard to broaden its appeal among black voters.

But it has been bruised by social media scandals as the party tries to take advantage of the declining popularity of President Jacob Zuma and the ruling African National Congress (ANC).

Maimane, 36, was fast-tracked through the party ranks by Zille, 66, who was his predecessor as leader.

The DA has its roots in the now defunct Progressive Party, co-founded by the late anti-apartheid activist Helen Suzman in 1959.
Medics at the rebel-controlled Thamar Government Hospital in Taez, Yemen's third city, said 19 Huthis had been killed in clashes over the past 24 hours.

Military sources, speaking on condition of anonymity, reported eight soldiers dead during the same period as the army closed in on the presidential palace.

The palace is under the control of the Iran-backed Huthis who are allied with former soldiers loyal to ousted president Ali Abdullah Saleh.

A Saudi-led coalition has fought in Yemen for the past two years on the side of Hadi's government.

A statement on Saudi Arabia's official SPA news agency on Saturday said pro-government Yemeni forces had captured the palace in Taez.

But military sources on the ground denied this, telling AFP that while government forces were closing in on the palace, they had not yet seized it.

Yemen's conflict has killed more than 8,000 people and wounded tens of thousands, according to the UN's World Health Organization.

More than 500 people have died of cholera and another 55,200 left ill in recent weeks in the second outbreak of the deadly infection in less than a year in Yemen, the poorest country in the Arab world.
The attempted coup was just one chapter of the recurrent political instability that has plagued Lesotho, a mountain kingdom surrounded by South Africa.

"It was the most undignified thing that happened to me, to wear (just) my pants... and go through the fence with my wife, running away from the state house," Thabane told AFP ahead of the vote.

The attempted coup was followed by elections in 2015, when Thabane was ousted from power by a coalition government that collapsed earlier this year.

He fled to safety in South Africa, and only returned to compete in the latest election, which is likely to deliver another fragile coalition government.

"No army can be above the political authority of those who are elected by the majority of the people, and that is the problem that made me spend a whole year and a half in exile," Thabane said.

The leader of the All Basotho Congress (ABC), which may emerge in a coalition government with the newly formed Alliance of Democrats (AD), said he was still wary of the army's role in politics.

Free and fair?

"We are going to win this election, if it is free and fair," said Thabane, speaking at his modest, heavily-guarded home in the capital Maseru.

"(But) the army people have their own interests, and at the moment I am not their favourite."

Thabane said he did not seek revenge against the alleged coup plotters, but added that he hoped the army would eventually be merged into the police.

"That is my vision for Lesotho," he said.

"We shouldn't have had an army in the first place... which country could we successfully attack?" he asked.

The 2014 attempted coup was allegedly led by army chief Tlali Kamoli, who was removed from the post last year.

Thabane said the election, which follows Prime Minister Pakalitha Mosisili losing a vote of no confidence, put the country at a "serious crossroads" after recent coalition governments have collapsed within a few years.

Poverty, lack of jobs and access to health services were pressing issues that he said needed urgent attention from a stable government.

The HIV-AIDS prevalence rate among adults is 22.7 percent, according to the UN, and many of Lesotho's people seek work in South Africa.

The new government will replace a seven-party coalition led by Mosisili which was dissolved in March.

It will be in power for only three years until the next general elections.

If they can patch together a ruling coalition, Thabane and Monyane Moleleki of the AD party, have agreed to share the prime minister role, with the two taking 18 months each.
One of the pioneer heroes of Illinois during its territorial and early statehood eras was Samuel Whiteside, a veteran of both the War of 1812 and the Black Hawk War. The namesake of Whiteside County in northwestern Illinois, Whiteside was Abraham Lincolns commanding officer during the Black Hawk conflict.

Born in North Carolina on April 12, 1783, Whitesides father and uncle were Revolutionary War veterans. Like many others of the time, the Whitesides eventually moved west, first to Kentucky before settling at Hulls Landing, in Monroe County south of Columbia, Ill., on Jan. 1, 1793. The family later constructed a fort called Whiteside Station on the Kaskaskia-Cahokia Road, which linked two of Illinois earliest settlements.

As a boy, Samuels lifelong views of American Indians began to take shape. Once, while playing with a brother and cousin as his mother watched, a group of Indians attacked them, killing his brother and tomahawking his cousin. Samuel and his mother escaped by leaping into some undergrowth and running into the woods.

In 1802, Samuel and a brother, Joel, became the first settlers at Maryville, in Madison County. Two years later, Samuel married Nancy Miller, a union that bore 11 children.

Samuel is said to have loved the wilds of the prairie and dressed in buckskin and moccasins. Recognized as a fine hunter and tracker, he reportedly bagged three panthers in a single hunt. One observer later declared that the only thing that he seemed to be afraid of was being in debt. In 1811, he was named commander of a company of Illinois militia.

A surprising amount of action in the War of 1812 occurred in Illinois, and Whiteside was involved in much of it. He joined the Rangers, a hardy fighting outfit, and saw considerable fighting during the conflict. He pursued Indians who perpetrated the Wood River Massacre of July 1814, and was part of an expedition under future President Zachary Taylor that sailed up the Mississippi to the present-day Quad-Cities that summer.

There, Taylor was ordered to destroy Indian crops and construct a fort to secure the Mississippi and Des Moines rivers. The expedition, consisting of eight large keelboats, 40 regulars, and 300 Illinois militia under Whiteside and Nelson Rector, left St. Louis on August 22, heading for the Rock River in northwestern Illinois.

On September 4-5, Indians clashed with Taylors forces in the battle of Credit Island, off present-day Davenport, Iowa. Whiteside managed to save Rectors drifting keelboat, lash it to his own, and drag it from the edge of the water. Still, it was not enough to save the American forces in what is considered the only retreat of Taylors distinguished career.

Whiteside was eventually promoted to brigadier general of Illinois militia in 1819, the same year that he entered the first-ever Illinois House from Madison County. Another brother, John, served four terms in the Illinois House and one in the state senate.

The state treasurer from 1837-41, John Whiteside delivered word to Lincoln of a challenge to a duel by James Shields in 1842, serving as second in the challenge, which was later called off.

Samuel Whiteside served on a commission that selected Vandalia as the site for a new state capitol, but did not seek re-election. He later lived in Galena for a short period of time and participated in the so-called Winnebago War of 1827.

In April 1832, Illinois Gov. John Reynolds named Whiteside to command the Illinois militia in the brewing war with Sauk warrior Black Hawk. A scholar of that war described Whiteside as a man with a flat face, high forehead, and a wide thin-lipped mouth, all of which gave him a resemblance to one of the great stone-face megaliths of Easter Island.

Whiteside, whose command included a 23-year-old Lincoln, voiced his disapproval of Reynolds orders that led to a disastrous defeat at Stillmans Run in May. His hard-nosed approach conflicted with what has been called a disorderly congregation of amateur soldiers. He later described the great disorder in this brigade occasioned by the mens quitting their places in line and scattering over the country. Whiteside also was at odds with Reynolds, who has been aptly labeled more a man of action than one of intellect.

Whitesides wife died in 1851. Three years later, he sold his farm in Madison County and moved to Christian County, where several adult children resided. He died at the home of a daughter on Jan. 13, 1866 and is buried in Hunter Cemetery, near Mount Auburn.
In a previous column, I noted that though I am not a Roman Catholic, I have great appreciation for a number of encyclicals and other Roman Catholic documents. Among them are Pope John XXIIIs 1963 encyclical Pacem in Terris (Peace on Earth), Nostra Aetate (In Our Time), a Vatican II document on the relationship of the church to other religions, Pope Paul VIs 1967 encyclical Populorum Progressio (The Development of Peoples,) and, somewhat more recently, Pope Francis 2015 encyclical Laudato Si, in which he addresses environmental issues.

When expressing appreciation for these and other Roman Catholic documents, I have been asked why I dont convert to Catholicism. There are reasons I cannot do that. While I agree with many of the social teachings of the Catholic Church, there are other matters about which we are not in agreement. For example, I do not agree with what Pope Paul VI says about the use of artificial contraceptives in his 1968 encyclical Humanae Vitae. And because I am strongly committed to equal rights for women and for men, I would not be comfortable being part of a church that does not allow women to serve as parish pastors.

There is an underlying point, however, that needs to be stressed here: The fact that there are areas of disagreement ought not blind us to the fact that there is much that we have in common -- matters about which we agree.

In this age of polarization, there is a regrettable tendency to trash anyone who might disagree with us. That is exceedingly unfortunate. There is no sense of community if we simply fire away at those who disagree with us, blocking out their humanity and overlooking that which we have in common.

When I was going through the confirmation program at the country church in which I was both baptized and confirmed, we had to memorize Martin Luthers Small Catechism. One part that had particular impact on me was Luthers commentary on the Eighth Commandment, which states in the Lutheran rendition of it, Thou shalt not bear false witness against thy neighbor. Commenting on this, Luther stated that we should not belie, betray, slander, or defame our neighbor but instead should speak well of him and put the best construction on everything (that he says or does.)

The very concept of putting the most charitable construction on what others say and do has virtually disappeared from contemporary society. That is one of the greatest tragedies of our time.

Back to Paul VI. Because many people, including a substantial majority of Roman Catholics in this country and in Western Europe, disagreed with the prohibition of artificial contraceptives, the release of Humanae Vitae elicited a hostile response that was both harsh and regrettable. Paul VI, who was a somewhat shy person, was deeply hurt by this response and never issued another encyclical.

What was equally regrettable was that all of the good work he had done, both with respect to Populorum Progressio and while he was Archbishop of Milan, was brushed aside and forgotten.

When I visit St. Peters Basilica in Rome, as I did just a few days ago, I often go through the crypt were a number of popes are entombed. Because I appreciate the work that Paul VI did prior to Humanae Vitae, I always stop at his tomb to pay my respects. With rare exception, I am the only one who stops there. It is rather sad that the only one who stops at his tomb is a Lutheran.

Perhaps there is something we can learn from Paul VI: Even though we might not agree with him in all respects, might we not be able to look beyond those matters about which we disagree and see all of the good things he accomplished? And might we not realize that he was a deeply conscientious person who did what he believed was right and that he was a person of love and compassion?

Most important of all, might we not put this lesson into practice by putting the most charitable construction on what others do?
Given the crisis of the week of the still young Trump administration, some important facts can easily get overlooked. One that bears particular attention as Donald Trump fills his cabinet with billionaires from Wall Street and folks who oppose the very agencies theyre supposed to run, is the widening wealth gap in America.

Consider these facts: in 2013, the wealthiest 10 percent of Americans controlled 76 percent of the nations wealth. Meanwhile, the poorest 50 percent -- that is, half of all our fellow citizens -- controlled only 1 percent. According to the Congressional Budget Office, the gap has been fairly steadily widening over the last 20 years.

As to income, the richest 1 percent now collect more income than the poorest 90 percent combined. Put another way, it takes the average employee a month to earn what many CEOs earn in an hour.

Clearly most Americans are not thriving in this economy. Many have a right to be angry with the direction things are going. When you add to these disturbing numbers the rapid shrinkage of jobs displaced by technology -- from factory workers, to bank tellers, to truck drivers -- the problem becomes more acute.

Given the loss of jobs and of wealth for what used to be Americas Middle Class, it is disappointing that Donald Trumps solution for making the economy better consists largely of more tax cuts for the wealthy.

This recipe for economic recovery has been offered before. Under the label supply side economics, Presidents Reagan and George W. Bush promoted the idea -- which George H.W. Bush once famously derided as voodoo economics. The result was to dramatically increase wealth for a few, while exploding the federal deficit. This in turn served as a drag on the economy for everyone else. Ultimately, one wit observed, supply side economics is like feeding the birds by giving oats to the horses.

Warren Buffet, the oracle of Omaha and one of Americas most successful businessmen, offers a different approach. At his recent shareholders gathering, he criticized the notion that corporate taxes are too high. He stated if you go back to the 1960s corporate taxes were 4 percent of GDP... now they are 2 percent of GDP. Meanwhile, he continued, health care costs have ballooned from 5 percent of GDP to over 17 percent.

In other words, Buffett suggests, if you want to stimulate greater investment by businesses in America -- Trumps avowed goal -- dont cut their already modest taxes. Instead, address their health care costs. Buffett suggests doing this by going to a single-payer system, like Medicare for all Americans. This has the twin benefits of reducing health care costs and improving health care.

Truth be told, if we really want to help the shrinking Middle Class in America, we dont need more tax cuts for the rich. We need common sense solutions, such as more affordable and rational health care like Medicare for everyone. We need an increased federal minimum wage to allow working Americans a shot at affording their living expenses. We need a graduated tax rate system with higher, not lower taxes on the wealthy.

When John F. Kennedy was president and Americas Middle Class was thriving, the richest Americans paid at a maximum rate of 91 percent. Instead, Trump proposes a maximum rate of 35 percent percent -- or even 15 percent for some of the wealthiest, who receive whats called pass through income.

And we need to create jobs for working folks by using tax revenues to rebuild our nations deteriorating roads, bridges, schools, and a greener energy grid through public works projects.

In these difficult times, Donald Trump and his well-to-do cronies might recall John F. Kennedys warning that: If a free society cannot help the many who are poor, it cannot save the few who are rich.

Instead, and learning from the past, let us take practical, common sense steps to regenerate a strong Middle Class in America. After all, a vibrant Middle Class dedicated to working together for our common good, truly secures Americas strength.
In a recent survey, Caltrain asked customers to select the livery of new high-performance electrified trainsets to be built by Stadler Rail for the Peninsula Corridor Electrification Project.

Approximately 6,331 total votes were cast during an exterior design poll; 42.1 percent of the participants chose Option 1, with Option 3 coming in second place, Option 4 third, and Option 2 last. Option 1 was also the top choice among Caltrain staff. To see the winning design, click HERE.

In May, Caltrain launched the www.calmodtrains.com website to allow the public to provide input on the look and feel of the next generation of the systems trains, the agency said. Users of the website will learn about some of the new electric train features, including more plentiful electrical outlets, better location and destination information, increased system-wide capacity and the configuration of passenger and bike cars.

The new website will also allow the public to provide continued feedback on many design options over the next several months, including seat color and bike storage. And next year, after feedback on the design is complete, the site will feature a 360-degree virtual tour of the new trains.

On May 22, 2017, the Federal Transit Administration announced it will execute an FFGA (Full Funding Grant Agreement) committing $647 million to the electrification project, allowing principal contractor Balfour-Beatty Rail to commence construction.

Caltrain said it has worked for more than two decades to plan this critical improvement. Over the past few years, more than $1.3 billion was secured from local, regional and State commitments, and contracts were awarded to design, and eventually construct the project. This agreement commits the final funding needed to start construction of a project that will transform and improve the way people travel along one of the regions most congested corridors. Electrifying the system allows Caltrain to replace the current diesel locomotive fleet with high-performance trains that will increase the systems overall capacity and will provide faster, more frequent, and more reliable service to communities between San Francisco and San Jose.

In a related development, the Federal Railroad Administration and FTA announced that Caltrain will receive a grant for $21.68 million to equip seven existing Caltrain trains with Positive Train Control (PTC) equipment to enable operations south of San Jose on Union Pacific dispatch territory.
Public relations practitioner Heath Hall, currently a vice president in the marketing and external affairs department of non-profit Innovate Mississippi, is expected to be named Deputy Federal Railroad Administrator, a post that does not require Senate confirmation. His appointment could come as early as June 5.

Hall is known to USDOT Secretary Elaine Chao from her days with the Deputy DOT Secretarys office and the Peace Corps, as indicated by his business biography, excerpted here:

Heath Hall works in the marketing and external affairs department for Innovate Mississippi. He also manages Pointe Innovation magazine, a quarterly publication of Innovate Mississippi devoted to innovation-based economic development in Mississippi.

Prior to joining Innovate Mississippi, Heath served as senior vice president of external affairs at the Mississippi Economic Council, the State Chamber of Commerce, where he managed the marketing, fundraising and public affairs departments. He served for two years (1998-1999) as executive director of Mississippians for Civil Justice Reform/STOP Lawsuit Abuse in Mississippi. In 1998 and at 28 years old, Heath was a Republican candidate for the United States Congress in Mississippis fourth congressional district. Heath also served as Governor Kirk Fordices director of public affairs. Prior to that role, Heath served as the Governors deputy press secretary. He also worked on Governor Fordices 1995 reelection campaign as the deputy director of communications.

Heath began his public relations career as an intern with the Federal Railroad Administration in Washington, D.C., later moving into the deputy secretarys office in the United States Department of Transportation. He also served as an intern in the White House Office of Political Affairs during the George H. W. Bush Administration. Following his position at the White House, Heath became a staff assistant to the director of the Peace Corps of the United States in Washington, D.C. Upon returning to Mississippi in 1993, he moved into the role of public relations/financial development specialist for the American Red Cross of Mississippi.

Hall received a Bachelor of Arts degree in political science from The American University in Washington, D.C. in 1993.
On May 1, 2017, Great Lakes Basin Transportation, Inc. (GLBT) filed an application seeking authority from the Surface Transportation Board to construct and operate an approximately 261-mile rail line extending around the Chicago, Ill. area at a distance of 38 to 89 miles from downtown and passing through counties in Wisconsin, Illinois and Indiana. The application, among other items, requested a protective order governing exchange and use of information GLBT deemed confidential.

As required by the Board, GLBT also filed under seal a list of its 10 principal stockholders and their respective holdings, arguing that the list of shareholders contains proprietary and commercially sensitive information and confidential personal information, the disclosure of which could have an adverse impact on GLBT and its principals, STB said.

GLBT said the purpose of the new rail line would be to allow rail traffic to bypass the Chicago area, STB indicated in its decision. GLBT states that the line would be completely grade separated from major intersecting rail lines and major highways; would interchange with each major rail line operated by the six Class I railroads serving Chicago, along with six regional railroads, at a total of 26 potential points of interchange; would permit a train to travel between any two of those points of interchange in eight hours or less; and would create new capacity, permitting up to 110 trains per day to bypass the existing Chicago terminal and allowing the existing rail infrastructure to move freight and passenger trains originating and terminating in Chicago more efficiently and reliably.

STBs decision, issued June 2 (Docket No. FD 35952), directs GLBT to supplement its application, tolls the deadlines imposed by the Boards regulations for comments and replies on the transportation merits of the application, grants with modifications a motion for protective order filed by GLBT, rejects GLBTs designation of the list of its 10 principal stockholders and their respective holdings as highly confidential, addresses a pending request for extension of time to reply to the motion for protective order and to the application, and clarifies the service requirements in this proceeding.

STBs full decision can be accessed by clicking HERE.
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THIS IS FOR an undivided interest in 51 ACRES IN HUDSPETH COUNTYyou will be getting 12.76 acrescamp , hunt etc.. on your propertyGREAT AREA FOR HUNTING CAMPING, GETAWAY NEAR DELL CITY TEXAS SUBDIVISION ROAD FRONTAGE THIS IS FOR 51 ACRES UNDIVIDED INTEREST YOU WILL BE GETTING 12.76 ACRES ON YOUR TAX BILLCAMPSITE, RV, HUNTING, RECREATION ETC...NICE ELEVATION OF 4100' NICE YEAR ROUND CLIMATEGREAT AREA FULL Purchase Price for the LOT - Plus a $499.00 Document Preparation/Transfer/Closing Fee! LOT DE...

Price: $ 399 Seller State of Residence: Arizona Type: Homesite, Lot Zoning: Residential City: DELL CITY State/Province: texas Area Acreage (acres): 12.76 Location: 850**, Phoenix, Arizona

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INVEST IN THE BEAUTIFUL GULF COAST 4 LOTS IF YOU WANT TO INVEST IN REAL ESTATE THIS IS YOUR BEST OPPORTUNITY $75 PER MONTH + 0 % FINANCING = MAXIMUM LEVERAGE This property is seven miles from both the Gulf of Mexico and Saint Louis Bay. It is just south of Interstate 10 and very close to Highway 90 in Bay Saint Louis, Mississippi. You are just 60 miles east of New Orleans and it is all interstate driving. This subdivision has people living in it and electricity is close by. The lots have many tr...

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Own a piece of land in one of the most Beautiful areas of Arkansas! Thank you for stopping by to see this auction today. THIS IS A PREMIUM SELECT PARCEL! This is a truly great parcel in a great location! I bought this lot with the intention of building a home on the lot. I have moved from the area and no longer need the lot. My loss is your gain!! The lot is located in Ozark Acres, near the town of Hardy, Arkansas. Situated in the middle of forested Oaks, Hickory, Walnut, Dogwood, Elders, Ash, a...

Price: $ 244 Seller State of Residence: Florida Property Address: Ozark Acres/Ponderosa Circle & Lakewood Drive State/Province: Arkansas Type: Homesite, Lot Zoning: Residential Location: 333**, Fort Lauderdale, Florida

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Go Out and Play Twentynine Palms, CA SAN BERNARDINO COUNTY NO MINIMUM / NO RESERVE --- HIGH BID OWNS THE LOT This Property is near Twentynine Palms, California, in the southern Mojave Desert, is the home of Joshua Tree National Park headquarters and north entrance and proud host of the Marine Corps Air Ground Combat Center, the world's largest Marine Corps training base. Known for its clear skies, brilliant star-filled nights, desert and mountain vistas, wide open spaces, and world-class murals ...

Price: $ 510 Seller State of Residence: California State/Province: California Location: 928**, Orange, California

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Great Parcel for Your Home!! This is a great building site with electric and water to Property!! You are bidding on the down payment only. Please read entire auction before bidding. Clearing With Driveway to it Ozark Acres is near Hardy Arkansas at Williford, Arkansas or about 45 miles south of West Plains, Missouri. It has two lakes, a marina, several parks, an airport and even a clubhouse. Hardy, which is 5 miles away, has banks, shopping, McDonalds and numerous antique shops. The country side...

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Vacant Land in Granbury, Hood County, Texas! Item Id: Franklin01 Case Name: Franklin, Murray & Lorie K Case Number: 16 04221 Trustee: Description: Estate's interest in 0.34 acres of vacant land in Granbury, Texas near Ft Worth. The property is located at 4912 Terlingua Drive, Granbury, TX 76048. The status of water, power, sewer and utilities is unknown. The APN# is 11364.000.0233.00 and the Property ID # is R00004132. The legal description is 'Lot 233, Subd: CANYON CREEK II Un 4 2016 taxes w...

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IMAGE: Metropolitan Police officers rush to London Bridge after receiving calls of a van ramming into pedestrians, in what they are now describing as a terrorist incident. Photograph: Hannah McKay/Reuters

United States President Donald Trump on Sunday slammed London's Pakistani-origin mayor Sadiq Khan saying it was not the time to be "politically correct", and touted his controversial Muslim travel ban in view of the London Bridge terror attacks that killed seven people and wounded nearly 50.

"We must stop being politically correct and get down to the business of security for our people. If we don't get smart it will only get worse," Trump said.

In a series of early morning tweets, Trump lashed out at Khan, who reportedly suggested there was no reason for alarm after three attackers drove a van into crowds on London Bridge and then went on a stabbing rampage in nearby Borough Market.

"At least 7 dead and 48 wounded in terror attack and Mayor of London says there is 'no reason to be alarmed!'" he said. "Do you notice we are not having a gun debate right now? That's because they used knives and a truck!"

He was referring to a statement by the London mayor in which Khan said he was "grieving" for the victims and insisted that terrorists "would not win." But the statement available on the official website of the London mayor did not use the phrase "there's no reason to be alarmed," which Trump referred to in his tweet to criticise the Pakistani-origin mayor.

Later, a spokesman for Khan said the London mayor would not respond personally to Trump's "ill-informed" tweet.

"He has more important things to do than respond to Donald Trump's ill-informed tweet that deliberately takes out of context his remarks urging Londoners not to be alarmed when they saw more police -- including armed officers -- on the streets," the spokesman said.

The spokesman said Khan "is busy working with the police, emergency services and the government" to co-ordinate the response to the cowardly terrorist attack.

Earlier, the US president also used the London attacks to promote and urge for support to his proposed travel ban on people from six Muslim-majority countries.

"We need to be smart, vigilant and tough. We need the courts to give us back our rights. We need the travel ban as an extra level of safety!" Trump told his 31.4 million Twitter followers.

The Justice Department last week asked the US Supreme Court to reinstate Trump's executive order banning travel to the US from six Muslim-majority nations while it appeals a lower-court ruling that upheld a nationwide block on the ban.

Trump through the order had banned visa issuance to citizens of Iran, Libya, Somalia, Sudan, Syria and Yemen.

He also retweeted a tweet from conservative news website Drudge Report which said that there were fears of new terror attacks ahead of the general election in the UK on June 8.

Meanwhile, US Department of Homeland Security said it was "closely monitoring" the situation in the UK. "We are working with our inter-agency partners and foreign counterparts to gain further insight into reported attacks against civilians on London Bridge and in the surrounding areas."

The Homeland Security secretary has been briefed on the incidents and the response, it said in a statement, adding they were in contact with and stand ready to assist the UK.

The issue of inter-agency cooperation had made headlines last month when British Prime Minister Theresa May complained to Trump about leaking of intelligence to US press about the Manchester bombing that killed 22 people at a pop concert.

US State Department spokesperson Heather Nauert condemned "the cowardly attacks" targeting innocent civilians in London. "The US stands ready to provide any assistance authorities in the United Kingdom may request," she said in a statement.

Other American leaders also condemned the London Bridge terror attack -- the third such incident in three months.

Paul Ryan, Speaker of the US House of Representatives, said, "We stand resolute with our friends in London and send prayers to the victims. Terror and hate will never triumph."

Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer said, "My heart is with the people of London, the victims of this string of terrorist attacks, and their families."

"We stand in solidarity with the United Kingdom. Terrorism must not prevail," said Congressman Ted Poe.

Congresswoman Ann McLane Kuster tweeted, "My thoughts and prayers are with the people of London and all of the UK."

Congressman Eliot L Engel, ranking member of the House Committee on Foreign Affairs, said the US "must stand ready to help our ally track down the perpetrators and swiftly bring them to justice."

Congressman Joe Crowley tweeted: "Horrified by news out of #London. My prayers are with the victims & their families, first responders & the British people. #LondonBridge."

"My heart and soul go out to London tonight. America stands with the people of Great Britain and the victims of the #LondonBridge attack," tweeted Senator Dianne Feinstein.
Two helicopters of the People's Liberation Army of China hovered over Chamoli district in Uttarakhand on Saturday, triggering concern in India's security establishment about the PLA's fourth such incursion into Indian airspace since March this year.

Official sources said the choppers, which returned to the Chinese side after about five minutes, could have carried out aerial photography of Indian ground troops during what was possibly a reconnaissance mission.

The Indian Air Force is probing the incident, an IAF source said.

The choppers were identified as the Zhiba series of attack helicopters.

On previous occasions, Chinese helicopters had entered 4.5 kilometres into Indian territory, an area that China claims as its own and recognises as Wu-Je.

State and army officials have been reviewing the security along the 350-kilometre border with Tibet after China's incursions into these areas, generally referred as the middle sector.

Barahoti is one of three border posts in the sector, comprising Uttar Pradesh, Himachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand, where Indo Tibetan Border Police jawans are not allowed to carry weapons and are in civilian clothes under a unilateral decision taken by the Central government in June 2000.

In 1958, India and China listed Barahoti, an 80-sq-km sloping pasture, as a disputed area where neither side would send their troops. In the 1962 India-China war, the PLA did not enter the 545-km middle sector, focusing on the Western (Ladakh) and Eastern (Arunachal Pradesh) sectors.

However, after the 1962 war, ITBP jawans patrolled the area with weapons in a non-combative manner, under which the barrel of the gun is positioned downward.

During prolonged negotiations on resolving border disputes, the Indian side had unilaterally decided in June 2000 that ITBP troops would not be carrying arms to three posts -- Barahoti, Kauril and Shipki in Himachal Pradesh.

Srikanth Kondapalli, Professor in Chinese Studies at the Jawaharlal Nehru University, termed these transgression as "testing the nerves" of India and said "after violating the Line of Actual Control in the Western and Eastern sectors, Chinese troops now seem to be focusing on the middle sector. It's a cause of worry for us".

The professor said after the June 2000 informal agreement, India did abide by all conditions under the assumption that China would yield on the western or eastern sectors.

"But that didn't happen. Today the PAPF (People's Armed Paramilitary Force) and PLA are enforcing China's claims there," he said.

Kondapalli referred to regional equations giving a China a boost. He recalled that Nepal and India had differences on the source of the Mahakali river and in the background of China's forays in Nepal as well as the latter joining the China-led One Belt One Road project, and said, "There have been some moves by the PLA to test us".

He said there had also been "a concerted effort" by the PLA "to test India" against the backdrop of the China Pakistan Economic Corridor, a collection of infrastructure projects.

"So the latest intrusion is to test our nerves," he said.

He even said China could deploy Unmanned Aerial Vehicles in this region in "large numbers" to monitor Indian territory.

"So the helicopter incident is a precursor," he said. "A recce mission?"

Security officials here felt that ahead of its transgression in the Barahoti area, the PLA could have conducted a reconnaissance mission using high class aircraft with Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR), which provides broad-area imaging at high resolutions.

The officials said the PLA's 'TupolovTu 153M' aircraft had carried out two or three reconnaissance missions last year in the middle sector.

They said there was a possibility that the same aircraft, designed by Chinese companies on the basis of technology obtained from the former Soviet Union, could have been used this year, too.

The aircraft flies at an altitude of above 40,000 feet and can go up to 60,000 feet to avoid detection by radars and can take photographs and cyber and communication signatures from that height.

SAR enables the taking of high-resolution pictures even in inclement weather or in the dark.

Representative image
The Coast Guard on Sunday rescued all 27 members aboard the barge that was sinking in the Arabian sea off Ullal coast in Dakshina Kannada district of Karnataka.

Official sources said the Coast Guard had rescued four persons on Saturday night and the remaining 23 persons on Sunday morning.

It was earlier reported that 33 persons were in the barge.

A lifeboat was used to rescue the stranded men instead of the earlier plan to use a helicopter to airlift them.

The rescue operation, which had been halted due to rough seas on Saturday night, resumed at 7 am on Sunday, the sources said.

They said four people had been rescued from the sinking barge with the aid of Gemini, an inflatable rubber boat along with a diving officer and boarding team of Indian Coast Guard vessel ICGS Amartya.

However, the rescue operations had to be aborted in the night due to bad weather and light conditions.

The Barge Ibis, a 2964 GRT vessel with a length of 65.58 metre and breadth of 32 metres, with 27 crew, was engaged in operations to prevent sea erosion,south of Old Port Mangalore.

Coast Guard Karnataka received a telephonic message at about 4.45 pm on Saturday evening regarding flooding in the barge.

ICGS Amartya had been maintaining its position in the area with continuous communication with Barge Ibis, the sources said.

The Barge Ibis was engaged in operations to prevent sea erosion. Photograph: ANI/Twitter
Army Chief Gen Bipin Rawat and top brass of the force on Sunday paid glowing tributes to the two soldiers who were killed in a terrorist attack near Qazigund on the Srinagar-Jammu national highway.

"For a soldier, work is his religion... work is worship for us," Gen Rawat said after paying homage to the soldiers -- Naik Dipak Kumar Maity and Manivannan G -- at Palam airport.

The two soldiers were killed after terrorists attacked an army convoy on Saturday on the Jammu-Srinagar highway. Four other soldiers were wounded in the attack.

"We must all pay our respect and homage to these brave soldiers who have attained martyrdom in the line of duty," Gen Rawat added.

The mortal remains of the two soldiers are being taken to their native places where they will be laid to rest with full military honours.

Maity, 43, hailed from Midnapur in West Bengal and had joined the army in 1997. He is survived by his wife Rikta and a 13-year-old daughter.

Hailing from Thiruvannamalai in Tamilnadu, 25-year-old Manivannan had started his career in the Army in 2013. He is survived by his parents -- mother G Chinnaponnu and father Gopal G.

Gen Rawat had on Saturday visited formations on the Line of Control in north Kashmir and was briefed on the operational and logistical preparedness of the force.

During his visit, which followed repeated instances of ceasefire violations by Pakistan in recent times, he exhorted soldiers deployed in the Valley to maintain utmost vigil and operational focus.

He had also called on J-K Governor N N Vohra and discussed the internal and external security management issues in the state.

IMAGE: Army chief Gen Bipin Rawat pays homage to slain soldiers Naik Dipak Maity of Midnapore in Bengal and gunner Manivannan G. of Tamil Nadu at AFS Palam in New Delhi on Sunday. Photograph: Atul Yadav/PTI Photo
In a transformational move, the Indian Army is all set to open up combat positions for women, a gender barrier broken by only a few countries globally.

Army Chief Gen Bipin Rawat said the process to allow women in combat role, currently an exclusive domain of men, is moving fast and initially women will be recruited for positions in military police.

"I am looking at women coming as jawans. I am going to start it soon. Firstly, we will start with women as military police jawans," he said, giving details of the move to allow women in the male-dominated positions in the army.

Currently, women are allowed in a number of select areas including in medical, legal, educational, signals and engineering wings of the army but combat roles are kept off limit for them due to operational concerns and logistical issues.

The army chief said he was ready to recruit women as jawans and the matter is being taken up with the government.

"We have already started the process," Gen Rawat told PTI in an exclusive interaction recently.

He said women will have to show grit and strength in taking up challenges in combat role and shattering the glass ceiling.

Very few countries including Germany, Australia, Canada, the United States, Britain, Denmark, Finland, France , Norway, Sweden and Israel have allowed women in combat roles.

The roles of military police include policing the cantonments and army establishments, prevent breach of rules and regulations by soldiers, maintaining movement of soldiers as well as logistics during peace and war, handling prisoners of war and extending aid to civil police whenever required.

Creating history, the Indian Air Force, last year, had inducted three women as fighter pilots, less than a year after the government decided to open the fighter stream for women on an experimental basis.

A decision on having women as fighter pilots will be taken after evaluating performance of the three women -- Avani Chaturvedi, Bhawana Kanth and Mohana Singh who are now part of IAF's fighter squadron.

The Indian Navy is currently deliberating on a policy on having women onboard the ships. The Navy allows women in various other segments including in legal, logistics, naval architecture and engineering departments.
Congress Vice-President Rahul Gandhi on Sunday said the opposition would unitedly "fight and defeat" the Bharatiya Janata Party and the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh's attempts to "thrust one idea" on a country that celebrates diversity.

Each state had a "culture, (its) own thinking, own way of expression and food" and such diversity was the country's strength and not weakness, he told reporters in Chennai.

But for the BJP it was "weaknesses and these different ideas need to be crushed... the BJP and the RSS are under the impression that one idea can be placed on top of India," Gandhi said, without elaborating.

Stating that this attitude of the BJP was conveyed by leaders at the Dravida Munnetra KAzhagam event on Saturday, Gandhi said he wanted to tell the people of Tamil Nadu and India that "India is not one idea."

"India is thousands of different ideas and this one idea of the RSS will never ever crush the thousands of ideas... The central idea we are fighting is the idea of RSS," Gandhi said after an interaction with Congress workers and leaders.

"We are not going to allow one single idea of the RSS, the bankrupt idea, to invade this country and we are going to fight the RSS together," he said.

Opposition parties stood united and they would fight together and defeat the BJP and the RSS, he added.

The Congress vice-president also said "cultural imperialism" of the BJP was not acceptable to the people of the country.

He claimed the BJP believed that the only people who should be in power in India "are the people who believe in the RSS and anybody else be it Congress or others parties should not exist."

Answering a question about forming a political alliance against the BJP, he said "We are apprising the idea."

India was a mixture of different ideas, Gandhi said, adding he told party leaders that Tamil culture was the way people of Tamil Nadu expressed themselves and it had to be respected.

Against the background of its ally DMK accusing the Centre of "imposing" Hindi, the Congress leader said all languages needed to be respected.

On opposition parties' allegation that the BJP regime at the Centre was running the Tamil Nadu government, he said "yes... BJP is convinced that they run Tamil Nadu, the BJP believes. You ask in what way they are running Tamil Nadu."

IMAGE: Congress Vice President Rahul Gandhi addresses the media in Chennai on Sunday. Photograph: R Senthil Kumar/PTI Photo
Three knife-wielding attackers in fake suicide vests unleashed a terror rampage in the British capital, plowing a van into pedestrians on the iconic London Bridge before stabbing revellers in a nearby market, killing seven people for which Prime Minister Theresa May blamed the "evil ideology of Islamist extremism".

IMAGE: Counter terrorism officers march near the scene of Saturday night's London terrorist attack. Photograph: Dan Kitwood/Getty Images

At least 48 people were also injured in the attack that took place on Saturday night at around 10 pm, the third to hit Britain in less than three months and just days before the general election on June 8.

Three attackers drove a white van into crowds on busy London Bridge and then fled the van wielding large knives and attacked people indiscriminately at bars and restaurants in nearby Borough Market shouting "This is for Allah", police and witnesses said.

At least seven people were killed in the attack and 48 were taken to hospital, the Metropolitan police said.

The attack unfolded quickly as armed police rushed to the scene and within eight minutes shot dead the three male attackers who were wearing what looked like explosives which later turned out to be fake.

"The suspects were wearing what looked like explosive vests but these were later established to be hoaxes, said Mark Rowley, Met Police Assistant Commissioner and the UKs anti-terrorism lead.

"We are treating this as a terrorist incident and a full investigation is already underway, led by the Met's Counter Terrorism Command, he said, urging people with information and images to contact the police.

There was no immediate claim of responsibility for the latest attack to hit Britain. No details have been released about the suspects and detectives are investigating whether they acted alone.

IMAGE: Distraught people leave the area wearing foil blankets after an incident near London Bridge. Photograph: Hannah Mckay/Reuters

British counter-terrorism police said they had arrested 12 people in Barking, in east London, in connection with the van and knife attack.

The arrests followed a raid by police at a flat owned by one of the three attackers.

Police said that "a number of addresses" in Barking were still being searched.

National campaigning for the June 8 general election was suspended for the day in respect to the victims, but Prime Minister Theresa May insisted that the elections would go ahead as planned.

Speaking outside Downing Street after she chaired the emergency COBRA meeting with senior security chiefs, May said said, "Violence can never be allowed to disrupt the democratic process."

She said "it is time to say enough is enough" and called for tougher measures to contain Islamic extremism in Britain.

She said the recent terror attacks in Britain, while not directly linked, "are bound together by the single evil ideology of Islamist extremism."

IMAGE: Some Londoners praised the police for their prompt action. Cops were able to shoot the three suspects who were responsible for the mayhem within eight minutes of receiving the information. Photograph: Hannah Mckay/Reuters

"It is an ideology that is a perversion of Islam and a perversion of the truth. Defeating this ideology is one of the great challenges of our time."

"We believe we are experiencing a new trend in the threat we face as terrorism breeds terrorism," she said.

The prime minister said attacks are now inspired "by copying one another and often using the crudest of means of attack".

"We cannot and must not pretend that things can continue as they are," she said.

She revealed that the UK's security and intelligence services have disrupted "five credible plots" since the Parliament attack in London in March.

The British Prime Minister announced that she plans to review the UK's counter-terror legislation.

"There is far too much tolerance for extremism in our country," she said.

British Transport Police said one of its officers was seriously injured and hospitalised with non-life-threatening injuries after being stabbed as he responded to the incident.

The area that came under attack on Saturday night is one of the Londons most popular hangout areas for a weekend with bars, restaurants and clubs.

IMAGE: People flee as police attend to an incident near London Bridge in London, Britain.

Photograph: Hannah McKay/Reuters

The area has been cordoned off for investigations, led by the Met Polices Counter Terrorism Command, working with British Transport Police, City of London Police, the London Ambulance Service and the London Fire Brigade.

"We are reviewing and planning to strengthen our policing stance across London over the forthcoming days, and there will be additional police and officers deployed across the capital," Rowley said, calling on the public to remain vigilant.

The flag at Downing Street is flying at half-mast as a mark of respect to the victims of the attack and the ruling Conservative party has announced that it has suspended its national election campaign for Sunday, with plans to review during the course of the day.

London Mayor Sadiq Khan called it "a deliberate and cowardly attack on innocent Londoners".

"We will never let the terrorists win or cower our citizens," he said.

The Indian high commission in London has set up a Public Response Unit for any Indians caught up in the attack.

"Any Indians injured/affected during the London Bridge major incident and at Borough Market may reach off-office hours Public Response Unit. We shall endeavour to extend all possible assistance to all affected and to their families and friends in this difficult hour," an Indian high commission statement said.

IMAGE: People speak with police officers after the incident which saw several people being rushed to hospitals. Photograph: Hannah Mckay/Reuters

Gerard Vowls told The Guardian newspaper that he saw a woman being stabbed by three men at the south end of London Bridge. He said he threw chairs, glasses and bottles at the attackers in a bid to stop them.

They kept coming to try to stab me. They were stabbing everyone. Evil, evil people, he told the newspaper. I want to know if this girl is still alive. Ive been walking around for an hour and a half crying my eyes out. I dont know what to do.

Bartender Alex Martinez said he hid in a garbage bin for a half hour when a man stormed the restaurant where he worked, which was nearly full.

I saw that man with a knife in his hand and after that a man started screaming so I knew something wrong was happening, he said.

IMAGE: Police rushed to the scene after reports of a van ramming into people on London Bridge.

Photograph: Hannah Mckay/Reuters



Simon Thompson told Sky News that he was just outside Borough Market when he saw crowds fleeing.

We ran for like 100 metres and then saw loads of police cars turned up and there was kind of a period of quite intense gunfire, he said. I hid in a restaurant basement for about an hour.  Police told us to get out and then there was more gunfire.

United States President Donald Trump called Theresa May on phone to offer condolences over the "brutal" terror attacks and offered full support in bringing perpetrators of the heinous acts to justice.

Trump also offered the US' "full support" in investigating the two terror attacks at the iconic London Bridge and Borough Market in the heart of the UK's capital.

"He praised the heroic response of police and other first responders and offered the full support of the United States Government in investigating and bringing those responsible for these heinous acts to justice," the White House said in a statement after the phone call between the two leaders.

IMAGE: Police are calling the describing the two episodes as 'terror incidents'. Photograph: Hannah Mckay/Reuters



Prime Minister Narendra Modi also condemned the attacks in London, terming them as "shocking".

"Attacks in London are shocking & anguishing. We condemn them. My thoughts are with families of the deceased & prayers with the injured," the PM said in a tweet.

The latest terror attack, just four days before the general election on June 8, comes less than two weeks after a suicide bomber, Salman Abedi, targeted a Manchester concert on May 22, killing 22 people.

The Manchester attack stopped election campaigning for three days as troops were deployed to the streets and the UKs terror threat level was raised to "critical", meaning an attack was "imminent".

Britain's terror threat was later lowered back to "severe", which meant that an attack was highly likely.

IMAGE: The attack comes almost two weeks after 22 people died in a suicide bombing at a concert in Manchester . Photograph: Hannah Mckay/Reuters



Jeremy Corbyn, the Opposition Labour leader, tweeted, "Brutal and shocking incidents reported in London. My thoughts are with the victims and their families. Thank you to the emergency services."

Tim Farron, the Liberal Democrat leader, said: "Tonight's horrific incidents in London remind us how much we owe our emergency services. My thoughts and prayers with everyone affected."

Nicola Sturgeon, the Scottish First Minister and SNP leader, wrote on Twitter: "Dreadful news from London. My thoughts are with all those affected."
Tecumseh State Correctional Institution, one of the state's three maximum-security prisons, has developed a reputation for violence over the past couple of years.

The Mother's Day riot in 2015 caused extensive damage and left two inmates dead. Then a disturbance in March caused more damage from fires and two more inmates were killed.

More recently, a 22-year-old inmate was strangled and killed by his cellmate, who has been charged with first-degree murder.

Department of Correctional Services Director Scott Frakes has said that over the past year or more violence among a segment of Nebraska's prison population has escalated.

Roughly 65 percent of inmates in Nebraska prisons have clearly demonstrated violent tendencies, he said, either before or after arriving in prison.

It's unclear why violence at Tecumseh has escalated to inmates killing other inmates, he said. Gangs, which are somewhat competitive and willing to take violence to higher levels, has played a part. But some are just crimes of opportunity, he said.

"You can do everything possible to minimize the opportunities, but no, unfortunately, you can't prevent either spontaneous events that happen in prison systems or if someone's determined that they're going to use extreme violence," he said.

A recent report on the March disturbance at Tecumseh showed that during the past two years, assaults, drug and alcohol abuse and other misconduct issues have also increased at Tecumseh.

The number of charges for alcohol and drug violations increased from 204 between March 2015 and March 2016 to 692 in the same period the next year. The number found guilty of the charges went from 70 to 313.

Guilty findings for assaults went from 79 to 96. Other increases were noted for charges of refusing orders; being in unauthorized areas, such as an off-limits cell; creating tattoos; and violating disciplinary sanctions.

Those found guilty of tattooing went from 85 in 2015-16 to 198 the next year. Tattooing is often used for gang identification, and furthers violence and criminal activity connected to those groups, said Communications Manager Cara Wilwerding. It also creates a risk of infection and spread of disease among inmates, and a risk to staff from puncture wounds and contact with blood.

In the unit, particularly two galleries, of the prison that has been the most problematic, the department is making changes, including creating a "closed-management unit" that will operate with more security and less out-of-cell time  about four hours a day  than general-population units.

Inmates in the unit also will be provided programming and incentives to lower their risky behavior so they can earn their way back to the general population, accompanied by increased activities and out-of-cell time. Programming will address criminal thinking and violent behavior, Frakes said.

"Hopefully, the motivation is that you engage, you demonstrate lower risk behavior, and we can get you back in general population, where you can have access to all the rest of things that we want people to have access to," he said.

A unit at the Nebraska State Penitentiary will get the same type of attention, he said.

"It is our responsibility to do everything we can to keep people safe," he said. "That means all the inmates that we house, staff, the public, everyone else that's involved in this process."

The department has formed an intelligence team in the past two years that has helped already in reducing inmate-on-inmate violence systemwide, he said.

A review team from the National Institute of Corrections recommended recently that the department re-evaluate its inmate housing assignment process and determine if there are options to avoid high concentrations of problematic, higher-custody inmates in one or two locations.

The team suggested considering different strategies based on classification, gang affiliation, mental health status, escape history, predatory or vulnerability criteria, and age.

But it also recognized the possibility of spreading problems to other locations in decisions.

At Tecumseh, those higher-maintenance inmates will continue to be isolated in those two galleries, said Warden Brad Hansen.

"We don't want every unit to have trouble," he said. "And so we'd rather deal with a couple of galleries as opposed to have them spread out and (then) you've got a whole institution you're dealing with, cause they're communicating, they're causing issues all over the place."

Frakes said a new classification method has been implemented and will assist in ensuring proper placements.

In a couple of incidents recently, in which the Tecumseh inmate was killed by his cellmate and another at the York Nebraska Center for Women when an inmate was brutally beaten by a convicted killer with which she was housed, state lawmakers and others have questioned the department's decisions in choosing cellmates.

Frakes has acknowledged there sometimes are errors.

"We try very hard to house people in the best setting that we can," he said. "We're going to continue to work on that. You can never say that you've got it perfect, I don't think, because of that population being so dynamic."

Thousands of inmates come and go yearly through the system.

The department is also working on improving its inmate grievance system, which gets a lot of complaints from prisoners. It will put in place an agency-level grievance administrator in July, to bring consistency to managing the grievance system, and is reviewing new technology.

"It's going to be a big job for whoever that person is, but it's going to help. Because we learned a long time ago in corrections if you have an effective grievance system that the inmates believe in, it is an excellent outlet for frustration," Frakes said.

The Legislature has also put in place another Nebraska justice system oversight committee that will begin touring the prisons this summer and have hearings in the fall.
September 3, 1952 - June 1, 2017

Lisa Lynn Nicklas, 64, from Hickman, went to be with the Lord June 1, 2017, surrounded by her family. Born September 3, 1952, to Lloyd and Barbara (Engel) Johnson in Alexandria, Louisiana.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Gregg Nicklas, and her parents.

Her five children and their families invite you to celebrate her life on Friday morning at Lincoln Berean Church, 6400 S. 70th Street. Service times are pending. Visitation will be held from 5-7 p.m. Thursday evening at Roper and Sons Funeral Home, 4300 'O' Street. Burial will be at Elmwood Cemetery.
From 2-7 to sectional champs, Monrovia has one question: 'Why not us?'
Chinese paramilitary police patrol on the outskirts of Tiananmen Square on the eve of the 28th anniversary of the June 4, 1989 crackdown on pro-democracy protests in Beijing, June 3, 2017.

Authorities rounded up and placed under close surveillance dozens of critics of the ruling Chinese Communist Party on Sunday on the anniversary of a bloody 1989 military crackdown that ended weeks of student-led democracy protests on Beijing's Tiananmen Square.

Beijing police set up roadblocks and identity checks around Muxidi, a district which saw fierce pitched battles between People's Liberation Army (PLA) troops and civilians armed with makeshift weapons, and where an unknown number people were killed by advancing troops and tanks.

Police were out in larger-than-usual force, intercepting journalists and asking them to leave, while two entrances and exits to the Muxidi subway station were shut down, ostensibly for "temporary construction work," according to official announcements at the station.

But activists continued to post photos online of themselves holding up placards bearing the words "Never forget June 4," in defiance of a long-running ban on public commemoration of the crackdown.

Beijing rights activist Hu Jia said he had been forced to go with state security police to the coastal city of Qinhuangdao, in neighboring Hebei province.

"I strongly condemn this violent government," Hu said. "People should be able to hold memorial activities for the 28th anniversary of the June 4, 1989 bloodshed, and also to make various demands on the the government."

The government styled the student-led democracy protests, sparked in April 1989 by the death of much-loved liberal premier Hu Yaobang, a "counterrevolutionary rebellion."

Compulsory 'vacation'

Public memorials and discussions of the events of June 1989 are banned, with activists who seek to commemorate the bloodshed often detained and veteran dissidents placed under police surveillance or detention during each anniversary.

"The most important thing of all, however, is to end this government by force."

Outspoken political journalist Gao Yu was taken out of Beijing on a compulsory "vacation," while political activist Zha Jianguo was taken away by police after writing an online post calling on people not to forget the 1989 protests or the subsequent crackdown, activists told RFA.

And state security police in the Beijing suburb of Miyun summoned human rights lawyer Xie Yanyi, recently released on bail from a nationwide crackdown on hundreds of lawyers, warning him not to speak out in public in support the lawyers, nor to attend any June 4 memorials, his wife said.

"He is at home, under surveillance now," she said.

Meanwhile, police in the southern province of Guangdong detained activist Chen Jianxiong in a hotel room in Foshan city late on Saturday, an anonymous source told RFA.

"This is linked to the 28th anniversary," the source said. "Some police from the local police station called Chen late the previous evening telling him that 'that sensitive date' is nearly here."

"They called at 3.00 a.m. on June 3, and told him that he was already surrounded by more than 20 cops," the source said. "Chen Jianxiong refused to come out for about half an hour, but then they got the owner of the building, and forced the door open."

Mothers remain frustrated

Meanwhile, in the southwestern city of Chongqing, rights activist Xie Dan said he had been notified on Friday that he would taken on an enforced 'vacation' by police.

"I am at home waiting for them now; they'll be here soon, to take me on vacation," Xie said, in reference to commonly reported police tactics of taking well-known activists to holiday resorts for all-expenses-paid trips under escort and round-the-clock surveillance at politically sensitive times.

"There's nothing I can do about this," Xie said.

Fellow Chongqing activist Han Liang said he had received a similar notification.

"They will be taking me away tomorrow for sure, and my freedom will be curtailed," Han said on Saturday. "They told me that it's to prevent me taking to the streets [to mark the anniversary]."

"A state security police officer sought me out in person to tell me.

They do this every year, around June 4; before, they would take me away as early as June 1," he said.

In the 28 years since the PLA crackdown, the Tiananmen Mothers victims' group have called repeatedly for a public inquiry into the massacre. They also want compensation, and a detailed account of who died, how and where.

The government has declined to respond publicly to their demands, however.

Reported by Qiao Long for RFA's Mandarin Service. Translated and edited by Luisetta Mudie.
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Amy Goodburn has been named senior associate vice chancellor of academic affairs and dean of undergraduate education at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln.

Donde Plowman, the universitys executive vice chancellor and chief executive officer, announced the appointment Friday.

In her role, Goodburn is the senior academic leader whose primary responsibilities are in undergraduate education.

In 2011, Goodburn was hired as associate vice chancellor to focus on student success. She subsequently took on additional duties related to student retention, graduation and achievement and has overseen the launch and advancement of several programs that have enhanced student progress.

Between 2015 and 2017, she was Nebraskas interim dean of enrollment management.

We are moving forward in innovative and measurable ways to ensure our students academic achievement, Goodburn said. I am inspired every day by our students, faculty and staff, and I look forward to advancing our enrollment and retention goals.

Goodburn, a professor of English who joined the Nebraska faculty in 1994, earned her bachelors degree in English and political science at Miami (Ohio) University, and her masters degrees in English and English education and her doctorate in English (composition and rhetoric) from Ohio State University.
If youre older than 66 when you apply for Social Security benefits, dont be surprised if an agent offers you what sounds like a great deal: the chance to pocket up to six months of retroactive benefits in a lump sum.

If your full benefit is $2,200, for example, that could put $13,200 in your pocket.

Before you bite, though, recognize this: Taking the offer effectively means filing six months earlier  and forfeiting six months worth of delayed-retirement credits. Taking the lump sum would mean reducing benefits by 4 percent for the rest of your life.

The official Social Security manual advises agents on how to determine eligibility for retroactive benefits, but it does not instruct them to tell claimants that taking the dough will result in permanently lower future benefits.

In fact, in only one live visit by researchers for a study by the General Accountability Office did the agent explain the trade-off.

Whether claiming sooner rather than later will pay off depends, of course, on how long you (or your spouse, if youre married) will live to collect benefits.

The GAO study notes that increasing life expectancies raise the potential cost of claiming early.

Social Security says the average life expectancy for a 65-year-old man is age 84.1, and its 86.5 for a 65-year-old woman. But, remember, those are averages. About one in every four 65-year-olds will live past 90, and one in 10 will live past 95.

Retroactive benefits dont always come with a dark side.

A Chicago-area executive was 67 when he first heard that he could restrict an application  delay taking his own benefits and apply for spousal benefits on his wifes record because she was already receiving benefits.

He got six months worth in a lump sum retroactively and is now receiving about $250 a month as he builds up delayed-retirement credits for his own benefit. The lump sum wont affect that benefit when he switches to it.

One of the best ways to avoid bad advice may be to skip contact with a Social Security Administration employee.

Mary Beth Franklin, a certified financial planner, said, for example, that the easiest and surest way to file a restricted application for spousal benefits is online.

If you do visit a Social Security office or discuss benefits with an agent over the phone, be prepared to ask plenty of questions, and request to talk with a supervisor if you need clarification on any point.
Clutching a brown teddy bear, a young girl in a white sweater burrowed into her mothers lap under the hot sun on Saturday afternoon.

More than 1,000 people stood quietly around them as the superintendent of the Virginia State Police bent down and handed them a neatly folded flag. The governor of Virginia stood nearby.

Amazing Grace swirled from bagpipes and drums, followed by taps on the trumpet and an end-of-watch call over the radio for slain state police Special Agent Michael Timothy Walter.

Moments earlier, in the Powhatan High School gymnasium, Walter had been remembered as a tough-as-nails, grab-life-by-the-horns kind of guy who loved his family above all else.

Walter, 45, was shot in the head May 26 in Mosby Court, a violence-plagued public housing development in Richmond. He died early the next morning, leaving behind his wife, Jaime, and their three children: Austin, 14; Mason, 9; and Addison, 6.

He was an 18-year state police veteran and former Marine who founded a nonprofit that served disadvantaged youth in Powhatan County, where he lived with his family.

Ive always thought of myself as hell on wheels, said Richmond police officer Chris Duane, who has said he was standing shoulder-to-shoulder with Walter when he was shot. I created many long nights of paperwork for my supervisors over the years. And then I met Mike, and honestly, he put me to shame.

Duane recalled nights spent riding around in Walters undercover Dodge, gleefully soaking in the facial expressions of onlookers as a minivan with flashing lights and sirens pulled over cars.

We got close and remained close because of our personalities and styles of police work, Duane said. We spent countless nights patrolling Richmond, purposefully seeking out Richmonds most high-crime, high-violence, high-drug areas. It was just what we did.

Col. W. Steven Flaherty, superintendent of the Virginia State Police, recalled Walters polish and organization, his toughness and his penchant for speaking his mind.

Mike was Mike, Flaherty said. He was the one you wanted sitting next to you when you were on rough streets, and there was nowhere that he would have rather been, nor no one else that he would rather have been with, last Friday night when he was at Mosby Court.

For all his grit, Walter was a family man and a mentor, Flaherty said. Walter and his wife founded and operated Powhatan Youth Wrestling and Community Development Corp., a nonprofit based at Blackhawk Gym in the county.

The name of Walters accused assailant, Travis A. Ball, was not mentioned during the service, but Gov. Terry McAuliffe condemned the violence that took Walters life.

Words cannot express the sorrow that every single one of over 8.5 million Virginians feel for your family, McAuliffe said. This tragedy has ripped us all apart.

Walter, a native of Philadelphia, joined state police in 1998 after serving stints as a security officer for VCU Medical Center and with Capitol Police. Before entering law enforcement, he was a member of the Marines from 1989 to 1994.

He was the 63rd member of the state police to be killed in the line of duty since 1928 and the 11th in the last 11 years.

Law enforcement officers from all corners of Virginia and from at least 10 other states  including Arizona, California, Mississippi and Maine  attended Saturdays service.

Walters remains were taken to the Virginia Veterans Cemetery in Amelia County for a private graveside service.
Hes hailed by nearly every Virginia Democrat in state and federal office as a steadfast pick to be the next governor, but Lt. Gov. Ralph S. Northam acknowledges that early 2009 was kind of a rocky time in his political career.

Rumors flew that February that Northam, then in his second year as a Norfolk state senator, was entertaining the idea of leaving the Democratic Party and striking a deal with Republicans, a notion Northam now says was the farthest thing from the truth.

In a tight primary with former congressman Tom Perriello, the centrist streak that made Northam a target for GOP overtures in 2009 has emerged as a point of contention as state Democrats debate the future of their party in one of the first major elections under President Donald Trump. Northam and Perriello are both pitching themselves as unwavering progressives ahead of the June 13 primary, though neither can claim a perfect record in that regard.

Questions about where Northam fits on the political spectrum have played out most visibly in discussions of Northams two votes for former President George W. Bush, with the short-lived statehouse squabble receiving less attention.

The Northam-related buzz at the Capitol in 2009 was encapsulated by then-GOP delegate and party chairman Jeff Frederick, who infamously shared the news in a Twitter post some blamed for tipping off Democrats and allowing them to bring Northam back into the fold, thwarting what could have been a Republican coup.

Big news coming out of Senate: Apparently one dem is either switching or leaving the dem caucus. Negotiations for power sharing underway, Frederick tweeted.

In a recent interview, Frederick said he did not have inside knowledge of the backroom wrangling in 2009 and stressed that he believes Democrats had placated Northam well before he put the word out on social media. Even if Northam did nothing to tip the balance of power, Frederick said, it made sense that some thought he might.

He was so moderate that he was almost Republican. Thats why it was so believable that he would consider switching parties, Frederick said.

Northam, a 57-year-old pediatric neurologist, said Frederick simply got it wrong. Frustrated with the Senate Finance Committees unwillingness to hear him out on funding requests for medical institutions in his district, Northam said, he used what leverage he could to get attention from colleagues on both sides of the aisle.

I was just trying to get done what I needed for my district, Northam said. Im glad to be where I am. I think my fellow Democrats are glad where I am.

In purple Virginia, Democrats have long seen political appeal in Northams unique background as a native of the rural Eastern Shore, a U.S. Army veteran and a soft-spoken doctor accustomed to comforting ailing children and anxious parents.

Democratic state Sen. Lynwood W. Lewis Jr., an Accomack native who has known Northam since he was a teenager and represents Northams old Senate district, called the Eastern Shore a unique place. Like many rural areas, he said, its very community centered.

Honesty. Hard work. Sort of looking after your neighbor, Lewis said. All those old traditional qualities are still at play over here.

***

Northam, the son of an elected prosecutor turned judge, said partisan politics were not a part of his early life in Onancock, a town of less than 2,000 in Accomack County.

We werent a political family. They emphasized the importance of voting, Northam said. I never really looked at it as being political or Democrat vs. Republican. I just always voted for the person I thought would do the best job.

At the statehouse, Northam brought his medical background to bear as he fought the controversial 2012 transvaginal ultrasound bill and helped pass legislation to ban smoking in bars and restaurants and to enact a statewide concussion protocol for high school student-athletes.

Emphasizing his experience with state issues and relationships with lawmakers in the General Assembly, Northam said he feels Virginians want someone who will be a steady hand on the wheel, knows how Richmond works, and can bring all sides together to make things happen.

Thats the Virginia way, Northam said.

For more than a year, Northam seemed well on his way to being the partys undisputed favorite to succeed term-limited Gov. Terry McAuliffe.

When Perriello, a 42-year-old Charlottesville native who recently worked as a U.S. State Department diplomat, reappeared on the political scene in January to challenge Northam for the Democratic nomination, he did it with a fervently anti-Trump message and an argument that Virginia Democrats should shed their corporate-friendly, moderate tendencies and embrace a more ambitious agenda rooted in economic populism.

Northam and Perriello have both called for a $15 minimum wage and some form of cost-free community college or trade school, but Northam has balked at Perriellos calls for higher taxes on the rich and corporations as unrealistic. Northam took a similarly dim view of the prospects of doing away with Virginias right-to-work law, which Perriello wants to try to repeal in order to strengthen union organizing power.

Perriello also has come out strongly against the monopoly power of Dominion Energy and its proposed Atlantic Coast Pipeline, while Northam has faced pressure over political donations he received from Dominion, his ownership of stock in the company, and his hands-off approach to the federally approved pipeline project.

Northam, too, has based his campaign largely on opposing Trump, repeatedly calling the president a narcissistic maniac. But he disputed Perriellos implication that Trumps win has drastically altered how Democrats should approach the Virginia governors race, saying the state had the same challenges all along.

Where has he been for the last six or seven years? Northam said.

Working for Barack Obama, replied Perriello campaign spokesman Ian Sams.

Republicans have framed the Democratic primary as a race to the left and have tried to sow doubt about whether Northam would be able to move back to more moderate ground in a general election campaign.

During his 2013 run for lieutenant governor, Northam could comfortably run as a sound-minded moderate as he faced off against Republican firebrand E.W. Jackson, a socially conservative minister who once accused Democrats of having an agenda worthy of the Antichrist.

Northam won by more than 10 percentage points, outperforming the rest of the statewide Democratic ticket and suggesting he had drawn support from some Virginians who voted for the Republican candidates for governor and attorney general.

In a 2013 interview with the Richmond Times-Dispatch, Northam said he viewed himself as a fiscally conservative moderate, not a liberal.

Asked if hed use the same descriptors in 2017, Northam said he was raised to be fiscally responsible and believes government should stay out of peoples lives.

And thats regarding the social issues, whether it be someones sexual orientation or whether it be the attacks on reproductive health care or immigration or religion, Northam said. Thats not the governments business.

Northam has said he regrets voting for Bush and has stressed that he gave an honest answer on who he voted for even though he didnt have to, a quality he honed in college as head of the Honor Court at Virginia Military Institute. But he gave little indication of what he once found appealing in Bushs worldview.

I dont even remember a lot of the thought process that went into it back then, said Northam, adding that, at the time, he had just come out of the military and was trying to build a medical practice.

As Perriello claims the mantle of bold progressivism (while apologizing for position he took on guns and abortion during his single term in Congress), Northam has had to fight the perception that hes the boring heir of the Democratic establishment. That narrative, said U.S. Sen. Tim Kaine, a Virginia Democrat backing Northam, is so unfair to a person who has spent his life serving others in a very progressive way.

If he was not progressive, he wouldnt have the teachers. He wouldnt have Equality Virginia. He wouldnt have NARAL, said Kaine, referring to education, LGBT and abortion rights groups that have endorsed Northam.

As governor in 2009, Kaine met one-on-one with Northam during the brief party-switching scare. Kaine said he, too, never saw a danger that Northam would change parties. But like many newcomers, Kaine said, Northam was frustrated by an inability of folks to work together.

He was looking to find better ways to work across the aisle, said Kaine, who said he advised Northam that day that not everybody whos approaching you as your friend is meaning to do you a favor.

The presidential race last year, Kaine said, showed that volume may not be the best way to measure a political candidates demeanor.
CHARLOTTESVILLE  University of Virginia Rector William H. Goodwin will not serve another term on the universitys board of visitors.

Goodwins term as rector expires at the end of this month, but he was eligible for reappointment to the board. Goodwin said he did not seek out reappointment from Gov. Terry McAuliffe.

McAuliffes office announced three new appointees to the board on Friday afternoon, including Goodwins son-in-law, Robert D. Hardie of Charlottesville. They will replace Goodwin and two other board members who also did not receive reappointment.

John A. Griffin, the president of Blue Ridge Capital LLC in New York, was reappointed to a second four-year term.

On Friday evening, Goodwin said he wanted to leave to give incoming Rector Frank M. Rusty Conner room to lead the board on his own.

I have served my rectorship  I was the guy at the top for two years, Goodwin said. Once you do that, its not time to look over the shoulder of someone who is serving just like you did.

McAuliffe also declined to renew the terms of two other appointees of then-Gov. Bob McDonnell: Kevin J. Fay of McLean and Frank E. Genovese of Midlothian. Griffin is the only McDonnell appointee to have his term renewed by McAuliffe.

In addition to Hardie, co-chairman and CEO of H7 Holdings LLC, the new appointees are Robert M. Blue of Richmond, president and CEO of Dominion Energys Power Delivery Group; and Maurice Jones of New York City, president and CEO of the Local Initiatives Support Corp.

All of the appointees are politically connected and have experience in both the public and private sectors.

Hardie, an investment banker, served a stint on U.Va.s board of visitors from 2008 to 2012. He is a longtime donor to Democratic Party candidates and gave $125,000 to McAuliffe during his gubernatorial bid.

Blue, a graduate of U.Va.s Class of 1989, was a policy adviser under then-Gov. Mark Warner before moving on to Dominion in 2005.

Jones, who graduated from U.Va.s School of Law, served as Virginias secretary of commerce and trade under McAuliffe from 2014 to 2016. He is among several current and former members of McAuliffes Cabinet who were appointed to university boards.

These are folks from a diversity of backgrounds with strong records of business and government who will add a lot to the board, said Brian Coy, a spokesman for McAuliffes office.

Under the boards rules, the vice rector takes over once a rectors two-year term is up. The rest of the board then votes for a new vice rector.

Conner  a partner in a Washington financial law firm who received his bachelors and law degrees from U.Va.  will take over as the man at the top of the states flagship university.

Conner has been on the board since July 2014. He and Goodwin have served on the board through a turbulent period, including the murder of student Hannah Graham in 2014, as well as several public scandals  most notably a Rolling Stone article on sexual assault that created an international uproar before the story was debunked.

They also approved a contentious multiyear plan to increase tuition while raising the financial aid ceiling in 2015. And they held leadership positions on the board when it voted to create a controversial $2 billion-plus Strategic Investment Fund for long-term improvement projects as the tuition increases were taking effect.

Goodwin and Conner are both members of an advisory committee searching for a replacement for President Teresa A. Sullivan, who plans to step down when her contract ends next summer.

Goodwin first joined the board of visitors in 1996 after being appointed by then-Gov. George Allen, serving until 2004.

McDonnell appointed Goodwin to the newly created post of senior adviser to the board  a one-year term  after the failed attempt to remove Sullivan from office in 2012. In January 2013, he was appointed to the board of visitors. In May, he was selected by the board to serve as vice rector.

Members of the presidential search committee do not have to be board of visitors members, and Goodwin said he plans to continue his work there.

I dont like to not finish jobs, he said. I look at that as a job I signed up for.
ROANOKE  Egette Indelele gave a group of third- and fourth-graders at the Boys & Girls Clubs of Southwest Virginia an assignment: draw what you think Africa looks like.

For most of the kids in the after-school program in southeast Roanoke, Africa is a faraway, difficult to imagine place. But for Indelele, it is not. She was born and spent the early years of her life there, before coming to the U.S. as a refugee at 8 years old.

Indelele, 18, still remembers her village in Tanzania, where everyone would gather in a circle around the fire at night to dance, sing and make music.

Even though Indelele misses home sometimes, shes grateful to have ended up in Roanoke, where she has met many people whose hands are open.

Theyre always there for you and, even in need, they dont give up on you, she said.

Indelele was born in Tanzania, where her family moved after fleeing civil war in Burundi. But then conflict struck their village in Tanzania, so they headed to Kenya. There, they spent two years in a refugee camp.

When telling her story, Indelele leaves a key piece out until prompted by her teacher. The family walked from Tanzania to Kenya  and did so without shoes. Indelele was given her first pair of shoes when she was preparing to board a plane for the U.S.; she remembers them feeling strange.

Indelele had never attended school before arriving in the U.S. On Friday, she graduated from Roanokes Patrick Henry High School.

Today, Indelele helps other refugees and immigrants get settled in Roanoke. She speaks four languages  English, French, Swahili and Kirundi  and lends a hand in translating.

It was Caroline Stanfill, who served as a youth minister at St. Gerard Catholic Church when Indelele first came to the church, who encouraged her to give back.

I love the feeling of helping, Indelele said. There were a lot of people who brought us food in the refugee camp; we were just so excited to see them.

When Indeleles family came to St. Gerard, Stanfill was just returning from an international volunteer job in Kenya. She became close with Indelele and her family and eventually became Indeleles godmother.

I cant say enough good things about her, Stanfill said. Shes very helpful whenever someone is in need and just so compassionate and willing to go the extra mile to help others.

Indelele hopes to continue helping others. Her goal is to become a psychologist and open a hospital in Tanzania with a cousin in Tennessee who wants to become a surgeon.

Well be able to help in the same place together, she said.

Indelele will start working toward that goal this fall when she starts at George Mason University, where she plans to study psychology. She will be the first in her family to attend college. Indelele feels passionate about working with children, and does so in the three jobs she holds.

She has a simple explanation as to how she balances it all. I stayed up, she said with a laugh.

I got some emails around 1 a.m. a couple times, said her 11th-grade English teacher Kari Spickard.

The two developed a close relationship when Indelele was one of Spickards students. Both attend the same church; Spickard gave St. Gerard a try based on Indeleles invitation. She said shes amazed by Indelele.
She could not silence the voices in her head.

They kept the young woman awake at night, thoughts tumbling over one another until she cut herself, a relief that didnt last.

She and her family had fled Afghanistan months earlier  a place she loved, a large home in Kandahar with olive trees and grapevines and flowers her mother loved to plant.

The violence drove her and her family out, stole two brothers from them and sent them across the ocean to a new home in the middle of America.

But the death and loss stayed with her, memories that followed her to Lincoln North Star High School, conjured voices that kept her up at night.

Eventually, the student confided in the teacher shed come to trust in her English-language learner class.

I told her I cannot talk to my family, so she hugged me and I was crying and she said was it OK if she talked to a counselor?

The young woman, who asked that her name not be used for this story, didnt understand what her teacher had asked, so she said yes.

She was angry then, upset that her teacher had shared a confidence.

Not anymore.

Because that encounter led her to Dr. Megan, a psychologist whos spent much of the past decade helping immigrants like the young Afghani woman find ways to deal with traumatic memories and navigate a new world.

Over the next two years she learned to sleep, to focus on the present, to study and pass her classes and follow a path that led to high school graduation, two scholarships and a way forward.

Now I think I was wrong, she said. They just wanted to help me.

* * *

She's right: The North Star student was among the first served through a new program to help Lincoln Public Schools refugees deal with the trauma that forced them to flee their countries.

In 2014  the same year the young woman and her family arrived from Afghanistan  members of Lincolns large Yazidi community were reeling from the massacre of their people in Sinjar, Iraq.

The IS attacks against Yazidi family members and friends unfolded on television in widespread news coverage.

It was devastating to Yazidi families, but also triggered fear in the city's larger resettlement community. And it convinced LPS officials they needed to do something.

Thats when the conversation really started to turn to How can we help, how can we support students and families who have relatives living in this horrible situation?' said Oscar Rios Pohirieth, cultural specialist and coordinator for the LPS bilingual liaison program. Everyone is affected by it, no matter where they come from. Whether immigrant or refugee, they will be affected by trauma one way or another.

The issue wasn't new to LPS officials. Over a three-year period, three students whod settled in Lincoln as refugees  Burmese, Kurdish and Sudanese  committed suicide, Rios Pohirieth said.

Immigrant and refugee students at LPS increased 52 percent over the past three school years, from 1,606 to 2,445. Nearly two-thirds of those students came to Lincoln as refugees who fled war or persecution.

There becomes a point where we said What are we doing to save lives? What are we doing culturally to understand whats going on in our community?' Rios Pohirieth said.

An opportunity presented itself in 2014-15 when the district got $162,500 in Title III money for the first time. The federal money is earmarked for immigration education and LPS knew trauma impeded students' ability to learn.

Ultimately the program has been funded by an additional $74,000 in Title III money, some federal Title I funds and grants from Region V Services.

Providing therapy to immigrant populations is complicated by language and cultural barriers, said Tina Bouma, an LPS social worker.

Often, theres a stigma associated with mental health services, and many people are leery of trusting those in such positions.

Building that trust and rapport is key, as well as instilling hope, said Megan Watson, the psychologist who began working with immigrants and refugees in 2007 as a doctoral student on a grant-funded project to help survivors of torture. "Most have very little hope things can be better for them."

In many cultures, the concept of therapy is foreign and mental health services are defined only by medication or electric shock therapy, she said.

The stigma of mental health is why the Afghani student asked not to be identified.

When I came here I had a very hard time, she said in an interview this spring. When I talk to my family they thought I was crazy. ... Well, I dont think Im crazy, so I just told my teacher.

Not long before then, LPS had reached out to Watson and two other therapists in the community who had experience dealing with such trauma.

Watson knew the need, that many young people didnt have insurance to cover therapy or the transportation to get there.

To address the language and cultural barriers, LPS initially turned to 23 bilingual liaisons who work with ELL students.

They knew the families, their many different languages, cultures and beliefs, but lacked the expertise to interpret in mental heath settings. LPS provided that training.

Interpreters are key to working with trauma sufferers, said Watson, and its imperative that the same therapist remain with patients each visit.

My therapy is only as good as the person communicating (it) to another person, she said. Its only as good as the conduit.

But translating in therapy sessions while working with families on other school-related issues became problematic and emotionally draining for the bilingual liaisons, said Rios Pohirieth.

LPS then reached out to community interpreters.

Fifteen signed on, recently completed training and will work with an expanded pool of therapists.

Watson and Francisca Peterson, another therapist involved with the project, agreed to train 12 additional therapists from Family Service Lincoln and the Child Guidance Center to work with refugee students, said Brenda Leggiadro, LPS coordinator of counseling and social work.

During the last school year, therapists served 49 students through the program, and another 24 remained on a waiting list, said Anne Caruso, LPS grant specialist. Those students came from 14 different schools, from elementary to high school.

But LPS officials say the issue goes beyond school walls.

We have come to realize if we do not do something about it (the community) will be hurting in the near future, said Rios Pohirieth. We are going to lose our kids to drugs, alcohol, suicide  any coping mechanism they can find on their own, without professional help.

Slowly, though, students are beginning to reach out, despite the stigma.

Little by little they are coming forward and saying I want to do this, he said. We are seeing this play out in ways we didn't 2 years ago, and it is a beautiful thing.

* * *

The young Afghan woman, now 20, began drawing when she got to America, detailed pictures of animals and people.

Drawing keeps her mind occupied, focused on now, on the tiny squares into which she divides each picture she begins.

It helps put the violence she grew up with aside, to focus on today.

It's still there, though, still a part of her, the second-youngest of eight children.

A car bomb killed two of her brothers and convinced the family to leave their country.

One brother was an interpreter with the U.S. Army and had his visa to come to America in a matter of days, she said. The other was 2 years old. Both had gotten into a car to go see their grandmother.

Her mother was a high school principal in Afghanistan. Her father, an engineer, disappeared while on a business trip when she was a young child.

His loss plunged the family into poverty, but education was important and the older girls studied medicine in Afghanistan.

So when they landed in Lincoln, the young woman went to see Dr. Megan, who encouraged her to keep going, to graduate.

She followed Dr. Megan's advice, thought of one thing that made her happy when she crawled into bed. She imagined a house in Dubai, designed and decorated it in her mind, room by room.

And she began to sleep, and study and learn other ways to live with the things she's seen.

She doesnt think she would have graduated without Dr. Megan's help, would not have gotten a four-year Susan T. Buffett Scholarship to the University of Nebraska-Lincoln and a Learn to Dream Scholarship for Southeast Community College to prepare her for UNL.

She left after graduation for her second visit to Afghanistan, the country she loves.

She knows it is still dangerous, but is focused on what's to come: studying business and becoming a successful businesswoman who can use the money she makes to help others who have struggled.

Life is hard, she said, but there are people like Dr. Megan. And so there is hope.

Just hang on, she said.
Federal judge decides not to reconsider suit against DMV

LYNCHBURG  A federal judge has decided not to reconsider a class action lawsuit filed against the commissioner of Virginias Department of Motor Vehicles.

Judge Norman Moon is standing by his decision to dismiss the case from federal court, saying in a May 22 ruling that the issues were fairly litigated before and that the new arguments raised by plaintiff attorneys in a motion filed April 10 should have been submitted earlier in the litigation. Moon noted that reconsideration is an extraordinary remedy that should be used sparingly.

The Legal Aid Justice Center filed the lawsuit against the DMV in July on behalf of low-income drivers who lost their license for failing to pay court debts.

Plaintiff attorneys have 30 days from May 22 to appeal Moons decision.

Civil suit against officers in fatal shootings to proceed

VIRGINIA BEACH  A judge has ruled that a civil lawsuit against four Virginia Beach police officers in connection with a deadly double shooting will proceed to trial.

Media outlets report that Gina Best filed the wrongful death lawsuit in March against the four SWAT officers who opened fire on a murder suspect and indirectly killed her daughter, 28-year-old India Kager.

Kager drove into a convenience store parking lot when the officers rushed up to her car to arrest her boyfriend, Angelo Perry, 35. Police say Perry shot first and the officers returned fire, killing Kager and Perry. Their infant son was unharmed.

Deputy City Attorney Christopher Boynton argued in court filings that the officers actions were justified. But plaintiffs attorney Kevin Martingayle says the officers acted recklessly.

McAuliffe awards grants to help revitalize 7 downtowns

RICHMOND  Gov. Terry Mc-Auliffe is awarding $95,000 to seven Virginia towns and cities to help spruce up their downtowns.

McAuliffe said Wednesday that he was awarding the Downtown Investment Grants to Culpeper, Fredericksburg, Lynchburg, Marion, South Boston, Staunton and Wytheville.

The money will be used for projects ranging from a mural to a hotel redesign.

Va. has its third best spring turkey hunting season

RICHMOND  Virginia hunters had their third best spring turkey hunting season on record this year. Hunters killed 18,860 wild turkeys this spring, a 9 percent increase from last year, The Roanoke Times reported.

The state record was set in 2015, at 20,580. Department of Game and Inland Fisheries forest game bird project leader Gary Norman said Virginias wild turkey population is at record highs, with a population estimated to be as high as 195,000.

The DGIF board recently rejected a proposal to increase the daily limit from one bird to two.

Va. getting $31.4 million from Homeland Security

RICHMOND  The U.S. Department of Homeland Security has allocated $31.4 million in federal emergency preparedness and security grants to Virginia, the governor announced last week.

Hampton Roads received $1 million for security enhancements by returning to the Urban Areas Security Initiative for the first time since 2014. Other grants include the State Homeland Security Program, $7,428,500; the Hampton Roads Urban Area Security Initiative, $1,000,000; the National Capital Region UASI, $15 million for Virginia; and the Emergency Management Performance Grant, $8,028,530.
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I found myself short of breath and having palpitations. I thought it must be the altitude.

I was in Cusco, Peru, about 11,000 feet above sea level, nervously sipping my mate de coca, a bitter tea made from coca leaves that takes a little getting used to but helped us adjust to the effects of the altitude. In reality, I was just excited to be going on a unique travel experience: the maiden voyage of The Belmond Andean Explorer, South America's first luxury sleeper train, by Peru Rail. Peru Rail also operates the Hiram Bingham, a luxury train that makes day trips from Cusco to Machu Picchu.

The Belmond Andean Explorer is pulled by two massive Peru Rail locomotives that haul its 18 wagons comfortably across the Andes. The train accommodates up to 48 passengers, providing a personal concierge approach with staff available to handle guests' needs 24/7.

Passengers have three types of rooms to choose from, each with its own private bathroom and shower. There's the ultra-spacious Double Bed Cabin (141 square feet), the Twin Bed Cabin (80 square feet) and the Bunk Bed Cabin (60 square feet). Also on the train are two large sit-down dining areas, a boutique, library, piano bar, cocktail lounge and an observation car with open-air seating that makes it easy to mingle, unwind and enjoy the breathtaking vistas and stunning Peruvian Andes.

At the station in Cusco, we were greeted by Lorenzo Sousa, chairman of Peru Rail, founder and major stockholder of Peru Belmond Hotels and my longtime friend, who invited me to take this trip. He made a warm welcoming speech and gave everyone a friendly handshake. Then the festivities began with a group of native dancers and musicians getting everyone in the mood to get aboard.

Inside the train, champagne was served, and we stopped to admire the design by Inge Moore from MUZA Lab of London. The interior was designed to connect with the Peruvian Andes. For example, Moore said, the colors and textures of Peruvian nature are seen in the soft ivory alpaca tones and the Andean slate greys and woven textures and handicrafts.

The train, built in the first half of the 20th century, was brought from Australia to Peru. Sousa had it renovated but kept the style of its early years. The decor, from lamp fixtures to the designs on the ceiling of the cabins, took me back to that era. I was quickly brought back to the present, though, because the Belmond Andean Explorer put every modern amenity at my fingertips -- everything except Wi-Fi, but in the end, that didn't matter.

Then the whistle of the train sounded while its engines roared, and suddenly everything began to move past our eyes.

Finally we were gliding along the Peru Rail, waving goodbye to the dancers and greeting new friends on board, sipping specialty drinks such as pisco sours and Manhattan iced teas.

It seemed life could not get any better, but in the coming days, it would.

All the food on the train is gourmet. It is prepared by chef Diego Munoz, one of Peru's best, in collaboration with Belmond Hotel Monasterio, in Cusco. "We have taken every precaution to have not only the most delicious food on board, but to also be able to represent each region our guests will travel to," Sousa said.

"Peru has to be experienced not only visually, but also through the palate. Our menu has been carefully made so that the food is not only delicious, but not so heavy, because when you are traveling to altitudes as high as 15,000 feet above sea level, the last thing you want to do is have your digestion interrupted."

Its common for many people to feel the effects of the soroche -- Peruvian for altitude sickness -- because the train travels to such high elevations. For this the Belmond Andean Explorer has outfitted every room with an oxygen tank plus a nurse is on board around the clock as an extra precaution. I personally felt well all the time, probably because I have been crossing the Andes since I was a child.

The train offers several package trips -- one-night and two-night adventures. I was on a two-night.

On the first day of our journey from Cusco, our first stop was Raqch'i, with its majestic ruins including the Temple of Wiracocha, which is believed to be the largest single roof structure in the Incan Empire. We were able to walk inside these marvels of architecture and experience how advanced the Incas were in urban planning. I had time to buy souvenirs from local artists and made it back to the train just in time for tea.

Tea was muna, an aromatic selection of Inca herbs that perfectly complemented the variety of sweet cakes that came with it.

Day 2 brought an early-morning call to catch the mesmerizing sunrise over Lake Titicaca before enjoying breakfast on board: two eggs over easy and a selection of local cheeses with Serrano bread. This bread is like the Inca focaccia except in smaller portions, and a bit sweeter and crunchier.

We left the train and took a boat ride to the famous floating islands of Titicaca and its inhabitants. We were greeted on shore by smiles, and the tour guide showed us the fascinating work the Uros (or Urus) do with totora, the grass twigs that are harvested from the lake and served to make the foundation of the islands.

Our journey continued to the incredible island of Taquile, where time has barely touched life. By now, I was really getting hungry, and just in time, we were treated to a typical Taquileno meal at the only restaurant on the island. This was an opportunity to savor fresh trout with home-grown steamed vegetables, fresh cheese, the traditional choclo (Peruvian giant corn), rocoto sauce (hot, very hot!) and the most incredible quinoa soup.

The restaurant is on top of a hill on Collate beach. Traditional dancers performed for the group while we took a short hike across the mountain back to the other side of the island (the walking helped after eating so much). Our boat was waiting, and in half an hour we arrived back at the Belmond Andean Explorer, just in time for tea.

I met many interesting people and had wonderfully engaging conversations. One was with Jorge Chavez, a famous economist from Peru; another was Augusto Larco, who was the life of the party with his great sense of humor and wit. I also met a young couple, Juan and Alexa, who not only danced but played instruments with the band.

We had a delicious dinner, local clay-baked pork over a bed of sweet applesauce, a delicious combination matched with a glass of Cabernet and capped off with ice cream made with lucuma -- a Peruvian fruit -- and served over a bed of melted chocolate. My day complete, I went to my cabin for a warm shower and some much-needed sleep.

Day 3: It was a 5 a.m. call for the brave ones among us who were willing to get out of bed, jump off the train and hike to Lake Saracocha to be completely blown away by the most spectacular sunrise I've ever seen. This surreal living painting lasted only 20 minutes, but the colors and reflections were unforgettable.

After breakfast, we went to the Sumbay Caves. The weather was dry and hot, so I took a water bottle and prepared to hike down a canyon with our tour guide to visit the 8,000-year-old cave paintings.

Slowly walking back up, resting at times to catch my breath, I made it to the train for our final destination: Arequipa, called The White City for its enchanting white-stone buildings, antiquities and romance. Arequipa is one of the most important cities in Peru, known for incredible cuisine. One of the dishes I highly recommend is their traditional crawfish gumbo called chupe de camarones. It's huge, so one regular portion can easily serve two people.

At Arequipa, the Belmond Andean Explorer came to its final stop. Our luggage was waiting for us at curbside. Sorry to go, we disembarked while musicians and dancers performed.

Hugs and exchanges of contact information were occurring when it suddenly hit me: All this time, I never thought about picking up my phone; there was no need for it. Sometimes, we don't enjoy the moment because we feel we have to record it.

I would like to experience The Belmond Andean Explorer again. I will remember the images out my window, the colorful moving tapestries of land, meeting humble people who were warm and loving, enjoying the company of new friends, being pampered in every conceivable way by an attentive staff.

Here's my advice: Use your phone only to take photos on the Belmond Andean Explorer. Keep everything else to yourself.

Marco Ruiz is an illustrator and infographics designer at the Miami Herald. A native of Lima, Peru, he has visited more than 50 countries.
RED CLOUD  The first letter was sent in September.

Then the next month, another followed.

Red Cloud native Jay Yost had promised former first lady Laura Bush that he would write her a letter each month, asking her to visit the town to help officially open the National Willa Cather Center devoted to the state's most-revered author.

The correspondence worked.

Surrounded Saturday by board members of the Willa Cather Foundation, including Yost, the former first lady cut the ceremonial ribbon at the new center, marking the end of a five-year restoration effort.

The center, which includes a revamped museum, new archival storage and study space, operates in the historic Moon Block building, which stands over the town's brick main street.

Connected to the building is an opera house that's been reborn as office space, an art gallery and performing arts center. The Cather Foundation acquired it in 2001.

At the ribbon-cutting ceremony, Bush praised the novelist and short-story writer as the quintessential prose writer of the American West.

"America has produced many beautiful writers, but Willa Cather is among our most beautiful," Bush said, noting that she "captured the essence of life in the West with her brilliant and witty writing."

Yost, who has lived in New York City for 36 years, knew the former first lady was a Cather fan when Bush honored the writer in her Salute to American Authors series.

Years later, Yost started to write her letters, which brought in donations from the Bush family.

It was money that was sorely needed. The opera house's 2003 renovations cost nearly $1.7 million, and more would be needed for the museum.

With the help of other donors, work started five years ago on the two-story building that now houses first-floor exhibits, and an expanded archive of Cather's writings and personal effects on the second floor.

Yost expects the center to drive up heritage tourism in the town of 1,000 people. Annually, 8,000 to 10,000 people come to visit.

"We want to draw more people into the town and once we get them here we want them to stay longer," Yost said. "That can all play around what is happening with the Cather museum."

A Red Cloud museum dedicated to Cather isn't new.

A bank building down the street served as the first Cather museum, officially opened in 1962, nearly seven years after Cather Foundation founder Mildred Bennett established the Willa Cather Pioneer Memorial.

"She (Bennett) said ... 'If we don't do it, who will?'" board president Lynette Krieger said.

Saturday's grand opening, attended by donors and board members, corresponded with the 62nd annual Willa Cather Spring Conference that drew both fans and scholars alike in appreciation of Cather's work.

The author, recognized as one of the state's most important figures, was born in Virginia in 1883 but moved with her family to Webster County when she was 9 years old.

After Cather graduated from the University of Nebraska in 1895, she went on to publish 12 novels, including classics such as "My Antonia," and "O! Pioneers."

In 1923, she captured the Pulitzer Prize for the novel "One of Ours."

Yost said Cather's work reflects a minimalist, simplified writing style that focused as much on the wild, Nebraska plains as it did on Cather's many characters.

"The land becomes one of the characters in her stories," he said. "It really takes on a life of its own."

The museum's opening comes at a time when Cather's popularity among scholars has never been higher.

This is seen in the center's shift toward more interpretive, in-depth exhibits. The new archives are climate-controlled  a big improvement from storage space in Red Cloud's historical society and bank.

"We did not believe these treasures were ever insecure or in danger," said Krieger. "But these facilities were far from state-of-the-art."

But these treasures are something people can only experience if they make the drive to the town south of Hastings.

"You can't study or appreciate Cather if you stay in Lincoln," Yost said. "You have to come to Red Cloud and see it for yourself."
Megan Carter wanted to do something to show support for refugees, to combat the negative rhetoric surrounding them early this year. She envisioned a small gesture, maybe baking cookies. Instead, she started the Roanoke Refugee Partnership.

The leap from spending an afternoon baking to establishing a nonprofit group began with Carter helping to organize a January meeting at the Roanoke City Market Building, where more than 100 people gathered to share ideas about how to make refugees feel more welcome in the Roanoke Valley. There, Carter connected with Commonwealth Catholic Charities, the local refugee resettlement agency.

She learned there were gaps in assistance, with providers facing limited resources which volunteers could help address. And she saw at the meeting plenty of people enthusiastic about helping the refugee community.

So Carter, 27, worked with the already established Blacksburg Refugee Partnership and Commonwealth Catholic Charities to come up with the model for the Roanoke Refugee Partnership, where she now serves as president.

The nonprofit group, which obtained 501(c)(3) status in April, has six focus areas: transportation, donations, job training, housing, medical and mental health and English as a second language and education.

As secretary, Bethany Lackey, 28, works with Carter leading the partnership. Neither is paid. The two women met at a volunteer recruitment event, brought together by their shared interest in refugees. Starting the nonprofit in their 20s means theyll be able to accumulate many years of experience, they said.

I think its exciting also as young women to be able to be in this position, starting with experience early on so that we can rise to whatever ceiling we want to get to, Carter said. And knowing that people feel empowered and know that they can do things.

Lackey said she quickly realized that refugees settling in Roanoke had barriers at the very basic level of needs. They needed help with things like grocery shopping, navigating public transportation or submitting a job application online. They needed clothing and supplies, too.

When the partnership establishes personalized plans for each of the families it assists, it takes into account services in the Roanoke Valley and works to supplement them. The agency might provide food, help pay rent and utility bills, set up tutoring, offer a ride or arrange for a translator to attend a medical appointment. Much of the work involves logistics.

If another organization is doing something, we dont duplicate their services. I think thats the partnership piece of what were doing, is trying to bring all these organizations together to be a hub for services for people and help them overcome those barriers, Lackey said.

The goal of the group is to help refugees become self-sufficient.

I think thats a journey that they would be on without us anyway, but I think our organization specifically helps them get there a lot more quickly and efficiently, Lackey said.

Members of the partnerships executive board also have joined the Roanoke Refugee Dialogue Committee, made up of various agencies serving the refugee population. Carter said the committee reports to the U.S. State Department, providing information on how many refugees the city can handle. She said the group meets about once a month to discuss services and what can be done better.

The partnership is starting small, so far working with six families from Burundi, Somalia and Afghanistan. The agency just heard of two others looking for assistance. Carter said the group has raised enough money to support those six families and is trying to plan for expanding its reach.

Were not helping every refugee in Roanoke, Carter said.

One day, Lackey interjects.

Many families are referred to the partnership by Commonwealth Catholic Charities. As the first point of contact for families, Lackey said, the resettlement agency has the best sense of how the partnership can help.

Theyre the experts, Carter said. Were sort of the army of volunteers surrounding them.

So far, that army has about 40 members.

The women say theyve been amazed by the way people of different backgrounds have been united by this effort.

Its not a political issue. Its a human issue, Lackey said.

Carter is a physician assistant and Lackey a mental health counselor. Helping people on such a broad scale, building a nonprofit organization from the ground up, was entirely new to them. They saw a need and decided to act.

When you feel frustrated about things in the news, just being able to actually address this situation head on is so much more satisfying, Carter said.

Though some criticize the internet and social media for enabling slacktivism  the use of the web to support a political or social cause without investing significant time  Carter and Lackey say both have been useful resources for them. Carter said shes Googled many things along the way, such as how to become a 501(c)(3). When Lackey put out a call for donations on social media, her basement quickly filled up with supplies.

Despite serving at the highest level of the organization, Carter and Lackey are involved in every aspect of the partnerships work  even the small chores.

This is typically what the executive committee does, right? Fold clothes? Carter joked.

On Thursday evening, clothes and supplies that had accumulated in Lackeys basement were moved into a 10-foot-by-10-foot storage unit that will serve as a clothing closet for refugees. Aided by two volunteers, Lackey and Carter hauled boxes and garbage bags stuffed with clothes and toiletries into vehicles headed for Lawson Self Storage.

Forming a nonprofit is not what Carter had in mind when she made a post on Facebook that led to the meeting in January at the market building. Although her vision has evolved, Carter didnt forget her original goal.

Im happy to report that theres been cookies that have been eaten by refugees since, she said.
CHARLOTTESVILLE  More than 60 protesters marched from the University of Virginia Rotunda to Lee Park to mount a community defense against all forms of fascism, the Black and Third World Alliance for Community Defense said.

The protesters, including members of the group and Showing Up for Racial Justice, began to gather at 4 p.m. and left the Rotunda at 5:30 p.m., moving through the eastbound lane of University Avenue and West Main Street on the way to Lee Park.

Charlottesville police issued summonses to three people for blocking the roads, according to Lt. Steve Upman. He said he did not know about the march in advance, though officers were present at various points in the marchs path.

Once at Lee Park, the protesters hung a banner reading Community Defense Against All Forms of Fascism on the statue of Confederate Gen. Robert E. Lee, which has been the center of tensions between various factions of the community. The city council has voted to sell the statue, but a judge issued a temporary injunction to prevent its removal.

On May 13, a group including Richard Spencer, president of the white nationalist National Policy Institute and a leader of the so-called alt-right movement, held a torch-lit rally at the foot of the statue. Since then, several counter-protests have been held in Lee Park.

On May 20, several people were seen yelling and chanting at a group of men at an outdoor seating area on the Downtown Mall.

Veronica Fitzhugh was later charged with misdemeanor assault after she allegedly called the men Nazis and told them to leave the Downtown Mall.

On Thursday, a confrontation between activists and a group that included right-wing blogger Jason Kessler grew heated outside of Millers Downtown.

Following the incident, Jeff Fogel, a candidate for city commonwealths attorney and an attorney who is representing Fitzhugh, was charged with simple assault, a misdemeanor, after a man alleged that Fogel lightly pushed him .

The march Saturday was held in part to show solidarity with Fitzhugh, who thanked those who had joined her. Fogel also was in attendance.

Her arrest continues his pattern of abusing the legal system to systematically target black anti-racism activists in our community, Pam Starsia, a member of SURJ said Friday.

Starsia, who said she does not speak on behalf of SURJ, said Fitzhugh is being targeted by Kessler, as well as Charlottesville police, who, she said, sent six officers to arrest Fitzhugh. Fogel himself said that he was awakened by at least five officers when he was arrested at his home.

In a news release, Black and Third World Alliance for Community Defense said the protest was held for community defense against all forms of fascism, in solidarity with Veronica Fitzhugh and other black women and femmes confronting white supremacy across the South.

We are here to call on the predominantly white people of Charlottesville to put your bodies on the line and take risks to protect and defend people of color.

The march wasnt the only political march held Saturday. A local March for Truth rally, led by Indivisible Charlottesville, gathered on the Downtown Mall that morning as part of nationwide demonstrations calling for a transparent investigation into potential links between Russia and President Donald Trumps campaign and administration.
The meaning behind Saturday's North Lincoln Summerfest goes deeper than the music, crafts and street vendors. The first-year festival marked a community-wide partnership.

In previous years, the Lux Center for the Arts and University Place Business Association each held separate community art celebrations. This year, they merged the festivals.

"We've been a huge part of this neighborhood for a lot of years," said Susan McIntosh Kriz, Lux's executive director. "I think it sort of formalizes what our intentions are. The idea is to grow and continue to develop this neighborhood and help it get stronger."

Saturday was also a milestone for the Lux, marking the grand opening of the gallery's Ceramics Center. Staff, volunteers and community members have worked for years to find funding and pull together logistics for the center, McIntosh Kriz said.

"I feel like my whole life has been leading up to it," Lux Director of Education Lindsey Clausen said.

The first time Clausen visited the Lux, she was in kindergarten. She began attending classes in middle school and fell in love with art. She attended the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, where she studied ceramics.

"I was only able to be inspired, and I only knew about ceramics as an option because I was here," she said. "I took classes from artists-in-residence who were making their career from ceramics, so I was able to see it as a legitimate career path."

The new building will allow for the center to double the amount of classes offered and provide studio space for artists-in-residence. The building has four studio spaces that are occupied by artists from across the country.

Sara Henry, who teaches mostly ceramics and metalworking classes, moved to Lincoln from New York in August. The best part of the residency with the Lux, she said, is being able to help children discover their own love for art.

"With kids, you can help them explore, they've got such an open mind to everything and they just want to get their hands in it and make stuff," she said. "To show them one thing and have them branch off of that is rewarding."

The Ceramics Center also includes the Wake Gallery, where youth and community artwork is featured. For students, it is an empowering experience to see their work displayed in a gallery setting.

"They get to see that in our eyes, they did a good job and they get to see their own progression," Henry said. "It's nice to see something that you made up on a wall that everyone else is going to look at."

Construction on the Ceramics Center, which is located behind the Lux Center, began in January. With new housing developments nearby and construction on the Nebraska Wesleyan University campus, McIntosh Kriz said it is only fitting for the Lux to continue growing along with its University Place neighbors.

"We're starting to see a lot of things swirling around this neighborhood," she said. "It feels like a renaissance, things are going to be happening and changing, and we want to be part of that."
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 was 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: America will always honor its commitment under Article 5.

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?
When I travel the Third District, one of the most common questions I receive from Nebraskans is whether I have hope for Republicans and Democrats to come together and get things done. I do have examples of bipartisanship to cite, as it occurs more often in Congress than people think, but the overall tone in our country must change to allow for meaningful work to take place.

As an example, I recently went on NPR to talk about President Trumps budget proposal. I saw the interview as an opportunity to explain the importance of crop insurance to food security to urban listeners who are not frequently engaged on the issue. After briefly discussing the need to prevent cuts to crop insurance, the conversation shifted to food stamps.

In response to the hosts continual questioning on whether Americans are entitled to eat, I said nutrition is essential and stressed the importance of caring for the vulnerable among us  and my belief there are multiple ways to do so. Still, attacks from the media and activists followed because I did not label food an entitlement or agree with the host on food stamps being the ultimate guarantor.

Of course everyone needs to eat, and I have long been concerned about the cost of food. This is one of the main reasons, as co-chairman of the Modern Agriculture Caucus, I have championed innovations which help to make food affordable and accessible to more people.

The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) is a necessary safety net to help those in need, but when more working-age adults are receiving benefits than low-income households with children and seniors, we know the program needs to be reformed.

Entitled is a loaded word when speaking about government programs because it has come to mean someone is guaranteed to receive a benefit regardless of circumstances. This is how we ended up with the federal government handing out SNAP benefits to tens of millions of Americans every month.

Simply putting more and more people on food stamps is not a long-term solution. We need to take a closer look at the program to determine how we can best assist those who need it while also ensuring we do not incentivize Americans to depend on the government indefinitely.

However, my larger concern about this situation is it exemplifies why our country has been unable to come together to address the pressing issues we face. The gotcha mentality rampant in politics divides us and prevents the real, substantive conversations we so desperately need.

None of my colleagues, Republicans or Democrats, want to see Americans go hungry. We disagree on the best ways to ensure people have access to nutritious food, but we all share the desire to help those in need. The bickering around these kinds of topics for political gain must end to make way for actual collaboration on policies which can improve Americans lives.

My goal in Congress remains being a solution-oriented representative who listens and looks for common ground. I want to be part of bringing our country together, and I will continue this work in every way I can on behalf of Nebraskans.
And so is well that ends well. With the 55th Independence Day celebrations winding up, come tomorrow life will be back to normal for many of us who would have thoroughly enjoyed the extra long weekend.

And how time flies when we are having fun.

Certainly there was plenty of fun during the past few days. What with the independence festivities, the different gatherings of all sorts across the country, the Super Rugby game, the 10th Anniversary of the Savaii Crossing, Bill Englishs official visit and the Life Con Explosion among many other activities, Apia was the place to be.

If anything, the vibes were great; the festive atmosphere was wonderful there was lots of life. Look, we all need a little break now and then. There are times when we just need to let loose, celebrate and rejoice with people who are rejoicing. Which is precisely what has been happening in Samoa for the past few days.

But every good thing comes to an end.

Yesterday, Prime Minister Bill English returned to New Zealand where he truly belongs. The Blues and Reds have done the same  probably never to return after Friday nights poor crowd out at the Apia but thats a story for another day.

Today we find we are back where we started. And those perennial problems we tend to ignore during moments of celebrations are still there, staring us in the face as a reminder that this is reality.

On the streets of Apia yesterday, the beggars were back to annoy and beg, street vendors were as active as ever and yes we were reminded that this is the challenge of our time.

The truth is that desperation knows no end. It does not differentiate between people, their ages and where they come from. Stuck in a rut called poverty and want, people will do anything to survive.

You see when people see begging as a way to survive, you really have to worry.

Especially in a country where more and more young children are resorting to a life of wanton crime and hawking cheap goods on the streets to get by.

This is not normal. It shouldnt be.

And thats what we should remind ourselves today. The growing number of beggars and street vendors is not normal. It should be a wake up call to our leaders.

Come to think, this is why we find it absolutely ridiculous that this government continues to waste millions to pay political appointments and ignore the cost of abuse and corruption.

This is price people pay. More and more people will resort to a life of begging to get by. The images of children harassing total strangers on the streets at all sorts of hours to make a tala were never part of the Samoan landscape until recently.

They are images to be ashamed of. They are images from third world country where people are living in slums, eating dust and dirt.

Yet thats happening here in Samoa today.

Take a trip to Vaitele, Taufusi and Fugalei - yes folks you dont have to go far - they are right smack in the middle of the Apia Township as if theyre there to remind us about reality.

In complete contrast, down at the car park of the government building and other government houses, the line up of vehicles being used by government officials is so impressive you cannot help but marvel.

Judging from such a show of luxury, abuse and elaborate spending, its not hard to guess where the focus and priorities of this government are. Thats anything but the people.

We know this is depressing talk, especially after such a high from the independence. We know weve said this time and time again but this is whats happening in this country and we cannot ignore it.

Now, think of the high reputation the government has raised Samoa to both regionally and internationally.

Think of Samoas economic success story that was unrivalled in the Pacific a few years ago. They are achievements to be proud of.

But there are worrying elements we cannot ignore. The gap between the rich and poor continues to grow ever so widely.

The truth is that among some Samoans today the standard of living is unacceptably poor. All you have to do is read the Village Voice to find that what they are going through is heartbreaking. Given their meager resources, people can hardly cope with the demands of everyday life. Their hearts are crying out, yearning for someone out there to hear them. Lets not ignore them.

Have a peaceful Sunday Samoa, God bless!
Dear Editor,

Re: Simple life, beautiful people

The true image of ones beautiful country is portrayed by independent reviewers such as these two tourists as well as many, many others before them.

People like English poetic Rupert Brooke who wrote that great letter to his friend in England and talked about the sheer beauty of Samoa it is so pure that it is difficult to breathe it in.

The loveliest people in the world, moving and dancing like gods and goddesses, very quietly and mysteriously, in utter content.

That so, is a perceived tenet of the public persona of my dear country from a foreigner, it is an elaborate sweet of the sweetest for my eyes to read their assumption of the impeccable that they have come in and experienced personally.

The essence of good governance from our politicians and of course the accolades to our everyday people for being so great hosts; their happiness and suave manners surely an iconic of our dear Samoa culture.

Brings back the great memory of my late dear mother who once upon a time educated me to say good things about others or shut da heck up if I dont. Thats why I always concoct flamboyant metaphors to praise the bad spirits as the sporadic gutless faceless homo ghosts. Amen! I said.

Tofaeono Joe Hollywood
Don Walton Political reporter/columnist Don Walton covers politics and the Legislature along with writing a weekly column. Follow Don Walton 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

The 2018 contest for governor is underway.

Gov. Pete Ricketts' formal announcement that he's a candidate for re-election sounded the starting gun.

Sen. Bob Krist of Omaha may challenge him in the Republican primary election.

Who else? Who knows?

One former governor, Kay Orr, was at Ricketts' side when he kicked off his campaign in Lincoln.

Another former governor, Dave Heineman, was not there.

Does that mean anything? No, not necessarily. It just leaves his name out there, floating in the air.

And property taxes are the incendiary issue hanging out there.

Ricketts can argue that he has provided help through the state's property tax relief fund every year as governor and that he offered a tax package this year that would have provided structural relief from now on by changing the valuation of ag land.

But property tax reduction advocates say neither was enough and a citizens initiative petition drive may place the issue on the general election ballot front and center in 2018.

The strongest advocates of property tax reduction are rural residents who live in central and western Nebraska, the state's Republican stronghold, the voters who can dominate statewide Republican primary elections.

That's probably Ground Zero at the advent of this gubernatorial primary season.

So, let's see where it goes and who's aboard for the ride.

* * *

Wow, that seems to have been historically momentous.

President Trump's decision to withdraw the United States from the global climate agreement that had been reached almost miraculously in Paris by virtually all the nations in the world may in the future be marked as a game-changing event.

It sets our country apart essentially from the rest of the world, us versus them.

It essentially says that you can't depend on America's word because the next guy might revoke it.

It speaks volumes about America's priorities and values, at least during the next four years.

It might just turn the future over to China and, in concert with other decisions already made and policies and opinions proclaimed, it may have handed western leadership over to Germany and France. Historians may mark this day.

Yes, yes, the United States still has military superiority, the capacity to impose our will at least in the short-term.

Still big, still strong, but that's different from leading.

Five months into a four-year term and the ground has moved.

Four years from now, where will we be?

* * *

This is reality TV on steroids.

President Trump played that game before he successfully turned his celebrity status into an unexpected journey to the White House. And now his presidency produces compelling TV.

It's been a boon to The Washington Post, The New York Times and cable news. Turn on the TV, search online, check out Twitter, what happened now, what did the Post find, what does Jeff Zeleny have today?

Yes, it's compelling, but it seems like a dangerous ride.

Look ahead and you can see North Korea and Iran around the corner down this roller coaster.

* * *

One of the great challenges is to separate all of this from party and partisanship.

Everything is divided on a partisan basis today when much of what's really important should not be.

Why should climate change or America's leadership role in the world be a party issue?

Why should Republican and Democratic officeholders automatically fall in line on one side or the other of issues that are far too important to be partisan or simply divided by party?

Partisanship and party -- along with the accompanying personal priority of political survival -- is the enemy, as George Washington warned us it would be.

Both parties. There's no political purity here.

"The common and continual mischiefs of the spirit of party are sufficient to make it the interest and duty of a wise people to discourage and restrain it," Washington wrote in his Farewell Address.

"I was no party man myself," he wrote Thomas Jefferson, "and the first wish of my heart was, if parties did exist, to reconcile them."

It's a partisan death match now and the country just gets in the way.

Finishing up

* Among the marketing tools for Sen. Ben Sasse's new book, "The Vanishing American Adult," has been an email from the National Republican Senatorial Committee offering a free autographed copy of the book in exchange for a $50 contribution.

* Will the University of Nebraska get credit for its cooperation in downsizing its state budget request twice without mounting a big fight in the Legislature once the flow of state revenue recovers from its current downturn? That's always a lot more gamble than guarantee.

* Sen. Deb Fischer signals on Twitter that she will announce her candidacy for re-election to the Senate on June 24. Looks like events are scheduled in Scottsbluff-Gering, Kearney and Lincoln so far.

* New York Daily News front page: "Trump to World: Drop Dead."

* Yanks humming; time for the Cubs to start their engines.
Dear Editor,

Re: Taxes, church and the Head of State

Interesting reading Mr. Editor.

The question was indeed a trap, but only because the questioners were confident Jesus would condemn Caesars tribute tax, which would give them cause to hand him over to Pilate as a tax resister and certain death.

This is made explicit in Lukes gospel: They hoped to catch Jesus in something he said, so that they might hand him over to the power and authority of the governor. (Luke 20) The governor was Ponitus Pilate. He was responsible for collecting Romes heavy burden of taxes in Judea.

Taxes were the lifeblood of the Empireas well as its Achilles heel. Pilate would brooked no public opposition to Caesars taxes lest he lose his lofty imperial office, and perhaps even lose his head.

Jesus religious enemies knew him very well from past encounters and from their network of informants who had been reporting on Jesus activities from early in his public ministry. Thus they knew Jesus would not deny his outspoken opposition to the Empire and its taxes. His questioners commenced their effort to entrap him with flattering words, but they were one-hundred percent accurate in what they said of him. Teacher, we know that you are a man of integrity. You arent swayed by others, because you pay no attention to who they are; but you teach the way of God in accordance with the truth. (Mark 12) It was as obvious to those men, as it should be to you and me, that Jesus would not decline to tell one and all, you should pay your taxesif that was what he believed regardless of who he might offend. Jesus never deviated from the truth whether speaking to power or weakness.

On the other hand, if Jesus believed, as I am confident he did from all that he said and did regarding taxes and tax collectors in the course of his ministry, that Caesars tribute tax and all of Romes taxes violated his Fathers Commandment against stealing. Taxation is indistinguishable from the crime of extortion, a type of theft. It is for this reason a French philosopher, Frederic Bastiat, rightly dubbed it legal plunder.

Jesus couldnt say, no dont pay that thieving Caesar anything, without being made the fool by his deceitful enemies. Jesus knew and had so told his disciples he was going to die at the hands of Pilate, but he was not about to let those arrogant pretenders to Moses seat bring about his death by means of a venal trick. So he told them to give back to Caesar (ONLY) what belongs to Caesar. Of course nothing, literally nothing, in the possession of anyone in Palestine belonged to Caesar. Caesar was a takernot a giver nor a lender. Jesus meant precisely what he said, and what he said meant precisely, GIVE CAESAR NOTHING! The fact that nothing anywhere belongs to Caesar is declared at least six times in Sacred Jewish Scripture, as in Psalm 24 verse 1: The earth is the Lords and everything in it which leaves nothing for poor old Caesar.

Those spies were flummoxed by Jesus brilliant response to their question. However, when they returned to their handlers and told them what had transpired, the chief priests were not fooled. So they sent their henchmen to take Jesus by force and bring him before the Sanhedrin at night in violation of Jewish lawas Jesus would have it. When they dragged him before Pilate the next day, the Gospel of Luke tells us they reported to Pilate the gist of what he had told their spies: [T]hey began to accuse him, saying, We have found this man subverting our nation He opposes payment of taxes to Caesar. (Luke 23)

It is logical and most likely that for that reason Pilate crucified Jesus.

Ned Netterville

Disciple of Jesus
Prime Minister Tuilaepa Sailele Malielegaois government has been asked to pay Virgin Australia US$4.02million (T$9.2m) in jet fuel excise rebates.

The demand is made in a letter to Prime Minister Tuilaepa obtained by the Sunday Samoan. Dated 29 May 2017, the letter is written by John Borghetti, the Chief Executive Officer of Virgin Australia.

It is in response to the notification from Prime Minister Tuilaepa, dated 12 May 2017, that Cabinet had decided not to re-new the Joint Venture between the government, Virgin Australia and owning entity Grey Investment Group.

I would like to bring to your attention that Virgin Australia intends to continue to pursue the US$4m in jet fuel excise rebates, which is currently owed by the Samoan Government to the VSAM JV, Mr. Borghetti writes.

I understand that the Special Negotiating Team is aware of this issue. Virgin Australia has been actively pursuing the repayment of these monies since April 2015, as noted in the attached letter to the Ministry of Revenue.

The letter Mr. Borgetti is referring to was written by Geoff Smith, Virgin Australias Chief Financial Officer to the head of the Ministry of Revenue, Avalisa Viali-Fautua'alii on 22 February 2017.

We write to you in relation to Virgin Samoas entitlement to claim a refund for excise paid on jet fuel purchased from Petroleum Products Supplies Ltd (P.P.S.) - the agent appointed by the Government of Samoa to undertake jet fuel distribution at Faleolo International Airport, Mr. Smiths letter reads.

All payments made by Virgin Samoa to PPS for jet fuel until 30 June 2016 included an amount of excise at the rate of 0.28 Samoan Tala (SAT) per litre."

Article 24 of the Convention on International Civil Aviation, to which Samoa is a signatory, provides that jet fuel for international air services shall be exempt from customs duty, inspection fees or similar national or local duties and charges."

This position is re-enforced in Article 13 of the Samoa-Australia Air Services Agreement, which provides that fuels shall be exempt from customs duties, excise duties, inspection fees and other national duties and charges.

According to Mr. Smith, Virgin Samoa initially contacted the Ministry of Revenue in April 2015 seeking advice regarding the process and requirements involved with claiming a refund of excise paid on jet fuel.

Despite numerous follow up communications we were provided with insufficient information and guidance to allow us to commence our claim, Mr. Smiths letter continues.

Further communication was made with your office via a formal letter, dated 16 March 2016, requesting further guidance in relation to the process for initiating our claim for a refund of excise paid."

Finally, a conference call was undertaken with your office and members of the Virgin Australia Group, along with follow up emails, where it was confirmed that a member of your office would provide us with the relevant information to enable us to commence our refund claim. We are disappointed that no such guidance has been forthcoming."

As a result of our continued attempts to seek sufficient guidance to commence our claim, without an appropriate response, please accept this letter as our formal request for a refund of all excise paid on jet fuel purchased from PPS, amounting to US$4,020,659.

It was not possible to get a comment from the Ministry of Revenue at press time. The government has been on holiday since Thursday to celebrate the 55th Independence Day.

Prime Minister Tuilaepa has also left the country for a meeting New York, United States of America.

In the meantime, getting back to the issue of the non-renewal of Virgin Samoa Limited Joint Venture, Mr. Borghetti told Prime Minister Tuilaepa they are reviewing their options.

Virgin Australia confirms receipt of the letter dated 12 May 2017 outlining the Samoan Governments intention to end the Virgin Samoa Limited Joint Venture between the Government of Samoa, Virgin Australia and Aggie Greys Hotel Limited (VSAM JV), Mr. Borghetti writes.

The Virgin Samoa Board approved at the Board meeting on 12 April 2017 to extend the Management Agreement between Virgin Australia Airlines Pty Ltd and Virgin Samoa Limited and the Wet Lease Agreement between Virgin Australia International Airlines Pty Ltd and Virgin Samoa Limited until 12 November 2017 to allow time for both parties to assess the future of the VSAM JV."

This date, unless otherwise agreed, represents the end date of the management and wet lease services Virgin Australia provides to the VSAM JV."

However, the Virgin Australia team is in the process of assessing its own options in relation to the Samoan travel market and will engage with the Samoan Government on an appropriate legal and operational exit from the Shareholders Agreement between the Government of Samoa, VB Investco Pty Ltd, Aggie Greys Hotel Limited and Virgin Samoa Limited, and the subsequent dissolution of the VSAM JV."

I would be grateful if you could nominate a representative from the Samoan Government with whom Virgin Australia can work to discuss and facilitate the exit of the Shareholders Agreement and transitional measures as operations under the VSAM JV cease."

I would like to take this opportunity to thank you and the Samoan government for your participation in the VSAM JV and wish you the best for the future.
The Samoa Law Reform Commission (S.L.R.C.) is looking at the need for a Freedom of Information Legislation to facilitate the exchange of information between the government bodies, media and members of the public.

The plan was confirmed by the Acting Executive Director of S.L.R.C., Ulupale Fuimaono, in response to questions from the Sunday Samoan.

The Freedom of Information consideration is among a number of projects the Commission is considering with the blessings from the Attorney Generals Office.

Samoa does not have a standalone law that governs the flow of information among the government ministries and with members of the public and the media, said Fuimaono.

He added that they are looking at whether its appropriate for Samoa to have this freedom of information act, how effective it will be and what it seeks to achieve for Samoa."

If we have one, we have to have this legislation tend to our needs and our own circumstances in Samoa, he said.

Fuimaono pointed to the fact there have been longstanding issues relating to exchanging information between government ministries. This includes delays in releasing information requested leading to inconsistent, unreliable, and outdated information.

There is a lack of procedure around what information is available to the public and the media to ensure accurate reporting and accountability in government, whilst also protection confidential information, said Fuiamaono.

The proposed Act will also look at mandating the government agencies to update their websites, allow free information exchanging between the Ministries.

We have already consulted with the Attorney General who has given his blessing for this project.

According to the Acting Director, neighboring islands, Cook Islands, Vanuatu have standalone Freedom of Information laws in place and other pacific island countries like Fiji, Tonga and Solomon Islands are also considering the same.

New Zealand and Australia have similar laws.

Fuimaono said such a law would enhance the respect for transparency, accountability and promote good governance in government decision making.

He also spoke about the challenges that comes with the law.

The Commission anticipates and if referred this project, intends on exploring challenges including changing perceptions that government information is private property, managing leaks of private or sensitive information held by government, what necessary measures are needed to manage non compliance, resources and funding constraints, accessibility types of information to be disclosed, timeframes for disclosure, complaints mechanisms and enforcement.
The first visit by Bill English as New Zealands Prime Minister is something he and his family will remember for a long time.

When he boarded the Air New Zealand flight back yesterday afternoon, he took with him many wonderful memories of his whirlwind trip.

Friday was a big day.

First he was bestowed the Leuluaialiiotumua title at Faleula. Then he visited some key projects where New Zealand has pledged assistance.

Later in the evening, a reception at Letava marked 55 years of the Treaty of Friendship between Samoa and New Zealand.

Leuluaialiiotumua acknowledged the support of the government of Samoa as well as members of the Faleula community for the honor of conferring of the title Leuluaialiiotumua.

I have had such a fantastic time here in Samoa, he said.

I acknowledge the Government of Samoa, from the Ministers, Associate Ministers and Council of Deputies we appreciate deeply your hospitality, respect and commitment to a long and deep relationship with New Zealand.

To better highlight the links that make Samoa and New Zealand so close, the Prime Minister told his story and how he came to be connected with Samoa.

The first Samoan woman I met I married, he said referring to Dr. Mary English. I met her first as a 19-year-old at Otago University. I had been working on a farm on the south and you can tell Im a farmer from the south just by watching my dancing."

So I went to Otago University having worked on the farm for a year or two but basically the young woman that I went with to the ball got very drunk and had to go home. Someone who had taken Mary to the ball clearly got sick of her and so introduced her to me."

That was the easy bit, the hard bit was meeting my Samoan father-in-law and just to make sure I was completely intimidated because I was a bit of a letdown."

She was at a medical school and meant to come home with a prospective surgeon and she came home with a badly dressed, scruffy unemployed farm worker, even worse with an Arts Degree and so I wasnt intimidated by the 13 children because I came from a family of 12 myself."

But George Scanlan (father-in-law) arranged for me to come and meet him at his work place in Wellington where they service the city council buses."

And I can still remember walking into his morning tea room full of Samoans speaking Samoan and I knew then that it was going to take a long time to gain respect."

And I checked it out with George when I was sworn in as Prime Minister 35 years later just 6 months ago and on the day he conceded that yes I had done okay. I also found out that when you become famous lots of Samoans are related to you."

So I was walking down the streets of Auckland the other day and these two very handsome 19 year old boys came up to me and said Oh Sir youre my uncle.

I have to say I couldnt quite remember their names and I hadnt really seen them before but Im happy if they are old enough to vote.

But these are all just part of the growing richness and cultural of New Zealand Leulaialii reiterated.

When we come here much of what we see is a discussion about the excellent work weve seen in the development of Samoa and of course reference for New Zealand support for that which we are happy to support generously and warmly if we can, he said.

Of course what isnt discussed so much is the contribution of Samoa to New Zealand and theres of life here that is becoming more prominent in New Zealand and I think its a great thing."

So the 130,000 Samoans in New Zealand along with the rest of Pacific community are changing our country and it is a real pleasure that I can say as Prime Minister that my family is part of that.
The Samoa Hotels Association (S.H.A) showcased the best of Samoa for guests at the 55th Independence Day Ball hosted at Gym 1, Tuanaimato, on Thursday.

Whether it was fine food, a cold drink or Prime Minister Tuilaepa Sailele Malielegaoi showcasing his musical talents, the event was thoroughly enjoyed by all after a long day of formalities on Thursday.

The theme was black and white elei. The Head of State, His Highness Tui Atua Tupua Tamasese Efi and Her Highness Filifilia Tamasese were present as well as the Prime Minister Tuilaepa Sailele Malielegaoi.

The ball was one of the fundraising activities to help implement the tourism industry Marketing Plan.

The Samoa Hotel Association (S.H.A) as the lead industry body for the Tourism and Hospitality sector in Samoa organised the event with S.T.A, Australia-Pacific Technical College (A.P.T.C) and various other industry partners.

S.H.A is taking a holistic approach to marketing Samoa working together with Samoa Tourism Authority and Development Partners while driving change at the partnership level as well as the grassroots and within our own industry, a statement from S.H.A said.

The guests were treated to a unique experience carefully orchestrated by the Samoa Hotels Association members and industry partners including the Samoa Tourism Authority, Australia Pacific Technical College (A.P.T.C) and Martin Hautus Institute of Learning Samoa.

All proceeds from the night will go towards strengthening Samoas Tourism & Hospitality industry through the implementation of Industry Marketing and Events initiatives.
IPES has sponsored many students throughout the past years and this year is no different. Tuition fees are not cheap and those who have been fortunate enough to get scholarships should make the most of the opportunity.

Twenty students from the National University of Samoa (N.U.S) are this years beneficiaries of the annual scholarship scheme provided by The Institute of Professional Engineers of Samoa (I.P.E.S).

The scholarships are opened to students studying at the Faculties of Science and Applied Sciences as the scheme targets those studying Engineering and Technology related courses. The successful candidates were selected from 67 applicants and the scholarship will cover their tuition for the university year.

According to the President of I.P.E.S Fui Tupai Mau Simanu, the scheme is now in its 9th year and its whole purpose is to promote Engineering as a career.

There are several pathways one can take if the ultimate goal is to be accepted to study engineering in an overseas university. The most common one is to go through the foundation and basic courses at NUS. IPES is committed to this partnership with NUS to ensure students are well aware of what is needed to become an engineer and this includes scholarships, mentoring programs and internships with established local engineering firms.

The President further added that there is a huge demand for engineers not only with Government agencies but also the Private Sector. Such is this demand that students who are currently in their last year of study for engineering degrees are already being head hunted by some organisations.

The number of infrastructure development projects currently being implemented by the government requires a substantial engineering work force to ensure the sustainability of these investments.

The NUS Vice Chancellor Professor Fui Leapai Asofou Soo thanked IPES on behalf of the university as well as the students who received scholarships for this year.

IPES has sponsored many students throughout the past years and this year is no different. Tuition fees are not cheap and those who have been fortunate enough to get scholarships should make the most of the opportunity.

IPES was established in 1984 when returning engineering graduates decided that it was high time for Samoa to set up an institute that monitors and regulates the engineering profession in the same mould as the Institution of Engineers Australia (IE Aust) and Institute of Professional Engineers of New Zealand (IPENZ).

The Professional Engineers Act was passed by Parliament in 1998 and was then followed by Regulations and Determinations. IPES had 16 founding members with about half of them expatriates attached to various government departments at the time.

The Institute now has 150 members which includes locals as well as members residing overseas. The Professional Engineers Act requires every engineer working in Samoa or living overseas (but doing work related to projects in Samoa) to register with IPES. Information on IPES can be found on www.ipes.ws or www.facebook/ipesamoa.com
When the San Diego County Courthouse opened in December 1961, a San Diego Union headline read, Ceremony dedicates dream courthouse, judge extols edifice.

James Marinos, 87, remembers that day. He was four years into his legal career. He also remembers the 1888 courthouse on the same block that was torn down to make way for the new one.

It was like going from a hot dog to filet mignon, Marinos said. It had all the modern stuff of the 1960s. It had elevators, very nice courtrooms.  It was a very practical facility.

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Today, that 400,000-square-foot complex spanning three blocks north of Broadway at Front Street is decrepit and a hazard.

Its riddled with asbestos  workers have to don hazmat suits to change light bulbs.

Prisoners are separated from the public by a yellow stripe on the corridors as they are escorted to trial by sheriffs deputies.

The plumbing, air conditioning and escalators break down regularly. The wiring is so problematic that internet connections are spotty.

With the opening of the new $555.5 million San Diego Central Courthouse immediately west, a new dream courthouse is dawning. It will be dedicated Monday in an invitation-only event.

But whither the old courthouse?

The county, which turned over the property to the state and now is getting it back, plans to advertise the property to prospective developers, whittle down the list to finalists and ask them to respond to a formal request for proposals for review by the county Board of Supervisors on Sept. 26. The goal is to demolish the courthouse, build a tunnel between the Central Jail and the Central Courthouse, and redevelop the property commercially.

Supervisor Greg Cox said the Broadway and A Street blocks have the most commercial development potential.

But the middle block lies on top of an active earthquake fault and is designated as the site of City Square park in the downtown community plan with a possible underground parking garage.

Its all going to be dictated by the city of San Diego and Civic San Diego land-use issues, Cox said, referring to the citys agency that oversees downtown development.

CivicSD Vice President Brad Richter said robotic parking equipment could be used to maximize parking under the park at perhaps 100 or more spaces per level. The agency operates the downtown parking district and could finance the parking facilitys startup costs from parking meter revenue, said one of the districts advisory board members, Gary Smith.

An old county jail with a capacity of 700 occupies part of the middle block. The GEO Group leases the jail from the state and U.S. Marshals Service has a contract to operate it as a detention facility. The lease, which generates nearly $3.6 million annually, expires on March 31, 2019. Cox said the lease could be extended and the revenues used to finance the tunnel, currently estimated at $25 million.

Besides the old courthouse, two other downtown court facilities are being closed  the Madge Bradley Courthouse at 1409 Fourth Ave., which handles small-claims cases, and the Family Law Courthouse at 1556 Sixth Ave.

April Heinze, who oversees the countys real estate assets and other departments, said the Bradley building will be renovated for the sheriffs court security bureau and the Sixth Avenue property will be leased or sold.

Michael Roddy, the Superior Courts executive officer and jury commissioner, said the San Diego History Center is acquiring various records on cases and local county history before trashing what is no longer needed.

Criminal records will be stored at the new building, but over time the court will shift to digital records and the space will likely be used for staff and other court needs.

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roger.showley@sduniontribune.com; (619) 293-1286; Twitter: @rogershowley

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CITY COUNCILS

DEL MAR

The Del Mar City Council will meet at 6 p.m. Monday in Suite 100 at 2010 Jimmy Durante Blvd., when it is scheduled to hear a presentation on this years San Diego County Fair and an update on 22nd District Agricultural Association activities. The council will also consider whether to proceed with a Community Choice Energy technical feasibility study; discuss Breeders Cup Art of the Horse installations; and hold a public hearing setting rates for solid waste services.

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The city of Del Mar invites public input for its Downtown Streetscape Project, set to start construction in January 2018. The project area is along Camino del Mar from Ninth to 13th Street and aims to improve pedestrian and bicycle safety, enhance community character, and help businesses. Business and commercial property owner meetings are set for 6 p.m. Tuesday at council chambers, 2010 Jimmy Durante Boulevard, Suite 100; 8 a.m. June 12, LAuberge Hotel, library conference room; and 11 a.m. June 15, Del Mar Library community room. A public workshop will be at 6:30 p.m. June 14 in council chambers. Visit www.delmar.ca.us/downtownstreetscape.

ENCINITAS

The Encinitas City Council will meet at 6 p.m. Wednesday in council chambers, 505 S. Vulcan Ave., to review designs for the San Elijo Lagoon Double Track Project retaining wall; consider grant requests from the City of Encinitas and Mizel Family Foundation; and review the five-year agreement with the San Diego County Sheriff for law enforcement and traffic services.

ESCONDIDO

The Escondido City Council will meet in closed session to discuss litigation and labor and property negotiation at 3:30 p.m. Wednesday in City Council Chambers, 201 N. Broadway. In regular session at 4:30 p.m., the council will hold a hearing on a resolution to commit no more than $450,000 in federal funds to Interfaith Community Services to buy and remodel four affordable rental units at 557-563 Aster Place; and to seek input on the 2017-2018 plan for Community Development Block Grants and other funds.

OCEANSIDE

The Oceanside City Council will meet in closed session for labor and real estate negotiations at 3:30 p.m. Wednesday in City Council Chambers at 300 N. Coast Highway. In open session at 4:30 p.m., the council will consider an ordinance amending city code to define and ban loitering; and ordinances amending zoning laws to reflect changes made by the California Coastal Commission.

POWAY

The Poway City Council will meet at 7 p.m. Tuesday in Council Chambers, 13325 Civic Center Drive, when it will consider ordinances creating two underground utility districts, and will hold hearings on proposals to remodel and add a 5,500-square-foot, two-story building and 3,100 square feet of covered exterior/outdoor space at the Huntington Manor residential care facility, and a variance for a Cox Communications facility to allow it to exceed the maximum 30 percent lot coverage. Reports are also scheduled on the Twin Peaks Road traffic study, and on why staff does not recommend a yield, stop or multi-way stop at Los Olivos Avenue and Alora Street. The council will then go into closed session to discuss litigation.

The second of two community meetings on 180 proposed condominiums at the StoneRidge Country Club will be held from 6 to 7 p.m. Tuesday at Templars Hall in Old Poway Park. Representatives of the clubs ownership will be on hand to answer questions, as well as representatives of a related November ballot proposal and from the company wanting to build the homes.

SCHOOL DISTRICTS

BONSALL

The Bonsall Unified School District board is preparing to select a new superintendent and wants to hear from parents and the Bonsall schools community about which personal and professional qualities are important to them in a superintendent, as well as the districts strengths and any challenges the incoming superintendent may face. A community stakeholder forum will be held from 5-7 p.m. Tuesday at the Bonsall Community Center for all interested parties. An online survey is also available through June 12 at https://www.bonsallusd.com.

CARDIFF

The Cardiff School District board is scheduled to meet at 5 p.m. Thursday in the district auditorium at 1888 Montgomery Ave.

CARLSBAD

The Carlsbad Unified School District board will meet in closed session to discuss litigation at 5 p.m. Wednesday at the district office, 6225 El Camino Real. In open session at 6 p.m., the board will hold the second of five hearings for public input on creating districts for the upcoming change to by-district elections. The board will also hold public hearings on the proposed 2017-18 Local Control Accountability Plan and 2017-18 budget. A request for a 10-month contract extension by Sanderling Waldorf School for only the preschool will be considered. The boards policy on orienting and training new members/superintendents will be reviewed.

ENCINITAS

The Encinitas Union School District board will meet in closed session at 5:30 p.m. Tuesday at the district office, 101 S. Rancho Santa Fe Road, and in open session at 6 p.m.

ESCONDIDO

The Escondido Union School District board will meet in closed session to discuss litigation and personnel at 6 p.m. Thursday at the district office, 2310 Aldergrove Ave. In open session at 7 p.m., the board will hold a public hearing on the Local Control Accountability Plan and on the 2017-2018 proposed budget.

FALLBROOK

The Fallbrook Union Elementary School District board will meet at 5 p.m. Monday in Room 106 of the district office, 321 N. Iowa St., for public hearings on the 2017-2018 Local Control and Accountability Plan, and on the 2017-2018 budget.

SAN DIEGUITO

The San Dieguito Union High School District board is scheduled to meet at 6 p.m. Thursday at the district office, 710 Encinitas Blvd., Encinitas.

SOLANA BEACH

The Solana Beach School District board will meet in closed session to discuss student matters at 5:30 p.m. Thursday at the district office, 309 N. Rios Ave. In regular session at 6:30 p.m., the board will hold a hearing on its Local Control and Accountability Plan, and on the 2017-18 budget; will designate schools of attendance for students from new housing developments in Pacific Highlands Ranch; and will consider raising fees for the Solana Beach Child Development Center preschool.

laura.groch@sduniontribune.com
The Air Force Junior ROTC aviation program based at Vista High School recently held a ceremony honoring its cadets for their achievements.

The reviewing officer and featured speaker was Maj. Gen. Glen D. VanHerck, commander, U.S. Air Force Warfare Center, Nellis Air Force Base, Nev. Local Vista officials, business leaders, school board members, VHS staff, families and students also attended.

The schools AFJROTC program is led by retired Air Force Col. Vincent J. Lostetter Jr., senior aerospace science instructor.

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Students honored:

Cadet Litzy Ramirez, Air Commando Association Award; Cadet Monsera Martinez, National Society United States Daughters of 1812 Award; Cadet Karen Cruz, Celebrate Freedom Foundation Award; Cadet Nathan Randolph, Retired Enlisted Association Award; Cadet Jose Carteno and Cadet Malynn Gutierrez, Tuskegee Airmen Incorporated AFJROTC Cadet Award;

Cadet James Parr, Sons of Confederate Veterans H.L. Hunley Award; Cadet Omar Montano, Sons of Union Veterans of the Civil War Award; Cadet Mackenzie Madrid, Air Force Sergeants Association Award; Cadet Dulce Cruz, Military Order of the Purple Heart; Cadet Gerardo Carreon, Scottish Rite, Southern Jurisdiction Award;

Cadet Jacob Hernandez, Sons of the American Revolution Award; Cadet Christopher Morden, National Sojourners Award; Cadet Jesus Gomez, Veterans of Foreign Wars Award; Cadet Mika Gutierrez, Military Officers Association Award; Cadet Diana Perez, Military Order of World Wars Medal;

Cadet Daniel Chavez, Reserve Officers Association Award; Cadet Katryna Wade, American Veterans Award; Cadet Bethany Forbes, Daughters of the American Revolution Award; Cadet Perla Flores, American Legion General Military Excellence Award; Cadet Abigail Reyes, American Legion Scholastic Award;

Cadet Daniel Hernandez, Order of Daedalians Award; Cadet Juan Soberanes, Air Force Association Award.

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laura.groch@sduniontribune.com
CITY COUNCILS

ENCINITAS

The Encinitas City Council met in special session Wednesday for public feedback and discussion of the 2017-18 and 2018-19 budgets, and its proposed 2017-18 through 2022-23 financial plan and capital improvement program. The council voted to accept the budgets and the CIP, with several amendments and adjustments, including doing a walking audit of part of El Camino Real and moving $250,000 for a study of the street to the second year of the budget; evaluating funds for tree maintenance, and moving funds for trail development into the budgets first two years. In regular session, the council introduced an ordinance updating the citys municipal code to address changes in state laws, correct errors and improve regulations; and to update amendments to the Specific Plans for parts of the city. After discussion and revisions to the proposed ordinance regarding minimarts and EV charging stations, the council moved to continue the item to another meeting.

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SCHOOL DISTRICTS

CARLSBAD

The Carlsbad Unified School District board met Wednesday for a public hearing and discussion of the move to by-district elections. The board then went into closed session to discuss litigation and labor negotiations.

DEL MAR

The Del Mar Union School District board met May 24 in closed session for labor negotiations. In open session, the board held a reception honoring several groups of teachers, including Cindy Monaghan, who won the Patti Elson-Becknell award for Excellence in Special Education; the school site teachers and classified employees of the year; the district teacher of the year and classified employee of the year; site volunteers of the year; PTA presidents; and district retirees. The board also held a hearing and accepted the preliminary plan for the proposed 2017-2018 Local Control and Accountability Plan, and for the proposed 2017-2018 budget.

OCEANSIDE

The Oceanside Unified School District board held a board workshop/innovation showcase on May 23, followed by the regular board meeting. The board approved hiring Keenan & Associates part-time for loss control services aimed at reducing workers compensation claims. A public hearing was held on the College and Career Access Pathways Partnership Agreement with MiraCosta Community College. A closed session to discuss labor negotiations and litigation followed.

POWAY

The Poway Unified School District board met in closed session Tuesday to discuss litigation. In open session, the board reported the appointment of Marie Galaz as principal of Bernardo Heights Middle School and Soo Yeohn De Santiago as assistant principal of Del Norte High School. Staff presented a first reading of the districts Local Control and Accountability Plan, whose goals include supporting high-quality teachers using a California standards-based curriculum to ensure college and career readiness and citizenship for students; creating systems and structures to increase college and career readiness; maintaining a safe, healthy, positive learning environment; and increasing parent and student engagement through enhanced community involvement. Shaina Mishra of Rancho Bernardo High School was approved as the 2017-18 student board member. Her term starts in August.

VISTA

The Vista Unified School District board met in closed session Tuesday to discuss labor negotiations and superintendent search firms. In regular session, the board selected The Cosca Group to do the superintendent search. The board also approved North County Trade Tech High Schools application to participate in the Alternative Schools Accountability Model program; heard a budget update; and awarded a contract for $29,000 to Alpha Studio Design Group for Vista High School architect master plan services.

laura.groch@sduniontribune.com
For hundreds of years, scientists and musicologist have puzzled over the secret behind the one-of-a-kind sound produced by 17th-century Stradivarius and Guarneri del Gesu violins. Was it the maker? Was it the varnish, the glue or the chemicals used in the building process? Or was it the wood itself?

This summer, six ukulele builders from around the world  including Fallbrooks John S. Kinnard  are doing their own scientific experiment for fun and charity. Using the same sheets of wood from the same two old-growth trees, the men will build six identically sized tenor ukuleles.

In November, they will all be played by the same musician at the Luthiers for a Cause gathering in Hawaii to determine whether the builders individual craftsmanship influences the sound or whether its all in the wood.

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Kinnard, 66, has been building guitars and, more recently, ukuleles for nearly five decades. He has his own ideas about creating the best sound, and it doesnt involve him or the wood.

I say its the nut behind the wheel. A good musician can play a cigar box, he said.

The ukulele-building project was conceived as a what if? over drinks last November at a Ukulele Guild of Hawaii show in Oahu. Eddie Monnier, founder of Luthiers for a Cause, posed the question of what would happen if a half-dozen of the worlds best luthiers put their skills into the project using the same exact wood.

The end goal is to auction all six instruments to raise as much as $25,000 for the Ukulele Kids Club, a Florida-based nonprofit that provides free ukuleles and music instruction to children facing long-term hospitalization.

The six luthiers chosen for the project are among the worlds best-known ukulele-makers. They include Steve Grimes of Hawaii, Beau Hannam of Colorado, Jay Lichty of North Carolina, Jake Maclay of West Virginia and Joji Yoshida of Okinawa, Japan.

Kinnard only began making ukuleles five years ago, but the craftsmanship of his instruments, which sell for up to $5,000 apiece, has created a 10-month customer backlog.

Kinnard grew up in Vista, the son of a Marine. After finishing high school in 1968, he moved into a Christian commune in Encinitas. There he developed a passion for guitar and lute music and began tinkering in the communes workshop, where he built a rough-hewn lute from wood he salvaged at Swamis Beach.

It would take nearly 10 years of trial, error and self-tutoring to build a guitar Kinnard was proud of. Over the years, he ran a music store and guitar studio in Fresno, worked as a goldsmith, jeweler and gem-cutter at shops in Fallbrook and spent three years building instruments for Taylor Guitars.

Eventually he made a name for himself as the luthier for DelleArte brand Gypsy jazz guitars. When his work for that company dried up during the recession, Kinnard retreated to his Fallbrook studio. He did the occasional project on special order but generally laid low by choice.

I liked building instruments but I didnt like the business side of things. I hate the traveling, he said.

Then five years ago he met Kevin Beddoe at a music jam in Temecula. The retired industrial instrument salesman from Carlsbad was both a music enthusiast and an amateur woodworker whod built two sailboats in his younger years.

When Beddoe found out that Kinnard had a few leftover koa wood ukuleles hed built years before for a Japanese distributor, he bought one and a friendship blossomed.

Beddoe, 63, talked Kinnard into taking him on as a student, so he could build ukuleles for his three children. Then the more they talked, the more Beddoe realized that Kinnards talent was going to waste because he hated sales and marketing.

So, in April 2013 the two men joined forces to create KinnardUkes. Beddoe and his wife, Deb, own the business that sells and distributes as many ukuleles as Kinnard wants to build. These days, thats about 30 a year.

KInnard works six days a week in his sawdust-laden north Fallbrook studio building the finely crafted instruments and the Beddoes travel the world promoting the instruments to ukulele clubs from Mexico to the Czech Republic. The men both describe the partnership as a win-win.

It takes about five weeks to build, finish and set up a Kinnard ukulele and they sell for $1,750 to $5,000 apiece. Theyre played by amateur and professional musicians around the world, including Hawaiian ukulele master Kimo Hussey.

Beddoe said that Kinnards many years as a jeweler and gem-cutter have given him a precision that few other ukulele makers in the world can match.

John is known for his attention to detail and how clean he builds, Beddoe said. When you look inside places that people dont normally see, you dont see any glue or tool marks. Thats the hallmark of a John S. Kinnard instrument.

During the 20th century, ukuleles were cheap and mass-produced, but in recent years theyve gained new respect among both musicians and luthiers. The popularity of ukuele-scored songs by the late Israel Iz Kamakawiwoole, as well as the use of ukuleles by artists like Pearl Jam and Jake Shimabukuro, helped fuel the surge.

The Luthiers for a Cause project not only raises money for charity but helps promote the work of instrument-makers who are collectively pushing the instrument in new directions. Kinnards ukuleles, for example, are tuned differently to have a deeper, richer sound that especially appeals to guitarists.

The six ukuleles will be made with wood from two trees famous for the beauty and musical resonance in instruments.

The ukuleles back, sides and front rosette (the design around the sound hole) will be made with wood from The Tree, a famed 100-foot Honduran mahogany that was cut down in 1965. The tree fell into a ravine and couldnt be harvested for its wood for 18 years, during which it dried and seasoned to produce a unique quality that has made it coveted by instrument makers around the world.

The ukuleles top, or front piece, will be made from Lucky Strike redwood, another famous tree that fell during a storm in the early 1990s. It, too, fell over a ravine and air-dried for many years before harvest. Its straight, close grain and its stiffness produce a clear, warm sound in instruments.

Kinnards ukulele will also feature an ebony neck, and his signature Z-shaped head (where the strings are connected to tuning pegs).

He said hes enjoying the project and looks forward to hearing how it and the other five ukuleles sound when theyre played in November by Kimo Hussey.

Kinnard is also a painting hobbyist, but he said making instruments is a unique and fulfilling form of artistry.

Its creative, thats what I love about it, Kinnard said. The fact that this is going to go out in the world and make music is special. You can create art when you paint a painting, but when you create something like this, it can go on and be a living work of art.

Luthier John S. Kinnard of Fallbrook, right, strums one of his ukuleles along with Carlsbad resident Kevin Beddoe, who owns KinnardUkes and distributes the custom-made instruments around the world. (Don Boomer / San Diego Union-Tribune)

pam.kragen@sduniontribune.com
At Herb + Eatery, a trendy Little Italy marketplace, you can order a righteously healthy beet, quinoa, kale and Humboldt Fog salad and buy a bar of Detox soap, made from activated charcoal and French green clay.

A few blocks away at the sweets super-emporium Extraordinary Desserts, there are three versions of macarons: books to read about the colorful French treats; dainty, playful macaron earrings to wear; and of course, the actual cookies to eat.

And at Cucina Sorella, the popular neighborhood eatery in Kensington, before or after grazing through the Cal-Ital offerings, you can pick up some scented candles, kitchen towels or party supplies.

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At these and a number of upscale restaurants around San Diego County, eating and shopping are both on the menu as retail components become an increasingly popular way to expand or enhance brand identity, elevate the dining experience and provide a modest boost to the bottom line.

Gastro-commerce leans toward the artisan, unique and somewhat pricey, with merchandise thats mostly curated by the chefs/owners themselves and, accordingly, are an extension of their personalities, design sense and global inspirations.

Right now its everything Im into  Hawaii, beer, yoga, said Karen Krasne, pointing to the walls at Extraordinary Desserts lined with shelves holding Balinese ceramics, diffusers with scents from the islands, novelty socks, greeting cards, makeup bags, cookbooks and barware.

When my daughter was a baby, half the store was for babies. Now shes 13 and we shop together  we found those macaron earrings while we were on vacation in the south of France.

Allowing customers to try to replicate the high-end creations of the bakery/cafe at home, Krasne sells an extensive line of Extraordinary Desserts-branded food items, from baking chocolate to organic teas, jams, sauces and refrigerated cookie dough. (Good luck, though, with achieving the decorating heights the shop has become famous for; theres no guide to that for sale.)

Herb + Eatery, meanwhile, sells a slice of mystique.

People really want that cool chef lifestyle, that bar mixologist lifestyle, said Brian Malarkey, the chef/owner of Herb + Eatery.

The restaurants name is stamped on a few things, like wooden salad servers, soaps and enamel camping cups, but the majority of the inventory is  like the celebrity chef behind it  a quirky, eclectic mix of the cheeky (a $6 unicorn-shaped corkscrew), practical ($14, three-piece salad serving set), stylish (a $101 custom-designed cooks apron) and the true foodie ($59.95 boxed set of Laguiole pearlized cake forks from France).

Stylish aprons sold at Herb + Eatery are from Huntington Co., a Malarkey-driven chef apparel company named after his son. (Huntington is also Malarkeys middle name.) (K.C. Alfred / San Diego Union-Tribune)

Malarkey estimated that retail sales make up between 15 to 20 percent of Herb + Eaterys revenue. His wife, Chantelle, is the principal buyer for the store.

I know how to cook, she knows how to shop, Malarkey said with a laugh. We only buy products that you cant find at Williams-Sonoma or Whole Foods; we want it to be special.

In addition to the gifts and household items, Herb + Eatery, a gateway into Malarkeys sprawling fine-dining restaurant Herb + Wood, has a wide selection of prepared food, wine, gelato, meats, cheeses, pastas and baked goods.

The idea behind it is, its a chefs market  with things like duck fat, things a chef would want or a really good home cook can grab.

And yet, theres a white horses head pencil holder, a classic alarm clock, scented candles, ice tongs, cocktail shakers and an ebonized cherry wood salad bowl with matching serving spoons.

Its almost like Disneyland, Malarkey said. You walk in the gift shop on the way in, and you walk through the gift shop on the way out.

Cucina dust

While the restaurant retail trend has proliferated in the past few years, it isnt new. One of the first to sell artisan products was Tracy Borkum at Kensington Grill, in the 1990s.

Many guests loved the idea of walking into a retail space and shopping before or after dinner. Others thought it was very strange and couldnt get their head around it, Borkum said.

Today, all five Cucina restaurants in San Diego and Orange County that make up the Urban Kitchen Group have retail components of varying size. And the restaurateur has taken shopping to a new level  offering everything for sale, down to the eclectic, second-hand chic lighting and table and chairs in the dining room.

Incorporating the shop into our Cucina spaces, Borkum said, came from guest feedback  they always asked where do you get this and that. We often hear Id like to live in this space. So why not give them an opportunity to purchase a little something that we love for their own homes?

The Cucinas in Del Mar, Kensington and Newport Beach have the largest displays of merchandise, from candles, the top seller, to serving bowls and platters, vintage artifacts, herb-growing kits and greeting cards.

Dont see what you want or want more? Borkums online marketplace, Urban Kitchen Shop, sells bar stools, hand-screened aprons, vintage chicken feeders and more.

Everything is hand-selected by myself and (Urban Kitchen Group designer and retail buyer) Monika Crawford. We work with local crafts people as well as meet with reps and choose lines that work for our aesthetic, she said. Price point is important, she added, because the retail component is a secondary focus, behind food and beverage.

The percentage of sales compared to the restaurant is minuscule, however we believe it is another layer of our brand that guests can take home with them, Borkum said.

We want to sprinkle Cucina dust wherever we can.

$10 cord taco

The shopping and eating trend isnt confined to traditional restaurants.

The Curious Fork, a gluten-free bakery, cafe and cooking school in Solana Beach has perhaps the most focused retail collection.

There you can find everything from platters and plates to cookbooks, fondue sets, a multitude of utensils, handmade wooden cutting boards, salt and pepper shakers and mortar and pestles, along with olive oil and balsamic vinegar, English muffins, baguettes, bagels and waffles.

Everything is geared toward the home chef and baker, which isnt surprising since the store is curated by Katherine Emmenegger, who runs The Curious Forks cooking school. Emmenegger formerly was the executive chef at Great News!, the longtime, beloved Pacific Beach cookware shop that closed in 2015.

On the opposite side of the shopping spectrum are the wares at Provisional, the sophisticated restaurant at The Pendry, a new, up-market boutique hotel in the Gaslamp Quarter. Enclosed in a black wrought-iron, open-air greenhouse-style structure in the eaterys entryway, the sleek shop is an offshoot of Alchemy Works, the hip L.A.-based design store.

Provisionals capsule collection of retail goods appears to be going for a free-spending, cocktail sipping, tech-savvy, world-traveling, masculine vibe  think Don Draper crossed with Elon Musk  with its big-ticket barware (starting at around $75) and handcrafted, leather travel bags costing hundreds of dollars. (The biggest bargain, with the best name, is the $10 cord taco, a folding leather round that keeps your earbuds from tangling.)

At Liberty Public Market, in Point Lomas Liberty Station, people come mostly to eat at the two dozen or so mini-restaurants and food stands.

But often, theyre browsing, while deciding where to go. Which makes retail there a natural, said David Spatafore, whose Blue Bridge Hospitality co-developed and runs the market.

Liberty Public Market opened with a handful of retail-only vendors, including Pacific Provisions (barbecue sauces, seasonings), Howlistic (pet supplies) and Olive & Baker (olive oils and vinegars). Slowly, Spatafore has been adding day carts around the market, with local artisans selling everything from jewelry to hemp products, clothing and art. Retail sales constitute between 10 and 20 percent of the markets revenue.

People are window shopping when they come here, he said. They carve out a bit of time when they come. Its kind of an social time, people arent on a hard schedule, so its not like they have to say were hungry, we have a 7:30 reservation, we have to get a drink and go. 

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Twitter: @sdeditgirl

michele.parente@sduniontribune.com
Click: Tijuana pedestrians making their way to the U.S. border through the early morning darkness. Click: A driver at the wheel of her car, surrounded by a vehicles pointed north toward the San Ysidro Port of Entry. Click: A pair of trolley trains forming red blurs as they carry border crossers to their destinations.

These are moments in the lives of young San Diego-Tijuana transfronterizos, or transborder residents, for whom crossing is a daily routine. A small group of them, mostly college students, have been documenting their lives through photographs snapped from cameras and cellphones as they head to their destinations in Tijuana and San Diego.

Spearheaded by the AjA Project, a City Heights-based nonprofit, the BorderClick initiative strives to shed light on the border as experienced daily by tens of thousands of cross-border commuters. Amid the political firestorms over President Donald Trumps plans for an expanded border wall and stricter immigration enforcement, members of this group say their experience with the border has been largely overlooked.

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We have people from outside the border, from other parts of the country, and they always show what they see from the outside, said Josemar Gonzalez, a transfronterizo and media artist with the AjA project, and co-creator of BorderClick. But rarely do we see the point of view from the inside.

The concept is nothing new: people who live on the border have long built lives that straddle both sides. But armed with new technologies and social media skills, these members of a new generation are eager to show the border in a different light.

I can be in both countries, and do something significant on both sides, said Ulises Leal, a 25-year-old Santa Barbara native who commutes from Tijuanas Cuesta Blanca neighborhood to his philosophy classes at San Diego State University.

Leal was among more than a dozen BorderClick participants whose photographs were featured last month at the Front Gallery in San Ysidro. Some images were printed on the backs of black backpacks to evoke their cross-border journeys.

A few photographs were abstract: a stretch of pavement, reflections in a puddle. Others more concrete, such as the one showing a cellphone next to a McDonalds hamburger, or the image of a Google map, with the users route to the border lit up in red. One offered a scene of a Tijuana hillside in the early morning, looking out toward San Diego. Leals shot depicted shadowy figures of pedestrians making their way before sunrise to the Pedestrian West entrance.

Leal started living with his father in Tijuana last year because he could no longer afford to live on campus. To get to his 9:30 a.m. epistemology class last semester, he woke up at 4 a.m., took a collective taxi to downtown Tijuana and walked to the border; once across he needed two trolleys to get to SDSU.

For all the difficulties of his bi-national lifestyle, Leal said, participating in BorderClick has shown me that Im not the only one.

An average of 130,000 daily northbound border crossers at the San Ysidro and Otay Mesa ports of entry  and an equal number are estimated to cross southbound. About half of those travelers are either U.S. citizens or dual U.S. and Mexican citizens.

1 / 1 Ulises Leal, who crosses the international border to study philosophy at San Diego State University. (Sandra Dibble / San Diego Union-Tribune)

Kenn Morris, president of the Crossborder Group, a San Diego-based binational research firm, said his surveys have shown that nearly 60 percent of crossers from the Tijuana metro area cross two or more times a week. Almost half cross five or more times.

Morris estimates that 500 to 1,000 college and university students cross from Tijuana to San Diego each day, with around 90 percent of them U.S. citizens or dual nationals.

While political and business leaders for years have sought to promote Tijuana as a single economic region, transfronterizos often see themselves as an overlooked population. Yet many are profoundly connected on both sides of the border, said Vannessa Falcon, a San Diego State University doctoral candidate who studies transfronterizo students.

She is a consultant in the BorderClick project, which was launched last fall. In February, she created the Transfronterizo Alliance Student Organization at San Diego State University.

Born in Los Angeles, Falcon moved to Tijuana with her family when her parents lost their jobs, and at age 12 began crossing every day to keep attending California schools. That was the experience that shaped who I am today, said Falcon, whose family now has residences on both sides of the border.

Students such as Falcon embody bridges, said Norma Iglesias, head of SDSUs department of Chicana and Chicano studies. Theyre the most important human potential in our area. Transborder people are our hope.

As a group, they often share similar challenges, she said, including poor nutrition, lack of sleep and stress from spending so much of their day moving across the border.

Iglesias and Norma Ojeda, chair of SDSUs department of sociology, both have been striving to increase awareness and scholarly research on the transfronterizo experience.

Everybody is focused on different things, deportations, refugees, but not necessarily the transfronterizo population that is moving regularly across the border, said Ojeda, who describes herself as a transfronteriza university professor.

Both scholars say that the makeup of the overall transfronterizo population is neither a homogeneous nor a static one  it can change depending on government policies and economic times. Ojeda said shes seen growing numbers of professionals crossing the border to work, and in both directions.

The AjA Project works with cameras and young people, encouraging them to tell their stories through photographs. BorderClick was spawned by Gonzalez and Rebecca Goldschmidt, an artist and instructor with the AjA Project. Both are U.S. citizens and transfronterizos, with lives that span both sides of the border.

They launched BorderClick last fall with two grants  $13,050 from the California Arts Council and $4,500 from Cal Humanities. BorderClicks core membership is made up of about 15 active participants, though the groups mailing list has 45 students.

Together with the SDSU transfronterizo group, BorderClick has drafted a 12-point declaration aimed at raising awareness about these students, connecting them with each other and offering support through services such as a border shuttle.

Also on the document is a demand that students be allowed to list both their Tijuana and San Diego residences, and do not charge transfronterizo students international fees for residing in Tijuana, an option that is available for qualifying Ciudad Juarez residents studying at the University of Texas El Paso. They pay tuition at the Texas resident rate.

Not all transfronterizos are Mexican-American. Cassandra Drake is a former teacher and now a graduate student at SDSU, a Sacramento transplant who divides her time between San Diego and Rosarito Beach, where her boyfriend lives. Crossing the border with all of its uncertainties can be stressful and time-consuming, even though she has a car and a Sentri pass that gets her to a fast lane.

Ive stopped snapchatting, because all my friends in northern California were, like, Youre always driving. 

But once in Mexico, in the small brick house three blocks from the beach, its very relaxing being there, not dealing with traffic.

sandra.dibble@sduniontribune.com

@sandradibble
Deported U.S. military veterans told members of a U.S. congressional delegation visiting Tijuana on Saturday that they had paid dearly for their crimes, and wanted to come home.

I committed a crime and I accept it, said Eduardo Agustin Garcia, 59, a former U.S. Navy airman who grew up in Oxnard but was deported to Mexico in 1999 after serving a four-year sentence on a drug charge.

Garcia, who now works in a call center in Tijuana, was among a dozen deported veterans who spoke briefly to members of the U.S. House of Representatives, all Democrats on the Congressional Hispanic Caucus.

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The deported veterans told of the pride they had felt in the U.S. armed services, some serving in Vietnam, Iraq and Afghanistan. They talked about how they missed their families in the United States and needed access to Veterans Administration services. I just want to go home, they repeatedly said.

Held at the Deported Veterans Support House near the U.S. border, the event aimed to bring visibility to this issue affecting lawful permanent residents who served in the military and were honorably discharged, but then were convicted of crimes. Because they had not become U.S. citizens, they were deported after serving out their sentences, returning to a country that many had left as children.

The delegation, led by Hispanic Caucus Chairwoman Michelle Lujan-Grisham of New Mexico and First Vice Chair Joaquin Castro of Texas, included three Californians: Lou Correa of Orange County, Nanette Diaz Barragan of Los Angeles County and San Diegos Juan Vargas. Also in the delegation were Raul Grijalva of Arizona and Vicente Gonzalez of Texas.

1 / 13 Tijuana, Baja California, Mexico, June 3rd, 2017: | Seven members of Congress visit the Deported Veterans Support House in Tijuana. They toured the facility and hear veterans stories. Hector Barajas the head of Deported Veterans in Tijuana. | Alejandro Tamayo  The San Diego Union Tribune 2017 (Alejandro Tamayo / The San Diego Union-Tribune) 2 / 13 Tijuana, Baja California, Mexico, June 3rd, 2017: | Seven members of Congress visit the Deported Veterans Support House in Tijuana. They toured the facility and hear veterans stories. Members of Congress are greeted by Hector Barajas on the right. | Alejandro Tamayo  The San Diego Union Tribune 2017 (Alejandro Tamayo / The San Diego Union-Tribune) 3 / 13 Tijuana, Baja California, Mexico, June 3rd, 2017: | Seven members of Congress visit the Deported Veterans Support House in Tijuana. They toured the facility and hear veterans stories. Eduardo Agustine Garcia holding a pledge to support the deported vets. | Alejandro Tamayo  The San Diego Union Tribune 2017 (Alejandro Tamayo / The San Diego Union-Tribune) 4 / 13 Tijuana, Baja California, Mexico, June 3rd, 2017: | Seven members of Congress visit the Deported Veterans Support House in Tijuana. They toured the facility and hear veterans stories. Congresswoman Nanette Diaz Barragn speaking with Hector Barajas. | Alejandro Tamayo  The San Diego Union Tribune 2017 (Alejandro Tamayo / The San Diego Union-Tribune) 5 / 13 Tijuana, Baja California, Mexico, June 3rd, 2017: | Seven members of Congress visit the Deported Veterans Support House in Tijuana. They toured the facility and hear veterans stories. Deported vets holding a US flag outside the Deported Veterans office. | Alejandro Tamayo  The San Diego Union Tribune 2017 (Alejandro Tamayo / The San Diego Union-Tribune) 6 / 13 Tijuana, Baja California, Mexico, June 3rd, 2017: | Seven members of Congress visit the Deported Veterans Support House in Tijuana. They toured the facility and hear veterans stories. Congressman Caucus Lou Correa on the left with deported vet Alex Gomez. | Alejandro Tamayo  The San Diego Union Tribune 2017 (Alejandro Tamayo / The San Diego Union-Tribune) 7 / 13 Tijuana, Baja California, Mexico, June 3rd, 2017: | Seven members of Congress visit the Deported Veterans Support House in Tijuana. They toured the facility and hear veterans stories. Luis Vargas Salazar holding a US flag. | Alejandro Tamayo  The San Diego Union Tribune 2017 (Alejandro Tamayo / The San Diego Union-Tribune) 8 / 13 Tijuana, Baja California, Mexico, June 3rd, 2017: | Seven members of Congress visit the Deported Veterans Support House in Tijuana. They toured the facility and hear veterans stories. Staff from Deported Veterans office speaking with members of US Congress. | Alejandro Tamayo  The San Diego Union Tribune 2017 (Alejandro Tamayo / The San Diego Union-Tribune) 9 / 13 Tijuana, Baja California, Mexico, June 3rd, 2017: | Seven members of Congress visit the Deported Veterans Support House in Tijuana. They toured the facility and hear veterans stories. Congressman Juan Vargas walking out of the Deported Veterans office. | Alejandro Tamayo  The San Diego Union Tribune 2017 (Alejandro Tamayo / The San Diego Union-Tribune) 10 / 13 Tijuana, Baja California, Mexico, June 3rd, 2017: | Seven members of Congress visit the Deported Veterans Support House in Tijuana. They toured the facility and hear veterans stories. Deported vets and members of the US congress pose for a photo. | Alejandro Tamayo  The San Diego Union Tribune 2017 (Alejandro Tamayo / The San Diego Union-Tribune) 11 / 13 Tijuana, Baja California, Mexico, June 3rd, 2017: | Seven members of Congress visit the Deported Veterans Support House in Tijuana. They toured the facility and hear veterans stories. Hector Barajas the head of Deported Veterans in Tijuana speaking with the media. | Alejandro Tamayo  The San Diego Union Tribune 2017 (Alejandro Tamayo / The San Diego Union-Tribune) 12 / 13 Tijuana, Baja California, Mexico, June 3rd, 2017: | Seven members of Congress visit the Deported Veterans Support House in Tijuana. They toured the facility and hear veterans stories. Hector Barajas on the left speaking with Congressman Juan Vargas. | Alejandro Tamayo  The San Diego Union Tribune 2017 (Alejandro Tamayo / The San Diego Union-Tribune) 13 / 13 Tijuana, Baja California, Mexico, June 3rd, 2017: | Seven members of Congress visit the Deported Veterans Support House in Tijuana. They toured the facility and hear veterans stories. In the center Nathan Flecher with his wife Assemblywoman Lorena Gonzalez hand Hector Barajas his pardon. | Alejandro Tamayo  The San Diego Union Tribune 2017 (Alejandro Tamayo / The San Diego Union-Tribune)

Also offering support was California Assemblymember Lorena Gonzalez Fletcher, D-San Diego, and her husband Nathan Fletcher, a former assemblymember and Marine veteran.

The visitors were given a tour of the center, which offers shelter and other support services to deported veterans. They also watched a documentary that profiled some of the veterans and told of their struggles in Mexico.

About 60 deported veterans live in the Tijuana area. In a report last year the American Civil Liberties Union said there were at least 239 deported veterans in 34 countries.

This is an injustice. These veterans fought for the United States, said Correa. They broke the law and paid for this mistake. You shouldnt have to pay twice for the same sin.

Castro presented the veterans with a U.S. flag that had been flown over the U.S. Capitol. We cant wait to get you guys home, he said.

The presence of the legislators offered encouragement to the group. Vargas and Grijalva have submitted proposed legislation that would allow the vets to return to the United States, and would take measures so that non-citizen members of the military are informed of their opportunities to become U.S. citizens. Two other members of the delegation are also preparing to propose legislation.

This is an opportunity for Donald Trump to do something right, said Vargas. We werent able to get anywhere with the other administration, and we should have.

Hector Barajas, a deported veteran who founded the Tijuana support house, known as the Bunker, was thrilled with the visit. Just coming down here is a huge endeavor, Barajas said. I think theyre going to leave with a different commitment.

Barajas is one of three veterans who received pardons earlier this year from California Gov. Jerry Brown, an action that could help with appeals to federal immigration authorities.

Following the congressional visit, Fletcher formally presented the pardons.

RELATED

Dishonorably Deported, led by Nathan Fletcher, launched Monday with a goal of stopping non-citizen military veterans from being deported and helping those who already have been.

sandra.dibble@sduniontribune.com

@sandradibble
Stretching 22 stories into the sky above downtown San Diego, the new $555.5 million state courthouse is a high-tech marvel where people from all walks of life are likely to cross paths.

And yet one of the more interesting improvements the court building has over the old one  at least from a safety standpoint  has to do with who likely wont be crossing paths anymore: the prisoners and the public.

Defendants transported from jail to court will no longer be escorted down the same crowded hallways as lawyers, jurors and witnesses like they have for decades in the existing downtown courthouse, where in some places the groups are separated only by a sheriffs deputy and a yellow stripe on the floor.

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In the new building, which will be dedicated Monday in an invitation-only event, deputies will move defendants from the sally port to the underground holding areas and into the courtrooms through secure elevators that run from the basement to the upper levels.

In-custody defendants will never meet with the public except here in the courtroom, said Clifford Ham, principal architect for the Judicial Council of California, while standing in the room that will handle felony arraignments.

The expectation is that the new Superior Court building, constructed to replace three downtown court properties, will be modern and adaptable so that it can safely accommodate the 1.2 million people who will pass through its doors each year.

Thats about 4,000 people, including attorneys and employees, each day its open for business.

At first glance, the inside of the building looks like an airport terminal. Its big and impressive, full of electronic gadgetry, and there are multiple pathways to get to various destinations.

It is truly an urban court building, no longer a house, Ham said  even if local court officers still call it the San Diego Central Courthouse.

The 369-foot-high structure at Union and C streets is replacing the three-block-long, seven-story County Courthouse that opened in 1961 at a cost of $11 million.

1 / 34 A typical courtroom in the old building. (John Gibbins / San Diego Union-Tribune) 2 / 34 In the old courthouse, deputies had nothing more than a yellow line on the linoleum to separate prisoners from the public when taking them to and from courtrooms. (John Gibbins / San Diego Union-Tribune) 3 / 34 In the old courthouse, deputies had nothing more than a yellow line on the linoleum to separate prisoners from the public when taking them to and from courtrooms. (John Gibbins / San Diego Union-Tribune) 4 / 34 In the old courthouse, any wiring or repairs that had to be made had to be run on the outside of the walls due to the asbestos concerns that have plagued the old structure. (John Gibbins / San Diego Union-Tribune) 5 / 34 A view of the hallway in the old courthouse. (John Gibbins / San Diego Union-Tribune) 6 / 34 The old court building was built before there were the security concerns of today. After 911 all of the entrances to the present building were closed off and visitors are now channeled through the main entrance on Broadway. (John Gibbins / San Diego Union-Tribune) 7 / 34 The foyer inside of the old courthouse has a display of the clock from one of the even earlier courthouses. (John Gibbins / San Diego Union-Tribune) 8 / 34 The information desk at the old court building. (John Gibbins / San Diego Union-Tribune) 9 / 34 One thing that you wont see in the new building are pay phone booths. (John Gibbins / San Diego Union-Tribune) 10 / 34 One thing that you wont see in the new building are pay phone booths. (John Gibbins / San Diego Union-Tribune) 11 / 34 Spectator seating in one of the old courtrooms. (John Gibbins / San Diego Union-Tribune) 12 / 34 The bench of Judge Gill in the old courthouse. (John Gibbins / San Diego Union-Tribune) 13 / 34 The old courthouse has old-school directories. (John Gibbins / San Diego Union-Tribune) 14 / 34 Hand made signage on the third floor of the old courthouse. (John Gibbins / San Diego Union-Tribune) 15 / 34 Some of the elevators in the old building have had to be shut down so they can use parts from them to service other elevators in the building. (John Gibbins / San Diego Union-Tribune) 16 / 34 The tiled mosaic floor in the public restroom are typical of the era when they were built. (John Gibbins / San Diego Union-Tribune) 17 / 34 The north lobby of the old courthouse was closed down due to security concerns many years ago and has been off limit to the public. (John Gibbins / San Diego Union-Tribune) 18 / 34 The presiding judges courtroom in the old courthouse. (John Gibbins / San Diego Union-Tribune) 19 / 34 The presiding judges courtroom in the old courthouse. (John Gibbins / San Diego Union-Tribune) 20 / 34 The view to the south of the foyer of the new court building. (John Gibbins / San Diego Union-Tribune) 21 / 34 The information booth inside of the new court building. (John Gibbins / San Diego Union-Tribune) 22 / 34 The new $555 million state court building is connected with the Hall of Justice via a skywalk between the two. (John Gibbins / San Diego Union-Tribune) 23 / 34 Clifford Ham, the Principal Architect for the Judicial Council of California showed off one of the new judges chambers. (John Gibbins / San Diego Union-Tribune) 24 / 34 The entrance to the new $555 million state court building will start coming online this month. (John Gibbins / San Diego Union-Tribune) 25 / 34 Inside of the felony arraignment courtroom on the first floor of the new building. (John Gibbins / San Diego Union-Tribune) 26 / 34 The public hallway in the new courthouse. (John Gibbins / San Diego Union-Tribune) 27 / 34 Inside one of the new courtrooms in the new court building. (John Gibbins / San Diego Union-Tribune) 28 / 34 The jurors lounge in the new court building. (John Gibbins / San Diego Union-Tribune) 29 / 34 Everything is not perfect in the new courthouse. A sign in the new jurors lounge is being remade after it came out as Quite Room instead of " Quiet Room. (John Gibbins / San Diego Union-Tribune) 30 / 34 The State Seal on the new $555 million state court building. (John Gibbins / San Diego Union-Tribune) 31 / 34 This is the entrance to the new $555 million state court building that will start coming online this month. (John Gibbins / San Diego Union-Tribune) 32 / 34 The old courthouse, which will be demolished is at front right. The newer Hall of Justice is to the left, and the new State Court Building can be peeking up over the old courthouse on the right in back. (John Gibbins / San Diego Union-Tribune) 33 / 34 The old courthouse, which will be demolished is at the right. The newer Hall of Justice is to the left, and the new State Court Building can be peeking up over Hall of Justice. (John Gibbins / San Diego Union-Tribune) 34 / 34 The font for the signage on the old courthouse is a classic from the 1950"s and 60s. (John Gibbins / San Diego Union-Tribune)

The east and west facades of the new building differ from each other because they represent whats behind the walls  the public corridors on the east, and judges chambers and back-of-the-house administrative offices on the west.

A rooftop canopy shades the east facade and crowns the building as a modern interpretation of the traditional, 19th century courthouse top  a dome, cupola or clock tower.

The entrance is about eight feet and 14 steps above the sidewalk, not only because of the slope of the building site but because its traditional to raise the first floor above the surrounding pavement and access it by a series of steps. Theres also a ramp for handicap access.

The steps lead to the outdoor portico where public auctions and news conferences are expected to take place.

Overlooking the portico is a giant seal, 12 feet in diameter, of the state of California sculpted by Oregon artist and native Californian Tony Sheets.

Project architect Javier Arizmendi with Skidmore Owings & Merrill calls the 48-foot atrium the heart of the building  a light-filled space with 19, 42-foot tall windows. Its the place where lawyers, litigants and the public will come together before heading into courtrooms.

The buildings electronic gadgetry, akin to an airport, is immediately apparent in the five security stations, 12 television monitors displaying each days calendar and six touchscreen building directories.

Six escalators will speed visitors to the second and third floors, the busiest areas of the building. On the north side are 16 public elevators. In the middle of the building, hidden from public view, is a bank of elevators that will transport prisoners from basement holding cells to their respective court proceedings. (A tunnel will one day link the building to the Central Jail two blocks east). Two elevators to the south will serve court staff and judges. Stairways lead directly to the ground level exit.

The 500-seat jury lounge and cafe are on the third floor, as is the 185-foot-long skybridge over C Street connecting to the fourth floor of the Hall of Justice to the south.

The finishes and fixtures are a step up from the old 1961 courthouse, marked for demolition.

Corridors include plenty of light (filtered by baked-in strips of ceramic elements called frits) and benches.

Seating in the 71 courtrooms is on American cherrywood benches, like pews in a church, instead of individual folding seats that tend to break over time. The judges raised desk, or bench, sits 18 inches above the floor, and overhead is a higher, brighter painted ceiling to contrast it with the jury and public area.

It was a way of creating a hierarchy of spaces within the courtroom itself, Arizmendi said.

Each of the courtrooms has updated security equipment, including cameras and silent alarms. Some of the furnishings, including the judges bench and clerks desk, are outfitted with woven fiberglass bullet-resistant paneling.

In areas walled off from the public, the judges 350-square-foot chambers include a private bathroom and wardrobe, as well as office furniture.

The jury deliberation rooms are located away from the judges chambers and angled so that the windows dont directly face the adjacent buildings.

Secure areas between courtrooms contain holding cells for in-custody defendants and separate, no-contact interview booths where they can speak with their lawyers through a glass partition.

With this new configuration, attorneys dont have to leave the courtroom and go into a cell (in central holding) to talk to their clients, said Ham, the architect with the Judicial Council.

San Diegos new courthouse is the most expensive of the 47 projects statewide funded from increased court filing fees. Its replacing a courthouse riddled with problems from asbestos to security shortcomings. An earthquake fault also lies below the old complex.

Weve replaced one of the most deficient, unsafe buildings in our inventory, and one of the largest,  Ham said.

But even a half-billion budget could not do everything. Heres some of what the new building wont have:

 No retail or food service on the ground floor and no public parking  for security reasons. (A new San Diego Trolley stop, however, is under construction between State and Union streets.)

 No natural ventilation. But there are various energy-saving measures to control lighting, heating and air conditioning.

 No room for expansion, although some spaces can be reconfigured to add a few courtrooms.

 No public art except for a stained glass window of the state seal. It originally hung in the 1888 county courthouse at Front Street and Broadway that was razed in the 1950s.

Nor was there room in the budget for a $25 million tunnel that would have connected downtowns Central Jail to the new courthouse. Original plans for construction of the tunnel were scrapped because of budget concerns.

For now, in-custody defendants will be bused the two blocks from the jail.

Sheriff Bill Gore has said for years that the tunnel is essential for security and efficiency reasons. According to a Sheriffs Department study, it takes deputies 26 minutes to escort a person across the bridge that currently links the downtown jail to the existing Central Courthouse. Without that bridge, the time more than doubles to 61 minutes.

Busing inmates the short distance from the jail is a less-than-ideal solution, one that will cost an estimated $3.3 million in expenses each year.

A plan is now in the works for the county to take ownership of the old courthouse property and to build the tunnel, instead of the state, but those plans have not yet been finalized.

The probate and family courts will move to the new court building first, and are expected to be up and running by July 17, court authorities said. That same day, members of the public are expected to start reporting for jury service at the new building.

The civil and criminal departments will move by the end of August.

Details: San Diego Central Courthouse

Location: 1100 Union St.

Architect: Skidmore, Owings & Merrill

Contractor: Rudolph and Sletten

Description: 22 floors, 389 feet high, 714,000 square feet, 71 courtrooms, three basements

Open: July 17 for family law and probate, followed by weekly moves, ending Aug. 21.

Construction details: 12,500 tons of steel, 160,000 square feet of exterior glass, 25,000 square feet of decorative stone, 748 leather jury chairs.

roger.showley@sduniontribune.com; (619) 293-1286; Twitter: @rogershowley

ALSO:

State courthouse tops out as opening nears

State courthouse: High-rise justice

Courthouse: Hole in the ground

New courthouse goes green and tall

Another courthouse for San Diego
The owner of a San Marcos-based company admitted to illegally disposing of wastewater from thousands of portable toilets throughout Southern California, a practice that allowed the business to avoid up to $4.1 million in disposal fees, the U.S. Attorneys Office said.

Arie Eric De Jong III, 50, owner of Diamond Environmental Services, pleaded guilty Friday in San Diego federal court to conspiracy to unlawfully discharge pollutants. The companys chief operation officer, Warren Van Dam, 50, pleaded guilty to a similar charge last month.

The conspiracy began in 2009. As a regular company practice, the trucks full of waste pumped from portable toilets were dumped into municipal sewers at the companys various facilities in San Diego, San Marcos, Perris, Fullerton and Huntington Park from 2012 to July 2016.

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Employees were directed to design and install the system to make the dumping possible at the facilities, then covered up the sewer connections by placing a portable toilet over them during inspections, according to the plea agreement.

For example, over four days in June 2016, the company disposed of the contents of 15 to 19 trucks with 900-gallon capacity loads of wastewater each day into the sewer at the San Diego facility, prosecutors said.

By law, such wastewater is supposed to be discharged at specially designated facilities. Diamonds facility in the county is Pump Station #1 in San Diego, where large-scale waterfalls help dilute the wastewater entering the treatment plant.

It costs about $75 per 1,000 gallons to use the pump stations, meaning Diamond avoided paying $1.3 million to $4.1 million in fees by discharging the waste elsewhere, prosecutors said.

The executives and company have agreed to pay the municipalities up to $4.1 million in restitution.

In a related prosecution, Diamonds operation and safety compliance manager Ronald Fabor is charged with perjury in connection with the investigation. Fabor said he first learned of the illegal dumping when the search warrant was served on the company in August 2016, and that hed never seen the trucks connected to hoses at sewers at the facilities, according to court documents.

He has pleaded not guilty.

kristina.davis@sduniontribune.com

Twitter: @kristinadavis
More than 300 people marched in Mission Bay Park Saturday calling for a transparent investigation into the alleged collusion between President Donald Trumps campaign and Russia.

Many demonstrators voiced concerns about what they considered an obstruction of justice by Trump in the ongoing investigations by Congress and a special counsel, pointing to the firing of former FBI Director James Comey.

We need the investigations to happen, and we need them to work by the design that theyre supposed to happen, said Jose Caballero, an organizer of San Diegos March for Truth. If they dont, we lose the fabric of our democracy.

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Thousands more protested in more than 100 cities across the country Saturday, including New York, Pittsburgh, Chicago and Washington, D.C.

The San Diego march was countered at the end by about a dozen Trump supporters. Trump has repeatedly denied the allegations that he or his associates colluded with Russia to meddle with the 2016 presidential election.

During the short, peaceful march through Mission Bay Park, people held signs that read Truth Trumps Lies and Truth or Consequence. And they chanted: Hey, hey. Ho, ho. These tweets and lies have got to go.

San Diego police estimated about 300 to 400 people showed up.

Among the demonstrators was former Assemblywoman Lori Saldana, who said she would like to see an expedited investigation.

People who believe the investigation is moving forward need to remember that the president has been removing people like Comey from positions where they can testify openly. He may block him from testifying openly in the future, Saldana said.

The reasons and smoke screens that this administration will come up with to block a meaningful investigation will be lengthy  and delays cost taxpayers more at many levels, she added.

Brenda Rosenthal, 64, said she was flabbergasted by what she called a lack of accountability.

If Hillary Clinton had been elected and any of these things would have been happening, she would have been gone, I think, the Bay Park resident said. For whatever reasons, theres a different set of rules that apply to (Trump).

Rosenthal said she was glad former FBI Director Robert Mueller was appointed by the Justice Department as special counsel to oversee its ongoing investigation.

I think its in good hands, she said.

After the rally, roughly 50 demonstrators continued onto the Clairemont Drive overpass of Interstate 5, where they held signs and banners over the edge. They were met by about a dozen Trump supporters who also held signs, some of which read Donald Trump IS My President and America over Globalization.

Les Buhner of El Cajon said the investigations into the alleged ties between Trump and Russia are a waste of time and money and that the country should rally behind other issues.

Lets worry about getting jobs. Lets worry about making America great, the 44-year-old said. Lets move on. I want my tax breaks. I want Americas borders secured.

Another Trump supporter, Lemon Grove resident Sean Robison, said he was impartial about the investigations.

If nothing comes out of it, nothing comes out of it. If it does come out that (collusion) really happened, well be the ones that help get him out (of office), Robison said. But until that happens, innocent until proven guilty. Support your president, support your country.

A day after the Justice Department appointed the special counsel to oversee the investigation, Trump called the decision a witch hunt.

I respect the move, the president said at a news conference. But the entire thing has been a witch hunt. And there is no collusion between, certainly, myself and my campaign and the Russians. Zero.

In a statement, March for Truth organizers said their full list of demands was:

An independent commission to investigate the alleged collusion between Russia and Trump;

Allocated resources for the Congressional investigation;

As much information as possible to be released to the public as soon as possible;

Congress to require Trump to release his tax returns to clarify his business interests and obligations to any other countries; and

Prosecution of any crimes that may be unveiled during the investigations.

Breaking News

Email: david.hernandez@sduniontribune.com

Phone: (619) 293-1876

Twitter: @D4VIDHernandez
Regarding Senate approval of later school times a start for California (June 1), in which the health benefits of later school start times are clearly delineated and recommended by the American Academy of Pediatrics, Centers for Disease Control and the American Medical Association, I address the Republican senators claim that this amounts to coddling.

At the adolescent developmental stage, later morning sleep is necessary for adequate sleep in the majority of teens.

To say this is coddling, and they need to wake up early to be ready for the workforce in their adult lives, is akin to saying that you will not allow a toddler to have an afternoon nap to prepare them for grade school. This is ignorant.

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Sleep is a basic health need that is largely underappreciated in our society. When we have the nations medical experts recommending this change, it is negligent to continue with early school start times.

Mariah Baughn

Bay Park

Letters and commentary policy

The U-T welcomes and encourages community dialogue on important public matters. Please visit this page for more details on our letters and commentaries policy. You can email letters@sduniontribune.com or leave a comment below.

We need to put the focus on our students

Listening to Betsy DeVos get grilled by Congress, it is sad that there is no one who gets education and what will fix it, on either side. Nobody speaks about giving students more attention, its always states rights, local control, teacher training, testing and all kinds of jargon.

Nobody says the obvious, that it is outrageous what little quality attention students receive. There is no one person with power in education that I can point to and say, They get it. Not one.

What a sad sector of our society educational professionals are, so clearly lacking insight about the human mind. Educators are simply failing us with no end in sight as they continue to believe that smaller class sizes and more attention are not absolutely critical to enable the brain to learn.

If educators continually display this belief in their own negotiations with regards to school class sizes, by taking the raise instead of addressing class size, who is left to tell us the truth about learning?

Zack Dyl

San Diego

Want to see more letters that appear only online? Follow @UTLetters on Twitter and UTOpinion on Facebook.
Today, most residents take some pride in Poway s identity.

If events had played out differently in the early 1960s though, Poway residents would be living in an entirely different city today.

The city would be San Diego.

Mary Shepardson

In the early 1960s, San Diego was expanding quickly, and with considerable enthusiasm, into North County. The Planned Community of Rancho Bernardo was already springing up on what had been the Daleys cattle ranch. Another developer had recently purchased Rancho Penasquitos with announced plans to build 150,000 homes there.

San Diego next set its sights on Poway as a logical extension of its expanding boundaries.

Poway, was experiencing rapid growth of its own, if not on the same scale. Facing increased demand for water, the Poway Municipal Water District was asking residents to approve a bond issue to build the Warren Canyon Dam.

In November 1963, a group billing itself as Poway Committee for Annexation was formed. It petitioned San Diego to annex the 30,160 acres and 8,280 residents that made up the unincorporated community of Poway. The committee contended Poway would have more competent and efficient government if it were part of San Diego.

Opponents of the proposal soon countered with the Preservation of Poway Committee. Lawrence Reher, Jr., a navy lieutenant commander and a fairly recent resident who had enthusiastically made Poway his familys home, was elected to head the group.

Taxes, in the days before Proposition 13, were a big issue. Would Poway residents pay more or less as residents to San Diego?

San Diego Councilwoman Helen Cobb spoke to the Poway Rotary Club. Proponents cited a promise of regular sweeping all Poway streets.

Opponents countered that approval would mean the loss of the Poway post office, recently expanded and a source of community pride. Poways addresses would become San Diego 29  or 92129, when those new-fangled ZIP codes caught on.

While a number of issues were raised, there was obvious correlation between opposition to the Warren Dam bond issue and support for annexation.

The Poway Chamber of Commerce and the Green Valley Civic Association both voted (the latter group unanimously) to oppose annexation to San Diego.

Supporters would need to gather signatures of 25 percent of Poways registered voters to bring the matter to a San Diego City Council hearing. The annexation petitions were prepared by the San Diego city clerk. A protest by owners of more than 50 percent of the Poway areas assessed valuation, on the other hand, would force San Diego to abandon the effort. The latter seemed highly probable. By the end of February, Preserve Poway Association claimed petitions representing 56 percent. At the meeting, the San Diego city attorney said that the results had not been tabulated.

Nonetheless, the San Diego City Council refused at a meeting on March 2, 1964 to abandon the effort. The petitions went out for signatures.

Annexation proponents urged all registered voters, whether or not they supported to change, so sign the petitions so the matter could go to a vote. Opponents protested vehemently.

Updates of the annexation fight filled the news and editorial pages of the News Chieftain, which opposed annexation, and appeared frequently in the San Diego and Escondido daily papers. The October 1, 1964, the News Chieftains front page proclaimed ANNEXERS BOW OUT.

The pro-annexation committee claimed to have gathered 854 signatures, which would have met the 25 percent threshold to require council hearing. Nonetheless, Mrs. Robert Higgins (married women didnt have first names of their own in the media of the day), membership chairman of the committee, told the News Chieftain, we could see that Poway was not yet ready to annex. She noted that the committee hadnt met in a month and had closed their offices on Midland Road.

Annexation supporters did not go down without firing one last shot. In her letter, Higgins wrote, Despite the abuse from the newspapers, our uninformed neighbors and local dignitaries, I can honestly say with pride, that our group withstood all the hardships that stood in their way.

Before long, the large parcels that would become Scripps Ranch and Sabre Springs  included in the original proposal but not troubled by the presence of pesky voters  would soon complete their own San Diego annexations.

And Warren Canyon Dam? A bond vote on the project, which narrowly failed to win 2/3 approval in an election in the midst of the annexation uproar, would pass in a subsequent election, leading to the construction of what we now know as Lake Poway.

And about 16 years later, Poway would become its own city.

Shepardson is vice-president of the Poway Historical and Memorial Society.
Chaya Baker was ordained as a rabbi. Tamar Saar has read from the Torah, the Jewish holy scroll. Anat Hoffman demands that women be allowed to pray as men do at a key Jerusalem holy site.

Depending on whom you ask, these women are either pioneers or provocateurs.

They are part of the liberal Reform and Conservative streams of Judaism, which allow women to perform rituals typically reserved for men under Orthodox Judaism, the dominant form of Judaism in Israel. They say they are exercising egalitarian worship, which runs counter to the traditions of Israels Orthodox establishment.

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The Reform and Conservative movements are marginal in Israel, where the Orthodox establishment rules many aspects of life, like marriage, divorce and burials, and they have struggled to make inroads here. The Orthodox rabbinate has refused to recognize their rulings, conversions or ceremonies as religiously valid. Under Orthodox tradition, women cant become rabbis, nor can they perform a number of rituals men do.

The liberal denominations make up the majority of Jews in the United States, the worlds second largest Jewish community. What has emerged is a growing rift between the worlds two largest Jewish communities, which often disagree about religious affairs.

Baker became ordained as a rabbi in 2007. She performs many of the same duties a male rabbi would, such as holding prayer services, counseling congregants and leading study groups. But because of her affiliation to the Conservative movement, she is limited in the ceremonies she can perform. For example, the unions of the couples she marries are not recognized in Israel. They must have a second ceremony either with an Orthodox rabbi in Israel or travel abroad to marry.

Baker, 35, said many Israelis have become alienated by the Orthodox grip on many aspects of society and that the more liberal streams offer a Judaism that jives with a modern Israelis outlook. She said she sees a growing recognition in Israeli society of the more marginal streams, and with that, a greater role for women in Judaism.

People are changing their concepts of gender roles within Judaism, Baker said.

Saar is one of the few 12-year-old Israeli girls who are having Bat Mitzvah ceremonies as boys do. In this rite of passage marking the transition from childhood to adulthood, they study a particular portion of the Torah and read from it during the ceremony.

Saar wore an orange dress accented with a white and orange-pink prayer shawl she made herself as she recited the biblical passage in front of nearly 100 family members and friends in May. Tamars two older sisters also had Reform Bat Mitzvah ceremonies like hers, and she said more girls in Israel should, too.

Girls make up half of the worlds population, and it is stupid that men are worth more, because we are exactly like them, Saar said.

One of the most prominent groups pushing for the right of women to worship as men do is the Women of the Wall. The Jewish womens group, led by Hoffman, holds monthly prayer services at the Western Wall, a remnant of the biblical Temple compound and the holiest site where Jews can pray, where they perform rituals Orthodox Judaism reserves for men.

Hoffman, often draped in a pink, purple and white prayer shawl, has been arrested for what she says is her right to pray as she wishes. The Western Walls ultra-Orthodox rabbi, Shmuel Rabinowitz, has called the women provocative, but an Israeli court has upheld their right to pray there.

The court ruling is one of a string of recent achievements by Reform and Conservative streams in Israel. Israeli officials have proposed building an area for mixed male-female prayer at the Western Wall to accommodate those streams. The area currently has separate prayer zones for men and women.

Last year, Israel agreed to grant state funding to some non-Orthodox rabbis. Many Orthodox rabbis are paid by the government.

In 2010, the Israeli government froze a contentious bill that would have strengthened Orthodox control over Jewish conversions. The same year, Israel began allowing Israelis with no declared religion to marry outside the strict religious establishment - giving hope to many who reject the Orthodox monopoly on family matters. Civil marriages are generally banned in Israel.

Rabbi David Golinkin, who heads the Conservative Schechter Institute of Jewish Studies, said that positive trend is attributable to Israelis search for an alternative to Orthodox Judaism. He said he sees greater recognition for the liberal streams, and the rights they grant women, continuing.

Theres a growing recognition that there is more than one way to be Jewish. Its legitimate to be Jewish in different ways, and the state of Israel has to serve of all its citizens, Golinkin said.

Heres a gallery of images from The Associated Press showing women performing Jewish rituals in Israel.

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Follow AP photographers and photo editors on Twitter: https://apne.ws/15Oo6jo
RACINE  A retired circuit court judge and two attorneys will be looking into The Atriums residents options  if any  in the receivership involving that senior living complex and Bay Pointe.

The Atrium, 3900 N. Main St., and Bay Pointe, an assisted-living center at 3950 N. Main St., make up Atrium of Racine, which went into receivership, an alternative to bankruptcy, last week.

That action appears to threaten the ability of Atrium residents to recoup the initiation, or entrance, fees they paid at their time of signing contracts to live there. Those amounts were as high as $111,000 or more in some cases.

Residents contracts at the 74-unit complex provided that if they left, a large percentage of their initiation fees would be returned to them, eventually.

However, according to a receivership document, Atrium of Racines liabilities total about $14 million and assets about $9.1 million including about $8.1 million in fixed assets.

Liabilities include about $7.5 million in resident entrance fees, deposit fees and trust funds. However, the first lien holder, The Bank of New York Mellon Trust Co., is owed about $6.1 million.

Those numbers do not bode well for Atrium residents.

More than 100 people, Atrium residents and family members, attended a 65-minute meeting at the Atrium on Thursday evening with retired Racine County Circuit Court Judge Dennis Flynn, former Racine City Attorney Robb Weber and local attorney John Becker. Flynn said the three men have volunteered to see what might be done to help Atrium residents preserve or recover their initiation fees.

Youre our neighbors, Flynn said. The idea is to do what we can to help.

If the residents decided to hire them later for additional work, they could, or they could hire their own lawyers, Weber said.

Possibility of no money back

When Flynn asked what residents were told last week when they were informed of the receivership, they said the receivers representative told them there was little chance, under state law, that theyll be getting their money back.

Flynn also did not sound optimistic. Theres not going to be a whole lot left (after the receivership), he said.

Several times Flynn said he expects the trio of legal helpers will come back to Atrium residents within 30 days with any options they may have. Then the residents as a group will have to choose a course of action.

One option may be: Theres absolutely nothing you can do, Flynn said. And if that were the reality  were going to say that up front.

A couple of residents said they understood that Bay Pointes low occupancy rate was dragging down Atrium of Racine, and there is some feeling that Atrium initiation fees might have been used to prop up the entire operation.

Flynn said several times that, if residents initiation fees were fraudulently used for operations instead of preserved in a trust, that could lead to legal action, possibly involving the Wisconsin Attorney Generals Office.

Here, somebody may have stolen $6 million, or $7 million  whatever the number is, Flynn said.

Another potential action could be to go after Atrium of Racines officers and directors insurance, or those of the former Lincoln Lutheran of Racine, Flynn said. Those posts are usually insured for amounts starting at $10 million each, he said.

Uncertainty, anger

The Atrium and Bay Pointe are both remnants of the insolvency of Lincoln Lutheran of Racine which went into receivership in December 2014. For decades, Lincoln Lutheran had operated several Racine-area senior care centers and programs. The organization no longer exists.

With Lincoln Lutheran in receivership, in April 2015 Watertown-based Marquardt Management Co. signed an agreement to manage, with an option to buy, five former Lincoln Lutheran properties including the Atrium and Bay Pointe.

Now, with those two properties split off and in receivership, court-appointed receiver Michael Polsky of Milwaukee  who also handled Lincoln Lutherans receivership  has said he intends to keep operations going and try to sell Atrium and Bay Pointe as a going concern.

Thursday evening one Atrium resident asked Flynn whether a buyer could repurpose The Atrium into something other than the retirement community it is.

I think you want to sit down with the receiver right here, Flynn replied. I think that can be arranged.

At the end of the meeting, one angry resident asked: What would happen if we stopped paying the monthly rent? The question drew some chuckles.

We dont have an answer, Flynn responded.
RACINE  More than four years since the citys Redevelopment Authority purchased the former Racine Steel Castings site, city staff are still planning out how to clean up the sites toxic soil.

The citys possible next steps in that process were laid out at this weeks RDA meeting in a presentation from Donna Volk, a senior manager at Ramboll Environ, a Denmark-based consulting company with offices in Milwaukee. In the presentation, Volk estimated that to effectively treat both lots on the site, 1425 N. Memorial Drive, the city would need to come up with about $1.5 million to $2.5 million.

The expense is so great because much of the soil contains high levels of polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), which are probable human carcinogens. The lot on the north side of the property is especially problematic and would bear the bulk of the cleanup cost.

The north lot is kind of a different animal, Volk said. Concentrations of PCBs here are orders of magnitude higher, 100 to 1,000 times higher than what were seeing at the south lot.

Volk added that the north lot also contains a plume of trichlorobenzene, another potentially hazardous chemical. Because of the chemical concentration of the north lot, the most expensive treatment option for that lot could cost as much as $2.7 million, while the maximum cost on the south lot falls just short of $1 million.

William Scott, a Milwaukee-based consultant who answered questions from the RDA with Volk after the presentation, said the sites level of contamination is on par with other polluted sites across the county.

This is a major PCB site, he said. It would end up on the national map for PCBs. Thats another reason why this is taking awhile.

Volk and City Development Director Amy Connolly said the city hopes to select the cheapest possible options for future treatment. For the south lot, that would mean off-site disposal of contaminated soil that could cost an estimated $765,000, while for the north lot, a chemical oxidation process could cost between $714,000 and $1,545,000.

Theres some benefit to cleaning up the site and having it ready for redevelopment, Connolly said. Well have to do some cost-benefit analysis when we get the final costs and determine what we want to do with that.

The city may not have to front the entirety of the cleanup costs, however, as staff members have been working closely with the Environmental Protection Agency throughout the process, applying for and receiving grants to help decontaminate the site. Scott added that some people at the EPA are especially invested in this particular project.

You do have an ally at the EPA that thinks this is the poster child for hardcore urban redevelopment, he said.

The report was received and filed by the RDA. It is unclear exactly when any sort of financing for the project would be up for approval.
The new leader was backed by the global South. Can he get the worlds premier health body into shape? Linda Nordling finds out.

[CAPE TOWN] Last week the World Health Assembly, for the first time in its history, elected an African to be the next director-general (DG) of the World Health Organization (WHO). Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, an Ethiopian, will also be the first WHO leader from a developing country for over 45 years  since Marcolino Candau from Brazil stepped down in 1973.

Tedros, who goes by his first name, enjoys solid support among developing countries. For the first time in WHOs 70-year history, each of the 194 member countries that make up its Assembly was allowed to vote  a job that in the past fell to the 34-member WHO executive board.

Tedros beat his last opponent standing, the UKs David Nabarro, with a landslide 133 votes to 50  numbers that suggest the entire global South voted for the former Ethiopian health minister.

As a result, when Tedros succeeds Margaret Chan on 1 July he will have an unprecedented mandate from the countries with the worlds most pressing health problems. From dreaded new diseases like Ebola to HIV/AIDS and tuberculosis, the burden is vastly higher in developing countries than in developed ones  and is now worsened by soaring rates of non-communicable diseases like cancer and diabetes.

Urgent cash boost

Funding will be at the top of the agenda, according to global health experts.

Gavin Yamey, a professor of the practice of global health at Duke Universitys Global Health Institute in the United States, says that, as a matter of urgency, Tedros will need to use this unique mandate to try to leverage increased funding for the WHO after years of dwindling support from member states.

The WHO was caught on the wrong foot in its slow, weak response to Ebola, but in many ways we are all responsible because we as a global community have been starving the WHO of the core funding it needs, says Yamey.

Yamey was the lead author of an article, published this month in The Lancet, urging health ministers to boost their support for the WHOs programmes to quell epidemics and outbreaks.

A scientist with extensive research experience in Africa can help guide the WHO to be responsive to researchers on the frontlines. Nina Dudnik, CEO, Seeding Labs initiative

He says there is guarded optimism about Tedros ability to revitalise the WHO. He puts this down to, on the one hand, the assured way in which Tedros handled the transparent election process, and, on the other, his deft political skills on the global stage.

Others are not so sure Tedros clout will be sufficient to re-invigorate the WHOs funding base. The organisations biggest funder, the US government, is looking at curtailing support for international health programmes if President Donald Trumps administration gets its way in upcoming federal budgets.

I think the new DG will be locked in hard negotiations from day one, said one African health expert who did not want to be named.



Mission drift

Another challenge for Tedros is how to transform the WHO into an organisation fit for its 21st century purpose.

At its inception in 1948, it was the only health organisation with a global mandate. Today, there are many other players in the field, ranging from charities like the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation  the second biggest contributor of funds to the WHO  to inter-governmental instruments like the Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria.

The WHO is a lumbering and expensive bureaucracy with headquarters in Geneva and regional offices around the world. Last year, it reportedly spent more on travel and hotels than on AIDS, malaria and tuberculosis combined.

Its mission has also grown over the decades, from infectious diseases to issues like chemical safety, road traffic safety and ageing  a 2014 Chatham House report urged the WHO to rein in its mission-creep and streamline its operations.



Yamey says Tedros track record in reforming Ethiopias health system while health minister speaks volumes about his ability to oversee change: He walks the walk.

According to WHO figures, during his tenure from 2005 to 2012, Tedros created 3,500 new health centres and 16,000 health posts in the country, and expanded the number of people covered by the health system. The WHO also points out that Ethiopia has achieved a remarkable drop in infant mortality, achieving the Millennium Development Goal of a two-thirds reduction some two years ahead of schedule.



On-the-ground experience

His background as a molecular biologist and malaria scientist could mean Tedros uses his new platform to impress upon global health actors the importance of building and calling on local scientific expertise when dealing with health crises.

A WHO DG who is a scientist with extensive on-the-ground research experience in Africa, can help guide the WHO to be responsive to the priorities of those researchers on the frontlines in Africa and worldwide, says Nina Dudnik, founder and chief executive of the Seeding Labs initiative, which accepts donated research equipment from developed country institutions and places them in developing world labs.

More importantly, he could use his influence to impress upon developing countries the need to invest in  and leverage funding for  their own health systems and research capacity, says Bassirou Bonfoh, Director General of the Centre Suisse de Recherches Scientifiques in Cote d'Ivoire.

The need for such capacity became apparent during the 2014 Ebola outbreak in West Africa, when a dearth of health workers on the ground contributed to the delayed recognition of how severe the outbreak was, and hampered containment efforts.

Would such investments align with broader public health and funding priorities? A WHO report dating back to 2007 suggests that it would help maximise the benefit of international funding channelled through organisations like the WHO, by expediting their work and ensuring health gains do not vanish with the departure of international workers.

And as WACI Health, an Africa-based health NGO, highlighted earlier this year, it would also buffer countries against future health crises, which could be made worse by dwindling international support should Tedros fail to generate the cash.

This article was originally published on SciDev.Net's Global edition.
Before anyone says, There he goes again, bashing nurses, let me be very clear: My mother went to nursing school and my sister is a nurse. My debate is with selected nursing professors and nurse providers who, on the one hand, demand I meet the highest licensing standards every single day and in the same breath, demand for themselves all the rights and privileges of my medical license based on special standards that only apply to them.

I didn't understand why this blatant double standard never bothered them in the least, and then it hit me: double standards appear to be routine in nursing licensure, but where is my proof? Lets say you want to be a registered nurse (RN): what do you need to do?

You could choose Harvard and four long years later, after busting your tail in high school have a chance at getting accepted; you have your bachelors degree in hand and then you must pass the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX-RN), get an RN license, and then you can apply for an RN job in a hospital, clinic, etc.

Alternatively, you could choose a traditional community college or online program where the acceptance rates are less strict and you don't have to take the same type, number, or level of classes required for a bachelor's degree. Then 1-2 years later, with your associate degree in hand, you must pass the NCLEX-RN, get the same RN license as a nurse with a bachelor's degree, and you can apply for that same job.

And then there is the ultimate fast track: South Texas College (one example among many) just conferred upon ten high school students an associates degree in nursing (themonitor.com/news/education/article_6963284a-3c3c-11e7-b7f7-f39f5ce4e57d.html). These nurses didn't need a high school diploma to graduate from nursing school, and they are now qualified take the NCLEX-RN, get the same license, and apply for the exact same job.

Equal licensure given to different groups of people, where some get special standards that only apply to people like them: That sounds like a double standard. But even more to the point, for those RNs who busted their tails getting a BSN from a top-tier university, why do you tolerate a system that celebrates RNs who simply dont need the years of training, knowledge, and experience the system required from you? And if you are in the emergency department, on the worst day of your life, would you want an RN who isn't old enough to vote?

CHARLES TRANT

Florence
Five candidates are standing in the seat of Cleethorpes, which includes Barton, at this year's General Election on June 8.

We asked the candidates five questions on local issues at the upcoming election.

Here's what they had to say.

Loyd Emmerson, Green Party

What do you think should be done to improve standards at North Lincolnshire hospitals?

Scunthorpe hospital is one of many NHS trusts that's been affected by Government cuts. The time has come to invest rather than cut services offered. This will include reintroducing maintenance grants and removal of tuition fees in order to fill skills gaps and entice more students into the profession.



What do you think should be done to improve standards at Humberside Police?

Humberside Police force covers 1,358 square miles. Looking at recent crime statistics, criminal activity is increasing to figures close to the high records of September 2011 (9,204). The force is spread too thinly, regular street presence is required. We seek to support the homeless rather than criminalise them, believing in the local youth and funding activities to reduce antisocial behaviour.



What kind of deal would you want to see for Barton-Upon-Humber from the Brexit negotiations?

Brexit will come at a price to the country but not to communities if we stand together. We pledge to ensure that EU legislation that protects the environment, as well as the protection for workers' rights, remain as part of our Government legislation.



What are your views on the further housing and commercial development in Barton-upon-Humber?

Development must always seek to improve what is already in place, currently in Barton this is far from the truth. The proposed development of the Top Field site is unnecessary, logistically dangerous and damaging to the infrastructure. A community focus and input on all planing applications are paramount, ensuring the town centre economy has a strong future.



What three things would you do if elected to make things better for people in Barton?

Improve local transport. Increasing rail and bus services alongside development of the parking facilities creating an interchange hub for all commuters.Closing the inequality gap. Ensuring everyone has a stable home, job security and lives in a vibrant community free from discrimination. Embrace the renewables revolution. The Humber gateway and North Sea are experiencing a rapidly growing renewable energy industry, in turn creating clean energy for Barton alongside job creation.

Martin Vickers, Conservative

What do you think should be done to improve standards at North Lincolnshire hospitals?

Clearly it's not satisfactory that our hospitals have been placed in special measures for a second time. After receiving Government support during the previous period of special measures management should have got a grip and ensured the necessary improvements were delivered.

What do you think should be done to improve standards at Humberside Police?

It is most important that public confidence in our police force is maintained and in order to achieve that they must be responsive to public demands, use resources efficiently, provide a visible deterrent with a particular focus on community policing.

What kind of deal would you want to see for Barton-Upon-Humber from the Brexit negotiations?

Barton, as with the whole of my constituency and northern Lincolnshire, is especially well positioned to gain maximum benefits from Brexit but an essential prerequisite of that is that we must ensure the negotiations are led by Theresa May. The development of the Humber as the UK Energy Estuary can have enormous advantages as the offshore wind sector develops. When Brexit is finally achieved we will have additional resources to support our public services and infrastructure projects.

What are your views on the further housing and commercial development in Barton-upon-Humber?

Like all developments there must be public consent. If, as with the proposed Top Field development, we must look at the overall interests of the town. Will the town centre continue to prosper if we allow another out-of-town retail site? Of course we want to encourage sustainable development, and additional housing provides more potential customers for our shops and other businesses, but these advantages must be balanced with the wishes of existing residents who have a right to enjoy the customary enjoyment of their homes and surroundings.

What three things would you do if elected to make things better for people in Barton?

Maintain and improve public services and develop the infrastructure. Strengthen flood defences and attract investment from both private and public sectors to provide jobs and ensure our young people have the skills and training to access those jobs. Keep residents secure and safe.

Peter Keith, Labour

What do you think should be done to improve standards at North Lincolnshire hospitals?

The people who work in our hospitals do a superb job. But nurses and doctors have been telling me about the harm being done to the NHS due to Conservative cuts  their neglect of those concerns is wreaking havoc and putting people's health at risk. Labour founded the NHS based on the principle it would provide universal healthcare for all based on need and free at the point of use. That very principle is being eroded. Labour will fund the NHS properly to give patients the modern, well-resourced services they need in the 21st century.

What do you think should be done to improve standards at Humberside Police?

Last year, there were an estimated six million crimes experienced by adults in England and Wales. We have also seen police numbers cut by 20,000, which endangers communities  and police officers. Labour will support the police in the performance of their duties. We will provide police officers, support officers and civilian staff with the equipment and people they need to provide effective policing services. There will also be an overall increase in police numbers. More police makes for better policing. Locally, I will work alongside Keith Hunter, our Police and Crime Commissioner, to make sure that local policing meets the needs of residents.

What kind of deal would you want to see for Barton-Upon-Humber from the Brexit negotiations?

Barton (and Barrow, New Holland, etc) residents tell me that they don't want to be left worse off after Brexit. The EU accounts for 44 per cent of our current exports and will continue to be a priority trading partner. As our trading relationship with the EU changes, it is vital that we retain unrestricted access for British goods and services  and Barton goods and services. We do not need barriers to trade. That would be bad for Barton. I believe we must not see any reduction in environmental protection law or any diminishing of workers' rights following Brexit.

What are your views on the further housing and commercial development in Barton-upon-Humber?

Barton has seen a great deal of growth in the past decade. All development needs to be sensitively handled and be in-keeping with the character and nature of the town. I've been listening to Barton residents about the Top Field development. The trees there shield nearby houses from A15 traffic noise. I don't want to see this accessible open space lost. These are essentially council issues, but if elected, I will make sure the voice of local residents is heard in Scunthorpe. On commercial developments, these could be located in the town's industrial estate without impacting on the town in a negative way.

What three things would you do if elected to make things better for people in Barton?

First, listen to Barton residents about what they want and be effective getting the voice of the town heard at the council and in Parliament. Second, nationally, I will support Labour's positive proposals to make life better for people in Barton  properly fund the NHS and social care, guarantee the triple local on pensions, keep winter fuel payments, support abolishing university tuition fees, free school meals for all primary age children, more free childcare, invest to create jobs, no income tax rises for those earning less than 80,000, no increases in NI or VAT. Third, work hard to promote the enormous potential of the town.

Roy Horobin, Liberal Democrats

What do you think should be done to improve standards at North Lincolnshire hospitals?

I am reluctant to criticise the hard working staff of our local hospitals. Members of my family have had brilliant care in North Lincolnshire hospitals. So, I would want to get my facts straight about what the issues are, by listening to the patients, the doctors and the nurses. I support the Liberal Democrat view, that we need a properly funded NHS, paid for by putting a penny on income tax. We must look after our doctors and nurses, so we can retain existing staff, and recruit new ones.

What do you think should be done to improve standards at Humberside Police?

We do need to consider the impact of community policing and how the Conservative Government has cut funding here. The police have spoken out against this and there has been a great deal of discussion about this in recent weeks. Liberal Democrat policy is to make sure funding is available for community policing and we must get behind our Barton police officers. I would look to talk to the officers who do the job of policing, how well is the Police and Crime Commissioner doing his job? And how well are the senior officers and politicians supporting the police?

What kind of deal would you want to see for Barton-Upon-Humber from the Brexit negotiations?

The Liberal Democrats are the party of business and I have a track record of campaigning for entrepreneurs and businesses. We officially have enough jobs in the Barton area for everyone. We must safeguard this situation. Hull and Immingham ports are nearby and they benefit from the single market and customs union. Farming is important in the community around Barton, and the National Farmers Union report that the UK does more trade with Belgium than it does Brazil, Russian, India and China, we need to keep the single market and customs union. We must promote jobs and trade.

What are your views on the further housing and commercial development in Barton-upon-Humber?

The Top Field site is a massive issue and I support the wishes of those who do not want the development. We run the risk of turning Barton into a giant housing estate, so we need to look at encouraging businesses to develop the town centre. I have a track record in Cleethorpes of finding new uses for old buildings, and campaigning for innovative business. I would like to see this innovative approach transferred to Barton, and I would like to be the catalyst to make this change happen.

What three things would you do if elected to make things better for people in Barton?

1) Be seen in Barton. People have told me how they feel the emphasis is on Cleethorpes, and Barton tends to be forgotten. I would look to be much more involved in supporting community groups and the people of Barton.2) Look at the Top Field site in Barton and get this resolved in a way which benefits the town. Barton is for the people of Barton, not the profits of developers.3) I would be really keen to set up discussion and generate publicity to make the centre of Barton the fantastic thriving place that it could be.

poll loading Who is going to win the election in Cleethorpes? 0+ VOTES SO FAR Conservatives Labour Liberal Democrats Green Party UK Independence Party

Tony Blake, UK Independence Party

What do you think should be done to improve standards at North Lincolnshire hospitals?

The problem in our hospitals started in 2004 when Labour negotiated the new GP contract. It paid them more money to do less. Then also in 2004 uncontrolled immigration started with millions coming to this country. On top of this the Tories, even though they have been in power for 7 years have failed to train up enough of our own nurses and doctors. We take them from countries that need them themselves. Their is also the problem of poor senior management. By reducing the foreign aid budget we could provide 20000 nurses and 10000 doctors.

What do you think should be done to improve standards at Humberside Police?

The Tories by their cuts have decimated our police force. UKIP by cutting the foreign aid budget down to an average of other European countries will have at least 7 billion to spend on our own people. 1.6 billion could be spent on an extra 20000 police officers. Now that would make a difference.

What kind of deal would you want to see for Barton-Upon-Humber from the Brexit negotiations?

Barton like the rest of the country will become part of a sovereign nation again in charge of its destiny. It will be able to decide its own laws again, its own immigration policy, its own trade agreements, decide which foreign criminals and terroists it can deport etc,etc. We will have our country BACK.

What are your views on the further housing and commercial development in Barton-upon-Humber?

Housing and commercial developments in Barton should only be carried out with the approval of the people of Barton. The proposed Top Field development is a perfect example of an attempt by a developer to ride roughshod over the views of the people of Barton. UKIP is strongly against this.

What three things would you do if elected to make things better for people in Barton?

By reducing the foreign aid budget as above UKIP would provide 20000 more nurses (1.6 billion), 10000 more doctors (1 billion), 20000 more police officers (1.6 billion) and still have an additional 2.8 billion to pay for social care for the elderly and education. We should look after our own people first.
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"Keep making steel in Scunthorpe" that is the call from residents who continue to back the Telegraph's HS2 contract campaign.

Since October, the Telegraph has called on the Government to hand the HS2 steel contract to the Scunthorpe steelworks.

Handing the contract to the works would allow for steel for the major infrastructure project to be made in Britain.

Since launching the campaign, more than 700 signed petitions have been returned to the Telegraph.

Mrs C Moore, Salvation Court, Scunthorpe, said that the steel for the project should be made in Britain.

"Make the steel in Britain," she said.

"Use the steel that is made and keep the steelworks and the workers in work."

Construction on High Speed Two is expected to start this summer and major procurement contracts are in the process of being handed out to prospective providers.

Contracts such as rolling stock and station infrastructure design are currently looking for providers.

Steel from the Scunthorpe steelworks can be used for the infrastructure around the HS2 project.

The project is also looking for train designers, something which the Transport Secretary, Chris Grayling, has said would leave a "legacy" for the UK.

"It is a given that we want the trains to be comfortable, reliable and a pleasure to use, meeting the highest standards internationally for passenger experience, noise reduction, and environmental sustainability," he said.

"The construction of these trains will also leave a legacy for this country, boosting skills, generating employment and strengthening the manufacturing supply chain."

But, in order to leave a legacy, the provision of any steel for the constructions of trains and further infrastructure needs to be given to the Scunthorpe works.

Keep the pressure on the Government to hand the HS2 steel contract to the works by signing our petition.
My, my, how time flies when we are having redistricting fun.

Just look at the calendar  its 2017, and another U.S. Census is just three years down the road. And that means Wisconsin will have another chance to redraw its electoral maps for congressional and statehouse districts.

Thats probably a good thing, because the fight over the last redistricting, done after the 2010 Census, is still working its way through the courts  and has finally reached the U.S. Supreme Court.

The Wisconsin case poses, for the first time, the question of whether packing and cracking voters into districts for purely partisan advantage violates the U.S. Constitution.

Packing is the term for lumping as many voters who have historically favored one political party into a district in order to keep those voters from influencing the results in a neighboring area that might be more competitive.

Cracking is drawing the lines of a district to spread voters who favor one party over a wide area to lessen their influence.

Both techniques are used by political parties as they draw gerrymandered maps with the sole intent of maximizing their chances to gain seats and political power.

Its not new  both Democrats and Republicans here in Wisconsin, and elsewhere, have drawn the political maps to try to win as many districts as possible for decades. The objective being to control Congress and state legislatures when they have been in the majority and have wielded the redistricting stick.

Its about power  political power: Keeping control of statehouses and congressional districts, making them less competitive and taking away the rights of voters to decide whom they want to represent them.

In the last electoral redraw  the one that is being taken up by the Supreme Court  Republicans discarded the historic district lines in Racine and Kenosha counties and lumped the cities of Racine and Kenosha into the same state Senate district, creating one safe Democrat-leaning district while lessening the impact of the voters here to influence or win seats in two districts.

Over the years, the Supreme Court has taken up numerous cases over race-based redistricting  the most recent, just last week in North Carolina  where it rejected the packing of two congressional districts with predominantly black voters in order to minimize their votes in other districts.

But the high court had been reluctant to take on the issue of purely partisan redistricting until it agreed to consider whether the Wisconsin Assembly district map violates the equal protection clause of the 14th Amendment; it was drawn to neutralize the votes of Democrats, depriving them of representation.

Over the years, political parties have gotten better and better at gerrymandering to their advantage, thanks to better voter data information and computer technologies that allow better mapping.

And they have gotten bolder about their power-grabbing designs. A recent Chicago Tribune article noted that in the North Carolina dispute, 30 percent of the states voters are registered Republicans, but the party holds 10 of the states 13 congressional seats. As GOP lawmakers drew up their maps, one was quoted as saying the goal should be to stack 10 districts to favor Republicans because I do not believe its possible to draw a map with 11 Republicans and two Democrats.

We would hope the Supreme Court takes the Wisconsin case as an opportunity to reject the idea that politicians can  or should  use redistricting for their own partisan political gain by choosing their voters and instead affirm the idea that it is the voters who should choose the people it wants to represent them.

The criteria for electoral map-making should be communities of interest, geographical proximity, existing political boundaries, social and economic connections  and not the tortured, byzantine, stretched shapes and disconnected areas that politicians have created to grasp political advantage.
How has the states new Ethics Commission performed in its first year on the job?

Its tough to know, critics say, because much of what the commission does is kept secret. They say the fledgling commission is hindered by a law barring it from conducting some of its most vital functions in public view  and restricting its ability to probe alleged wrongdoing.

Current and former commissioners and other observers say theyve seen some heartening signs from the six-member commission, which acts as the states watchdog of political campaigns and candidates, public officials and those who seek to influence them.

Made up of three Republican appointees and three Democrats, the commission has, by nearly all accounts, defied predictions it would be paralyzed by partisanship.

But critics say the commission is handcuffed by legal limits on what it can disclose about its efforts to enforce campaign finance, ethics and lobbying laws. It also is much more limited than its predecessor, the Government Accountability Board, in its ability to investigate alleged violations of those laws.

Peg Lautenschlager, a former state attorney general and a former Democratic appointee to the Ethics Commission who was its chairwoman before she resigned in April, said the commission needs to change from a model in which everything is done behind closed doors.

To presume that this Ethics Commission was designed to address ethics violations would be a misstatement, Lautenschlager said.

In late 2015, GOP lawmakers and Gov. Scott Walker passed a law creating the Ethics Commission and its counterpart, the state Elections Commission, to replace the Government Accountability Board. The commissions began operating in June 2016.

A spokeswoman for Senate Majority Leader Scott Fitzgerald said in a statement that his office has heard no complaints or criticisms about the efficacy of the Ethics Commission.

Senator Fitzgerald has received no indication that the ethics commission is not functioning exactly the way it was intended to, Fitzgerald spokeswoman Myranda Tanck said.

Law, not commissioners or staff, at issue

In the legislative debate that led to the commissions creation, critics, most of them Democratic lawmakers and government-transparency groups, predicted it frequently would gridlock on party lines.

The commissions chief administrator, Brian Bell, said commissioners  Democratic appointees David Halbrooks, Timothy Van Akkeren and Jeralyn Wendelberger and Republicans Mac Davis, Katie McCallum and Pat Strachota  have operated largely by consensus so far.

According to Bell, who reviewed records of open and closed sessions of the commission, it hasnt had a single 3-3 party-line vote yet.

I dont think that we go in there thinking were Republicans or Democrats. I dont get that sense, said Strachota, a former five-term state Assembly lawmaker who briefly served as its majority leader.

Bell also said he has a good working relationship with commissioners and they have given him the support he needs to run its day-to-day operations.

Mike Wittenwyler, an attorney who represents campaign groups across the political spectrum that are regulated by the commission, agrees that partisanship hasnt been its problem. But Wittenwyler also said its obvious commissioners and staff are still finding their way.

Its clear that theyre still growing and theyre still learning, and they really havent found their groove yet, Wittenwyler said.

Turnover was an issue early as two commissioners, first Robert Kinney and then Lautenschlager, both Democratic appointees, stepped down.

Kinney, a state reserve judge from Rhinelander, blasted the commission as dysfunctional and ineffective in a letter announcing his departure.

Lautenschlager said her departure came primarily to avoid potential conflicts relating to the campaign of her son, Madison attorney Josh Kaul, whos running for state attorney general.

Yet Lautenschlager said she respects many of the concerns Kinney raised. Most of the problems, she said, stem not from the commission or its staff but from laws that govern it.

Strachota said its not the role of commissioners to debate those laws.

Our responsibility is to enforce the law

These are the debates that the Legislature has to have, she said. Our responsibility is to enforce the law as written.

The law bars the commission from initiating an investigation of potential campaign finance, ethics or lobbying violations, as the Government Accountability Board was permitted to do.

The Ethics Commission may investigate only allegations in response to a written complaint. At least four commissioners must decide that the complaint gives reasonable suspicion a violation occurred.

Lautenschlager said the investigatory threshold likely needs to be changed to make it easier for the commission to look into possible wrongdoing.

Some of the commissions secrecy mirrors how the accountability board operated.

The law ensures that complaints coming before the commission alleging violations of campaign finance, ethics or lobbying laws remain out of public view. So too are the commissions deliberations on whether to investigate complaints or how to respond to them, which are done in closed session.

The only information that becomes public comes after the commission decides how to address a complaint.

Even then, basic information such as the parties to the complaint  or the complaint itself  are kept confidential.

Kevin Kennedy, who directed the Government Accountability Board until retiring when it became defunct last June, said he disliked such secrecy requirements when they applied to the accountability board.

Only for ethics matters, he said, is there a strong argument for keeping such information confidential.

Individuals or groups that file complaints may  and sometimes do  release them publicly.

The Wisconsin Democracy Campaign, the Assembly Democratic Campaign Committee and the Republican Party of Wisconsin are among those that have done so in cases where they alleged violations of campaign finance law.

Commissioners aware of GAB criticisms

Republicans who created the commission scrapped the GAB because they said it showed partisan bias against the GOP and overstepped its authority on a range of enforcement matters.

The most high-profile of those was a John Doe investigation into Walkers 2012 recall campaign and conservative groups, in which the accountability board played a key role in assisting county prosecutors. The state Supreme Court halted the investigation in 2015.

Since the Ethics Commission began operating, Bell acknowledges that commissioners have been very aware of the criticisms of the GAB that staff had too much influence and control of decision-making.

The commission is more focused on administering the law than creating policy, Bell said.

But Wittenwyler said the commissions secrecy is problematic for individuals and groups that are regulated by it, such as the ones he represents.

He said the commission could do more under its existing authority to make public, in generic form, information about the commissions deliberations and decisions.

That way, individuals and groups overseen by the commission could have greater guidance on how to follow the law, he said.

One of the most frustrating things is trying to read the tea leaves instead of being able to see exactly how (commissioners) define things or how they interpret the law, Wittenwyler said.

Complaints arent the only way the commission fulfills its enforcement duties. Much of that work comes through auditing public officials, candidates, lobbyists, and campaign groups and organizations, according to its staff counsel, David Buerger.

Commission staff conducts 15 types of audits throughout the year to identify and address violations of both the campaign finance and lobbying laws, Buerger wrote in an email. He said the audits identify hundreds of violations  compared to the handful we are informed of by complaints.

Buerger said the commission provides general information about the audits but, as is the case with complaints, cannot reveal specifics.
Community meeting: Santa Clara Police Chief Michael Sellers hosts a community meeting on public safety issues from 7 to 8:30 p.m. at Montague Park, 3595 MacGregor Lane in Santa Clara. For information: http://bit.ly/2rktIDh.

Tuesday

Vigil: Jewish communities nationwide hold a candlelight vigil in support of refugees from 6 to 7 p.m. outside San Francisco City Hall, 1 Dr. Carlton B. Goodlett Place. For information: http://bit.ly/2rkMN8b.

Saturday

Candidate fundraiser: The Sister District Project holds a fundraiser with drinks and music to support Cheryl Turpin, Democratic candidate for the Virginia House of Delegates in the 85th District (Virginia Beach). The Sister District Project consists of volunteers who support Democratic state and congressional campaigns in historically red states. The event is from 6 to 9 p.m. at Spats Berkeley, 1974 Shattuck Ave. in Berkeley. For information: http://bit.ly/2ssaHOC.

Health care film: A showing of the 30-minute film Now Is the Time: Healthcare for Everybody, with speaker Sue Bergman, a nurse and supporter of the Healthy California Act, the proposal before the Legislature to create a single-payer health care system. The free event is at 7 p.m. at the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers, 6250 Village Parkway in Dublin. For information: (925) 462-3459 or flickknight@gmail.com.

Sunday

Sierra Club: The Sierra Club is seeking volunteers to recruit new members and educate people on environmental issues at Sunday Streets, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., in Golden Gate Park. The exact location is to be determined. For information, contact Katherine Howard at sfoceanedge@earthlink.net.

June 17

Ban the bomb: Womens March to Ban the Bomb, in support of U.N. negotiations on a treaty to ban nuclear weapons. Demonstrators will meet at 11:30 a.m. at the corner of El Camino Real and Embarcadero Road in Palo Alto. For information: wilpf.peninsula.paloalto@gmail.com.

Nuclear weapons film: A screening and discussion of The Nuclear Requiem, on the challenges of controlling nuclear weapons. The free, two-hour event starts at 3:30 p.m. at the Los Altos Public Librarys Orchard Room, 13 South San Antonio Road. For information: wilpf.peninsula.paloalto@gmail.com.

June 22

Coal and environment: A free screening of From the Ashes, a National Geographic documentary about coal, followed by a discussion on the environment and climate. The film begins at 7 p.m. at La Pena Cultural Center, 3105 Shattuck Ave. in Berkeley. For information: http://nocoalinoakland.info.
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It took roughly four hours Saturday for rock climber Alex Honnold to make an ascent so dangerous no one has ever tried it before: scaling Yosemites El Capitan with no rope.

Some called it a suicide mission. El Capitan is 3,000 feet of vertical granite, jutting straight to the sky. Many of its cracks are so small, they fit only one finger.

I mean, there are BASE-jumping stunts that require you to be on for 20 seconds, said Chris McNamara, a Lake Tahoe climber who spent many years diving and parachuting off giant rocks. And then theres tightrope-walking between the (World) Trade Centers, which is like a five-minute thing. But this  this is something where Alex had to be on for four hours.

And if he lost concentration for a moment, hed die.

Honnold, who grew up in Sacramento, began climbing at age 11. At 31, hes risen to become one of the worlds most high-profile risk-takers. In 2008, he scrambled up the Moonlight Buttress in Utahs Zion National Park and the northwest face of Yosemites Half Dome, completing both climbs without a rope. In 2015, he helped his friends Tommy Caldwell and Kevin Jorgeson in their historic free climb of El Capitans southeast face, which at that time was considered the hardest climb in history.

But there was a difference: Caldwell and Jorgeson had ropes anchored in the rock to catch them if they made a wrong move.

Honnold, who now lives in Las Vegas, said hes been dreaming about conquering El Capitan with no safety equipment for at least eight years.

And then each year Id come (to Yosemite) and look up at the wall, he said in a telephone interview. And Id think, Oh my God, how can I do it?

He began the quest in earnest about a year and a half ago, after two filmmakers approached him to be the subject of a documentary. Months later, directors Chai Vasarhelyi and Jimmy Chin got National Geographic to produce the film, which will be coming to theaters next year.

Id wanted to do El Cap for years, and it seemed like an objective worthy of a film, Honnold said. He started rehearsing the route, climbing it with partners and a rope, and occasionally hiking up to the summit to rappel himself down.

On Saturday, he and the film crew drove to the rock at about 5:30 a.m. Honnold had a few canisters of water and some energy bars stashed on various parts of the cliff. He would be taking a route called Free Rider  one of the most popular ascents, known for its giant crags and stretches of smooth rock. He wore grippy climbing shoes, put chalk on his hands, and then took a deep breath.

The hardest part was 2,300 feet off the ground, he said, back in his van a few hours later. Thats where you hit a part with a boulder problem. Theres short sections where youre moving from one crack to another, using very small holds. You have to get your body in tenuous positions. And one of the holds is a little thumb press that requires you to do this crazy maneuver  you have to switch from one thumb to the other.

The last 700 feet felt like exit-climbing, he said. As I got higher, I felt progressively better.

And then, at 9:28 a.m., he hoisted himself up the last bit of rock.

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Well, eventually someone was going to do this, said 57-year old Ken Yager, a former Yosemite climbing guide who estimates hes done 60 routes up El Capitan over the years.

And it might as well have been Alex, Yager said. I wrote him a text and said, I dont know whether to congratulate you or call you a knucklehead.

Honnold recounted those four hours in an even tone as calls from news outlets flooded in Saturday afternoon.

So much of this was about a mental hurdle, he said. It was about wrapping my mind around doing something big.

In reality, he said, Im pretty un-extreme.

Rachel Swan is a San Francisco Chronicle staff writer. Email: rswan@sfchronicle.com Twitter: @rachelswan
Kale Williams/The Chronicle

Just how Oakland and lawyers for the sexually exploited teenager at the center of a scandal involving several Bay Area police agencies came up with the figure of $989,000 to settle her legal claim against the city is a bit of a mystery.

Its a funny number, but Im sure there is a rationale for it  Im just not sure what it is, said East Bay attorney Dan Siegel, who has has handled many civil cases against the Oakland Police Department but was not a party in this matter. It may just have been that the citys position was, We wont pay $1 million, so someone suggested this.
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Leelee Daschbach Cusenza walked across the fog-hazed Golden Gate Bridge Saturday, tears streaming down her face.

The 62-year-old Pleasanton resident was joined by scores of gun violence survivors and demonstrators, clad in orange shirts, for the second annual march across the Golden Gate Bridge to honor National Gun Violence Awareness Day.

Cusenzas sister, Michele, went to Salon Meritage in Seal Beach in Orange County for a haircut on Oct. 12, 2011, and never returned.

Scott Evans Dekraai was involved in a child custody battle with his former wife. He went into the salon that day in October and killed his ex and seven others, including Cusenzas younger sister.

In that two minutes, lives were changed, Cusenza said.

Not only was Cusenzas world altered that day, so was that of her sisters three children, who were in their teens at the time. Dekraai pleaded guilty to the shooting on May 2, 2014, Cusenza said.

You sit there and think about the unfairness, Cusenza said. You have a list of 5,000 what-ifs. What if she hadnt been there, or if the appointment had been changed?

Shannon Watts, the founder of Moms Demand Action, an organization pushing for legislative action and gun reform, came to San Francisco Friday evening from Colorado to lead the march. She said similar marches and events were planned for cities across the nation.

I watched mass shooting after mass shooting, Watts said, explaining why she started Moms Demand Action, even though she herself hadnt been a victim of gun violence. If I dont do something, Ill be culpable.

Gun violence kills more than 90 people a day nationwide and injures hundreds more, Watts told the crowd of people gathered at the Marin Vista Point, after marching from San Francisco.

Demonstrators carried signs that read Gun violence is a public health issue and Background checks save lives.

California has the most stringent gun laws in the country, Watts said, but its not enough. Her work wont be over until federal regulations are passed that require background checks and restrict sales of guns to people with mental health issues and those with a history of domestic violence.

In November, California voters approved Proposition 63, an initiative that bans the possession of ammunition magazines that hold more than 10 rounds, requires background checks for people purchasing bullets and makes it a crime for individuals to not report lost or stolen guns.

People often forget that for each victim, theres family members. Theres children. Theres parents. Theres first responders who are all affected, said Cusenza, who also had on an orange shirt and a pink hat with cat ears, the same hat worn by participants in the Womens March the day after President Trumps inauguration in January.

The demonstrators Saturday wore orange because its the color often worn by hunters, Watts said.

We are saying, We are human, dont shoot us, Watts said to the sea of orange standing before her.

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House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi wore orange during a press conference Friday as she remembered Hadiya Pendleton, a high schooler from the South Side of Chicago, who was killed on Jan. 21, 2013 when a shooting occurred at a playground in that city.

Soon after, Hadiya's childhood friends commemorated her life by wearing orange, Pelosi said. And so this day (June 2), which would have been her birthday, is the day that we wear orange.

In San Francisco, Richard Martinez drove in from San Luis Obispo County to participate in the march. He gripped a sign that read, Schools R 4 Learning. Not Lockdowns.

On the sleeve of his jacket was a pin, with a crack across the middle, that bore a photo of his son, Christopher Ross Michaels-Martinez.

Christopher, who was a student at UC Santa Barbara, was killed at the age of 20 at the Isla Vista shooting near the university campus on May 23, 2014, along with five others.

He was such a wonderful kid, and now hes gone and theres nothing we can do to bring him back, Martinez said. I just dont want other families to lose kids like we lost ours.

Sarah Ravani is a San Francisco Chronicle staff writer. Email: sravani@sfchronicle.com Twitter: @SarRavani
David Cruz Hernandez felt euphoric as he cleared tables at a restaurant in June 2012. News was breaking of President Barack Obamas effort to shield from deportation hundreds of thousands of people who were brought to the country as children, while giving them access to work permits.

For Cruz Hernandez, then a 23-year-old UC Santa Cruz student, the program called Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals, or DACA, seemed a solution to his life of uncertainty. He raced home that night and pulled up the eligibility rules on his iPad in bed.

Applicants must have arrived in the U.S. before June 2007. Check. They must be in school. Check. They must have entered the country before their 16th birthday.

Oh, he said to himself. He had crossed the border when he was 16 years and 9 months old.

Five years later, Cruz Hernandez remains anguished by his narrow miss. And he is part of a large group of people who have graduated from a California university or are on the path toward graduating, despite having no legal status, no pathway to a work permit and no protection from deportation.

Paul Chinn/The Chronicle

These students are similar in profile to the Dreamers who qualified for DACA  who number more than 200,000 in California  but face dwindling options on graduation day, even though they arrived as juveniles and were provided strong educations, often with taxpayer-funded aid.

Their plight illustrates the divide between state and federal approaches to immigration enforcement, especially under President Trump, who is seeking to dismantle sanctuary policies and build a wall at the southern border because he says illegal immigration is dangerous and hurts the economic prospects of legal citizens.

There is no doubt that without administrative relief  in the form of deferred action and employment authorization or broad federal relief  their prospects are greatly diminished, said Pratheepan Gulasekaram, a professor and immigration law expert at Santa Clara University. Thats a shame for them and for us  its educated, productive young people being kept out of the workforce.

For Cruz Hernandez, the difference of nine months is profound.

After finishing at UC Santa Cruz, he went on to San Francisco State, where he recently graduated with a masters degree in molecular biology. But instead of perhaps seeking a biotech job in the Bay Area, hes decided to depart his home in San Francisco for a prestigious university in England, where he will pursue a doctorate.

He knows he may never again see his parents, who are undocumented farmworkers in California. But without a work permit and assurance that hell be safe in the country, he feels he cant stay.

Its heartbreaking, he said. But I have to leave  otherwise its going to be the same. I cannot depend on the government to accomplish my dreams. I need to do something.

Paul Chinn/The Chronicle

Advocates for Bay Area immigrants say Cruz Hernandezs story is not unusual. As the Trump administration has ramped up immigration enforcement across the country, they said, many of these students are increasingly worried about their very existence in the country.

Every day you have to think twice before you go outside  you just want to go to class, go home and stay in the same area, said Alejandro, a junior at UC Berkeley who is undocumented and did not qualify for DACA because he arrived in the country in 2008 at the age of 13. I have dreams about being deported.

Valeria, a student at Santa Clara University studying engineering, came to the country with her family in 2011, when she was 16. Like Alejandro, she asked to be identified only by her first name, because she fears being targeted by immigration agents.

I am overly vigilant now, she said. I am afraid of getting stopped or speaking out.

This group is difficult to quantify. California public colleges, including community colleges, had between 74,800 and 87,000 undocumented students in 2017, according to estimates from the nonprofit Campaign for College Opportunity.

Katharine Gin, executive director of Educators for Fair Consideration, a San Francisco group that helps undocumented students pursue college degrees and careers, said up to 20 percent of undocumented students in four-year California colleges and universities  and a higher percentage in community colleges  are not eligible for DACA.

Nationwide, more than 300,000 individuals, including Alejandro, could have qualified under an expanded version of DACA that Obama sought in 2014. That program pushed the year of arrival to January 2010, but was blocked in federal court.

In any event, California is home to many students who may have to retreat deeper into the shadows after graduation, unable to fully tap their education, experts said.

It doesnt make a lot of sense that federal law would prevent the public from benefiting from that investment, Gulasekaram said.

To proponents of tougher immigration policies, the quandary has little to do with the federal government and everything to do with decisions made by undocumented students, their families, and states that protect them and encourage them to seek an education. Some states, such as Georgia, block access to public colleges for students who are in the country illegally.

Paul Chinn/The Chronicle

Jessica Vaughan, director of policy at the Center for Immigration Studies in Washington, which favors more restrictive immigration policies, said the criteria for DACA was always arbitrary. Expanding the program, she said, would bring more competition to American citizens for educational opportunities and jobs.

I think its unfortunate that the DACA program gave people in that situation an expectation that they too would be able to stay and work here, she said. Awarding more people a benefit that is not grounded in law is not going to help the situation.

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Many graduates who arent eligible for DACA have decided to work in lower-paying jobs that dont require proof of citizenship. This group includes Emilio, 37, who graduated with a double major from UC Berkeley and a masters degree from San Jose State in urban planning, but has no work permit or status.

Emilio, who asked to be identified by a pseudonym, came to the country at age 15 but was ineligible for DACA because he was 32 when it was announced  two years too old. He would have qualified under Obamas expanded DACA program, which eliminated the age requirement.

These days, he works in a Bay Area restaurant, with his professional dreams on hold for the foreseeable future.

It is just part of life, he said, Some people have to take a longer path to get where you want to be and accomplish your goals. I have been preparing in school for that opportunity.

Others try different paths, such as working as independent contractors or even starting their own businesses.

The opportunities are limited, Gin said. Its a source of hope but in the grand scheme of things, its limited.

For Cruz Hernandez, now 28, the days of waiting for immigration reform are over. He decided to leave the U.S. more than a year ago, but his choice was reinforced after the 2016 election.

In recent months, he has tried to brace his parents to the idea of him leaving, often dropping hints he might go somewhere else one day. Two weeks ago, on a visit home, he finally told them of his plans.

Dad, Cruz Hernandez said to his father as he sat on the couch, Im going to go abroad to pursue my education because Im not going to make it here.

His father, a day laborer who worked long hours to provide for the family, sat quietly, his eyes closing and opening, his throat swallowing over and over.

His mother, who has also worked for years picking fruit, looked at him and said, You have to do whatever you have to do to continue your career.

Hamed Aleaziz is a San Francisco Chronicle staff writer. Email: haleaziz@sfchronicle.com Twitter: @Haleaziz
WASHINGTON  President Trumps decision to abandon the Paris Accord will slow the battle against climate change in the U.S., but theres too much momentum in the nations clean-energy economy to shut it down, energy experts say.

Trumps move on Thursday sent a shock wave through the renewable energy sector, said Mark Bauhaus, a partner at Just Business, a San Francisco tech incubator. But the business opportunity in the so-called decarbonization of the economy is bigger than the Internet, he said.

We have to remake the economy for low-carbon, clean energy, efficient everything: transportation, agriculture, appliances, houses, generation, all the grids, Bauhous said. The fact that the federal government is going backwards doesnt change that inexorable momentum.

Two broad trends have driven the countrys growing reliance on renewable energy. One is the plummeting cost of solar and wind power, now cheaper in many circumstances than electricity from plants that burn fossil fuels. The other is the increasingly visible evidence that damage from a warming climate will bear an enormous cost.

The combination, analysts say, is driving city and state governments, businesses and individuals alike to embrace the new forms of energy, even in deep-red states.

The city of Carmel  not the California coastal enclave, but a Republican-dominated town in Indiana  has committed the community to 100 percent renewable energy in 20 years, Mayor Jim Brainard said in a conference call Friday. The plan began long before the Paris Accord.

Carmel is changing its design, from installing walking and biking trails to adding hundreds of traffic roundabouts that each save 25,000 gallons of fuel a year, Brainard said. And the city is replacing its streetlights with energy-efficient LEDs.

Other cities are going to do the same thing, he said. Those forces are far stronger and make a lot more difference than the presidents proclamation.

California Gov. Jerry Brown, a Democrat, may have seemed to be on a quixotic tangent when in 2015 he linked up with the German state of Baden-Wurttemberg to found the Under 2 Coalition, an organization of states, regions and cities that have pledge to reduce their greenhouse gas emissions to net-zero by 2050.

Currently in China to expand the Under 2 Coalition, Brown has gained the national spotlight as Trumps chief climate antagonist. On Thursday, he countered Trumps announcement by forming a new coalition with the governors of Washington and New York to try to meet the goal American negotiators agreed to in Paris in 2015  to cut nationwide emissions at least 26 percent below 2005 levels by 2025.

Former New York Mayor Michael Bloomberg followed Browns path on Friday, forging yet another coalition of cities, states and businesses to try to meet the U.S. targets. So far, 30 mayors, three governors and more than 80 university presidents and over 100 businesses have signed on.

Last month, Atlanta officials committed to operating on 100 percent renewable energy, joining 27 other cities.

Twenty-nine states now have standards for increasing their use of renewable power. California gets more than 27 percent of its electricity from renewable sources, and state law requires 50 percent by 2030.

States can also set energy-efficiency standards for buildings and adopt policies encouraging the use of lower-carbon fuels. They can help fund mass transit, while local governments can shape land-use policies to build more housing near transit or job centers in an effort to cut commutes.

They can even try tackling greenhouse gas emissions directly through a cap-and-trade system or a tax on carbon emissions, although no state has adopted a carbon tax. California has a cap-and-trade system that covers most of the economy, while nine northeastern states use cap and trade to limit emissions from power plants.

Youre talking about a long list here of important policies that arent federal, said Mark Muro, senior fellow with the Brookings Institution. Weve somewhat underestimated that set of potential actions. And like it or not, the nation is now going to have to see how much we can leverage from bottom-up activity.

But some analysts say, as meaningful as the efforts are, they probably wont be enough to make up for the goal set down in Paris.

Without re-engagement at the federal level, presumably starting in 2021, that target will be hard to meet, even with ambitious actions at the state and local levels, said Kevin Kennedy, deputy director of the U.S. Climate Initiative at the World Resources Institute think tank.

If anything, though, the decision to withdraw from the Paris Accord may have provided a heightened incentive to move forward, said Andrew Beebe, managing director of Obvious Ventures, a venture capital firm in San Francisco that focuses on businesses that operate on environmental and social problems.

Businesses feel a sense of greater vigilance and need to step in and make these things happen, but they were already there, Beebe said. Utility executives are not going to suddenly say, Lets start building coal plants. They build on 20-year horizons, and this presidency has another seven years at most.

Other major factors that will keep driving the change to renewable energy are the plummeting price of solar and wind power across the country  a recent study from financial advisory firm Lazard found both to be cheaper in most circumstances than new coal-fired generation  and lifestyle benefits associated with it.

People are not stupid. They see that its much cheaper and much healthier and much better for their kids survival to go to clean renewable energy, said Mark Jacobson, a professor of environmental engineering at Stanford University.

A less recognized force propelling many people to reduce emissions is the increasing obviousness of the damage from climate change, and the costs of adapting to it, said John Holdren, who served as President Barack Obamas science adviser.

All around the world, were seeing increases in torrential downpours and associated flooding directly attributable to climate change, Holdren said. We are seeing increases in the intensity and length of heat waves. Were seeing in drought-prone regions increases in drought.

Were seeing increases in the annual area burned by wildfires, he continued. Were seeing thawing in the permafrost and the release of additional greenhouse gases. Were seeing the disappearance of mountain glaciers, coastal glaciers and the great ice sheets on Greenland and Antarctica, losing ice at an increasing pace, raising sea level, with resulting increasing damages and nuisance flooding on almost every high tide in low-lying places.

Trumps decision will have an adverse impact, Holdren said, but it can be partly alleviated by what states, cities, individuals, businesses and civil society decide to do.

Californias aggressive climate change efforts, now more than 10 years old, have produced results. But progress has taken time.

The states greenhouse gas emissions peaked in 2004, at 487.6 million metric tons. By 2014, the most recent year for which data are available, emissions had fallen 9.5 percent. The historic drought, which slashed the output of Californias hydroelectric dams, didnt help. Neither did the surprise closure in 2012 of the San Onofre nuclear plant.

And while California produces fewer greenhouse gases per person than does the country as a whole, the states 2014 per capita emissions of 11.4 tons remain well above those of China (7.6 tons per person), India (1.8 tons) and the European Union (6.7 tons).

Our policies are just now beginning to ramp up and reduce carbon across our economy, said Laura Wisland, a senior energy analyst at the Union of Concerned Scientists. If we continue to stay that course, we will begin to see very dramatic reductions in carbon in the coming years.

Ali Zaidi, Obamas former energy adviser, now at the Morrison Foerster law firm and a scholar at Stanford University, said the economics of clean energy are now hardwired to the point where it will continue penetrating the economy. The only question is how fast and whos going to lead us getting there.

As Trump proposes slashing climate spending, China has announced a $360 billion investment in renewable energy.

If were not innovating the next generation of (photovoltaic) cells and modules in the United States, Zaidi said, theres no question about where those jobs are going to expand.

Carolyn Lochhead and David Baker are San Francisco Chronicle staff writers. Email: clochhead@sfchronicle.com, dbaker@sfchronicle.com Twitter: @carolynlochhead, @DavidBakerSF

U.S. renewable energy revenue

Annual revenue in millions of dollars, broken down into seven main segments of renewable energy:

Segment 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 Pct. change Building efficiency 35,319 39,314 43,781 57,746 63,736 68,826 +94.9 Electricity generation 38,813 43,943 30,404 44,537 48,280 52,187 +34.5 Fuel production* 43,164 47,337 48,390 49,048 35,708 28,944 -32.9 Transportation 11,709 18,045 25,106 24,848 22,933 21,820 +86.4 Electricity delivery and management 8,055 14,144 10,599 14,636 18,471 18,982 +135.7 Industry (machinery and equipment) 4,202 5,452 6,733 7,185 7,703 8,283 +97.1 Fuel delivery 227 378 252 283 186 178 -21.6 Total 141,488 168,613 165,264 198,283 197,016 199,221 +40.8

* Ethanol revenue took a huge hit due to low oil, gasoline and corn feedstock prices
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LONDON - Less than 24 hours after terrorists killed seven people and injured dozens more in the heart of London, the latest attack to hit Britain this spring became a campaign issue on Sunday, with just four days to go before an unpredictable national election .

Rival party leaders lashed out at one another as police raided homes and carried out a dozen arrests, and as the nation mourned. Tens of thousands attended a benefit concert that was originally intended to honor the dead from last month's suicide bombing in Manchester but was expanded to recognize the newest victims in London.

Following the Manchester attack, Saturday night's van-and-knife rampage was the second mass-casualty attack to intrude on the homestretch of a parliamentary campaign that was once thought certain to end in a landslide for Prime Minister Theresa May. But the race has tightened in recent weeks, and terrorism has introduced an unexpected variable.

With her premiership on the line, May on Sunday took an aggressive and combative tone, telling the nation that "enough is enough" and insisting there is "far too much tolerance for extremism in our country."

"Things need to change," May said in a speech outside the prime minister's residence at 10 Downing Street.

She blamed the attack on the "evil ideology of Islamist extremism," called for a thorough review of the nation's counterterrorism policies and suggested she will take a much tougher line if she wins Thursday's vote.

The speech was criticized by the opposition Labour Party as a thinly veiled jab at their far-left leader, Jeremy Corbyn, whom May has often accused of coddling anti-Western militants. May, Corbyn's backers insisted, had politicized the attack.

But by evening, Corbyn had hit back with his own political response to the killing, accusing May and her Conservative allies of weakening security services through years of austerity.

"You cannot protect the public on the cheap," Corbyn said in a speech in the northern English city of Carlisle that ended a brief pause in formal campaigning. "The police and security services must get the resources they need, not 20,000 police cuts."

Corbyn also derided President Trump, accusing him of lacking both "grace" and "sense" after the U.S. leader twisted a quote from London Mayor Sadiq Khan in order to launch an attack on the West's most prominent Muslim politician.

May, who has gone to great lengths to cultivate ties with Trump, had earlier defended Khan while carefully avoiding any criticism of the U.S. president.

The multi-layered controversy came as investigators were just beginning to try to unravel details of the assailants and plot behind the killings, which jolted the country Saturday night.

At just after 10 p.m. that evening, three men plowed a rented Renault van into a crowd of pedestrians on London Bridge before getting out and using knives to slash bar and restaurant patrons at the nearby Borough Market.

The attackers were fatally shot by police within eight minutes of the first emergency call, with eight officers firing a total of 50 rounds at men who had donned camouflage and fake suicide vests to carry out the carnage.

British authorities did not identify the victims. But Canada's prime minister and France's foreign minister both confirmed that their nationals were among the dead.

Metropolitan Police Assistant Commissioner Mark Rowley said in a late afternoon news conference on Sunday that investigators were still trying to confirm the identities of the attackers and that they were "increasingly confident" there were no other perpetrators. He said police still had "more to do" to determine whether the assailants had any help in planning the attack.

Rowley praised the performance of officers in responding to the attack - a view that was echoed almost universally on Sunday - and described the number of shots fired as "unprecedented" in a country where most officers do not carry a firearm and those who do rarely, if ever, use it.

The fusillade, Rowley said, was necessary "to be completely confident [officers] had neutralized the threat that those men posed."

At least 48 people were injured in the attack - including one bystander who was shot by an errant police bullet and was expected to recover. Four officers were among the injured. Rowley said Sunday that 21 of those injured are in critical condition.

As doctors and nurses tended to the wounded, police carried out raids in the east London neighborhood of Barking in a signal that authorities are probing at least the possibility that others may have been involved in the planning of the attack. A dozen people were arrested, police said.

In Barking, neighbors said police had taken at least five people away early Sunday from a mixed-income, 10-story building believed to have been home to one of the attackers. Neighbors said that they heard loud bangs during the raid and that one of the men who was ultimately arrested had tried to flee.

Even as the investigation intensified, authorities did not raise the nation's threat level, as they had after a bombing in Manchester last month. The decision suggested authorities do not believe another attack is imminent, though under the existing "severe" rating, one is highly likely.

There was no claim of responsibility for Saturday night's rampage. But investigators were focused on the likelihood that the attack had been inspired, if not directed, by the Islamic State, which claimed responsibility Sunday (though similar claims in the past have been shown to be unreliable). The militant group has called on its followers to carry out attacks in the West, especially during the holy month of Ramadan.

Saturday's killings follow both the Manchester attack as well as a March attack that was eerily similar in style to the one that unfolded at and around London Bridge, with an attacker ramming pedestrians on a different Thames River crossing and stabbing to death a police officer at the gates of Parliament.

The three recent attacks were not connected, May said. But she described it as "a new trend" in which terrorists are "copying one another and often using the crudest means of attack."

May did not detail her plans for confronting the threat. But she floated the idea of tougher prison sentences for less serious terrorism-related offenses and called on tech companies to do more to crack down on extremist content online.

Facebook responded with a statement calling for "strong partnerships" between tech firms and policymakers.

May also seemed to acknowledge Sunday that British security services are struggling to keep up as the scale of the threat grows. The services say they have disrupted at least 18 plots in recent years. But they have about 3,000 suspected extremists on watch lists - far too many to actively monitor at all times.

Previous attacks have been carried out by people who had been flagged to the security services for concern but had been judged to be peripheral to any active plots.

May had returned from the campaign trail to 10 Downing Street late Saturday for emergency meetings with security officials. On Sunday morning, all the major parties, including May's Conservatives, suspended campaigning.

Amid speculation that the election could be postponed, May quickly announced that it would go ahead as scheduled, a position that was endorsed by her rivals. Corbyn told Sky News that "democracy must prevail. If we allow these attacks to disrupt our democratic process, then we all lose."

Khan's comments were in reference to an escalated police presence on the streets of London. But Trump incorrectly implied they were a comment on the attack itself.

Khan's office released a statement saying the mayor "has more important things to do than respond to Donald Trump's ill-informed tweet."

Trump's tweets were widely mocked in Britain, where the overwhelming mood was one of unity against terrorism and praise for security services.

The police cordon around London Bridge and Borough Market was gradually reduced Sunday, as forensics teams continued to secure evidence and heavily armed officers guarded empty streets. On several streets leading toward Borough Market, tourists and London residents had dropped flowers. Signs reading "ISIS will lose. #Love will win" were attached at street signs.

On Sunday evening, the pop star who performed in Manchester on the night of the concert attack, Ariana Grande, performed again in a charity concert to benefit the victims.

"I love you guys so much," an emotional Grande told the crowd of 50,000 that had packed into a cricket ground amid extraordinary security. "This night is the kind of thing the world really needs right now."

---

The Washington Post's William Booth in London and Rick Noack contributed to this report.

_ _ _ _

VIDEO: Three men in a speeding van mowed down pedestrians on London Bridge before getting out and stabbing patrons at nearby bars and restaurants on June 3. (The Washington Post)

URL: http://wapo.st/2qTw1Lq

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A suspect has been arrested in the killing of a 33-year-old Australian tourist who was beaten to death just outside a hotel in San Franciscos Polk Gulch neighborhood, authorities said Saturday.

No further information was immediately available on the suspect who was arrested.
A police officer shot a man suspected of driving a stolen vehicle in a San Leandro neighborhood early Sunday, officials said.

The suspect, who was not identified, was taken to a hospital where he was alert and in stable condition, said San Leandro police spokesman Lt. Isaac Benabou.

The incident unfolded around 3 a.m. when two officers encountered the suspect on St. Marys Avenue near Begier Avenue.

At least one of the officers shot the suspect after a confrontation. Police are investigating the circumstances of the shooting and did not elaborate on what happened.

Neither officer was injured in the incident.

Evan Sernoffsky is a San Francisco Chronicle staff writer. Email: esernoffsky@sfchronicle.com Twitter: @EvanSernoffsky
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It took roughly four hours Saturday for rock climber Alex Honnold to make an ascent so dangerous no one has ever tried it before: scaling Yosemites El Capitan with no rope.

Some called it a suicide mission. El Capitan is 3,000 feet of vertical granite, jutting straight to the sky. Many of its cracks are so small, they fit only one finger.

I mean, there are BASE-jumping stunts that require you to be on for 20 seconds, said Chris McNamara, a Lake Tahoe climber who spent many years diving and parachuting off giant rocks. And then theres tightrope-walking between the (World) Trade Centers, which is like a five-minute thing. But this  this is something where Alex had to be on for four hours.

And if he lost concentration for a moment, hed die.

Honnold, who grew up in Sacramento, began climbing at age 11. At 31, hes risen to become one of the worlds most high-profile risk-takers. In 2008, he scrambled up the Moonlight Buttress in Utahs Zion National Park and the northwest face of Yosemites Half Dome, completing both climbs without a rope. In 2015, he helped his friends Tommy Caldwell and Kevin Jorgeson in their historic free climb of El Capitans southeast face, which at that time was considered the hardest climb in history.

But there was a difference: Caldwell and Jorgeson had ropes anchored in the rock to catch them if they made a wrong move.

Honnold, who now lives in Las Vegas, said hes been dreaming about conquering El Capitan with no safety equipment for at least eight years.

And then each year Id come (to Yosemite) and look up at the wall, he said in a telephone interview. And Id think, Oh my God, how can I do it?

He began the quest in earnest about a year and a half ago, after two filmmakers approached him to be the subject of a documentary. Months later, directors Chai Vasarhelyi and Jimmy Chin got National Geographic to produce the film, which will be coming to theaters next year.

Id wanted to do El Cap for years, and it seemed like an objective worthy of a film, Honnold said. He started rehearsing the route, climbing it with partners and a rope, and occasionally hiking up to the summit to rappel himself down.

On Saturday, he and the film crew drove to the rock at about 5:30 a.m. Honnold had a few canisters of water and some energy bars stashed on various parts of the cliff. He would be taking a route called Free Rider  one of the most popular ascents, known for its giant crags and stretches of smooth rock. He wore grippy climbing shoes, put chalk on his hands, and then took a deep breath.

The hardest part was 2,300 feet off the ground, he said, back in his van a few hours later. Thats where you hit a part with a boulder problem. Theres short sections where youre moving from one crack to another, using very small holds. You have to get your body in tenuous positions. And one of the holds is a little thumb press that requires you to do this crazy maneuver  you have to switch from one thumb to the other.

The last 700 feet felt like exit-climbing, he said. As I got higher, I felt progressively better.

And then, at 9:28 a.m., he hoisted himself up the last bit of rock.

Well, eventually someone was going to do this, said 57-year old Ken Yager, a former Yosemite climbing guide who estimates hes done 60 routes up El Capitan over the years.

And it might as well have been Alex, Yager said. I wrote him a text and said, I dont know whether to congratulate you or call you a knucklehead.

Honnold recounted those four hours in an even tone as calls from news outlets flooded in Saturday afternoon.

So much of this was about a mental hurdle, he said. It was about wrapping my mind around doing something big.

In reality, he said, Im pretty un-extreme.

Rachel Swan is a San Francisco Chronicle staff writer. Email: rswan@sfchronicle.com Twitter: @rachelswan
NASHVILLE  Police and security guards keep watch as thousands of children zigzag through Nashvilles downtown bus hub each morning and afternoon, catching buses to home and school.

Barring a court challenge this month, the authorities probably wont be alone in carrying lethal firepower through the Music City Central station. A law signed by Gov. Bill Haslam that takes effect July 1 will force Nashville to let people carry loaded guns there and potentially even on the city buses thousands of students ride each day.

The law gives local governments an ultimatum: Either let handgun permit-holders carry guns, or invest in metal detectors and security guards to inspect bags wherever people enter public facilities.

But transit officials say its logistically impossible to add metal detectors at stations and secure all city buses. Even trying to apply airport-style security to a public transit system would cost millions and create commuter chaos, they say.

The law has officials in Tennessees large cities fearing for childrens lives, but Republican state lawmakers who approved the change in a largely party-line vote said the law enables people to properly defend themselves.

Both groups point to the same crime to prove their point: a shooting at the bus hub last year that wounded four teenagers and sent middle schoolers and other travelers scrambling for cover.

The policy is another example of conservative lawmakers from rural districts restricting more liberal policies in urban areas. Tennessees Republican-led legislature also nixed ordinances in Nashville and Memphis this year that would have discouraged criminal charges for possessing small amounts of marijuana.

The National Rifle Association said the law holds local governments responsible for keeping citizens safe. Opposition has mostly come from Knoxville and Nashville, where school board chairwoman Anna Shepherd said the law puts the NRA ahead of the safety of our students, and thats just not right.

We have 88,000 students in our school district. We cant afford to have one accidentally shot, Shepherd said.

Nashvilles Metropolitan Transit Authority is still reviewing the law to determine how best to comply, said spokeswoman Amanda Clelland.

Jonathan Mattise is an Associated Press writer.
35 injured in Kavre bus accident

At least 35 persons were injured when a passenger bus fell off the road at Tinpiple in Kavre district on Sunday.
44k police deployed in the East for poll security

As many as 44,000 security personnel including the Nepal Police and Armed Police Force members have been mobilised in the 16 districts of the eastern region for the upcoming round of local level elections.
Climate crisis

Nepal is an agrarian mountainous country situated in the central Himalayas, with an altitude ranging from 60m to 8848m. Within this climatic range, the mountain ecosystem of Nepal nurtures around 118 ecosystems, 75 types of vegetation and 35 types of forest.
Binod Ghimire covers parliamentary affairs and human rights for The Kathmandu Post. Since joining the Post in 2010, he has reported primarily on social issues, focusing on education and transitional justice.
Dr KC warns of hunger strike from tomorrow

Dr Govinda KC, an othropaedic surgeon at the Tribhuvan University Teaching Hospital, called off his plan to start his hunger strike from Saturday but gave the government until Monday to fulfil his demands.
Girls found dead under mysterious circumstance

Two girls died under mysterious circumstances in Chitwan district on Saturday. The deceased have been identified as 10-year-old Deepika Sunar and 11-year-old Deepsila Pariyar, both residents of Ramrajyapur in Madi-6 of the district.
ULM  Rick Bogden raises cattle on the northwestern flank of Trumpland. The dusty gravel road that terminates in the Montana rancher's driveway is punctuated with a sign bearing the president's promise to "Make America Great Again."

On this day, Bodgen and a dozen other farmers and ranchers are expecting to hear exactly how Donald Trump intends to make good on that promise for agriculture. There's a motorcade of dark Suburbans approaching the ranch. New U.S. Agriculture Secretary Sonny Perdue is in the back seat of one, along with Senate Agriculture Committee Chairman Pat Roberts of Kansas and Montana Sen. Steve Daines, who is also an Ag Committee member.

Bogden's dogs are locked up in the barn. There are Secret Service agents posted on the lawn.

Up to this point, it hasn't been clear exactly what Trump has in mind for farm country. Trade is the horse that pulls Montana's economic wagon. Agriculture is the state's largest industry with up to $5 billion a year in products sold, mostly to buyers in the Asia-Pacific region.

Montana's six million acres of wheat account for the nation's third-largest harvest, which is mostly exported to Japan. The state has the nation's largest pea and lentil crop with sales in India and China. Montana's cattle outnumber its humans two to one. And there's a little Montana barley malt in every refrigerated display case of Mexican beer.

The new administration

Trump's message on trade has been worrisome for ag country. The president campaigned on the notion that the North American Free Trade Agreement was a bad deal for United States manufacturing and needed to be retooled if not thrown out. The 13-nation Trans Pacific Partnership  which promised better terms for the export of U.S. cattle and wheat in key markets like Japan and Vietnam  became a political punching bag during the 2016 election and was declared down for the count soon after.

Nonetheless, ag voters committed to Trump early and stayed on the bandwagon. There was enough discontent in farm country about federal regulations concerning everything from truck driving to water quality that voters were willing to gamble on trade policy.

"I was a Trump supporter from day one, as soon as he announced," Bogden said. "The people around here were pretty much willing to follow him because they've had enough of this stuff."

Farming is all about risk. There's never been a crop planted that hail couldn't flatten, never a winter calf born wet that couldn't be frozen to the ground. Bodgen keeps a picture on the wall of the canvas tent his parents lived in when they first broke ground in Ulm. And it wasn't the Dirty 30s. It was 1960.

The message conveyed by Perdue, first at Bodgens ranch and then to a crowd of 700 in Great Falls a day later, was that agri-trade would be a priority.

"While the agriculture community thought TPP was a great deal (and) may be temporarily disappointed, I think they're going to see that this administration means business in trade," Perdue said.

Perdue, who was confirmed in April, plans to create an undersecretary of trade position in the USDA. Agriculture is one of the few areas where the United States actually sells more product to other countries than it imports. That's a success Perdue said the Trump administration wants more of.

The idea of a trade undersecretary isn't new. The 2014 farm bill called for a USDA trade undersecretary, but the positon wasn't filled.

Some say creating the undersecretary positon is coming at too high of a price. The Trump administration has proposed a $4.7 billion cut to discretionary spending at the USDA and plans to eliminate the undersecretary of rural development, a move senators balked at.

"This budget is irresponsible and will hurt rural America and Montana's economy, while giving tax cuts to the wealthy and wasting billions on an ineffective wall," said Sen. Jon Tester, D-Mont, in a press release about cuts not only to USDA, but across federal government. "We need to reduce wasteful spending and get a handle on our debt, but this budget doesn't do that. It will hurt Montana farmers and ranchers."

Rural development staff would be cut 19 percent nationally. Perdue said the he will oversee the program directly once the undersecretary of rural development is eliminated. There are also cuts coming to food stamps and farm subsidies. Perdue said farmers shouldn't be investing a dollar in federally subsidized crop insurance expecting a $1.10 return.

"You wouldn't buy home insurance and hope that your house burned down, would you?" The secretary said.

Food stamps weren't expected to be a way of life, and farm subsidies shouldn't be either; that was the message Perdue, a former Georgia governor and veterinarian, conveyed. His family raises wheat and sells grain for ethanol.

Sen. Roberts said repeatedly over two days that Congress writes the budget and Trump's proposed cuts will not stand. No president's cuts have in the past, he said. The only lawmaker to have ever chaired both the House and Senate agriculture committees, Roberts said farmers' trade interests were also never in jeopardy.

Bolstering trade

There's been a pivot toward promoting agriculture trade, starting with the appointment of Robert Lighthizer as U.S. Trade Representative, Roberts said.

Lighthizer worked for USTR during the Ronald Reagan presidency. He promised during his Senate confirmation to deliver tougher enforcement of trade terms, while also promoting new bilateral trade agreements.

"The administration this president has is very pro-trade," Roberts said. "He wants strong, bilateral agreements for the United States. Robert Lighthizer has said, let's go right back to TPP countries and see if we can't do that. The same with Japan, the same with South Korea, the same with Vietnam. It was farmers and ranchers who brought the president home."

Daines said he's hopeful that bilateral trade agreements can be cobbled together using the preferred parts of TPP and produce better results. The challenge with the multinational trade agreement was that the terms also had to pass muster with countries that were smaller and not as developed, which meant making concessions that would not be given to developed trading partners like Japan in a bilateral deal.

"Of course there's disappointment by the Japanese about the lack of a TPP deal, but I think we're going to get a better deal with a bilateral agreement and I can tell you the relationship between the United States and Japan at this moment is at one of the best places it's been in decades, Daines said.

Past presidential trade teams have been quick to jettison agriculture trade terms if agreements on other products were ready to go. In 2011, then-U.S. Sen. Max Baucus refused to advance a free trade agreement with South Korea until trade terms for U.S. beef were ironed out.

Charged with presenting the free trade agreement to the Senate for approval, Baucus blasted the Obama administration and the Koreans for leaving beef trade undone. There was $1 billion in annual beef sales at risk of being left behind.

Rancher Jim Peterson remembers the Korean fight. He was chairman of the U.S. Meat Export Federation around that time. Export sales of U.S. beef were keeping the cattle economy afloat as restaurant sales of U.S. beef plummeted during the recession.

Getting U.S. beef into China was the next big deal. The Chinese had banned U.S. beef in 2003 after mad cow disease was discovered in a Washington dairy cow. Peterson said lower level talks to end the ban seemed to be progressing, but the presidency didn't seem to be giving the ban much attention.

"That was about the time that President Obama was going to China to meet with the premier," Peterson said. "We all had our hopes and for some reason at the meeting, nothing happened and we came away empty handed."

With 1.4 billion consumers, China is the most attractive emerging market for U.S. beef, with estimated sales of $2.6 billion per year. It's the kind of deal ranchers are hoping for as cattle prices slide toward a 50 percent cut from just two years ago.

Perdue said U.S. beef should be moving into China by this summer. Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping agreed in April to settle the deal within 100 days, which would allow Chinese cooked chicken into the United States, also.

Daines earlier this year got in on the act by meeting with the Chinese Premier Li Keqiang, to talk about U.S. beef. The senator brought steaks from Montana to sweeten the deal.

Getting U.S. farm products sold is a tall order. There's an estimated 258.3 million tons of wheat in the world's grain bins now, a record amount according to USDA. That abundance, combined with a strong dollar, has sent wheat prices to their lowest levels in years.

"These are very challenging times," said Taylor Brown, the dean of Montana farm radio, as he addressed a Thursday audience at the ag summit in Great Falls.

"People in this room are hurting. They're not honest with you when they say 'Things are doing great at their place.' They're hurting. The last three years have been difficult for their budgets. And yet, even though our income is substantially down the last few years, the price of steel, the price of rubber, the price of pickups, the price of help. Almost everything we buy has not decreased."

Nationally, farm revenue is less than half what it was four years ago because of falling commodity values, according to USDA. It's a predicament farmers would prefer to sell their way out of.
Govt signs agreement with Chinese company for Budhi Gandaki construction

Government signed contract agreement of the Budhi Gandaki Hydropower Project with China's Gezhouba Group Corporation on Sunday.
On a recent Saturday afternoon, I sat alone in the Sonoma State University Library sifting through an archive representing the two decades I served in Congress. Quiet as it was, I was not contemplative, but brooding, almost paralyzed by rage at President Trumps executive order threatening to open the Pacific, Arctic and Atlantic oceans to new drilling in federal waters.

The executive order from the White House shouldnt have been a surprise. After all, every order President Trump has signed during the first days in office seeks to destroy something good President Barack Obama, the past administration and/or the Democrats have accomplished to make our country safer, healthier, cleaner and more secure. To prove his malevolence further, Trump even attacked Michelle Obamas school nutrition guidelines. But, of course, he wasnt done. Earlier this year, he turned his attention on our oceans, including some of our nations most biologically important waters.

My reason for visiting the archives was to pull together the files related to the successful expansion of the Cordell Bank and the Gulf of the Farallones National Marine Sanctuaries to protect the Sonoma and southern Mendocino coasts. Our effort had been to protect some of the nations most biologically rich and pristine waters from blowouts, spills and seepage that are lethal to marine life, even while the products oil rigs produce condemn us to escalating climate catastrophes.

I curbed my rage and dug into the files that described the history of the sanctuary expansion. Our records traced the efforts of my offices, starting a dozen years ago researching scientific reports, interviewing experts, asking for advice and securing the support we would need from the stakeholders who would be affected by adding sanctuary protection off our coast. We held meetings with commercial and recreational fishermen (and women), representatives from business and tourism interests; environmental groups, elected officials and the general public. Resolutions of support were passed by the counties of Sonoma, Marin, Mendocino and San Francisco and cities in the four counties. The California Coastal Commission, the State Lands Commission and ultimately Gov. Jerry Brown joined in support.

We drafted legislation and had it reviewed by experts and stakeholders to ensure the legislation said what it did and did what it said. Former Sen. Barbara Boxer agreed to write the Senate companion bill.

It took years, but finally the House Resources Subcommittee on Oceans held a hearing with witnesses both for and against. The full committee then marked up legislation and scheduled a vote on the House floor. HR1187 passed the House unanimously on March 31, 2008.

Unfortunately, the bill stalled in the Senate, requiring us to reintroduce our legislation in 2010. The House leadership, however, was now under Republicans control, and they had no interest in expanding our sanctuary and/or protecting our coast. They refused to even discuss it. President Obama was our only hope.

Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi presented our position to the president. The vice president and the interior secretary spoke to him in support of expansion. The president agreed to make it happen through appropriate administrative action. In January 2013, President Obama directed the Commerce Department to assign the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration the task of using the National Marine Sanctuary Acts administrative process to assess the expansion, through economic and environmental analysis and public involvement. So began a two-year process, postings in the Federal Register, public meetings up and down the coast, and thousands of overwhelmingly favorable comments from the public.

Leaving the library that Saturday, I felt my anger subside as I recalled the wonderful and amazing people who put their brains in gear and their shoulders to the grindstone and did not give up. They insisted on good science and sound public policy in the hearing rooms of Congress, the offices of NOAA, and the modest meeting halls of Bodega Bay, Gualala and Point Arena. We have a passion for our coast, and we will not go gently into Trumps oil-black night. I have no doubt that committed coast protectors will prevail in Congress or the courts, if necessary. And if they are allowed to be heard, over reactionary, fossil-fueled greed and deliberate ignorance.

Lynn Woolsey, a Democrat from Petaluma, served in the U.S. House of Representatives from 1993 to 2013. Tom Roth, environmental specialist and project leader in the congresswomans office, helped prepare this commentary.
SRINAGAR, India  The Indian army said two of its soldiers were killed in an ambush by suspected insurgents on Saturday even as troops traded gunfire with Pakistani forces across a cease-fire line dividing Kashmir between the two rivals.

Col. Rajesh Kalia, an army spokesman, said the insurgents fired indiscriminately at an army convoy on a key highway, wounding four other soldiers in the southern Qazigund area in the Indian portion of Kashmir. The wounded were evacuated to an army hospital.

Indian security forces searched for the attackers, who fled after the attack. The area is 50 miles south of Srinagar, the main city in Indian-controlled Kashmir.

Earlier, Pakistans Foreign Ministry accused India of resorting to unprovoked firing in the disputed Himalayan region of Kashmir, wounding two villagers on the Pakistani side.

The two sides blamed each other for unprovoked firing. Pakistani Foreign Ministry spokesman Nafees Zakaria condemned what he called deliberate targeting of civilians by India.

He said the latest violation of the 2003 cease-fire agreement by India took place Friday. Pakistans military said it returned fire after coming under attack in Kashmirs Nazapir border village in Tatta Pani area and killed five Indian soldiers and wounded several others, which the Indian army did not confirm.

The two armies often blame each other for starting the firing across the cease-fire line. They also claim killing soldiers on the other side.

Lt. Col. Manish Mehta, an Indian army spokesman, said Pakistani soldiers have resorted to unprovoked cease-fire violations by attacking Indian positions for several days in the region, firing automatic rifles and mortars. The Indian army posts are retaliating strongly and effectively, he said. The latest exchange of gunfire took place on Friday and Saturday, he said.

Kashmir is split between India and Pakistan and is claimed by both in its entirety. The nuclear-armed rivals have fought two of their three wars over Kashmir since British colonialists left in 1947.

Insurgents have been fighting for Kashmirs independence or its merger with Pakistan since 1989. India accuses Pakistan of arming and training the rebels, a charge Islamabad denies.

Aijaz Hussain is an Associated Press writer.
MANILA  Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte said Sunday that he will not negotiate with militants aligned with the Islamic State group who are holding hostages in a besieged southern city, and that he has ordered troops to kill the gunmen even if they slaughter the hostages.

The tough-talking Duterte issued his strongest warning yet to the local and foreign militants, whose stunning siege of Marawi has dragged on for nearly two weeks. Troops have battled to regain control of most of the city, but the militants, who are believed to be holding a Catholic priest and many other hostages, continue to control pockets of territory.
BEIRUT  The battle for control of the Islamic State groups de facto capital, Raqqa in northern Syria, will begin within days, a spokeswoman for a U.S.-backed Syrian force at the citys edges said Saturday.

The Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces are already encamped around the citys northern and eastern divisions and made new progress Saturday against militants to approach the city from the south bank of the Euphrates River. Raqqa lies on the northern side of the river.
Herbs worth Rs542m exported to India

Nepal agricultural exports to India worth Rs542 million have surged in the last eight months, with improvements in transport, investment and quality of agricultural products contributing to the surge.
House meet put off; PM election rescheduled for Tuesday

The parliamentary voting to elect the new prime minister slated for Sunday has been affected after the main opposition CPN-UML warned of obstructing the Legislature-Parliament in protest against the EC's decision to conduct re-election in Ward-19 of Bharatpur Metropolitan City in Chitwan district.
STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. -- It was the perfect project for 7-year-old Willow Elevado, a first-grader at Building Blocks Montessori School in Silver Lake. Learn about Filipino literary character Maria Clara and portray her in the school's cultural festival.

Willow's father, Russ, is a native of the Philippines.

Her mother, Kira Leigh Jelincic, watched with pride as Willow, dressed in white lace and pearls with eyeliner and lipstick, paraded outside the school on a recent Tuesday morning with the 66 other Building Blocks students in colorful costumes representing different countries and U.S. states.

Willow Elevado is joined by her mom, Kira Leigh Jelincic, after the culture festival. Willow portrayed Filipino literary character Maria Clara for the event. (Staten Island Advance/Claire Regan)

"This is a utopian environment," gushed Jelincic about the private school in a brick house at 55 Forest Ave., facing Silver Lake Park.

"The teachers are lovely and nurturing. The personal touch is really great," she says. "Willow's progressed so much in math and reading skills. When she gets home, she just picks up her Harry Potter book and plops on the couch to read."

"And it's not just about academics," she quickly adds. "It's about learning how to be with others in the world."

Mia Chin gets a hug from her teacher, Silvana Frasier, who is also the director of Building Blocks Montessori School in Silver Lake. (Staten Island Advance/Claire Regan)

Building Blocks, which accommodates children from age 3 to grade 5, follows the Montessori method of education based on self-directed activity, hands-on learning and collaborative play.

In Montessori classrooms, children make creative choices in their learning, while the classroom and the teacher offer age-appropriate activities to guide the process. Children work in groups and individually to explore knowledge of the world and develop their maximum potential.

The teaching method is named for Maria Montessori, an Italian physician and educator who opened the first Montessori school in Rome on Jan. 6, 1907. Today there are more than 22,000 Montessori schools in 110 countries worldwide.

OWNER AND TEACHER

Building Blocks Montessori is owned by Huguenot residents Silvana and John Frasier, who purchased the school in 2013 and have two children of their own.

First-grader Ian Chin works on a math lesson about money in his classroom. (Staten Island Advance/Claire Regan)

Silvana Frasier serves as the school's director and as the full-time teacher for 17 students in grades 2 and 3, combined to form one group in Montessori style.

A graduate of New Dorp High School, she holds bachelor's and master's degrees from the College of Staten Island.

"Writing was always my passion," Frasier recalls. "I was an English major and I loved going to school."

The staff of Building Blocks Montessori School gathers outside the front entrance. From the left are Jill Auer, Silvana Frasier, Joyce Filmer, Patricia DiCaro, Kristine Ferguson, Gerry Lindsey, Amanda Andruzzi, Keri Manzione and Sarah Powell. (Staten Island Advance/Claire Regan)

She taught at Blessed Sacrament School in West Brighton and at a preschool before joining Building Blocks as a teacher in 2010.

"I was looking for something different," she recalls. "I love how free the Montessori environment is, how much you can do with the children." She completed a nine-month training program with the North American Montessori Center to become certified.

While she handles the daily administrative duties at Building Blocks, her husband oversees the budget and maintains the two-story building and surrounding grounds.

Kindergartners Victoria Minichino, Nora Dragovic, Kayla Baskerville and Juliet Merced celebrate Red Nose Day in their classroom. (Staten Island Advance/Claire Regan)

She enjoys running the school but admits her calling is in the classroom. "I never imagined owning a school. I'm a teacher first and foremost," she says with conviction.

Building Blocks has been located on Forest Avenue since 1972.

There is one other Montessori school on Staten Island. Children's Harbor Montessori School, on the grounds of the Snug Harbor Cultural Center, Livingston, offers toddler classes for ages 2 and 3, and pre-primary classes for ages 3 to 6.

CREATIVE SETTING

The five classrooms inside Building Blocks Montessori reflect a non-traditional curriculum.

Pre-kindergartner Valerie Ostrovskiy is joined by her dad, Nikolay Ostrovskiy, at the culture festival. (Staten Island Advance/Claire Regan)

"When you enter a Montessori room, you might not see the teacher right away," Director Frasier explains.

That's because children are often busy working alone or in small groups. They determine their own activity and find the materials pre-arranged for them on shelves throughout the room. They follow their interests and learn at their own pace.

Furniture is child-sized and lightweight so the child is not dependent on the adult for his movement. The children often work on the floor.

Pre-K teacher Keri Manzione enjoys a group hug with Clara Downey, Aria Interlandi, Judy Downey and Malka Sapir. (Staten Island Advance/Claire Regan)

Each class has a teacher and a teacher's assistant with no more than 20 students of combined ages. The structure of the day is "flexible and loose," Frasier says.

Special offerings include a chess club, yoga and Spanish. Trips are made to the Guggenheim Museum, the New York Hall of Science and the Museum of Natural History.

Closer to home, the children visit Historic Richmond Town and the Noble Maritime Collection at Snug Harbor.

Maria Montessori, founder of the Montessori method, believed nature should be used to inspire children. The back yard at Building Blocks is designed with natural elements. (Staten Island Advance/Claire Regan)

Maria Montessori had a deep respect and reverence for nature, believing it should be used to inspire children. She continually suggested that Montessori teachers take the children out into nature, rather than keeping them confined in the classroom.

At Building Blocks, the back yard is lush with mature trees, plantings and a bird bath. Children play on a wood deck and in a miniature log cabin tucked in the corner.

With a small enrollment, close bonds develop quickly between students and among parents. Dismissal is at 3:30, but on sunny days, an impromptu afterschool session takes place on the grassy median out front. Parents sit on lawn chairs to chat while their children climb trees and play games.

First-graders Matthew DeMaio and Kevin Thorsen are ready to represent the Philippines in the culture festival at Building Blocks Montessori. (Staten Island Advance/Claire Regan)

Graduating fifth-graders are headed to schools including Mark Twain Intermediate in Brooklyn, Notre Dame Academy on Grymes Hill, St. Joseph Hill Academy in Arrochar, Totten Intermediate in Huguenot and the Genesis Program at Xaverian High School in Brooklyn.

The Frasiers have considered expanding their school to eighth grade, acknowledging many parents would be in favor. But they are content with the current set-up.

"We have a good thing going," Silvana says. "When our students get to the fifth grade, they're fully ready for the next step."
STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. -- The sudden death of honors student Aysia Lynn Chambers, 24, at home in West Brighton, was "unreal," "terrible," and "devastating," according to her family.

Chambers graduated from Buffalo State with a master's degree in speech-language pathology in May and was back in the family home where she grew up on Roe Street only a couple of weeks when she died, said her sister, Nija Howard.

"It's very unreal," Howard said. "It's very devastating.

"You don't expect someone that is 24 years young to drift away in her sleep."

But the sister added, "I know she's in a better place and she went peacefully."

"I'm heartbroken," said cousin Tia Randle. "I'm horrified. She did everything right. She went to school and came back home with degrees."

James Chambers found his sister in her bed after he broke through a locked door to her room. He went to check on her around 7:30 p.m. on Friday after nobody in the family had seen or heard from her for hours. She had missed a doctor's appointment in the morning.

Police described her condition as unconscious and unresponsive with no apparent trauma. EMS responded and pronounced her dead at the scene. The medical examiner will determine the cause of death.

There was "definitely no foul play," Howard said.

"We do know that she was having some chest pains," Howard said. "She did go and see the doctor earlier this week. We're thinking it may be a heart attack."

A 2011 graduate of the nursing program at Curtis High School, Chambers had been in Buffalo for about six years while making the Dean's List multiple times before earning her bachelor of science degree in speech-language pathology in 2015.

Chambers' dream was to work in her speciality at a hospital, and she was about to go job hunting, according to her sister and cousin.

"She was truly an amazing young lady," Howard said. "She was very witty, she was extremely intelligent, she had the deepest and the best heart.

"She always taught me to make sure that I stand up for myself. She was so big on furthering your education and the belief that it doesn't matter where you came from, you can still get through."

"She was one of our best and brightest," said an email to the family from Susan Felsenfeld, chairwoman of the Department of Speech-Language Pathology at Buffalo State.

"I know her peers will be devastated, along with all our faculty."

Chambers had a tight circle of close, longtime friends, Howard said.

"She was a very private person, if there was something that was bothering her she kept it to herself," Howard said of her sister.

Chambers "loved to travel" and had plans to visit Jamaica later this month and Costa Rica in July.

The graduate of Our Lady of Mount Carmel-St. Benedicta School was part of the Sunday school youth choir and the praise dance ministry at St. Philip's Baptist Church. Her father, Gerald Howard Sr., was and is a deacon at St. Philip's.

Chambers also is survived by her mother, Beth Chambers, and another brother, Gerald Howard Jr.

Arrangement are pending at Stradford Funeral Home in West Brighton.
Indian minister inspects flood control works

Water Resources Minister of Bihar, India, Lalan Singh inspected flood control works at Paschim Kushaha in Sunsari district on Saturday.
Kantipur Hissan education fair draws record number of visitors

Wringing the most of their weekend, visitors thronged the stands of various colleges at Bhrikutimandap Exhibition hall on the penultimate day of the fourth Kantipur Hissan Edu-Fair 2017 on Saturday.
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Over 13,000 jaywalkers booked in past 5 days

The Metropolitan Traffic Police Division (MTPD) has booked 13,387 jaywalkers over the past five days, collecting Rs2.6 million in fines since the new traffic ruleprohibiting pedestrians from crossing busy streets and roads except at designated pointscame into force on Tuesday.
Bananas in Pyjamas came out in pairs to see their adoring fans on Sunday as they celebrated 25 years since the iconic duo first hit Australian TV sets.

Children walked up to the Bananas - towering above six feet - and gave them a hug at the Royal Australian Mint, which has marked the anniversary with two commemorative coins.

The Royal Australian Mint is celebrating 25 years of Bananas in Pyjamas. Back: Chelsea McInerney, 8, Elodie McInerney, 6, Caitlyn Gray, 8, and Calum Gray, 10. Front: Rosalie McInerney, 2, and Hunter Gray, 4. Credit:Jamila Toderas

The mint will splash 30,000 collectible 20 cent and five cent pieces with the yellow, blue and white figures of B1 and B2.

Ahead of the event, mint chief executive Ross MacDiarmid admitted he didn't know whether crowds would make heads or tails of it.
Police have arrested a man after a car struck a cyclist and then a pedestrian before fleeing the scene on Sunday morning.

Police said the pedestrian was in a serious condition and the cyclist suffered non-life threatening injuries. Paramedics took both to the Canberra Hospital.

Police say a car hit a pedestrian and cyclist on Sunday morning. Credit:Rohan Thomson

About 6.50am police received a report that a blue station wagon had hit a cyclist on Alexandrina Drive in Yarralumla.

"A short time later, the same blue station wagon collided with a pedestrian, also on Alexandrina Drive," police said.
Canberra will look for a clearer picture of how - and if - the ACT government will deliver its vision for the city when it unveils its budget on Tuesday.

The pieces it's already revealed amount to an unfinished jigsaw puzzle that suggests the government has largely shaped the 2017-18 budget around its election commitments, promises voters endorsed by handing Labor a fifth term in October.

While it's hinted at its priorities with early spending announcements, the projects it's decided to leave from the package say as much about its plan for the city.

There will be no money given to a business case for a new convention centre, an asset supporters say a city of Canberra's standing needs to compete on the national and international stage of meetings and conferences.
The union is running a scare campaign, claiming the change will lead to higher fares, fewer services and the removal of local bus stops. It's not clear why that should be the case. The franchising model - where the government retains ownership and control of the buses, depots, timetables and fares - makes sense because it makes the government a partner and gives it a continued interest and leverage in ensuring the contractors continue to meet customers' needs.

It is not clear, though, that bus services and reliability are any worse in the inner west than they are in other regions. The administrator of the Inner West Council Richard Pearson points out the eastern suburbs attract about the same number of complaints. The government attributes the eastern suburbs complaints to light rail construction; there has also been, of course, construction taking place in the inner west.

These, unfortunately, are familiar experiences to many people in the inner western suburbs of Sydney. They may be familiar to people in other parts of Sydney as well, but in the inner-west case they're newsworthy, because the government is using them to justify its privatisation of inner-western bus routes. NSW Transport Minister Andrew Constance has said customer complaints and poor services lie behind the decision to let contracts to operate public buses in the region out to private tender under a "franchising" model.

It is no fun to stand on the street in the cold wind or the hot sun and have a bus zoom past you, especially if it appears to have plenty of room for more passengers. It's also frustrating to pack your kids off to school in plenty of time and then have to explain why they were late - the buses, again.

The Herald agrees that if the private sector can do a better job, it makes little sense for governments to run businesses and services. Voters have accepted privatisation when the business case is clearly explained and the process is transparent. But by failing to convincingly explain why the services must be privatised now, and what it has done to try to fix the problems, the government gives the impression that it is more interested in an ideological fight to break the power of the Rail, Tram and Bus Union than in fixing the service for consumers. The government has left a space for opposing narratives to gain credence, such as that it wants to use the Labor-held inner west to trial privatisation and improve on the method before inflicting it on its heartlands in the eastern suburbs, the lower north shore and the northern beaches.

The union, which will be fighting for its life if all bus services are run by private operators, is vying for the sympathy of commuters, having finessed its action from a 24-hour strike, which endears it to no one, to a "fare-free day" calculated to win customer approval. The union fears a loss of wages and conditions for 3700 bus drivers, nearly all of them union members, enough to risk taking industrial action against direct orders from the Industrial Relations Commission.

If the government was trying equally hard to win commuters' hearts and minds, it should talk about the $500 million of taxpayers funds that can potentially be saved by privatising the whole Sydney bus network, according to a report prepared by the lobby group Tourism and Transport Forum. That would set the hares running, which it may not want. The success of ferry privatisation in 2012 is another case in favour of the franchising model. An auditor-general's report found that customer satisfaction has improved and the government has saved about $100 million.

The inner west region, which covers scores of bus routes ranging from Kogarah in the city's inner-south to Strathfield and Olympic Park to the west, is one of four regions currently operated by the STA which still carriers most of Sydney's bus passengers, covering the CBD, the northern beaches Parramatta, the eastern suburbs and the inner south to Mascot. A further 11 regions covering much of the western suburbs are already operated by private operators such as Transdev and Hillsbus. Private operators already run all bus services in Melbourne, Perth, Adelaide and Darwin, and the state government is in the process of deciding on one or more private operators for bus, rail and ferry services in Newcastle.

Both Mr Constance and Ms Berejiklian have pointedly declined to rule out "franchising" further services. That's a reasonable clue that more plans are afoot. The mystery is why it has to be such a messy process.
In the early 1990s, my friend Owen Harries made a startling observation: that the collapse of Soviet Communism would mean the "collapse of the West". The West, he explained in Foreign Affairs, has been and would remain a culture defined by representative democracy, the rule of law, the market economy and so on. But a common civilisation is one thing; political unity is another.

"The West," Harries pointed out, has been usually divided politically: think of Europe's wars. "It took the presence of a life-threatening overtly hostile 'East' to bring [the 'West'] into existence" as a strategic entity. "It is extremely doubtful whether it can now survive the disappearance of that enemy." The political unity of the Cold War would give away to differences of national interests and strategies.

It has taken a quarter century, but Harries' prediction has come true. The clash between the Europeans and the Americans over NATO and the Paris climate treaty could prove to be breaking points in the political West. True, there have been earlier rifts: Suez, Vietnam, Iraq come to mind.

But this time the West really is divided, probably irrevocably. This is not just because of Donald Trump's boorish behaviour. It is also because of broad historical forces, as Harries set out in his landmark essay.
I admit: I laughed more than once. By the time I saw President Donald Trump's half-written, abruptly abandoned tweet  "Despite the negative press covfefe"  on Wednesday morning, it had been up for several hours. The #covfefe hashtag was already trending; Twitter was heaving with jokes. My personal favourites were the mock serious "Media elites make fun of #covfefe instead of trying to understand it" and the simple "it's a cry for helfe". The thing somehow stopped being funny by the afternoon, though there was a moment of ironic drama when the President's spokesman, Sean Spicer, tried to suggest that "covfefe" was not a typo: "The President and a small group of people know exactly what he meant." Was that a joke, too? Unclear.

All in all, it was a meaningless episode, though one that is important to mark and remember. For we are now living at a truly exceptional time in history: this is the golden age of parody. Has there ever been anything like it? Memes, jokes, GIFs and comic strips have never been so easy to make and send. Political and cultural figures have never been so easy to mock.

A Greenpeace banner showing U.S. President Donald Trump and the slogan '#TotalLoser, so sad!' is projected onto the facade of the U.S. Embassy in Berlin, Germany. Credit:AP

Nobody has thought much yet about the potential psychological impact, positive or negative, of the 24-hour parody factory that now surrounds so much of everything else that we read. The political impact, on the other hand, is already with us. Parody candidates have long been a feature of politics  the Official Monster Raving Loony Party is a beloved part of British political life, especially because its candidates reliably show up on election night in wacky costumes. But now some of the jokers are getting real votes.

In Serbia, the third-place presidential candidate in April was a 25-year-old comedian who wore white suits and a topknot, called himself "Beli" (which means "white" in Serbian) and drove around the country shouting fake populist slogans into a megaphone. His target was corrupt Serbian politics-as-usual, and he got 10 per cent of the vote.
The Australian government has refused to allow a grieving wife to come to Australia for her refugee husband's funeral because it does not trust her to return home.

The body of Asghar Ali, a Hazara refugee from Pakistan, remains in a Victorian morgue nearly two months after his death  a situation lawyers say is disturbingly common.

Asghar Ali with his three children, who live in Pakistan.

The father-of-three, who came to Australia by boat before 2013 and was granted protection, died at LaTrobe Regional Hospital on April 16, shortly after his 39th birthday.

Documents provided to Fairfax Media show his wife Masooma applied for an Australian tourist visa on April 23. The application was refused five weeks later, on May 30.
"Five minutes later, the police arrive and they are clearly going through an extensive lockdown procedure. Emergency personnel on London Bridge Credit:AP "This was not random police running around, this was lockdown, lockdown, lockdown, and they ask us how many people we had there, and then said there had been an incident, they were securing the area and they would not be able to give us more information until they knew more about what was happening, but stay away from the windows." Around half an hour later, the police returned to the restaurant to evacuate them. Police officers clear the area near Borough market Credit:Dan Kitwood

That's when Senator Dastyari began to get a real sense of the carnage. "We had to go past where the stabbings had been, so perhaps 15 to 20 metres away," he said. suddenly you start hearing screams running down the street, right in the heart of the market, and this sense of panic suddenly takes hold of the entire vicinity Senator Sam Dastyari "There was blood everywhere, there were paramedics making the very tough call between those who they were deciding to treat on the spot and those they were trying to get away to hospitals ... it was hard to say how many wounded, possibly six, a few, I couldn't really tell, and this was well into it by then, 30 or so minutes after the incident, so I don't know how many others had already been taken away." He said social media reports were putting the epicentre of the attack at the Black and Blue restaurant, next door to the Arabica where he and his group were dining.

According to one eyewitness who took to Twitter, three men came into the Black and Blue and "started stabbing people randomly with a knife", he said. Senator Dastyari said the feeling while his group was trapped in the restaurant was one of overwhelming confusion. "What was coming through on social media were reports of a car incident on London Bridge and it was not marrying with the reality of what we were seeing then and there ... that's obviously been clarified now, but at the time there was a real disconnect." Senator Dastyari said he was feeling some shock.

The streets had been packed because of the fine weather and the Borough Market was full of younger patrons. "It's horrific, just horrific. You're out in London, it was quite a young crowd of people in that restaurant district. It's not that dissimilar to what you do back on Sydney on a weekly basis." He said only a few hours before he had met London mayor Sadiq Khan. "I asked him what is the one part of being mayor that you were not expecting, and he goes, the challenge of dealing with incidents like what happened in Manchester are the reality of being mayors of big cities," Senator Dastyari said. "It doesn't matter how well you train your police, it doesn't matter how good the security agencies are, the reality is dealing with these issues is always personal.
Malcolm Turnbull has called for a new structure of relations between the nations of the Indo-Pacific to prevent aggression and preserve peace, broadening beyond the US-centric past.

The prime minister said the region's traditional American-dominated system of "hub and spokes" relations, with the US at the centre and its allies on spokes radiating outwards, would remain but was no longer sufficient.

Malcolm Turnbull delivers the keynote address at the Asia Security Summit on Friday. Credit:AP

"We've had hub and spokes for a long time, and that shouldn't change," Mr Turnbull said. But the region needed a new "mesh" of strategic relations, he said, a close-knit structure where like-minded nations worked directly with each each other rather than through Washington.

"In the same way we've done with counter-terrorism," he told Fairfax Media on the weekend, elaborating on his keynote speech to Asia's main security conference, the Shangri-la Dialogue in Singapore.
Four Australians have been caught up in the London terror attacks, Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull has confirmed.

In addition to Brisbane woman Candice Hedge and Darwin man Andrew Morrison - both injured in stabbing attacks - the government now has "very real concerns" about two other Australians who have not been identified.

However, he would not say whether the two others were unaccounted for, saying authorities were "in close touch" with the Australians' families, and it would not be appropriate to reveal any more at this stage.

At least seven people were killed and 48 injured in the weekend incident, which targeted the area surrounding Borough Market and London Bridge in the centre of the city. Three suspected terrorists were killed and a dozen arrests have been made.
Poll body decision sets already agitated UMLs teeth on edge

An Election Commission (EC) decision on Bharatpur vote counting fiasco set an already agitated CPN-UMLs teeth on edge on Saturday, with one of its senior leaders saying that the party would move the court against the poll bodys call for re-election in Ward 19 of Bharatpur Metropolitan City.
In a world brimming with productivity aps for that, online schedules for this, digital to-do lists and chirping phone reminders, you'd think our lives would have been well and truly hacked by now. But now people are returning to what seem like primitive tools  the humble pen and notebook. This is primarily thanks to the #BuJo, or Bullet Journal. It's a productivity system that requires a brain-dump of everything you need to do, plan, create and accomplish into a blank journal.

Using a set of symbols and modules the raw data evolves into a diary/calendar/ideas bank/habit tracker/to-do list/exercise and meal planner, that you use to organise your life, without a digital cloud in sight.

Young businesswoman at her desk in home studio. Credit:Stocksy

Its creator, Ryder Carroll, a digital product designer from New York, calls it an analogue system for a digital age. "All the information in the world is at our fingertips and we can easily lose ourselves. So, we need to unplug. The Bullet Journal is a mindfulness practice wrapped in a productivity system," he explains. "The act of externalising your thoughts and capturing them on paper can be a powerful way of looking inward."

Like any useful invention, the system was born out of necessity, stemming from Carroll's ADHD. It took him 20 years to perfect a method to simplify and structure his complex inner world. It was only when he shared his system with a work colleague to help her plan her wedding that it became apparent that it could also simplify the wider world.
I was 11 when I had my first period. I was pretty happy about it at first; I was becoming a woman and I naively believed that would come with some benefits. My mum told me that having my period needn't change anything  I wasn't sick, so despite being doubled over with menstrual cramps I could still go to school (lucky me!).

You can vote on the period emoji designs put forward by Plan. Credit:Plan International

The reality of having my period in primary school was pretty rough. There weren't any bins in the toilets so I carried my used pads around with me. I wasn't allowed to leave class to visit the bathroom and leaked through my summer dress. My best friend thoughtfully told everyone that I'd had a mishap with some tomato ketchup. She stopped the laughter, but she couldn't stop my inner shame.

The average woman has 500 periods during her life. I reckon I've had about 306 so far. Sadly, over the course of this time some things haven't changed much. Periods are still a source of embarrassment and shame for girls, and conversations about menstruation are still fairly taboo.
The Berejiklian government is refusing to explain how it will implement its remaining council merger policy, leaving at least one Sydney council assuming the government has quietly dropped plans for more forced mergers.

The prospect of the bungled council merger policy remaining unresolved for another year or more is unnerving government MPs, and leading to discussions about how to fix the issue prior to the 2019 state election.

The Berejiklian government has put no clear plan forward. Credit:Peter Rae

The Minister for Local Government, Vaucluse MP Gabrielle Upton has, through media statements, repeatedly affirmed the government is "committed to the remaining mergers", which have been delayed due to legal action.

But the minister has refused to explain how this will occur, leaving councils shrouded in uncertainty as they prepare for elections in September.
Construction of Sydney's $2.1 billion light rail line along much of George Street in the central city has missed completion deadlines for the second time.

And retailers whose turnover has tumbled since work began more than 18 months ago in the CBD are concerned the disruption from construction will drag on for months.

Despite a deadline extension last year, seven of 10 zones on George Street have failed to meet the latest completion dates  some by several months  for laying of tracks, curbs and other civil construction work.

High-end health and beauty shop Orogold said its revenue had halved over the past six months due to customers avoiding the area because of the construction.
Premier Gladys Berejiklian has washed her hands of the controversial sale of one of the state's most significant heritage buildings, the Sydney GPO, saying she won't be speaking out in favour of keeping the building in public ownership.

And prominent heritage architect and Sydney city councillor Phillip Thalis has joined the chorus of concern over the sale, saying the Prime Minister should intervene.

NSW Premier Gladys Berejiklian won't be speaking out to stop the sale of the Sydney GPO. Credit:Jessica Hromas

Fairfax Media revealed last week that Australia Post has agreed to sell one of Sydney's most historic buildings, the GPO on Martin Place, to Singaporean billionaires Robert and Phillip Ng in a secretive $150 million deal, despite concerns raised in a heritage report it commissioned last year and never made public.

The March sale, subject to final regulatory approval from Commonwealth Heritage, came shortly after Australia Post chief executive Ahmed Fahour resigned in February over a pay controversy that attracted community criticism and a rebuke from the Prime Minister. The sale was never announced. Mr Fahour leaves Australia Post in July.
After nearly 10 years of searching, the parents of Sydney man Matthew Leveson can finally lay their son to rest, after skeletal remains found in dense bushland south of the city confirmed as his.

The major breakthrough in the search arrived when police scouring a section of the Royal National Park at Waterfall found human remains beneath a cabbage-tree palm about 2.30pm on Wednesday.

Faye and Mark Leveson at the scene where their son's remains were found. Credit:Kate Geraghty

They were taken for DNA testing and on Sunday were confirmed as belonging to Mr Leveson, who was last seen nearly 10 years ago.

"It's confirmed that the remains found were that of Matthew Leveson," a police spokeswoman said.
A record 17.7-metre wave, houses at risk of toppling into the sea and exposed asbestos debris have so far not been enough to jolt the Berejiklian government into action over its coastal management plan.

One year on from last June's monster east coast low that dumped half a metre of rain in places and deeply gouged many popular beaches, the government is yet to advance its long-awaited coastal reforms.

Parliament last year passed a new act to manage risks to people and property but it is still to be activated. A five-year $83.6 million fund is now down to four years and untapped.

A manual and maps to guide council decisions are unfinished, as is the new State Environmental Planning Policy (SEPP). A high-powered independent group of experts to audit council plans is yet to be appointed almost six months after the previous group was disbanded.
Commuters in Brisbane's north and further afield are facing significant delays on their Monday morning trip to work.

Train commuters have been warned of delays. Credit:Jorge Branco

Queensland Rail has fixed a track fault that delayed commuters on Brisbane's north for most of the Monday peak.

Trains on the Airport, Caboolture, Doomben, Redcliffe Peninsula, Shorncliffe, and Sunshine Coast lines were delayed 15 minutes in both directions after a track fault at busy Eagle Junction station.

Translink announced the fault about 4.30am but it was still affecting passengers after 7am.

There were also delays on the major roadways heading into Brisbane, including a broken down truck on the Inner City Bypass near Ithaca Street, Kelvin Grove.

Australian Traffic Network traffic reporter Brad Hunter told ABC Radio Brisbane the delays were back to Bowen Hills.

It was also slow going for motorists heading into the city from the south, who were also facing delays of 15 minutes thanks to heavy congestion on the Pacific Motorway at Loganholme. Three bus routes were affected.
The 2017 Chevrolet Bolt EV is announced winner of the Green Car of the Year Award in November. Major US car makers say Donald Trump's decision to pull out of the Paris Accord would not affect their pledges on climate change. Credit:AP But Figueres, the executive secretary of the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change until last year, said the Bloomberg group's submission could be included in future reports the UN compiled on the progress made by the signatories of the Paris deal. There are 195 countries committed to reducing their greenhouse gas emissions as part of the 2015 agreement. Shenhua told ASIC that its mine on the Liverpool Plains would begin production in 2019. Credit:AP Still, producing what Bloomberg described as a "parallel" pledge would indicate that leadership in the fight against climate change in the US had shifted from the federal government to lower levels of government, academia and industry.

Bloomberg, a UN envoy on climate, is a political independent who has been among the critics of Trump's climate and energy policies. A demonstrator holds a sign during the "March For Truth" protest at Foley Square in New York on Saturday. Credit:Bloomberg Mayors of cities including Los Angeles, Atlanta and Salt Lake City have signed on - along with Pittsburgh, which Trump mentioned in his speech announcing the withdrawal - as have Hewlett-Packard, Mars and dozens of other companies. Eighty-two presidents and chancellors of universities including Emory & Henry College, Brandeis and Wesleyan are also participating, the organisers said. William Peduto, mayor of Pittsburgh, reacted with confusion when Donald Trump said he was withdrawing from the Paris accords on behalf of the city. Credit:AP

Trump's plan to pull out of the Paris agreement was motivating more local and state governments, as well as businesses, to commit to the climate change fight, said Robert Orr, one of the architects of the 2015 Paris agreement as the UN secretary-general's lead climate adviser. On Thursday, Washington Governor Jay Inslee, New York Governor Andrew Cuomo and California Governor Jerry Brown, all Democrats, said they were beginning a separate alliance of states committed to upholding the Paris accord. "The electric jolt of the last 48 hours is accelerating this process that was already underway," said Orr, who is now dean of the School of Public Policy at the University of Maryland. "It's not just the volume of actors that is increasing, it's that they are starting to coordinate in a much more integral way." The United States is about halfway to its 2025 emissions reduction target, Orr said. Of the remaining reductions, the federal government - through regulations like gas mileage standards for vehicles - could affect about half. But in a draft letter to UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, Bloomberg expressed confidence that "non-national actors" could achieve the 2025 goal alone.

"While the executive branch of the US government speaks on behalf of our nation in matters of foreign affairs, it does not determine many aspects of whether and how the United States takes action on climate change," he wrote. "The bulk of the decisions which drive US climate action in the aggregate are made by cities, states, businesses, and civil society," he wrote. "Collectively, these actors remain committed to the Paris accord." Cities and states can reduce emissions in many ways, including negotiating contracts with local utilities to supply greater amounts of renewable energy, building rapid transit programs and other infrastructure projects like improved wastewater treatment. Similarly, corporations can take measures like buying renewable energy for their offices and factories, or making sure their supply chains are climate-friendly. Inslee said that states held significant sway over emissions. Washington, for example, has adopted a cap on carbon pollution, has invested in growing clean energy jobs and subsidises electric vehicle purchases and charging stations. "Our states will move forward, even if the President wants to go backward," he said.

The United States' biggest corporations have been bracing for the exit from the Paris climate accord, a move executives and analysts say would bring few tangible benefits to businesses but plenty of backlash. Multinational companies will still need to follow ever-stricter emissions laws that other countries are adopting, no matter the location of their headquarters. Automakers like Ford Motor and General Motors would still need to build cars that meet stringent fuel economy and emissions standards in the European Union, Japan and even China, not to mention California. US companies also face the wrath of overseas consumers for abandoning what has been a popular global agreement - customers who could buy more Renaults instead of Chevrolets or Reeboks instead of Nikes. "Pulling out of Paris would be the worst thing for Brand America since Abu Ghraib," said Nigel Purvis, a top environmental negotiator in the Clinton and George W. Bush administrations and the chief executive of Climate Advisers, a consulting firm. "Mars stands by the Paris Climate Agreement," said Grant Reid, the chief executive of Mars. The company, best known for its confectionery, remained committed, he said, to achieving "the carbon reduction targets the planet needs".
2. Regulate cyberspace Mrs May blamed "the internet and the big companies that provide internet-based services" for providing a safe space for extremist ideology to "breed". "We need to work with allied, democratic governments to reach international agreements that regulate cyberspace to prevent the spread of extremism and terrorist planning," she said. "And we need to do everything we can at home to reduce the risks of extremism online." This builds on a proposal that was already in the Conservatives' election manifesto, to push internet companies "to deliver on their commitments to develop technical tools to identify and remove terrorist propaganda and to provide support for civil society organisations to promote alternative and counter-narratives", the manifesto said. The government said "some say that it is not for government to regulate when it comes to technology and the internet. We disagree".

They proposed new laws that would punish digital companies and social media platforms who failed to remove content that breached UK law, and an industry-wide levy taken from social media companies and communication providers to counter "internet harms". They also proposed to open discussions with "leading tech companies and like-minded democracies" about an international legal framework to regulate the internet  but it acknowledged "the complexity of this task". But companies such as Twitter and Google are likely to strongly resist any push to sanction them over terrorist material published on their platforms. 3. Stamp out extremism Mrs May said the government needed to destroy terrorists' "safe spaces" in the real world as well as online.

This meant military action to destroy ISIS in Iraq and Syria. But it also meant action in Britain. "There is  to be frank  far too much tolerance of extremism in our country," she said. "So we need to become far more robust in identifying it and stamping it out  across the public sector and across society." Mrs May said this meant having "difficult and often embarrassing conversations"  though she did not say with whom  and that people should not live their lives in "separated, segregated communities".

This measure could mean a move to revamp the Prevent program to be more active in Muslim communities. Home secretary Amber Rudd had already anticipated Prevent would get more money if the Conservatives were re-elected. She said it had been a useful source of intelligence about radicalisation in the community. It could also be a return to a proposal that May put forward as home secretary, but which was resisted by David Cameron's cabinet. She wanted to stop hate speakers and segregation by gender at universities and colleges. She proposed new powers to ban groups even if they did not meet the bar to be declared a terrorist organisation, and to shut down premises used to host extremist meetings or speakers. 4. New counter-terror laws

Mrs May said there would be a review of the country's counter-terrrorism strategy. It would ask if police and security services needed more powers, and whether terror offences should attract longer jail sentences  even for "apparently less serious offences". But legal blogger David Allen Green said it was "difficult to image what more laws about terrorism there could be", as the UK had averaged a new terrorism statute every two years since 2000. Loading "Government and parliament is running out of ways of legislating against terrorism," he said.
RPP, SSFN, RJPN to support Deuba for PM

Rastriya Prajatantra Party has decided to support Nepali Congress President Sher Bahadur Deuba in the upcoming Prime Minister's election.
Singapore: Australia stands "ready to assist" the Philippines as government forces battle Islamic State-linked militants in the country's south, Defence Minister Marise Payne says.

The threat from North Korea, anxiety over a coercive China and the threat of terrorism dominated talks between Australia and other regional countries at a security summit in Singapore over the past two days.

A Philippine marine signals his men to slow down as they near a corner at the frontline in Marawi city on Sunday. Credit:AP

Speaking at the end of her and Mr Turnbull's visit to Singapore, Ms Payne said on Saturday night that the concern about North Korea and the issue of returning foreign fighters were the two biggest causes of concern raised with her.

The current battle in the southern city of Marawi between government forces and militants linked to Islamic State was a reminder of what "could prospectively come to pass" if the region was not careful.
Beijing has hit back at US Defence Secretary Jim Mattis' criticism of its militarisation of South China Sea islands, expressing "strong dissatisfaction" and accusing the United States and Japan of "ulterior motives".

China's foreign ministry late on Sunday slammed what it claims were "irresponsible remarks" made by the US and Japan on the South China Sea and Taiwan at the Shangri-La Dialogue in Singapore.

But Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull's tough words on China made at the same security conference went unmentioned by Beijing.

Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Hua Chunying said China had "indisputable sovereignty" over the Spratly Island, which China calls the Nansha Islands, where the US Navy recently made its first freedom of navigation patrol under the Trump presidency.
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.
Street children in poor health

The health condition of street children in Dharan, Sunsari, is found to be miserable with the abandoned minors suffering from several physical and mental ailments.
Georgetown, SC (29440)

Today

Windy with thunderstorms. Some locally heavy downpours are possible. Potential for heavy rainfall. High 71F. Winds E at 20 to 30 mph. Chance of rain 100%..

Tonight

Thunderstorms likely. Potential for heavy rainfall. Low 68F. Winds SE at 10 to 15 mph. Chance of rain 90%.
The Orbital ATK Cygnus S.S. John Glenn cargo ship is seen after leaving the International Space Station on June 4, 2017 in this photo by NASA astronaut Jack Fischer.

A privately built Cygnus cargo ship left the International Space Station Sunday (June 4) to cap a successful delivery mission for NASA with a novel experiment: igniting a fire in weightlessness.

The Orbital ATK-built Cygnus spacecraft was released into space via robotic arm by NASA astronaut Jack Fischer at 9:10 a.m. EDT (1310 GMT) as both cargo ship and station sailed 250 miles (402 kilometers) above the southern Atlantic Ocean. The automated Cygnus, called the S.S. John Glenn in honor of the late Mercury astronaut John Glenn, delivered 7,600 lbs. (3,500 kilograms) of NASA supplies to the station in April.

"Godspeed and fair landings, S.S. John Glenn," Fischer said as the spacecraft pulled away from the space station. "It has been an honor." [Relive the Cygnus S.S. John Glenn's Launch]

While Sunday's station departure ended Cygnus' primary resupply mission, the spacecraft still has some science to do before it is disposed of on June 11 by being intentionally burned up in Earth's atmosphere.

Chief among that science is NASA's SAFFIRE III, a fire-in-space experiment designed to test how large-scale fires behave in weightlessness. It is the third and final test in the first phase of flame experiments in space, NASA officials said. Two other SAFFIRE experiments were performed on earlier Cygnus flights in 2016.

"As the first chance to actually study a realistically scaled fire, the SAFFIRE experiments have provided valuable insight into fire behavior inside a confined low-gravity environment," SAFFIRE principal investigator David Urban said in a statement.

During the SAFFIRE III fire experiment, a large piece of fabric will be set ablaze inside Cygnus, where the oxygen level will be similar to that of the space station. Scientists will measure how the flame spreads at different rates of airflow, NASA officials said. The actual burn event will last about 20 minutes, with the experiment itself running 2.5 hours, they added.

See more

Over the next week, video and data from the fire experiment will be beamed to scientists on Earth ahead of Cygnus' fiery re-entry on June 11. NASA will use the data collected from the space fire test to designed safer spacecraft environments for astronauts in space.

New SAFFIRE space fire experiments are expected to launch in 2019, NASA officials said.

"SAFFIRE IV-VI will extend the research by including larger, more energetic fires and by testing post-fire cleanup systems," Urban said.

The Orbital ATK Cygnus cargo ship S.S. John Glenn pulls away from the International Space Station on June 4, 2017 in this view from a NASA camera on the station exterior. (Image credit: NASA TV)

And once the space fire experiment is over, Cygnus still has more work to do. On Thursday (June 8), the spacecraft will deploy four small Lemur-2 cubesat satellites for Spire Global in a flight arranged by the company Nanoracks.

"The Nanoracks Lemur 2 satellites are part of a remote sensing satellite constellation that provide global ship traffic and weather monitoring," NASA spokesman Isidro Reyna said during live TV commentary.

Orbital ATK's S.S. John Glenn mission is thecompany's seventh Cygnus cargo flight for NASA under a commercial resupply contract. It's departure Sunday occurred during a busy time at the International Space Station.

On Friday, two space station crewmembers European Space Agency astronaut Thomas Pesquet of France and Russian cosmonaut Oleg Novitskiy  returned to Earth on a Soyuz capsule to end a six-month station flight.

Then on Saturday (June 3), a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket launched the first reused Dragon space capsule on its own delivery flight to the space station for NASA. Like Orbital ATK, SpaceX has a commercial contract with NASA to fly cargo missions to the space station. Saturday's launch was the eleventh such flight by SpaceX.

"This is the first time in history that two U.S. commercial cargo vehicles will be in free flight at the same time," NASA spokesman Rob Navias said during NASA TV commentary today.

That Dragon cargo ship will arrive at the station on Monday (June 5) at 10 a.m. EDT (1400 GMT). You canwatch the Dragon spacecraft arrive on Space.com, courtesy of NASA TV, beginning at 8:30 a.m. EDT (1230 GMT).

Email Tariq Malik at tmalik@space.com or follow him @tariqjmalik and Google+. Follow us @Spacedotcom, Facebook and Google+. Original article on Space.com.
The Orbital ATK Cygnus cargo ship S.S. John Glenn pulls away from the International Space Station on June 4, 2017 in this view from a NASA camera on the station exterior.

The last few days have been non-stop action for astronauts on the International Space Station, and there's still more work on the way.

Today (June 2), NASA astronauts Jack Fischer and Peggy Whitson bid farewell to a robotic Orbital ATK Cygnus cargo ship, an event that came amid four days of spaceship landings, launches, departures and arrivals.

"It's a remarkable time at the international space station. One of the busiest times of vehicle traffic in history," NASA spokesman Rob Navias said today as Fischer and Whitson worked to release the Cygnus cargo ship.

It all began on Friday (June 1), when two space station crewmembers returned to Earth on a Soyuz space capsule. Russian cosmonaut Oleg Novitskiy and French astronaut Thomas Pesquet of the European Space Agency landed in the remote steppes of Kazakhstan to end a six-month mission to the International Space Station. Their return left Whitson, Fischer and Russian cosmonaut Fyodor Yurchikhin behind on the station.

One day later, on Saturday (June 2), a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket launched a Dragon cargo ship packed with 6,000 lbs. (2,721 kilograms) of fresh supplies toward the space station. That launch marked a major milestone for SpaceX: It's the first time the company reused a Dragon capsule (it first flew in 2014).

Then came today's Cygnus departure. The Orbital ATK cargo ship launched to the space station in mid-April to deliver 7,600 lbs. (3,500 kilograms) of supplies. It will be intentionally disposed of by burning up in Earth's atmosphere on June 11.

"This is the first time in history that two U.S. commercial cargo vehicles will be in free flight at the same time," Navias said.

But we're not done yet.

On Monday (June 5), the Dragon spacecraft that launched Saturday will arrive at the space station. Whitson and Fischer will use the station's robotic arm to capture the Dragon capsule and attach it to a berthing port so the craft can be unpacked.

According to Navias, the space station crew will get a bit of a breather after the Dragon arrival. But in 10 days, they'll see another arrival: an uncrewed Russian Progress cargo ship packed with still more supplies, he added.

Then on July 28, a new crew is scheduled to launch to the space station on a Russian Soyuz spacecraft. So, whew! There's still more space action to come this summer!

Editor's Note: This article has been corrected to reflect that NASA astronaut Jack Fischer remains on the space station, not French astronaut Thomas Pesquet.

Email Tariq Malik at tmalik@space.com or follow him @tariqjmalik and Google+. Follow us @Spacedotcom, Facebook and Google+. Original article on Space.com.
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Thapa wishes to continue as Health Minister

Health Minister Gagan Thapa has expressed his desire to continue in the ministerial role in order to provide sustainability to the positive changes he brought during his tenure.
Havana, 03 June 2017 (SPS) The President of the National Assembly of People's Power of Cuba, Esteban Lazo, on Friday reiterated the support of the Caribbean nation to the right of the people of the Saharawi Arab Democratic Republic (SADR) to independence and Self-determination, reported Cuba's national television.

In a meeting with President of the Republic, Secretary-General of the Polisario Front, Brahim Ghali, Mr. Lazo declared his institution's will to create a group of friendship and solidarity with the SADR during its next session in order to strengthen the links between the two Legislative institutions.

During his official visit to Cuba, which ends on June 3, the President of the Republic was received by Cuban President Raul Castro. The two leaders expressed their willingness to strengthen the historic ties of solidarity, cooperation and brotherhood that unite the SADR and the Republic of Cuba. (SPS)

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U-Haul, the nations largest moving equipment and rental company, has added a new Billings dealer.

Tint Factory at 536 S. 18th St. W. is now authorized to rent U-Haul trucks, towing equipment, support rental items and in-store pick-up for boxes, according to a news release from the company.

Tint Factory is owned by Vernon Ball and has operated since 1988.

Hours of operation are 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday and 8 a.m. to noon Saturday. Call 545-3598 for more information or to reserve vehicles.

According to Phoenix, Arizona-based U-Haul, every company truck in a community keeps 19 other personal vehicles off the road, reducing congestion and emissions.

Tint Factory is U-Hauls fifth authorized dealer in Billings.

Billings Hypnosis moves

Billings Hypnosis has moved to a new office at 1001 S. 24th St. W. suite 310.

Owner Connie Kvilhaug said she has added courses aimed at first responders and other members of the medical community.

Those professionals can learn what to say and do at accident scenes, traumatic events and medical visits to help ease patients pain and potentially speed up the recovery rate, she said.

The training can also help pregnant women and chemotherapy patients, Kvilhaug said. She opened the business in 2006 and helps people retrain their brains to stop smoking, manage stress, sleep better and lose weight.

Her new phone number is 406-672-0637. The practice can also be reached at connie@billingshypnosis.com.

Small biz boost in Miles City

A new state-sponsored Small Business Development Center is opening in Miles City to support economic development in Eastern Montana, state officials announced recently.

The Montana Small Business Development Center is partnering with Miles Community College to bring the center to the campus.

The center will serve Carter, Custer, Dawson, Fallon, Powder River, Prairie, Rosebud, Treasure and Wibaux counties. It will provide resources to entrepreneurs in those areas, according to a news release.

Small business development centers are funded with state, federal and local dollars through the college.

The states Small Business Development Center and Miles College are seeking a director to staff the center.

Allegiant offers military perks

Allegiant Airlines recently announced an honors program to give perks to active and retired U.S. military members and their families.

Under the program, eligible members fly free on Allegiant with up to three pieces of checked baggage, one carry-on bag, one pet in the cabin and free seat assignments.

They may also board flights with priority boarding at no charge, and they face no cancellation fee.

Eligible members must bring a valid military ID.

Allegiant flies out of Billings Logan International Airport.

Haikus from the valley

Im back after two weeks. Did I miss anything?

GOP or the

WWE?

Or just plain assault?
Water management

As Nepal is going through a phase of economic development, a lot of water resources projects are being planned and constructed. Unfortunately, the country still takes the conventional project-by-project approach to development, which has its limitations.
New York, June 4, 2017 (SPS) - The World Food Program (WFP) needs $7.9 million over the next six months to continue providing food aid to the Sahrawi refugees in Algeria, UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres said on Friday.

The UN chief called on donors to "urgently increase their assistance for this often neglected and vulnerable population," the UN chief added.

The lack of funding has forced WFP to reduce food rations by nearly one-fifth this year and stop the distribution of nutritional supplements to treat anemia and malnutrition among pregnant women, nursing mothers and young children, said the spokesman of the UN SG in a statement to the press.

"Food rations will be further reduced by half in June, which could have a significant impact on food security and the nutritional status of refugees," added the UN SG.

"Humanitarian aid, including food aid, is a lifesaver for these refugees from Western Sahara," said the UN SG, noting that a recent assessment stressed "the precarious situation in terms of nutrition in the Sahrawi refugee camps." (SPS)

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Bir-Lehlu (Liberated Zones), 4 June 2017 (SPS) The Polisario Front has informed the United Nations of the delay in the presence of the UN Mission for the Referendum in Western Sahara (MINURSO) in El Guerguerat in accordance with the letter and spirit of the April Security Council resolution.

In an official protest submitted Saturday by Saharawi coordinator with MINURSO, Mhamed Khaddad, the Polisario Front informed the Special Envoy of the UN Secretary-General for Western Sahara, MINURSO Chief Kim Bolduc, of the need to the presence of the Mission in El Guerguerat pursuant to Security Council resolution 2351.

"After more than a month of this resolution of the UN Security Council no presence has been noticed of MINURSO in the buffer zone of El Guergarat," said Mr. Khaddad, regretting the arrest of the Moroccan forces of occupation in the same area of Saharawi citizen Baba Ahmed Haidalla, preventing him for a few days from entering the occupied territories of Western Sahara.

Mr. Khadad called for the immediate release of Saharawi citizen Ahmed Baba Haidalla and unrestricted access to the occupied territories of Western Sahara.

It should be recalled that the situation in the El Guerguerat area was at the center of the discussions of the Security Council in April, which resulted in the renewal of the mandate of MINURSO and the need for a permanent presence of the MINURSO in the area, considering that last year's crisis in El Guerguerat area "raises fundamental questions related to the ceasefire and relevant agreements and urged the Secretary-General to explore ways of resolving it." (SPS)

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Already struggling to pass a balanced budget, state legislators jobs could get even harder if Congress approves changes in federal health care laws that cut into Medicaid funds.

Included in the American Health Care Act passed by the U.S. House of Representatives are drastic cuts to states federal Medicaid allocation, including what is estimated to be a $528 million in funding to the expansion program states like Connecticut that began under Obamacare.

In terms of anticipated impacts to Connecticut Medicaid from Washington, it may a little premature to try to detail potential specific scenarios because so much is yet to be resolved, said David Dearborn, a spokesman for the state Department of Social Services, which oversees Medicaid. Certainly, there is tremendous concern, which would be an understatement.

U.S. Sen. Chris Murphy, D-Conn., estimates Connecticut could see a total of $8 billion or more over a 10-year period when potential cuts to traditional Medicaid programs are factored in.

The consequences to Connecticut are catastrophic, he said. Hundreds of people would lose care and our entire system would be put into crisis. Connecticut could preserve its Medicaid contribution but only through massive tax increases, which I dont think the Legislature would do.

Connecticut was the first state to expand its Medicaid program to low-income adults without minor children under the Obama administrations Affordable Care Act. That expansion population, currently 217,000 people, makes up more than 28 percent of people enrolled in the state Medicaid program.

While Medicaid is now an open-ended entitlement program where costs are shared between the state and federal government, the AHCA would upend that system entirely, said Eric Kim, director in Fitch Ratings U.S. public finance group.

The Medicaid changes are the bigger story on the bill, Kim said. We see it as a repeal and replace on Medicaid.

Connecticut has received roughly 50 percent of its Medicaid costs from the federal government under the current system, which is dependent on a states wealth. That percentage fluctuated in recent years, going up to 60 percent in 2010 due to the federal stimulus package that included enhanced Medicaid funding. It steadily declined back down to 50 percent before rising up to 59 percent in 2015 with Obamacares enhanced match for the expansion population.

During the current fiscal year, estimated federal funding share for Connecticut Medicaid is about $3.53 billion, while the states share is about $2.45 billion, according to state officials.

The new system proposed under the AHCA places a cap on the federal governments contribution to the program based on a per capita level. Its a set percentage as opposed to it growing as needed, said Kim. The risk and the rising costs get shifted to the states.

For states that expanded coverage, those costs would be covered at a lower percentage than traditional Medicaid levels. Once covered at 100 percent, the share of the federal governments contribution toward those populations in the 31 expansion states and the District of Columbia would decrease to 90 percent by 2020.

But under the AHCA, anyone enrolled in the expansion pool after Jan. 1, 2020, would instead be covered under the per capita level contribution, which would be less than 50 percent. And those who enroll before then but have their Medicaid coverage lapse would revert to the per capita level upon re-enrolling.

Kim said this could lead states to either drop people in the expansion program, causing them to become uninsured, or leaves states struggling to absorb the rise in costs for these individuals.

Cuts to the Disproportionate Share Hospital, or DSH, payments to qualifying hospitals that serve a large number of Medicaid and uninsured individuals for expansion states could further hurt a states ability to fund Medicaid costs.

Medicaid already runs relatively lean, Kim said. Medicaid spends less and grows slower than Medicare and traditional health insurance. So there is limited room to cut further in Medicaid.

Kim noted that for most states education or Medicaid rank first or second in terms of highest budget items. This means any increase in Medicaid cuts could end up affecting education if states are forced to find cuts elsewhere to fund Medicaid, Kim said.

The state already has somewhat reduced (budget) flexibility compared to other states, he said, noting Fitch recently downgraded Connecticuts bond rating to A+ from AA-, citing the fact that its revenues and reserves continue to decline. And as an expansion state, Connecticut is definitely more at risk.

In a statement issued several weeks ago when estimates related to the AHCA were released, Gov. Dannel P. Malloy called the bill cruel and Lt. Gov. Nancy Wyman noted its likely the elderly and people with low incomes who would be affected.

In Connecticut, the elderly, older adults under age 64, low-wage earners, and more than half a million citizens with pre-existing conditions will see their costs go up, and the state will lose up to a billion dollars a year that supports Medicaid, Wyman said. Trumpcare isnt a healthcare plan  its tax relief for the wealthy, and it comes at the expense of everyone else.
When David Atkins looks at the prime-time television lineup from the Summer of Love in 1967, he doesnt just see The Ed Sullivan Show and I Love Lucy, Bonanza and Gunsmoke, all top-rated shows; he sees evidence of a cultural shift that resonates to this day.

The word he settles on to des cribe that shift is bifurcation, and here is his quick definition of his Summer of Love theory: It was a real phrase that was coined at the time, but later on it was co-opted to mean something bigger, the rise of the hippies, and then the counter-culture, and we never turn ed back from that, he says.

The lines had been drawn between left wing and right wing, between rock music and country music. Then came Nixon and Watergate, and that created a lot of unease and skepticism. Summer of Love started this movement toward bifurcation between establishment and antiestablishment.

Atkins is not a television historian. He is an assistant professor of communications at Quinnipiac University in Hamden and an active practitioner of the television and film arts. The easiest credit to convey is he wrote and directed the 2001 film, Novocaine, starring Steve Martin and Helena Bonham Carter.

So where does Atkins find the televised evidence of this cultural split? One place is the Sunday-night lineup on CBS. It began with Lassie (at 17 seasons, still one of the longest-running series in TV history) and Gentle Ben, both family shows typical of the era when there were still only three networks and the audience was truly massive. Then came the The Ed Sullivan Show and the The Smothers Brothers Comedy Hour and trouble.

Both were variety shows, and Atkins says he was surprised to find when reviewing the prime-time programming (for this article) a total of 18 variety shows. The Sullivan show had been around almost since the beginning of television, debuting in 1948. But Sullivan, as archival footage constantly reminds, broadcast the Beatles and the British Invasion to the U.S.

Some of these old edifices helped to create the new world, Atkins says. Kids tuned into shows that were family oriented and from that extracted new directions and left the family behind.

Network television was first and foremost a business, Atkins says, and it was around this time executives started noticing changes in demographics and that different audiences started tuning into different shows.

One of those very different shows was the Smothers Brothers. The brothers, Tom and Dick, had originally appeared in a sitcom, but their comedy hour debuted in the winter of 1967. Its ratings almost equaled the Sullivan show (both had shares in the low 20s) and might have been higher if it were not opposite NBCs Bonanza (whose share hovered in the mid- to upper-20s).

The Smothers Brothers were a harbinger of things to come, Atkins says. They quickly became more outspoken  about civil rights, about the hypocrisy of the government and about the war (in Vietnam). They kept sharpening their jibes and ultimately were taken down in the spring of 1969.

The show had pushed the envelope so far that CBS demanded censors review scripts beforehand. In March, the network suddenly substituted a rerun for a show in which Joan Baez paid tribute to her husband, who had been sentenced to prison for draft evasion. In April, it was canceled, replaced by Hee Haw, a country-themed variety show Atkins remembers as super corny and mainstream. Nonthreatening was what it really was, he says.

But the cat was out of the bag. Rowan & Martins Laugh-In debuted in January 1968 on NBC. Satirical and psychedelic, it memorably introduced Goldie Hawn in her bikini and also had Richard Nixon as a guest during the 1968 presidential campaign, uttering the shows catch-phrase, Sock it to me. Atkins says Nixon later claimed the appearance helped him win the election.

Laugh-Ins title played off the 60s sit-ins and be-ins. The Summer of Love, Atkins says, was anticipated and fueled by the January 1967 music festival at Golden Gate Park in San Francisco that billed itself the Gathering of the Tribes for a Human Be-in.

Laugh-In achieved a 21.3 share in its first season, as measured by Nielsen Media Research, slotted on Monday nights against Gunsmoke, then the No. 4-rated show with a 25.5 share, on CBS. Monday nights was big for CBS. It also had the Andy Griffith Show and The Lucy Show, rated No. 1 and No. 2, respectively.

The next year, spanning the fall 1968 and winter 1969 seasons, Laugh-In soared to No. 1, with a 31.8 share. If that is not enough evidence of bifurcation, the No. 2 show had become Gomer Pyle on Friday nights with a 27.2 rating.

Atkins does not claim that the Smothers Brothers and Laugh-In were responding directly to the Summer of Love any more than the Summer of Love can be separated from the cultural forces that led to it. Besides, the TV-production cycle from first script pitch to season debut took a year. So the big picture of prime-time programming was slow to change. But Atkins does see other harbinger shows. Mod Squad, which debuted in 1968, starred three teenage detectives, one notably female and another a black male with an Afro. The setting of Room 222, first aired in 1969, was an American history class, led by a black teacher whose lessons included womens rights and race relations. Both were aimed at young audiences, rather than the family. Atkins says even The Brady Bunch, a family show that debuted in 1969, dealt with social issues in a more candid way.

Among unscripted shows, 60 Minutes began in 1968 (and is still running) introducing investigative journalism. People were questioning everything, Atkins says.

During the Summer of Love, Atkins was a 5-year-old in Newton, Mass., but he can claim to remember it because he had two older brothers and because he was watching TV. He was obsessed with The Monkees, a short-lived show modeled after the Beatles A Hard Days Night.

It was my show, Atkins says. I investigated everything about it. Precisely because it bridged the Summer of Love, running from September 1966 to March 1968, Atkins sees it as emblematic of bifurcation and its victim. The Monkees, he says, was an invented band drummed out of the business because they were considered fake by the new audience television executives created them for. Off the air, the Monkees, whose records actually sold millions, self-imploded their TV image with the movie, Head.

It was the most psychedelic movie Ive ever seen, Atkins says.

Looking back, Atkins notes the stark contrast between the Summer of Love and the riots at the Democratic National Convention in Chicago the next summer.

The battle lines had been drawn, he says. Right now its almost geographic  North and South, which is similar to the way it was in the civil rights days. We have a strong us versus them right now.
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WESTPORT  Hundreds of Westport families lined the Saugatuck River Saturday afternoon to catch a glimpse of a flock of thousands of ducks that appears only once a year in town.

A paddling of nearly 3,500 yellow rubber duckies raced downstream to cheers and jeers of residents as a part of the Westport Sunrise Rotary Clubs eighth annual Great Duck Race.

Observers, from young children to octogenarians, clutched expectantly at the raffle tickets holding their ducks numbers as the faux fowls were released from the starting line.

Among the crowds, Topi Mahonen watched alongside his three children, his wife and two friends visiting from his native country of Finland.

Like most attendees, Mahonen brought his young children and tourist friends to experience the unusual event firsthand. While his children participated in the events many side attractions, building pinewood derby cars to race at the Maker Faire pavilion and getting their faces painted at the arts and craft tent, his middle-aged friends drank in the sights of a mostly sunny afternoon in downtown Westport.

Its a nice atmosphere to bring your friends, and even to meet new ones. The Duck Race is just a load of fun for the family  kids and adults. Everyone is just so invested in the race, with people cheering for their ducks and getting excited, its just a cant-miss experience, Mahonen said.

Each year, Sunrise Rotary hosts the Great Duck Race to raise money for several local charities. The race, which is the organizations most substantial fundraiser, generates at least $20,000 each year in donations.

Though the event is free, participants can purchase a duck in the race for $20. With the winning ducks owner taking home a $5,000 Visa gift card, second place winning $1,000 and third through 10th places taking $500 each, the events popularity has continued to grow year after year.

We think that this year is going to be our biggest year yet, said Karen Kleine, the co-chairwoman of the Sunrise Rotarys Duck Race Committee.

With the projected surge in attendance this year, Kleine hopes the event could raise more than $40,000 for the Sunrise Rotary, minus the fees associated with the event.

Ticket revenues from the event will go toward nearly two dozen local and area non-profits, Kleine said, including Person-to-Person, Builders Beyond Borders, Homes with Hope, Mercy Learning Center of Bridgeport, Project Return Westport, Westport Campership Program and the Caroline House.

This years duck race featured a change of locale with a relocation from Jesup Green, its home in previous years, to the Parker Harding Plaza on the other side of the Route 1 bridge.

The duck race took place, in part, thanks to sponsorship of Stew Leonard III Childrens Charities, a fitting sponsor with a mascot named Stewie the Duck.

With an abundance of kids attending the duck race, the event is a perfect platform to impart water safety rules to an age group that is most vulnerable to drowning, said Doreen Miner, director of the Childrens Charities.

These kids are out here having a good time by the water, so we thought, What better place to teach them about water safety. If we can promote water safety while also showing the kids a good time, then we are doing our jobs.

ptomlinson@hearstmediact

.com; 203-354-1046; Twitter: @Tomlinson_PE
The U.S. Coast Guard has suspended a search for a boater who went missing near Glen Cove, N.Y. Saturday afternoon.

The missing man is Ralph Fletcher, 58, of Glen Cove, N.Y.

Our deepest condolences go out to the family and friends of Mr. Fletcher in this difficult time, said Capt. Michael Day, commander, Coast Guard Sector New York Command Center. Suspending a search is never an easy call to make and was made with deep consideration in this tragic case.

Coast Guard assets searched 225 square nautical miles for approximately 24 hours for Fletcher. The search was suspended Sunday afternoon.

The Coast Guard urges all boaters to file a float plan with family or friends prior to going out on the water

A float plan, similar to a life jacket, is a life-saving device on paper, which can make a difference in rescue and response time in the event of an emergency.

At 7:30 p.m. Saturday night, U.S. Coast Guard Sector New York was notified by the Sands Point Police Department of a grounded 21-foot-boat with a number of personal items including a wallet, cell phone, keys and a dog.

A flyover on Sunday morning, by a U.S. Coast Guard Air Station Cape Cod plane did not locate Fletcher, Iannuzzo-Simmons said.

The search which at one point included Greenwich, New Rochelle and Westchester County police was continuing Sunday with the Coast Guard as well as several local agencies still looking for Fletcher, Iannuzzo-Simmons said.
China held a high-level forum (from May 14-15), to promote its most ambitious foreign economic development initiative known as One Belt One Road.

The forum in Beijing was attended by leaders of 29 countries, more than 1,500 delegates from 130 nations, and representatives from over 70 international organizations including the heads of the United Nations, International Monetary Fund and the World Bank.

Opening the forum, Chinas President Xi Jinping said that China is willing to share its infrastructure development experience with all countries. He pledged $124 billion for the gigantic project and said that We will not interfere in other countries internal affairs. We will not export our system of society and development model, and even more will not impose our views on others.

Saying that cooperation was the only way to confront the profound changes sweeping the globe, he urged world leaders to reject protectionism and embrace globalization.

The strategy behind the initiative

The initiative consists of two major components, the land-based Silk Road Economic Belt from Asia via the Middle East to Europe, and Maritime Silk Road connecting Chinas port facilities with the east African coast, leading to Europe via the Red Sea and the Mediterranean.

The project earmarked to develop economies and establish a trade corridor, and transport goods spans over 65 countries from China to the United Kingdom that encompasses 4.4 billion people and about 40 percent of the global GDP.

Over the next five years, China plans to import $2 trillion of products from countries participating in this initiative.

Russia stands to benefit

Speaking at the forum, Russias President Vladimir Putin said the creation of the economic development belt and the organization of mutually beneficial trade between Asia and Europe seem to be an important initiative that takes into account the current trends in the world economy and also reflects the overall need for coordination of diverse integration processes on the Eurasian continent and in other regions of the world.

A major project that is already operational is the 7,500-mile long rail freight service between China and the United Kingdom. Undoubtedly, cheaper than air and faster than sea, the train passes through the Channel Tunnel into France, Belgium, Germany, Poland, Belarus, Russia and Kazakhstan to China.

Among others are a high-speed rail link from Moscow to Beijing that will reduce the current journey time from seven days to just 24 hours; and a $20 billion Moscow-Kazan high-speed railway that will have trains running at speeds up to 400 kilometers an hour.

But not all aboard

The forum was attended by the prime ministers of Spain, Italy, Greece and Hungary. However, conspicuously absent were the leaders of the United States and most European economies.

The White House adviser, Matt Pottinger, represented the United States and said that The U.S. recognizes the importance of improving economic connectivity through high-quality infrastructure development, and hence, welcomes efforts from all countries, including China, in achieving this.

India skipped the Forum blaming China for developing a $57 billion trade corridor through Pakistan that crosses the disputed territory of Kashmir.

Some Western countries that prefer to maintain their global and economic leadership are skeptical that this initiative would boost Chinas global leadership on trade, and voiced their typical grouse about human rights and environmental impact on Eurasian countries.

An initiative unprecedented in history

To implement this project, a network of new logistics routes and facilities will be constructed, including new highways, railways, ports, pipelines and power plants, along the routes to connect China with more than 65 countries in Asia, Africa and Europe.

This may be the worlds largest infrastructure project from Asia to Europe in the 21st century that opens for a new era of globalization  benefiting billions of people.

Somar Wijayadasa, a resident of Stamford, was a UNESCO delegate to the U.N. General Assembly from 1985-1995, and was representative of UNAIDS at the United Nations from 1995-2000.
C elebrities have expressed their shock and sent messages of support at the latest terror attack on London after seven people died and scores more were injured.

Armed police flooded the area after fanatics mowed down pedestrians on London Bridge before stabbing people at random at Borough Market on Saturday evening.

Within eight minutes of the first 999 call, the three killers were shot dead at the market by a police marksman.

Police said on Sunday morning that 48 people were in hospital with injuries, some in a life-threatening condition.

Aftermath of London Bridge and Borough Market terrorist attack 1 /73 Aftermath of London Bridge and Borough Market terrorist attack New Security barriers along Westminster Bridge Alex Lentati Onlookers react near the scene of an attack close to London Bridge Reuters Floral tributes are laid near Borough Market in London following Saturday's terrorist attack PA Security barriers along Waterloo Bridge Alex Lentati Police on patrol London Bridge and Southwark Street Jeremy Selwyn The scene where the terrorists van stopped at the southern end of London Bridge and Southwark Street Jeremy Selwyn A woman places flowers on a floral tribute in the London Bridge area AP Police activity on Ripple Road in east London, where officers have conducted raids after Saturday's deadly terror attack PA New security barriers have been put up along Westminster Bridge Alex Lentati People look at flowers at a pedestrian crossing on the south side of London Bridge AFP/Getty Images Police at London Bridge and Southwark Street Jeremy Selwyn Police on patrol London Bridge and Southwark Street Jeremy Selwyn Flowers at London Bridge and Southwark Street Jeremy Selwyn Flowers at London Bridge and Southwark Street Jeremy Selwyn Police on patrol London Bridge Jeremy Selwyn Police on patrol London Bridge and Southwark Street Jeremy Selwyn Police activity on Ripple Road in east London PA New security barriers have been put up along Westminster Bridge Evening Standard Jeremy Selwyn View of London Bridge following the terror attack Jeremy Selwyn Armed police Jeremy Selwyn A person (right) is detained by police at Elizabeth Fry flats in Barking, east London, which officer raided following the terror attack on London Bridge Furqan Nabi/PA A female police officer carries flowers from a member of the public to the scene of last night's terrorist attack at London Bridge Getty Images The van used by three attackers which was driven onto London Bridge, striking pedestrian, before they went on a stabbing rampage in nearby Borough Market PA A person is detained by police in Barking, east London following the terror attack on London Bridge Splash News Forensic officers work on London Bridge after last night's a terrorist attack Getty Images Police officers outside a property in East Ham which has been raided by police Getty Images Police activity on Barking Road in East Ham, east London @JrKamrulJr/PA A crowd gathers behind a police cordon on Barking Road in East Ham, east London, where there was a heavy police presence following last night's terrorist incident at London Bridge PA Armed police descend an escalator at the foot of the Shard outside London Bridge station PA Police officers and emergency response vehicles are seen on the street outside Borough Market on the morning after a terror attack on London Bridge and the Borough area AFP/Getty Images A forensic officer walks over London Bridge after last night's terrorist attack Getty Images View of London Bridge following the terror attack Jeremy Selwyn A police officer escorts members of the public, wrapped in foil blankets, towards The Shard in London AFP/Getty Images A bouquet of flowers stands by the police cordon next to London Bridge in London AFP/Getty Images A police officer creates a cordon on Kings Road in Barking, as police continue their investigations following the June 3 terror attacks AFP/Getty Images Police raid flats in Barking Armed officers: Police raid flats in Barking 'over London Bridge terror attack' @ofrenium/Twitter Members of the public watch as police work on Kings Road in Barking AFP/Getty Images Police raid flats in Barking The Union flag is flown at half mast in Downing Street, London PA Prime Minister Theresa May makes a statement in Downing Street after chairing a meeting of the Government's emergency Cobra committee following last night's terrorist incident in London PA A sign at Walthamstow tube station in east London following last night's terrorist incident at London Bridge PA Police outside a raided property in East Ham Getty Images Police officers stand outside a property which was raided by officers in Barking Road, east London Reuters Armed police Jeremy Selwyn Armed police Jeremy Selwyn Police officers patrol the River Thames by boat, close to London Bridge AFP/Getty Images Counter terrorism officers march near the scene of last night's London Bridge terrorist attack Getty Images Armed police Jeremy Selwyn Armed police and emergency services outside Borough Market, London, following last night's terrorist incidents PA Police forensic officers work on London Bridge in London, as police continue their investigations following the terror attack AFP/Getty Images Police on Southwark Bridge Road, London, near the scene of last night's terrorist incidents in London Bridge and Borough Market PA Police forensic officers on London Bridge following last night's terrorist incident PA The Union flag flies at half mast in Whitehall PA

Diver Tom Daley tweeted his horror at the atrocity, saying: Unbelievable news from London, to think that's where we walk through every day!

My thoughts are with all the families of the victims.

One Direction star Niall Horan wrote: Thoughts are with the people of London today after yet another horrific attack.

And Ariana Grande, whose concert at the Manchester Arena was targeted by suicide bomber Salman Abedi, wrote: Praying for London.

Ex-EastEnders star Rita Simons tweeted: Another day, another bunch of moronic t**** have wreaked havoc.

When does it end? Thoughts are with everyone involved. Stay strong London."

Controversial broadcaster Piers Morgan tweeted a message of defiance, sharing an image of the number of attacks on London during World War Two.

He wrote: This is how many bombs were dropped on London in 9 months during WW2 blitz.

No, we're not 'cowed' by a few jihadis. But we are at war.

Chef Gordon Ramsay wrote: Stay safe tonight London. Thinking of you.

Thoughts are with innocent victims caught up in London Bridge incident," Simon Cowell tweeted. "Please try to stay safe.

Model Cara Delevingne wrote: My heart is with you London. Please can everyone stay safe.

This is beyond tragic but we must stand together and not let this break us.
D onald Trump has sparked fury after hitting out at Sadiq Khan over his response to the London terror attack.

His comments came after terrorists mowed pedestrians down on London Bridge before stabbing people at Borough Market, leaving seven dead and injuring scores more.

All three men were shot dead by armed police, who flooded the area on Saturday night.

Following the atrocity, Sadiq Khan said he was grieving for the victims and said the terrorists would not win.

But the US President slammed that response on Twitter, saying: At least 7 dead and 48 wounded in terror attack and Mayor of London says there is no reason to be alarmed!

He caused confusion with a further tweet, saying: Do you notice we are not having a gun debate right now? That's because they used knives and a truck!

Tottenham MP David Lammy told him: Stop commenting on what has happened in my city. Put your phone down.

As an international politician, he should know better than taking cheap and unwarranted shots at the people actually on the ground, a follower agreed.

London Bridge attack: Sadiq Khan condemns attacks

Tony Posnanki told Mr Trump: Leaders comfort citizens. They work with authorities and other leaders for answers...not yell "WE ARE ALL GOING TO DIE!"

Mr Khan's statement appeared to have been taken out of context by Mr Trump. The Mayor had said this morning: "Londoners will see an increased police presence today and over the course of the next few days.

"There's no reason to be alarmed."

A spokesman for Mr Khan later branded Mr Trump's comment "ill-informed" and said the president had deliberately taken out of context remarks made by the mayor to reassure people about the increased police presence in the wake of the attack.

He said: "The mayor is busy working with the police, emergency services and the Government to co-ordinate the response to this horrific and cowardly terrorist attack and provide leadership and reassurance to Londoners and visitors to our city.

"He has more important things to do than respond to Donald Trump's ill-informed tweet that deliberately takes out of context his remarks urging Londoners not to be alarmed when they saw more police - including armed officers - on the streets."



Previously, Mr Trump had pledged his support to the UK over the latest atrocity, saying American was with you.

The US leader also used the attack to renew calls for his controversial travel ban.

Earlier this year, the US Presidents son Donald Trump Junior also hit out at Sadiq Khan for previous comments on the terror threat, when he said such attacks were part and parcel of living in a big city.
M etropolitan Police commissioner Cressida Dick has paid tribute to those who ran towards danger and risked their lives to save others during a terror attack at London Bridge which left seven dead and 48 injured.

Ms Dick slammed the appalling and tragic attack which saw three suspects in a white van plough into pedestrians on the bridge before stabbing revellers with 12-inch knives and what was believed to be a machete at Borough Market.

The commissioner revealed in a press conference on Sunday morning that seven people had died in Saturday nights attack.

An off-duty British Transport Police officer was among those injured by attackers who are said to have been wearing fake suicide vests.

They were shot dead by armed officers within eight minutes of the first 999 call being made just after 10pm.

Counter-terror police on the scene in London Bridge this morning / Jeremy Selwyn

The commissioner praised members of the public and emergency services workers who ran towards the danger in a bid to save lives.

London Bridge and Borough Market terrorist attack 1 /40 London Bridge and Borough Market terrorist attack Police and paramedics treat an injured person Daniel Sorabji/AFP/Getty Images A woman is helped to an ambulance at London Bridge Daniel Sorabji/AFP/Getty Images Armed police at London Bridge Dominic Lipinski/PA Wire Emergency personnel tend to wounded on London Bridge Yui Mok/PA Wire Daniel Sorabji/AFP/Getty Images Daniel Sorabji/AFP/Getty Images Debris and abandoned cars remain on London Bridge Chris J Ratcliffe/AFP/Getty Images People walking down Borough High Street Dominic Lipinski/PA Wire Armed Police officers on London Bridge Dominic Lipinski/PA Wire People flee along Borough High Street Dominic Lipinski/PA Wire Police officers outside the Barrowboy and Banker Public House on Borough High Street Dominic Lipinski/PA Wire Shocked onlookers in Borough High Street Dominic Lipinski/PA Wire Police sniffer dogs on London Bridge Dominic Lipinski/PA Wire Armed Police talk to members of the public outside London Bridge Hospital Dominic Lipinski/PA Wire People run down Borough High Street Dominic Lipinski/PA Wire A helicopter lands on London Bridge Dominic Lipinski/PA Wire An armed officer on London Bridge Dominic Lipinski/PA Wire Police officers on Borough High Street Dominic Lipinski/PA Wire Emergency personnel on London Bridge Dominic Lipinski/PA Wire Armed police on Borough High Street Dominic Lipinski/PA Wire Armed Police officer looks through his weapon on London Bridge Dominic Lipinski/PA Wire People run along Borough High Street Dominic Lipinski/PA Wire Police at the scene on Southwark Bridge Carl Court/Getty Images A paramedic rushes to the scene Dominic Lipinski/PA Wire An armed officer on London Bridge Dominic Lipinski/PA Wire A paramedic at the scene Dominic Lipinski/PA Wire Armed police on Borough High Street Dominic Lipinski/PA Wire Emergency personnel on London Bridge Yui Mok/PA Wire Police officers outside the Barrowboy and Banker Public House on Borough High Street Dominic Lipinski/PA Wire People are lead to safety away from London Bridge Carl Court/Getty Images

She said: Last night we saw another appalling and tragic incident in London - something we hoped we would not see again.

Many, many people risked their own safety to help others and to treat those seriously injured and indeed to confront the suspects involved. It is clear to be that the courage of those people was extraordinary and I pay tribute to all of them who came to the aid of those in need during this dreadful attack and I am sure helped to save lives.

Police respond to 'major incident' at London Bridge

She added that while it was believed all of the suspects had been neutralised a police cordon remained in the place around Borough High Street to ensure everyone had been accounted for.

Ms Dick declined to comment on the identity of the attackers, saying: "I can't tell you anything about the identity of the suspects at the moment.

"Obviously a very high priority for us is to identify them, work out who they are, where they've came from, what is behind this.

Seven people died in the appalling attack / Jeremy Selwyn

"I'm not prepared to comment at all about any information that we currently have. You understand why."

The commissioner said a "fast-moving" investigation is ongoing with "very significant" resources deployed both to the inquiry and patrols on the streets of the capital.

She added that said police have "very good" resources and "extraordinarily highly-trained people" but attacks are difficult to predict.

One of the suspected attackers is shot dead by police. Two further suspects can be seen on the tarmac in the background / (Instagram / @fried_chicken)

She said: "We've been trying to prepare for an attack like this. We have an excellent working relationship with our colleagues in the agencies, and we have officers on the streets of London all the time.

"These sorts of things, as you know, as is quite apparent, are hard to predict, and are sometimes sadly, as has been proven over the last few weeks, hard to prevent.

People are lead to safety away from London Bridge / Carl Court/Getty Images

"We're clearly going to have to look, all of us, in the light of the Westminster attack and the events in Manchester, at our resource levels and how we use them.

"But that's just a natural thing to do. I believe the Metropolitan Police is well resourced."

Speaking directly to those within the cordon, Ms Dick advised them to stay inside and thanked all those involved in the terrifying attack for their forbearance while police carried out an investigation.

It is the third terrorist atrocity in Britain in less than three months after the Westminster and Manchester attacks in March and May.
A student nurse who escaped the deadly London Bridge attack has appealed to find the taxi driver who saved her from a knife-wielding terrorist.

Rhiannon Owen was at a cash machine on Borough High Street when a passing taxi driver screamed at her to find shelter during the atrocity in which seven people were killed on Saturday night.

The 19-year-old turned in horror to find a terrorist with a huge blade and ran into a nearby pub to tell drinkers to find cover.

Ms Owen, from Nantwich, Cheshire, said the actions of the unknown man saved her life.

London Bridge and Borough Market terrorist attack 1 /40 London Bridge and Borough Market terrorist attack Police and paramedics treat an injured person Daniel Sorabji/AFP/Getty Images A woman is helped to an ambulance at London Bridge Daniel Sorabji/AFP/Getty Images Armed police at London Bridge Dominic Lipinski/PA Wire Emergency personnel tend to wounded on London Bridge Yui Mok/PA Wire Daniel Sorabji/AFP/Getty Images Daniel Sorabji/AFP/Getty Images Debris and abandoned cars remain on London Bridge Chris J Ratcliffe/AFP/Getty Images People walking down Borough High Street Dominic Lipinski/PA Wire Armed Police officers on London Bridge Dominic Lipinski/PA Wire People flee along Borough High Street Dominic Lipinski/PA Wire Police officers outside the Barrowboy and Banker Public House on Borough High Street Dominic Lipinski/PA Wire Shocked onlookers in Borough High Street Dominic Lipinski/PA Wire Police sniffer dogs on London Bridge Dominic Lipinski/PA Wire Armed Police talk to members of the public outside London Bridge Hospital Dominic Lipinski/PA Wire People run down Borough High Street Dominic Lipinski/PA Wire A helicopter lands on London Bridge Dominic Lipinski/PA Wire An armed officer on London Bridge Dominic Lipinski/PA Wire Police officers on Borough High Street Dominic Lipinski/PA Wire Emergency personnel on London Bridge Dominic Lipinski/PA Wire Armed police on Borough High Street Dominic Lipinski/PA Wire Armed Police officer looks through his weapon on London Bridge Dominic Lipinski/PA Wire People run along Borough High Street Dominic Lipinski/PA Wire Police at the scene on Southwark Bridge Carl Court/Getty Images A paramedic rushes to the scene Dominic Lipinski/PA Wire An armed officer on London Bridge Dominic Lipinski/PA Wire A paramedic at the scene Dominic Lipinski/PA Wire Armed police on Borough High Street Dominic Lipinski/PA Wire Emergency personnel on London Bridge Yui Mok/PA Wire Police officers outside the Barrowboy and Banker Public House on Borough High Street Dominic Lipinski/PA Wire People are lead to safety away from London Bridge Carl Court/Getty Images

She said: "This taxi driver swerved towards me and screamed 'please run, you've got to run now, get back, get back'.

"I turned around and saw this man with this huge blade and I just ran as fast as I could to the nearest pub.

"I shouted into the pub and said to everyone 'you need to get inside'. We all went upstairs for, I don't even know how long, and gunshots started and they went on for ages."

Student nurse Rhiannon Owen, 19, escaped the London Bridge terror attack / PA

Addressing the driver directly, she added: "I don't know who you are but I owe you my life. I could run away because you told me to.

"I just want to say thank you, whoever you are, thank you so much."

She said the police eventually came and said those inside could leave, but that they had to do so with their hands on their heads.

Describing the scene outside of Applebee's, the establishment in which she took refuge, Ms Owen said: "It was horrible, horrible. People were screaming and crying.

"Emergency services everywhere, blue flashing lights, armed police on every metre of road - it was completely packed."

Quizzed on if she saw anyone with injuries, she said she saw a man "bleeding out".

She added: "The window was smashed and he was on the floor and he was screaming - I think he had been a victim of the stabbing.

Seven people were killed when three terrorists mowed down pedestrians on London Bridge and went on a knife rampage in Borough Market on Saturday night, with 21 people in critical condition in hospital.

Speaking outside Downing Street on Sunday, Prime Minister Theresa May said things need to change to counter the terrorist threat.
B ritain today entered a new era of clamping down on terrorism, as the Prime Minister declared "enough is enough" after seven people were killed in an extremist attack in London.

In a frank, hard-hitting speech outside Downing Street, Theresa May declared things need to change to counter the terrorist threat.

It came after seven people were slaughtered by terrorists who mowed people down on London Bridge and launched a knife attack in Borough Market.

The Prime Minister condemned the "evil" ideology behind the recent attacks on London and Manchester, saying the world was facing a new type of threat.

Theresa May declared: "enough is enough" after the terror attack in central London / PA

She said: "As terrorism breeds terrorism and perpetrators are inspired to attack, not only on the basis of carefully constructed plots after years of planning and training, and not even as lone attackers radicalised online, but by copying one another and often using the crudest of means of attack."

She announced more needed to be done to clampdown on extremist safe spaces both online and in Britains communities.

Mrs May also claimed there was "far too much tolerance of extremism in our country" and called for it to be tackled head on, while reviewing the country's counter-terrorism strategy to combat the changing threat.

But she insisted, after a days break from campaigning, the General Election would go ahead as planned on June 8.

Counter terror police on patrol in central London today / Jeremy Selwyn

She said: We cannot and must not pretend that things can continue as they are. Things need to change and they need to change in four important ways.

The Prime Minister said the attacks on Westminster Bridge, Manchester Arena and the most recent atrocity were not connected by common networks but shared the same evil ideology of Islamist extremism that preaches hatred, sows division and promotes sectarianism.

Seven people died in the appalling attack / Jeremy Selwyn

She said: It is an ideology that claims our Western values of freedom, democracy and human rights are incompatible with the religion of Islam. It is an ideology that is a perversion of Islam and a perversion of the truth.

Defeating this ideology is one of the great challenges of our time, but it cannot be defeated by military intervention alone.

Attack: Armed police on the streets / Jeremy Selwyn

It will not be defeated by the maintenance of a permanent defensive counter-terrorism operation, however skillful its leaders and practitioners.

London Bridge and Borough Market terrorist attack 1 /40 London Bridge and Borough Market terrorist attack Police and paramedics treat an injured person Daniel Sorabji/AFP/Getty Images A woman is helped to an ambulance at London Bridge Daniel Sorabji/AFP/Getty Images Armed police at London Bridge Dominic Lipinski/PA Wire Emergency personnel tend to wounded on London Bridge Yui Mok/PA Wire Daniel Sorabji/AFP/Getty Images Daniel Sorabji/AFP/Getty Images Debris and abandoned cars remain on London Bridge Chris J Ratcliffe/AFP/Getty Images People walking down Borough High Street Dominic Lipinski/PA Wire Armed Police officers on London Bridge Dominic Lipinski/PA Wire People flee along Borough High Street Dominic Lipinski/PA Wire Police officers outside the Barrowboy and Banker Public House on Borough High Street Dominic Lipinski/PA Wire Shocked onlookers in Borough High Street Dominic Lipinski/PA Wire Police sniffer dogs on London Bridge Dominic Lipinski/PA Wire Armed Police talk to members of the public outside London Bridge Hospital Dominic Lipinski/PA Wire People run down Borough High Street Dominic Lipinski/PA Wire A helicopter lands on London Bridge Dominic Lipinski/PA Wire An armed officer on London Bridge Dominic Lipinski/PA Wire Police officers on Borough High Street Dominic Lipinski/PA Wire Emergency personnel on London Bridge Dominic Lipinski/PA Wire Armed police on Borough High Street Dominic Lipinski/PA Wire Armed Police officer looks through his weapon on London Bridge Dominic Lipinski/PA Wire People run along Borough High Street Dominic Lipinski/PA Wire Police at the scene on Southwark Bridge Carl Court/Getty Images A paramedic rushes to the scene Dominic Lipinski/PA Wire An armed officer on London Bridge Dominic Lipinski/PA Wire A paramedic at the scene Dominic Lipinski/PA Wire Armed police on Borough High Street Dominic Lipinski/PA Wire Emergency personnel on London Bridge Yui Mok/PA Wire Police officers outside the Barrowboy and Banker Public House on Borough High Street Dominic Lipinski/PA Wire People are lead to safety away from London Bridge Carl Court/Getty Images

It will only be defeated when we turn people's minds away from this violence and make them understand that our values - pluralistic British values - are superior to anything offered by the preachers and supporters of hate.

One of the suspected attackers is shot dead by police. Two further suspects can be seen on the tarmac in the background / (Instagram / @fried_chicken)

Turning to the way the ideology was spread, she said the UK needed to reach international agreements to regulate cyberspace.

And she went on: While we have made significant progress in recent years, there is - to be frank - far too much tolerance of extremism in our country.

London terror eyewitness: They stabbed anyone they saw

So we need to become far more robust in identifying it and stamping it out across the public sector and across society.

That will require some difficult, and often embarrassing, conversations.

Debris and abandoned cars remain on London Bridge / Chris J Ratcliffe/AFP/Getty Images

But the whole of our country needs to come together to take on this extremism, and we need to live our lives not in a series of separated, segregated communities, but as one truly United Kingdom.

London's hospitals are treating 48 people for their injuries, with many in a life-threatening condition, the Prime Minister said.

Emergency personnel tend to wounded on London Bridge / Yui Mok/PA Wire

She concluded: "Since the emergence of the threat from Islamist-inspired terrorism, our country has made significant progress in disrupting plots and protecting the public.

"But it is time to say `Enough is enough'. Everybody needs to go about their lives as they normally would. Our society should continue to function in accordance with our values.

"But when it comes to taking on extremism and terrorism, things need to change. As a mark of respect, two political parties have suspended our national campaigns for today.

"But violence can never be allowed to disrupt the democratic process, so those campaigns will resume in full tomorrow and the General Election will go ahead as planned on Thursday.

London Bridge attack: Sadiq Khan condemns attacks

"As a country, our response must be as it has always been when we have been confronted by violence. We must come together, we must pull together, and united we will take on and defeat our enemies."

The three London Bridge attack terrorists were killed within eight minutes of the first call to police, and the emergency services have been praised for their response to the atrocity.

The attackers brought carnage to the capital, stabbing a police officer and revellers with 12-inch knives - but police put a stop to the rampage in eight minutes.

Terror: Emergency services at the scene / AFP/Getty Images

Police were called at around 10.08pm to reports of a vehicle striking pedestrians on London Bridge.

The white van then continued to drive to Borough Market, and three men left the vehicle and began to stab people, including a British Transport Police officer.

They were confronted and shot by police at Borough Market within eight minutes of the first call being made.

London Mayor Sadiq Khan described the attack as "deliberate and cowardly".

Met police commissioner Cressida Dick on London Bridge attacks

He said: "My thoughts are with everyone affected, and I'd like to thank the brave men and women of our emergency services who were first on the scene and will be working throughout the night."

Met Police commissioner Cressida Dick has praised the "extraordinary" courage of members of the public and emergency services who "ran towards the danger".

She paid tribute to the actions of those caught up in the terror attacks in the London Bridge area on Saturday night, saying she was sure they had helped save lives.

Addressing media outside Scotland Yard, Ms Dick said: "In the early hours of the morning I visited one of the hospitals where the injured are being treated.

"There I heard truly remarkable stories of extraordinarily brave actions by officers on and off duty who were first on the scene.

"I also heard of colleagues from other emergency services and members of the public who ran towards the danger as this incident unfolded.

"Many, many people risked their own safety to help others and to treat those seriously injured and indeed to confront the suspects involved.

"It's clear to me that the courage of those people during and following the attack was extraordinary and I pay tribute to all of them who came to the aid of those in need during this dreadful attack, and I am sure helped to save lives."
T he families of people still missing after the terror attack in London today launched desperate searches to establish their whereabouts.

The search for missing loved-ones continues as 16-year-old Asya Mustafa, who was not heard from in the hours following the attack, was found safe, her family revealed.

Asya was reportedly walking home through Borough Market when attackers armed with knives and a machete struck, stabbing revellers after ploughing into pedestrians on London Bridge.

Seven people were confirmed dead by Metropolitan Police Commissioner Cressida Dick on Sunday morning with a further 48 injured in hospital.

London terror attack: What we know so far

Asyas aunt Tijen Mustafa said the teenagers phone was lost as she fled from attackers sparking a panicked search.

She told the Standard: "Asya was caught up in (the attack) and her phone lost whilst police made people run away from the area.

It has been so emotional and worrying. We are so glad to hear she is safe.

Kiwi Oliver Dowling was seriously injured in the attack

Asyas family thanked all those who shared an appeal to find the youngster on social media.

Her aunt added: Thank you all for your shares likes posts and concerns. It means so much to us.

Friends searching for a journalist who was reportedly stabbed in the attack confirmed around 7am that he had been located in an intensive care unit.

London Bridge and Borough Market terrorist attack 1 /40 London Bridge and Borough Market terrorist attack Police and paramedics treat an injured person Daniel Sorabji/AFP/Getty Images A woman is helped to an ambulance at London Bridge Daniel Sorabji/AFP/Getty Images Armed police at London Bridge Dominic Lipinski/PA Wire Emergency personnel tend to wounded on London Bridge Yui Mok/PA Wire Daniel Sorabji/AFP/Getty Images Daniel Sorabji/AFP/Getty Images Debris and abandoned cars remain on London Bridge Chris J Ratcliffe/AFP/Getty Images People walking down Borough High Street Dominic Lipinski/PA Wire Armed Police officers on London Bridge Dominic Lipinski/PA Wire People flee along Borough High Street Dominic Lipinski/PA Wire Police officers outside the Barrowboy and Banker Public House on Borough High Street Dominic Lipinski/PA Wire Shocked onlookers in Borough High Street Dominic Lipinski/PA Wire Police sniffer dogs on London Bridge Dominic Lipinski/PA Wire Armed Police talk to members of the public outside London Bridge Hospital Dominic Lipinski/PA Wire People run down Borough High Street Dominic Lipinski/PA Wire A helicopter lands on London Bridge Dominic Lipinski/PA Wire An armed officer on London Bridge Dominic Lipinski/PA Wire Police officers on Borough High Street Dominic Lipinski/PA Wire Emergency personnel on London Bridge Dominic Lipinski/PA Wire Armed police on Borough High Street Dominic Lipinski/PA Wire Armed Police officer looks through his weapon on London Bridge Dominic Lipinski/PA Wire People run along Borough High Street Dominic Lipinski/PA Wire Police at the scene on Southwark Bridge Carl Court/Getty Images A paramedic rushes to the scene Dominic Lipinski/PA Wire An armed officer on London Bridge Dominic Lipinski/PA Wire A paramedic at the scene Dominic Lipinski/PA Wire Armed police on Borough High Street Dominic Lipinski/PA Wire Emergency personnel on London Bridge Yui Mok/PA Wire Police officers outside the Barrowboy and Banker Public House on Borough High Street Dominic Lipinski/PA Wire People are lead to safety away from London Bridge Carl Court/Getty Images

Geoff Ho, a business editor with the Sunday Express, was put in an ambulance after being injured outside the Southwark Tavern on Borough High Street.

Friend Isabelle Oderberg tweeted: "We have found Geoff. He is in intensive care.

"Thank you for the RTs and messages. I'll be going offline now until I hear more."

Nora Calder wrote on the social media site: "Geoff Ho, stabbed at Southwark Tavern, taken in Ambulance."

Meanwhile, a 32-year-old man from New Zealand is said to be recovering in hospital after being stabbed in the face, neck and stomach, relatives reported.

Oliver Dowling underwent four hour of surgery following the attack, his sister Freddy posted on Facebook.

Mr Dowlings girlfriend Marie Bondeville was also hurt but the severity of her injuries is not yet known, the New Zealand Herald reported.

Attack victim: Journalist Geoff Ho was reportedly stabbed outside the Southwark Tavern on Borough High Street / Twitter

Freddy wrote: Doctors are very happy with how he's come out the other side. A massive thank to the University of London Hospital for their tireless efforts in helping my brother out.

Marie has been in surgery at another hospital but unfortunately we haven't been able to find out how she is due to not being immediate family."

Aftermath of London Bridge and Borough Market terrorist attack 1 /73 Aftermath of London Bridge and Borough Market terrorist attack New Security barriers along Westminster Bridge Alex Lentati Onlookers react near the scene of an attack close to London Bridge Reuters Floral tributes are laid near Borough Market in London following Saturday's terrorist attack PA Security barriers along Waterloo Bridge Alex Lentati Police on patrol London Bridge and Southwark Street Jeremy Selwyn The scene where the terrorists van stopped at the southern end of London Bridge and Southwark Street Jeremy Selwyn A woman places flowers on a floral tribute in the London Bridge area AP Police activity on Ripple Road in east London, where officers have conducted raids after Saturday's deadly terror attack PA New security barriers have been put up along Westminster Bridge Alex Lentati People look at flowers at a pedestrian crossing on the south side of London Bridge AFP/Getty Images Police at London Bridge and Southwark Street Jeremy Selwyn Police on patrol London Bridge and Southwark Street Jeremy Selwyn Flowers at London Bridge and Southwark Street Jeremy Selwyn Flowers at London Bridge and Southwark Street Jeremy Selwyn Police on patrol London Bridge Jeremy Selwyn Police on patrol London Bridge and Southwark Street Jeremy Selwyn Police activity on Ripple Road in east London PA New security barriers have been put up along Westminster Bridge Evening Standard Jeremy Selwyn View of London Bridge following the terror attack Jeremy Selwyn Armed police Jeremy Selwyn A person (right) is detained by police at Elizabeth Fry flats in Barking, east London, which officer raided following the terror attack on London Bridge Furqan Nabi/PA A female police officer carries flowers from a member of the public to the scene of last night's terrorist attack at London Bridge Getty Images The van used by three attackers which was driven onto London Bridge, striking pedestrian, before they went on a stabbing rampage in nearby Borough Market PA A person is detained by police in Barking, east London following the terror attack on London Bridge Splash News Forensic officers work on London Bridge after last night's a terrorist attack Getty Images Police officers outside a property in East Ham which has been raided by police Getty Images Police activity on Barking Road in East Ham, east London @JrKamrulJr/PA A crowd gathers behind a police cordon on Barking Road in East Ham, east London, where there was a heavy police presence following last night's terrorist incident at London Bridge PA Armed police descend an escalator at the foot of the Shard outside London Bridge station PA Police officers and emergency response vehicles are seen on the street outside Borough Market on the morning after a terror attack on London Bridge and the Borough area AFP/Getty Images A forensic officer walks over London Bridge after last night's terrorist attack Getty Images View of London Bridge following the terror attack Jeremy Selwyn A police officer escorts members of the public, wrapped in foil blankets, towards The Shard in London AFP/Getty Images A bouquet of flowers stands by the police cordon next to London Bridge in London AFP/Getty Images A police officer creates a cordon on Kings Road in Barking, as police continue their investigations following the June 3 terror attacks AFP/Getty Images Police raid flats in Barking Armed officers: Police raid flats in Barking 'over London Bridge terror attack' @ofrenium/Twitter Members of the public watch as police work on Kings Road in Barking AFP/Getty Images Police raid flats in Barking The Union flag is flown at half mast in Downing Street, London PA Prime Minister Theresa May makes a statement in Downing Street after chairing a meeting of the Government's emergency Cobra committee following last night's terrorist incident in London PA A sign at Walthamstow tube station in east London following last night's terrorist incident at London Bridge PA Police outside a raided property in East Ham Getty Images Police officers stand outside a property which was raided by officers in Barking Road, east London Reuters Armed police Jeremy Selwyn Armed police Jeremy Selwyn Police officers patrol the River Thames by boat, close to London Bridge AFP/Getty Images Counter terrorism officers march near the scene of last night's London Bridge terrorist attack Getty Images Armed police Jeremy Selwyn Armed police and emergency services outside Borough Market, London, following last night's terrorist incidents PA Police forensic officers work on London Bridge in London, as police continue their investigations following the terror attack AFP/Getty Images Police on Southwark Bridge Road, London, near the scene of last night's terrorist incidents in London Bridge and Borough Market PA Police forensic officers on London Bridge following last night's terrorist incident PA The Union flag flies at half mast in Whitehall PA

Two Australians have also been injured in the attack, Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull said.

One person is currently in hospital while the status of the second is yet to be confirmed, Mr Turnbull added.

Four French nationals were also involved in the atrocity, foreign minister Jean-Yves Le Drian confirmed.

The Metropolitan Police has opened a casualty bureau for anyone concerned about friends or relatives who may be affected on 0800 096 1233 and 020 7158 0197.
M etropolitan Police have raided flats in east London "in connection with a terror attack at London Bridge which left seven people dead".

Images posted on social media showed a police cordon around flats in Kings Road, Barking, shortly after 7am on Sunday.

Three suspects in a white van ploughed into pedestrians on London Bridge before stabbing revellers at Borough Market just after 10pm on Saturday.

Police cordon: Flats were raided by police / AFP/Getty Images

The attackers were shot dead by police just eight minutes after receiving a 999 call at 10.08pm.

According to the Telegraph, five people, four men and one woman, were arrested over the atrocity, however, it was later reported that the woman had been released.

Tara Milan, 24, told the newspaper that four people were detained in the flats and that one man tried to escape armed police.

She said: "I saw them bringing them out of the flat opposite, around 7am.

One man tried to flee and they shot him outside my house. They put him in an ambulance and then the others in a police van."

Neighbour, Damien Pettit, told Sky News that police had showed him a picture of the suspect, who he thought looked like one of his neighbours.

Mr Pettit said the man was an "affable person", with young children, who had lived in the block for three years and used to work for TfL.

He said: "If it is him, it's not the person we know."

Met police commissioner Cressida Dick on London Bridge attacks

Seven people were killed and 48, including an off-duty British Transport Police officer, injured in the attack which happened shortly after 10pm on Saturday.

The Met Police are yet to release a statement on the raids.
J emima Goldsmith and her brother today clashed publicly in a bitter row on Twitter following last night's attack in London Bridge.

Zac Goldsmiths siblings exchanged angry tweets after wealthy financier Ben Goldsmith linked the atrocity to mass immigration.

Seven people died and dozens more were injured by terrorists who mowed down pedestrians on London Bridge and launched a knife attack in Borough Market.

Mr Goldsmith, 36, said British people were starting to understand what life is like in Israel, under the constant threat of attack.

Ben Goldsmith with his wife Jemima Jones / Dave Benett/Getty Images

He invoked Enoch Powells famous Rivers of blood speech from 1968 and asked: How much blood constitutes a river? And when might we acknowledge that perhaps Enoch Powell had a point on the dangers of mass migration.

Journalist Ms Goldsmith, also known as Jemima Khan, hit back and tweeted: Hysteria and scare-mongering doesnt help. London is a very safe city, relatively speaking.

To her near two million followers, the 43-year-old claimed more people die each year in dog attacks and said: 1 in 4 jihadist convictions is a white or black convert to Islam. How does banning immigration help that?

And in another tweet responding to her younger brother she reminded him he was the grandson of a German Jewish immigrant.

The siblings are the children of the late billionaire financier Sir James Goldsmith, who was also the father of unsuccessful London mayoral candidate Zac Goldsmith.

The row comes as police this morning raided a block of flats in east London where they made twelve arrests in connection with the attack.

Armed officers stormed flats in Kings Road, Barking, around 7am on Sunday, just hours after three suspects launched a horrific attack on the capital, killing seven people and injuring 48.

Timeline of the terror attacks on London Bridge

A white van mowed down pedestrians on London Bridge shortly after 10pm before the attackers, wielding knives and a machete and wearing fake suicide vests, stabbed revellers enjoying nights out in nearby Borough Market.

The attackers were shot dead by police marksmen just eight minutes after terrified bystanders dialled 999.
T errifying footage has emerged of gunfire ringing out as terrorists went on a deadly knife rampage in London Bridge.

In the video, taken from above a street near Borough Market, people can be seen fleeing after armed officers shot dead three knife-wielding terrorists on Saturday night.

The Met Police confirmed armed officers fired an unprecedented number of rounds at the three attackers, who appeared to be wearing suicide belts.

One member of the public was accidentally shot when officers descended on Borough Market shortly after the knifemen had begun their rampage.

The person has since been taken to hospital, where their condition is not believed to be critical.

Aftermath of London Bridge and Borough Market terrorist attack 1 /73 Aftermath of London Bridge and Borough Market terrorist attack New Security barriers along Westminster Bridge Alex Lentati Onlookers react near the scene of an attack close to London Bridge Reuters Floral tributes are laid near Borough Market in London following Saturday's terrorist attack PA Security barriers along Waterloo Bridge Alex Lentati Police on patrol London Bridge and Southwark Street Jeremy Selwyn The scene where the terrorists van stopped at the southern end of London Bridge and Southwark Street Jeremy Selwyn A woman places flowers on a floral tribute in the London Bridge area AP Police activity on Ripple Road in east London, where officers have conducted raids after Saturday's deadly terror attack PA New security barriers have been put up along Westminster Bridge Alex Lentati People look at flowers at a pedestrian crossing on the south side of London Bridge AFP/Getty Images Police at London Bridge and Southwark Street Jeremy Selwyn Police on patrol London Bridge and Southwark Street Jeremy Selwyn Flowers at London Bridge and Southwark Street Jeremy Selwyn Flowers at London Bridge and Southwark Street Jeremy Selwyn Police on patrol London Bridge Jeremy Selwyn Police on patrol London Bridge and Southwark Street Jeremy Selwyn Police activity on Ripple Road in east London PA New security barriers have been put up along Westminster Bridge Evening Standard Jeremy Selwyn View of London Bridge following the terror attack Jeremy Selwyn Armed police Jeremy Selwyn A person (right) is detained by police at Elizabeth Fry flats in Barking, east London, which officer raided following the terror attack on London Bridge Furqan Nabi/PA A female police officer carries flowers from a member of the public to the scene of last night's terrorist attack at London Bridge Getty Images The van used by three attackers which was driven onto London Bridge, striking pedestrian, before they went on a stabbing rampage in nearby Borough Market PA A person is detained by police in Barking, east London following the terror attack on London Bridge Splash News Forensic officers work on London Bridge after last night's a terrorist attack Getty Images Police officers outside a property in East Ham which has been raided by police Getty Images Police activity on Barking Road in East Ham, east London @JrKamrulJr/PA A crowd gathers behind a police cordon on Barking Road in East Ham, east London, where there was a heavy police presence following last night's terrorist incident at London Bridge PA Armed police descend an escalator at the foot of the Shard outside London Bridge station PA Police officers and emergency response vehicles are seen on the street outside Borough Market on the morning after a terror attack on London Bridge and the Borough area AFP/Getty Images A forensic officer walks over London Bridge after last night's terrorist attack Getty Images View of London Bridge following the terror attack Jeremy Selwyn A police officer escorts members of the public, wrapped in foil blankets, towards The Shard in London AFP/Getty Images A bouquet of flowers stands by the police cordon next to London Bridge in London AFP/Getty Images A police officer creates a cordon on Kings Road in Barking, as police continue their investigations following the June 3 terror attacks AFP/Getty Images Police raid flats in Barking Armed officers: Police raid flats in Barking 'over London Bridge terror attack' @ofrenium/Twitter Members of the public watch as police work on Kings Road in Barking AFP/Getty Images Police raid flats in Barking The Union flag is flown at half mast in Downing Street, London PA Prime Minister Theresa May makes a statement in Downing Street after chairing a meeting of the Government's emergency Cobra committee following last night's terrorist incident in London PA A sign at Walthamstow tube station in east London following last night's terrorist incident at London Bridge PA Police outside a raided property in East Ham Getty Images Police officers stand outside a property which was raided by officers in Barking Road, east London Reuters Armed police Jeremy Selwyn Armed police Jeremy Selwyn Police officers patrol the River Thames by boat, close to London Bridge AFP/Getty Images Counter terrorism officers march near the scene of last night's London Bridge terrorist attack Getty Images Armed police Jeremy Selwyn Armed police and emergency services outside Borough Market, London, following last night's terrorist incidents PA Police forensic officers work on London Bridge in London, as police continue their investigations following the terror attack AFP/Getty Images Police on Southwark Bridge Road, London, near the scene of last night's terrorist incidents in London Bridge and Borough Market PA Police forensic officers on London Bridge following last night's terrorist incident PA The Union flag flies at half mast in Whitehall PA

The three terrorists had killed seven members of the public before they were shot dead by police.

In the footage, one person shouts oh my God after hearing repeated gunshots, as people frantically run from the scene of the attack.

People can also be heard shouting in the streets, with one person yelling chaotically for everyone to flee the scene.

The three attackers were in a white Renault transit van which ploughed into pedestrians at about 10pm on Saturday.

The knifemen then drove to Borough Market where they began repeatedly stabbing members of the public before being gunned down.

The Met's assistant commissioner Mark Rowley updates the media on the attacks

Assistant Commissioner Mark Rowley paid tribute to the officers in a statement outside Scotland Yard on Sunday, saying he was humbled by their bravery.

He said: The situation these officers were confronted with was critical  a matter of life and death  three armed men, wearing what appeared to be suicide belts, had already attacked and killed members of the public and had to be stopped immediately.

Indeed I am not surprised that faced with what they must have feared were three suicide bombers - the firearms officers fired an unprecedented number of rounds to be completely confident they had neutralised those threats.

He also said the force was making significant progress in identifying the attackers

The first victim killed in the attack has been identified as a Canadian citizen, the countrys leader Justin Trudeau said on Sunday.

12 people have so far been arrested in connection with the attack, with raids taking place in Barking and East Ham.
O ne of the terrorists who went on a murderous rampage in London Bridge told a 23-year-old man this is for Islam before knifing him.

Daniel ONeill is recovering in hospital after being caught up in the attack in which seven people were killed and 21 were left fighting for life on Saturday night.

His mother Elizabeth said her son was attacked outside a bar during an evening out with a friend and his girlfriend.

"He had just stepped outside the bar for a second and a man ran up to him and said 'this is for my family, this is for Islam' and stuck a knife straight in him, she said.

"He has got a seven-inch scar going from his belly round to his back."

Aftermath of London Bridge and Borough Market terrorist attack 1 /73 Aftermath of London Bridge and Borough Market terrorist attack New Security barriers along Westminster Bridge Alex Lentati Onlookers react near the scene of an attack close to London Bridge Reuters Floral tributes are laid near Borough Market in London following Saturday's terrorist attack PA Security barriers along Waterloo Bridge Alex Lentati Police on patrol London Bridge and Southwark Street Jeremy Selwyn The scene where the terrorists van stopped at the southern end of London Bridge and Southwark Street Jeremy Selwyn A woman places flowers on a floral tribute in the London Bridge area AP Police activity on Ripple Road in east London, where officers have conducted raids after Saturday's deadly terror attack PA New security barriers have been put up along Westminster Bridge Alex Lentati People look at flowers at a pedestrian crossing on the south side of London Bridge AFP/Getty Images Police at London Bridge and Southwark Street Jeremy Selwyn Police on patrol London Bridge and Southwark Street Jeremy Selwyn Flowers at London Bridge and Southwark Street Jeremy Selwyn Flowers at London Bridge and Southwark Street Jeremy Selwyn Police on patrol London Bridge Jeremy Selwyn Police on patrol London Bridge and Southwark Street Jeremy Selwyn Police activity on Ripple Road in east London PA New security barriers have been put up along Westminster Bridge Evening Standard Jeremy Selwyn View of London Bridge following the terror attack Jeremy Selwyn Armed police Jeremy Selwyn A person (right) is detained by police at Elizabeth Fry flats in Barking, east London, which officer raided following the terror attack on London Bridge Furqan Nabi/PA A female police officer carries flowers from a member of the public to the scene of last night's terrorist attack at London Bridge Getty Images The van used by three attackers which was driven onto London Bridge, striking pedestrian, before they went on a stabbing rampage in nearby Borough Market PA A person is detained by police in Barking, east London following the terror attack on London Bridge Splash News Forensic officers work on London Bridge after last night's a terrorist attack Getty Images Police officers outside a property in East Ham which has been raided by police Getty Images Police activity on Barking Road in East Ham, east London @JrKamrulJr/PA A crowd gathers behind a police cordon on Barking Road in East Ham, east London, where there was a heavy police presence following last night's terrorist incident at London Bridge PA Armed police descend an escalator at the foot of the Shard outside London Bridge station PA Police officers and emergency response vehicles are seen on the street outside Borough Market on the morning after a terror attack on London Bridge and the Borough area AFP/Getty Images A forensic officer walks over London Bridge after last night's terrorist attack Getty Images View of London Bridge following the terror attack Jeremy Selwyn A police officer escorts members of the public, wrapped in foil blankets, towards The Shard in London AFP/Getty Images A bouquet of flowers stands by the police cordon next to London Bridge in London AFP/Getty Images A police officer creates a cordon on Kings Road in Barking, as police continue their investigations following the June 3 terror attacks AFP/Getty Images Police raid flats in Barking Armed officers: Police raid flats in Barking 'over London Bridge terror attack' @ofrenium/Twitter Members of the public watch as police work on Kings Road in Barking AFP/Getty Images Police raid flats in Barking The Union flag is flown at half mast in Downing Street, London PA Prime Minister Theresa May makes a statement in Downing Street after chairing a meeting of the Government's emergency Cobra committee following last night's terrorist incident in London PA A sign at Walthamstow tube station in east London following last night's terrorist incident at London Bridge PA Police outside a raided property in East Ham Getty Images Police officers stand outside a property which was raided by officers in Barking Road, east London Reuters Armed police Jeremy Selwyn Armed police Jeremy Selwyn Police officers patrol the River Thames by boat, close to London Bridge AFP/Getty Images Counter terrorism officers march near the scene of last night's London Bridge terrorist attack Getty Images Armed police Jeremy Selwyn Armed police and emergency services outside Borough Market, London, following last night's terrorist incidents PA Police forensic officers work on London Bridge in London, as police continue their investigations following the terror attack AFP/Getty Images Police on Southwark Bridge Road, London, near the scene of last night's terrorist incidents in London Bridge and Borough Market PA Police forensic officers on London Bridge following last night's terrorist incident PA The Union flag flies at half mast in Whitehall PA

Ms O'Neill said her son went in to the pub after the attack and the man ran away.

She added: "There was shots fired, everybody was told to lie down and then they were told to go downstairs in the bar.

"At this stage, Daniel's friend had put a tourniquet on him and was holding pressure there."

Timeline of the terror attacks on London Bridge

She said he was taken downstairs and then the police took him in their car to the hospital and that she was trying to find those officers to thank them.

Ms O'Neill added: "The police have been absolutely fantastic, the nurses, staff have been absolutely, absolutely amazing."

She said she and her son, who was able to talk to her, were still in shock and described the attacks as "absolutely senseless" and the attackers as "callous and barbaric" and "absolute cowards".

She added: "These people say they are doing it in the name of god which is an absolute joke."

Asked about her son's condition, she said: "We are not sure yet, the ultrasounds were good but he is still quite sick so we can't rule out any kidney damage."
S even people have died in the senseless terror attack on London Bridge  but more could have lost their lives were it not for the brave actions of heroic Londoners.

While others ran, some faced down terror and gave people vital time to flee as three attackers drove a white van into pedestrians on London Bridge before going on a knife rampage through Borough Market.

The terrorists killed seven and injured 48, leaving 21 fighting for the lives, before they were shot dead by police less than eight minutes after members of the public called emergency services.

Among the heroes was Romanian chef Florin Morariu, who hit one of the attackers over the head with a crate and then offered shelter to 20 people in the bakery where he works.

He said: We were looking out of the window because we saw that everyone was agitated, everyone was running, people, women... they were fainting, falling and we went outside to see what was happening.

Outside he saw two attackers stabbing people so rushed over and hit one of them with a crate.

"There was a car with a loudspeaker saying 'go, go' and they [police] threw a grenade.... and then I ran, he said.

A taxi driver named only as Chris had just picked up a passenger when he saw a white van crashed into a lamp post by Nancy's Steps, near London Bridge Station.

He said: "Three guys jumped out [of the van]... and they had these long blades, about 12-inches plus, and went randomly running along Borough High Street stabbing people.

The driver told LBC he saw one of the attackers stab a girl "in the chest" and decided he had to take action.

Timeline of the terror attacks on London Bridge

"I spun the cab round and was about to ram him," said Chris. "He side-stepped and three police officers came running towards him with their batons drawn.

British Transport Police chief constable Paul Crowther hailed the courage of an officer who is in hospital after taking on the attackers armed just with a baton.

"Although he is seriously unwell, he was able to recount how he faced the attackers armed only with his baton, outside London Bridge station," Mr Crowther said.

"For an officer who only joined us less than two years ago, the bravery he showed was outstanding and makes me extremely proud."

One eyewitness described how he saw a girl being stabbed and tried to intervene by throwing bottles and chairs at the attackers.

The man called Gerard told the BBC: "I was throwing bottles at them, pint glasses, stools, chairs, I tried to help as many people as I could.

He said: They were running up, going this is for Allah ... they ran up and they said this is for Allah and they stabbed this girl.

Aftermath of London Bridge and Borough Market terrorist attack 1 /73 Aftermath of London Bridge and Borough Market terrorist attack New Security barriers along Westminster Bridge Alex Lentati Onlookers react near the scene of an attack close to London Bridge Reuters Floral tributes are laid near Borough Market in London following Saturday's terrorist attack PA Security barriers along Waterloo Bridge Alex Lentati Police on patrol London Bridge and Southwark Street Jeremy Selwyn The scene where the terrorists van stopped at the southern end of London Bridge and Southwark Street Jeremy Selwyn A woman places flowers on a floral tribute in the London Bridge area AP Police activity on Ripple Road in east London, where officers have conducted raids after Saturday's deadly terror attack PA New security barriers have been put up along Westminster Bridge Alex Lentati People look at flowers at a pedestrian crossing on the south side of London Bridge AFP/Getty Images Police at London Bridge and Southwark Street Jeremy Selwyn Police on patrol London Bridge and Southwark Street Jeremy Selwyn Flowers at London Bridge and Southwark Street Jeremy Selwyn Flowers at London Bridge and Southwark Street Jeremy Selwyn Police on patrol London Bridge Jeremy Selwyn Police on patrol London Bridge and Southwark Street Jeremy Selwyn Police activity on Ripple Road in east London PA New security barriers have been put up along Westminster Bridge Evening Standard Jeremy Selwyn View of London Bridge following the terror attack Jeremy Selwyn Armed police Jeremy Selwyn A person (right) is detained by police at Elizabeth Fry flats in Barking, east London, which officer raided following the terror attack on London Bridge Furqan Nabi/PA A female police officer carries flowers from a member of the public to the scene of last night's terrorist attack at London Bridge Getty Images The van used by three attackers which was driven onto London Bridge, striking pedestrian, before they went on a stabbing rampage in nearby Borough Market PA A person is detained by police in Barking, east London following the terror attack on London Bridge Splash News Forensic officers work on London Bridge after last night's a terrorist attack Getty Images Police officers outside a property in East Ham which has been raided by police Getty Images Police activity on Barking Road in East Ham, east London @JrKamrulJr/PA A crowd gathers behind a police cordon on Barking Road in East Ham, east London, where there was a heavy police presence following last night's terrorist incident at London Bridge PA Armed police descend an escalator at the foot of the Shard outside London Bridge station PA Police officers and emergency response vehicles are seen on the street outside Borough Market on the morning after a terror attack on London Bridge and the Borough area AFP/Getty Images A forensic officer walks over London Bridge after last night's terrorist attack Getty Images View of London Bridge following the terror attack Jeremy Selwyn A police officer escorts members of the public, wrapped in foil blankets, towards The Shard in London AFP/Getty Images A bouquet of flowers stands by the police cordon next to London Bridge in London AFP/Getty Images A police officer creates a cordon on Kings Road in Barking, as police continue their investigations following the June 3 terror attacks AFP/Getty Images Police raid flats in Barking Armed officers: Police raid flats in Barking 'over London Bridge terror attack' @ofrenium/Twitter Members of the public watch as police work on Kings Road in Barking AFP/Getty Images Police raid flats in Barking The Union flag is flown at half mast in Downing Street, London PA Prime Minister Theresa May makes a statement in Downing Street after chairing a meeting of the Government's emergency Cobra committee following last night's terrorist incident in London PA A sign at Walthamstow tube station in east London following last night's terrorist incident at London Bridge PA Police outside a raided property in East Ham Getty Images Police officers stand outside a property which was raided by officers in Barking Road, east London Reuters Armed police Jeremy Selwyn Armed police Jeremy Selwyn Police officers patrol the River Thames by boat, close to London Bridge AFP/Getty Images Counter terrorism officers march near the scene of last night's London Bridge terrorist attack Getty Images Armed police Jeremy Selwyn Armed police and emergency services outside Borough Market, London, following last night's terrorist incidents PA Police forensic officers work on London Bridge in London, as police continue their investigations following the terror attack AFP/Getty Images Police on Southwark Bridge Road, London, near the scene of last night's terrorist incidents in London Bridge and Borough Market PA Police forensic officers on London Bridge following last night's terrorist incident PA The Union flag flies at half mast in Whitehall PA

I don't know how many times, ten times maybe 15 times.

She was going 'help me, help me' and I could not do nothing.

I tried to help her. I threw something at them, there was a bike on the floor.

I tried to pick up the chair but it was locked to it, to throw it at them, just to get them away from her.

Rhiannon Owen, a 19-year-old student from Cheshire, told Press Association a passing taxi driver saved her life while she was at a cash machine on Borough High Street.

"I owe you my life", London Bridge bystander tells hero cab driver

"He swerved towards me and screamed 'please run, you've got to run now, get back, get back'," she said.

"I turned around and saw this man with this huge blade and I just ran as fast as I could to the nearest pub."

She said she shouted for everyone to get inside the pub before hiding upstairs.

"I don't know who you are, but you saved my life," she said of the taxi driver. "I could run away because you told me to. Whoever you are I want to say thank you so much."
A Canadian woman who was killed in the London Bridge terror attack has been named as Christine Archibald.

Her family confirmed the news in statement on Sunday night, paying tribute to their "beautiful, loving daughter and sister".

She was one of seven people to be killed when terrorists mowed down pedestrians on London Bridge and went on a stabbing rampage in Borough Market.

Ms Archibald, who moved from Canada to Europe to be with her fiance, is the first victim to be identified.

London Bridge and Borough Market terrorist attack 1 /40 London Bridge and Borough Market terrorist attack Police and paramedics treat an injured person Daniel Sorabji/AFP/Getty Images A woman is helped to an ambulance at London Bridge Daniel Sorabji/AFP/Getty Images Armed police at London Bridge Dominic Lipinski/PA Wire Emergency personnel tend to wounded on London Bridge Yui Mok/PA Wire Daniel Sorabji/AFP/Getty Images Daniel Sorabji/AFP/Getty Images Debris and abandoned cars remain on London Bridge Chris J Ratcliffe/AFP/Getty Images People walking down Borough High Street Dominic Lipinski/PA Wire Armed Police officers on London Bridge Dominic Lipinski/PA Wire People flee along Borough High Street Dominic Lipinski/PA Wire Police officers outside the Barrowboy and Banker Public House on Borough High Street Dominic Lipinski/PA Wire Shocked onlookers in Borough High Street Dominic Lipinski/PA Wire Police sniffer dogs on London Bridge Dominic Lipinski/PA Wire Armed Police talk to members of the public outside London Bridge Hospital Dominic Lipinski/PA Wire People run down Borough High Street Dominic Lipinski/PA Wire A helicopter lands on London Bridge Dominic Lipinski/PA Wire An armed officer on London Bridge Dominic Lipinski/PA Wire Police officers on Borough High Street Dominic Lipinski/PA Wire Emergency personnel on London Bridge Dominic Lipinski/PA Wire Armed police on Borough High Street Dominic Lipinski/PA Wire Armed Police officer looks through his weapon on London Bridge Dominic Lipinski/PA Wire People run along Borough High Street Dominic Lipinski/PA Wire Police at the scene on Southwark Bridge Carl Court/Getty Images A paramedic rushes to the scene Dominic Lipinski/PA Wire An armed officer on London Bridge Dominic Lipinski/PA Wire A paramedic at the scene Dominic Lipinski/PA Wire Armed police on Borough High Street Dominic Lipinski/PA Wire Emergency personnel on London Bridge Yui Mok/PA Wire Police officers outside the Barrowboy and Banker Public House on Borough High Street Dominic Lipinski/PA Wire People are lead to safety away from London Bridge Carl Court/Getty Images

Her family statement read: "We grieve the loss of our beautiful, loving daughter and sister.

She had room in her heart for everyone and believed strongly that every person was to be valued and respected."

"She lived this belief working in a shelter for the homeless until she moved to Europe to be with her fiance.

She would have had no understanding of the callous cruelty that caused her death. Please honour her by making your community a better place.

Volunteer your time and labour or donate to a homeless shelter. Tell them Chrissy sent you.

Earlier on Sunday, Canadian PM Justin Trudeau confirmed a Canadian national was among the seven people who were killed in the attack.

He said: "Canada strongly condemns the senseless attack that took place last night in London, United Kingdom, which killed and injured many innocent people.

Theresa May gives statement on London attack following Cobra meeting

"I am heartbroken that a Canadian is among those killed.

"We grieve with the families and friends of those who have lost loved ones, and wish all those injured a speedy and full recovery."

Prime Minister Theresa May pledged a new era of clamping down on terrorism after the attack as she declared enough is enough and condemned the evil of the perpetrators.

Twelve people were arrested as armed police carried out raids in East Ham and Barking on Sunday afternoon after the atrocity on Saturday night.

The horror unfolded when terrorists drove a Renault van at pedestrians on London Bridge before going on a stabbing rampage in Borough Market.

Islamic State has since taken responsibility for the horrific attack.

A French man has also been confirmed as another of the victims tragically killed.
A couple who were out on a dinner date have told how they saw a man collapsed on the floor with his throat slashed during last night's horrific London Bridge terror attack.

Tyler Junior Smith, 20, and boyfriend Jack Clements said the man was drenched with blood as terrified people people were running and screaming near to the station.

The pair are just two of several eyewitnesses who have told of the horror on Saturday as three terrorists went on a rampage through London Bridge and Borough Market.

Seven people were killed and 21 others are currently in a critical condition in hospital following the events.

People run along Borough High Street (Dominic Lipinski/PA Wire ) / Dominic Lipinski/PA Wire

The killers drove a white van into pedestrians on the bridge before getting out and repeatedly stabbing members of the public in and around bars at Borough Market .

Mr Smith, who works for Pfizer pharmaceutical company, said they left London Bridge station to pop to a nearby shop at just after 10pm while waiting for their next train.

He told the Standard he saw people running towards them screaming and crying.

Lockdown: Tyler Junior Smith, second from left, and Jack Clements, hiding out in London Bridge station.

People were running and telling me to run," he said. "I walked up a little bit more, I wanted to see what was going on. People were screaming, run now.

"We started sprinting off. It was pretty panicky. There were a few people hysterically crying.

"People were literally running for their lives, hiding in shops, bars."

Video captures the moment armed police open fire on terrorists

Mr Smith said when he went up the escalators next to the Shard leading into London Bridge station, he saw an injured man on the floor with a gash on his neck.

There were people around him. His neck was literally covered in blood, he was drenched in blood. He wasnt even moving.

I went to see if he was okay but we were all pushed into London Bridge.

Forensic officers in London Bridge on Sunday. / PA

The couple were among crowds taken into a staff room in the station, given silver blankets and hot drinks.

Other eyewitnesses described horrific scenes as the atrocity unfolded.

Erick Siguenza told BBC News: There was people just lying everywhere on the bridge, just people trying to help each other out.

"I owe you my life", London Bridge bystander tells hero cab driver

People bleeding, there was just blood everywhere.

It was terrible. As we got halfway through the bridge, the police were already arriving.

And then it was just Literally the whole bridge was littered. Littered with people everywhere.

Solidarity: Londoners left floral tributes and messages of defiance on Borough High Street / AP

Two bystanders called Liam and Claudia also told the BBC: One young guy seemed to come out of the pub and he was knocking on the window of the ambulance service saying, he was in a panic saying, you have to help my friend hes been stabbed and hes in the pub.

And there was another guy, who was probably in his 40s, standing on the other side of the ambulance knocking on the other window, saying Ive been stabbed and he was covered in blood.

Witnesses inside a restaurant said: I saw three guys. I couldnt say what they looked like though, at all.

We started realising we need to move because they were throwing stuff around and being quite violent.

Armed police were at the scene within eight minutes, opening fire and shooting dead the three suspects. They fired an unprecedented number of rounds, the Met Police assistant commissioner Mark Rowley said.

During the confrontation, a member of public was also injured with a gunshot wound.

In a statement on Sunday, AC Rowley said the investigation was moving at a fast-moving pace.

Armed police raided a flat on a busy high street in East Ham as well as a raid in homes in Barking, which saw 12 people arrested.
A n eyewitness told how in the chaotic aftermath of the London Bridge attack he huddled by the windows of a restaurant brandishing a fire extinguisher and kitchen knife.

Joe Palermo, 47, a bouncer from Italy who has lived in London for more than a decade, said he was outside the Mudlark pub by London Bridge getting some fresh air at about 10.15pm when he saw a blonde woman staggering towards him with a clean cut across her throat.

She was speaking English, saying help, said Mr Palermo.

Mr Palermo helped take the woman inside the pub and sat her down, where horrified staff tried to bandage her wounds with a first aid kit.

Joe Palermo, who was in a pub when he saw a woman staggering towards him with a cut across her throat / Joe Palermo

I was quite calm but I thought, I need to find help and deal with it, he said.

He described going outside to hear sirens and seeing two bodies lying on the floor at London Bridge, close to the wreckage of the white van that crashed, and people trying to administer CPR. Armed police urged him to run.

Everybody was running around and there was a lot of panic, he said.

People are lead to safety on Southwark Bridge away from London Bridge / Carl Court/Getty Images

He described returning to the pub to take refuge but finding the door locked. Running down the riverside, he found a restaurant next to the Prison Museum on Clink Street where a very lovely, friendly woman let him inside.

About 20 people poured into the restaurant to huddle and hide alongside frightened diners, he said, beginning a lockdown as police fought to control attackers outside.

I saw police going around with rifles. One of the police said to stay on the floor and away from the windows.

Police and paramedics treat an injured person / Daniel Sorabji/AFP/Getty Images

Two guys whod come out of a car wanted to come into the building. There was an argument over whether to let them in or not.

They looked like they had been clubbing. We let them in, they were scared, said Mr Palermo.

With previous security training, Mr Palermo crouched by the windows armed with a fire extinguisher and kitchen knife as he feared for the lives of the people around.

People are lead to safety away from London Bridge / Carl Court/Getty Images

I was worried for myself, I was worried for the woman with the cut, and I was worried about the guys back in the pub, he said.

After about 40 minutes, armed police entered and told everybody to leave.

London Bridge and Borough Market terrorist attack 1 /40 London Bridge and Borough Market terrorist attack Police and paramedics treat an injured person Daniel Sorabji/AFP/Getty Images A woman is helped to an ambulance at London Bridge Daniel Sorabji/AFP/Getty Images Armed police at London Bridge Dominic Lipinski/PA Wire Emergency personnel tend to wounded on London Bridge Yui Mok/PA Wire Daniel Sorabji/AFP/Getty Images Daniel Sorabji/AFP/Getty Images Debris and abandoned cars remain on London Bridge Chris J Ratcliffe/AFP/Getty Images People walking down Borough High Street Dominic Lipinski/PA Wire Armed Police officers on London Bridge Dominic Lipinski/PA Wire People flee along Borough High Street Dominic Lipinski/PA Wire Police officers outside the Barrowboy and Banker Public House on Borough High Street Dominic Lipinski/PA Wire Shocked onlookers in Borough High Street Dominic Lipinski/PA Wire Police sniffer dogs on London Bridge Dominic Lipinski/PA Wire Armed Police talk to members of the public outside London Bridge Hospital Dominic Lipinski/PA Wire People run down Borough High Street Dominic Lipinski/PA Wire A helicopter lands on London Bridge Dominic Lipinski/PA Wire An armed officer on London Bridge Dominic Lipinski/PA Wire Police officers on Borough High Street Dominic Lipinski/PA Wire Emergency personnel on London Bridge Dominic Lipinski/PA Wire Armed police on Borough High Street Dominic Lipinski/PA Wire Armed Police officer looks through his weapon on London Bridge Dominic Lipinski/PA Wire People run along Borough High Street Dominic Lipinski/PA Wire Police at the scene on Southwark Bridge Carl Court/Getty Images A paramedic rushes to the scene Dominic Lipinski/PA Wire An armed officer on London Bridge Dominic Lipinski/PA Wire A paramedic at the scene Dominic Lipinski/PA Wire Armed police on Borough High Street Dominic Lipinski/PA Wire Emergency personnel on London Bridge Yui Mok/PA Wire Police officers outside the Barrowboy and Banker Public House on Borough High Street Dominic Lipinski/PA Wire People are lead to safety away from London Bridge Carl Court/Getty Images

Mr Palermo doesnt yet know what happened to the woman he had helped but said it was a fitful night of worry for him.

I havent slept that much to be honest with you, he said.

Thomas Hauenstein, 49, from Florida, was at the Mudlark pub during a weekend break to London. He was sitting with his back to the door when an injured woman, described as blonde and in her 30s, staggered in "bleeding really badly from the mouth and neck".

Punters sprang up to help the woman stop the bleeding with napkins and whatever they could lay hands on.

The Union flag at half mast in Downing Street on Sunday / PA

Mr Hauenstein described a person then entering the bar to scream that they should go and look outside. Going to look, he saw another, younger woman "in a really bad way" on the other side of the fence.

"I heard somebody screaming 'where are the wounds?' because she was bleeding so badly that they couldn't find them," said Mr Hauenstein.

First responders performed CPR for some time on the woman, but "it didn't really look like she was responding".

Police then urged Mr Hauenstein to go inside the pub tothe upstairs level, where frightened punters began a "sombre" lockdown.

"There was a lot of fear, a lot of tension," he said.

He added: "I was just in a state of shock. It's taxing. It's hard to describe."
M uslim leaders and mosques across the capital have united in disgust after the deadly terror attack at London Bridge.

Seven people were killed when three terrorists mowed down pedestrians on London Bridge and went on a knife rampage in Borough Market on Saturday night.

Numerous Muslim leaders and charities have condemned the horrific attack, which was committed during the month of Ramadan.

Dozens of Muslims also gathered to lay flowers at the scene on Sunday morning, holding signs of support and condolence at a sombre makeshift vigil.

Members of London's Muslim community place flowers near the site of the attack at Borough Market / EPA

London Imam Abdul Quddus Arif called on mosques in the capital to show greater transparency and openness in the wake of the attack.

He said: We are greatly troubled by this situation; we simply cannot tolerate innocents being killed or harmed.

London Bridge and Borough Market terrorist attack 1 /40 London Bridge and Borough Market terrorist attack Police and paramedics treat an injured person Daniel Sorabji/AFP/Getty Images A woman is helped to an ambulance at London Bridge Daniel Sorabji/AFP/Getty Images Armed police at London Bridge Dominic Lipinski/PA Wire Emergency personnel tend to wounded on London Bridge Yui Mok/PA Wire Daniel Sorabji/AFP/Getty Images Daniel Sorabji/AFP/Getty Images Debris and abandoned cars remain on London Bridge Chris J Ratcliffe/AFP/Getty Images People walking down Borough High Street Dominic Lipinski/PA Wire Armed Police officers on London Bridge Dominic Lipinski/PA Wire People flee along Borough High Street Dominic Lipinski/PA Wire Police officers outside the Barrowboy and Banker Public House on Borough High Street Dominic Lipinski/PA Wire Shocked onlookers in Borough High Street Dominic Lipinski/PA Wire Police sniffer dogs on London Bridge Dominic Lipinski/PA Wire Armed Police talk to members of the public outside London Bridge Hospital Dominic Lipinski/PA Wire People run down Borough High Street Dominic Lipinski/PA Wire A helicopter lands on London Bridge Dominic Lipinski/PA Wire An armed officer on London Bridge Dominic Lipinski/PA Wire Police officers on Borough High Street Dominic Lipinski/PA Wire Emergency personnel on London Bridge Dominic Lipinski/PA Wire Armed police on Borough High Street Dominic Lipinski/PA Wire Armed Police officer looks through his weapon on London Bridge Dominic Lipinski/PA Wire People run along Borough High Street Dominic Lipinski/PA Wire Police at the scene on Southwark Bridge Carl Court/Getty Images A paramedic rushes to the scene Dominic Lipinski/PA Wire An armed officer on London Bridge Dominic Lipinski/PA Wire A paramedic at the scene Dominic Lipinski/PA Wire Armed police on Borough High Street Dominic Lipinski/PA Wire Emergency personnel on London Bridge Yui Mok/PA Wire Police officers outside the Barrowboy and Banker Public House on Borough High Street Dominic Lipinski/PA Wire People are lead to safety away from London Bridge Carl Court/Getty Images

The majority of Muslims are peaceful people who contribute positively to British society. To tackle extremism and radicalisation, we are calling for greater transparency and openness within the Muslim community; Mosques, sermons, religious classes, and Imams/preachers are all public institutions and servants.

They consider it a victory when we provide them with media platforms and allow them to impact our lives and liberties. We should starve them of both.

The three attackers were in a white Renault transit van which ploughed into pedestrians at about 10pm on Saturday.

The knifemen then drove to Borough Market where they began repeatedly stabbing members of the public before being gunned down.

The attackers have been praised on social media by ISIS militants and supporters, though the terrorist group has not claimed responsibility for the atrocity.

On Sunday, the Muslim Council of Britain said committing such an atrocity during Ramadan proved the attackers respect neither life nor faith.

Theresa May gives statement on London attack following Cobra meeting

A spokesman for the East London Mosque & London Muslim Centre, in Tower Hamlets, said: The attacks carried out in London Bridge yesterday evening are deeply shocking.

As we have stated before, such acts of mindless violence can never be justified.

Terrorism, irrespective of guise, is still terrorism. We come together in solidarity with all communities affected by this hatred.

Members of London's Muslim community held signs of condolence and support at the scene of the attack / EPA

Jehangir Malik, CEO of London-based charity Muslim Aid, said: As British Muslims and members of other faiths or none, our staff are united in our disgust and condemnation for the perpetrators of the recent utterly tragic events in London Bridge and Manchester.

"We totally condemn acts of violence such as this, and are horrified at the targeting of innocent civilians.

Muslim London Mayor Sadiq Khan has been offered messages of support from across the political spectrum after Donald Trump slammed his handling of the terror attacks.

Mr Khan had said he was grieving for the victims and said the terrorists would not win, prompting the US president to hit out at the Mayor on Twitter.
E uropes largest festival of technology arrives in the capital next week and will showcase some of the very best of the tech industry.

London Tech Week 2017, part of Mayor of London Sadiq Khans #LondonIsOpen initiative, will feature the latest innovations in drones, artificial Intelligence and robots.

London is home to over 46,000 technology businesses, and according to Oxford Economics Research, contributes more than 240,000 jobs to the citys economy.

Growth in the industry is set to continue with tech companies investing in the capital. In 2016, Apple announced a new 9 billion project to open a headquarters in Battersea. Google have also announced a 1 billion investment for a new headquarters in the capital.

The Mayor 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 2017 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."

Visitors will be able to listen to talks from tech, business and political leaders including, former Prime Minister, Rt. Hon Gordon Brown, Sir Martin Sorrell, CEO WPP and Nicola Mendelsohn, VP EMEA at Facebook throughout the week.

London Tech Week runs from 12th  16th June.
A man stabbed four times in the London Bridge terror attack has been hailed as a soldier by a friend after he was pictured in his hospital bed.

Brett Freeman was one of dozens of people to be injured when terrorists mowed down pedestrians on London Bridge and went on a knife rampage in Borough Market.

Seven people killed in the attack on Saturday night.

Friend Darren Mole tweeted a picture of Mr Freeman at his hospital bed the following day, having earlier found out that he had been stabbed four times at the market.

Brett Freeman pictured in his hospital bed / Darren Mole (Twitter)

He tweeted: Just woke up to find a friend of mine stabbed 4 times in the #LondonBridge terror attack.

On Sunday, he posted a picture of Mr Freeman being cared for in hospital, alongside the caption he's a soldier.

The three attackers were in a white Renault transit van which ploughed into pedestrians at about 10pm on Saturday.

London Bridge and Borough Market terrorist attack 1 /40 London Bridge and Borough Market terrorist attack Police and paramedics treat an injured person Daniel Sorabji/AFP/Getty Images A woman is helped to an ambulance at London Bridge Daniel Sorabji/AFP/Getty Images Armed police at London Bridge Dominic Lipinski/PA Wire Emergency personnel tend to wounded on London Bridge Yui Mok/PA Wire Daniel Sorabji/AFP/Getty Images Daniel Sorabji/AFP/Getty Images Debris and abandoned cars remain on London Bridge Chris J Ratcliffe/AFP/Getty Images People walking down Borough High Street Dominic Lipinski/PA Wire Armed Police officers on London Bridge Dominic Lipinski/PA Wire People flee along Borough High Street Dominic Lipinski/PA Wire Police officers outside the Barrowboy and Banker Public House on Borough High Street Dominic Lipinski/PA Wire Shocked onlookers in Borough High Street Dominic Lipinski/PA Wire Police sniffer dogs on London Bridge Dominic Lipinski/PA Wire Armed Police talk to members of the public outside London Bridge Hospital Dominic Lipinski/PA Wire People run down Borough High Street Dominic Lipinski/PA Wire A helicopter lands on London Bridge Dominic Lipinski/PA Wire An armed officer on London Bridge Dominic Lipinski/PA Wire Police officers on Borough High Street Dominic Lipinski/PA Wire Emergency personnel on London Bridge Dominic Lipinski/PA Wire Armed police on Borough High Street Dominic Lipinski/PA Wire Armed Police officer looks through his weapon on London Bridge Dominic Lipinski/PA Wire People run along Borough High Street Dominic Lipinski/PA Wire Police at the scene on Southwark Bridge Carl Court/Getty Images A paramedic rushes to the scene Dominic Lipinski/PA Wire An armed officer on London Bridge Dominic Lipinski/PA Wire A paramedic at the scene Dominic Lipinski/PA Wire Armed police on Borough High Street Dominic Lipinski/PA Wire Emergency personnel on London Bridge Yui Mok/PA Wire Police officers outside the Barrowboy and Banker Public House on Borough High Street Dominic Lipinski/PA Wire People are lead to safety away from London Bridge Carl Court/Getty Images

The knifemen then drove to Borough Market where they began repeatedly stabbing members of the public before being gunned down by armed officers.

The attackers were shot dead by eight officers who fired 50 bullets, with a member of the public accidentally hit.

The person is believed to be recovering in hospital.

Twelve people were arrested on Sunday as officers raided flats in Barking.

In a statement outside Scotland Yard, Assistant Commissioner Mark Rowley said: "The situation these officers were confronted with was critical, a matter of life and death - three armed men wearing what appeared to be suicide belts.

They had already attacked and killed members of the public and had to be stopped immediately."

Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has confirmed a Canadian national was one of the seven people killed.

A French man also died in the attack, French foreign minister Jean-Yves Le Drian confirmed.

Dramatic footage and pictures have emerged on social media of gunfire ringing out as armed officers descended on Borough Market.
I slamic State has claimed responsibility for the London Bridge terror attack which left seven people dead.

Police said 21 people are still critically wounded in hospital after three attackers rammed a van into pedestrians on the busy bridge on Saturday night.

The three suspects armed with knives then got out of the van and began stabbing people near to Borough Market.

The group Islamic State claimed responsibility for the London attack on Sunday evening via the militant group's media agency Amaq.

London Bridge and Borough Market terrorist attack 1 /40 London Bridge and Borough Market terrorist attack Police and paramedics treat an injured person Daniel Sorabji/AFP/Getty Images A woman is helped to an ambulance at London Bridge Daniel Sorabji/AFP/Getty Images Armed police at London Bridge Dominic Lipinski/PA Wire Emergency personnel tend to wounded on London Bridge Yui Mok/PA Wire Daniel Sorabji/AFP/Getty Images Daniel Sorabji/AFP/Getty Images Debris and abandoned cars remain on London Bridge Chris J Ratcliffe/AFP/Getty Images People walking down Borough High Street Dominic Lipinski/PA Wire Armed Police officers on London Bridge Dominic Lipinski/PA Wire People flee along Borough High Street Dominic Lipinski/PA Wire Police officers outside the Barrowboy and Banker Public House on Borough High Street Dominic Lipinski/PA Wire Shocked onlookers in Borough High Street Dominic Lipinski/PA Wire Police sniffer dogs on London Bridge Dominic Lipinski/PA Wire Armed Police talk to members of the public outside London Bridge Hospital Dominic Lipinski/PA Wire People run down Borough High Street Dominic Lipinski/PA Wire A helicopter lands on London Bridge Dominic Lipinski/PA Wire An armed officer on London Bridge Dominic Lipinski/PA Wire Police officers on Borough High Street Dominic Lipinski/PA Wire Emergency personnel on London Bridge Dominic Lipinski/PA Wire Armed police on Borough High Street Dominic Lipinski/PA Wire Armed Police officer looks through his weapon on London Bridge Dominic Lipinski/PA Wire People run along Borough High Street Dominic Lipinski/PA Wire Police at the scene on Southwark Bridge Carl Court/Getty Images A paramedic rushes to the scene Dominic Lipinski/PA Wire An armed officer on London Bridge Dominic Lipinski/PA Wire A paramedic at the scene Dominic Lipinski/PA Wire Armed police on Borough High Street Dominic Lipinski/PA Wire Emergency personnel on London Bridge Yui Mok/PA Wire Police officers outside the Barrowboy and Banker Public House on Borough High Street Dominic Lipinski/PA Wire People are lead to safety away from London Bridge Carl Court/Getty Images

A statement posted on the group's media page said: "A detachment of Islamic State fighters executed yesterday's London attack."

Islamic State has often made similar claims even if the attackers had no direct links with the militant group but are instead inspired by the IS ideology.

It's the third attack this year that Islamic State has claimed in Britain, after the bombing in Manchester and the Westminter car and knife attack.

Shaken: A member of the public lays flowers near to the scene. / AFP/Getty Images

The three attackers in Saturday's attack have not been identified.

Twelve people were arrested as armed police carried out raids in East Ham and Barking on Sunday.

Prime Minister Theresa May pledged a new era of clamping down on terrorism after the attack as she declared "enough is enough" and condemned the "evil" of the perpetrators.

Christine Archibald, a Canadian woman, was named as the first victim of the deadly attack.
F lags across the capital and the rest of the world are being lowered to half mast today in the wake of Saturday nights horrific attack in London Bridge.

Parliament announced their flags were flying at half mast while town halls and council buildings elsewhere in London also joined in as a mark of respect.

It followed the terror attack on London Bridge and Borough Market at just after 10pm on Saturday night which left at least seven people dead and 48 others injured.

Witnesses described seeing people running for the lives as other walked in a zombiefied state after a car ploughed into pedestrians on the bridge.

A hotel at the Shard lowers their flag to half-mast. / Reuters

Shortly after people reported multiple stabbings by attacks in and around pubs in busy nightspot Borough Market.

Timeline of the terror attacks on London Bridge

On Sunday, the headquarters of MI5 security services lowered their Union Jack as did Buckingham Palace.

City Hall and councils across London and the UK also lowered their flags and the Shangri-La Hotel at the Shard  just metres from where the attack happened  raised their Union Jack and EU flags to half mast.

Elsewhere, the headquarters of the European Commission in Brussels joined in the show of solidarity with the UK at a special request by the EU President Jean-Claude Juncker.

The British Embassy in Berlin, Germany, as did the Consulate in Istanbul and the Scottish Parliament.

Police have arrested 12 people and raided a block of flats in east London.

The attackers were shot dead by officers just eight minutes after the emergency call came in.
A "loving and beautiful" Canadian bride-to-be has been confirmed as the first victim killed in the London Bridge terror attack.

Christine Archibald, who moved from Canada to Europe to be with her fiance, was one of seven people who died in the atrocity on Saturday night.

A French man has also been confirmed as another of the victims tragically killed.

Twelve people were arrested as armed police carried out raids in East Ham and Barking on Sunday afternoon. It came as terrorist group Islamic State claimed responsibility for the attack.

Police escort a woman to a van during the raid in Barking. / Hannah McKay/Reuters

Seven people were murdered and 21 others remain critically injured after three suspects mowed down pedestrians with a van on London Bridge before stabbing victims during a terrifying spree in Borough Market.

It came as police confirmed they had made 12 arrests including seven women and five men. They were all arrested at two separate addresses in Barking on Sunday.

People leave the area with their hands up after a terror attack near London Bridge / REUTERS

Prime Minister Theresa May pledged a new era of clamping down on terrorism after the attack as she declared enough is enough and condemned the evil of the perpetrators.

Canadian Prie Minister Justin Trudeau confirmed a Canadian citizen was among those killed, adding: We grieve with the families and friends of those who have lost loved ones, and wish all those injured a speedy and full recovery.

Debris and abandoned cars remain on London Bridge / Chris J Ratcliffe/AFP/Getty Images

Londoners and people across the United Kingdom have always displayed strength and resilience in the face of adversity. We recently witnessed this after the attacks in Manchester and in the Westminster area of London. This time will be no different.

The French foreign minister Jean-Yves Le Drian also confirmed a French man was among those killed.

Paramedics and police tending to one of the injured. / Daniel Sorabji/AFP/Getty Images

On Sunday, the latest statement from the Met Police provided more details as to how the events unfolded as force confirmed 36 people are in hospital receiving treatment.

Police swooped in on flats in King's Road in Barking at around 7am on Sunday and later in Barking Road, East Ham.

Officers made 12 arrests and were still searching four houses in the capital on Sunday evening.

The raid at King's Road in Barking. / Reuters

At the first address in Barking, police arrested a woman, 38, and five men aged between 27 and 55. Officers then arrested six more women aged between 19 and 60 at another Barking raid.

One of the men arrested has since been released without charge.

The three suspects, who police are confident were the only terrorists at the scene, wore hoax suicide bomb vests during the rampage, which began just before 10pm.

Taxi driver captures footage of people fleeing across London Bridge following terror attack

Within eight minutes the armed attackers had been shot dead by police. The officers fired 50 bullets in what the Met called an unprecedented number of rounds for the UK.

Among the many injured on Saturday was a member of the public who was shot during the armed police officers gunfire. The persons injuries are not believed to be critical.

Assistant Commissioner Mark Rowley said: The situation these officers were confronted with was critical, a matter of life and death - three armed men wearing what appeared to be suicide belts.

Forensic officers at London Bridge on Sunday. / PA

"They had already attacked and killed members of the public and had to be stopped immediately."

Harrowing eyewitness accounts emerged overnight and throughout Sunday describing how people fled for their lives or barricaded themselves in bars and restaurants.

Eyewitnesses reported seeing a white transit van  which police said had been rented  speeding along London Bridge.

Timeline of the terror attacks on London Bridge

Several people caught up in the attack reported seeing victims drenched in blood and people walking away from London Bridge in a dazed and zombified state.

An Australian woman told how she survived having her throat cut while out for dinner with her boyfriend.

Two police officers were also wounded in the attack, including an off-duty Met officer and a British Transport Police officer who was stabbed in the face as he tried to fight off an attacker with his baton.

London Bridge and Borough Market terrorist attack 1 /40 London Bridge and Borough Market terrorist attack Police and paramedics treat an injured person Daniel Sorabji/AFP/Getty Images A woman is helped to an ambulance at London Bridge Daniel Sorabji/AFP/Getty Images Armed police at London Bridge Dominic Lipinski/PA Wire Emergency personnel tend to wounded on London Bridge Yui Mok/PA Wire Daniel Sorabji/AFP/Getty Images Daniel Sorabji/AFP/Getty Images Debris and abandoned cars remain on London Bridge Chris J Ratcliffe/AFP/Getty Images People walking down Borough High Street Dominic Lipinski/PA Wire Armed Police officers on London Bridge Dominic Lipinski/PA Wire People flee along Borough High Street Dominic Lipinski/PA Wire Police officers outside the Barrowboy and Banker Public House on Borough High Street Dominic Lipinski/PA Wire Shocked onlookers in Borough High Street Dominic Lipinski/PA Wire Police sniffer dogs on London Bridge Dominic Lipinski/PA Wire Armed Police talk to members of the public outside London Bridge Hospital Dominic Lipinski/PA Wire People run down Borough High Street Dominic Lipinski/PA Wire A helicopter lands on London Bridge Dominic Lipinski/PA Wire An armed officer on London Bridge Dominic Lipinski/PA Wire Police officers on Borough High Street Dominic Lipinski/PA Wire Emergency personnel on London Bridge Dominic Lipinski/PA Wire Armed police on Borough High Street Dominic Lipinski/PA Wire Armed Police officer looks through his weapon on London Bridge Dominic Lipinski/PA Wire People run along Borough High Street Dominic Lipinski/PA Wire Police at the scene on Southwark Bridge Carl Court/Getty Images A paramedic rushes to the scene Dominic Lipinski/PA Wire An armed officer on London Bridge Dominic Lipinski/PA Wire A paramedic at the scene Dominic Lipinski/PA Wire Armed police on Borough High Street Dominic Lipinski/PA Wire Emergency personnel on London Bridge Yui Mok/PA Wire Police officers outside the Barrowboy and Banker Public House on Borough High Street Dominic Lipinski/PA Wire People are lead to safety away from London Bridge Carl Court/Getty Images

Also among the victims are two Australian citizens who have been directly impacted, according to the countrys Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull.

As well as the French man killed, seven other French nationals were wounded including four with serious injuries.

UK intelligence agencies, the Mets counter-terror squad and the National Counter Terrorism Policing network are continuing to work relentlessly to piece together events, the Met said.

Getty Images

The force said they are making significant progress in identifying the attackers and understanding more about their connections and network.

AC Rowley added on Sunday night that the force are increasing "physical measures on London's bridges to keep the public safe."

He said: "The public can expect to see additional police  both armed and unarmed officers - across the capital as you would expect in these circumstances. And our security and policing plans for events are being reviewed."

Saturdays atrocity was the third terror attack in the UK in just three months. On March 22 five people died after terrorist Khalid Masoods car and knife attack in Westminster. Two months later 22 people were killed at an Ariana Grande concert in Manchester.

Solidarity: Londoners left floral tributes and messages of defiance on Borough High Street / AP

With just days to go until the General Election  which will still go ahead - politicians suspended official campaigning for most of Sunday. PM Theresa May attended an emergency Cobra meeting before speaking outside Downing Street to set out a four-pronged strategy to tackle terror.

But Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn later launched a scathing attack onto the PM, suggesting the Government police cuts were made despite warnings it would undermine safety.

Mayor of London Sadiq Khan joined the PM at the Governments emergency committee meeting. In a statement he condemned the deliberate and cowardly attack and added: We will never let these cowards win.

He said: I condemn it in the strongest possible terms. There is no justification whatsoever for such barbaric acts."

A vigil in honour of the attack victims is to be held on Monday evening. People will gather at Potters Fields Park outside City Hall, less than a mile from the scene of the attack, at 6pm.

Many praised the capitals kind-hearted response following the attack with scores of kind-hearted Londoners offering shelter or free rides to those caught up in the attack.
A member of the public was accidentally shot by police as armed officers fired an unprecedented number of rounds at the three attackers during the London Bridge attack.

The three suspects  who appeared to be wearing suicide bomb belts  were shot dead by police near Borough Market after killing several members of the public in a rampage on Saturday night.

In the latest Met Police statement delivered on Sunday, it was confirmed eight armed officers shot a total of 50 bullets as they were confronted with a matter of life or death.

The three attackers were in a white transit van which ploughed into pedestrians at around 10pm last night. The knifemen drove to Borough Market where they began repeatedly stabbing members of the public before being gunned down.

London Bridge and Borough Market terrorist attack 1 /40 London Bridge and Borough Market terrorist attack Police and paramedics treat an injured person Daniel Sorabji/AFP/Getty Images A woman is helped to an ambulance at London Bridge Daniel Sorabji/AFP/Getty Images Armed police at London Bridge Dominic Lipinski/PA Wire Emergency personnel tend to wounded on London Bridge Yui Mok/PA Wire Daniel Sorabji/AFP/Getty Images Daniel Sorabji/AFP/Getty Images Debris and abandoned cars remain on London Bridge Chris J Ratcliffe/AFP/Getty Images People walking down Borough High Street Dominic Lipinski/PA Wire Armed Police officers on London Bridge Dominic Lipinski/PA Wire People flee along Borough High Street Dominic Lipinski/PA Wire Police officers outside the Barrowboy and Banker Public House on Borough High Street Dominic Lipinski/PA Wire Shocked onlookers in Borough High Street Dominic Lipinski/PA Wire Police sniffer dogs on London Bridge Dominic Lipinski/PA Wire Armed Police talk to members of the public outside London Bridge Hospital Dominic Lipinski/PA Wire People run down Borough High Street Dominic Lipinski/PA Wire A helicopter lands on London Bridge Dominic Lipinski/PA Wire An armed officer on London Bridge Dominic Lipinski/PA Wire Police officers on Borough High Street Dominic Lipinski/PA Wire Emergency personnel on London Bridge Dominic Lipinski/PA Wire Armed police on Borough High Street Dominic Lipinski/PA Wire Armed Police officer looks through his weapon on London Bridge Dominic Lipinski/PA Wire People run along Borough High Street Dominic Lipinski/PA Wire Police at the scene on Southwark Bridge Carl Court/Getty Images A paramedic rushes to the scene Dominic Lipinski/PA Wire An armed officer on London Bridge Dominic Lipinski/PA Wire A paramedic at the scene Dominic Lipinski/PA Wire Armed police on Borough High Street Dominic Lipinski/PA Wire Emergency personnel on London Bridge Yui Mok/PA Wire Police officers outside the Barrowboy and Banker Public House on Borough High Street Dominic Lipinski/PA Wire People are lead to safety away from London Bridge Carl Court/Getty Images

Seven people are believed to have been killed and dozens of others injured. 21 people are in a critical condition in hospital.

The first victim killed in the attack was identified as a Canadian citizen, the countrys leader Justin Trudeau said on Sunday.

Met Police: Assistant commissioner Mark Rowley arrives at Downing Street for a Cobra meeting. / Getty Images

Assistant Commissioner Mark Rowley gave a statement to journalists outside Scotland Yard at 4.15pm on Sunday.

Taxi driver captures footage of people fleeing across London Bridge following terror attack

He said the situation the armed officers were confronted with at Borough Market was critical and he was humbled by the bravery of officers running towards the attack.

But he added that during the gunfire a member of the public also suffered a gunshot wound. Updates will be provided on their condition.

Armed police in the capital on Sunday. / Jeremy Selwyn

A total of 36 people are still in hospital following Saturday night's attack.

Mark Rowley added the Met is working with security services and added: "We have already made significant progress, but of course, there remains much more to do.

"We are making significant progress in identifying the three attackers, and that there were no other suspects at the scene, when the attack was carried out.

Timeline of the terror attacks on London Bridge

"We have established that the van used during the attack, a white Renault van - was recently hired by one of the attackers.

"Our understanding is growing and as we currently understand it the van entered London Bridge at 9.58pm travelling from the north to the south side of the river.

"The van mounted the pavement, and collided with pedestrians before being abandoned, where the attackers, armed with knives, continued into the Borough Market area, stabbing numerous people.

Police forensic officers work on London Bridge. / AFP/Getty Images

"The attackers were then confronted by the firearms officers and I can confirm that eight police firearms officers discharged their weapons.

"Whilst this will be subject to thorough investigation by the IPCC our initial assessment is that in the region of 50 rounds were discharged by 8 officers. The three attackers were shot dead.

"The situation these officers were confronted with was critical  a matter of life and death  three armed men, wearing what appeared to be suicide belts, had already attacked and killed members of the public and had to be stopped immediately.

Police and paramedics attend to a person injured. / Daniel Sorabji/AFP/Getty Images

"Indeed I am not surprised that faced with what they must have feared were three suicide bombers - the firearms officers fired an unprecedented number of rounds to be completely confident they had neutralised those threats.

"I am humbled by the bravery of an officer who will rush towards a potential suicide bomber thinking only of protecting others.

"As the officers confronted the terrorists  and were shot  a member of the public also suffered gunshot wounds. Although we do not believe the injuries to critical in nature, they are in hospital receiving medical attention. We will of course keep you updated on that.

Some of the seven victims killed are thought to be from abroad, the assistant commissioner said.

He added: "The investigation team are taking statements from hundreds of witnesses and I again appeal for anyone with information or footage of the incident to contact police.

"The public can expect to see additional police  both armed and unarmed officers - across the capital. And our security and policing plans for events are being reviewed.

People leave the area with their hands up after a terror attack near London Bridge / REUTERS

"The public will also see an increased physical measures in order to keep public safe on Londons bridges."

Among the injured was an off-duty Southwark Met Police officer who remains in hospital. His condition is not life-threatening.

A second police officer, a British Transport Police officer who was wounded in the attack, is also in a stable condition. He was stabbed in the face after fighting terrorists armed only with a baton.

Assistant Commissioner Rowley added that extra police, both armed and unarmed, will be deployed across the capital. Police will also be reviewing their security at upcoming events.
T errifying footage has captured the moment police officers stormed a bar in London Bridge and ordered drinkers to get down following a feared terror attack.

Screams can be heard as officers storm Katzenjammers German beer bar in London Bridge and tell revellers to hide under tables and behind chairs.

It comes after a van reportedly ploughed into a crowd of pedestrians on London Bridge, while police also responded to reports of stabbings in Borough Market.

A third incident in Vauxhall was also being dealt with as police warned Londoners in the affected areas to stay indoors.

Witnesses on London Bridge reported seeing a white B&Q van swerve across the bridge before driving into "15-20 pedestrians" just before 10.30pm on Saturday evening.

Witnesses described scenes of "pandemonium" with police officers screaming instructions and bodies strewn across the ground on the bridge.
F acebook has activated its safety check tool so people can let loved ones know they are safe following the London Bridge terror attack.

The feature allows users to let friends and family know they are OK by marking themselves as safe.

It also displays a list of friends who have marked themselves as safe.

The tool was previously used during the terror attack on Westminster in March as well as attacks in Paris and Orlando.

The Met Police have confirmed two separate incidents on London Bridge and in Borough market were part of a terror attack on the capital.

The feature lets you see which friends have marked themselves "safe"

More than one person is believed to have died after a van mowed down pedestrians on London Bridge at 10.08pm.

0800 0961 233 Met Police Casualty Bureau number for anyone concerned about relatives or friends

Armed police also responded to multiple stabbings inside the Southwark Tavern and on Southwark Street near Borough Market.

Prime Minister Theresa May has said that the "terrible incident" is being treated as a "potential act of terrorism".

Scotland Yard warned people to avoid the area and London Bridge station has been closed.
H undreds of kind-hearted Londoners are offering free lifts and shelter to people caught up in the horrific London Bridge terror attack.

People across the capital have flooded victims with offers of places to stay via social media while taxi and minicab drivers ferried punters home for free.

West Londoner Anthony Myers said on Twitter: If anyone caught up in London Bridge or Borough Market needs a place to stay, Im far west London, but youre very welcome.

Ellie Newey, who lives close to the scene, put out a message on Twitter which read: If anyone is stuck near London Bridge and wants a place to crash and a home-cooked meal, then my house is only three mins away. Just message.

Felicity Flynn wrote: If anyone is stuck in London, there are two sofas and WiFi for you.

0800 0961 233 Met Police Casualty Bureau number for anyone concerned about relatives or friends

Six people were killed and 20 others were injured in Saturday's atrocity.

A van ran down pedestrians on London Bridge at 10.08pm before it continued on to Borough Market, where three attackers stabbed members of the public and an on-duty police officer.

On Twitter, hashtags #sofaforlondon and #staysafelondon sprung up as people continued to offer up their lounges and spare rooms.

London Bridge and Borough Market terrorist attack 1 /40 London Bridge and Borough Market terrorist attack Police and paramedics treat an injured person Daniel Sorabji/AFP/Getty Images A woman is helped to an ambulance at London Bridge Daniel Sorabji/AFP/Getty Images Armed police at London Bridge Dominic Lipinski/PA Wire Emergency personnel tend to wounded on London Bridge Yui Mok/PA Wire Daniel Sorabji/AFP/Getty Images Daniel Sorabji/AFP/Getty Images Debris and abandoned cars remain on London Bridge Chris J Ratcliffe/AFP/Getty Images People walking down Borough High Street Dominic Lipinski/PA Wire Armed Police officers on London Bridge Dominic Lipinski/PA Wire People flee along Borough High Street Dominic Lipinski/PA Wire Police officers outside the Barrowboy and Banker Public House on Borough High Street Dominic Lipinski/PA Wire Shocked onlookers in Borough High Street Dominic Lipinski/PA Wire Police sniffer dogs on London Bridge Dominic Lipinski/PA Wire Armed Police talk to members of the public outside London Bridge Hospital Dominic Lipinski/PA Wire People run down Borough High Street Dominic Lipinski/PA Wire A helicopter lands on London Bridge Dominic Lipinski/PA Wire An armed officer on London Bridge Dominic Lipinski/PA Wire Police officers on Borough High Street Dominic Lipinski/PA Wire Emergency personnel on London Bridge Dominic Lipinski/PA Wire Armed police on Borough High Street Dominic Lipinski/PA Wire Armed Police officer looks through his weapon on London Bridge Dominic Lipinski/PA Wire People run along Borough High Street Dominic Lipinski/PA Wire Police at the scene on Southwark Bridge Carl Court/Getty Images A paramedic rushes to the scene Dominic Lipinski/PA Wire An armed officer on London Bridge Dominic Lipinski/PA Wire A paramedic at the scene Dominic Lipinski/PA Wire Armed police on Borough High Street Dominic Lipinski/PA Wire Emergency personnel on London Bridge Yui Mok/PA Wire Police officers outside the Barrowboy and Banker Public House on Borough High Street Dominic Lipinski/PA Wire People are lead to safety away from London Bridge Carl Court/Getty Images

Minicab firms and black cabs offered free rides away from the London Bridge area.

Many people praised the capitals reaction, which was compared to Manchesters Good Samaritans offering shelter to Ariana Grande fans left stranded after the May 22 attack.
S adiq Khan has condemned the "deliberate and cowardly" London Bridge attack and said the situation is "still unfolding".

The Mayor of London will join the PM at an emergency Cobra meeting on Sunday as police confirmed Saturday's incidents were terrorist-related.

The capital has tonight been left reeling after a van ploughed into pedestrians crossing London Bridge at around 10.10pm. Shortly afterwards, a series of stabbings at nightspot Borough Market were reported. Six people were killed.

Mr Khan, who has been receiving regular briefings from the Met Police commissioner on Saturday's events, said in a statement: "My thoughts are with everyone affected, and I'd like to thank the brave men and women of our emergency services who were first on the scene and will be working throughout the night.

London Bridge and Borough Market terrorist attack 1 /40 London Bridge and Borough Market terrorist attack Police and paramedics treat an injured person Daniel Sorabji/AFP/Getty Images A woman is helped to an ambulance at London Bridge Daniel Sorabji/AFP/Getty Images Armed police at London Bridge Dominic Lipinski/PA Wire Emergency personnel tend to wounded on London Bridge Yui Mok/PA Wire Daniel Sorabji/AFP/Getty Images Daniel Sorabji/AFP/Getty Images Debris and abandoned cars remain on London Bridge Chris J Ratcliffe/AFP/Getty Images People walking down Borough High Street Dominic Lipinski/PA Wire Armed Police officers on London Bridge Dominic Lipinski/PA Wire People flee along Borough High Street Dominic Lipinski/PA Wire Police officers outside the Barrowboy and Banker Public House on Borough High Street Dominic Lipinski/PA Wire Shocked onlookers in Borough High Street Dominic Lipinski/PA Wire Police sniffer dogs on London Bridge Dominic Lipinski/PA Wire Armed Police talk to members of the public outside London Bridge Hospital Dominic Lipinski/PA Wire People run down Borough High Street Dominic Lipinski/PA Wire A helicopter lands on London Bridge Dominic Lipinski/PA Wire An armed officer on London Bridge Dominic Lipinski/PA Wire Police officers on Borough High Street Dominic Lipinski/PA Wire Emergency personnel on London Bridge Dominic Lipinski/PA Wire Armed police on Borough High Street Dominic Lipinski/PA Wire Armed Police officer looks through his weapon on London Bridge Dominic Lipinski/PA Wire People run along Borough High Street Dominic Lipinski/PA Wire Police at the scene on Southwark Bridge Carl Court/Getty Images A paramedic rushes to the scene Dominic Lipinski/PA Wire An armed officer on London Bridge Dominic Lipinski/PA Wire A paramedic at the scene Dominic Lipinski/PA Wire Armed police on Borough High Street Dominic Lipinski/PA Wire Emergency personnel on London Bridge Yui Mok/PA Wire Police officers outside the Barrowboy and Banker Public House on Borough High Street Dominic Lipinski/PA Wire People are lead to safety away from London Bridge Carl Court/Getty Images

"I am in close contact with the Met Commissioner and senior officers and am being kept updated on all developments.

"I will be attending the government's emergency Cobra meeting later this morning."

He added: "The situation is still unfolding and I would ask all Londoners and visitors to our city to remain calm and vigilant.

"We don't yet know the full details, but this was a deliberate and cowardly attack on innocent Londoners and visitors to our city enjoying their Saturday night.

"I condemn it in the strongest possible terms. There is no justification whatsoever for such barbaric acts."

Witnesses described how they fled for their lives and barricaded themselves into bars and restaurants after a van careered into people on London Bridge.

Traumatised witnesses who were enjoying a night out described seeing a man armed with a 10-inch blade stabbing a man near the Southwark Tavern. Other people were seen covered in blood.

Theresa May condemned the attack as "terrible".

Tonight's attack comes less than two weeks after the Manchester Arena bombing on May 22 which left 22 people dead.
P olice have confirmed the horrifying events which unfolded at London Bridge on Saturday night were terror attacks.

Details of tonights incidents are being pieced together as witnesses describe chaos with people running for their lives and others covered in blood.

The Prime Minister called the events terrible and has tonight returned to Downing Street ahead of an emergency Cobra meeting on Sunday morning.

This is the timeline of events we know so far.

At 10.08pm on Saturday, police were called to reports of a van hitting pedestrians on London Bridge.

The van then continued to nearby Borough Market, where at least three attackers began stabbing people. Witnesses reported several people being stabbed in a pub and Southwark Street.

Armed police storm bar near London Bridge

Armed officers sped to the scene and shot the three attackers at about 10.16pm.

Six people were killed and 20 injured.

At 10.14pm, six minutes after the emergency call, London Ambulance Service paramedics arrived at the scene. The wounded were taken to six hospitals across London.

One of the wounded was a British Transport Police officer responding to the incident on the bridge.

London Bridge and Borough Market terrorist attack 1 /40 London Bridge and Borough Market terrorist attack Police and paramedics treat an injured person Daniel Sorabji/AFP/Getty Images A woman is helped to an ambulance at London Bridge Daniel Sorabji/AFP/Getty Images Armed police at London Bridge Dominic Lipinski/PA Wire Emergency personnel tend to wounded on London Bridge Yui Mok/PA Wire Daniel Sorabji/AFP/Getty Images Daniel Sorabji/AFP/Getty Images Debris and abandoned cars remain on London Bridge Chris J Ratcliffe/AFP/Getty Images People walking down Borough High Street Dominic Lipinski/PA Wire Armed Police officers on London Bridge Dominic Lipinski/PA Wire People flee along Borough High Street Dominic Lipinski/PA Wire Police officers outside the Barrowboy and Banker Public House on Borough High Street Dominic Lipinski/PA Wire Shocked onlookers in Borough High Street Dominic Lipinski/PA Wire Police sniffer dogs on London Bridge Dominic Lipinski/PA Wire Armed Police talk to members of the public outside London Bridge Hospital Dominic Lipinski/PA Wire People run down Borough High Street Dominic Lipinski/PA Wire A helicopter lands on London Bridge Dominic Lipinski/PA Wire An armed officer on London Bridge Dominic Lipinski/PA Wire Police officers on Borough High Street Dominic Lipinski/PA Wire Emergency personnel on London Bridge Dominic Lipinski/PA Wire Armed police on Borough High Street Dominic Lipinski/PA Wire Armed Police officer looks through his weapon on London Bridge Dominic Lipinski/PA Wire People run along Borough High Street Dominic Lipinski/PA Wire Police at the scene on Southwark Bridge Carl Court/Getty Images A paramedic rushes to the scene Dominic Lipinski/PA Wire An armed officer on London Bridge Dominic Lipinski/PA Wire A paramedic at the scene Dominic Lipinski/PA Wire Armed police on Borough High Street Dominic Lipinski/PA Wire Emergency personnel on London Bridge Yui Mok/PA Wire Police officers outside the Barrowboy and Banker Public House on Borough High Street Dominic Lipinski/PA Wire People are lead to safety away from London Bridge Carl Court/Getty Images

Police also responded to a separate incident in Vauxhall, which was believed to be a stabbing. It was later revealed that this was not connected to the terror attacks.

Paramedics at the London Bridge incident on Saturday night.(Dominic Lipinski/PA Wire ) / Dominic Lipinski/PA Wire

At just after 12.30am, Prime Minister Theresa May said the terrible incident was being treated as a potential act of terrorism.

Shortly afterwards, police announced that both the London Bridge and Borough Market attacks had been declared as terrorist incidents at 12.25am.
A n Australian woman has told how she survived the London Bridge terror attack after being stabbed in the neck while eating a meal with her boyfriend.

Candice Hedge, 31, was having a meal out in central London on Saturday night with her boyfriend Luke when a man came up behind her and slashed her throat with a knife.

The blow somehow missed her major arteries and windpipe. She fell into a coma but quickly came round.

She posted on Facebook: "Hey everyone, just so you know im doing ok.

London terror attack: What we know so far

"Bit of pain but I will survive. Thanks for your thoughts and well wishes. Love to all.

Candice Hedge: Scores of people were injured in the attack

Ms Hedge moved to London about six months ago. She is recovering well from the attack after receiving stitches.

Her mother said Luke had told her what happened. She said: "She couldn't speak, but I got to see her and she gave me the thumbs up, so I knew she was ok."

Her grandfather, Brian Hedge, said: "She was in the market area and apparently she was hiding when one of them saw her and stabbed her in the neck."

Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull earlier told media: We are aware of reports of two Australians who have been directly affected by this attack.

Recovering: Candice Hedge

This afternoon the Foreign Minister spoke to the parents of both Australians. One case has been confirmed and that Australian concerned is in hospital.

In the other case, we are continuing to make inquiries. Our officials will continue to provide every assistance they can to Australians affected by this shocking attack and their families.

Forty eight people were injured, some critically, after the attack.

Panicked family members were today searching for their missing loved ones on social media after the attack in which seven people were killed.
T he three terrorists who killed seven people and injured 48 more in a knife and van attack in central London were shot dead by police, it was confirmed today.

The attackers, understood to have been wearing fake suicide vests, were eliminated by armed police after their targeted attack on people enjoying a Saturday night out near London Bridge and Borough Market.

Attackers brought carnage to the streets of the London, stabbing a police officer and revellers with 12-inch knives, reportedly shouting "this is for Allah".

In a night of terror in the capital:

A vehicle was driven into pedestrians on London Bridge

The van drove on to Borough Market where three men got out, launching a knife attack on revellers

The attackers were confronted and shot by police at Borough Market within eight minutes of the first call being made.

London Bridge attack: Sadiq Khan condemns attacks

Metropolitan Police commissioner Cressida Dick this morning condemned the appalling and tragic attack.

Counter terror police on patrol in central London today / Jeremy Selwyn

Speaking at a press conference outside Scotland Yard, Ms Dick paid tribute to those who ran towards the danger in a bid to save lives.

She said: Many, many people risked their own safety to help others and to treat those seriously injured and indeed to confront the suspects involved.

"It is clear to be that the courage of those people was extraordinary and I pay tribute to all of them who came to the aid of those in need during this dreadful attack and I am sure helped to save lives.

Seven people died in the appalling attack / Jeremy Selwyn

Ms Dick added that while it was believed all of the suspects had been neutralised a police cordon remained in the place around Borough High Street to ensure everyone had been accounted for.

Speaking directly to those within the cordon, the commissioner advised them to stay inside and thanked all those involved in the terrifying attack for their forbearance while police carried out an investigation.

A counter-terror officer carries heavy equipment on a patrol near the scene this morning / Jeremy Selwyn

Witnesses told of their horror at seeing the van, travelling at about 50mph, strike people walking along the pavement on London Bridge.

Holly Jones, a BBC reporter, who was at London Bridge, said: "A white van driver came speeding - probably about 50mph - veered off the road into the crowds of people who were walking along the pavement.

One of the suspected attackers is shot dead by police. Two further suspects can be seen on the tarmac in the background / (Instagram / @fried_chicken)

"He swerved right round me and then hit about five or six people. He hit about two people in front of me and then three behind."

Witness Eric described the terror attack as a "rampage".

Police at the scene where six people died and three terrorists were shot dead / Jeremy Selwyn

He told BBC Radio 5 Live he saw three people get out the van and initially believed they were going to help those who had been injured.

He said: "The three people literally started kicking them, punching them, and took out knives. It was a rampage really."

Six people died and 48 more were injured / Jeremy Selwyn

The three men ran off towards the nearby bars and restaurants and there was a shout of "this is for Allah", he told the station.

Another witness called Gerard said the suspects stabbed a series of people near Borough Market and shouted, "This is for Allah".

Liam Connell was in Katzenjammers Bierhall in Southwark Street, where customers were told to evacuate by staff before armed police told them to get on the ground.

He told the Press Association: "Then someone came in off the street and he had a white cuff around his neck.

Armed police on patrol this morning in the aftermath of the attack / Jeremy Selwyn

"(The man) said he had been stabbed in the neck and I was holding his bandage and wound while he was talking to the police."

Harun Khan, Secretary General of the Muslim Council of Britain, said: "I am appalled and angered by the terrorist attacks at London Bridge and Borough Market, in my home city.

"These acts of violence were truly shocking and I condemn them in the strongest terms.

"Muslims everywhere are outraged and disgusted at these cowards who once again have destroyed the lives of our fellow Britons.

"That this should happen in this month of Ramadan, when many Muslims were praying and fasting only goes to show that these people respect neither life nor faith."

Guy's and St Thomas' NHS Foundation hospital said it was "on lockdown" to keep patients, relatives and staff safe, while a picture on social media showed armed police outside the Andaz Hotel in Liverpool Street, where the walking wounded were reportedly taken.

London Ambulance Service Assistant Director of Operations Peter Rhodes said: "We took 48 patients to five hospitals across London and treated a number of others at the scene for minor injuries."

London Bridge and Borough Market terrorist attack 1 /40 London Bridge and Borough Market terrorist attack Police and paramedics treat an injured person Daniel Sorabji/AFP/Getty Images A woman is helped to an ambulance at London Bridge Daniel Sorabji/AFP/Getty Images Armed police at London Bridge Dominic Lipinski/PA Wire Emergency personnel tend to wounded on London Bridge Yui Mok/PA Wire Daniel Sorabji/AFP/Getty Images Daniel Sorabji/AFP/Getty Images Debris and abandoned cars remain on London Bridge Chris J Ratcliffe/AFP/Getty Images People walking down Borough High Street Dominic Lipinski/PA Wire Armed Police officers on London Bridge Dominic Lipinski/PA Wire People flee along Borough High Street Dominic Lipinski/PA Wire Police officers outside the Barrowboy and Banker Public House on Borough High Street Dominic Lipinski/PA Wire Shocked onlookers in Borough High Street Dominic Lipinski/PA Wire Police sniffer dogs on London Bridge Dominic Lipinski/PA Wire Armed Police talk to members of the public outside London Bridge Hospital Dominic Lipinski/PA Wire People run down Borough High Street Dominic Lipinski/PA Wire A helicopter lands on London Bridge Dominic Lipinski/PA Wire An armed officer on London Bridge Dominic Lipinski/PA Wire Police officers on Borough High Street Dominic Lipinski/PA Wire Emergency personnel on London Bridge Dominic Lipinski/PA Wire Armed police on Borough High Street Dominic Lipinski/PA Wire Armed Police officer looks through his weapon on London Bridge Dominic Lipinski/PA Wire People run along Borough High Street Dominic Lipinski/PA Wire Police at the scene on Southwark Bridge Carl Court/Getty Images A paramedic rushes to the scene Dominic Lipinski/PA Wire An armed officer on London Bridge Dominic Lipinski/PA Wire A paramedic at the scene Dominic Lipinski/PA Wire Armed police on Borough High Street Dominic Lipinski/PA Wire Emergency personnel on London Bridge Yui Mok/PA Wire Police officers outside the Barrowboy and Banker Public House on Borough High Street Dominic Lipinski/PA Wire People are lead to safety away from London Bridge Carl Court/Getty Images

Assistant Commissioner Mark Rowley of the Metropolitan Police said: "At this stage, we believe that six people have died in addition to the three attackers shot dead by police. And at least 20 casualties have been taken to six hospitals across London.

"We believe three people were involved but we still have some more inquiries to be 100% confident on that."

He added officers were treating the incident as terrorism and additional police would be deployed in the capital.

Police have opened a casualty bureau line for people concerned about loved ones on 0800 0961 233.

The attack has received widespread condemnation from political leaders, with London mayor Sadiq Khan calling it "deliberate and cowardly".

0800 0961 233 Met Police Casualty Bureau number for anyone concerned about relatives or friends

He said: "This was a deliberate and cowardly attack on innocent Londoners and visitors to our city enjoying their Saturday night.

"I condemn it in the strongest possible terms. There is no justification whatsoever for such barbaric acts."

Prime Minister Theresa May said: "Our thoughts are with those who are caught up in these dreadful events."

The Government's Cobra emergency committee will meet on Sunday, Downing Street said.

Media in France reported that two French citizens were injured in the attack.

A statement from the Elysee said: "The attack which struck London, days after that which took place in Manchester, is a new abominable and cowardly attack against our free society.

"Fellow French citizens are among the injured. France is putting everything in place to assist them."

BBC reporter Holly Jones was at the bridge when the incident happened, and was told by an injured French woman that she did not know where the two people who had been with her were.

Ms Jones said: "She told me in French: 'I don't know where those two other people are.' So the police are checking the Thames.

"They were right near the edge of the bridge. It looks potentially they could have been thrown over."

Fourteen people injured in the attack were taken to King's College Hospital, in Denmark Hill, south London.

A spokesman said: "The Emergency Department at King's College Hospital (Denmark Hill) received 14 casualties (six females and eight males) following the incidents at London Bridge and Borough Market in central London.

"One patient has been discharged."

This story is being updated

Additional reporting by PA
J eremy Corbyn launched a scathing attack on Theresa Mays terror record less than a day after terrorists slaughtered seven people and injured dozens more in a strike on the heart of London.

The Labour leader accused the Prime Minister of denying resources in the fight against terror and said she cut police manpower by 20,000 despite warnings this would undermine safety.

He promised to recruit an additional 10,000 officers and 1,000 security service agents if he wins power on June 8.

In a speech in Carlisle, Mr Corbyn also appeared to U-turn his position on police shoot-to-kill tactics against armed attackers, saying that he backed the "full authority for the police to use whatever force is necessary to protect and save life as they did last night.

Seven people died and 48 were injured on Saturday night when three attackers drove a white van into pedestrians on London Bridge before going on a knife rampage through Borough Market.

Speaking as the brief pause in campaigning came to an end, Mr Corbyn said: "Our priority must be public safety and I will take whatever action is necessary and effective to protect the security of our people and our country.

"That includes full authority for the police to use whatever force is necessary to protect and save life as they did last night, as they did in Westminster in March."

Timeline of the terror attacks on London Bridge

Criticising Mrs May's record, he said: "You cannot protect the public on the cheap. The police and security services must get the resources they need, not 20,000 police cuts.

The Labour leader arrives for the event in Carlisle / REUTERS

"Theresa May was warned by the Police Federation but she accused them of 'crying wolf'.

Mr Corbyn also said that the PM must also be ready to have difficult discussions with close ally and major arms customer Saudi Arabia about terror funding.

He cited the delayed publication of an investigation commissioned by David Cameron into the foreign funding of extremist Islamist groups, which is reported to focus on the Gulf kingdom.

"We do need to have some difficult conversations, starting with Saudi Arabia and other Gulf states that have funded and fuelled extremist ideology," said Mr Corbyn.

Earlier in the day, Mrs May set out a four-pronged strategy to tackle terror by countering radical ideology; clamping down on online extremism; preventing the growth of segregated communities; and giving extra powers to police, security agencies and courts.

The PM's comments sparked complaints from Labour that she was getting involved in political debate on a day when the parties had agreed to halt election campaigning until the evening.

Conservative security minister Ben Wallace said Mr Corbyns speech was hastily arranged and designed to run from his record on terror policy with desperate promises and evasive soundbites.
P rince Harry was today photographed head bowed during the Muslim call to prayer breaking the Ramadan fast with youngsters in Singapore.

The prince ate porridge - bubur - and dates to mark the end of the month long period of fasting and reflection at 7.11pm at sunset locally.

Before the symbolic moment at the Jamiyah Singapore centre - coming just hours after the London terror attacks - one of the teachers spoke on stage of the atrocity.

Muhammad Rafiuddin Ismail Secretary General, "Our thoughts go out to the families of the victims of the London terror attack last night. Let peace and harmony prevail in communities all over the world."

Harry kept his head bowed throughout the comment.

Mark of respect: Prince Harry bows his head during a call to prayer (Steve Parsons/PA ) / Steve Parsons/PA

The idea for Harry taking part in the iftar was agreed mutually well ahead of his whistle-stop trip to Singapore and Australia.

"We asked the question and they were delighted that he would take part," said Scott Wightman, British High Commissioner to Singapore said.

When Harry - who flew in yesterday by commercial flight - arrived at the British High Commission earlier today for an AIDS charity reception the Union Flag was flying at half mast in recognition of the terror atrocity in London.

He watched volunteer Azib Mohdar being tested for HIV/AIDS as part of the Action for AIDS event.

Later Harry received a traditional welcome at Jamiyah Singapore - a Muslim community social services charity - of flower petals and ten hand drummers, a customary way to mark celebrations.

Once the sun started setting, Harry joined eighty young people for a traditional iftar.

After the fast was broken Harry sat at a number of tables and chatted to guests about the celebration.

Dr. Mohd Hasbi Abu Bakar, President of Jamiyah Singapore said, "Ramadan is a time of reflection, for spending time with family and friends while giving support to those who are less fortunate.

"We are honoured that Prince Harry was able to join us for this iftar and to meet with the young people that are part of the Jamiyah Singapore community," he added.

British High Commissioner Scott Wightman said, "Prince Harry being here raises awareness for the work that is being done with HIV/AIDS and help de-stigmatise the issue."

Mr. Wightman added, "We are delighted the prince could stop in Singapore on route to Australia and spend time and support some of the global themes he is engaged."
L iam Gallagher performed a surprise set at the One Love Manchester concert after previously saying that he couldnt attend.

The former Oasis frontman jetted in from his gig in Germany to surprise fans at the Emirates Stadium on Sunday night.

Despite speculation that he would be joined on stage by estranged brother Noel, Gallagher deuted with Coldplays Chris Martin on a number of Oasis classics.

They performed an emotional rendition of Live Forever after Gallagher opened his set with Rock N Roll Star.

Gallagher hadnt been part of the official line-up and denied that he would be making an appearance as the concert clashed with a gig in Germany.

Earlier in the week, a member of the Black Eyed Peas set the rumour mill spinning when he mentioned Oasis in a tweet about the concert.

One Love Manchester Concert 1 /41 One Love Manchester Concert Ariana Grande AP The crowd at One Love Manchester PA Jesy Nelson, Perrie Edwards, Leigh-Anne Pinnock and Jade Thirlwall of Little Mix PA Katy Perry BBC Robbie Williams with Howard Donald, Gary Barlow and Mark Owen of Take That Getty Images for One Love Manchester Ariana and Miley perform a duet Dave Hogan/Getty Images One Love Manchester AP Justin Bieber PA Miley Cyrus and Pharrell Williams lead the crowd in a rendition of Happy Dave Hogan/Getty Images Ariana Grande takes to the stage One Love Manchester BBC Nail Horan performs single Slow Hands Ariana Grande takes to the stage One Love Manchester BBC will.i.am, apl.de.ap, Ariana Grande PA Liam Gallagher PA Ariana Grande Dave Hogan via AP Katy Perry PA Ariana Grande PA Robbie Williams Getty Images for One Love Manchester Miley Cyrus Getty Images for One Love Manchester One Love Manchester PA Ariana Grande PA Chris Martin PA Little Mix BBC Ariana Grande PA Howard Donald, Gary Barlow and Mark Owen of Take That Getty Images for One Love Manchester Liam Gallagher puts in a surprise appearance BBC Katy Perry performs Roar on stage Dave Hogan/Getty Images Justin Bieber gets emotional during Love Yourself BBC Liam Gallagher and Chris Martin (ri PA Little Mix's Perrie Edwards, Jesy Nelson, Leigh-Anne Pinnock and Jade Thirlwall PA Marcus Mumford Getty Images for One Love Manchester

The post quickly set the rumour mill into overdrive as fans speculated as to whether Noel and Liam would put their feud to rest for the event.

Minutes later Taboo deleted the tweet and posted a new one  minus the Oasis tag  and told fans the rogue tag was a matter of human error.

Emotional: Ariana Grande performs at One Love Manchester / BBC

Ariana Grande defiantly took to the stage on Sunday night to honour and pay tribute the victims of the May 22 terror attack at her concert at the Manchester Arena.

She was joined by a host of stars including Justin Bieber, Miley Cyrus, Katy Perry and Niall Horan.

I want to thank you all from the bottom of my heart for being here, she told the crowd.

"Thank you for coming together and being so loving and strong. The love that we have here is the medicine that we need right now."
SCOTTSBLUFF  The beauty of the western Nebraska scenery and the sound of the open road drew 58 classic and antique cars to the area for the 29th running of the Sugar Valley Rally.

Its far from a Sunday drive in the country as driver and navigator must watch for signs and figure out how to make up for lost time over a predetermined course of some 400 miles over the weekend.

Sugar Valley Rally teams take to the road SCOTTSBLUFF  You can call it good stress, Gordon Snow, of Loveland, Colorado, said as he described the Sugar Valley Rally. Its problem so

Although prizes are awarded to the top finishers, Jackie Johns of Minatare is driving just for fun. Her 1967 Ford Mustang, now 50 years old, qualifies for entry in the official rally. But Jackie said she will continue to enter the car in the Touring Class, which doesnt qualify for prizes.

This years Sugar Valley Rally is Jackies fifth road trip in the Mustang, owned by her father, Ken Manka of Melbeta.

On Fridays practice rally, cars headed west to La Grange, Wyoming.

We did well for the first day, Jackie said. We ended up second in the Touring Class, which was better than I thought wed do. I kept reminding myself it was just for practice.

That just for fun state of mind is important for Jackie.

We do it just to have a good time, she said. If we do well, its just an added bonus.

Drivers from across the nation are here for the weekend to participate. Theyve come from California, Florida, Montana, Texas, North and South Dakota, Wyoming, Colorado, and, of course, the local area.

Crafters offering a variety of goods at Sugar Valley Rally Craft Fair this weekend For the 38th year, visitors to Scottsbluff and Gering will be able to shop for crafts and other wares at the annual Sugar Valley Rally Craft Fair.

Its the people that I really enjoy, Jackie said. Many of them I only see once a year. Wherever we make a pit stop or for lunch, people show up to look at the cars and they really enjoy having us there. Its just a lot of fun.

She added that from talking with other drivers, shes gained a new appreciation for the area.

We live here, so we often take the area and the beautiful scenery for granted, she said. On Saturday, were headed to Broadwater, so drivers will get to see Chimney Rock and all the other local sites.

Jackie served as navigator for her father during a few of the 20-plus years he participated. In later years when she was driving the Mustang, Jackies grandson, Blake Greene of Gering, would ride along in the back seat.

Two years ago, Jackie asked Blake if hes like to be her navigator and he agreed. In 2017, hes back for a second time in the passengers seat.

Navigators are an essential part of the driving team, as they hold the clock and provide directions as drivers attempt to match the time set for each leg of the course. A perfect score would be zero, called an ace.

Blake said another duty of the navigator is to keep the driver under control. Grandma tried to turn the wrong way on Friday, so I had to redirect her. We also got stuck behind a tractor and had to figure out how much time to make up.

The Saturday, June 3 rally route took drivers to Broadwater for a pit stop, then back to the Five Rocks Amphitheater for lunch. The afternoon route took them south to Laura Lees Double L Cafe on the hilltop in Banner County.

Sundays route starts at the Knights of Columbus Hall in downtown Scottsbluff, with a pit stop at Legacy of the Plains Museum in Gering before rolling across the finish line at Cozads Antique Ford Garage on Seventh Street in Gering.

More Coverage

Local man, Tom Holyoke, returns as emcee at Sugar Valley Rally Tom Holyoke has been part of the Sugar Valley Rally since 1990. Hes been on the steering committee. Hes helped with the rallys tax return. 

Brothers driving Sugar Valley Rally in fathers memory Now 29 years old, the Sugar Valley Rally continues to grow as drivers pass along their enthusiasm to others, including family members.

Scottsbluff couple revved up for another run at the rally To run in the Sugar Valley Rally, you need an old car, a driver and a navigator.

Sugar Valley Rally rolls into 29th year GERING  Now in its 29th year, the Sugar Valley Rally hits the road June 2-4 for another celebration of classic cars and precision driving.
A white University of Kentucky student accused of physically assaulting a Black student worker while repeatedly using racial slurs says she will withdraw from the school. The decision announced Tuesday by a lawyer for 22-year-old Sophia Rosing came after hundreds of students rallied on campus the night before. News outlets report the students called for unity and for the university to quickly address the situation. Officials say Rosing has been charged with assault, public intoxication and disorderly conduct. She pleaded not guilty during an arraignment Monday afternoon. The altercation at Boyd Hall was captured on video and posted to multiple social media platforms.
Australian millionaire Tim Gurner offered some controversial advice to millennials struggling to save for a home: Give up your avocado toast.

Gurner, a 35-year-old real estate mogul from Melbourne, said on the Australian show 60 Minutes Sunday that he wasnt splurging that way when he was younger and trying to save for a house. When I was buying my first home, I wasnt buying smashed avocado for 19 bucks and four coffees at $4 each, he said on the program.

He also said young people should lower their expectations for travel and lifestyle in general. The expectations of younger people are very, very high, he said. They want to eat out every day, they want travel to Europe every year.

The tips were not well-received.

Some people took to social media to ridicule the idea that they were blowing their down payments on lattes and brunch. Instead, they pointed to some of their bigger  and necessary  bills as their biggest obstacles: Rent. Student loan payments. Health insurance.

Freelance writer David Rudin created an online calculator to help people figure out how long it would take to save for a down payment if they gave up lattes or avocado toast. A person hoping to buy a $1 million home in New York would have to give up 20,440 avocado toasts at $10 each to have enough for a 20 percent down payment. In other words, it would take a very, very long time.

Financial experts say young people saving for a home need to think bigger if they really want to see their savings accumulate.

Here are some tips experts offer for people trying to save a down payment for a house. (None of them require you to abandon your avocado toast completely, though of course it may be smart to enjoy it in moderation.)

Reduce your rent

For many young workers, the rent bill is their biggest monthly expense and reducing that can be one of the main ways to substantially increase savings. Some people may save by moving back in with mom and dad, if thats an option, says Joseph Kirchner, senior economist for realtor.com, a real estate listing website. For other people, it may mean getting roommates, he adds.

Sell your car

Getting rid of your car can reduce your monthly bills by hundreds of dollars a month once gas, insurance costs and loan payments are factored in, Kirchner says. Of course, this may not be feasible if you live somewhere with limited public transportation. But couples with two cars may consider downsizing to one car if they can pull it off.

Get financial help

You may qualify for down payment assistance through your employer or your state, says Tracey Shell, a spokeswoman for DownPaymentResource.com, a site that tracks homeownership programs. For example, some buyers will qualify for grants if they agree to live in the home for a set amount of time, such as five years. Other buyers may be able to receive low-cost loans that they can use for the down payment.

Make more money

Whether its asking for a raise or taking on a side job, increasing your pay can be an obvious way to find more cash to save.

Know the ins and outs of different mortgages

There are benefits to providing a 20 percent down payment, but you dont always need to provide that much money down when buying a home, Shell says. In a lot of markets that could mean that youre not going to own a home for 15 years, she says. For some buyers, it may make more sense to buy a home using a loan that is secured by the Federal Housing Administration. Those buyers can provide down payments of 3.5 percent, but would need to pay mortgage insurance, which could increase the overall costs of the home.
EDITOR'S NOTE: This story has been updated after the grandmother of a girl shot Thursday said the girl remained on life support Sunday. Other family members had said Saturday that the girl had died. Police and hospital staff say the girl remains in critical and unstable condition. This story has also been corrected after police said two people, not three as they originally said, were killed in a shooting on Union Boulevard.

ST. LOUIS  Even for a city all too familiar with violence, the recent bloodshed in St. Louis has been alarming.

Three more deaths occurred in the early morning hours Saturday, following other deadly incidents just days before, including a quadruple shooting that claimed the lives of a mother and father and critically injured their 7-year-old. Another man with them, whom police have yet to name, was also killed.

The shooting of the 7-year-old girl in particular has gripped the citys attention since Thursday and drew residents to a vigil for the family Friday night as she clung to life.

Some family members said Deniya Irving, of Webster Groves, died at St. Louis Childrens Hospital Saturday after failed attempts to save her from a gunshot wound to the back of the head. However, on Sunday, a grandmother described the girl as brain dead but said that her heart was still beating. Lawanda Griffin said family hoped to donate Deniya's organs.

Police said they still considered the girl to be in critical and unstable condition and had not been notified that the medical examiner had ruled her deceased.

Her parents, Derrick Irving, 27, and Jessica Garth, 24, of Webster Groves, had died Thursday, as had the other man. Deniyas younger sister, who was in the back seat with her sister, was the only one in the car who wasn't hit in Thursday afternoons shooting.

The violence continued into the early morning hours Saturday, according to police:

 Two individuals were shot and killed and two others were critically injured at 1:04 a.m. on Saturday near Union Boulevard and Paulian Place near Sherman Park.

 One man was fatally shot along westbound Interstate 70 at West Florissant Avenue around 3:15 a.m. on Saturday.

This has got to stop, said Interim Police Chief Lawrence OToole Saturday morning during a community meeting at St. Peters A.M.E. Church. Nearly 50 people filled the auditorium for the session with OToole, which was led by Alderman John Collins-Muhammad of the 21st Ward.

Residents and the chief engaged in passionate dialogue on ways to curb violence in the city.

Standing before the crowd just hours after the most recent quadruple shooting two miles from the church, OToole said the police could not combat violence alone.

This is our problem, he said, referring to city residents  a category including himself. Solutions are going to come out of the neighborhoods.

But he said it was going to take more involvement from the community.

Referring to Thursdays quadruple shooting shortly before 4 p.m. in the Walnut Park East neighborhood, OToole asked the crowd, How many tips do you think we got on that one?

One, he said, answering his own question.

Some asked if the spree of violence was related to gang activity. OToole said as in other parts of the country, most homicide victims here know their assailants, and the violence is tied to personal disputes.

Narcotics play a big role in this, OToole said, speaking broadly about the citys gun crimes.

He asked the crowd for ideas on how to curb violence, especially in the citys North Side neighborhoods.

Residents voiced their opinions on various issues including Missouris gun laws; the need for more community policing; improving voter turnout; and getting drugs off the streets.

We need a presence and dialogue, Maurice Betts, 60, said of police officers. They need to understand the people, and the people need to see them.

Tory Russell, 32, also asked about whether there were any incentives for officers to live in the city and in wards such as the 21st.

OToole said the only requirement for new officers is to live in the city for a period of seven years before theyre allowed to move elsewhere.

Others also voiced their frustration over incendiary comments from Jeff Roorda, business manager of the police union, that they say continue to create a divide between residents and the police.

He makes it difficult for us, OToole said of Roordas past comments.

Later Saturday afternoon, St. Louis Mayor Lyda Krewson spoke at a National Gun Violence Awareness Day gathering in Tower Grove Park of mothers against gun violence, noting that tragedy has become a constant presence.

Every day, I get a text message when theres been a shooting ... its heartbreaking.
Despite what they say, Republican actions in the Legislature prove that they are not the party of law and order. And Republicans most certainly do not Back the Blue.
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1. Yes. Taxpayers are funding its operation; they should have a voice in the naming process.

2. Yes. The city should operate with a spirit of inclusivity. Residents will be responsive.

3. No. Public input can be problematic; rejection of suggestions can be divisive for residents.

4. No. Residents elect council members to make decisions on their behalf. No input is needed.

5. Unsure. Its hard to say whether public input would be more of a benefit or a hindrance.

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Nick Birch, of chain ferry operators Avon Boating, retired ferryman Sam Gee and current ferryman Frank Hannan, are pictured on the chain ferry. Photo: Mark Williamson. (F23/5/17/1197)

TO celebrate 80 years of the chain ferry crossing the River Avon in Stratford-upon-Avon fellow 80-year-olds have been given the opportunity to make the journey for free.

Alderman Smallwood had left 1,000 in his will, to help fund a footbridge across the river, but it wasnt a popular idea.

After seeing a similar chain ferry in Cambridge, it was decided to have a chain ferry to cross the river instead  a bridge was more expensive and would not be ready in time for the Coronation of King George VI and Queen Elizabeth.

The ferry was built by Collins Boatbuilders, with the late George Onions in charge. On 10th May 1937, two days before the Coronation, Stratfords Mayor, Cllr Ernest Ray piloted the chain ferry across the river on its maiden voyage, from the Recreation Ground to Waterside.

Retired ferryman, Sam Gee, who has written about the ferrys beginnings, explained that it was refurbished in 2010.

He said: It was rebuilt from the bottom up. The timber work has been replaced, using the original plans, and all of the metal is original too.

The chain ferry, named Malvolio, has carried millions of passengers over its years, and is operated by Avon Boating, on behalf of Stratford District Council.

Nick Birch, who owns Avon Boating, said: We would like to find any 80-year-olds, who were born in Stratford in 1937 to contact Avon Boating, to have a voucher for a free pass on the chain ferry.

Ferryman Frank Hannan added: During the crossing, I always point out Holy Trinity Church  its probably one of the nicest views of the river and the church.

Anyone born in Stratford in 1937, can contact Avon Boating by calling 01789 267073 or e-mail nick.b@avon-boating.co.uk
Two rescue helicopters were required to airlift patients to hospital after a car rolled on the East Cape yesterday.

The Rotorua-based BayTrustRescue Helicopter was dispatched to Te Araroa at around 12pm.

Base Manager Ben Fry says a car carrying five people had left the road and rolled down a bank.

Due to the poor weather conditions two local rescue helicopters were unable to reach the crash scene, says Ben.

However, the BayTrust Rescue Helicopter made it through, calling in the Waikato Westpac Rescue Helicopter for further support.

The two rescue helicopters carried two patients each to Waikato Hospital.

The BayTrust Rescue Helicopter then returned to its Rotorua base utlising night vision googles.
New funding for Bay of Plenty District Health Board in Budget 2017 increases the DHBs total allocation to a record level, says Health Minister Jonathan Coleman.

The Bay of Plenty DHB will receive an extra $26 million in new money this year, taking the boards total funding to $744 million for 2017/18. Thats an extra $227 million in funding over the last nine years.

Continuing to increase access to health services remains this Governments number one funding priority, says Jonathan.

DHBs will benefit from an extra $1.76 billion over four years to invest in services, improve access and to meet the demands of a growing population.

In addition to this, DHBs will also receive their share of $1.54 billion for wage increases for our 55,000 care and disability support workers as part of the care and support pay equity settlement.

The governments investment in health will reach a record $16.77 billion in 2017/18. An extra $888 million will be invested for 2017/18 - the biggest increase in eleven years, an increase of around $5 billion across our nine budgets.

The extra health funding also includes:
Theres been a strong and repeated call for higher levels of vaccination in the Bay of Plenty after confirmed cases of measles around the country.

The vaccine is very effective, says Toi Te Ora medical officer of health Dr Phil Shoemack.

Most children are vaccinated. But it would be possible to completely eliminate measles if we could achieve even higher levels of vaccination.

There have been confirmed cases of measles in both Auckland and Wellington.

And in Christchurch people have been urged to ensure their vaccinations are up to date after a local man contracted the highly contagious disease while holidaying in Bali.

Thats prompted Phil to warn Bay of Plenty people to watch out for symptoms of measles.

The illness usually starts with general fatigue, a cough, sore eyes and a fever followed a few days later by a rash covering much of the body.

Measles can be a very serious illness, often requiring hospitalisation, says Phil. For those not needing to go to hospital it means at least a week in bed keeping away from anyone else who has not been vaccinated.

Most outbreaks of measles in New Zealand occur when someone contracts it overseas and then spreads it to unvaccinated friends or family once back home.

Anyone whos not vaccinated according to the NZ schedule of vaccines is at risk.

The first dose of vaccination is due at 15 months and the second when the child is four years old.

He strongly suggests making sure all children are vaccinated against a preventable disease.
Several high-tech industry companies that have opposed the United States withdrawal from the Paris Agreement have pledged to continue their environmentally conscious efforts.

Google CEO Sundar Pichai promised to stay the course in his tweeted response:

Disappointed with todays decision. Google will keep working hard for a cleaner, more prosperous future for all.

 Sundar Pichai (@sundarpichai) June 1, 2017

Withdrawing from the Paris climate agreement is bad for the environment, bad for the economy, and it puts our childrens future at risk, wrote Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg.

For our part, weve committed that every new data center we build will be powered by 100% renewable energy, he added.

Salesforce CEO Marc Benioff tweeted a statement of his companys resolve to promote sustainability.

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 believes that climate change is an urgent issue that demands global action, President Brad Smith posted on LinkedIn. Weve sent letters to and held meetings on this topic with senior officials in the State Department and the White House.

Apple CEO Tim Cook earlier this week urged President Trump to keep the U.S. in the agreement, he told employees in an email.

Climate change is real, Cook said. Although disappointed with the pullout, he pledged to continue the companys environmental push.

Why Trump Withdrew From the Paris Agreement

Compliance with the terms of the agreement could cost America as much as 2.7 million lost jobs by 2025, including 440,000 fewer manufacturing jobs, President Trump said, citing a study by National Economic Research Associates.

By 2040, compliance would cut production for various sectors, costing close to US$3 trillion in lost GDP and 6.5 million industrial jobs, Trump said, based on the studys findings.

Other studies, carried out not only by environmental organizations, but also by Citibank and the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development, have concluded that failure to curb climate change could cost the U.S. economy trillions of dollars, according to a New York Times news analysis.

The Paris Agreement could legitimately be branded as an economic accord, given the potential financial impact on the countries that agreed to it, said Rob Enderle, principal analyst at the Enderle Group.

However, given the impact on climate is both disputed and indirect, it likely would have been more accurate to call this an accord thats more directly focused on pollution, because the core measurements were tied to that, he told TechNewsWorld.

The Paris Agreement was more of a political vehicle and one that was long on promise but very short on actual content, Enderle said, adding that it lacks teeth to ensure compliance.

It appears that Trumps decision this week has triggered a process that will continue into 2020, likely ensuring that climate change will be a significant issue during the next presidential election.

Seeking a Brave New World

The Trump administration will begin negotiations either to re-enter the Paris Agreement or to create a new one on terms that are fair to the United States, its businesses, its people, its taxpayers, the president said.

However, France, Germany and Italy said in a joint statement that the Paris Agreement cannot be renegotiated.

Overpopulation and the environment are issues that must be addressed now, said Jim McGregor, principal at Tirias Research.

If theres something awry with the current agreements, we need to address those issues, either with modifications to the agreement or a new one  not just walk away, he told TechNewsWorld.

The U.S. should be the leader, not the anchor holding us back by not signing the accords, McGregor added.

What High-Tech Companies Can Do

Any number of companies are acting consciously to improve their environmental impact, noted Charles King, principal analyst at Pund-IT.

For example, Dell EMC has a variety of initiatives, he told TechNewsWorld, including using recycled materials in their packaging  and an initiative to recycle plastics floating in the ocean.

Still, many tech companies talk the talk but dont walk the walk when it comes to the environment, Tirias McGregor pointed out.

The fact that both supporters and opponents of environmental issues know much of what theyre saying isnt true, makes positive change almost impossible to accomplish, Enderle said.

The tech industry is all about data and accuracy, he remarked, and it could use these tools to cut through the dishonesty and help those that truly want to make change.
In the lead-up to the 2016 presidential election, Donald Trump repeatedly promised that he would pull America out of the Paris climate deal and he has. The decision wasn't met without resistance, with CEOs like Tim Cook and Elon Musk among many who opposed the decision.

Leaving The Paris Accord

Trump made the announcement on Thursday, June 1, that the United States would be pulling out of the Paris climate deal that was signed in 2015. The deal, which was signed by 190 other countries, is a global initiative to cut carbon emissions and invest in clean energy. Trump's reasons were that the deal was not favorable to America and that the accord would result in lost jobs. He did say that if the deal was re-negotiated "in America's favor," then he would re-commit to the deal.

This makes the United States one of now three countries that hadn't signed on. The other two that didn't agree were Syria and Nicaragua.

Syria has been engulfed in civil war since 2011, which had demands that superseded anything else going on for the country. Add to that the sanctions and pressures from the international community on the country's leadership made involvement non-existent.

Nicaragua, on the other hand, felt the deal didn't go far enough. Paul Oquist, Nicaragua's representative in Paris in 2015, explained that the voluntary nature of the deal and lack of punishments didn't make the deal appealing. He explained that President Daniel Ortega's stance was that richer, first-world countries should be paying more to climate change efforts given the greater impact they have had on the climate.

CEO Opposition

As implied above, the reason for the leaving was based on more nationalistic ideas, believing America came out on the short end of the stick with the deal. However, many top CEOs did try to dissuade Trump from leaving the Paris deal in the days before the announcement was made.

To that end, it was reported by Bloomberg that Cook had called the White House in an effort to change Trump's mind on the matter. This isn't the first time Cook has found himself at opposite ends with the current President on the matter. Earlier this year, Apple and several other companies were in vocal opposition to executive orders undoing climate protections and regulations put in place by Barack Obama. Cook tried to appeal to Trump's nationalistic ideals by implying that leaving the deal could leave America at a disadvantage technologically and in job creation.

Musk was also against the decision, trying his best through to dissuade Trump using contacts he has in the White House. In a series of tweets, Musk expressed disappointment for the decision and revealed he would no longer serve as an adviser for the Manufacturing Jobs Initiative or the Strategic and Policy Forum.

Cook and Musk are just two of 25 CEOs who have voiced their opposition to this decision.

 2022 TECHTIMES.com All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission.
The Windows Insider Program can be a great way to test the latest features, but it can also lead to some issues. Microsoft has accidentally released a version of Windows 10 that may slow down your PC or brick your smartphone.

The Build

Windows 10 build 16212 is an internal build that was not meant to be sent to users. However, it was accidentally rolled out to some members of the Windows Insider program and has been causing some issues for those unfortunate enough to install the update.

Windows 10 PC

PC users got off relatively easy, as the build doesn't appear to be causing any major issues. Microsoft noted that the build may be less stable than other builds but that it didn't pose any significant risks to users. In its blog post, the company recommends simply waiting for a new update or rolling back to a previous build via the Recovery tool.

"Please be aware that this build was never intended to go out to Windows Insiders and may include issues that impact usability of your PC  more so than the normal builds we give you," says Microsoft's Dona Sarkar.

Windows Smartphones

Windows Mobile users, on the other hand, face a more pressing issue. If users attempt to install the update, it will simply refuse to install, and the phone will enter a reboot loop, forcing it to constantly restart.

If the update is already in the process of downloading, the problem can be avoided by simply disconnecting from the internet, which will stop the update process.

If the update has already been installed, the only way to stop the cycle of reboots is to reset the device using the Windows Device Recovery Tool. This process will remove all the files from your device, which is what makes this update such a problem.

Windows Insider

Build 16212 was meant for internal testing but was accidentally rolled out to some members of the Windows Insider program. Windows Insider provides users with the ability to preview upcoming builds of Windows before they go live. This allows more technically inclined users to play around with new features and help improve the Windows OS.

In light of this recent mishap, Microsoft has cautioned users not to install any Insider updates until they hear from the company.

#WindowsInsiders: pls do not install any builds being offered til you hear from us with a blog post. If you have installed, reset with WDRT.  Dona Sarkar (@donasarkar) June 1, 2017

 2022 TECHTIMES.com All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission.
The slow destruction of the world's largest coral reef has raised concern among environmentalists as they attempt to save the Great Barrier Reef from doom.

Greenhouse effect, climate change, and the rise in water temperature caused mass bleaching of the coral in Australia's Great Barrier Reef. While some scientists believe that there is no chance at all to save the reef, others are optimistic. UNESCO believes that the Great Barrier Reef can be saved and urged the Australian government to make greater efforts to save the world heritage site.

On Saturday, June 3, UNESCO pushed for accelerated efforts from Australia to save the Great Barrier Reef. The international agency also stated that the current pace at which the program was moving, would be ineffective in fulfilling the long-term targets that are etched out for saving the reef.

UNESCO Urges Australia To Save Great Barrier Reef

In a draft report to the World Heritage Committee, UNESCO stated that Australia was slow in achieving the "water quality targets." If the continent keeps its progress speed at this level, it is highly unlikely that it would meet the 2050 objectives. The draft report was released prior to a meeting scheduled to take place in Krakow, Poland, in July.

"The World Heritage Centre and IUCN consider that the implementation of the Plan will need to accelerate to ensure that the intermediate and long-term targets of 2050 LTSP (Long-Term Sustainability Plan) are being met, in particular regarding water quality," the report stated.

Australia's Efforts To Save The Great Barrier Reef

Launched in 2015, the Reef 2050 Plan is a part of the Australian government's measures to prevent the Great Barrier Reef from being included in the United Nations' "in danger" list.

It would be an extremely embarrassing position for Australia and its government if the Great Barrier Reef gets a negative marking from the UNESCO. Moreover, destruction of the Great Barrier Reef would also damage Australia's economy as it would negatively impact the country's tourism.

Currently, the world's largest reef is threatened by an array of problems, which include mass coral bleaching, rise in water temperature, as well as poor quality of water due to household, agricultural, and industrial runoff. Apart from that global climate change, rapid coastal development and illegal fishing are also responsible for the Great Barrier Reef's destruction.

UNESCO initially lauded the inception and implementation of the Australian government's plan to save the reef from ultimate destruction. However, based on the latest progress rate, it appears that Australia needs to increase its efforts if it wants keep and save the Great Barrier Reef from extinction.

 2022 TECHTIMES.com All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission.
In 2015, Google launched the Android Security Rewards program which pays out rewards to those who discover bugs and system exploits within the OS. Now, Google has announced that it is increasing the maximum payout to $200,000.

Bug Bounty Programs

The Android Security Rewards program is similar to other programs of its kind in the tech industry. If a security firm, or individual, discovers an exploit within Android OS and reports it to Google then they'll receive a cash reward. From there, Google uses that information to fix the exploit and avoid hacks by malicious organizations.

The payouts vary based on the severity of the exploits, but, overall, Google has paid security researchers more than $1.5 million since the program began. Despite this, no one has managed to claim Google's largest bounties so the company has decided to substantially increase the reward in hopes of attracting more engineers and researchers to the program.

Kernel Exploits

The increased rewards apply to two bounties. The first is for remote kernel exploits. Android is based on the open-source Linux OS which has been used to create the popular Ubuntu operating system. As powerful and adaptable as Linux is, it does contain several security issues. The most troubling  at least from Google's perspective  are called remote kernel exploits, which could allow unauthorized users to gain remote control of Android devices or steal a user's personal data. Google has increased the payout for discovering a remote kernel exploit from $30,000 to $150,000.

Trust Zone Or Verified Boot Compromises

Trust Zone is a system on a chip technology that helps to ensure that security software, system boot settings, and biometric data, such as the fingerprint scans used in touch ID systems, are secure. It goes without saying that this is data that no one wants exposed to hackers.

Verified Boot was introduced in Android KitKat as a means of ensuring that the phone's software had not been altered. Each time the phone boots up, it performs a check and, on devices running Android 6.0 and higher, will warn users of tampering. Understandably, hackers would love a way around Verified Boot.

Payday

The reward for either of these exploits has been increased from $50,000 to $200,000

Assuming no researchers take the bait, it is likely that Google will increase the reward again until someone decides it is worth their time to discover such an exploit. After all, every software has flaws. Eventually, someone will discover one of these errors. It is just a question of whether it will be someone working for Google or a hacker trying to steal personal data.

 2022 TECHTIMES.com All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission.
It's nearly halfway through 2017 and there have already been incredible comic book movies such as Wonder Woman, Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2, and Logan. The three major releases left, will Marvel or DC rule at the movie theater?

Marvel's Releases

While there has only been one MCU film with Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2, Marvel has had a great year so far thanks to that and Logan. And it looks like the streak could continue with the two films still on the docket.

First is Spider-Man: Homecoming from Sony and Marvel Studios. This will be the first film under the deal Marvel Studios and Sony Pictures worked out following the disappointing response to 2014's The Amazing Spider-Man 2. Peter Parker got his proper re-introduction in 2016's Captain America: Civil War played by fresh-faced Tom Holland, aiding Tony Stark in his attempt to capture Captain America.

While there may have been initial concerns about fatigue surrounding the web-slinger's standalone movies, that first appearance quickly erased those fears. Tom Holland garnered immediate praise for his portrayal of Peter Parker, with many fans and critics considering it the best portrayal of the role to date. The newest film also looks to provide the truest version of the character as he looks to balance high school with his desire to prove he belongs on the Avengers. With Robert Downey Jr. as Tony Stark and Michael Keaton joining as the villainous Vulture, it looks to tear up theaters when it releases July 7.

Then, Thor returns for his next film, Thor: Ragnarok. The third film in the series will launch Thor into an adventure that looks like it will throw the Asgardian into a more cosmic inspired adventure.

Thor's films, while fun, haven't been the most memorable of the MCU films, with Thor: The Dark World generally regarded as one of the weaker in the franchise. However, the first trailer for Thor: Ragnarok caught fans by storm  showing a colorful and crazy journey. Thor will go on as he fights to stop Cate Blanchett's Hela from bringing about Ragnarok to Asgard. This, however, won't be a true stand-alone film, since Thor will be joined by the Hulk on the journey  thanks to an injection of the Planet Hulk storyline into the film.

Taika Waititi's style is clearly all over this film, with a unique blend of action, humor, and color apparent throughout all the marketing material released thus far. This could easily make it one of the top comic book films for 2017 if it lives up to the hype when it releases Nov. 3.

DC's Juggernaut

While DC only has one film left on the calendar, it could be the biggest one of them all. Despite a rocky start to the DCEU, it looks like the universe might be finding its feet after the overwhelmingly positive response to Wonder Woman. And while Marvel got The Avengers out first, the original superteam from DC will finally make its big screen debut with Justice League.

The next film in the DCEU will see Batman and Wonder Woman try to assemble a team that can protect the earth from unthinkable threats following the events of Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice. Once assembled, they will find themselves pit against Steppenwolf and his army of parademons .

This is the team-up that fans have been waiting years to see on the big screen. The Justice League first debuted in 1960, bringing together DC's greatest heroes to battle threats to great for them individually. Granted, the team is based more on the New 52 version since it will include Cyborg, but with this finally happening is really great. The first looks at the team-up film have also done a lot to help build hype for the movie, giving a first real taste of the heroes in all their superpowered glory. Not to say the film hasn't still been victim to rumors or even tragedies behind the scenes.

That said, this could prove to be the film that rules over the rest of 2017's comic book movies if it can live up to the hype when it releases Nov. 17.

 2022 TECHTIMES.com All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission.
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A task force spent 2016 studying the tax system, issued a comprehensive set of recommendations in January and warned that a failure to act is not an option.

The Louisiana Legislature opted not to act.

The last chance to carry out proposals modeled on the panels recommendations during the 60-day regular session met a quiet death Saturday in a Senate committee room in the State Capitols basement.

Members of the Senate Revenue & Fiscal Affairs Committee lamented their opposition to income tax measures brought by state Rep. Julie Stokes, R-Kenner, and state Rep. Barry Ivey, R-Central. They said they had no other choice after the Louisiana House killed virtually all of the other ideas recommended by the 13-member panel. Making piecemeal changes, the senators said, wouldnt help the much-lamented tax system.

That massive reform that was supposed to happen this year has not happened, state Sen. JP Morrell, D-New Orleans and the committee chairman, told his colleagues in comments that three others echoed.

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

The next chance to carry it out would be in the special session that Gov. John Bel Edwards will be forced to call within the next 12 month to deal with the states looming budget deficit.

But if we cant get it done now, we wont get it done in a special session, Ivey said in an interview after the committee hearing ended.

Stokes and Ivey sought the committees approval to give voters the chance to replace the current graduated income tax system with flat rates coupled with individuals and corporations giving up the provision allowing them to deduct their federal tax payments on their state tax returns. Stokes noted that only three other states permit such a deduction, and this was a reason why the task force called for eliminating it.

This would be a small step to setting Louisiana on a better trajectory, Stokes said.

The House narrowly passed these proposals 10 days ago after initially resisting them.

Stokes and Ivey proposed a flat 3.76 percent rate for individuals and a 6.5 percent rate for corporations. Both rates would be lower than the top individual and corporate rates currently and would be revenue neutral, they said, calling it conservative tax policy.

But after Stokes made her presentation, Morrell uttered what have increasingly become the dreaded words during the legislative session. I appreciate your hard work, he began, noting that Stokes and Ivey have devoted countless hours to offering proposals that would qualify as reform under the task forces rubric. Indeed, just minutes earlier, the committee approved House Bill 673 by Stokes that would better align sales tax exemptions offered by state and local governments.

But then Morrell told Stokes that he couldnt support the income tax changes because they werent part of a more comprehensive package.

State Sen. Gerald Boudreaux, D-Lafayette, state Sen. Karen Carter Peterson, D-New Orleans, and state Sen. Dale Erdey, R-Livingston, offered similar comments.

We have to collectively come together and turn this state around, Erdey said.

Peterson, who chairs the state Democratic Party, offered barbed comments at the Republican-majority House.

Its a continuation of the foolishness on the other side, she said. They need to get their act together.

Morrell was also caustic after the committee hearing adjourned.

The House cherry-picked the things they liked, he said. This committee was not willing to along with the cherry-picking.

Revenue Secretary Kimberly Robinson, who co-chaired the task force, said afterward that the Gov. John Bel Edwards and his team will continue to push for a tax overhaul.
Talk around the State Capitol is about how little was done by a divisive Louisiana House in the session that ends Thursday.

Much of the fighting has been over the state budget. But the safe bet is that a budget will pass.

No, the real frustration stems from all the promises lawmakers made about repairing the shaky financial structure that routinely fails to raise enough money to fulfill the states promises.

As far back as February 2016, House Speaker Taylor Barras, R-New Iberia, was saying the Republican majority wants the opportunity to talk structural fixes.

A failure to act is not an option, declared a task force the Legislature created to provide a potential road map for digging out of all the tax breaks, restrictions and hocus-pocus accounting that has contributed to the states fiscal problems.

The task forces recommendations largely have been rejected. Though a few ideas are still in play, those proposed structural changes are now designed to be revenue neutral, therefore they wont address the coming crisis.

In fact, the revenue shortfall, called the fiscal cliff, that looms next year when the temporary sales taxes and other measures fall off, grew larger during the session.

The go-to estimate of how short the government will be of funds around this time next year is $1.3 billion. The fiscal cliff is about 14 percent of what state taxpayers contribute to the states annual spending plan. Because so much of the states revenues are legally locked up for specific programs, the figure represents about 40 percent of the money legislators can use to balance the budget. This is why higher education and health care, which are not protected, are cut so much when the budget needs to be balanced.

The fiscal cliff is now about $1.5 billion.

Its the bane and boon of a system in which different economists calculate how much they think Louisiana will raise in various taxes, fees and royalties given the economic climate. The Revenue Estimating Conference, which officially declares how much money is available to spend, chose a projection in mid-May that increased the fiscal cliff by about $27 million for the fiscal year starting July 1 and about $134 million for the next year.

The fiscal cliff number likely will change again when the economists have a chance to look at the impact of the bills the Legislature passed, determine what the federal government will contribute for its portion of Medicaid, count the number of students enrolled in public schools, and consider other variables, said Greg Albrecht, the Legislative Fiscal Office economist who is doing projections for the REC.

Still, thats the number on which budget architects legally must plot their cuts and draw up their spending plans. And whatever the final number, it'll be big.

Fluctuating fiscal cliff numbers prove his point, said House Appropriations Committee Chairman Cameron Henry, R-Metairie. If we would have allocated 100 percent of the REC money when the bill left the House, the Senate would have had to cut it by $27.4 million.

The House majoritys strategy was to leave in reserve about 2.5 percent of what the REC says is available to cover a shortfall and end the cycle of having to rebalance the budget midway through the fiscal year.

The other part of the House strategy is a a standstill budget, which allocates the same amount in this years appropriation to agencies for the fiscal year that begins July 1, and the same amount again for the fiscal year that begins July 1, 2018.

House Republican leaders calculate that this method should take care of about half the expected fiscal cliff, which makes the task of filling the remaining gap a lot less daunting, says House Majority Leader Lance Harris, R-Alexandria.

But none of this addresses the fiscal dysfunction that led the big New York credit rating agencies to downgrade Louisianas credit rating, which will end up costing taxpayers more to borrow money.

S&P downgrades Louisiana's credit rating, citing budget instability The third of the three major credit ratings agencies has downgraded Louisiana's financial ou

The grand outcome for a Legislature newly freed of a governors yoke, Barras said early in the session, was that great ideas to fix the fiscal structure would percolate up and be embraced. But the House was so fractured that about the only thing on which everyone agreed was that the other side practices Washington-style politics.

Both Barras and Henry predict another special session  costing about $25,000 per day for the Senate, $35,000 for the House  will be needed to come up with ways to address the fiscal cliff.

Some blame the GOP leadership in the House. Henry says the governor also must accept some of the responsibility.

Hopefully, the governor will come out with something more specific and actually work the bills, actually lobby the bills, Henry said.
TREMPEALEAU  Danielle Benden has been uncovering artifacts in the Trempealeau area for the past decade, but the thrill of the find never gets old.

Its still equally as exciting now, said Benden, archaeologist and co-owner of Driftless Pathways with husband and fellow archaeologist Robert Ernie Boszhardt. Digging up something in the dirt that hasnt been touched in 1,000 years ... its an amazing feeling.

Its an experience Benden has shared with many over the course of the Trempealeau Archaeology Project, a community-wide quest to uncover the history of the Mississippians, a group of 100 to 200 people who left the city of Cahokia, a 2,200-acre tract near what is now St. Louis and paddled 500 miles up the Mississippi River to the Mountain Whose Foot is Bathed in Water. Benden and Boszhardt, both formerly with the Mississippi Valley Archaeology Center, recently developed the Trempealeau Interpretive Path: TRIP initiative to share the wealth of discoveries.

TRIP includes curriculum resources, with activities and breakdowns of their findings, and a three-part exhibit. An artifact display at the Shirley M. Wright Memorial Library includes historical illustrations and artifacts collected during both the group digs and by local individuals. An expansive indoor exhibit in the Perrot State Park Nature Center, completed last September, offers a comprehensive 13,000-year history of the region, with a look at geological, topographical and cultural changes in the area, and houses a display of traditional Native American clothing. Lastly, a new informational kiosk, signage and interpretive pathway have been added to the Little Bluff Mounds, the center of the Mississippian settlement.

We believe the Mississippians came for the Trempealeau mountain, Benden said. Its a unique landmark, the only place with a remnant bluff completely surrounded by water. They believed the mountain itself had a tremendous amount of power. It was almost like a mission trip  a Mecca.

Early records of the mounds were composed by surveyor T.H. Lewis in the 1880s, and Benden, Boszhardt, UW-Madison students and dozens of locals ranging in age from 7 to 70 have continued to uncover the symbolic platform mounds, the base for religious temples, as well as excavate the village below, digging in yards for artifacts and remnants.

When the Mississippians, known for their building skills and corn farming, arrived, they brought their culture with them, including their bright red pottery, stone tools and religious practices. The parameters of their religion are unknown, but is believed to involve sun worship, as the mounds are aligned to the cycles of the sun and moon.

Construction of the platform mounds was labor intensive, with millions of baskets filled with dirt hauled to the 100-foot peak of the bluff, leaving behind deep recesses in the ground, called borrow pits. Rectangular wooden structures with thatched roofs were erected atop the mounds, and upon digging a trench at the location, Boszhardt discovered the top of a temple and a hearth, where a spiritual leader was likely tasked with keeping the fire burning constantly.

Your world would end if that fire goes out, Boszhardt said. You dont want that eternal flame to blow out.

The flame could be seen by the commoners residing below the bluff, as the vegetation was sparse at the time, the lack of trees offering a 270 degree view of the Mississippi.

They could look down the valley toward their homeland, Benden said. Were hoping to open up the vista for a full view.

Artifacts and carbon dating indicate the Mississippians only stayed in the area for half a century, later settling in Aztalan in southeast Wisconsin. While the reason for their departure is unknown, it is not believed to be caused by conflict, as the lack of walls and barriers indicate they lived peacefully with the neighboring locals. However, the perimeter of the settlement has continued to expand with each discovery, a sign of a once bustling area.

The community plan is much bigger than we thought, Benden explained. We want to try to put boundaries on it. Every year we continue to to excavate. Its science  were extrapolating and compounding on what we know.

Benden and Boszhardt will lead their next excavation this summer, unearthing the lawns of modern day residents for traces of dwellings long ago.

The Driftless area is a special place to live now  it has been for 1,000 years, Benden said. Theres something about knowing where you come from. Perhaps these findings can help people connect and feel ownership over the place they live, and a provide as sense of stewardship over the land. These are places definitely worth preserving.
Such is the impact of Amazon that it is even affecting what people expect from their bank.

That's the view of the chief executive of fintech firm Avoka, Phil Copeland, who said the user experience provided by the shopping giant has fed into an expectation among consumers that you should be able to sign up for products easily and simply online.

With banks also nervously eyeing fintech competitors, the dynamic is forcing banks to sharpen their focus on "digital customer acquisition", or online sales.
Australia's biggest builders are in danger of being banned from federal government-funded construction work within 90 days because their union-friendly agreements are in breach of tough new procurement rules.

The powerful Construction, Forestry, Mining and Energy Union is refusing to renegotiate hundreds of workplace deals that do not comply with the Turnbull government's building code.

The code, which is administered by the newly revived Australian Building and Construction Commission, outlaws a litany of union-friendly clauses contained in workplace agreements, such as requirements for employers to consult unions, restrictions on the use of labour-hire staff and requirements for non-working shop stewards.
When Daniel Andrews takes the historic step of introducing the first government-backed assisted dying bill into the Victorian parliament later this year, you can say with certainty two things will happen.

First, the legislation will spark the most fiercely contested debate the Premier faces this term, polarising the community ahead of next November's state election.

Daniel Andrews says he is 'very troubled' by the safe spaces proposal. Credit:Justin McManus

Secondly, some in favour of the reform will be disappointed, arguing that the changes don't go far enough because not all terminally ill people will end up having access to a doctor-assisted death.

This became clear last week, when attention turned to the complex question of who should qualify for the right to choose the timing and manner of their death, and whether people with dementia  including its most common form, Alzheimer's disease  should be eligible.
Economics is imprecise. In overarching terms, it should be thought of as the way in which humanity seeks to manage scarcity and fairness  the fundamental realities that we have unlimited desires but limited means, and that equality of opportunity does not exist unless we create it.

Economics is thus far more closely aligned to politics and philosophy than to maths and science. And so a crucial part of economics is the nebulous notion of confidence. Without a positive outlook, businesses don't invest and consumers don't spend  causing economies to shrink, jobs to disappear and misery to abound. The concept of confidence in this context is so vague that economists and writers have long referred to it as the "animal spirits", a phrase made famous last century by one of the most influential policymakers in history, John Maynard Keynes.

Victoria's economic prospects are bright, but Melbourne's CBD is carrying too much of the load. Credit:Leigh Henningham

So what are we to make of news that in Victoria job creation is surging but unemployment is jammed at a relatively high level; that housing prices are finally falling but affordability and homelessness remain pressing problems; that retailing is in a slump and manufacturing in crisis but economic growth remains relatively robust? Should these auguries inspire business and consumer confidence, or generate fear and perhaps self-fulfilling pessimism?

Let's examine the labour market. With the state's unemployment rate stuck at 6.1 per cent, compared to 5.8 per cent nationally and 5 per cent in NSW, a comparable economy, there is ostensible reason for gloom. But the news beneath that headline number is perhaps far rosier. The most recent figures available show 115,000 jobs were added in Victoria  accounting for 60 per cent of the jobs created nationally in that period.
Saturday was the 25th anniversary of the High Court's Mabo decision. The impact of this landmark case still reverberates today in debates on Indigenous recognition and disadvantage. It is rarely far from the surface as we struggle to come to grips with our colonial past.

After the British settlers arrived in Australia in 1788, the so-called "barbarian" theory of law was applied. It treated Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples as being so "low in the scale of social organisation" that they were not entitled to have their laws or customs recognised. As one judge said, it is "idle to impute to such people some shadow of the rights known to our law".

Solicitor Greg McIntyre, barrister Ron Castan, Eddie Mabo and barrister Bryan Keon-Cohen at the High Court of Australia 1991.

The system treated Indigenous peoples as if they did not exist. Australia was regarded as terra nullius, meaning an empty continent in which the land belonged to no one. It was a convenient approach because it permitted the British settlers to strip Aboriginal people of their lands without compensation.

Mabo changed this. After a protracted 10-year struggle, Eddie Mabo succeeded against the odds in convincing the High Court that Australian law was based on racial discrimination and false understandings. The court instead set down a radically different perspective of Australia's first peoples.
Officials are scrambling to assess whether any Australians have been killed or injured in the latest terrorist attack in London.

Foreign Minister Julie Bishop says there was no suggestion at this stage Australians were among the casualties after a van ploughed into pedestrians on London Bridge.

There was also a knife attack in nearby Borough Market.

London Police confirmed at 10am Australian time the attacks were terror-related.
Newly released letters from Prince Charles to Nancy Reagan detail their 40 year friendship, revealing his struggles following his divorce from Princess Diana and his devastation after the death of his beloved grandmother.

The letters, part of Mrs Reagan's private collection, were released to the Ronald Reagan Presidential Foundation and Library following her death in March 2016.

Charles and Princess Diana stand on the balcony of Buckingham Palace in London, following their wedding in 1981. Credit:Reuters

But only now have the letters, catalogued by archivists working on the library collection, been made public.

After sitting next to each other at a White House dinner in 1981, Charles wrote that he was sold on the First Lady. "I am a devoted admirer for life!", he said.
Thousands of runners flooded Brisbane on Sunday morning, spurred on by thumping music, glorious weather and the pledge to raise money for various charities.

The Brisbane Times City2South presented by Westpac took over CBD streets once again, with finishers gathering at Musgrave Park in South Bank afterwards.

In its fifth year, the event transformed into a "fitness festival" with the inclusion of F45 workout sessions, along with the usual kids activities, food trucks and live entertainment.

City2South organiser Sarah Young said "anyone and everyone" could take part.
"We didn't have children but that played to our advantage as rather than relying on our own opinions it meant we were forced to do even more research into our target market needs," Meagan says. "Then we went on to have twins, believe it or not, and that really added another element for us. The way we looked at the product did change a little as we were able to add our own personal experience into it." Online sales The Redelmans started the business with $40,000 in savings and decided to sell solely online bypassing traditional retail outlets. The ultimate product testing occurred when the Redelmans had twins. They had no prior experience in the business of prams or manufacturing but say this didn't disadvantage them.

"When you launch a company you don't have all the resources to hand, especially when you go into manufacturing with China," Brett says. "Particularly with the growth we have had, the manufacturer you have access to on day one is not the one you have as your business has grown." The early days were tough with customers unsure about purchasing from an unknown brand before trialling the products. To overcome this the Redelmans would drive to customers' houses around Sydney and give them one-on-one product demonstrations. They drove the 10-plus hours to Melbourne and Brisbane to show their prams to customers at "demo days" and personally packed and fulfilled all the orders from a family warehouse in Rosebery. We got the right product at the right price at the right place at the right time. Meagan Redelman "We broke even after three months and have been cash flow positive from then," Brett says. "At no point have we been forced to take on an investor or use debt. That's been quite unique."

Non traditional funding Redsbaby now turns over $5 million a year and employs 35 staff. It has fulfilled over 10,000 orders and claims 14.5 per cent of total online pram sales. "We got the right product at the right price at the right place at the right time," says Meagan. Redsbaby relies on non traditional funding by using credit cards to procure stock from China via global fin tech company Octet. "Even though we are cash flow positive it really allows us to free up cash," Brett says. "The beauty is we can pay a supplier today and then for 51 days we have an interest free loan. We are the fastest paying customer that they have. We are a small customer compared to others but they love to work with us. Any small business has to look what they can bring to the table when dealing with large manufacturers."

Growing further The Redelmans are now looking to grow Redsbaby further. "We have gone into nursery furniture and have started to expand our product portfolio," Meagan says. Jana Matthews, director of the Centre for Business Growth at UniSA Business School, says the challenge for Redsbaby is one faced by many online retailers and consumer brands, increasing revenue and margins. "Since Redsbaby is not likely to sell more prams to their current customers, they've developed a new product," she says. "Selling new products to current customers will help them get to the next level, but then they'll need to develop a strategy for entering new markets, and new countries. We need more Australian companies with great products to figure out how to go global."
The search for Liberal candidates in key state seats the party needs to win at next year's poll has been extended over concerns the nominees, including past MPs, are not up to scratch.

Last week the Liberal Party's administrative committee extended preselection nominations in the four "sand-belt" seats as well as Ivanhoe and Cranbourne for two more weeks. Preselection nominations were due to close on Thursday.

The Coalition has to retain all 38 seats it holds and win another seven to win government. Credit:Penny Stephens

Party sources say there is a real concern that some of the nominees will not be able to fundraise enough money to run a campaign, and may be vulnerable to the increased media attention and scrutiny.

It is understood that some sitting marginal seat MPs are also worried that resources for the defence of their seats will be stretched and sent to help out some of the candidates along the sand-belt, where former MPs Donna Bauer and Elizabeth Miller have nominated.
Bangkok: An Australian filmmaker has been arrested in Phnom Penh and accused of spying, according to Fresh News, an online site close to Cambodia's ruling party.

Photographs show James Ricketson, 68, handcuffed and being questioned by police after being detained on the eve of local elections across the country on Sunday.

Australian filmmaker James Ricketson in police custody in Phnom Penh.

Fresh News published photographs showing Mr Ricketson using a drone in Phnom Penh in daylight on Saturday as people stood by and watched.

The site said Mr Ricketson, from Sydney, was gathering information without permission and police and local authorities wanted to take legal action against him.
Mosul: The bodies of dozens of civilians killed in the past two days while fleeing an Islamic State-held neighbourhood in Mosul lay on Saturday in a street close to the frontline with Iraqi armed forces, a Reuters TV crew reported.

The dead included men, women and children. Bags in which they had carried their belongings were strewn around the road leading out of the Zanjili district, one of three still in the hands of IS.

"Over the past two days [IS] has been shooting people escaping this area," said Dave Eubank from the Free Burma Rangers relief association, speaking from a building overlooking the frontline in Zanjili.

"I saw over 50 dead bodies yesterday, we worked with the Americans to get smoke and an Iraqi tank, and followed behind them and we rescued one little girl and one man," he said. "But there are still more."
Professor Barton said Australians were quicker to report security concerns than people in Europe and America. However, he conceded even intelligence was not foolproof and he said the recent Manchester bombings reflected a "major intelligence failure." The United Kingdom has endured at least five significant terror attacks in the past decade, including two in just a few weeks. Across the world, there are an increasing number of assailants using a vehicle as a deadly weapon. There is a fast-growing list of cities that have suffered a vehicle-ramming attack.

In Nice on Bastille Day in 2016, a terrorist drove a truck into a crowd and killed 86 people. In Berlin in December 2016 a man rammed a vehicle into a market, killing 12. In Melbourne in January 2017, six people were mown down and killed in Bourke Street Mall. Police have said Bourke Street was not an act of terrorism. In London in late March 2017, five people were killed, including the attacker and a police officer, and at least 40 were injured, when a car was driven into a group of people on Westminster Bridge. Professor Barton said the workload for police and intelligence practitioners has soared since rise of the Islamic State five years ago.

Mr Barton said UK agencies had only 60 of an estimated 3000 people of concern under 24/7 watch. On top of that, agencies had a further 20,000 secondary persons of interest. "Although we never want people to accept terrorism, I do think we have to expect that people will be trying to launch these attacks in the foreseeable future," he said. "These methods of attack are seen as sign of success with terrorism, they are opportunistic and accessible... anyone can grab their car keys and rush out the door. They (the attacks) are shared on the internet through Islamic State media, on YouTube so what you often get is copy cat behaviour." "And if this is indeed an Islamic State terrorist attack, targeting soft targets, such as shopping centres, are going to be increasingly common practice and it is impossible to completely safeguard all such venues, so we rely upon intelligence and co-operation across communities to be forewarned."

If you are caught in terrorism environment Professor Barton's advice is to "run, hide and communicate when it is safe". "With attacks like this where people are attacking lives, including their own, one of the best things you can do is avoid being taken hostage and finding yourself in a position where you need to negotiate," he said. "Run, then hide, barricade yourself somewhere, push furniture up against the door. Turn your phone on silent and when it is safe communicate what you have witnessed to authorities because this information could be key intelligence to saving other lives." Professor Barton said it had become more difficult to combat radicalisation because terrorist group like Islamic State were outsourcing attacks to people who had no formal affiliation with them. "It (Islamic State) takes, vulnerable people, broken goods... damaged goods and it encourages anyone, which enforces the need for us to have good community relations," he said.
An "honorary Melburnian" has emerged as one of the first identified casualties of the London terror attack.

Sunday Express journalist Geoff Ho was stabbed on Saturday night when out with friends at the Southwark Tavern in Borough Market, according to witness reports.

London-based Mr Ho is a regular visitor to Australia. He was due to fly to Melbourne in September to attend two weddings.
LA CRESCENT, Minn.  Today will be twice as nice for Heather Shimshak.

The 18-year-old La Crescent senior was set to be one of 95 students to walk the stage at commencement this afternoon at the La Crescent Community Arena. But this wasnt Shimshaks only celebration: She graduated from Minnesota State College-Southeast this May from the schools phlebotomy certificate program.

I wanted a challenge, Shimshak said about her desire to pursue the states Postsecondary Enrollment Options program. To do this was kind of amazing.

Minnesotas PSEO program allows high school students to enroll in college classes for free, saving them time and money. Shimshak said she had finished most of her high school courses her sophomore year and decided to start attending Southeast her junior year after teachers encouraged her to pursue the program.

During her two years at the college, Shimshak said, she earned 31 credits, including the nine credits needed for the phlebotomy certificate, which the college has offered since 2012. The certificate is part of the medical laboratory technician program, program director Carol Cantlon said, and teaches students how to draw blood as well as run simple tests, allowing them to start careers as soon as they graduate.

Its weird. I never really liked needles myself, Shimshak said. But that changed as I learned how things work and that I can make a difference in others lives.

As part of her studies, she took medical lab classes, phlebotomy classes as well as general education classes in speech, writing and psychology. Despite being one of the younger students in the program, she said she felt she fit in with her classmates and enjoyed the extra challenge of taking college classes.

My classes in high school were too easy. I got the work done quickly, she said. I feel so relieved to have this experience under my belt.

Shimshak works at the R.W. Houser Family YMCA in Onalaska but said she hopes to use her degree to start a career at Gundersen Health System or Mayo Clinic Health System-Franciscan Healthcare, where her mother, Sandy, works. She hopes to continue her education and said shed like to study physical therapy at Western Technical College, where she will already have five of the required classes under her belt.

Shimshaks drive was one of the reasons La Crescent Art Teacher Nicole Greener supported her decision to enroll in PSEO as well as writing Shimshak a reference letter. Having her in a number of her classes, Greener said Shimshaks work ethic and positive attitude would serve her well taking college-level classes.

A real go-getter, Greener said Shimshak always has a smile on her face and lights up a classroom with her attitude. She wasnt surprised to hear Shimshak had earned her certificate from Southeast and knows she will go far.

Shes just so energetic and positive with a good work ethic, she said. When you put all three together, a student like Heather can do anything.

My classes in high school were too easy. I got the work done quickly. I feel so relieved to have this experience under my belt. Heather Shimshak
Silver has suffered a lackluster year so far, really lagging golds upleg. Sentiment is still reeling following silvers crushing selloff from mid-April to mid-May. But that plunge was largely driven by extreme silver-futures selling by speculators, including a blistering spike in short selling. The resulting excessive shorts have left silver with excellent near-term potential for a short squeeze, which would catapult it rapidly higher.

Technically, silver ultimately acts like a leveraged play on gold. The yellow metal has long been silvers dominant primary driver. Investors and speculators alike flock to silver when gold is rallying, forcing this tiny market to surge dramatically. But when gold sentiment is weak due to lackluster price action, silver demand from traders dries up. Thus silver drifts listlessly or grinds lower, compounding bearish psychology.

As of the middle of this week, silver was only up 8.9% year-to-date. That actually bested the beloved S&P 500 broad-market stock index, but its still considered pretty weak. Thats because gold has rallied 10.3% YTD. Silvers gains and losses over any given span often about double golds, since the silver market is radically smaller. This is readily apparent in the latest world fundamental data for both metals.

Last month the Silver Institute published its World Silver Survey 2017, the definitive read on global silver supply-and-demand fundamentals in 2016. It reported total physical silver demand last year of 1027.8m ounces. At last years average silver price of $17.12, that was worth just $17.6b. Thats a rounding error in the financial markets, a mega-cap stock like Apple can gain or lose that much market cap in a single day!

Meanwhile according to the latest global gold fundamental data from the World Gold Council, last years gold demand ran 4315.0 metric tons. At 2016s average gold price of $1250, that was worth $173.4b. So the global silver market is merely 1/10th the size of the world gold market per the newest available data! That makes capital flowing into and out of silver an order of magnitude more potent in moving its price.

Earlier this year when traders were growing excited about gold, silver was normally amplifying its upside. By early March, silver was up 15.6% YTD to golds 8.6%. But as gold enthusiasm faded in subsequent weeks, silver soon deflated. By mid-April its 16.2% YTD gains were only running 1.36x golds 11.9%. And that relative outperformance collapsed after silver plunged 12.6% on a mere 5.1% gold pullback into mid-May!

Its very unusual to see silver disconnect so sharply from gold, so traders looked for explanations. One of the main rumors surrounded Asias largest commodities trader, the Noble Group. Its stock trading on the Singapore Exchange has literally imploded this year, as it faces a huge liquidity crunch from credit-rating agencies downgrading it on default fears. Rumors swirled that NG was a big forced seller of silver.

Many of NGs commodities positions were apparently illiquid, unable to be sold to raise cash without triggering serious losses on those very trades. But silver of course is highly-liquid and readily-marketable worldwide. Over 17 trading days between mid-April and mid-May, silver fell for 16 and the only respite was a trivial 0.1% bounce. That extraordinary span of consistent selling often defying gold was rumored to be NG.

Whether the Noble Group was unloading huge silver positions to raise desperately-needed cash or not, American futures speculators were dumping in concert. Maybe the Noble rumors triggered their serious selling, maybe they wouldve sold anyway. Either way, silver was blitzed with a withering assault of silver-futures selling. Given silvers tiny market size, this mass exodus of capital quickly brutalized silver prices.

Due to that order-of-magnitude market-size differential, capital flowing into and out of silver commands up to 10x the price impact of the same capital moving in gold! And this is in outright terms, assuming silver is fully-owned with no leverage. But silver-futures speculators wield great leverage, further amplifying the impact of their collective trading on silvers price. So heavy silver-futures selling drives sharp losses.

Every silver-futures contract controls 5000 troy ounces of this white metal. At $17.25 per ounce, that is worth $86,250. But this week, the minimum maintenance margin required to trade each silver-futures contract is only $5000. This means futures speculators can choose to run leverage up to 17.3x on silver futures! That dwarfs the decades-old legal limit in the stock markets of 2x. 17x is extreme and hyper-risky.

So the capital futures speculators bet on silvers near-term price action can have up to 17x the price impact of the same amount of investment in silver owned outright. When this enormous leverage is mixed with a tiny market, the result is naturally incredible volatility. At 17x leverage, speculators cant afford to be wrong for long on silvers price moves. A mere 5.9% adverse move against their bets results in 100% losses!

Every Friday afternoon, the Commodity Futures Trading Commission publishes its famous Commitments of Traders report that details what speculators are collectively doing in silver futures. Their buying and selling as a herd is the overwhelmingly-dominant driver of short-term silver price action. That doesnt negate golds power over silver, as these silver-futures traders mostly look to golds fortunes for trading cues.

This chart illuminates why silver enjoys excellent potential for a major short squeeze catapulting its price rapidly higher. It shows speculators total silver-futures long contracts in green, and total short contracts in red. Silver along with some of its key moving averages are superimposed on top. The silver-futures selling since mid-April has been torrential, including extreme shorting. Those shorts have to soon be covered.

In futures trading, buying is buying and selling is selling. The upside price impact on silver of buying a new long contract or buying to cover an existing short contract is identical. Rising longs and falling shorts are equally bullish for silver. The opposite is also true. Selling an existing long contract or selling to open a new short contract is identical in silver-price impact. Falling longs and rising shorts are equally bearish.

Futures speculators collective price impact on silver is fueled by their total trading on both the long and short sides. Buying from either side pushes silver higher, selling from either side forces it lower. The key differences are the long side is much bigger, and long-side trading is voluntary. Once traders effectively borrow silver futures they dont own to short sell them, they are legally obligated to soon buy them back.

Those debts must be repaid, so silver-futures contracts sold short are offset and closed by buying long contracts. This involuntary dynamic along with the extreme leverage inherent in silver futures is what creates short squeezes. Speculators short silver futures face potentially unlimited losses if silver rallies, so once it starts climbing they have to rapidly buy longs to close their shorts. This quickly becomes self-feeding.

Not that long ago in mid-April, silver was faring pretty well. It was trading just under $18.50, up 16.2% YTD. In the weekly CoT report right after that interim high, silver-futures speculators held 154.2k long contracts and 37.4k short ones. Those longs were actually really high, just off their highest levels seen in the 18.3 years since early 1999! Thats the limit of this dataset, but that was almost certainly an all-time record.

Futures speculators collective bets are a powerful contrarian indicator. Despite their sophistication to trade at such extreme leverage, these guys are always wrong as a herd at trend turning points. The record longs showed they were super-bullish on silver. Thats not necessarily an immediate risk alone, but if silver turns south that big selling overhang can really compound its downside. That happened in late 2016.

Days before golds own interim high in mid-April, and over a week before golds own selling intensified enough to suck in silver, silver started falling relentlessly. It looked like some large trader was trying to unload large amounts of silver-futures long contracts as quickly as it could without crushing the silver price. That would adversely impact its own exit, so that position was unwound over weeks instead of hours.

If the troubled Noble Group was indeed involved in silvers unnatural selloff between mid-April and mid-May, it was in this major long liquidation. CoT reports are current to every Tuesday close, so we only get weekly Tuesday reads on them. From mid-April to mid-May, 29.5k silver-futures long contracts were dumped by speculators. That was nearly 1/5th of the total longs from that record high seen in mid-April.

Since silver futures are so hyper-leveraged, their speculators time horizon is measured in hours or days on the outside. No one running 17x can afford to be a long-term trader, the risks are too great. So there is no doubt short-side speculators immediately noticed that relentless liquidation of longs. Their ears are always to the ground, so they certainly heard these same numerous rumors of a Noble Group forced liquidation.

True or not, there was some big seller desperately trying to exit an enormous silver-futures long position. So the short sellers jumped on this bandwagon and started piling on. If the large seller was being forced to liquidate to raise cash, there would be more selling for the shorts to ride. Remember on the short side the profit incentive is reversed. Short sellers borrow to sell high, in the hopes of buying back low later to profit.

Speculators silver-futures shorts were on the low side into mid-April, just 37.4k contracts. But once they smelled blood in the water, a shorting feeding frenzy erupted. In just 4 weeks, silver-futures shorts exploded an astounding 34.5k contracts higher! That was nearly a double, a truly-extraordinary surge in such a short time. By mid-May, total spec shorts hit 71.8k contracts which is a super-high level historically.

It wasnt just a 21.4-month high for speculators bearish bets on silver, which would itself be a very bullish contrarian indicator. Mid-Mays 71.8k wasnt far under the all-time record high of 81.6k spec shorts seen back in early July 2015 when silver plunged to just over $15 per ounce. Such high short levels, driven by such fast shorting spikes, are very rare. And they are usually contrarian indicators signaling major bottomings.

These bearish speculators were way out over their skis with such epic shorts. If they were betting on that huge long liquidation, it appeared to cease in mid-May. If they were trying to leverage the simultaneous sharp gold pullback, that too ended within a day of that relentless long selling. So these short sellers had no choice but to start aggressively buying to cover to close out the extreme shorts theyd quickly amassed.

That likely largely-involuntary silver-futures buying to cover drove silver sharply higher, even without new long buying which hasnt materialized yet. The latest CoT report before this essay was published, which is current to May 23rd, showed massive short covering already underway. Silver-futures speculators total shorts plunged 13.5k contracts last CoT week, or nearly 1/5th of their total shorts at that recent peak!

And indeed silver surged on that short covering, enjoying multiple big up days way out of proportion to golds own. But it still only rallied 1.5% in that CoT week seeing all the short covering, suggesting there is still selling out there retarding silvers upside. Some rumors claim the Noble Group not only sold silver futures, but physical metal positions it owned. Perhaps that hasnt finished, or other Asian traders are still selling.

At any rate, silver is set up for a big short squeeze. So far the shorts have been very lucky, theyve been able to buy to cover without silver rallying too much. Thats largely because other speculators have not yet returned on the long side. But once gold rallies consistently and materially for a few trading days, they will come flooding back in to play the upside. Then the shorts will frantically cover to get out of harms way.

In the first quarter of 2017 before Aprils strangeness, specs silver-futures shorts averaged just 32.0k contracts. Based on the latest CoT available, that means traders would have to buy to cover another 26.3k contracts to mean revert back down to normal short levels. Thats nearly twice as much as the short covering already seen last CoT week. In other words, 2/3rds of the total short covering is still coming!

That is mandatory near-term buying. These traders effectively borrowed silver futures they didnt own to sell them, and they are legally obligated to soon buy them back to repay those debts. This has real potential to drive silver sharply higher in the coming weeks, especially if spec longs are also rising greatly ramping the pressure on shorts to cover fast. The most-likely catalyst to ignite this would be a gold surge.

Todays situation in gold futures is actually much more bullish than even silver futures current one! On the gold side, longs are very low. That means they have vast room to buy back in and propel gold sharply higher. Big gold-futures buying could be triggered by anything that implies lower future Fed-rate-hike odds, including weak economic data or the FOMC itself.

Despite gold thriving in past Fed-rate-hike cycles, futures speculators remain irrationally terrified of higher rates. The day before the last Fed rate hike in mid-March, both gold and silver had slumped to major interim lows. The FOMC indeed hiked as expected, but gold and silver still soared that afternoon and over the subsequent weeks! Why? The FOMCs outlook on future rate hikes wasnt as hawkish as expected.

So even if the Fed hikes again in mid-June as universally forecast, that could yet again prove a very bullish catalyst for speculators to flood back into gold and silver futures. If the FOMC members famous dot plot, their predictions for future federal-funds-rate levels, moderates, gold and silver will likely again be bid sharply higher. Thats a huge risk for the silver shorts, who werent willing to make that gamble in mid-March.

The day before that last Fed rate hike, spec shorts slumped to just 29.3k contracts. Even without short covering, silver still surged 2.7% higher on rate-hike day due to long buying. I doubt todays speculators heavily short silver will want to take the risk that the FOMCs FFR projections due at its mid-June meeting wont be hawkish. So odds are the short covering and potential short squeeze will come before June 14th.

There is nothing more bullish for silver in the near term than excessive silver-futures shorts. These are guaranteed near-future buying! And staying short heading into a likely rate hike after silver has surged after recent Fed rate hikes is like playing Russian roulette. So the pressure on these guys to cover soon is big and growing. Their short covering will likely push silver high enough to entice longs to return en masse too.

Dont underestimate the silver upside when shorts are covering and longs are buying! Silver hit a major 6.4-year secular low in December 2015 two days before the Feds first rate hike in 9.5 years. Then over the next 7.6 months, silver rocketed 50.2% higher! That was driven by speculators buying like crazy, adding 55.6k silver-futures long contracts while covering 30.0k short ones. Similar short covering is likely soon.

Again to mean revert back to Q117 levels, speculators still need to buy to cover another 26.3k short contracts. That could happen any day with the next major FOMC meeting looming, one of the every-other ones that includes future rate projections. So investors and speculators alike should position for some silver upside, potentially big, in the coming weeks. The stars are aligning for silver buying returning in a major way.

The bottom line is silver is set up for an imminent potential short squeeze. A likely forced liquidation of a huge long position enticed speculators to flood into silver-futures shorts between mid-April and mid-May. That fueled a massive shorting spike, leaving shorts exceptionally high despite some covering buying since. These remaining shorts must soon be covered by buying offsetting longs, driving silver sharply higher.

Given the extreme leverage inherent in silver-futures trading, these speculators cant mess around with the next FOMC meeting looming. Silver has surged sharply after all three previous Fed rate hikes in this latest cycle! So major buying to cover is actually highly likely before mid-Junes universally-expected next rate hike. This short covering will probably entice in long buying, amplifying silvers near-term upside.

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 Copyright 2000-2017, Zeal Research (www.zealllc.com). Zeal Research is a US-based investment research company  you can visit their website at http://www.zealllc.com/. Zeal\s principals are lifelong contrarian students of the markets who live for studying and trading them. They employ innovative cutting-edge technical analysis as well as deep fundamental analysis to inform and educate people on how to grow and protect their capital through all market conditions. All views expressed in this article are those of the author, not those of TheBull.com.au. Please seek advice relating to your personal circumstances before making any investment decisions.
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The grand weddings of the Swedish royal family are almost always held in June, so this month well be looking back at some of the best of their bridal jewels. Today, Ive got some throwback GIFs in store  enjoy the wedding of King Carl XVI Gustaf and Queen Silvia in colorful motion!

The groom, King Carl XVI Gustaf of Sweden, was thirty years old; the bride, Miss Silvia Sommerlath, was thirty-two. The couple met during the 1972 Summer Olympic Games in Munich, where Silvia (who is fluent in numerous languages) was working as an educational host. Carl Gustaf succeeded to the throne the following year after the death of his grandfather, King Gustaf VI Adolf. The couple officially announced their engagement in March 1976.

Following Swedish custom, the bride and the groom processed into the church together, hand in hand, with their wedding party. All six of their attendants were children, and most of them were their nieces and nephews.

Numerous royals are visible as Carl Gustaf and Silvia walk down the aisle of Stockholms Storkyrkan Cathedral; in the front row, they pass (from right to left) Princess Birgitta of Sweden and Hohenzollern, Queen Margrethe II of Denmark, Prince Bertil of Sweden, Queen Ingrid of Sweden, King Olav V of Norway, Princess Margaretha of Sweden, King Baudouin of Belgium, and Queen Fabiola of Belgium; Grand Duke Jean and Grand Duchess Josephine-Charlotte of Luxembourg are also visible in the second row

The camera lingered on four interesting figures from the previous generation of the Swedish royal family. Queen Ingrid of Denmark (in purple) was the grooms aunt and godmother; she was the sister of his father, Prince Gustaf Adolf. Beside her is her brother, the kings uncle, Prince Bertil of Sweden. Behind Ingrid, we get a glimpse of Lilian Craig, Prince Bertils longtime companion; they would marry a few months after this wedding. And sitting beside Lilian is Louis Mountbatten, brother of the kings late step-grandmother and godmother, Queen Louise of Sweden.

The ceremony was the first Swedish royal wedding to be broadcast on television. The date of the wedding  June 19, 1976  was historically significant. King Oscar I of Sweden and Josephine of Leuchtenberg had married on June 19, 1832; their son, King Carl XV, had married Louise of the Netherlands on the same date in 1850. Later, Carl Gustaf and Silvias eldest child, Crown Princess Victoria, would also choose to be married on June 19.

Silvia followed in the footsteps of two other recent Swedish royal brides when she chose to wear the grand Cameo Tiara on her wedding day. The tiara, which Carl Gustaf inherited from his mother, Sibylla, has a lengthy royal history, which you can read more about here . Two of Carl Gustafs sisters (Birgitta and Desiree) also chose to be married in the Cameo Tiara. Rather than wearing the earrings (or any of the other pieces) from the parure, Silvia chose to pair the tiara with simple pearl studs.

The Cameo Tiara wasnt the first Swedish royal diadem that Silvia wore in public. The night before the wedding, she wore the Connaught Diamond Tiara (a favorite of the late Princess Sibylla) at a pre-wedding concert. ABBA famously performed Dancing Queen for the queen-to-be at the event.

Press reports accurately stated that Carl Gustaf beamed at his new wife throughout the ceremony.

Here, you can spot the sprig of myrtle that Silvia wore in her hair during the ceremony. The myrtle, which is meant to bring good luck to the bride, was taken from the same plant used by the grooms grandmother, Margaret of Connaught, in 1905.

Silvias veil was also a Swedish royal heirloom. It originally belonged to Sofia of Nassau, wife of King Oscar II of Sweden. The veil had also been worn by several other Swedish royal brides, including the grooms mother and three of his sisters. Silvias daughter, Crown Princess Victoria, would later wear both the veil and the Cameo Tiara at her wedding.

Heres a closer look at Queen Silvias wedding ring. The couple had followed Swedish tradition by exchanging rings on their engagement, so Carl Gustaf already wore a slim gold band. He did not receive a ring during the wedding ceremony.

After the couple were pronounced man and wife, Silvia Sommerlath automatically became Queen Silvia of Sweden. (She had been granted Swedish citizenship the day before.) Youll notice that she does not curtsey to any of the other royals present, as many royal brides do; thats because her new title automatically placed her among the highest-ranking royals in the room.

The brides simple silk wedding gown was made for her by Diors Marc Bohan, but the long train she wore was another family heirloom; it had also been worn by two of the kings sisters, Birgitta and Desiree.

After the wedding, the newly-married King and Queen processed through Stockholm, traveling first by carriage and then by boat.

A huge crowd was gathered at the palace to welcome the couple, who waved to the Swedish people from the balcony.
Madison Mayor Paul Soglin said Saturday that hes considering seeking the Democratic nomination for governor in 2018, the winner of which likely will challenge Republican Gov. Scott Walker.

It marked a reversal for Soglin, who said in December he had no interest in challenging Walker, who is very likely to seek a third term as governor.

Soglin said the surprising appeal of U.S. Sen. Bernie Sanders, particularly in Wisconsin, is part of what changed his mind about a potential run for governor.

As a Madison liberal, Soglin told the Wisconsin State Journal Saturday, he used to believe it would be a struggle to sell himself to voters in a statewide election. But he noted Sanders, a self-described democratic socialist with a large base of support in Madison, easily won the states 2016 Democratic presidential primary. Soglin was a Sanders delegate to last years Democratic National Convention.

His success is one part of it, Soglin said.

Soglin said he long has been encouraged to run for governor. What changed in recent months, he said, was the amount of encouragement he got from areas outside Dane County.

Soglin said Madisons economic growth could be a focal point of a run for governor. He said Walker is running around the state claiming economic victory while much of the states job growth is happening in Dane County  a liberal area with a political philosophy that Soglin said is completely opposite of Walkers.

The (low) unemployment rate (Walker) boasts about is driven by whats going on in the Madison area, Soglin said. If it can work here, it raises an interesting question: Cant it work statewide?

Soglin said he has no timeline for deciding whether to run.

My decision wont be driven by other candidates. It will be driven by what I learn and perceive people want, Soglin said.

Bob Harlow, a recent college graduate from Barneveld, is the only formally declared Democratic candidate for governor.

Other potential candidates who have said theyre considering a run or have not ruled out the possibility include former Democratic Party of Wisconsin chairman Matt Flynn, Jefferson County District Attorney Susan Happ, state Rep. Gordon Hintz, businessman Andy Gronik, state Sen. Kathleen Vinehout and state Rep. Dana Wachs.

A longtime stalwart of Madisons political scene, Soglin, 72, got his start in activism in the civil rights movement and antiwar protests of the 1960s. He first was elected to office as a city councilman in 1968.

Since then Soglin has served three stints as Madison mayor: from 197379, 1989-97 and again from 2011 to the present. He was re-elected in 2015 and his current term ends in 2019.

Wisconsin Republicans wasted little time going after Soglin Saturday. A statement from the Republican Party of Wisconsin said Soglin would cling to the failed policies of yesterday.
After receiving thousands of verbal and written comments and making several revisions, the Bryan/College Station Metropolitan Planning Organization's 2050 thoroughfare plan may be adopted Wednesday by the organization's policy board.

The final version of the concept map, if adopted, still won't be set in stone -- any of the proposed roadways that are actually built could move as much as a mile in any direction -- and build-out is subject to funding. But the concept map for expanded or new roadways needed to handle an estimated doubling of Brazos County's population by 2050 is still causing concern for some. One proposed minor arterial would cross through the Museum of the American G.I.'s property.

Dan Rudge, the MPO's executive director, said the proposed roadway already has been moved closer to the southern edge of the museum's property off Texas 6 after receiving "many" concerned comments.

While the move was appreciated, said Leisha Mullins, secretary and treasurer of the museum's board of directors, the road as it's currently proposed would still "greatly impact" the museum's ability to carry out its mission.

The arterial's location would no longer bisect the G.I. museum's 40-acre property in South College Station, but now would cross fields used for living history re-enactments and where a World War I-era trench system is planned.

Mullins said the museum will ask the policy board not to approve the thoroughfare plan until the roadway is moved off the property. The topography won't allow for any of the outdoor displays to be relocated to different areas, she said, and all are essential to the mission of educating the public.

Her concerns echo many of those voiced by residents throughout the public feedback process for the thoroughfare plan.

"The sad issue is that people that once lived out of the town in a rural area, we're being impacted because the community is growing into us, and most of the time it's an adverse impact," Mullins said.

The MPO committee charged with developing the concept plan met after each of the 10 public meetings where the map was presented to make modifications to address public comments. One major change was a widely criticized six-lane arterial through the Emerald Forest subdivision connecting F.M. 2818 to Texas 30 that was scrapped after the MPO received about 700 petition signatures and another 150 to 200 comment cards and emails in opposition.

Once adopted, the plan is still subject to change. Roadways could move to better follow property lines or avoid environmentally sensitive areas, and Rudge said some may not be needed if land uses stay the same over time.

"There are some lines that go through peoples' ranches and farms, but the need for those roads would not exist as long as those properties stay as agricultural operations," Rudge said. "The lines that are being shown are kind of an insurance policy for localities. If [the property] ever switches over to residential or commercial development, then they would have a need for roads and be able to say they need right-of-way."

Rudge said the organization's priority will be expanding roadways in targeted areas where development occurs.

"We don't know where the development will go, so we had to put out a plan for the entire county," Rudge said. "If there's no development, then obviously no money will be put into a roadway that no one would use."

To better move traffic throughout the county as the population grows, two major loops are proposed. The outer loop freeway would span north to Old San Antonio Road and south to Peach Creek Road, and the inner loop super arterial would largely mirror FM 2818 east of Texas 6.

The proposed road that would cross through the Museum of the American G.I. property stretches from the outer loop over Texas 6. Mullins said just the presence of the dashed line representing the roadway on a map could hypothetically affect the museum's ability to sell the property.

While that's not in the cards at this point -- Mullins said the museum has no intentions to move -- the proposed road still could affect the nonprofit's ability to plan for the future.

"Even having a road drawn on it that is for 33 years in the future ... that impacts how we can plan and utilize [donated funds]," Mullins said. "For us, several thousand dollars is quite a bit that we're going to spend to make a WWI trench that could be demolished by a road."

While the board of directors will formally ask the MPO policy board before Wednesday to reject the thoroughfare plan, Mullins said the museum will "just have to sit and watch" if the plan and roadway are approved.

"We'll see what happens and go from there," she said.
Across both Texas and the nation, health care providers are facing increasing challenges as they work to provide care to those who need it -- a particularly difficult task for rurally located professionals.

According to a new report released by the Texas A&M Rural and Community Health Institute, many small Texas communities are facing decisions about how best to provide their citizens with the most effective and sustainable care.

The report, sponsored by the Episcopal Health Foundation, came in response to what researchers referred to as "an unprecedented number of rural hospital closures" and the assessment that many that have remained open face "legislative, regulatory and fiscal challenges."

Texas A&M Rural and Community Health Institute Executive Director and President Emeritus of the Texas A&M Health Science Center Nancy Dickey, a co-author of the report, said rural patients make up roughly 11 percent of Texans -- nearly three million people -- and are on average older, poorer and less healthy than their more urban counterparts.

"Many times the people living in rural areas are the ones who are growing our food, the ones providing some of the infrastructure that we certainly appreciate and take advantage of in the city," Dickey said. " We should, as a society, want to look at the health outcomes of this population and say that the choice to live in a small town should not automatically put you at a higher risk of having bad health outcomes."

In a section outlining the status of healthcare in rural Texas, the report stated research has shown those populations on average contain a greater percentage of residents living below the poverty line, larger numbers of elderly people and a higher percentage of community members suffering from chronic diseases.

More than 170 of the state's 254 counties have been designated as rural by the Texas Department of Agriculture and the Texas Department of State Health Service, with 80 counties reporting five or fewer practicing physicians and 35 counties reporting none at all, according to the report.

Dickey said one of the motivating factors behind the report was the concerning trend of rural hospital closings over the past few years -- largely because of poor financial conditions. The report found that 12 had closed in Texas since 2010.

She said in order to help keep these rural health centers financially sustainable, one thing facilities and institutions must be willing to do is work together regionally to prevent an overabundance of replicated services.

"We need to realize that increasingly, health care is a continuum," Dickey said. "These days a great deal of what happens in a hospital requires an extraordinarily sophisticated team of people to run heart bypass machines and intensive care respiratory units and so forth. We can't replicate that in every 20-bed hospital. It just doesn't make any economic sense."

Regional administrator of rural hospitals for CHI St. Joseph Health Marybeth Murphy -- who oversees four of the hospital system's rural hospitals, located in Madisonville, Caldwell, Navasota and Bellville -- said low patient volume in certain specialized areas has largely led to service shifts such as the ones Dickey described.

"It doesn't make sense to have mammography and spend $200,000 on the equipment when we're only seeing 20-30 patients per month [at CHI St. Joseph Health Madison Hospital in Madisonville]," Murphy said. "We've discontinued some services in the rural communities because we're close enough to Bryan and it makes better financial sense to only offer it at our flagship hospital [in Bryan]."

Murphy said she believes community partnerships -- and a formal connection to a hospital system -- to be an essential part of achieving success in today's climate.

In addition to challenges such as attracting physicians to practice in rural areas and managing available services, Murphy said programs like Medicare make treatment financially possible for some who might not otherwise be able to afford it, while making sure the hospital receives the funding it needs to remain operational.

One way she said the program provides help is through the federal "Critical Access Hospital" designation, which was implemented in 1997 as a way to simultaneously make rural hospitals less financially vulnerable while improving health care access to the community.

"Having a critical access designation is key for the hospitals in the rural areas," Murphy said. "A critical financial piece for the small rural hospitals is that we can provide skilled nursing for Medicare patients and we are paid on the cost of that care. That makes inpatient care possible."

Murphy said providing education to patients about what health care facility best fits their needs would be helpful as well.

She said the way many patients choose to use an emergency room over a primary care physician, in particular, is one area where she believes a change could make a big difference.

"I believe that misuse of the emergency room in rural hospitals is a habit for patients that we need to work on changing," Murphy said. "An important goal for all hospitals, but especially in the rurals, is to help educate patients and change their behavior to establish themselves with regular care with a primary care, ambulatory clinic and not use the ER for nonemergencies. It is better for the hospital costs and better care for the patient's health."

Both Dickey and Murphy agreed modern and emerging health care methods such as telemedicine could potentially provide new ways for rural health providers to deliver efficient, high-quality care to their patients without the costly burden of transportation.

"I think [telemedicine] would be a positive benefit if we could somehow connect to Bryan without having to transport the patient there," Murphy said. " That would be really helpful."

Dickey said the Texas legislature's recent steps toward supporting the practice "opens up some real possibilities" in using the technology to smaller, rural areas where care is less available.

Even with support from the state government, Murphy noted there will likely still be a need to educate patients on the value and effectiveness of telemedicine.

"There are a lot of people who don't believe in the quality of care you can get through the TV or computer, so to speak," Murphy said. "I think that's just a mindset change for some patients. If we could get some positive funding for [telemedicine programs] it would be ideal and would benefit both patients and the rural clinic."

Moving forward, Dickey said some rural hospitals and their communities across the state will need to have the "tough conversation" on how best to adapt their systems of providing health care to residents -- even if it may mean closing down a locally positioned traditional overnight hospital if it is no longer financially viable.

"I think that kind of regional conversation is something that we should be initiating, encouraging and supporting in order to be sure that the health care dollars across the state are expended in the most rational, effective way to make sure everyone has the highest possible quality of care," Dickey said.

While the closing of a rural hospital may not be ideal, Dickey said having the opportunity to explore alternative options and develop a plan for care is better than ending up in a situation where the facility can no longer operate and the community it serves is left without an immediate replacement.

"I think not having the conversation will lead to less thoughtful and more urgent loss of care access, which in the long run may mean that people are not as well-served as they could be," she said.

For a look at the full report, visit www.episcopalhealth.org.
VIOLA, Wis. -- Viola resident Emily Bunting, a plaintiff in a lawsuit challenging the redistricting by the Republican-controlled Wisconsin Legislature after the 2010 U.S. Census, will speak during a community potluck hosted by the Vernon County Democratic Party at 5:30 p.m. Wednesday, June 14, in the Kellogg Shelter of Bankers Park in Viola.

Attendees are invited to bring a dish to pass and discuss the case, headed to the U.S. Supreme Court following a lower courts 2-1 opinion that the states 2011 Assembly redistricting plan was a partisan gerrymander that guarantees a Republican majority in the state Assembly in any likely electoral scenario.
Ugliness in politics is not a new phenomenon. As far back as Abraham Lincoln -- and probably even further -- public criticism of the president took on a special hatred.

Obviously, Lincoln was a frequent target in the Confederate South, but he also was subject to vitriol from the North. One political cartoon labeled Lincoln "the Herod of the Nineteenth Century." Another showed him as the devil named "Abraham the Last." Other names were not as polite.

But lately, political discourse has devolved to new levels it seems. The criticism from the right is well-known, but the left has taken its hatred to new lows. No epithet toward Barack Obama appeared out of bounds by those on the right. Now, those on the left are trying to outdo their conservative cousins with the snark and diatribes against Donald Trump. One only has to go on social media to prove this is true.

Of course, no one has to like or approve of the president. That always has been true. But we've gone too far.

Take, for instance, Kathy Griffin, the marginally talented "comedian" who has built a career on hate. We suppose some people find her shtick funny, but many more do not. In the past, she has been easy to ignore, but last week she set a new low for tasteless "humor." She posted a picture of her holding a likeness of a blood-covered severed head of President Trump. It was shocking and beyond the pale.

Griffin first said she was mocking Trump's campaign comments that Fox News reporter Megyn Kelly has "blood coming out of her eyes, blood coming out of her -- wherever" during questioning at a 2015 presidential debate. Yes, those comments were offensive and inappropriate and it was proper to say so.

Responding as Griffin did more than a year later could never be appropriate.

Yes, we champion the First Amendment and we agree that Griffin's photo is permissible under the Constitution. But we long have said that with free speech goes responsibility. Each of us are accountable for what we say and do.

Certainly we don't think Griffin is calling for the beheading of the president, but there can be little doubt that some deranged people will see that image as a call to action.

President Trump called the photo "sick" -- a kind description given the circumstances -- and said it had traumatized his 11-year-old son Barron. We are sure it did.

In the days since the photo appeared, Griffin lost her job co-hosting CNN's New Year's Eve coverage and numerous performing gigs.

After the rightful backlash, a tearful Griffin said, "I don't think I will have a career after this. I'm going to be honest, (Trump) broke me." She had received death threats, which are not acceptable in any circumstance.

She said, "What's happening to me has never happened ever, in the history of this great country, which is that a sitting president of the United States and his grown children and the first lady are personally, I feel, trying to ruin my life -- forever."

Don't blame the Trumps, Ms. Griffin.

In an outrage that hits us closer to home, Texas Gov. Greg Abbott joked about shooting reporters. At least we hope he was joking.

Last weekend, Abbott made a visit to an Austin shooting range after signing a law reducing the cost of gun licenses in the state. He took some target practice, shooting at the outline of a human figure. Pointing to the paper target, the governor grinned and said, "I'm going to carry this around in case I see any reporters."

Again, we know Abbott was joking, but humor about shooting people simply are not funny. And how many people with mental issues will see the governor's comments as a clarion call to take out the media?

Of course, we stand up for journalists doing their job, although we are critical when they fail to uphold the high standards we impose on ourselves. We are proud to be a part of profession whose sole job is to inform the public to ensure the freedoms we all enjoy.

Kathy Griffin and Greg Abbott both went beyond the limits of responsible free speech. But they aren't the only ones.

All of us need to treat each other with more respect. We can disagree, certainly, but we should understand that our words, written or spoken, have consequences. Criticizing responsibly is a part of our nation's very fiber, but suggesting violence against one another is not.

We all should dial it down. Remember, we all are Americans who hold this country dear and want the very best for its future.
WACO gets a crack at the first state championship game in school history
As of this weekends Ninety9Bottles craft beer fest in South Norwalk, Connecticut was still more than 50 labels short of the century mark for homegrown brewers. But years after a burst of entrepreneurship, new bottles are on the way for future festivals.

From Stamford to Bridgeport and north to New Milford, a new wave of craft brewers enters the summer of 2017 building on an earlier boom that started in advance of Connecticut authorizing in 2012 brewery taprooms. In southwestern Connecticut, joining established brands like Charter Oak, Half Full and Two Roads are myriad new ones with names that intrigue: Bad Sons, Church Owl, Hell or High Water, Housatonic River and Nod Hill to name a few.

The new brewers arrive even as the summer craft brew festival season kicks off in earnest, starting in mid-May with the Pour at the Shore event at Stratfords Short Beach, which included a home brew competition. The Ninety9Bottles festival wraps up Sunday at Oyster Shell Park along the Norwalk River; on Saturday, Rowayton planned to host the ShakesBeer craft- and home-brew fundraiser supporting the Shakespeare on the Sound program.

The slings and arrows of misfortune to starting a brewery today? Local microbreweries and taprooms agree regulatory requirements represent a sea of troubles they must traverse  particularly at the U.S. Department of Treasury and its new Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau, with TTB agents under siege from craft breweries, brewpubs and distilleries nationally.

Bad Sons represents the second brewpub concept for Bill and Mark DaSilva, who were Connecticuts earliest vanguard of modern craft brewers in the early 1990s with the Southport Brewing Co. and its Gold Coast SBC brewpubs. Taking their name from an acronym of Housatonic River valley towns, Bad Sons hopes to open in Derby this summer, but like other upstarts is waiting on regulatory approvals, with TTB providing no inkling on when they will come through as the agency plows through its backlog of pending applications.

The Feds have been bombarded, Bill DaSilva said. Without that license I cant even brew.

Willing to learn, able to move

Stratfords Two Roads Brewery, founded in 2012, has given entrepreneurs throughout southwestern Connecticut an exhibit A as to what a successful taproom can mean in drawing visitors to their towns, amid a continuing expansion for the brewery flush with cash. But it still represents a bumpy road, including for Church Owl Beer, whose founder and Greenwich native Taylor Grothe had to delay the opening of a taproom in Stratford as she went through the zoning process; and Fairfield Craft Ales, which opened near Two Roads after raising money on crowdfunding sites.

It took about six months after filing for our federal license to receive it, and about two months to get our state license, said Fairfield Craft Ales co-founder Mike Barruso. We were self-financed; hunted around for used equipment and picked it up and assembled it ourselves; and did much of the build-out on our own as well.

Peter Cowles, CEO of Aspetuck Brew Lab in Bridgeport, agreed.

As the first brewery to operate in Bridgeport in over 70 years, we faced many challenges with local regulations and the general lack of knowledge by city officials of what a production brewery with a taproom is all about, Cowles said. That said, city officials were willing to learn and we were able move forward, but the approval process (and) political system is not built for speed at the local or state level. And the fees we faced along the way were endless.

Two years ago, Mark and Tess Veracious Szamatulski opened the Veracious brewpub in Monroe, having already run the Maltose Express craft brew supplies store there. The couple said navigating zoning laws was the most difficult element of launching Veracious. It was time they would have preferred to have spent perfecting their processes to produce consistently great brews, with 15 to 18 on tap at any single point.

Still, the process has not deterred a new wave of closet home brewers from giving it a go commercially, including Nod Hill Brewery, which is readying to open on Route 7 just north of Ridgefields Branchville crossroads on Route 7. For those that have cleared the regulatory process, the challenge of transitioning to a hospitality enterprise is now looming large.

The toughest thing for us was that in the initial stages of the process, my co-founder and I were both still running another business (Riverside Fence) that was busy, time-demanding, and hard to step away from, said David Kaye of Nod Hill Brewery. We had to carve out a lot of extra hours to give attention to all the things necessary to make Nod Hill a reality. Now that we are a few months from opening, I have transitioned into doing brewery-related work full time.

For those who aspire to distribute their beers through package stores and restaurants, vigilance for any opportunities to gain visibility is ever on the mind. After starting Charter Oak Brewing in 2011, New Canaan resident Scott Vallely kept at the ready a cooler of iced bottles in his car for on-the-spot marketing should he chance by an establishment, styling himself a gypsy brewer in those days. Vallely is in the process of establishing a Charter Oak taproom in Danbury.

Great breweries within miles

Connecticut establishments are coming around on the opportunities before them to sell the craft brews produced in their own backyards  but slowly.

As a self-distributing brewery, another challenge has been the lack of support of local beer by many establishments, Cowles said. While many area buyers embrace high-quality, fresh, locally brewed beer, there are others that are unwilling to change their buying habits and dont support Connecticut beer. There are many great beer choices out there right now  from all states  but we have some really great breweries within miles of where we live.

In Stamford, nearly five years after Half Full Brewery poured its first pint, the craft brewer has been overhauling its own offerings, even as Lock City Brewing across town along with others a few miles out farther  nudging the craft brew census to the halfway mark of 99 labels of beer in all.

One of the great benefits now with all these (breweries) opening is there is a lot more visibility, a lot more awareness for what were doing, said Jordan Giles, director of branding and customer experience at Half Full. People walk in now and they ... understand, because of so many other people having opened along the way. Its become a lot easier.

 Includes prior reporting by Daniel Tepfer and Keila Torres Ocasio.

Alex.Soule@scni.com; 203-964-2236; www.twitter.com/casoulman
Im not just a good loser. Id go as far as to say, in all modesty, that I am an excellent loser. I wont say Im one of the worlds best losers; I acknowledge there are others who are better at losing than I am.

I cant even come first in failure.

When I posed the question Are you a good loser? on Facebook, I discovered a tribe of people who regard themselves as secretly bad losers. My friend Gianetta Palmer from Georgia puts it this way: Im a good loser in public but a bad loser in private. A correspondent in New Zealand said that despite being a therapist who advises clients about coping with perfectionism, she screams into the pillow and smashes small crockery when receiving rejection notices from professional journals.

I dont do that kind of thing, perhaps because I dont own crockery. Or perhaps its because I boast a certain losing expertise. Losing and I have a long-established, intimate and even cozy relationship. Growing up, I was the designated loser. I was always on the losing team  when I made it onto a team. Being tune-deaf and clumsy, I was the last chosen for any school play involving singing or dancing. Feel free to imagine the other stories; you probably have your own versions.

And yet I was lucky because in my family being a winner or a loser wasnt how we defined ourselves or other people. I knew families who did divide the world that way, however, and they made me want to run away from anything disguised as a friendly competition. I wont insist that friendly competition is an oxymoron. I just know that its often another term for barely disguised war.

One big, bouncy family, as part a longstanding tradition, played elaborate games on major holidays where cousin was pitted against cousin. Have you seen Game of Thrones? It was something like that. Whichever side lost would be humiliated, forced to act as servants to the winners for the rest of the day. I suppose it was a bonding experience  the kind that would prepare you for orientation exercises at either a small tech company or a large federal prison  but the prospect terrified me.

Organized games still make me uneasy. A childhood friend came up for a weekend and brought her mother, as well as Moms favorite game, Boggle. The idea behind Boggle is to make as many words possible as swiftly as possible from letters spilled out of a cup. I cant believe Im playing against an English teacher! giggled Mom, assuming a wide vocabulary would give me an advantage. I smiled graciously. The timer started and we were off. My friend and her mom filled up their pads with elegant multisyllabic words. In three minutes I came up with EAT, RAT and TEA. You didnt even see rate, did you, honey? sympathized Mom.

Nobody likes to lose but it happens. Sometimes it rains on our parade, sometimes the sun doesnt always come out tomorrow and some thoughts arent worth the penny youve paid for them.

Speaking of losing and not doing it well: A recent New Yorker article quoted a friend of President Donald Trumps who said, (Trump) tends not to like a lot of negative feedback. I personally do not know of anyone who tends to like a lot of negative feedback.

Nobody wants to hear we didnt win, or that we were rejected, or that an English teacher should do better at Boggle  nobody does  but if we want to do better next time and improve our skills, we need to stare down our fear of failure. Unless were willing to lead a fossilized, insulated and inert life, we need to risk losing and risk loss.

Sure, winning is great, whether its winning approval, poker games or points toward free gas. Hitting the jackpot, whether its in a lottery or in love, makes life richer. What makes life better, though, is the sweetness of being able to weave together the gains with the losses; thats what strengthens us. It allows us not only to win, but to triumph, which is particularly sweet after youve known what its like to lose.
NORWALK  Norwalk Hospital will host a Red Cross community blood drive to benefit patients in need from 1:30-6:15 p.m. on Friday, July 21 in the Patio Room on the 5th floor.

Because the need for blood remains constant, the Red Cross urges donors of all blood types to give blood or platelets to help keep supplies ready to go, so they are ready for all patients when they need them the most.
ANSELMO -- The Lonesome River Ranch played host this weekend to the 20th Cattlemens Ball, turning lush green pastures along the Middle Loup River into one of Custer Countys largest communities for a brief moment.

The task wasnt easy  there were roads to cut, ground to level and an infrastructure complete with electricity and running water to put into place. Shop buildings were finished, fences moved and an RV park created.

When congratulated on the balls huge success, ranch hosts Jeff and Lisa Johnson are quick to credit others  their co-hosts Don and Deb Cantrell, Jeff and Karen Evans and Jim and Cyndi Duncan and the massive number of volunteers required.

And then they talk about the reasons.

Jeffs father, Fred Johnson, died in 2007 from cancer. He always wanted to host the Ball; he loved this area of Nebraska, but passed away before the dream was fulfilled. When Jeff and Lisa were approached in 2015 about hosting the 2017 ball, they said yes. They wanted to do it for Fred.

Its not just us. Cancer hits home for everyone, Lisa said. Current statistics say one out of every two people will face the diagnosis of cancer at some point in their lives. At Saturdays balloon launch, Lisa said He (Fred) would be pleased.

Jeff asked the 3000+ crowd Saturday evening to raise their glasses in honor of his father, and for his mother, Betty, who passed away earlier this week.

Ninety percent of the money raised by the ball go to the Fred and Pamela Buffett Cancer Center for cancer research. The other 10 percent will stay in Custer County to be granted for programs with a medical focus, or emergency response such as the local EMTs, hospitals and fire departments.

All of the money goes toward research, explained Dr. Ken Cowan, the cancer centers director. It didnt go toward building the center, but goes toward putting programs and researchers into place.

The newly built Buffett Cancer Center is one of the nations leading research centers. It brings physicians and researchers together under one roof. Everyone shares the same front door, the same elevator, the same break rooms, the same test results. A patients care is created under a collaborative effort.

We dont look at how to best treat a specific kind of cancer, we look at how to treat, that specific persons cancer  This center is for you, for your family members, for your neighbors, it is for Nebraska, he said. Come take a tour, Id love to show you around.

The weekend centered on increasing awareness of the need to find a cure by sharing cancers stories  those from the survivors, but also from the families where a cure will arrive too late.

It was also about creating so many things to do guests would run out of time before running out of activities, from a ranch rodeo, culinary and fashion shows, to auctions and air boat rides.

The story here is about all of the volunteers who understand what needs to be done, said co-host Jeff Evans. Its about the busloads of students who came out to help set up. They worked hard to get what needed done in place.

Its also about Custer County answering the call when asked to help, offered co-host Don Cantrell. The website link registering volunteers had to be shut down Thursday evening. At that time, more than 800 volunteers had registered.

Cantrells mother died from cancer, as did his sisters. Once again cancer hits home.

Cowan asked all involved to stand  volunteers, hosts, past hosts, board members, nearly everyone was standing. When asked who is impacted by cancer  he says he believes no one would be left in their seats.

Just think, yes, we had volunteers from outside of Custer County, but the mainstay of those registering were local, and in a county of 14,000 people, 800 volunteers is a huge number, added Don.

Governor Ricketts echoed Dons comments congratulating the Johnsons, the co-hosts and the volunteers. Custer County knows how to do it right.
Group 32 LEAD Fellowship applications available

LINCOLN  Fellowship applications for Nebraska LEAD (Leadership Education/Action Development) Group 32 are now available for men and women involved in production agriculture or agribusiness.

Up to 30 motivated men and women with demonstrated leadership potential will be selected from five geographic districts across our state, said Terry Hejny, Nebraska LEAD Program director.

In addition to monthly three-day seminars throughout Nebraska from mid-September through early April each year, Nebraska LEAD Fellows also participate in a 10-day National Study/Travel Seminar and a two week International Study/Travel Seminar.

Hejny said seminar themes include leadership assessment and potential, natural resources and energy, agricultural policy, leadership through communication, our political process, global perspectives, nuclear energy, social issues, understanding and developing leadership skills, agribusiness and marketing, advances in health care and the resources and people of Nebraskas Panhandle.

The Nebraska LEAD Program is designed to prepare the spokespersons, problem solvers and decision makers for Nebraska and its agricultural industry, he added.

In its 31st year, the program is operated by the Nebraska Agricultural Leadership Council, a nonprofit organization, in collaboration with the University of Nebraskas Institute of Agriculture and Natural Resources and in cooperation with Nebraska colleges and universities, business and industry, and individuals throughout the state.

Applications are due no later than June 15 and are available via email from the Nebraska LEAD Program. Contact Shana at sgerdes2@unl.edu. You can also request an application by writing Room 318 Biochemistry Hall, University of Nebraska-Lincoln, 68583-0763 or by calling (402) 472-6810.

More information on the selection process is available online at www.lead.unl.edu.

FSA county committee nominations open June 15

WASHINGTON  The U.S. Department of Agriculture has announced that the nomination period for local Farm Service Agency (FSA) county committees will begin on Thursday, June 15.

County committees are made up of farmers and ranchers elected by other producers in their communities. Those represenatives guide the delivery of farm programs at the local level.

Committee members play a critical role in the day-to-day operations of FSA. Committees consist of three to 11 members and meet once a month, or as needed, to make decisions on disaster and conservation programs, emergency programs, commodity price support loan programs, county office employment and other agricultural issues. Members serve three-year terms.

Nationwide, there are over 7,700 farmers and ranchers serving on FSA county committees.

Farmers and ranchers may nominate themselves or others. Organizations  including those representing beginning, women and minority producers  also may nominate candidates. To be eligible to serve on an FSA county committee, a person must participate or cooperate in an FSA -administered program and reside in the local administrative area where the election is being held.

After the nomination period, eligible voters will be mailed election ballots beginning Nov. 6. Ballots will be due back to the local county office either via mail or in person by Dec. 4. Newly-elected committee members and alternates will take office on Jan. 1, 2018.

To become a candidate, an eligible individual must sign an FSA-669A nomination form. The form and other information about FSA county committee elections are available at www.fsa.usda.gov/elections. All nomination forms for the 2017 election must be postmarked or received in the local FSA office by Aug. 1. You can locate your local office online at https://offices.usda.gov.

Nebraska layers down from previous year

LINCOLN  All layers in Nebraska during April 2017 totaled 8.25 million, down from 8.94 million the previous year, according to the USDAs National Agricultural Statistics Service.

Nebraska egg production during April totaled 203 million eggs, down from 219 million in 2016. April egg production per 100 layers was 2,455 eggs, compared to 2,447 eggs in 2016.

Nebraska cattle on feed up 1 percent

LINCOLN  Nebraska feedlots, with capacities of 1,000 or more head, contained 2.45 million cattle on feed on May 1, according to the USDAs National Agricultural Statistics Service. This inventory was up 1 percent from last year.

Placements during April totaled 395,000 head, up 4 percent from 2016. Fed cattle marketings for the month of April totaled 390,000 head, up 3 percent from last year. Other disappearance during April totaled 15,000 head, down 5,000 head from last year.
Recently I have seen a lot of herbicide injury in emerging soybeans. The main culprit is caused by the Group 14 herbicides, known as PPO inhibitors.

Many herbicides in this group are applied either as a burndown or pre-plant herbicide on soybean acres. They are effect-

ive when used appropriately.

However, the weather has not necessarily cooperated with farmers this spring because it has been cold and very rainy over the past month, when soybeans need to be planted. This delayed herbicide applications until the weather cooperated long enough to apply pre-plant herbicides and plant the crop right away.

Symptoms caused by PPO herbicide injury include discolored tissue (usually reddish-purple that turns brown) on the cotyledons, shrunken hypocotyls and, in severe cases, dead seedlings.

Damage is occurring due to herbicide absorption and splash from these soil applied herbicides. Heavy rains have allowed herbicides on the soil surface to be absorbed by seedlings. Cool weather has not allowed them to metabolize, or break down, the herbicide.

The result is seedling damage. Injury can be apparent when herbicide rate increases, soil organic matter decreases, and herbicide applications are made close to planting.

In severe cases, replanting may be necessary, but before making that decision, I would recommend that farmers:

n Check stand counts  counts above 85,000 are still good.

n Assess the damage.

n Consider the time of year, weather events, insurance coverage and cost of replanting.

Another thing to keep in mind with herbicide damage is that the injured plants can be susceptible to seedling diseases. If the plant is already struggling to overcome herbicide injury, it makes them vulnerable to soil borne pathogens, too.

At this stage of development, it may be difficult to determine if your soybeans have herbicide injury or a seedling disease. You can learn more on how to distinguish the two on UNLs CropWatch website by searching for Complexities of Diagnosing Early Soybean Stand Issues  Herbicides, which contains a link to the article on Diseases.

Alfalfa weevils

Some alfalfa fields have a nearly white hue right now, and the culprit is feeding from alfalfa weevil larvae.

Feeding usually occurs on the developing leaflets growing at the tip. It will appear as small holes between the leaf veinsand will look as though its skeletonized. Larvae are smallm pale green with a white stripe, legless and have black heads.

When determining if control is necessary, make five stops within a field and select at least 10 alfalfa stems. Shake off the larvae and count them to determine how many are present per plant.

The need for treatment depends on plant growth stage (height or bud development), treatment cost (dollars per acre), and value of the crop (dollars per ton). To determine needs for control, I would highly suggest reading an article titled Scouting Advised for Alfalfa and Clover Leaf Weevils on CropWatch, released on April 20.

If it is determined that treatment is needed based on larvae counts, crop value and growth stage, insecticides are a valid option. Pyrethroid insecticides (active ingredient that ends in thrin) and products containing the active ingredient indoxacarb are quite effective in controlling alfalfa weevil larvae.

Consider the cost of production, extent of weevil damage and crop value before deciding to make an insecticide application. While these pests are currently in the larval stage, adult weevils will leave the field around June.

Insecticides are an added cost and can kill beneficial insects that may aid in controlling alfalfa weevil larvae. Early harvest may also be a viable option for your operation if there is enough damage and you dont wish to apply an insecticide.

Scouting books

The Nebraska Corn and Soybean boards released their new scouting book for the 2017 growing season.

The book covers everything production practices, growth stages, diseases, insects and nutrient deficiencies. Numerous copies were sent out to farmers across Nebraska a few weeks ago and several boxes were sent to UNL Extension offices across the state.

If you would like a copy of this resource, the Dawson, Buffalo, and Hall County Extension offices have copies available. Books are available free of cost.

Sarah Schlund is the Dawson County Extension educator in crops and water, and serves Dawson, Buffalo and Hall counties. Contact her at (308) 324-5501 or by email at sarah.schlund@unl.edu.
LINCOLN  Grand Island was one of 13 cities across the Midwest where city planning experts recently gathered to talk climate: extremes, variabilities, thresholds, risks and how they should utilize the information.

The two-day workshop brought together experts from the High Plains Regional Climate Center, Nebraska State Climate Office and Public Policy Center, all based at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln. The workshop is part of a two-year project, co-led by Natalie Umphlett, interim director for the climate center, and Martha Shulski, Nebraska state climatologist, to incorporate climate information into long-term municipal planning strategies for cities in Iowa, Kansas, Missouri and Nebraska.

A common thread from participants was the difficulty in getting climate change projections included in future planning projects. To justify long-term projects, local officials and engineers need hard data on climate trends, which is what the project intends to deliver.

The goal is to bring together the scientists and stakeholders so that useful climate information is presented in a meaningful way, and ultimately reduces risk of municipalities across the region to future weather and climate events, Shulski said.

During the workshop, each of the 13 participating cities which included Lincoln, Grand Island and McCook  received a personalized climate adaptation report that included historical trends for temperature, precipitation and general climate, as well as projections for 50 years into the future.

For example, historical data shows Lincoln has warmed an average of 2 degrees during the last 44 years. It also shows a 5 percent increase in annual precipitation  spring and autumn have been drier, and summer and winter have been much wetter.

Projections show that those trends will continue.

Locations across the four-state region already experience a wide range of weather and climate conditions, Umphlett said. However, for some areas of the region, changes in the frequency of extremes, such as heavy rainfall events, have made those cities more prone to certain hazards.

Projected changes have implications for public planning, utilities, city budgets and public health.

The minimum we have to do is make sure people are aware what we have today may not be the same tomorrow, said Glenn Johnson, of the Lower Platte South Natural Resources District. We cant change the protection level (of floodplain projects), but we can inform the public.

Swaying cities to plan further than five to 10 years into the future will be the challenge, participants agreed. But with the adaptation plans in hand, they felt they had a useful tool available to help sway decisions on everything from waterways to building codes to snow removal.

Researchers at the Nebraska State Climate Office and High Plains Regional Climate Center are now analyzing information collected through the workshops and using it to develop tools for cities to use for planning purposes.
Despite market challenges, the latest U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) trade data show exports of U.S. distillers dried grains with solubles (DDGS) have remained steady due to attractive prices, available supply and market development efforts by the U.S. Grains Council (USGC) among a diversity of buyers.

From September 2016 to March 2017, USDA reported the United States exported 6.9 million metric tons of DDGS, a 6 percent increase year-over-year. This steady pace of exports occurred even with a dramatic drop in purchases from the largest player in the past few marketing years, China.

In January 2017, the Chinese government started enforcing anti-dumping and countervailing duties on U.S. DDGS, leading to a 69 percent decrease in exports to China from 2015-16s sales of 1.9 million tons. USGC played a key role in the U.S. ethanol and DDGS industrys defense against these investigations by China.

While this void had an enormous impact on the DDGS market and U.S. producers, USGC said it left ample supply for other world buyers to purchase at prices below corn. While this trend is not uncommon historically, the spread between the two is now the longest it has been in the last five years, the council noted.

Mexico was the second largest market for U.S. DDGS in 2015-16, purchasing 16 percent of all U.S. exports, thanks to geographic advantages and preferential trade terms in the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA). In the first six months of 2016-17, Mexicos imports are up 12 percent year-over-year at 1.2 million tons. DDGS-focused work there has focused on educating buyers, increasing purchases by existing customers and promoting an expansion of sales into new markets like in the southeast of the country through dairy and livestock feeding trials.

USGC said its activities, like a recent DDGS promotion conference, are also helping increase DDGS purchases by South Korea. Purchases in the first half of 2016-17 have increased by 137,000 tons year-over-year with a total of more than 615,000 tons.

USDA estimates currently project that U.S. DDGS exports will reach 11 million tons by the end of the marketing year in August, around the five-year average of 10.2 million tons.
A three-generation, Grand Island-based business started in 1967 has become not only one of the nations premier refrigerated carriers but also one of the trucking industrys safest firms.

Grand Island Express, 432 S. Stuhr Road, is celebrating its 50th anniversary. Established as a moving and storage company, Grand Island Express added refrigerated transportation to its list of services in 1972 to serve the Swift beef packing plant, now known as JBS, which was built in 1965.

As a family-based business, GI Express has steadily grown through the last five decades and now has more than 200 employees, drivers and contractors.

Reaching 50 years in business in transportation is a true milestone in our industry, President Tom Pirnie said. I am so proud of our company and all the wonderful people that have made it such a success over the years.

GI Express has grown because of not only its employees, whom Pirnie considers as family, but also its diversity of services, including:

 Dry and temperature-controlled regional and long-haul transportation services.

 Heavy-duty truck repairs, sales and service.

 Hostling and storage trailer services.

 Truck and trailer wash and washout services.

GI Express currently operates more than 130 power units, 300 semitrailers and 100 storage trailers and travels more than 15 million miles annually.

Earlier this year, the company was named one of the Top 20 Best Fleets to Drive For by the Truckload Carriers Association and CarriersEdge for the sixth consecutive year. GI Express was recognized for providing exemplary work environments for its professional truck drivers and employees.

Pirnie said the companys safety culture has been recognized by the trucking industry as one of the best.

There is no load so important that we cant take the time to deliver it safely, he said. GI Express safety department works tirelessly to ensure all company drivers and contractors receive the most advanced safety training, information and tools available in the industry.

Safety Director Lucas Mowrey was recently recognized as Safety Director of the Year by the trucking industry in Nebraska.

Pirnies father, James, was part owner Arrow Freight Lines in Broken Bow. That business was sold, but he started the company up again in Grand Island, along with Grand Island Moving and Storage.

Then the company began hauling suspended meat for Swift.

At that time, you had to have the authority to haul whatever you hauled, and Swift sponsored us for authority to haul swinging meat out of here, Tom Pirnie said.

He said GI Express can haul freight anywhere in the country but limits its major traffic lines from Colorado to the eastern two-thirds of the nation. When it started, the company was primarily hauling loads to Chicago.

We bought some used meat railers from Union Pacific that used to be on the trains, Pirnie said. Meat railers have railings in the ceiling to haul suspended meat.

Under Arrow Freight Lines, the company also hauled bomb powder used to manufacture bombs at the old Cornhusker Army Ammunition Plant in Grand Island.

At one time, we had over 100 trucks hauling the powder to the plant to make the bombs, Pirnie said.

Tom Pirnie started working for the company in 1972 and purchased it from the estate following his fathers death in 1982. Toms son, Jim Pirnie, and his cousin Keith Pirnie both hold senior management positions in the company.

Over 50 years, Tom Pirnie said, growth came slowly as the company added trucks when business justified it.

The trucking industry has been both feast and famine, he said. Some years have been pretty tight, but that is the way it is in any business.

Pirnie said the companys overall revenues have remained strong throughout the volatile economy over the past decade. With Grand Island Express, he said, shippers receive the advantage of size.

Even the smaller shippers are important to us, and they receive priority attention and service, Pirnie said. Larger carriers look primarily to major shippers who can generate more than $100 million in annual revenue while tending to place smaller accounts on the back burner. Grand Island Express is large enough and financially strong enough to grow with small to medium-size customers who are growing and expanding themselves.

Vice President of Operations Andrew Winkler said the companys fleet is expected to travel more than 16 million miles this year.

In 2006, the company started GIX Logistics, which has become one of the fastest-growing third-party logistics companies in the nation. GIX Logistics works as a middleman between carriers and companies. It works collaboratively with smaller carriers throughout the U.S. to schedule and align freight deliveries for customers.

Jim Pirnie is president of marketing/logistics for Grand Island Express. He is the third generation of the family to have entered the business. He began with the company in 2002. GIX Logistics handles between 5,000 to 6,000 loads of freight weekly.

For the next 50 years, Tom Pirnie, said the goal of the company is to continue to grow.

We want to make sure it is profitable growth and not growing for the sake of growing, he said.
One year was too long, but 76 years and counting could never be enough time for Jack and Betty Mayhew.

Jack, 98, and Betty, 95, got married in the World War II era and never spent any time apart except when Jack served in the Army. The pairs bond is strong, knowing theyd never want to be without one another.

Jack and Betty are smalltown Kansas natives and have lived in Grand Island for nearly a year. Jack is from Plainville and Betty is from Palco. Jack said he had to go to the neighboring town to find her.

They met around 1939 at a church party. The Palco Canaan Chapel Church of the Nazarene hosted a party with games and food. About 50 people were there, but Betty stood out to Jack, and Jack to Betty. Betty had had other boyfriends in the past, but there was just something about Jack.

I thought she was a beautiful girl, Jack said of the first time he saw Betty.

I thought he was nice, Betty said, noting that Jack was and still is a gentleman.

One could say it was love at first sight.

I guess we fell in love right away, Betty said. He just seemed to be the right one.

Living in hardworking and smalltown Kansas, the couple never did anything too fancy for dates. Just being together was enough, although, Jack said, they enjoyed going to picture shows in Plainville. They also went to more church parties, but as an official couple.

Betty said having Jack meet her parents was easy.

They thought he was a wonderful guy, she said.

I had em fooled, Jack jokingly replied.

Jack and Betty spent two years together before getting married June 6, 1941. They originally planned to get married on June 5, but it flooded that day from all the rain.

The two married in a simple service, complete with real flowers. They had angel food cake and homemade ice cream at their wedding. Those were and are still Jacks favorite.

Thats manna from heaven, Jack said of angel food cake.

Jack worked manual labor jobs, including farming, while Betty cooked the best meals around. The two were never really apart until Jack was drafted into the Army for World War II in 1944. He served until 1945 and was stationed in the Philippines. During Jacks time in the Army, Betty stayed with her parents. He said he wrote her letters, missing her while he was overseas.

After contracting yellow fever, he was honorably discharged. Though the circumstances werent too favorable, he was able to see his wife again. On the drive home when Betty and her parents went to pick Jack up in Ellis, Kan., the pair sat in the backseat. More than seeing her handsome husband in his military uniform, Betty was happy to have Jack home with her again. That was the longest they ever spent apart to this day.

We sat in the backseat pretty close, Jack said about the drive home.

Jack and Betty ended up adopting a young boy, Craig, and soon after a girl, Sue. They both said theyre proud of how they raised their kids when they see who they turned out to be. They get to see the fruit of their parenting on a more daily basis, as they now live with Craig and his wife, Martha, in Grand Island.

We wanted somebody to love, Jack said of adopting.

Though the couple has a long marriage, theyre looking forward to more time together. All of Jacks six siblings are or have lived to be nearly 100, including one sister who is still going at 99 years old. Of Bettys three siblings, her sister Wilda, 86, is still alive. Time isnt much an issue for the Mayhews, as long as theyre together.

Jack said Betty has been the best help and mate throughout the years. Betty said through all these years, they never got mad at each other. The only marriage advice from this long-lasting, loving couple?

Be patient and loving and dont try to change them, Jack said. We say we love each other and good morning every day.

As Jack and Betty prepared to rise from their seats at the kitchen table after talking about their marriage, Jack looked over at his still-beautiful wife.

My love will never, never die for you  Jack sang in his own tune to Betty, which isnt uncommon. She looked at him with a smile, like she often does.

Thanks to Craig and Martha, Jack and Betty got to celebrate their 76th wedding anniversary with the sweetest and most memorable of treats: angel food cake.
The new statues appearing around Grand Island might be rigid in their posture, but that doesnt mean theyre uninviting.

Albert Einstein cheerfully stretches his arms across the back of a bench at the airport; Mark Twain will nonchalantly hold a book on a bench outside the library; and St. Francis of Assisi will invite you to join the rabbits and birds on his bench outside St. Marys Cathedral.

These statues, along with two sculptures by Jun Kaneko, will be installed in Grand Island throughout the summer as part of a push for an increased presence of civic art, culture and humanities in Grand Island.

The effort began with Grow Grand Island, a resident-driven initiative devoted to developing Grand Island. The arts and humanities committee identified the communitys need for arts and humanities enhancement.

By elevating quality of life and driving economics, art and humanities hold a lot of value in a community, committee member Tammy Morris said.

Art is a unifier across cultures, generations and genders, Morris said. Art will attract residents as well as visitors to appreciate the Grand Island community.

The committee began working toward that appreciation two years ago, and six months ago it dedicated its first sculpture: the bronze Imagination Takes Flight piece at College Park by Grand Island native Matthew Placzek.

The next art dedication will honor the two Kaneko sculptures placed at Railside Plaza at 2 p.m. Thursday, June 8. The public is welcome to attend.

Morris said the results can be attributed to collaboration. Determined residents, passionate artists and generous public and private organizations have made the progress possible. The Principal Financial Group was one of the committees major partnerships.

Principal has a long history of investing in Grand Island and making the community better, Morris said. They have been phenomenal in helping move public art forward in Grand Island.

A group of local attorneys is hoping to be a part of that push with a bronze George Washington statue, which will be placed in front of the courthouse. The attorneys are trying to raise $39,000 to purchase and place the sculpture.

Another one of the efforts instrumental individuals is Ray OConnor, who donated the Einstein, Twain and Assisi statues.

Ray is somebody who is constantly thinking about what is better for Grand Island, Morris said.

OConnor remembered seeing the statues in Beaver Creek, Colo., and speaking with his wife, Jennifer, about how they belonged in Grand Island.

People were sitting next to Albert Einstein, OConnor said. Excited little kids were getting their picture taken with Mark Twain, and teenagers were sitting down with respect.

OConnor said his wife has been involved with furthering Grand Islands culture and art.

Jennifer was born and raised here, and she has a commitment to this community, OConnor said.

The OConnor family hopes all Grand Island residents can enjoy seeing these icons take a place in their community.

We hope this will raise awareness of how important art is in a community, OConnor said, and also raise awareness that we live in a very special community and that these were purchased with everyone in mind.

Public art dedication

What: dedication of two new sculptures by Jun Kaneko, an internationally renowned, Nebraska-based artist

Where: Railside Plaza, Third and Wheeler

When: 3 p.m. Thursday, June 8, short reception at 3:30 p.m.
President Donald Trumps campaign strategy last year  incessant media coverage, even when mostly negative  has proven counterproductive in his efforts to fulfill the duties of his office. His recent international trip is a case in point.

At his first stop in Saudi Arabia, he could laud a huge arms sale, allowing him to focus on a favorite topic: large amounts of money. Lessons from our history of Middle Eastern arms sales to the Shah of Iran, Saddam Hussein in Iraq and Hosni Mubarak in Egypt should make us skeptical that such deals enhance security and prosperity, our own or the people in the region.

Trump temporarily checked his pugilistic instincts while sword dancing with Saudi elites. However, his speech to the leaders of 40 Sunni Islamic nations highlighted his aggressive instincts. He encouraged them to just drive out terrorists within their midst. The president did not suggest where these terrorists should go, which leaves us with the stark possibility he simply wants them killed. Perhaps this is why he promised not to lecture the gathered leaders if they did his bidding.

Furthermore, the presidents budget here at home would drastically cut our capacity to help people in these 40 countries who will suffer the brunt of the necessary wide-scale violence to kill the terrorists. Already millions of people are barely surviving in the tumultuous results of the Middle Easts current conflicts. Not one word from the president on humanitarian aid for such dreadful suffering.

Trump blamed terrorism only on Iran, a society with an almost exclusively Shiite Islamic identity. This conveniently overlooked the Saudi hosts own contributions to terrorist generation through their Wahhabi religious reform movement - a dangerous oversight if we realistically think we can find a strategy for ending the threat, which has taken many more lives in Islamic societies than our own.

When the president got to Brussels, headquarters for NATO and capital of the European Union, his combative personality was in prime form. He berated our alliance partners about their military expenditures, maybe choosing to be so undiplomatic since they failed to hold swords in their hands.

NATOs history shows us how challenging it is to have partners in international organizations. It also has provided us with decades of relative peace and prosperity. Americans should expect our president to have the capacity to engage the diplomatic tussle because it helps to ensure our security.

Trump has shown utter contempt for the post-World War II multilateral institutions we have built since 1945. Now he has displayed that contempt for the leaders of our longest-standing allies. His recent tweet lashing out at Germany over our trade relationship heightens the tension, but plays right into his standard mode of operation: perpetual disruption.

Germany and France have reacted to Trumps corrosive effect on transatlantic trust with a renewed commitment to build greater political and security arrangements among the 27 member states of the EUs economic integration. The ties Trump seems intent on building with Vladimir Putin exacerbate Europeans concern over Russian intentions on their continent.

The presidents final stop in Sicily, to meet with the leaders of the worlds largest economies, brought out more tensions around our commitment to the Paris Climate Accord, which involves almost every other country on the planet. During the presidential campaign, Trump told supporters global warming is a Chinese hoax, and has now fulfilled his promise to withdraw. Ironically, Chinese and European diplomats have begun discussions to commence their cooperative leadership intentions to fill the void Trump announced Thursday. The president seemed more intent on maximum reality TV dramatic effect from his withdrawal announcement, than what the decision will do to our environment or international stability.

After only four months of the Trump administration, we are unfortunately discovering that his America First agenda actually means Trump Alone. We Americans will have to decide whether we really want to vacate our global leadership role.
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Linkedin News Desk (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta  Sun, June 4, 2017 12:34 1985 4065a5a8898c7cc661d4adf97a3bb16e 4 Art & Culture kakawin-sutasoma,Pancasila,Pancasila-Day,national-museum,jakarta,exhibition,history,Museum,Sukarno,#museum Free

Kakawin Sutasoma (Sutasoma Sonnet), a narrative poem in which the Bhinneka Tunggal Ika (Unity in Diversity) philosophy is found, is set to be exhibited for the first time at the National Museum in Central Jakarta.

The sonnet is part of the Lahirnya Pancasila (The Birth of Pancasila) exhibition that is slated from June 2 to 15.

The Sutasoma that will be shown [to the public] is the real one that was written by Mpu Tantular on a lontar [palm leaf], Education and Culture Ministry culture director general Hilmar Farid told Antara news agency.

Read also: Blitar-based troupe performs the Ramayana ballet, East Javanese style

Other historical documents that will be displayed are the Preparation Investigative Assembly (BPUPKI)'s document, Indonesia's first president Sukarnos speech that explained about Pancasila, a document about the preparation of Indonesias Constitution, and the Garuda Pancasila emblem made by the oldest son of Sultan Pontianak VI, Sultan Hamid II, which won a national emblem competition back in 1950.

A post shared by Retno Lastani (@retno.lastani) on Jun 2, 2017 at 2:31am PDT

During the exhibitions opening, actor Tio Pakusadewo is set to read Sukarnos speech during the BPUPKI meeting on June 1, 1945. His film Pantja-Sila: Cita-cita dan Realita will also be screened as part of the event.

There are duplicates of those documents and they will be brought to other places in Indonesia," said Hilmar. (wir/kes)
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Linkedin News Desk (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta  Sun, June 4, 2017 10:48 1985 4065a5a8898c7cc661d4adf97a3b7f43 4 Science & Tech Snapchat,Snapchat-Spectacles,Snapbots,#Snapchat,vending-machine Free

A year after its unannounced arrival in cities across America, Snapchat Spectacles have made their way to some of Europes biggest capitals.

Snapchat Spectacles are now available in Europe pic.twitter.com/CIJeQtggEZ  SnapbotLocations (@SnapbotLocation) June 2, 2017

London, Paris, Berlin, Barcelona and Venice are the first cities outside of the United States to be visited by the bright yellow vending machines, known as Snapbots.

It is from the Snapbots that Snapchat users can get coral, teal or black Spectacles that allow them to directly broadcast what they are seeing to their friends.

Read also: A quick guide to Snapchat Spectacles

The newest Snapbots have appeared in front of monuments and heavily visited areas, such as The London Eye, by the Venice canals, on the beach in Barcelona and in front of the Eiffel Tower.

Snapchat has teased that the machines will appear in additional "surprising locations around the UK, France, Germany, Spain and Italy. The exact location is usually hinted at on the spectacles.com website, 24 hours before the drop.

Even if Snapbots do not land in your city, those in Austria, Belgium, Denmark, Germany, Spain, Finland, France, Ireland, Italy, Netherlands, Norway, Switzerland, Sweden and the United Kingdom will also be able to buy the colorful glasses through the Snapchat website, where they sell for 129.99 (US$167.4) or 149.99 a pair. (sul/kes)
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Linkedin (The Jakarta Post) Bekasi  Sat, June 3 2017

The Bekasi city administration in West Java has prepared 40 buses for residents who want to return to their hometowns during the upcoming Idul Fitri holiday, which falls at the end of June, for free.

Free mudik [homecoming] registration has already opened. Weve prepared 40 buses, said Bekasi Transportation Agency head Yayan Yuliana as quoted by kompas.com on Friday.

The 40 buses consist of 12 buses from the Bekasi administration and 28 buses from West Java province.

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Linkedin News Desk (The Jakarta Post) Depok  Sun, June 4, 2017 14:56 1985 4065a5a8898c7cc661d4adf97a3be8a4 1 City Ahmadiyah,Ahmadiyah-Mosque,Depok,Satpol-PP,tolerance,intolerance,religious-freedom Free

A week into Ramadhan, authorities of Depok city in West Java reportedly sealed on late Saturday a mosque belonging to an Ahmadiyah congregation, a minority Muslim group that has long been persecuted for its beliefs.

Ahmadiyah spokesman Yendra Budiana said in a press release that Depok Mayor Mohammad Idris and a number of police and Public Order Agency (Satpol PP) officers went to the Al-Hidayah Mosque in Sawangan, Depok to ensure the mosque had not been used for worship activities.

The mayor had the police confiscate the mosques CCTV recordings to prove that there had been activity in the mosque recently, said Yendra. The mayor also reported Depoks Ahmadiyah congregation to the police for using the mosque as a place of worship.

He said while the National Commission on Human Rights (Komnas HAM) and the National Commission on Violence Against Women (Komnas Perempuan) had urged the mayor to not restrict religious freedom, the latter insisted on fulfilling the demands of certain groups that pressured him into forbidding Ahmadiyah followers from carrying out their worship activities in Depok.

He also called on the mayor, National Police chief Gen. Tito Karnavian, relevant ministries and President Joko Jokowi Widodo to give more attention to the issue. (dea)
The Trump administration has been exhaustingly eventful, but almost none of the events have involved Congress.

The beginning of Donald Trumps presidency has been an extension of the last six years of the Obama administration, when Capitol Hill was largely a sideshow to the main event in the executive branch in general and the Oval Office in particular. Barack Obama and Donald Trump have almost nothing in common, except their modes of governance.

Obama was coolly cerebral and deliberative to a fault, whereas Trump is blustery and impulsive. Yet Obama and Trump are both, in their own ways, attention-hungry celebrities. Obama never demonstrated the patience or aptitude for real persuasion, whether LBJ-style arm-twisting or Reagan-style move-the-needle public argument. Neither has Trump. Institutionally, Obama was content to be a loner, and so is Trump.

Until further notice, this is the American model  government by and of the president. We live in the age of unilateral rule.

It may be that Congress eventually passes Obamacare repeal-and-replace and tax reform, and makes its mark. Neither initiative is looking robustly healthy at the moment, though. And the action is all with Trump, what he does, says and tweets.

To his credit, Trump hasnt pushed the constitutional envelope the way Obama did with his Clean Power Plan and his executive amnesty (both blocked in the courts). What Trump has done unilaterally has been firmly within bounds and largely defensive in nature. He has either reversed Obama actions or used executive orders as symbolic measures.

Still, the yin and yang from Obama to Trump means that American government has become a badminton match between rival presidents with dueling executive actions. As a result, our laws are largely contested in the realm of executive decisions, agency rule-making and the courts. Arguably, in striking down Trumps travel ban on highly dubious grounds, the 4th Circuit has done more legislating this year than the United States Congress.

If Trumps unilateral rule is an extension of what has come before, it also is an intensification.

First, theres the timing. Ordinarily, a president loses Congress or otherwise stalls several years into his tenure, and looks to foreign affairs and executive orders for victories. Trump is already dependent on presidential unilateralism, even though his party controls both houses of Congress.

Its not that Trump is deliberately cutting Congress out; he is desperate for it to get things done. He just doesnt have the interest or knowledge to push legislation along.

Meanwhile, Congress has been handing over authority to the administrative state for decades, and lately has gotten out of the habit of passing almost anything except last-minute omnibus spending bills. The Senate, in particular, is debilitated by a near-automatic 60-vote threshold.

Second, there is the continued centralization of power in the White House. This has long been the trend, but President Trump has taken it to another level; he operates on a hub-and-spoke system with a small group of loyalists and family members jostling for influence around him.

The day Trump nearly initiated the process of pulling out of NAFTA captures the method perfectly  no serious deliberation, just the presidents state of mind, based in large part on whom he had spoken to last. This is highly personalized (and idiosyncratic) rule.

In the mid-1980s, the late political scientist Theodore Lowi wrote a book called The Personal President. It warned of the effects of a plebiscitary presidency unhinged from Congress and political parties. He was on to something, although Bill Clinton and George W. Bush subsequently governed fairly traditionally. It is with Obama and Trump that we have moved into a different gear.

No matter what the written rules are, any system of government is susceptible to change through habits and precedent. We may be witnessing the creation of a new norm, one that hollows out the branch of government charged with writing the nations laws.
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Linkedin Veeramalla Anjaiah (The Jakarta Post) Singapore  Mon, June 5 2017

Indonesia, the Philippines and Malaysia are planning to launch joint air, naval and ground patrols in the Sulu Sea and areas around Mindanao, the Philippines, this month amid concerns about the growing Islamic State (IS) influence in the region.

The call was made during the Shangri-La Dialogue (SLD), an annual regional security forum in Singapore. Top defense officials from the Asia-Pacific region ended their three-day forum on Sunday with a call to fight the terrorism menace jointly through enhanced regional security cooperation.

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Linkedin News Desk (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta  Sun, June 4, 2017 15:55 1985 4065a5a8898c7cc661d4adf97a3bf6f4 1 News Environment-and-Forestry-Ministry,national-park,environmental-issues,forest-conservation,Tourism-Ministry-Pesona-Indonesia,tourism-ministry-wonderful-Indonesia Free

The Environment and Forestry Ministry together with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) launched a book called The Magnificent Seven: Indonesia Marine National Park on June 2.

With the launch of this book, the maritime national parks in Indonesia have to be the center of economic growth for the people who live around the area. We want to show the world the beauty of our marine biodiversity, said Minister Siti Nurbaya Bakar.

Read also: Edelweiss park: Safeguarding Tengger nature and tradition

The book was created in six months and it consists of seven national parks with pictures from Indonesian underwater photographers. This biodiversity needs to be protected for the sake of the local people and tourism development. Our commitment to protecting marine ecosystems is an important part of UNDP Indonesia, added the UNDP representative for Indonesia, Christophe Bahuet.

The maritime national parks listed in the book are Thousand Islands, Jakarta; Karimun Jawa, Central Java; Wakatobi, Southeast Sulawesi; Takabonerate South Sulawesi; Bunaken, North Sulawesi; Togean, Central Sulawesi and Cenderawasih Bay, Papua.

Read also: Cenderawasih Bay, a haven for whale shark enthusiasts

The launch was also attended by Tourism Minister Arief Yahya, who suggested the book be highlighted on websites indonesia.travel and kemenpar.go.id as a promotional tool for Indonesia tourism.

If theres a softcopy we can help promote it, it's part of our duty to do promotions for international tourists so they can appreciate the underwater beauty of Indonesia, said Yahya. (asw)
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Linkedin News Desk (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta  Sun, June 4, 2017 14:13 1985 4065a5a8898c7cc661d4adf97a3bc6af 1 News bali,Joko-Widodo,Bali-Arts-Festival,Tourism-Ministry-Pesona-Indonesia,tourism-ministry-wonderful-Indonesia Free

As previously reported, President Joko Jokowi Widodo will open the Bali Arts Festival (PKB) 2017 on June 10.

On that day, the President will officiate the PKB 2017 parade in front of the Bajra Sandhi Monumenta monument honoring the struggles of Balinese people throughout historyin Denpasar.

The President will place a kayonan stick that is made to resemble a tree-shaped wayang (shadow puppet), in a fountain to symbolize this years theme of Ulun Danu, which is derived from Melestarikan Air Sumber Kehidupan (Preserving Water as the Source of Life).

Read also: Bali Arts Festival 2017 celebrates water as source of life

President Joko Widodo will also take part in the parade by riding a decorated vehicle.

The parade will run for two to two-and-a-half hours starting at 2 p.m. Each regency and citys group will only have a maximum of 15 minutes to perform, said Bali tourism board head Anak Agung Yuniartha Putra.

After the parade, the President will officiate the opening of the 39th PKB on the Ardha Chandra Open Stage, Denpasar Cultural Park at 8 p.m. (asw)
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Linkedin News Desk (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta  Sun, June 4, 2017 12:30 1985 4065a5a8898c7cc661d4adf97a3ba3dd 1 News Qatar-Airways,Emirates,international-flights,bali,Tourism-Ministry-Pesona-Indonesia,tourism-ministry-wonderful-Indonesia Free

Beginning in July, Middle East-based airlines Emirates and Qatar Airways will operate additional flights to Bali.

Qatar Airways and Emirates have made sure to add one flight each to Bali in July, said I Gde Pitana, Toursim Ministrys deputy for overseas promotion.

On July 2, Emirates will officially have two daily flights from the previous one flight to Bali from Dubai. Apart from that, the airline will also offer special travel packages for those who are interested in visiting the Island of the Gods.

Read also: Laid-back places to enjoy sunsets outside of south Bali

Qatar Airways will have three daily flights from the previous two flights to Bali from Doha, the capital city of Qatar.

As part of the agreement, Qatar Airways is asking for Wonderful Indonesia promotional videos as a promotional tool and a list of high-end properties and accommodation since Indonesia is included in the top five prime destinations for tourists from the Middle East, said the ministrys deputy assistant for Europe, the United States, Middle East and Africa tourism promotion, Nia Niscaya. (asw)
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Linkedin News Desk (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta  Sun, June 4, 2017 10:32 1985 4065a5a8898c7cc661d4adf97a3b73a8 1 News bali,king-salman,King-Salman-Abdulaziz-Al-Saud,Tourism-Ministry-Pesona-Indonesia,tourism-ministry-wonderful-Indonesia,Middle-East Free

The Tourism Ministry has had its eyes on the Middle Eastern market in recent months, carrying out heavy promotion to attract tourists from the area.

We didnt want to miss the summer holiday period, so we were busy promoting from February until May because during that time they were busy looking for a holiday destination. They usually travel from after Idul Fitri until Idul Adha, explained I Gde Pitana, the Toursim Ministrys deputy for overseas promotion.

Read also: More awareness needed to promote halal destinations

The ministrys deputy assistant for Europe, the United States, Middle East and Africa tourism promotion, Nia Niscaya, added that people in the Middle East had of the habit of making last-minute bookings.

In February, the ministry participated in the Jeddah Travel Show exhibition. While in March it invited tour operators and media from the Middle East to Bali to participate in a King Salman napak tilas tour, visiting the areas visited by King Salman in Bali. In April, the ministry participated in the Arabian Travel Mart presenting 70 industries in a booth designed to look like a Phinisi boat and Sasak traditional house.

Also in April, the ministry participated in the Riyadh Travel Show with a mission to promote the King Salman napak tilas travel package. In early May, the ministry conducted a table top event with six sellers and 60 buyers in Kuwait and later on May 24, it held yet another table top event in Dubai consisting of seven sellers and 80 buyers.

Read also: 10 must-see attractions in Dubai

The table top event is a partnership program with Emirates airline after the signing of an MoU [memorandum of understanding] by both parties back in 2016, Niscaya said.

In October, the ministry will hold a familiarization trip (famtrip) for bloggers. The event will be held in partnership with Qatar Airways.

Back in May, we partnered up with Oman Air and did a famtrip with Al Rais, the biggest whole seller in United Arab Emirates, in which we visited Jakarta and West Java, she added. (asw)
For 41 years, Wisconsin and Minnesota were downright neighborly when it came to tax reciprocity.

If you lived in Minnesota and worked in Wisconsin, you could pay your income taxes to Minnesota. If you lived in Wisconsin and worked in Minnesota, you could pay your income taxes to Wisconsin.

For a border area like ours, it was a big deal.

You didnt have to file tax returns in both states. Life was good.

That changed in 2009, when Minnesota Gov. Tim Pawlenty understandably grew tired of waiting on the Badgers to settle up with about $60 million they owed to the Gophers.

While Wisconsin finally paid up, reciprocity has been hung up because the two sides have been arguing over a difference of $6 million.

That means about 80,000 workers  about 56,000 who live in Wisconsin and work in Minnesota, and about 24,000 Minnesotans who work in Wisconsin  have been stuck with the needless inconvenience and cost of filing in two states.

During that time, weve emphasized the need to fix the problem and move on. Weve emphasized it in several editorials and during discussions with governors, legislators and revenue secretaries in both states.

Now, two Minnesota state legislators from our region has taken some positive steps to get the ball rolling, and its time for the two states to come to agreement before the frost returns.

Thanks to legislation successfully pushed in St. Paul by Rep. Greg Davids, R-Preston, and Sen. Jeremy Miller, R-Winona, Minnesotans who work in Wisconsin will be eligible for a reciprocity tax credit on their income tax for 2017 (total cost estimate is $8 million).

The measure also directs the commissioner of the Minnesota Department of Revenue to resume negotiations on a renewed agreement with the folks in Wisconsin.

For goodness sake, sit down and figure this out.

Its the right thing to do and the best thing for 80,000 people who are tired of being jerked around for no good reason.

If you the revenue directors of the two states cant settle on a place to meet, youre welcome to use the conference rooms in our newspapers in La Crosse and Winona. No charge for the rooms  and the coffee is free.

Its time to put pride aside and think of whats best for the taxpayers.

We have a regional economy. We have a mobile workforce. We have regional tourism attractions. We have contributors and volunteers who do good work on both sides of the river.

In other words, the people of our region have figured this out. Its time for our elected officials to follow.
I'm also on the board of Montana's oldest sportsmen's group, the Montana Wildlife Federation. I support Sen. Jon Tester's Yellowstone Gateway Protection Act, because it keeps fly-by-night companies from developing risky gold mines on our public lands north of the Yellowstone. This bill means cold, clear water for trout, boaters and irrigation. It means elk and bighorn sheep can keep migrating in and out of the park. It recognizes the Yellowstone River as the pulsing, living, main artery of my home, Paradise Valley. Our ranches, our recreation, our families, our jobs, if not our very souls, all rely on this same clean water and access to our public lands. More than 350 local businesses, every elected official in the county and thousands more individuals have banded together to protect our right to this heritage from sketchy prospectors with gold fever set on gambling with our future. Please join us (dontmineyellowstone.com) and protect public lands in the gateway to Yellowstone. Yellowstone is more valuable than gold.
Republican promises and assurances dont amount to much. Remember when Donald Trump promised that the Republican health-care plan would provide health care for all?

Recently, the Congressional Budget Office presented its objective analysis of the health-care bill the Republicans have passed in the House. More than 20 million Americans would lose health insurance, while for many others, coverage would be dramatically reduced. Older citizens would face higher premiums, and those with pre-existing conditions could lose coverage or face skyrocketing cost increases.

Why do Republicans like the plan so much? Because there would also be more than $800 billion in tax giveaways that would mainly benefit the wealthy few.

Fortunately, Sen. Tammy Baldwin, D-Wis., is prioritizing hard-working Wisconsinites rather than the rich. She released a statement saying that I will not support partisan legislation that increases costs, cuts coverage and imposes an undue burden on older Americans and those with pre-existing conditions.

She added that The people of Wisconsin did not send me to Washington to take people's health care away. We must work in a bipartisan way to improve and strengthen our health care system. She noted that one way is to work toward reducing the obscene cost of prescription drugs in this country. Along with Republican John McCain, she has introduced the FAIR Drug Pricing Act as a first step to contain the cost of drugs.

It is reassuring that we have one of our elected officials looking out for the interests of the people of Wisconsin.
What happened?

London terror suspect pictured with fake suicide bomb vest strapped to his body #londonattack https://t.co/hf6rVvvd4s pic.twitter.com/NfvCw21th5  Daily Express (@Daily_Express) 4 June 2017

How many victims were there?

Are there any details about the attackers?

What is happening now?

Reactions

I have just led a meeting of COBR in response to the appalling London attack and I will soon be making a statement in Downing Street.  Theresa May (@theresa_may) 4 June 2017

Brutal and shocking incidents reported in London. My thoughts are with the victims and their families. Thank you to the emergency services.  Jeremy Corbyn (@jeremycorbyn) 3 June 2017

Tonight's horrific incidents in London remind us how much we owe our emergency services. My thoughts and prayers with everyone affected.  Tim Farron (@timfarron) 3 June 2017

Whatever the United States can do to help out in London and the U. K., we will be there - WE ARE WITH YOU. GOD BLESS!  Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) 3 June 2017

Praying for London  Ariana Grande (@ArianaGrande) 4 June 2017

Here is what we know so far.At 22:08 BST, armed police and ambulances were called to reports of a white van hitting pedestrians on. Holly Jones, a BBC reporter who witnessed the incident said: "A white van driver came speeding - probably about 50mph - veered off the road into the crowds of people who were walking along the pavement. He swerved right round me and then hit about five or six people." The van continued on to, just south of London Bridge. There three assailants jumped out of the car and began stabbing people with knives. From witness reports, it appears as though bars and restaurants were targeted. According to several sources, the attackers were wearing suicide vests, but these vests were later established as hoaxes.The three attackers were shot dead by police within 8 minutes of the incident being reported.So far, there have been 7 fatalities. Around 50 more people are being treated for injuries in 5 hospitals across the capital city, some of which are in critical condition. None of the victims have been named yet. However, two French citizens and two Australian citizens have been affected.Few details have emerged so far. One attacker was reportedly wearing a red top. Images of another show a blue Arsenal shirt with camouflage trousers. Police believe that they have caught all of the attackers. However, London Bridge remains closed and armed police continue to have a strong presence in the area. Sunday morning saw the arrest of 12 people at an address in Barking, East London, in relation to the attack.The Counter Terrorism Command are leading an investigation into Saturday night's events. London Bridge will remain closed and armed police are sweeping the area. Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan, has said that there will be an increased police presence in the city.London Bridge overground station is closed, as well as London Bridge and Borough Market underground stations. People who are seriously concerned about a friend or relative can ring one of the following emergency lines: 0800 096 1233 or 020 7158 0197 People with photos or videos relating to the incident can upload them HERE to aid the police investigation.Prime Minister Theresa May said "Our thoughts are with those who are caught up in these dreadful events." There has been a COBRA meeting this morning and in an official statement outside Downing Street she called for internet "safe spaces" for potential terrorists to be abolished.Jeremy Corbyn, Labour leader, has praised the emergency services.Tim Farron, leader of the Liberal Democrats, has also expressed respect for the emergency services.Campaigning for the General Election has been suspended by the Labour and Conservative parties after this latest attack. US President, Donald Trump, has tweeted his support.Last month's terrorist attack, on 22nd May, saw a bomb detonated in the foyer of Manchester Arena at the end of an Ariana Grande concert. US popstar, Ariana, also tweeted her support.Grande is due to perform for a tribute concert, One Love, in light of last month's attacks in Manchester tonight.
The medical faculty of the Free University of Brussels has been forced to apologise after issuing guidance on dress for a graduation ceremony asking women to wear low-cut tops.

The guidance, sent in a email to graduates, suggests: From an aesthetic point of view its preferable for the young women to wear a dress or a skirt along with a nice low-cut neckline, and the men a suit, adding of course, ladies, this advice is not compulsory.

The wording was posted on unofficial university page ULB Confessions and received immediate attention, as many students shared and criticised the guidance.

One student commented on the post saying the university should be ashamed of perpetuating this sexism and misogyny. Another added: Imagine if the ULB suggested that the male graduates wore a low-cut shirt. Preposterous.

The university has since issued an apology on Facebook, saying the email advice was contrary to the values of the university.
At 10:08 on Saturday night, reports came in of a major police incident at London Bridge. A white van went off the road and hit several pedestrians, reports this morning say that 7 people have been killed and and additional 48 injured - some with life-threatening injuries.

Metropolitan police have confirmed that the three suspects were shot and killed in Borough Market. This is the third attack on London in the space of three months.

Rhiannon Owens, a nursing student at King's College London, ran into Applebees Pub and alerted people of the stabbings. The pub provided safety and staff member Jack led people into the storage room.

"I was using a cash point at London Bridge, when a taxi driver swerved towards me, and screamed at me to RUN," Rhiannon wrote on Facebook. "I turned and saw a man 3 metres from me, with a twelve inch blade, running towards me. I sprinted for my life.

"I saw a man get stabbed. Windows smashed, people screaming everywhere.

I ran into a nearby open-front pub, and screamed at everyone to run upstairs, that there are people wielding machetes.

"Around 40 of us hid in the storage room upstairs.

"Gunfire opened, well over 20 shots, and we remained in hiding on the floor, to protect us.

"After a long time in hiding, the police shouted at us to run down. An attacker was still at large in Borough Market. We were instructed by police to run with or hands on our heads, as far away as we could."

First year Comparative Literature student Esme Jones told us she was at Nandos when they had to be evacuated:

My student accommodation is in London Bridge and I was in the Borough Nando's with two friends from home when we were told there had been a shooting and we were put on lockdown.

We had to turn off all the lights and go to the back of the building and sit on the floor. Everyone was panicking and no one knew what was happening, there were loads of rumours going of a mass shooting and people were ringing their families almost to say goodbye.

"We were then evacuated from the building and we had to run from building to building with armed police until we were away from the area.

"It was scary because no one knew what was happening, there were people fainting and crying."

In a statement, King's College London Principal Ed Byrne said: Weve put in place enhanced security precautions across all our campuses for your own safety, and these will remain in place until the relevant authorities advise otherwise.

King's College, London Guy's campus is located near London Bridge station and all

university buildings (campuses and halls of residence) were immediately placed in lock down.

There were reports of injured people being taken into Guy's campus and students not being allowed to leave the premises and return home.

A King's spokesperson said:

"All external entrances have been secured with the exception of the main entrances to the buildings and Halls of residences. Staff and students can still access these buildings provided they show their King's ID passes. This is likely to continue until tomorrow."
Are you a budding writer hoping to break into the exciting world of travel blogging?

Hand Luggage Only We spoke with Yaya and Lloyd fromabout their experiences, and their pro tips for breaking into and conquering the world of travel blogging.

Yaya and Lloyd began their blog Hand Luggage Only during university, with Yaya studying at Cambridge and Lloyd at St. Andrews.

In between assignments, the occasional student union gig and a few too many tequilas, we ended up hatching up our plan to share some of our travel advice and tips that wed accumulated over the years, they told us via email.

Their plan took off quickly, but living on student budgets meant funding their travel and activities had to be carefully calculated.

Some bloggers use their savings, and others work abroad to fund their experiences.

We never worked abroad; we only ever used our own savings that we acquired from our part-time jobs while at university and our wages after graduating.

However you choose to fund your trips, the boys at Hand Luggage Only recommend flexibility.

Often, we tended to find the very cheapest flights/trains to anywhere across the world for a particular date.

We grabbed deals like 4 return flights from London to Gothenburg, a weekend in Nimes for 30 and other trips by being flexible on times, dates and destinations.

Their flexibility and drive to travel and explore the world helped to lift their blog off the ground.

[At the start] building our blog was like raising a baby.

Our blog became our escapism from the tough assignments we were dealing with. It was a hobby that we both kept wanting to feed.

This hobby soon turned into a full-time career for Yaya and Lloyd, with over 150,000 dedicated fans on Facebook and 341,000 followers on Pinterest.

We find it hard to call it a career when we feel so fortunate to be doing something we love so much.

Their passion and enthusiasm for travel blogging is clear, which they both say is a key factor to succeeding in the industry.

Be passionate about what youre writing about. Be interested in your topic and always keep an open mind.

It really will allow you to have many incredible experiences that we guarantee will surprise you.
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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.
Samajwadi Party leader Shivpal Yadav on Sunday said he has no plans to take Amar Singh in his proposed Samajawadi Secular Front and that he had also opposed his rejoining the party last year.

"I was not in favour of Amar Singh joining SP again. I knew he will not be getting due respect and one should avoidYou can ask anyone I was not in his favour", Yadav told PTI.

Amar was termed as an "outsider" by SP president Akhilesh Yadav during he state assembly polls.

The Samajwadi Party (SP) had in May 2016 declared Amar Singh as its candidate for the Rajya Sabha elections taking him back to the party, six years after his expulsion.

Amar was expelled from the SP along with then Rampur MP Jaya Prada in February 2010 on charges of anti-party activities, after which he established his own party Lok Manch.

In 2014, however, Amar Singh and Mulayam were again seen together at a function in Lucknow, after which they kept meeting frequently.

Amar was expelled on Jan 1 this year at the SP national convention when Akhilesh became SP president.

Asked whether he would consider taking Amar in his front Shivpal said, "There is no plan as such to take him. We will take along all the 'samajwadis' (socialists), who are feeling neglected".

Shivpal said, "He is open to do anything for unity within the family. If they (Akhilesh and others) want they can sit with 'netaji' (Mulayam). I want to ensure that netaji gets due respect. And for this I am ready for any placement".

Holding "sycophancy and backbiting" responsible for the dispute within the family, Shivpal said, "all will be well if the family is united. There is no reason for dispute within the family. Our first priority will be to unite the family".

On his decision to form the 'Samajwadi Secular Front', which will be headed by Mulayam, SP legislator Shivpal said that it will bring the party on the "right track".

Maintaining that he is still in the party and will only try to strengthen it, Shivpal, who has been at odds with nephew and SP chief Akhilesh Yadav, however had made it clear that he was forming just a "front" and not a political party.

"We will constitute the Samajwadi Secular Front in July to bring the SP on the right track. We will formally announce it at a meeting in Lucknow", Shivpal said.

"SP patron Mulayam will be the national president of the front and I would be its convenor," he said.

On possibility of the Front jumping in the political arena in the future in case family dispute did not settle down, Shivpal said, "There are no elections right now. The next poll is in 2019 (Lok Sabha polls) and then in 2022 (UP assembly polls). We will decide in later stage what situation arises".

The Samajwadi Party has witnessed a prolonged factional fight that began before the Uttar Pradesh Assembly elections with Akhilesh and Shivpal camps on the opposite sides.
With the arrest of three terrorists, Punjab Police claimed to have busted a terror module having direct links with banned outfit International Sikh Youth Federation (ISYF), which has the backing of Inter Services Intelligence (ISI).

Gurdial Singh, Jagroop Singh and Satwinder Singh were arrested on Saturday and they had allegedly been trained and tasked by the ISI to carry out terror attacks and target various anti-Sikh forces or individuals by Pakistan-based ISYF chief Lakhbir Rode, and Harmeet Singh alias Happy alias PHD.

Preliminary investigations have revealed that a part of the consignment of arms and ammunition seized by the BSF on 21 May this year close to the international border in Amritsar, was supplied by the ISYF.

Two terrorists, Maan Singh and Sher Singh, had been arrested by the BSF last month, while they were attempting to pick up the said consignment.

According to a Punjab Police spokesperson, while Gurdial is resident of Road Majara in Hoshiarpur, both Jagroop and Satiwinder are residents of Chandpur Rurki in Shaheed Bhagat Singh Nagar district.

A .32-calbre pistol with a magazine and 10 cartridges, and a .38-calibre revolver with 7 cartridges, were recovered from the suspects.

While Gurdial and Jagroop were arrested from their native homes, Satwinder was apprehended at a police checkpoint close to his village in Pojewal Police station in Balachaur sub-division.

The spokesperson said Gurdial Singh was the chief operative of this terror module and was introduced to Lakhbir Rode by Germany based Balvir Singh Sandhu. Gurdial had met Rode several times during his visits to Pakistan, as part of religious jathas, in the last 6-7 years.

During his last visit to Pakistan in November 2016, Gurdial Singh had arranged a visa for Jagroop Singh and he had travelled to Lahore with a Jatha. During interrogation, the duo revealed that during his stay in Lahore (12-21 November, 2016), Jagroop met Rode and Harmeet through Balvir.

Jagroop confessed that he was taken to the ISYF chief blindfolded at an undisclosed location and imparted a four-day training course by the ISI in handing AK-47 rifle and smaller weapons.

He was also trained in techniques of sabotaging railway tracks by loosening the securing/fastening mechanisms of fish-plates, nuts and bolts.

The spokesperson said that the terrorists were nabbed after a intelligence-led operation of SBS Nagar police.
Gold smuggling at the Delhi airport has taken a major hit due to demonetisation as the customs seized about 240 kgs of the yellow metal in 2016-17 fiscal, 190 kgs less than the seizure effected in 2015-16.

The demand of gold has traditionally been high in the country as people prefer to invest in it for better returns and due to traditional values.

Nearly 355 cases of gold smuggling were reported at the Indira Gandhi International Airport (IGIA) here during financial year 2015-2016. In these cases, the customs authorities seized 450 kgs of gold, valued at a whopping Rs 132 crore (as per prevailing market rates), a senior customs official had said.

About 190 people were arrested in these cases, he said.

The number of cases of gold smuggling took a hit, especially after demonetisation was announced on November 8 last year by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the official said.

As a result, about 240 cases of gold smuggling were reported in 2016-17 fiscal. About 260 kgs of gold (as against 450 kgs seizure in the previous financial year), valued at Rs 76.31 crore (as per the current market rate), was seized by the customs at the Delhi airport, he said.

About 100 people were arrested in these cases, the official said.

"There was a major decline in gold smuggling cases during the period of demonetisation and even after that. The primary reason behind it was that the note ban has completely stopped hawala transaction, a major chunk of which is used to illegally bring the yellow metal in the country," he said.

Besides, there has been heightened surveillance at the airport to scan incoming as well outgoing passengers to check smuggling.

"We have caught a lot of people based on intelligence input," the official said.

The customs officials maintain a high vigil at the Delhi airport as it is one of the entry points of the country which registers maximum number of cases of gold smuggling.

In the last two months  April and May of this year, the customs officials have registered more than 15 cases and seized 32 kgs of gold, valuing about Rs 10.27 crore, being smuggled into India from abroad.

As many as 30 people were arrested in these cases, the official said.

Smugglers are adopting novel modus operandi to smuggle gold into the country.

The customs officials had recently arrested a wheelchair-bound senior citizen for allegedly trying to smuggle gold valued at around Rs 93 lakh.

In April, an Air India security officer and a Japanese national were among three persons arrested by the customs for allegedly smuggling into the country gold worth about Rs 2.3 crore.
India has been ranked 45th, down four notches from last year, in terms of competitiveness in the annual rankings compiled by IMD which saw Hong Kong topping the list.

US was "pushed out" of the top three slots while Hong Kong consolidated its dominance of the annual rankings for the second year in the list compiled by the International Institute for Management Development's (IMD) World Competitiveness Center.

Switzerland and Singapore were ranked second and third respectively, with the USA at the fourth spot  its lowest position in five years and down from third last year.

The Netherlands completed the top five, jumping up from eighth last year.

Others in the top 10 list include Ireland at 6th, Denmark 7th, Luxembourg (8th), Sweden (9th) and UAE at 10th.

As India slid, China improved its position by seven places to 18th, thanks to its dedication to international trade.

"If you look at China, its improvement of seven places to 18th can be traced to its dedication to international trade.

This continues to drive the economy and the improvement in government and business efficiency," Professor Arturo Bris, Director of the IMD World Competitiveness Center said.

The bottom of the table, meanwhile, is largely occupied by countries experiencing political and economic upheaval.

Ukraine was ranked 60th, while Brazil was placed at the 61st position and Venezuela at 63rd.

The IMD World Competitiveness Center is a research group at IMD business school in Switzerland. It has been publishing the rankings every year since 1989. This year's list comprises 63 countries with Cyprus and Saudi Arabia making their first appearance.

Meanwhile, for the first time this year, the IMD World Competitiveness Center also published a separate report ranking countries' digital competitiveness.

At the top of the digital ranking is Singapore, followed by Sweden, the USA, Finland and Denmark, while the bottom five are Indonesia, Ukraine, Mongolia, Peru and Venezuela.
People of Pakistan are unfortunate because the country's military and political leadership uses proxy war with India to divert their population from domestic failures, Minister of State for Defence Subhash Bhamre said on Sunday.

"I would say that the people of Pakistan are very unfortunate, because their military leadership and political leadership their priorities are different. Their priorities are not welfare of their people. And that is why just to divert the attention of their local people, from their failures and providing basic amenities to the people of Pakistan, they have been using the proxy war," he said.

Bhamre was here to participate in a function, organised to celebrate the third year anniversary of the Narendra Modi government.
A 13-year-old Michigan boy was referred to the Monroe County District Attorney for attempted arson pursuant to a 2014 incident in the village of Warrens.

Police believe the juvenile intentionally used a cigarette lighter to ignite a pile of clothing in a village of Warrens residence Sept. 14, 2014, when he was 10 years old. The report says the juvenile originally told police that the fire started by accident. However, he later said the fire was started on purpose because he was mad at the two adults who lived in the residence for leaving home without telling him.

The report said the juvenile and two other people immediately evacuated the structure and that damage was confined to the juveniles bedroom. The report concluded that the juvenile didnt intend to burn the structure down but started the fire to get attention. It says the charge is being referred so that there is something placed in the records of (the juvenile) in reference to his anger issues so that they may be dealt with in the future.

In other Monroe County Sheriffs Office news:

Ronald Rogers, 37, Tomah, was referred to the district attorney for battery/threats to an officer and criminal damage to property while being booked in the Monroe County Jail.

Rogers was brought to the jail May 14 by Tomah police, who warned jail staff to expect the arrival of a combative subject. Rogers was sleeping when he arrived at the jail, and jail staff reported Rogers smelling of intoxicants. Once Rogers was awakened and transported to the pre-booking area, the report says he became very vocal and objected to being arrested on Mothers Day.

The report says Rogers threatened jail staff with violence and resisted the booking process. An officer reportedly suffered a scraped knuckle during a scuffle as staff attempted to gain compliance. Once Rogers was placed in a booking cell, he allegedly kicked the cell door, spit on the cell window and vandalized a mattress.

Caitlin Kraemer, 25, Cedarburg, was referred to the district attorney for multiple charges after a May 12 incident at the Monroe County Jail.

According to the report, Kraemer had removed one of the shackles while being held in an emergency restraint chair. As jail staff attempted to reapply the restraints, Kraemer allegedly thrashed violently in a way that shook off her smock and exposed herself to jail staff. The report said she made violent threats against police and spit water at them after taking a drink from a water cup.

Kraemer was referred for discharging bodily fluids toward an officer, threatening an officer, lewd and lascivious behavior and disorderly conduct.

Derek D. Crocker, 31, Sparta, was referred to the district attorney for third-offense drunk driving after a May 20 traffic stop in the town of Little Falls.

Police pulled over a Chevrolet Cobalt shortly before 1:30 a.m. on Hwy. 27 for a defective lamp. After initiating the traffic stop, police detected a strong odor of intoxicants from the driver, identified as Crocker, and an open container of beer in the vehicle. The report says Crocker told police he began drinking around 9:30 p.m. probably had a 12-pack.

The report says Crocker failed a field sobriety test and refused to submit to a preliminary breath test.

Michael T. Rude, 40, no address listed, was referred to the district attorney for failing to report to jail. He was scheduled to report April 9 to serve a sentence for disorderly conduct.

Timothy Benton, 37, Madison, was referred to the district attorney for bail jumping. He is accused of violating a no-contact order.

Brandy Eddy, 30, Sparta; Lacy M. Newbury, 31, Sparta; Jesse L. Hansen, 26, Tomah; and Daniel J. Grant, 32, New Berlin, was were referred to the district attorney for lewd and lascivious behavior after allegedly exposing themselves May 17 while housed as prisoners in the Monroe County Jail.

Wyatt R. Walters, 37, no address listed, was referred to the district attorney for failing to report to jail. He was scheduled to report April 5 for disorderly conduct and resisting an officer.

Benjamin P. Leis, 25, Sparta, was referred to the district attorney for bail jumping. He is accused of violating a bond condition that prohibits him from operating a motor vehicle unless property licensed.

Mikayla A. Leis, 22, Sparta, and Ashley N. Coville, 30, Tomah, were referred to the district attorney for conspiring to assault a fellow prisoner while housed at the Monroe County Jail.

According to the report, surveillance video shows Coville and Leis approaching one of the housing units with a spray bottle where a prisoner was sleeping and quickly leaving. The prisoner told jail staff she was sprayed in the face with a chemical, possibly glass or floor cleaner.

Leis was referred for aiding a crime and bail jumping. Coville was referred for battery to a prisoner and bail jumping.

Crystal Pharis, 24, Sparta, was referred to the district attorney for a May 4 incident in the Monroe County Jail.

The report says Pharis refused to comply with the booking process and attempted to bite an officer. The report says Pharis repeatedly sunk her teeth into a spit mask that officers were attempting to apply. During the struggle, an officer reported a scrape that extended from the wrist to elbow.

Pharis was referred for disorderly conduct, resisting an officer and battery by a prisoner.
A leading Pakistani newspaper on Sunday urged the government to pull out of the Saudi-led military alliance, saying its anti-Iran stance was harmful to Islamabad's interests.

The Dawn said in an editorial that Pakistan's decision to participate in the Islamic Military Alliance or IMA and to allow former Army chief General Raheel Sharif to accept a Saudi offer to militarily head it "appear to have been taken in haste".

The alliance "may have some counter-militancy aims but it is also increasingly clear that it has been conceived by the kingdom as an anti-Iran alliance", the Dawn said.

The editorial said the Muslim world did need leadership and coordination in the fight against militancy, terrorism and extremism and theoretically the IMA could be a meaningful platform. But it should have involved the entire Islamic world.

"The IMA is plainly the anti-thesis of that, and, therefore, a potentially dangerous and destabilizing alliance.

"The Saudi leadership has explicitly stated that Iran is a threat to Saudi Arabia and countries allied with it.

"President Trump and his administration have explicitly embraced the Saudi-led IMA as a potential counter to the influence of Iran in the Middle East."

The Dawn said Pakistan cannot afford to be part of "an overtly sectarian military alliance and membership and leadership of the IMA is inimical to the historical and future strategic interests of this country.

"While a close relationship with Saudi Arabia is warranted, better relations with Iran are necessary too.

"The government, the military leadership and Gen Sharif must urgently reconsider their position."
Britain's Prince Harry will begin his five-day visit to Singapore and Australia on Sunday to hold charity events including one that supports children living in Africa.

In Singapore, Harry will stage the Sentebale Polo Cup in aid of his charity of the same name, and will later travel to Australia to launch the 2018 Invictus Games which will be hosted by Sydney.

The charity polo match has become an important annual fund-raising event for Sentebale, a charity which works with children in Lesotho and Botswana who are coming to terms with being HIV positive, have AIDS or have lost their parents to the disease.

"Since Sentebale was founded in 2006, the charity has reached thousands of children and young people in Lesotho, and latterly in Botswana, who have been struggling to come to terms with living with the HIV by addressing their mental health and wellbeing, Press Association, Cathy Ferrier, Sentebale's chief executive officer, said.

"It is our ambition to see a reduction in the number of new HIV infections and AIDS-related deaths amongst adolescents in southern Africa, by putting youth first and equipping them with skills and relevant wraparound support that they need to lead healthy, productive lives," she said.

A 2004 gap year trip to the landlocked African nation of Lesotho inspired the prince to set up his charity two years later with the country's Prince Seeiso, younger brother of King Letsie III.

In November 2015 Sentebale opened its 2 million pounds Mamohato Children's Centre in Lesotho to scale up its Mamohato camps, a residential project providing psychological, social and practical support to children struggling to cope with being HIV positive.

In Sydney on Wednesday, the prince will attend events to celebrate the city's hosting of the 2018 Invictus Games, the international sporting competition for wounded, injured and sick service personnel and veterans founded by the prince in 2014.

The Invictus Games, which this year will be held in Toronto, Canada, has been the other main long-term focus of Harry's public work, and he is patron of the Invictus Games Foundation, which oversees the delivery of the tournament.
US President Donald Trump on Sunday criticised London Mayor Sadiq Khan for asking the British public to remain calm after the weekend terrorist attack.

Trump once more resorted to Twitter early Sunday morning to send a message that "We must stop being politically correct and get down to the business of security for our people. If we don't get smart it will only get worse."

Trump was referring to the Saturday night terrorist attack in London that left seven victims and three terrorists dead, along with dozens of civilians wounded, Efe reported.

The US president once again let diplomatic niceties fall by the wayside as he criticised Khan, a Muslim with whom he had already developed a tense relationship, for seeking to reassure Londoners, and other Britons, after the attack, although he took the mayor's remarks out of context.

"At least 7 dead and 48 wounded in terror attack and Mayor of London says there is 'no reason to be alarmed!'" Trump tweeted, apparently misunderstanding Khan's earlier statement.

"Londoners will see an increased police presence today and over the course of the next few days  no reason to be alarmed," Khan had said in a statement broadcast on the BBC.

"One of the things police and all of us need to do is make sure we're as safe as we possibly can be."

"Do you notice we are not having a gun debate right now? That's because they used knives and a truck!" Trump went on to say in yet another tweet.

Meanwhile, one of the mayor's spokesmen said on Sunday in response to Trump's tweets that Khan had "more important things to do" in terms of overseeing the city's response and recovery.

"The mayor is busy working with the police, emergency services and the government to coordinate the response to this horrific and cowardly terrorist attack and provide leadership and reassurance to Londoners and visitors to our city," the spokesman said.

"He has more important things to do than respond to Donald Trump's ill-informed tweet that deliberately takes out of context his remarks urging Londoners not to be alarmed when they saw more police  including armed officers  on the streets."

The Saturday evening attack, in which three attackers in a van mowed down a number of pedestrians on London Bridge and then stabbed many more at nearby Borough Market before being gunned down by police, comes just four days before Britain's national election on Thursday.

Seven people lost their lives in the attack and 48 were wounded or injured, of which 36 remain hospitalized, 21 of them in critical condition.


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Organization: QED Group, LLC

Project Name: USAID/Uganda Monitoring, Evaluation and

Learning Program

Duty Station: Kampala, Uganda

About QED:

The QED Group, LLC is a full-service international development firm

that provides practical solutions to social problems through sound analysis,

proven management techniques, and creative implementation. We focus our efforts

on two core practice areas: Monitoring & Evaluation and Knowledge

Management. We work with U.S. agencies and overseas governments, international

donors, private-sector clients, and PVOs/NGOs in more than 80 countries around

the world. Key clients include USAID, the U.S. Department of State, the Centers

for Disease Control and Prevention, the U.S. Department of Agriculture, and the

U.S. Trade and Development Agency.

About USAID/Uganda MEL Program:

The USAID/Uganda Monitoring, Evaluation and Learning Program, also

referred to as The Learning Contract, is a five-year activity that supports the

USAID Missions Program and Policy Development office. USAID/Uganda contracted

QED to implement this program, which provides Monitoring, Evaluation, and

Learning (MEL) support services and aims to increase USAID/Ugandas capacity to

implement a Mission-wide Collaboration, Learning and Adapting (CLA) approach.

Background:

The State of Ugandan

Agriculture Forum will be held in Kampala o/a February 2018. It will be a multi-day event with the primary

focus on how Uganda can be competitive in the international agricultural

markets. It will have approximately 1000 participants, including key

stakeholders from industry, relevant ministries, local government, policy

makers and private sector, civil society, the Parliament, researchers, and

development partners. Up to four regional follow-on events may also be carried

out to disseminate data and best practices as well as key outcomes of the main

event. The goal of the forum is to eliminate the top five agriculture

bottlenecks to make a difference in the lives of as many Ugandans as possible.

It is to encourage increased and better-targeted investment in the

countrys agricultural sector, and to better understand the current status,

potential and future prospects for agriculture in Uganda.

Job Summary: The High-Level Agriculture Forum Project Manager will

manage the conceptualization and organization of the forum, oversee data

review and new research commissioning, provide forum oversight; manage logistics associated with the forum, and

manage initial follow up and articulation of results of forum. The High-Level Agriculture Forum Project Manager willmanage the conceptualization and organization of the forum, oversee datareview and new research commissioning, provide forum oversight; manage logistics associated with the forum, andmanage initial follow up and articulation of results of forum.

Scope of Work:



project manager to oversee the conceptualization, planning, execution, and

follow up of a high-level agriculture convening tentatively scheduled for

February 2018, working title for the forum is The State of Ugandan Agriculture.The

consultant will ensure all activities under the SOW are completed in a

professional and timely manner. He/she

will work closely with the USAID/Uganda Economic Growth Office who is

ultimately responsible for the forum. QED requires the services of aproject manager to oversee the conceptualization, planning, execution, andfollow up of a high-level agriculture convening tentatively scheduled forFebruary 2018, working title for the forum is The State of Ugandan Agriculture.Theconsultant will ensure all activities under the SOW are completed in aprofessional and timely manner. He/shewill work closely with the USAID/Uganda Economic Growth Office who isultimately responsible for the forum.

The consultant is required to assist the mission to define the goal and

objectives of the event. The consultant will also help the mission to determine

the target participants, including

key stakeholders from national and international industry, relevant ministries,

local government, policy makers and private sector, civil society, the

Parliament, researchers, and development partners

interview key stakeholders in USAID, the GOU, private sector and others and

developing a plan based on this information. . The consultant willinterview key stakeholders in USAID, the GOU, private sector and others anddeveloping a plan based on this information. includingkey stakeholders from national and international industry, relevant ministries,local government, policy makers and private sector, civil society, theParliament, researchers, and development partners



made up of diverse stakeholders to build ownership and include multiple

perspectives in designing the event. Such assistance may include determining

suitable candidates, developing a terms of reference for the committee, and

additional logistics associated with supporting the meetings and decisions of

the steering committee. The consultant will assist the mission in forming a steering committeemade up of diverse stakeholders to build ownership and include multipleperspectives in designing the event. Such assistance may include determiningsuitable candidates, developing a terms of reference for the committee, andadditional logistics associated with supporting the meetings and decisions ofthe steering committee.

In line with the stated forum objectives and based on information

provided by the key stakeholders, readings, best practices, and other research,

the consultant will propose themes to be presented and discussed in the forum. Broadly,

illustrative themes include: regulations and policies, investments, partnerships,

political economy / rent seeking, economic participation and benefits for

women, land access, labor issues, finance, and information/knowledge. The

consultant will propose narrowing and tailoring themes to align with the forum

objectives.

The consultant, in concert with the Economic Growth Office, will prepare

a list of research, reports, and analyses to inform the forums objectives and

selected themes. The consultant will conduct a desk review of existing

materials and determine where the gaps exist, where materials should be

updated, and what new research needs to be commissioned. The consultant will

also research other agricultural forums in Uganda, East Africa and other parts

of Africa as required, to cull best practices, useful lines of inquiry, topics,

speakers, formats and so on. The consultant will manage research agendas and

researchers to produce high quality, timely research products to inform the

forum. The consultant will manage the

drafting, editing, finalizing, and distribution of the 20-page forum summary

document.

distribution of the materials to be provided before, during, and after the

forum. The consultant will further propose and manage the preparation anddistribution of the materials to be provided before, during, and after theforum. summarydocument.



but not limited to defining the duration of the event, presentation formats,

speakers, panel presentations, plenary and breakout sessions. The consultant

will manage the master of ceremonies, ensuring that the master of ceremonies

facilitator fully understands the forums objectives and is positioned to lead

the proceedings successfully. The consultant will oversee the logistics of the

event including but not limited to venue, managing invitations, post-event

communications with participants and speakers, pre/during/post-event press and

publicity if any, refreshments, VIP support if required, and all other support

to make the event a success. The consultant will define a structure for the multi-day forum, includingbut not limited to defining the duration of the event, presentation formats,speakers, panel presentations, plenary and breakout sessions. The consultantwill manage the master of ceremonies, ensuring that the master of ceremoniesfacilitator fully understands the forums objectives and is positioned to leadthe proceedings successfully. The consultant will oversee the logistics of theevent including but not limited to venue, managing invitations, post-eventcommunications with participants and speakers, pre/during/post-event press andpublicity if any, refreshments, VIP support if required, and all other supportto make the event a success.



after the forum. It will include details on who will do what, timing for

actions, intended outcomes for the various next steps, etc. The consultant will prepare a follow up plan for actions to be takenafter the forum. It will include details on who will do what, timing foractions, intended outcomes for the various next steps, etc.



oversee budget and contracts as outlined: The project manager willoversee budget and contracts as outlined:



Develop a costed event budget which allows for

cost sharing



Assist in recruitment of assistant to the forum

project manager, manage and train.



Recruit and train forum facilitators to support

planning and facilitation of main event and regional events (2 facilitators

with conference planning, facilitation, and training experience)



Recruit report writer, note-takers/timekeepers, photographers

and videographers to document events.



Identify at least three potential venues for the

main forum and three for Regional events that are available for event dates

(Identify cost of venue, food, AV equipment, and other costs)



With QED, contract venue and reserve

accommodation for out of town participants



Issue other contracts, as needed and approved by

QED



all forum communication and logistical support, including: Project manager will overseeall forum communication and logistical support, including:



Attend steering committee meetings and assist

with agenda development and preparation of support materials



Work with Government of Uganda on the

inter-ministerial forum coordination



Work with GOU, donors, private sector etc. to

assist with funding and buy into the event



Oversee sending of invitations to

speakers/moderators and confirm availability



Draft session outline and presentation template

and instructions to speakers and submit to USAID for approval and send to

speakers



Receive and prepare final presentations for

speakers/moderators



Oversee development and manage a forum website

and system for receiving registrations for the forum



Draft and send invitation to participants,

including instructions for registering for the forum and booking accommodation,

if necessary



Monitor registration, accommodation booking,

travel arrangements, shuttles, visa status for attendees, and confirmation of any

other special duties



Develop layout and print conference binders,

following Steering Committee approval



Provide pre-departure logistics support to

participants



Organize shuttles, if necessary



Draft and send pre-departure logistics letter to

participants and package of forum materials.



Draft and publish Press Release with USAID

approval



Draft instructions/templates for note takers and

provide with laptops



Develop timecards



Develop Evaluation Form



Develop Agenda at a glance



Develop Detailed Agenda with session summaries



Load conference binder material on USBs



Print nametags



Prepare venue and manage the team for all event

logistics (manage registration table, post signage, facilitate meals, organize

and distribute Binders, etc..)



Provide other logistical support, as needed

Deliverables:

A) Detailed

plan for preparing, executing, and following up the forum

B) Regular

informal progress reports

C) Plan

of research

D) Completed

research, reports, and analyses, and other materials for distribution,

including forum summary document

E) Successful

execution of high level agriculture forum

F) Forum

notes, photographs and report including post-forum follow up plan

Qualifications, Skills and Experience:

The

applicant should preferably hold a Bachelors degree in business,

economics, agriculture, social sciences, international development, or a

related field.

At least seven years of related work experience

with mid-level expertise

Previous experience with designing and overseeing large, high level

stakeholder events.



agendas. Experience managing technical researchagendas.



government and private sector actors. Experience interacting with high levelgovernment and private sector actors.



agri-business sector. Experience working with agriculture oragri-business sector.



organizational skills, including an ability to multitask in a fast-paced

environment Excellent customer service andorganizational skills, including an ability to multitask in a fast-pacedenvironment



cross-cultural skills, both in person and by phone, with high professionalism Excellent interpersonal andcross-cultural skills, both in person and by phone, with high professionalism

Excellent attention to detail



independently Ability to solve problems and workindependently



and budget preparations Strong computer skills, including Exceland budget preparations

Level of Effort and Consultant(s) Needed: The anticipated LOE

for this event is approximately full time over the period of performance (Immediately

 one year) with anticipated additional resources (facilitators) at the time of

the event (anticipated February 2018).

How to Apply:



criteria should send their CV, Cover letter and Bio Data Form,

expressing interest to thelearningcontract.recruit@gmail.com

with the subject line as ATTN: Consultancy Opportunity (USAID/Uganda High-Level Agriculture Forum Project Manager. All suitably qualified and interested Candidates who meet the abovecriteria should send their CV, Cover letter and Bio Data Form, download here expressing interest towith the subject line as ATTN: Consultancy Opportunity (USAID/Uganda High-Level Agriculture Forum Project Manager.

th June, 2017 by 5:00pm



Deadline: 9June, 2017 by 5:00pm
In what can act as a clinching evidence of Pakistan's terror funding in Kashmir Valley, the National Investigation Agency has recovered Pakistani currency running into a few thousand and currencies belonging to the UAE and Saudi Arabia apart from other incriminating material during its searches. The agency is probing alleged financiers, hawala operators and office bearers of some of the separatist groups in the Valley in connection with a Pakistan terror funding case in which Lashkar patron Hafiz Saeed has been named in the FIR.

The persons possessing the Pakistan currency were being questioned about the same, official sources said. They said the source of the flow of Pakistani currency would be probed to establish the purpose for which such money was being used.

Meanwhile, in continuation of Saturday's searches at multiple locations in Kashmir, Delhi and Haryana, the NIA took up fresh searches on Sunday at five more locations belonging to secessionist and separatist elements and traders suspected of hawala activities and terror funding in Jammu and Kashmir. "Searches are underway at four places in Kashmir and one place in Jammu," officials said.

The NIA had confirmed on Saturday that prominent businessmen and separatist leaders whose houses were raided include Zahoor Watali, Raja Zahoor Khan, Farooq Ahmad Dar alias Bitta Karate and Naeem Khan. While Watali and Zahoor Khan are prominent businessmen, Naeem Khan was Chairman of National Front before he was suspended while Dar belongs to JKLF(R).

Not just cash running into a few crores, but gold jewellery and coins worth about Rs 40 lakh, besides other incriminating documents like phone diaries, katchcha receipts and vouchers have been seized from the alleged financiers, hawala operators, office bearers of separatist groups during the searches, NIA officials said. The raids were conducted at 26 locations in Kashmir, Delhi and Haryana on Saturday. The NIA has ordered freezing of the bank accounts and lockers, and the accused persons have been summoned for questioning .

Laptops, pen drives and mobile phones have also been seized and will be investigated by the probe agency for further leads, the sources said .

Official sources in the NIA said that the agency will probe the "entire chain of players behind financing of terrorist activities including pelting of stones on security forces, burning of schools, damaging government establishments and so on."
Seven people were killed by militants who drove a van at high speed into pedestrians on London Bridge and then stabbed revellers in the nearby Borough Market area on Saturday.

Britain's third militant attack in as many months came five days before a national election which British Prime Minister Theresa May said would go ahead on Thursday as planned.

May said the perpetrators were Islamist militants and called for a tougher counter-terrorism strategy. All three attackers were shot dead by police and 48 people were injured.

The following is what is known so far:

WHAT?

Three attackers drove a white van at high speed into pedestrians walking on London Bridge, police said.

A witness told Reuters that at least six people were hit on the bridge.

"It looked like he was aiming for groups of people. I froze because I didn't know what to do," Mark Roberts, a 53-year-old management consultant, told Reuters. "It was horrendous.

"Police said they responded to the incident on London Bridge at 2208 (2108 GMT) and that three suspects had been shot and killed. "We believe that the threat that they posed was neutralised in 8 minutes," Metropolitan Police Commissioner Cressida Dick told reporters.

Police did not believe anyone else was involved but were working to make absolutely certain, she added. The area around London Bridge and Borough Market remains cordoned off.

ARRESTS

Police arrested 12 people on Sunday in the Barking area of east London in connection with the attack. A Reuters photographer saw four women being escorted into the back of police vans.

After the incident on the bridge, the three men left the vehicle and attacked people with knives in the nearby Borough Market area on the south side of the Thames, police said.

Witnesses said the attackers stabbed people in the street and in pubs and restaurants in Borough Market.

"Armed response officers then responded very quickly and bravely and confronted the three male suspects who were shot and killed on Borough Market," Mark Rowley, Britain's top anti-terrorism officer, said.

"The suspects were wearing what looked like explosive vests but these were later established to be hoaxes."

One of them was shown in a photograph lying on the ground outside the Wheatsheaf pub.Another man, also reported to be an attacker, was pictured on the ground a short distance away. Witnesses said they heard gunfire in the area.A Reuters reporter nearby said he heard loud bangs afterwards that may have been controlled explosions.

WHO?

At 0025 British time on Sunday the attacks at London Bridge and Borough Market were declared as terrorist incidents.

May said the attacks were inspired by what she called a "single, evil ideology of Islamist extremism" that represented a perversion of Islam and of the truth. Britain's "COBR" emergency response committee, which includes intelligence and security chiefs as well as senior ministers, met on Sunday. Afterwards, May said there was no direct relationship between the London Bridge attack, the suicide bombing at a concert in Manchester that killed 22 people two weeks ago, and another vehicle and knife attack in Westminster in March which killed five people.

She called for a review of counter-terrorism strategy.

"We believe we are experiencing a new trend in the threat we face, as terrorism breeds terrorism, and perpetrators are inspired to attack not only on the basis of carefully-constructed plots after years of planning and trainingand not even as lone attackers radicalised onlinebut by copying one another and often using the crudest means of attack," she said.

Islamic State on Saturday sent out a call on instant messaging service Telegram urging its followers to launch attacks with trucks, knives and guns against "Crusaders" during the Muslim holy month of Ramadan. The United Kingdom is due to hold a national election on June 8.

Major political parties suspended national campaigning for the June 8 election in the wake of the attack, with the exception of the anti-European United Kingdom Independence Party.

Saturday's attack came less than two weeks after a suicide bomber Salman Abedi blew himself up at a concert in Manchester on May 22, killing at least 22.

Britain raised its terror threat to the highest level of "critical" and deployed troops on the streets on May 23, a day after the Manchester suicide attack. The critical level means another attack could be imminent. It was reduced to "severe", which means an attack is highly likely, on May 27.

On March 22, Khalid Masood ploughed a rented car into pedestrians on Westminster Bridge in London and stabbed a policeman to death before being shot dead. His attack killed five people.- U.S. President Donald Trump tweeted: "Whatever the United States can do to help out in London and the UK, we will be there - WE ARE WITH YOU. GOD BLESS!"

A separate incident in Vauxhall, two miles away, was not related to the other two incidents, police said.
New York is stepping up security as high-profile locations following the terror attacks in London.

NY Governor Cuomo released the following statement on Saturday night:

My heart goes out to the victims of the shocking incidents in London. These apparent terrorist attacks are cowardly and senseless acts that go against everything we believe in, and a sad and sobering reminder of the threats we face today. In the wake of this horrific violence, New York stands with the people of Britain  as they have always done for us.

The safety and security of New Yorkers is our top priority, and we will continue to remain vigilant. We are in close contact with federal and local officials, and I have directed state law enforcement officials to step up security and patrols at high-profile locations across New York, including our airports, bridges, tunnels and mass transit systems.

(Charles Gross  YWN)
By Rabbi Yair Hoffman for the Five Towns Jewish Times

The New York Times reported that this past Friday night, the host of HBOs Real Time, comedian Bill Maher, used a racial epithet during an interview with Nebraska Senator, Ben Sasse.

In a bizarre exchange, Senator Sasse invited Maher to Nebraska saying, Wed love to have you work in the fields with us.

Maher responded, Work in the fields? Senator, Im a house N____.

Maher apologized the next day.

From a Torah perspective, racism in all forms is inherently wrong and immoral. There are a number of reasons for this.

This author recalls Rav Yisroel Belsky ztl being asked this question at a Q&A session in Camp Agudah. Rav Belsky explained that all people were created BTzelem Elokim, in Hashems image. He cited Pirkei Avos where Rabbi Akiva taught: Beloved is man, for he was created in the image; an even greater expression of love is that it was made known to him that he was created in the image [of Hashem, as it is stated: For in the image of Hashem He made man. Every person has a Divine dignity to them.

The great Roshei Yeshiva explained that the Nazis, yimach shemam, had lost their tzelem elokim because of the depraved murderous acts that they had done. The implication is that others, all others, have their tzelem elokim.

Rav Chaim Dovid HaLevi in his Assei lecha Rav (Vol. VIII #68) decries the notion of racism and describes Torah hashkafa as being entirely free from it. In respona #69 he cites the Rambams Iggeres Teiman indicating that the sole distinction between Klal Yisroel and other nations is tha we agreed to keep the Torah.

MECHANEH SHEM RA

Use of a pejorative term to describe an entire group of people is also a violation of hamechaneh shem ra lchaveiro. The Gemara in Bava Metzia (58b) states that all the people who descend to Gehinnom arise from there with the exception of three kinds: adulterers; those who affix a pejorative name to another; and one who embarrasses his friend in public. These three never arise. This halachah is stated in Shulchan Aruch (Choshen Mishpat 228:5) and is nogaya. In this case it would be even worse because he is hitting an entire group of people.

The Rambam (Hilchos Teshuvah 3:14) lists this as one of the 24 categories of people that have no share in the World to Come.

MISKABED BKALON CHAVEIRO

Another issue in this particular case is called miskabed bkalon chaveiro, receiving honor through the embarrassment of another. The Midrash Rabbah (Bereishis 1:5) quotes Rabbi Yossi bar Rabi Chanina that whosoever receives honor through the embarrassment of another has no share in the World to Come. It is also cited in the Talmud Yerushalmi (Chagigah 2:1).

We find throughout halacha the notion of kavod habrios  human dignity. Nowhere is this defined exclusively as Jewish dignity or white dignity like those mitzvos of amisecha vrchulay. All of mankind is endowed with it.

A fascinating thought is presented by Rav Aharon Soloveitchik from the Talmud Yerushalmi in Bava Metzia (2:5). There, Rabbi Shimon ben Shetach returned a pearl to an Arab idol-worshipper, after the pearl was discovered on the donkey he had purchase from the Arab. Although it would not technically be considered stealing, Rabbi Shimon ben Shetach responded, Did you take me for a barbarian? Shimon Ben Shetach would rather hear the G-d of the Jews praised than all the money of this world.

The use of the term barbarian intrigues Rav Soloveitchik. He explains that it means anyone who would treat an outsider or an other in a manner that is different than the in group. It is a Kiddush Hashem, a sanctification of Hashems Name when the Arab idol-worshipper sees others treated in the same manner.

When and if there are manifestation of racism among our peers it is something that should be corrected as it is an affront to the Creator  in that everyone was created in His image.

The author can be reached at [email protected]
Following Saturday nights terror attacks in London, the NYPD has deployed members of its Critical Response Command to heavily traveled pedestrian locations around the city, but stressed there are no specific, credible threats to the city.

Go about your Sat. night, NYPD cops are protecting you, the Police Department said in a tweet. Our prayers are with all in London.

Mayor Bill de Blasio said on Twitter that people should not be alarmed by the increased police presence in the city.

In a separate tweet, the mayor said: New York City stands with the people of London. Our prayers are with the victims, their families and the courageous first responders.

(AP)
U.S. Defense Secretary Jim Mattis turned up the heat on North Korea and its main benefactor, China, on Saturday, calling the North Koreans a clear and present danger and chastising the Chinese for coercive behavior in the South China Sea.

His sharp words for both countries suggest he believes China will, out of self-interest, exert leverage on North Korea to halt its nuclear and missile programs even as Washington pushes Beijing to change course in the South China Sea.

Speaking at an international security conference in Singapore, Mattis said the Trump administration is encouraged by Chinas renewed commitment to working with the U.S. and others to rid North Korea of its nuclear weapons. He also said he thinks China ultimately will see it as a liability rather than an asset.

China blocked tough new sanctions against North Korea that the United States pushed in the U.N. Security Council on Friday. However, the Security Council did vote unanimously to add 15 individuals and four entities linked to the Norths nuclear and missile programs to a U.N. sanctions blacklist.

In his speech to the Shangri-La Dialogue, sponsored by the International Institute for Strategic Studies, Mattis sought to balance his hopeful comments on China with sharp criticism of what he called Beijings disregard for international law by its indisputable militarization of artificial islands in disputed areas of the South China Sea.

We oppose countries militarizing artificial islands and enforcing excessive maritime claims unsupported by international law, he said. We cannot and will not accept unilateral, coercive changes to the status quo.

Rep. Mac Thornberry, a Republican from Texas and chairman of the House Armed Services Committee, told a news conference later that he believed Mattis had effectively stressed the U.S. commitment to allies in the Asia-Pacific region.

He was very clear, very strong, said Thornberry, who led a bipartisan congressional delegation on an Asia tour and attended Saturdays Singapore conference.

Overall, Mattis speech struck a positive, hopeful tone for cooperation and peace in the Asia-Pacific region, where he and his predecessors have made it a priority to nurture and strengthen alliances and partnerships.

While competition between the U.S. and China, the worlds two largest economies, is bound to occur, conflict is not inevitable, he said. Our two countries can and do cooperate for mutual benefit. We will pledge to work closely with China where we share common cause.

He was, however, unrelentingly critical of North Korea, a politically and economically isolated nation whose leaders have long viewed the United States as a military threat, in part because of periodic U.S. military exercises with South Korea, which the North sees as preparations for attacks aimed at destroying its ruling elite.

He called North Korea an urgent military threat. In a question-and-answer session with his audience of national security experts from across the globe, Mattis was asked whether the U.S. might attack the North pre-emptively and without warning South Korea in advance.

Were working diplomatically, economically, were trying to exhaust all possible alternatives to avert this race for a nuclear weapon in violation of  the United Nations restrictions on North Koreas activities, he said.

We want to stop this. We consider it urgent, he added.

The U.S. has about 28,500 troops permanently based in South Korea, a defense treaty ally.

North Koreas continued pursuit of nuclear weapons and the means to deliver them is not new, Mattis said in his prepared remarks.

But the regime has increased the pace and scope of its efforts, he added, alluding to the Norths series of nuclear device tests in recent years and an accelerated pace of missile tests seemingly aimed at building a rocket with enough range to hit the U.S.

While the North Korean regime has a long record of murder of diplomats, of kidnapping, killing of sailors and criminal activity, its nuclear weapons program is maturing as a threat to all, Mattis said. As a matter of national security, the United States regards the threat from North Korea as a clear and present danger.

Mattis made no mention of President Donald Trumps decision to pull the U.S. out of the Paris climate change agreement.

The issue arose briefly during questions from his audience, but Mattis did not address it directly. An Australian questioner asked, in light of Trumps abandonment of an international trade deal known as the Trans-Pacific Partnership, and his withdrawal from the Paris climate deal, why should we not fret that we are present at the destruction of a global rules-based order?

Theres going to be fresh approaches taken to various issues by Trump, Mattis said, while making it clear that he personally believes the U.S. needs to avoid isolationist tendencies.

Like it or not, were part of the world, he said.

(AP)
Does he or doesnt he? Believe in climate change, that is.

Youd think that would be an easy enough question the day after President Donald Trump announced he was pulling the U.S. out of the landmark global accord aimed at combatting global warming.

But dont bother asking at the White House.

I have not had an opportunity to have that discussion with the president, responded press secretary Sean Spicer on Friday.

You should ask him that, offered White House counselor Kellyanne Conway.

Environmental Protection Agency chief Scott Pruitt dodged the question, too.

The president also ignored it during an unrelated bill-signing.

But his U.N. ambassador, Nikki Haley, answered the question in a new way this weekend.

President Trump believes the climate is changing, she said on CNNs State of the Union. And he believes pollutants are part of that equation. So that is the fact.

If so, its quite a reversal for Trump, who spent years publicly bashing the idea of global warming as a hoax and total con job in books, interviews and tweets. He openly challenged the scientific consensus that the climate is changing and man-made carbon emissions are largely to blame.

Global warming is an expensive hoax! he tweeted in 2014.

But Trump has been largely silent on the issue since his election last fall. On Thursday, he made scarce mention of it in his lengthy remarks announcing Americas exit from the Paris accord. Instead, he framed his decision as based on economics.

Heres what hes said before:

___

TRUMPS TWEETS:

The presidents twitter feed once was filled with references to so-called global warming being a total con job based on faulty science and manipulated data.

An Associated Press search of his twitter archives revealed at least 90 instances in which he has referred to global warming and climate change since 2011. In nearly every instance, he expressed skepticism or mockery.

This very expensive GLOBAL WARMING bulls has got to stop, he wrote in January 2014, spelling out the vulgarity.

Often the president has pointed to cold weather as evidence the climate scientists are wrong.

Its 46 (really cold) and snowing in New York on Memorial Day  tell the so-called scientists that we want global warming right now! he wrote in May 2013  one of several instances in which he said that warming would be welcome.

Where the hell is global warming when you need it? he asked in January 2015.

The same message was echoed in the presidents books.

In Great Again: How to Fix Our Crippled America, Trump made a reference to the mistaken belief that global climate change is being caused by carbon emissions.

If you dont buy that  and I dont  then what we have is really just an expensive way of making the tree-huggers feel good about themselves, he wrote.

___

CANDIDATE AND SKEPTIC:

Im not a believer in man-made global warming, Trump told conservative radio host Hugh Hewitt in September 2015, after launching his bid for the White House. He bemoaned the fact that the U.S. was investing money and doing things to solve a problem that I dont think in any major fashion exists.

I am not a believer, he added, Unless somebody can prove something to me  I am not a believer and we have much bigger problems.

By March 2016, the president appeared to allow that the climate was changing  but continued to doubt humans were to blame.

I think theres a change in weather. I am not a great believer in man-made climate change. Im not a great believer, he told The Washington Post. There is certainly a change in weather, he said.

Then-campaign manager, Conway explained Trumps view this way: He believes that global warming is naturally occurring. That there are shifts naturally occurring.

___

EVOLVING PRESIDENT:

In an interview with The New York Times in November, after the election, Trump was asked repeatedly whether he intended to leave the Paris accord and appeared to have a new open-mindedness.

Im looking at it very closely, Trump told the newspaper. I have an open mind to it. Were going to look very carefully.

He went on to say that he thought there is some connectivity between human activity and the changing climate, but that, It depends on how much.

Asked about the comment several days later, Trumps now-chief of staff Reince Priebus told Fox News that Trump has his default position, which is that most of it is a bunch of bunk.

But hell have an open mind and listen to people, he said.

Stay tuned.

(AP)
By Rabbi Yair Hoffman for the Five Towns Jewish Times

For the Refuah Shleimah of Boruch Zev Ben Bracha and Yerachmiel Ben Chana Goldy

In the post-Shavuos season where a number of people were enthused about renewing their commitment to Torah, some have asked: What should we be learning?

The Mishna Brurah (155:3) writes as follows: A person is obligated to learn Torah shbksav every day, as well as Mishnayos, Gemorah and the Poskim. He then states, Baalei Batim people who work, who can only learn 3 or 4 hours in the day, should not just study Gemorah alone. For in this they are NOT YOTZEH. Rather, he must specifically also learn the works of the Poskim  each one according to his abilities.

The authors books can be purchased at amazon.com

This is based and referenced to the Shach in Yore Deah 246:5.

A few paragraphs later, the Chofetz Chaim adds that it is proper that a persons essential learning be in matters of halacha so that he can know what to do practically.

This is not to say that he should not study Gemorah. Getting into Gemorah is a means in which one can help make Torah his way of life.

In the introduction to volume one of the Mishna Brurah, the Chofetz Chaim writes that even though one fulfills the positive Mitzvah of Talmud Torah in whatever area of Torah he learns  including Kodshim and Taharos, his essential learning should be in matters that apply most. The Chofetz Chaim writes that the Orech Chaim section is the section of Shulchan Aruch that is most applicable. All the other sections are necessary but first and foremost he should make Orech Chaim primary. Without Orech Chaim one can raise neither his hand nor his foot.

The author can be reached at [email protected]

The authors books can be purchased at amazon.com
Prominent left-wing attorney and human rights activist Gabi Lesky, who is affiliated with the Yisrael Chofsheet organization, spoke to Noam Zeigler on Sunday morning after a number of guests condemned the actions of police in Meah Shearim on erev Shabbos. She was referring to the fact that persons were arrested for attacking and undercover policeman dressed as a frum IDF soldier.

When asked about filing complaints with the Justice Ministry Police Investigations Unit, attorney Lesky explained one has this option, but unfortunately, this unit needs to clean up its act too. She cited all too often, the unit will dismiss a case for what it calls a lack of public interest, with Lesky asking what does public interest have to do with prosecuting police brutality.

Zeigman:

Perhaps we have to enter into dialogue regarding allegations with chareidi community. You folks are focal when Arab rights are violated but we do not hear you or your colleagues despite the difficult videos from Friday in Meah Shearim.

Kesky:

You are correct and this has to be examined. Perhaps we have to meet with chareidim towards establishing a working relationship.

(YWN  Israel Desk, Jerusalem)
The U.S. State Department says that the United States condemns the cowardly attacks targeting innocent civilians in London this evening.

State Department spokeswoman Heather Nauert said Saturday evening: The United States stands ready to provide any assistance authorities in the United Kingdom may request.

She said: Our hearts are with the families and loved ones of the victims. We wish a full and quick recovery to those injured in the attacks. All Americans stand in solidarity with the people of the United Kingdom.

The agencys statement was similar in tone to a tweet from President Donald Trump earlier in the evening: Whatever the United States can do to help out in London and the U. K., we will be there  WE ARE WITH YOU. GOD BLESS! 

(AP)
Top investors are objection to Tesco's proposed 3.7bn takeover of Booker

Tesco's 3.7billion takeover of wholesaler Booker is facing fresh opposition from the supermarket's major investors.

Schroders and Artisan have already called for the deal to be abandoned, warning that it could damage the retailer's turnaround since it posted a 6.4billion loss in 2015.

Now Daniel O'Keefe, a managing director at Artisan, told the Sunday Telegraph that he has not found any other shareholders who actively support it.

He said: 'My sense is that you have shareholders who are wavering between indifference and outright distaste for the deal.'

Booker supplies 450,000 caterers  such as Wagamama and Carluccio's  and thousands of local grocery retailers, as well as owning Londis and Budgens.

A takeover by Tesco could see the combined firm owning more than a quarter of the UK convenience store market.

Competition officials are investigating the tie-up due to concerns it could reduce competition and choice for customers.

Tesco declined to comment.
WEB DEAL Online supermarket Ocado has signed a deal with a mystery European retailer to provide software and support as it sets up a delivery service.

Ocado said that discussions with other retailers around the world were ongoing and it expects to sign more deals soon.

WINE WHINE High-end alcohol merchant Woolf Sung boasted soaring whisky sales but warned the weak pound may force it to delay importing some fine wines.

GOLD COUP Peter Hambro, 72, the chairman of gold miner Petropavlovsk, has written to shareholders urging them to reject an attempted boardroom coup.

The AGM is due to take place on June 22.

PHONE LINK Telecoms giants Vodafone and LG have teamed up in South Korea. Under the partnership, Vodafone will support LG Uplus and the companies will sell joint communications services to large companies in the region.

NET LOSS Electronics retailer AO World is expected to reveal losses of between 5.9million and 9.2million when it publishes its annual results tomorrow.

The online firm has been caught between a jump in import costs and squeezed consumer spending. Shares have plunged 62 per cent since its 2014 listing.

TECH AWAY Venture capital firm Draper Esprit has raised an extra 160million to help European tech companies succeed globally.

TURKEY PIZZA The firm that franchises Dominos Pizza in Turkey, Russia, Azerbaijan and Georgia  DP Eurasia  is gearing up to list on the London Stock Exchange.
The Gianforte debacle has brought out the worst in our state, citizens and media. Montana is now seen as hoodlums and fools by a torn nation that has become a worldwide laughingstock after electing a belligerent buffoon president.

Its demoralizing to read online comments defending Gianforte. Justification for his thuggish behavior boils down to David Holmess attitude: Kick some lying liberal fake news ass! I love it!

The liberal fake news reporter, Ben Jacobs of The Guardian, legitimately requested Gianfortes reaction to the Republican healthcare CBO score, earning him a vicious physical and verbal assault. Is this the new Christian conservative role model?

The First Amendment is under assault, not just one reporter. Trust in the Fourth Estate is rapidly eroding. My trust was seriously damaged when Lee Enterprises endorsed a thin-skinned candidate whose only achievement was to get rich and donate money to right-wing hate groups. KECIs refusal to report the misdemeanor assault charge didnt help.

The ragged remnants of our free press is constantly condemned by a despot whaling, fake news! which is being mindlessly mimicked by his followers. If these media assaults are successful, well surely lose everything that made us great, if we havent already.

Wanda LaCroix
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By Philip Newman

A 68-year-old Jamaica man has been charged with stealing more than $100,000 from an 83-year-old female friend who gave him power of attorney to act in her case when her health, including her eyesight, was deteriorating.

Queens District Attorney Richard Brown said the defendant, Herman Smith was arraigned May 23 before Queens Criminal Court Judge Eugene Guarino on a criminal complaint charging Smith with one count each of larceny, scheme to defraud and endangering the welfare of an incompetent person.

Smith was released under supervision and ordered to return to court June 27, the DA said. He could face as much as 15 years in prison if convicted.

This is a clear example of why people have to be very careful to whom they give power of attorney over their financial affairs, Brown said. In this case, the defendant is accused of betraying the trust of a friend to unscrupulously steal more than $100,000 from her and with attempting to steal additional monies by liquidating an investment account she maintained to open a guaranteed lifetime annuity account, listing himself on the application as the sole beneficiary and the purported spouse of the victim.

Brown said that, according to the charges, the power of attorney did not grant Smith permission or authority to transfer and/or withdraw monies for any purpose other than to assist her with her financial responsibilities.

The DA said Smith paid bills on behalf of the victim and represented her at a real estate closing for a property she owned in North Columbus Avenue in Freeport. In September 2015, the victim moved to North Carolina and, upon her departure, she authorized Smith to represent her at the sale of a second property she owned in Freeport.

Irregularities were discovered in two Chase bank accounts that belonged to the victims and eventually led to Smiths arrest, according to the district attorney.
By Dan Murphy with Frank Spotorno

Frank Spotornos fight to bring our jobs home to America has taken a detour. Recently Spotorno has been focusing his attention on the thriving construction industry in New York City and the fact that, on most NYC construction jobs sites, more than 70% of the workers are undocumented.

Union members and American citizens are being passed over for jobs right here in New York City, said Spotorno. Yes we need to bring some of the millions of manufacturing and call center jobs back to the USA from overseas, but at the same time we need to call out those who are refusing to hire union members and Americans on job sites right here at home.

The reason union members are being passed over for jobs on most construction sites? No elected official or government agency is willing to enforce the laws on the books and require that all employees fill out an I-9 form.

NYC Mayor Bill De Blasio, a progressive liberal, has proclaimed NYC to be a sanctuary city. De Blasio continues to get union support and endorsement despite the fact that he refuses to address the illegal hiring all over his city.

Republicans in NYC also refuse to address the problem because of their alliance with the Real Estate Board of New York, REBNY, a powerful interest group that wants the redevelopment of NYC to continue and wants projects built at the cheapest price.

Spotorno has clashed with REBNY before. For the past three years, Spotorno, an elevator inspector and manufacturer located in Queens, NY, has tried to get New York State to pass elevator safety legislation which would require that elevator mechanics and inspectors be licensed and trained. REBNY has successfully blocked the legislation in the republican majority NY State Senate.

This is the problem with our politicians today. Theres nobody looking out for the working man, and the American worker that has played by the rules and paid their taxes. They cant find a job because both parties look the other way when it comes to speaking out for jobs for Americans. I wont stop speaking out until someone takes notice and takes action and enforces the laws on the books.
The One Love Manchester tribute concert kicked off Sunday evening outside of London, with thousands attending despite the events surrounding yet another terrorist attack at the London Bridge Saturday night.

The concert was organized as a fundraiser for the victims of a deadly suicide bombing at pop star Ariana Grande's concert that happened two weeks ago in Manchester.
Ahead of the State examinations, which begin this month, pharmacists are offering advice on how to manage exam stress to prevent it having a negative impact on the health and wellbeing of exam students.

Over 115,000 students will sit either the Junior or Leaving Certificate this summer. According to Caitriona O Riordan, a member of the Irish Pharmacy Union (IPU) Executive Committee, Stressed and tired exam students can experience stomach upsets, diarrhoea, cold sores and tension headaches. Students with conditions such as asthma, sinusitis and allergic reactions can find those aggravated at exam time.

The last thing any student or parent wants is for a bout of ill-health to affect last-minute revision or exam performance and pharmacists are frequently asked for advice from concerned parents on how to help their children to mind their health at exam time. It is hard to avoid stress altogether but if any student or their parent is concerned about a stress-related minor ailment during exam time, they can ask their pharmacist for advice, said Ms O Riordan.

Exam Stress Minor Ailments Advice from Pharmacists

Promote good health: Eat regular, well-balanced, healthy meals and get sufficient sleep. Consider taking multivitamins.

Headache: Drink plenty of water to avoid dehydration. Study in a well-ventilated room and take regular breaks.

Stomach upsets: Try to eat well. Eat small amounts regularly and avoid junk and spicy foods.

Eczema: Keep the skin well moisturised with ointments and lotions. Avoid products with a high alcohol content as these can irritate sensitive skin.

Asthma: Use inhalers as advised by your doctor or pharmacist. Preventative inhalers should be used regularly. Carry an inhaler with you at all times so that it can be used during an exam, if required.

Hay Fever: If you suffer with hay fever, keep doors and windows closed when studying and avoid going outdoors when the pollen count is at its highest. Students who need to take antihistamines should make sure to take tablets that dont cause drowsiness.

Insomnia: Make sure to get enough sleep. Avoid products containing caffeine. Take some light exercise or a bath or shower in order to relax before bedtime. Dont study in bed as the brain will become over-stimulated.
AGM  Wednesday 31st May

The annual AGM of Devilsbit Macra na Feirme will take place in Clonmore Hall on Wednesday 31st May 2017 at 8pm. We will elect a new committee for coming Macra year so we hope to see as many members there as possible. We would like to say a sincere thank you and well done to our outgoing committee officers and we wish the incoming committee for Devilsbit every success for the upcoming Macra year.

Blue Jeans Queen

This years North Tipperary Blue Jeans Country Queen representative is Devilsbits very own Miriam Crone. The Blue Jean Country Queen Festival will take place Friday 2nd  Monday 5th June in Athboy, Co. Meath with contestants from Macra clubs all over the country coming together to compete for the title of Blue Jean Country Queen 2017. Miriam is a fabulous candidate and a very active member of Devilsbit Macra, having recently hosted a Bake Sale in aid of the ISPCC in the McCauley Centre, Templemore which was a great success. We look forward to a great weekend in Athboy and to supporting Miriam as she takes to the stage.

Discussion Group

Well done to our Young Farmers Discussion Group who organised a talk in Fitzpatricks pub, Clonmore last week. The line up for the night consisted of Morgan Sullivan who spoke about EBI and breeding, Nicky Byrne who spoke about grass variety selection and Liam Hanrahan who spoke about key performance indicators for dairy herds. Sincere thanks to all who supported the night.

Devilsbit Tag Rugby

Well done to our Tag Rugby team who won the North Tipperary Tag Rugby competition against Nenagh Macra and are now progressing to next round of the competition on the June Bank Holiday. Well done also to our Tag team who won a recent challenge game against Fermoy Macra from Cork. Practise continues to take place every Monday and Wednesday in Clonmore GAA field. All are more than welcome.

Sky Dive for Youth Suicide Prevention

Well done to our club member Padraic Kennedy who took part in a sky dive for Youth Suicide Prevention Ireland on Sunday 14th May. Padraic carried out a Freefall Tandem Parachute Jump from an altitude of 13,000 feet. What a super achievement in aid of a very worthy cause. Well done, Padraic.

James (Jimmy) Maher of The Orchard, RIP

Devilsbit Macra na Feirme would like to acknowledge the recent death of a prominent member of Macra na Feirme, Jimmy Maher of The Orchard, Shankakill and wish to extend our condolences to his wife Margaret, his son Tim, his daughter Catherine and members of the extended Maher family. Jimmy Maher was one of the founding members of Clonmore Macra na Feirme in 1969. In 1970 he was elected as club Chairman. During his tenure as Chairman, the club won County Club of the Year and organised numerous field days and events. Jimmy instilled a love of Macra in his son and daughter, Tim and Catherine. Tim and Catherine are long standing and prominent Macra members who have both carried on the Macra tradition in roles such as Chairperson of Devilsbit Macra na Feirme and Chairperson of North Tipperary Macra na Feirme. The Macra na Ferime Guard of Honour at Jimmys funeral is a testament to the regard Jimmy and his family are held in within Macra na Feirme.

Ar dheis de go raibh a anam.
[June 04, 2017] First Presentation of Efficacy Data from CheckMate -204 Evaluating the Combination of Opdivo (nivolumab) and Yervoy (ipilimumab) Demonstrates Anti-tumor Activity in Advanced Melanoma Patients with Brain Metastases

Bristol-Myers Squibb Company (NYSE:BMY) today announced efficacy and safety data from CheckMate -204, the first Phase 2 study to evaluate Opdivo plus Yervoy as a potential treatment for patients with melanoma metastatic to the brain. The primary endpoint of intracranial (IC) clinical benefit rate (CBR), defined as complete response plus partial response plus stable disease = 6 months, was 60% (95% CI: 48 to 71) at the median follow-up of 9.2 months among the 75 evaluated patients. These data will be presented during an oral session today from 10:12 - 10:24 a.m. CDT (News - Alert) during the Melanoma/Skin Cancers session in the Arie Crown Theater at the American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) Annual Meeting 2017. "More than 60 percent of patients with stage IV melanoma eventually develop brain metastases, which are a major cause of illness and death among these patients," said Hussein Tawbi, M.D., PhD, Associate Professor, Department of Melanoma Medical Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center. "These results from the CheckMate -204 trial are the first efficacy data investigating the use of an Immuno-Oncology combination for the treatment of patients with untreated melanoma brain metastases. The use of upfront systemic therapy is a novel approach in this population where radiation therapy is the norm." A complete IC response was achieved by 21% (n=16) of patients; 33% (n=25) had partial responses; and 5% (n=4) experienced stable disease. The IC objective response rate (ORR) was 55% (95% CI: 43 to 66) with a safety profile consistent with previously reported data in melanoma patients without brain metastases. Treatment-related grade 3/4 adverse events (AEs) occurred in 52% of patients (n=39), with 8% (n=6) being neurologic in nature, including headaches. Three treatment-related deaths were reported as cardiogenic shock, IC hemorrhage and malignant neoplasm progression. "The CheckMate -204 trial is important because research about therapies for advanced melanoma patients with brain metastases is somewhat limited. Until recently, these patients have been excluded from clinical trials," said Vicki Goodman, M.D., development lead, Melanoma and Genitourinary Cancers, Bristol-Myers Squibb. "These data add to the body of scientific knowledge on Opdivo and Yervoy and highlight our continued commitment to researching the potential benefits of this combination in a diverse set of patient groups." CheckMate -204 is a Phase 2 open-label study in 75 patients with melanoma that had spread to the brain, resulting in one or more asymptomatic brain metastases of 0.5 to 3.0 cm. The trial evaluated the efficacy and safety of Opdivo in combination with Yervoy followed by Opdivo monotherapy. The primary endpoint was IC CBR. Secondary objectives included overall survival, extracranial CBR and safety. Enrolled patients received Opdivo 1 mg/kg plus Yervoy 3 mg/kg every three weeks for four doses, followed by Opdivo 3 mg/kg every two weeks until disease progression or toxicity. Patients who experienced severe AEs during the combination treatment could receive Opdivo monotherapy when their toxicity resolved, and stereotactic radiotherapy was permitted for patients experiencing brain oligo-progression if an assessable brain metastasis remained. The median number of combination doses was three (range 1 to 4), and 28 patients (37%) received four combination induction doses and 42 patients (56%) began Opdivo maintenance (median 12 doses, range 1 to 36). About Metastatic Melanoma Melanoma is a form of skin cancer characterized by the uncontrolled growth of pigment-producing cells (melanocytes) located in the skin. Metastatic melanoma is the deadliest form of the disease and occurs when cancer spreads beyond the surface of the skin to other organs. The incidence of melanoma has been increasing steadily for the last 30 years. In the United States, 87,000 new diagnoses of melanoma and more than 9,700 related deaths are estimated for 2017. Globally, the World Health Organization estimates that by 2035, melanoma incidence will reach 388,262, with 98,288 related deaths. Melanoma is mostly curable when treated in its early stages. However, patients in the United States diagnosed with advanced melanoma classified as Stage IV historically have a five-year survival rate of 15% to 20% and 10-year survival of about 10% to 15%. Bristol-Myers Squibb & Immuno-Oncology: Advancing Oncology Research At Bristol-Myers Squibb, patients are at the center of everything we do. Our vision for the future of cancer care is focused on researching and developing transformational Immuno-Oncology (I-O) medicines for hard-to-treat cancers that could potentially improve outcomes for these patients. We are leading the scientific understanding of I-O through our extensive portfolio of investigational compounds and approved agents. Our differentiated clinical development program is studying broad patient populations across more than 50 types of cancers with 14 clinical-stage molecules designed to target different immune system pathways. Our deep expertise and innovative clinical trial designs position us to advance I-O/I-O, I-O/chemotherapy, I-O/targeted therapies and I-O/radiation therapies across multiple tumors and potentially deliver the next wave of therapies with a sense of urgency. We also continue to pioneer research that will help facilitate a deeper understanding of the role of immune biomarkers and how patients' individual tumor biology can be used as a guide for treatment decisions throughout their journey. We understand making the promise of I-O a reality for the many patients who may benefit from these therapies requires not only innovation on our part but also close collaboration with leading experts in the field. Our partnerships with academia, government, advocacy and biotech companies support our collective goal of providing new treatment options to advance the standards of clinical practice. About Opdivo Opdivo is a programmed death-1 (PD-1) immune checkpoint inhibitor that is designed to uniquely harness the body's own immune system to help restore anti-tumor immune response. By harnessing the body's own immune system to fight cancer, Opdivo has become an important treatment option across multiple cancers. Opdivo's leading global development program is based on Bristol-Myers Squibb's scientific expertise in the field of Immuno-Oncology and includes a broad range of clinical trials across all phases, including Phase 3, in a variety of tumor types. To date, the Opdivo clinical development program has enrolled more than 25,000 patients. The Opdivo trials have contributed to gaining a deeper understanding of the potential role of biomarkers in patient care, particularly regarding how patients may benefit from Opdivo across the continuum of PD-L1 expression. In July 2014, Opdivo was the first PD-1 immune checkpoint inhibitor to receive regulatory approval anywhere in the world. Opdivo is currently approved in more than 60 countries, including the United States, the European Union and Japan. In October 2015, the company's Opdivo and Yervoy combination regimen was the first Immuno-Oncology combination to receive regulatory approval for the treatment of metastatic melanoma and is currently approved in more than 50 countries, including the United States and the European Union. U.S. FDA-APPROVED INDICATIONS FOR OPDIVO OPDIVO (nivolumab) as a single agent is indicated for the treatment of patients with BRAF V600 mutation-positive unresectable or metastatic melanoma. This indication is approved under accelerated approval based on progression-free survival. Continued approval for this indication may be contingent upon verification and description of clinical benefit in the confirmatory trials OPDIVO (nivolumab) as a single agent is indicated for the treatment of patients with BRAF V600 wild-type unresectable or metastatic melanoma. OPDIVO (nivolumab), in combination with YERVOY (ipilimumab), is indicated for the treatment of patients with unresectable or metastatic melanoma. This indication is approved under accelerated approval based on progression-free survival. Continued approval for this indication may be contingent upon verification and description of clinical benefit in the confirmatory trials. OPDIVO (nivolumab) is indicated for the treatment of patients with metastatic non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) with progression on or after platinum-based chemotherapy. Patients with EGFR or ALK genomic tumor aberrations should have disease progression on FDA-approved therapy for these aberrations prior to receiving OPDIVO. OPDIVO (nivolumab) is indicated for the treatment of patients with advanced renal cell carcinoma (RCC) who have received prior anti-angiogenic therapy. OPDIVO (nivolumab) is indicated for the treatment of adult patients with classical Hodgkin lymphoma (cHL) that has relapsed or progressed after autologous hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) and brentuximab vedotin or after 3 or more lines of systemic therapy that includes autologous HSCT. This indication is approved under accelerated approval based on overall response rate. Continued approval for this indication may be contingent upon verification and description of clinical benefit in confirmatory trials. OPDIVO (nivolumab) is indicated for the treatment of patients with recurrent or metastatic squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck (SCCHN) with disease progression on or after platinum-based therapy. OPDIVO (nivolumab) is indicated for the treatment of patients with locally advanced or metastatic urothelial carcinoma who have disease progression during or following platinum-containing chemotherapy or have disease progression within 12 months of neoadjuvant or adjuvant treatment with platinum-containing chemotherapy. This indication is approved under accelerated approval based on tumor response rate and duration of response. Continued approval for this indication may be contingent upon verification and description of clinical beneit in confirmatory trials.



IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION WARNING: IMMUNE-MEDIATED ADVERSE REACTIONS

YERVOY can result in severe and fatal immune-mediated adverse reactions. These immune-mediated reactions may involve any organ system; however, the most common severe immune-mediated adverse reactions are enterocolitis, hepatitis, dermatitis (including toxic epidermal necrolysis), neuropathy, and endocrinopathy. The majority of these immune-mediated reactions initially manifested during treatment; however, a minority occurred weeks to months after discontinuation of YERVOY. Assess patients for signs and symptoms of enterocolitis, dermatitis, neuropathy, and endocrinopathy and evaluate clinical chemistries including liver function tests (LFTs), adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) level, and thyroid function tests at baseline and before each dose. Permanently discontinue YERVOY and initiate systemic high-dose corticosteroid therapy for severe immune-mediated reactions. Immune-Mediated Pneumonitis OPDIVO can cause immune-mediated pneumonitis. Fatal cases have been reported. Monitor patients for signs with radiographic imaging and for symptoms of pneumonitis. Administer corticosteroids for Grade 2 or more severe pneumonitis. Permanently discontinue for Grade 3 or 4 and withhold until resolution for Grade 2. In patients receiving OPDIVO monotherapy, fatal cases of immune-mediated pneumonitis have occurred. Immune-mediated pneumonitis occurred in 3.1% (61/1994) of patients. In patients receiving OPDIVO with YERVOY, immune-mediated pneumonitis occurred in 6% (25/407) of patients. In Checkmate 205 and 039, pneumonitis, including interstitial lung disease, occurred in 6.0% (16/266) of patients receiving OPDIVO. Immune-mediated pneumonitis occurred in 4.9% (13/266) of patients receiving OPDIVO: Grade 3 (n=1) and Grade 2 (n=12). Immune-Mediated Colitis OPDIVO can cause immune-mediated colitis. Monitor patients for signs and symptoms of colitis. Administer corticosteroids for Grade 2 (of more than 5 days duration), 3, or 4 colitis. Withhold OPDIVO monotherapy for Grade 2 or 3 and permanently discontinue for Grade 4 or recurrent colitis upon re-initiation of OPDIVO. When administered with YERVOY, withhold OPDIVO and YERVOY for Grade 2 and permanently discontinue for Grade 3 or 4 or recurrent colitis. In patients receiving OPDIVO monotherapy, immune-mediated colitis occurred in 2.9% (58/1994) of patients. In patients receiving OPDIVO with YERVOY, immune-mediated colitis occurred in 26% (107/407) of patients including three fatal cases. In a separate Phase 3 study of YERVOY 3 mg/kg, severe, life-threatening, or fatal (diarrhea of =7 stools above baseline, fever, ileus, peritoneal signs; Grade 3-5) immune-mediated enterocolitis occurred in 34 (7%) patients. Across all YERVOY-treated patients in that study (n=511), 5 (1%) developed intestinal perforation, 4 (0.8%) died as a result of complications, and 26 (5%) were hospitalized for severe enterocolitis. Immune-Mediated Hepatitis OPDIVO can cause immune-mediated hepatitis. Monitor patients for abnormal liver tests prior to and periodically during treatment. Administer corticosteroids for Grade 2 or greater transaminase elevations. Withhold for Grade 2 and permanently discontinue for Grade 3 or 4 immune-mediated hepatitis. In patients receiving OPDIVO monotherapy, immune-mediated hepatitis occurred in 1.8% (35/1994) of patients. In patients receiving OPDIVO with YERVOY, immune-mediated hepatitis occurred in 13% (51/407) of patients. In a separate Phase 3 study of YERVOY 3 mg/kg, severe, life-threatening, or fatal hepatotoxicity (AST or ALT elevations >5x the ULN or total bilirubin elevations >3x the ULN; Grade 3-5) occurred in 8 (2%) patients, with fatal hepatic failure in 0.2% and hospitalization in 0.4%. Immune-Mediated Neuropathies In a separate Phase 3 study of YERVOY 3 mg/kg, 1 case of fatal Guillain-Barre syndrome and 1 case of severe (Grade 3) peripheral motor neuropathy were reported. Immune-Mediated Endocrinopathies OPDIVO can cause immune-mediated hypophysitis, immune-mediated adrenal insufficiency, autoimmune thyroid disorders, and Type 1 diabetes mellitus. Monitor patients for signs and symptoms of hypophysitis, signs and symptoms of adrenal insufficiency, thyroid function prior to and periodically during treatment, and hyperglycemia. Administer hormone replacement as clinically indicated and corticosteroids for Grade 2 or greater hypophysitis. Withhold for Grade 2 or 3 and permanently discontinue for Grade 4 hypophysitis. Administer corticosteroids for Grade 3 or 4 adrenal insufficiency. Withhold for Grade 2 and permanently discontinue for Grade 3 or 4 adrenal insufficiency. Administer hormone-replacement therapy for hypothyroidism. Initiate medical management for control of hyperthyroidism. Withhold OPDIVO for Grade 3 and permanently discontinue for Grade 4 hyperglycemia. In patients receiving OPDIVO monotherapy, hypophysitis occurred in 0.6% (12/1994) of patients. In patients receiving OPDIVO with YERVOY, hypophysitis occurred in 9% (36/407) of patients. In patients receiving OPDIVO monotherapy, adrenal insufficiency occurred in 1% (20/1994) of patients. In patients receiving OPDIVO with YERVOY, adrenal insufficiency occurred in 5% (21/407) of patients. In patients receiving OPDIVO monotherapy, hypothyroidism or thyroiditis resulting in hypothyroidism occurred in 9% (171/1994) of patients. Hyperthyroidism occurred in 2.7% (54/1994) of patients receiving OPDIVO monotherapy. In patients receiving OPDIVO with YERVOY, hypothyroidism or thyroiditis resulting in hypothyroidism occurred in 22% (89/407) of patients. Hyperthyroidism occurred in 8% (34/407) of patients receiving OPDIVO with YERVOY. In patients receiving OPDIVO monotherapy, diabetes occurred in 0.9% (17/1994) of patients. In patients receiving OPDIVO with YERVOY, diabetes occurred in 1.5% (6/407) of patients. In a separate Phase 3 study of YERVOY 3 mg/kg, severe to life-threatening immune-mediated endocrinopathies (requiring hospitalization, urgent medical intervention, or interfering with activities of daily living; Grade 3-4) occurred in 9 (1.8%) patients. All 9 patients had hypopituitarism, and some had additional concomitant endocrinopathies such as adrenal insufficiency, hypogonadism, and hypothyroidism. 6 of the 9 patients were hospitalized for severe endocrinopathies. Immune-Mediated Nephritis and Renal Dysfunction OPDIVO can cause immune-mediated nephritis. Monitor patients for elevated serum creatinine prior to and periodically during treatment. Administer corticosteroids for Grades 2-4 increased serum creatinine. Withhold OPDIVO for Grade 2 or 3 and permanently discontinue for Grade 4 increased serum creatinine. In patients receiving OPDIVO monotherapy, immune-mediated nephritis and renal dysfunction occurred in 1.2% (23/1994) of patients. In patients receiving OPDIVO with YERVOY, immune-mediated nephritis and renal dysfunction occurred in 2.2% (9/407) of patients. Immune-Mediated Skin Adverse Reactions and Dermatitis OPDIVO can cause immune-mediated rash, including Stevens-Johnson syndrome (SJS) and toxic epidermal necrolysis (TEN), some cases with fatal outcome. Administer corticosteroids for Grade 3 or 4 rash. Withhold for Grade 3 and permanently discontinue for Grade 4 rash. For symptoms or signs of SJS or TEN, withhold OPDIVO and refer the patient for specialized care for assessment and treatment; if confirmed, permanently discontinue. In patients receiving OPDIVO monotherapy, immune-mediated rash occurred in 9% (171/1994) of patients. In patients receiving OPDIVO with YERVOY, immune-mediated rash occurred in 22.6% (92/407) of patients. In a separate Phase 3 study of YERVOY 3 mg/kg, severe, life-threatening, or fatal immune-mediated dermatitis (eg, Stevens-Johnson syndrome, toxic epidermal necrolysis, or rash complicated by full thickness dermal ulceration, or necrotic, bullous, or hemorrhagic manifestations; Grade 3-5) occurred in 13 (2.5%) patients. 1 (0.2%) patient died as a result of toxic epidermal necrolysis. 1 additional patient required hospitalization for severe dermatitis. Immune-Mediated Encephalitis OPDIVO can cause immune-mediated encephalitis. Evaluation of patients with neurologic symptoms may include, but not be limited to, consultation with a neurologist, brain MRI, and lumbar puncture. Withhold OPDIVO in patients with new-onset moderate to severe neurologic signs or symptoms and evaluate to rule out other causes. If other etiologies are ruled out, administer corticosteroids and permanently discontinue OPDIVO for immune-mediated encephalitis. In patients receiving OPDIVO monotherapy, encephalitis occurred in 0.2% (3/1994) of patients. Fatal limbic encephalitis occurred in one patient after 7.2 months of exposure despite discontinuation of OPDIVO and administration of corticosteroids. Encephalitis occurred in one patient receiving OPDIVO with YERVOY (0.2%) after 1.7 months of exposure. Other Immune-Mediated Adverse Reactions Based on the severity of adverse reaction, permanently discontinue or withhold treatment, administer high-dose corticosteroids, and, if appropriate, initiate hormone-replacement therapy. Across clinical trials of OPDIVO the following clinically significant immune-mediated adverse reactions occurred in <1.0% of patients receiving OPDIVO: uveitis, iritis, pancreatitis, facial and abducens nerve paresis, demyelination, polymyalgia rheumatica, autoimmune neuropathy, Guillain-Barre syndrome, hypopituitarism, systemic inflammatory response syndrome, gastritis, duodenitis, sarcoidosis, histiocytic necrotizing lymphadenitis (Kikuchi lymphadenitis), myositis, myocarditis, rhabdomyolysis, motor dysfunction, vasculitis, and myasthenic syndrome. Infusion Reactions OPDIVO can cause severe infusion reactions, which have been reported in <1.0% of patients in clinical trials. Discontinue OPDIVO in patients with Grade 3 or 4 infusion reactions. Interrupt or slow the rate of infusion in patients with Grade 1 or 2. In patients receiving OPDIVO monotherapy, infusion-related reactions occurred in 6.4% (127/1994) of patients. In patients receiving OPDIVO with YERVOY, infusion-related reactions occurred in 2.5% (10/407) of patients. Complications of Allogeneic HSCT after OPDIVO Complications, including fatal events, occurred in patients who received allogeneic HSCT after OPDIVO. Outcomes were evaluated in 17 patients from Checkmate 205 and 039, who underwent allogeneic HSCT after discontinuing OPDIVO (15 with reduced-intensity conditioning, 2 with myeloablative conditioning). Thirty-five percent (6/17) of patients died from complications of allogeneic HSCT after OPDIVO. Five deaths occurred in the setting of severe or refractory GVHD. Grade 3 or higher acute GVHD was reported in 29% (5/17) of patients. Hyperacute GVHD was reported in 20% (n=2) of patients. A steroid-requiring febrile syndrome, without an identified infectious cause, was reported in 35% (n=6) of patients. Two cases of encephalitis were reported: Grade 3 (n=1) lymphocytic encephalitis without an identified infectious cause, and Grade 3 (n=1) suspected viral encephalitis. Hepatic veno-occlusive disease (VOD) occurred in one patient, who received reduced-intensity conditioned allogeneic HSCT and died of GVHD and multi-organ failure. Other cases of hepatic VOD after reduced-intensity conditioned allogeneic HSCT have also been reported in patients with lymphoma who received a PD-1 receptor blocking antibody before transplantation. Cases of fatal hyperacute GVHD have also been reported. These complications may occur despite intervening therapy between PD-1 blockade and allogeneic HSCT. Follow patients closely for early evidence of transplant-related complications such as hyperacute GVHD, severe (Grade 3 to 4) acute GVHD, steroid-requiring febrile syndrome, hepatic VOD, and other immune-mediated adverse reactions, and intervene promptly. Embryo-Fetal Toxicity Based on their mechanisms of action, OPDIVO and YERVOY can cause fetal harm when administered to a pregnant woman. Advise pregnant women of the potential risk to a fetus. Advise females of reproductive potential to use effective contraception during treatment with an OPDIVO- or YERVOY- containing regimen and for at least 5 months after the last dose of OPDIVO. Lactation It is not known whether OPDIVO or YERVOY is present in human milk. Because many drugs, including antibodies, are excreted in human milk and because of the potential for serious adverse reactions in nursing infants from an OPDIVO-containing regimen, advise women to discontinue breastfeeding during treatment. Advise women to discontinue nursing during treatment with YERVOY and for 3 months following the final dose. Serious Adverse Reactions In Checkmate 037, serious adverse reactions occurred in 41% of patients receiving OPDIVO (n=268). Grade 3 and 4 adverse reactions occurred in 42% of patients receiving OPDIVO . The most frequent Grade 3 and 4 adverse drug reactions reported in 2% to <5% of patients receiving OPDIVO were abdominal pain, hyponatremia, increased aspartate aminotransferase, and increased lipase. In Checkmate 066, serious adverse reactions occurred in 36% of patients receiving OPDIVO (n=206). Grade 3 and 4 adverse reactions occurred in 41% of patients receiving OPDIVO. The most frequent Grade 3 and 4 adverse reactions reported in =2% of patients receiving OPDIVO were gamma-glutamyltransferase increase (3.9%) and diarrhea (3.4%). In Checkmate 067, serious adverse reactions (73% and 37%), adverse reactions leading to permanent discontinuation (43% and 14%) or to dosing delays (55% and 28%), and Grade 3 or 4 adverse reactions (72% and 44%) all occurred more frequently in the OPDIVO plus YERVOY arm (n=313) relative to the OPDIVO arm (n=313). The most frequent (=10%) serious adverse reactions in the OPDIVO plus YERVOY arm and the OPDIVO arm, respectively, were diarrhea (13% and 2.6%), colitis (10% and 1.6%), and pyrexia (10% and 0.6%). In Checkmate 017 and 057, serious adverse reactions occurred in 46% of patients receiving OPDIVO (n=418). The most frequent serious adverse reactions reported in at least 2% of patients receiving OPDIVO were pneumonia, pulmonary embolism, dyspnea, pyrexia, pleural effusion, pneumonitis, and respiratory failure. In Checkmate 025, serious adverse reactions occurred in 47% of patients receiving OPDIVO (n=406). The most frequent serious adverse reactions reported in =2% of patients were acute kidney injury, pleural effusion, pneumonia, diarrhea, and hypercalcemia. In Checkmate 205 and 039, adverse reactions leading to discontinuation occurred in 7% and dose delays due to adverse reactions occurred in 34% of patients (n=266). Serious adverse reactions occurred in 26% of patients. The most frequent serious adverse reactions reported in =1% of patients were pneumonia, infusion-related reaction, pyrexia, colitis or diarrhea, pleural effusion, pneumonitis, and rash. Eleven patients died from causes other than disease progression: 3 from adverse reactions within 30 days of the last OPDIVO dose, 2 from infection 8 to 9 months after completing OPDIVO, and 6 from complications of allogeneic HSCT. In Checkmate 141, serious adverse reactions occurred in 49% of patients receiving OPDIVO. The most frequent serious adverse reactions reported in at least 2% of patients receiving OPDIVO were pneumonia, dyspnea, respiratory failure, respiratory tract infection, and sepsis. In Checkmate 275, serious adverse reactions occurred in 54% of patients receiving OPDIVO (n=270). The most frequent serious adverse reactions reported in at least 2% of patients receiving OPDIVO were urinary tract infection, sepsis, diarrhea, small intestine obstruction, and general physical health deterioration. Common Adverse Reactions In Checkmate 037, the most common adverse reaction (=20%) reported with OPDIVO (n=268) was rash (21%). In Checkmate 066, the most common adverse reactions (=20%) reported with OPDIVO (n=206) vs dacarbazine (n=205) were fatigue (49% vs 39%), musculoskeletal pain (32% vs 25%), rash (28% vs 12%), and pruritus (23% vs 12%). In Checkmate 067, the most common (=20%) adverse reactions in the OPDIVO plus YERVOY arm (n=313) were fatigue (59%), rash (53%), diarrhea (52%), nausea (40%), pyrexia (37%), vomiting (28%), and dyspnea (20%). The most common (=20%) adverse reactions in the OPDIVO (n=313) arm were fatigue (53%), rash (40%), diarrhea (31%), and nausea (28%). In Checkmate 017 and 057, the most common adverse reactions (=20%) in patients receiving OPDIVO (n=418) were fatigue, musculoskeletal pain, cough, dyspnea, and decreased appetite. In Checkmate 025, the most common adverse reactions (=20%) reported in patients receiving OPDIVO (n=406) vs everolimus (n=397) were asthenic conditions (56% vs 57%), cough (34% vs 38%), nausea (28% vs 29%), rash (28% vs 36%), dyspnea (27% vs 31%), diarrhea (25% vs 32%), constipation (23% vs 18%), decreased appetite (23% vs 30%), back pain (21% vs 16%), and arthralgia (20% vs 14%). In Checkmate 205 and 039, the most common adverse reactions (=20%) reported in patients receiving OPDIVO (n=266) were upper respiratory tract infection (44%), fatigue (39%), cough (36%), diarrhea (33%), pyrexia (29%), musculoskeletal pain (26%), rash (24%), nausea (20%) and pruritus (20%). In Checkmate 141, the most common adverse reactions (=10%) in patients receiving OPDIVO were cough and dyspnea at a higher incidence than investigator's choice. In Checkmate 275, the most common adverse reactions (= 20%) reported in patients receiving OPDIVO (n=270) were fatigue (46%), musculoskeletal pain (30%), nausea (22%), and decreased appetite (22%). In a separate Phase 3 study of YERVOY 3 mg/kg, the most common adverse reactions (=5%) in patients who received YERVOY at 3 mg/kg were fatigue (41%), diarrhea (32%), pruritus (31%), rash (29%), and colitis (8%). Please see U.S. Full Prescribing Information for OPDIVO and YERVOY, including Boxed WARNING regarding immune-mediated adverse reactions for YERVOY. About the Bristol-Myers Squibb and Ono Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd. Collaboration In 2011, through a collaboration agreement with Ono Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd (Ono), Bristol-Myers Squibb expanded its territorial rights to develop and commercialize Opdivo globally except in Japan, South Korea and Taiwan, where Ono had retained all rights to the compound at the time. On July 23, 2014, Bristol-Myers Squibb and Ono further expanded the companies' strategic collaboration agreement to jointly develop and commercialize multiple immunotherapies - as single agents and combination regimens - for patients with cancer in Japan, South Korea and Taiwan. About Bristol-Myers Squibb Bristol-Myers Squibb is a global biopharmaceutical company whose mission is to discover, develop and deliver innovative medicines that help patients prevail over serious diseases. For more information about Bristol-Myers Squibb, visit us at BMS.com or follow us on LinkedIn, Twitter, YouTube (News - Alert) and Facebook. Bristol-Myers Squibb Forward-Looking Statement This press release contains "forward-looking statements" as that term is defined in the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 regarding the research, development and commercialization of pharmaceutical products. Such forward-looking statements are based on current expectations and involve inherent risks and uncertainties, including factors that could delay, divert or change any of them, and could cause actual outcomes and results to differ materially from current expectations. No forward-looking statement can be guaranteed. Forward-looking statements in this press release should be evaluated together with the many uncertainties that affect Bristol-Myers Squibb's business, particularly those identified in the cautionary factors discussion in Bristol-Myers Squibb's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2016 in our Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q and our Current Reports on Form 8-K. Bristol-Myers Squibb undertakes no obligation to publicly update any forward-looking statement, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise. View source version on businesswire.com: http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20170604005030/en/

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[June 04, 2017] Viamet Presents Phase 2b Results Demonstrating Unprecedented Efficacy of Oral VT-1161 in the Treatment of Recurrent Vulvovaginal Candidiasis

Viamet Pharmaceuticals, Inc. today announced the presentation of multiple studies supporting VT-1161, the Company's lead product candidate for the treatment of fungal infections, at the American Society for Microbiology's ASM (News - Alert) Microbe 2017 in New Orleans, Louisiana. VT-1161 is a highly potent and selective, orally available inhibitor of fungal CYP51 that has demonstrated broad-spectrum activity against yeast, dermatophyte, endemic and multi-drug resistant fungal pathogens. The Phase 2b REVIVE study, presented during the late-breaker poster session, demonstrated unprecedented efficacy in women diagnosed with recurrent vulvovaginal candidiasis (RVVC). All VT-1161 treatment arms in the per protocol and intent-to-treat analyses achieved statistical significance versus placebo for the study primary endpoint. VT-1161 was well tolerated with a favorable safety profile. Poster AAID LB21 titled, "Oral VT-1161 is Highly Effective and Safe in Patients with Recurrent Vulvovaginal Candidiasis - Results of REVIVE, a Multicenter Phase 2b Study," is the first scientific presentation describing the robust clinical efficacy and safety of VT-1161 in patients with RVVC. In addition to Viamet contributors, collaborators on the poster included investigators from Drexel University College of Medicine, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania and Wayne State University, Detroit, Michigan. In the per protocol analysis, which included patients evaluable through 48 weeks, the recurrence rate of vulvovaginal candidiasis in the placebo arm was 66%. In contrast, the proportion of subjects with one or more vulvovaginal candidiasis episodes was 0% to 11% in the four VT-1161 arms of the study, with all arms achieving statistical significance vs. placebo (p<0.0001). In the intent-to-treat population, defined as all randomized subjects, the proportion of subjects with one or more vulvovaginal candidiasis episodes through 48 weeks ranged from 0-7% in the VT-1161 arms compared to 52% in the placebo arm (p<0.0001 for all active arms compared to placebo). Throughout the course of the study, VT-1161 was very well tolerated and there was a lower incidence of adverse events reported in all VT-1161 arms compared to placebo. VT-1161 also showed no evidence of an adverse effect on liver function, which has been an issue for other oral treatment approaches for RVVC. "While the physical symptoms of RVVC are distressing, it is often the emotional and psychological consequences of the recurrent infections that have a significant impact on the patient. VT-1161 has demonstrated a high degree of potency against Candida species, the causative fungal pathogens responsible for RVVC, and potentially a higher barrier to drug resistance, underscoring the potential to be first-in-class treatment option for patients suffering from RVVC," commented Robert Schotzinger, M.D., Ph.D., CEO of Viamet. "These results suggest that VT-1161 may be a promising agent to treat RVVC, a condition associated with a very high burden of disease and for which there are no approved therapies in the U.S."



Additional VT-1161 presentations during the conference featured results from a Phase 1 study, which demonstrated that VT-1161 was safe and well-tolerated in both Japanese and Western subjects, and an in vitro study in which VT-1161 displayed a low potential for the emergence of drug resistance in multiple Candida species. About the Phase 2b REVIVE study

REVIVE (REcurrent Vulvovaginal Candidiasis Inhibition: an Oral VT-1161 Tablet Evaluation) was a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, 48-week clinical trial of VT-1161 in patients with RVVC. The trial evaluated two dose levels of VT-1161 (150 mg and 300 mg) administered once weekly for either 11 or 23 weeks, following an initial one-week daily loading dose period. The trial enrolled 215 patients at 32 sites throughout the U.S. At baseline, the mean number of vulvovaginal candidiasis episodes per patient in the prior 12 months ranged from 4.6 to 5.2 across the study arms. Patients were eligible to enroll in the trial if they had a documented history of RVVC, presented to the physician with a vulvovaginal candidiasis infection, and had completed treatment of the active infection with fluconazole, an antifungal agent approved in the U.S. for the treatment of vulvovaginal candidiasis. The primary efficacy endpoint was the proportion of subjects with one or more culture-verified vulvovaginal candidiasis episodes through 48 weeks. About VT-1161 VT-1161 is a potent and selective, orally-administered inhibitor of fungal CYP51 which recently successfully completed Phase 2b clinical trials for the treatment of onychomycosis, or fungal nail infection, and recurrent vulvovaginal candidiasis (RVVC), a common and difficult to treat infection in women. VT-1161 blocks the production of ergosterol, an essential component of the fungal cell membrane. In preclinical studies, VT-1161 has demonstrated broad-spectrum activity against both dermatophytes and Candida species, including those species that cause onychomycosis and RVVC. Given the clinical and preclinical profile of VT-1161, Viamet believes that it may avoid the side effects that limit the use of current oral antifungal therapies, such as liver toxicity and drug-drug interactions. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has granted Qualified Infectious Disease Product (QIDP) and Fast Track designations to VT-1161 for the treatment of RVVC. About RVVC Recurrent vulvovaginal candidiasis (RVVC) is defined as the occurrence of three or more episodes of vulvovaginal candidiasis within a 12-month period. RVVC is estimated to occur in 5% to 8% of women in the United States during their child-bearing years. The infection involves the vaginal mucosa and surrounding tissues and can be a source of significant discomfort. RVVC is ranked by patients above migraine and similar to asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease with regard to its negative impact on quality of life and also results in a significant loss of work time. There are currently no approved therapies in the U.S. for the treatment of RVVC. About Viamet (www.viamet.com) Viamet discovers and develops breakthrough therapies based on our leadership in metalloenzyme chemistry and biology. Our clinical portfolio includes novel agents to treat both chronic and life threatening fungal infections. We also leverage our metalloenzyme expertise in other therapeutic areas including oncology and orphan diseases. Focusing on the needs of patients and clinicians, we design our drug candidates to achieve superior efficacy and safety profiles compared to currently marketed drugs. This press release includes forward-looking statements. Actual results may vary materially from these statements. There are many important risks affecting Viamet's business, including that clinical trials may not be commenced, or if commenced, may not be successful, regulatory approvals may not be obtained and approved products, if any, may not achieve commercial success. The Viamet group of companies includes Viamet Pharmaceuticals Holdings, LLC and its operating subsidiaries, Viamet Pharmaceuticals, Inc., VPS-2, Inc., VPS-3, Inc. and Viamet Pharmaceuticals (Bermuda), Ltd. The Viamet group of companies are based in the Research Triangle Park region of North Carolina, USA and Hamilton, Bermuda. View source version on businesswire.com: http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20170604005022/en/

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[June 04, 2017] IBM Announces Partnership with Baheal Group to Bring Watson for Oncology to China

Consistent with its mission to improve and save lives, Baheal will extend the reach of Watson for Oncology across China, where a quarter of the world's cancer deaths occur BEIJING and ARMONK, N.Y., June 4, 2017 /CNW/ -- IBM (NYSE: IBM) today announced that Baheal Pharmaceutical Group is extending the reach of Watson for Oncology to clinicians across China through a new multi-year strategic alliance. As the primary channel partner for Watson for Oncology in China, Baheal will serve a key role in not only accelerating cancer patients' access to cognitive technology, but over time, may also partner to bring Watson for Genomics and other future Watson Health innovation to China. Baheal has a proven track record delivering value to hospitals across China working with more than 12,000 hospitals today, and the company has already implemented Watson for Oncology at Qingdao University Affiliate Hospital and Qingdao City Hospital, impacting more than 350 patients to-date. IBM Watson Health is actively partnering with organizations like Baheal within China's healthcare and technology community to establish an ecosystem that will bring the benefits of machine learning into clinical practice to serve the needs of doctors and patients while maintaining compliance with local laws and regulations, including data privacy and security requirements. "Oncologists in China have very little time to spend with each of their patients, and by deploying Watson for Oncology across our network, we aim to give our doctors more time to focus on the best decisions they can make for their patients," said Gang Fu, Chairman, Baheal Pharmaceutical Group. "Watson for Oncology will complement the robust digital health program that Baheal has already implemented in an effort to improve efficiency and quality across China's healthcare system." With more than 4.3 million cancer diagnoses and 2.8 million cancer deaths in China each year(1), China is home to one-fourth of all global cancer deaths, and cancer constitutes one-fifth of all deaths in China.() An explosion of medical information has created both challenges and opportunities to help improve quality care. Currently, approximately 50,000 oncology research papers are published annually,(3) and by 2020 medical information is projected to double every 73 days, outpacing the ability of humans to keep up with the proliferation of medical knowledge.(4)



"We are proud to work with Baheal, one of China's foremost leaders in the healthcare industry, to drive adoption of cognitive technology," said Deborah DiSanzo, General Manager, IBM Watson Health. "In communities all around the world, there is a growing need for tools that help increase efficiency and enable quick access to important information from the collective body of cancer knowledge available today. Watson for Oncology offers the promise to provide evidence based care while enabling clinicians to spend more time focusing on their patients." Watson for Oncology is a cognitive computing platform that was trained by Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center in New York to provide evidence-based treatment options to oncologists. It identifies individualized treatment options, scales access to oncology expertise, and analyzes massive volumes of medical literature drawing from more than 300 medical journals, 200 textbooks and nearly 15 million pages of text. Watson also ranks evidence-based treatment options, linking to peer reviewed studies and clinical guidelines. Its machine-learning capability means it continuously learns, gaining in value and knowledge over time. Watson for Oncology is currently trained to assist clinicians in developing treatment plans for breast, lung, colorectal, cervical, ovarian, gastric and prostate cancers.

Sources [1] Cancer Statistics in China. CA: A Cancer Journal for Clinicians, Jan 2016.

http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.3322/caac.21338/full

[2] Goss et al. "Challenges to effective cancer control in China, India, and Russia." The Lancet Oncology, Accessed at: http://www.thelancet.com/journals/lanonc/article/PIIS1470-2045%2814%2970029-4/fulltext

[3] PubMed, accessed at pubmed.com

[4] Densen, Peter, Challenges and Opportunities Facing Medical Education 2011. Transactions in the American Clinical and Climatological Association. Accessed at https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3116346/ About Baheal Group

Baheal Pharmaceutical Group, established in 2005, focuses on the investment and operation in the health industry. Baheal has established multiple ecosystems that function as a platform to best utilize resources in the health industry through the integration of global brands, Internet application, medical services and investment. 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. IBM Watson Health is a business unit that helps 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. For more information on IBM Watson, visit: ibm.com/watson. For more information on IBM Watson Health, visit: ibm.com/watsonhealth. Media Contacts

Yan Wang

Baheal Pharmaceuticals Group Media Relations

86 13811484257

[email protected] Jim Lin

IBM Media Relations  China

86 13911126101

[email protected] Christine Douglass

IBM Media Relations  U.S.

415-535-4479

[email protected] To view the original version on PR Newswire, visit:http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/ibm-announces-partnership-with-baheal-group-to-bring-watson-for-oncology-to-china-300468356.html SOURCE IBM

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No matter how you look at it, a lot goes into a record. For most bands, a record is a snapshot of everything that youve gone through together as musicians and friends, and the end result is usually something that was borne from a mutually enjoyable experience. Other times though, there are obstacles in the way that can test friendships, both personal and professional, and cat put an awful strain on a band.

Melbournes Belle Haven are set to release their new record, You, Me And Everything In Between., on June 16th. In anticipation of the new record, the group sat down with us to let us know all about the trials, tribulations, ups, downs, and everything in between that they all had to endure to bring their fans of the most important records of their career.

You, Me And Everything In Between. is out June 16th through Grayscale Records.

The story of all the nightmares leading up to the birthing of You, Me And Everything In Between. begins in 2015. Im going to share these stories with you the way they all unfolded in front of my eyes.

This is the first time Ive been able to put pen to paper and detail all of the events that unfolded. Prior to this however, Ive written songs about most of these events. Songs that actually feature on YMEB.. So for the sake of common decency, each person I mention in the story I will duly refer to as the title of the song they have written about them on the record.

Wed only just released our debut record Everything Ablaze before our booking agent at the time unfortunately parted ways with us. This was basically the equivalent to a Bruce Lee kick to the guts. He parted ways with us because he didnt know what to do with us. Whats new? Wed been the odd band for a while and we were used to that. But (our now ex) agent always seemed to support us and our pursuits in doing whatever we wanted musically until he couldnt keep us and keep his job too. We werent making him money, and werent making the company he worked for money either. As much as we almost wanted to be bitter about his decision, we understood why he made it; business is business. Business sucks. But well get to that later.

From here, we stressed. I stressed. We tried to play it cool. I was talking to our manager at the time (great guy) a lot. We agreed to handle bookings ourselves for a while but it was ultimately too challenging. Nobody had any time. In fact, before too long, our manager didnt have time to manage us anymore either. But because hes such a great guy, he hired someone to take his place who hed worked with a bit around that time. Well simply call this man Selfmade.

At first, Selfmade was fantastic to work with. He was very chatty and had very similar goals to the rest of us. It seemed he wasnt just all about the money like a lot of other managers. We were offered a tour of the United States with our friends in Norma Jean which we very quickly agreed to. Shortly after taking the tour, Selfmade convinced us to pay for him to come on the tour with us as we would apparently need him there. Hed tour managed a band in the US before, so we trusted that he knew more about bigger tours like that than we did and so we bought his flights. After all, the last thing we wanted to do was embarrass ourselves in front of some of our favourite musicians.

We began to prepare for our first international tour. We wanted to shoot a music video for Closet and release it prior to the tour beginning so that the people who had bought tickets to the tour had something new to watch to help get to know the band a bit. Here is where we introduce another key person to the story of YMEB.. Well call this fellow HighfLIAR, and oh boy did he mix it up.

The decision to work with HighfLIAR on the Closet video was made due to a previous negative experience with another videographer who well call Little Polaroid Boy. What we thought would be a wise and safe decision very quickly turned into the complete opposite. See, our negative experience with Little Polaroid Boy could have been prevented with better communication and clearer expectations set by both parties. But our negative experience with HighfLIAR could have only been prevented if he had decided not to try and steal money from people who considered him a friend.

A timeline for the video was set, including shoot dates and outlining HighfLIARs responsibilities. We were very confident, but that all came undone very quickly. He was cancelling shoots on the day of with no warning and no real excuse. This cost us money and was very awkward to explain to the actors wed hired for the video. He was uncontactable. Sometimes we wouldnt hear from him in two weeks before hed reach out to me with some poor excuse for a creative apology as to why hed messed us around for the third time.

Suddenly it became very clear that having this video released, or even completed, before our tour with Norma Jean began was not going to happen. But we persevered; the concept for the video was one we were all very passionate about and wanted it to be captured perfectly and shown to the world.

The tour with Norma Jean started and the video was still not complete. Remember our manager, Selfmade? Now his story really takes off.

Selfmade didnt help at all with the HighfLIAR situation. The tour had begun and his focus was on the things that really mattered: sleeping in the most comfortable bed on the bus, drugs, meeting a girl, arguing with us about almost any decision we made, and overall making sure that not a single person on the whole tour package enjoyed his company. He was really good at doing all of these things, but none of them made our first international tour any easier, and we very quickly realised wed been tricked into giving some guy a free rockstar experience.

As we were coming to terms with what was unfolding with Selfmade, HighfLIAR finally sent through a first draft of the new music video.

Unfortunately, we were incredibly disappointed.

The video did not contain several key moments that were crucial to the overall message and concept. Upon asking why the shots were not there, HighfLIAR let us know that wed have to pay him more than the agreed amount for him to shoot it as the video had exceeded the initial budget, despite this all being very clearly discussed and outlined in the first place. After asking to see a detailed run down of the expenses a multitude of times and still to this day never being provided with one, we were running out of ideas.

We didnt have extra money to spend on a music video that was already months late and didnt resemble what we agreed on at all. Friends began to inform us that HighfLIAR was trying to convince our circle at home that we were avoiding paying him money that we owed and were being difficult for no reason. Being so physically far away from the problem caused us to feel almost helpless and very anxious. Besides, the tour wasnt going to slow down so that we could deal with this issue.

We discussed the situation at length in the bus on several occasions and decided that there was almost no point in finishing the video at this stage as it was so beyond being late that it almost served no purpose, especially considering that we were about to go cut a new record (later to be named You, Me And Everything In Between.) immediately after the tour ended. So, we carefully explained to HighfLIAR that we no longer wanted to continue with the video and expected a full refund as the product provided to us was provided months beyond the due date he agreed to, and ultimately didnt resemble the product he agreed to create for us anyway.

As if things couldnt get more difficult, HighfLIAR refused to provide a refund and so it quickly became a legal matter. But lets wrap up the Selfmade story first, shall we?

As the tour progressed, so did our negative experiences with Selfmade. He began to lie about things other members of the band had said to try and turn us away from him using us and turn us against each other. It almost worked, but we held it together and with counsel from the more experienced musicians in Sleepwave and Norma Jean, we fired him half way through the tour, leaving him somewhere in the United States. Too mean? No way. Besides, he was unfazed as he was still somehow convinced we needed him more than he needed us.

With Selfmade off the tour, we could really enjoy the rest of it. We spent a lot of time bonding with the other bands and learned a great deal from them. But eventually, the journey was over. Tears were shed, we said our farewells, and we headed straight to Glow In The Dark Studios in Atlanta, GA. Matthew Goldman awaited us, and with him, the creation of YMEB..Now we introduce one more final character. Unfortunately, this experience only turned sour once the album was already fully recorded so I couldnt write a song about him and therefore dont have a song title to use as his name in this article. However, he does do a fantastic Peter Griffin impersonation so well just call him Peter.

Peter worked at Glow In The Dark Studios as well and was a friend of the band since we met him when recording Everything Ablaze. As soon as he heard the demos for YMEB., he asked us if he could mix it when it was done being tracked. He offered us an amazing deal and having heard some of his recent work (which was fantastic) we happily agreed.

M-i-s-t-a-k-e. Dont do business with a busy friend who cuts you a great deal. They wont prioritise you over better paying opportunities because business is business, and business sucks. Just dont do it. Let me explain.

We finished the record and it was better than we could have imagined (Matthew Goldman is truly a wizard). Filled to the brim with joy, we travelling home to Australia whilst Goldman prepared for the record to be passed to Peter for mixing.

Ive set aside a week to do this, Peter told us. That was all he said he would need to fully mix the record. Granted that 1 week was 6 weeks from when we sent it to him, but that was no issue to us. 7 weeks total waiting time was worth it to have our musical baby sounding the best it had ever sounded.

Now, I dont know about you, but to me theres a very notable difference between 7 weeks and 11 months. But guess which timeframe is how long it took to have the record mixed? During which time, we were lied to, ignored and constantly put on the back-burner. Sadly, this experience was like poison being fed directly into the veins of our friendship with Peter and as such, it suffered a lot. The part that hurt the most was that Peter knew how much we were struggling already with the HighfLIAR situation, and knowingly created more issues for us. We were already speaking with various labels, Greyscale Records included, but couldnt confidently tell any of them when the album would be fully completed as Peter was barely responding to us and making new excuses at every turn.

So how did we arrive here? How did all of this mess lead to YMEB. being signed by Greyscale Records and set to release on June 16? Well, remember HighfLIAR? How I mentioned that situation became a legal matter? Well, we won and got our money back in the end after many months of stress. Selfmade? That fellow now serves as one of the best lessons weve ever learned as a band. Peter? He eventually finished the album. It just took roughly 10 months, 2 weeks and many anxiety attacks longer than he promised us, thats all.

There arent many musical nightmares worse than everything we went through leading up to YMEB., but wed do it all again if we had to. Would we do anything differently? Absolutely we would. The whole ordeal has taught us a lot of lessons, but above all of them, there is one that Ive learnt that Ill never forget. That is to never, ever, give anyone the privilege of standing alongside you or your art unless they can prove to you that they love your art more than they love money. If only we had have known that before the journey toward You, Me And Everything In Between. began.
Will a curfew curtail violence along Indian Creek Trail? KANSAS CITY, Mo. - An ordinance is going before the city council that would ban people from being in a handful of city parks from 11 p.m. to 5 a.m. The council had already been working on the ordinance. Stacey Johnson-Cosby with the South KC Alliance gathered support for it.

Police have already told media that most of these killings aren't related to night owls partying but old school white dudes early to rise . . . And so, local authorities consider the options to keep these old timers in bed later. Read more deets:
Burns & McDonnell CEO Ray Kowalik: KC pride is the key for a 21st century airport About a year ago, Mayor Sly James challenged the Kansas City business community to step up and find a way to modernize Kansas City's airport for the 21st century. We considered the mayor's challenge a call to action. The only thing Burns & McDonnell loves more than a challenge is Kansas City - and airports are a big part of our business.

The newspaper offers another promotional bit of reporting for Kansas City's biggest engineering firm that's on the way to taking over the airport. Take a look:
The Dialysis Center Project located at Hunainiya in the Southern Governorate, Bahrain, is progressing well and 35 per cent of the work has been completed, said a Ministry of Works, Municipalities Affairs and Urban Planning official.

The project is part of the Health Ministrys strategic plan, aiming to accommodate citizens health needs and requirements and provide a better life to them.

Works Affairs Undersecretary Eng Ahmed Al Khayyat emphasised that the project is progressing as per the schedule determined for the implementation of the project. Presently, work is under way to complete the structure for the main building, the power sub-station, the services building and the external works on site.

Al Khayyat stated that the BD6.085-million project ($16.13 million) is being funded by the Saudi Development Fund as part of the Gulf Development Programme. The project tender was earlier awarded to Aradus Contracting & Maintenance.

The government has allocated a piece of land totalling 21,550 sq m, while the construction area covers 8,854 sq m. The main building comprises two levels with a capacity to accommodate 60 beds. The ground level contains a reception and registration hall, six external clinics, treatment rooms, labs, a pharmacy, X-Ray department, waiting areas, rooms for the nursing team and a central store, while the first level includes three wings for peritoneal dialysis and blood wash, an isolation wing, a fluid purification station for the fluids used in dialysis and a repair workshop, in addition to the administrative offices and public utilities such as toilets, sub-power station, a guard room and external fence. A parking lot is also provided, with the capacity for 232 vehicles.

The project design also takes into account all the necessary facilitations needed for patients and visitors with special needs, which include the provision of parking spaces and slopes close to all entrances, in addition to providing an elevator close to all entrances and rest rooms that accommodate the needs of the disabled.  TradeArabia News Service
Ten Bahrain students have completed a training trip to Huawei headquarters in Shenzhen, China, as part of the companys Seeds for the Future programme.



The leading global ICT solutions providers flagship global CSR programme aims to train and develop young ICT talent to become tomorrows leaders.



In Bahrain, this programme is in-line with the kingdoms Economic Vision 2030, and its key targets of building the capacity for knowledge based economy and driving the digital transformation.



During the two-week visit to China, students received hands-on training in Huaweis state-of-the-art facilities and laboratories at the companys headquarters in Shenzhen. Students also had the chance to experience Chinese culture and work for a multi-national corporation, acquiring advanced practical ICT knowledge in live working environment.



Dr Anwar Alabdulla, Ambassador of Bahrain to China, welcomed the students at a ceremony attended by a number of senior Huawei officials and academia. In his address, Dr. Alabdulla urged the students to work diligently and strive for a brighter future information society and a better connected world. You will become members of a small, elite group of some 1,500 people from around 150 universities worldwide that have completed this exceptional learning opportunity, he added.



We are proud to continue our flagship global CSR program in the kingdom and offer Bahraini talent with the necessary skills and knowledge to become tomorrows ICT leaders, said Quwenchu, Huawei senior VP. Over the course of the past two weeks, we had the honour of hosting 10 of the brightest Bahraini students, and offer them the chance to further develop their ICT skills and knowledge in some of the worlds most advanced technology facilities in China, so that they become active players in translating Bahrains Economic Vision 2030 to reality.



Launched in 2008, Seeds for the Future is Huawei's flagship CSR programme aimed at cultivating local ICT talent, promoting knowledge transfer, improving people's interest in and understanding of the ICT industry, and encouraging countries and regions to participate in the building of digital communities



As an ICT leader, Huawei is committed to promoting the ICT industry development in the countries in which it operates, and aims to drive long term economic, social and environmental sustainability. The programme represents Huaweis desire to nurture promising young professionals.



Over the course of the programme, Huawei shared its ICT expertise and the experience of working in a multinational environment with young ICT professionals, thus helping to fuel the development of local ICT industries. By implementing the programme in local markets, Huawei seeks to close the gap between knowledge learned in the classroom and the skills required by todays industry workplace. TradeArabia News Service


The National Iranian Gas Company (NIGC) and Russia's Gazprom are considering a deal to set up a compressed gas plant in Iran, said a report.



The two sides discussed the project at the St Petersburg International Economic Forum, which concluded yesterday (June 3), reports said.



The three-day forum saw attendance from chief executives of major Russian and international companies, heads of state, political leaders, prime ministers, deputy prime ministers, departmental ministers, and governors.



The event aimed at macroeconomic cooperation as well as multilateral and regional partnership among the countries.
Iran and Russia have inked roadmap for cooperation in energy sector at the 21st St Petersburg International Economic Forum (SPIEF 2017), a report said.



The roadmap was signed Iran's Deputy Minister of Petroleum for International Affairs and Trading Amir-Hossein Zamaninia and Deputy Minister of Energy of the Russian Federation Kirill Molodtsov in a meeting between Iran and Russia joint energy taskforces, reported Irna.



SPIEF 2017 opened late Thursday in a ceremony attended by the chairman of Iran-Russia Joint Economic Commission Mahmoud Vaezi, managing director of the Islamic Republic News Agency (IRNA) Mohammad Khoddadi and Iranian Ambassador to Russia Mehdi Sanaei.



Over 12,000 people, including the incumbent and former senior officials of the participating countries and the UN representative, are also present in the ongoing event.



Reviewing major international economic and social challenges, Middle East situation, regional crises, future of the world and relations among the countries are of major topics to be discussed in the meeting, which is to be attended by Russian President Vladimir Putin.
Geneva has been nominated by the prestigious World Travel Awards (WTA), for the 2017 Europeans Leading Destination Award as well as the Europeans Leading City Break Destination Award - regarded as the Tourism Oscars in the industry.



Ideally located in the heart of Europe and known as one of Switzerlands most spectacular landscapes, Geneva is a dream of a city thanks to a unique setting on the shores of Western Europes largest lake and with a dazzling view on the Mont-Blanc.



In 2016, Geneva experienced over 250,000 guest nights from GCC visitors, making it the most popular Swiss destination for the GCC and amongst the most popular in central Europe.



The quality of life is exceptional and the city knows how to welcome her guests with great activities, ultimate experiences as well as Switzerlands most refined tables. This makes her a charming city with a unique and most famous landmark, the Jet dEau that all travellers wish to discover. Considered as the capital of peace, as well as a city truly international in scope and humane in size, no visitor remains immune to her charm. Her assets make it the perfect nominee for the 24th edition of the World Travel Awards.



Established in 1993, the World Travel Awards honours and rewards excellence across all sectors of the tourism industry-offering one of the most prestigious and comprehensive awards program in travel and tourism, recognized worldwide as the hallmark of industry excellence. The Wall Street Journal has heralded WTA as the Oscar of the travel industry.



The winners are determined by an online vote cast carried out by hundreds of travel professionals and consumers around the world. The winners of this award will be announced on September 30, 2017 in a ceremony held in St-Petersburg, Russia. Nominations can be voting for at www.worldtravelawards.com and voting closes on August 6, 2017. - TradeArabia News Service


Amritsar, June 3

The Amritsar rural police today averted a clash between two groups and rounded up several persons in the Majitha area. Arms and ammunition have been seized from their possession. Investigation is still on. The police, on getting a tip-off, intercepted three cars and seized eight pistols, ammunition and sharp edge weapons. Around 20 persons have been rounded up.

Majitha DSP Hardev Singh Boparai said the police were investigating the issue. No arrest has been officially made so far. Some of the weapons are licensed while the legality of other weapons is being verified.

The accused are said to have good political connection and belong to affluent families.  TNS
London, June 4

Gurdwaras in London on Sunday opened their doors for the victims stranded after the terror attack in the city by offering them shelter and food, according to media reports.

Almost immediately after the attack was reported, Sikhs tweeted that their places of worship were opened for those caught up in the horrific ordeal.

(Follow The Tribune on Facebook; and Twitter @thetribunechd)

In an incredible show of unity, Sikhs posted maps of nearby Gurdwaras that were open to help those in need in the early hours of the morning, the metro.co.uk reported.

Spoke to #Sikh Gurdwaras in #London on phoneThey opened their gates minutes after #LondonBridge terror incident to serve food & shelter #RT pic.twitter.com/PoEJo0S1Jp  Harjinder S Kukreja (@SinghLions) June 4, 2017

"#Sikh Gurdwara in London are open to help & support those affected tonight with shelter & food #LondonBridge #United," GlasgowGurdwara tweeted.

Praying for London  #Sikh Gurdwaras in London are open to help & support those affected tonight with shelter & food #LondonBridge #United pic.twitter.com/oAmgI6ruNq  Glasgow Gurdwara (@GlasgowGurdwara) June 4, 2017

Other Londoners have been using a new feature on Facebook to offer help to those stuck in London Bridge.

People have been offering food, shelter, clothing, and even blood donations for anyone caught up in the terror attacks.

Over 25,000 Sikhs are expected to congregate in Trafalgar Square in central London to remember the victims of 1984 anti-Sikh riots.

The Sikh Federation UK said: "Having discussed arrangements for the Remembrance and Freedom event with the Metropolitan Police last night and this morning we have come to the mutual decision that the event today (Sunday 4 June) will continue."

"This sends a strong message to all terrorists that they will never stop us remembering the tens of thousands of Sikhs who lost their lives in 1984," it said.

"It will also be an opportunity to remember and to stand shoulder to shoulder with the innocents killed and injured in the last few weeks in Manchester and London," the Sikh Federation UK said.

Three knife-wielding attackers wearing fake suicide vests unleashed a terror rampage through central London, plowing a van into pedestrians on the iconic London Bridge and then running to a nearby market where they randomly stabbed multiple people.

The three terrorists had been shot dead.  PTI
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.
Majid Jahangir

Tribune News Service

Srinagar, June 4

The National Investigation Agency today recovered currencies of Pakistan, UAE and Saudi Arabia as it conducted raids for the second consecutive day on Sunday at seven more locations belonging to separatists and traders suspected of hawala activities in Srinagar, Jammu and Gurgaon. The NIA has been probing funding to separatists to fuel unrest in the Valley.

The residence of Ayaz Akbar Bhat, a close aide of hardline Hurriyat leader Syed Ali Geelani, at Maloora, Srinagar, was searched for at least five hours. Raids also took place at the residence of Javed Ahmed Baba, alias Gazi, who is also part of Geelanis Hurriyat, and a cross-LoC trader, Tariq Ahmed Khan, at Pantha Chowk on the outskirts of Srinagar.

Fresh searches were carried at seven more locations belonging to secessionist and separatist elements and traders suspected of hawala activities and terror funding in J&K. Searches were also carried out at one place in Jammu. The Gurgaon residence of businessman Zahoor Watali (whose house in Srinagar was raided on Saturday) was also searched.

During the course of raids, a few thousand Pakistani rupees and currencies belonging to the UAE and Saudi Arabia have been found and seized apart from other incriminating material. The persons concerned are being questioned about the same, an official spokesman of the NIA said, adding that the searches were continuing.

The NIA is probing the entire chain of players behind the financing of secessionist activities, including throwing of stones on security forces, burning of schools and damaging government establishments

On Saturday, the NIA had raided 26 locations in J&K, Delhi and Haryana and recovered letterheads of militant groups Lashkar-e-Toiba and Hizbul Mujahideen, besides cash worth a few crores, gold jewellery and coins worth about Rs 40 lakh, from financiers, hawala operators and office-bearers of separatist groups, the NIA had said.

Prominent among those whose houses were searched yesterday included businessmen Zahoor Watali and Raja Zahoor Khan and separatists Farooq Ahmad Dar, alias Bitta Karate, Nayeem Khan and Shahid-ul-Islam. The bank accounts and lockers of those under scanner have been frozen.

The NIA raids have been carried out following the questioning of three separatist leaders  Nayeem Khan, who was seen on television during a sting operation purportedly confessing to receiving money from Pakistan-based terror groups, Farooq Ahmed Dar, and Gazi Javed Baba of Tehreek-e-Hurriyat, in the national Capital last month.

Meanwhile, the moderate Hurriyat Conference while condemning the raids said people of Kashmir were mature enough to understand that such arm-twisting tactics to scare the leadership and malign them are actually attempts to take away the focus from the problem in Kashmir and distort the narrative of the Kashmir dispute.

Fruit dealer detained

Jammu: The NIA on Sunday conducted a raid and seized documents at a fruit dealers shop in Jammu. The businessman, Kamal Aggarwal, has been detained for questioning. The NIA team reached Jammu in the morning to conduct the raid. Aggarwal, a well-known businessman of the city, is also a member of the LoC traders association. The NIA is probing a link between LoC traders and separatists. The NIA is investigating the role of businessmen in exploiting the fault lines in the LoC trade, which is helping separatists get money easily and without much risk, a source said. TNS
Shiv Kumar



Tribune News Service



Mumbai, June 4



Supplies of agricultural produce to Mumbai and other cities in Maharashtra continue to be disrupted as groups of farmers continued to block roads and damage vehicles transporting milk and vegetables. Kisan Kranti Morcha, the umbrella body of farmers, has called for a state-wide bandh on Monday.

(Follow The Tribune on Facebook; and Twitter @thetribunechd)



Though Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis announced early Saturday that the farmers strike has been called off after he promised to waive off payment of loans by small and medium farmers by October this year, the decision was rejected by farmers in many parts of the state.



Sources said today that the core committee of the Kisan Kranti Morcha, which is spearheading the strike, has resigned and farmers groups were in the process of electing a set of new leaders who would

negotiate with the government. The earlier members of the core committee were forced to apologize to farmers after being accused of selling out to the state government.



We have not called off the strike. Protests will continue till the Maharashtra government announces a waiver of loans from all farmers immediately, Raghunath Patil, senior leader of the Swabhimani

Shetkari Sanghatana said. Patil along with party MP Raju Shetti are among the leaders who have organised the strike.



Patil said the farmers will enforce a Maharashtra-wide bandh on Monday. The KKM said except for ambulances, fire engines and police vans no vehicles would be allowed to ply on the states roads, KKM

leaders said.



According to the state co-operatives department milk procurement in Western Maharashtra, which supplies much of the milk to Maharashtras cities, has virtually come to a halt with dairy owners refusing to call off their strike.



Traders at the Agriculture Produce Marketing Committee market at Navi Mumbai had earlier said they would keep the market closed this weekend and resume operations only if supplies resume on Monday.



Leaders of some farmers organizations said they wanted the government to waive off payment of farm loans immediately. Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis is dividing the farmers without giving them any

concrete assurances on the waiver of loans to be paid by them, Congress party chief Ashok Chavan told reporters today.
KV Prasad

THE very mention of Vietnam brings to fore the image of the legendary Ho Chi Minh, who along with Indias first Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru built the foundations for strong and deep bonds between the two countries that supported one another against colonial rulers.

Over the years, the friendship blossomed into a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership and now when both countries celebrate the 45th year of the establishment of bilateral relations, the range of engagement is across a wide spectrum.

(Follow The Tribune on Facebook; and Twitter @thetribunechd)

Tasked with taking this important relationship forward at a crucial juncture when Look East became Act East, Ambassador Ton Sinh Thanh of Vietnam characterises the relationship as clear as the sky and one going forward.

The Ambassador holds a doctorate from Jawaharlal Nehru Universitys School of International Studies, an institute that in the view of this seasoned diplomat is among the best. His thesis on Movement from ASEAN to East Asian Summit: The dynamics of new regionalism began during his first stint (2003-07) in India and on the encouragement of his guide he completed it later.

On India-Vietnam relations, the Ambassador told The Tribune, We are all-weather friends, treat each other like brothers, we are reliable partners... this is a special relationship. In 1972, we set up diplomatic relations and this development was a great encouragement for Vietnam during its struggle for liberation and reunification. With the support of India, we liberated South (Vietnam) and re-united in 1975. We also received support from India during the US embargo in the 1980s and it supported Vietnam on the Cambodian issue. The relationship was developing and was upgraded to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership last year.

Looking ahead, the Ambassador feels the relationship could be built on pillars such as diplomacy and political engagement; defence and security; economic cooperation; science and technology; and education and culture.

Economic cooperation is a priority area. From a bilateral trade of US $1 billion in 2000-01, it today stands at $5.5 billion (India puts it as $8 bn). While Indian investment in Vietnam is on the rise (around $700 million), it pales in comparison to Chinas $50 billion.

The Ambassador feels the potential in increasing bilateral trade lies in areas like tourism and education, with IT in particular. Vietnam, he said, receives 10 million tourists but only 70,000 are from India. The country boasts of some of the best beaches in the world, besides ancient cultural sites.

Vietnam is keen to welcome universities from India opening schools to improve English language and give computer training. We want one lakh computer engineers but we can train only 10,000... it is time to do something to change this. As for his tours in India, his favourite destinations include Tirupati and the Golden Temple.
New Delhi, June 4

In a transformational move, the Indian Army is all set to open up combat positions for women, a gender barrier broken by only a few countries globally.

(Follow The Tribune on Facebook; and Twitter @thetribunechd)

Army Chief Gen Bipin Rawat said the process to allow women in combat role, currently an exclusive domain of men, is moving fast and initially women will be recruited for positions in military police.

I am looking at women coming as jawans. I am going to start it soon. Firstly, we will start with women as military police jawans, he said, giving details of the move to allow women in the male-dominated positions in the Army.

Currently women are allowed in a number of select areas, including in medical, legal, educational, signals and engineering wings of the Army but combat roles are kept off limit for them due to operational concerns and logistical issues.

The Army Chief said he was ready to recruit women as jawans and the matter is being taken up with the government.

We have already started the process, Gen Rawat told PTI in an exclusive interaction.

He said women will have to show grit and strength in taking up challenges in combat role and shattering the glass ceiling.

Very few countries, including Germany, Australia, Canada, the US, Britain, Denmark, Finland, France , Norway, Sweden and Israel, have allowed women in combat roles.

The roles of military police include policing the cantonments and army establishments, prevent breach of rules and regulations by soldiers, maintaining movement of soldiers as well as logistics during peace and war, handling prisoners of war and extending aid to civil police whenever required.

Creating history, the Indian Air Force, last year, had inducted three women as fighter pilots, less than a year after the government decided to open the fighter stream for women on an experimental basis.

A decision on having women as fighter pilots will be taken after evaluating performance of the three womenAvani Chaturvedi, Bhawana Kanth and Mohana Singh who are now part of IAFs fighter squadron.

The Indian Navy is currently deliberating on a policy on having women onboard the ships. The Navy allows women in various other segments including in legal, logistics, naval architecture and engineering departments. PTI
Jupinderjit Singh

Tribune News Service

Chandigarh, June 4

Days after busting a nine-member terror module, the police today claimed to have busted another Pakistan-trained module having links with Kashmiri terrorists with the arrest of three persons.

The alleged terrorists, belonging to Nawanshahr, were using a cellphone software to communicate with their handlers in Germany and Pakistan.

The police said the three terrorists had planned to carry out killings and blow up railway tracks. An arms consignment from Pakistan intercepted by the security agencies near the international border in Pakistan was meant for these terrorists, they claimed.

A spokesperson said Gurdial Singh of Road Majara in Garhshankar and Jagroop Singh of Chandpur Rurki in Nawanshahr were trained in Pakistan in November. They had been arrested from their homes. The third was their local help, Satwinder Singh. He is a Hindu Gujjar and belongs to Jagroops village.

The police said during interrogation, the three claimed that many persons from the state were radicalised by Pakistan taking advantage of sacrilege incidents and Bargari police firing killings.

The development comes amid concerns over possible terror attacks in view of the Operation Bluestar anniversary on June 6.

They terrorists were using a special software to communicate with their handlers in Germany and Pakistan. Jagroops trainer in Pakistan had loaded the software in a pen drive. He then uploaded it in the phone of Satwinder Singh. It is for the first time that such a communication channel has been detected, said a senior police officer.

The police said Gurdial Singh was in touch with Balvir Singh Sandhu, who is based in Germany, but originally belonged to Paddi Surat Singh village (Mahilpur in Hoshiarpur). He had also been in touch with militant groups in J&K.

Both Gurdial Singh and Balvir Singh have criminal cases registered against them in 1988 and 1992. A Thompson gun was recovered from Gurdial Singh in 1992.

Pakistan-based Lakhbir Rode, chief of International Sikh Youth Federation (ISYF), and Harmeet Singh alias Happy alias PHD, who are staying in ISI safe houses in Lahore, had actively trained and nurtured members of this module in the last seven years, the police said.

Gurdial Singh, the chief operative of the module, was introduced to Rode by Balbir Singh. During his last visit to Pakistan in November 2016, Gurdial Singh arranged a Pakistan visa for Jagroop Singh to Pakistan as part of a Sikh Jatha.

The police said during his stay in Pakistan (November 12-21, 2016), Jagroop Singh was blindfolded and taken by Balvir Singh, Rode and Harmeet to an undisclosed location where he was trained by the ISI in handling AK-47 and other weapons. The training course carried on for four days. Jagroop was also trained in sabotaging railway tracks.

Two weapons, including a .32 bore pistol (one magazine, 10 cartridges) and .38 bore revolver (seven cartridges) have also been recovered from them.

Mobile software detected
Jupinderjit Singh

Tribune News Service

Chandigarh, June 4

Days after busting a nine-member terror module, the Punjab Police on Sunday claimed to have busted another module whose members were trained in Pakistan.

Also read: Terror module busted in Punjab, nine held

The suspects were allegedly planning to carry out killings and blow up railway tracks in partnership with Kashmiri militants.

An arms consignment intercepted by the BSF and the Punjab Police last week on the Indo-Pak border in Amritsar was reportedly meant for them.

A police spokesperson said Gurdial Singh of Road Majara in Garhshankar division of Hoshiarpur and Jagroop Singh of Chandpur Rurki in Nawanshahr, both of whom got training in Pakistan in November last, have been arrested.

The third accused was their local help, Satwinder Singh, who also belongs to Jagroops village.

The spokesperson said the terror module had been established, trained and tasked by leaders of banned outfits who are being given all kinds of shelter and operational and logistical support by Pakistan's Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI).

The police said Gurdial was in regular touch with Balvir Singh Sandhu, who is based in Germany and originally belongs to Paddi Surat Singh village in Mahilpur area of Hoshiarpur, during his visits to Pakistan.

He had also been in touch with militant groups in J&K. Both Gurdial and Balvir allegedly have a terrorist past and had criminal cases pending against them since 1992 and 1988. A Thompson gun had been recovered from Gurdial in 1992.

Pakistan-based Lakhbir Rode, chief of International Sikh Youth Federation, and Harmeet Singh alias Happy alias PHD, who are both staying in ISI-guarded houses in Lahore cantonment, had actively raised, trained and nurtured members of this module during their visits to Pakistan as part of religious jathas over the past seven years, the police said.

Gurdial, chief operative of the terrorist module, was introduced by Germany-based Balbir Singh to Lakhbir Rode during his Pakistan visits.

During his last visit to Pakistan in November 2016, Gurdial reportedly arranged a Pakistan visa for Jagroop to visit Pakistan with a Sikh jatha.

The police said during his stay in Pakistan (November 12-21, 2016), Jagroop was blindfolded and taken by Balvir, Rode and Harmeet to an undisclosed location where he was trained by the ISI in handling of AK-47 and pistols. The training lasted four days. Jagroop was also trained in causing sabotage to railway track by loosening the securing/fastening mechanism (fish-plates, nuts, bolts etc.).

Both Gurdial and Jagroop were tasked to carry out terrorist attacks in India, including targeting of various anti-panthic and anti-Sikh forces/individuals.

Lakhbir Rode and his associates promised to make the required terrorist hardware, such as arms and ammunition, available to the module in India.

Two weapons, including a .32bore pistol (one magazine, 10 cartridges ) and .38 bore revolver (7 cartridges) have also been recovered from the module.

The investigations carried out so far indicate that at least a part the consignment of arms and explosives, which was recovered by the BSF in Ramdas Sector on May 21, was to be delivered to this module. Maan Singh and Sher Singh were arrested in that case under Unlawful Activities Prevention Act, 25 Arms Act and 14 Foreigners Act.
Singapore, June 4

There are about 1,200 Islamic State (IS) group operatives in the Philippines, including foreigners of whom 40 are from Indonesia, the Indonesian Defence Minister told an international security forum on Sunday.

Speaking in Singapore amid a bloody standoff between Philippine troops and militants fighting under the IS flag in Marawi city, Defence Minister Ryamizard Ryacudu called the militants killing machines and urged full-scale regional cooperation against them.

I was advised last night, 1,200 ISIS in the Philippines, around 40 from Indonesia, Ryacudu told the Shangri-La Dialogue, using another name for the IS group.

The threat of heightened terrorism, including the impending return of hundreds of Southeast Asian fighters who fought with IS in Syria and Iraq, has been a hot-button issue at the three-day Singapore summit also attended by US Defense Secretary Jim Mattis.

Hundreds of Islamist gunmen rampaged through Marawi, a largely Muslim city of 200,000 in the south of the mainly Catholic Philippines, on May 23 after government forces attempted to arrest their leader, Isnilon Hapilon.

Up to 50 gunmen are still controlling the city centre nearly two weeks after the start of fighting that has killed 177 people including 120 militants.

How can we tackle these foreign fighters? We have to be comprehensive, said Ryacudu, a retired general.

We have to find... complete ways but we must exercise caution, they are killing machines. Their aim is to kill other people so thats why its our responsibility that we have common understanding, consensus and common proceedings on how to fight these foreign fighters.

Philippine Defense Undersecretary Ricardo David, speaking at the same forum, said the 1,200 figure for total IS fighters in the Philippines mentioned by Indonesia was new to him.

I really dont know, my figure is about 250-400, a lot less, he told reporters.

But David said there were 40 foreign IS fighters among those who seized parts of Marawi, eight of whom have been killed by government forces.

Earlier, Philippine officials said the slain foreign fighters were from Malaysia, Indonesia, Yemen, Saudi Arabia and Chechnya.

Our intelligence estimates that there are about 40 foreigners that fought in the Marawi incident, David said.

The Philippine official added that the foreign fighters used back channels in the Sulu and Celebes Seas near the borders of the Philippines, Indonesia and Malaysia to enter the southern island of Mindanao and link up with local terror groups.

Thats why they were able to muster the operations in the area of Marawi, David said.  AFP
Washington, June 4

US President Donald Trump on Sunday slammed London's Pakistani-origin mayor Sadiq Khan saying it was not the time to be "politically correct", and touted his controversial travel ban in view of the London Bridge terror attacks that killed seven people and wounded several others.

"We must stop being politically correct and get down to the business of security for our people. If we don't get smart it will only get worse," Trump said.

In a series of early morning tweets, Trump lashed out at Khan, who reportedly suggested there was no reason for alarm after three attackers drove a van into crowds on London Bridge and then went on a stabbing rampage in nearby Borough Market.

"At least 7 dead and 48 wounded in terror attack and Mayor of London says there is 'no reason to be alarmed!'" he said. "Do you notice we are not having a gun debate right now?

That's because they used knives and a truck!" He was referring to a statement by the London mayor in which Khan said he was "grieving" for the victims and insisted that terrorists "would not win."

But the statement available on the official website of the London mayor did not use the phrase "there's no reason to be alarmed," which Trump referred to in his tweet to criticise the Pakistani-origin mayor.

The US president also used the London attacks to promote and urge for support to his proposed travel ban on people from six Muslim-majority countries.

"We need to be smart, vigilant and tough. We need the courts to give us back our rights. We need the travel ban as an extra level of safety!" Trump told his 31.4 million Twitter followers.

The Justice Department last week asked the US Supreme Court to reinstate Trump's executive order banning travel to the US from six Muslim-majority nations while it appeals a lower-court ruling that upheld a nationwide block on the ban.

Trump through the order had banned visa issuance to citizens of Iran, Libya, Somalia, Sudan, Syria and Yemen.

He also retweeted a tweet from conservative news website Drudge Report which said that there were fears of new terror attacks ahead of the general election in the UK on June 8.  PTI
The paint could be stripped, the finish scuffed, scarred and worn. Others could be fully restored to their wartime glory. To passersby, the decades-old hardware are only relics and decorative museum pieces.

But to any veteran who carried a battered rifle through Normandy, drove a Jeep through the streets of Saigon or flew an F-16 over the Middle East, the exhibits at Tulsa Air and Space Museums Military Weekend are some of the most powerful connections to time in the service.

For the first time, TASM will host its Military Weekend on June 10-11. Collectors from around Oklahoma will bring vehicles, weapons and other militaria to the museum to celebrate veterans.

Lee Hubby, TASMs director of development, has to find a way to fit the Jeeps, tables of vintage weaponry and gear on the museums property.

Military Weekend started as a passing idea among several museum supporters, Hubby said. Organizers picked the date because its midway between the Invasion of Normandy anniversary and Flag Day.

We didnt want to compete against Memorial Day because theres so much stuff going on, which is great, Hubby said. It just kept growing and growing and growing to where we started getting calls all the time, Hey, can I bring my stuff out there?

Were going to have probably every square inch of this place packed with something.

Not only will there be vehicles and military items in and around the museum, but also several warbirds and an Oklahoma Air National Guard F-16 will taxi up to the museums ramp bordering the airport.

Doors will open at TASM, located at 3624 N. 74th East Ave., for Military Weekend at 10 a.m. Saturday and Sunday, and will close at 4 p.m.

Admission is $15 for adults, $12 for veterans and $10 for students. WWII veterans and children age 4 and under have free admission.

Although Hubby said he expects the event to draw in collectors and spectators of all kinds, Military Weekend is for veterans.

Visitors first stop will be the Remembering Our Fallen exhibit, which is sponsored by the Tulsa World.

The photographic war memorial honors Oklahomans who gave their lives in the War on Terror, and Hubby said its up front because its important for everyone to see.

The exhibits bring back memories for those whove served. Its why John Haspel will bring his restored WWII-era Jeeps to military Weekend.

A self-described car guy who couldnt get into the service after college, he said the olive green machines are his way of giving back.

It lets us recognize the veterans who really used this stuff, because theyre the ones who used these to defend our freedom, Haspel said. I want to do what I can to support the military and let people see the actual vehicle our guys used.

Haspels Jeep is a recreation of the combat vehicles used throughout WWII, from nuts and bolts up to the mounted machine guns. Hes part of a large collector group in the Tulsa area thats coming together for Military Weekend.

There will also be several rare vehicles at the museum. Ken Tricinella, who retired from the Oklahoma Air National Guard as a colonel, is bringing his Ford GPA, a type of amphibious jeep.

Though built and designed in the heat of WWII, only 12,000 GPAs were produced before production was halted. Tricinellas is a fully restored example.

Tricinella, who received his draft papers on April Fools Day 1968 and initially served as an army artillery officer at Fort Sill, keeps his own collection as part of his post-service hobby. A dentist by day, hes taken an interest in militaria.

Its like a car show, but its all military, Tricinella said. Most of us have done this before. We used to have a get-together similar to this in Bristow with all kinds of re-enactments, collections and swap meets.

Like Haspel, Tricinella said presenting his collection is about other veterans who served, like himself.

Having gone through the Vietnam era, people had to make a choice, Tricinella said. Back then, you were either with the boys or against the boys.

I just lived, did my time and I became real patriotic.
SULPHUR  When Jasmine, the therapy dog, arrived at the Oklahoma School for the Deaf in Sulphur, the students naturally knew what to do.

They loved her.

A Labrador-mix breed, Jasmine, had been adopted and returned twice to P.A.W.S. animal shelter in Ada, through no fault of her own.

Recognizing her finer qualities, A New Leash on Life Inc. in Norman selected her to attend 10 weeks of obedience training through their Pen Pals Prison Program at the Davis Correctional Facility in Holdenville.

Read the rest of this story online at Newsok.com. A subscription may be required.
This website is inclusive of tolerant people of all faiths, without exception. Neither anti-Semitism nor Islamophobia nor homophobia should ever be acceptable to anyone. We must all strive to live in peace and harmony with each other, regardless of religious affiliations, or none. Intolerance is the mother of strife and conflict.   Mark Alexander

We Britons are Europeans!Wir Briten sind Europaer! Nous, les Britanniques, sommes europeens !  Mark AlexanderEmail me at:markalexander.librabunda@gmail.com
Ariana Grandes One Love Manchester Concert was proceeding despite yesterdays attacks in London, but with increased security.

Fans were urged not to bring any bags or rucksacks with them, not to drive and to expect to be searched.

Seven people were dead and 48 hospitalised, including 2 Australians, following two terrorism attacks in London yesterday. A van hit a number of pedestrians on London Bridge in the city centre just after 10pm local time. The attackers then fled on foot to Borough Market where they began stabbing people. Three terrorist attackers were shot dead by police.

Todays concert in Manchester, to honour those affected by an incident 2 weeks ago was going ahead, with A-List pop stars including Coldplay, Justin Bieber, Pharrell Williams, Katy Perry & Take That.

The concert will be broadcast to millions of people in more than 50 countries across the world.

Ariana Grande said in a statement, After the events last night in London, and those in Manchester just two weeks ago, we feel a sense of responsibility to honour those lost, injured, and affected.

We plan to honour them with courage, bravery, and defiance in the face of fear. Todays One Love Manchester benefit concert will not only continue, but will do so with greater purpose.

We must not be afraid and in tribute to all those affected here and around the world, we will bring our voices together and sing loudly. I am pleased to say we have the full support of Greater Manchester Police and the government and are assured the safety of all those attending is the highest priority.

All artists involved have been unwavering in their support this morning and are determined to carry on with the show. We ask the strong city of Manchester and the world to join us in making the statement that hatred and fear will never win. Today we stand together. Thank you.

One Love Manchester aired Live in Australia on UKTV from 3:55am AEST and is repeated at 7:30pm.

Nine screened the concert Live on 9NOW and has a primetime broadcast at 8:40pm.

Source: Manchester Evening News, Deadline
HBO is under growing pressure to fire late night host Bill Maher after he dropped the N-word in last

Fridays episode of Real Time with Bill Maher.

His guest on the show was Republican Senator Ben Sasse, who asked him, Would you like to come work in the field with us?

Maher responded, Work in the fields? Senator, I am a house n.

Variety notes the comment drew laughs and groans from the audience, but Sasse appeared to laugh along. Maher quickly added, It was a joke. But social media was not amused, with many calling for Maher to be fired.

In a statement, HBO said, Bill Mahers comment last night was completely inexcusable and tasteless. We are removing his deeply offensive comment from any subsequent airings of the show.

Maher said in a statement: Friday nights are always my worst night of sleep because Im up reflecting on the things I should or shouldnt have said on my live show. Last night was a particularly long night as I regret the word I used in the banter of a live moment. The word was offensive and I regret saying it and am very sorry.

His statement follows an unrelated apology from comedian Kathy Griffin after releasing vision holding a decapitated mock image of President Trump.

Real Time with Bill Maher has not aired in Australia for several years.
Photo by Eduardo Munoz Alvarez/Getty Images(WASHINGTON) -- Marchers took to the streets across the country Saturday, calling for an independent commission to investigate the White House's alleged ties to Russia and demanding that Congress force President Trump to release his tax returns. Organizers said "March for Truth" events were planned in more than 135 cities, including New York, Washington and London.



"People have to understand that this is a president who not only is trying to lead a cover-up of his own Russia ties, but he has a problem with the truth in general," Andrea Chalupa, an organizer with the March for Truth, told ABC News. "So we're here standing up for the truth."



In New York, crowds marched from Foley Square, and in Washington, demonstrators gathered at the Washington Monument. Chalupa said protesters in New York also planned to lay a wreath at the Bowling Green subway station, in reference to Trump advisor Kellyanne Conway's statements about the so-called Bowling Green Massacre, which didn't, in fact, take place. Conway later acknowledged the mistake and corrected her statement on Twitter.



Trump supporters held their own rally on Saturday in Lafayette Square across from the White House. The "Pittsburgh Not Paris" event, organized by the Fairfax County Republican Committee and the Republican Party of Virginia, saw about 200 people gather to show their support for the president's decision to withdraw from the Paris Climate Agreement this week. Pulling out of the Paris Accord was a Trump campaign promise his supporters lauded him for keeping.



Timothy Snyder, professor of history at Yale University and the author of On Tyranny, said he felt he had to take part in the March for Truth.



"The issue with the Trump Administration is no longer the traditional issue of transparency, it's the issue of fiction," Snyder said. "To say they are not transparent isn't even beginning to characterize it. So for me, the investigation is about Russia, of course, and the myriad connections between Trump's people and Russia, but it's also about fact versus fiction.



"For that reason, we are at a major crossroads about what kind of country we want to be," he added.



For its part, the Trump administration has denied allegations of illegal activity. The Kremlin also has denied the Russian government was behind the cyber campaign to undermine the 2016 election.



Chalupa said organizers began planning the march a few weeks ago and, despite the tight timeframe, felt it was necessary to move forward with Saturday's plans.



"The big events of just the last couple weeks -- FBI Director Comey being fired, the revelation that the Trump Administration tried to lift Russian sanctions -- all of this points to the need for an independent investigation into Trump and Russia," Chalupa said. "The public needs whatever information it is allowed to have that's not classified. We need as much information as possible, and that includes his tax returns, to see if there are any financial connections between Trump and Russia."



Trump has repeatedly said on the campaign trail and while in office he does not have financial interests in Russia.



"March for Truth" organizers said participating organizations include MoveOn.org, Rock The Vote and the Women's March, which organized large-scale protests across the country on the day after Trump's inauguration.



Paola Mendoza, the artistic director of the Women's March, was among those marching in New York on Saturday.



"I firmly believe that the success of the resistance depends on the intersectionality of all our movements," Mendoza told ABC News via email. "The Women's March stands side by side with the March for Truth because when we fight for truth, we are also fighting for the undocumented communities, for women, for our Muslim brothers and sisters and our planet."



Marchers said making their presence felt was important, even if the White House does not acknowledge it.



"The funny thing is about protesting is that it makes you feel better as a person and as a citizen to be with other people who are thinking and acting," Snyder told ABC News. "That's what you get out of protest: you feel like a better American."



Copyright  2017, ABC Radio. All rights reserved.
Do the right thing.

I write this letter with a heavy heart and in complete disbelief of a recent event in which a member of the media was assaulted by a candidate for the House of Representatives.

A physical attack on a journalist is an attack on all journalists and an attack on the First Amendment guarantee of freedom of press. This behavior cannot be condoned, it cannot be excused, and it cannot be explained.

What must be done now is very clear. What several newspapers in Montana did was to rescind their endorsement of the candidate in question but that is nothing more than a good beginning. Montana's press must call for and demand that this egregious, inexcusable and unlawful behavior be prosecuted to the full extent of the laws of the State of Montana. Anything less is an arbitrary abdication from the rule of law. Anything less excuses this unlawful behavior. Anything less condones this unlawful behavior. Anything less is an attack on journalists everywhere.

I believe the maximum penalty for this offense in Montana is six months in jail and in this particular case any penalty of a lesser nature is by default excusing and condoning this attack on a free press.

James Willis


Grab a mat, and head to Life Times Las Vegas health resorts in Green Valley and Summerlin to celebrate the longest day of the year with a Solstice Bliss yoga event, held from 6 to 8 p.m. on Thursday, June 22.

The 90-minute sampler class will consist of each of Life Times signature yoga formats, accompanied by live music. Following the practice, attendees will rejuvenate on Life Times expansive, resort-style pool deck with chilled kombucha; fresh fruit and vegetables; ice water infused with lemons, limes and cucumbers. Participants will also receive individual gift bags filled with Mala bead bracelets and essential oil samples.

Members and non-members of Life Time are welcome to participate in the revitalizing event. Registration is priced at $15 per person for members and $20 per person for non-members.

The transformative celebration will highlight Life Times newly revamped signature yoga formats: Be (meditation), Root (fundamentals), Flow (Vinyasa) and Surrender (Yin). During the first section of class, students will engage in silent observation with Be, which brings focus to the natural breath through inhaling and exhaling through the nose. In the second section of class, students will feel the functionality of pressing into the ground to help engage muscles during Root. The third section will feature Flow, a combination of both free and guided Vinyasa pose sequences. Surrender will seal the practice with a quiet Savasana for the fourth and final format of class.
Formosa's Ha Tinh facility is under strict governmental supervision (Source: vietnamnet.vn)

According to the Ha Tinh Peoples Committee, the explosion of a lime kiln dust filter in Formosa Ha Tinh Steel Plant (FHS) on Tuesday night, occurred due to a broken fabric filter.

The accident occurred one day after the firm piloted its first blast furnace, but the explosion ignited outside the blast furnace area.

There were no fires, no casualties, and no damage to the environment effects, said the committee.

Formosa representatives said they shut down the kiln immediately after the incident. The kiln does not have anything to do with the factorys first blast furnace, which is still operating normally. Rather, the kiln is used to create quicklime (calcium oxide) for use in the steel production process.

According to a Formosa report, they are monitoring wastewater, air-quality, and the surrounding area to ensure that no damage occurred to the environment.

Ha Tinh authorities asked Formosa to fix the problem and check its equipment to ensure a safe test run within 15 days. The trial operation of Formosas Ha Tinh plant will also be closely supervised to ensure proper waste treatment.

On Monday, Formosa was authorised to test-run its first blast furnace after it passed inspections.

Local authorities are set to continually monitor the furnace, with the initial results of the trial run available within 24 hours. Additionally, waste samples will also be taken every five minutes.

Formosa expects to produce 1.3-1.6 million tonnes of steel between now and the end of 2017 and its second blast furnace is scheduled to become operational early next year.

In April last year, the nearly $10.5-billion Formosa Ha Tinh Steel plant leaked toxic waste that polluted more than 200 kilometres of Vietnams coastline, devastating sea life and local economies dependent on fishing and tourism. Four months later, the Taiwanese company owned up to its mistake, offering a public apology and pledging $500 million as compensation for affected fishermen, households, and organisations.

Local authorities announced that the firm had corrected 52 out of the 53 operational faults that led to the environmental disaster.

In related news, the company is expected to implement a dry coking system by 2019 that will replace the current wet coking system, which is cheaper, but creates more debris.

Inspection team sent to investigate explosion at Formosa plant A team of officials of Ha Tinh province and the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment (MoNRE) travelled to Formosa steel plant in Ha Tinhs Ky Anh district immediately after receiving reports on an explosion at the plant on May 30.

Vo Kim Cu loses position of National Assemblys deputy due to Formosa scandal On May 15, the National Assemblys Standing Committee voted and agreed on stripping Vo Kim Cu of his title as deputy of the 14th National Assembly due to misconduct, adding to his previously submitted application to leave the position due to health issues.

Minister carries out Formosa inspection A year after it caused mass fish deaths by discharging untreated waste directly into the sea, an inspection has found Formosa having addressed 52 of 53 environmental violations.
What are you expecting from the official visit to Japan by Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc?

Ever since our two countries forged diplomatic ties in 1973, the Vietnam-Japan bilateral relationship has developed rapidly in many sectors. Vietnam and Japan established their Extensive Strategic Partnership for Peace and Prosperity in March 2014, and have developed a special relationship based on reliability, mutual understanding, and proximity.

When Japans Emperor and Empress and Prime Minister Shinzo Abe paid their visits to Vietnam recently, they received a very warm and highly respectful welcome from the Vietnamese people and government. And when Vietnamese high-ranking officials visit Japan, they receive the same welcome and respect from Japans people and government.

I would say that this is an important foundation for the two countries to promote their bilateral co-operation.

In this context, the June 4-8 visit by the prime minister will usher in a new chapter in the Vietnam-Japan relationship, with greater mutual understanding and substantial effects on the two countries strategic partnership covering many sectors including trade, investment, and development co-operation.

One of the defining elements of the Vietnam-Japan relationship is the connectivity between the two economies, and the strong co-operation in trade and investment. What are you expecting from this co-operation in the future?

Japan is now Vietnams biggest bilateral donor, with a total official development assistance (ODA) commitment for Vietnam mounting to $30 billion so far. Japan is also the second largest foreign investor, third largest trade partner, and fourth largest tourism partner of Vietnam.

Japan has also greatly fuelled Vietnams infrastructure development and its investment projects have significantly contributed to Vietnams socio-economic development.

In addition, Japan has been actively supporting Vietnam in improving its investment and business climate via the implementation of the Vietnam-Japan Joint Initiative, which was launched in 2003 and is now in its sixth phase. Japan has also been helping Vietnam implement its industrialisation strategy within the Vietnam-Japan Co-operation Framework until 2020, and create a vision to 2030. Vietnam highly appreciates this important and effective support. However, room remains for us to lift the two countries bilateral relations to new heights.

Japanese investors do not only bring good financial health to the table, but also provide good technologies and modern management models. If these strengths can be combined with Vietnams advantages  such as an improved business climate and convenient geographical location  all investors will benefit and Vietnams social and economic situation will be able to significantly improve.

While it has become a lower-middle-income country, Vietnam still faces difficulties with its limited resources. The country is also hit by many challenges like climate change and poverty reduction. Thus, it still needs concessional ODA, especially from big partners like Japan. Of course, we have to use ODA in the most effective manner, so that the public debt and national financial security will not be adversely affected.

Japan is one of the most successful investors in Vietnam, Photo: Le Toan

During the prime ministerial visit to Japan, Vietnams Ministry of Planning and Investment and the Japan External Trade Organization (Jetro) will jointly organise a big investment promotion conference in Japan. Could you please elaborate on the conference?

This will be the biggest-ever investment promotion conference between Vietnam and Japan. The conference has attracted special attention from both sides enterprises. Initially, it was expected that about 1,000 enterprises would join the event, but the figure has now increased to over 1,200.

Prime ministers Nguyen Xuan Phuc and Shinzo Abe will also attend and make keynote speeches at the event. Their presence there will fuel confidence and inspire Japanese firms to invest more in Vietnam, based on mutual benefits and the mutual construction of peace, stability, and prosperity in the region and the world.

Big deals expected in the week Vietnam and Japan are set to sign a slew of co-operation deals during the official visit by Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc to the Northeast Asian country this week. According to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MoFA), during his visit to Japan, PM Phuc and his Japanese counterpart Shinzo Abe will chair the largest Vietnam-Japan business forum ever held, attended by representatives of about 1,200 Vietnamese and Japanese firms. A record number of co-operation deals are expected to be signed at this forum (around 30) worth some $15 billion, in the sectors of foodstuff, agriculture, transport, energy, and environment. Furthermore, ministries and localities of both countries are likely to sign around 10 co-operation documents for official development assistance (ODA), climate change, industry and trade, and culture, sports, and tourism. The two governments will also officially ink a deal in which Japan will grant a large ODA sum to Vietnam. This sum was discussed earlier by Japans Prime Minister Shinzo Abe during his official visit to Vietnam in January 2017. Between 1992 and March 2016, Japan committed $29.5 billion in ODA for Vietnam. During his visit to Japan, Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc will also have several meetings with leaders of Japanese economic and business federations, such as Keidanren and Kankeiren, in a bid to attract more Japanese investment. Japan is now Vietnams second largest foreign investor. As of May 20, 2017, it had 3,411 valid investment projects in Vietnam, registered at nearly $43.5 billion. According to the MoFA, the primary purpose of this visit is to further affirm Vietnams consistent policy in attaching great importance to the two countries Extensive Strategic Partnership in all sectors, and to further boost the two countries economic connectivity. While in Japan, PM Phuc will also attend the 23rd International Conference on The Future of Asia. He will be the keynote speaker at the event, highlighting Vietnams contributions and initiatives to Asias peace, prosperity, and development, and Vietnams firm stance in pursuing trade liberalisation and acting as a responsible member of the international community.

In April 2017, you paid a working visit to Japan, where you met with leaders of many Japanese groups and corporations. And now, Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phucs visit will see such a big conference. Do you think that these efforts will create a greater wave of Japanese investment into Vietnam in the time to come?

It must be noted that Japanese firms overseas investment stem from their own needs. They want to expand their export markets and seek new investment opportunities. Previously, when investing overseas, they would eye big countries like China, in order to take advantage of their big markets and low labour costs. However, Japanese investors and companies have shifted their investments to other markets like Vietnam. As such, Vietnam should have more opportunities to attract more resources in service of its production, businesses, and development.

However, Japanese firms have also been boosting their investments in other regional markets like Thailand, Indonesia, Myanmar, and the Philippines. So although Vietnam is attractive to Japanese investors, we have to compete with these other markets.

Vietnam has to improve its infrastructure and help investors by removing hurdles in administrative procedures, land access while making better preparations in energy and human resources. Efforts must be made to lure more Japanese investors, and make them think about Vietnam first when they make any decision about overseas investment.

Once Vietnam has a friendlier business climate characterised by transparency and predictability, and with the two countries strong strategic partnership in mind, the Vietnam-Japan investment and trade co-operation will be further boosted, and more Japanese firms and investors will come to Vietnam.
Saigon One Tower, along with other sizeable real estate projects, resumed construction (Source: imgur.com)

Hong Kong-based Alpha King Real Estate Development, the new investor in Saigon One Tower, is now finishing the project after a delay of more than six years. The residential, office-for-lease, and trading complex is expected to be put into operation next year.

The monolithic Saigon One Tower is the most visible victim of Ho Chi Minh Citys burst real estate bubble. Even though the skeleton of the unfinished $238-million skyscraper lies at the intersection of Ham Nghi and Ton Duc Thang Streets, marking it as an incredibly desirable piece of real estate, information about the stalled project has been nearly impossible to come by for years.

Previous investors in the project were Saigon M&C Company (49 per cent), Saigontourist Group (30 per cent), Dong A Bank (6 per cent), Dong A Securities (10 per cent), and Phu Nhuan Jewelry Company (5 per cent).

When construction abruptly halted in 2011, an estimated 80 per cent of the work had been completed, with only the glass facade and interior work left.

Tai Nguyen Company also recently resumed work on its Kenton project in Nha Be district (Ho Chi Minh City) after eight years of delay. Tai Nguyen proved its financial capability to finish the project at a signing ceremony with a range of banks, including BIDV, Maritime Bank, and SHB, worth almost $47 million in funds for the project.

Located on 11 hectares at the junction of Nguyen Van Linh and Nguyen Huu Tho streets in Nha Be district, the New Downtown Kenton Node Hotel Complex (Kenton) will be home to 1,338 apartments, 26 shophouses, 228 Avani hotel rooms, 565 Oaks condo-tels, a trading centre, a walking street, a clinic, a multimedia music and water show, and more than 1,000 office rooms for lease. The construction of Kenton has been on halt since hard times hit the property market in 2011.

In Hanoi, CEN Invest and Hi Brand Vietnam have signed a co-operation contract to develop the K-Park residential complex in Daewoo Cleve, a project that has also been in limbo for years.

K-Park will be comprised of three, 23-27 storey towers which will provide a total of more than 950 housing units to the market. Daewoo Cleve was started in 2009 and has been in delay for years because the investor, Inpyung Corp from Korea, could not raise sufficient funds to finish it.

According to Phan Xuan Can, director of Soho Vietnam, the agency behind many M&A deals in Vietnam, the greatest obstacle for the continuation of long-delayed projects was to reach an agreement between all related parties.

Many long-delayed projects can now be resumed because the parties involved have finally agreed on a reasonable and acceptable way to rescue their projects, Can said.

The resurgence of the real estate market has brought about many opportunities for developers. Investors, bankers, and buyers have realised that they must come together to find solutions for their projects, instead of missing these opportunities, he added.

According to the latest report from the Ho Chi Minh Citys Construction Department, more than 50 projects have been left delayed for years in the citys downtown area. Among them, 14 projects were halted when construction was already underway.
US President Donald Trump's tweets after the London incidents.

"Whatever the United States can do to help out in London and the U. K., we will be there - WE ARE WITH YOU. GOD BLESS!," Trump wrote on Twitter.

Earlier, with the situation in London still fluid, Trump seized the occasion to plug his thwarted travel ban on people from six mainly Muslim countries.

The Justice Department on Thursday went to the Supreme Court to ask that it be reinstated immediately after it has been held up repeatedly in lower courts.

Without mentioning the London events specifically, Trump tweeted: "We need to be smart, vigilant and tough. We need the courts to give us back our rights. We need the Travel Ban as an extra level of safety!"

Trump has been briefed by his national security team on the London Bridge incident, his spokesman Sean Spicer wrote earlier on Twitter.
Gibraltar Stands with London Once Again

Her Majesty's Government of Gibraltar extends the condolences of the people of Gibraltar to the people of London in respect of the mindless overnight attack on London Bridge and Borough Market.

The Chief Minister, the Hon Fabian Picardo QC MP said: "I have written today to the Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan and to the Prime Minister of the United Kingdom, Rt Hon Theresa May MP to express the condolences of the people and Government of Gibraltar. Our flags are at half mast as a sign of respect for the people of London. Our thoughts are of course, once more, with the people of Britain, in the aftermath of this incident, especially the families of those killed or critically injured and the many caught up in the horror of these events.

"This is the third terrorist attack in four months in the United Kingdom and no less shocking and atrocious as a result. Coming barely two weeks since the attacks on Manchester these mindless attacks are no less despicable. The perpetrators are no more than senseless murderers who see to disrupt the freedom with which we live our lives. They will not succeed, but we will all understand the need to be vigilant to ensure that the emergency services have the tools and resources necessary to curtail such criminal activity when possible.

"London is a city with which all of Gibraltar will have strong links. Institutionally, it is the source of our democracy, the seat of the mother of Parliaments and the home of much of the business that creates our common prosperity. For many individuals it is the home of relatives, a city which has hosted our education and the pivotal point through which we connect to the rest of the United Kingdom and the world. London is the place where Gibraltarians were evacuated in the Second World War and the place where many before have endured terrorist bombings for other causes irrationally pursued by violence. It is the greatest city in the world and it will not be cowed by criminals with nothing to loose but their lives.

"First Responders in London have once again demonstrated the bravery and professionalism of the British police, ambulance, health and emergency services. When the chips are down, we rely on our blue light and emergency first responders to be the ones to resolve these dangerous situations and save lives as their training comes to the fore on each occasion.

Today, we are all Londoners standing resolute against these criminals. Guns and bombs can break our bones, but terrorists will NEVER beat us."

All flags are flying at half mast until further notice. Arrangements to observe a minutes silence will be announced.

The Government is working with the Foreign and Commonwealth Office to ascertain that no Gibraltarians have been caught up in the attack.
The opening montage of The Lie of the Land, presented as an alternate-history lesson narrated by the Doctor, is disturbingly effective. The Monks have insinuated themselves into our memories to the point that humanity believes theyve been guiding and helping us since we first wiggled out of the oceans and sprouted legs. The video is intercut with imagery of an average family broken apart by fascist troops who haul off the mother for spreading subversive propaganda. A horrified Bill observes the proceedings, seemingly one of the few whos awake. Monuments to the Monks decorate the landscape of the planet. The grinning Doctor looking directly at the camera, which closes out the sequence, makes for a queasy stomach.

The Doctor: So relax. Do as youre told. Your future is taken care of.

Its been six months since the Monks took over, and Bill is living a life of seeming solitude. (Wheres her foster mother?) Theres a clear struggle between knowing the truth and accepting the lie, and seemingly the easiest way for her to keep her head straight is to have imaginary conversations with her deceased mother, as her father is currently displaying dubious morality. Despite all of the videos the Doctor recorded that appear to prove otherwise, she hangs on to the belief that hes got a plan and will save the planet.

Enter Nardole, quite literally, through Bills front door. The reunion is the first pleasant moment in the episode and Nardole has found the Doctor, whos a prisoner on a boat off the coast of Scotland. Food supplies go to the boat every six weeks and of course thats how theyre getting to him. The entire plan is so straightforward and tidy and clean and Lucass performance so chipper and without gravitas. Its the first real display of dodgy storytelling.

Once onboard, the duo find themselves face to face with a Monk, who gives them each a thorough once over before moving on, and its here where I must jump ahead in the narrative. Its revealed later on that Bill is the lynchpin of the Monks hold over the planet, which in hindsight makes one wonder why this Monk didnt recognize Bill. Further, why did the Monks ever let Bill out of their custody in the first place? They hold the Doctor prisoner, but the individual key to their takeover of the planet wanders aimlessly around out in the world? Bill was even with the Monks when it all went down, unlike the Doctor, who was in the lab with his TARDIS. How was he captured? These questions go frustratingly unanswered.

The Doctor: Human society is  stagnating. Youve stopped moving forward. In fact, youre regressing.

Face to face with the Doctor, Bill and her tutor/father have an intense, philosophical debate about free will versus the potential value of enslavement by a more capable species. The Doctors criticisms of humanity arguably echo much of what weve become today. Its strong material and some of the best work both actors have done all season. He pushes Bill so far into believing that hes a pawn of the Monks that she breaks, grabs a weapon from a nearby soldiers holster, aims it at the Doctor, and fires several times. The dramatic moment leads directly into the regeneration scene thats been endlessly speculated upon for the past two months, and its all a big fake out because of course it is. Its a fake out for the viewer and a fake out within the narrative. The Doctor was testing Bill to see if shed turned (after she sold out the entire planet to save you?!), and Nardole was in on it the entire time (which to some degree explains his earlier attitude).

At this point, events start feeling either convoluted or convenient and Im unsure which is the more apt description. Though the Doctor and Nardole have spent the past six months planning, recruiting, and deprogramming, a crucial element is still needed. The Monks spot check the boat, yes? They never saw through or were witness to any of this? After everything they learned about the Doctor in the simulation and in the real world, they dont keep cameras on him at all times? Or better yet, locked up? Yes, the Doctor commandeering a boat to crash onto the mainland  maniacally laughing all the way  is a thrilling gag, but didnt the Monks demonstrate the ability to remove a plane from the sky and a submarine from depths of the sea? They control the planet, yet the Monks feel wholly absent from these proceedings.

Bill: Its just a woman. The way you and Nardole have been carrying on, I thought you had some kind of monster in here or something.

The aforementioned crucial element? Thatd be Missy, residing in her vault. Seems she has battled the Monks before (again, convenient) and knows all about how they maintain control via signals from the giant Monk statues erected across the globe. She also knows how to stop them, which includes killing Bill, the lynchpin of the Monk mass hypnotism. The complicated mythology Missy lays out about the lynchpin adds little to the story line but gives Michelle Gomez ample time to chew dialogue, at which she excels. It also allows Missy to spar with the Doctor about the nature of goodness, which is a high point of the episode. Once theyve both departed, watching these two actors play off one another will be sorely missed.

The mission is to break into Monk HQ in London (the pyramid from last weeks episode has been moved) and have the Doctor beam out the true history of the world so as to undermine the Monks power. The raid on the pyramid is met with Monk resistance (finally), as they can now shoot lightning bolts from their fingers. Nice trick, but shouldnt they be able to wave bullets away? Seems not, and theyre easily taken down. Why just last week, they could restore the eyesight of a blind man. The fearsome, godlike powers they possessed have seemingly disappeared.

Inside the sanctum from which their power emanates is a vast collage of ever-changing world history  a mish-mash with Monks spliced in willy-nilly. In the center of the room is a solitary Super Monk from whom the lie spreads. The Doctor grasps its cranium and begins erasing them from Earths history, but it fights back by making the Monks even more prominent (we know this thanks to the ever-shifting video collage) and knocking the Doctor unconscious. When he comes to, Bill announces her intention to sacrifice herself for the greater good. At first the process is too strong for Bill, but images of her mother  from the very photographs the Doctor went back in time and took (in the The Pilot)  give her the strength needed to assert control. Why are no Monks swarming the room, swooping in and attempting to put a stop to all of this? The lie breaks across the land, and instead the Monks flee the planet with their shrouds tucked between their nasty rotting legs.

The Doctor: The Monks have erased themselves. Humanity is doomed to never learn from their mistakes.

Bill: Well, I guess thats part of our charm!

The epilogue moment between a teary-eyed, remorseful Missy and a sympathetic Doctor feels like setup as well as revelation. Shes learning the cost of villainy, almost as if by necessity, and it isnt easy. Missy, want to learn to be good? Let me introduce you to Benjamin Horne. Guy lives in a little town called Twin Peaks 

Ultimately, The Lie of the Land is a disappointing conclusion to what was an otherwise killer story line. It feels like an early draft of a script, compartmentalized into little sections, a number of which work well but fail to gel as a whole. Its more average Doctor Who than bad, which may be an even greater crime because it just didnt work hard enough. Oh well, two out of three aint bad, right?

Odds and Ends

 Ace Bits: The truth logo plastered everywhere is a nice callback to the Veritas; the soldier who forgot to switch out his ammo; the Doctors suggestion that he fix things like racism and people who talk in cinemas; that final chat between the Doctor and Bill.

 Naff bits: Why would the Doctor waste regeneration energy when hes never even explained that process to Bill?; seems like the image of Bills mother would take on its own significance among the populace of Earth, but I guess not.

 Im getting recappers whiplash from where I come down on Matt Lucas and Nardole. There are times hes as in it as any Who companion has ever been and others where he feels like he stepped in from, well, from a sketch-comedy series, a comparison so obvious I almost didnt make it.
Photo: Komplizen Film

Is the fact that this years Cannes Film Festival had only three women filmmakers in competition the festivals fault or the industrys  or, as trolls might suggest, that women dont make good films? And whats the solution to jury member Jessica Chastains assertion that the 19 films she saw in 10 days left her disturbed in their depictions of female characters?

Chastains fellow jury member Maren Ade, director of last years Oscar-nominated German deadpan family comedy Toni Erdmann, for one, thinks we should all give the festival a break. I think the sad thing is that the amount of women in the festival, it really reflects the reality. I dont think its [about] the festival especially [deciding not to accept] female filmmakers, she said at a dinner for Kerings Women in Motion program to promote women in film. So how could the competition become more gender balanced, then? There really needs to be a profound change; there need to be more films made by women, period, said Ade.

But if you look at the output of female filmmakers compared to male filmmakers, she pointed out, its much lower. You dont see women directors churning out movies on the level of a Woody Allen or a Takasi Miike, the Japanese gore-master who celebrated his 100th film at the festival. We all need to be able to make bad films in order to be in the end that some of us make ten good films over, say, 50 years of the competition. I really think that its not the festivals problem.

Having spent a year traveling the world releasing, and then being on the awards circuit with, Toni Erdmann, Ade said shed come to the realization that we really need a quote on public money worldwide to support women filmmakers, and that in places like the U.S. where there is not public money for the film industry, that studios would have to join together to follow a voluntary quota. It could only be to everyones benefit. I read something recently that felt true for me, she said, that if a woman ends up finally making a film, the chances that its a good one, statistically, is very high, because once we get some money in our hands we try not to make something bad.

And selfishly, she added, I also want to have an end to this discussion and panels and awards only for women. It really gets on my nerves. Its just annoying always having to talk about how there are not enough women in film, or that such and such film failed because of sexism or lack of opportunity. The true sign of equality, Ade was saying, would be for women to be able to fail at an equal rate as men, and then also be forgiven at an equal rate, thus eliminating women who find themselves blackballed if they make one unsuccessful film, while white men who make flops often dont suffer the same repercussions. Essentially, Ade said, a true sign of progress would be if women filmmakers were judged on their work alone, and we could lose that whole gender qualification before mentioning their job. Id rather have it black and white, she said, if [a bad film] is our own fault.
After kicking off her Manchester benefit concert with the very British faces of Robbie Williams and Little Mix  who delivered truly wonderful performances in every sense  Ariana Grande made her triumphant return to the Manchester stage by performing an emotional, uplifting Be Alright with the help of some fabulous back-up dancers. The kind of love and unity that youre displaying is the medicine the world really needs right now, Grande said later in the concert. Watch the entire performance above.


Cameron Park Zoo, 1701 N. Fourth St., will have a Bubbles fundraiser from 6 to 10 p.m. Thursday to benefit the zoos aquarium.

Guests can celebrate all things bubbly, including champagne, beer, soda or the zoos signature cocktail, Tidal Wave.

The event also will include hors doeuvres, a silent auction and a chance to meet the Cameron Park Zoo mermaids.

Cost is $40, or $35 for zoo members. Guests must be ages 21 or older.

For tickets, visit http://bit.ly/2ryaRqG.

Middle East series

Gayle Avant, who taught political science at Baylor University, will continue his Middle East Challenges to American Foreign Policy series from 5 to 7 p.m. Sunday at Westwood Baptist Church, 7509 Fairway Road in Woodway.

This weeks topic will be Middle East: Saudi Arabia.

Cost is a suggested $5 donation.

For more information, email Gayle_Avant@Baylor.edu or call 772-5572.

Waco MPO meetings

The Waco Metropolitan Planning Organization will hold these public informational meetings regarding the proposed adoption of the Fiscal Year 2018-2019 Unified Planning Work Program:

Noon and 6 p.m. Monday at the Waco Transit Administration Center, 301 S. Eighth St.

6 p.m. Thursday at the South Waco Community Center, 2815 Speight Ave.

The meetings will allow public input regarding proposed tasks, whether they are appropriate and whether other tasks should be considered.

A copy of the program draft can be viewed at www.waco-texas.com/cms-mpo.

Symphony Belles, Brass

The Waco Symphony Council is accepting applications from Waco-area high school sophomore girls and junior boys to participate in the councils Belles and Brass program to promote leadership, music appreciation, service and etiquette.

For applications or more information, visit www.wacosymphonycouncil.com or or call 715-9609.

HCGS meeting

The Hill County Genealogical Society will meet at 6 p.m. Monday in the Hill County Extension Office Dining Room, 126 S. Covington St. in Hillsboro.

Presenter Joyce Reid will discuss the ongoing project of documenting the old churches of Hill County, with a focus on the southwestern section of the county.

For more information, call Reid at 205-2521.

Dinner with an author

Hewitt Public Library will have a dinner event with author Lisa Wingate from 6 to 8 p.m. June 20 at the library, 200 Patriot Court.

Tickets cost $20.

For tickets, visit http://cityofhewitt.com/32/library.
As Superintendent Bonny Cain looks back on her time with Waco Independent School District, she said she would have done three things differently: she would have fought harder for state funding for public education, she wouldnt have been such an outspoken manager, and she would have added more academies for student choice in the district.

Cains last day with the district was Saturday, culminating with graduation ceremonies. She announced her retirement in November, and in an exit interview with the Tribune-Herald reflected on her role in the districts progress during her six years leading it. But assistant superintendents who have worked closely with her said they wouldnt change a thing.

She was a powerhouse, Assistant Superintendent Rick Hartley said. She knew what she wanted and she knew how to get things done.

Cain has worked in education for 40 years, and her retirement is bittersweet. She started in Waco in 2011, a time when the district was facing difficult changes, including closing and consolidating nine of its campuses.

Its happy because Id like do to something else, but its sad because sometimes Id like to think Ive never been anywhere else but Waco, Cain said. Sometimes, its like I just got here. Ive seen a lot of changes in education.

She said the states academic accountability standards have often been overemphasized in her career, and the biggest change she has seen has been to state funding.

The state needs to fully, adequately and equitably fund public schools, Cain said. Its all about that. Its like your family budget. Obviously, if you made enough that you could take a vacation everywhere and quit your job, youve probably got more money than what you need. But if you and your husband are both on food stamps, then youre probably not getting paid enough.

She said it costs more to educate children who have more needs, and her funding system would be weighted to reflect those varying needs. Waco ISDs student population of 15,000, for one, is more than 80 percent economically disadvantaged.

In 2011, Texas slashed public education funding by $5.4 billion, and local school districts are still experiencing the ramifications of the decision. Just last week, the Texas Legislature let any chance for additional state funding to public schools die in a stalemate on this years big education bill, according to the Austin American-Statesman.

The bill would have put $1.6 billion back into the public education system and made funding formulas more equitable had competing voices been able to agree on school choice vouchers, the article states.

We have reading issues, and thanks to the TRE we were able to hire the aides and do a lot of things, but we still have dyslexia problems, Cain said, referring to a voter-approved local tax-rate increase. Weve got a good dyslexia program, but weve got kids who have reading problems and everything is based on reading. Thats an area that needs more funding.

The tax-rate increase that voters approved in a tax ratification election in 2015 is helping the district bring in $8.2 million per year in state and local money for additional reading resources, behavioral specialists and dual credit opportunities.

Waco ISD was ranked academically acceptable at the time of Cains hire and has retained that rating through the transition to the STAAR test, according to TEA documents.

Though Waco ISD didnt receive the exemplary rating during her tenure with the district, Cain helped lead the work of turning struggling schools around through the efforts of transformation committees, turnaround plans, district and campus improvement plans and more.

Still, she wishes she had been able to spend more time to on legislative issues and working in-person with legislators in Austin.

The times I have gone there, it really means something, Cain said. You can send them emails, you can call, but when you show up in person and make an appointment, it makes a difference.

Money will be Waco ISDs biggest issue going forward, she said.

Were a member of the Texas School Alliance, and it is 100 percent in support of public education, Cain said.

She thinks superintendents and school board members often wait too late in the year before the session starts to advocate for public education, she said. But Hartley, who has been part of her cabinet for a few years, said he knows Cain tried her best.

He sees Cain as a mentor and has always been impressed with her communication to her staff and to the community, he said.

I have my own career plans and I can model so much of my leadership style today based on what Ive learned from her, he said.

Cain also said she wishes she could have added at least six more academies at schools in the district. She championed the districts Greater Waco Advanced Manufacturing Academy, Greater Waco Advanced Health Care Academy, and the ATLAS academy that meets the need for gifted and talented students. She also helped push for a new construction academy, which was approved earlier this year.

There have been several people who have made suggestions to have more regional academies, Cain said. One would be technology, and weve been requested to have an academy about not only designing software, but repairing hardware. I was hoping there would be five or six academies, but we kind of ran out of time.

In the last few months, school board members have been evaluating the possibility of adding more academies and magnet schools, even applying for a $9 million grant for a magnet school at Waco High. But nothing has been decided yet, and the board may wait until the new superintendent, A. Marcus Nelson, gets settled to move forward on any decision. He arrives within the next week.

Ive talked to Dr. Nelson, and he is just all over those kinds of business partnerships, Cain said. Im fully confident all that work will continue.

She has been working closely with Nelson to help with the transition, and they talk on the phone and text often, she said.

The only other thing she wishes she would have changed during her time is how she communicated with others, from her staff, to the community and to anyone in between, she said.

I think my outspoken management style makes one a lightning rod, Cain said. I think I could have, or I think I probably wouldve worded some things differently if it still would have gotten the appropriate outcome.

She would not say what she meant by the statement or give an example, but the first part of her last year was marred by controversy, including how hiring processes were handled and how administrators awarded course credit to University High seniors improperly.

Hartley and Kim Ellis, Cains assistant superintendent of curriculum and instruction, said Cains expectations have always been clear.

The work needed on the local level may have kept her from having the voice she wanted on the state level, but Cain has always expressed her passion for education well, Ellis said.

I think the one thing I will always say about Dr. Cain is she has always maintained a strong voice in Waco and in Austin and supported education, she said. That to me is part of her legacy. She is just that strong voice in support of our youth. Shes always been concerned about providing the best education possible.

Cain will retire to Tyler, where she will be closer to family, she said. She is looking forward to making memories and attending events she didnt get to growing up. She may even do some consulting work to help school districts in the area, she said.

Id just like to thank parents for trusting their kids to us. Everyone who is in Waco ISD has a choice, Cain said. They have a choice to home-school their kid, and just about every school district around us takes transfers. There are charter schools. There are private schools. There are church schools. They chose us, and Id just like to thank them for choosing us.
Mildred McClellanDec. 8, 1928 - Jun. 2, 2017Mildred McClellan, age 88, of Gatesville, passed away Friday, June 2, 2017 in Gatesville.Memorial services will be held at 11:00 a.m., Monday, June 5, 2017 at Scott's Funeral Home, with Rev. Bruce Cox officiating. Visitation with the family will be one hour prior to services.,Mildred was born on December 8, 1928 in Scottsdale, Arizona to the late Sam and Iva Patterson. She grew up with her three sisters and three brothers in Scottsdale, before moving to Texas during her senior year of high school. After graduating from Gatesville High School, she moved with her family to Georgetown. She attended Southwestern University in Georgetown, where she had the honor of being Miss Southwestern University.During her time in Gatesville, she met Billy Clay McClellan. They were married at Highland Baptist Church in Waco. They resided in Waco until Billy Clay finished his degree at Baylor University. After his graduation, they returned to Gatesville and she worked for Dr. Tom Williams. She was always proud of her job assisting him as he designed oral mouth pieces for Medical Plastics Laboratory, along with brothers, Dr. Wendell Lowrey and Dr. Elworth Lowrey. She enjoyed helping Billy Clay and the folks at Leaird's Department Store buying merchandise at the Dallas markets. Mildred was a kind, gentle, and patient person, always taking care of others. Her greatest joy in her later years was caring for her grandchildren. She was a member of First Baptist Church.She was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Billy Clay McClellan; son, David McClellan; three sisters; and two brothers.She is survived by two sons, Clay McClellan and wife, Carolyn, of Coryell City, Jeb McClellan and wife, Nancy, of Gatesville; brother, Barto Patterson and wife, Judy, of Horseshoe Bay; six grandchildren, Carly Latham and husband, Brandon, of Gatesville, Kyle McClellan and wife, Summer, of Ft. Worth, Dan McClellan and wife, Denise, of Golden, CO, Amelia McClellan of Austin, Leaird McClellan of Gatesville, and Trevor Bentley of Gatesville; six great-grandchildren; and her special friend, Don Flentge.In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Boys and Girls Club of Gatesville, 2533 E. Main Street, Gatesville, TX 76528.Sign the Guest Book at www.wacotrib.com
Going by the numbers, the Texas Legislature this session sent a clear message to scandal-plagued Baylor University and all other Texas colleges and universities that might mishandle sexual assaults involving their young charges. No less than six such bills were sent to the governor, including three crafted by tireless state Sen. Kirk Watson, an Austin Democrat and a Baylor alumnus.

At the same time, much of the legislation covers reforms that, if not already embraced by Baylor in the 105 recommendations it has sought to implement over the past year, surely are ripe for adoption, given Baylor will do almost anything to show its turned over a new leaf  short of holding open regent meetings, that is. As students such as Caroline Grace of Baylors Title IX Student Advisory Council testified before the Senate State Affairs Committee, Baylor has done a really good job of enacting sweeping changes, including in the murky realm of what constitutes sexual consent as well as amnesty for infractions such as drinking that so often figure in accounts of sexual violence and students.

Paige Hardy, a public relations and religion major at Baylor who won plaudits from the committee for identifying herself as a sexual-assault victim and telling her story while touting Watsons reform bills, suggested universities and victims would gain much from the Legislature showing more resolve and insight in such matters.

One thing that was really difficult with Baylor was, because the legislation was so light on Title IX regulations and the requirements seemed so low, we didnt really know what to do, she told senators in March. A lot of times universities are taking tips from other universities on how to deal with this. And its at this moment I feel the Legislature is behind. [Reforms in] these three bills Sen. Watson is presenting today, Baylor has already implemented and has implemented in the past year or before. And other schools are implementing [these]. And we need the Legislature to be showing universities how to properly treat victims.

Baylor remains a national poster child for assaults and tepid administrative responses when such problems are actually epidemic at campuses nationwide. However, Baylor officials say that other universities are now reviewing Baylor reforms and new policies as best practices to similarly adopt.

Meanwhile, the Baylor regents must have sighed relief that one Baylor bill failed to get beyond a Senate Higher Education Committee hearing: West Texas Republican Sen. Kel Seligers bill seeking to compel the Baylor Board of Regents to open its closed-door meetings.

And Baylor was quite obviously in the senators sights: His original draft sought to require that all private schools receiving more than $5 million in taxpayer-funded Tuition Equalization Grants hold board meetings in public. Only two such institutions fell within those parameters: Baylor and University of the Incarnate Word. Out of respect for the latter, Seliger revised his bill mid-session, requiring open meetings only of those institutions receiving more than $9 million in TEG funds. In short, Baylor University.

Baylor regents, accused by some alumni and donors of hiding their own failures in campus oversight, might have faced deciding, had this bill become law, whether to open up their board meetings or reduce the amount of TEG funds Baylor accepts to elude the laws scope. And the optics could have been damning, given that TEGs help students of modest means attend private religious universities, especially Baylor.

Accounts differ on why the bill  after a colorful hearing in which senators put the screws to Baylors interim president  then faltered. Possibilities range from the lobbying influence of Independent Colleges and Universities of Texas, fearful of any precedent being set, to Seligers crossing Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick on unrelated legislation.

Successful legislation mandates that all universities and colleges adopt online protocols for students to report sexual offenses  anonymously if they so choose  and amnesty for lesser infractions such as drinking for victims and witnesses of sexual assault, at least when reporting such allegations. While lawmakers balked at legislation requiring affirmative consent between sexual partners  a disappointment for Watson, who sought to codify this  he tells me the online reporting provision is a major win. Even if some sexual-assault reports are anonymous, the input will allow university officials to better assess and focus on those students accused repeatedly. It also allows officials to better gauge their campus climate for sexual assault and harassment  a problem that somehow eluded at least some Baylor higher-ups to everyones misfortune.
President Donald Trump left the Paris climate accords Thursday, joining Syria and Nicaragua as the only nations outside of the pact to curb climate change. On Friday, a host of U.S. states, cities and companies vowed to live up to terms of the deal.

According to a report in The New York Times, a group of mayors, governors, companies and university presidents will submit a plan to the United Nations outlining how they would meet greenhouse-gas emission targets as stipulated by the deal. When former President Barack Obama signed the pact in 2015, he pledged by 2025 to lower greenhouse-gas emissions by 26 to 28 percent below their 2005 levels.

This group includes 30 mayors, three governors, more than 100 businesses and more than 80 presidents of American universities. In addition, former New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg also vowed to put up $15 million of his own money to help the group meet the terms of the voluntary pact.

Mayors, governors and business leaders from both political parties are signing onto to a statement of support that we will submit to the U.N.  and together we will reach the emission reduction goals the United States made in Paris in 2015, Bloomberg said in a statement. Americans will honor and fulfill the Paris Agreement by leading from the bottom up  and there isnt anything Washington can do to stop us.

On Thursday, a group of 83 mayors, representing cities such as Los Angeles, Salt Lake City, Atlanta and Pittsburgh, separately pledged to meet Paris commitments. University presidents from Emory, Brandeis and Wesleyan are on board, the governors of New York, California and Washington have signed up, and companies such as Hewlett-Packard and Mars have also joined the group.

Trump said he pulled out of the deal to save American jobs from being shipped overseas. He also said that the pact puts the United States at the mercy of foreign powers. In fact, the agreement is voluntary. He said he was leaving the pact to help the people of Pittsburgh, not Paris, despite the fact that the Steel City has successfully shifted away from heavy manufacturing to a robust economy fueled by tech, health-care and higher-learning sectors.

In the wake of Trumps exit, China, the European Union and other countries around the world have reaffirmed their commitment to the accord, leaving the United States on a diplomatic island with only Syrian President Bashar Assad and Nicaraguan President Daniel Ortega  and to be fair to Ortega, his country didnt join because the accords werent strong enough.
Every new president tries to claim a mandate for his agenda, that because he and his team won the election this means the public supports everything they want to do. But ask yourself this: Is there anything  anything  on the agenda of the Trump administration and the Republicans in Congress that enjoys the support of the majority of the public?

Lets look at a couple of examples from the biggest items on their agenda, starting with health care. The latest Kaiser Family Foundation tracking poll finds that an incredible 84 percent of Americans say that its important that any replacement of the Affordable Care Act maintains the ACAs expansion of Medicaid. Even 71 percent of Republicans say so. Which is a problem for the GOP, because rolling back the Medicaid expansion is the centerpiece of the Republican repeal plan. Theyre arguing among themselves about whether it should be done slowly or quickly, but the whole point of the exercise is to undo that expansion so they can fund a large tax that mostly goes to the wealthy.

Tied in knots

The Senate is right now tying itself in knots trying to figure out how to pass something that satisfies their conservative principles but that the public wont despise. They may be slowly realizing its impossible. I dont see a comprehensive health-care plan this year, Sen. Richard Burr said last week. Hes probably right.

Lets move on to taxes. At Thursdays speech announcing his pullout from the Paris climate agreement, President Trump made this little digression:

Our tax bill is moving along in Congress and I believe its doing very well. I think a lot of people will be very pleasantly surprised. The Republicans are working very, very hard. Wed love to have support from the Democrats, but we may have to go it alone. But its going very well.

It was certainly interesting to hear that their tax bill is moving along in Congress, because there is no tax bill, neither moving along, standing still or spinning in circles. The administration has produced nothing more than a one-page list of bullet points on taxes. Congressional Republicans havent written a bill, either. There have been no hearings, no committee votes, nothing.

This is one of those moments when its hard to figure out if Trump is lying or genuinely doesnt realize whats going on; earlier this week he tweeted:

The massive TAX CUTS/REFORM that I have submitted is moving along in the process very well, actually ahead of schedule. Big benefits to all!

Nothing submitted

Yet nothing has been submitted, nothing is moving along and nothing is ahead of schedule.

Thats partly because there are some substantive differences among Republicans about what tax reform should include, but its also because they know that whatever bill they come up with is going to be hammered by Democrats for being an enormous giveaway to the wealthy. They could solve that problem by not making it an enormous giveaway to the wealthy, but then what would be the point?

So they realize that its not going to be very popular. In other circumstances, that might be less of a problem  they could say, Thats OK, its important to us, so well just push it through. George W. Bush passed two big tax cuts that were largely similar to what Republicans want to do now, didnt he? But theres a difference.

When Bush signed his first tax cut in June 2001, his approval rating was at around 55 percent. When he passed his second tax cut in May 2003, his approval was around 65 percent. (It was early in the Iraq War, when all seemed to be going well.) Right now Trump is at around or below 40 percent in polls, so neither he nor Congress is getting the benefit of the doubt.

Are there other Republican initiatives that the public is behind? If there are, theyre awfully hard to find. The Paris accord is extremely popular, so Trumps decision to pull out probably wont go over well. The overwhelming majority of the public opposes ongoing GOP efforts to defund Planned Parenthood. Theres little support for the drastic cuts in the government spending Republicans advocate.

Theyre about to start a push to repeal the Dodd-Frank Wall Street reform law, which Paul Ryan, in a remarkably shameless bit of Orwellian spin, characterizes as a way to stop indulging Wall Street. But Americans arent exactly demanding that the nations beleaguered bankers be liberated from their crushing burden of government oversight.

The deep unpopularity of this agenda goes a long way toward explaining why Congress has gotten almost nothing done this year, despite the fact that Republicans control both houses and have a president happy to sign whatever they put on his desk. Every Republican feels nervous these days  their president is unpopular, so is their party, and theres the real possibility of a Democratic wave in 2018 that sweeps many of them from office. Thats enough to make a lawmaker skittish about doing anything that might make the voters even more disgusted. So the legislative process gets dragged out longer and longer.

Congressional Republicans complain all the drama and scandal in the White House suck the air out of Washington and make it harder for them to focus on their agenda, which is true to a degree. But the real problem is the public just doesnt want to buy what theyre selling.
This is going to be about climate change, but probably not in the way you are expecting. Yes, President Trump chose to go his own way, as he often does, and began the process of pulling America out of the Paris Climate Agreement. For many, including his daughter, myself, the heads of numerous corporations and former American presidents and world leaders, this is seen as a catastrophic decision which will set the United States back decades. Withdrawal from the Paris Climate Agreement is a withdrawal of the United States from its long-held position as a global leader. Many have already crowned the Chinese as the new United States: a global power others can look to now that the United States has abdicated its position of leadership with our withdrawal from the agreement.

To be honest, Im not sure why so many people are surprised by Trumps decision. He campaigned on it. He staffed the Environmental Protection Agency with a man who spent much of his political career suing it. The EPA removed its climate science site from public view after two decades. Trumps proposed budget would devastate any meaningful efforts to curb climate change and related issues such as poverty. Trump pulling the United States out of the Paris Climate Agreement should not surprise anyone.

Still, this adds to the collective helplessness so many in our country feel. This helplessness has evolved, over time, into hopelessness. But it is not Trumps fault alone, nor did it start with him. We elected a president several years ago in Barack Obama who ran on the idea that he alone could deliver hope to the people. When it came time for Trump to run, he famously pledged to Make America Great Again, essentially parroting Obamas promise of delivering hope to the people of our country.

Hope is good. Hope is a great driver for many. But it is an inevitable fact of human nature that someone somewhere is going to be left broken-hearted by the unfulfilled promise of hope offered by our elected officials. For campaigners, hope is a marketing tool aimed at the frustrated and the angry. But real hope is more than a catchy slogan that is easily hashtagged. Real hope is more than a piece of art to be hung in homes and dorm rooms. Famous preacher John Piper defines hope as a reservoir of emotional strength. He goes further and says that real, authentic hope is a confident expectation and desire for something good in the future.

We feel helpless because we have allowed ourselves to become hopeless. We have allowed ourselves to become hopeless because we were chasing after cheap hope. Im not overwhelmed by what seems an avalanche of bad news because I have worked to seek out real hope. Personally, my hope comes through my life as a Christ follower. This lens of hope allows me to be confident and excited about the good things to come in the future. For example: Magnolia has transformed downtown Waco and that transformation gives me excited expectation for our citys future. Baylor wades into its future with confident expectation of good things to come thanks to the hire of new president Dr. Linda Livingstone. And while I wish the Trump administration wasnt so hostile to Gods Creation, I am hope-filled by the young people around me, and others across the globe, actively working to be better stewards of what He has given us.

I refuse to allow cynicism and fear to cloud the reality of true hope.
This weekend the Trib has devoted a generous amount of ink and paper to differing views on President Trumps decision to withdraw from the 2015 Paris climate accord. Those opinions range widely, from Washington Post journalist Ben Adlers concern for both environment and economy, increasingly dependent on renewable energy and green initiatives, to conservative Texas scholar Merrill Matthews fears that the accord made too many demands of developed nations for environmental change, which he suggests (and with strong evidence) is already being positively affected by free-market forces. Today Baylor University administrator Smith Getterman places his hope in coming generations, rather than any politician, to act as devoted stewards of our planet.

The politicians are naturally all over the map. Democratic U.S. Sen. Bernie Sanders describes Trumps decision last week as an abdication of American leadership and an international disgrace and advocates against turning our backs on efforts to preserve this planet for future generations. Republican Congressman Bill Flores, an oil and gas industry veteran who represents Waco, acknowledges the hard reality of climate change but says the Paris agreement would have driven up energy prices for low- and middle-income families, stifled our economy and slowed job growth for hard-working American families.

So where is the correct path through all these admittedly relevant concerns? Probably where it generally is  in the unpopular, buttoned-down, ultimately reasonable middle ground  somewhere between the passionate environmentalist who warns we must straight-away convert to renewables and scrap fossil fuels and the unhurried, thick-skinned skeptic who quibbles over how many scientists signed off on global warming  and how many were bought off by George Soros or some other liberal bogeyman. Yet even the most intelligent cynic must accept basic dynamics of earth-space science: greenhouse-gas emissions do not float off into space and industrial activity has enormously complicated our planets natural cycle of warming and cooling. Of this, there can be no doubt.

Our survival in the long run counts on embracing at least some elements of each of the above insights, without exclusion or prejudice. It likely relies on the cities, universities, states, entrepreneurs, corporations and everyday folks rushing to fill the vacuum President Trump has created. This includes industry leaders such as SpaceX brainchild Elon Musk, General Electric CEO Jeff Immelt (who presumably knows a thing or two about energy generation and CO2), Disney CEO Robert Iger, Mars CEO and corporate neighbor Grant Reid and even Shell Oil officials. To those crestfallen by the presidents further abandonment of global leadership and any moral high ground, we must take hope in all the entities, public and private, big and small, making clear their own plans to continue reducing emissions and more. Nothing is stronger than the heart of those who step forward when craven political leadership fails us once again.
Confound stereotypes!

In response to Mike Clouds May 24 letter: As a lifelong liberal Democrat, I must protest. Yes! Protest! My First Amendment right allows that  actually, not only for Democrats but for any clear-thinking person who supports the Constitution of the United States.

I deplore terrorism of any kind, homegrown or otherwise. I uphold the right of Israel to exist as a country free of Palestinian violence or rule. So far as religion goes, people should be able to practice that to which they subscribe  even Muslims. And, yes, Christians can be terrorists. Anyone remember the KKK? Now those were and probably still are upstanding Christians in their communities. Do I think Christians are really being persecuted here in the United States? Uh, no, but I do believe in separation of church and state.

As a person, not just because of a political party, I support a womans right to safe, affordable health care and a right to plan her family.

I am the child of a military career man who fought in Guadalcanal so I am a patriot and an American flag waver. As I wrote previously to the paper, I dont agree with the burning of the American flag or anyone who disrespects it but, indeed, I would march to allow anyone to do it. I dont agree with Colin Kaepernick at all. I consider him a very well-paid spoiled brat, but then theres that pesky constitutional thing again.

We Democrats feel the same pain and anger when our law enforcement officers are harmed or murdered just because they wear the uniform  just as people on the other end of the political spectrum presumably feel.

Anyone should be allowed to move to our country and follow the path to citizenship without fear. No one should be harmed because of the shade of his or her skin or religious preference.

How dare you and your buddies at FOX News skew the facts and tell me as a Democrat how I think? I imagine my moral compass is much more accurate than those who hate others because they are different. Mr. Cloud, I understand you disagree with me on almost all issues, but the major distinction is Im fine with how you think. Just dont stand there and tell me what I believe.

Donna M. Myers, Waco

Two-way solution

Driving west on Homan Avenue and North 26th Street, we could see the back of the school bus involved in the May 12 deadly wreck at North 26th Street and Bosque Boulevard. We could not see another vehicle. We assumed the driver had lost control of the school bus. Little did we know that a life had been lost right then and there.

This is not the first one and its not likely to be the last.

I see one possible solution to the problem at that intersection: Make 25th and 26th streets two-way. That will discourage people from driving so fast and careless. As it is, 26th Street is an invitation to speed and run red lights.

Candelario Aguilar, Waco
The Fiat 500 Abarth is an easy, confidence-inspiring automobile to live with in an increasingly congested America, Warren Brown writes. (Fiat Chrysler Automobiles/Fiat Chrysler Automobiles)

Italy is the kind of place where bicycles and motorbikes make sense for personal transportation. The streets are narrow  extremely narrow by U.S. standards, sometimes no wider than alleyways.

Young and old people pedal bicycles and ride motorbikes. I dont. Too scared. When Im there, I choose something like a Fiat 500 Abarth hatchback, which I drove this week in Northern Virginia and the Washington metropolitan area.

The Fiat 500 hatchback is a subcompact, spunky little front-wheel-drive car in Abarth trim, outfitted with a turbocharged 1.4-liter, inline four-cylinder gasoline engine (157 horsepower, 183 pound-feet of torque). You get a bit more boost if you choose a standard five-speed manual transmission (160 horsepower, 170 pound-feet of torque). Choose the manual. Its fun.

It is an easy, confidence-inspiring automobile to live with in an old country of old streets, congested traffic, and too many people. In an increasingly congested America, it is easy to handle, too.

But America is not Italy. Here, at least under this presidential administration, we seriously question things such as global warming. Italy has been through enough wars, hosted enough refugees tired of coping with hostile climates and put up with enough dirty air caused by seemingly endless traffic to try to do something about it.

It was in Italy that I was struck by the irony. The country produces some of the worlds fastest, most consumptive, most expensive, most beautiful cars  Ferrari, Lamborghini. Yet, you are not likely to find many of them on a street in Rome or Bologna.

Those models are vastly outnumbered by things Fiat, bicycle and motorbike. In fact, visiting the Ferrari plant in Bologna, I stopped in a laughing fit at the sight of the employee parking lot. These highly skilled craftspeople, who build some of the most sought-after cars in the world, ride to work on bicycles or motorbikes, or drive there in cars such as base Fiat 500 hatchbacks  aging Fiats at that.

We Americans tend not to see that reality when we look at Italy, which is why so many of us question global warming, and why cars such as the Fiat 500 Abarth hatchback are not terribly popular here. The Fiat 500 has been sold here since 2009, a year after what is now Fiat Chrysler Automobiles took over the bankrupt Chrysler Corp.

Funny . . . and sad. Chrysler needed a financial savior at all costs. Fiat needed an entry into the worlds booming truck market. America did not have Italian-styled narrow streets. But FCA thought it could sell little Fiat cars here, anyway.

Its trying. FCA will have to learn that many Americans do not equate small with cheap. The company will have to improve its Fiat 500 materials inside and out, especially inside, where cheap vinyl dominates.

In fairness, the little Fiat 500 Abarth is fun. It is the perfect automobile for relatively short urban-suburban commutes. But think twice before taking it on long, high-speed U.S. highway drives with aggressive mixed traffic.

This car is a mild-mannered local runner.
University student Tony Chang had suspected for months that he was being secretly monitored, but it was a panicked phone call from a family member in China that confirmed his fears.

It was June 2015 and Changs parents had just been approached by state security agents in Shenyang in north-eastern China and invited to a meeting at a tea house. It would not be a cordial catch-up.

As Chang later detailed in a sworn statement to Australian immigration authorities, three agents warned his parents about their sons involvement in the Chinese democracy movement in Australia. The agents pressed the point that my parents must ask me to stop what I am taking part in and keep a low profile, the statement said.

From a Brisbane share house littered with books and unwashed plates, the Queensland University of Technology student told a Fairfax Media-Four Corners investigation that the agents had intelligence about his plans to participate in a protest in Brisbane on the anniversary of the Tiananmen Square massacre, and also during the Dalai Lamas visit to Australia.

Changs activities in Brisbane meant that his terrified father in China feared that he too was being watched and tracked.

His father, a cautious, apolitical man, had already spent years worrying about his unruly son. In 2008, when Chang was 14, he was arrested for hanging Taiwan independence banners on street poles in Shenyang. His family was forced to call on Communist Party contacts to ensure Chang was released after several hours of questioning.

Tony Chang awaits questioning in a police station in China in 2008.

After Chang was questioned again in 2014 for dissident activities, he decided it was no longer safe to remain in China. He applied for an Australian student visa.

The June 2015 approach to his parents back in China was the second time in two months that security agents had warned Changs family to rein in his anti-communist activism in Australia. These threats helped convince the Australian government to grant Chang a protection visa.

Changs treatment as a teen is typical of the way the party-state deals with dissidents inside China. But the monitoring of the student in Brisbane and his decision to speak out about the threats to his parents in Shenyang, despite the risk it poses to them, provides a rare insight into something much less well known: the opaque campaign of control and influence being waged by the Chinese Communist Party inside Australia.

Tony Chang in Brisbane in 2017. Photo: Bradley Kanaris.

Part of this campaign involves attempts to influence Australian politicians via political donors closely aligned with the Communist Party  something that causes serious concern to Australias security agency, ASIO.

But the one million ethnic Chinese living in Australia are also targets of the Communist Partys influence operations.

On university campuses, in the Chinese-language media and in some community groups, the party is mounting an influence-and-control operation among its diaspora that is far greater in scale and, at its worst, much nastier, than any other nation deploys.

In China, its known as qiaowu.

Some analysts argue the partys efforts are mostly benign, ham-fisted or ineffective. Former Australian ambassador to China Geoff Raby stresses that influence operations are conducted by many countries. He singles out Israel as an example.

But the most recent chief of Australias diplomatic service, Peter Varghese, who is now chancellor at the Queensland University, told Fairfax Media and Four Corners that Chinas approach to influence building is deeply concerning, not least because it is being run by an authoritarian one-party state with geopolitical ambitions that may not be in Australias interest.

The more transparent that process [of Chinas influencing building in Australia] is, the better placed we are to make a judgment as to whether it is acceptable or not acceptable and whether it is covert or overt, Varghese says.

This is an issue ASIO would need to keep a very close eye on, in terms of any efforts to infiltrate or subvert our system which go beyond accepted laws and accepted norms.

The depth of the concern at the highest levels of the defence and intelligence establishment can be measured in recent public statements by the departing Defence Force Chief and the director general of the Australian Security Intelligence Organisation.

Australias domestic spy chief Duncan Lewis warned Parliament that foreign interference in Australia was occurring on an unprecedented scale.

And this has the potential to cause serious harm to the nation's sovereignty, the integrity of our political system, our national security capabilities, our economy and other interests, Lewis said.

A China expert, Swinburne professor John Fitzgerald, agrees.

Members of the Chinese community in Australia deserve the same rights and privileges as all other Australians, not to be hectored, lectured at, monitored, policed, reported on and told what they may and may not think.
"I would like to think that I should have the same access to cover as anyone else," Taylor says. "I would rather make the decision of whether to get life insurance than the life insurer making the decision," she says. Discrimination Other countries have introduced laws for their life insurance industries, or the life insurers acted themselves, to end discrimination on the basis of genetic testing. In Britain, for example, the life insurance industry agreed to a moratorium on asking applicants to disclose results of genetic tests.

Some patients are not having genetic testing because of concerns they may be refused insurance cover. They did so, in part, because of legal uncertainties over how much the results of genetic testing could be used in assessing whether to provide cover. In Australia, when applying for personal life insurance, including total and permanent disability, income protection and trauma insurance, it is a condition of cover that genetic test results are provided. A joint parliamentary committee is looking into the issue of genetic testing and life insurance as part of a broader inquiry into the life insurance industry. The committee is due to issue its report by October 31, 2017. Leading academics are calling on the insurance industry to follow the overseas lead and cease asking applicants whether they have had genetic testing.

They say some patients are not having genetic testing because of concerns they may be refused insurance cover when the results of genetic testing could be life-saving. Early warnings that someone has a susceptibility to cancer, for example, usually leads to diagnostic testing such as screening. "I've published research that points to the fact that it does put people off from getting genetic testing," says Louise Keogh, an associate professor at the University of Melbourne. "It's not everybody, but there is a sub-group for whom it is a deal-breaker and they are not interested in getting genetic testing while they know that it will impact on their life insurance," she says. Genetic tests

Only a small portion of the population is tested, but that is expected to rise as technology advances and costs fall. As this stage, laboratories from overseas that are promoting their services online are testing for ancestry and ethnicity rather than for health. But that is changing. It is now possible to sequence our entire genome, fairly cheaply, as a means of identifying and managing health risks. Kristine Barlow-Stewart, an associate professor at the University of Sydney, warns that not all tests are of the same quality. If the testing is done through a doctor, specialist or hospital in Australia, the laboratories will have the appropriate accreditation. She says that tests ordered online and without a doctor or genetic counsellor are done in overseas laboratories and cannot be regulated by Australian authorities.Barlow-Stewart says that genetic discrimination is not only stopping people from having testing, but also from participating in the research that has to be done to make sense of the results of genome testing.

"I want any results from research to be excluded from the requirement of disclosure in life insurance and that includes trauma and income protection," Barlow-Stewart says. Online push Australian life insurers have an exemption under the Disability Discrimination Act, which prohibits discrimination, including discrimination on the basis of genetic testing. Under a standard of the Financial Services Council, which represents life insurers, a life insurer cannot request an applicant to undergo genetic testing. And those who have personal insurance have guaranteed renewal each year, as long as they continue to pay the premiums.

Heath insurance is different again, as it is community rated where there should be no discrimination based on genetic testing. Brad Fox, the former chief executive of the Association of Financial Advisers, says the testing that is available online, where a saliva sample is sent overseas for analysis, appears to the harmless enough. It appears to be used for testing for "ancestry", such as Scottish, Greek or some other heritage. But he can see problems down the track if the testing includes health. Consumers could even receive raw genetic data, which includes health data. And the life insurer could even conceivably seek to interpret the raw genetic data itself, Fox says.

Super funds Super funds will usually have a certain level of life insurance cover that is provided to the member on joining the fund. Bessie Hassan, the money expert at comparison site Finder, says though many super funds have automatic acceptance, regardless of pre-existing conditions or positive genetic tests, the amount of cover is likely to be lower than personal insurance. For example, many funds provide some cover for death and total and permanent disablement, and sometimes also income protection with automatic acceptance. The level of death and total and permanent disablement cover may increase until age 35 to $200,000 or so, and then decrease with age.

For extra cover above the automatic acceptance level, super funds will usually ask the fund member half a dozen basic questions, such as whether the member smokes, is in a white- or blue-collar occupation or has been hospitalised in the past two, three or five years. However, even though a fund member will not be asked about genetic testing, there is usually an open-ended question such as "is there anything that you should be disclosing", Fox says. He points out that some super funds will have much more detailed questions and require a full medical history before agreeing to provide extra cover. Where personal life insurance is bought direct from the insurer, the "underwriting" or the assessment of the risks that the applicant presents to the insurer, is usually done at the time of the claim, Fox says. That makes it very important to understand the policy conditions and to answer medical questions carefully to help ensure that a claim is paid.

Advice If the insurance is bought through an adviser, the underwriting is done upfront, which gives certainty that the claim will be honoured, Fox says. "It gives certainty that the fine print of the contract will not catch you out at claim time." Paul Del Grande, the managing director of In Sync Financial Services and a financial adviser, says that genetic results may not be that important for life insurance. With improving management of diseases such as cancer, it is not so much a question for insurers of mortality but more the morbidity  the risk of onset of disease.
An anaesthetist who was sacked for excessive drinking has convinced a ministerial committee he should return to work, despite the opposition of the minister himself.

Michal Petr, 49, abandoned a patient mid-operation in May last year and was found several hours later in a state of severe intoxication. The incident was five years after he was caught driving to work with a blood alcohol level more than three times over the legal limit.

Wollongong hospital, where Dr Petr worked. Credit:Adam McLean

His position as a visiting medical officer at Wollongong Hospital was terminated, but he immediately lodged a protest under a legal provision that gives practitioners the right of appeal to the minister.

A committee of review determined on Tuesday that Dr Petr should be reappointed, finding that, provided he complied with conditions such as daily breath testing, he was unlikely to relapse.
Four prominent greyhound racing identities have been unmasked as the key players in a lucrative scheme involving the large-scale exportation of unwanted dogs to Asia.

Western Sydney-based brothers Mark and Steven Farrugia and Central Coast couple Sam and Patricia Cauchi have been found guilty of a total of 464 charges under the industry's racing rules, as part of an ongoing Greyhound Racing NSW inquiry into the unauthorised sale of animals into Macau, China, Vietnam  and even Dubai.

Canidrome Greyhound Racetrack, Macau, where Australian greyhounds are being exported to race and die. Credit:Animals Australia

The Cauchi family own a major stud operation called Rocky Ridge Farm which, according to its website, is the leading greyhound stud in NSW and one of the top three in Australia. But like the Farrugia brothers who run the Glengarrie Trial Track, they also had a thriving, secret business which involved snapping up other people's discarded dogs for cash and then freighting them to appalling conditions in south-east Asia for double the price. The revelations come one week after a Fairfax Media investigation revealed that dozens of Australian greyhounds were still being sent to a Shanghai wild animal tourist park where they are forced to race against cheetahs.

While all four individuals either pleaded guilty, or were found guilty of the offences at a hearing in March, the outcome was not revealed until Thursday when Fairfax Media approached GRNSW.
In the hours after the London Bridge attack, a call came on social media for Thursday's UK general election to be postponed.

One man even began an online petition, saying it was time to "prioritise the safety of our country and its people" so the government should "call off the general election for the forseeable future".

The London Bridge attacks could strengthen Theresa May's hand in the upcoming elections. Credit:Bloomberg

But he only got a couple of hundred signatures.

The overwhelming mood in the wake of the attack was captured by London mayor Sadiq Khan, who said terrorists "want to stop us voting on Thursday we can't allow them to do that. We can't be cowed by terrorism".
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Volunteer faculty

The University of North Dakota School of Medicine and Health Sciences presented the Deans Special Recognition Awards for Outstanding Volunteer Faculty during commencement ceremonies on May 14.

Area physicians among the recipients are Dr. Amy M. Juelson, clinical assistant professor of pediatrics, Bismarck; Dr. Robert G. Kemp, clinical instructor of family and community medicine, Williston; Dr. William Matt Lowe II, clinical assistant professor of obstetrics and gynecology, Dickinson; Dr. Alicia M. Norby, clinical assistant professor of internal medicine, Minot; Dr. Timothy L. Pansegrau, clinical associate professor of surgery, Bismarck; Dr. Douglas J. Renton, clinical assistant professor of internal medicine, Bismarck; Dr. Troy S. Russon, clinical assistant professor of surgery, Bismarck; Dr. Sara R. Solberg, clinical assistant professor of obstetrics and gynecology, Williston; and Dr. Eduardo P. Yabut, clinical assistant professor of psychiatry and behavioral science, Jamestown.

Dr. Joshua Wynne, UND vice president for health affairs and dean of the School of Medicine and Health Sciences, said In large measure, the quality of our medical education program is dependent on the many physicians throughout the state who serve as volunteer faculty members. Of the roughly 1,700 physicians in the state, over 1,200 have voluntary clinical faculty appointments at the school.

FCS aids studies

Four area 2017 high school graduates have been awarded $1,000 scholarships from Farm Credit Services of Mandan.

Cole Ketterling, Jordan Dilse, Kaitlyn Peterson and Michael Mayer were chosen for their outstanding scholastic and leadership achievements during high school. All plan to attend North Dakota State University.

Ketterling, son of Kermit and Dynette Ketterling, Wishek, plans to major in agricultural economics.

Dilse, son of Stuart and Katie Dilse, Scranton, plans to major in agriculture economics.

Peterson, daughter of Jim and Peggy Peterson, Bismarck, plans to major in animal science.

Mayer, son of Darwyn and Rachael Mayer, Mott, plans to major in agricultural systems management.

The Farm Credit Services associations headquartered in Fargo, Mandan and Minot award scholarships annually to students entering college in the fall. Recipients must be from a farming and ranching family, or be planning to pursue a career in farming or some other aspect of agriculture.

Liccini appointed

Hilory Liccini has been appointed director of the North Dakota Center for Persons with Disabilities at Minot State University.

She replaces Mary Mercer, who is retiring in July.

Liccini holds a bachelors degree in communication science disorders from Nazareth College of Rochester, N.Y., and a masters degree in elementary education from University of West Florida in Pensacola.

She has been with NDCPD for seven years, most recently as principal investigator and research associate for projects on autism, early intervention and community behavioral supports. She also is an adjunct professor at MSU.

Recognized at MSU

The Student Government Association at Minot State University selected Tawnya Bernsdorf, Dan Conn, Eileen Solberg and Naomi Winburn as 2016-17 professors and adviser of the year.

The awards honor faculty members from the universitys three colleges and one faculty or staff adviser for their dedication to students.

Bernsdorf, business administration instructor, was selected Professor of the Year for the College of Business, while Conn, assistant professor of teacher education and human performance, was chosen for the College of Education and Health Sciences. Winburn, chemistry instructor, was selected as Professor of the Year for the College of Arts and Sciences. Solberg, College of Business adviser and student relations, was named Advisor of the Year.

Council recognized

The North Dakota Soybean Council received the 2016 Service to Exporters Award in recognition of its assistance to North Dakota soybean companies.

The annual award from the North Dakota Trade Office is given to an international business resource that has demonstrated exceptional commitment to supporting North Dakota exporters and increasing the state's international business strategy.

The nonprofit council serves more than 10,000 farmers across the state. It has a farmer-led board of directors and six employees.

TSC assists 4-H

Bismarck-area Tractor Supply stores recently participated in a Paper Clover Campaign fundraiser to help fund scholarships to send 4-H youth to county-level development programs, camps and leadership conferences.

When the Paper Clover Campaign returns to TSC stores in October customers can purchase paper clovers at checkout.

Teachers honored

The Bismarck-Mandan Chamber of Commerces Excellence in Business and Education Committee recently presented its annual Crystal Apple awards for outstanding teacher of the year in post-secondary education and in primary education in Mandan.

Brenda Werner, the chair of Graduate Education at the University of Mary, was honored at the post-secondary level.

Arin Casavant, who teaches at Fort Lincoln Elementary School in Mandan, received the primary education award.

Now in her 28th year of teaching, Werner has experience at the high school and post-secondary levels. A fulltime faculty member in U-Marys Liffrig Family School of Education and Behavioral Sciences since 2012, she has taught education courses at both the undergraduate and graduate levels.

As a child, Casavant knew she wanted to be a teacher. In sixth grade, she started a peer-tutoring program at Rita Murphy Elementary School in Bismarck and went on to co-educate students while in middle school and high school. She spent several years as the education coordinator for Gateway for Science, created a robotics curriculum for Bismarck Public Schools and is in her second year of having her own classroom. She also is a board adviser for the North Dakota Autism Connection.

Benita Saur was earlier recognized as the outstanding secondary teacher of the year in Mandan. A Montana native, Saur has completed her 21st year at Mandan High School, where she is an English teacher. She has served as vice president and president of many associations, councils and groups such as the Mandan Education Association, and was nominated for North Dakota English Teacher of the Year.
Hey there, time traveller!

This article was published 04/06/2017 (1985 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

PHIL HOSSACK / WINNIPEG FREE PRESS FILES Matt Bushby and his children, Iziah (left) and Patience, do everything they can to keep the memory of the childrens mother, Claudette Osborne, alive.

Matt Bushby will always cherish that day back in 2008 when his daughter Patience was born, and the special way his daughter got her unique name.

When baby arrived, to our surprise she was a beautiful girl, Matt Bushby said, adding he and his fiancee Claudette Osborne had been mistakenly told after an ultrasound they were expecting a boy.

With a boys name already picked out, Matt and Claudette realized they needed a name for a baby girl, and needed one quickly.

Claudette was upset that we had no girls name and for some time she pestered me on what we were going to do, as family would be arriving soon, Matt said.

Finally, I said to Claudette Patience Claudette, and Patience became her name.

SUPPLIED Matt Bushby and Claudette Osborne.

Patience Bushby will turn nine-years-old July 10, sadly, never got the chance to get to know her mom, as Claudette Osborne went missing at the age of 21 on July 25, 2008, about two weeks after Patience was born.

It has been really hard, because I only have a dad to take care of me, Patience said, while talking about the mother she never knew.

It is really difficult not having my mom.

Patiences older brother Iziah Bushby is 10-years-old, and has also grown up with almost no memories of his mom, so he relies on stories and pictures to remember her.

He also said growing up without his mom has been a struggle.

I dont have a mom to look up to, Iziah said. It would be better to have two parents to help me, and to bring me along.

Matt Bushby, his children Patience and Iziah, Claudettes two older children 14-year-old Dayton and 11-year old Layla, and countless other family members and friends have spent almost nine years fighting to find out what happened to Claudette Osborne in the early morning hours of July 25, 2008.

Its nine years this July and the pain is still very much there, Matt, who is now 51 years old said. I still tear up if Im asked to talk about her. The pain has not lessened, only I have learned to handle it so that I can be productive.

MIKE DEAL / WINNIPEG FREE PRESS FILES Claudette Osborne disappeared shortly after giving birth to Patience Bushby in 2008.

You just learn to cope.

Matt has raised Patience, Iziah and Layla since Claudette went missing.

I promised Claudette early in our relationship that I would see them through life, so that her wish of them not going through what she had to go through would be kept.

I take that promise very seriously, and do what needs to be done to insure I keep that promise.

An RCMP spokesperson said in an email the investigation into the disappearance of Claudette Osborne is an active investigation where foul play is suspected, and is part of Project Devote, an integrated unit that includes RCMP, Winnipeg Police Service and Manitoba Justice.

In the afternoon hours of July 24, 2008, Claudette Osborne was in the area of Selkirk Avenue and Charles Street. It was there that she made contact with a male and they went to the Lincoln Motor Hotel (now the Four Crowns Inn)on McPhillips Street in Winnipeg, checking in at approximately 11:00 p.m., the RCMP spokesperson said.

In the early hours of July 25, Ms. Osborne left the Lincoln Motor Hotel, however, there has been no report of anyone seeing her after she left. She made several calls after leaving the hotel.

Winnipeg Police have said previously they learned Claudette left the Lincoln Motor Hotel that morning and made her way to the area of Selkirk Avenue and King Street, saying she was in that area around 6:30 a.m.

Claudettes older sister Bernadette Smith said her and family members have tried as much as possible to put together a timeline of what happened to Claudette on July 25, 2008.

JOHN WOODS / WINNIPEG FREE PRESS The Four Crowns Inn on McPhillips, formerly the Lincoln Motor Hotel, was one of the last places Claudette Osborne was seen before she went missing in July 2008.

According to Bernadette, Claudette was at the Lincoln Motor Hotel around 4:30 a.m. on July 25, 2008 and had been making phone calls around that time, including one call where she left a disturbing message for her sister Tina.

Around 4:30 in the morning she left a disturbing message with Tina that a long-distance trucker with plates from Alberta was trying to push himself on her, and she was scared, Bernadette said.

She said Claudette left the hotel, and made calls from a pay phone at the corner of Selkirk and King around 6:30 a.m.

Those phone calls are the last known trace of Claudette Osborne.

Bernadette said police confirmed to her the same trucker who Claudette was allegedly scared of that morning was eventually located in Calgary and questioned by police. He is currently not considered a suspect in Claudettes disappearance.

A RCMP spokesperson would not confirm if a man from Calgary was questioned in the investigation stating, this is an ongoing investigation, and such we are unable to discuss specific investigative steps, evidence and or suspects.

Project Devote took over the investigation into Claudette Osbornes disappearance on Jan. 12, 2012.

JOHN WOODS / THE CANADIAN PRESS FILES Claudette Osbornes sister, Bernadette Smith, lays placards of women who have been murdered or are missing in Manitoba at the Manitoba Legislature in August 2009.

Project Devotes focus is investigating homicides of exploited and/or missing exploited persons where foul play is suspected. The major difference between a Winnipeg Police Service (WPS) investigation and a Project Devote investigation is that Project Devote is an integrated team made up of WPS and RCMP officers, a RCMP spokesperson said.

The team works together on every investigation, sharing and using resources as needed in the best interest of the investigation.

Bernadette said because of struggles and traumatizing incidents including sexual assault when she was growing up, Claudette had lived what she said was a hard life, and was often forced to make hard decisions.

But she was confident Claudette was in a place where she was going to turn things around and work towards a career.

She wanted to help others, Bernadette said. She was in treatment and she wanted to get into social work.

Thats probably what she would be doing now, helping others because the best helpers are those who have lived it, and she loved helping people.

Bernadette has watched as Claudettes kids have grown up motherless and struggled with the questions.

They ask questions, they still wonder where their mom is, and wonder why shes not home and they dont understand why someone would take away their mom.

She feels for Patience who never knew her mom, because she is starting to see a lot of Claudette in Patience.

Its really hard for girls to grow up without their mom, and Patience has her moms personality and she has her moms spunk, she said. She is so much like Claudette, they would have got along so well.

Bernadette wants people to remember Claudette for her big personality, her sense of humour and the way she cared for others.

Claudette was someone who loved life, she loved to laugh, she has this contagious laugh that you could not help but laugh with her, even if you didnt know what the joke was.

She had a contagious smile that lit up a room. She was just this beautiful girl who got along with absolutely everyone.

JOHN WOODS / WINNIPEG FREE PRESS FILES Claudettes mother, Brenda Osborne (right), takes part in a vigil for her daughter in January 2016, at the corner of King Street and Selkirk Avenue.

According to Bernadette, it was Claudettes sister Tina who made the first report to police about Claudettes disappearance, but Bernadette admits family members got frustrated with what they thought was slow response from law enforcement in the days after Claudette was reported missing.

She said that is why they took it upon themselves to do their own investigations, but also to fight to bring awareness to Claudette and other Indigenous women and girls who have gone missing or been murdered.

Those who have fought to find out what happened to their loved ones are responsible for bringing the issue of missing and murdered indigenous women and girls out into the forefront, Bernadette said.

Sheila North Wilson, the Manitoba Keewatinowi Okimakanak (MKO) grand chief has spent years getting to know the families of missing and murdered indigenous women and girls in Manitoba and across Canada.

She said grassroots efforts are the reason the issue has received so much attention in the last few years, and why an inquiry into missing and murdered indigenous women and girls became an election issue in the 2015 federal election.

Its because of families like Claudettes family that never ever gave up, and now they deserve answers and deserve justice, North Wilson said.

This doesnt become a national election issue if it wasnt for the people that were relentless doing the vigils, the marches and demanding this issue get attention.

She said law enforcement, the media and the public should never take cases less seriously if a person is of a certain race, or has lived what some describe as a high-risk lifestyle.

We have a situation where our women often live in poverty and everything is stacked against them, and these perpetrators take advantage of the vulnerability, North Wilson said.

People are quick to talk about risky lifestyles, but often dont ask why they are living a risky lifestyle, but when there are no opportunities thats when you get boxed in and you fight.

They call it a risky lifestyle, but really its survival mode.

Matt, Patience and Iziah celebrated what would have been Claudettes 30th birthday May 15 by cooking Claudettes favourite foods and baking a birthday cake, just as they do every year.

Matt said he will always work to keep Claudettes memory alive, and show her kids the kind of mother she was, and would have been today.

JOHN WOODS / WINNIPEG FREE PRESS Claudette Osborne was last heard from when she made a call from a pay phone at the corner of King Street and Selkirk Avenue, where a poster of her remains taped to a tree.

He will also remember the good times he had with Claudette.

She loved music and cruising around Winnipeg or on trips to Norway House. She loved her family, not just her own children, but her nieces and nephews were a big deal to her, Matt said.

She loved good food whether it was homemade or dining out. She loved looking at the stars and we often would go to Green Hill in Winnipeg to watch them.

Matt now hopes Claudettes kid one day get answers, and start to heal their wounds.

The kids miss her. They are coping as best as they can, but its not an easy thing to deal with. There is no closure for them, so the wounds wont heal.

He said he believes there are people out there who have information about Claudettes disappearance, and he still hopes they will one day come forward.

Patience will turn nine years old days before the anniversary of her mom going missing, and said she will always seek to find out what happened to her mother on July 25, 2008.

She has a simple message for anyone that could come forward and help the family get answers.

Tell me where she is, Patience said.

Anyone with information on the 2008 disappearance of Claudette Osborne is asked to call the Project Devote tipline at 1-888-673-3316 or Crime Stoppers at 204-786-TIPS (204-786-8477) in Winnipeg, or at 1-800-222-8477 for residents living outside of Winnipeg.

Dave Baxter is a freelance reporter, photographer and editor who writes about Manitoba crimes for the Sunday Special.

crimefilesmanitoba@gmail.com

Twitter:@davebbbaxter
Hey there, time traveller!

This article was published 03/06/2017 (1986 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

Christine Woods relatives transformed a windswept prairie hollow near Dugald into a gravesite Saturday, marking it with solemn prayers, bright fuchsia flowers and a rendition of Amazing Grace.

Manitoba Keewatinowi Okimakanak Grand Chief Sheila North Wilson and her sister Audrey North, accompanied by North Wilsons close friend and advisor Jennifer Wood, conducted the poignant tribute at the request of Woods grieving parents in Bunibonibee Cree Nation, 575 kilometres northeast of Winnipeg.

The Norths are Christine Woods cousins.

PHOTOS BY RUTH BONNEVILLE / WINNIPEG FREE PRESS Bright fuchsia flowers and pink butterflies were set into the loose straw in the ditch during a memorial type service Saturday afternoon by MKO's Sheila North, her sister Audrey and Jennifer North, community members and friends of Christine Wood. Her remains were found in a ditch on the west side of Spruce Rd. just south of Hwy. 15 in Springfield this week.

Woods parents are expected to travel to the city when their daughters remains are released early next week.

Winnipeg Police Chief Danny Smyth announced human remains  spotted by a farmer on Spruce Road south of Highway 15 Thursday  had been positively identified as being those of Wood.

He made the statement at a joint press conference the three women attended, the trio headed to the site immediately after the announcement.

Wood, 21, disappeared last August while on a family trip with her parents from Bunibonibee in Oxford House. Her inexplicable disappearance triggered a winter-long search by her distraught family and friends, who worked in shifts on trips from the north to scour the city from downtown to the outskirts.

Dugald, a 20-kilometre drive east from Winnipeg, was never the focus of the family searches.

Police got their first big break in the case in April, with the arrest of a 30-year old Winnipeg man Brett Ronald Overby, who was charged with second degree murder.

His home, in the 300 block of Burrows Avenue, was the focus of a five-day homicide investigation.

Overby faces his next court date Monday and police said they dont anticipate charging anyone else.

Authorities believe Wood was murdered and concealed in the shallow grave within days of her disappearance. She was last seen alive Aug. 19 leaving a hotel near the airport where she was staying with her parents.

Family, friends and supporters of missing and murdered indigenous women held a highly publicized march after the arrest, winding their way from Burrows Avenue to the downtown Thunderbird House but at the time no body had been found.

Poignantly, one of the fuchsia silk roses with Woods photo, a keepsake from the vigil, was placed with the fresh blooms at the site of the shallow grave Saturday.

A farmer discovered Woods remains Thursday morning, in a ditch next to a field of crops.

Media reports accompanying the initial discovery said it appeared animals had exposed the remains so they were visible to the eye.

Police had previously collected DNA from Woods mother and it took very little time to confirm the identity of the remains, Police offered next to no details about the state of the remains when they recovered them.

Instead, the police chief focused on her familys grief since the disappearance.

Smyth said he called Woods parents, Melinda and George Wood, immediately after forensic tests and autopsy results conclusively identified the remains were those of her daugther Friday night.

I told George and Melinda, I cant begin to know your pain, but I will ensure Christine is returned home to you as soon as possible.'

At the press conference, Sheila North Wilson addressed the family feelings and the broader issues.

Of Christines mother Melinda, North Wilson said, She naturally has mixed emotions. Shes very happy that Christine has been found and of course shes very sad that shes gone. They always had a slim, slim faint hope she was alive somewhere, she said.

MKO's Sheila North (right), her sister Audrey walk toward the site where Christine Wood's remains were found. After the Winnipeg Police Service Public Information Office conducted a media briefing, the women including Jennifer Wood (not in this picture) paid respect to the spot where she was discovered.

Now that weve come to this reality, theyll have a bit of closure and a place to bring her home.

As an indigenous leader, however, North Wilson said she could not understand how someone could commit murder and resume a life that looked perfectly normal from the outside afterward.

She told media she was informed the accused owned the home where police conducted extensive forensic investigations and was told hed also owned a truck and held down a steady job.

I wonder how on earth someone could ditch a human being in an open area like this, North Wilson said, after the gravesite service.

She suggested a veil of normalcy may be part of the phenomenon behind the issue of missing and murdered indigenous women and as despite the choppy start, she indicated the national inquiry is the best shot Canada has right now of stopping the murders, by casting light on the victims as human beings.

The difficulty with the inquiry (also) reflects whats going on, because the people going through it are in a state of trauma and crisis, North Wilson said.

Its not an easy process by any means, but it has to keep going because this phenomenon in Canada, this national tragedy, keeps happening. We have to find a way to stop the murder of indigenous women and girls in this country, North Wilson said.

At the gravesite, Audrey North sobbed openly and talked quietly about a butterfly seen fluttering over the shallow grave as the women arrived. North was the Winnipeg-based mainstay of the search parties, continuously behind the wheel, Woods parents her constant companions as the search carried on until April.

Tiny, with black-edged yellow wings, the butterfly appeared as the women walked to the gravesite and it stayed put for a brief moment over the shallow depression before wind gusts swept it away.

We chose the butterfly as a theme for Christines memorial, North said afterward. Oxford House held a community memorial for Christine following the arrest, an attempt to find solace and to provide a forum to pray for Wood to be found.

North said those prayers were answered this weekend and the butterfly was a symbol the search was over.

Her mother chose the butterfly for the memorial and she said it was because butterflies feet just touch the ground before they rise up (and fly away.) And Christine was so young and when we saw the butterfly here, it was significant, North said.

Fuchsia, meanwhile, was Christines favourite colour. The stems of two bright bouquets were tucked under a bed of dried grass that covered up the gravesite.

Finally, the women threw their voices above the wind a cappella with the wanderers hymn Amazing Grace.

The words are fitting to her situation, She was lost and now shes found, North Wilson said.

alexandra.paul@freepress.mb.ca
Conversion therapy is a term for a set of practices intended to change a persons sexuality or gender identity to fit heterosexual or cisgender (someone whose sense of identity and gender corresponds to their birth sex) standards and practices. The subject is currently very controversial because as of this time eight states and the District of Columbia have banned conversion therapy for minors.

Also, the Therapeutic Fraud Prevention Act of 2017 was introduced April 25, which would allow the Federal Trade Commission to classify conversion therapy and its practices as fraud. Rep. Ted Lieu, the main author says, The bill is very simple. It is fraud if you treat someone for a condition that doesnt exist, and there is no medical condition known as being gay. That is the crux of the argument.

Different treatments done in the past have included electric shocks to genitalia or hands during observing homosexual visuals, along with inducing nausea and vomiting, masturbatory reconditioning, and intense talk therapy to basically brainwash an individual. A Huffington Post article from Nov. 17, 2016, ran the following quote from a 19-year-old person, identified as TC, who underwent conversion therapy when he was 15 that took place in a church basement after school hours. The first step-which usually lasted 6 months- is where they deconstruct us as a person. Their tactics still haunt me. Aversion therapy, shock therapy, harassment, and occasional physical abuse. Their goal was to get us to hate ourselves for being LGBTQ (most were gay, but the entire spectrum was represented), and they knew what they were doing. The second step of the program was, they rebuilt us in their image. They removed . . . everything that made us a unique person, and instead made us a walking, talking robot for Jesus. They re-taught us everything we knew. How to eat, talk, walk, dress, believe, even breathe. We were no longer people at the end of the program.

The therapy session would be every weekday, shock treatments lasting about an hour, and aversion therapy about three. TC said ultimately multiple minors from his program took their lives. The suicide rate is roughly four times more than average in the gay community.

Until the mid 1800s homosexuality was considered a sin and crime in many western societies. With the advent of psychoanalysis per Dr. Freud, it became considered more of a disease or illness, and therefore potentially treatable. An endocrinologist in Vienna, Eugen Steinach, attempted to transplant testicles from straight men into gay men, which failed for a host reasons including tissue rejection and the primitive surgical techniques of the time.

A period of mainstream approval for conversion therapy followed for decades with many variations, including, yes, ice pick lobotomies, even as late as 1981 in the U.S. In 1969 a famous riot took place at a gay bar called The Stone Wall in New Yorks Greenwich Village, which some label as the turning point in recognition of homosexuality as no longer a disease or condition. The American Psychiatric Association listed it as one in their first edition of the DSM manual, but officially removed it in 1973. Almost all mainstream medical, psychological, and social work societies no longer place homosexuality in any abnormal medical category.

Did conversion therapy ever succeed in its goal? Not really. A very famous letter from Freud in 1935 to a mother about her homosexual son was quoted in a 2009 extensive report about conversion therapy from the American Psychological Association. Freud reassured a mother writing to him about her son that homosexuality was nothing to be ashamed of, no vice, no degradation, it cannot be classified as an illness, but a variation of sexual function. psychoanalysts could not promise to abolish homosexuality and make normal heterosexuality take its place, as the results of treatment could not be determined. Dr. Robert Spitzer, one of the most prominent people who advocated for gay cures in an influential paper from 2001, apologized publicly in 2012 for his actions and the damage they inflicted.

The point here is homosexuality is not a medical condition/disease/whatever term here, and cannot be treated medically one way or the other with conversion therapy. The techniques used as described above appear drastic and injurious in many ways. It seems the medical side of the discussion is clear. I am not trying to invoke any social or moral commentary about this incredibly emotional, highly charged issue. Each of us has to resolve our own ideas personally.
Mike Fogel said he often gets asked if people can come visit his buffalo ranch near Houston, Minn.

So the ranch began hosting a whole day for visits.

The Money Creek Buffalo Ranch hosted its third annual Walk Around the Ranch Day on Sunday, inviting the community to learn about life on the ranch.

A scorching summer sun did not deter attendees from visiting with Benny the Camel, Blue the Longhorn and of course, Cody the Buffalo. Pigs and piglets, chickens, cows, horses and buffalo were also on hand for families to interact with. The day also included rope making demonstrations, food, wagon and pony rides, weaving, art work sales and cowboy church, all packed throughout the expansive ranch.

The activities and hands-on interactions with the animals are important, Fogel said, because its a glimpse of life before the grocery store.

For one thing, most people dont know where their food comes from, Fogel said. Its more than going to the store and picking up your meat.

Fogel added the experience also gives children who may never have a chance to ride a horse or see farm animals the opportunity to do so.

Ten-year-old twins Sophie and Madeline Lindquist were familiar with horses, but both said they were still excited with the opportunity to ride one at the pony rides, offered by a 4-H club.

I dont know, Im still kind of speechless, Madeline said. Its not every day you get to ride a real life moving animal.

Her sister, Sophie said she thought the ride was also fun and said she enjoys being around animals because they can be calm creatures. Her grandmother joked that someday Sophie would be a farmer because of her love of animals.

Thats reason enough for Fogel to continue ranching.

He said his favorite part of working on the ranch is taking care of his animals, as he fed another treat to Blue, a longhorn from Texas who was previously used for photos with tourists, Fogel said.

In particular, Cody is one of Fogels favorite animals.

Cody is probably the most famous Buffalo in Minnesota, having starred in numerous movies and commercials. Hes one of more than a dozen buffalo Fogel has on his farm, but Cody is a community favorite, according to a friend of Fogels, Rose Draekowski.

After giving Cody a nice long scratch on the head, Draekowski said she and Tom Draekowski have been invited by Fogel to visit the ranch, but Sunday was their first time visiting.

Rose said the place was pretty neat and that Cody was a gentle animal.

Hes got a pretty good life, Rose said.

But for Fogel, he believes it's his animals and ranch that enrich his life.

Were pretty fortunate, Fogel said, as he took a minute to look over his ranch and the people that filled it for the day.
Hatred, division, and violence have become so common in the last six months to a year that its lost its surprise effect and now has become a painful reminder of our day and age.

The xenophobic attack on a Muslim teenager and her friend in Portland, Ore., this past week was another tragic reminder.

To be honest it seems like our society is imploding.

Like a rumbling volcano, pressure from racial, economic and religious tension in our world is building.

It feels like an eruption is around the corner.

Its frightening, especially when I think of my child and the future she must endure.

But I must tell myself to see beyond our time. To see the positive that is coming from this.

To know that the reason it feels like were imploding is because we are indeed changing, indeed coming to an eruption  is to believe it may be for the better.

The violence, hatred and division is a pushback at the positive changes that are happening all across the world.

We are shifting in our way of thinking. We are becoming more inclusive. We are becoming more accepting. We are beginning to truly see past the barriers of race, religion, culture, language, status, and economic stability.

We are beginning to unify as a people.

We may not always hear about it in the news, but its there.

Its subtle.

Its in the smile of a stranger who offers it to a person who looks different than them.

Its in the kind gestures people give each other every day that we as a society will never hear about.

Its in all of the people who have taken time out of their day to support a group of people they dont belong to  whether it be LGBTQ, Native American, or many, many others.

Its in all the people who stand up for someone who is being bullied or harassed  even when it means putting their lives on the line.

The news cant possibly record all those things. But theyre there.

Every major change in our way of thinking will meet a pushback. Look at history and the pushbacks against the abolition of slavery, voting rights for all citizens, women going to college, homosexuals openly proclaiming themselves to be who they are.

There was quite a fight  and for some we are still fighting the battle to overcome that way of thinking.

But make no mistake. We will prevail.

Like a great tide in the ocean ebbing and flowing, we will push back and persevere until we succeed.

The tide is coming.

And like a great wave, those of us who who hold that inclusiveness and love for others is the best way forward will do our best to wash away the hate.

We may not see it in this moment, but know that we are making great progress.

Each generation pushes forward. Each generation has its own battles. And each generation has helped humanity come closer together.

Like the waters of the earth we slowly carve away at that which doesnt serve us. That which holds us back. With steady force, unity, and patience; through everyday gestures and actions  smiling at a stranger or standing up for two girls being harassed  we will succeed.

No force can stand against the greatest waves.

And we are the greatest wave.
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, in 2015 employed Americans worked on average 7.6 hours per day.

With nearly half of our waking hours spent at work, employers play a critical role in Blue Zones Projects success by shaping the workplace environment to make the healthy choice the easy choice. Employers have the power to dramatically improve employee well-being in several ways that can also be transferred to the home environment.

Where do business leaders committed to improving their employees well-being start? Employee-led well-being committees are important to developing a plan that can address the challenges and health issues identified as important to employees. Together, with leadership, well-being committees can develop action plans that address policies and benefits, the food environment, the physical environment, and the engagement of social networks.

Beaver Dam Community Hospitals, Inc. has led the way in Dodge County and has been named first Blue Zones Project Approved worksite, demonstrating the health systems commitment to supporting longer, better lives among employees as well as those they serve. As the primary sponsor of Blue Zones Project Dodge County, BDCH is continuing to demonstrate leadership in community-wide well-being improvement initiatives. The hospitals sponsorship shows a forward-thinking innovative approach to healthcare, focusing on prevention rather than reactive treatment.

BDCH offers on-site fitness classes to employees and serves as a pick-up site for Community Supported Agriculture shares. The hospital encourages employees to take well-being breaks either by walking one of the mapped routes or by utilizing one of the quiet spaces designated for employees. Purpose Workshops are also being offered to employees and the public at BDCH. Purpose Workshops can help employees discover or reaffirm how their gifts, values, and passions align and consider how their personal purpose is aligned to the organizations purpose. This increases employee engagement and decreases stress and other distractions that might otherwise bog them down.

The public is invited to help BDCH celebrate this milestone achievement at a ribbon-cutting ceremony on Wednesday, June 7 at Beaver Dam Community Hospital (707 S. University Ave., Beaver Dam). Following the ceremony, there will be a reception with a sampling of Blue Zones-Inspired dishes.

Beaver Dam Community Hospitals leadership in our community follows the model of other Blue Zones Project communities across the country. In Sioux City, Iowa, American Popcorn Company became a Blue Zones Project Approved worksite in 2014. As part of their commitment to employee well-being, the company offered employees tobacco cessation support and committed to a tobacco-free worksite policy which resulted in a 9.4 percent decrease in nicotine usage among employees from 2014 to 2015. Additionally, American popcorn increased the healthy options available in vending machines from 7.5 percent to 55.2 percent. These, along with other best practices from Blue Zones Project helped boost employee engagement and created a happier, healthier place to work.

Employers also benefit from happier, healthier employees. Employees who are healthier have lower healthcare costs and a reduced number of workers compensation claims. Additionally, productivity increases while turnover decreases. A Minnesota consulting company recorded a 19 percent increase in revenue, a 38 percent increase in clients, and a 9.5 percent decrease in attrition one year after adopting Blue Zones Project initiatives. It is the goal of Blue Zones Project Dodge County to see similar inspiring results in our community.

To stay up to date on Blue Zones Project and for a listing of upcoming events, go to Blue Zones Project Dodge County on Facebook or dodgecounty.bluezonesproject.com.




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Coleg Cambria Students Head to Cambridge

This article is old - Published: Sunday, Jun 4th, 2017

Three Wrexham students have recently returned to college following a residential experience at Magdalene College, University of Cambridge.

Lois Darlington, 16, Jake Belton, 17 and Owen Kelly, 16 from Yale Sixth Form at Coleg Cambria, were amongst 50 pupils who were successful in their application to participate in the annual residential, held for Year 12 students from the college link area of Merseyside and North Wales.

During their time at the College they tasted life as a student at the University of Cambridge, with Magdalene undergraduates on hand to answer any questions and mentor the pupils during their stay.

They sampled practical sessions and attended lectures and academic sessions, whilst also having the opportunity to explore the city and enjoyed a sunset punt tour.

Speaking after his visit, Owen said: It was an amazing experience I will never forget, run by some amazing people.

Neil Roberts, Deputy Director of Humanities A levels at Yale Sixth added: At Yale Sixth we are putting huge efforts into trying to get local students to the top universities.

Lois, Jake and Owen are all from local schools (Ruabon, Bryn Alyn and St Josephs respectively) and we are very proud of Wrexham students aspiring to be the best.
FRANKLIN COUNTY, Fla. (WTXL) - A missing man is back home and safe after his truck is found in the Apalachicola River.

Friday afternoon, deputies got a call about a submerged truck at the Bloody Bluff boat ramp off hwy. 65. When the truck was pulled out of the water, deputies found out it's registered to Billy Pullam of Hosford, Florida. Hosford is about 40 miles northeast of the boat ramp.

Pullam was rescued after a passerby spotted him floating on a log just north of Apalachicola Saturday afternoon. Pullam told deputies he ran his truck into the water, then started swimming down the river.

The Franklin County Sheriff says Pullam will not face any charges.
Ministry of Defense Crossing Authority officials stopped an Israeli vehicle to be searched after the driver aroused the suspicion of officers.

During the inspection, security officials discovered a Beretta pistol and two full magazines, both of which were then confiscated from the vehicle. The driver has been transferred to police for questioning.

It should be noted that the Te'enim Crossing on Route 557 became a civilian crossing only last week, with its responsibilities transferred from the IDF to the MOD Crossing Authority.

With this change, Te'enim Crossing has become the 14th crossing in the West Bank (16th including crossing points to the Gaza Strip) which has been transferred from the IDF to the Ministry of Defense, in turn becoming a civilian crossing point.
Just before the outbreak of the 1967 Six-Day War, Israel prepared a nuclear device to be detonated on a mountain in the Sinai Peninsula as a show of force in the event that it found itself losing the war, a former IDF general told Yedioth Ahronoth journalist Dr. Ronen Bergman.

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Brig. Gen. Yitzhak Yaakov, who was behind the secret plan codenamed Operation Samson, first divulged it 16 years ago in a series of conversations held between 1999 and 2001 with Dr. Bergman as well as nuclear policy researcher Dr. Avner Cohen for a March 2011 article.

The interview, which in addition to the paper expose was also set to be made into a documentary film, was barred from publication by the IDF censor.

Mushroom cloud visible over Hiroshima following nuclear bomb (Photo: AFP)

Yaakov was later arrested on suspicion of endangering national security by exposing Israel's atomic secrets to Dr. Bergman and was accused of "aggravated espionage," but was later cleared of the severe charges and convicted of a lesser offense for providing information to unauthorized individuals. Dr. Bergman was also questioned on the matter.

Transcripts of Brig. Gen. Yaakov's conversations with Dr. Bergman and Dr. Cohen were obtained by the New York Times. The Times, which is not bound by the Israeli censor, revealed the secret plan.

According to Yaakov, two helicopters were to be flown to the heart of the Sinai desert, where they were to plant a nuclear device in one of the wadis. At the time, Israel did not yet have other measures like bombs or missiles to carry the nuclear payload.





Israel was then to set off the nuclear explosion. This demonstration of strength would have come with a warning to Egyptian President Gamal Abdel Nasser: end the war or another nuclear explosion would target a population center.

"You have an enemy, and he says that he is going to throw you into the sea, so you believe him. How can you stop him? You scare him," Yaakov told Dr. Bergman and Dr. Cohen. "If you have something that can frighten him, you use it. The goal was to create a new situation on the ground, one that would force the large powers to intervene or force the Egyptians to stop and say 'wait, we didn't prepare for this.'"

Yaakov, one of the founders of the IDF's weapons development program, told Dr. Bergman and Dr. Cohen that in May 1967, when tension with Egypt had skyrocketed after the decision to close the Straits of Tiran, he was in California on a training mission before being immediately recalled to Israel.

"It was clear that war was near," said Yaakov, who claimed he initiated and promoted a plan to detonate a nuclear device in the eastern Sinai desert. The site chosen for the explosion was a mountain top some 12km away from an Egyptian base at Abu Ageila.

Israeli tanks during the Six Day War

The plan had been to send a small paratrooper force to distract the Egyptian army, while a crew could prepare the atomic explosion. Two helicopters were to ferry the device and technicians to the site. If it had exploded, the mushroom cloud would have been visible throughout the entire Sinai and Negev and perhaps even in Cairo.

In the recorded interview, Yaakov can be heard saying that he was afraid him and his staff were afraid they wouldn't survive the blast. Nevertheless, Yaakov believed Israel should have conducted the explosion anyway, even after winning the war within six days.

Should the explosion have actually happened, it would have been the first nuclear blast for military purposes since the United States dropped two atom bombs on Japan to force their surrender.

Similarly, the Americans originally planned something similar to what the Israelis had devised; detonating a nuclear device near Japan to frighten them into surrendering. However, the US eventually abandoned the idea after concluding it would not have been enough to end the war.

Dr. Bergman, left, with Brig. Gen. Yaakov and Yaakov's wife.

Dr. Ronen Bergman, a senior correspondent for military and intelligence affairs at Yedioth Ahronoth and a contributing writer for the New York Times, is the author of the forthcoming Rise and Kill First: The Secret History of Israel's Targeted Assassinations .

(Translated and edited by Fred Goldberg)
Israeli settlers have learned that the Civil Administration's High Planning Council, which will convene this weekfor the first time during Donald Trump's presidencywill not approve the construction of 4,000 housing units as originally planned, but only 2,291.

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According to them, of the units that will be approved, only a few hundred are planned for immediate construction.

Construction in Ma'ale Adumim (File photo: Reuters)

The settlers were optimistic after the meeting of the Security Cabinet that took place the day before Trump arrived in Israel, when Netanyahu informed its members that the planning council would convene in early June and approve the construction of thousands of housing units according to the agreed outline with the US government.

Government ministers said at the time that they were planning to approve the construction of 4,000 housing units. However, feelings were mixed among the settler leaders, at once rejoicing in the fact that the planning council had convened for the first time since Trump entered the White House after the government had repeatedly postponed such action, but lamenting the fact that the number of units would be significantly slashed.

At a meeting held Thursday night in the Prime Minister's Office, the list of planned housing units was significantly reduced, apparently out of fear of a confrontation with the Trump's administration, which is trying to jumpstart negotiations between Israel and the Palestinians.

While the move was met with anger by the settlers, they were not alone in their anger.

Transportation Minister Yisrael Katz (Likud) urged the government to pursue a more liberal construction program in the West Bank. "The Likud government's construction policy should be very clear: free construction in Jerusalem and free construction in accordance with the needs of settlement in all of Judea and Samaria, in an orderly process," he said.

Transportation Minister Yisrael Katz (Photo: Yoav Dudkevitch)

"The return to the quotas system is wrong, morally unacceptable, and is similar to the British policy toward the Jewish community before the establishment of the State of Israel."

MK Betzalel Smotrich (Bayit Yehudi) said in response that "Netanyahu has taken out most of the significant plans from the list. The bottom line: Only 410 units for immediate construction in all of Judea and Samaria, while for the Arabs they approved 20,000 (for construction)."

Yossi Dagan, the head of the Samaria Regional Council, also slammed Prime Minister Netanyahu for the decision: "The prime minister, supposedly of the right-wing, is once again freezing settlement in Judea and Samaria." Dagan then added that "If this freeze is approved, the Likud will have to consider nominating another candidate for prime minister (in the next election)."

MK Betzalel Smotrich (Photo: Alex Kolomoisky)

"I feel cheated," said Dagan in an interview with Ynet. "At a time like this, after eight years of this during Obama's era, there is no way to explain why the freeze should be continued. These numbers, and all the public relations around them, are no less than ridiculous and insulting."

Dagan added that he reminded Netanyahu of why he was elected. "The public chose you to build in Judea and Samaria. We expect the policy to change and this is the time. Now this is the test," he continued. "Netanyahu told me that the council has grown very large and that there is demand. I told the prime minister; do not be offended, but the vast majority of construction in Judea and Samaria today is not due to this government, but because of the plans of Shamir and Begin 30 years ago. He was, in the end, very offended, but that's the truth."

Dagan also stressed that the time for excuses was over. "Today there is no Obama and no Hillary Clinton," he said. "Today there is an administration that opposes (the settlement), but is less opposed, and I say that even if there was an administration that opposed it (entirely), we still should confront (their objection), for it is in Israel's best interest. As a citizen of the state and as head of a regional council, I expect that my people will not be second-class citizens anymore."

Yossi Dagan

Regarding Netanyahu's remarks last week that Israel has no open check from the American president, Dagan said "Trump will condemn, but less than Obama. We are a sovereign state, we have our own prime minister and it's time we stopped acting like servants. We are not serving the United States, and certainly not with a president whose entire immediate environment is almost entirely composed of Israeli supporters who will not let him confront the Israeli government as it was with Obama."

On the political ramifications that may occur following the anger on the right, the head of the Samaria Regional Council summed up that "if necessary, it will have political consequences. I hope it won't come to that because I really think that this is a good government and a good prime minister, but the statement today is a clear one. No more, we've had enough."

The Prime Minister's Office stated that "In recent months, thousands of housing units have been approved for construction in all of Judea and Samaria. There is no one who cares more about settlement than the prime minister."

(Translated & edited by Lior Mor)
Hundreds marched through Rothschild Boulevard in Tel Aviv on Saturday night demanding the release of Abera Mengistu, who is being held by Hamas in the Gaza Strip.

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Mengistu has now been held for a total of 1,000 days since he voluntarily crossed the border. His family have said that he suffers from mental health issues.

Photo: Ido Erez

Demonstrators held signs declaring support and love for the young man and his family, while also proclaiming that he is still alive and saying that the government should be doing more to secure his release.

Demonstrators call for Mengistu's release (:  )

X

Mengistu's family also attended the protest, where his mother Agranesh said, "I'm broken from the thought that after so many days I don't know if my son has seen a doctor, received medical treatment or even what his medical condition is. I'm full of hope that people will see that my son is sick and what happened to me can happen to everyone."

Photo: Ido Erez

Ilan Mengistu, Abera's brother, criticized the government for not doing more, saying, "The government denies and ignores its moral obligation to return an Israeli citizen to his home."

Abera Mengistu

Mengistu, originally from Ashkelon and suffering from mental illness, crossed the border with the Gaza Strip three years ago and has since been held by Hamas.
For 50 years, this war has been serving as an excuse. Its easier to blame a specific historical event which ended within six days than recognize human nature. Where is the nature? Somewhere in Afghanistan, with about 100 dead people last week. Muslims who exploded on other Muslims in the name of a primitive dogma which claims that you are allowed to kill even people like you. All in the name of Allah.

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Look around. Most Israelis next to have grown up into the results of the Six-Day War. The security, the economic prosperity, the Gush Emunim and Peace Now movements, the peace talk rounds, withdrawals and temporary agreements. Fifty years is a long time and few remember what happened earlier. Most people have grown up into a fabricated political dispute which serves as an excuse for almost everything taking place here. The occupation as a code word, ignoring the fact that the Palestinian Liberation Organization was founded in the Seven Arches Hotel three years earlier to liberate the 1948 occupation; ignoring the background and roots of the conflict; ignoring the strategic meaning of a state whose eastern border is in the 1967 lines.

The Six-Day War put an end to 19 painfully beautiful years, which were also naive and dangerous (Photo: AP)

To understand how the Six-Day War turned into the biggest excuse in history, lets jump forward to 2048the celebration of the State of Israels first 100 years. More than any other Jewish state which ever existed. Benjamin Netanyahu will no longer be prime minister, I promise. The tribalism which is being nurtured devoutly by some of the coalitions politicians will become moderateotherwise, we wont get there. The Israeli-Arab conflict will still be in full force. The hatred, the incitement, the poverty and the backwardness will keep spreading in Arab states. Technology will solve security problems from the south and from the north, but it wont change human nature.

Im starting with the future, because then it will be easier to address the Six-Day War in its proper place. From a distance of 100 years, the history and civics books will define the first quarter of the century as the survival quarter, followed by the absorption quarter, the technology and development quarter, and finallythe quarter no one knew how to plan.

The war only changed borders

Three wars shaped the State of Israelthe most important war was in 1948. The big occupation starts there. The Six-Day War only changed the borders, not the essence of the battle. The euphoria was as large as the removed threat. The dozens of graves that were dug on the eve of the war and the plans to eliminate the civilian population disappeared at once. Finally, in 1973, came the big victory of the Yom Kippur War (yes, I know that people usually look at this war from its starting points rather than through the great achievements of its ending) which reminded us, on the other hand, that euphoria and arrogant leaders could claim lives.

These three wars turned Israel into a regional power with a greater economic and military strength than any other country in the region. In only 25 years, a young state was fortified despite Arab invasions and genocide plans. The area was expanded to posts that can be defended militarily and strategicallythe Jordan Valley and the Golan Heightsand since then, Israel has been fighting wars of choice. A battle for consciousness rather than for survival.

Whoever claims today that the Six-Day War changed us is talking out of wishful thinking, out of a childish dream in which we could have existed within the borders of small Israel and made peace with everyone around us. If only we had won and pulled out, according to this dream, everything would have been fine.

Israel lived under the danger of extinction for 19 years before the Six-Day War. Its laws were emergency laws. Its democracy was shaky. David Ben-Gurion, the man without whom we wouldnt have a state, spied on opposition members. Israeli Arabs lived under tough military rule and Shin Bet supervision. The government Judaized the Negev and the Galilee without thinking twice. It built and established enterprises without one attorney general. The only restriction on corruption was internal ethics and the youth movement values. Those were painfully beautiful years. The most beautiful songs, the most beautiful outfits, the most beautiful girls, the most silent rabbis and the best cliches. Naive and dangerous years.

Our situation is much better than those 19 yearsnot just from a security and economic perspective, but also under the criteria of those who are lamenting democracy. Israel, contrary to the claims, is not marching towards a binational state; it is marching towards a separation from the Palestinians as much as it can. In Gaza, we have completely separated from them (we still pay the electricity and water), and in Judea and Samaria there is a demilitarized semi-state with a political separation, but with no military separation. The Allon Plan is being implemented before our eyes.

Plenty of mistakes

When a historical event is just an excuse, occupation corrupts. Can we do without a military presence in Judea and Samaria? The answer is no. The only place where we have done that in an absolute manner is the Gaza Strip, and we still have to go back there every two or three years for a military operation. Elor Azaria is not the product of 50 years, but of a self-failure and a command failure. Breaking the Silence are not a product of anything either. These are the products of military service in the Middle East: A place where a Palestinian girl reminds you that were all human beings, while another girl attacks you with a knife. A Middle East where Muslims massacre each other and 2017 is similar in its brutality more than ever to 1017.

I wish things were different, but thats impossible, which is why the preoccupation with the Six-Day War is an excuse. The supporters of the excuse and of the utopic solution are finding it difficult to accept the fact that the Arab states are deteriorating to more and more violence. Its hard to believe that Muslims are massacring Muslims, that the natural aspiration to simply live in peace does not exist when refugeeism and hatred are nurtured. Neither a local initiative nor a Saudi initiative will change that. Neither US President Donald Trump, nor Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu or Meretz Chairwoman Zehava Galon.

Has Israel made mistakes? Countless times. The evacuation which took place at the Western Wall plaza should have taken place in other places, out of a future planning of demography and settlement. Jerusalem should have been the top priority, followed by areas surrounding a future Palestinian authority/autonomy or a state-minus as there is today. The Jordan Valley should have been a huge Israeli settlement center to assist the Jordanian and Israeli interest. The settlement should have been governmental, not a matter for Likud activist or a process reminiscent of a shtetl in the Diaspora. Law and order. Build where it is permitted, and remove where it isnt.

And most importantly, Israel should have had a clear geographical-strategic vision, rather than leaders who mumble in accordance with the US president. A sea of mistakes. But would we have been able to survive without those victories? Without a large part of the settlements which established facts and the eastern border in the Jordan Valley? When we get rid of the excuse for the reality of the villa in the jungle, the answer is no.
When you approach the Erez Crossing at certain hours of the day, you are hit by waves of stench rising from the strip. Huge amounts of sewage flood Gaza and flow into the sea. This stink symbolizes the Israeli approach towards Gaza more than anything: No policy, no understandings, no plans for the future, apart from war plans. The only consistent thing Israel does vis-a-vis Gaza is to shoot itself in the foot again and again.

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The smell of sewage is also the smell of death. According to United Nations reports, which were quoted in the state comptrollers report in May, the first reason for infant mortality in Gaza is the poor quality of water. Twenty-six percent of diseases in the strip, and most child diseases, are the result of the contaminated wastewater penetrating the wells, the shores and the streamsnot just in Gaza, but also in the nearby Israeli beaches.

It all starts with electricity : The five wastewater treatment stations in Gaza, which are extremely heavy consumers of electricity, are dysfunctional. There is not enough electricity. Officials in Ramallah claim that they have no money and that Hamas should pay its share in electricity. After all, Hamas charges NIS 100 million in tax, including from the fuels that reach the Strip. Israel is saying: Am I supposed to interfere in the relations between Hamas and the Palestinian Authority? No moneyno electricity.

Water crisis in Gaza. This stink symbolizes the Israeli approach towards the strip: No policy, no understandings, no plans for the future, apart from war plans (Photo: AFP)

Every month, Israel transfers to the PA tax funds it has collected for its economic activities in Israels ports and territories. From these funds, it deducts some NIS 550 millionthe cost of electricity that the Israel Electric Corporation supplies to the strip every month.

About two months ago, the PA announced that due to its economic situation, it was deducting NIS 40 million of the cost of electricity to the strip. Israel is refusing to fund it, and the Defense Ministry has decided to reduce the electricity supply to the strip by 15 percent, accordingly. In the meantime, Israel has only reduced the voltage. In any event, Gaza receives only four hours of non-stop electricity a day, followed by long and irregular power outages.

The wastewater treatment stations are dysfunctional, the large and modern wastewater treatment facility built by the World Bank in the northern strip in 2013 has yet to be activated because there is no electricity, and Defense Minister Avigdor Lieberman is telling Hamas: Stop digging tunnels and youll get everythingelectricity, a port, etc. That makes sense. But its exactly how Israels governments have been brainwashing us over the years with axioms aimed at preserving the status quo and serving political needs.

The recent state comptrollers report, which dealt with environmental nuisances on both sides of the border, revealed that the Rutenberg Power Station in Ashkelon had sustained damage due to the contamination of organic wastewater. Even worse, the facility on the Ashkelon coastwhich supplies 20 percent of the desalinated water to the State of Israelwas shut down for more than 24 hours due to an extreme organic contamination in the seawater. The damage amounted to tens of millions of shekels.

The Mediterranean Sea flows from southwest to northeast. There is no doubt, therefore, that the seawater contamination in the strip is going to reach Israels shores. Infant mortality in Gaza may not trouble anyone here, but heavy damages to Israelincluding a possible desalinated water shortageare definitely the states business. And if Israel fails to deal with this, it is shooting itself in the foot.

There are those in Israel who believe that a shortage of budgets and infrastructures will encourage the Gaza citizen to rise up against Hamas. Until that happens, however, we are causing ourselves irreversible damage. According to the state comptroller, The untreated wastewater leads to a contamination of the seawater, the streams and the ground water in the Israeli areas bordering the Gaza Strip. There are also security and health risks for Israel in case diseases are spread due to water contaminations in the strip. I doubt anyone at the Defense Ministry even read this paragraph.

If there is no electricity in July and August, who will the strips population direct its anger atHamas, the PA or Israel? The answer is clear. And how many millions more will Israel have to pay to deal with the consequences of the seawater contamination, which will only increase? This is the defense ministers test: Slogans or Realpolitik.
Interior Minister Aryeh Deri will be questioned by the Israel Police's Lahav 433 Unit once more Monday in connection with allegations of fraud and money laundering worth hundreds of thousands of shekels from state ministries.

The scandal implicates Deri's wife, daughter, son in law and brother are also implicated in the case.
On the 50th anniversary of the Six Day War, the IDF Spokesperson's Unit published on Saturday the photograph of the original order of the day written by the then-IDF Chief of Staff, Yitzhak Rabin at the end of the war, given at the Western Wall.

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The original order (Photo: IDF)

A transcript of the order follows:

Soldiers of the Israel Defense Forces,

Now, with the cease-fire, the war of the sons of light has ended with those who tried to bring darkness upon us.

The Israel Defense Forces, by land, sea and air, have crushed the armies of four Arab states.

Greater Jerusalem is liberated, and the West Bank is in our hands. The entire Sinai Peninsula is in our hands, and the Syrian threat to the northern communities has been removed.

The war was not easy. All of this was done by the IDF and the IDF alone. The battles spread to large, wide areas. The IDF, with all its regular, reserve forces, the settlements and the home front population, carried out this great effort.

Many of the best commanders and soldiers fell in battle. They will forever be remembered with grief and pride.

The IDF fulfilled all the tasks imposed upon it by the supreme effort of its commanders and soldiers and the momentum of its action.

The struggle has not yet ended. I can say here at the Western Wall, with confidence, that just as we went out to fight for these achievements, we will know how to safeguard and preserve them in the future.

Commanders and soldiers, be blessed.

Soldiers in Jerusalem during the Six Day war (Photo: AP)

The current Chief of Staff Lt. Gen. Gadi Eisenkot issued an updated order to mark the anniversary of the war:

"IDF officers, soldiers and employees; five decades ago our army was called to prevent the invasion of the Arab armies who threatened to destroy us. Upon hearing the command, IDF soldiers took positions on all fronts, joined forces on land, air and sea, and fought with tremendous resolution to protect our country. In six days our forces managed to unite Jerusalem, restore calm on the borders and carve one of the most glorious victories in Israel's history on the history pages.

"In our struggle for the existence of the state, we have paid a high pricewe lost many of our sons and daughters, who gave their lives to guard the country and did not get the chance to return home. With their fall, we bowed our heads in reverence and pledged to honor their memory, follow the path they outlined to us and continue to build and fortify the security of the State of Israel.

"Fifty years have passed and the challenges facing the State of Israel have changed beyond recognition, but the principles that guide us today are the ones who led the army to victory in the Six Day Warthe principles by which we keep our military readiness a priority, deepen inter-division cooperation and base develop and maintain capabilities adapted to the expected challenges.

"Against the threats posed by our enemies, we will build together the IDF as the army of the people; a fighting army, prepared and strong, with a qualitative edge over its enemies. An army that can, should the time come again, stand firm, act decisively and defeat any enemy. Commanders and soldiers, you determine the outcome of the next war. You are expected to maintain your readiness at all times. Remember that the citizens and residents of the country rely on youthe Israel Defense Forces."

Combatants taking a break to pray (Photo: AP)

Eisenkot quoted the late Rabin as saying: "This army ... from the people it comes and to the people it shall return. A people that rise in a time of urgency and is capable of standing up to any enemy thanks to its moral, spiritual and mental clarity that it shows when put to the test."

The Chief of staff then continued, "Today, as then, we will continue our march, driven by our mission to protect our people, our land and our valuesthe same values that accompanied the IDF fighters throughout the generations. And we will act to realize the IDF's mission: to defend the state, to ensure its existence, and, if necessary, to win the war.

"We will stand togetherunited, steadfast and ready for any challengeand we will work to realize the IDF's mission: to defend the state, to ensure its existence, and if necessary to win the war."

Rabin's order of the day now joins the other documents and video clips that were recently published from the war that changed the face of the nation, including minutes of meetings between the government and the ministerial committee on security matters released by the State Archives, taken on the first days of the war, all the way through several months later when the nation was coming to terms with the new reality.

The original document will be presented starting on Sunday in a new exhibition marking the anniversary of the Six-Day War at the Yitzhak Rabin Center in Tel Aviv, alongside other rare documents and artifacts from the time of the war.

(Translated & edited by Lior Mor)
LONDON -- Arab Gulf countries and are condemning the attack in London that left six people dead and more than 40 others injured.

The United Arab Emirates, Qatar, Bahrain, Oman and Kuwait issued separate statements condemning such attacks and expressing their support for the British government.

The Saudi Embassy in the U.K. called on their citizens in London to exercise caution in crowded areas and follow police instructions.

In Turkey, the foreign ministry has expressed its "deep sadness." The ministry says that as "Turkey and the Turkish people, who have been subjected to similar attacks many times, we understand and share the pain of the people of the United Kingdom."
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu arrived in Monrovia, the capital of Liberia, Sunday morning as he kicks off his visit to West Africa in a bid to forge and strengthen diplomatic ties.

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During his welcoming, Netanyahu was greeted by Liberian President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf after which he was treated to a traditional honor dance and festive ceremony in which the national anthems of Israel and Liberia were played.

Photo: Kobi Gideon/GPO

Following the ceremony, Netanyahu spoke with the president of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) Marcel Alain De Souza. According to the Prime Ministers Office, the two discussed ways to deepen cooperation between Israel and the organization.

Photo: Kobi Gideon/GPO

Shortly after Netanyahu met with Gambian President Adama Barrow and ministers of foreign affairs and trade.

Barrow, who took office just a few months ago, and Netanyahu also discussed the possibilities to deepen cooperation in a number of fields.

Netanyahu with Liberian President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf (Photo: Kobi Gideon)

The prime minister said that Israel would dispatch working teams to Gambia to render such assistance as it could.

Netanyahu also told his interlocutors that bilateral relations need to be expressed in international forums.
A 20-year-old from the city of Bnei Brak was arrested after posting on Facebook a message calling to carry out an attack on the Gay Pride parade in Tel Aviv, to be held this Friday.

Though the man posted another post saying he was only "bored," the police stated the young man was nevertheless brought in for questioning.

Coordinator of the Nir Katz Center for LGBT Violence in Tel Aviv Gil Fishoff noted that "Every year around the Gay Pride events we see a sharp increase in threats against members of the community with violent expressions and incitement." He added that "We work regularly with the Israel Police to examine each and every case on its merits in view of the tragic event of the murder of Shira Banki in the Jerusalem Parade in Jerusalem."
During an entire shift in the pediatric emergency room at Hadassah Ein Kerem Hospital in Jerusalem, nurse Ula Ostrowski-Zak nursed a nine-month-old Palestinian baby from Hebron whose mother was seriously injured and his father killed in a car accident.

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"His aunts were surprised that a Jew agreed to breastfeed him, but I told them that every mother would do it," she said.

On Friday, Yaman's parents collided head-on with an armored bus on Route 60. The father was killed on the spot and the mother, who was not wearing a seatbelt, sustained a serious head injury.

Nurse Ostrowski-Zak with baby Yaman

The baby, who was lightly injured, was taken to the emergency room, but there was no one to feed him and he refused to eat from a bottle. For seven hours, until Ostrowski-Zak arrived, he didn't eat a thing and cried incessantly. His aunts were helpless.

"They asked me if I could help them find someone who would breastfeed the baby," said Ostrowski-Zak. "As a nursing mother, I didn't hesitate and suggested that I do it myself."

Thus, between caring for one child and another, the nurse fed the baby. "I fed him five times," she said. "His aunts embraced me and thanked me. They were really surprised and told me that no Jewish women would agree to nurse a Palestinian baby they did not know."

Toward the end of the shift, the question arose who would breastfeed the baby when Ula went home. The nurse posted to the Facebook group of nursing mothers titled La Leche League, and was amazed by the reactions.

"Within two hours I received more than a thousand likes and responses from women who volunteered to help, women who were willing to travel even from Haifa to breastfeed him. In between, I continued to try to expose the child to the bottle but without success," she said.

The baby's mother is still in serious condition. The baby is expected to be discharged from the hospital and will be staying at his grandparents' home in Hebron, where his aunt will continue to breastfeed him.
Following a report by the New York Times on Sunday, claiming that Israel had achieved nuclear capabilities by the Six-Day War in 1967, and was planning to set off a nuclear bomb in the Sinai Peninsula to deter the Egyptians, the Israeli researcher whose work the Times piece was partially based on came out to refute these claims.

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The New York Times' initial reporting stated that then-Brig. Gen. Yitzhak "Yisha" Yaakov said as much to Prof. Avner Cohen and Prof. Ronen Bergman as part of a Yedioth Ahronoth article. Speaking to Ynet later Sunday, Prof. Cohen came out against the Times piece, saying that Israel, in fact, was not planning to activate a nuclear bomb in the Sinai Peninsula during the Six-Day War in 1967, since at the time it did not have nuclear capabilities.

The Dimona nuclear reactor (Photo: Getty Images)

"It was so natural," the Times quoted Yaakov as saying. "Youve got an enemy, and he says hes going to throw you to the sea. You believe him.

"How can you stop him? You scare him. If youve got something you can scare him with, you scare him."

Prof. Avner Cohen

The Times cited Yaakov, who passed away four years ago, as saying that the plan to bomb Egypt was called the Samson Option, and that it would be used as a last resort. He added that were it to have been used, the nuclear blast might have ended up killing him and his commando team.

Yaakov quoted then-IDF Operations Directorate Maj. Gen. Ezer Weizman as saying that Egypt was going to attack the southern city of Dimona, which is next to Israel's nuclear reactor.

Brig. Gen. Yitzhak Yaakov during his army training during a missile experiment in the South

"It has long been known that Israel, fearful for its existence, rushed to complete its first atomic device on the eve of the Arab-Israeli war. But the planned demonstration remained secret in a country where it is taboo to discuss even half-century-old nuclear plans, and where fears persist that Iran will eventually obtain a nuclear weapon, despite its deal with world powers," the Times wrote, adding that "Shimon Peres, the former Israeli president and prime minister who died last year, hinted at the plans existence in his memoirs."

However, Prof. Cohen, who in addition to interviewing Yaakov has authored a nuclear history of Israel called Israel and the Bomb, strongly objected to the New York Times piece. In an interview with Ynet, Cohen stated it was wrong for the Times article to have relied on Yaakov's 32-year-old memory. "He describes events as he saw them from his own personal point of you. Does it accurately fit with the overall, objective and the historical truth? It's hard to tell. I had a lot of questions about this," said Cohen.

Yaakov (L) with then-brig. gen. Rehavam Ze'evi during a meeting of the IDF's top echelon

So as opposed to what most people think, Israel actually didn't have an atom bomb back then.

"First of all, that's true; Israel was working day and night to give the top echelon, meaning the Prime Minister (Levi Eshkoled), some sort of option, which shows that this project had some gravitas," said Cohen. "We were trying to wildly improvise something that no one was one hundred percent sure was going to work. They ended up creating this thing called the Spider, a nuclear detonation system that needed to be connected to a nuclear core to be set up at another location."

Yaakov

Cohen noted that "More conceptually than practically speaking, Brig. Gen. Yaakov tried to offer a plan that would bring it to fruition. He himself wasn't sure it would really work."

So you're saying there was still a long way to go to achieve such a device (at the time)?

Cohen seemed to concur. "The New York Times piece is based on a very long interview of mine with Yicha (Yaakov), an analysis of this interview and other piece published here in the US. Yicha felt the need to tell this, because he thought it no longer held any operational or intelligence importance. It should also be noted that between May 25th and 27th, 1967, there was a very morose atmosphere in Israel. There was a feeling that Dimona and the Israeli Air Force bases could be under attack."

Was Egypt planning to attack Dimona?

"We're not one hundred percent sure about that, but based on Israel's estimation at the timeor rather (IDF chief of staff Yitzhak) Rabin's, (Military Intelligence Directorate Aharon) Ahrale Yariv's and Ezer Weizman's, Dimona was indeed considered a target."

On May 16, 1967, two days after the beginning of the Egyptian military began bolstering their forces along the border with Israel. IDF chief of staff Rabin said at the time that Egypt might be targeting Dimona.

The next day, Rabin and Military Intelligence Directorate Head Yariv informed the Israeli Security Cabinet that Egyptian MiG-21 jet flew over Dimona after entering Israeli airspace at a high altitude from Jordan, and that the Air Force planes had been dispatched to intercept them, but failed to do so due to the short warning time and MiGs' high altitude. The IAF planes were not allowed to cross the border into Sinai.

Rabin then told Cabinet ministers that IAF Mirage planes tried to intercept them on their return to Sinai, but failed. The incident completely changed the atmosphere at the ministerial meeting.

Rabin also asked to speak with Prime Minister Eshkol together with Maj. Gen. Weizman, and then proceeded to brief Eshkol on information received by Israeli intelligence, about "a strange and worrisome message regarding the cooperation between fighter planes and bombers." Rabin added that this could be related to a possible Egyptian air strike on Dimona, with Weizman adding that all the indications show that Egypt plans to attack Dimona with at least 40 jets, perhaps that very night.

Eshkol then returned to the Cabinet meeting, but did not reveal all the information he had received to the ministers. Instead, he told them that the information about the air incident would be passed on to the Americans, without telling them that the Egyptian jets had happened over Dimona. Decades later, Minister Moshe Carmel, a member of the cabinet at the time, described the ministers' "shock" after discovering that a "flock" of Egyptian planes had passed over Dimona.

Prof. Cohen estimates that Egypt did indeed plan to carry out an air strike on the morning of May 27, with its main targets being Israeli Air Force bases and possibly Dimona. According to several testimonies of senior Egyptian officials, an airstrike order was given and then canceled; Egyptian President Gamal Abdel Nasser was forced to cancel the plan at the last minute, after a direct threat from US President Lyndon Johnson, who called such an attack "suicide," in addition to Nasser receiving a similar warning from the Soviets.
They immigrated to Israel from the Soviet Union as part of the great immigration wave of the 1990s, full of hopes and dreams, but never completed the process of immigration and assimilation in Israel. The complex reality of Israeli life, the security situation, the complex language, the high cost of living and the immediate labeling affixed to them by virtue of their immigration, made life very difficult. The difficulties of acclimatization were compounded by another difficulty: in a country where there was room for only one type of Judaism, many of whom had lived secular and atheistic lives before, or were accustomed to keeping kosher but not in the strict Halachic (according to Jewish law) way, could not find their place.

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According to Interior Ministry data, about 30% of those who immigrated in the 1990s are not halachically Jewish. Non-Jewish immigrants came under the "grandchild clause" in the Law of Return, and expected to nevertheless be treated with the required respect, and not be discriminated against by the stateexpectations that quickly dissolved and added to additional difficulties.

FSU conference (Photo: Leora Kogan)

All this and more encouraged large numbers of immigrants from the former Soviet Union to pack their belongings and emigrate for the second time in their lives, this time to Canada, and for good reason: Canadian Jewry is the fourth largest in the world after Israel, the United States and France. The figures speak of 388,000 Jews living in the country, and constitute about 1.1% of Canada's population as a whole. Most of the Jews who immigrated to Canada settled in the cities of Montreal and Toronto, with Toronto leading with no fewer than 200,000 Jews.

The figures speak of some 70,000 Russian-speaking Jews living in Canada today, most of whom immigrated to Canada from Israel. But what is really interesting is that in Canada, a country based on immigration and immigrants and multiculturalism, immigrants from the former Soviet Union found a renewed connection to their Judaisma deep connection they had never experienced, especially in Israel.

The discovery and reconnection is now being led by the Y generation of immigrants from the former Soviet Union, young people in their 20s who were born in Israel and emigrated with their families to Canada when they were in their early teens, some of them even before.

I met some of them at a special conference of Limmud FSU, which took place in a town north of Toronto. The two-day conference, which attracted 700 Soviet Jews living in Toronto and its environs, is part of the organization's ongoing activity to unite Soviet Jews through voluntary conferences and festivals.

Dan Patrenko (Photo: Leora Kogan)

The Limmud conferences, founded by Chaim Chesler, aspire to restore the communal spirit, as well as to encourage recognition of Jewish identity. So how did it happen that the young peoplemore than 50,000 in the last decadeflock to these conferences in droves and even "infected their parents" with this metaphorical bug?

Sergei Patrenko said, My son brought me to this festival. He and his wife Alla were born in Ukraine. They married at the age of 17 and immigrated to Israel as part of the mass wave of 1990-91. Their two children, Dan, now 18, and Michal, 16, were born in Israel. When Dan finished second grade, the family left for Canada. The parents ran an employment agency in Israel, and opened a branch of it in Canada, from which emerged the idea of emigrating.

Unlike other families who left Israel, Sergei and Alla maintain a close working relationship with Israel. Three years ago, their son Dan asked them to go with him to a Limmud festival, and after much cajoling, they reluctantly agreed. Sergei said, It is very easy to lose your Jewish identity in your daily life when you don't live in Israel, especially in a city like Toronto. This is an international city, and in the course of our work we meet people from dozens of different countries.

(Photo: Leora Kogan)

"My wife and I lived in Israel for 16 years, and this formed our Jewish identity. Even though our children were born in Israel, they have lived for most of their lives in Canada, and feel a strong connection to their Jewish identity, and that is thanks to conferences like these, where there is no pressure, and the programming is not one-sided. The festival can open with lectures on religion, and close with a workshop on making gefilte fish. The children meet and enjoy being with other Jewish children, and are exposed to a wide variety of interesting and varied topics on Jewish and Israeli subjects.

Holocaust, Aliya and Migration

Dans connections to his Jewish roots find expression not only in persuading his family to attend communal activities. At his young age, he has already written a play that has been staged in small theaters in Canada, and which relates what happened to his mothers family in Ukraine in the shadow of the Holocaust and anti-Semitism. The play is called Train for Two, and it is a drama in one act that deals with the story of a man who betrayed Jews during the Second World War in order to get money to save his sick wife, explained Dan.

The man cannot forgive himself for what he did, and lives with deep regret for the rest of his life. Alla explained, The story is of a Ukrainian couple who looked after my younger brother and me when we were children. We called them Granny and Granddad from the very first day, and we were sure they were our real grandparents. They were neighbors, and at some point, after Granddad died, we found out that during the war, he had betrayed Jews. We also found out that for his entire life, he suffered deeply, and lived in agony because he had betrayed a Jewish family.

Alla Petrenko was 14 years old when she learned the truth. Granny was deeply religious, and throughout her whole life she tried to persuade our family to immigrate to Israel. And even though she was not Jewish, she believed that Jews should live only in Israel and that only there could they feel protected. The story came to light after Granddad died, and one day before we were due to emigrate to Israel, Granny died, as if she had closed the circle of her lifes ambition. Every eve of Yom Kippur, I light a candle in her memory.

Boris Varshavsky (Photo: Leora Kogan)

Distance Makes Connections

Until a few years ago, I had no particular connection with Judaism, admitted Boris Varshavsky aged 26, one of the festivals leading volunteers, who emigrated to Toronto with his parents when he was only nine. I grew up in a Russian home that was kosher in its own way, but I didn't pay much attention to it. At university I met a counselor who was active in the Jewish students' organization. Through him, I joined a group of people who were concerned about Israel and their Jewish roots. That led me to reconnect with my own Jewish roots and through them, I became in touch with the non-Russian Canadian Jewish community.

Leon Martinenko, 33, rediscovered his Jewish roots only after arriving in Canada. We immigrated to Israel from Russia in 1996 when I was only 13 years old. For most of my life my Jewish identity was completely secular. I didn't keep Shabbat and I didn't observe kashrut. I served in the IDF and I love and support Israel, but at some point I recognized that my philosophical identity and outlook on life depend on what I do here. Who am I? What is my role in life? Slowly I began to appreciate the beauty of Judaism. That happened when I was 25, the age at which one begins to ask questions.

In the first five years of my life here, I was not involved with the Jewish community. I worked in security jobs because in Israel I had served in a combat unit and I was full of self confidence. The community here is very supportive because we are all immigrants, but at a certain point, you begin to lose your Israeli identity, until you suddenly realize again that even here you are different. This feeling began as a result of a relationship I had with a Canadian girl. Through the connection with her I began to be exposed to and take an interest in Judaism and hassidut, and I suddenly realized that maybe there was something I had missed. I cannot say that I have become newly religious or that I am haredi, but I do feel somehow strengthened. This change of direction led me to leave my group and brought me closer to the Jewish community. Previously, my friends here were all Canadian.

In 2013, while still a student, I had the opportunity to go to the Limmud FSU conference in New York, and I got bitten by the bug. I encountered old-style Russian and Soviet culture, and realized how much I missed them. I began to understand that there is a link between Judaism and searching for answers to questions like what am I doing here. And whats more, it was not rigid and allowed me to practice Judaism in a way that makes me feel comfortable.
Israel's ambassador to Senegal will return to his post after he was recalled last year following Dakar's support of a UN Security Council resolution against Israeli settlements.

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The announcement was made after a meeting between Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Senegal President Macky Sall on the sidelines of an Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) gathering in Liberia.

Senegal president meeting with Netanyahu (Photo: Kobi Gideon/GPO)

Netanyahu addressed ECOWAS as a guest speaker on Sunday and met several African leaders, including Ibrahim Boubacar Keita, the president of Mali, a Muslim state with whom Israel has no diplomatic relations.

A statement from Netanyahu's office said Senegal had agreed to support Israel's candidacy to become an observer nation at the Organization of African Unity.

(Photo: Kobi Gideon/GPO)

The two states also agreed to resume joint projects and cooperation in security and agriculture, the statement added.

Senegal, New Zealand, Malaysia and Venezuela, sponsored last December's Security Council resolution demanding Israel end its settlement activity on disputed territory which the Palestinians hope will be part of an eventual independent state.

(Photo: Kobi Gideon/GPO)

Netanyahu recalled the envoys to Senegal and New Zealand, Israel has no diplomatic ties with Malaysia and Venezuela.

The resolution passed in the 15-member Security Council because the United States, under the administration of former president Barack Obama, broke with its long-standing approach of diplomatically shielding Israel and did not wield its veto power, instead abstaining.
YORK  A York man has been charged with four felonies related to controlled substances and the case has been bound over to District Court.

Francis Neville, III, has been formally charged with one count of possession of an exceptionally hazardous drug with the intent to deliver and three counts of possession of a controlled substance.

According to court documents, the case began when the York County Sheriffs Department served a search warrant in Geneva. During that search, they received information that a person there had been purchasing illegal drugs from a man named Joe. That led to them finding that Joes full name is Francis Joseph Neville III, who lives in York.

A search warrant was served at Nevilles York residence.

Investigators allege that they found numerous drug-related items during that search, including: a methamphetamine scale, baggies, five methamphetamine pipes, three marijuana pipes, bindle bags, marijuana, 3.49 grams of methamphetamine, a grinder, two syringes with one having product inside, another scale, a spoon with methamphetamine residue, tubing with methamphetamine residue, a box containing drug paraphernalia, a torch, a straw with residue, and baggies containing hydrocodone, clonazepam and alprazolam.

Neville is facing one Class 2 felony and three Class 4 felonies. The Class 2 felony carries a possible maximum sentence range of 1-50 years in prison. Each of the Class 4 felonies carry a possible maximum sentence of two years in prison.

Arraignment proceedings are pending in District Court.
Vickie Stanger

CALDWELL  Vickie Stanger, life remembrance at 1 p.m. Sunday, June 4, at Ste. Chapelle Winery in Caldwell, Idaho.

Alyce Woods

TWIN FALLS  Alyce Pat Woods, funeral Mass at 10 a.m. Monday, June 5 at St. Edward the Confessor Catholic Church, 161 6th Ave E, Twin Falls. A viewing will be held from 5 until 8 p.m. Sunday evening with a Rosary service at 6:30 p.m. at Reynolds Funeral Chapel, 2466 Addison Ave. E., Twin Falls.

Imagine Morgan

TWIN FALLS  Imagine Morgan, funeral service at 10 a.m. Monday June 5 at Parkes Magic Valley funeral Home. A visitation will be held from 5 until 7 p.m. Sunday, June 4 at the funeral home.

John Christlieb

KIMBERLY  John Christlieb, funeral service at 2 p.m. Monday, June 5 at Parkes Magic Valley Funeral Home. A visitation will be held from 5 until 7 p.m. Sunday, June 4 at the funeral home.

Antonio Limon

TWIN FALLS  Antonio Limon, funeral services at 2 p.m. Tuesday, June 6, 2017 at Parke's Magic Valley Funeral Home 2551 Kimberly Rd. in Twin Falls.

William Bill Rickert

RUPERT  Funeral Mass at 11 a.m. Wednesday, June 7, 2017 at St. Nicholas Catholic church in Rupert. Visitation will be held from 5-7 p.m. Tuesday, June 6, 2017 at St Nicholas Catholic Church. Arrangements are under the direction of Joel Heward Hansen Mortuary.

LeRoy Roy Sherrets

TWIN FALLS  55 of Twin Falls, celebration of life is Wednesday, June 7 at 2 p.m. at Parkes Magic Valley Funeral Home 2551 Kimberly Rd. in Twin Falls. Roy will be laid to rest at a later time in Sunset Memorial Park in Twin Falls, Idaho.

Roy Rex Davenport

BUHL  Roy Rex Davenport, celebration of life on his 83rd birthday, 11 a.m. Thursday, June 8, at the Buhl United Methodist Church.

Douglas J. Blevins

TWIN FALLS  Douglas J. Blevins, celebration of Life from 1-6 Saturday, June 10, 2017 at 360 Main Event Center, 348 4th Ave S, Twin Falls, Idaho. Arrangements are under the direction of Farnsworth Mortuary, Jerome.
Ankara: Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan vowed on Saturday to resume military actions against Syrian Kurdish fighters in case Turkey comes under attack by them.



"We will not discuss the matter with anyone but will make our own decision and take the matter into our own hands," Xinhua quoted the president as saying.



He spoke of a possible resumption of the so-called Operation Euphrates Shield in northern Syria if the Democratic Union Party (PYD) and its military wing the People's Protection Units launch an attack on Turkey.



Ankara sees the two groups as the Syrian offshoots of the Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK) outlawed for its decades-old armed struggle for an autonomous region in Turkey's southeast, and the Turkish military ended Operation Euphrates Shield at the end of March that was launched in August last year.



Erdogan said that he had spoken of the matter with both Russian and U.S. officials.



Earlier in the day, Turkish media reported that the US was resupplying PKK and PYD militants in northern Syria with military equipment, a move vehemently opposed by Turkey.



US President Donald Trump authorised military support to the Syrian Kurdish fighters last month, as an operation to retake Syria's Raqqa from the so-called Islamic State was going on with their involvement.
Mexico City: At least six people were killed and 21 others were injured on Saturday in an attack on a bar in the city of Cuauhtemoc in Mexico's northern state of Chihuahua.



The attack took place on Saturday morning when an unknown man entered the night club named Chicho's, and opened fire on the crowd, according to the prosecutor's office. He apparently used an AK-47 assault rifle.



Paramedics for the Red Cross rushed to offer first aid to the injured before transferring them to a nearby hospital, Xinhua reported.



Municipal and state police as well as officials from the Chihuahua government have opened an investigation, and were gathering evidence about the alleged gunman.



Until now, the identity of the victims has not been revealed.



Chihuahua has been the scene of numerous scenes of violence, with Ciudad Juarez, one of Mexico's border cities, having been the epicenter of clashes between rival drug gangs.



The incident took place a day after fighting left 11 dead in the states of Sinaloa and Tamaulipas.
Mumbai: Megastar Amitabh Bachchan has landed in south European country Malta to join the shoot of Vijay Krishna Acharya's "Thugs of Hindostan", which also stars Aamir Khan and Katrina Kaif.

"In the early hours of Mumbai morning, stepping on to the vehicle of air transport for distant land, to begin the shooting of 'Thugs of Hindostan' in Malta," Bachchan posted on his blog.

The film went on the floors in Malta last month.

Explaining the travel route, he wrote: "Over the waters of the Arabian Sea and on to the sand coloured land of Doha, where we pick up some gasoline for the onward journey. And then on to Malta, flying over Saudi Arabia, over Cairo in Egypt, turning right on to the Mediterranean and driving in the skies straight to the island of Malta."

"I immediately find myself overdressed and uncomfortable, for the dress of the day is nothing beyond the knees," Big B added.

Being made on a lavish budget, the movie features high octane action to be shot on a ship.

An international crew has been working hard to create these elaborate ships.

The film also stars "Dangal" fame Fatima Sana Sheikh.
Raipur: A Naxalite was on Sunday gunned down in an exchange of fire with security personnel at a forest in Chhattisgarh's Bijapur district, police said.

The skirmish took place this morning in the forest near Surakheda village, Bijapur Superintendent of Police K L Dhruv told PTI.

Based on specific inputs, a team of district force had launched a search operation in the forest at Bhairamgarh, around 450 kms away from the state capital, he said.

When the security men were cordoning off a forest patch near Surakheda, the Naxals started firing on them which led to a gun-battle. However, the ultras soon escaped into the dense forest, the SP said.

Later during a search, police recovered the body of a Maoist clad in 'uniform', he said.

They also recovered a muzzle loading gun, a country made 303 pistol, some detonators, a tiffin bomb and wires from the spot, he said.

"The killed Naxal was identified as Ratan Ujji alias Hemla Ratan, a member of small action team of the ultras," Dhruv said.

As per preliminary information, Ratan served in various key positions in the outlawed CPI (Maoist), including as deputy commander of Mirtoor LOS (local organisation squad) and head of Matwada's Janatana Sarkar group, the SP said.
New Delhi: The police have arrested two persons for allegedly running a fake Aadhaar card racket in outer Delhi's Mangolpuri.

The two accused -- Mohammad Saddam (25) and Mohit (23) were arrested from their houses in Mangolpuri, police said.

A complaint was received from Arun Singh, deputy director of the UIDAI, that issues Aadhaar cards.

The duo used to contact women and elderly with the assurance of getting their Aadhaar cards made. They used to later give fake Aadhaar cards to them.

The police have also seized a few laptops and pen drives from the duo that contain details of the fake cards.

The persons whom they gave Aadhaar cards will also be contacted to ascertain whether they were aware that fake Aadhaar cards were given to them.

The crime branch has also been asked to assist in the probe to identify whether more people were involved in the racket.
New Delhi: The Goods and Services Tax, to be implemented from next month, will be an exciting development from data point of view and help provide a more complete description of the economic activity, Chief Statistician T C A Anant has said.

GST will provide data from the point of production to the point of sale because all these would be captured properly under the new indirect tax regime, he said.

The government proposes to roll out GST from July 1 that will subsume all major levies including excise, service tax and VAT.

"The GST network (GSTN) from a data point of view is a very exiting development because it is on single network, the transaction chain is being captured and leaves a lot of exiting possibilities," Anant told PTI in an interview.

"From the point of view of a statistician, this will eventually give us much more complete description of economic activities," he added.

On whether GST will give real time data, Anant replied, "There is data on collection of excise, VAT, service tax and sales tax. We use these in our GDP compilation at various places.

"GST continues to give us all these but now all of these would be collected through single framework. What we were getting earlier through multiple sources would now be from single source (the GSTN)".

The new set up will also give transactional data, movement of goods and services across borders, he said, adding that there will be a lot of information captured on GSTN. "We will presumably get much faster data. But let's see how it comes out."

Touted as the biggest taxation reform since the Independence, GST will create a uniform market in the country and is expected to boost GDP growth by about 2 per cent besides checking tax evasion.

The powerful GST Council, comprising Centre and states has recommended a four-tier tax structure -- 5, 12, 18 and 28 per cent for goods and services.

On top of the highest slab, a cess will be imposed on luxury and demerit goods to compensate the states for revenue loss in the first five years of GST implementation.

All states have agreed to the GST rollout from July 1.
Kochi: Union minister Ravi Shankar Prasad on Sunday dismissed as "completely wrong" the reports of a downturn in the Indian IT sector and said a good number of people will get jobs in the current fiscal.

Noting that the IT industry worth Rs 9 lakh crore today employs about 40 lakh people directly and 1.4 crore indirectly, the IT minister said firms like TCS and Infosys have said they would recruit thousands of professionals in the current fiscal.

The minister's statement comes against the backdrop of media reports that IT firms in India were in the midst of the industry's largest retrenchment drive due to US President Donald Trump's protectionist policies.

"Coming to the IT sector, a lot of things being told about downturn. It is completely wrong. I want to deny it. The export of Indian IT companies outside is close to Rs 7.4 lakh crore. And the STPI (Software Technology Parks of India) helping entrepreneurs to export (services) worth about Rs 3.5 lakh crore," he told a press conference here.

He said 6 lakh appointments have taken place in the last three years of the Narendra Modi-led government.

"I asked Chandrasekaran, the chairman of Tata sons... He has said TCS alone has appointed 2.5 lakh IT professionals in the last three years. And they are going to appoint 20,000 new graduates in 2017-18," the minister said.

Prasad said he also met recently Infosys COO Pravin Rao, who too completely dismissed the media reports on massive jobs cut.

"Rao said last year Infosys appointed 20,000 people and this year they are going to appoint 20,000 more," he said.

Prasad claimed that retrenchment of 100-200 people had happened in the sector on performance ground.

The minister said the Indian digital economy was going to become $1 trillion in the coming 5 to 7 years.
London: Met Police Assistant Commissioner Mark Rowley has confirmed that six people have been killed in the attack on London Bridge and Borough Market.

The police have shot dead the three male suspects behind the stabbings.

Rowley said that police got reports that a vehicle struck people on London Bridge at 10:08 p.m. local time.

The vehicle continued to drive towards Borough Market where three assailants got out and attempted to stab members of the public, including a police officer, reports the CNN.

The attack lasted for eight minutes till the police arrived at the scene and the three assailants were shot dead.

Rowley said the assailants were wearing fake explosive vests.

According to some unconfirmed reports, ISIS has taken responsibility for the attack.

Also, at least 20 others have been injured in the attack which comes less than two weeks after 22 people were killed and scores were injured by a suicide bomber at an Ariana Grande concert in the northern English city of Manchester.

British Prime Minister Theresa May will convene an emergency security Cabinet meet known as Cabinet Office Briefing Room (Cobra) following the terror attacks took place at the London Bridge and the Borough Market, where several people were injured.

The top-level security briefing involves a discussion across departments which is designed to respond to national emergencies.
Ahmedabad: Gujarat Chief Minister Vijay Rupani on Sunday aided four women who were injured in a road accident by getting them rushed them to a hospital in one of his convoy vehicles.

Rupani, who was returning to Gandhinagar from here, stopped his convoy this afternoon after seeing that an auto-rickshaw had turned turtle near Koba circle, an official release said.

After stopping his convoy, the CM rushed towards the auto and helped the four injured women to come out from the vehicle.

He then alloted one of his convoy car for the injured and directed his security officer to take them to the Gandhinagar civil hospital and make all the necessary arrangements for their treatment, the release added.

Rupani was returning to Gandhinagar after inaugurating the new building of Indian Red Cross Society's Gujarat branch here.

He also inaugurated Centre for Thalassaemia-Sickle Cell Prevention Control Research and Training Centre, said the release.
Chandigarh: The Haryana government has set up district-level medical boards to decide complaints of medical negligence against private or government doctors or hospitals.

The District Medical Boards for Negligence would consist of a district civil surgeon as chairperson and have a principal medical officer or medical superintendent of a district hospital as a member secretary, an official spokesman said here today.

"Its three members would include two specialists in the domain related to the complaint, either both from government sector or one from government and one from the private sector.

"In case, a subject specialist is not available, the chairperson can call one from other district and one member of the district Indian Medical Association who would be selected by the district IMA president," he said.

He said the board would look into all complaints against private or government doctors or hospitals of medical negligence and would be empowered to call and seek the assistance of anybody or any record associated with the complaint.

"It would also have the power to inspect the premises, if required. The investigating officers would obtain independent and competent medical opinion from the board before proceeding against the doctors accused of rash or negligent act. The board would give an impartial and unbiased opinion by putting the facts to test and devise a transparent procedure to receive complaints," he said.
Srinagar: The Indian Army on Sunday denied Pakistan's claim that five Indian soldiers were killed along the Line of Control (LoC) in cross border firing.



The Pakistan Army claimed in a tweet on Saturday that five Indian soldiers were killed.

He also posted a video, claiming an Indian post was destroyed.



"Indian unprovoked CFV at Tatta Pani along LOC, violently responded. Indian bunkers destroyed, 5 Indian sldrs (soldiers) killed, many injured," Pakistan Army Spokesperson Maj Gen Asif Ghafoor said in a tweet



However, rejecting the claim, defence sources said it was "false and fabricated", as per IANS.

On May 24, Pakistan had posted a video claiming an Indian post was destroyed. The video, however, turned out to be an edited one.



The Indian Army, on May 23, had released a video of attack on Pakistani posts across the LoC that appears to show bunkers being bombed in a forested area.

Meanwhile, the Pakistan Army today released a video purportedly showing "destruction" caused by it to the Indian military posts across the Line of Control, the second such video in two weeks amidst a flare-up in border tensions.

The 27-second video was released a day after it claimed to have killed five Indian soldiers while retaliating to India's "unprovoked ceasefire violation" in Tatta Pani sector along the LoC.

Ghafoor posted the video on twitter in the wee hours today.

"Video clip showing destruction of Indian posts on LOC by Pak Army in response to unprovoked Indian firing on innocent citizens," he said in a brief statement with the video.

This is the second time in two weeks when Pakistan Army has released such a video.

On May 24, it released a video purportedly showing heavy damage caused to the Indian posts across the LoC, in a tit- for-tat action after the Indian Army released a clip of the "punitive fire assaults" on Pakistani positions.

Yesterday, the Indian Army said that a woman was injured when the Pakistani Army violated ceasefire twice in two sectors of Poonch district by firing mortar shells on forward posts and civilian areas along the LoC, prompting Indian troops to retaliate, as per PTI.

There are strains in ties between India and Pakistan over cross-border terror attacks in India and the death sentence of Indian national Kulbhushan Jadhav by a military court on spying charges.

NNNN


New Delhi: Army Chief Gen Bipin Rawat and top brass of the force on Sunday paid glowing tributes to the two soldiers who were killed in a militant attack near Qazigund on the Srinagar-Jammu national highway.

"For a soldier, work is his religion... Work is worship for us," Gen Rawat said after paying homage to the soldiers - Naik Dipak Kumar Maity and Manivannan G - at Palam airport.

The two soldiers were killed after militants attacked an Army convoy yesterday on the Jammu-Srinagar highway. Four other soldiers were wounded in the attack.

"We must all pay our respect and homage to these brave soldiers who have attained martyrdom in the line of duty," Gen Rawat added.

The mortal remains of the two soldiers are being taken to their native places where they will be laid to rest with full military honours.

43-year-old Maity hailed from Midnapur in West Bengal and had joined the Army in 1997. He is survived by his wife Rikta and a 13-year-old daughter.

Hailing from Thiruvannamalai in Tamilnadu, 25-year-old Manivannan had started his career in the Army in 2013. He is survived by his parents -- mother G Chinnaponnu and father Gopal G.

Gen Rawat had yesterday visited formations on the Line of Control (LoC) in north Kashmir and was briefed on the operational and logistical preparedness of the force.

During his visit, which followed repeated instances of ceasefire violations by Pakistan in recent times, he exhorted soldiers deployed in the Valley to maintain utmost vigil and operational focus.

He had also called on J&K Governor NN Vohra and discussed the internal and external security management issues in the state.
New Delhi: Amid a raging controversy over the government's cattle slaughter notification, Environment Minister Harsh Vardhan on Sunday asserted that his ministry is open to suggestions and not viewing it as a prestige issue.

The purpose behind the notification was not to influence people's food habits, affect slaughter business or to harm any particular group, he said.

"Suggestions that have been submitted will be reviewed. It is not a prestige issue for the government," PTI quoted the minister as saying.

The minister made the comments in response to media queries if the suggestions sent by the political parties were being reviewed and if the government was open to considering alternative views on the issue.

The row over the fresh cattle slaughter rules has sparked a nationwide controversy and protests, with Kerala and West Bengal governments openly opposing the Centre's notification.

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee described the ban as undemocratic and unconstitutional and said her government will not accept it.

In Tamil Nadu, the Madras High Court stayed the order for four weeks after a petition was filed challenging the new rules.

The petition argued that the order is inimical to personal liberty, right to livelihood and encroachment into matters that are in the state's domain.

However, the minister said, "Rules under Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act, are not to influence food habits, or affect slaughtering business."

The ministry has received several representations asking it to consider alternative views after the notification under Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act.

The decision is expected to hit export and trade in meat and leather.

The rules define cattle as a bovine animal including bulls, bullocks, cows, buffaloes, steers, heifers and calves and camels.

Finance Minister Arun Jaitley had earlier said that the ban has nothing to do with state laws on cow slaughter and concerns only with the place of sale.

Protests have been held in several parts of Tamil Nadu including Madurai, Coimbatore, Erode and Hosur. Several activists of a little known Tamil group were detained in Madurai where they had organised a beef-eating contest.

A group of students at IIT-Madras had also held 'beef- fest' at the campus on May 28.

The DMK has slammed the E K Palaniswami government for "keeping mum" on the matter when neighbouring Kerala and Karnataka had vehemently opposed the notification.
New Delhi: Congress President Sonia Gandhi on Sunday condemned the terror attacks in London.

Condoling the death of innocent citizens, Gandhi prayed for a speedy recovery of the injured.

Six persons were killed and 48 injured as three knife- wielding attackers unleashed a terror rampage through central London, plowing a van into pedestrians on London Bridge and then running to a nearby market where they stabbed multiple people.
Mangaluru: Four workers were rescued by the Indian Coast Guard, while 23 workers were stranded on a flooded barge in the Arabian sea off Ullal in Karnataka's west coast, police said on Saturday.



"A Coast Guard ship rescued four of the 27 workers on Barge Ibis, while 23 of them were still stranded when rescue operation was called off due to inclement weather," Mangaluru Deputy Commissioner of Police K.M. Shantaraju told IANS.



Ullal near Mangaluru in Dakshin Kannada (South Canara) is about 350km from the state capital Bengaluru.



The Coast Guard ship Amartya, which brought the four rescued to the shore, will resume the operation on Sunday to save the remaining 23 men stuck on the barge.



"The Coast Guard swung into action when it received a distress call at 5:00 p.m. from the workers on the barge, located at 4km south of Old Port Mangaluru, " said Shantaraju.



The workers on board the dregder were engaged in its operations when it got flooded by choppy sea water.



"On assessment of the weather condition in the area, Amartya lowered its inflatable rubber boat to the barge but could rescue only 4 workers due to bad weather," a Coast Guard official told IANS on Saturday night.



The rescue operation was terminated in view of strong winds and heavy swell in the area.
Bhopal: The Madhya Pradesh farmers on Sunday ended their strike after talks with Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chauhan are successful.

The farmers had called the strike from June 1 for a period of 10 days, to press for a loan waiver and remunerative prices for their produce.

The protesters stopped vehicles carrying fruit and other farm items and emptied milk containers on the streets.

The farmers in Maharashtra had also emptied huge containers of milk and dumped fruit and vegetables on roads to demand a crop loan waiver and better procurement prices.
Mumbai: Days after Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis accused the opposition of instigating the farmers' stir in the state, senior minister and the BJP leader Chandrakant Patil on Sunday accused NCP chief Sharad Pawar of doing little for cultivators when his party was in power.

"Why Sharad Pawar has started showing so much concerns for farmers of late? His party failed to give a minimum support price (MSP) to farmers during its 15-year rule. Pawar's recent allegations are coming from fear of losing (his) 'Janata Raja' identity," the revenue minister alleged.

The "Janata Raja" tag is typically attached to the veteran politician for his understanding of rural and agricultural issues.

When the farmers' stir was at its peak, the former Union agriculture minister alleged on Friday that the government was trying to create fissures among farmers by leaking reports that it is considering loan waiver for small farmers.

Taking a swipe, Patil said, "There are some people who in the name of farmers' strike are creating ruckus and destroying milk and vegetables. One should find out who were those who looted the common man by hiking prices and which party they belong to".

Patil alleged some people are "unhappy" over the state government finding a solution to farmers' protests.

"Some people are unhappy as they could not capitalise on the protests," he alleged.

Farmers in Maharashtra launched their stir on June 1 for various demands, prominent being waiving loans due to crop failures and indebtedness, and guaranteed MSP.

After holding talks with leaders of farmers on late Friday night, the chief minister yesterday announced that his government will waive loans of farmers with small land-holding. He said 80 per cent of such farmers are in Vidarbha and Marathwada who will benefit by the move.

After the announcement, some farmer leaders announced that the stir stands withdrawn. However, a section of farmers expressed their resolve to continue with the agitation.

Meanwhile, Patil added the government is keen on holding talks with farmers who still feel disappointed, and finding a solution.
Chennai: Tamil Nadu Chief Minister K Palaniswami on Sunday announced a solatium of Rs 20 lakh to the family of Army jawan from the state G Manivannan, killed in a militant attack on a convoy in Jammu and Kashmir.

Palaniswami condoled the death of 25-year old Manivannan, who hailed from Thiappanandhal village in Tiruvannamalai district, and ordered payment of Rs 20 lakh to his family, an official release said.

Manivannan, Gunner (operator), and Naik Dipak Kumar Maity were killed yesterday when militants attacked the army convoy near Qazigund in Srinagar-Jammu National highway in South Kashmir yesterday.
Mumbai: Indian celebrities, including Shruti Haasan, Neha Dhupia, Anubhav Sinha and Salim Merchant, were shocked and disturbed with the news of terror attacks in London. They have urged the people to stay calm and united.

Six people were killed and 48 others injured in two terror strikes in London in which three male attackers were shot dead by the police. The attack began on London Bridge when a white transit-style van drove into a crowd of people on Saturday. This is the third terror attack in the UK since March.

Here's what the stars tweeted:

Shekhar Kapur: As terror continues in UK despite best anti terror force in world, the solution must lie in preventing radicalisation... In a global world terrorism knows no boundaries. Its a virus that needs a global cure. It's no longer just 'their' problem #LondonBrige.

Rahul Dholakia: It's no more breaking news; it's 'Heart Breaking News' ...Pray for London #UnitedWeStand

Shekhar Ravjiani: Our thoughts and prayers are with you.Stay safe. Stay strong. And don't let fear into your hearts. Don't let them win.

Shruti Haasan: Cannot believe this happened to beautiful London...My prayers to everyone.

Parineeti Chopra: Cannot believe this is happening so often now. Praying for peace everywhere!

Neha Dhupia: Another terror attack... Another day when innocent lives are lost... another day when you wake up and question what's the world coming to?

Salim Merchant: Just landed in Paris and shocked to read about the London attack. When will all this end? I have a feeling the weapon industry is feeding this

Anubhav Sinha: Stay safe London. Stay calm because they want you to panic. Keep loving because they want you to hate.

Onir: What a horrible news to start the day with 6 people slain in 'terrorist incidents' on London Bridge.

Vivek Agnihotri: Even I don't believe in Islamic terror. But what do I do when I see 'Allahism' of terror? London, I feel your pain.

Akshara Haasan: Once again London sees terror. It's so sad. Please be safe, be aware of any doubtful activities etc. Its truly sad to see pain so soon.

Armaan Malik: Sad to see these happenings around the world... Not sure if prayers are enough anymore.

Aftab Shivdasani: Another shocking and disturbing attack in London. Some serious measures need to be taken to stop this. Prayers for the victims.

Prateik Babbar: Thoughts and prayers are with the friends and families of victims... #PrayForLondon

Hansika: I'm sending my thoughts and prayers to everyone in London. Please Stay Safe everyone.
Chennai: Veteran actor Kamal Haasan has hit out at the Central Government for announcing 28% tax slab under the GST ( Goods and Services Tax) for cinema.

The actor, along with other representatives of the Tamil film industry, held a press conference on Friday, where he said, "When it comes to the pride of India, it was always regional cinema that stood up for awards in international arenas. Regional cinema contributes to the might of the country. You can't reduce that through taxation."

"I was promised an easy life when the Republic (of India) was formed. Why should I work for the Government? I work for my own sustainability and it is not getting easier. I will have to quit the industry if I am on the highest tax slab," he added.

The 62-year-old also stressed that regional cinema cannot be put on the same level as Bollywood films.
Chandigarh: In yet another major breakthrough, the Punjab Police has arrested three terrorists and busted a terror module directly linked with Pakistan`s ISI-backed banned terror outfit, International Sikh Youth Federation (ISYF).

The arrested terrorists-- Gurdial Singh, Jagroop Singh and Satwinder Singh had been trained and tasked by the Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) to carry out terror attacks and target various `anti-panthic and anti-Sikh forces/individuals` by Pakistan-based ISYF chief Lakhbir Rode, and Harmeet Singh alias Happy alias PHD.

Preliminary investigations by the Punjab Police have also revealed that a part of the consignment of arms and ammunition seized by the Border Security Force (BSF) on May 21 this year close to the international border in Amritsar, was supplied by the ISYF.

Two terrorists--Maan Singh and Sher Singh had been arrested by the BSF last month, while they were attempting to pick up the said consignment.According to a Punjab Police spokesperson, while Gurdial hails from Road Majara, Hoshiarpur, both Jagroop and Satiwinder are residents of Shaheed Bhagat Singh Nagar district.

A 32 bore pistol, with one magazine and 10 cartridges and a .38 bore revolver, with 7 cartridges, were recovered from the suspects.While Gurdial and Jagroop were arrested from their native homes, Satwinder was apprehended at a Police Checkpoint close to his village in Pojewal Police station in Balachaur sub-division.

The spokesperson said Gurdial Singh was the chief operative of this terror module and was introduced to Lakhbir Singh Rode, who is staying in an ISI provided safe house in Lahore cantonment, by Germany based Balvir Singh Sandhu.

Gurdial had met Rode several times during his visits to Pakistan, as part of religious jathas, in the last six to seven years.During his last visit to Pakistan in November 2016, Gurdial had arranged a visa for Jagroop and he had travelled to Lahore.

During the interrogation, the duo revealed that during his stay in Lahore (November 12-21, 2016), Jagroop met Rode and Harmeet through Balvir.

Jagroop confessed that he was taken to the ISYF chief blindfolded at an undisclosed location and imparted a four-day training course by the ISI in handing AK-47 rifle and smaller weapons.

He was also trained in techniques of sabotaging railway tracks by loosening the securing/fastening mechanisms of fish-plates, nuts and bolts.

The spokesperson said that Satwinder was also an active member of this `action group` and, along with Jagroop, he was directly in touch with his mentors in Pakistan and Germany.

Both Gurdial and Balvir have terrorist backgrounds, with criminal cases registered against them in 1992 and 1988.

A Thompson gun had been recovered from Gurdial in 1992.The terrorists were nabbed after a meticulous intelligence-led operation of Shaheed Bhagat Singh Nagar District police.

They have been booked under Sections 121,121A, 120B of the Indian Penal Code (IPC), Sections 25, 54 and 59 of the Arms Act and Sections 15, 16, 17 and 18 of the Unlawful Activities Act.Further investigation is underway.
New Delhi: Reliance Jio topped the chart in 4G network speed for the month of April with an all-time high download speed of 19.12 megabit per second, as per the latest Trai report.

The Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (Trai) collects and computes data download speed with the help of its MySpeed application on a real-time basis. Theoretically, a user can download one Bollywood movie in about five minutes at 16 mbps speed.

Taking the pole position among other operators, Reliance Jio logged download speed of 19.12 mbps during April, even bettering its own performance of 18.48 mbps demonstrated in the previous month, the report said.

Also, April was the fourth consecutive month for RJio leading the speed chart.

During April, the download speed on Idea Cellular network stood at 13.70 mbps and Vodafone network at 13.38 mbps.

Vodafone India and Idea Cellular have announced merger of their operations to create the country's largest mobile phone operator worth more than USD 23 billion with a 35 per cent market share.

As per the monthly trend on Trai's portal, Bharti Airtel logged average download speed of 10.15 mbps in April.




Hyderabad: The single women pension scheme providing Rs 1,000 financial assistance per month to single women was launched across Telangana today.

Pension sanction orders were handed over to beneficiaries by Telangana Deputy Chief Ministers Kadiyam Srihari and Mohammad Mahmood Ali, other Ministers and by MLAs constituency-wise at different functions organised across the state.

Officials have identified 1,08,302 beneficiaries in 31 districts.

Telangana Chief Minister K Chandrasekhar Rao had earlier announced disbursement of pension of Rs 1,000 per month for single women, who have no support.
Lucknow: A constable in Uttar Pradesh has been accused of molesting two teenaged girls when they reportedly approached him to lodge a complaint.

The shocking incident has come to light after a video of the episode was posted on the social media, drawing sharp reaction from the public.

The sisters had gone to lodge a complaint in a local police station in Mainpuri, some 200 km from here, on May 25 when the incident took place.

NDTV has cited Mainpuri Superintendent of Police Rajesh S as saying that such behaviour would not be tolerated.

Meanwhile, a case has been filed against the constable under the POSCO Act, which deals with sexual abuse of children.

Constable Ishwari Prasad has, however, denied that he committed the crime.

"I asked them to go home and touched the hand of one of the women. I did not tease them," ANI quoted him as saying.

The spurt in crimes in Uttar Pradesh has prompted Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath to order the state police to come down hard on criminals.
Lucknow: Samajwadi Party leader Shivpal Yadav today said he has no plans to take Amar Singh in his proposed Samajawadi Secular Front and that he had also opposed his rejoining the party last year.



"I was not in favour of Amar Singh joining SP again. I knew he will not be getting due respect and one should avoid...You can ask anyone I was not in his favour", Yadav told PTI.



Amar was termed as an "outsider" by SP president Akhilesh Yadav during he state assembly polls.



The Samajwadi Party (SP) had in May 2016 declared Amar Singh as its candidate for the Rajya Sabha elections taking him back to the party, six years after his expulsion.



Amar was expelled from the SP along with then Rampur MP Jaya Prada in February 2010 on charges of anti-party activities, after which he established his own party Lok Manch.



In 2014, however, Amar Singh and Mulayam were again seen together at a function in Lucknow, after which they kept meeting frequently.



Amar was expelled on Jan 1 this year at the SP national convention when Akhilesh became SP president.



Asked whether he would consider taking Amar in his front Shivpal said, "There is no plan as such to take him. We will take along all the 'samajwadis' (socialists), who are feeling neglected".



Shivpal said, "He is open to do anything for unity within the family. If they (Akhilesh and others) want they can sit with 'netaji' (Mulayam). I want to ensure that netaji gets due respect. And for this I am ready for any placement".



Holding "sycophancy and backbiting" responsible for the dispute within the family, Shivpal said, "all will be well if the family is united. There is no reason for dispute within the family. Our first priority will be to unite the family".



On his decision to form the 'Samajwadi Secular Front', which will be headed by Mulayam, SP legislator Shivpal said that it will bring the party on the "right track".



Maintaining that he is still in the party and will only try to strengthen it, Shivpal, who has been at odds with nephew and SP chief Akhilesh Yadav, however had made it clear that he was forming just a "front" and not a political party.



"We will constitute the Samajwadi Secular Front in July to bring the SP on the right track. We will formally announce it at a meeting in Lucknow", Shivpal said.



"SP patron Mulayam will be the national president of the front and I would be its convenor," he said.



On possibility of the Front jumping in the political arena in the future in case family dispute did not settle down, Shivpal said, "There are no elections right now. The next poll is in 2019 (Lok Sabha polls) and then in 2022 (UP assembly polls). We will decide in later stage what situation arises".



The Samajwadi Party has witnessed a prolonged factional fight that began before the Uttar Pradesh Assembly elections with Akhilesh and Shivpal camps on the opposite sides.
Lucknow: A village head and three others were arrested today in connection with separate incidents of violence in Saharanpur district of Uttar Pradesh last month.

The Uttar Pradesh Police also announced a reward of Rs 12,000 each for information on Chandrashekhar, the founder of Dalit outfit 'Bhim Army', and two others, Manjeet and Kamal, according to Additional SP (Saharanpur) Prabal Pratap Singh.

Chandrashekhar is facing charges of inciting violence in Saharanpur and is evading arrest.

A police spokesman here said that the pradhan of Saharanpur's Shabbirpur village, which witnessed caste-based violence last month, was arrested for allegedly inciting members of the Dalit community against the Thakurs.

"On May 5, a Dalit group objected to a procession by Thakurs to mark the birth anniversary of Rajput king Maharana Pratap. This resulted in violence," the spokesman said.

Shivkumar, the pradhan, was the main accused who "instigated" the mob in his village, the spokesman added.

"Village pradhan of Shabbirpur Shivkumar allegedly incited the Dalits (against the Thakurs) and also provoked them to indulge in stone pelting," he said.

In another case related to the Saharanpur violence, the police arrested three persons who had allegedly attacked a crowd and shot dead one person and injured another on May 23 after the visit of Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) chief Mayawati there.

The people who had participated in Mayawati's programme were returning to their homes when they were fired upon by anti-social elements in village Chandrapur Majbatta, the spokesman said.

"Ashish and Sachin were fired upon. Ashish died on the spot. A case in this reagrd was already lodged at Badhgam police station," the spokesman said.

The arrested have been identified as Lokesh alias Lukka, Raju alias Bilas Pundir and Sonu alias Sompal.

"During interrogation, the accused said that they executed the killing along with their associates. The hunt for rest of the accused is going on," the spokesman said.

The police also booked a person for allegedly posting "false and misleading" messages on the social media about Shabbirpur village.

"Satpal Kanwar has been booked for posting misleading messages and also for trying to raise funds through a bank account in the name of financial aid to Dalits," SSP Bablu Kumar said.
Kolkata: Grandnephew of Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose and Bengal BJP vice-president Chandra Kumar Bose has urged the Central Government to constitute a Special Investigation Team (SIT) to unravel the mystery behind the freedom fighter's demise.

Bose has also asserted that the SIT should comprise of members from the Prime Minister's Office (PMO), and the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) and a member from their family.

Bose later took to Twitter to reiterate his stand on the issue.

"If the Govt. Of India seriously wants to solve #NetajiMystery , a Special Investigation Team must be formed with immediate effect," he tweeted.

According to reports, Bose has even sought an appointment with Prime Minister Narendra Modi to press for this demand.

The recent RTI disclosure from the Centre, declaring that Netaji died in the plane crash, drew flak and severe criticism not only from the members of the Bose family, but also from the Bengal unit of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and other Opposition parties.

For years now, Chandra Kumar Bose has led the section of people, who have raised doubts against the theory that Netaji died in an air-crash in Taiwan on August 18, 1945.

While demanding that Prime Minister Modi starts negotiations with the governments of Russia, England and Japan to solve the mystery, the Chandra Kumar faction has even asked for the declassification of secret files with the Centre.
Brasilia: A special advisor to Brazilian President Michel Temer has been arrested in a corruption investigation, police said.

In a police video released last month, the adviser Rodrigo Rocha Loures was seen receiving a suitcase containing 500,000 reais ($150,000) in cash that prosecutors say was a bribe from the owner of the world's largest meatpacking company, JBS, Xinhua news agency reported.

Investigators are now seeking to determine if Rocha Loures received the money on behalf of Temer to defend the interests of the JBS in the government.

The presidential office has not commented on the arrest that took place on Saturday.

The owner of JBS reportedly turned over a tape in which Temer can seemingly be heard signing off on bribes and indicating that Rocha Loures could help the company with certain issues.

The Supreme Court has ordered an investigation against Temer and Rocha Loures for corruption, criminal organization and obstruction of justice, triggering the worst political crisis.
Kathmandu: The electoral process to elect new Nepal Prime Minister has been halted in Nepal due to the disruption by opposition Communist Party of Nepal-Unified Marxist Leninist (CPN-UML) in Parliament over the vote count in Bharatpur.

The electoral process of electing a new Nepal Prime Minister will now take place on Tuesday.

House Speaker Onsari Gharti Magar has called for next parliamentary meeting on Tuesday at 1 p.m. local time.

Nepali Congress President Sher Bahadur Deub is the only candidate running for the Prime Minister's post.

The opposition parties have denounced the Prime Ministerial election claiming that they were not informed about it.

The House Speaker is required to announce the letter from President to start the electoral process but House Speaker Magar issued a notice regarding it as the parliamentary procession was disrupted by the opposition last week too.

The CPN-UML has been protesting against the halt in vote count of Bharatpur Metropolitan City as 90 ballot papers were found torn.

As per the law of Nepal re-polling is needed over.

The Election Commission of Nepal has also directed the district election office for re-polling which has angered the opposition.

A writ is also filed against the decision in Supreme Court and hearing is set to start from Monday.

It has reinstated its demand of resumption in vote count in Bharatpur to let the parliament commence.

Pushpa Kamal Dahal had resigned as the Nepal prime minister to pave the way for Nepali Congress Chief Sher Bahadur Deuba to become the next premier, as per an understanding the two leaders had reached in August 2016.

Earlier, President Bhandari allocated one week time for political parties to garner consensus over formation of unity government which expired on Tuesday.
Sanaa: Fighting between the Shiite Houthi group and forces loyal to Yemen's government left about 30 people killed and scores others injured in the southwestern province of Taiz on Saturday.



The intense fighting that continued for two consecutive days for the purpose of capturing the Houthi-controlled presidential compound in Taiz, Xinhua quoted a local military official as saying on condition of anonymity.



The armed forces loyal to Yemen's internationally recognized President Abdu-Rabbu Mansour Hadi made ground advances and kicked the Houthi rebels out of the presidential compound, the source said.



He added that the Shiite Houthi gunmen also lost control of a key military base near the compound.



According to local medics in different hospitals in Taiz and neighbouring provinces, the fighting left about 20 Houthi gunmen and 10 government soldiers killed.



Media outlets close to Hadi's government said that "over the past few days, the army has managed to clear several strategic sites and locations that were under the Shiite Houthis' control, namely the Central Bank and Faculty of Medicine buildings in Taiz."



A spokesman of Hadi's forces in Taiz said that the battles are pressing ahead according to the plans set to liberate Taiz with all its installations and all the Yemeni territories.



Taiz has, for long, been under total blockade and witnessed indiscriminate shellings by the Shiite Houthis who control most parts of Taiz province.



The Coalition for Humanitarian Relief (CHR) in its new report said that as many as 131 persons were killed and 320 others were injured, including women and children, in Taiz in May, as a result of the Saleh-Houthi militia's military escalation in the province.



Yemen has been suffering from a civil war and a Saudi-led military intervention for around two years.



The civil war began after the Houthi militants with support from forces loyal to the former president ousted the UN-backed transitional government and occupied capital Sanaa militarily in September 2014.



The legitimate government controls the south and some eastern parts, while the Houthi-Saleh alliance controls the other parts including the capital Sanaa.



The UN has sponsored peace talks between the warring factions several times, but the factions failed to reach common ground.



The civil war, ground battles and airstrikes have already killed more than 10,000 people, half of them civilians, injured more than 35,000 others and displaced over two millions, according to humanitarian agencies.
Tokyo: Four people were killed when a Cessna aircraft crashed into a snow-covered mountain in central Japan, local police said on Sunday.



The single-propeller plane with four people on board plunged into Japan's Northern Alps in Tateyama yesterday, police said.



Police received an emergency call from a man believed to be one of the four people - all men aged from 21 to 57 - on board the small plane, they said.



"Two people, including the captain, are unconscious and the remaining two others are stuck but conscious," a Toyama prefectural official had told AFP yesterday after they received the distress call.



But bad weather and thick fog hampered rescue efforts and prevented emergency workers, including a rescue helicopter, from locating the aircraft, police said.



It was fourteen hours after the distress call when rescuers finally spotted the aircraft on the snowy mountain slope at a height of about 2,300 metres (7,545 feet), police and reports said.



The four men were then taken to hospital where they were confirmed dead, police said.
Tunis: A Frenchman was killed and seven others were wounded in the London terror attack, French Foreign Minister Jean-Yves Le Drian said Sunday during a visit to Tunisia.

The man was one of the seven people killed in Saturday night`s attack, when knife-wielding men mowed down and stabbed revellers in London.

Speaking at the Bardo National Museum, scene of a 2015 attack on holidaymakers, Le Drian said seven French nationals were among 48 people wounded in London, four of them in critical condition.

Another French national was still unaccounted for, he added.

"It is a difficult moment that requires both solidarity and determination," Le Drian said.

Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau announced Sunday that one of the fatalities was a Canadian national.

No details have been released about the three suspects, who were shot dead within minutes by police in London.

Authorities there say of 48 people wounded, 31 are still in hospital, with 21 in critical condition.

Saturday night`s rampage at a popular nightlife hub around London Bridge by three men wearing fake suicide vests was the third deadly terror attack in Britain in less than three months.

Police said they have arrested 12 suspects and Prime Minister Theresa May blamed "evil" Islamist ideology for the attack, while Le Drian condemned the "cowardly terrorists".

There was no immediate claim of responsibility for London`s latest attack.

In 2015, gunmen attacked the Bardo killing 21 foreign tourists and a police officer in an assault claimed by the Islamic State group.
Berlin: Chancellor Angela Merkel said she was saddened and dismayed by the attack in London on Saturday in which at least six people were killed, and that Germany stood by Britain`s side in the fight against terrorism.

"Today, we are united across all borders in horror and sadness, but equally in determination," Merkel said in a statement issued on Sunday.

"I stress for Germany: in the fight against all forms of terrorism, we stand firmly and decisively at Britain`s side."

A government official said later that some Germans were among those injured in the attack, and that one German was seriously injured.
Seoul: North Korea "fully rejects" the latest UN sanctions against its citizens and entities as a "hostile act" and will continue its nuclear weapons development without a delay, its foreign ministry spokesman said on Sunday.

The U.N. Security Council on Friday expanded targeted sanctions against North Korea after its repeated missile tests, adopting the first such resolution agreed by the United States and Pyongyang`s only major ally China since U.S. President Donald Trump took office.

The sanctions resolution "is a crafty hostile act with the purpose of putting a curb on the DPRK`s buildup of nuclear forces, disarming it and causing economic suffocation to it," the foreign ministry spokesman said in a statement carried by its official KCNA news agency. DPRK is short for Democratic People`s Republic of Korea, the North`s official name.

"Whatever sanctions and pressure may follow, we will not flinch from the road to build up nuclear forces which was chosen to defend the sovereignty of the country and the rights to national existence and will move forward towards the final victory," the spokesman said.

North Korea has rejected all U.N. Security Council resolutions dating back to 2006 when it conducted its first nuclear test, saying such moves directly infringe its sovereign right to self-defense.

The United States has struggled to slow North Korea`s nuclear and missile programs, which have become a security priority given Pyongyang`s vow to develop a nuclear-tipped missile capable of hitting the U.S. mainland.

The Trump administration has been pressing China aggressively to rein in its reclusive neighbor, warning that all options are on the table if Pyongyang persists with its nuclear and missile development.

North Korea blamed the United States and China for "railroading and enforcing" the sanctions resolution at the U.N. Security Council "after having drafted it in the backroom at their own pleasure."

"It is a fatal miscalculation if the countries ... would even think that they can delay or hold in check the eye-opening development of the (North`s) nuclear forces even for a moment," the spokesman said.

Adding names to the U.N. blacklist mean a global travel ban and asset freeze, making the listings more symbolic given the isolated nature of official North Korean entities and the sophisticated network of front companies used by Pyongyang to evade current sanctions.

The U.N. 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.
Seoul: North Korea on Sunday slammed the latest UN sanctions as "mean" and vowed to press ahead with its missile and nuclear weapons programmes.

The UN Security Council on Friday unanimously adopted a US-drafted resolution imposing new targeted sanctions on a handful of North Korean officials and entities, in response to a series of ballistic missile tests this year that are banned under UN resolutions.

The resolution put North Korea's suspected spy chief, 13 other Pyongyang officials and four entities on a sanctions blacklist, hitting them with a global travel ban and an assets freeze.

The North's foreign ministry "condemns and outrightly rejects the sanctions racket put forth by the United States and the UN Security Council to prevent the strengthening of our nuclear deterrence", a ministry spokesman said.

"(Washington) talked about the possibility of dialogue but it is nonsense to mention dialogue while laying out unfair preconditions and applying maximum pressure," the spokesman said in a statement carried by the official KCNA news agency.

The statement said the latest resolution was said to have been put together by the US and China in the "back room".

It was Washington's "ultimate double standard" to ban other countries from nuclear or missile tests amid its own attempts to modernise the US arsenal.

The US military said last Tuesday that it "successfully intercepted an intercontinental ballistic missile target" in a test conducted amid concerns over the North's weapons program.

Concern over the North's weapons programme intensified after North Korea test-fired yet another ballistic missile last week, the latest in a series of launches in its quest to develop weapons capable of hitting the United States.

It was the third missile test by the nuclear-armed regime in less than three weeks.

The North says it needs nuclear weapons to forestall the threat of US attack.

It was "a fatal miscalculation" for the countries behind the sanctions resolution to think they could delay the North's

Nuclear forces, the statement said.

"They would squarely see that their mean and indiscreet act would go in just opposite direction to what they want for."
Berlin: The Jeay Sindh Muttahida Mahaz (JSMM) has written a strongly-worded letter to several human rights' organisations including the International Court of Justice (ICJ), Amnesty International, confirming of intelligence that the Kulbhushan Jadhav case plan was hatched by Pakistan to sabotage the Indian projects of developing Chabahar and building and economic corridor to Afghanistan and other central Asian countries.

Drawing reference from the Kulbhushan Jadhav case, the letter seeks the attention from the world bodies towards the scenario of ongoing political, economic and military tensions in South Asia, which the JSMM considers the "sole responsible factor in the decades long history of bloodshed, genocides, injustices, barbarism, fascism, religious extremism, sponsorship of terrorism and the humiliating subjugation of the historic natural nations."

Addressed by JSMM chairman Shafi Muhammad Burfat, the letter says the Kulbhushan Jadhav case is an unjust example of "innocent Indian commoner, around whom Pakistani State has hurled a fake and fabricated tale of espionage to justify its allegation of Indian involvement in its affairs in front of the world and to take it as a justification to sponsor its religious proxy terrorism against India and brutally silence the unheard voices of the oppressed historic nations chained in its forced federation."

The letter adds that the Jadhav case was aimed to stop Chabahar Project as it affects the success of Gwadar project and China Pakistan Economic Corridor ( CPEC). The Gwadar-Chabahar rivalry has been much written and discussed in the Pakistani news media.

Further refuting Pakistan's claims of Jadhav's case being detrimental to the national security, Burfat says the "Pakistani espionage tale about Kulbhushan is a nefarious conspiracy, cheap strategic design and nothing but a fabricated lie."

Burfat, through the letter, puts forth another theory according to which Pakistani supported Afghan Taliban were assigned to abduct the Indian officials working on India-Iran-Afghanistan Trade Corridor linking them through Chabahar port. Kulbhushan was abducted from Kandahar, Afghanistan by the Afghan Taliban and delivered to Pakistani military authorities.

The letter says that it was well-known that Pakistan had adopted every possible means to sabotage the Indian political and economic influence in western South Asia and Central Asian region in which it is also being assisted by Chinese Satellite surveillance and spying technology. Jadhav was hence hurriedly sentenced to be executed as soon as possible to bury every possibility of the revelation of truth about him after his execution.

"This is not the one and only case fabricated by the Pakistani agencies there are various other including the case of most wanted Karachi Gangster Uzair Balochs tale too, who was openly arrested from Dubai by the Interpol authorities and news was widespread on the media was shown arrested from Karachi in another incident by the Pakistani state Six months later," the letter adds.

The letter further urges the UN and ICJ to take these facts consideration to reach a just and conclusive intellectual decision among the nations combating each other.

The letter also appealed the ICJ, UN's Commission on Human Rights, Amnesty International, Human Rights Watch and other International Human Rights Organizations to investigate the role of Pakistan in assassinating, enforcedly disappearing, illegally detaining, inhumanly torturing, extra-judicially killing political leaders and activists and persecuting the religious minorities Sindhi Hindus, Christians, Shiietes, Ahmedis, Sikhs and Hazaras.
Ankara: The battle to capture the Islamic State group's Syrian bastion Raqa started two days ago, Turkey's Prime Minister Binali Yildirim said, according to the state-run news agency Anadolu on Sunday.

Yildirim appeared to contradict comments yesterday from the Kurdish-Arab alliance battling the jihadists that the push into the northern Syrian city would "begin in a few days".

"The long-planned Raqa operation began late on June 2," after the US informed Turkey of the operation, Yildirim said, without providing further details.

He was referring to the latest thrust in a drive by US- backed Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) to close in on Raqa that began in November.

The SDF is a Kurdish-Syrian Arab alliance including fighters from the Kurdish Peoples' Protection Units (YPG), which Ankara views as a "terror group" linked to Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK) separatists inside Turkey.

SDF seized a town and dam to the west of Raqa this weekend.

"We will begin in a few days," said Jihan Sheikh Ahmed, spokeswoman for the SDF's "Wrath of the Euphrates" operation to capture Raqa, speaking yesterday.

The Raqa operation has been a deep source of tension between Washington and Ankara because of US support to YPG, which has included air cover, assistance from special forces on the ground and weaponry.

The US said last week it began sending arms to Kurdish fighters, which Turkey said was "extremely dangerous" and urged Washington to reverse the decision.

Washington views the YPG as the most effective fighting force against IS.

But Yildirim said its NATO ally had downplayed its support for YPG, referring to the relationship as "tactical cooperation", according to comments reported by Anadolu today.

In April, Turkey announced the completion of its half- year Euphrates Shield operation in northern Syria against both jihadists and Kurdish militia.

But during his briefing with journalists yesterday, according to Anadolu, Yildirim suggested Turkey would not shy away from further action, without giving further detail.

"Whether inside or outside the country, we will not hesitate or hold back from taking the necessary steps for the security of our country and people," Anadolu quoted him as saying.

"We've done this in the past and after this if it is required, we would do so again," Yildirim added.
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.
Bill Maher is Ann Coulter with shorter hair: They both say outrageous and even hateful things to get press in a desperate effort to remain relevant. Maher gave us yet another example when he dropped the "N-word" on his HBO show "Real Time" Friday night.

Maher used the racial epithet during his interview of US Sen. Ben Sasse (R-Nebraska) in this exchange:

Maher: Adults dress up for Halloween. They don't do that in Nebraska?

Sasse: It's frowned upon. We don't do that quite as much.

Maher: I gotta get to Nebraska more.

Sasse You're welcome. We'd love to have you work in the fields with us.

Maher: Work in the fields? Senator, I'm a house n*****.

While Sasse looked a bit stunned at first, he soon joined others in the audience who laughed. When some onlookers groaned in response to Maher's use of the word, Maher responded that it was just "a joke" as he literally waved off those who may have been offended.

This was truly white privilege on parade. You have Maher and a white Republican senator yucking it up over a racial epithet and the plight of slaves. And just so it's clear, despite not working in the fields, "house slaves" were still slaves and were often abused, raped or killed by slave masters.

After a firestorm erupted Friday night on social media, Sasse responded Saturday morning with a statement that first defended free speech. Then Sasse added, "Here's what I wish I'd been quick enough to say in the moment: "Hold up, why would you think it's OK to use that word? ... The history of the N-word is an attack on universal human dignity. It's therefore an attack on the American Creed. Don't use it."

Maher finally apologized on Saturday afternoon writing, "I regret the word I used in the banter of a live moment. The word was offensive and I regret saying it and I'm very sorry."

But his apology only came after a deluge of criticism. DeRay Mckesson, a prominent activist for the Black Lives Matter movement, tweeted, "But really, @BillMaher has got to go. There are no explanations that make this acceptable."

And the African-American centric publication The Root tweeted: "Bill Maher is a white habitual line-stepper, and his show needs to be canceled after this latest stunt"

Even Maher's own TV network slammed him, releasing a statement that read: "Bill Maher's comment last night was completely inexcusable and tasteless. We are removing his deeply offensive comment from any subsequent airings of the show."

You have to wonder if it weren't for this uproar, would Maher have apologized. After all he told us in his 2012 New York Times op-ed titled "Please stop apologizing" that America needs to stop the faux outrage over celebrity remarks. Maher wrote, "Let's have an amnesty -- from the left and the right -- on every made-up, fake, totally insincere, playacted hurt, insult, slight and affront."

On some level Maher is right -- we do have too much faux outrage over minor things, but this isn't one of those cases. A white comedian co-opting the horrific suffering of slaves for a joke and for some media attention is not a "fake" slight.

In the 15 years that Maher has hosted his HBO show, he has made countless indefensible comments -- many not even framed as jokes. In the past, I've called out his despicable anti-Muslim bigotry, which dates back to 2010 and continues to this day. And Maher's history of misogyny has been well-documented by others.

Overall, political comedians must be afforded extra latitude in the time of President Donald Trump. The President famously railed against political correctness as he demonized minorities on his way to the Oval Office. So, in general, no comedian should be bound by political correctness in taking him on. The problem with Kathy Griffin holding up a fake bloody, severed head of Trump this week was that it involved violent imagery. That was wrong.

And Maher's poor attempt at trying to get a few laughs by invoking the "N-word" was also wrong. It wasn't a joke that took on a person in power. It was the opposite. Maher's joke made light of the darkest time in American history while using a word that white supremacists used to dehumanize a race of people.

CNN's Nicole Chavez, Sheena Jones, Sandra Gonzalez and Chloe Melas contributed to this report.
With news this month that Ottawa has become an at-risk area for Lyme disease, residents are taking special measures to avoid transmission, and that means being on guard for ticks.

Ticks are the tiny arachnids that can spread the disease. They're often found in long grass near wooded areas. Lyme disease can cause facial palsy, liver damage and other health problems in humans.

Twenty per cent of the ticks collected by the city in 2016 tested positive for Lyme disease, lending the city the at-risk designation.

Sarah Cybulski runs the Old Ottawa South Community Association's camps. She said last year, she received more questions from parents about bears than about ticks. She's pretty sure that won't be the case this year.

"It's something people are starting to talk about more," said Cybulski, whose best friend contracted Lyme disease. "You don't really think that it's something you're going to get. But it's pretty close to home for me, so I'm educating my staff about it."

For the first time, Cybulski has included a section on ticks and Lyme disease in this years's OSCA camp program guide. Campers are advised to wear long pants and closed-toe shoes on hikes, and to check themselves for ticks at the end of the day. Parents are also advised to check their kids, including their clothes.

Dog owners concerned, too

At Wag Cafe Boutique and Dog Lounge in Old Ottawa South, co-owner Dayna Desmarais said her customers are also concerned and looking for solutions.

"We get customers coming in on a regular basis, asking us for natural flea and tick remedies that they can spray or apply to their dogs ," said Desmarais. "I've had two so far coming in asking for help to remove a tick, which thankfully, I know how to do. I try to take the time to educate them on how to do it properly. Then usually we're referring them to the vets."

Desmarais said daily vigilance is the key, for both pets and people.

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"When you get home for a walk, do a full pat down of yourself and your dog," she said. "Check everywhere. Even in between the toes. People are finding ticks in between the pads of the feet. In the ears especially too, ticks are crawling around. If you have a long-haired dog maybe keep a brush on hand at home and take a comb through their fur just in case."

Demarais is hoping her business can become a distribution point for the tick removal keys being provided for free by the City of Ottawa. They're also a hot item at Lee Valley Tools, where they sell for $8.95.

According to Ottawa Public Health, the risk doesn't exist just in rural areas. The health agency has received 53 tick submissions from the public so far this year, and some have come from urban parks.

The city tests submitted ticks for Lyme disease to assess the risk of acquiring the infection each year.
(The June 1 story corrects distance in 3rd paragraph to 140 million from 1.4 billion) By Irene Klotz CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. (Reuters) - A U.S. spacecraft set to launch next year will make a series of unprecedented dives into the suns scorching atmosphere to see how the star works and what can be done to better predict space weather events on Earth, scientists said on Wednesday. The Parker Solar Probe will have to survive temperatures as high as 2,500 Fahrenheit (1,371 Celsius), impacts by supersonic particles and powerful radiation as it circles as close as 4 million miles (7 million km) to the sun. Data sent back to Earth some 89 million miles (140 million km) away will help scientists figure out why the suns atmosphere, or corona, is hotter than its surface. Were going to be seven times closer (to the sun) than any other mission has ever been, project scientist Nicola Fox, with Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory in Maryland, said during a broadcast on NASA TV. The mission, formerly known as the Solar Probe Plus, was approved in 2014. On Wednesday, the spacecraft was renamed to honor University of Chicago physicist Eugene Parker, who in 1958 correctly predicted the existence of the solar wind, a continuous stream of charged particles that come off the sun and permeate the solar system. It was a fundamental insight that forever changed the way in which we understood the sun, the heliosphere and in general interplanetary space, said Eric Isaacs, executive vice president for research, innovation and national laboratories at the University of Chicago. The spacecraft, designed and built by the Johns Hopkins University laboratory, is scheduled to launch in July 2018 and fly around Venus seven times to get itself into orbit around the sun in December 2024. NASA is paying about $1.5 billion to build and launch the spacecraft. The probe is expected to orbit the sun 24 times, edging closer on each pass. The size of a small car, it will be outfitted with five science instruments to measure and sample the suns corona. In addition to expanding knowledge of stellar physics, the information is expected to help engineers design better instruments and techniques for predicting solar storms and other events that can cripple satellites, disrupt power grids and affect aircraft travel on Earth. We want to measure the environment there and find what the heating processes really are that make the corona hot and accelerate the solar wind, said NASA chief scientist Thomas Zurbuchen. (Reporting by Irene Klotz; Editing by Colleen Jenkins and Lisa Shumaker)
Here are some of the latest health and medical news developments, compiled by the editors of HealthDay:

Florida Reports First Dog Flu Cases

The first cases of dog flu in Florida have been found at the University of Florida, state health officials say.

Along with the seven confirmed cases of H3N2 canine influenza, there are another six pending cases of the disease, USA Today reported.

The affected dogs are in stable condition.

Two years ago, the first cases of the potentially fatal disease in the United States occurred in about 10 other states, including about 1,000 dogs in Chicago, USA Today reported.

There is no evidence that dog flu can infect humans, but it can spread to cats, according to the University of Florida College of Veterinary Medicine. Most dogs aren't immune to the disease, but there is a vaccine.

Dog flu originated as a bird flu virus that adapted and spread to dogs, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says. It was first detected in South Korea in 2007, USA Today reported.

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Opioid Overdose Remedy Being Carried for Police Dogs

An opioid overdose treatment for police dogs is being carried by officers in some U.S. police forces.

The drug naloxone has been used for years to reverse opioid overdoses in humans. But narcotics-sniffing dogs who inhale opioids are at high risk of death, so some law enforcement agencies have started carrying naloxone when K-9s are sent into houses or cars to find drugs, the Associated Press reported.

For example, Massachusetts State Police started carrying naloxone for their K-9s in March, and police in Hartford, Connecticut, started in January. In both people and dogs, naloxone can be given as a nasal spray or injection.

"Dogs are not looking for drugs with their eyes and feeling with their fingers; they're literally breathing it in and inhaling it," Brian Foley, deputy chief in Hartford, told the AP.

"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."

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More Than 500 Californians Given Life-Ending Drugs Since New Law Took Effect

Prescriptions for life-ending drugs have been sought by at least 504 terminally ill people in California since physician-assisted deaths became legal in June 2016, according to the advocacy group Compassion & Choices.

That number represents only people who have contacted the organization, which says the overall figure in the state is likely much higher, the Associated Press reported.

The data released Thursday is the first publicly available number in California. State officials have not released any figures.

The effect of the law in the nation's most populous state could be an indicator of what would happen if the practice was implemented nationwide, according to the AP.

In California, 498 health care facilities and 104 hospice centers have policies allowing for life-ending drug prescriptions, and more than 80 percent of insurance companies in the state cover the cost of the drugs, Compassion & Choices said.

"We won't have the full picture until the state releases its data about how many people have utilized the law, but we have enough evidence to show it is working remarkably well in a state with 10 times Oregon's population," said Matt Whitaker, the group's California director, the AP reported.

"The personal stories of the people who have utilized the law show it has provided comfort and relief from intolerable suffering, just as the state Legislature intended it to do," he added.

Physician-assisted deaths are also legal in Colorado, Montana, Oregon, Vermont, Washington and Washington D.C., the AP reported.

In 1997, Oregon became the first state to introduce this type of law. In 2016, prescriptions for life-ending drugs were given to 204 people in the state. Of those, 133 people died from taking the drugs, including 19 who received prescription in previous years. Most of the patients were older than 65 and had cancer.
- Pretty lady Precious met her husband Anthony back when they were struggling to get good grades in University

- The pair met in their hostel and have been inseparable since

- Now they have done their traditional wedding and look forward to spending the rest of their lives together

Nigerian couple Precious and Anthony Okolo just had their traditional wedding ceremony in January and are looking forward to their white wedding later this year.

READ ALSO: Billionaire Femi Otedola's daughter DJ Cuppy moves back into parents' house (photos)

Precious is a very stunning bride and easily caught people's attention with her wedding photos. Her love story with Anthony is the sweetest thing you will read today.

Precious and Anthony at their traditional wedding.

Speaking to Legit.ng, Precious explained how she knew he was the one from their first exchange of words. She said: "My name is precious and my husband's name is Anthony. I am a business lady and he is a computer scientist. We met in the university and we have known each other for six years."

READ ALSO: Popular Nollywood actor who left acting is now selling beer (photos)

"We met 2011, he was in my hostel and I knew from the very first day he said 'hi' to me that he was the one for me."

The couple met back in 2011 while in University. Now, 7 years later and they are man and wife.

"He proposed on June 8th, 2016 in a hotel Dubai .The experience was epic; actually the diamond ring was inside my bottle of champagne. I never knew until he knelt down to propose."

Anthony proposed while they were on vacation in Dubai and of course, Precious said YES!

"As a couple, we have no serious challenges. There are always ups and downs in marriages but I bless God for the type of man he gave to me."

WANT MORE AMAZING WEDDING STORIES? Download Legit.ng Wedding app for android

I love his height and he is a caring hubby who loves to see me smile everyday of my life. My future plan is to give my hubby adorable set of twins and make him the happiest man on earth in every little way I can."

Watch the video below of Nigerians telling Legit.ng if they can marry outside their tribe:

Source: Legit.ng
Dead Mall

Retailers are closing stores at a staggering rate.

About 2,000 store closures have been announced just within the last six weeks, bringing the total number of planned closures this year to nearly 5,100.

That number is expected to keep growing, and reach more than 8,600 before the end of the year, according to Credit Suisse.

"Store closings have accelerated, even in tier-one markets," Credit Suisse analysts wrote in a recent research note.

Major department stores such as Macy's, JCPenney, and Sears are among those shutting down stores, along with retailers like Payless, Rue21, Michael Kors, and Bebe.

The closures are crippling hundreds of shopping malls across the US.

"This is a death spiral," John M. Clapp, a professor at the University of Connecticut's Center for Real Estate, told Business Insider. "Once a department store goes vacant that tends to be contagious because all those middle-mall stores  the nail salons and the jewelry stores  they are all depending on the traffic coming from the bigger retail stores."

Retailers stores closing 2017

Credit Suisse expects 20% to 25% of malls  or roughly 220 to 275 shopping centers  to shut down over the next five years as a result of all the store closures happening this year.

As malls decline, the communities around them tend to follow suit.

"Retail jobs are lost and eventually tax revenues decline," Clapp says. Ultimately, growing crime rates can become a problem for the surrounding area, as well.

Many local economies will be reeling from the effects of the closures for years, but they have been a long time coming in the US, where the amount of retail space per capita far outweighs any other country in the world.

The US has 23.5 square feet of retail space per person, compared with 16.4 square feet in Canada and 11.1 square feet in Australia, the next two countries with the most retail space per capita, according to Morningstar Credit Ratings.

Story continues

Retailers that don't close enough stores won't survive through the upheaval happening in the industry right now, according to Credit Suisse.

Store closures

NOW WATCH: The retail apocalypse is pushing JCPenney to its lowest point in history





More From Business Insider


President Donald Trump was "totally wrong" when he said shifting to renewable energy sources would starve parts of the country of electricity and plunge them into darkness, according to people who make a living studying energy.

Trump issued his warning on Thursday after announcing he would pull the United States out of the Paris Agreement , an international effort to mitigate the effects of climate change. Relying on renewable energy sources, he claimed, would leave the country with too little power to accelerate economic growth  or even go about business as usual.

"We need all forms of available American energy, or the country will be at grave risks of brownouts and blackouts," he said. "Our businesses will come to a halt in many cases, and the American family will suffer the consequences in the form of lost jobs and a very diminished quality of life."

But the University of Minnesota's Massoud Amin, who studies the electricity grid, said Trump is talking about problems that don't exist.

"In a nutshell, with all due respect to the president's office, he is totally wrong," Amin told CNBC.

"The challenges are not what President Trump is noticing," he said. "The challenges are how to upgrade the transmission and distribution networks" to make the U.S. electric grid flexible and resilient enough to accommodate renewable energy.

Inadequacies in the U.S. electricity grid already cost the economy $80 billion annually, Amin concluded in a 2011 white paper.

If the White House wants to prevent blackouts, it should focus on improving the physical infrastructure of the grid, Amin said. His research shows that would improve national security, create jobs and cut carbon emissions.

Utilities will still need to rely on other energy sources to provide electricity when the wind is not blowing and the sun is not shining, but power companies typically have reserve capacity equal to 15 to 20 percent of the total, said Ted Kury, director of energy studies at the University of Florida's Warrington College of Business.

Story continues

Where future energy will come from, according to the Department of Energy

Much of the new capacity is coming from natural gas, which burns cleaner than coal and is replacing coal because it's cheaper.

"An all-of-the-above strategy is important, but this idea that we're anywhere close to a point where renewable penetration in the country is endangering the grid  I don't think that's a valid concern," he told CNBC.

Kury also noted that the Paris Agreement gives signatories a tremendous amount of flexibility and lacks mechanisms to punish countries that don't meet their targets.

"I don't think any country would take what they do under that agreement to the point where their people are suffering," he said. "So to me, [Trump's] statement is a bit of a straw man. Nobody was going to do that anyway."

The cost of boosting the grid

Making the grid stronger would require adding about 42,000 miles of high voltage wire to the country's existing 450,000 miles. That project would cost about $8.5 billion per year over 10 years but would generate up to 214,000 jobs, according to Amin.

Integrating smart technology like sensors would cost $17 billion to $24 billion each year over 20 years.

Those initiatives could be paid with the type of private-public investments Trump has endorsed and would allow the grid to draw up to half of all power from renewable sources, Amin said.





More From CNBC


Democratic Gov. Jerry Brown of California had strong words for President Trump last Thursday after the GOP president announced he would pull the U.S. out of the landmark 2015 Paris climate change accord.

Brown, arguably the nations leading governmental innovator in combating global warming, said, Donald Trump has absolutely chosen the wrong course. Hes wrong on the facts; Hes wrong on the science; [and] California will resist this misguided and insane course of action, Brown declared. Trump is AWOL, but California is on the field, ready for battle.

Related: Trump Pulls Out of the Paris Climate Deal: How Much Damage Could It Do?

Trumps decision dismayed U.S. allies and threatened to undermine the efforts of 195 signatory countries to substantially slash planet-warming greenhouse gas emission by 2025. But it also galvanized defiant state and local government leaders in many blue states throughout this country.

Rather than mourn the huge setback that Trumps decision represents in the battle to save the planet from highly destructive changes in climate conditions, many U.S. state and local leaders are treating Trump as irrelevant to what they are trying to accomplish.

Weve been seeing strong momentum from states, cities, and companies for some time, and under any scenario, stronger momentum on those fronts will be critical, said Elliot Diringer, executive vice president of the Center for Climate and Energy Solutions.

Related: Why Pulling Out of the Paris Climate Agreement Could Be Bad for Coal

For years, while GOP and Democratic officials in Washington became mired in controversy over climate change related treaties, environmental regulations and cap-and-trade legislation, states like California, New York, and Washington State pushed ahead with regulatory solutions of their own.

California, for example, with the sixth largest economy in the world, blazed trails with some of the most stringent car and truck fuel economy and emission standards, a major push for a shift to renewable energy sources like wind and solar and the first cap and trade program to encourage industries to reduce their emissions.

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A bill pending in the General Assembly would force utilities to switch from fossil fuels to 60 percent renewable energy by 2030 and 100 percent by 2045, according to The Washington Post. The current standard in California and New York calls for the states to achieve 50 percent reliance on renewable fuels by 2030.

Although California was not allowed to sign the Paris climate agreement because it lacked nation status, Brown was one of the leading forces behind the Under2 Coalition, a global forum of 170 states, regional and local governments on six continents committed to keeping global temperatures from rising more than 2 degrees Celsius or 3.6 degrees Fahrenheit. That target is precisely the goal of the Paris accord.

Related: Donald Trump and Americas Benighted Self-Interest on Climate Change

Brown was scheduled to spend a week participating in a global climate summit and meeting in China with high-level Chinese officials. The veteran 79-year old Democratic politician, who is now in his final term, told Politico, Im going to do everything I can, and people are going to join with me.

Long before Trump announced his withdrawal from the global debate over climate change, roughly 30 states along with California adopted mandates calling upon utilities  among the biggest producers of heat-trapping carbon emissions  to gradually shift to cleaner renewable forms of energy.

On Thursday, Brown, New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo and Washington State Governor Jay Inslee, all Democrats, said they were forming a coalition of states committed to meeting the targets of the Paris agreement, The Washington Post reported. Those three states alone constitute a fifth of the entire U.S. economy.

Cuomo at the same time unveiled a $1.5 billion plan of renewable energy and energy efficiency requirements. He told reporters he would provide an additional $150 million for installation of rooftop solar panels at schools and other public buildings. Cuomo said in a statement, As the federal government abdicates its responsibility to address climate change, New York was leading the nation in advancing a clean energy future.

Related: As Trump Abdicates Global Leadership, Europe Moves to Fill the Vacuum

Finally, a group of 30 mayors, three governors, 80 universities and more than 100 businesses is developing a plan of its own to help meet the emissions levels targets of the Paris accord, according to The New York Times. The plan will eventually be submitted to the United Nations.

Former New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg told the newspaper that Were going to do everything America would have done if it had stayed committed.

Bill Hoagland, senior vice president of the Bipartisan Policy Center, said that as time goes by, state and local officials will show more and more independence from the climate-change policy making and debate in Washington.

I think what states and what businesses can do is proceed on with their efforts as if his [Trumps] pulling out didnt mean anything, Hoagland said in an interview. It doesnt mean anything to them. They can go ahead. Its a voluntary agreement anyway. Theyll apply those voluntary actions at their individuals at their individual businesses and in their individual states.

In some ways, I dont think Trumps decision to pull out is as meaningful as he might think it is when the train has already left the station, Hoagland added. I think his decision is more of a signal of a weakening of United States leadership in the world, but those companies and those states arent going to stand by.

Top Reads from The Fiscal Times:
Trump withdrawal from Paris Agreement is smart politics, says former aide to George H.W. Bush

It's smart politics for President Donald Trump to pull out of the Paris Agreement, a former White House aide to George H.W. Bush told CNBC on Friday.

"Donald Trump is playing to his base," Joe Watkins said in an interview with " Power Lunch ."

The Republican strategist said the base wants to hear Trump is undoing the actions of the previous administration, protecting jobs and the economy.

"For the short term he's angered them," said Watkins, "but for the long term I think it'll be okay for him."

"I think that when he retools a new deal and puts us back in, business will be happy and environmentalists will be happy as well," he added.

Watkins said part of Trump's resilience is his ability to turn around.

"Just because they didn't win today doesn't mean they won't win in the long term," Watkins said.

"He's stepping out and saying why: 'The people in Pittsburgh elected me, not the people in Paris, and I want to save jobs.'"

Watkins added: "He's paying attention to the base. He's remembering who brought him to the dance."

Trump's Democratic rival, Hillary Clinton, in fact, carried Pittsburgh by a large margin.

Watch: Fact-checking Trump's claims on Paris Agreement





More From CNBC


On 3-5 October 2017 Kyiv is going to host the Space and Future Forum to network international experts and youth, many of whom will also participate at the first CosmoHack in the world. Joinfo provides media coverage of the Forum, and some of its topics were already discussed ...


VOA Learning English presents Americas Presidents.

Today we are talking about Abraham Lincoln.

He was the 16th president of the United States. Many Americans consider him one of countrys greatest leaders.

Yet people alive when Lincoln was elected in 1860 would probably be surprised by modern-day opinions about him. He had little formal education or government experience.

During the presidential campaign, critics made fun of his appearance and his simple way of talking. They warned that he was not very intelligent and would harm the nations image.

Some of his opponents  especially in Southern states  had even bigger concerns. They were afraid Lincoln would use the power of the federal government to end slavery in their states.

They were right.

Early life

Abraham Lincoln was born in the frontier state of Kentucky. His family was very poor and had a simple home: a log cabin.

Lincoln had to support his parents and his sister by working, so he rarely went to school. Instead, he taught himself by reading books.

Eventually, he became a lawyer in the state of Illinois.

As a young man, Lincoln was known for several qualities. He was tall and thin. He was very strong  his neighbors remembered him cutting down trees. And he was honest. The people he defended in court called him Honest Abe.

In time, Lincoln was elected to the Illinois General Assembly, the states legislature. He also served one term as a congressman in the U.S. House of Representatives.

But he was not popular there. Voters did not like his opposition to the countrys war with Mexico.

So Lincoln withdrew from politics and turned his attention to his family. He had married a Southern belle named Mary Todd in 1842. They had four sons. But two died when they were very young.

Lincoln also developed his legal career representing railroad companies. Some people thought he might become the best railroad lawyer in the country. But that is not what happened.

Election of 1860

In the 1850s, Lincoln returned to national politics. The division over the issue of slavery was deepening. Lincoln was not an anti-slavery activist, an abolitionist. But he did not support the countrys policies on slavery.

Lincoln believed slavery violated the American Declaration of Independence, which said all men had the right to life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness.

To be clear, Lincoln did not believe that black people should have the same rights as white U.S. citizens. But he did not agree that one person should own other people, or profit from their work while they earned nothing and were held captive.

Lincoln decided to compete in elections for a seat in the U.S. Senate. He was chosen as the candidate of a new, anti-slavery party. Members called themselves Republicans.

During the election campaign, Lincoln famously discussed the issue of slavery in a series of debates with Stephen Douglas, the Democratic Partys candidate.

Lincolns words moved some voters. But they did not earn him enough votes to get elected.

So, while Douglas took the seat in the Senate, Lincoln prepared to run for president. Lincoln said that, if he were elected, he would not expand slavery to new territories in the countrys west. But he promised not to interfere with slavery in the Southern states, where it already existed.

Voters in Southern, slave-holding states did not trust Lincoln. Not a single Southern state supported him in the election of 1860.

But he won anyway. The support of anti-slavery Northerners gave him the presidency.

In answer, seven Southern states withdrew from the Union. Four more later joined them. These states formed a new government, called the Confederate States of America  or, the Confederacy.

Confederate officials chose their own president and wrote their own constitution, which permitted each state control over its own laws  especially laws that protected slavery. Confederate officials said they no longer recognized the power of the U.S. federal government, or its chief executive.

As that chief executive, Lincoln would have to decide what to do.

Civil War

President Lincolns first test came a little more than a month after he was sworn-in.

The event involved Fort Sumter, a federal military base on an island off the coast of South Carolina. Soldiers on the base needed food. Lincoln said he would send some by ship.

But Confederate officials considered the fort part of South Carolina, which belonged to the Confederacy. They demanded that the Union soldiers leave the fort.

But Union forces and the U.S. president ignored the Confederates demands.

As promised, Lincoln sent the supply ships. As expected, Confederate soldiers attacked. A day and a half later, the forts Union soldiers surrendered.

The clash did not last long, and no one was killed in the fighting. But the battle at Fort Sumter marked the official beginning of hostilities between the Union and the Confederacy.

Lincoln immediately took action to answer the loss of Fort Sumter. He called on state militias for troops and asked for a special meeting of Congress.

The president was careful not to ask Congress to make an official declaration of war, in part because he did not want to recognize the Confederacy as a separate nation. Instead, he called the Southern states opposition a rebellion.

However, the conflict between the Southern Confederacy and the Northern Union was a civil war.

Neither side expected the fighting to last very long  a few weeks or maybe months. Instead, the Civil War lasted four and a half years.

Most of the major battles took place near Washington, DC, in the states of Maryland, Virginia and Pennsylvania. Soldiers and civilians also clashed in the west, in Tennessee, as well as in the southern states of Mississippi, South Carolina, and Georgia.

But the war involved the entire country. At least 4 million men fought in it. Among the soldiers were African-American and Native-American men.

The conflict divided families. Brothers, fathers and sons fought against each other.

Women in both the North and South also supported the war effort. They cooked meals, made and repaired clothing for the troops, served as nurses and cared for the soldiers. Both white and African-American women also took over the work of men who had left to fight.

And more than 620,000 men died -- recent scholarship says as many as 750,000. The Civil War remains the bloodiest war in American history.

And it changed the country. The war radically affected American politics, economics, and society.

Abraham Lincoln was the U.S. president through all of it.

Next week's article will discuss Lincolns presidency and legacy.

I'm Kelly Jean Kelly.

Kelly Jean Kelly wrote this story for Learning English. George Grow was the editor.

Listening Quiz

Quiz - America's Presidents: Abraham Lincoln (Part One) Start the Quiz to find out Start Quiz

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Words in This Story

formal - adj. received in a school

frontier - n. a distant area where few people live

cabin - n. a small, simple house made of wood

belle - n. a very attractive and popular girl or woman

abolitionist - n. a person who wants to stop or abolish slavery

entire - adj. complete or full; not lacking or leaving out any part

nurse - n. a person who is trained to care for sick or injured people
Middle school is a difficult time for many young people.

For Amina, an attack on the Islamic Center her family attends adds to the problems she already has. And a visiting uncle from Pakistan says Amina should read the Quran more often and stop playing the piano.

Anima is the main character in the fictional story, "Amina's Voice" by Hena Khan. Khan was at a Washington, D.C area bookstore recently talking with children, parents, and teachers about the book.

Khan hopes Amina's story will help young readers understand what it is like for a young Muslim girl to live in the United States. Khan talked with VOA about her book.

So I think its really important through storytelling and through a character that they can relate to and identify and see themselves in, and realize that, 'Ok, this little girl Amina and her family isnt as different from mine as I thoughtand her community and her friends and her family look very similar to mine.' And hopefully that helps develop more understanding and more tolerance of Muslims."

Khan says that the media usually show negative actions of Muslims, so people fear their Muslim neighbors.

The writer grew up near Washington, D.C. and had problems with finding a balance between being both Pakistani and American at the same time. Khan remembers a friend who wanted to change her name to one that sounded "more American."

Jeanette Collier is a teacher at a local Jewish school. She plans to add the book to her school's library.

Books are the second-best way for kids to learn about other people and to gain empathy and understanding of other people who are different than they are. Meeting those other people is the best way, making friends and having conversations, but I think our biggest challenge is getting the kids to read the books, because they go to what they know.

One of the young readers at the bookstore, Mia Endelman, told VOA what she learned from the book.

"I kind of learned a little bit about Muslims, like, I didnt know what Muslim churches, or a mosque, I didnt know it was called that before."

"Amina's Voice" is the first book published by a new publishing company, Salaam Reads. The name "Salaam" means "peace" in Arabic.

Hena Khan says that finding a publisher was difficult. Now the book is part of a series. It will show young readers "a wide variety of Muslim children and families and offer Muslim kids an opportunity to see themselves" in positive stories.

Greater understanding between Americans of all religions is a goal for both the writer and publisher. "Amina's Voice" comes at a time of intense debate over issues such as immigration and concerns over extremist speech targeting religious and ethnic groups.

I'm Jill Robbins.

Yahya Albarznji wrote this story for VOA News. Jill Robbins adapted the story for VOA Learning English. Mario Ritter was the editor.

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Words in This Story

uncle  n. the brother of your father or mother or the husband of your aunt

character - n. a person who appears in a story, book, play, movie, or television show

fictional adj. something imaginative, not literally true

challenge - n. a difficult task or problem

positive - adj. thinking about the good qualities of someone or something

Are there children's books in your country that help kids understand people from different cultures? What are they about? Write to us in the Comments Section.


In early May, Facebook said it was hiring an additional 3,000 people to identify and remove violent and hateful content.

The announcement came after several people posted videos of murders and suicides that stayed on Facebook for hours.

In a Facebook post, CEO and co-founder Mark Zuckerberg called the videos heartbreaking. He said the new employees will work with about 4,500 existing ones to find and remove such content as quickly as possible.

Facebook receives millions of reports about content each week, said Zuckerberg.

In addition to humans, the company uses technical tools to identify questionable material. But with Facebooks nearly 2 billion monthly active users, identifying and blocking banned content is difficult.

Facebook rules

Britains Guardian newspaper recently reported on Facebooks policies for the removal of certain kinds of content. The newspaper said it gained possession of private training documents and other materials used as guidelines for Facebook employees.

The documents have not been released publicly and Facebook did not comment on the Guardian report.

The Guardian report says Facebook policy permits some posts containing violent language, and not others. This reportedly can depend on whether the content relates to what Facebook considers protected or non-protected people or groups.

For example, Facebook guidelines would permit a message saying, lets beat up fat kids. But it would not approve a post that said, someone shoot Trump.

The Guardian says the documents explain that the first example would be permitted because it does not represent a specific, credible threat.

The second would be removed because it is seen as a direct threat against U.S. President Donald Trump. Facebook considers the president as a major public figure, a protected person.

The documents explain that people can often express disagreeing opinions by threatening or calling for violence in generally facetious and unserious ways.

The Guardian reports the documents call for videos of violent deaths to always be identified as extreme and hidden from young users. However, the videos do not have to be removed if they can bring attention to important issues such as mental illness.

Images showing non-sexual physical abuse or bullying of children can also be permitted, if there is no "sadistic or celebratory element."

The documents reportedly say live streams of people harming themselves can also be approved because Facebook does not want to "censor or punish people in distress."

The guidelines also reportedly permit photos of animal abuse to be posted, if the most extreme images are marked as disturbing.

Monica Bickert is Facebooks head of global policy management. She says the companys goal is to keep users safe, while also permitting individual free speech.

"This requires a lot of thought into detailed and often difficult questions, and getting it right is something we take very seriously," she said.

Free speech balance

Emma Llanso is director of the Free Expression Project at the not-for-profit Center for Democracy & Technology. She says the Facebook documents show how difficult it can be for social media companies to balance free expression with content controls.

I think it can help more people understand what a challenging task we all face in figuring out what are the sorts of speech and the kinds of content that we all find acceptable on our social media services...

She said one way for social media companies to balance these issues is to provide better filtering tools for users to block content themselves.

You have got to look more to the ability for people to create their own filters or blacklists, or categories of things that they just don't want to see. That's the sort of response that really puts the power in the hand of the individual user...

Social media and terror

Facebook and other social media services  including Twitter, WhatsApp and Telegram - have been criticized for not doing enough to block content linked to terrorist groups.

The recent suicide bombing in Manchester, England led some officials to repeat calls for social media companies to do more to stop terrorist activity.

The British government has proposed legislation requiring social media companies to permit them access to encrypted messages sent through social media services.

Thomas Zeitzoff is a professor at American University in Washington, D.C. He studies the effects of social media on conflicts. He says one problem with trying to limit terrorist activities on Facebook and Twitter is that groups usually find ways around the restrictions.

What you've seen the groups do is they've migrated to Telegram, WhatsApp and other kinds of encrypted social media applications that make it much harder for governments to track.

Even as some governments call for stricter limits on social media, they also use the services themselves to gather information on terror groups and to help with investigations.

Zeitzoff says social media also publicizes attacks globally and can give terrorists a way to get their message out to the whole world.

There can be this concern that it broadens and amplifies the message and terrorizes people more. But too, it also can inspire people, because some people want to be famous or they see some kind of identification with the attacker that carried it out.

Im Bryan Lynn.

Bryan Lynn reported this story for VOA Learning English. Caty Weaver was the editor.

We want to hear from you. What are your thoughts on social media companies restricting the content of users? Write to us in the Comments section, and visit our Facebook page.

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Words in This Story

credible  adj. reasonable to trust or believe

facetious  v. speech that is meant to be funny but that is usually considered annoying or silly

bully - v. intentionally bother or frighten someone who is smaller, weaker, etc.

sadistic  adj. enjoyment that someone else is hurt or feels pain

censor  n. person who examines books, movies, letters, etc., to remove things considered offensive, immoral or harmful

distress  n. suffering or pain affecting the body or mind

disturbing  adj. something that worries or upsets you

challenging  adj. difficult to do

task  n. piece of work or job for someone to do

figuring out  n. finding out how to understand something

filter - v. software tool to prevent certain types of content from being received or seen

blacklist  n. list of people or things to be avoided

category  n. group of things related to each other

response  n. answer or reaction to something

access  n. way of getting at or near someone or something

encrypted  adj. information that is electronically changed from one form to another, especially to hide its meaning

amplify  v. make something stronger, louder, etc.

inspire  v. make someone want to do something
Jeremy Coller likes alternative protein foods because he thinks the world may not be able to produce enough meat in the future.

Coller is head of Coller Capital, a financial investment service. It has been investing in technology companies, especially those developing products to take the place of meat.

Businesses are using science to study the molecular structure of meat and other animal products, such as cheese and eggs. Researchers think that it is possible to recreate the taste and the way these foods feel in your mouth by using plants like soybeans, peas and beets.

Coller says the Earth is running out of land farmers can use to raise cattle and other animals for food.

Two companies exploring alternative protein foods are Beyond Meat and Hampton Creek.

Hampton Creek

Josh Tetrick started Hampton Creek. His company uses robots to study plants from all over the world. If the plants have the same building blocks as some proteins, they might one day be used in food products like a plant-based butter, mayonnaise or even cake.

Were able to identify relationships between what we see on a molecular level and whether it causes a cake to rise or what makes a mayo taste good or whether it binds a cookie together or makes a nice creamy butter.

Chris Jones is head of product development at Hampton Creek. Jones compared what he does to walking on the moon.

Were doing things no one has ever done before, so its challenging.

Jim Flatt is the companys chief of research and development. He said recent progress in technology has made their work possible.

Josh Tetrick believes fewer people will go hungry if businesses like his produce more high-protein foods made from plants.

Products from Hampton Creek are sold at stores in the United States, Mexico and Hong Kong.

Beyond Meat

Many people love to eat hamburgers. But they are not interested in eating a burger made from soybeans. But what if the beans looked and tasted like real, red meat?

That is what Beyond Meat is exploring.

Beyond Meat uses protein from soy and yellow peas. It uses beets for the red color usually found in beef.

The food scientists look at the structures of meat and then look for plants with a similar structure. Ethan Brown, the founder of Beyond Meat, said his company is trying to replicate animal muscle.

Years ago, many people in Asia, Africa and India did not eat much meat, but Brown said that is changing. I dont think, as a globe, we can afford that, he said.

Beyond Meat sells its patty products in Hong Kong and the U.S.

Tetrick of Hampton Creek said the biggest issue in the alternative protein business is clear.

How do we figure out a way to make food healthier, thats more sustainable, to actually taste good, thats actually affordable for everyone?

Im Dan Friedell.

Elizabeth Lee wrote this story for VOANews.com. Dan Friedell adapted her report for Learning English. George Grow as the editor.

Are you interested in tasting these new proteins? We want to know. Write to us in the Comments Section or on our Facebook page.

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Words in This Story

alternative  adj. not usual or traditional; of or relating to a choice

creamy  adj. thick and smooth

replicate  v. to repeat or copy (something) exactly

building block  n. part of a building or structure; something necessary for a larger being or thing

afford  v. being able to pay for something

patty  n. a small, flat piece of food

sustainable  adj. relating to a method of harvesting in which the crop is not permanently damaged or destroyed
Researchers say people treated for colon cancer can greatly reduce their risk of death and of the cancer progressing, by living more healthfully.

The study was released just before the yearly gathering of the American Society of Clinical Oncology, the worlds largest organization of clinical cancer professionals.

Harvard University in Massachusetts questioned 1,000 advanced colon cancer patients across the United States. Researchers from the University of California, San Francisco (UCSF) examined their answers.

The researchers began examining the volunteers at 13 medical centers between 1999 and 2001. The patients were followed for seven years.

Twice during the study, they were asked if their lifestyle followed prevention suggestions from the American Cancer Society. These guidelines include keeping a healthy weight, eating many fruits and vegetables, limiting intake of red and processed meats and exercising on a regular basis.

Only nine percent of the patients in the study followed the guidelines. Those patients had a 42 percent lower risk of death compared to the patients who did not follow the guidelines. The risk of a return of the cancer was also 31 percent lower among the group that followed the guidelines. In the study, colon cancer returned in 335 patients, 256 of whom died from the disease.

Colon cancer is the second-leading cause of cancer death.

Erin Van Blarigan of UCSF was the lead investigator. She said people who are treated for colon cancer are living longer than ever before. But she says many more can survive colon cancer if they begin living a healthy lifestyle after identification and treatment of the disease.

Im Jonathan Evans.

VOA Health Correspondent Jessica Berman reported this story from Washington. Christopher Jones-Cruise adapted her report for Learning English. Caty Weaver was the editor.

We want to hear from you. Write to us in the Comments Section, or visit our Facebook page.

________________________________________________________________

Words in This Story

advanced - adj. beyond the basic level

lifestyle - n. a particular way of living; the way a person lives or a group of people live

processed - adj. something changed from one form into another by preparing, handling, or treating it in a special way


Millions of kilometers from Earth, the Cassini spacecraft orbits the planet Saturn.

Diving in between Saturn and its famous rings, Cassini is taking pictures and using up its fuel supply.

Since 2004, the unmanned spacecraft has been studying the planet. As the first spacecraft to orbit Saturn, it has sent back many close-up pictures of the planets surface, moons and rings.

The Grande Finale

Now Cassini has entered what the American space agency NASA calls The Grand Finale. It is getting ready for a final project  to dive into Saturns atmosphere until it burns up.

Devin Walker is with the California Space Center. Walker spoke in a large, noisy room at the center.

Scientists and engineers have decided that instead of just letting it run out of fuel on its own and then not being able to control any of its instruments, they're going to manually and intentionally de-orbit the space craft.

In other words, NASA will make Cassini crash into Saturn, on purpose. It will be the end of the spacecraft as it breaks apart while diving into the huge gaseous planet.

Simple life on Enceladus?

There are two reasons the space agency is doing this. When Cassini loses engine power, it will be out of control. That may mean it could cause it to hit Saturns moon Enceladus. Why are scientists concerned about this? Because they think Enceladus might have some extremely simple life forms. Space researchers believe they could live in an ocean inside the moon.

Amina Khan is a science writer for The Los Angeles Times newspaper. She says scientists worry about contaminating the moon, and possibly endangering that life.

Scientists are afraid that it's going to crash into Enceladus and there's some potential for contamination. You don't want to contaminate a place that could potentially host life if you want to actually go there and study it someday.

And reason two that NASA is crashing the probe into the planet? Scientists hope to get up-close images of the planet that humans have been watching in the night sky since ancient times.

Like the scientists, Devin Waller of the California Space Center is looking forward to the big event.

As soon as we hit the upper atmosphere the probe is going to start to fall apart. It will start to burn up, just because of the friction with the upper atmosphere, and so when the process starts, there's only a matter of time, but they're going to be sending back as much information as they can, as quickly as they can.

Cassini made space research history

But even before it goes, Cassini has already won a place in space research history. Launched in 1997, it reached Saturn in 2004. Since then Cassini has done plenty to increase our understanding of the planet and its moons. It discovered seven new moons orbiting Saturn that scientists did not know about.

In addition, a scientific probe from Cassini landed on Titan, one of the largest moons. And now scientists believe Titan may be like Earth, with lakes, rivers, rain, clouds, mountains and possibly volcanos.

At the end of April, the spacecraft took a first-ever dive through the small space between the planet and its rings, sending pictures and scientific data back to Earth.

Jim Green noted at the time, "In the grandest tradition of exploration, NASA's Cassini spacecraft has once again blazed a trail. Green heads the American space agencys Planetary Science Division. He added that Cassini was showing us new wonders and demonstrating where our curiosity can take us if we dare."

There were also many fly-bys  or trips around  Enceladus, the most interesting moon. Cassini found evidence of a large ocean inside the moon. Scientists say that the salty water may contain microbial life  organisms that one can see only with a microscope. They also found that the moon has a very hot-spot at its southern pole, and from its surface it shoots out ice particles into space.

Recent pictures taken of the planets North Pole surprised scientists. They show a storm that changes color over time.

For years to come, scientists will be studying the large amount of data Cassini sent back to Earth. Cassinis work has been a joint project with the American, European and Italian space agencies. The spacecraft is set to make its dive into Saturn on September 15.

Im Anne Ball.

Anne Ball wrote this story for Learning English with information from VOA News and NASA. George Grow was the editor. We want to hear from you. Write to us in the Comments Section and visit us on our Facebook page.

Now, test your understanding with this short quiz.

Quiz - Saturn's Cassini to Dive Deep, Burn Up Start the Quiz to find out Start Quiz



_________________________________________________________________

Words in This Story

rings  n. a round band

manually  adv. operated or controlled with the hands or by a person

intentionally  adv. done on purpose

contamination  n. making something dangerous, dirty, or impure by adding something harmful or undesirable to it

probe  n. a device that is used to obtain information from outer space and send it back to Earth

friction  n. the force that causes a moving object to slow down when it is touching another object

data  n. facts or information used usually to calculate, analyze, or plan something

blaze  v. to move very quickly

curiosity  n. the desire to learn or know more about something or someone

microbial  adj. so small it can only be seen with a microscope
Stanford University in California offers a class called Hacking for Defense.

This course helps Stanford students understand some of the national security issues facing the United States.

Students taking the course are not reading books or doing traditional research. Instead, they are working to solve problems given to them by the U.S. military.

Teachers launched the 10-week-long class last year. Now, it is being taught at eight other universities.

Class projects include helping troops deal with changes in mapping technology and creating sensors to help injured soldiers. Other projects involve cyber security -- helping protect computers from attack.

A teacher may ask students to find ways to help military veterans with more than one injury. Others can be asked to develop technology that will let Navy Seal divers stay underwater longer.

Benji Nguyen is a graduate student at Stanford. His interest is public policy.

So Im with USTRANSCOM, which manages transportation in the United States, to better-improve cyber security at the countrys seaports.

Nguyens parents are from Vietnam.

Ive talked about this class, actually. Their impression is that when Im here Im studying, reading textbooks, or doing problem sets. When I told them I am actually working with the military to help solve a problem, they were really excited about it actually.

Steve Blank is one of the teachers. He says students from other countries attend the class.

We take the military intelligence problems and we scrub them down so anybody can work on them. But I was surprised by the number of foreign students from Singapore and China, from India, who were just interested in learning that same methodology and could take it home -- from wherever they are.

Blank says the students learn how an organization makes decisions. They have to learn where the money for a project comes from, who controls the financing and who is going to build the project.

Some students create companies after completing their studies. Others accept positions at an agency they worked with.

Buvana Dayanandan wants to help injured soldiers.

We are working on helping veterans that have experienced some polytrauma and figuring out how technology can increase their quality of life and their independence for a longer period of time.

Im Dan Friedell.

Michelle Quinn reported this story from Stanford University in California for VOANews.com. Christopher Jones-Cruise adapted her report for Learning English. George Grow was the editor.

We want to hear from you. Write to us in the Comments Section, or visit our Facebook page.

________________________________________________________________

Words in This Story

hack  v. to secretly get access to the files on a computer or network in order to get information, cause damage, etc.

cyber  adj. related to computers

USTRANSCOM  n. United States Transportation Command, a military unit

scrub  v. informal reduce to a simpler form

polytrauma  n. a medical term describing the condition of a person who has been subjected to multiple traumatic injuries


Tensions between the American and Chinese governments and their militaries are not uncommon. But the relationship between the two countries is improving in some areas such as the arts and education.

Supporters of this growing relationship believe this is producing economic and cultural benefits for citizens of both countries. Opponents in the United States, however, see it as dangerous.

Susan Pertel Jain is the executive director of the University of California, Los Angeles Confucius Institute. She says American parents want their children to learn Chinese.

If they know Chinese, if they know English, if they have some cultural experience, international experience -- that can really put them in a different place.

China has been paying for Chinese language and culture programs through the Confucius Institutes.

Carol Chen teaches Mandarin immersion classes to kindergarten students at Broadway elementary school, a public school in Los Angeles. She says the University of California, Los Angeles Confucius Institute has been a good resource for her school.

One of the years, they actually brought in Chinese folk culture tradition to the campus.

China has opened almost 500 Confucius Institutes throughout the world. Most of them are on university campuses.

Perry Link, of the University of California, Riverside has been a long-time critic of Chinas efforts. He says Confucius Institutes are an example of Chinas soft power.

Hard power is military things. Soft power is cultural or educational things that cause people in other countries to view ones own country in a more friendly way.

Link says having Confucius Institutes on university campuses is troubling because it limits academic freedom to discuss Chinas human rights issues.

Its induced self-censorship -- that is We are going to give you these funds and you can invite speakers about China and the fund comes from Beijing and you know that and we know that. Now, as the director of a Confucius Institute, do you think Oh, Ill invite the Dalai Lama to speak? No. Of course you dont do thatBeijing wishes the Confucius Institutes would completely grab everyones sympathies and attention. I dont think thats happened.

But Susan Pertel Jain says the institute does not censor itself.

Whether its artists that we present there who were active in sort of (an) anti-government movement or whether its the screening of films that are maybe not officially approved by the government, we dont shy away from that, but what we always tell our colleagues in China is that we promise to always present everything in a fair and balanced way.

Im Mario Ritter.

VOA Correspondent Elizabeth Lee reported this story from Los Angeles. Christopher Jones-Cruise adapted the report for Learning English. Mario Ritter was the editor.

We want to hear from you. Write to us in the Comments Section, or visit our Facebook page.

________________________________________________________________ Words in This Story

benefit  n. a good or helpful effect

immersion  adj. to be completely involved in some activity

resource  n. something that provides money or other needed things

induce  v. to cause to do something

sympathies  n. a feeling that a person cares about something

censor  v. to remove things that are considered wrong

screen  v. to watch a movie or video

shy away  v. to avoid something because of nervousness
The Bahraini Foreign Ministry Saturday announced that hackers attacked the department using the twitter account of Foreign Minister Sheikh Khalid bin Ahmed al-Khalifa to post hostile and insulting videos.

The Account of H.E. Minister of Foreign Affairs has been hacked. Kindly be aware, the Foreign Ministry said in a message posted on its Twitter account.

According to reuters, the hacking appears to have been carried out by Shiite Muslim militants who want to bring down the Sunni Muslim al-Khalifa monarchy.

The hackers took control of Khalifas twitter account to retweet postings from another account identified as Numour al-Huriya (Tigers of Liberty), apparently belonging to Shiite militants, Reuters notes.

The incident occurred around 5:30 in the morning, local Arabic al-Wasat newspaper reported, adding that several tweets and videos insulting the minister were posted.

Another post attacked the Bahraini ruler Hamad bin Isa al-Khalifa, wishing his fall.

The Gulf state has been shaken by protests staged by Shiite majority population. Authorities, with the support of regional power Saudi Arabia, cracked down on 2011 protests demanding more rights and representation.

The Shiites have not subdued to the authorities who claim that Iran has been fuelling tension, plotting the fall of the Sunnite family ruling the state.

Last week, five people were killed in a demonstration against the condemnation of Ayatollah Isa Qassim, Bahrains most prominent cleric charged for corruption.

A court also revoked his citizenship after accusing him of promoting sectarianism, BBC reports.
Credit: Cancer Research UK

Adding abiraterone to hormone therapy at the start of treatment for prostate cancer improves survival by 37 per cent, according to the results of one of the largest ever clinical trials for prostate cancer presented at the 2017 ASCO Annual Meeting in Chicago and published in the New England Journal of Medicine today (Saturday).

The results from the Cancer Research UK-funded STAMPEDE trial could change the standard of care for men with prostate cancer, making abiraterone a first-line treatment alongside hormone therapy.

This part of the STAMPEDE trial recruited around 1,900 patients. Half the men were treated with hormone therapy while the other half received hormone therapy and abiraterone. In men who were given abiraterone there was a 70 per cent reduction in disease progression. The drug is usually given to men with advanced prostate cancer that has spread and has stopped responding to standard to hormone therapy, but this study shows the added benefit to patients who are about to start long-term hormone therapy.

Professor Nicholas James, chief investigator of the Cancer Research UK-funded STAMPEDE trial from the University of Birmingham, said: "These are the most powerful results I've seen from a prostate cancer trialit's a once in a career feeling. This is one of the biggest reductions in death I've seen in any clinical trial for adult cancers.

"Abiraterone is already used to treat some men whose disease has spread but our results show many more could benefit. In addition to the improvements in survival and time without relapse, the drug reduced the rates of severe bone complications, a major problem in prostate cancer, by more than a half. I really hope these results can change clinical practice."

Alfred Samuels, 59, was diagnosed with advanced prostate cancer in January 2012 and joined the STAMPEDE trial two months later. He lives in Harrow with his partner and five children.

Alfred said: "It felt like my world fell apart overnight. The doctors explained that surgery wasn't an option for me because the cancer had spread beyond my prostate. "But my clinician suggested that the STAMPEDE trial might be a good option. As part of the trial, I started taking abiraterone four times a day and had a hormone injection every eight weeks. "During the first six months, tests showed that the treatment was working. I'm still on the trial, which I find reassuring and, fortunately, my cancer is being managed well."

Prostate cancer cells usually depend on testosterone to grow. Standard hormone therapy blocks the action of male sex hormones, halting the disease. Abiraterone goes further and shuts down the production of the hormones that fuel prostate cancer's growth.

Each year around 46,500 men are diagnosed with prostate cancer in the UK, and around 11,000 men die from the disease.

Sir Harpal Kumar, Cancer Research UK's chief executive, said: "These results could transform the treatment of prostate cancer.

Abiraterone can clearly help many more prostate cancer patients than was first thought.

"The STAMPEDE trial is changing the face of prostate cancer because the flexibility of the trial design means that we can investigate a number of different treatment options rapidly and in parallel, enabling scientists to get results much more quickly than they usually would. "Cancer Research UK scientists first discovered abiraterone and subsequently played a key role in its development, including funding the first clinical trials. This study adds to the importance of the drug."

The STAMPEDE trial is coordinated by the MRC Clinical Trials Unit at UCL and funded by Cancer Research UK. Previous results from the trial have already changed clinical practice - data released last year has led to docetaxel chemotherapy now being part of the standard of care for many men with prostate cancer. More data will come out in subsequent years, because of the innovative design of the trial.Professor James added: "We are so incredibly thankful to the patients and clinical staff who have agreed to take part in this study. With their generosity, scientists can carry out research that will help save lives."

More information: James et al. Abiraterone Acetate Plus Prednisolone for Hormone-Naive Prostate Cancer. New England Journal of Medicine James et al. Abiraterone Acetate Plus Prednisolone for Hormone-Naive Prostate Cancer. ASCO Abstract LBA5003: Adding abiraterone for men with high-risk prostate cancer (PCa) starting long-term androgen deprivation therapy (ADT): Survival results from STAMPEDE (NCT00268476). Journal information: New England Journal of Medicine
(HealthDay)A court ruling allowing a civil rights lawsuit against a medical examiner may have serious consequences for physicians in public service, according to a report published by the American Medical Association.

The case involves a Texas medical examiner who compiled an autopsy report for a woman who had died from a gunshot wound, concluding that the woman had died from a homicide. After an initial trial of her former husband resulted in a hung jury, the charges were dropped during retrial when the medical examiner's office indicated that the cause of death was changed to undetermined following the medical examiner's cross-examination in court.

The husband sued the medical examiner for violation of his federal civil rights. The defendant moved for summary judgement, arguing that duties had been fulfilled in good faith and therefore led to entitlement of immunity. The U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Texas said that qualified immunity did not apply, allowing the plaintiff to proceed with the lawsuit. The defendant is asking the 5th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals in New Orleans to overturn the federal court decision allowing the civil rights lawsuit to proceed. Several societies filed a friend-of-the-court brief asking the court to apply qualified immunity, noting their concern that the ruling will have a negative impact on forensic pathologists and other government-employed physicians.

"The district court's holding will have a chilling effect on medical examiners and other physicians who will, unable to reasonably anticipate what actions will subject them to liability, act to avert liability rather than act according to medical science and their patients' best interest," the friend-of-the-court brief states.

More information: More Information

Copyright  2017 HealthDay. All rights reserved.
A twice-daily pill could help some advanced breast cancer patients avoid or delay follow-up sessions of chemotherapy, a new clinical trial reports.

The drug olaparib (Lynparza) reduced the chances of cancer progression by about 42 percent in women with breast cancer linked to BRCA1 and BRCA2 gene mutations, according to the study.

Olaparib delayed cancer progression by about three months. The drug also caused tumors to shrink in three out of five patients who received the medication, the researchers reported.

"Clearly the drug was more effective than traditional chemotherapy," said Dr. Len Lichtenfeld, deputy chief medical officer for the American Cancer Society.

"This is a group where a response is more difficult to obtaina young group with a more aggressive form of cancerand nonetheless we saw a close to 60 percent objective response rate," he said.

The study was funded by AstraZeneca, the maker of Lynparza.

Olaparib works by cutting off the avenues that malignant cancer cells use to stay alive, said lead researcher Dr. Mark Robson. He's a medical oncologist and clinic director of Clinical Genetics Service at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center in New York City.

The drug inhibits PARP, an enzyme that helps cells repair damaged DNA, Robson said.

Normal cells denied access to PARP will turn to the BRCA genes for help, since they also support the repair of damaged DNA, Robson said.

But that "backup capability" is not available to breast cancer cells in women with BRCA gene mutations, Robson said.

"When you inhibit PARP, the cell can't rescue itself," Robson said. "In theory, you should have a very targeted approach, one specifically directed at the cancers in people who have this particular inherited predisposition."

Olaparib already has been approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration for use in women with BRCA-related ovarian cancer. Robson and his colleagues figured that it also should be helpful in treating women with breast cancer linked to this genetic mutation.

The study included 302 patients who had breast cancer that had spread to other areas of their body (metastatic breast cancer). All of the women had an inherited BRCA mutation.

They were randomly assigned to either take olaparib twice a day or receive standard chemotherapy. All of the patients had received as many as two prior rounds of chemotherapy for their breast cancer. Women who had hormone receptor-positive cancer also had been given hormone therapy.

After 14 months of treatment, on average, people taking olaparib had a 42 percent lower risk of having their cancer progress compared with those who received another round of chemotherapy, Robson said.

The average time of cancer progression was about seven months with olaparib compared with 4.2 months with chemotherapy.

Tumors also shrank in about 60 percent of patients given olaparib. That compared with a 29 percent reduction for those on chemotherapy, the researchers said.

Severe side effects also were less common with olaparib. The drug's side effects bothered 37 percent of patients compared with half of those on chemo. The drug's most common side effects were nausea and anemia.

"There were fewer patients who discontinued treatment because of toxicity compared to those who received chemotherapy," Robson said. "Generally it was pretty well tolerated."

Only about 3 percent of breast cancers occur in people with BRCA1 and BRCA2 mutations, the researchers said in background notes.

Despite this, the results are "quite exciting," said Dr. Julie Fasano, an assistant professor of hematology and medical oncology at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai in New York City.

Olaparib could wind up being used early in the treatment of metastatic breast cancer as an alternative to chemotherapy, and future studies might find that the drug is effective against other forms of breast cancer, Fasano said.

"It may be a practice-changing study, in terms of being able to postpone IV chemotherapy and its associated side effects" like hair loss and low white blood cell counts, Fasano said.

Lichtenfeld noted that olaparib also places less burden on patients.

"It may be easier for women to take two pills a day rather than go in for regular chemotherapy," Lichtenfeld said. "Clearly, this is a treatment that will garner considerable interest.

The findings were scheduled to be presented Sunday at the American Society of Clinical Oncology's annual meeting, in Chicago. The study was also published June 4 in the New England Journal of Medicine.

More information: Len Lichtenfeld, M.D., deputy chief medical officer, American Cancer Society; Mark Robson, M.D., medical oncologist and clinic director, Clinical Genetics Service, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York City; Julie Fasano, M.D., assistant professor, hematology and medical oncology, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York City; June 4, 2017 presentation, American Society of Clinical Oncology, Chicago Len Lichtenfeld, M.D., deputy chief medical officer, American Cancer Society; Mark Robson, M.D., medical oncologist and clinic director, Clinical Genetics Service, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York City; Julie Fasano, M.D., assistant professor, hematology and medical oncology, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York City; June 4, 2017 presentation, American Society of Clinical Oncology, Chicago For more about BRCA mutations, visit the U.S. National Cancer Institute. Journal information: New England Journal of Medicine

Copyright  2017 HealthDay. All rights reserved.
Few issues in medicine have been more controversial in recent years than physician-assisted suicide, with medical experts and the general public unable to come to a consensus that balances the delicate issue of dying with dignity with the interests of the individual and society as a whole. A special session at this year's Euroanaesthesia meeting in Geneva (3-5 June) will see doctors debating this delicate issue.

The European Association for Palliative Care defines physician-assisted suicide as a physician intentionally helping a person to terminate his or her life by providing drugs for self-administration at the person's voluntary and competent request.

Bellerive Hospital, University Hospitals of Geneva, Switzerland, will argue in favour of assisted suicide, highlighting that physician-assisted suicide (PAS) has become an important expectation of some in society. She says: "Consequences of our modern medical system on patients have produced fear that life will be prolonged unnecessarily or will end in unbearable distress. During the final year of life, even individuals who have died by PAS have normally had a large amount of hospital care. Nowadays, death is more likely to be expected than sudden, frequently as a result of a medical decision. In addition, self-determination has reached the dying process. Decisions about time and circumstances of dying are considered to be personal."

Approaches to PAS in Europe are all based on an individual's will and authority of action, not on predicting the future. However, because of the broad range of values and the multicultural context, consensus is unlikely to be reached.

Dr Dieudonne-Rahm says: "The strongest arguments in favour of physician-assisted suicide are respect for autonomy, justice, compassion, honesty, individual liberty and transparency. Autonomy puts emphasis on the individual's feeling of quality and meaning of life from that person's view. For patients not dependant on life supportive measures, forgoing life prolonging treatments is not enough to hasten death. Persons who have died by PAS have argued unremitting suffering, no prospect of recovery, isolation or fearing about being a burden to their family, but had no intention to harm society or relatives. Transparency helps to limit their family's miscommunication and invisible suffering."

She concludes: "To address the question of PAS, frameworks and regulations are needed to help curb pressure on vulnerable people and health care professionals and to avoid the risk of a 'slippery slope' or other kinds of suicides. Considerations of relatives' needs should be addressed."

The 'against' argument will be given by Dr Calum MacKellar, the Director of Research of the Scottish Council on Human Bioethics, Edinburgh, Scotland; Visiting-Lecturer at St Mary's University, London, UK and Fellow with the Centre for Bioethics and Human Dignity at Trinity International University, Chicago, USA.

In his talk "What does dying with dignity mean in assisted suicide?", he will say: "Discussing the topic of assisted suicide, it has become necessary to seek to understand one of the most contested themes being used by both sides of the debate; namely the concept of human dignity."

On the one side, advocates of assisted suicide suggest that individuals should be able to determine their own dignity and quality of life, unrestricted by the moral, religious or cultural beliefs of others. For them, dignity reflects the manner in which individuals may consider themselves according to their personal values, desires and relationships reflecting what is believed to be certain standards of decency. From this perspective, the right to die with dignity reflects a perceived right of persons to be able to die when they believe that their lives no longer have any value, worth or meaning.

However, Dr MacKellar will say: "But another definition of dignity exists - one that has far more implications and goes to the very fabric of civilised society. It is the dignity which sustains the permanent, immeasurable, inviolable and equal value and worth of all members of a society."

From this perspective, Dr MacKellar will argue that legalising assisted suicide would mean that the whole of a society would accept that some individuals can have lives which no longer have any inherent worth and meaning. He says: "It would give the message that the very value and significance of a human life is merely based on subjective choices and decisions and whether a life meets certain quality standards. As a result it would affect everyone in society and not just those contemplating assisted suicide."

Dr MacKellar will emphasise his belief that it is not physical suffering that is the main basis for the real push for assisted suicide. He says: "Instead, it is usually psychological or existential suffering which is beyond the realm of medicine as well as autonomy. I recognise that people with progressive Alzheimer's, Parkinson's, and terrible physical injuries can suffer very deeply. But does suffering take away the inherent value and worth of a human life? The answer can only be 'no'."

He adds: "If the measure of a life is only related to happiness and pleasure, then everyone would have a life with a different value and worth. Civilised society would then be a thing of the past. For it to survive, society must recognise that all lives are seen to be wonderful even if they do experience suffering and even if they are a burden to others."

Dr MacKellar says it is essential that a society in which better palliative care, better pain control and better support for patients is provided. He says: "A society which continues to uphold and protect the important, inherent, and equal dignity as well as value of all human beings - no matter how young or old, able or disabled, sick or healthy, close to or far from death they are - accepting them for who they are and suffering or rejoicing with them in compassion and care."

He concludes: "Many modern societies struggle to understand the concept of inherent human dignity (as mentioned in the UN Declaration of Human Rights). In some countries, such as Belgium and The Netherlands, any debate about the consequences on inherent human dignity did not even take place before euthanasia and assisted suicide were legalised. This is really unfortunate! Indeed, without the concept of inherent human dignity, there is no real value in life nor is there any equality between lives."
(HealthDay)When people with advanced cancer report their symptoms to health care providers using an online program, they may live longer, a new study suggests.

The benefit may come because the new online tool cuts any "lag time" between patients experiencing symptoms and their care team's response to those issues, the researchers said.

"Patients receiving chemotherapy often have severe symptoms, but doctors and nurses are unaware of these symptoms up to half of the time," explained study author Dr. Ethan Basch, a professor of medicine at the University of North Carolina's Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center.

Dr. Bruce Johnston, President-Elect of the American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO), said the new technology addresses a common problem in cancer care.

"A lot of patients are reluctant to contact docs between visitsthey may think, 'I don't feel too good, but I'm seeing the doc in two weeks anyway,' " he said.

But, "typically, a worsening of symptoms heralds progression of the cancer in patients with advanced cancer," Johnston explained. "That commonly reflects patients whose tumors are growing rather than shrinking. Doctors can counter progression by paying attention to symptoms, and that extends patients' lives."

The new communication tool allows patients to use tablet technology to report 12 common symptoms experienced during chemotherapythings such as appetite loss, difficulty breathing, fatigue, hot flashes, nausea and painin real time. That triggers an "alert" to health care providers.

The benefits can be significant, Basch's team found. The study of 766 patients found that those who used the tool regularly lived an average of five months longer than those who did not use the tool.

"The improvement in survival we saw may seem modest, but it is greater than the effect of many targeted cancer drugs for metastatic cancer," Basch noted in an ASCO news release. He was at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center in New York City when the study was conducted.

The study also found that use of the online tool was associated with better quality of life, fewer visits to the emergency room and hospitalizations, and being able to tolerate chemotherapy longer.

Johnston sees the technology as a win-win for patients and their care team.

"Communication is better, so docs have a better chance to jump on suspicious symptoms in a timely manner," he said. The study "shows that if you can adopt newer technologies for sharing information with the health care team, it has the potential of improving your outcome."

Basch's team is slated to present the findings on Sunday in Chicago at ASCO's annual meeting.

A larger trial is planned, Basch said, to help confirm the findings. Because this study was presented at a medical meeting, the results should be considered preliminary until published in a peer-reviewed journal.

More information: The American Cancer Society has more on The American Cancer Society has more on metastatic cancer

Copyright  2017 HealthDay. All rights reserved.
Hackers have released the first series of leaked emails from the account of UAEs ambassador to the United States Yousef al-Otaiba.

The Intercept reported on Saturday that the emails released by a group called Global Leaks show the relationship between al-Otaiba and a pro-Israel, neoconservative think tank  the Foundation for Defense of Democracies (FDD).

The hacked emails, some of which date back to 2014, reveal a high-level of backchannel cooperation between the FDD, which is funded by pro-Israel billionaire Sheldon Anderson, and the UAE.

The sample provided included several emails between Otaiba and Robert Gates, former US defence secretary in the administrations of George Bush and Barack Obama.

Otaiba is well-known figure in US national security circles  he has been called the most charming man in Washington  and has participated in Pentagon strategy meetings at the invitation of the defence officials.

Leaked emails include exchange in which FDD senior counselor John Hannah  a former deputy national security advisor to Vice President Dick Cheney  complains to Otaiba that Qatar is hosting a meeting of Hamas at an Emirati-owned hotel.

Otaiba responds that the UAE is not at fault and that the real problem lies with the US military base in Qatar.

He writes: Hows this, you move the base then well move the hotel :-)

The leak includes a proposed agenda for an upcoming meeting between the FDD and the UAE government scheduled for June 11-14.

The agenda includes in-depth discussions on Qatar, including Qatar-based Al Jazeera.

One item on the agenda is: Al Jazeera as an instrument of regional instability.

Attendees set to take part in the June meeting include former US Secretary of Defense Robert Gates and Mark Dubowitz, CEO of FDD.

Other FDD emails ask for meetings with high-ranking figures including Mohammed bin Zayed  the crown prince who runs the UAEs armed forces  as well as Mohammed Dahlan, a former strongman of the Palestinian Fatah group who now lives in the Gulf state.

A large portion of the emails focus on U.S./UAE polices to positively impact Iranian internal situation and to contain and defeat Iranian aggression.

Another email in the leak shows the FDD and the UAE looking to pressure businesses to pullout of Iran.

In early March, Dubowitz emailed Otaiba a listing non-US businesses operating in Saudi Arabia or the UAE looking to invest in Iran.

This is a target list for putting these companies to a choice, as we have discussed, Dubowitz wrote.

Al Jazeera
Washington to resist any attempt by new Israeli government to annex West Bank

Biden thinks Elon Musk's relations with other countries are worthy of being looked at

Taliban bans women from gyms

U.S. to send Ukraine another $400 million in military aid

Ursula von der Leyen announces EUR 250 million support package for Moldova

Biden and Jinping meet on sidelines of G20 summit in Bali to be held on November 14

Riches of world get poorer suddenly

State Duma deputy: Interparliamentary format Yerevan-Baku-Moscow will be included soon to solve issues

IMF sees growing risk of economic fragmentation

Armen Gevorgyan to visit Strasbourg, Brussels and Paris

State Duma deputy: Upper Lars border crossing capacity has increased fivefold

UK government freezes over 18 billion pounds worth of Russian assets

State Duma deputy on Zatulin's ban on entering Armenia: These issues must be resolved

Borrell calls for retooling EU infrastructure for rapid transport of military equipment to East

European Parliament clears way for Croatia's admission to Schengen Area

European Council President Michel calls on EU member states to jointly purchase gas to reduce fuel prices

Alen Simonyan congratulates scientists on their professional holiday

Armenian President meets with leaders of several countries in Egypt

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

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Pashinyan: There is no Armenia army in Karabakh

All 10 fallen soldiers transferred on October 27 by Azerbaijan to Armenia are identified, buried

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Benny Gantz: Israel has an opportunity to strike Iran's nuclear facilities

France National Assembly speaker reaffirms solidarity with Armenia, Armenians

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Raisi: Relations between Tehran and Moscow have a bright future

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Kaljurand: A fair peace agreement, that will guarantee the rights and security of the Nagorno-Karabakh people, is needed

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DUBAI (Reuters) - Iran said on Sunday the London attacks were a "wake-up call" and urged Western states to go after ideological and financial sources of terrorism, state media reported, in a thinly veiled reference to Saudi Arabia. Three attackers drove a van into pedestrians on London Bridge before stabbing revellers nearby on Saturday night, killing at least seven people in what Britain said was the work of Islamist militants engaged in a "new trend" of terrorism. "Repeated blind terror attacks around the world are a wake-up call for the world community," the official Iranian news agency IRNA quoted Foreign Ministry spokesman Bahram Qasemi as saying. "To uproot terror, it is necessary that they (Western states) address the root causes as well as the main financial and ideological sources of extremism and violence, which are clear to everyone," Qasemi was quoted as saying by Press TV. Iran denies Western charges of sponsoring terrorism, and accuses Saudi Arabia's Wahhabi brand of Sunni Islam and funding from its arch-rival of being behind Sunni militant groups who have been behind a recent spate of deadly attacks in Europe. Saudi Arabia, the bastion of Sunni Islam and a close U.S. ally, denies backing terrorism and has cracked down on jihadists at home, jailing thousands, stopping hundreds from travelling to fight abroad and cutting militant finances. Shi'ite Muslim power Iran and Saudi Arabia are longstanding religious and political arch-rivals and often accuse each other of backing terrorism. Relations are fraught as they support each other's foes in regional wars such as in Yemen, Iraq and Syria. (Reporting by Dubai newsroom; editing by Mark Heinrich)
People receiving medical attention near London Bridge following a terrorist incident on Saturday (3 June) night. (PHOTO: Associated Press)

There have been no reports of Singaporeans having been directly affected or injured in the London terrorist attacks on Saturday (3 June) night, said the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA).

Singapore condemns the vicious terrorist attacks that occurred in London on 3 June 2017. There can be no justification for such attacks against innocent civilians, said the ministry in a media release on Sunday.

We express our deepest condolences to the families of the victims, and wish the injured a speedy recovery. We stand in solidarity with the people of the United Kingdom, the release added.

Media reports said the attacks took place at two London landmarks  London Bridge and Borough Market. A white van was seen mowing down pedestrians around the London Bridge area, leaving about 20 people injured. Witnesses also reported knife attacks on pedestrians in the same area.

At Borough Market, a group of men were reportedly seen going on a stabbing spree.





(Video by Newsweek)

As of 11am (Singapore time) on Sunday, the attacks had claimed six lives. Three suspects in the incidents had also been shot and killed by police. Both areas have been placed on lockdown following the attacks.

The MFA release has also advised Singaporeans in the United Kingdom to keep in touch with their families and friends to let them know they are safe.

Those who are in need of urgent consular assistance should contact the Singapore High Commission in London or MFA Duty Office at:

Singapore High Commission in London

Tel: +44 (0)207 235 8315

Duty handphone: +44 (0) 771 034 8335

E-mail: singhc_lon@mfa.sg

MFA Duty Office (24-hours)

Tel: +65 63798800/8855

E-mail: mfa_duty_office@mfa.gov.sg

Other related stories:

Trump offers help on London attacks, touts need for travel ban

London Bridge terror attack: Eyewitness describes moment three men shouted This is for Allah before frenzied knife attack
So what name does President Donald Trump have in mind for Jeremy Joseph Christian? Trump has to be working on something, since name- calling is his weapon of choice when it comes to branding people. If nothing else, Christian, identified by authorities as the perpetrator of last weeks horrifying, hate-filled terrorist attack in Portland, Oregon, warrants being called out for the wretched creature that he is.

Trump had no problem doing just that when it came to the terrorists involved in the Manchester, England, attack that killed 22 people. I wont call them monsters because they would like that term, Trump said. I will call them, from now on, losers, because thats what they are. Theyre losers.

Terrorists most likely dont care one whit about being held in low esteem by Trump. Their feelings are probably mutual.

The question, however, is what the president thinks of Christian, a 35-year-old white nationalist who stepped onto a Green Line TriMet MAX light-rail train at 4:19 p.m. on May 26. Equally pressing: What does Trump think of the victims of the anti-Muslim attack that Christian is charged with carrying out on that train?

Those questions about the violent incident are hard to answer based on Trumps tweet, belatedly sent three days after the fact from the presidencys official accountas opposed to Trumps main Twitter account to his 31 million followers. Why was the staffed-up official account, with its far smaller audience, chosen over Trumps personal one, which he uses to communicate his own thoughts? Maybe thats just one of lifes mysteries.

More interesting is the fact that Trump has had more to say about the Manchester monster than Portlands homegrown right-wing terrorism.

Even what Trump said in the brief official tweet fell way short of the mark. He called the attack unacceptable and added: The victims were standing up to hate and intolerance. Our prayers are with them. Not one word about the killer. Not even a nod toward the two young women of color on the train, one of whom was wearing a hijab, who were the targets of the perpetrators shouted anti-Islamic slurs.

One reason that more is called for can be found in the probable cause document signed by Deputy District Attorney Ryan Lufkin. It describes how Christian made his way onto the national news cycle.

According to Lufkin: When Christian boarded the train, he went right after the two young women.

Get the f- out. Pay taxes. Go home, we need American here! I dont care if you are ISIS. Free speech or die. He was heard saying something about decapitating heads.

The young female victims, scared to death, moved to the back of the train. One of the young women later said, He was just telling us that we basically werent anything and that we should just kill ourselves.

Lufkin described the rest as captured on the trains surveillance system and cellphone video taken by passengers: Christian taunting passengers who tried to calm him down; Christian pulling a folding knife out of his pocket and concealing it in his hand; Christian swinging and stabbing, first one man, then a second, then a third. Next, Christian picking up his belongings and stepping from the train onto the platform, holding out the knife and threatening people, pausing only long enough to grab a bag dropped by the young Muslim woman and then throwing it into the freeway as he exited up the stairs.

Christian was caught several blocks away. The knife was found. Two of the stabbing victimsTaliesin Myrddin Namkai-Meche and Ricky Bestdid not recover. They died: Namkai-Meche at the hospital; Best at the scene.

Even under arrest, Christian continued to spew the hate burning within.

While being transported in a police vehicle, Lufkin wrote, Christian offered these thoughts: Get stabbed in your neck if you hate free speech, thats what liberalism gets you.

During his brief initial court appearance on Tuesday, Christian shouted: You call it terrorism, I call it patriotism! He interrupted with outbursts,yelling, Free speech or die, Portland. You got no safe place! and Death to the enemies of America!

Earlier in the police car, Christian allowed as how he could now die in prison a happy man.

Christians happiness is the least of my concerns.

More troubling is Trumps deafening silence on the young women terrorized by an anti-Islamic rant, and the accused white-supremacist assailant whom Trump chooses to give no name.

That only deepens the tragedy.
LONDON (Reuters) - Britain needs to have "difficult conversations" with Saudi Arabia and other Gulf states about the funding of Islamist extremism, opposition leader Jeremy Corbyn said on Sunday, resuming his election campaign after a deadly attack in London. The Labour party leader, who is hoping to win Thursday's national election, said the vote should go ahead to show democracy would not be halted by the London Bridge attack that left seven dead and 48 injured. Earlier, Prime Minister Theresa May called for a stronger response to Islamist extremism after three knife-wielding assailants drove a hired van into pedestrians on London Bridge and stabbed others nearby. Corbyn said Britain's democratic values must be maintained. "We must resist Islamophobia and division and turn out on 8 June united in our determination to show our democracy is strong," Corbyn said in the text of a speech due to be delivered in Carlisle, north England. "And, yes, we do need to have some difficult conversations starting with Saudi Arabia and other Gulf states that have funded and fuelled extremist ideology." He attacked May for cutting police numbers during her tenure as interior minister and repeated his pledge to recruit 10,000 new police officers, including armed officers. Opinion polls have shown Corbyn's Labour catching up fast with May's Conservative Party, putting into doubt her gamble that a snap election would boost her majority. Last month U.S. President Donald Trump urged Arab and Islamic leaders to unite and do their share to defeat Islamist extremists, making an impassioned plea to "drive out" terrorists, while toning down his own harsh rhetoric about Muslims. (Reporting by Andy Bruce; Editing by William James)
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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.
Usefulness Content Freshness So your marketing team (or person) knows that you should go digital, but what do you, as the CEO, CIO, or CMO supposed to do? In "Marketing for CEOs: Death or Glory in the Digital Age", former Google COO and current CEO of AdParlor, shows leaders how they can proactively direct marketing of their business in the chaotic, technology-driven world of the future.

If you buy something through our links, we may earn money from our affiliate partners. Learn more.

Marketing for CEOs: Death or Glory in the Digital Age is a book directed toward marketing leadership. The message is simple: Adopt life in the new digital age or flop. There isnt another option. This book, written by the former COO of Google in Europe, highlights the changes in mindset and strategy that C-suite executives and business owners need to embrace in order to take ownership of their marketing in the very near future.

What is Marketing for CEOs About?

Why is there pressure for marketers at every level of business to go digital? The answer, according to Marketing for CEOs, is the evolution of marketing. Todays businesses exist in a world where consumers are more comfortable consuming content in a digital format. In order to survive, marketing leaders, especially at the very top of the business, need to change how they think about marketing to current and future customers. In particular, marketing leaders need to do two things well: target and adapt.

Targeting becomes critical to marketing leaders because of two important trends, both of them centered around data. The first trend: Big Data. Never in the history of the world have marketers and business owners had so much information about their customers. Businesses can now track the clicks, social media comments, search activity and purchases of ther customers and leverage that data to make more efficient marketing decisions. The second trend, personalization, comes from a consumers need to filter out irrelevant information in a world full of messages.

Adapting becomes the second critical focus for marketers, according to Marketing for CEOs. Again two main themes emerge. The first theme is marketing return on investment (ROI). Marketers who are going digital, need to shift how they measure results. Instead of getting any customer, businesses need to focus on working with the right customers over an extended period of time. The second theme is finding the right staff.to handle your marketing. Marketing for CEOs helps readers identify characteristics of a leader that is comfortable in the chaotic world of the future.

Overall, Marketing for CEOs argues for a leadership that embraces the future rather than stubbornly holds onto the past.

Author Ben Legg is a former British military captain and engineer who helped lead the engineering effort behind the Siege of Sarajevo in the late 1990s. He began his marketing career with McKinsey and other companies, including Coca-Cola. In 2007, he became the COO of Google in Europe. He currently serves as the CEO of AdParlor, one of the first companies to work with the advertising platforms established by Facebook and later, Twitter.

What Was Best About Marketing for CEOs?

The best part of Marketing for CEOs is the focus on marketing leadership. Other books may focus on marketing staff and assume that marketing leadership will either naively buy into the digital is cool trend or remain stubborn stalwarts until its too late. Leggs book provides a better approach. It outlines why marketing leaders like CMOs and CIOs need to get involved with digital (not because of trends, but because of ROI) and provides a hiring and strategy roadmap for starting the process.

What Could Have Been Done Differently?

Considering the vast range of topics to potentially be discussed in a book on digital marketing, Leggs book is relatively small. It doesnt discuss typical Marketing 101 for CEOs stuff like starting a blog or social media account. The focus in Marketing for CEOs is on the leadership and strategy to get there. For businesses already focused on digital marketing, this book will help optimize their leadership. For businesses just starting out in digital marketing, it may focus too exclusively on leadership and not lower-level staff strategies.

Why Read Marketing for CEOs?

Marketing for CEOs is the kind of book marketing leaders should read when they are ready to make a full-scale commitment to digital marketing but need guidance creating their strategies. As the book details, CMOs should be doing more than congratulating an employee on a good Tweet or writing a blog. They should be proactively shaping the marketing journey of their business. This book shows them how to get started in this direction, especially for CEOs and any other leaders in charge of marketing at the top of the pyramid.

Get discounts and special offers on new and classic business books with an Audible Premium Plus membership. Learn more and sign up for an account today.
buffalo wild wings

Buffalo Wild Wings on Facebook

Buffalo Wild Wings' CEO is leaving the company after an activist investor triumphed in a monthslong battle for the wings chain's board.

On Friday, Buffalo Wild Wings announced Sally Smith would step down at the end of 2017 after more than 20 years at the company.

Less than an hour later, Marcato Capital Management announced that Buffalo Wild Wings' shareholders had elected all three of the activist investor's nominees to the company's board, including Mick McGuire, Marcato's founder and managing partner.

The end of Smith's leadership and the election of Marcato's nominees comes after months of disputes between the hedge fund and the restaurant company. McGuire kicked off the power struggle in August when he published an open letter accusing Buffalo Wild Wings' management of mismanaging the company.

The letter set off a brutal series of attacks and rebuttals. Marcato, which now owns about 10% of the company's shares, accused Buffalo Wild Wings of ripping off franchisees; Buffalo Wild Wings said McGuire had a "track record of losses in the boardroom."

sally smith buffalo wild wings

Food Channel

With the moves, it now looks as if the activist investor could carry out its plan for the chain: more locations owned and operated by franchisees.

"We are very pleased that our fellow Buffalo Wild Wings shareholders recognize that additional change on the board is warranted to return Buffalo Wild Wings to a path of growth and long-term value creation," McGuire said in a statement. "We will bring the fresh perspectives, restaurant-industry expertise, and oversight the Buffalo Wild Wings board needs to spearhead improvements at the company."

In addition to McGuire, Buffalo Wild Wings shareholders nominated Scott Bergren, the former CEO of Pizza Hut, and Sam Rovit, the CEO of the food-service company CTI Foods, to the board.

"I am proud of Buffalo Wild Wings' tremendous success. We have made great strides in executing our strategic plan and continuing to innovate to stay ahead of the competition," Smith said in a statement. "I am confident that the company, including its excellent management and board, are solidly positioned for its next phase of growth and development."

Story continues

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China Navy

Reuters

The Chinese navy may be putting a new spin on a classic warship: Its looking into the possibility of giving missile-laden arsenal ships submersible properties, enabling them to hide stockpiles of missiles, undetectable to radar, below the ocean surface.

The Chinese are exploring two arsenal-ship versions, according to Popular Science: One is a high-speed surface warship that can submerge at will, while the second is more similar to a traditional submarine.

What could a submersible surface ship do that a conventional submarine cant? It could go really fast on the surface, thanks to a hydroplaning hull, Popular Science reports:

For stealth operations, the arsenal ship would have most of its hull inherently submerged, with only the bridge and a few other parts of the ship above the waterline, reducing the radar cross section. But when traveling with a high-speed naval taskforce, the arsenal ship will sacrifice stealth to use its flat hull bottom to hydroplane at high speeds, cutting across the waves like a speedboat or amphibious armored vehicle.

The alternative plan calls for a platform that behaves similar to World War II submarines, Popular Science writes  typically staying at the surface, but able to completely submerge for stealth.

Two Chinese universities are responsible for the designing the concepts, according to the Wuhan city government. Those institutions, the Wuhan University of Science and Technology and Huazhong University of Science and Technology and Naval University of Engineering, were awarded a state prize for the work.

The concepts have been in the works since 2011, but anticipation is building. According to Popular Science, the diving missile ships proof-of-concept is under construction at Bohai Shipbuilding Heavy Industrial Corporation, to be launched after 2020.

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By Mai Nguyen HANOI (Reuters) - When Vietnam's prime minister sat down with President Donald Trump at the White House last week, it reflected a concerted Vietnamese lobbying effort unmatched by most Asian peers. It also underlined the strategic importance the one-time enemy has secured under Trump in the face of China's increasing regional weight and despite a growing surplus that frustrates U.S. trade hawks. Among Asian leaders, Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc's reception followed only those for his Japanese and Chinese counterparts. Fearful it would lose security and business gains made under the Obama administration, Vietnam's lobbying began as soon as Trump was elected. "We were already calculating options," said Tran Viet Thai, vice head of the communist state's Institute for Foreign Policy and Strategic Studies, Diplomatic Academy of Vietnam. Vietnam got a call set up between Phuc and Trump more than a month before he took office. Helping to spearhead contacts was Vietnam's ambassador in Washington, Pham Quang Vinh, a veteran of successful efforts under the Obama administration to lift an embargo on arms sales. Pham was also instrumental in the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP) trade pact, which Trump ditched - to Vietnam's consternation. Unlike most Southeast Asian countries, Vietnam retains a Washington lobbying firm - the Podesta Group - which it pays $30,000 a month, according to Justice Department documents. Both the foreign minister and deputy foreign minister made trips to Washington. Also pressed into service were friends in congress, academics and both U.S. and Vietnamese businesses, according to diplomats and researchers. Vietnam's message was taken to the National Security Council, specifically to Matt Pottinger, senior director for East Asia, and to Vice President Mike Pence's office as well as Defense and State Departments. Having a career U.S. ambassador in Hanoi helped. Vietnamese-speaking Ted Osius was not among political appointees swept out by Trump. 'FLOODED THE ZONE' Vietnam sought multiple routes to Trump. "They really 'flooded the zone' and comprehensively improved the relationship," said Carl Thayer, of Australias Defence Force Academy. "The devil will be in the details, but at this point it does seem to be a success as a piece of pro-active diplomacy from Hanoi." There were broad smiles at the White House, where Trump appeared more at ease with Phuc, a business-minded communist bureaucrat, than Western leaders who bridle at his "America First" policies. China is always near the top of Vietnam's concerns, although it tries to avoid alienating its neighbour. The joint statement with Trump was just as supportive for Vietnam as one last year - particularly on the South China Sea, where Vietnam is the most vocal opponent of Chinese claims. In fact, there was more: a possible U.S. carrier visit, acquisition of U.S. defence equipment and both naval and intelligence cooperation. Trump is due in Vietnam in November for the meeting of countries in the Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation group. TRADE TROUBLE The problem for Trump is the trade deficit - the United States' sixth biggest last year at $32 billion. In the first four months of 2017, Vietnam's U.S. exports grew over $400 million more than U.S. imports did. Some $8 billion in new deals with U.S. firms hailed by Trump during Phuc's visit were less than they seemed: at least $5 billion related to deals made public last year. Trump's decision to abandon the TPP trade pact in the name of protecting U.S. jobs didn't only harm Vietnam, which would have seen tariffs disappear. It would have forced Vietnam to improve access to a market of over 90 million people - more than Germany but with economic growth four times as fast. "Vietnam's commitments under TPP would have opened many new markets for American exporters," James Fatheree, Asia executive director of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, told Reuters. Phuc told Trump he would keep to commitments on improving intellectual property rights and labour laws. But without TPP's sweeping provisions, scores of points will need discussion. U.S. pig farmers want Vietnam to open up Asia's second biggest pork market; electronic payment providers are concerned at being forced to channel payments through a state monopoly; restrictions hamper the growth of online advertising; government procurement is opaque. Phuc and Trump's statement gave an indication of the complexity with mentions of advertising and financial services, information-security products, white offal, distillers dried grains, catfish, shrimp, mangoes... "While the U.S. will try to address the imbalance, the relationship is not strictly about trade," said Vietnam expert Jonathan London of Leiden University. "Its about the future economic and security order in the Asian region." (Additional reporting by Matthew Tostevin and Greg Torode; Editing by Lincoln Feast)
Thirty years ago, Eva Encinias-Sandoval had a vision of bringing world-class flamenco to Albuquerque.

Now she is humbled by how the Festival Flamenco Internacional de Alburquerque has grown over the past three decades.

Were so proud of the event, and its hard to believe that were at this point, she says. Thirty years is a long time. To say the least, were proud of the effort weve put into the festival.

Each June, the National Institute of Flamenco and the University of New Mexico host Festival Flamenco Internacional de Alburquerque, bringing the finest flamenco artists in the world to Albuquerque. Encinias-Sandoval is the executive director of the National Institute of Flamenco.

For a week, the city is filled with the pulse of flamenco and is transformed into a cultural center for the art form.

This tradition celebrates flamenco, the ancient form of artistic expression of the Spanish-Gypsy culture. The lure of flamenco is its ability to explore the full range of human emotion with an intense, vibrant quality that leaves audiences and students alike captivated.

Festival Flamenco has grown into one of the most anticipated international events for flamenco.

This years event will feature 58 visiting artists, who will perform across eight main stages.

There will also be five tablao performances at Hotel Albuquerque. Tablao flamenco shows are performed in a smaller setting with food and drinks.

And there will be 35 workshops for all levels of experience in flamenco dancing.

The biggest challenge is to continue to bring world-class dancers, Encinias-Sandoval says. These are dancers at the top of the genre. They are expensive to bring to Albuquerque. They are worth it. Theres no other time to see this caliber of dance.

The main stage performances will have pieces by Compania Marco Flores, Compania Maria Moreno, Compania Adrian Santana, Compania Pepe Torres, Compania Rosario Toledo and Compania Jesus Carmona. There will be a Fiesta Flamenca on June 16-17 that features members of all the companies.

The purpose of this project is to preserve and promote flamencos artistry, history and culture among both national and international communities.

While the presentation aspect is primarily cultivated for those seeking an aesthetic experience, the educational piece aims to promote unique and culturally relevant learning experiences for artistic practitioners, theorists and newcomers.

Encinias-Sandoval says the educational aspect of the festival includes workshops and lectures that address multiple aspects of flamenco, such as the history and development of the art form, dance and rhythmic sound patterns.

These classes are available and designed for students of all ages and backgrounds, creating a multigenerational, diverse atmosphere that promotes excellence, knowledge and personal growth.

We also look for ways to make it easier for families to afford the workshops, she says. We want the entire community to be able to be involved in the festival.

Because New Mexico has hosted Festival Flamenco for 30 years, the state is regarded as the center for flamenco in the United States, attracting over 5,500 students and patrons to this one-of-a-kind event, unparalleled in the quality of its scope and programming.

The purpose of the festival is to bring together the community, Encinias-Sandoval says. We wanted to bring flamenco to Albuquerque. The community has embraced the festival for 30 years. Weve seen the love and appreciation for the dance grow. Its amazing to see new generations finding flamenco and its beauty.
Family and friends of a motorcyclist shot and killed at a West Side carwash rallied on Saturday against the district attorneys decision not to charge the mans killer.

They asked for Bernalillo County District Attorney Raul Torrez to reopen the investigation into James Morales, who shot Earl Roybal, 59, during an altercation at the Hose It carwash near Quail and Coors NW on March 26.

About 50 bikers from the New Mexico Motorcyclists Rights Organization and other biker groups gathered at the same carwash on Saturday afternoon and voiced their displeasure at Torrezs decision.

Torrez on Friday announced that his office would not be prosecuting Morales. He called the death a tragedy, but said he didnt have enough evidence to successfully prosecute the shooter.

This decision in no way condones the shooting that occurred, Torrez said in a prepared statement. This is a tragic death that should never have happened, but the State does not have a good faith belief that it could convict Mr. Morales given the available evidence.

The family and the motorcycle advocacy organizations disagreed, and said the district attorney should at least give it a chance in the courtroom.

We, the family of Earl Roybal, refuse to believe that our society, our community, would agree with such a Wild West mentality, Roybals family said in a prepared statement.

Raymond Gallegos, the co-chairman of the motorcycle rights organization, said it was disturbing that the district attorney wasnt pursuing charges in the case.

Ralph Martinez, who is part of the Onagers Motorcycle Club, of which Roybal was a part, said Roybals family on Wednesday was participating in a parade in Winston, where Roybal was from.

Roybal was washing his motorcycle at Hose It with his girlfriend in March when Morales approached him and the two started arguing.

Both men were armed, and Morales told officers that he was punched in the face and was in fear for his life when he shot Roybal three times.

Morales, who had a concealed carry permit, stayed on scene after the shooting and was interviewed by police.
Jared Kushner deserves a bit of sympathy. All his life hes been serving his father or father-in-law. All his career hes been thrust into roles hes not ready for. His background has ill prepared him for national government. Now he is in a realm where his instincts seem to lead him astray and where theres a chance he will end up in disgrace and possibly under indictment.

The Kushner family drama begins in the Holocaust. In 1941, Rae Kushner was living in Belarus and was among the teenage girls selected to clean blood from the cobblestones after one of the Nazi mass executions. Rae and other family members tunneled out from the ghetto and joined an armed resistance camp. After the war they eventually made it to New Jersey, where her husband set up a successful construction business that flourished under their son.

So far this is an inspiring story of family struggle and immigrant hustle. But as riches rained down on the family, so did betrayal. The feud between Jareds father and uncle was over grabbing family money, and from the various accounts its hard to tell who betrayed the family most.

We do know that Jareds father, Charles, hired a prostitute to have sex with his brother-in-law so he could send a tape of the act to his sister, and ended up pleading guilty to 18 felony counts.

I believe that God and my parents in heaven forgive me for what I did, which was wrong, Charles once told an interviewer, according to Politico. I dont believe God and my parents will ever forgive my brother and sister for instigating a criminal investigation and being cheerleaders for the government and putting their brother in jail because of jealousy, hatred and spite.

Jareds brother was very young while all this happened and has since gone on to a fantastically successful independent career. But Jared interrupted his studies to take over the family business. He lived out his family-first devotion, his loyalty to kith and kin.

He may have lacked wisdom but not audacity. In a Trumpian move, he sold the familys New Jersey apartment complexes and bought 666 Fifth Ave. for $1.8 billion, then the most ever paid for a Manhattan office building. The Met-Life building sold at roughly the same time for $600 a square foot, according to reporting in The New York Times, but Kushner bought his building for $1,200 a square foot. Kushner worked feverishly to save the deal, but its been a financial albatross ever since, one reason Kushner has spent so much time looking for Chinese investors, and possibly Russian ones.

We tell young people to serve something beyond self, and Kushner seems to have been fiercely, almost selflessly, loyal to family. But the clannish mentality has often ill served him during his stay in government.

Working in government is about teamwork, majority-building and addition  adding more and more people to your coalition. It is about working within legal frameworks and bureaucratic institutions. Its about having a short memory and not taking things personally.

Clannishness, by contrast, is about tight and exclusive blood bonds. Its a moral approach based on loyalty and vengeance against those who attack a member of the clan. Its an intensely personal and feud-ridden way of being.

Working in government is about trusting the system, and trusting those who have been around and understand the craft. But the essence of clannishness is to build a barrier between family  inside the zone of trust  and others, outside that zone. Consequently, Kushner has made some boneheaded blunders in the White House. He reportedly pushed for the firing of FBI Director James Comey. Hes allowed his feud with Steve Bannon to turn into a public soap opera.

We dont know everything about his meetings with the Russians, but we know that they, like so much other clanlike behavior, went against the formal system. We also know that they show rookie naivete on several levels  apparently trusting the Russians not to betray him, apparently not understanding that these conversations would be surveyed by the U.S. intelligence services, possibly not understanding how alarming they would look to outsiders.

We seem to now be entering the paranoia phase of the Trump presidency, as insiders perceive that everybody else is out to get them. This turmoil, for both Trump and Kushner, was inevitable.

Our forebears have spent centuries trying to build a government of laws, and not of hereditary bloodlines. Its possible to thrive in this system as a member of a clan  the Roosevelts, the Kennedys and the Bushes  but its not possible to survive in this system if your mentality is entirely clannish.
An Albuquerque man is accused of brutally attacking a puppy on Thursday night, leaving the pooch bloodied, sluggish and with a broken tooth and swollen eyes.

Shaun Anaya, 40, was arrested on suspicion of animal cruelty.

Albuquerque police were called to the area of 1600 and Lead SE shortly before midnight on Thursday after a man said he could s ee a person beating a dog in a vehicle. The caller said the dog was yelping, according to a criminal complaint filed in Metropolitan Court.

An officer wrote in the criminal complaint that as he arrived on scene he could see Anaya doing something on the tailgate of a truck.

I heard a dog yelping and screaming in agony, the officer wrote.

The officer noted the injuries and reported there was blood on its fur. There was also blood in multiple places throughout the vehicle.

The person who called police said he saw Anaya punching the dog repeatedly in the front seat of the car, and then threw the dog into the back of the vehicle and then started hurting the dog more, according to the complaint.

The caller said he heard Anaya start a power tool shortly before the police officer arrived. A power saw was found on scene, according to the complaint.

The officer said in the complaint that Anaya denied doing anything to the dog.

He said it was sick and he was taking it to the vet, despite the fact that he was stopped in a dark alley in the middle of the night nowhere near a vet, the officer wrote. He had no explanation for why he was punching and harming the dog.

Anaya was booked into jail early Friday morning for the animal cruelty charge and for a probation violation.

Animal Control took the dog to a veterinarian.
While Washington freaked out over the Congressional Budget Offices verdict on the American Health Care Act  aka Trumpcare  and how cutting back health insurance would cost countless lives, the more interesting accounting came out of California. The dream of implementing single-payer health care across the Golden State came with a gobsmacking annual price tag: $400 billion, more than twice Californias annual budget.

So maybe this is a good opportunity to look for another homegrown solution to the problem of health care.

Loma Linda, Calif., has one of the highest life expectancies in the world. Residents there are 10 times more likely to live to 100 than typical Americans. The average male in Loma Linda lives to 89, the average woman to 91  both about 10 years longer than the national average.

Before you make like Ponce de Leon and head there to find the Fountain of Youth, let me tell you theres nothing in the water. Loma Linda is home to a thriving population of Seventh-day Adventists who place great stock in treating their bodies like temples. They dont smoke, drink alcohol or eat meat, and they get lots of exercise.

So maybe we should make former New York Mayor Michael Bloomberg czar, proscribe meat, tobacco and booze, and require North Korea-style calisthenics every morning before eating a mandatory breakfast of wholesome grains and raw vegetables.

No, we shouldnt. But we can learn something from the Loma Linda residents.

Whenever the subject of health care comes up, advocates for more government involvement insist that Americas comparatively low life expectancy is a searing indictment of our dysfunctional insurance system. Sen. Bernie Sanders recently seized on Donald Trumps statement that the Australians have a better insurance system by noting that Australians live longer, which is true. They live, on average, about three years longer than Americans.

But the gold standard of social organization for Sanders isnt Australia. Its Denmark. He often waxes lyrical about how Denmark has a different  and better  definition of freedom that, naturally, involves a cradle-to-grave socialist welfare state. Obviously, theres a lot to debate there, but how does Denmarks supposedly more enlightened approach translate in terms of life expectancy? The Danes live about a year and a half longer, on average, than Americans  or not quite as long as Australians.

And that on average conceals more than it reveals. A recent study by the Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation measured life expectancy by county across the United States. In 2014, a child born in Summit County, Colo., could be expected to live 86.83 years. The life expectancy of a child born in Ogala Lakota County in South Dakota, seat of the Pine Ridge Indian Reservation, is nearly 20 years shorter. Something tells me these discrepancies have much more to do with lifestyle than insurance.

Indeed, the chief reason American life expectancy lags  slightly  behind other developed countries has nothing to do with health care whatsoever. When the World Health Organization ranked America 19th out of 29 in life expectancy, Scott W. Atlas of the Hoover Institution pointed out that if you removed fatal car crashes and murders, the U.S. suddenly had the worlds best life expectancy numbers.

I cant see how adopting Danish health care would affect driving habits or homicide rates. Its also far from clear that government-provided health care does much to improve health generally. The Pine Ridge Lakota Indians already have it  in the form of the Indian Health Service. Of course, the IHS, like the Veterans Health Administration, has real problems. But a huge study of Medicaid expansion in Oregon found that, with the exception of depression diagnoses, increased health insurance yielded no significant improvement in health.

In 2016, when millions received coverage under Obamacare, American life expectancy went down for the first time in over 20 years. Im not suggesting a causal relationship: Obamacare didnt kill anyone. If it saved individuals lives here and there, thats great. Still, those numbers vanish in the national data as anecdotes, not significant trends.

There are still good reasons to reform health care. But a little humility about what government can do, and the stakes involved, might be in order.

Jonah Goldberg is a fellow at the American Enterprise Institute and a senior editor of National Review. E-mail goldbergcolumn@gmail.com, Twitter @JonahNRO. Copyright, Tribune Media Services Inc.
Copyright  2017 Albuquerque Journal

The state Financial Institutions Division contends that millions of dollars appear to have been stolen from trust accounts managed by a New Mexico nonprofit trust company, leaving numerous trust beneficiaries and other clients seriously harmed and in need of services.

More than 70 clients may have been affected, many with medical issues who are unable to care for their own needs. Some face possible eviction or gaps in services because they relied on the trust company to send in their rent checks and pay their medical bills, according to the division.

The ongoing state audit of assets managed by Desert State Life Management Inc. of Albuquerque points to the nonprofit companys CEO Paul Donisthorpe as having improperly transferred money from client accounts into three business and personal accounts under his whole or partial control, according to a petition filed by the financial agency in Albuquerque state District Court.

The state Financial Institutions Division is seeking a permanent injunction and the appointment of a receiver for the company. The agency asked for an expedited court hearing on the request in part to prevent actions such as the eviction of individuals from their residences and/or provide funds for critical medical care.

Alex Sanchez, deputy superintendent of the state Regulation and Licensing Division, said Friday that the number of clients impacted is in the 70s and that could go up.

Sanchez told the Journal the division discovered the alleged improprieties through a routine financial examination ordered in December. Various state, federal and local agencies are working to contact beneficiaries and their families or caretakers to offer assistance, Sanchez said.

We want to keep the people who are relying on these checks paying their bills going so theres not a gap in services. There are certain clients who literally would not know how to pay their rent so somebody has to do that for them, Sanchez said. At this time, its evident we believe the company cant do that any longer and we are asking the court to give FID the ability to handle those funds so we can ensure these people dont go without.

Sanchez told the Journal that Desert State typically obtains the authority to manage the assets of its beneficiaries either through a court order or upon the request of a beneficiarys family or representative. The state has the authority under state law to perform financial examinations yearly of certified trust companies.

Donisthorpe, a former New Mexico State Fair deputy manager and member of the state Commission on Higher Education, may have suffered brain damage that impairs his memory since being contacted by state Financial Institutions Division auditors in February, according to court documents.

Efforts to reach Donisthorpe at his home in Angel Fire werent successful. No one answered when the Journal telephoned the Desert State Life Management office in Albuquerque on Friday. The phones voice mail was full.

Allegations of theft

The state filed its petition Wednesday asking Judge Nan Nash to appoint a receiver to oversee investment and other accounts of the company, noting there have been allegations of criminal theft.

I believe that irreparable harm has occurred and will continue to occur because of the unsafe and injurious business practices of DSLM (Desert State Life Management) under current ownership and management, stated a motion filed on behalf of Christopher Moya, acting director of the Financial Institutions Division.

As a result of the actions of at least one officer of DSLM, which including the apparent theft of millions of dollars of funds from investment accounts for trusts under the trusteeship of DSLM, numerous trust beneficiaries and clients of DSLM have been seriously harmed.

Moya stated that many of the trust beneficiaries are individuals with significant medical concerns and/or lack of capacity to care for their own needs who relied upon the fund in their respective trusts accounts to pay for medical services, housing and daily living expenses and therefore these individuals face a level of harm far surpassing what might be assumed from only a loss of money.

Desert State is a nonprofit trust company that has provided trustee services and representative payee services to more than 100 clients since 2006, according to the states petition. New Mexico corporation records show the company formed in 1987 with Donisthorpe as the CEO.

Moya stated in the petition that his agency, through an examination of company records, determined several months ago that Desert State was conducting business in an unsafe and unsound manner. By law, Desert State had 60 days to rectify the matter but did not, Moya stated.

By last week, the agencys examination had identified a multitude of incidents where trust investment accounts had been harmed or depleted by the actions of at least one officer, court records state.

$4.1 million gone

Desert State bank account records and internal company records examined by the state showed the total client assets being managed by Desert State at the end of calendar year 2016 was $5.86 million, with about $800,000 of that identified as being legitimate disbursements and expenses for that year.

That should have left a total of about $5.06 million in client assets, excluding real estate and insurance policies.

But brokerage statements for the client investment account showed only $926,000 remaining in those accounts. This means losses to those accounts that cannot be legitimately accounted for totals $4.1 million in calendar year 2016 alone, according to an affidavit submitted by Moya.

Currently, there appears to be insufficient funds to make the required disbursements on clients accounts, the affidavit stated.

The ongoing analysis conducted by the FID of the banking and client account records of DSLM has led the FID to believe that over the time period of 2006 until present, more than $4 million in trust investment account funds managed by DSLM have been transferred out of the investment account for those trusts and out of the accounts of DSLM and into accounts controlled in whole or in part by Paul Donisthorpe, including accounts for Spectrum Capital Markets, LLC., Paul A. Donisthorpe, LLC, Corazon Cattle and or Corazon-Pitchford, LLC, the state contends.

Brain damage claim

The court filing gave a chronology of how the audit progressed.

Donisthorpe sent an email Feb. 10 thanking a state financial examiner for an update on when the examination would occur.

But none of the records requested by the state was subsequently provided, and there was no explanation as to why.

On Feb. 24, Donisthorpes wife, criminal trial attorney Liane Kerr, told the chief examiner for the agency that her husband had fallen down, possibly had a stroke and possible brain damage and was, at that time, in the hospital. He is 61 years old.

Kerr couldnt be reached for comment on Friday.

Current employees didnt know much about the operations of the company, and apparently there was only one functioning member of the board of directors for Desert State  board member Helen Bennett.

On March 27, Bennett contacted the FID and said that Donisthropes wife told her that he had recently attempted to commit suicide, Moyas affidavit stated.

Donisthorpe overdosed on prescription medication but survived and now may have brain damage that impairs his memory, Bennett told investigators.

Bennett also told the state examiners that Paul Donisthorpe was the only person at the company who was able to access the funds in the trust investment accounts and draw down funds from those accounts.

Ms. Bennett stated that attempts had been made to question Paul A. Donisthorpe about the missing  client money and that Mr. Donisthorpe had stated something to the effect that he could not remember, but that if the money was missing then he must have taken it, Moyas affidavit stated.

Bennett, who couldnt be reached for comment, has been assisting state officials with their inquiry, court records show.

Donisthorpe in 1991 served two years in prison for vehicular homicide. Police said he was drunk when he killed an Albuquerque teacher in 1990.

In 2003, he was appointed by Gov. Bill Richardson to the New Mexico Commission on Higher Education but resigned three days later after the revelations about his conviction became public.
LONDON President Donald Trump Sunday criticized London Mayor Sadiq Khan for urging calm after a terrorist attack that killed seven people in the U.K. capital.

At least 7 dead and 48 wounded in terror attack and Mayor of London says there is no reason to be alarmed!', Trump wrote on Twitter. Earlier, he said that we must stop being politically correct and get down to the business of security for our people.

Trumps comment about Khan  an apparent reference to a statement in which he urged Londoners to take the presence of extra police in their stride  is not the first criticism of the mayor by a member of the Trump team. In March, Trumps son Donald Jr. reacted to a past comment by Khan that terrorism preparedness is part and parcel of living in a great global city, by posting on Twitter: You have to be kidding me?!

Trumps Sunday comments came at a delicate time for U.S.-U.K. security relations, which were strained by British complaints about leaks to American media organizations after last months Manchester suicide bombing. Prime Minister Theresa May has taken a softer approach to Trump than some of her European counterparts, and was notably absent from a statement last week condemning his withdrawal from the Paris climate agreement.



2017 Bloomberg News

Visit Bloomberg News at www.bloomberg.com

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WASHINGTON  Russian President Vladimir Putin said he barely interacted with Michael Flynn, who was fired this year as White House national security adviser, at a dinner in Moscow in 2015.

The two sat next to each other at the dinner.

Putin spoke about Flynn in an interview conducted in Moscow Friday with NBC, which was to be broadcast Sunday night.

The Russian leader said that at the anniversary party for Russian television network RT in December 2015, his interactions with Flynn were brief and superficial, according to a partial transcript released by NBC. Flynn, a retired U.S. Army lieutenant general and former director of the Defense Intelligence Agency, was paid $45,000 to speak at the event.

When I came to the event for our company, Russia Today, and sat down at the table, next to me there was a gentleman sitting on one side, Putin said. Photos show Putin flanked by Flynn and Emir Kusturica, a Serbian filmmaker.

I made my speech. Then we talked about some other stuff. And I got up and left. And then afterwards I was told, You know there was an American gentleman. He was involved in some things. He used to be in the security services. Thats it. I didnt even really talk to him  Thats the extent of my acquaintance with Mr. Flynn, Putin said.

Flynn has become a central figure in investigations by Congress and the FBI into possible ties between Russia, the Trump administration and the Trump campaign.

An adviser to Trumps campaign and prominent speaker at the 2016 Republican National Convention, Flynn was fired less than four weeks after Trumps inauguration after claims that he misled Vice President Mike Pence about his contacts with Sergey Kislyak, Russias ambassador to the U.S., during the presidential transition.

Flynn is one among a number of current and former Trump associates at the center of investigations into whether anyone close to the president helped Russia interfere in the U.S. election, and whether any crimes were committed.



2017 Bloomberg News

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Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.

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MANILA, Philippines  A heavily indebted former employee of the Philippines finance department was the man who attacked a casino complex that killed 37 people, police said Sunday.

The man, Jessie Carlos, had a gambling problem and was fired from the Department of Finance in 2014 for not accurately disclosing his assets and liabilities, said Manila police chief Oscar Albayalde.

This is not an act of terrorism but this incident is confined to the act of one man alone as we have always said, Albayalde said at a news conference.

We have and will continue to base our pronouncements on facts and evidence properly gathered, Albayalde said We will not allow people or any threat group to use this situation to advance their propaganda or personal causes whether foreign or local.

Islamic State claimed that the attack on Resorts World Manila Friday was carried out by a jihadist who it suggested was from the Philippines.

The suspect, who killed himself after the attack at Resorts World, owed at least $80,000 dollars in credit card debts and had recently sold his pickup truck because of financial problems, Albayalde said.

He is heavily indebted due to being hooked in casino gambling, according to his immediate family, he said. This became the cause of misunderstanding with his wife and parents.

Video released by Resorts World, showed a man shooting inside the casino, and then setting fire to tables, slot machines and carpets.

Smoke inhalation was blamed for the deaths.

The man was found dead in a room in a hotel next to the casino.



2017 Deutsche Presse-Agentur GmbH (Hamburg, Germany)

Visit Deutsche Presse-Agentur GmbH (Hamburg, Germany) at www.dpa.de/English.82.0.html

Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.

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State Police say a small handcrafted airplane was forced into a hard landing near the Double Eagle Airport on Sunday after a piece of equipment broke. The pilot, the only person inside of the plane, was not injured.

Bernalillo County deputies initially described the incident as a plane crash, but a State Police spokeswoman later clarified that the experimental airplane was simply forced to land three miles from the airport around 9 a.m. Sunday. The plane sustained minor damage.

Bernalillo County deputy Joshua Campos said the Bernalillo County Sheriffs Office Air Unit helped search the mesa area southwest of the airport in reference to a downed aircraft.

The air unit located the plane and pilot without any injuries, he said.

According to State Police, the Federal Aviation Administration was notified and will conduct an investigation.
PARIS  The Latest from the French Open (all times local):

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10 p.m.

Novak Djokovic joked that the start of his fourth-round match at the French Open was not much fun to watch.

The defending champion dropped his opening service game and took 1 hour, 15 minutes of scrappy, backs-to-the wall tennis to win the first set. He beat 19th-seeded Spaniard Albert Ramos-Vinolas 7-6 (5), 6-1, 6-3.

After milking applause from the fans, Djokovic conducted his brief post-match interview on court.

He was asked by former player Fabrice Santoro what new coach Andre Agassi would have thought of the match.

I hope he watched the second and third sets, and not the first, a smiling Djokovic said with a twist of irony, before becoming serious again. Its a great honor and a pleasure to have Agassi as my coach.

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8.55 p.m.

Defending champion Novak Djokovic is through to the quarterfinals of the French Open for the eighth straight year.

He beat 19th-seeded Spaniard Albert Ramos-Vinolas 7-6 (5), 6-1, 6-3 in the days final match on Court Philippe Chatrier. Djokovic sealed victory on his first match point with a cross-court winner struck firmly from near the net.

The second-seeded Serb dropped his serve at the start of the match and squeezed through a tough first set lasting 1 hour, 15 minutes.

Next up for Djokovic is No. 6 Dominic Thiem of Austria  the player he beat in last years semifinal in three sets, dropping just seven games.

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8:30 p.m.

Timea Bacsinszky explained why she sprinted to her chair as Venus Williams was about to serve.

Late into their fourth-round match, Williams was about to toss the ball up into the air when the American noticed the 30th-seeded Swiss was not standing at the other end.

Instead, Bacsinszky was making an express trip to wash clay off her hands. She had got them dirty attempting to treat a sudden injury.

I had a pinched nerve in my thigh. I was clumsily trying to stretch my foot and I got my hands all filthy with clay, Bacsinszky said. I really needed to get to my chair, and I had already received a warning about time. So I just rushed back and said (to the chair umpire) Please, Im really sorry, Ive got clay all over my hands. I cant play properly.'

Bacsinszky, a semifinalist at Roland Garros in 2015, won 5-7, 6-2, 6-1.

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7:20 p.m.

Dominic Thiem is through to the French Open quarterfinals for the second straight year after easing past Horacio Zeballos 6-1, 6-3, 6-1.

The sixth-seeded Austrian, a semifinalist at Roland Garros last year, next plays either defending champion Novak Djokovic or No. 19 Albert Ramos-Vinolas.

Zeballos received a thumbs up from Thiem after one superb lob midway through the third set, but the unseeded Argentine was never really in contention and lost in 1 hour, 40 minutes.

An ace down the middle gave Thiem victory on his first match point.

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6:05 p.m.

Venus Williams has lost in the fourth round of the French Open to 30th-seeded Timea Bacsinszky of Switzerland, meaning the tournament will produce a first-time Grand Slam champion.

Bacsinszky won 5-7, 6-2, 6-1 in Court Philippe Chatrier, the second year in a row that she beat Williams in the fourth round in Paris.

Williams, who turns 37 this month, is a seven-time major champion, with all of those titles at Wimbledon or the U.S. Open. Her best French Open showing was in 2002, when she lost to her sister Serena in the final.

Bacsinszkys best result at a major tournament was reaching the semifinals at Roland Garros in 2015.

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5:15 p.m.

Defending champion Garbine Muguruza has lost in the French Opens fourth round to Frances Kristina Mladenovic 6-1, 3-6, 6-3.

Mladenovic reached the quarterfinals at Roland Garros for the first time.

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4:50 p.m.

Spaniard Pablo Carreno Busta beat fifth-seeded Milos Raonic of Canada 4-6, 7-6 (2), 6-7 (6), 6-4, 8-6 in the French Open fourth round.

Carreno Busta reached his first Grand Slam quarterfinal the hard way, wasting six match points through a combination of unforced errors and big winners from Raonic.

He wasted three of them serving at 5-4 up, and three more when serving at 7-6.

He finally won with a forehand volley at the net, with Raonic near the back of the court.

After 4 hours, 17 minutes of hard slog, the 20th-seeded Carreno Busta will have used up valuable energy for his quarterfinal against nine-time champion Rafael Nadal.

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4:35 p.m.

Defending champion Garbine Muguruza and French favorite Kristina Mladenovic are heading to a third set at Court Suzanne Lenglen with a Roland Garros quarterfinal spot at stake.

Muguruza forced a third set by taking the second 6-3, breaking in the last game. Mladenovic took the opener 6-1.

It is the third time in four matches that Mladenovic has played a three-setter. One of the earlier ones ended at 9-7, the other at 8-6.

Muguruza is seeded No. 5, Mladenovic No. 13.

Muguruza beat Serena Williams in the French Open final last year.

Mladenovic had never made it past the third round in Paris. The last woman representing France to win the countrys Grand Slam tournament was Mary Pierce in 2000.

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3:50 p.m.

Teenager Jelena Ostapenko is the first woman from Latvia to make it to the French Open quarterfinals in the professional era. She beat 2010 runner-up Samantha Stosur 2-6, 6-2, 6-4.

The 47th-ranked Ostapenko is the youngest player in the tournament at age 19.

She compiled a whopping 46-15 advantage in winners against the 23rd-seeded Stosur, who won the 2011 U.S. Open.

Ostapenko now faces former No. 1 Caroline Wozniacki, who is a two-time major finalist.

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3:20 p.m.

Richard Gasquet retired from his all-French third-round match against Gael Monfils at Roland Garros after getting treatment on his right thigh.

The 24th-seeded Gasquet stopped playing while trailing 4-3 in the third set. The players split the first two sets.

Before the start of the third, Gasquet had a trainer work on his upper right leg. Gasquet got a massage and then his thigh was taped up.

The 15th-seeded Monfils moved into the fourth round at the French Open for the seventh time. His best showing in Paris was a semifinal run in 2008.

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3 p.m.

Rafael Nadal eased past 17th-seeded Roberto Bautista Agut 6-1, 6-2, 6-2 to reach the quarterfinals of the French Open.

The fourth-seeded Spaniard secured victory on his third match point when he pushed Bautista Agut to the back of the court with a big forehand that his countryman could only pat back into the net at full stretch. He won in less than two hours.

Nadal is through to his 11th at Roland Garros  equaling Roger Federers Open era record.

The 31-year-old Nadal is seeking his 10th French Open title and 15th Grand Slam title. His last major came at Roland Garros in 2014.

His opponent in the last eight will be either No. 5 Milos Raonic of Canada or Spaniard Pablo Carreno Busta.

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1:35 p.m.

Two weeks past his 21st birthday, unseeded Karen Khachanov of Russia became the youngest man to reach the French Opens fourth round since 2009, beating 21st-seeded American John Isner 7-6 (1), 6-3, 6-7 (5), 7-6 (3).

Isner was the last U.S. man in the draw of 11 who entered the tournament.

Khachanov is playing at Roland Garros for the first time. It is only the third major of his career.

The match was suspended a night earlier after the first set because of rain.

Despite hitting eight double-faults, Khachanov won all 23 games he served against Inser, saving four break points. Khachanov converted 1 of 6 break points on Isners serve, but that was enough.

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1:20 p.m.

Former No. 1 Caroline Wozniacki returned to the French Open quarterfinals for the first time since 2010, eliminating 2009 champion Svetlana Kuznetsova 6-1, 4-6, 6-2.

The 11th-seeded Wozniacki is a two-time runner-up at majors.

She played her typically safe style for much of the match, winding up with 15 fewer unforced errors than No. 8 Kuznetsova. Wozniacki also broke in half of Kuznetsovas 12 service games.

Wozniacki missed the 2016 French Open because of an ankle injury. She lost in the first or second round each of the previous three years.

___

12:40 p.m.

Croatian qualifier Petra Martic upset 17th-seeded Anastasija Sevastova 6-1 6-1 to reach the fourth round of the French Open.

Martic is ranked 290th but she took just 49 minutes to beat the Latvian and match her best performance at a Grand Slam tournament.

The 26-year-old Martic next faces fifth-seeded Elina Svitolina after the Ukrainian beat Magda Linette 6-4, 7-5.

___

12:30 p.m.

Karolina Pliskova of the Czech Republic is through to the fourth round of the French Open after swatting aside Germanys Carina Witthoeft in straight sets.

The second-seeded Pliskova hit 34 winners as she raced to a 7-5, 6-1 victory in 70 minutes. She will next face the winner of the match between Veronica Cepede Royg and Mariana Duque-Marina.

___

12:15 p.m.

The rain delay suited Kei Nishikori as he recovered to beat Hyeon Chung 7-5, 6-4, 6-7 (4), 0-6, 6-4 when their third round match resumed at the French Open.

The eighth-seeded Nishikori was leading 7-5, 6-4, 6-7 (4), 0-3 when rain stopped play on Saturday, but was clearly struggling with a wrist injury and had also had treatment on his back as the 21-year-old Chung rallied.

Chung, who is ranked 67th, had never beaten a top-10 player in six attempts but leveled when play resumed, keeping alive his bid to become the first South Korean to reach the fourth round at Roland Garros.

Nishikori broke early in the fifth set and was serving for the match when Chung broke back, but the Japanese player sealed the result when his opponent double faulted.

It was the first time in the Open era that two Asian men had met as late as the third round in a Grand Slam tournament.

___

11:15 a.m.

Carina Witthoeft turned up late for her third round match against second-seeded Karolina Pliskova at the French Open.

Witthoeft walked onto Court 3 about eight minutes after Pliskova, who gave the German a wry smile as she walked past her seat.

___

11 a.m.

Defending champions Novak Djokovic and Garbine Muguruza both play Sunday in the fourth round of the French Open, in a packed schedule created by multiple rain postponements.

Djokovic is last on Court Philippe Chatrier, against No. 19 Albert Ramos-Vinolas of Spain, while the fifth-seeded Muguruza plays No. 13 Kristina Mladenovic of France on Court Suzanne Lenglen after Rafael Nadal plays Spanish compatriot Roberto Bautista Agut.

Seven-time major champion Venus Williams is bidding for a quarterfinal spot against No. 30 Timea Bacsinszky.

Three third-round mens matches are scheduled to resume after rain cancelled play on Saturday afternoon: No. 8 Kei Nishikori against Hyeon Chung, No. 15 Gael Monfils against No. 24 Richard Gasquet, and No. 21 John Isner against Karen Khachanov.
PHILADELPHIA, June 4, 2017 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Over 2,000 people from more than 24 states came together today at Children's Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP) to celebrate the 21st annual Fetal Surgery Family Reunion hosted by the hospital's Center for Fetal Diagnosis and Treatment (CFDT).

One in every 33 babies in the United States is born with a birth defect. Many times, these conditions are so rare most parents have never heard of them and even some clinicians may only encounter one or two cases throughout the duration of their career. Too often families are unaware that a place like CHOP exists.

The reunion brought together a unique community of families who share the common bond of receiving a birth defect diagnosis prenatally. Conditions such as spina bifida, congenital diaphragmatic hernia, or twin-twin transfusion syndrome have potentially devastating outcomes, but the Center for Fetal Diagnosis and Treatment at CHOP is a pioneer in the field, increasingly treating more birth defects with either fetal surgery or by providing complex care immediately after birth.

"Each year, the fetal family reunion serves as a visual testament to the advancements made in fetal medicine," said N. Scott Adzick, M.D., Surgeon-In-Chief at CHOP and director of the CFDT. "To reflect back to our first reunion 21 years ago, with only 10 families in attendance, and to look at how far we've come, is both humbling and inspiring. It is a privilege to care for these patients and their families."

The Center's large patient volume, coupled with the diversity of patients seen each day, gives the team at CHOP a depth and breadth of experience that helps to offer the best possible care. The staff has cared for more than 20,000 expectant parents from all 50 states and more than 60 countries.

"The reunion continues to be our most cherished day of the year," said Lori J. Howell, RN, MSN, DNP, Executive Director of the CFDT. "Knowing these children before they were even born, and getting to see how much they've grown up, is beyond rewarding. The reunion serves as a way to celebrate many obstacles these children have overcome, and our team is so happy to celebrate with them and their families."

Each week at CHOP, highly sophisticated surgical teams repair spina bifida and other birth defects in the womb, place fetal shunts to treat life-threatening congenital conditions, or perform minimally invasive procedures in the mother's uterus to treat complications in fetal twins. Of approximately 5,000 fetal surgeries done worldwide, a quarter of them have been performed at CHOP, more than at any other hospital. The Center staff has also managed thousands of pregnancies complicated by birth defects in which newborns need immediate specialized medical care or surgery after delivery. Learn more about our Center here.

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 546-bed hospital recognition as a leading advocate for children and adolescents. For more information, visit http://www.chop.edu

Contact: Ashley Moore

Moorea1@email.chop.edu

Cell: 215.630.4683

To view the original version on PR Newswire, visit:http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/childrens-hospital-of-philadelphia-gathers-families-for-annual-fetal-surgery-family-reunion-300468344.html

SOURCE Children's Hospital of Philadelphia
Google Home for Canada is now available for pre-order for anyone in the region that has been waiting to get their hands on the A.I.-powered smart speaker. Those who are interested in placing the pre-order can pick it up from the Google Store Canada, as well as Best Buy Canada, and the cost will set customers back $179 CAD. Google says itll be available in both English and French versions so no matter which of the two languages customers speak it should be able to accommodate them.

Google initially announced that Google Home was coming to Canada back during Google I/O 2017, but it didnt mention an exact date, or a price, or where it would be available. All Google did mention was that it would be available in the Summer. Now with Googles post today all of that information has been detailed. In addition to the Google Store and Best Buy Canada, Google Home will also be available at Bell, Indigo, London Drugs, Telus, Rogers, Staples, The Source, Visions, and at Walmart. Itll be available for purchase at those locations starting on June 26th, so there is still a few more weeks to wait for customers to be able to pick it up in store at one of those locations physically, though as mentioned above if customers want to get a head start they can place their pre-orders today through the Google Store or Best Buy.

While Google does already sell bases for the Google Home speaker in the U.S., they wont be available in Canada just yet which means customers in the region will be limited to the base that comes with their Google Home units. The Google Home bases are listed on the Google Store in Canada though so they will be available eventually as they are listed as coming soon. While there is a lack of a release date for the bases and its not immediately clear if all of the color and material options will be available, the Google Store in Canada does list the cost which is $55 CAD, though this likely goes up for the metal ones as these also cost more in the U.S., and $55 is probably the cost for the different colored fabric models.
POWELL, Wyo. (AP)  A proposal for the U.S. Bureau of Land Management to buy about 1,800 acres on top of a mountain in northern Wyoming has strong support. The only question is whether the agency can come up with the money.

More than a dozen organizations, agencies and individuals  ranging from the Greater Yellowstone Coalition to the Park County Commission  have written letters supporting the proposed federal purchase of the land on Sheep Mountain west of Cody, the Powell Tribune reported.

Located west of the Buffalo Bill Reservoir and landlocked by roughly 17,000 acres of public land, the land is owned by The Nature Conservancy, a nonprofit organization that acquired it to keep it open for wildlife and public use.

The land on Sheep Mountain is particularly important in providing wildlife, including bighorn sheep, elk and mule deer, refuge in hard winters, said Katherine Thompson, The Nature Conservancys northwest Wyoming program director.

Just the way its oriented and the way the wind hits it, its often clear when the mountains around it are covered in snow, Thompson said.

The property is also popular among hikers and hunters.

The Nature Conservancy estimates the land is worth somewhere between $1 million and $2 million. The land wont be officially appraised and a fair market value determined until things are much closer to a sale, as appraisals are valid only for a limited period of time.

Its a lot of money, Thompson said, and it would be difficult for the BLM to find that much money for one land purchase at a time when the agency is already stretched for dollars.

BLM Cody Field Office Manager Delissa Minnick supports the idea of the agency buying the land.

Minnick said she thinks the Sheep Mountain proposal would compete well with other federal land purchase proposals around the country because new U.S. Interior Secretary Ryan Zinke has made access for hunters and anglers a part of his agenda.
Another supposed sketch of the OnePlus 5 surfaced online on Sunday, giving more credence to recent reports that the upcoming Android flagship will sport a dual camera setup consisting of two horizontally arranged sensors in the top-left corner of its rear panel. The sketch also indicates that the dual LED, dual tone flash unit of the upcoming device will be placed immediately to the right of its main camera setup, while the phone itself will boast the same physical buttons that its predecessor did. Furthermore, latest reports indicate that the OnePlus 5 will not be launching on June 15 like it was previously thought, though the Chinese original equipment manufacturer (OEM) still intends to launch the handset at some point this month, sources said on Sunday. Its currently unclear whether the Shenzhen, Guangdong-based phone maker will officially unveil the OnePlus 5 before or after the aforementioned date, but more details on the matter are bound to follow shortly.

The OnePlus 5 has already been the subject of numerous leaks and rumors in recent months, and while not all industry insiders agree on every single specification of the upcoming smartphone, the majority of related reports outline the same basic specs. Its expected that the handset will launch with a 5.5-inch display panel with a resolution of 2560 by 1440 pixels protected by 2.5D glass and ship in two variants, boasting 6GB of RAM and 64GB of storage space and 8GB of RAM and 128GB of internal flash memory, respectively. While neither model is thought to sport a microSD card slot, both should be powered by the Snapdragon 835, Qualcomms latest flagship system-on-chip (SoC) that OnePlus said will be utilized in its next high-end device. The OnePlus 5 is also expected to be resistant to dust and water, in accordance with the IP68 rating. Finally, representatives of the Chinese consumer electronics manufacturer previously claimed that the handset will be thinner and possibly even smaller than the OnePlus 3T.

According to recent reports, the OnePlus 5 might be somewhat more expensive than its predecessor that shipped with a $349 price tag in the United States. An update on its availability and pricing is expected to follow soon.
The Lenovo Moto brand wont be a major focus of Motorola Mobility going forward, the companys Chief Marketing Officer Jan Huckfeldt suggested on Thursday at the Moto Z2 Play launch event. While speaking to a crowd of consumers and journalists in Brazil earlier this week, Huckfeldt talked about the process of building a strong brand and stressed the importance of getting the fundamentals right, adding how the Motorola brand is still extremely popular in the Latin American country. We are all in and fully focused on  Motorola, the companys executive said, implying how the Lenovo Moto brand will be partially or completely replaced by Motorola branding in the near future.

Refer to the video beneath this writing to hear Huckfeldt talk about that change in brand strategy; the relevant part starts around the 1:00 mark. Its currently unclear whether the newly announced Moto Z2 Play will mark the start of the companys new promotional efforts as the prototype units of the device only carried the familiar Moto branding on their top bezels. Regardless, the launch event itself featured a lot of Motorola branding, implying that the company is now once again ready to embrace its historic name that took a backseat to the streamlined Moto brand after Lenovo acquired the Libertyville, Illinois-based consumer electronics manufacturer from Google in late 2014.

Even if the Lenovo Moto brand becomes a thing of the past in the coming months, the same wont hold true for the main Lenovo name in the context of its handset division, with Lenovo Group Chief Executive Officer and Chairman Yang Yuanqing recently saying that the Chinese tech giant will never discontinue the Lenovo phone brand in favor of Motorola. The latest turn of events comes shortly after Lenovo said that its phone manufacturing unit is set to return to profit in the near future, which is something that it didnt manage to accomplish since Motorola Mobility joined Lenovo Groups family. Apart from the Moto Z2 Play, Motorola is expected to launch half a dozen other smartphones spanning numerous price points by the end of the year in an effort to improve its performance in the increasingly competitive smartphone market.
Verizon is handing out free Google Homes to Pixel buyers, so if youre on the Verizon network and you have been considering picking up a Pixel or Pixel XL, now would be the time to do so before the deal is over as this seems to be a limited time promotion that wont last forever. Verizon even lists it as being available for a limited time, but the unfortunate thing for customers is that they dont give out a time frame for when the promotion is over. This puts out a sense of urgency for the customer to head into a store and make the purchase for fear of losing out.

All that said, the Google Home is only free after a mail-in-rebate, so youll want to keep that in mind when buying the new phone, as youll still need to spend the additional $129.99 to get the Google Home and then receive the rebate to make it free. This shouldnt be a huge surprise as this is the way that carriers have been giving away free products for years. For those not on Verizon and are considering a switch, there is more good news than just a free Google Home with the purchase of a Pixel.

Verizon has a limited time switching deal going on where you can switch to Verizon and trade in an eligible device to get various smartphones for $15 a month, and this includes the Google Pixel and Pixel XL. There are a few caveats to pay attention to though. First, you have to trade in an eligible device as mentioned above. As an added bonus, customers who bring over a second line of service or sign up for a second line will also get a $100 Amazon gift card. You also have to sign up for the Verizon Unlimited plan. Existing customers shouldnt feel left out as Verizon is offering the Pixel and Pixel XL for as low as $15 a month for existing customers as well. There are lots of eligible trade-in devices that count towards Verizons promotion, including the LG G4, G5, G6, V10, and V20, as well as the Samsung Galaxy S5, S6 Edge, S6 Edge+, S7, S7 Edge, and even the Galaxy S8 and Galaxy S8+, for those that recently bought the latest phones on a different network and are feeling buyers remorse. There are also other phones that count as well, so it may be worth looking over Verizons promotion details in full.
4 June 2017 11:00 (UTC+04:00)

Dutch ambassador to Azerbaijan Onno Kervers has visited educational, culture and healthcare centers in Nakhchivan as part of his three-day tour of the Autonomous Republic, AZERTAC reported.

Kervers met with students of the Faculty of International Relations and Foreign Languages at Nakhchivan State University, and gave them a lecture about Netherlands-Azerbaijan relations. The Dutch ambassador then visited Nakhchivan Business Centre where he familiarized himself with local products.

Kervers also viewed Heydar Aliyev Palace, Nakhchivan Industrial Complex, Nakhchivan Cement Plant, Duzdag Physiotherapy Center and Nakhchivan State Carpet Museum.

---

Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz
4 June 2017 10:25 (UTC+04:00)

By Trend

President Recep Tayyip Erdogan on Saturday urged businesspeople to boost domestic investment.

Speaking at Independent Industrialists' and Businessmen's Association (MUSIAD) meeting in Istanbul, Erdogan said: "I want to call on all businessmen, especially MUSIAD members; If we value our country, if we love our country, if we want to pay our debt to these lands, it is time to act now."

"We will work harder. The day is investment day. At such a time, if you evaluate your investment opportunities, the future will be much more productive," he said, Anadolu reported.

Turning to the ongoing state of emergency in the country, Erdogan defended that it did not stop investment.

"Everyone should know that the state of emergency exists to fight against terrorism. It is null for non-terrorists," the president said.

After the deadly coup attempt last July 15, Turkey declared a state of emergency which has been extended since then.

Erdogan said it would not be lifted until Turkey achieved peace and welfare.

According to Turkeys government, FETO and its U.S.-based leader Fetullah Gulen orchestrated the defeated coup of July 15, 2016, which left 250 people martyred and nearly 2,200 injured.

Ankara also accuses FETO of being behind a long-running campaign to overthrow the state through the infiltration of Turkish institutions, particularly the military, police and judiciary.

---

Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz
Teradyne, Inc. designs, develops, manufactures, sells, and supports automatic test equipment worldwide. The company operates through Semiconductor Test, System Test, Industrial Automation, and Wireless Test segments. The Semiconductor Test segment offers products and services for wafer level and device package testing in automotive, industrial, communications, consumer, smartphones, cloud computer and electronic game, and other applications. This segment also provides FLEX test platform systems; J750 test system to address the volume semiconductor devices; Magnum platform that tests memory devices, such as flash memory and DRAM; and ETS platform for semiconductor manufacturers, and assembly and test subcontractors in the analog/mixed signal markets. It serves integrated device manufacturers that integrate the fabrication of silicon wafers into their business; fabless companies that outsource the manufacturing of silicon wafers; foundries; and semiconductor assembly and test providers. The System Test segment offers defense/aerospace test instrumentation and systems; storage test systems; and circuit-board test and inspection systems. The Industrial Automation segment provides collaborative robotic arms, autonomous mobile robots, and advanced robotic control software for manufacturing, logistics, and light industrial customers. The Wireless Test segment provides test solutions for use in the development and manufacture of wireless devices and modules, smartphones, tablets, notebooks, laptops, peripherals, and Internet-of-Things devices under the LitePoint brand name. This segment also offers IQxel products for Wi-Fi and other standards; IQxstream solution for testing GSM, EDGE, CDMA2000, TD-SCDMA, WCDMA, HSPA+, LTE, and 5G technologies; IQcell, a multi-device cellular signaling test solution; IQgig test solution; and turnkey test software for wireless chipsets. Teradyne, Inc. was incorporated in 1960 and is headquartered in North Reading, Massachusetts.
The following companies are subsidiares of Transocean: 15375 Memorial Corporation, Agon Shipping Inc., Aguas Profundas Limitada, AngoSantaFe - Prestacao de Servicos Petroliferos Limitada, Angola Deepwater Drilling Company (Offshore Services) Ltd, Arcade Drilling AS, Asie Sonat Offshore Sdn. Bhd., Barents Rigco Limited, Blegra Asset Management Limited, Blegra Financing Limited, Caledonia Offshore Drilling Services Limited, Challenger Minerals Inc., Covent Garden - Servicos e Marketing Sociedade Unipessoal Lda, Deepwater Drilling (Transocean Ghana) Limited, Deepwater Drilling North Africa LLC - Free Zone, Deepwater Pacific 1 Inc., Deepwater Supply Inc., Drillship Alonissos Owners Inc., Drillship Hydra Owners Inc., Drillship Kithira Owners Inc., Drillship Kythnos Owners Inc., Drillship Paros Owners Inc., Drillship Skiathos Owners Inc., Drillship Skopelos Owners Inc., Drillship Skyros Owners Inc., Eastern Med Consultants Inc., Entities Holdings Inc., GSF Leasing Services GmbH, Global Marine Inc., Global Offshore Drilling Limited, GlobalSantaFe (Labuan) Inc., GlobalSantaFe B.V., GlobalSantaFe C.R. Luigs Limited, GlobalSantaFe Denmark Holdings ApS, GlobalSantaFe Drilling (N.A.) N.V., GlobalSantaFe Drilling Company, GlobalSantaFe Drilling Company (North Sea) Limited, GlobalSantaFe Drilling Company (Overseas) Limited, GlobalSantaFe Drilling Mexico S. de R.L. de C.V., GlobalSantaFe Drilling Operations Inc., GlobalSantaFe Drilling Services (North Sea) Limited, GlobalSantaFe Drilling Trinidad LLC, GlobalSantaFe Drilling Venezuela C.A., GlobalSantaFe Financial Services (Luxembourg) S.a.r.l., GlobalSantaFe Group Financing Limited Liability Company, GlobalSantaFe Holding Company (North Sea) Limited, GlobalSantaFe Hungary Services Limited Liability Company, GlobalSantaFe International Drilling Corporation, GlobalSantaFe International Drilling Inc., GlobalSantaFe International Services Inc., GlobalSantaFe Nederland B.V., GlobalSantaFe Offshore Services Inc., GlobalSantaFe Operations (Mexico) LLC, GlobalSantaFe Saudi Arabia Ltd., GlobalSantaFe Services (BVI) Inc., GlobalSantaFe Services Netherlands B.V., GlobalSantaFe Servicios de Venezuela C.A., GlobalSantaFe South America LLC, GlobalSantaFe Tampico S. de R.L. de C.V., GlobalSantaFe Techserv (North Sea) Limited, GlobalSantaFe U.S. Holdings Inc., Indigo Drilling Limited, Inteliwell JV GP Limited, Inteliwell JV LP, Kalambo Operations Inc., OCR Falklands Drilling Inc., OR Norge Operations Inc., Ocean Rig, Ocean Rig 1 Inc, Ocean Rig 2 Inc., Ocean Rig Canada Inc., Ocean Rig Cuanza Operations Inc., Ocean Rig Cubango Operations Inc., Ocean Rig Deepwater Drilling Limited, Ocean Rig Investments Inc., Ocean Rig Management Inc., Ocean Rig Operations Inc., Ocean Rig UDW Inc., Ocean Rig UDW LLC, Offshore Ghana Transocean Limited, Offshore Rig Operations AS, Olympia Rig Angola Holding S.A., Olympia Rig Angola Limitada, Orion Holdings (Cayman) Limited, Orion RigCo (Cayman) Limited, P.T. Santa Fe Supraco Indonesia, PT. Transocean Indonesia, Platform Capital N.V., Platform Financial N.V., Primelead Limited, R&B Falcon (A) Pty Ltd, R&B Falcon (Caledonia) Limited, R&B Falcon (M) Sdn. Bhd., R&B Falcon (U.K.) Limited, R&B Falcon B.V., R&B Falcon Deepwater (UK) Limited, R&B Falcon Drilling Co. LLC, R&B Falcon Exploration Co. LLC, R&B Falcon International Energy Services B.V., RBF Rig Corporation LLC, Ranger Insurance Limited, Reading & Bates Coal Co. LLC, SDS Offshore Limited, Safemal Drilling Sdn. Bhd., Santa Fe Braun Inc., Santa Fe Construction Company, Santa Fe Drilling Company of Venezuela C.A., Saudi Drilling Company Limited, Sedco Forex International Inc., Services Petroliers Transocean, Servicios Petroleros Santa Fe S.A., Ship Investment Ocean Holdings Inc., Songa Offshore Delta Limited, Songa Offshore Drilling Limited, Songa Offshore Enabler Limited, Songa Offshore Encourage Limited, Songa Offshore Endurance Limited, Songa Offshore Equinox Limited, Songa Offshore Equipment Rental Limited, Songa Offshore Malaysia Sdn. Bhd., Songa Offshore Management Limited, Songa Offshore Pte. Ltd., Songa Offshore Rig 2 AS, Songa Offshore Rig 3 AS, Songa Offshore SE, Songa Offshore SE, Songa Offshore Saturn Limited, Songa Offshore T & P Cyprus Limited, Songa Saturn Chartering Pte. Ltd., Spitsbergen Rigco Limited, Sub-Saharan Drilling Inc., T. I. International Mexico S. de R.L. de C.V., TILAM Holdings Limited, TRM Holdings Limited, TSSA - Servicos de Apoio Lda., Transocean Africa Drilling Limited, Transocean Asia Services Sdn Bhd, Transocean Asset Holdings 1 Limited, Transocean Asset Holdings 2 Limited, Transocean Asset Holdings 3 Limited, Transocean Atlas Limited, Transocean Barents ASA, Transocean Brasil Ltda., Transocean Britannia Limited, Transocean Canada Drilling Services Ltd., Transocean Conqueror Limited, Transocean Conqueror Opco LLC, Transocean Corporate Services Limited, Transocean Cyprus Capital Management Public Limited, Transocean Cyprus Drilling Operations Public Limited, Transocean Deepwater Drilling Services Limited, Transocean Deepwater Holdings Limited, Transocean Deepwater Inc., Transocean Deepwater Mauritius, Transocean Deepwater Nautilus Limited, Transocean Deepwater Seafarer Services Limited, Transocean Discoverer 534 LLC, Transocean Drilling Enterprises S.a.r.l., Transocean Drilling Israel Ltd., Transocean Drilling Limited, Transocean Drilling Namibia Inc., Transocean Drilling Offshore S.a.r.l., Transocean Drilling Sdn. Bhd., Transocean Drilling Services (India) Private Limited, Transocean Drilling U.K. Limited, Transocean Eastern Pte. Ltd., Transocean Employee Support Fund, Transocean Enabler Limited, Transocean Enabler Rigco Limited, Transocean Encourage Limited, Transocean Encourage Rigco Limited, Transocean Endurance Limited, Transocean Endurance Rigco Limited, Transocean Entities Holdings GmbH, Transocean Equinox Limited, Transocean Equinox Rigco Limited, Transocean Finance Limited, Transocean Financing (Cayman) Limited, Transocean Financing GmbH, Transocean Guardian Limited, Transocean Holdings 1 Limited, Transocean Holdings 2 Limited, Transocean Holdings 3 Limited, Transocean Holdings LLC, Transocean Hungary Holdings LLC, Transocean Hungary Investments LLC, Transocean Hungary Ventures LLC, Transocean Inc., Transocean Innovation Labs Ltd., Transocean International Holdings Limited, Transocean International Resources Limited, Transocean Investimentos Ltda., Transocean Investments Holdings LLC, Transocean Investments S.a.r.l., Transocean Ltd., Transocean Management Services GmbH, Transocean Minerals Holdings Limited, Transocean Nautilus Limited, Transocean North Sea Limited, Transocean Norway Operations AS, Transocean Offshore (North Sea) Ltd., Transocean Offshore Canada Services Ltd., Transocean Offshore Deepwater Drilling Inc., Transocean Offshore Deepwater Holdings Limited, Transocean Offshore Drilling Limited, Transocean Offshore Gulf of Guinea II Limited, Transocean Offshore Gulf of Guinea VI Limited, Transocean Offshore Gulf of Guinea VII Limited, Transocean Offshore Gulf of Guinea XII Limited, Transocean Offshore Gulf of Guinea XIII Limited, Transocean Offshore Holdings Limited, Transocean Offshore International Limited, Transocean Offshore International Ventures Limited, Transocean Offshore Limited, Transocean Offshore PR Limited, Transocean Offshore USA Inc., Transocean Onshore Support Services Limited, Transocean Orion Limited, Transocean Phoenix 2 Limited, Transocean Phoenix 2 Opco LLC, Transocean Pontus Limited, Transocean Pontus Opco Inc., Transocean Poseidon Limited, Transocean Poseidon Opco Inc., Transocean Proteus Limited, Transocean Proteus Opco LLC, Transocean Quantum Holdings Limited, Transocean Quantum Management Limited, Transocean Quantum Rig Holdings Limited, Transocean Quantum Sentry Holdings Limited, Transocean Rig 140 Limited, Transocean Rig Management Limited, Transocean SPSF Holdings Limited, Transocean Sedco Forex Ventures Limited, Transocean Sentry Limited, Transocean Services (India) Private Limited, Transocean Services AS, Transocean Services UK Limited, Transocean Skyros Limited, Transocean Spitsbergen ASA, Transocean Sub Asset Holdings 1 Limited, Transocean Sub Asset Holdings 2 Limited, Transocean Sub Asset Holdings 3 Limited, Transocean Support Services Limited, Transocean Support Services Nigeria Limited, Transocean Support Services Private Limited, Transocean Technical Services Egypt LLC, Transocean U.S. Holdings LLC, Transocean UK Limited, Transocean Voyager 1 Limited, Transocean Voyager 2 Limited, Transocean West Africa Holdings Limited, Transocean Worldwide Inc., Triton Asset Leasing GmbH, Triton Capital I GmbH, Triton Capital II GmbH, Triton Capital Mexico GmbH, Triton Conqueror GmbH, Triton Corcovado LLC, Triton Financing LLC, Triton Gemini GmbH, Triton Holdings Limited, Triton Hungary Asset Management LLC, Triton Hungary Investments 1 Limited Liability Company, Triton Industries Inc., Triton KG2 GmbH, Triton Management Services LLC, Triton Mykonos LLC, Triton Nautilus Asset Leasing GmbH, Triton Nautilus Asset Management LLC, Triton Offshore Leasing Services Limited, Triton Pacific Limited, Triton Poseidon GmbH, Triton Voyager Asset Leasing GmbH, and Wilrig Offshore (UK) Limited.

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Billy Graham chaplains respond to Manchester bombing

Among the Christian responders to Monday's Manchester bombing are trained chaplains from the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association.

The attack that took place at the end of an Ariana Grande concert at the Manchester Arena on Monday took 22 lives and injured 59 people. Nigel Fawcett-Jones, who leads the Billy Graham Rapid Response Team, travelled to Manchester yesterday with two other team members to meet church leaders and attend the vigil in Albert Square. He told Christian Today: 'Responses vary from individual to individual. Primarily we are there to offer a ministry of presence.

'Typically people are in shock, there's numbness, anger, frustration  and you might see this all in one person.'

He said they would contact churches with a link to BGEA and let them know the team was there to support them. 'We always make a point of linking up with church leaders  it's their place and they know it best,' he stressed. 'But we have expertise they may not have themselves.'

Fawcett-Jones, a serving police officer, said he wanted to encourage people to continue to pray for those who had been hurt or bereaved.

Another BGEA team member Lee Searle, has spoken of the pain of having a family member caught up in the attack and of being able to minister to those in hospital.

Unable to contact the family member and after a sleepless night he decided to travel to Manchester. 'On the drive to the station I got a call,' he said.

'"You don't know me," said the caller, "But I've been given your number. Your family member is sat next to me here."

'At that point she was unable to talk because of her injuries. The panicking crowd had trampled her as it fled from the arena. But at least she was safe in hospital.'

He described the scene at the station.

'When I reached Manchester Piccadilly I immediately came into contact with parents. Two different fathers approached me in minutes clutching their mobiles and showing me photos on their screens. "Please, have you seen my daughter?" was their first question. I apologised  I had just got off a train from down south. I felt so guilty.

'I got a taxi to the hospital. "What are you up here for?" was the driver's first question. I explained. When we reached the hospital he told me the journey was free, no charge. He also gave me his number and said to call as soon as I need to go home. He wanted to take us. He didn't want any money.'

He said the hospital was in 'chaos' and that he had seen 'awful shrapnel wounds. It was absolutely heart-breaking.'

He described 'Mothers crying, fathers with heads in hands. Something I noticed: I saw lots of tears and distress but I saw absolutely no anger. I saw love. I saw hurting people helping others and I saw the best of humanity.

'I found my family member. She was being attended to. We hugged and I said I would wait outside whilst they finished.'

He prayed with one man who was looking for his daughter, who had left early and may have been caught in the blast, telling him God 'wants nothing more for you than to bring you peace and comfort during possibly the most terrible experience of your life. I cannot give you any guarantees for your child. But I can guarantee that God wants to be by you.'

Searle urged: 'Please continue to pray with for grieving family members, that they would sense the God of all comfort at their side.'
Church leaders, pop stars praying for London after another terror attack leaves at least seven dead

At least seven people have been reported dead after a van drove into pedestrians on London Bridge and attackers went on a stabbing rampage.

The attack is believed to have started at the nearby Borough Market. The Metropolitan Police said they believed there were three attackers and confirmed that gunshots had been fired around the Borough Market area.

There were separate reports from people at the scene that attackers had tried to force their way into bars and restaurants.

The Church of England said it was 'praying for the emergency services and all those in the London Bridge area' as armed police descended on the area.

Praying for the emergency services and all those in the #LondonBridge area this evening. pic.twitter.com/yw8rADgIdX  Church of England (@c_of_e) June 3, 2017

One photo from the scene appeared to show one of the attackers with cannisters attached to his upper body. According to Sky News, police have said they were not yet able to confirm that all the terrorists had been accounted for. Witnesses have told of men jumping from a van carrying 12-inch knives and stabbing people at random in the attack on Saturday night. 'People started running and screaming, and the van crashes into the railing behind. We went towards Borough Market and everyone went inside (the bar). Everyone in the bar started pushing people from the exits,' one witness who gave his name as Brian, 32, told Reuters. Donald Trump said the U.S. would do whatever it could to help the UK. 'We will be there  we are with you,' he tweeted.

Whatever the United States can do to help out in London and the U. K., we will be there - WE ARE WITH YOU. GOD BLESS!  Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) June 3, 2017

Praying for London   Ariana Grande (@ArianaGrande) June 4, 2017

Pop star Ariana Grande, whose Manchester concert was hit by a suicide bomb attack just last week, tweeted 'praying for London' in the hours after the attack. The Metropolitan Police is urging people to let their family and friends know that they are safe to 'relieve pressure' on the casualty bureau.
London Attacks: WATCH footage from London Bridge as police shot dead three militants

British police rushed to an incident on London Bridge on Saturday after witnesses said a van ploughed into pedestrians.

Armed police rushed to the scene and within eight minutes of receiving the first emergency call had shot dead the three male attackers in the Borough Market area near the bridge.

The attacks came just five days ahead of a parliamentary election on Thursday. The ruling Conservative Party suspended national campaigning on Sunday, a spokesman for Prime Minister Theresa May said.

'Following updates from police and security officials, I can confirm that the terrible incident in London is being treated as a potential act of terrorism,' May said in a statement as events unfolded.

London Mayor Sadiq Khan said some of those who had been injured were in a critical condition.

Khan said the official threat level in Britain remained at severe, meaning an attack is highly likely. It had been raised to critical after the Manchester attack, then lowered again days later.

The mayor also said he did not think Thursday's election should be postponed because of events in London.

'One of the things that we can do is show that we aren't going to be cowed, is by voting on Thursday and making sure that we understand the importance of our democracy, our civil liberties and our human rights,' Khan said.
London Bridge attack: The facts so far

At least seven people were killed by militants who drove a van at high speed into pedestrians on London Bridge and then stabbed revellers in the nearby Borough Market area on Saturday.

The following is what is known so far:

- Three attackers drove a white van at high speed into pedestrians walking on London Bridge, police said.

A witness told Reuters that at least six people were hit on the bridge.

'It looked like he was aiming for groups of people. I froze because I didn't know what to do,' Mark Roberts, a 53-year-old management consultant, told Reuters. 'It was horrendous.'

Police said they responded to the incident on London bridge at 22 08.

- The men armed with knives left the vehicle and attacked people in the nearby Borough Market area on the south side of the Thames, witnesses said.

Witnesses said the attackers stabbed people in the street and in pubs and restaurants in Borough Market.

- Police said armed police had responded to the reports of stabbings in Borough Market and shots had been fired.

'Armed response officers then responded very quickly and bravely and confronted the three male suspects who were shot and killed on Borough Market,' Mark Rowley, Britain's top anti-terrorism officer, said.

'The suspects had been confronted and shot by police within eight minutes of the first call. The suspects were wearing what looked like explosive vests but these were later established to be hoaxes,' he said.

The men were wearing what appeared to be canisters attached to their bodies. One of them was shown in a photograph lying on the ground outside the Wheatsheaf pub.

Another man, was also reported to be an attacker, was pictured on the ground a short distance away. Witnesses said they heard gunfire in the area.

The police said the vests were later established to be hoaxes. A Reuters reporter nearby said he heard loud bangs afterwards that may have been controlled explosions.

- Terror attack? At 0025 British time on Sunday the incidents at London Bridge and Borough Market were declared as terrorist incidents.

'Following updates from police and security officials, I can confirm that the terrible incident in London is being treated as a potential act of terrorism,' Prime Minister Theresa May said just over four days before voting is due to begin in a June 8 national election.

'This is a fast moving investigation,' May said. 'I want to express my huge gratitude to the police and emergency services who are on the scene. Our thoughts are with those who are caught up in these dreadful events.'

May will chair a meeting of Britain's "COBR" emergency response committee on Sunday morning. Intelligence and security chiefs as well as senior ministers and officials attend the meeting.

London's Metropolitan Police Counter Terrorism Command is leading the investigation.

- Who? It was not clear who might be responsible for the attack.

Islamic State earlier on Saturday sent out a call on instant messaging service Telegram urging its followers to launch attacks with trucks, knives and guns against 'Crusaders' during the Muslim holy month of Ramadan.

- The attack came less than two weeks after a suicide bomber Salman Abedi blew himself up at a concert in Manchester on May 22, killing at least 22.

Britain raised its terror threat to the highest level of 'critical' and deployed troops on the streets on May 23, a day after the Manchester suicide attack. The critical level means another attack could be imminent. It was reduced to 'severe', which means an attack is highly likely, on May 27.

On March 22, Khalid Masood ploughed a rented car into pedestrians and stabbed a policeman to death before being shot dead. Five were killed by the attacker.

- The United Kingdom is due to hold a national election on June 8.

- US President Donald Trump tweeted: 'Whatever the United States can do to help out in London and the U.K., we will be there  WE ARE WITH YOU. GOD BLESS!'

- A separate incident in Vauxhall, two miles away, was not related to the other two incidents, police said.
Thy Kingdom Come: How to pray at Pentecost in the face of terror

Britain has once again suffered the fury of a terrorist attack  the third in under three months, the second in only 10 days. Innocent people were slaughtered by conscienceless men in the name of a perverted ideology. They used a vehicle as a weapon, then pulled out knives and stabbed people. According to one witness, they were shouting 'This is for Allah.'

At the time of writing, seven people have died and 48 have needed treatment in hospital. The terrorists have been shot dead.

Today is Pentecost Sunday, when churches up and down the country have been looking forward to celebrating the birthday of the Church. It's a time of rejoicing and hope, marking the coming of the Spirit on the waiting disciples. No longer would they be powerless bystanders in a drama taking place elsewhere. They would be Spirit-filled actors, moving and shaping the world in the power of God, bearing witness to the crucified Christ, preaching and demonstrating love and forgiveness to a harsh and brutal world.

Up and down the country pastors and preachers will think about what to say and how to respond. How can they preach on a joyful Pentecost in the light of another manifestation of the powers of darkness? Today is also the culmination of the Thy Kingdom Come initiative from the Church of England, when hundreds of thousands of people have been praying for conversions. Large-scale events are taking place in cathedrals and parks, in which the keynotes are hope and confidence for the future. How can they continue?

How can they not?

Around 500 years ago, Martin Luther wrote a great hymn, whose first line is 'A mighty fortress is our God'. The times were far more violent and dangerous than our own, and they were to get worse. But the hymn was still sung, as a statement of faith and hope. Luther cast it as a straightforward battle between good and evil; between God and the 'ancient prince of Hell'. It's not fanciful to see a manifestation of the demonic in what happened last night, and in the Manchester Arena, and on Westminster Bridge  and what's happening in Iraq and Syria, and in the other troubled places of the world. There is an overbalance into evil, and we shouldn't be reluctant to say so.

But now if ever is the time to pray, 'Thy Kingdom Come' and to trust in God for the future. Now is when the Church needs the Pentecostal fire to fall and empower us for witness. There are grieving people to be comforted. There are many others who are angry and bitter, and who want to take revenge against people who carry the same religious label, but who have absolutely nothing in common with the perpetrators of this act.

It's in the darkest times that we have most need of light. So may God enlighten us and empower us, and may his Kingdom come.

Follow Mark Woods on Twitter: @RevMarkWoods
Veteran Christian broadcaster Pat Robertson believes there is a spiritual battle raging against Donald Trump

As threats against President Trump hit pop culture and circulate in the media, CBN's Pat Robertson says there is a spiritual war taking place against the American president because God chose him for the job.

"There is a spiritual battle against our president," Robertson said this week on CBN. "He's God's man for this job and he's taking bold steps and steps that please most evangelicals."

The conservative media mogul maintained that the 45th president has been working to keep Christian values in America and called for evangelicals to cover Trump in prayer.

"I think we need to support him. I've been an ardent critic of a number of our leaders because they have not done well but in this case I feel in my heart, the thing that I should do and all of us should do is pray earnestly for God's support of the man I believe He has put in this office," Robertson stated.

In a past clip, Robertson went as far as to say that anyone revolting against Trump is revolting against God. He compared the leader to those in the Bible that are God's anointed.

"The Lord's plan is being put in place for America and these people are not only revolting against Trump, they're revolting against what God's plan is for America," he explained.

"These other people have been trying to destroy America. These left wingers and so-called progressives are trying to destroy the country that we love and take away the freedom. They want collectivism, they want socialism and what we're looking at is free markets and freedom from this terrible overarching bureaucracy," he added.

"They want to fight as much as they can but I think [the] good news is the Bible says he who sits in the heavens will laugh at the scorn and I think Trump has someone on his side that is a lot more powerful than the media."

Robertson is not the only one advocating for Trump. Franklin Graham, president and CEO of the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association, likewise believes God has strategically placed Trump in that position.

In a recent interview, Graham said he believes Christians may have found an unlikely champion for religious freedom in Trump. He admits the businessman turned politician has made mistakes but has kept his promises to fight for Christian causes.

"He did everything wrong, offended almost every people group, but I believe he won because of God," Graham said of Trump in a telephone interview with the USA TODAY NETWORK - Tennessee. "He wanted him in that position and [Trump's] going to stay in that position until [God's] vision is complete."

This article was originally published in The Christian Post.
What does it feel like for Muslims to be blamed for terrorist attacks?

'At terrible moments like these it is customary for leaders, politicians and others to condemn the perpetrators and declare that the terrorists will not win,' the Prime Minister said on the steps of Downing Street after the barbaric terrorist attack this week.

And rightly so. Leaders from all different political and religious stripes unite to offer their own denouncement of the attack and the perpetrators ideology.

But none was so strong as from the Muslim Council of Britain's (MCB's) general secretary, Harun Khan.

'This is horrific, this is criminal. May the perpetrators face the full weight of justice both in this life and the next,' he said.

'I urge all those in the region and around the country to pool together to support those affected.'

In the past Muslim groups have been criticised for not condemning terror attacks either quickly enough or strongly enough.

Miqdaad Versi, assistant secretary general of the MCB, said that view was not credible.

'These people do not know how to use Google,' he said in an interview with Christian Today after the attacks, pointing to more than 30 statements on the MCB's website denouncing terror attacks.

'It is not based on facts,' he said. 'I do not give them much credence.'

So how did Versi think the wider non-Muslim UK population responded to the bombing, later claimed by ISIS?

He pointed to columns such as that by Katie Hopkins in the Daily Mail who called for a 'final solution' to Muslims in the UK.

'That has been quite badly attacked as almost anti-British,' he said.

'[In comparison] those who put up positive messages of what is actually happening about Muslim taxi drivers are being widely shared.'

He added: 'We are like everyone else and we are devastated by this barbaric incident.

'It is quite appalling that someone has taken the name of our faith to [do this].

'We hope and expect this person will receive justice both in this life and the next.'

Speaking of Harun's statement, he said: 'The wording we used was very clear. We are talking about justice. God is the best placed person to be just.

'We think it is important to be strong.'

Then there are those who jump on discussions of reciprocal attacks on Muslims, accusing them of playing the victim.

But this has already happened with Oldham mosque in Greater Manchester, targeted by an arson attack the day after the bombing.

Meanwhile Glasgow Central Mosque was vandalised with the words 'ISIS' sprayed on its walls inside a love heart.

Speaking of the reaction inside the MCB emergency response team, Versi said the priority was to gather information, then issue a message of condemnation, then see what support could be provided locally.

'It is possible to say we condemn the attack unequivocally but say we are also concerned about the backlash.

'I am not creating any equivalency between the two but we can be concerned about that.'

He added: 'We want this nation to be safe and secure. We live here. Our kids live here.

'We come from that perspective.'
Applying for a visa

Australias strong economy and laid-back lifestyle make it an attractive destination for working holidaymakers from the UK. And Australia isn't just for backpackers. There are a range of visa options for employer-sponsored workers with in-demand skills, as well as for students, family and business immigrants.

To find out more, check out the Department of Home Affairs website.

Finding a home

Whether youre planning to rent or buy, Australia has home options to suit everybody  from charming cottages in remote beachside towns to luxury apartments in bustling city centres.

As in the UK, housing prices vary greatly between cities and regions. Housing costs in Sydney now rival those in London, with median home prices typically more than double Hobarts.

You can get a head start on your accommodation by doing some research online with popular property websites. Then, when youve narrowed down your search, we can help you further with a free, customised Property Report on your chosen location or property.

Getting a job

Whether youre a student, backpacker or skilled migrant, Australia has plenty of job opportunities on offer. Youll need to check your visa for any restrictions on the type and amount of work you can do in Australia.

Its easy to start your job search online before you arrive. There are websites that cater for skilled workers, and a variety of job boards and specialist sites geared towards backpackers. Learn more about finding a job in Australia.

Planning your budget

Depending on where you choose to live, Australias cost of living can be even higher than the UKs2, so its good to be prepared.

The Australian governments Study in Australia site has a useful overview of typical living costs, along with financial requirements for student visas. You can also use our handy foreign exchange calculator to find out how much you need in UK Sterling at todays exchange rates.

In general, the Australian Government recommends new immigrants arrive in Australia with at least AU$5,000 to support themselves while they settle in.3

We're here to help

Fortunately, our International Premier and Retail Banking team can help you move your banking to Australia and answer any questions you might have. You can also open an Australian bank account online up to three months before you arrive in Australia.
Hewlett Packard Enterprise Company provides solutions that allow customers to capture, analyze, and act upon data seamlessly in the Americas, Europe, the Middle East, Africa, the Asia Pacific, and Japan. The company offers general purpose servers for multi-workload computing and workload-optimized servers; HPE ProLiant rack and tower servers; HPE BladeSystem and HPE Synergy; and solutions for secondary workloads and traditional tape, storage networking, and disk products, such as HPE Modular Storage Arrays and HPE XP. It also offers HPE Apollo and Cray products; and HPE Superdome Flex, HPE Nonstop, HPE Integrity, and HPE Edgeline products. In addition, the company provides HPE Aruba product portfolio that includes wired and wireless local area network hardware products, such as Wi-Fi access points, switches, routers, and sensors; HPE Aruba software and services comprising cloud-based management, network management, network access control, analytics and assurance, and location; and professional and support services, as well as as-a-service and consumption models for the intelligent edge portfolio of products. Further, it offers various leasing, financing, IT consumption, and utility programs and asset management services for customers to facilitate technology deployment models and the acquisition of complete IT solutions, including hardware, software, and services from Hewlett Packard Enterprise and others. Additionally, the company invests in communications and media solutions. It has a partnership with Striim, Inc. to offer high performance and mission-critical solutions with real-time analytics. It serves commercial and large enterprise groups, such as business and public sector enterprises; and through various partners comprising resellers, distribution partners, original equipment manufacturers, independent software vendors, systems integrators, and advisory firms. Hewlett Packard Enterprise Company was founded in 1939 and is headquartered in Houston, Texas.
Best Buy Co., Inc. retails technology products in the United States and Canada. The company operates in two segments, Domestic and International. Its stores provide computing products, such as desktops, notebooks, and peripherals; mobile phones comprising related mobile network carrier commissions; networking products; tablets covering e-readers; smartwatches; and consumer electronics consisting of digital imaging, health and fitness, home theater, portable audio comprising headphones and portable speakers, and smart home products. The company's stores also offer appliances, such as dishwashers, laundry, ovens, refrigerators, blenders, coffee makers, and vacuums; entertainment products consisting of drones, peripherals, movies, music, and toys, as well as gaming hardware and software, and virtual reality and other software products; and other products, such as baby, food and beverage, luggage, outdoor living, and sporting goods. In addition, it provides consultation, delivery, design, health-related, installation, memberships, repair, set-up, technical support, and warranty-related services. The company offers its products through stores and websites under the Best Buy, Best Buy Ads, Best Buy Business, Best Buy Health, CST, Current Health, Geek Squad, Lively, Magnolia, Best Buy Mobile, Pacific Kitchen, Home, and Yardbird, as well as domain names bestbuy.com, currenthealth.com, lively.com, yardbird.com, and bestbuy.ca. As of January 30, 2022, it had 1,144 stores. The company was formerly known as Sound of Music, Inc. The company was incorporated in 1966 and is headquartered in Richfield, Minnesota.
New York Community Bancorp, Inc. is the bank holding company for New York Community Bank. New York Community Bank is the nations 47th-largest financial institution and its largest thrift. As a thrift, the bank specializes in real estate and consumer accounts specifically real estate loans and savings accounts and has limited exposure to other forms of business banking. Among the benefits to consumers are interest-bearing checking and saving accounts that come with higher-than-average interest rates.

New York Community Bank was founded in 1859 to serve Queens County, New York. It operated under that name, growing all the while, until 2000 when it changed its name to better reflect the business. The company IPOd in 1993 and has made multiple acquisitions in the time since. As of 6/30/2022, the bank had $63.1 billion in assets and $41.2 billion in deposits.

New York Community Bank operates in greater New York City, New Jersey, Ohio, Florida, and Arizona. The company provides deposit products ranging from interest-bearing checking and money market accounts to savings accounts, IRAs, and CDs. Brands under the companys umbrella include AmTrust in Florida and Arizona, Ohio Savings Bank, Garden State Savings Bank, and Atlantic Bank.

The bank offers a wide range of real-estate-related loans including but not limited to multi-family loans, commercial real estate loans, construction loans, and consumer loans and mortgages. Investment products include annuities, mutual funds, and life insurance. Customers include individuals, small businesses, and organizations and are served through a network of more than 230 branches, and 300 ATMs, online, mobile, and by phone. Many of the locations are open 24 hours and 6 days a week although those hours are not available at all branches. Clients can access their accounts digitally 24/7.

New York Community Bancorp and its underlying business carry investment-grade credit ratings from all the major rating agencies. The credit outlook in the 4th quarter of 2022 was stable as it had been for some time. In New York, it is a leader in the multi-family market specializing in lower-cost housing in rent-controlled areas. As of June 30, 2022, the multi-family loan portfolio accounted for more than 75% of all investments. The company has a stock purchase and dividend reinvestment plan that help to sustain a high level of ownership.






Cardinal Health, Inc. operates as an integrated healthcare services and products company in the United States, Canada, Europe, Asia, and internationally. It provides customized solutions for hospitals, healthcare systems, pharmacies, ambulatory surgery centers, clinical laboratories, physician offices, and patients in the home. The company operates in two segments, Pharmaceutical and Medical. The Pharmaceutical segment distributes branded and generic pharmaceutical, specialty pharmaceutical, and over-the-counter healthcare and consumer products. The segment also provides services to pharmaceutical manufacturers and healthcare providers for specialty pharmaceutical products; operates nuclear pharmacies and radiopharmaceutical manufacturing facilities; repackages generic pharmaceuticals and over-the-counter healthcare products; and offers medication therapy management and patient outcomes services to hospitals, other healthcare providers, and payers, as well as provides pharmacy management services to hospitals. The Medical segment manufactures, sources, and distributes Cardinal Health branded medical, surgical, and laboratory products and devices that include exam and surgical gloves; needles, syringe, and sharps disposals; compressions; incontinences; nutritional delivery products; wound care products; single-use surgical drapes, gowns, and apparels; fluid suction and collection systems; urology products; operating room supply products; and electrode product lines. The segment also distributes a range of national brand products, including medical, surgical, and laboratory products; provides supply chain services and solutions to hospitals, ambulatory surgery centers, clinical laboratories, and other healthcare providers; and assembles and sells sterile, and non-sterile procedure kits. The company was incorporated in 1979 and is headquartered in Dublin, Ohio.
The following companies are subsidiares of Kroger: 84.51 HQ Building Company LLC, 84.51 LLC, Alpha Beta Company, Ansonborough Square Investors I LLC, Ansonborough Square Retail LLC, Ardrey Kell Investments LLC, Bay Area Warehouse Stores Inc., Beech Tree Holdings LLC, Bleecker Ventures LLC, Bluefield Beverage Company, Box Cutter Inc., CB&S Advertising Agency Inc., Cala Co., Cala Foods Inc., Cheeses of All Nations Inc., Country Oven Inc., Crawford Stores Inc., Creedmoor Retail LLC, Dillon Companies LLC, Dillon Real Estate Co. Inc., Dillons, Distribution Trucking Company, Dotto Inc., Edgewood Plaza Holdings LLC, Embassy International Inc., FM Inc., FMJ Inc., Farmacia Doral Inc., Food 4 Less GM Inc., Food 4 Less Holdings Inc., Food 4 Less Merchandising Inc., Food 4 Less of California Inc., Food 4 Less of Southern California Inc., Fred Meyer, Fred Meyer Inc., Fred Meyer Jewelers Inc., Fred Meyer Stores Inc., Glasswing Labs LLC, Glendale/Goodwin Realty I LLC, Grubstake Investments LLC, HT Fuel DE LLC, HT Fuel NC LLC, HT Fuel SC LLC, HT Fuel VA LLC, HTGBD LLC, HTP Bluffton LLC, HTP Plaza LLC, HTP Relo LLC, HTPS LLC, HTTAH LLC, Harris Teeter, Harris Teeter LLC, Harris Teeter Properties LLC, Harris Teeter Supermarkets Inc., Harris-Teeter Services Inc., Healthy Options Inc., Henpil Inc., Home Chef, Hood-Clayton Logistics LLC, Hughes Markets Inc., Hughes Realty Inc., I.T.A. Inc., IRP LLC, ITAC 119 LLC, ITAC 265 LLC, Inter-American Foods Inc., Inter-American Products Inc., J.V. Distributing Inc., Jondex Corp., Jubilee Carolina LLC, KCDE  2013 LLC, KCDE-2 LLC, KCDE-3 LLC, KCDE-4 LLC, KCDE-5 LLC, KGO LLC, KPF LLC, KPS LLC, KRGP LLC, KRLP Inc., KV Anderson LLC, Kee Trans Inc., Kessel FP, Kiosk Medicine Kentucky LLC, Kirkpatrick West Retail LLC, Kroger Community Development Entity LLC, Kroger Dedicated Logistics Co., Kroger Fulfillment Network LLC, Kroger G.O. LLC, Kroger HQ LLC, Kroger LM Real Estate Holdings LLC, Kroger Limited Partnership I, Kroger Limited Partnership II, Kroger MC Holdings LLC, Kroger MTL Management LLC, Kroger Management Co., Kroger Management  Corryville LLC, Kroger Management  NMTC Athens I LLC, Kroger Management  NMTC Champaign I LLC, Kroger Management  NMTC Champaign II LLC, Kroger Management  NMTC Cincinnati I LLC, Kroger Management  NMTC Dallas I LLC, Kroger Management  NMTC Danville I LLC, Kroger Management  NMTC Logansport I LLC, Kroger Management  NMTC Missouri I LLC, Kroger Management  NMTC Oak Ridge I LLC, Kroger Management  NMTC Olney I LLC, Kroger Management  NMTC Omaha I LLC, Kroger Management  NMTC Portsmouth I LLC, Kroger Management  NMTC Starkville I LLC, Kroger Management  NMTC Topeka I LLC, Kroger NMTC Fremont I LLC, Kroger OZ1 Inc., Kroger OZ1 LLC, Kroger OZ2 Inc., Kroger OZ2 LLC, Kroger OZ3 Inc., Kroger OZ3 LLC, Kroger Opportunity Fund I Inc., Kroger Prescription Plans Inc., Kroger Specialty Infusion AL LLC, Kroger Specialty Infusion CA LLC, Kroger Specialty Infusion Holdings Inc., Kroger Specialty Infusion TX LLC, Kroger Specialty Pharmacy CA LLC, Kroger Specialty Pharmacy FL 2 LLC, Kroger Specialty Pharmacy Holdings 2 Inc., Kroger Specialty Pharmacy Holdings 3 Inc., Kroger Specialty Pharmacy Holdings I Inc., Kroger Specialty Pharmacy Holdings Inc., Kroger Specialty Pharmacy Inc., Kroger Specialty Pharmacy LA LLC, Kroger Texas L.P., LCGP3 Home Cooking Inc., Latta Village LLC, Local Mkt LLC, Main & Vine LLC, Matthews Property 1 LLC, Mega Marts LLC, Michigan Dairy L.L.C., ModernHealth LTC, Murrays Cheese LLC, Murrays Cheese LLC, Murrays LIC LLC, Murrays Table LLC, Pace Dairy Foods Company, Paramount Logistics LLC, Pay Less Super Markets Inc., Peyton's-Southeastern Inc., Plum Labs LLC, Pontiac Foods Inc., Queen City Assurance Inc., RBF LLC, RGC Southeast Properties LLC, Ralphs Grocery Company, Relish Labs LLC, Rocket Newco Inc., Roundy's, Roundys Acquisition Corp., Roundys Illinois LLC, Roundys Inc., Roundys Supermarkets Inc., Second Story Inc., Shop-Rite LLC, Smiths Beverage of Wyoming Inc., Smiths Food & Drug Centers Inc., Southern Ice Cream Specialties Inc., Stallings Investors I LLC, Sunrise R&D Holdings LLC, Sunrise Technology LLC, TLC Corporate Services LLC, TLC Immunization Clinic LLC, TLC of Georgia LLC, The Kroger Co. of Michigan, The Little Clinic LLC, The Little Clinic Management Services LLC, The Little Clinic of Arizona LLC, The Little Clinic of Colorado LLC, The Little Clinic of IN LLC, The Little Clinic of Kansas LLC, The Little Clinic of Mississippi LLC, The Little Clinic of Ohio LLC, The Little Clinic of TX LLC, The Little Clinic of Tennessee LLC, The Little Clinic of VA LLC, Topvalco Inc., Ultimate Mart LLC, Ultra Mart Foods LLC, Vandervoort Dairy Foods Company, Vine Court Assurance Incorporated, Vitacost, Vitacost.com Inc., Woodmont Holdings LLC, and YOU Technology.

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Katy Perry Performs Witness Songs Live On The Voice France: Oh La La!

Katy Perry is currently promoting Witness in Europe. Last night, June 3rd, the American pop star paid a visit to The Voice France on TF1 to deliver two live performances of songs from her upcoming studio album. She performed Bon Appetit, without Migos, and Chained To The Rhythm, with a little vocal help from the remaining contestants of this latest season of The Voice France.

For the Bon Appetit performance, crazy cool Katy Perry hit the stage wearing a French chef outfit and she had backup dancers storming the stage with fruit costume pieces on their heads. While for the Chained To The Rhythm performance, Katy sounded stupendous hitting the long and high notes with much comfort and looking fabulous in a flowey dress, BUT what the hell went on with the contestants The Voice France who performed with Katy? Did they not rehearse, rehearse a little, or rehearse without Katy? One these options mustve been the case because most of the times when they got to sing parts in this performance they sounded off and pitchy. But oh well, at least it seemed Katy had fun no matter what and she really seemed complicit with the contestants on stage.

Witness arrives in stores on June 9.

PS: Katy will fly today to Manchester, England to perform with Ariana Grande and other guests at the One Love benefit concert.
When it comes to finding new shoes to fill your closet, finding something stylish and comfortable is likely the main goal. But shouldnt their impact on the earth matter just as much? Here is a roundup of the best eco-friendly and environmentally-conscious shoes.

Our picks for top eco-friendly shoes

Best Recycled Plastic Shoe  SUAVS

Best Zero-Waste Shoe  On Running

Best Sustainable Materials  Cariuma

Best Carbon Neutral Shoe  Allbirds

Best Clean-Energy Production  Womsh

Best Vegan Shoe  Beyond Skin

While flipping over a pair of shoes as you shop can tell you about the size of their literal footprint, discovering their carbon footprint isnt always as easy. Thats because transparency, for many brands, remains less of a priority.

As a result, shoppers dont always have the clearest vision of how some shoe companies operateincluding how and where they source their materials, and who actually puts them together. Its important to understand that the very practices that led to the mass production of so many classic brands are less than stellar for the environment and the people that actually make them.

How we chose the best shoes for the environment

To create our list of the best eco-friendly shoes, we compared brands on a number of factors. These included:

Sustainable materials  Does the brand use recycled or sustainable materials to make their shoes? We looked for brands that utilize post-consumer recycled materials, like fibers from plastic water bottles or recycled paper, in their shoes and packaging. We also considered their sourcing of naturally-derived materials, like sugar cane, castor beans, cork, and wool.

 Does the brand use recycled or sustainable materials to make their shoes? We looked for brands that utilize post-consumer recycled materials, like fibers from plastic water bottles or recycled paper, in their shoes and packaging. We also considered their sourcing of naturally-derived materials, like sugar cane, castor beans, cork, and wool. Transparency  How much does the brand tell you about its manufacturing process and materials? We checked out each brands website to confirm their commitment to the environment and to make sure they werent just green-washing their products.

 How much does the brand tell you about its manufacturing process and materials? We checked out each brands website to confirm their commitment to the environment and to make sure they werent just green-washing their products. Ethical standards  Where does the brand manufacture their shoes and do they ensure fair labor practices? In addition to the environmental impact of a brands shoes, we also looked at how they treat their people. We specifically looked for brand transparency and commitments around creating healthy and safe working conditions in factories, and that employees earn fair wages, as well as B-Corp certification.

 Where does the brand manufacture their shoes and do they ensure fair labor practices? In addition to the environmental impact of a brands shoes, we also looked at how they treat their people. We specifically looked for brand transparency and commitments around creating healthy and safe working conditions in factories, and that employees earn fair wages, as well as B-Corp certification. Giving back  We wanted to prioritize brands that do more than just make money. We looked for eco-friendly shoe brands that partnered with non-profits to give back, including projects like Soles4Souls, LifeWorks, and reforestation initiatives.

Discover five of our favorite eco-friendly shoe brands that you simply cant go wrong with. Whether youre in need of new sneakers, boots, flats, or heels, theyve got you covered.

SUAVS  The Zilker SUAVS SUAVS makes comfortable, breathable, and sustainable shoes with uppers made of post-consumer recycled water bottles. They put the environment first and use only the safest materials that are better for the earth and you. SUAVS makes a point to give back and donates all extra footwear to organizations such as LifeWorks. Why buy: Planning a vacation? Look no further. SUAVS shoes are known for being lightweight and flexible, allowing for easy packing and all-day wear. Their shoes have been featured in Buzzfeed, Conde Nast, Business Insider, PRNewsWire, and more for being a travel-friendly shoe. Buy

On Running  Cyclon On Running Switzerland-based shoe brand On Running is beloved for its performance-based shoes that offer optimal performance without harming the earth in the process. The brand prides itself on sustainability, ethical sourcing, and transparency. Theyve even partnered with the ScienceBasedTargets initiative to ensure they lower their emissions to a level that will support the limiting of average global temperature raising to 1.5C (34.7F) above pre-industrial levels. Why buy: The Cyclon is a revolutionary zero-waste shoe. The sleek shoe is made with sustainable production efforts from castor beans and its fully recyclable. The caveat? You cant own them. Instead, theyre available via subscription to ensure that you recycle them back to the brand. By creating this production process, the brand is able to capitalize on circularity, effectively keeping materials out of landfills. Buy

Cariuma  OCA High All Camel Suede Cariuma If youre a sucker for smooth-as-butter leather sneakers, Cariuma is the choice for you. Namely, the brands OCA High Off-White Premium Leather high-top sneakers. Of course, the Rio de Janeiro-based shoe brand offers more than just leather, they sell canvas and suede silhouettes, too. The company is also committed to sustainability, planting two trees in the Brazilian rainforest for every pair of shoes sold. Why buy: All of the materials used in Cariumas shoe-making process are sourced sustainably and responsibly, from the leather and suede uppers and recycled plastic used in the brands shoelaces, labels, and laces to the Bluesign-certified dye chemicals (which are non-harmful) and recyclable packaging. As a result of their rigorous eco-conscious efforts, the brand has earned seven sustainability certifications. Buy

Allbirds  Women's Tree Dashers Allbirds Known as Silicon Valleys most-beloved shoe, Allbirds are renowned for their versatile wool runners that are minimalist, sustainably-sourced, and cozy as can be. The brand is entirely carbon neutral. This means that they measure their carbon emissions each year, reduce their impact by using recycled materials, and offset whatevers left over by taxing themselves and putting that money toward projects that neutralize their footprint. Why buy: These Tree Runners are made from FSC-certified eucalyptus trees, a castor bean insole, and a carbon-negative sugarcane midsole. While Allbirds shoes end up being carbon neutral, the company does provide their initial carbon footprint score. These running shoes come in at 9.0 kg CO2e. Buy

Womsh  Vegan Wave White Rose Womsh Sustainability meets trendy fashion with Italian shoe brand Womsh (short for Word of Mouth Shoes). The celebrity-favorite sneakers are known for their chunky silhouettes overlaid with bold designs and text. Beyond their truly picture-worthy style, the shoes are created with sustainability at the helm. Why buy: In addition to creating a fully vegan collection, as well as shoes that are fully recyclable, and producing their shoes in factories that use 90 percent clean energy, Womsh has teamed up with LifeGate to offset its carbon emissions. They do so by planting trees in areas that have been deforested. Since 2014, theyve planted and protected over 118,403 square feet of forest per year. Talk about impact. Buy

Beyond Skin Nova Cognac Faux Leather Vegan Knee High Boots Beyond Skin Sneakers arent the only option when it comes to eco-friendly shoes. Since its inception in 2001, Beyond Skin has been committed to providing the world with luxury vegan footwear in the form of vintage-inspired sandals, mules, loafers, heels, boots, and more. All of the silhouettes are designed in England and brought to life in Spain using luxury Italian fabrics. By creating their products locallyas opposed to sourcing all over the worldtheyre able to reduce their carbon footprint. Whats more, they use recycled materials in many of their designs, which makes them even more eco-friendly. Why buy: In addition to paying mind to the materials used, Beyond Skin works very closely with their factories in Spain to ensure their workers are never exploited in the process of production. It is their mission to stand far apart from fast fashion, offering silhouettes that can withstand the test of timeboth in terms of wear and classic stylesand practices that benefit the earth and its people. Buy

Why choose eco-friendly shoes and products?

Eco-conscious and eco-friendly are used to describe products made with the earth in mind. In order to create eco-conscious products, a company must commit to sustainable manufacturing practices, the use of sustainable materials, and how much energy is used to create each product. This includes a commitment to use less water and fewer (or, better yet, zero) chemicals in production, along with paying mind to the amount of carbon emissions created as a result of production, the types of fibers that are used, and the quality of life offered to the workers creating the items. In other words, creating eco-friendly itemsshoes, includedis a more involved process than is used for most mass-produced goods.

As a result, many earth-friendly brands are marked at a higher price due to the higher level of care dedicated to bringing them to life. The beauty is, however, when more care is devoted to the production process, the higher the quality ends up being. So, while a higher price tag may make you wince, knowing that the items will last much longer and will make less of an impact on the environment is definitely worth it.

Rebecca R. Norris is a writer in the DC metro area. She covers a number of topics in the sustainable beauty, wellness, and style industries. A graduate of George Mason University, the Virginia native is a lover of lists, Stevie Nicks, dark chocolate Sprinkles cupcakes, and the Oxford comma.
By Brandi Buchman

Accusing the state school of violating public records law, a group of George Mason University students and alumni brought a lawsuit to shed light on the support it gets from billionaire energy tycoons Charles and David Koch.

Augustus Thomson, a current undergraduate, filed the complaint on May 26 with the student-led group Transparent GMU, saying they have been waiting nearly two months for a response to their request for records on the schools contribution and gift records from 2008 to 2012.

Specifically, the students seek documentation on whether the Kochs or their many charitable organizations, including the now-defunct Claude R. Lambe Foundation, communicated with the university about any fundraising activity, grants, contracts or gift agreements.

Transparent GMU has been around for only a year, but the group says its members have been advocating for greater transparency since 2014 when they learned that public universities in other states had agreed to give private donors influence over curriculum development and faculty hiring decisions.

The students are worried that GMU has a similar arrangement with the Koch brothers.

Tensions came to a head last year when GMU announced a plan to rename its law school for the late Supreme Court Justice Antonin Scalia, as part of a $30 million combined gift from the Charles Koch Foundation and an anonymous conservative donor.

The New York Times reported that Koch and foundations affiliated with the billionaire industrialist have pumped more than $50 million into GMU over the past decade.

Two libertarian-policy initiatives at GMU, the Mercatus Center and the Institute for Humane Studies, received the bulk of that money. The Times noted that Charles Koch sits on the boards of both, and that his foundation has given generously to the Law and Economics Center.

Transparent GMUs complaint meanwhile says its April 5 requestsone filed with the school and one filed with the George Mason University Foundationwent nowhere.

Elizebeth Woodley, the schools FOIA compliance officer, wrote the group that GMU has no records responsive to the Koch request, but the group noted that she ignored their separate request for documents about the schools relationship with the foundation.

Susan Van Leunen, the foundations chief financial officer, meanwhile rejected the groups request on the basis that it is neither a public body within the meaning of Virginia public-records law, nor an agent of the university.

The students dispute this, saying the foundation is an agent of the university since it performs fundraising, endowment administration and even real estate management activities for the sole benefit of the universityall right from the schools campus in Fairfax, Virginia.

Furthermore, according to the 48-page complaint, the foundation requires authorization from the university before it accepts any property, it requires the universitys senior vice president and provost to sign off on accepted gifts, and it determines all gift policies while enjoying full voting rights on the foundations board of trustees for the university.

GMU spokesman Mike Sandler declined to make a statement on the case Wednesday, citing a university policy of not commenting on active litigation. He did note, however, that the foundation is exempt from Virginias public record laws because it is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit.

George Mason University is considered the Koch familys largest academic recipient, receiving more than $95 million from the Charles Koch Foundation from 2005 to 2015, and plus another $10 million just last year.

In 2015, when GMU received almost $18 million from the Charles Koch Foundation, the Kochs overall donations to institutes of higher education topped out around $33 million.

Thomson and Transparent GMU brought their complaint in the 19th Judicial Circuit for Fairfax, Virginia. They filed a similar case back in March.

The students are represented by Evan Johns with Appalachian Mountain Advocates in Charlottesville.

This article originally appeared in Courthouse News Service.


By Brian Palmer

Trump administration approves Keystone XL pipeline, the headlines blared. It was March 24, only two months after hed taken office, when it appeared that President Trump had cleared the way for the long-contested tar sands conduit with a stroke of his pen.

In reality, summarily declaring that the pipeline is in the national interestdespite a seven-year U.S. State Department review process that had concluded the oppositewont magically bring it to life. The president, together with TransCanada, the energy company behind the Keystone XL pipeline, still have many obstacles to overcome before Canadian tar sands crude can flow through KXL and into the United States.

The first formidable hurdle they face is the state of Nebraska, which TransCanada has treated with contempt in recent years. First, the company drew the pipelines route through the heart of the states fragile Sand Hills ecosystem. Confronted by environmental concerns, TransCanada said that rerouting the pipeline would be impossible.

Mounting resistance, however, forced the oil giant to relent and nudge the proposed route around some of the most sensitive parts of the Sand Hills. The pipeline would still, however, run through the important Ogallala aquiferone of our largest underground stores of freshwater, which would be at significant risk in the event of a leak.

Now that the controversial tar sands pipeline has been reactivated by President Trumps decision, TransCanada must obtain the consent of the Nebraska Public Service Commission and secure easements from the landowners along the proposed route through the Cornhusker State. It will not be smooth sailing. Six weeks after Trumps announcement, Nebraskans flocked in chartered buses to a public hearing the commission convened in York, where opponents steeply outnumbered supporters, as the Omaha World-Herald reported.

In August, there will be five additional days of hearings in Lincoln, where formal intervenors, such as landowners along the route, environmental groups and labor unions, will get their chance to testify. (The Nebraska Public Service Commission also has an online form to collect comments.)

If, despite these objections, TransCanada obtains approval from the commission, it will most likely be forced to win easements from landowners through the eminent domain process. Some of the holdouts who have refused to sell permission to build on their properties claim to have turned down offers as high as $300,000.

Eminent domain is a notoriously fraught issue, especially for Republicans, many of whom have railed against it as an abuse of government power. Sen. Ted Cruz, for example, called it a fancy term for politicians seizing private property to enrich the fat cats who bankroll them. This proposed exercise of eminent domain is particularly irksome to many Nebraskans because TransCanada is a foreign company.

Landowners have a right to challenge a taking under eminent domain through the state courts, and some Keystone XL opponents have already vowed to do so. Whatever the outcome, the litigation could tie up the process for months or years.

In addition to the individual legal challengesand despite Trumps supportthere are also some potential hurdles the project could face at the federal level. Natural Resources Defense Council and other environmental organizations have challenged the Trump administrations approval of Keystone XL in federal court, contending that it relied on outdated information and arbitrarily reversed the previous administrations decision on the matter.

On top of this federal litigation and the challenges of obtaining a route and easements in Nebraska, TransCanada will also have to obtain federal permits under the Clean Water Act. This step used to be straightforward for pipeline builders, but the 2016 Dakota Access Pipeline (DAPL) controversy revealed the water permits as a political and legal pressure point.

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, which has primary responsibility for issuing the permits, failed to fully clarify its role and policies during the DAPL fight, and some of those unsettled issues could reemerge if and when Keystone XL gets to that stage. The water permit process also allows for another round of public hearings, where opponents will again be able to voice their concerns and potentially further delay construction.

Which brings us to a point that cannot be stressed enough: delays cost money. The biggest threat to Keystone XL may not be government regulators or Nebraska state judges, but simple finances.

Keystone XL has always been an economically risky proposition. Tar sands oil is expensive to extract, process, and transport, and the cost of the pipeline is now expected to exceed $8 billionup from the $5.4 billion the company estimated in 2011. Back then, when crude oil cost $95 per barrel and tar sands production was ramping up, spending that exorbitant sum on a pipeline project might have been financially viable.

But in an era of relatively low crude oil prices (today, about $48 per barrel), cheap natural gas, and unprecedented drops in the price of renewable energy, it doesnt make much sense to bother turning Canadian mud into oil. In recent years, fossil fuel companies including Shell, ConocoPhillips, Total, and Statoil have fled the tar sands mines of northern Alberta, canceling projects. This trend poses an existential financial problem for an 830,000-barrel-per-day pipeline that requires a substantial expansion of tar sands production to fill it.

TransCanada doesnt have the cash to build the pipeline. The company will depend on banks like JPMorgan Chase, Citibank and Wells Fargo to front the money required to complete Keystone XL. Not only does TransCanada have to prove to its backers that KXL can be profitable, but it also has to convince them that investing in the pipeline is worth the public blowback. A recent Quinnipiac University national poll shows public support is dwindling for the project, and opponents have turned up the heat on the banks by launching a public-facing campaign targeting lenders involved.

Donald Trump has placed his rubber stamp on Keystone XL, but hes not the decider. The state of Nebraska still has a say. Landowners still have their say. Judges will have their say. And you still have many opportunities to raise your voice as well.
Indonesian Defense Minister Ryamizard Ryacudu speaking in Singapore





Indonesia says 1,200 IS operatives in Philippines





Yahoo!/AFP News





There are about 1,200 Islamic State (IS) group operatives in the Philippines, including foreigners of whom 40 are from Indonesia, the Indonesian defense minister told an international security forum Sunday.





Speaking in Singapore amid a bloody standoff between Philippine troops and militants fighting under the IS flag in Marawi city, Defense Minister Ryamizard Ryacudu called the militants "killing machines" and urged full-scale regional cooperation against them.





"I was advised last night, 1,200 ISIS in the Philippines, around 40 from Indonesia," Ryacudu told the Shangri-La Dialogue, using another name for the IS group.





The threat of heightened terrorism, including the impending return of hundreds of Southeast Asian fighters who fought with IS in Syria and Iraq, has been a hot-button issue at the three-day Singapore summit also attended by US Defense Secretary Jim Mattis.





Hundreds of Islamist gunmen rampaged through Marawi, a largely Muslim city of 200,000 in the south of the mainly Catholic Philippines, on May 23 after government forces attempted to arrest their leader, Isnilon Hapilon.





Up to 50 gunmen are still controlling the city centre nearly two weeks after the start of fighting that has killed 177 people including 120 militants.





"How can we tackle these foreign fighters? We have to be comprehensive," said Ryacudu, a retired general.





"We have to find... complete ways but we must exercise caution, they are killing machines. Their aim is to kill other people so that's why it's our responsibility that we have common understanding, consensus and common proceedings on how to fight these foreign fighters."





Lorenzana: Islamic State backing fighters in Marawi siege





Philippine Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana provides updates on the operations against terrorists in Marawi City during a press briefing in Malacanang. PRESIDENTIAL PHOTO



Philippine Daily Inquirer





Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana on Saturday said the government now believed the hundreds of gunmen who besieged Marawi City were being backed by the Islamic State (IS) because of the manner by which they fought.





Lorenzana told reporters in Marawi City that gunmen from the Maute Group and the Abu Sayyaf led by Isnilon Hapilon appeared determined to fight to the last man.





Yes, we believe this is ISIS, because you know normally in this kind of conflict, the local armed groups will just scamper away and maybe hide in the mountains. But surprisingly, this group just held out there and were waiting to fire it out, maybe to the last [bullet], he said, using another acronym for IS.





Lorenzana said the involvement of foreign fighters was another evidence of IS backing and that the government had obtained some info on the foreignerstwo Saudi nationals, two Indonesians, two Malaysians, one Yemeni, one Indian and one Chechen. More foreign fighters could have been killed, he added.





He said the entry into Marawi of non-Asian foreign fighters was puzzling and he had asked officials how this might have happened. Malaysians and Indonesians look like Filipinos so it would not be surprising if they came in undetected, he said.





Lorenzana said the response he got was that the non-Asian fighters could have entered the city through the aid of some locals during the Tabligh, referring to a convention held by a group of Sunni Islamic missionaries in Marawi, which ended a day before the clashes began.





The Tabligh Jamaat is a global nonpolitical movement that aims to convince Muslims to return to the practice of primarily Sunni Islam.





Lorenzana said the IS was able to connect with the Maute Group through Hapilon, a Basilan-based leader of the Abu Sayyaf and reportedly the acknowledged leader of all IS-inspired groups in the country.
By Josh Gay

Internet trolls, paid for by Monsanto, have been scouring the internet to hide the ugly truth about the herbicide Roundup and the dangers of glyphosate, while the chemical giant worked with government regulators to declare the product safe to use, even though it probably causes cancer.

According to court documents, Monsanto hired third parties to search out negative comments about their products and counter them with pseudo-scientific research commissioned by the company itself.

Mike Papantonio, of Americas Lawyer, predicts that Monsanto will pay heavily in a jury trial and describes how the company even has trolled The Ring of Fire, while manipulating the U.S. Food and Drug Administration and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).

employs individuals who appear to have no connection to the industry, who in turn post positive comments on news articles and Facebook posts, defending Monsanto, its chemicals and GMOs.

The program has become so prevalent that concerned citizens on social media have had to purposefully misspell the companys name to thwart the online trolls. One of the top comments on a Reddit discussion thread highlights the practice: Everyone should spell Monsant0 with a zero, it allows rational discussion without the Monsant0 shills showing up.

It is no surprise that Monsanto is working so fiercely to defend their deadly chemicals. In 2015, the company achieved nearly $4.76 billion in herbicide sales, with the global market for glyphosate set to approach $10 billion within 5 years.

As for the trolls, our own Mike Papantonio offers this advice:

Next time youre scrolling through social media, YouTube or even this websites comment section, remember that the trolls attacking you for no apparent reason may in fact be receiving an annual salary.
Scott Pruitt took to the Sunday shows today in a troubled attempt to spin the Trump administrations decision to pull out of the Paris climate agreement, amid a firestorm of international and domestic criticism.

In his appearances this morning, Pruitt was hammered for admitting that he and Trump never discussed climate change, criticized for his support of the declining coal industry and slammed for dodging questions about Trumps acceptance of climate science. The Trump administration has misrepresented academic studies, the reality of the Green Climate Fund, India and Chinas commitments, and much more. Distorting everything from climate science to the Sierra Clubs own strong support of the Paris agreement, Pruitts appearances are littered with the same kind of deceit that marked his Senate testimony, where he lied about everything from using personal email for government business to climate science.

This administrations increasingly defensive attempts to spin their disastrous decision to leave the Paris agreement knows no bounds, no shame, and no respect for reality. Contrary to Pruitts distortions, the Sierra Club said then and we believe now that the Paris climate agreement marks a historic turning point for humanity, and no amount of lies spewed by Donald Trump and Scott Pruitt can ever change that.

After making this historic mistake, the administration has been met with a tidal wave of criticism and action that undermines their position. World leaders are slamming Trump and creating their own alliances that leave the U.S. behind. Three coal plants closed the same day Trump announced he would not honor our countrys climate commitments. The next day, three more plants were announced for closure in Missouri, along with a massive investment in local wind power. The Mayor of Pittsburghthe city Trump cited as to why he was withdrawing from Parisjoined the mayors of Orlando, Florida, Columbia, South Carolina and Portland, Oregon in committing to 100 percent clean energy. Trump and Pruitt are on the ropes and they are flailing to defend themselves with shockingly confounding explanations.

Pruitt claims we are making progress on emissions reductions while not acknowledging his 14 lawsuits against the EPA, attempting to undermine that progress. Pruitt and Trump are attacking the efficacy of a climate change agreement while not acknowledging the reality of climate science. They are even claiming the Sierra Club didnt support this agreement when we were on the ground in Paris fighting for it. They seem to have five different explanations, none of which are true.

Here are the facts. By withdrawing from the Paris agreement, Scott Pruitt and Donald Trump are turning their backs on American families, eating away at Americas global leadership and standing alone on the wrong side of history.
A growing corps of organic, climate, environmental, social justice and peace activists are promoting a new world-changing paradigm that can potentially save us from global catastrophe. The name of this new paradigm and movement is regenerative agriculture, or more precisely regenerative food, farming and land use.

Regenerative agriculture and land use incorporates the traditional and indigenous best practices of organic farming, animal husbandry and environmental conservation. Regeneration puts a central focus on improving soil health and fertility (recarbonizing the soil), increasing biodiversity, and qualitatively enhancing forest health, animal welfare, food nutrition and rural (especially small farmer) prosperity.

The basic menu for a regeneration revolution is to unite the worlds 3 billion rural farmers, ranchers and herders with several billion health, environmental and justice-minded consumers to overturn business as usual and embark on a global campaign of cooperation, solidarity and regeneration.

According to food activist Vandana Shiva, Regenerative agriculture provides answers to the soil crisis, the food crisis, the health crisis, the climate crisis and the crisis of democracy.

So how can regenerative agriculture do all these things: increase soil fertility; maximize crop yields; draw down enough excess carbon from the atmosphere and sequester it in the soils, plants and trees to re-stabilize the climate and restore normal rainfall; increase soil water retention; make food more nutritious; reduce rural poverty; and begin to pacify the worlds hotspots of violence?

First, lets look at what Michael Pollan, the U.S.s most influential writer on food and farming, has to say about the miraculous regenerative power of Mother Nature and enhanced photosynthesis:

Consider what happens when the sun shines on a grass plant rooted in the earth. Using that light as a catalyst, the plant takes atmospheric CO2, splits off and releases the oxygen, and synthesizes liquid carbonsugars, basically. Some of these sugars go to feed and build the aerial portions of the plant we can see, but a large percentage of this liquid carbonsomewhere between 20 and 40 percenttravels underground, leaking out of the roots and into the soil. The roots are feeding these sugars to the soil microbesthe bacteria and fungi that inhabit the rhizospherein exchange for which those microbes provide various services to the plant  Now, what had been atmospheric carbon (a problem) has become soil carbon, a solutionand not just to a single problem, but to a great many problems.

Besides taking large amounts of carbon out of the airtons of it per acre when grasslands [or cropland] are properly managed  that process at the same time adds to the lands fertility and its capacity to hold water. Which means more and better food for us

This process of returning atmospheric carbon to the soil works even better when ruminants are added to the mix. Every time a calf or lamb shears a blade of grass, that plant, seeking to rebalance its root-shoot ratio, sheds some of its roots. These are then eaten by the worms, nematodes, and microbesdigested by the soil, in effect, and so added to its bank of carbon. This is how soil is created: from the bottom up  For thousands of years we grew food by depleting soil carbon and, in the last hundred or so, the carbon in fossil fuel as well. But now we know how to grow even more food while at the same time returning carbon and fertility and water to the soil.

A 2015 article in The Guardian summarizes some of the most important practices of regenerative agriculture:

Regenerative agriculture comprises an array of techniques that rebuild soil and, in the process, sequester carbon. Typically, it uses cover crops and perennials so that bare soil is never exposed, and grazes animals in ways that mimic animals in nature. It also offers ecological benefits far beyond carbon storage: it stops soil erosion, re-mineralizes soil, protects the purity of groundwater and reduces damaging pesticide and fertilizer runoff.

If you want to understand the basic science and biology of how regenerative agriculture can draw down enough excess carbon from the atmosphere over the next 25 years and store it in our soils and forests (in combination with a 100-percent reduction in fossil fuel emissions) to not only mitigate, but actually reverse global warming, read this article by one of North Americas leading organic farmers, Jack Kittridge.

If you want a general overview of news and articles on regenerative food, farming and land use, you can follow the newsfeed Cook Organic Not the Planet by the Organic Consumers Association and/or sign up for Organic Consumers Associations weekly online newsletter (you can subscribe online or text Bytes to 97779).

You can also visit the Regeneration International website, where youll find this list of books on regenerative agriculture.

Solving the Soil, Health, Environmental and Climate Crises

Without going into extensive detail here (you can read the references above), we need to connect the dots between our soil, public health, environment and climate crisis. As the widely-read Mercola newsletter puts it:

Virtually every growing environmental and health problem can be traced back to modern food production. This includes but is not limited to:

 Food insecurity and malnutrition amid mounting food waste

 Rising obesity and chronic disease rates despite growing health care outlays

 Diminishing fresh water supplies

 Toxic agricultural chemicals polluting air, soil and waterways, thereby threatening the entire food chain from top to bottom

 Disruption of normal climate and rainfall patterns

Connecting the Dots Between Climate and Food

We cant really solve the climate crisis (and the related soil, environmental, and public health crisis) without simultaneously solving the food and farming crisis. We need to stop putting greenhouse gas pollution into the atmosphere (by moving to 100-percent renewable energy), but we also need to move away from chemical-intensive, energy-intensive food, factory farming and land use, as soon as possible.

Regenerative food and farming has the potential to draw down a critical mass of carbon (200-250 billion tons) from the atmosphere over the next 25 years and store it in our soils and living plants, where it will increase soil fertility, food production and food quality (nutritional density), while re-stabilizing the climate.

The heavy use of pesticides, GMOs, chemical fertilizers and factory-farming by 50 million industrial farmers (mainly in the Global North) is not just poisoning our health and engendering a global epidemic of chronic disease and malnutrition. Its also destroying our soil, wetlands and forests natural ability to sequester excess atmospheric carbon into the Earth.

The good news is that solar and wind power, and energy conservation are now cheaper than fossil fuels. And most people are starting to understand that organic, grass-fed and freshly-prepared foods are safer and more nutritious than chemical and GMO foods.

The food movement and climate movements must break through our single-issue silos and start to work together. Either we stop Big Coal, Big Oil, fracking and the mega-pipelines, or climate change will soon morph into climate catastrophe, making it impossible to grow enough food to feed the planet. Every food activist needs to become a climate activist.

On the other hand, every climate activist needs to become a food activist. Our current system of industrial food, farming and land use, now degenerating 75 percent of all global farmland, is mining and decarbonizing the soil, destroying our forests and releasing 44-57 percent of all climate-destabilizing greenhouse gases (carbon dioxide, methane, nitrous oxide and black soot) into our already supersaturated atmosphere, while at the same time undermining our health with commoditized, overly processed food.

Solving the Crisis of Rural Poverty, Democracy and Endless War

Out-of-touch and out-of-control governments of the world now take our tax money and spend $500 billion dollars a year mainly subsidizing 50 million industrial farmers to do the wrong thing. These farmers routinely over-till, over-graze (or under-graze), monocrop and pollute the soil and the environment with chemicals and GMOs to produce cheap commodities (corn, soy, wheat, rice, cotton) and cash crops, low-grade processed food and factory-farmed meat and animal products. Meanwhile 700 million small family farms and herders, comprising the 3 billion people who produce 70 percent of the worlds food on just 25 percent of the worlds acreage, struggle to make ends meet.

If governments can be convinced or forced by the power of the global grassroots to reduce and eventually cut off these $500 billion in annual subsidies to industrial agriculture and Big Food and instead encourage and reward family farmers and ranchers who improve soil health, biodiversity, animal health and food quality, we can simultaneously reduce global poverty, improve public health, and restore climate stability.

As even the Pentagon now admits, climate change, land degradation (erosion and desertification) and rural poverty are now primary driving forces of sectarian strife and war (and massive waves of refugees) in places like Afghanistan, Iraq, Syria, Yemen, Libya and Somalia. U.S. military intervention in these regions, under the guise of regime change or democratization, has only made things worse. This is why every peace activist needs to become a climate and food activist and vice-versa.

Similarly corrupt, out-of-control governments continue to subsidize fossil fuels to the tune of $5.3 trillion dollars a year, while spending more than $3 trillion dollars annually on weapons, mainly to prop up our global fossil fuel system and overseas empires. If the global grassroots can reach out to one another, bypassing our corrupt governments, and break down the geographic, linguistic and cultural walls that separate us, we can launch a global regeneration revolutionon the scale of the global campaign in World War II against the Nazis.

One thing we the grassroots share in all of the 200 nations of the world is this: We are sick and tired of corrupt governments and out-of-control corporations degenerating our lives and threatening our future. The Russian people are not our enemies, nor the Chinese, nor the Iranians. The hour is late. The crisis is dire. But we still have time to regenerate our soils, climate, health, economy, foreign policy and democracy. We still have time to turn things around.

The global regeneration movement we need will likely take several decades to reach critical mass and effectiveness. In spreading the regeneration message, and building this new movement at the global grassroots, we must take into account the fact that most regions, nations and people (and in fact many people who are still ignorant of the facts or climate change deniers) will respond more quickly or positively to different aspects or dimensions of our message (i.e. providing jobs; reducing rural and urban poverty and inequality, restoring soil fertility, saving the ocean and marine life, preserving forests, improving nutrition and public health, eliminating hunger and malnutrition, saving biodiversity, restoring animal health and food quality, preserving water, safeguarding Mother Nature or Gods Creation, creating a foundation for peace, democracy and reconciliation, etc.) rather than to the central life or death message: reversing global warming.

What is important is not that everyone, everywhere immediately agrees 100 percent on all of the specifics of regenerative food, farming and land usefor this is not practicalbut rather that we build upon our shared concerns in each community, region, nation and continent. Through a diversity of messages, frames and campaigns, through connecting the dots between all the burning issues, we will find the strength, numbers, courage and compassion to build the largest grassroots coalition in historyto safeguard our common home, our survival and the survival of the future generations.
New guidelines to deal with the in-flight emergency of cardiac arrest in a passenger or crew member are being proposed at this year's Euroanaesthesia meeting in Geneva (3-5 June). The task force that has created the guidelines is led by Professor Jochen Hinkelbein, University of Cologne, Germany and President of the German Society for Aerospace Medicine (DGLRM).

Approximately 3 billion people worldwide travelled by commercial air transport in 2016. A calculation based on the number of passengers transported shows that between 1 out of 14,000 to 1 out of 50,000 passengers will experience acute medical problems during a flight. While cardiac arrest accounts for just 0.3% of all in-flight medical emergencies, it is responsible for 86% of in-flight events resulting in death. Recently, the Star Wars actress Carrie Fisher died following a cardiac arrest she suffered on a plane journey to Los Angeles.

Despite this high fatality rate of in-flight cardiac arrest (IFCA), so far, no guideline for IFCA exists that provides specific treatment recommendations. Thus, a DGLRM task force was created to develop a guideline for the treatment of in-flight cardiac arrest based on clinical and investigational expertise in this area.

Several main recommendations have been developed, which include:

Emergency equipment provided and its location should be mentioned in the pre-flight safety announcement

An electrocardiogram (ECG) should be available for patients with cardiac arrest; automated external defibrillators (AEDs) have this function available and many planes now have an AED on board. The guidelines recommend that this equipment should be available on all planes.

It is very important for the crew to request help as soon as possible by an onboard announcement after identification of a patient with cardiac arrest. The announcement should state there has been a suspected cardiac arrest and also the location of the emergency equipment.

Two-person CPR is considered optimum (as it is better quality) and should be performed if possible; the crew should be trained regularly in basic life support, ideally with a focus on CPR in aircraft.

The plane should be diverted immediately if the patient has a return of spontaneous circulation.

Dr Hinkelbein says: "This is the first guideline providing specific treatment recommendations for in-flight medical emergencies during commercial air travel. This is of major importance to recommend proper actions and procedures since the airplane environment as well as equipment will be significantly different to what can be provided for medical emergencies on the ground."

He and his team will now begin raising awareness of the guideline by directly contacting individual airlines and asking them to incorporate it into their emergency procedures.

###
An expert speaking at this year's Euroanaesthesia congress in Geneva (3-5 June) will say that "Natural Caesarean Section" - in which women enjoy enhanced contact and bonding with their baby just as they would in a vaginal birth -- is safe, popular and feasible, and is not encouraging mothers to request C-section birth when it is not medically necessary.

Dr Felicity Plaat, a Consultant Anaesthetist at Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust London, UK, also says the technique is associated with increased breastfeeding rates, although she says more evidence is needed.

Some 20-25% of pregnant women in the UK give birth by Caesarean section. It was in 2008 that Dr Plaat, along with colleagues midwife Jenny Smith and Professor of fetal medicine Nick Fisk described a technique for natural Caesarean section, that together they had developed in their unit at Queen Charlotte's Hospital in London.

During a natural CS, the way the baby is removed more slowly from the abdomen mimics normal birth more. Crucially, the parents' role is central rather than reduced to a passive patient role. The drapes are lowered so they can actually see their baby being born. Whenever possible their wishes are granted (lower lighting, choice of music, no unnecessary talking in theatre). "As an anaesthetist I need to give an anaesthetic that allows mum to freely interact with her baby immediately, whilst ensuring both are safe," explains Dr Plaat.

Natural CS incorporates evidence based elements used during vaginal birth that promote bonding, breast feeding and enhanced maternal satisfaction, that are absent from conventional CS. "Reaction to the publication of our paper was immediate and initially hostile: the lack of scientific trial evidence for the efficacy or safety of the technique and the potential to encourage women to ask for CS delivery were major concerns," says Dr Plaat. "However, most women who have CS are advised to do so - there is a medical indication. In the UK at least, with the emphasis on normal (vaginal) birth, many women requiring CS have a feeling of inadequacy or even failure. The natural CS appears to mitigate this, by increasing bonding opportunities between mother and baby, rather than immediately taking away the baby to be cleaned and weighed and measured, as happens in conventional CS."

A survey carried out in the UK by the Obstetric Anaesthetists' Association at the end of 2010 showed that the full natural CS was offered by only 2.5% of maternity units but one or more elements of the technique were offered by 55%. Almost half of respondents were aware of the Natural CS. "Anecdotally a lot more units are offering versions of natural CS in the UK in 2017," explains Dr Plaat. She adds: "The only randomised controlled trial of natural CS compared to conventional CS was carried out in a unit in Germany. This trial found improved breastfeeding rates, no increase in any complications and a much better patient experience. However we need to investigate further where the technique is being used in Europe."

She adds that originally, Natural CS was only offered to women having pre-planned C-sections who are healthy with healthy babies, but were indicated for C-section because of their babies being in wrong position or other obstetric causes. This would account for some 30- 35% of all C-sections. But she adds that in the USA a group at Rhode Island Memorial Hospital (see link to USA paper below) has begun offering natural CS to women having unplanned emergency CS.

The German study of natural CS found there was no increase in the rate of the so-called CS on demand or maternal request during the duration of the study at the Charite University Hospital, Berlin. Nor is there any evidence that natural CS has increased 'maternal request' CS in the UK. This is a contentious subject in the UK. Currently fewer than 1 in 20 CS births in the UK are requested by the mother with no medical reason.

However the official positon of the UK's National Institute for Health and Care Excellence is that, quote, "if a woman is fully informed and has been counselled about risks they should be allowed to request CS without medical indication 'as not agreeing to a request for a CS could have a negative impact on a woman's mental health and potentially lead to a long-term need for psychological support postnatally'."*

Dr Plaat also points to legal action that recently took place in the UK that ruled that patients should be told about reasonable alternatives to any treatment offered by their doctor. To quote the judge in this case [Montgomery v Lanarkshire Health Board [2015] UKSC11]: "a patient is entitled to take into account her own values, her own assessment of the comparative merits of giving birth in the "natural" and traditional way of giving birth by Caesarean section, whatever medical opinion may say, alongside the medical evaluation of the risks to herself and her baby."

She concludes: "I believe natural CS makes the experience of birth much more satisfying for the increasing number of women who require CS. Denying women this in order to discourage them from considering this mode of delivery is in my personal opinion, completely unethical."

###
Experts at this year's Euroanaesthesia congress in Geneva (3-5 June) will look at what can happen when doctors are called on to help with a medical emergency (for example on board an aircraft, a so called 'good Samaritan' act) and says that and says that as long as they do their best, they can be confident it is very unlikely that legal action will be taken against them.

In his talk titled "Good Samaritan laws in Europe and their implications for doctors", Dr Adam Sandell, who works as both a barrister (Matrix Chambers, London, UK) and as a general practitioner across Cumbria and Lancashire in the UK, will say it is practically unheard of for successful legal action to have been taken against doctors who have in good faith come to the aid of someone in distress on an aircraft or other emergency.

Dr Sandell will also discuss the issues around a doctor's duty to help, not just his or her ability to. The law of the country where the plane is registered applies when the plane is airborne. He says: "The law of most (if not all) continental European countries (civil law jurisdictions) would require you to assist in an emergency, if you're reasonably able to do so. The law in common law jurisdictions, including England and Wales and the Republic of Ireland, does not require you to assist."

However he adds: "If you are a doctor, then, wherever you're from, it's likely that your professional code of conduct requires you to offer assistance in an emergency so you may be in trouble with your regulator (in the UK, the General Medical Council) if you did not assist. Of course, it's reasonable to expect that in almost all circumstances a doctor called on to help would do so."

If in a situation such as this the person who received treatment (or their family) decided to sue the good Samaritan doctor for some reason, Dr Sandell says there would be little prospect of success. He says: "In principle the patient or their family could sue. However, most countries have significant protections for people who offer assistance in good faith in emergencies and who aren't grossly negligent. This is born out in practice: successful claims against doctors who have offered help in good faith in an emergency of this nature are practically unheard of. So any doctor who doesn't do something very stupid indeed can be confident of not being sued."

He adds: "Should such a claim be brought there may be several jurisdictions in which it could be brought and a canny claimant lawyer would consider the jurisdiction that's most claimant-friendly in cases like this. But it's still very unlikely indeed."

Any sensible doctor should, says Dr Sandell, have medical indemnity insurance that covers Good Samaritan acts like this worldwide; and insurers that provide insurance for doctors often make provision for this. But international law may also make the airline liable if the airline has requested the doctor's assistance, so it might be that any claim would be brought against the airline rather than the doctor.

The doctor should also not ask for a fee, and should do all the things he or she would do in a healthcare environment, such as proper assessment of the patient, making written records, and ensuring contact details are exchanged. Dr Sandell adds: "Some of these things are often forgotten in these unusual emergencies. You also ought to ensure that your patient knows who you are and what your qualifications and expertise are. For example, if you are retired or not qualified to practise in the jurisdiction, you should say so. And in these situations it's important to be clear who is in charge, which often isn't clear when -- as often happens --several volunteer doctors appear to help."

###
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The Dakota Access Pipeline began flowing oil from North Dakota to Illinois on Thursday, an action considered a victory by project supporters.

Despite opposition in North Dakota, Iowa and other places across the country, Dakota Access LLC was able to complete the massive project. Those in favor of the pipeline expect it to move oil more quickly and safely and reduce the oil industrys reliance on trucks and railroads.

The Tribune Editorial Board has supported an expanded pipeline system and believes Dakota Access will benefit North Dakota and the nation. While the pipeline was going into operation last week there were other actions the Tribune believes were positive. The actions demonstrate all sides get a fair hearing.

In one of the highest-profile trials involving protests against the pipeline, Standing Rock Sioux Tribal Chairman David Archambault II and councilman Dana Yellow Fat were acquitted Wednesday by a six-member jury of disorderly conduct charges. It took jurors only 20 minutes to reach a verdict.

Its another example of how the system has worked for pipeline opponents. While the opposition lost the key cases in Washington, D.C., intended to stop the pipeline, many of the charges involving protesters in Morton County have been dismissed, reduced or the defendants acquitted.

Its proof that the opposition can and has received fair hearings in court. Its possible some of the cases that were settled without trials might have ended differently if the defendants had decided to return to the state to fight the charges. For some it was less time consuming and cheaper to settle.

The system worked as it was created to work: Law enforcement made arrests based on their best judgment, prosecutors filed charges they considered fitting, and the courts resolved the cases based on the law. Protesters cant argue they were railroaded because the court decisions point to a different result.

The arrests were made in often chaotic situations and its not surprising not all the charges held up. It also shouldnt be a surprise to anyone that our legal system works for everyone. Thats what it was created to do.

Morton County prosecutors have been handling more than 700 protest-related cases. In April, 19 protesters pleaded guilty to misdemeanor charges and another six had their cases dismissed and were recharged. There were three cases dismissed in April where they werent recharged.

The courts will continue to be busy with protest-related cases.

The Public Service Commission also has been involved in pipeline-related matters. The commission has been reviewing complaints that Dakota Access violated its permit during pipeline construction. One complaint says the company didnt file proper certification or get permission for rerouting the pipeline. The other complaint says the company cleared trees and shrubs in violation of its permit in 83 locations.

The PSC plans meetings on the complaints this summer.

It would appear the company is getting the scrutiny all major projects should receive.

While many in North Dakota disapproved and were angry about the protests, we cant allow our feelings to taint the legal process. There may be disagreement over how much the company and protesters won and lost during the months of conflict, but so far the court system has been a clear winner. Thats how it should be.




Haiti - FLASH : Amending budget, Jovenel Moise convene the Legislative body to the extraordinary





The General Secretariat of the Council of Ministers informs of the holding of a Council of Ministers to the Extraordinary Thursday, June 1, 2017, at the National Palace, around the 2016-2017 draft amending Finance Act.



Following the adoption of this bill, under Articles 92-1, 92-2, 105, 106 and 107 of the Constitution, the President of the Republic, Jovenel Moise decided to convene the Legislative body to the extraordinary on Tuesday, June 6, 2017, for the examination and voting of the Amending Finance Law.



The Council of Ministers also adopted a Resolution validating the agenda of the Directors-General Forum to be convened on Tuesday 20 June 2017. This Forum of Directors-General will ensure the monitoring, evaluation and harmonization of Sectoral policies, as well as their consistency with the general policy of the Government.



According to Lucien Jura, spokesman for the Head of State, the budget has been reduced from 122 billion to 118 billion gourdes. The envelope of the Ministries of Agriculture, Environment, Foreign Affairs, Education and Social Affairs has been increased, while the budget of the Primature has been reduced of 24 million gourdes.



HL/ Haitibre






















Haiti - Security : John Kelly against the establishment of an army in Haiti





John Kelly, Secretary of Homeland Security (DHS), has shown against the establishment of an army in Haiti, an army that President Moise wishes to relaunch after the departure of the UN soldiers.



"What they need is national police, probably a sub-unit within the national police border guards [...] An army is a lot of money for a country like Haiti [...] An Army that doesnt always have a mission is the 'Devils Workshop' with a lot of time on its hands [...]I think what money he does have he should focus on the national police. Make them better, more professional," John Kelly made these statements during an interview with the Florida newspaper Miami Herald, following his visit to Haiti on Wednesday https://www.haitilibre.com/en/news-21092-haiti-flash-visit-of-secretary-of-homeland-security-john-kelly.html and his meeting with President Jovenel Moise https://www.haitilibre.com/en/news-21101-haiti-flash-kelly-suggests-that-the-usa-work-with-haiti.html the same day.



The position of Jovenel Moise on the creation of an army is that The Armed Forces of Haiti is a constitutional prerogative [...] A country is not master of itself if it does not have an Armed Force [...] the strength of a country is based on a defense system that is strong, a modern army that is based on the objective of ensuring the protection of the country" and subsequently on the Voice of America he had declared "[...] The Army of Haiti has so far figured in the Constitution. Do not be afraid to say so. Haiti has its essence in the army [...]"



Also in January 2017, the former American Ambassador accredited to Haiti and the Special Coordinator of Haiti to the State Department Kenneth Merten, who spoke at an interview on the Voice of America had declared that this will to provide Haiti with an army will not be supported, particularly by Uncle Sam, while acknowledging that the creation of an army remains a strictly Haitian affair, he wanted to clarify "We have always supported a civilian police to ensure the security of Haiti. We've spent a lot of money to have a professional police [...] It's hard to imagine that the United States are ready to make a financial contribution to an armed force. The taxpayers, the State Department and the White House would not welcome that."



HL/ HaitiLibre






















Haiti - Policy : Towards a partnership between IDB and OMRH





On Wednesday, Dr Josue Pierre-Louis, the General Coordinator of the Office of Management and Human Resources (OMRH) met with representatives of the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) on the possibility of establishing a partnership between the two Institutions in the framework of the steering of the administrative reform of the State.



During the working meeting held at the OMRH conference room, Dr Pierre-Louis made a presentation of the roadmap he received from the Prime Minister, of OMRH's action plan and its technical and financial support needs for the implementation of the plan.



According to IDB specialists, the opportunity was given to them to learn about the "assessment of the situation of the Government of Haiti in terms of human resources management" and to explore the possibilities for collaboration between the two institutions.



Were present for the IDB Pareja Alejandro, Giulio de Tommaso, M. Jorge Kaufmann, Edgardo Mosquiera, Robert Pantzer, Catherine Alexis.



Maggy Belin, Coordinator of the Human Resources Management Control Unit (UCGRH), Geraldy Eugene, Public Administration Division Coordinator, Rose Widlaine Prucien, Director of Human Resources at OMRH and Me Elie Jean Philippe, Public Service Division Coordinator at OMRH, all participated in the meeting.



S/ HaitiLibre






















Haiti - Politics : Haiti's participation in the 2nd Interregional Forum in Russia





Me Aviol Fleurant, Minister of Planning and External Cooperation, participated in the 2nd Interregional Forum on the themes related to economic and industrial development held in St. Petersburg, Russia, from 28 May to 3 June 2017, his participation on behalf of the Government of Haiti was greatly appreciated by the United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO) and the Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs.



Speaking on 31 May on the theme of "Innovative decisions in the countries of Latin America and the Caribbean", Minister Fleurant, after having adressed his thanks, on behalf of President of the Republic, Jovenel Moise, and of the Government, congratulated the organizers for the high level of the event and on the opportunities it offers to developing countries on industrial, technological, scientific, technical and commercial sites. In this regard, the Minister asserted, UNIDO recognizes that the countries of Latin America and the Caribbean have influenced and still positively influence the cyber revolution on a global scale.



Speaking of Haiti, the minister evoked a stable political situation, the formation of a government that has benefited from the confidence of the Parliament, the adoption of political decisions that are in line with the reform of the State and the consolidation of public finances. The whole, constituting a political framework favorable to economic growth and foreign investment. He boasted the wealth of Haiti which has 1771 kilometers of coastline, which is the source of the expansion of the blue economy and which houses the biggest seaside resort (Labadee) and the largest Caribbean industrial park (Caracol); which produces the best coffee, cocoa, mango and vetiver oil of the region, even the world.



Minister Aviol Fleurant, however, stressing the insignificant influence that such potentials have on the national economy, evoked the need for uncoordinated cooperation around the assistance but around investment. He highlighted the priorities of the Moise-Lafontant Political Administration which are "Agro-industry, agroforestry, tourism industry, maritime industry including fishing, aquaculture, fishing villages, etc..." These policies can only be implemented in the context of a "win-win" cooperation where the country will see its industrial infrastructure renovated, its maritime infrastructure encamped, its industrial parks modernized and its tourism industry attractive. Minister Fleurant concluded thatfor Haiti emerge by 2030, it needs to see large capital flows injected into its economy according to the logic of long-term loans. It is the mandate of whichhe is the bearer and which expresses the reason for his presence in St Petersburg. It is in this same line that Haiti opens its doors to the companies of the world and the Investment Banks, especially those of Europe, Asia and Latin America.



Due to the quality of his speech, Minister Fleurant was designated to address local television on behalf of all participating countries. He was also invited to join on Friday, 2 June 2017, to a high-level panel consisting of the Prime Minister of Dominica, the ministers of Cuba, Venezuela, representatives of the Russian Federation and the Government of St Petersburg.



HL/ HaitiLibre






















Haiti - NOTICE : First direct flight St. Maarten-Haiti-St. Maarten





Saturday, Winair, based in St Maarten, launched its first direct flight to Port-au-Prince.



The biweekly flights will take place every Tuesday and Saturday :



The departure of the SXM-PAP route (St Maarten-Port-au-Prince) is at 11:25 a.m. for an arrival at Port-au-Prince at 1:05 p.m.;



The PAP-SXM route (Port-au-Prince-St Maarten) is 2:05 p.m. for an arrival at St Maarten at 3:45 p.m.



An MD-82 aircraft will be used for these routes, thanks to its partnership with PAWA Dominicana, the company has also added Curacao to its destinations.



The introduction of the Haiti link makes Winair the only airline with a St. Maarten-Haiti-St. Maarten flight. The flights 803 and 804 will connect with Winairs extensive Caribbean route network to give travellers more options.



"This flight will offer many benefits to our existing and new customers, such as direct service between SXM-PAP-SXM, ability to businesses with need of day trips CUR-SXM-CUR, cargo capacity will be offered on all segments, customers will be afforded excess baggage capabilities, reliable and fast jet service on entire route, introductory fare of US $399 is being offered to mention just a few," declared Winair President and Chief Executive Officer Michael Cleaver.



See also :

https://www.haitilibre.com/article-20909-haiti-economie-winair-envisage-de-desservir-haiti.html



HL/ HaitiLibre






















Haiti - Politics : Congresswoman Mia Love wishes 12 additional months to TPS





The Haitian-American Congressman, Ludmya Bourdeau Love aka "Mia Love", believes that the US Government should add another year to the deportation delay of Haitian TPS beneficiaries, because Haiti is still struggling to recover.



"While I am pleased that the administration granted an extension of Temporary Protected Status for Haiti, I am not convinced six months is sufficient," declared Love in a statement. "The administration claims that conditions in Haiti have measurably improved. But after working with Utah-based Operation Underground Railroad and coordinating with fellow members on the Terrorism and Illicit Financing subcommittee, evidence indicates that the country still faces significant challenges."



She recalled that a cholera epidemic, a food crisis and a slow recovery from the earthquake and the impact of Hurricane Matthew in 2016 show that refugees deserve a longer break before being sent back to their country of origin .



Last week, Homeland Security Secretary John Kelly announced the six-month extension of the Temporary Protected Status (TPS) until 22 January 2018, which was due to expire on 23 July 2017. https://www.haitilibre.com/en/news-21016-haiti-flash-tps-extension-for-6-months-official.html



Senator Dianne Feinstein of California, the top Democrat on the Senate Judiciary Committee, is also pushing for extending the protective status for a longer period. "Haiti continues to be one of the world's poorest countries and the poorest country in the Western Hemisphere," she said last week. "While it's a positive step that the department extended temporary protected status to Haitians for six months, I'm concerned that Secretary Kelly indicated that it would not be extended again. There's simply no guarantee that the situation in Haiti will improve significantly during that time."



See also :

https://www.icihaiti.com/en/news-21083-icihaiti-politics-moise-receives-the-haitian-american-congresswoman-ludmya-bourdeau-love.html



HL/ HaitiLibre


















We work towards an equitable,

gender-just, self-reliant and

sustainable fisheries,

particularly in the small-scale,

artisanal sector

We work towards an equitable,

gender-just, self-reliant and

sustainable fisheries,

particularly in the small-scale,

artisanal sector

We work towards an equitable,

gender-just, self-reliant and

sustainable fisheries,

particularly in the small-scale,

artisanal sector

We work towards an equitable,

gender-just, self-reliant and

sustainable fisheries,

particularly in the small-scale,

artisanal sector
The News in Brief

Murder plot against Georgian patriarch allegedly revealed



A lawyer for the Georgian church claimed on Monday that there is a plot to assassinate the head of the church involving high-level clerics.



One of the clerics implicated in the attempt on Patriarchs life is Metropolitan Petre Tsaava, according to Edisher Karchava, a lawyer working for the Patriarchate who spoke to several media outlets on Monday.



[Metropolitan] Petre was apparently actively involved in the attempt to kill the patriarch. As for his accomplices, I cant name specific persons, but one of them is now in jail. Im talking about Giorgi Mamaladze, Karchava told Channel 1.



Several persons were involved in the plot with the purpose of dethroning the Catholicos-Patriarch by all means including liquidation.



Karchava added that he will ask the Holy Synod to exclude the Metropolitan from its ranks.



Soso Okhanashvili, a former head of patriarchs security detail, was part of the plot, he continued. Okhanashvili resigned in February in the wake of another alleged assassination plot against Patriarch Ilia IIs personal secretary.



Tsaavas rank of metropolitan is the second highest in the church after the patriarch. He is a member of the Holy Synod and leads the strategically important Chkondidi diocese.



Tsaava has often appeared on TV openly criticizing alleged corruption among the clerics. He has particularly criticized Shorena Tetruashvili, the patriarchs secretary who was allegedly the target of the first assassination plot. Although not holding any formal position within the church hierarchy, she is believed to hold a strong sway over the archbishops and the Patriarch himself.



Later on Monday, Tsaava flatly denied all accusations and accused the Patriarchates lawyer of slander. He claimed that Tetruashvili is behind the allegations.



I will not enter into a debate with these demonic forces, he told Pirveli TV.



Karchava voices the wishes of the informal head of the Patriarchate, he said, with clear reference to Tetruashvili.



The scandal in the Georgian Orthodox Church began in early February with the arrest of Archpriest Giorgi Mamaladze at Tbilisi airport as he was about to board a plane with cyanide in his luggage. He was charged with planning to murder Tetruashvili  a case dubbed the Cyanide Affair. (DF watch)







Two persons arrested for extorting 200,000 USD from businessman



The officers of the Central Criminal Police Department detained R.Zh. (DoB 1958) and B.G. (DoB 1983) in a special operation for an attempt to extort a large amount of money from a businessman.



The investigation established that R.Zh. and B.G. Extorted 200,000 USD from a certain businessman under the threat of killing him.



Law enforcers managed to detain the mentioned persons prior to receiving the demanded sum of money from the victim.



An investigation is in progress on an extortion charge of a large amount of property, as per article 181, II part, sub-paragraph A of the Criminal Code of Georgia. (IPN)







NATO membership is our final goal  Defense Minister



NATO plenipotentiary membership is our final goal, Georgias Defense Minister Levan Izoria said at the 2nd anniversary of the opening of the NATO-Georgia Training and Assessment Center.



We feel great support from NATO on our path. I would like to emphasize the support from the alliance and thank them for it. I would like to thank each NATO member and partner country for it, Izoria has said.



According to him, the NATO-Georgia joint center represents the most ambitious project of the NATO-Georgia Substantial Package aimed at strengthening the defense capabilities of Georgias Armed Forces.



The center is unique in the region. As a result of the exercises conducted there, our defense capacity has increased, meeting higher standards than two years ago, he said, putting emphasis on the U.S.backed project promoting the improvement of Georgias defense capabilities. (IPN)




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By Juan Cole | (Informed Comment) |  

Anyone who is depressed about Trumps sabotage of action to halt climate change should take heart from a remarkable development in Kansas.. Governor Sam Brownback, a little-government arch-conservative who has run the state into the ground and ruined its education system and been a disaster in every other way, has nevertheless been converted to the cause of renewable energy. He says he wants 50% of Kansas electricity to come from wind by the end of his term. The state already gets 24% of its electricity from wind.

The American Wind Energy Association said that Kansas will achieve 5,000 megawatts of wind power by the end of this year. The Southwest of the state is naturally endowed with strong and steady winds, and Kansas has already built new electric transmission lines to bring it to the cities where it is needed. The state has put $8.4 billion into wind energy.

The point is that these advances in clean energy are coming from the states, not the Federal government, and even conservative politicians and entrepreneurs are lining up for this gravy train. There is an enormous amount of money to be made in wind power, since once the turbines are installed, the fuel is free.

Wind energy generated 8% of the electricity in the US in 2016, and with several big projects in the works, that proportion is set to rise significantly.

The Broadview Wind Farm in Texas and New Mexico has just gone online, and it is providing 324 megawatts of electricity to California over long distance transmission lines, enough to power 124,000 homes.

There are more Broadview-like projects on the books. If Trump is the ultimate conservative billionaire, he has competition from the good kind. Philip Anschutz is building a 1,000-turbine wind farm in southwest Wyoming and also planning on selling the electricity to California, which must by law get half (and maybe 60%) of its electricity from renewable sources within 13 years. The Wyoming wind plant would help California since the wind blows strong there in the evening, when Californias own winds start dying down. Most of the permitting for the project has been issued.

Renewable energy now generates 800,000 jobs in the US (there are about 60,000 coal miners), and that number is set to skyrocket whether Trump likes it or not. Onshore wind farm work is the fastest growing job sector in the United States.

One area where the US has lagged way behind Europe is offshore wind. But there are 2.2 gigawatts of offshore wind energy in the US in only 9 years.

State goals for renewables like those of California and *gasp* Kansas will drive a lot of these wind installations. Those are goals Trump has nothing to say about. Oh, and the coal miners? Both Kansas and China are offering them retraining programs in the wind industry.



Related video added by Juan Cole:

Americas First Offshore Wind Farm-360 Degree View
Boston Scientific Corporation develops, manufactures, and markets medical devices for use in various interventional medical specialties worldwide. It operates through three segments: MedSurg, Rhythm and Neuro, and Cardiovascular. The company offers devices to diagnose and treat gastrointestinal and pulmonary conditions; devices to treat various urological and pelvic conditions; implantable cardioverter and implantable cardiac resynchronization therapy defibrillators; pacemakers and implantable cardiac resynchronization therapy pacemakers; and remote patient management systems. It also provides medical technologies to diagnose and treat rate and rhythm disorders of the heart comprising 3-D cardiac mapping and navigation solutions, ablation catheters, diagnostic catheters, mapping catheters, intracardiac ultrasound catheters, delivery sheaths, and other accessories; spinal cord stimulator systems for the management of chronic pain; indirect decompression systems; and deep brain stimulation systems. In addition, the company offers interventional cardiology products, including drug-eluting coronary stent systems used in the treatment of coronary artery disease; percutaneous coronary interventions products to treat atherosclerosis; intravascular catheter-directed ultrasound imaging catheters, fractional flow reserve devices, and systems for use in coronary arteries and heart chambers, as well as various peripheral vessels; and structural heart therapies. Further, it provides stents, balloon catheters, wires, and atherectomy systems to treat arterial diseases; thrombectomy and acoustic pulse thrombolysis systems, wires, and stents to treat venous diseases; and peripheral embolization devices, radioactive microspheres, ablation systems, cryotherapy ablation systems, and micro and drainage catheters to treat cancer. The company was incorporated in 1979 and is headquartered in Marlborough, Massachusetts.
Royal Bank of Canada operates as a diversified financial service company worldwide. The company's Personal & Commercial Banking segment offers checking and savings accounts, home equity financing, personal lending, private banking, indirect lending, including auto financing, mutual funds and self-directed brokerage accounts, guaranteed investment certificates, credit cards, and payment products and solutions; and lending, leasing, deposit, investment, foreign exchange, cash management, auto dealer financing, trade products, and services to small and medium-sized commercial businesses. This segment offers financial products and services through branches, automated teller machines, and mobile sales network. Its Wealth Management segment provides a suite of advice-based solutions and strategies to high net worth and ultra-high net worth individuals, and institutional clients. The company's Insurance segment offers life, health, home, auto, travel, wealth, annuities, and reinsurance advice and solutions; and business insurance services to individual, business, and group clients through its advice centers, RBC insurance stores, and mobile advisors; digital, mobile, and social platforms; independent brokers; and travel partners. Its Investor & Treasury Services segment provides asset servicing, custody, payments, and treasury services to financial and other investors; and fund and investment administration, shareholder, private capital, performance measurement and compliance monitoring, distribution, transaction banking, cash and liquidity management, foreign exchange, and global securities finance services. The company's Capital Markets segment offers corporate and investment banking, as well as equity and debt origination, distribution, advisory services, sale, and trading services for corporations, institutional investors, asset managers, private equity firms, and governments. The company was founded in 1864 and is headquartered in Toronto, Canada.
The Greenbrier Companies, Inc. designs, manufactures, and markets railroad freight car equipment in North America, Europe, and South America. It operates through three segments: Manufacturing; Wheels, Repair & Parts; and Leasing & Services. The Manufacturing segment offers conventional railcars, such as covered hopper cars, boxcars, center partition cars, and bulkhead flat cars; tank cars; double-stack intermodal railcars; auto-max and multi-max products for the transportation of light vehicles; pressurized tank cars, non-pressurized tank cars, flat cars, coil cars, gondolas, sliding wall cars, and automobile transporter cars; and marine vessels. The Wheels, Repair & Parts segment provides wheel services, including reconditioning of wheels and axles, new axle machining and finishing, and downsizing; operates a railcar repair, refurbishment, and maintenance network; and reconditions and manufactures railcar cushioning units, couplers, yokes, side frames, bolsters, and various other parts, as well as produces roofs, doors, and associated parts for boxcars. The Leasing & Services segment offers operating leases and 'per diem' leases for a fleet of approximately 8,800 railcars; and management services comprising railcar maintenance management, railcar accounting services, fleet management and logistics, administration, and railcar remarketing. This segment owns or provides management services to a fleet of approximately 444,000 railcars for railroads, shippers, carriers, institutional investors, and other leasing and transportation companies. The company serves railroads, leasing companies, financial institutions, shippers, carriers, and transportation companies. The Greenbrier Companies, Inc. was founded in 1974 and is headquartered in Lake Oswego, Oregon.
The following companies are subsidiares of Illinois Tool Works: A V Co 1 Limited, A V Co 2 Limited, A V Co 3 Limited, ACCU-LUBE Manufacturing GmbH - Schmiermittel und -gerate -, AIP/BI Holdings Inc., Accessories Marketing Holding Corp., Advanced Molding Company Inc., Allen France SAS, Alpine Engineered Products, Alpine Systems Corporation, Anaerobicos S.r.l., AppliChem GmbH, Avery Berkel France, Avery India Limited, Avery Malaysia Sdn Bhd, Avery Weigh Tronix, Avery Weigh-Tronix Finance Limited, Avery Weigh-Tronix International Limited, Avery Weigh-Tronix LLC, Avery Weigh-Tronix Limited, Avery Weigh-Tronix Properties Limited, Avery Weigh-Tronix Suzhou Weighing Technology Co. Ltd., Azon Limited, B.C. Immo, Beijing Miller Electric Manufacturing Co. Ltd., Berkel Ireland Limited, Berrington UK, Brapenta Eletronica Ltda., Brooks Instrument B.V., Brooks Instrument GmbH, Brooks Instrument KFT, Brooks Instrument Korea Ltd., Brooks Instrument LLC, Brooks Instrument Shanghai Co. Ltd, Buell Industries Inc., CCI Realty Company, CFC Europe GmbH, CS Australia Pty Limited, CS Mexico Holding Company S DE RL DE CV, Calvia Spolka z Ograniczona Odpowiedzialnosci, Capital Ventures Australasia S.a r.l, Capmax Logistica S.A. de C.V., Celeste Industries Corporation, Coeur, Coeur Asia Limited, Coeur Holding Company, Coeur Inc., Coeur Shanghai Medical Appliance Trading Co. Ltd, Compagnie Hobart, Compagnie de Materiel et d'Equipements Techniques-Comet, Constructions Isothermiques Bontami C.I.B., Crane Carrier Company, Denison Mayes Group Limited, Despatch Industries, Diagraph Corporation Sdn. Bhd, Diagraph ITW Mexico S. de R.L. De C.V., Diagraph Mexico S.A. DE C.V., Dongguan Ark-Les Electric Components Co. Ltd., Dongguan CK Branding Co. Ltd., Duo Fast de Espana S.A.U., Duo-Fast Korea Co. Ltd., Duo-Fast LLC, E.C.S. d.o.o., E2M Production B.V.., E2M Technologies B.V.., E2M Technologies Inc.., ECS Cable Protection Sp. Zoo, ELRO Grosskuchen GmbH, ELRO Holding AG, ELRO-WERKE AG, Elro Group, Eltex-Elektrostatik-Gesellschaft mit beschrankter Haftung, Envases Multipac S.A. de C.V., Eurotec Srl, Exhibit 21, FEG Investments L.L.C., Filtertek De Mexico Holding Inc., Filtertek De Mexico S.A. de C.V., Filtertek SAS, GC Financement SA, Gamko B.V., Gun Hwa Platech Taicang Co. Ltd., HOBART Gesellschaft mit beschrankter Haftung, Hartness International, Hobart Andina S.A.S., Hobart Belgium B.V., Hobart Brothers International Chile Limitada, Hobart Brothers LLC, Hobart Dayton Mexicana S. de R.L. de C.V., Hobart Food Equipment Co. Ltd., Hobart International Singapore Pte. Ltd., Hobart Japan K.K., Hobart Korea LLC, Hobart LLC, Hobart Nederland B.V., Hobart Sales & Service Inc., Hobart Scandinavia ApS, Hobart Techniek B.V., Horis, ILC Investments Holdings Inc., ITW AEP LLC, ITW AOC LLC, ITW Aircraft Investments Inc., ITW Ampang Industries Philippines Inc., ITW Appliance Components EOOD, ITW Appliance Components S.A. de C.V., ITW Appliance Components S.r.l.a, ITW Appliance Components d.o.o., ITW Australia Holdings Pty Ltd, ITW Australia Property Holdings Pty Ltd., ITW Australia Pty Ltd, ITW Automotive Components Chongqing Co. Ltd., ITW Automotive Components Langfang Co. Ltd., ITW Automotive Japan K.K., ITW Automotive Korea LLC, ITW Automotive Parts Shanghai Co. Ltd, ITW Automotive Products GmbH, ITW Automotive Products Mexico S. de R.L. de C.V., ITW Bailly Comte, ITW Befestigungssysteme GmbH, ITW Belgium B.V., ITW Brazilian Nominee L.L.C., ITW Building Components Group Inc., ITW CER, ITW CP Distribution Center Holland BV, ITW CS UK Ltd., ITW Canada Inc., ITW Celeste Inc., ITW Chemical Products Ltda, ITW Chemical Products Scandinavia ApS, ITW China Investment Company Limited, ITW Colombia S.A.S., ITW Construction Products AB, ITW Construction Products AS, ITW Construction Products ApS, ITW Construction Products CZ s.r.o., ITW Construction Products Italy Srl, ITW Construction Products OU, ITW Construction Products OY, ITW Construction Products Shanghai Co. Ltd., ITW Construction Products Singapore Pte. Ltd., ITW Construction Services Manila Inc., ITW Contamination Control B.V., ITW Contamination Control Wujiang Co. Ltd., ITW Covid Security Group Inc., ITW DS Investments Inc., ITW DelFast do Brasil Ltda., ITW Denmark ApS, ITW Deutschland GmbH, ITW Diagraph GmbH, ITW Dynatec, ITW Dynatec Adhesive Equipment Suzhou Co. Ltd., ITW Dynatec GmbH, ITW Dynatec Kabushiki Kaisha, ITW EAE B.V., ITW EAE Mexico S de RL de CV, ITW EF&C France SAS, ITW EF&C Selb GmbH, ITW EU Holdings Ltd., ITW Electronic Business Asia Co. Limited, ITW Electronic Components/Products Shanghai Co. Ltd., ITW Electronics Suzhou Co. Ltd., ITW Epsilon Sarl, ITW Espana S.L., ITW European Finance Co. Ltd., ITW European Finance II Co. Ltd., ITW European Finance III Co. Ltd., ITW FEG Hong Kong Limited, ITW FEG do Brasil Industria e Comercio Ltda., ITW Fastener Products GmbH, ITW Fluids and Hygiene Solutions Ltda., ITW Food Equipment Group LLC, ITW GH LLC, ITW GSE ApS, ITW GSE Inc., ITW Gamma Sarl, ITW German Management LLC, ITW Global Investments Holdings LLC, ITW Global Investments Holdings Y Compania Sociedad en Comandita por Acciones, ITW Global Investments Inc., ITW Global Tire Repair Europe GmbH, ITW Global Tire Repair Inc., ITW Global Tire Repair Japan K.K., ITW Graphics Asia Limited, ITW Graphics Thailand Ltd., ITW Great Britain Investment & Licensing Holding Company, ITW Group France Luxembourg S.ar.l., ITW HLP Thailand Co. Ltd., ITW Holding Quimica B.C. S.L. Sole Shareholder Company, ITW Holdings Australia L.P., ITW Holdings I Limited, ITW Holdings II Limited, ITW Holdings III Limited, ITW Holdings IV Limited, ITW Holdings IX Limited, ITW Holdings Inc., ITW Holdings V Limited, ITW Holdings VI Limited, ITW Holdings VII Limited, ITW Holdings VIII Limited, ITW Holdings X Limited, ITW Holdings XI Limited, ITW ILC Holdings I Inc., ITW IPG Investments LLC, ITW Imaden Industria e Comercio Ltda., ITW India Private Limited, ITW International Holdings LLC, ITW Invest Holding GmbH, ITW Ireland Holdings Unlimited Company, ITW Ireland Unlimited Company, ITW Italy Holding Srl, ITW Japan Ltd., ITW Korea LLC, ITW LLC & Co. KG, ITW Limited, ITW Lys Fusion S.r.l., ITW Materials Technology Shanghai Co. Ltd., ITW Meritex Sdn. Bhd., ITW Metal Fasteners S.L., ITW Mexico Holding Company S. De R.L. de C.V., ITW Mexico Holdings LLC, ITW Morlock GmbH, ITW Mortgage Investments II Inc., ITW Mortgage Investments III Inc., ITW Mortgage Investments IV Inc., ITW Netherlands Administration BV, ITW Netherlands Beta B.V., ITW Netherlands Finance Alpha BV, ITW New Universal LLC, ITW New Zealand, ITW Ningbo Components & Fastenings Systems Co. Ltd., ITW Novadan Sp. Z.o.o., ITW PPF Brasil Adesivos Ltda., ITW Packaging Technology China Co. Ltd., ITW Participations S.a r.l., ITW Pension Funds Trustee Company, ITW Performance Polymers & Fluids Japan Co. Ltd., ITW Performance Polymers & Fluids Korea Limited, ITW Performance Polymers & Fluids OOO, ITW Performance Polymers ApS, ITW Performance Polymers Wujiang Co. Ltd., ITW Performance Polymers and Fluids Group FZE, ITW Peru S.A.C., ITW Poly Mex S. de R.L. de C.V., ITW Polymers Sealants North America Inc., ITW Pronovia s.r.o., ITW Pte. Ltd., ITW Qufu Automotive Cooling Systems Co. Ltd., ITW Real Estate Germany GmbH, ITW Residuals III L.L.C., ITW Residuals IV L.L.C., ITW Rivex, ITW SMPI, ITW SPG Mexico S. de R.L. de C.V., ITW Simco-Ion Shenzhen Co. Ltd., ITW Slovakia s.r.o., ITW Spain Holdings S.L., ITW Specialty Film LLC, ITW Specialty Films France, ITW Specialty Materials Suzhou Co. Ltd., ITW Sverige AB, ITW Sweden Holding AB, ITW Test & Measurement Equipment Shanghai Co. Ltd, ITW Test & Measurement GmbH, ITW Test and Measurement Italia Srl, ITW Test and Measurement Services Industry and Trade Ltd., ITW Texwipe Philippines Inc., ITW Thermal Films Shanghai Co. Ltd., ITW UK, ITW UK Finance Beta Limited, ITW UK Finance Delta Limited, ITW UK Finance Gamma Limited, ITW UK Finance Limited, ITW UK Finance Zeta Ltd., ITW UK II Limited, ITW Universal II LLC, ITW Welding, ITW Welding AB, ITW Welding GmbH, ITW Welding Products B.V., ITW Welding Products Group FZE, ITW Welding Products Group S. DE R.L. De C.V., ITW Welding Products Italy Srl, ITW Welding Products Limited Liability Company, ITW Welding Produtos Para Solgdagem Ltda., ITW Welding Singapore Pte. Ltd., ITW de France, ITW do Brasil Industrial e Comercial Ltda., Illinois Tool Works Chile Limitada, Illinois Tool Works ITW Nederland B.V., Illinois Tool Works Inc., Impar Comercio E Representacoes Ltda., Industrie Plastic Elsasser GmbH, Inmobiliaria Cit. S.A. de C.F., Innova Temperlite Servicios S.A. de C.V., Innovacion y Transformacion Automotriz S.A. de C.V., Instron Brasil Equipamentos Cientificos Ltda., Instron Foreign Sales Corp. Limited, Instron France S.A.S., Instron GmbH, Instron Japan Company Ltd., Instron Korea LLC, Instron Shanghai Ltd., Instron Thailand Limited, International Leasing Company LLC, Isolenge - ITW Sistemas de Isolamento Termico Ltda., Itw Spraytec, KCPL Mauritius Holdings, Kester, Kleinmann GmbH, Krafft S.L., Loma Systems, Loma Systems BV, Loma Systems Canada Inc., Loma Systems sro, Lombard Pressings Limited, Lumex Inc., Lys Fusion Poland Sp. z.o.o., M&C Specialties Co., MAGNAFLUX GmbH, MEHB Holdings Limited, MGHG Property LLC, MTS 2 LLC., MTS 3 LLC., MTS China Holdings LLC, MTS Europe Holdings LLC, MTS Holdings France S.a.r.l., MTS Japan Ltd.., MTS Korea Inc.., MTS Systems China Co. Ltd., MTS Systems Corporation, MTS Systems Danmark ApS., MTS Systems Europe B.V., MTS Systems Finance C.V.., MTS Systems Germany GmbH, MTS Systems Holding B.V.., MTS Systems Hong Kong Incorporated, MTS Systems Limited, MTS Systems Norden Aktiebolag, MTS Systems S.r.l, MTS Systems., MTS Systems.., MTS Sytems Do Brazil, MTS Testing Solutions India Private Limited., MTS Testing Systems Canada Ltd., Manufacturing Avancee S.A., Meritex Technology Suzhou Co. Ltd., Meurer Verpackungssysteme GmbH, Miller Electric Mfg. LLC, Miller Insurance Ltd., NDT Holding LLC, NOVADAN APS, North Star Imaging Inc., Nova Chimica S.r.l., Orbitalum Tools GmbH, PENTA-91 OOO, PR. A. I. Srl, PT ITW Construction Products Indonesia, Pacific Concept Industries Limited Enping, Panreac Quimica S.L., Paslode Fasteners Shanghai Co. Ltd., Peerless Machinery Corp., Polyrey, Premark FEG L.L.C., Premark HII Holdings LLC, Premark International, Premark International LLC, Prolex Sociedad Anonima, QSA Global Inc., Quimica Industrial Mediterranea S.L., R&D Engineering A/S., R&D Prague s.r.o., R&D Steel ApS., R&D Test Systems A/S., R&D Tools and Structures A/S., RDGDK Engineering Private Limited, Ramset Fasteners Hong Kong Ltd., Rapid Cook LLC, Refrigeration France, S.E.E. Sistemas Industria E Comercio Ltda., ST Mexico Holdings LLC, Sealant Systems International Inc., Sentinel Asia Yuhan Hoesa, Shanghai ITW Plastic & Metal Co. Ltd, Simco Japan Inc., Simco Nederland B.V., Societe de Prospection et dInventions Techniques  SPIT, Speedline Holdings I Inc., Speedline Holdings I LLC, Speedline Technologies GmbH, Speedline Technologies Mexico S. de R.L. de C.V., Speedline Technologies Mexico Services S. de R.L. de C.V., Stokvis Celix Portugal Unipessoal LDA, Stokvis Danmark ApS, Stokvis Holdings S.A.R.L., Stokvis Promi s.r.o, Stokvis Prostick Tapes Private Limited, Stokvis Tapes B.V., Stokvis Tapes Benelux B.V., Stokvis Tapes Deutschland GmbH, Stokvis Tapes France, Stokvis Tapes Hong Kong Co. Limited, Stokvis Tapes Italia s.r.l., Stokvis Tapes Limited, Stokvis Tapes Limited Liability Company, Stokvis Tapes Norge AS, Stokvis Tapes Oy, Stokvis Tapes Polska Sp Z.O.O., Stokvis Tapes Shanghai Co. Ltd., Stokvis Tapes Sverige AB, Stokvis Tapes Taiwan Co. Ltd., Stokvis Tapes Tianjin Co. Ltd., Stolvis Holdings II S.A.R.L., Subsidiaries, Technopack Industria Comercio Consultoria e Representacoes Ltda., Teknek China Limited, Teknek Japan Limited, Teksaleco Ltd., The Miller Group Ltd, Thirode Grandes Cuisines Poligny, Tien Tai Electrode Co. Ltd., Tien Tai Electrode Kunshan Co. Ltd., Unichemicals Industria e Comercio Ltda., VR-Leasing Sarita GmbH & Co. Immobilien KG, VS European Holdco BV, Valeron Strength Films B.V., Veneta Decalcogomme S.r.l., Versachem Chile S.A., Vesta, Vesta Global Limited, Vesta Guangzhou Catering Equipment Co. Ltd, Viltronics Soltec, Vitronics Soltec B.V., Wachs Canada Ltd., Wachs Subsea LLC, Weigh-Tronix Canada ULC, Weigh-Tronix UK Limited, Wilsonart International Holdings LLC, Wynn Oil South Africa Pty Ltd., Wynn's Automotive France, Wynn's Belgium BVBA, Wynn's Italia Srl, Wynn's Mekuba India Pvt Ltd, and Zip-Pak International B.V..

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New Jersey Resources Corporation, an energy services holding company, provides regulated gas distribution, and retail and wholesale energy services. The company operates through four segments: Natural Gas Distribution, Clean Energy Ventures, Energy Services, and Storage and Transportation. The Natural Gas Distribution segment offers regulated natural gas utility services to approximately 564,000 residential and commercial customers throughout Burlington, Middlesex, Monmouth, Morris, Ocean, and Sussex counties in New Jersey; provides capacity and storage management services; and participates in the off-system sales and capacity release markets. The Clean Energy Ventures segment invests in, owns, and operates commercial and residential solar projects situated in New Jersey, Connecticut, Rhode Island, and New York. The Energy Services segment offers unregulated wholesale energy management services to other energy companies and natural gas producers, as well as maintains and transacts a portfolio of physical assets consisting of natural gas storage and transportation contracts in the United States and Canada. The Storage and Transportation segment invests in natural gas transportation and storage facilities. It provides heating, ventilation, and cooling services; holds commercial real estate properties; and offers solar equipment installation, and plumbing repair and installation services, as well as engages in the water appliance sale, installation, and servicing activities. The company was incorporated in 1981 and is headquartered in Wall, New Jersey.
Outgeneralled, the British Army crashed to defeat before the German Blitzkrieg in May 1940. The greatest defeat in British imperial history, it was the price of interwar conservatism. But the soldiers had fought with gritty determination and most of them were rescued from the beaches of Dunkirk. So Britain would survive to fight again.

The English soldier was in excellent physical condition. He bore his own wounds with stoical calm. The losses of his troops he discussed with complete equanimity. He did not complain of hardships. In battle he was tough and dogged. His conviction that England would conquer in the end was unshakeable.

This opinion was enshrined in an official military report of the German IV Corps, Sixth Army, discussing operations in north-west Europe during May 1940. It continued: The English soldier has always shown himself to be a fighter of high value. Certainly the Territorial divisions are inferior to the Regular troops in training, but where morale is concerned they are their equal.

In defence the Englishman took any punishment that came his way. During the fighting, IV Corps took relatively fewer English prisoners than in engagements with the French or Belgians. On the other hand, casualties on both sides were high.

Something had clearly survived of the centuries-old British military tradition. It was rooted in the militia service of the middling sort in the Middle Ages, and it had given rise to a distinctive British way of war embodied in the practice of the New Model Army, in the victories of Marlboroughs and Wellingtons redcoats, and in the steady, massed, precision musketry at Mons in 1914. At times the thread of tradition had worn perilously thin, but something always survived  the British at war continued to be an army of free men, fighting defensively in line, each man supporting his mates on either side, in the manner of King Harolds fyrd on Senlac Hill.

That this was so became increasingly apparent as the disaster of May 1940 unfolded. The British Army might have fallen apart. Much of the French Army did so (though not all) once it was clear that the Germans had broken the line and surrounded the main masse de manoeuvre of the Allied forces in Belgium. But it did not. Instead, British commanders thought on their feet, acted fast, and improvised hasty defensive lines out of almost nothing, while the men on the ground dug in when ordered and fought on with grim resolution in a battle of a kind that none were prepared for.

Colonel Blimp

The problem in May 1940 was not the resilience of the British soldier. It was the triumph of the Blimps in the interwar period. The famous cartoon character Colonel Blimp appeared regularly in Londons Evening Standard during the 1930s. The story is that cartoonist David Low was inspired to create the character after overhearing a conversation in which two military men had declared that cavalry officers should be permitted to wear spurs inside tanks. Blimp  pompous, opinionated, red-faced, resolutely opposed to change in any form  was satire, not simple invention; Low was describing a military reality.

Briefly, in 1918, the British had had a mass national Army of citizen conscripts supplied with modern weapons and tactical doctrine. This was the Army that won the war. But the union of Army and people had been an unhappy one, and its dissolution after the war as the military shrank to a tenth or less of its former size was almost universally welcomed.

Interwar Britain was a polarised society. The economy crashed after the war amid a wave of industrial unrest. Revolution was in the air in 1919, and wage cuts later provoked the General Strike of 1926. Despite the apparent inducement of permanent mass unemployment, revulsion at the slaughter in the trenches combined with the radical mood inside the working class to discourage military enlistment.

The Army did nothing to help itself. Its deployment against striking workers at home in 1919 and 1926 and against nationalist revolt in Ireland, Egypt, and India placed it at odds with much public opinion. Renewed emphasis on drill and discipline, a redrawing of class lines between officers and men, and the rotten pay and conditions of ordinary soldiers all combined to make the Army an unattractive career choice.

The Army turned in on itself. The artillery put aside most of its heavy-calibre guns and refocused on its more mobile field equipment. The cavalry reasserted itself as a pre-eminent arm after its marginalisation on the Western Front during the war. Twenty-six battalions of tanks were reduced to four, and the discarded vehicles were left to rust in a field in Dorset.

The critics of the interwar Army were not confined to marginal mavericks. Field-Marshal Chetwodes farewell address as Commander-in-Chief in India in 1934 included a scathing indictment of the Army he was leaving: The longer I remain in the service, the more wooden and the more regulation bound do I find a British officer to be.

The Army was, in a sense, returning to pre-war normal  becoming again a small-wars colonial army, combining home duties with imperial policing, and having no expectation of engaging in another full-scale land war against a major modern power. In this, though, it was simply reflecting more-or-less consistent British foreign policy from 1918 to 1937.

What is the Army for?

It is misguided to pronounce from the vantage-point of hindsight that the Army should not have been run down in the way that it was during the interwar period. All societies face competing demands on resources; all decisions about how resources are allocated involve a balancing of different priorities. The victory of fascism in Germany in 1933 could not have been predicted. The relentlessness of Nazi imperialism did not become clear until the late 1930s.

Equally unfathomable was the likely shape of any future war. The RAF had become a third service in its own right in April 1918. Aerial bombing appeared to offer cut-price policing of colonial trouble-spots. The prophets of air power made chilling predictions of devastation from the air, and a British prime minister informed the House of Commons that the bomber will always get through.

Little wonder, then, that the Army became what Lord Hailsham called a Cinderella of the forces. The Royal Navy continued, of course, to play the primary role in both imperial and home-defence strategy, but the RAF now also creamed off resources, the beneficiary of a growing conviction that air power had become central to national security. To make matters worse, RAF policy was to de-prioritise tactical support of ground forces in favour of, first and foremost, building a strategic bomber force as a deterrent, and, second, with increasing urgency in the late 1930s, to create an air-defence system for the homeland.

But what was the alternative? British capitalism was in decline, its sluggish performance in the interwar period comparing badly with that of the US in the 1920s and that of Germany and Russia in the 1930s. Indeed, Britain, the original workshop of the world, was falling so far behind its competitors that it would be bankrupted by the Second World War, becoming a financial and industrial tributary of the United States by 1941. Yet the British Empire had only just reached its greatest extent: victory and Versailles had awarded it rich prizes at the expense of the defeated Central Powers. The native populations of Africa, Asia, and the Middle East, on the other hand, radicalised by the war and the wave of revolution that followed, were increasingly restless. A shrinking share of global wealth; a growing effort of imperial control: the interwar British Empire was overextended.

This is the reality behind the famous Ten Year Rule. Proclaimed in 1919, it stated: It should be assumed that the British Empire will not be engaged in any great war during the next ten years, and that no expeditionary force is required for this purpose The principal function of the military and air forces is to provide garrisons for India, Egypt, the new mandated territory, and all territories (other than self-governing) under British control, as well as the necessary support to the civil power at home.

Except for a growing preoccupation with air power, little changed thereafter for the best part of two decades. As late as December 1937, a meeting of the Chamberlain Cabinet listed Britains defence priorities as follows: first, the security of the United Kingdom, especially from air attack; second, the protection of imperial communications; third, defence of imperial possessions; and only fourth, co-operation in defence of territories of any allies Britain might have in war.

The tank problem

The effects of interwar government policy were exemplified by the tank problem. As late as 1936, the British Army was spending four times as much on horse feed as on petrol. In the May 1940 campaign, it did not have enough tanks, and those it did have were of the wrong sort and were used badly  a result of lack of spending, lack of experience, and lack of doctrine in relation to armoured forces over the preceding two decades.

Ironically, of course, the British had pioneered the development of the tank, and, unsurprisingly therefore, had produced two leading advocates of armoured warfare in Colonel (later Major-General) John Boney Fuller (1878-1966), who had served as chief staff officer in the Tanks Corps during the First World War, and Captain Basil Liddell Hart (1895-1970), who fought as an infantry officer in the trenches.

By the early 1930s, Fuller was arguing that the relatively immobile linear battlefield of the First World War, in which mass conscript armies confronted one another across clearly defined no-mans-land, was a thing of the past. Henceforward, the typical battlefield would comprise an entire region in which small, mechanised, highly trained armies would manoeuvre in depth, supported by aircraft, and pivoting on dispersed strong-points, anti-tank bastions, and defended supply-bases.

Liddell Harts emphasis was different, but the main thrust of his argument pointed in the same direction. Reflecting on the infiltration tactics employed on the Western Front in 1918, he extrapolated that these would become decisive with the further development of armour, air power, and lorry-borne infantry; the ease and speed of mechanised breakthroughs would produce expanding torrents of men and firepower spreading out across the enemy rear, destroying the battlefields traditional linear configuration.

The problem was that you could not guard the sea-lanes with a tank, nor deter an enemy bomber. Equally, the heavier armoured vehicles were far from ideal if the priority was policing a nationalist demonstration or suppressing a tribal rebellion on a remote frontier. In consequence, the resources were not made available to develop an armoured warfare capacity in the interwar years.

Lack of experience led to muddle over design, organisation, and doctrine. Armoured vehicles could be used in various ways  for colonial policing, for reconnaissance and screening, in close infantry support, and as armoured spearheads if massed in independent mechanised formations. So what sort of tank is ideal?

The British entered the Second World War with two main types: heavily armoured I tanks that moved at walking pace, had light armament, and were designed for close co-operation with attacking infantry; and lightly armoured cruiser tanks that were fast but still lacked heavy armament, as they were intended mainly for reconnaissance, screening, and other light duties. Neither fitted the demands of May 1940.

The Germans, by contrast, had already developed the concept of a main battle tank  an ideal design that attempted to combine speed, robustness, protection, gun-power, and ease and cheapness of manufacture. Achievement may still have fallen well short of aspiration, but the thinking was sound, as was the grouping of tanks in independent Panzer divisions, and the concentration of these armoured divisions at the point dappui (the fulcrum of the battlefield).

General Gorts army

The British Expeditionary Force that fought the Dunkirk campaign bore all the hallmarks of interwar policy. The military establishment had plunged from 3.5 million in 1918 to 370,000 by the end of 1920. Further drastic reductions followed in 1922, and thereafter the Army budget fell steadily every year from 43.5 million in 1923 to just under 36 million in 1932.

These reductions reflected the Ten Year Rule, the assumption that Britain would not be obliged to form an expeditionary force to wage war on the Continent in the foreseeable future. The policy did not change even with the growing threat to British interests during the 1930s from Imperial Japan in the Far East, Fascist Italy in the Middle East, and Nazi Germany in Central Europe. Appeasement dominated policy until virtually the end of the decade, mainly because most of Britains rulers continued to regard revolution and Stalins Russia as greater dangers than fascism and German imperialism.

By 1937, however, the policy was beginning to change. Leslie Hore-Belisha was appointed Secretary of State for War when Chamberlain became Prime Minister in May 1937, and he set about modernising Britains armed forces. Pay and conditions were improved, conservative generals were sidelined, and Liddell Hart was brought in as an unofficial government advisor.

The wind of change strengthened during 1938 and the first half of 1939, as it became clearer that appeasement was failing in the face of Nazi rearmament and aggression. The military budget shot up, a limited form of conscription was introduced, and spending on new equipment meant that when war broke out the British Expeditionary Force  initially 160,000 men and 23,000 vehicles  was the only fully motorised army on the Continent.

The Phoney War between September 1939 and May 1940 allowed the belated military build-up to continue, such that the BEF had swelled to around 400,000 by the time the serious fighting began.

It was commanded by General Viscount John Vereker Gort VC, a living symbol of the Old Guards return to power. General Alan Brooke described him as the best platoon commander in France. A guardsman and very much a regimental soldier, he had, in British Army historian Allan Mallinsons opinion, risen by that private Household elevator which had once been a feature of the Army. Consequently, in May 1940, as a whirlwind armoured Blitzkrieg engulfed his army, he was soon out of his depth.

Blitzkrieg On 13 May 1940, General Heinz Guderians XIX Panzerkorps crossed the River Meuse at Sedan and entered French territory. Supported by pioneer assault units and screaming dive-bomber attacks, his three Panzer divisions (1st, 2nd, and 10th) smashed through weak French defences in a sector where no attack had been expected. Somewhat earlier on the same day, a short distance further north, General Erwin Rommels 7th Panzer Division had also crossed the Meuse at Dinant.

It was just three days since the start of the German attack in the West. The Panzers had passed through the Ardennes Forest, widely assumed to be impenetrable to armoured columns, in order the strike the weakest point in the French line  the hinge between the main mass of the Allied armies advancing into Belgium to the north and the formidable Maginot Line defences along the Franco-German border to the south.

The German plan had been conceived by General Erich von Manstein. It had faced determined opposition from more conservative generals. Their preferred plan was the one that had failed in 1914: a massive turning movement through Belgium and north-eastern France directed at Paris. The Allied plan was a mirror-image of this: to hold the Maginot Line in moderate force and to direct a vast mobile army into Belgium to confront the German attack head-on. The widely expected outcome was stalemate and attrition in the traditional cockpit of European conflict.

Few German officers could see the potential of mobile armoured warfare. Blitzkrieg  lightning war  was a combination of advanced industrial technology and radical military thinking. Both were necessary. In spring 1940, the French had more tanks and fighter-aircraft than the Germans. But they did not deploy them according to a new conception of war. Nor, until the last minute, did the Germans. Then, Hitlers personal intervention, driven primarily by his deep-rooted fear of a war of attrition, led to the adoption of the Manstein plan. Instead of being concentrated in the north for the invasion of Belgium, the German armour was massed at the far edge of the Ardennes. Breakthrough During 14 May, the Panzer generals expanded and strengthened their bridgeheads over the Meuse, beat off poorly managed French counter-attacks, and then pushed their armoured spearheads westwards. Henceforward, they kept moving, ignoring the evolving threat to their f lanks and line of communication as they drove deeper into northern France. The theory was that the speed of the advance and the disruption to the enemys command and communication systems would prevent the concentration and co-ordination necessary for a successful counterattack. So it proved. Keeping the River Somme on their left as a defensive barrier, the Panzers drove for the Channel ports. On 20 May they reached the sea near Abbeville. On 25 May they captured Boulogne. On the 26th, Calais. As early as the morning of 15 May, the French Prime Minister, Paul Reynaud, had woken Churchill with a phone call to announce, We are beaten. We have lost the battle. He was correct. With a wide gap torn in the French line and the German armour racing towards the Channel, it was only a matter of days before the supply-line of the Allied army advancing into Belgium would be severed. As soon as that happened, it would begin to disintegrate, like a vast complex machine whose power is suddenly switched off.

The speed and completeness of the German victory had thrown everyone  the Germans included  off balance. The military situation had been transformed beyond any expectations. No-one had planned for this. Improvisation was now the order of the day. Contingency  the mix of accident and on-the-spot decision that often decides historys direction  now determined, however, that the British Army would not be destroyed. Five factors were decisive: the anxiety and vacillation of German high command; the intelligence and energy of some senior British officers in managing the defence of the shrinking perimeter around the trapped BEF; the gritty resilience of British soldiery when operating defensively with their backs to the wall; Gorts decision to disobey orders from London and organise an immediate fighting retreat to Dunkirk; and the dynamic brilliance of Admiral Ramsays improvised armada of rescue vessels.
The death of Capt. Maxwell Adama Mahama should not bring about INSTITUTIONAL COUP whereby some sections of the Ghanaian publics would be calling for the military police to take over the the constitutionally mandated duties of Ghana Police Service. The hallucinations of "soldier power" is over and we should come to terms with it including the soldiers. We are now in constitutional rule and the police service is the pivot of our democracy as far as law and order is concerned.

I have been watching keenly with interest comments being passed by a cross section of Ghanaian publics and I ask myself whether people lose their common sense and talk any how in times like this or they are just suffering from emotional hallucinations and for that matter need urgent cure?

It's so disappointing to hear seasoned journalists, lawyers, doctors, nurses teachers and almost all the highly rated professionals in Ghana talking nonsense when situation like this come up. That is when intellectuals in Ghana lose it completely and I always wonder why? They suddenly remove their thinking cup and replace them with membranes full of water and start to talk nonsense about the Ghana Police Service. That is when you see people unreasonably calling for the disbandment of Ghana Police Service. That is hypocrisy at the highest order and how they hate the police.

I flared up yesterday when I heard some soldiers yesterday saying that they would want their military police to handle or investigate the circumstances which led to the death of Capt. Maxwell Adama Mahama because they do not trust the police service. A knowledgeable soldier will never spew that nonsense but will rather call for collaboration between the military and the police to delve into the depth of this matter considering the fact that the police service is the only constitutionally mandated body to investigate crimes of which the death of Capt. Maxwell Adama Mahama is not of exception.

No matter sensitive this case is and accompanied by its emotional tendencies, the military lack the constitutional capabilities to handle it apart from the police service. The military police or whatever it is, is just a departmental or internal disciplinary body within the military and cannot go beyond it bounds to investigate anybody in this country on criminal charges. They cannot even investigate soldiers involved in criminal acts and let alone to talk of Ghanaians. They lack the constitutional sense to do that even if they have the physical capabilities.

Capt. Maxwell Adama Mahama's death is a big blow to all of us particularly those of who attended school with him at St. John's School, Sekondi. When we came to first year, he was in final year and for that matter all the OLD SAINTS are in a mourning mood but that does not call for the disbandment of the police service which has the bona-fide constitutional right to handle all the criminal cases in Ghana. That is a misplaced calls and an open attack on the constitution of Ghana and must be condemned by all well meaning Ghanaians. It is a form of institutional coup that must not be tolerated.

Calls for the police to step aside to allow soldiers to investigate the circumstances that led to the death of the soldier is discriminatory and hypocritical since he is not the only person who has been killed in that manner. The same day that Capt. Maxwell Adama Mahama was being lynched, that very day in somewhere Bolga, and old lady was also being lynched to death after she was accused of being a witch. Who should investigate the death of this old lady? Should the military police investigate that one too, or the traditional Asafo company in the home town of the old lady should investigate that one because she is one of their own? It's may be the old lady is poor.

The police service is heavily constrained and challenged but no reasonable person in this country sees the need to call for resourcing and equipping the police police service as the Constitution says to be able to carry out its constitutional functions effectively but rather bisect their proboscis to any angle to openly call for the disbandment of the police service. It's sickening in the head that needs attention at Accra Psychiatric Hospital or Pantang and I am sincere about it.

The soldiers can go to Denkyira Obuasi and capsise the town and arrest everybody in that town but they will still have to hand them over to the police to investigate them. Any attempt to detain them in the military custody is a constitutional breach, assault by imprisonment and unlawful detentions. That will be lawlesness that the country should not tolerate in as much as we all call for justice for Capt. Maxwell Adama Mahama. It doesn't mean the military is superior to our laws. That should never be the case.

Calls for the military police to investigate the circumstances that led to the death of Capt. Maxwell Adama Mahama is a misplaced one. Equippingand maintaining the police service to maintain its traditional role of maintaining law and order should be the right calls. When our democracy is fully consolidated, we will not see the use of the military. Even now what at they doing? We should rather disband the military and absorb them into the police.

Ahanta Apemenyimheneba Kwofie III

[email protected]

#Ahantadiaries_02_06_17
03.06.2017 LISTEN

President Akufo-Addo has ordered the police to ensure that anybody found liable in the gruesome murder of Captain Maxwell Mahama is dealt with accordingly.

The President, sounding very worried, condemned the dastardly act, thereby, assuring Ghanaians that this matter would be dealt with, according to the rule of law.

He tasked the police to do a diligent work by going deep with their investigations to uncover the killers of the young Captain, who left behind a wife and two children.

To this end, the President, yesterday suspended the District Chief Executive (DCE) for Upper Denkyira West, Daniel Apiannin, for his intemperate utterances, following the murder of Captain Maxwell Mahama.

Captain Maxwell Adam Mahama, who was with the 5th Infantry Battalion (5BN) at Burma Camp, Accra, was the head of the military detachment fighting illegal mining (galamsey) at Denkyira Obuasi, where some irate youth killed him, Monday morning, after they mistook him for an armed robber.

Hajia Alima Mahama, Minister for Local Government and Rural Development, confirmed the decision to rip the DCE off his position immediately.

Hajia Mahama stated that the investigation is expected to span through the recent happenings at Denkyira Obuasi and what had happened in the press the DCEs pronouncements pertaining to the incident and matters arising.

She said: We need to have a good view of that find out what happened and thereafter, we will look at his actions and decide whether he should be relieved of his position. But in the interim, he is on suspension.

His utterances have been there. People have questioned the utterances and all that. We are a responsible government. We respond to the queries of people so we are responding and asking him to go on suspension, she added.

Daniel Apiannin, the Upper Denkyira West DCE, had made comments suggesting that Captain Mahama and his colleagues were in the area to protect illegal Chinese miners.

The DCEs comments contradicted the police and the Military High Command's claims that the military was deployed to the area on an anti-galamsey operation.

The DCE's comments, which angered many, inferred that he gave justification for the inhumane act by the angry youth because they thought he was an armed robber.

Mr. Apiannin had also said he was not aware of any military presence for any official operation.

He said the numerous complaints made by the residents of Denkyira Obuasi about robbery in the area are the reasons for which they carried out such a dastardly act, since there had been a robbery incident a few days prior to the lynching.

Meanwhile, seven suspects arrested in connection with the murder of Captain Mahama were yesterday arraigned before a Cape Coast District Court.

The suspects are William Baah, the assembly man for Denkyira Obuasi, who is also a teacher, Bismark Donkor, Phillip Badu and Kofi Nyame. The rest are Anthony Amoah, Kofi Badu and Yaw Annor.

They are standing trial for murder and conspiracy to commit crime. The court remanded them into prison custody to reappear on June 19, 2017.

By Inusa Musah
The Ghana Police Service has got the identity of the woman who informed the assemblyman of Denkyira Obuasi that Captain Maxwell Mahama was an armed robber, after she had seen the sidearm of the now deceased officer as he took money from his pocket to pay for snails he had bought from her.

The Director of CID, DCOP Bright Oduro, disclosed this at a joint press conference with the Ghana Armed Forces at the Police Headquarters in Accra on Friday, 2 June.

We have the identity of the woman who sold the snails to Captain Adam. Unfortunately, when we went there yesterday we did not see any woman selling at the roadside. As I said, everyone has gone into hiding. I believe she has also gone into hiding, but as I have indicated, we have her identity. We have her name and we are in the process of tracking her down, he stated.

She does not sell alone, there are other women. We are not sure that it was she that gave out the information, but through our investigation we will be able to establish who actually did that. But the one who sold the snails to the captain we are doing our outmost best to track her down.

Meanwhile, the IGP has said the police service has started putting in place measures to eradicate mob action following the lynching of Captain Mahama.

Mr David Asante-Apeatu said: The police service which I head, has already started putting measures in place to eradicate these acts of impunity.

These measures include stern enforcement of the law, liaising with other relevant institutions to embark on massive public education, strengthening criminal investigations, and taking community policing to a higher level.

According to him, all these are included in the major transformation agenda being pursued by the police to professionalise the service.

He said: Persons who violate the laws of the land in a manner akin to what has happened in the late Captains case would be dealt with accordingly, adding: The police is prepared to collaborate with stakeholders to cure this canker of instant justice and ensure that it is permanently stamped out of the society. We shall, therefore, stop at nothing to deal with the perpetrators of this phenomenon.
President Mahama's authorisation to purchase a fleet of 43 armoured cars eight days to his government's demise has been criticised as corrupt.

Law lecturer Yaw Oppong says government officials may have ordered a new presidential fleet just to take home the existing fleet of cars as they exited power January 7.

This constitutes rent-seeking, he said on Joy FM/Joy News Saturday news analysis show Newsfile.

The B6 armoured vehicles are capable of firing rounds of ammunition and are designed to withstand the effects of a hand grenade.

Questions have been raised about the motive behind the NDC government order for the specialised vehicles a few days to handing over.

For Yaw Oppong it could be that government was trying to create a commercial opportunity to thank favourites with contracts and profit.

"It is a very nice way of glorifying corruption because it is always difficult to identify the corruption in it" he said.

Yaw Oppong questioned the need for a fleet in view of a competition for scarce resources. He said for a country struggling to pa public workers "I can't see the necessity for these cars".

Joining Yaw Oppong's line of questioning, veteran journalist Kweku Baako Jnr called on government to provide further information surrounding the deal.

Was the deal captured in the handing over reports of the Transition team?, was procurement laws infringed? or was it some 'attempt to give somebody business just to make some profit?" he wanted to know.

The cars are yet to arrive in the country. They are packed in Dubai.

The Akufo-Addo government has placed a moratorium on the purchase of new government vehicles. But Kweku Baako says these cars are not affected by the ban because they were ordered before the austerity measure was put in place.

Story by Ghana|myjoyonline.com|Edwin Appiah|[email protected]
Disdain for ambivalence and cogitation will certainly be out of order when discussing instances of mob justice in Ghana. Needless to say, we cannot arrest the canker of mob justice by a one-sided mob decision. The media must be circumspect not to lead the country into a ditch. I am not insinuating that journalist must always maintain a stance of Olympian detachment on their reportage because the media work can hardly be bereft of human values. I am calling for a balance reportage relative to mob justice. Per 2011, Arab Spring and other happenings, we are privy to information about the power of Masses. Ghanaians must assess pros and cons of mob justice. We can encourage mob arrest for the police and discourage mob killing. Ghana needs media debate not media dictatorship.

The National Commission for Civic Education must begin a campaign against police stereotype. General public misconception about the police must be eradicated. Per United Nation standard of policing in 2014, member countries were entreated to have one police personnel to 500 people. In 2011, Ghana police-citizen ratio stood at one officer to 976 people. The country witnessed improvement in 2012 with one policeman to 847 people.

Poor road networks and planning, erratic power supply and inadequate communication gadgets are among challenges confronting the police. The imperative need of sensitizing the public on police challenges must be maximally active. I think learning from Republic of South Africas Metro/Community police system will not be a bad idea. We must also be careful not to expose the weakness of the police to criminals and would-be criminals. Nevertheless, we must find out how and who buys AK-47 rifles for armed robbers.

Inasmuch as it is painful to lose such a promising young army officer, mob arrest to complement the work of police is not bad in its entirety. Was is true that Diaso or Dunkwa-Obuasi inhabitants had been victimized by armed robbers or not? Who created illegal mining problems which warranted military intervention? Citizens must be educated on their limits when arresting suspected criminals. There are certain areas criminals do not go because they are afraid of consequences.

What is evil is mob killing and instance justice. In the conventional justice system, an accused person is given an opportunity to explain himself/herself known in legal parlance as a fair hearing. There is no fair hearing in instance justice. Mob killing is very common in Africa, depicting lack of faith in the police and the judicial systems. It is barbaric to subject someone into mob killing. It is equally barbaric for someone to kill, rape and steal at gunpoint.

Let us say a big no to instance justice, even so we can benefit from mob arrest for police with specified limitations. Let us not be one-sided because of the repugnant nature of Captain Mahamas death. I think we expect lots from the police and the army while we do less to minimize crime. Once again my heartfelt condolence goes to the bereaved family and Ghana Armed Forces.

By Nana Yaw Osei

[email protected]
I have been reading and listening to the reactions of many of my friends, journalists, social commentators, local community opinion leaders, politicians, musicians and officers of the various national security agencies in Ghana on the unfortunate death of Captain Maxwell Adam Mahama. I condemn the dastardly act of injustice that was meted out to the junior army officer by the hoodlums of the community where the incident happened. I cannot for any reason support any mob injustice that has led to the unexpected death of an innocent citizen of our land. Totally despicable, contemptible and disgraceful.

Whiles others are strongly condemning the act and asking that the long hands of the law must deal with the perpetrators, there are others who have vehemently proposed that the military should descend on the community and unleash equal havoc on the entire people in the community, men, women, young and old. This shows the stance of our nation on the issue of instant mob injustice. In all these I have been asking myself several questions.

Why are we showing so much concern about this particular incident of vigilantisms? The emotions attached to this particular one has never been seen in our country. Is it because he is a military officer or it is the first time such a thing has happened in our dear country? I lost count of the number of people who suffered similar fate during my days as a student of University of Ghana. Suspected male thieves were lynched to death whiles their female counterparts were stripped naked. This happened at the sanctuary of intellect. Can anybody provide the statistics of suspected armed robbers and thieves who have suffered this kind of barbaric attack? Just a few months ago a lady was stripped naked in Kumasi and her crime was that she had stolen something which ended up to be false accusation.

How many of us have not participated in the beating of a suspected thief? Did we feel this sorry for that person? He/she could have been innocent too. How many times have we not heard the police or in the worst case the military launch attack on a whole community subjecting its residents to severe beatings? Chain saw operators have been killing forest guards but we have been quiet about it as if they didnt matter. There have been instances where serving police officers have been killed by mob yet we closed our eyes as if they had no families too. In fact, there have even been instances where a group of soldiers have conspired to beat serving police officers without provocation yet we watched on. There is even a phenomenon especially among Suame magazine workers in Kumasi. Anytime a young mechanic of Suame magazine dies, the group just goes to the family house of the deceased and subject especially the old women to severe beatings on suspicion that the person might have been killed by witches in the family. This is the kind of rot we have tolerated for many years in Ghana.

The hypocrisy that is being exhibited by some Ghanaians on this matter annoys me so much. I hear politicians sobbing and the voices of others shrieking anytime they talked about the death of the military officer as if they just descended from the heavens and that they are entirely new to this phenomena. I admire those who have been bold enough to admit that they are being dramatic about this one because the person involved is a soldier and that they could not even in their wildest imagination fathom a soldier being subjected to this kind of humiliation. Interestingly, some of the people condemning the mob injustice meted out to Maxwell Mahama are advocating for the soldiers to go and flatten the whole community. How are these people different from the mobsters of Denkyira Obuasi?

There have been reports that soldiers went to the village woke up the whole community and brought them out at 2.am. They took the men both young and old through beatings and military drills whiles the women and children sat under the scorching sun hungry and crying throughout the day until 5pm yet we have all been reluctant to condemn it. We think it is alright for the soldiers to subject innocent citizens of our country to this ridicule and indignity. It is as if the soldiers are lawful in this adventure. I have even heard people say they people are lucky they were just beaten because the soldiers could have killed them all. We are full of praise for the military for restraining themselves as if they have the right to beat, maim and kill with or without any provocation. The same week Adam Mahama was killed by mobsters, a women suspected to be a witch in northern Ghana was stoned to death whiles another man suspected to be a thief suffered a similar fate at Mmbrom (K.O) in Kumasi. It is as if the lives of these individuals do not matter too.

We live in a country where men can organize themselves to attach a women or in the worst case stripped a lady naked and her offence was that she was wearing a mini skirt. What has been our response to such cases? I think we should just wait till it happens to the wife or daughter of a prominent person in society before such issues become topical in our social and political discussions. I am not in any way suggesting that because it happened in the past and nothing was done about it we cannot talk about it now. I am more concern about our hypocrisy.

I think as a society we have allowed this canker to fester. Lynching of supposed thieves has been going on before I was born. During the military regime of Rawlings there were actually public lynching supervised by soldiers. E.g. the lynching of the Boateng and Darko Trading owners in Kumasi in 1982. During my formative years in Kumasi I used to run to the scene of thieves who were being lynched at Bantama market around Rivoli Theatre. Those times I never considered the phenomena as a crime or anything bad. I was always considered them to be fun. My final words before leaving the scene were always It serves him right. We have allowed mob rule to become insidious in our social fabric. We have broken the cords of our community. Societal norms and values do not matter anymore. We have become more individualistic, corrupt, greedy and worst of all our institutions that are supposed to contribute to our orientation have failed us from NCCE to Chieftaincy, judiciary, security agencies through to religious institutions.

On Thursday 1st June, 2017 I was scandalized to hear very influential people in our society on Peace FM Kokrokoo programme defending the idea of beating children both at home and in school. It was almost as if not beating a child in school is rather a crime. This advocacy was led by my own Kwame Sefa Kayi. I was so disappointed. Let me say this, that any society that glorifies violence of any form against an individual cannot absorb itself from blame from this trend of gangsterism and mob rule. An individual who finds it difficult and unacceptable to use a cane on a child or slap or beat a child in any form will equally find it repulsively unconscionable to lynch a human being. I asked many Ghanaians in Finland whether the circumstances leading to the death of the military can happen in Finland and the answers were that it was difficult or almost impossible. Why? Because, violence of any form against an individual is strictly prohibited to an extent that even speaking harshly to a person can be considered as violent.

Few days ago I listened to a recorded conversation between a host of a morning show programme on Agyenkwa FM and a soldier. In the interview the soldier was narrating about how the gruesome killing of their colleague has affected them. The part I found quite interesting was how in the face of orders from the military high command to all soldiers to respect the laws of this country, this particular soldier was running his mouth about how they had planned to kill residents of Denkyira Obuase in revenge. As unprofessional and irresponsible as he could be, he went ahead to give details about how they will execute their hatched palm. He was so emphatic that they were definitely going to kill the people of Denkyira Obuase in retaliation in gross defiance of the laws of Ghana. The sad thing is that it is as if I and only few people are aware of the unfortunate utterances of the soldier. Nobody cares. The police will neither arrest nor invite him for questioning. It is fine because he is a soldier.

Please, lets not make our hatred for mob injustice a fight for Captain Adam Mahama. We should see it as a problem of our society and take full responsibility to deal with it. We must begin to revise our education curriculum to include the teaching of our values and patriotism. Almost all countries in Europe make conscious effort at teaching what they call European values in school right from kindergarten. Lets begin to move the discussion from the military officer to a holistic national discourse.

As a matter of fact, I do not care about those who want to use the death of Mahama to play a political chess game that is why I have chosen not to give any attention to the comments of the NDC General Secretary Johnson Asiedu Nketia and the likes of KoKu Anyidoho. They are total rubbish, to say the least. Already there have been suggestions that Captain Maxwell Mahama should be given a state burial and his children some kind of scholarship of at least free education up to the university level. I support that. But I cannot support the suggestion from the family of the military officer that a National Monument should be built in honour of the fallen soldier. I say this will amount to personalization of the issue and soon Ghanaians will be fed up and start making jokes with the death and the military. Some of you may not agree with me and rather turn my critique into an apologia but I am not bothered.

My heartfelt condolences to the family of Captain Maxwell Adam Mahama and all families that have lost members through mob injustice. To the survival of vigilantism, I share your feelings too. Wrong is wrong. It doesnt matter where it happens and who is involved. Injustice anywhere is definitely a threat to justice everywhere. This is why we must be more concerned and give attention to all victims of instant mob injustice dead or alive. The whole country must resolve to say no to all forms of vigilantism/Mob injustice and take practical unhypocritical steps towards their eradication from our society. I want to emphasize that if we continue to treat this issue with theatrical emotions our fight against this social scourge will be nothing but a sisyphusean task.

Thank you.

James Mckeown

Ghanaian resident in Helsinki, Finland.

[email protected]
BUILDING THE LA RAZA 'The Race' WELFARE STATE ON MIDDLE AMERICAS' BACKS: Months ago, the Biden administration publicly defended their proposal to begin providing federal identification cards to border crossers and illegal aliens who they plan to release into American communities. The goal of the proposal is to make securing public benefits easier.
I am sometimes baffled and find it extremely difficult to reconcile with my emotions looking at how Ghanaians seem to be so concerned and emotional especially when evil befalls a prominent person in our society.

Poor innocent people lose their lives through such cruel, torturous, and inhuman treatments meted out on them by mobs and even sometimes by the police and soldiers themselves but least would be said of them as if God created them on the seventh day of creation during His leisure time. But let the same thing or even a lessor measure of it happen to a politician, a banker, a policeman/woman, a soldier, a judge, a magistrate, a doctor, a nurse, a lecturer, a famous businessman, a journalist and those Ghanaians 'who matter' and all kinds of social media groups and civil society organizations will pop up and make ugly noises in solidarity with the victims and their families.

I am not in any way against anyone who expresses such human feeling concern about issues of this nature which of course includes the recent gruesome murder of Captain Maxwell Adams Mahama but I suggest we should have a better sustainable approach to cure this canker which has lived with us since time immemorial.

Let us be serious as a people and stop this joke of *'I AM AGAINST MOB KILLING'* rhetoric which will go nowhere. I do not think that any right thinking Ghanaian who is not a criminal himself would be in support of mob killing but if we really wish to stop it, then that is not the best way to go.

I think we should *change our colonial mentality of keeping our security agencies and the armed forces in barracks and in camps.* They should live among the civilians leaving those at post at their respective stations and this would deter potential criminals from engaging in their nefarious activities. Police and soldiers visibility in our communities alone would put the fear of God in potential criminals and mobs so that mob action would be avoided. This is my humble opinion.
May it beknown to all, that churches can not have different names and tenets and claim to be unified. Our union can only be found in Jesus Christ One Saviour, One salvation, and One message. Such churches can also not claim to be all of them for the same Jesus Christ. Of course, the name of Jesus Christ can be used by such churches including the use of paraphernalia or images and symbols created after Constantine stormed and hijacked the true church of God to Rome.

All the sprinter churches have evolved from the giant Constantine's Roman establishment and through reformation and all that the history of the church tells about the Church. The seven Churches namely Ephesus, Smyrna, Pergamon, Thyatira, Sardis, Philadelphia, and Laodicea (Rev.2-3) does represent the characteristic of the churches as from the time it was revealed to John on the island of Patmos. The Bible account and the revelation to John do show us that the separatist churches are on the wrong move. Get out of such division and separatism and recover to the layout by our founding apostles in Jesus Christ.

God showed these to us to take stock of what we claim today our churches to be part of the Body of Christ. I am not the one saying God is not happy with our current partitioned or division on many porous grounds other than the foundation Jesus Christ had laid. The Church is one in Christ Jesus and we must continue to steadfastly move on in one accord. Everything has to have Jesus Christ the High Priest and the Shepherd working through us His Church.

Matthew 18:19 Again, truly I say to you that if two of you are in harmony on earth concerning any matter for which they ask, it will be done for them from My Father who is in the heavens.

Acts 1:14 These all continued steadfastly with one accord in prayer...

The basic requirement for brothers and sisters to pray together is to be in one accord. In Matthew 18 the Lord tells us to be in harmony, that is, in one accord. The prayer in Acts 1 was also a prayer in one accord. Hence, the first condition for carrying out a prayer meeting, is to

have the one accord. No one should come to the prayer meeting with a different mind. If we want to have a prayer meeting, we must ask in one accord.

[Matthew 18:19] is a very strong word. In Greek, the word harmony refers to music. Consider three persons - one playing the piano, another playing the accordion, and the third playing the flute. When they play together and one plays out of tune, the sound will be very irritating. The Lord wants all of us to pray in harmony, not with different tunes. If we can be in harmony, then whatever we ask, God

will accomplish. Whatever we bind on earth will be bound in heaven, and whatever we loose on earth will be loosed in heaven. The basic condition is to be in harmony. We must learn to be in harmony before God.

Brothers and Sisters, do not wait and tell the Lord Jesus Christ that you didn't know about it for people like us have been banging on what John wrote for men of righteous and the ear to hear from God. Maybe you are one who needs such salvation today through repenting and taking on the right format or foundation laid down by Jesus Christ. He won't have laid down His life and allow corrupt men to have their say oh know His Word is final and holy.
Maseru (Lesotho) (AFP) - Election officials in the mountain kingdom of Lesotho on Sunday investigated why armed soldiers had been deployed at many polling stations on voting day.

The army has often been accused of interfering in politics in Lesotho, a landlocked African country of two million people that has been hit by attempted coups and instability in recent years.

"The nation, the voters and even the observers were surprised... they felt that some voters were intimidated," Independent Electoral Commission spokesman Tuoe Hantsi told reporters.

"The law dictates who should be at the polling stations, and (the soldiers) caused confusion."

Saturday's election was seen as a two-horse race between old rivals Pakalitha Mosisili and Thomas Thabane, who have both served as prime minister.

Thabane fled an attempted military coup in 2014 when he was in power, and analysts say the army could favour Mosisili winning the vote.

Lesotho election officials say voters were surprised to see soldiers deployed near polling stations during the country's June general election

The snap election was called when Prime Minister Mosisili, 72, lost a no-confidence vote in March after his seven-party coalition government broke up.

As vote counting began on Sunday, the Southern African Development Community (SADC) regional body expressed concern over the army's presence.

"We will be seeking an explanation from the army as to why the soldiers were placed at voting stations," said Augustine Mahiga, head of the SADC observer mission.

The results, due out this week, are expected to lead to a coalition government, with Thabane, 77, seen as the narrow favourite to emerge as the winner.

Thabane's All Basotho Congress party and the Alliance Democrats of Monyane Moleleki, a former police minister, have been in talks to form a possible government.

Mosisili's Democratic Congress party could join forces with the Lesotho Congress of Democracy and the Popular Front for Democracy.

Lesotho is a constitutional monarchy ruled by King Letsie III, who has no formal power, and it has a mixed parliamentary system.

Saturday's vote was the third general election since 2012 after years of political in-fighting and coalition collapses that have undermined attempts to tackle dire poverty and unemployment.

Lesotho has a 22.7 percent HIV-AIDS rate in adults and an economy dependent on South Africa, which surrounds it completely.
Accra, June 4, GNA - Two fundraising event organised by the First Lady Mrs Rebecca Akufo Addo, in support of a new 'mother and baby unit' at Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital (KATH) has yielded an amount of GH 6,170,686.

Outstanding cash pledges of GH 1, 489,500.00 are yet to be redeemed.

This is a positive response, a release issued in Accra said.

The two events that were organised in Accra and in Kumasi recently, was to mobilise GH 10 million to fund the building of the maternity unit to help end needless deaths of babies and mothers at the hospital due to lack of space.

'Accounts verified by Deloitte and Touche as at 31st May 2017, indicate that various organizations and individuals have donated an amount of GH 6,170,686,23 with an outstanding pledges of GH 1, 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 release issued from the Office of the First Lady said.

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.

Authorities at the KATH have attributed many of the deaths at the Unit to higher than normal infections and cross-contamination due to lack of space and equipment.

The lack of hygiene was also another factor as the space was so little, that there was no practical way to clean the wards due to overcrowding.

When completed, the new baby unit, a 1,500 square metre one storey building with the capacity to take five times the current number, would help solve the current capacity of KATH and give it additional capacity to grow over the next 5 years.

Authorities at KATH are still waiting for the completion of a 43 year old uncompleted building by the government.

'The urgency of the situation demands 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 said.

Whilst expressing her gratitude for the positive response, the First Lady is encouraging Ghanaians to continue to donate, noting that the minimum amount needed was GHC10 million for the KATH project.

She said additional funds would be needed for similar projects that her office intends to execute in the health sector, across the country.

The KATH mother and baby unit fundraising drive was a collaboration between the Rebecca Foundation and Multimedia Group.

GNA

By Lydia Asamoah, GNA
Wa, June 4, GNA - Former President Jerry John Rawlings has said in Wa that the death of Captain Maxwell Mahama has sent a shocking waves throughout the country.

He expressed the hope that his death would serve as a wake call for all Ghanaians, the government and the law courts to act responsibly towards the task ahead of them.

President Rawlings made the statement during a courtesy call on Naa Seidu Fuseini Pelpuo, the overlord of the Waala Traditional Area at his palace as part of preparation towards the commemoration of the 38th anniversary celebration of the June 4 Uprising in Wa.

'The death of the Captain Mahama is uncivilised and cruel all must repent and put to a stop to the practice,' he said.

President Rawlings reminded government to look into all the other cases which preceeded Captain Mahama's death, saying it did not start today and government has to tackle the previous cases with urgency.

'If we had tackled the previous cases with the urgency they required, things would have not been what they are today. I am confident the government would deliver what is expected of her', he said.

President Rawlings commended the Ghana Army, especially the Unit that the late Captain Mahama belongs, for exercising a deeper sense of restraint.

On the June 4 uprising, President Rawlings said it was like a second independence for Ghana to liberate itself from ignorance and some oppressive tendencies of the past.

He said the Wa-Naa, Naa Seidu Fuseini Pelpuo and Guli - Naa, Naa Seidu Braimah used to be cadets by then and that it did not surprise him that both of them had now occupied importance positions in the society as leaders ruling over their people.

On the NDC defeat, President Rawlings said if the leadership of the NDC had listened, the party would have not ended up in the disgraceful defeat that took place in the last election.

He said the time has come for them to begin to think seriously about what needed to be done to repair the damage.

GNA

By Bajin D. Pobia, GNA
Tarkwa (W/R), June 4, GNA - Four natives from Denkyira-Obuasi are in the grips of the police over the murder of Captain Maxwell Adam Mahama.

The suspects, who include two men and a woman, were arrested together with their host by a joint police and military team at Akoon, a suburb of Tarkwa in the Western Region.

Briefing the Ghana News Agency in Tarkwa, Superintendent of Police Augustine Anyarah, the Divisional Crime Officer, said on June 3, the police had a tip-off that the suspects and their three children had come to seek refuge with their relatives at Akoon.

He said when a team of police and military officers went to the said house at 0200 hrs they arrested six people from Denkyira-Obuasi and five members of the family they were living with.

Superintendent Anyarah said after they had screened the suspects they settled on four and released the wife and three sons of the landlord who was hosting the suspects.

He said one of the suspects who was a Junior High School student said he was in school when the incident occurred and his 16 year-old sister who was carrying a 6 month old baby also claimed a friend narrated what happened to her and they were therefore released on bail.

Mr Anyarah did not disclose the identity of the suspects adding that though they may not be directly involved in the killing, they may have information to help the police arrest the perpetrators of the crime.

He said they had conveyed them to the Criminal Investigation Department headquarters in Accra for further interrogation.

Mr Anyarah assured Ghanaians that the police were making every efforts to arrest all those connected to the crime and appealed to the public to provide any information on the military officers death to the police to speed up prosecution.

Captain Mahama was lynched last Monday by a mob at Denkyira-Obausi who allegedly mistook him for an armed robber. GNA

By Erica Apeatua Addo, GNA
Shama (W/R), June 4, GNA - Dr Mahamudu Bawumia, the Vice President, has said government has put in place the requisite interventions to help make this year's Hajj more comfortable to prospective pilgrims.

The interventions, he said, would include feeding of pilgrims at Jeddah and transportation of pilgrims from their settlement to the airport.

He said as part of the package, text messages would be sent to interested pilgrims on prospective flight arrangements and this is besides publications in the dailies to provide relevant information on the pilgrimage.

Dr Bawumia said this when he visited three districts: Ahanta West, Shama and Sekondi/Takoradi within the Western Region to interact with the Muslim community and express gratitude for their support in the past election.

The visit to the Western Region was part of the Vice President's three day tour.

"The NPP government is committed to making Haji a 'wahala free' one", he said adding that government has also allocated 219 million cedis in the budget for the development of the various Zongo communities in the country.

Dr. Bawumia said unity is core to development and called for peace and brotherliness in the society.

The Vice President asked Muslim communities to continue to pray for the country and the President to enable him fulfill all policies that would speed up the development of the country.

He presented assorted dairy products to his audience as we are in the month of Ramadan.

GNA

By Mildred Siabi-Mensah, GNA
Former President Jerry Rawlings has marked the 38th anniversary of June 4 uprising with a fiery monologue castigating the erstwhile Mahama administration which he labelled as a government of 'sickening' greed.

Struggling to restrain himself, the former president dismissed the view offered by his party's 2016 presidential candidate John Mahama for the party's defeat in the election.

The former President had said the NDC he led into the 2016 elections was 'a lame horse'.

But angry, passionate and roaring, the former President charged that the " disgraceful failure" of 2016 was because the leadership of the party lost the values of June 4.

The founder turned critic reiterated his well-known position that the strength of the NDC is found in the values of probity and accountability which inspired him to topple a military regime on June 4, 1979.

According to him, the corruption of the Generals he executed pales considerably when compared to the corruption that engulfed the NDC government with official endorsement.

"Believe it or not the greed of today is a thousand times more than what these Generals were executed for," he boomed.

He said under the past NDC government, some officials amassed wealth and "used money as a political weapon to become kingmakers."

"If I was doing this, would any of them be where they are today?" he said in a speech that required an occasional pause to catch his breath.

He used the occasion to also demand a change in the leadership of the party. He told a motley crowd in Wa in the Upper West region, 'without new leaders, the NDC can never come back to power.'

Rawlings repeated his complaint that the party 'squandered opportunities' to rid itself of corrupt elements.

Tired that his calls fell on deaf eyes, Rawlings revealed he contemplated leaving the party he founded and which has dominated the 4th Republic with 16 years in power.

But he was dissuaded from 'jumping off the train' because "such a departure would allow the enemies of greed, avarice and dishonesty to further deepen their claws on you and the party".

"...the only thing that has prevented stopped me from doing so is the plight of the many good people"

His wife Nana Konadu Agyeman Rawlings, however, left to form the National Democratic Party in 2012 but has never been able to stand for presidential elections in all two contests since then.

Repeating a tale of his heartbreak, Rawlings expressed pain at the treatment meted out to him by some NDC executives.

He said there is a grand design within the party to "shed off any influence that I may still command even in the party that was founded by us".

Enduring a season of abandonment, Rawlings also expressed gratitude to those who have been loyal to him. Although he mentioned no names, the president said ''I am profoundly grateful."

This year's anniversary was attended by several Ministers in the Mahama government including the Minority leader Haruna Iddrisu, former Defence Minister Benjamin Kunbour, former Trade Minister Dr Ekow Spio-Garbrah, former Deputy Transport Minister Mike Hammah, former Deputy Minister Ricketts-Hagan, former Health Minister Joseph Yileh Chireh.

With this year's anniversary being the first since the NDC lost power, some of the former government officials travelled 562 km from Accra to honour the former president's yearly ritual.

Story by Ghana|myjoyonline.com|Edwin Appiah|edwin.ap[email protected]
- A chief in Gbaramatu kingdom of Delta state, Chief Alfred Bubor, has been reported dead

- He was said to have died at age 83 at Delta university teaching hospital, Oghara

- Until his death, he was national chairman of host community of oil and gas in Nigeria

National chairman of oil and gas host communities of Nigeria, Chief Alfred Bubor, has been reported dead. A facebook post by an online medium, Gbaramatu Voice, reports that Chief Bubor died at age 83.

Though an official statement has not been made by Gbaramatu traditional council of chiefs, a reliable source confided in Gbaramatu Voice that Chief Bubor died today at Delta state university teaching hospital, Oghara in Ethiope west council area of Delta state.

Prior to his death, he was a prominent Ijaw leader in Delta state. He was said to be a dynamic, diplomatic, articulate and fearless leader among the Ijaw people of the state.

Ijaw leader and host community chairman, Chief Alfred Bubor, dies at age 83

Legit.ng reports that late Chief Bubor was very prominent and vocal in projecting the interest of the Ijaw nation and the oil producing communities in the Niger Delta.

READ ALSO: Religious tension forces closure of federal university, Katsina

In July 2011, during the celebration of freedom from the military invasion of Gbaramatu kingdom in 2009, Chief Bubor described the celebration as joyful for his kinsmen and the Gbaramatu kingdom.

He expressed happiness over the unity of his people after the crisis that bedeviled the kingdom.

In November 2013, Alfred Bubor made a great stand during the public hearing organized by the national assembly on petroleum industry bill. He told the national assembly committee that the bill should not be made a personal industry bill for petroleum ministers.

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He condemned the concentration of power in the hands of one person, describing it as not the best for the industry and the nation. He is survived by children and grandchildren.

Confirming the death, Sheriff Mulade, chairman of Kokodiagbene community in Gbaramatu kingdom, said late Alfred Bubor, was the Fiowei of Gbaramatu kingdom.

This means he was the mouthpiece or the public relations officer of the kingdom. He was also a king maker in Gbaramatu. He was a prominent chief, not just in Gbaramatu kingdom but in the Niger delta.

He happened to be the national chairman of HOSTCOM Nigeria,. He held various titles across Africa. He was a father to many of us. He is a traditional historian. He is a great icon that we lost today.

Watch video where Acting President Yemi Osibanjo speaks on why Nigeria should live a united life

Source: Legit.ng
The Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) alleges there are calls for the re-arrest of its leader, Nnamdi Kanu, following the sit-at-home protest which it says was a success

The pro-Biafra group states that arresting Nnamdi Kanu again cannot stop the agitation for Biafra

IPOB warns that if Nnamdi Kanu dies in prison then Nigeria will witness destruction

The Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) has warned that it will be a big mistake on the part of the federal government and security operatives to re-arrest Nnamdi Kanu because arresting him again will draw the attention of the world leaders.

The pro-Biafra group in a statement by its media and publicity secretary, Comrade Emma Powerful on Sunday, June 4, said Nnamdi Kanu is not afraid of going to prison a second time.

READ ALSO: Kogi people begin process of recalling Senator Dino Melaye

The group, according to the Punch, said there was need to make the clarification, especially for those who were calling for the re-arrest of Kanu for allegedly flouting his bail conditions.

IPOB alleged that the calls for the rearrest of its leader followed the sit-at-home protest declared by Kanu, which it said was a success.

IPOB said keeping Nnamdi Kanu in or out of Nigeria prison would do nothing to harm the agitation for the restoration of Biafra.

It said: Arresting Mazi Nnamdi Kanu again cannot stop the agitation rather it will be a very big mistake on the side of Federal Government and her security operatives because when the security operatives arrested him on his arrival from London in his hotel room in Lagos it sparked protests and rallies across the world.

Arresting him again will draw the attention of the world leaders and other relevant world organizations closer to the quest for Biafra independence."

The group stated that keeping Nnamdi Kanu in or out of Nigeria prison would do nothing to harm the agitation for Biafra.

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It said the refusal of the government to free Nnamdi Kanu after two courts of competent jurisdiction granted him unconditional release elevated the Biafra struggle to another level.

IPOB however, warned that if Nnamdi Kanu dies in prison then Nigeria will witness a level of seismic destruction unknown to mankind that even Britain cannot stop.

Legit.ng had earlier reported that the temporary freedom being enjoyed by Nnamdi Kanu may soon be cut short as the federal government is gearing up to ask the Federal High Court in Abuja to revoke the bail granted to the IPOB leader for allegedly breaching the conditions of the bail granted him.

The federal ministry of Justice, which is prosecuting the IPOB leader is reportedly compiling the alleged breaches of the bail conditions by Kanu for the purpose of taking the necessary action, the Punch reports.

Confirming this, top sources in the federal ministry of justice, told the newspaper that the prosecuting authorities were taking records of the alleged breaches, reviewing them and would take the necessary step at the appropriate time".

According to one of the sources in the federal ministry of justice, Kanu had been found to have flouted some of the conditions (he was given).

As Biafra supporters celebrate 50 years remembrance of their beloved Biafra, Legit.ng TV decided to ask some supporters if they believe the Republic will be achieved in the nearest future.

Source: Legit.ng
- 21 persons have been reportedly killed in Boko Haram attack near Chibok

- The Chibok attracted world attention for the first time in April 2014 after the sect invaded the Government Girls Secondary School in the town, abducting about 275 students

- The survivors were said to have relocated

The Chibok axis in Borno state seems to be back under the radar of the terror sect, Boko Haram.

The Nation reports that the group has, in the last one week, killed 21 people in two separate attacks in villages close to Chibok, according to residents.

Legit.ng gathered that Chibok attracted world attention for the first time in April 2014 after the sect invaded the Government Girls Secondary School in the town, abducting about 275 students.

READ ALSO: Biafra: Nigeria Army drops bombshell, explains how military officers allegedly escaped IPOB/MASSOB ambush

Five of the girls managed to escape soon after the kidnapping, while 21 were first released after lengthy negotiations in October last year and another 82 last month.

The latest attacks on Kaya, 27 kilometres from Chibok occurred last Sunday and a village close to Gumsri last Wednesday.

The insurgents reportedly swooped on Kaya on the fateful day on motorcycles, bicycles and started firing at everyone in sight.

They burnt houses and killed those who were unable to run into the bush.

Legit.ng had earlier reported that two Chibok girls who escaped Sambisa forest in 2014 graduated from American school

The survivors have relocated. The second attack came 72 hours later when the terrorists attacked the next village close to Gumsri.

As it is all the villagers in those communities have deserted, they have packed their belongings and come to Chibok. So many attacks and innocent lives have been lost in Damboa LGA but it is usually not reported, online publication, The Cable, quoted a resident as saying.

To us here in Chibok, we are living in fear because that it is the only place that has been like a roadblock to them coming to us. Some people that cannot withstand the situation are even moving to Maiduguri which is safe for them.

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On whether there are no soldiers on ground during the attacks, he said the soldiers around find it difficult to get to the place of the attacks because of the far distance from where they are to the village.

Even with the presence of a brigade, the problem the security people are having here is that mostly, the communities attacked are under Damboa council but the soldiers are closer to Chibok, he said.

Watch Legit.ng video of DSS handing over 82 rescued Chibok girls to FG for further psychotherapy treatment:

Source: Legit.ng
- Security personnel have been deployed to Maiduguri worship centres

- The Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps, NSCDC, Borno command has made plans to protect people from attacks

- This is to curb suspected bomb attacks by Boko Haram at worship centres, especially during Ramadan

The Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Borno command, has deployed about 600 security personnel to various worship centres in the state to protect people during Ramadan.

Ibrahim Abdullahi, the state Commandant of the Corps, explained the move to NAN on Sunday, June 4, 2017.

According to Abdullahi, the deployment was to curtail suspected bomb attacks by Boko Haram at worship centres, especially during the month of Ramadan.

READ ALSO: Fulani herdsmen are turning into another Boko Haram - Senators

He said that the team included officials of the anti-riot squad, bomb detection and disposal unit as well as intelligence and detective unit.

He said: We have also boosted our security checks and patrol at various institutions of learning especially University of Maiduguri (UNIMAID) that had suffered many attacks this year.

The students should therefore have no course for alarm as they go about their studies.

"We therefore appeal to residents to assist the security agencies with relevant information that will enable us nip any suspected threat of Boko Haram or any other elements in the bud.

We advise all worship centres in the areas where we are not stationed our personnel to ensure that some persons be on the watch while others are praying.

They should also be alert to strange faces."

READ ALSO: Moments Nigerian army helicopter attacked Boko Haram terrorists (Video)

He also said they have increased surveillance at commercial centres, markets, motor parks, amusement parks and shopping malls in the state capital to ensure protection of the populace.

Legit.ng earlier reported that about six persons have been killed and 30 others injured following a Boko Haram bomb attack on a camp housing displaced persons in northern Cameroon.

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The twin blasts which tore through the camp in the town of Kolofata, occurred about 6am after two bombers sneaked into the camp and detonated their bombs killing themselves, the New Telegraph reports.

Watch this Legit.ng video on Ramadan in Nigeria:

Source: Legit.ng
- Orji Uzor Kalu says President Muhammdu Buhari will be back in the country before June 11

- Kalu decries that some Nigerians are spreading messages of falsehood about the health of Buhari

- The former governor says he is disappointed with the statement coming from some Nigerians about the health of the president

A chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Orji Uzor Kalu, has said President Muhammadu Buharis health has improved considerable.

The former governor of Abia state also disclosed that the president will be back in the country before June 11.

READ ALSO: Forces aggrieved that Osinbajo is fully in charge - Presidency

Kalu made the disclosure on Sunday, June 4, in an interview at the Murtala Muhammed Airport, Ikeja, Lagos, Vanguard reports.

The former governor who said he visited London to have first-hand knowledge on the state of health of Buhari, decried that some Nigerians were spreading messages of falsehood about the health of Buhari, rather than praying for him recover.

Kalu commended the Buhari administration for doing well in the fight against insurgency and the war against corruption.

He said: I went to Washington to visit some business partners and from there stopped at London to see Mr President, who is recovering very fast . I am excited over the state of health of President Buhari despite the hate messages people were spreading about him. I am disappointed with the statement coming from some Nigerians about the health of Mr President.

The messages some Nigerians have been spreading in the social media is unhealthy. I am calling on Nigerians to have a change of heart. Being a President, does not mean, you cannot be sick, the hate messages are becoming too much.

The APC chieftain commended the Buhari administration for doing well in the fight against insurgency and the war against corruption.

Legit.ng learnt that Kalu however, noted that the government should obey constitutional provisions as it affects the judicial arm of government.

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The government has done well, but there is a lot of suffering in the land. The masses are suffering , going through economic problems , the administration has done well, but must obey the laws of the land, by respecting judicial processes. Government must pursue the hardware and software of democracy that includes the rule of law and respect of the constitution, he said.

Meanwhile, the first lady, Aisha Buhari has thanked Nigerians for all the prayers for her husband saying President Muhammadu Buhari will be returning to Nigeria soon.

The president left the country in May to London for a medical break and his wife who is at the moment with him has assured Nigerians that he is getting better and urged Nigerians to continue to pray for him.

The Nation reports that the first lady who was represented by her senior special assistant on Administration, Dr. Hajo Sani in a message to the 23rd Annual Ramadan Lecture of Ansar-ud-deen Society of Nigeria (ADS) held in Abuja said Buhari was returning soon.

She said: My husband is recovering very fast. And very soon, he will return to the country to resume his official duties, she said.

Two years into the President Muhammadu Buhari administration, Legit.ng TV asks some Nigerians if they can list a few achievements of the present administration.

Source: Legit.ng
Nature abhors a vacuum, as we learned in grade school science classes.

This truism, attributed to Greek philosopher Aristotle, also applies to relations among countries.

Donald Trumps inauguration as president is forcing the world to adjust to a United States apparently unwilling to play the same leadership role as before.

We see this playing out in Asia in the aftermath of Trumps January decision to withdraw from the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP) agreement between the United States and 11 other Asia-Pacific nations.

Launched during the George W. Bush presidency, TPP negotiations resulted in a wide-ranging agreement that addressed a host of issues, from trade in goods and services to enhanced protection of patents and trademarks, and many more cutting-edge matters.

The TPP was controversial in the United States and other countries.

But Asian nations viewed it as more than just a trade-and agreement. They also saw the TPP as a way to anchor the United States more firmly in the Asia-Pacific region, as a counterweight to Chinas growing assertiveness in economic, political and military spheres.

Americas pullout has left a vacuum that other countries are moving to fill.

Initially declared dead after the U.S. withdrawal, the TPP is getting another look from Asia-Pacific nations hoping to resurrect it without the worlds largest economy and sole superpower.

Achieving agreement on a new version wont be easy, but Japan has stepped forward to try. Australia, New Zealand and Mexico have pledged to lend their support.

The main alternative to the America-centric TPP is a China-centric agreement being negotiated among sixteen Asian nations, including India. Despite its cumbersome name, the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership, or RCEP, isnt as comprehensive as the TPP. It also excludes the United States, just as the TPP excluded China.

Two other big China-led initiatives aim at binding Asian nations more closely to China through trade and investment.

The details of these alphabet-soup agreements matter much less than the two countries which have played leadership roles in their negotiation  the United States and China. The stark reality is that deliberations over the fate of these initiatives are taking place against a very unsettling backdrop.

With China increasingly flexing its muscles in the region and North Korea rattling the worlds nerves with missile launches and nuclear tests, other Asian countries feel very exposed. They also are trying to tread a careful diplomatic path between their neighbor, China; and America, the traditional ally and military protector of many Asian nations.

But conflicting signals from Trump and his top aides have left our friends and allies uncertain about his intentions.

After raking China over the coals during the campaign for unfair trade practices, Trump has taken a softer line since his inauguration.

China a currency manipulator? Yes, said Trump the candidate. No, he said as president.

Ill impose a 45 percent tariff on Chinese goods my first day in office, declared candidate Trump when criticizing Chinas large trade surplus with the United States. President Trump, however, said hed go easy on China in order to secure cooperation on North Korea.

China has wooed Trump by conveniently granting 75 trademarks to the Trump organization since the election  granting legal protection to the Trump name that hed sought for 10 years or more.

On the other hand, the U.S. Navy in late May conducted its first freedom of navigation operation during the Trump administration near an island claimed by China (and the Philippines) in the South China Sea. That in-your-face sail-by overtly challenged Chinas ever-expanding claims for sovereign control over islands and reefs far from its shores in the South and East China Seas.

And Trump has said clearly that North Korea wont develop a nuclear missile able to hit the United States on my watch.

So which Trump are other countries to believe? Tough-guy Trump or deal-maker Trump?

Uncertainty about the intentions and likely actions of the worlds only superpower can destabilize relations among countries.

The Trump administrations schizophrenic approach to international diplomacy leaves the rest of the world unsettled and struggling to find new balance in a shifting global landscape.

Europe is the latest region to face questions about Americas commitment to its security through NATO.

The United States has been the unsurpassed leader of the free world ever since helping allied nations win the battle against fascist and other authoritarian regimes in World War II.

China and Russia will be the main beneficiaries of any vacuum we leave in global leadership.
Missoula County has a four-year waiting list for the 2,000 people in Missoula County who qualify for low-income federal vouchers to subsidize 30 percent of their rent  aid that would help them afford market-rate housing in this city with skyrocketing housing prices, according to Lori Davidson, executive director of the Missoula Housing Authority.

In the meantime, these hardworking people with jobs or retirement benefits or Social Security payments that are too small to allow them to afford rent are left scrambling to get by, she said. They often end up sacrificing other things such as college savings and health care. Its especially difficult for the elderly, who have left the workforce and are on a fixed income.

Thats why the Missoula Housing Authority celebrated on Thursday the grand re-opening of the River Ridge Apartments, an affordable housing complex for seniors. With the help of $4 million in tax credits from the Montana Department of Commerce, the MHA completely renovated all 70 units in the building.

Now, the units are reserved for people who make 40, 50 and 60 percent of Missoulas annual median income, which decreased from $47,000 in 2014 to $42,800 for all households in 2015. Despite falling or stagnating wages, home prices have risen 27.2 percent since 2010 here, meaning housing affordability in Missoula is at an all-time low.

The preservation of housing for people of low and moderate income is a key piece of the puzzle to solving the housing crisis that we see not only in Missoula but throughout the U.S. where thousands of affordable units are lost every year, Davidson said. Sometimes, projects are sold to the private market and sometimes theyve deteriorated so much that theyre no longer safe and sometimes subsidies that support them go away at the federal level.

Davidson said the city has estimated it would take 1,300 units of affordable housing built to meet the demand of all those whose income levels are low enough to qualify. However, even developers who want to build affordable housing cant make it financially viable because of high land costs and the lack of subsidies, so they rarely are built.

Right now, the MHA owns and manages 650 units of affordable housing and has 178 clients who get federal subsidies to be able to afford market-rate housing.

So what were celebrating today is the fact that weve been able to conserve these 70 units of very important housing forever, Davidson said. And preserving affordable housing isnt easy. It took a team of people to make it happen at every level of government and in partnership with the private sector.

She added that Sen. Jon Tester, D-Mont., has been instrumental in making sure tax credits and other subsidies are available at the federal level.

Jon Tester has been a strong advocate for affordable housing at the federal level for many years, Davidson said before introducing a Tester staff member to make prepared remarks. He has been instrumental in introducing and passing several key pieces of legislation to support subsidized housing and tax-credit housing and he is a past winner of the Legislator of the Year Award from the National Association of Housing and Redevelopment Officials.

Davidson said affordable housing units are always susceptible to becoming market-rate housing and evicting residents when federal funding sources dry up. Projects in Missoula could soon see that fate if something isnt done, she added.

Davidson also said U.S. Bank played a key role in financing the project. It is the majority owner, while the MHA retains general partner ownership and will manage the property on a day-to-day basis.

James Hoffmann, the chair of the MHA Board, said this project exemplifies how the MHA has diversified the way it provides housing to people with low and moderate incomes. The direct construction cost $2.6 million, as the building had to be completely gutted. New siding, new low-flow water systems, new energy-efficient heating and cooling systems and new windows were put in, and all the appliances were replaced.

Its a beautiful place and Im sure the residents appreciate how much work weve put into it, he said.

The River Ridge building was built in 2000, but there hasnt been enough money to keep it up, Davidson explained. Before the remodel, it was only open to those 55 and older who were making 60 percent of area median income or less. Now, many units are available to those making 40 percent and 50 percent.

And as our asset manager Mary Melton said, it was so nice to see their faces when some rents dropped by nearly 100 dollars a month, allowing residents on fixed incomes to have more freedom in their budget, Davidson said.

Sam Oliver, the MHAs construction project manager, said his crew had to redo the building while the residents were still living there and disrupt their lives as little as possible. He said Missoula's tight-knit community means that he and his crew were invested in doing the best job possible.

Were involved with something where we could meet on the street and know that we are sharing in something that has a common good for our community, he said.
On to Moscow: Russian Gaming Week Begins Wednesday

Published June 4, 2017 by Florin P

The most important gambling event in Russia is scheduled for June 7-8 and is expected to bring industry leaders and experts to Moscow.

This years edition of the Russian Gaming Week is scheduled to begin on June 7 and conclude the very next day. The organizers have prepared a two-day program that will make this the largest event in the country dedicated to gambling. It will include exhibitions, open lectures, specialized sections and speeches from industry leaders. This is the 11th annual meeting and once again the organizers have chosen the Sokolniki exhibition center, pavilion No.2. to host the convention.

The event will include discussions regarding payment systems and open lectures on several topics. Participants will also receive a prize worth 7777 rubles to spend in one of the top gambling clubs in Moscow. The Russian Gaming Week is centered on the conference, but it will also feature an exhibition for those who want to learn more about the latest developments of the gambling industry. Developers will have the opportunity to showcase their latest products to attendees and prospective customers.

Reload is the Motto of This Years Russian Gaming Week

Smile-Expo are the organizers of the Russian Gaming Week and they have high expectations for this years event. In addition to discussing traditional topics, the attendees will debate sensitive issues related to legislative changes, crypto technologies and virtual reality tech. The advent of eSports has shaped the gaming industry and the development of VR is also a hot topic of conversation.

The participants will include bookmakers and online gambling operators as well as lawyers and regulators. Among the industry leaders who have announced their intention to attend the RGW are Maria Lepschikova and Konstantin Makarov. The fast rising popularity of Bitcoin and the ways crypto currency can be safely used by the gambling industry will also be discussed. Attendees will be able to ask questions to the crypto experts invited to get a better understanding.
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By *TOM HALL

On May 24th, Secretary of Education Betsy deVos was questioned by a House committee. She was asked whether schools that discriminate should be given taxpayer dollars to help them succeed with discriminating.

She said yes. She said that she believes that parents who don't want their children going to school with undesirable, less human children, should be allowed to make that decision, and to have taxpayers pay for it.

One Congressmember asked about Lighthouse "christian" Academy in Bloomington, Indiana. The school receives almost a million dollars a year of tax money. Its website says that it teaches that the book of Genesis and Creationism are absolute truths. So science, like evolution or biology, or physics, are both irrelevant and simply wrong.

They also tell parents that they don't have any programs for students with learning disabilities.

The Lighthouse "christian" Academy is a big, national business. We have several of them around Southern California. All of them teaching both that the Bible is inerrant, and that Jesus was fundamentally wrong on various points. (Logical consistency is not the hobgoblin of "christian" minds.) All of them look forward to Betsy deVos increasing their funding and profits. (Some of them actually claim to be "non-profit businesses.")

What Betsy deVos said in answer to the Congressmember's repeated questions (repeated, because deVos really tried to avoid answering) was that parents should have the right to choose schools that they like, and the government shouldn't interfere with that.

But that wasn't the question. The question was whether the government should provide tax dollars to help parents who want to send their children to schools that segregate. And finally it became clear that, yes, Betsy deVos not only wants parents to be able to send their children to segregated schools, she also want the taxpayers to underwrite the discrimination.

This isn't a new idea. Some people will remember that in 1954, a U.S. Supreme Court decision, Brown v. Board of Education, outlawed segregation in public schools. Many "christian" pastors immediately opened up what they called "segregation academies," and state governments defunded public schools to fund the "segregation academies."

One pastor was named Jerry Falwell, and he went on to make a fortune promising parents two things:

That students attending his "segregation academies" would not be forced to share classrooms, or even campuses, with the terrifying black students for whom the government was trying to provide education; and...

That the students in the "segregation academies" would not be taught anything, particularly science, that contradicted, or even challenged the received wisdom from church teachings.

After a decade of litigation, in 1964, the U.S. Supreme Court ruled that using public money to fund segregated schools was unconstitutional. Public schools reopened and black families had a chance to get their children educated. And ever since, minority parents have been trying to get local school systems to actually desegregate schools. And people like Betsy deVos have been fighting to find ways to resegregate schools.

As violent and incomplete as school desegregation was, and remains today, one fundamental result is clear. When students are schooled with students of other races, genders, religions, abilities, etc., they learn that what their parents fear is not real.

Betsy deVos has spent a lifetime trying to "save" white children from integration. Now she has control of vast stores of Federal tax dollars earmarked for education, and she is publicly proclaiming her intention to use it to support modern "segregation academies."

In fairness to deVos, she did not speak of racial segregation during her recent testimony. She focused her attention on her desire to help students avoid contact with classmates who do not fit deVos' definitions of "proper" gender identities. She not only wants to allow schools to deny admission to gay or lesbian or transgender students. The Lighthouse "christian" Academy business model is to exclude even the "straight" siblings of LBGTQ students from enrolling.

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In December of 2014, The US Senate's Select Committee on Intelligence issued a report on the Central Intelligence Agency's "inadequate and deeply flawed" interrogation techniques, concluding that those practices were "not effective" and that they were "far more brutal" than the public -- or Congress -- had been led to believe.

The document is commonly referred to as "the CIA torture report" for the obvious. Among other atrocities, it describes a detainee being chained naked to a concrete floor until he died of hypothermia, and other detainees being subject to "rectal feeding."

Or, rather, it supposedly describes such things. The public has never seen the actual report, only summaries and excerpts.

In a rare act of legislative heroism, US Senator Dianne Feinstein (D-CA), whose record of being wrong on the issues comes close to perfection over her 25 years in the Senate, had the report distributed to various executive branch agencies so that it would eventually be revealed through the Freedom of Information Act.

But now the Trump administration is moving to prevent that. US Senator Richard Burr (R-NC), the Select Committee's chair, has requested the return of all extant copies of the report to the Senate (which is exempt from FOIA) and the administration is complying with that request.

What do the CIA, the US Senate, and the White House have to hide? My guess is quite a bit.

Should they be allowed to hide those things from the taxpayers who pay the bills and whose lives are put at risk by the criminal acts of the US intelligence community? Absolutely not.

Will they get away with hiding it? Not forever. The days of governments being able to permanently bury secrets are over, thanks to heroes like Chelsea Manning, Edward Snowden, and the folks at WikiLeaks.

It's a near certainty that several executive branch employees put copies of the report away for safe-keeping precisely to safeguard the public interest in a situation such as this.

In fact, we may now see the report sooner than we otherwise would have. A civil servant who was content to let the FOIA process run its course, if it was allowed to, may treat this development as a trigger event for showing us what our government is hiding from us.

Good. Trump, Burr and the CIA are cats covering up their output in the litter box. Time for someone responsible to clean up -- with, pun intended, a scoop.
From The Guardian

The agency is so harmful to civil rights, there's a good argument it should be disbanded altogether. Unfortunately they are only becoming more emboldened

With arrests of non-violent undocumented immigrants exploding across the country, it's almost as if Immigration and Customs Enforcement (Ice) agents are having an internal contest to see who can participate in the most cruel and inhumane arrest possible. The agency, emboldened by Trump's xenophobic rhetoric, is out of control -- and Congress is doing little to stop them.

Last week, Ice agents ate breakfast at a Michigan restaurant, complimented the chef on their meal and then proceeded to arrest three members of the restaurant's kitchen staff, according to the owner.

Depraved stories like this are now almost too prevalent to comprehensively count: Ice has arrested undocumented immigrants showing up for scheduled green card appointments at a US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) office. They've arrested a father after dropping his daughter off at school. An Ice detainee was even removed forcefully against her will from a hospital where she was receiving treatment for a brain tumor.

In a particularly dangerous policy, Ice been arresting people inside US courthouses around the country. "Attorneys and prosecutors in California, Arizona, Texas and Colorado have all reported teams of Ice agents -- some in uniform, some not -- sweeping into courtrooms or lurking outside court complexes, waiting to arrest immigrants who are in the country illegally," reported the LA Times in March.

It apparently doesn't matter that the agency has faced stiff resistance from judges and prosecutors over this policy, who have both claimed that it will mean people won't show up to court. And fears are not just conjecture: a Denver city attorney was recently forced to drop four domestic violence cases because the witnesses were too afraid to come into court for fear of being deported.

Many groups, including the ACLU, have also accused Ice of targeting non-violent activists who protest the Trump administration's increasingly draconian immigration policy with arrest.

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Berlin Holocaust Memorial

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Many of us live in Amerika and truly care about the America that has been stolen from us. The ' theft ' did not occur overnight, no, on the contrary it has been going on for as long as one can remember. This writer could literally ' fill a book ' with the events that have shaped this crime. Mr. Obama, when pressed in 2009 about the need to investigate and indict the purveyors of our phony war on Iraq, stated, like the Empire's puppet that he was, how we should stay in the present and move on from the past. One surmises that Mr. Obama did not really study his bible, where it was written in Deuteronomy 27:19: "Cursed is the man who withholds justice for the alien, the fatherless and the widow!" Interesting how the ' alien ' in the saying could easily pertain to all those ' aliens', AKA Iraqis that our bombs, missiles and other weapons destroyed in 2003 and onwards. Let us not forget those ' aliens ' tortured through what the Bush gang labeled as enhanced interrogations. The fatherless and the widows most certainly would be those children and widows of our own soldiers along with the Iraqi civilians destroyed by our illegal invasion and occupation.

Though wanting to stay in the present, we must take a look back at an analogous situation that occurred some 80 odd years ago in Germany. As with our own empire, the Hitler regime made sure that it obtained power through legal, though not entirely reputable, means. After the Nazis devastated over half the world, scholars have asked the questions of how it was possible for such evil to be voted into office. Prof. Jill Stevenson of the University of Edinburgh, a lifelong student of that era: "People will say why did all these people vote for a party that then unleashed war and genocide?" Well, they did not know (at the time) that was what it planned to do." And so it has been with our empire as well. Just take a stroll back to the mid-1960s and see how LBJ was voted in as the ' peace candidate'. Yet, once in office he allowed the military Industrial Empire to unleash such havoc and destruction upon Vietnam and its peoples, while seeing so many of our fine young men in uniform destroyed as well. Nixon, the ' Peace with honor ' president, took the mantle from LBJ and continued the unleashing of overkill bombing. From that period on our Amerikan empire has continued to dominated the world with our unchecked military power.

When you have an electoral system whereupon the two major political parties are both controlled by the Military Industrial Empire, truthful dissent is easily stifled. When the mainstream media is so embedded with the empire and its political stooges, most of its citizens are like ' deer in the headlights ' when it comes to fact vs. fiction. Once again, to look back at 1930s Germany and the propaganda machine run by Herr Goebbels, we can see where our present empire learned so well. Many hard working Germans, those not even caught up in the Nazi Party mechanisms, relied on their mainstream news to give them the' facts of the matter' on key issues. The Versailles Treaty or Diktat as the Germans referred to it, had put Germany ' up against the wall ' both fiscally and territorially. It was not a real stretch to have tremendous anger at such rulings. Goebbels took their anger and set it in the direction of the international bankers, the Jews, along with the Social Democrats (Germany's largest party) and of course the Communists, for the classic ' Stab in the back ' that Hitler used continually in his speeches and tirades. Does anyone see any parallels to what the Trump campaign succeeded in doing in this recent election cycle? It was Hitler, in one of his speeches, who actually said: "Nationalism and Socialism had to be redefined and they had to be blended into one strong new idea to carry new strength which would make Germany great again." If one exchanges the word ' Socialism ' for ' Capitalism' one has the essence of the Trump intention to ' Make Amerika Great Again.' As with the German Fuehrer, the super right wing phony populism of Trump only promises more foreigner bashing and more dead end jobs to get the natives inspired politically. Similar to the Trump agenda, Hitler got private industry to build up Germany's infrastructure (the Autobahn as an example) and its military capabilities. Sadly, the average man and woman in our nation does not 'connect the dots' between our military jackboot throughout the world and the blowback created via terrorism. The propaganda of so called ' love of our troops ' dismisses the fact that our fine young men and women in uniform should never have been sent to such places overseas.

Whomever created the saying ' Ignorance is bliss ' was right in line with the person who created ' See no evil...'


No Ban

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The Trump administration on Thursday (June 1) asked the U.S. Supreme Court to revive his controversial Muslim travel ban executive order which was blocked by lower courts that found it discriminatory.

The Justice Department asked the apex court to temporarily lift injunctions that bar officials from carrying out Trump's March 6, 2017 directive to suspend visa issuance to citizens of six Muslim countries and halt the flow of refugees to the U.S. from across the globe.

If the government's emergency requests are granted, the ban would go into effect immediately.

President Trump's administration was seeking to overturn rulings by lower courts in Hawaii and Maryland that blocked a temporary ban on travel to the United States from six Muslim countries (Iran, Libya, Somalia, Sudan, Syria and Yemen).

The administration says the Constitution gives the president "broad authority to prevent aliens abroad from entering this country when he deems it in the nation's interest."

The move comes after the Richmond, Virginia-based 4th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals on May 25 upheld a Maryland judge's ruling blocking the order. The court, in a majority opinion, with the chief judge writing that the travel ban "drips with religious intolerance, animus, and discrimination."

"We have asked the Supreme Court to hear this important case and are confident that President Trump's executive order is well within his lawful authority to keep the nation safe and protect our communities from terrorism," Justice Department spokeswoman Sarah Isgur Flores said in a statement. "The President is not required to admit people from countries that sponsor or shelter terrorism, until he determines that they can be properly vetted and do not pose a security risk to the United States."

The Justice Department filings argue that the lower courts were wrong to take into account Trump's statements from before he took office.

"This Court has never invalidated religion-neutral government action based on speculation about officials' subjective motivations drawn from campaign-trail statements by a political candidate," acting Solicitor General Jeffrey Wall and other government attorneys wrote. They added that the visa suspension in Trump's order "is not a so-called 'Muslim ban,' and campaign comments cannot change that basic fact."

A U.S. District Court judge in Seattle blocked the executive order on February 9, 2017. The Justice Department appealed to the 9th Circuit, which upheld the lower court's injunction.

The Court of Appeals said that the president's claim of ultimate authority over foreign policy was inadequate. "Although courts owe considerable deference to the President's policy determinations with respect to immigration and national security, it is beyond question that the federal judiciary retains the authority to adjudicate constitutional challenges to executive action," they said.

After first pledging to take the case to the U.S. Supreme Court, the president issued a revised executive order on March 6 in an effort to address objections raised by the Seattle judge.

Federal judges in Hawaii and Maryland have blocked President Donald Trump's Muslim Ban 2.0. In their ruling both judges cited Trump's statements about Muslims during the presidential campaign.

A federal judge in Hawaii ordered a temporary restraining order nationwide, hours before it was set to go into effect on March 16.

Another federal judge in Maryland specifically blocked the 90-day ban on immigration for citizens of six Muslim countries.

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Reprinted from popularresistance.org



System Change Not Climate Change

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President Donald Trump's decision to withdraw from the Paris climate agreement follows the path of previous presidents who have undermined international climate agreements. We disagree with Trump but it is important to understand his actions in the context of the history of the United States regarding previous climate agreements. Once again, the political problems in the US are bigger than Trump. His action brings greater clarity to the inability of the US government to confront the climate crisis and clarifies the tasks of people seeking smart climate policy.

The US Has Always Prevented Effective International Climate Agreements

The US has consistently blocked effective climate agreements because both parties in power have put the profits of big energy before the climate crisis when it comes to domestic and international policies. The Republicans proclaimed themselves the "drill baby drill" party while the Democrats are the "all of the above energy" party. Both slogans mean the parties seek to ensure US corporations profit from carbon energy. Both have supported massive oil and gas infrastructure and extreme energy excavation including the most dangerous forms, i.e. tar sands and fracking. Both parties have also supported wars for oil and gas. All of these positions will be viewed as extreme as the world confronts the great dangers of the climate crisis and the US will be deservedly blamed.

If we go back to the Clinton-Gore administration and the Kyoto Protocol we find the US pushing a "free market" trade in pollution credits, where corporations would buy the right to pollute in other places around the world, i.e. poor and developing countries. Gore made sure other countries understood the US' position. As Mitchel Cohen writes:

Gore commandeered the Kyoto conference. The U.S. government, he said, would not sign the Accord -- as limited as it was -- if it imposed emissions reductions on industrial countries. Instead, he demanded that the rest of the world adopt his proposal that would allow industrial nations like the U.S. to continue polluting by establishing an international trade in carbon pollution credits. Gore's "solution" -- like Obama's -- was to turn pollution into a commodity and buy and sell it in the form of "pollution rights". The free market trade in "pollution credits" would simply shift around pollution and spread it out more evenly without reducing the total amount of ozone-depleting greenhouse gases. It would allow the United States and other industrial countries to continue polluting the rest of the world.

The Kyoto Protocol failed. Rather than reducing climate gas emissions by the 5 percent target, there was a significant increase of 58 percent from 1990 to 2012.

In Copenhagen, the story is more complex but has the same result -- the US undermined efforts for an agreement with enforceable reductions in climate emissions. The US role in Copenhagen become more fully understood when Edward Snowden leaked documents showing intense US spying on other nations participating in the climate talks. The most important spying was on the Danish government where the US leaked a draft of a plan for enforceable emissions standards; and on China where the US intruded into a meeting where the Chinese, Indians and others were working on a similar plan.Chinese negotiators entered into the talks willing to undertake mandatory emissions cuts but instead the US falsely turned China into the villain. The editor of the Ecologist, Oliver Tickell, summarized what happened:

Looking at the evidence as a whole there can be little doubt that the Copenhagen climate talks were deliberately and highly effectively scuppered by a 'dirty tricks' operation carried out by the NSA and other US security agencies -- including the pivotal leak to The Guardian of the Danish text.

Following Snowden's revelations, we know that they had the ability to do that in spades. They also had motives. The US wanted:

* to protect their politically powerful fossil fuel industries, and their right as a nation to carry on polluting;

* to avoid having to pay out billions of dollars in climate funding to developing countries;

* to deny China the global leadership role it sought to secure for itself, and instead leave it humiliated;

* to present the USA and its President Barack Obama as trying against the odds to secure a climate agreement, in the face of obdurate resistance by other countries.

The operation was, in other words, spectacularly successful. The rest of the world were played for suckers. China emerged with a bloody nose. And the US was free to carry on letting rip with its emissions.

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In 2014, USC graduate student Contance Iloh and her advisor Dr. William Tierney examined the "rational choices" behind college choice. Their subjects were more than 130 students who had chosen either a community college or for-profit college for a vocational nursing or surgical technician associate's degree.

Rational choice, a common theory in main stream economics, refers to the theory that individuals make decisions to maximize their benefits and minimize their costs. By talking to focus groups, the researchers hoped to find out why students chose a $30,000 for-profit education lasting 13 months or a $5000 public program taking two years to finish. Both schools had graduation rates of about 30%.

In the Iloh and Tierney study, students who chose for-profit colleges said that community colleges presented too many barriers and that their schools offered more convenience and accessibility in scheduling and location. With accelerated schedules, for-profit students thought they could graduate earlier than if they attended a community college--which was important as they weighed important family obligations.

Some for-profit college students also believed their education was superior to a community college because it offered more "hands on" opportunities. The researchers did not dig deeper though, to investigate how the students came up with their ideas.

Although most of the students were probably women, and many were working-class people and people of color, the researchers did not discuss important race, class, and gender issues. The researchers also ignored examining cross-culturally: what other nations have done to make higher education more effective, socially just, and democratic, or even how various states in the United States have made college free or low cost to its citizens.

"Rational choice" in US education, however, must be examined in a society affected by deindustrialization and de-skilling of work, government austerity and the defunding of public education, neoliberalism, structural racism, increasing economic inequality and reduced intergenerational social mobility, social myths perpetuated by predatory marketing, and ultimately--difficult choices caused by "the injuries of class."

The truth is, millions of hard working low-wage workers (including single mothers, disabled military veterans, struggling immigrants, people with learning challenges or those who have had fewer educational opportunities) may be looking for the most obvious way to achieve the American Dream, whether it's from a message in their email inbox or a friendly voice at the other end of the telephone.

But that's the essence of the for-profit con--something that Iloh and Tierney downplay.

The researchers also fail to recognize that some for-profit students continue along the more financially expensive route, even after realizing they've made a bad choice, believing they have sunk too much into their investment to quit--and knowing that their credits won't transfer.

"Sunken Investment Theory and Time Discounting Theory may be useful in understanding the difficult personal choices that working class people face, but theories of justice must also be utilized."

Sadly, this study really shows the dysfunctional nature of US education in general. Whether a working class student chooses a for-profit college, community college, or public or private university, he or she is taking on significant risks of either not graduating, taking on enormous debt, subjecting family members to debt obligations, or being taken away from important family interests.

Dr. Tierney is not an objective researcher (no researcher is). He is a tenured professor at an elite university who believes for-profit colleges have a role in American neoliberal society. And he has colleagues who have profited from this line of thinking. Tierney believes for-profit schools have problems, but that they can be reformed. With the poor state of many subprime for-profit colleges and community colleges, it's difficult to imagine how educational reform is possible.

To make better informed choices, working-class people surely need to learn about the myths of college and the sales pitches that are used to hook unsuspecting prospects. But even that is not enough. Without social justice, fairness, and access in society, people will be compelled to pray and make the best of unjust and limited "rational" choices.
The Muck: Negreanu and Mercier Place Bracelet Bets, WSOP Gets a Facelift

May 31, 2017 Kim Yuhl Contributor

While #Covfefe is taking the Twitterverse by storm (yes, we had to go there), the poker world just arrived for the first day of summer camp. Welcome to Day 1 of the World Series of Poker where the excitement is running high, winter clothes are back in season, prop bets are popping up, and Brasilia is dressed in black.

Pick Me, Pick Me, Pick Me

No summer camp is complete without games and shenanigans, and in our world, that translates to final table predictions, bracelet hunting, and prop bets.

After last summer's excitement and impending fatherhood, there was a big question mark about just how much Jason Mercier would be playing this summer and if more bracelet bets were on the horizon. Well, it didn't take long for that question to be answered.

Asking for 2-1 on winning a bracelet. Get at me  Jason Mercier (@JasonMercier)

Then Daniel Negreanu joined the conversation and threw this out there:

Offering a team bet: I'll bet that either @JasonMercier or me wins a bracelet this summer and will take 1.20 odds  Daniel Negreanu (@RealKidPoker)

In case you haven't been following Negreanu, it's important to know he's predicted that he would win three bracelets this summer.

On his blog, he wrote, "My intention for the summer is to cash for over $1.5 million and win 3 WSOP Bracelets along the way. My intention is to win the WSOP Player of the Year award for the 3rd time."

And he's not leaving anything to chance by making room for his new hardware.

Knowing Negreanu's intentions made it easy for Mercier to jump on that train.

I also will take even money. Me and daniel must win a bracelet @bp22 @RealKidPoker  Jason Mercier (@JasonMercier)

Well, that was easy. But it seems Mercier's other action was a little slow to get some traction.

Does anyone want to bet me or not???  Jason Mercier (@JasonMercier)

Help a guy out, will ya? He will have another mouth to feed come fall, after all.

And before we let this bracelet bet topic go, Negreanu taunted Twitter with this:

Just bet @BenbaLamb I'd win 3 WSOP bracelets this summer at even money. He is lighting money on fire. Punish him!!!  Daniel Negreanu (@RealKidPoker)

Don't get too excited though, rumor has it the money wagered on this bet is less than $5. Even so, it will still be fun to watch.

Where's the Mothership and What Have You Done With My Final Table?

Did you get lost roaming the halls of the Rio Convention Center? Yes, Las Vegas has a way of playing mind tricks on you, but not this time. There's a new layout at the World Series of Poker, so pay attention to where you are going.

The ESPN "Mothership" has moved to the Brasilia room, all Day 1s are now in the Amazon Room, the Poker Kitchen has turned into a Grab-n-Go eatery, and there's a roaming hot dog cart in and a new swanky high-stakes cash game area in the Pavilion room.

Bringing Back the Rapping Skills

Anyone remember this beauty?

Well, there is no video this time, but Phil Hellmuth took to Twitter to spread some #PHGLOW. Apparently that's a thing now.

I have the glow, glow, glow; I have the glow, glow, glow: #PHGLOW! Looking forward to seven weeks worth of @WSOP, starting today. #Glowing  phil_hellmuth (@phil_hellmuth)

You always won, every time you placed a bet,  phil_hellmuth (@phil_hellmuth)

You were quicker than they thought You'd just turn your back and walk  phil_hellmuth (@phil_hellmuth)

Back to #Covfefe

...because we're having a hard time letting go.

In case you're still wondering what #covfefe means, a few of our favorite poker pros weigh in:

C-O-V-F-E-F-E, find out what it means to me!  Vanessa Selbst (@VanessaSelbst)

I had a mental breakdown last night the night before the WSOP and the doctor diagnosed me with #Covfefe  Mike Matusow (@themouthmatusow)

And the WSOP Hot Dog Cart wanted you to know this:

For those that care about nutrition:  WSOP Hot Dogs (@wsopHotDogCart)

Keep it parked on PokerNews all summer long where we'll bring you the latest from the tournament floor, updates on those bracelet bets, gossip from the halls, and of course, we'll have all the #covfefe you can handle.
SAN JOSE, Calif.  With an impending robot revolution expected to leave a trail of unemployment, some Silicon Valley tech leaders think they have a remedy to a future with fewer jobs: free money for all.

It's called universal basic income, a radical concept that would provide all Americans with a minimum level of economic security. The idea is expensive and controversial  it guarantees cash for everyone, regardless of income level or employment status. But prominent tech leaders including Tesla CEO Elon Musk and Sam Altman, president of startup accelerator Y Combinator, support it.

"We should make it so no one is worried about how they're going to pay for a place to live, no one has to worry about how they're going to have enough to eat," Altman said in a recent speech in San Francisco. "Just give people enough money to have a reasonable quality of life."

Altman is funding a basic income experiment in Oakland as the concept gains momentum in the Bay Area. Policy experts, economists, tech leaders and others convened in San Francisco last month for a workshop on the topic organized by the Economic Security Project, of which Altman is a founding signatory. The project is investing $10 million in basic income projects over the next two years.

Stanford University has created a Basic Income Lab to study the idea, and the San Francisco city treasurer's office has said it's designing tests  though the department said it has no updates on the status of that project.

Proponents say the utopian approach could offer relief to workers in Silicon Valley and beyond who may soon find their jobs threatened by robots as they get smarter. Even before the robots take over, some economists say, basic income should be used as a tool to fight poverty. In the Bay Area  where the rapid expansion of high-paying tech companies has made the region too expensive for many to afford  it could help lift those the boom has left behind.

Unlike traditional aid programs, recipients of a universal basic income wouldn't need to prove anything  not their income level, employment status, disability or family obligations  before collecting their cash payments.

"It's a right of citizenship," said Karl Widerquist, a basic income expert and associate professor at Georgetown University's School of Foreign Service in Qatar, "so we're not judging people and we're not putting them in this other category or (saying) 'you're the poor.' And I think this is exciting people right now because the other model hasn't worked."

That means a mother living at the poverty line would get the same amount of free cash as Mark Zuckerberg, Widerquist said. But Zuckerberg's taxes would go up, canceling out his basic income payment.

The problem is that giving all Americans a $10,000 annual income would cost upwards of $3 trillion a year  more than three-fourths of the federal budget, said Bob Greenstein, president of the Washington-based Center for Budget and Policy Priorities. Some proponents advocate paying for it by cutting programs like food stamps and Medicaid. But that approach would take money set aside for low-income families and redistribute it upward, exacerbating poverty and inequality, Greenstein said.

Still, some researchers are testing the idea with small basic income experiments targeting certain neighborhoods and socio-economic groups.

Y Combinator  the accelerator known for launching Airbnb and Instacart  is giving 100 randomly selected Oakland families unconditional cash payments of about $1,500 a month. Altman, who is footing most of the bill himself, says society needs to consider basic income to support Americans who lose their jobs to robots and artificial intelligence. The idea, he said in his San Francisco speech, addresses the question not enough people are asking: "What do we as the tech industry do to solve the problem that we're helping to create?"

Increased use of robots and AI will lead to a net loss of 9.8 million jobs by 2027  7 percent of U.S. positions, according to a study that the Forrester research firm released last month. Already, the signs are everywhere. Autonomous cars and trucks threaten driving jobs, automated factories require fewer human workers, and artificial intelligence is taking over aspects of legal work and other white-collar jobs.

***

Proponents of universal basic income have varying ideas of how much money people should get to give them a decent quality of life. Clearly $1,500 a month isn't enough in the Bay Area, but Altman says in a world of robots the cost of living would go down  some experts predict that automation would lower production costs. In the meantime, an extra $1,500 still could have a big help to for Oakland residents like Shoshanna Howard, who said the salary she makes working at a nonprofit barely covers her cost of living.

"I would pay off my student loans," she said. "And I would put whatever I could toward savings, because I'm currently not able to save for my future."

Interest in basic income rose in the 1960s and 1970s, when small pilot studies were conducted in states including New Jersey, Pennsylvania, North Carolina, Iowa and Indiana, and in Canada. Some studies showed improvements in participants' physical and mental health, and found children performed better in school or stayed in school longer. But some also showed that people receiving a basic income were inclined to spend fewer hours working. Other data suggested that married participants were more likely to get divorced. Some experts say the cash payments reduced women's financial dependence on their husbands.

 Combinator has plans to expand its experiment to 1,000 families. YC researchers are using the small Oakland pilot to answer logistical questions  such as how to select participants, and how to pay them. The researchers have said they're focusing on residents ages 21 through 40 whose household income doesn't exceed the area median  about $55,000 in Oakland, according to the latest Census data. They expect to release plans for a larger study this summer.

 Combinator announced its Oakland project last spring, but since then has kept many details under wraps. That tight-lipped approach concerns some community members who question whether the group did enough to involve Oakland residents and nonprofits.

Jennifer Lin, deputy director of the East Bay Alliance for a Sustainable Economy, said her organization reached out to YC about a year ago, but never heard back. "It makes me question what Y Combinator has to hide," she said.

Elizabeth Rhodes, YC's basic income research director, said the group is working with city, county and state officials, and has met with local nonprofits and social service providers.

"We want to be as transparent as we can, but protecting the privacy and well-being of study participants is our first priority," she wrote in an email.

Meanwhile, Rep. Ro Khanna, D-Calif., is pushing for a plan that has been described as a first step toward universal basic income. Khanna this summer plans to propose long shot $1 trillion expansion to the earned income tax credit that is already available to low-income families. But unlike a basic income, that money would go only to people who work.

"There's a dignity to work," Khanna said. "People, they don't want a handout. They want to contribute to the economy."
The Muck: Dan Bilzerian, Tony G Drop in on New High-Stakes Poker Room in Vegas

June 02, 2017 Kim Yuhl Contributor

Move over, Phil Ivey and Bobby Baldwin. There's a new kid in town.

Inside the Pavilion Room at the World Series of Poker, there's a new, swanky lounge ready to take over the summer's high-stakes game action. The King's Casino Poker Room opened with a champagne reception and players ready to place some serious bets. The room is plush with a private bar, its own cage and staff, plenty of mingling room and some tables tucked away in dark corners for those ultra-private games.

The lounge became a flurry of excitement on Thursday as Dan Bilzerian stopped by with what looked like every intention to play. Bilzerian has a talent for attracting sharks and photographers alike, and sure enough, they descended upon the room waiting for the opportunity to capture the moment.

This crew though @DanBilzerian @PokerroomKings @TonyGuoga https://t.co/edKYPR786Z  PokerNews (@PokerNews)

The attention may have been a bit much because he ended up leaving before play got started. But that didn't stop some other big names from coming out. Cyndi Violette, Nick Schulman, Eric Wasserson and Ben Lamb were just a few of the names seen strolling through the lounge.

It was the first $500/$1,000 no-limit hold'em game of the summer that was the real attraction, though.

King's Casino owner Leon Tsoukernik joined Tony G, Antonio Esfandiari, Brandon Steven and Daniel Colman at the first high-stakes game in the lounge. The excitement was palpable, and it even attracted some famous spectators as Mike Sexton and Mike "The Mouth" Matusow looked on.

According to the interest list, it appears there are still a few more players on the way and ready to play. By the looks of things, The King's Casino lounge is off to a good start.

Tweet of the Day: Like a Boss!

If this is what retirement looks like, color me retired. The One Drop $111,111 High Roller kicks off tomorrow, and we'll be watching because everyone knows good things come in groups of threes. Stay tuned to PokerNews for your live updates fix and another winner's tweet.

Back-to-back 50k wins! # Took it down for 415k. Feeling ready for the 111k Onedrop! # https://t.co/YCai63HsZU  Fedor Holz (@CrownUpGuy)

What do you say when you realize your friend wants to wear a smedium?

Please don't be like Phil Hellmuth.

When your crush asks you to the Spring Formal Debutante Ball https://t.co/KtsGXPxYlG  Chillin in my Bacta (@AminESPN)

Even though Hellmuth is overly excited to wear his whenever he has the chance, smediums (a man's shirt bought one size too small) went out of style ... wait ... they were never in style. So no! No, you can't wear your smedium. The Internet had some fun with Hellmuth, who was sitting courtside at the Warriors-Cavaliers game on Thursday.

What to do when you realize your favorite dealer is missing?

If you're from Maryland, then you might want to check the PokerNews Blog and take a look at this summer's first bracelet winner.

Is this your guy? Congratulations to Bryan Hollis who won Event #1: $565 Casino Employees No-Limit Hold'em for $68,817! After admittedly never making it past the first break in a WSOP event, it looks like he's going to stay missing for awhile.

What to do when you realize your friend is about to tell you a bad beat story?

Tell him you'll listen to it as long as he's game to try his luck on the streets of Vegas. There's no going unnoticed in this bright orange Lamborghini that is on display in the Rotunda leading into the poker hallways.

For a measly $399/hour, your friend can drive out the bad beat blues. Better yet, you take the wheel and test the theory to see if "it corners like it's on rails." Chances are you'll scare the bad beat right out of him.

And remind him of the silver lining - there's a whole summer ahead to try and recoup his losses. Just make sure he stays away from the Kings Casino Lounge. Or maybe not.

Chainsaw Report: Week One

Get inside the mind of Allen Kessler as he gives PokerNews a week-by-week breakdown of his thoughts on the WSOP 2017.
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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.




The film is Frances follow-up to his Academy Award-nominated How to Survive a Plague.When Marsha P. Johnson, the beloved, self-described street queen of NYC's gay ghetto, was found floating in the Hudson River in 1992, the NYPD refused to investigate. Instead, they chalked it up to suicide, a widely dismissed conclusion, and left the mystery to fester for decades. Having played a pivotal role in the Stonewall Riots of 1969, Johnson and fellow icon Sylvia Rivera went on to form the world's first trans-rights organisation, Street Transvestites Action Revolutionaries (STAR) in 1970. And despite their many challenges over the years  harassment, homelessness, alcoholism  the two ignited a powerful and lasting civil rights movement for gender-nonconforming people.Now, 25 years after her untimely death, at a time of unprecedented visibility for, and escalating violence against, the transgender community, veteran crime-victim advocate Victoria Cruz has taken it upon herself to re-examine what happened to Johnson and measure the challenges that still face the community."Almost single-handedly, Marsha P. Johnson and her best friend Sylvia Rivera touched off a revolution in the way we talk about gender today, said France. Their names should be household words. But Marshas life was cut tragically short and Sylvia died shortly thereafter, the victim of a broken heart. Getting to know their story through the investigation undertaken by Victoria Cruz, a seminal activist in her own right, has been one of the great honors of my career. Now, with Netflix as our distribution partner, I am confident the legacy of these tremendous women will never be forgotten.
Afghanistan's intelligence agency says it has arrested a would-be suicide bomber who planned to detonate his explosives at the funeral of an antigovernment protester in Kabul.

At least seven people were killed on June 3 when three suicide bombers blew themselves up at the funeral of Salem Izadyar, the son of a senator and one of the five victims of the deadly clashes between police and protesters a day earlier.

Deadly antigovernment protests erupted after the May 31 morning rush-hour bombing in Kabul that killed at least 90 people and wounded more than 460, most of them civilians.

Police have locked down much of Kabul city, with armed checkpoints and armored vehicles patrolling the streets, although several dozen protesters on June 4 continued a peaceful sit-in near the blast site.

The demonstrators have called for the resignation of the national unity government, which has failed to curb deadly militant attacks in the capital.

The National Directorate of Security (NDS), the countrys main intelligence agency, said in a statement on June 4 that it had arrested a fourth suicide bomber who failed to detonate his explosives at the funeral in Kabul.

The NDS published a photo of Sayed Rahman, the failed suicide bomber, on their Facebook page.

The intelligence agency said the suicide bombers had all hidden explosives in their shoes and had been trained at the Mawlawi Ahmad madrasah, or religious school, in the southwest Pakistani city of Quetta.

The NDS has also blamed the Kabul bombing on May 31, the deadliest in the city since the U.S.-led invasion in 2001, on the Pakistan-based Haqqani network, which is allied to the Afghan Taliban.

PHOTO GALLERY: Massive Blast Hits Kabul's Embassy District (click on gallery to open)

No group has so far claimed responsibility for the two deadly attacks in Kabul, with the Taliban denying any involvement.

The attacks were the latest in a long series of high-profile militant attacks that have killed hundreds of civilians in Afghanistan since most international forces left the country in 2014.

In the first three months of the year at least 715 civilians were killed across the country, after almost 3,500 last year -- the deadliest on record for Afghan civilians.

The uptick in violence comes as U.S. and coalition officials are working on plans that are expected to bring about an increase of between 3,000 and 5,000 in the number of foreign troops in Afghanistan.

With reporting by Tolo News and Khaama
An Afghan man fatally stabbed a 5-year-old Russian boy at a home for asylum-seekers in Germany and was then himself shot dead by police, officers say.

The 41-year-old Afghan man on June 3 also seriously injured the child's mother in the town of Arnschwang near the Bavarian city of Regensburg before police arrived at the facility, officers said.

Further details of the incident were not immediately available, and there was no indication what led up to the fatal stabbing.

It was also not clear what part of Russia the victim was from.

Based on reporting by AP and dpa


German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier has urged Europe to remain committed to the western Balkans despite the many problems affecting the region.

Steinmeier was speaking on June 3 in Slovenia at the end of a European Union-sponsored meeting of Balkan leaders looking for ways to increase cooperation in the region.

The western Balkans consist of Albania, Bosnia-Herzegovina, Croatia, Macedonia, Montenegro, Serbia, and Kosovo.

A joint communique after the meeting called for further EU integration, strengthening of dialogue, and a refraining from "nationalistic and inflammatory rhetoric."

Steinmeier said that "what happens in this region and also what doesn't happen is going to concern us and is going to have an impact on us."

"Peace, stability, and economic development in the region should be high on our agenda," he said.

The German presidency is a mainly ceremonial position.

While the EU has proposed membership to countries in the region, Russia has opposed most such moves and has attempted to increase its influence in the region.

Based on reporting by AP and STA
Islamic State (IS) militants have claimed responsibility for the London Bridge terror attack that killed seven people and wounded dozens of others, news agencies are reporting, citing an IS-linked website.



"A detachment of Islamic State fighters executed yesterday's London attack, Reuters and AFP quoted a June 4 posting on the Amaq media website. Amaq is considered the main mouthpiece of IS.



The report comes as British police on June 4 said they had arrested 12 people in Barking, east London, in the investigation related to the attack that occurred around 10 p.m. local time on June 3.



A police statement did not provide the names of those held, but it said seven were women aged 19-60 and five were men aged 28-55. Sky News reported that one of the men had since been released.



Police said they were searching four properties believed to be related to the attack.



In the incident on June 3, seven people were killed and at least 48 injured after a van veered off the road on London Bridge and struck several pedestrians. Three occupants left the van and attacked several people with knives in the nearby Borough Market nightlife neighborhood.



All three attackers were shot dead within eight minutes of the initial emergency call by police who fired 50 bullets.



The authorities said they will release the names of the three attackers as soon as operationally possible.

WATCH: Londoners Flee After 'Terrorist' Attacks



The terror attack was the third in Britain since late March following a similar incident on March 22 near Parliament on Westminster Bridge and a bombing at a concert by U.S. pop singer Ariana Grande in Manchester on May 22.



A charity concert on June 4 was held for victims of the Manchester attack, featuring Grande, Justin Bieber, and other stars.



The "One Love Manchester" concert at the Old Trafford cricket grounds in Manchester was attended by some 50,000 people. It was completed without incident, organizers said.



British Prime Minister Theresa May said "enough is enough" when it comes to tackling terrorism.



She said the countrys counterterrorism strategy would be reviewed. "We cannot and must not pretend that things can continue as they are," she added.

'This Is For Allah'



Further witness accounts of the attack were reported hours after the incident.



Gerard Vowls told the Associated Press he was on the street when he heard a man moan, "I've been stabbed."



Vowls said a bystander stopped to help the wounded man and then he saw the three attackers strike a woman with knives.



"The three guys, yes, they were just stabbing this woman constantly, nonstop the three of them. Just stabbing her from every direction, the three of them around her. Lunging at her," he said. "I heard them say one thing: 'This is for Allah.'"



Many bystanders credited Vowls with saving lives as he attempted to distract the attackers and ran through the neighborhood yelling out warnings.



Rhiannon Owen, a student nurse, said she was using a cash machine when a taxi driver alerted her.



"The taxi driver just swerved toward me and screamed, 'Run! You have to run! They've got a knife!'" she said.



"His face was just like something was so wrong, and I just started running as fast as I could. There was sirens everywhere, people screaming, the glass was smashed in one shop."

'United In Horror'



World leaders offered support following the latest attack.



"In the face of this new tragedy, France is more than ever at Britain's side," French President Emmanuel Macron wrote in a tweet. "My thoughts go out to the victims and their loved ones.



German Chancellor Angela Merkel said her country stood "firm and resolute" by Britain's side in the fight against terrorism. "We are united in horror and grief, but also in determination," she said.



Russian President Vladimir Putin offered condolences in a telegram to the British prime minister, the Kremlin said.



"The president of Russia expressed his confidence that the buildup of joint efforts to fight forces of terror all over the world should become the common answer on what happened," a statement said.



U.S. President Donald Trump praised the heroic response of police and other first responders and offered the full support of the United States government in investigating and bringing those responsible for these heinous acts to justice.



The U.S. president also engaged in a Twitter battle with London Mayor Sadiq Khan, accusing him of downplaying the threat of terrorism.



Hours after the attack, Khan told the BBC, "My message to Londoners and visitors to our great city is to be calm and vigilant today. You will see an increased police presence today, including armed officers and uniformed officers. There is no reason to be alarmed by this."



"At least 7 dead and 48 wounded in terror attack and Mayor of London says there is 'no reason to be alarmed!'" Trump wrote.



A spokesman for Khan said the mayor had "more important things to do than respond to Donald Trump's ill-informed tweet that deliberately takes out of context his remarks."



Lew Lukens, the acting U.S. ambassador to Britain, offered praise for the London mayor on the embassys official Twitter account.



"I commend the strong leadership of the @MayorofLondon as he leads the city forward after this heinous attack," he wrote.

With reporting by Sky News, the BBC, Reuters, AFP, AP, dpa, and Interfax
After giving birth to her fourth child at the age of 29, Maral settled on a family plan: she wouldn't have any more kids, at least for now.



That was nearly seven years ago, and there have been no surprises. After making her decision, Maral consulted with a gynecologist who told her that she was eligible to receive birth control pills at her clinic in Kyrgyzstan's northwestern Talas Province. And there would be no charge, because the contraception was being provided as part of a program run by the UN Population Fund (UNFPA).



But now it is time for a new plan. Maral, who didn't want to give her full name, recently found out that her reliable supply of quality, cost-free contraceptives, has run out. If she wants to continue her course of contraceptives she must buy them from a pharmacy, and that is not a luxury she can afford.



"Many women in our villages use contraceptive pills, and I don't know what are we going to do," Maral says. "I'm now using the last remaining pack that I have, and it will finish by the end of the month."



While the UNFPA's involvement and presence in Kyrgyzstan will continue, including its efforts to foster family planning and improve maternal health, the nearly two-decade program through which it provided free birth control has ended.



As a result, according to Kyrgyz health officials, the last of the UNFPA-funded contraceptives are running low across and may not last long.





According to the UNFPA office in Bishkek, over the past five years the agency has spent $3 million to provide free contraceptives in Kyrgyzstan.



Health groups warn that many Kyrgyzstan women of impoverished families -- the primary recipients of the aid -- will no longer have access to contraceptives because they will not be able to afford it on their own.



Earmarking funds for free contraceptives doesn't seem to be on the government's priority list, however.



"Unfortunately, the state budget doesn't provide any funds for [free contraceptives]," says Osmonbek Artykbaev, the head of the National Committee of Kyrgyzstan Parliamentarians for Population and Development.



Artykbaev acknowledges that after many years of "donor support, now it's time for self-financing" for Kyrgyzstan.

One Small Step



The government has taken a small step to replace the UN program by introducing a 50 percent discount for birth control tablets for medical insurance policy holders, but it doesn't apply to thousands of women in rural areas. This measure alone is not enough, Artykbaev says.



He says that Kyrgyz authorities "are trying to resolve many issues" regarding family planning and child and maternal health, but he says the country still is not where it wants to be.



Saltanat Akunova, the head of the Issyk Kul regional center for family planning, says that contraceptive pills are among most popular family planning methods with women preferring them as an effective and easy method of preventing unintended pregnancies.



While the Kyrgyz traditionally prefer to have large families, she says, women increasingly tend to "plan their pregnancies with at least three years between each birth."



In Issyk Kul nearly 40 percent of the women who employ family planning methods use contraceptive pills, Akunova says.



The office of the UNFPA in Bishkek says the agency has repeatedly warned the Kyrgyz government in recent years that the project was never meant to be open-ended and that Kyrgyzstan would eventually have to implement its own program.



"Kyrgyzstan should not just pin its hopes on international organizations, and should independently buy the medicines," the UNFPA office director in Bishkek, Meder Omurzakov, tells RFE/RL."The UNFPA funding for contraceptives for Kyrgyzstan ended in 2015 and we delivered the last supplies this year. But for several years we've been telling the Kyrgyz government that the project would end."

Reducing Birth Fatalities



The Kyrgyz government first introduced a national program to reduce maternal and infant mortality by promoting family planning in the early 1990s. However, due to high costs and an unreliable supply, the majority of women in Kyrgyzstan didn't have access to modern contraceptives like birth control pills.



Intrauterine devices and abortion were among the most common methods for family planning in the country, especially among poorer rural families, before the UNFPA launched its project to provide free birth control pills for Kyrgyz families from impoverished backgrounds in 2000.



According to the Kyrgyz government, maternal health and newborn health services have improved in recent years, with Prime Minister Sooronbai Zheenbekov saying in April that maternal mortality had decreased by nearly 30 percent since 2015.



As the use of contraceptives by women in Kyrgyzstan has increased, abortion rates have reportedly fallen since 1992.



The Central Asian country is among nearly 70 countries in the Family Planning 2020 global partnership project, which aims at increasing access to modern contraceptives for 120 million women around the world by 2020. The project is funded by several organizations, including the UNFPA, the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, and the U.S. and British governments' international development agencies, among others.



The UNFPA will maintain its presence in the country through a variety of programs.



Since 1992, UNFPA's projects in Kyrgyzstan have included helping health institutions provide quality maternal and newborn services; raising awareness about gender equality, family planning, and reproductive health; and offering sex education, among other issues.



But in her remote village in Talas, the end of the contraception program leaves Maral considering her options as the pills she had come to depend on run out.Paying for birth control pills is not an option for the family of six that survives on irregular farming income.



"In the past many women, who wanted to prevent pregnancy, would get fitted with an intrauterine device, but some had health problems with that," Maral says. "I might try it, but I'm still undecided."


The topic of this weeks Majlis, or panel discussion, was the Central Asians who made their way to Syria and Iraq to join with militant groups fighting in those two countries.



The Islamic State extremist group appears to now be making its last stand in places like Mosul in Iraq and Raqqa in Syria and other groups are similarly losing ground to the array of local and foreign military forces opposing them.



What might happen now to the Central Asians who helped fill their ranks?

Will they stay and fight to the end?

Will they flee, and, if so, where will they go?



Muhammad Tahir, RFE/RL's media relations manager, moderated the discussion. Przemyslaw Ozierski, the deputy director of the Central Asia Strategic Center for Analysis, took part from Bishkek. And joining the Majlis from the Foundation For Defense and Democracies in Washington D.C. were Aykan Erdemir, a senior fellow for Turkish Affairs, and Merve Tahiroglu, a Turkish Affairs researcher.

As usual, I also participated from Prague.

Listen to or download the Majlis podcast below or subscribe to the Majlis on iTunes.
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
CEMOVSKO POLJE, Montenegro -- From the tranquil vineyards of the Plantaze winery near Montenegro's Adriatic coastline, it's hard to imagine one is in the crosshairs of a geopolitical struggle between the world's superpowers. Yet among the more than 11 million vines spilling from the terroir, the battle lines have clearly been drawn.

In April, Rospotrebnadzor, the Russian consumer rights and protection agency, said it was banning imports of Plantaze wine because of elevated levels of metalaxyl, a pesticide, and particle plastic diphtalata in some vintages.

The ban took effect on April 26, just two days before Montenegro's parliament ratified the Balkan nation's membership of the NATO security alliance.

"This unreasonable step is doing our company undoubted, immeasurable and irreconcilable harm," says Plantaze director Boris Milutinovic.

Montenegro is set to become the 29th member of the NATO military alliance on June 5, marking the end of a long and often arduous road to accession.

Along the way, Moscow has said repeatedly in various contexts that Podgorica's NATO course runs counter to hundreds of years of "fraternal relations" between the two Slavic, Orthodox Christian nations.

As with neighboring Serbia, Montenegro shares linguistic and cultural roots with Russia, and Russians, including Kremlin-connected billionaire Oleg Deripaska, have made substantial investments in the country in recent years.

The expansion of NATO, and the desires of many Balkan nations for deeper integration into Western institutions, such as that alliance and the European Union, has left the Kremlin with a case of diplomatic sour grapes.

Some Montenegrin lawmakers blame Moscow for an alleged coup attempt last year that was seen as a possible effort by the Kremlin to undermine the NATO push.

Moscow rejects the allegation, but a Montenegrin court began indictment proceedings on May 24 against 14 people, including two Russians and two pro-Russia opposition leaders, who are charged with plotting to overthrow the government in Podgorica.

"It is clear that the decision [to ban Plantaze wine] is in the context of NATO membership," Prime Minister Dusko Markovic told journalists after the ban was announced.

Plantaze, whose vineyards are the largest by surface area in Europe to be cultivated by a single company, exports to more than 40 countries around the world, including Russia, which accounts for about 20 percent of all shipments abroad, according to Milutinovic.

Some 15,500 bottles were pulled from Russian store shelves when the ban was first announced, and on May 31 another 16,200 were removed.

'Political Decision'

Given the importance of exports to Russia, the winery has filed a claim in Russia to have the ban overturned.

Milutinovic says samples of the wine were sent to three independent laboratories, as well as to one for the European Union. All of the results came back showing the wines were in no way tainted, he says.

"We see this as a kind of political decision, a political moment, which is now very actual in Montenegro, with regard to NATO accession. The decision has no connections with the concrete analysis of Plantaze wines but [rather] with the whole picture of the political situation," Blagota Radulovic of Montenegro's Agriculture Ministry tells RFE/RL.

Montenegro isn't the first country to face Moscow's wrath over grapes.

In 2013, the Kremlin was seen as unhappy with Moldova's drive to join the EU and banned imports of wines and spirits from the ex-Soviet republic claiming they contained impurities.

Similar actions have been taken by Moscow against Georgia and Ukraine at times of heightened diplomatic tensions.

The wine ban is also seen as part of a wider campaign by Moscow to punish Montenegro for its westward-looking policies.

There are an estimated 7,000 Russian nationals who are permanent residents of Montenegro, a nation of about 620,000, and Russians own about 40 percent of the country's desirable Adriatic Sea coast.

In an effort to leverage the considerable contribution that Russian tourists make to Montenegro's economy, in addition to banning Plantaze imports, Moscow also recently tried to dissuade travelers from heading to the Adriatic country, saying it was a nation of "crime, minefields, and dirty beaches."

'Media War'

The Montenegrin Foreign Ministry promptly responded by pointing to the absence of any reported incidents of Russian businessmen or tourists being harassed in Montenegro or experiencing any hostility from local residents.

"This is therefore nothing but manipulation and the continuation of a media war that Moscow has been waging against Montenegro, aimed at blocking its accession to NATO," the ministry said.

Ironically, Plantaze's sprawling operations do have a military history.

The cellars near Podgorica where the vineyard keeps its wines were once a military airport during the reign of Josip Broz Tito in the former Yugoslavia.

The cool, 300-meter long tunnels some 30 meters underground that once sheltered fighter jets during the Cold War now store thousands of liters of wine at an ideal temperature of 17-19 degrees Celsius. The airport was even a target of the NATO bombing campaign of Yugoslavia in 1999.

Back at the Plantaze offices, Milutinovic refuses to put a dollar figure on how much Russia's ban will cost the winery. He says he remains confident that the winery will be vindicated at some point and stockpiles of wine will once again flow to Moscow.

"Hopefully, sometime in the short term we'll see a court ruling that will be positive and in our favor that will allow us to continue to sell our wine in Russia," he says.


Reuters news agency is reporting that dozens of civilians have been killed in the past two days while fleeing a Mosul neighborhood held by the Islamic State (IS) militant group.

A Reuters TV crew on June 3 said the dead included men, women, and children, with their bodies laying on a street in Zanjili district, near the frontline between the militant fighters and Iraqi government forces.

Zanjili is one of the final three districts in Iraqs second-largest city not yet cleared of IS fighters.

On June 2, Iraqi forces said they had captured the Sihha district as U.S.-led forces battle in what they hope will be the final campaign to drive the militants out of Mosul, the groups last significant stronghold in Iraq.

After taking Sihha, Iraqi forces said they had reduced IS territory in the city to three districts along the Tigris River west bank  parts of Zanjili, the crowded Old City, and the medical sector of the city.



Dave Eubank from the Free Burma Rangers relief association, speaking from a building overlooking the Zanjili frontline, told Reuters that IS has been shooting people escaping this area" for the past two days.

"I saw over 50 dead bodies yesterday, he said. We worked with the Americans to get smoke and an Iraqi tank, and followed behind them and we rescued one little girl and one man. But there are still more."

Iraqi military officials have said they are moving closer to fully liberating Mosul.

Should they capture Mosul, it would represent a massive blow to the IS extremists. Mosul was the city where leader Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi declared his so-called "caliphate" nearly three years ago.

Backed by U.S. and coalition air support, Iraqi forces began the battle to liberate Mosul in October.

The eastern half of Mosul was retaken earlier this year, and troops are facing fierce IS resistance in more heavily populated west Mosul.

IS fighters captured Mosul in 2014 as they gained wide swathes of territory in Iraq and Syria in battles against government troops.

However, U.S.-led coalition forces have made major gains against the group, both in Mosul and around the Syrian city of Raqqa, the last major IS stronghold in that country.

A U.S.-backed Syrian-Kurdish coalition in Syria said the campaign to liberate Raqqa will start in the next "few days," a spokesman for the Syrian Kurdish YPG militia said on June 3.

With reporting by AP, Reuters, and Iraqi News
Pakistani investigators say the mob lynching of a university student accused of blasphemy was premeditated.

Mashal Khan, 23, a journalism student, was killed by a mob at the Abdul Wali Khan University in the northern city of Mardan on April 13. He was accused of posting "blasphemous content" on social media.

A report issued by the Joint Investigation Team on June 4 said Khan's lynching was organized by students a month prior to his killing.

The 13-member committee also concluded that there was no evidence that Khan committed blasphemy.

The report said Khan was targeted by students who saw him as a political rival in the Pakhtoon Students Federation (PSF), the student wing of the Awami National Party.

Khan, who was a member of the PSF, was seen as a rising star, the report said.

The report said some faculty members investigating the killing pressured students to support the blasphemy allegations because of Khan's past criticism of the university.

Khan had given interviews with local media in which he complained about rising fees and poor performance among faculty staff.

The report said 57 people, including 12 university employees, would face charges in the case.

The report is expected to be submitted to the Supreme Court during the coming week.

Video footage of the attack showed Khan lying on the floor surrounded by men and being beaten with wooden planks.

Blasphemy is punishable by death in Pakistan and the mere accusation of insulting Islam can spark deadly mob violence. Blasphemy allegations are often used to settle scores, say human rights groups.

It is a highly sensitive issue in the Muslim-majority country, where at least 65 people have been killed over blasphemy allegations since 1990, according to the Center for Research and Security Studies.

The government has recently vowed to combat the sharing of blasphemous content on social media.

With reporting by AP and The Express Tribune
Activists and supporters of nongovernmental organizations in the Pakistani city of Peshawar staged a candlelight vigil late on June 3 to protest the wave of bomb attacks that has hit Afghanistan's capital, Kabul, in recent days. The protesters denounced the Taliban and its radical splinter group, the Haqqani network, and called on the Pakistani government to eradicate terrorism. (RFE/RL's Radio Mashaal)
U.S.-backed Arab-Kurdish forces will "very soon" launch their campaign to liberate Raqqa, the Islamic State (IS) militant group's self-declared capital in Syria.

Spokeswoman Cihan Sheikh Ehmed of the U.S.-supported Syrian Democratic Forces on June 3 said the SDF will "very soon" begin the battle for Raqqa, which is situated on the northern side of the Euphrates River about 90 kilometers from the Turkish border.

The comments come at a time when U.S.-backed Iraqi government forces say they are close to fully liberating Mosul, the final significant IS stronghold in Iraq.

IS fighters captured wide swathes of land in Syria and Iraq in 2014 in battles against government troops.

U.S.-led coalition forces in both countries have made major gains against the group, which is putting up fierce resistance as it clings to the last bits of territory in its so-called "caliphate" in the region.

The SDF fighters have taken positions around Raqqa s northern and eastern sectors and report they are making progress against IS extremists on the south bank of the Euphrates.

Nouri Mahmoud, a spokesman for the YPG -- a Syrian Kurdish militia that is a key element of the SDF coalition -- told Reuters news agency that "forces reached the outskirts of the city and the major operation will start...in the coming few days."

A spokesman for the U.S.-led coalition, Colonel Ryan Dillon, would not confirm the time frame but said SDF fighters were "advancing closer and closer every day" and were within 3 kilometers of Raqqa.

Coalition officials estimate there are 3,000 to 4,000 IS fighters remaining in Raqqa preparing for the assault.

"The battle will not be easy," the YPGs Mahmoud said. "Of course, [IS] has tunnels, mines, car bombs, suicide bombers, and at the same time it is using civilians as human shields."

Along with the battle against IS, Syria is embroiled in a six-year civil war. Russia and Iran support the government of President Bashar al-Assad, while the United States and Turkey back differing rebel groups.

Turkey is opposed to the YPG, which it links to the Kurdistan Workers Party (PKK).

With reporting by AP and Reuters
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.

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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 critical component of an experimental vaccine led to an escalating immune response in patients with sarcoma, an indicator of its potential anti-cancer effects.

The findings give hope for a vaccine for sarcoma, called CMB305, an immunotherapy strategy that involves using an engineered virus to teach patients' immune systems to recognize and kill tumor cells.

The findings will be presented by Dr. Seth Pollack, a physician-scientist at Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, June 5 in a poster at the American Society of Clinical Oncology annual meeting in Chicago.

The poster presentation reinforces the results of an early-stage clinical trial led by Dr. Neeta Somaiah of MD Anderson Cancer Center and to be presented June 2 at the ASCO meeting. Pollack is a senior investigator on the trial.

In the poster presentation, Pollack -- a physician-scientist who specializes in sarcoma -- and his collaborators examined participants' immune responses before and after receiving the vaccine. They studied 62 patients enrolled in this trial or in an earlier trial that used only the virus component of the vaccine without the additional immune-boosters included in CMB305.

The data suggested that the vaccine was working as designed: In patients on both trials, Pollack and his collaborators found multiple signs of escalating immune responses to NY-ESO-1, a protein marker found almost exclusively in cancer cells, but not healthy cells. An immune response directed at NY-ESO-1 will kill cancer cells but leave healthy cells alone.

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Patients' immune systems also started recognizing and responding to other cancer markers besides NY-ESO-1 after vaccination, too.

But across the board, Pollack's team observed the biggest boost in signs of anti-cancer immunity among patients vaccinated with the newer version of the vaccine, CMB305.

"My feeling is that [the additional component in the CMB305 vaccine] does help, because we definitely saw a better immune monitoring response," Pollack said.

In the June 2 ASCO presentation of the Phase 1 clinical trial results, Somaiah will report that in 16 of 25 participants with advanced, soft-tissue sarcoma, tumors stopped growing after the patients received injections of CMB305. Of these, about three-quarters had no disease progression by three months, 36 percent had no disease at six months and 83 percent of them were still alive after one year.

The results "compare favorably" to published data on several FDA-approved therapies for these cancers, Pollack said.

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Patients received four injections of the engineered virus over three months, plus a series of injections of an immune-boosting formulation for a year. The two subtypes of sarcoma studied in this trial were myxoid/round cell liposarcoma and synovial sarcoma.

"The results, so far, are exciting and show that the vaccine works; generates an immune response and stabilizes tumors, and will definitely lead to additional studies," said Somaiah, who led the study. "Hopefully, if we design the studies right, we will have this as a treatment option in the near future."

One trial participant had a serious side effect (severe pain); the rest reported relatively minor side effects like soreness at the injection site that lasted one day.

"The lack of side effects makes the findings from the CMB305 trial especially noteworthy," Pollack said. "For most patients with these sarcomas, the most difficult symptoms they face throughout their illness are side effects from chemotherapy, which is a typical treatment for sarcomas."

The engineered virus in CMB305, which incorporates elements of multiple natural viruses, derives from discoveries made in the lab of Nobel Prize-winning scientist Dr. David Baltimore of CalTech. Baltimore and the Hutch's Dr. Larry Corey are among the scientific co-founders of Seattle's Immune Design, which owns CMB305 and sponsored this trial.

Neither Somaiah nor Pollack has a personal financial interest in Immune Design. Pollack receives funding from the company through Fred Hutch to carry out research on some of the company's products.
New research suggests patients nearing the end of their lives because of a "life-limiting illness" such as cancer or heart disease may not feel medically abandoned if their doctor wants to take them off the statins that control their cholesterol.

The findings are important because little is known about the best way to manage chronic medications for patients with a life-limiting condition, including data regarding patient attitudes toward "deprescribing."

Deprescribing medications has the potential to improve outcomes in some cases, but patient concerns over being taken off statin drugs have not been reported.

Statins are a class of drugs that work by blocking the liver enzyme responsible for cholesterol production, thus reducing the buildup of plaque on artery walls that can lead to a stroke or heart attack. The drugs are highly effective but not without side effects for some patients, the most common being muscle pain that ranges from mild to severe.

Jon Furuno, an associate professor in of the Oregon State University/Oregon Health & Science University College of Pharmacy, joined collaborators from around the United States in a study that included nearly 300 patients whose average age was 72 and whose life expectancy was one to 12 months. The patients were participants in a clinical trial to determine the safety and benefit of discontinuing statin therapy.

Fifty-eight percent were cancer patients, 8 percent had cardiovascular disease, and 30 percent had some other life-limiting diagnosis. The patients gave responses to a nine-item questionnaire designed to quantify potential benefits and concerns associated with discontinuing statins.

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"We know these patients are on a lot of medications," Furuno said. "There's a lot of concern that patients will feel like doctors are giving up on them if they start to discontinue some of their medications, that there's something comforting about continuing to take their medications, and this gives us some indication of what patients feel about the risks and benefits of deprescribing."

Less than 5 percent of study participants expressed concern that deprescribing statins indicated being abandoned by their doctor, and many could see benefits of going off their statin, including spending less on medications (63 percent); the potential for being able to stop taking other meds also (34 percent); and having a better overall quality of life (25 percent).

Cardiovascular patients were particularly likely to envision quality-of-life benefits arising from statin discontinuation.

"Hopefully this will help inform prescribers who might be tentative to address this topic with their patients," Furuno said. "As a patient's prognosis changes and we think they have a relatively short lifespan left, it really requires risk/benefit re-examination of everything we're doing for them, medications and everything else. There may still be benefits, but have the benefits changed or has the risk/benefit ratio changed?

"A lot of our work is trying to better inform the evidence base for medication use at the end of life, and patient perceptions are really important in trying to honor what the patient wants and what the family wants."

Furuno notes that the primary limitation of this study is that all of the questionnaire respondents had also agreed to participate in a trial that involved possibly being chosen at random to go off statins -- thus, they were all at least somewhat open to the idea of deprescribing.

"So this group is likely not completely representative of all people, because they might be foreseeing some benefits to stopping that other people hadn't considered," he said. "But while we don't want to overlook that limitation, given the lack of information about patient perceptions regarding deprescribing, these data are important and useful as a stepping stone."
Few issues in medicine have been more controversial in recent years than physician-assisted suicide, with medical experts and the general public unable to come to a consensus that balances the delicate issue of dying with dignity with the interests of the individual and society as a whole. A special session at this year's Euroanaesthesia meeting in Geneva (3-5 June) will see doctors debating this delicate issue.

The European Association for Palliative Care defines physician-assisted suicide as a physician intentionally helping a person to terminate his or her life by providing drugs for self-administration at the person's voluntary and competent request.

Bellerive Hospital, University Hospitals of Geneva, Switzerland, will argue in favour of assisted suicide, highlighting that physician-assisted suicide (PAS) has become an important expectation of some in society. She says: "Consequences of our modern medical system on patients have produced fear that life will be prolonged unnecessarily or will end in unbearable distress. During the final year of life, even individuals who have died by PAS have normally had a large amount of hospital care. Nowadays, death is more likely to be expected than sudden, frequently as a result of a medical decision. In addition, self-determination has reached the dying process. Decisions about time and circumstances of dying are considered to be personal."

Approaches to PAS in Europe are all based on an individual's will and authority of action, not on predicting the future. However, because of the broad range of values and the multicultural context, consensus is unlikely to be reached.

Dr Dieudonne-Rahm says: "The strongest arguments in favour of physician-assisted suicide are respect for autonomy, justice, compassion, honesty, individual liberty and transparency. Autonomy puts emphasis on the individual's feeling of quality and meaning of life from that person's view. For patients not dependant on life supportive measures, forgoing life prolonging treatments is not enough to hasten death. Persons who have died by PAS have argued unremitting suffering, no prospect of recovery, isolation or fearing about being a burden to their family, but had no intention to harm society or relatives. Transparency helps to limit their family's miscommunication and invisible suffering."

She concludes: "To address the question of PAS, frameworks and regulations are needed to help curb pressure on vulnerable people and health care professionals and to avoid the risk of a 'slippery slope' or other kinds of suicides. Considerations of relatives' needs should be addressed."

The 'against' argument will be given by Dr Calum MacKellar, the Director of Research of the Scottish Council on Human Bioethics, Edinburgh, Scotland; Visiting-Lecturer at St Mary's University, London, UK and Fellow with the Centre for Bioethics and Human Dignity at Trinity International University, Chicago, USA.

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In his talk "What does dying with dignity mean in assisted suicide?," he will say: "Discussing the topic of assisted suicide, it has become necessary to seek to understand one of the most contested themes being used by both sides of the debate; namely the concept of human dignity."

On the one side, advocates of assisted suicide suggest that individuals should be able to determine their own dignity and quality of life, unrestricted by the moral, religious or cultural beliefs of others. For them, dignity reflects the manner in which individuals may consider themselves according to their personal values, desires and relationships reflecting what is believed to be certain standards of decency. From this perspective, the right to die with dignity reflects a perceived right of persons to be able to die when they believe that their lives no longer have any value, worth or meaning.

However, Dr MacKellar will say: "But another definition of dignity exists -- one that has far more implications and goes to the very fabric of civilised society. It is the dignity which sustains the permanent, immeasurable, inviolable and equal value and worth of all members of a society."

From this perspective, Dr MacKellar will argue that legalising assisted suicide would mean that the whole of a society would accept that some individuals can have lives which no longer have any inherent worth and meaning. He says: "It would give the message that the very value and significance of a human life is merely based on subjective choices and decisions and whether a life meets certain quality standards. As a result it would affect everyone in society and not just those contemplating assisted suicide."

Dr MacKellar will emphasise his belief that it is not physical suffering that is the main basis for the real push for assisted suicide. He says: "Instead, it is usually psychological or existential suffering which is beyond the realm of medicine as well as autonomy. I recognise that people with progressive Alzheimer's, Parkinson's, and terrible physical injuries can suffer very deeply. But does suffering take away the inherent value and worth of a human life? The answer can only be 'no'."

He adds: "If the measure of a life is only related to happiness and pleasure, then everyone would have a life with a different value and worth. Civilised society would then be a thing of the past. For it to survive, society must recognise that all lives are seen to be wonderful even if they do experience suffering and even if they are a burden to others."

Dr MacKellar says it is essential that a society in which better palliative care, better pain control and better support for patients is provided. He says: "A society which continues to uphold and protect the important, inherent, and equal dignity as well as value of all human beings -- no matter how young or old, able or disabled, sick or healthy, close to or far from death they are -- accepting them for who they are and suffering or rejoicing with them in compassion and care."

He concludes: "Many modern societies struggle to understand the concept of inherent human dignity (as mentioned in the UN Declaration of Human Rights). In some countries, such as Belgium and The Netherlands, any debate about the consequences on inherent human dignity did not even take place before euthanasia and assisted suicide were legalised. This is really unfortunate! Indeed, without the concept of inherent human dignity, there is no real value in life nor is there any equality between lives."
When 17-year-old Sheltah Chase selected her clothing for her graduation from Hellgate High School, she chose pieces of history.

Her belt, decorated with half-dollar coins, belonged to her great-great-grandmother.

Her necklace came from her great-grandmother.

The pin at her neck and rings on her fingers once belonged to her grandmother.

And her mother, Ranalda Tsosie, can bring out a photo herself as a teenager in 1997 wearing the maroon velveteen dress, now snugly cinched at her daughters waist. The 19-year-old Tsosie smiling in the photo could be the twin sister of 17-year-old Chase.

To represent herself, Chase wore a pair of earrings all her own. Like the rest of her jewelry, the earrings are made with turquoise set in silver.

What Im wearing right now is extra-special since I wear it to mark important events, said Chase, one of about 50 Native American students graduating this semester from Missoula County Public Schools. Its nice; it feels good to wear my regalia.

In April, Gov. Steve Bullock made it illegal for government officials to prohibit Native Americans from wearing cultural items at public events such as graduation ceremonies. The law was meant to further Montanas commitment to the preservation of American Indian culture, a commitment written into the Montana Constitution.

Not all Montana schools banned the practice, but school boards were in charge of whether students would be allowed to wear traditional clothing at graduation. The Associated Press reported in February that a student who planned to graduate this year from Sidney High School was told she would not be allowed to wear a beaded mortarboard to the ceremony. The school board later decided to allow it.

Tsoise tries to have the family wear traditional clothing at every opportunity. The family wears moccasins when its dry outside. Every day, Sheltah Chases father, Stephan Chase, wears a silver and turquoise bracelet and turquoise necklace.

The family comes from the Navajo tribe, people Ranalda Tsosie said are better referred to as the Dine. Sheltah Chase moved with her mother, father and siblings from New Mexico to Montana when her mom was accepted into the University of Montanas environmental chemistry graduate program.

At the MCPS Native American senior dinner this year, Chase was among a handful of people wearing regalia, and she and her brother said a traditional prayer before the dinner.

Having a grandmother who was brought up in a traditional home has helped connect Chase with her culture. She has living grandparents who can pass on these heirlooms, Tsosie said. Many families arent as lucky.

***

Ruth Ann Hall Swaney, Missoula City Council's Ward 2 representative, wore traditional clothing during her graduation ceremony for her doctorate last year.

Higher education hasnt always been welcoming or supportive of Native people, said Swaney, a member of the Three Affiliated Tribes. Being able to wear my regalia is one way of acknowledging my ancestors and (the fact that) my family members made a lot of sacrifices to get me here.

But the need for laws to be in place just to allow Indian people to continue to live as they have is frustrating, Swaney said. Larger society sometimes seems bent on forgetting we are still here, Swaney said. Indian people have legally been allowed to practice their religion for less than 40 years, since the American Indian Religious Freedom act was passed in 1978.

That wasnt that long ago, Swaney said.

Like the Tsosie family, Swaney wears traditional clothing often, donning a ribbon skirt for every City Council meeting. This is part to remember her history, but also in solidarity with the Missing and Murdered Native American Women movement.

***

For some, regalia is less about the specific item and more about the act of making a gift for a member of the family who has achieved. Crystal White Shield beaded a cap for her son last year, who graduated from Sentinel High School. She also beaded a cap for her daughter when she was promoted out of Head Start. The act of creating something for her children is significant for White Shield, who is Kiowa, Arapaho and Oklahoma Cheyenne.

The night before her sons graduation, she was up until midnight beading his cap.

We are displaying where they come from, White Shield said.

MCPS does not have a policy on wearing regalia, said Karen Allen, special education services executive regional director for the district. But the unwritten policy was that Native American students should be allowed to wear their regalia at graduation ceremonies. A policy may be written up in the future to reflect the new law, Allen said.

Chase will celebrate her graduation with her grandmother and great-grandmother and aunts and uncles. She will bask in the pride of her successful completion of high school, but also in her four-year scholarship to Montana State University, where she plans to study filmmaking and biology.

And with her she will bring her great-great-grandmothers belt, rug dresses and her own graduation earrings.

I get to wear history, Chase said.
"These data provide reassurance to breast cancer survivors that having a baby after a breast cancer diagnosis may not increase the chance of their cancer coming back. For many young women around the world who want to grow and expand their families, it's very comforting news," said Erica L. Mayer, MD, MPH, ASCO Expert.

Findings from a retrospective study of 1,200 women provide reassurance to breast cancer survivors who are contemplating pregnancy. In the study, women who became pregnant after an early breast cancer diagnosis, including those with estrogen receptor (ER)-positive tumors, did not have a higher chance of cancer recurrence and death than those who did not become pregnant.

The study will be featured in a press briefing today and presented at the 2017 American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) Annual Meeting.

Breast cancer is the most common cancer in women of reproductive age. Taking into account current trends toward delaying childbearing, breast cancer in young women may occur before the completion of reproductive plans. Although half of young women with newly diagnosed breast cancer report interest in having children, less than 10% become pregnant after treatment.1 In fact, of all cancer survivors, breast cancer survivors are the least likely to have a baby after diagnosis.

Doctors and patients have long been concerned that pregnancy could increase the chance of breast cancer recurrence, particularly for women with ER-positive disease. Because ER-positive breast cancer is fueled by estrogen, the fear is that hormone levels during pregnancy could coax any occult cancer cells -- those that may remain in the body after treatment -- to grow.

Another concern regarding pregnancy in women with ER-positive cancer is the need to interrupt adjuvant (post-surgery) hormone therapy before trying to achieve a pregnancy. Such hormone therapy helps prevent cancer recurrence, and it is recommended that women receive it for at least 5 years and in some cases up to 10 years. "Our findings confirm that pregnancy after breast cancer should not be discouraged, even for women with ER-positive cancer," said lead study author Matteo Lambertini, MD, a medical oncologist and ESMO fellow at the Institut Jules Bordet in Brussels, Belgium. "However, when deciding how long to wait before becoming pregnant, patients and doctors should consider each woman's personal risk for recurrence, particularly for women who need adjuvant hormone therapy."

With 1,207 patients, this is the largest study to investigate the safety of pregnancy after breast cancer and the only to address this question specifically in women with ER-positive breast cancer (the most common type of breast cancer), according to the authors.

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This study included women who were diagnosed with non-metastatic breast cancer before 2008, under the age of 50. The majority (57%) had ER-positive cancer, and more than 40% had poor prognostic factors, such as large tumor size and cancer spread to the axillary lymph nodes. Among the 1,207 patients included in the study, 333 of the women became pregnant, and 874 did not (as per the case-control study design, researchers matched each patient who became pregnant with three patients who had similar cancer characteristics but did not become pregnant).

The median time from diagnosis to conception was 2.4 years. Women with ER-positive breast cancer tended to achieve pregnancy later than those with ER-negative disease; 23% of patients with ER-positive disease had a pregnancy beyond 5 years from diagnosis as compared to 7% in those with ER-negative tumors.

Key Findings

After a median follow-up of about 10 years from cancer diagnosis, there was no difference in disease-free survival between women who became pregnant and those who did not, irrespective of ER status. Secondary analyses showed that there was no difference in disease-free survival compared to women who did not become pregnant, irrespective of whether women completed the pregnancy or had an abortion, became pregnant less than two years or more than two years from breast cancer diagnosis, and whether patients had breastfed.

Among survivors of ER-positive cancer, there was also no difference in overall survival between women who became pregnant and those who did not. Survivors of ER-negative breast cancer who became pregnant had a 42% lower chance of dying than those who did not become pregnant.

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"It's possible that pregnancy could be a protective factor for patients with ER-negative breast cancer, through either immune system mechanisms or hormonal mechanisms, but we need more research into this," said Dr. Lambertini.

Although there was limited data on breastfeeding in this study (64 patients, with 25 women who reported having breastfed their newborn), the results suggest that breastfeeding is feasible, even after breast surgery.

Next Steps

Although large, this study had limited information on the use of assisted reproductive technologies (such as in vitro fertilization) in breast cancer survivors, and HER2 status was unknown for about 80% of the women. Further research is also needed to study the effect of pregnancy on health outcomes of women with BRCA mutations, a group that generally develops breast cancer at a younger age. A large clinical trial (the POSITIVE study) is under way investigating the impact of interrupting adjuvant hormone therapy to allow for pregnancy in women with ER-positive breast cancer. This study will also provide further insight on the impact of reproductive technologies and breastfeeding.

This study was partly supported by grants from Les Amis de l'Institut Bordet (grant number 2012-09) and the European School of Oncology (ESO). The International Breast Cancer Study Group (IBCSG) study, which provided patient information for this study, was partially funded by the National Institutes of Health (grant number CA-753562).

1Letourneau JM, et al. Pretreatment fertility counseling and fertility preservation improve quality of life in reproductive age women with cancer. Cancer. 2012 Mar 15;118(6):1710-7
Havana (Cuba), June 3, 2017 (SPS) - The President of the Republic, Secretary-General of the Polisario Front, Brahim Ghali, met Thursday with officials of the Cuban Communist Party, led by Mr. Jose Ramon Balaguer, member of the party secretariat, who was accompanied by Party leaders.

During the meeting at the party headquarters, Mr. Balaguer renewed, on behalf of the Cuban Communist Party and the Cuban people and leadership, the principled position in favour of the Sahrawi people's struggle for freedom and independence







For his part, the President of the Republic stressed the will of the Sahrawi people to in pursuit their sacred struggle for freedom and independence.

He also emphasized the excellent relations between the two countries and the two brotherly peoples of the Sahrawi Republic and the Republic of Cuba.

President of the Republic continues an official visit to the Republic of Cuba, which he initiated since 25 May, during which he met with Cuban President Raul Castro and a number of Cuban officials. (SPS)

062/090/TRA
T heresa May has returned to Downing Street for emergency briefings after tonight's terror attack at London Bridge.

The Prime Minister will chair an emergency meeting of Cobra on Sunday following tonights horrific events which are thought to have left at least one person dead.

Police declared the incidents at two locations - London Bridge and Borough Market - were terrorist related. The incident in Vauxhall was a stabbing but not connected to terrorism.

Downing Street said the Prime Minister is tonight returning to Number 10 for further briefings from security officials. She called the events "a potential act of terrorism".

Police officers outside the Barrowboy and Banker Public House on Borough High Street (Dominic Lipinski/PA Wire ) / Dominic Lipinski/PA Wire

A major incident was declared at shortly after 10pm on Saturday amid reports of separate alerts at London Bridge and Borough Market.

A white van reportedly ploughed into pedestrians on London Bridge, mowing five or six people down.

Witnesses enjoying nights out in pubs and bars were then told to barricade themselves indoors as reports flooded in of multiple stabbings in Borough Market. Gunfire was also heard.

Police said multiple knife attacks were carried out inside the Southwark Tavern and on Southwark Street.

London Bridge and Borough Market terrorist attack 1 /40 London Bridge and Borough Market terrorist attack Police and paramedics treat an injured person Daniel Sorabji/AFP/Getty Images A woman is helped to an ambulance at London Bridge Daniel Sorabji/AFP/Getty Images Armed police at London Bridge Dominic Lipinski/PA Wire Emergency personnel tend to wounded on London Bridge Yui Mok/PA Wire Daniel Sorabji/AFP/Getty Images Daniel Sorabji/AFP/Getty Images Debris and abandoned cars remain on London Bridge Chris J Ratcliffe/AFP/Getty Images People walking down Borough High Street Dominic Lipinski/PA Wire Armed Police officers on London Bridge Dominic Lipinski/PA Wire People flee along Borough High Street Dominic Lipinski/PA Wire Police officers outside the Barrowboy and Banker Public House on Borough High Street Dominic Lipinski/PA Wire Shocked onlookers in Borough High Street Dominic Lipinski/PA Wire Police sniffer dogs on London Bridge Dominic Lipinski/PA Wire Armed Police talk to members of the public outside London Bridge Hospital Dominic Lipinski/PA Wire People run down Borough High Street Dominic Lipinski/PA Wire A helicopter lands on London Bridge Dominic Lipinski/PA Wire An armed officer on London Bridge Dominic Lipinski/PA Wire Police officers on Borough High Street Dominic Lipinski/PA Wire Emergency personnel on London Bridge Dominic Lipinski/PA Wire Armed police on Borough High Street Dominic Lipinski/PA Wire Armed Police officer looks through his weapon on London Bridge Dominic Lipinski/PA Wire People run along Borough High Street Dominic Lipinski/PA Wire Police at the scene on Southwark Bridge Carl Court/Getty Images A paramedic rushes to the scene Dominic Lipinski/PA Wire An armed officer on London Bridge Dominic Lipinski/PA Wire A paramedic at the scene Dominic Lipinski/PA Wire Armed police on Borough High Street Dominic Lipinski/PA Wire Emergency personnel on London Bridge Yui Mok/PA Wire Police officers outside the Barrowboy and Banker Public House on Borough High Street Dominic Lipinski/PA Wire People are lead to safety away from London Bridge Carl Court/Getty Images

A witness who was in Southwark Street told BBC Radio 5 Live: "I heard this young man try to get the attention of an ambulance saying my friend has been stabbed inside the pub [the Southwark Tavern].

"We saw one other guy who looked like he had been stabbed. He was trying to get the attention of the ambulance. He was knocking on the window."

Londons Mayor Sadiq Khan also said he was in contact with the Met Police commissioner and will be attending the Government Cobra meeting on Sunday.

In a statement Mr Khan called it a "barbaric act" with no justification.

He said: "My thoughts are with everyone affected, and I'd like to thank the brave men and women of our emergency services who were first on the scene and will be working throughout the night."

The US President Donald Trump has also been briefed on Saturday nights incidents, White House press secretary Sean Spicer said.

The President later tweeted: Whatever the United States can do to help out in London and the U. K., we will be there - WE ARE WITH YOU. GOD BLESS!

Jeremy Corbyn, Labour leader, called tonights incidents brutal and shocking and said his thoughts were with the victims and their families.
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In early 2016 American troops began receiving the latest version of the standard ACH combat helmet. The new LW-ACH (Lightweight Advanced Combat Helmet) is 10 percent lighter than the 1.5 kg (3.3 pound) ACH and has improved protection and comfort. Even before delivery of 105,000 LW-ACH helmets was completed (in late 2017) a lighter version of the ACH, the ACH Generation II was announced which is lighter still, has improved protection and easier to wear. The ACH Gen II will begin appearing in 2018 and it weighs about the same as the World War II M1 helmet. That last bit is what interests most troops as the weight of equipment troops are required to wear has been increasing since the 1980s and has reached the point where it is considered a health problem. While the troops appreciate the much improved protection from combat wounds most troops in a combat zone are unlikely to even come under fire. Yet they are ordered to wear the increasingly heavy (and dangerously hot) protective gear by commanders more concerned with media criticism than the welfare of their troops.

One of the main proponents lightning the load has been SOCOM (Special Operations Command) Thus it is no coincidence that around the same time ACH Gen II is introduced SOCOM will begin receiving the Caiman Carbon Bump Helmet System, which is a modular helmet that can weigh under half what the ACH does or, with easily affixed modules weigh about the same as the latest ACH and be more comfortable to wear. This modular helmet may well be the next big thing for all infantry, as were so many other infantry innovations pioneered by SOCOM.

Comfort is important because in combat troops wear the helmet up to 18 hours at a time and uncomfortable helmets cause fatigue and reduce reaction time. For that reason SOCOM operators sometimes go into action with no helmet. But with the widespread use of personal radio systems, first by SOCOM and now by most American troops, some kind of lightweight helmet became necessary. Since the 1990s SOCOM has led the way in development of lighter and more efficient helmets because they always had freedom (and cash) to try anything. The army and marines followed these SOCOM developments and are quick to adopt the ones that were suitable.

Meanwhile the heavy helmet also has an interesting history. The World War II M1 helmet was replaced by welcome new designs in the 1980s but those new models kept getting heavier and after 2001, as more American troops spent a lot of time in combat, weight became a major issue. It wasnt just the helmets. Since the 1960s improved body armor has reduced casualties by more than half. But this meant that combat troops had carry more weight because the new protective vests and helmets were heavier. Going into the 21st century the developers of the vests had to concentrate on weight and ease of use as well as protection.

The protective vests used in Vietnam and late in the Korean War reduced casualties by about 25 percent compared to World War II and improved vests and helmets meant that by the 1990s the risk of getting killed or wounded has been cut in half since World War II. Much better medical care (especially rapid evacuation of casualties by helicopter) has made a major contribution as well and that meant the ratio of combat dead to wounded went from 1:3 during World War II to 1:7 today.

New helmets attracted a lot of attention be after 2005, when American military personnel began using a new helmet design (ACH) that offered unprecedented protection something unprecedented happened. For the first time troops had a helmet that stopped most sniper bullets and nearly everything else. This was a tremendous boost to morale, especially because there were more and more incidents of soldiers shot in the head and surviving because of ACH. At first troops were wary of reports of ACH stopping high powered 7.62mm sniper rifle bullets. But the army distributed pictures of the helmets that stopped sniper bullets as well as statements by the soldiers who were wearing them when hit. While the media ate this up, releasing all this data was mainly for the troops.

All this is part of an ongoing trend because since 2000 combat helmet design has made enormous advances. The new helmets have increased protection (often against high speed rifle bullets favored by snipers) while becoming more comfortable to wear, more accommodating of accessories (especially personal radios and night vision gear) without becoming heavier. Combat helmets were long considered low-tech but that has changed since the 1980s. The appearance of new materials plus advances in the design and construction of helmets have been accelerating, especially since 2001.

What is amazing about this is that modern combat helmets first appeared in 1915 during World War I (1914-18). Initially there were several types. The U.S. adopted the .6 kg (1.3 pound) flat British design steel model and used it for 25 years. This was replaced by the 1.3 kg (2.9 pound) M1 helmet in the early 1940s. This was the steel pot and liner system that lasted over four decades. The 1.5 kg (3.5 pound) PASGT (Personnel Armor System for Ground Troops) replaced the M1 in the early 1980s and lasted twenty years. The ACH replaced PASGT by 2007 but by 2012 the ECH (Enhanced Combat Helmet) began appearing as a replacement for some ACH models. ECH, like ACH is built to take lots of accessories and is the version bought by police and emergency service organizations.

The Kevlar PASGT design was a third generation combat helmet, nicknamed the "Fritz" after its resemblance to the German helmets used in both World Wars. That German World War I design, which was based on an analysis of where troops were being hit by fragments and bullets in combat, was the most successful combat helmet in both world wars. This basic design was finally adopted by most other nations after the American PASGT helmet appeared in the 1980s. Most of the second generation helmets, which appeared largely during World War II, were similar to the old American M1 design. The fourth generation helmets, currently in service, use better synthetic materials and more comfortable design. Now they are often lighter as well. If you carry this stuff up to 18 hours a day in a tropical climate lighter is much better.
MANHATTAN, N.Y. (May 24, 2017) The guided-missile cruiser cruiser USS San Jacinto (CG 56) renders honors as it approaches the Statue of Liberty during the 29th annual Fleet Week New York's (FWNY) Parade of Ships. FWNY is an unparalleled opportunity for the citizens of New York and the surrounding tri-state area to meet Sailors, Marines and Coast Guardsmen, as well as witness firsthand the latest capabilities of today's military. (U.S. Navy photo by Chief Mass Communication Specialist Travis Simmons)

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Facebook Censorship: Man Likes a defamatory post on FB and gets fined $4,000 and sentenced by a Swiss court

If you are a Freedom of Speech advocator, this news will probably anger you. But there is no such thing absolute freedom for speaking or liking something which is defamatory, The next time you go on to like or react to any controversial comment on Facebook, especially if youre in Switzerland, you can be dragged to court and penalized for liking such FB posts which are defamatory according to law.

In what appears to be a first, a Swiss man in a landmark trial has been slapped a $4,000 fine and a two-year suspended prison sentence in a defamation case by a court in Zurich after he was found guilty for liking slanderous comments on Facebook.

The Facebook posts involved the 45-year-old defendant liking comments that accused Erwin Kessler, who runs an animal-rights group, of racism and anti-Semitism. The defendant (who wasnt named in the court documents) clicked like on six of the inflammatory comments posted by other Facebook users, and also commented and linked to some of the posts.

According to court documents, the Zurich district court judge in the case ruled that by clicking the like button, the defendant clearly endorsed the unseemly content.

Judge Catherine Gerwig ruled that he also made [the comments] accessible to a large number of people by Liking them, since Facebook showed them to all of his friends and followers. The judge ruled the defendant had failed to prove the comments were true or that he had good reason to believe them to be true. She also said that such defamatory statements on the social media network violated Kesslers honor.

Kessler, who is the president of the animal protection organisation Verein gegen Tierfabriken, has sued over a dozen people who had participated in heated online discussions over various Facebook groups in the year 2015 about which animal rights groups should be allowed to attend a vegan street festival in Switzerland, Veganmania Schweiz, reported Tages-Anzeiger newspaper. The court has found several people guilty of defamation for making specific comments about Kessler.

Kessler himself has been convicted of racial discrimination in the past, receiving a brief prison sentence for comparing Jewish ritual slaughter methods to Nazi practices, argued a lawyer for one of the defendants, Amr Abdelaziz. He said, If the courts want to prosecute people for likes on Facebook, we could easily need to triple the number of judges in this country. This could also obviously easily become an assault on the freedom of expression.

The defendant can still appeal the decision to Zurichs cantonal court.

Source: Swiss Info
Mary Poole is the first to admit shes no Mother Theresa.

Despite recently receiving Missoulas Peacemaker Award from the Jeannette Rankin Peace Center and Missoula Peace Quilters, Poole wonders if world peace is possible. As a practical, hardworking roll-up-your-sleeves kind of gal with no background in volunteer work, Poole had to do some soul-searching to understand how peace relates to her own work in a tangible way.

Poole, 36, is the executive director of Soft Landing Missoula, a new nonprofit that supports incoming refugee families and educates the community about refugee resettlement. Formerly a small-business owner selling jewelry from her home, Pooles course shifted when she saw a photo of Alan Kurdi, a Syrian toddler fleeing to Europe, face-down on the beach, drowned. His photograph ignited international concern about the refugee crisis in September 2015, and made Poole think of her own son, also a toddler.

A year later, as a result of Pooles motivation to help families who are forced to flee their homes, the first International Rescue Committee-sponsored refugee family since the 1980s arrived in Missoula. Today, nearly 100 refugees from Eritrea, Iraq, Syria, the Democratic Republic of Congo and Ethiopia now live in Missoula.

I blame everything on baby hormones, Poole said, resting her hands on her stomach. Her second baby is due in July. When she set out to help refugee families, she didnt know it would be controversial work. As a new mother, she empathized with parents who wanted the best for their children, and wondered what Missoula could do to help. As she began to research and talk to people about refugee resettlement, she experienced both overwhelming support and unprecedented push back.

What sets Poole's work apart from advocacy, and takes it into the realm of peacemaking, is her response to her opposition, said Betsy Mulligan-Dague, executive director of the Jeannette Rankin Peace Center. Mulligan-Dague has worked with the Missoula Peace Quilters to award 31 peacemaker awards since 1986. She said peacemaking isnt about eliminating disagreement and conflict, but about respecting different opinions.

I mean, its easy to vilify your enemies, Mulligan-Dague said. Thats the easy thing. The hard thing is to try to look for the humanity in them and the reason, and try to understand where theyre coming from.

Last spring, when numerous anti-refugee rallies protested Soft Landing Missoulas goal to resettle refugees in Missoula, Poole decided to hear protesters concerns. She didnt want to dismiss people with labels like racist, bigot or hater, she said. Over beers at Flippers Casino and Tavern, Poole learned what information drove Montanans to oppose or fear refugees.

It was really eye-opening to me those first few times that I took a deep breath, and said, 'OK, who is this person? And what are they saying? What are the real questions and can I help address any of those?' 

These conversations wouldnt be productive if she went into them with an agenda, she said. Many of the people Poole spoke with still oppose refugee resettlement, but now when the two run into each other at opposing protests, they say hello and ask about each other's families.

Let your successful conversation be that you learned a little bit about somebody, Poole said. And maybe that lets you learn a little bit about yourself.

***

On May 20, Poole received her quilt at the peacemaker award ceremony.

The Peace Quilters, now a group of about a dozen women, formed in 1984 as a response to the tension and fear brewing during the Cold War. Like Poole, they felt they had to act.

Sometimes as a mom youve gotta do something, said Ellie Larson, one of the original Peace Quilters.

The Peace Quilters first sent a quilt to Russia, where it served as the backdrop for a band on tour. Though they never received a response about its impact, the act of collaborating to create a quilt, and sending it as a gift, is itself an act of peace, they said. The group works in consensus, meaning no decision is made unless everyone agrees, which can be time-consuming. But its worth it to foster a peaceful process.

Our own gathering as much as anything is about giving us hope, said Peace Quilter Suzanne Sterrett.

Every fall, the Peace Quilters, along with the Jeannette Rankin Peace Center board, select the peacemaker of the year from a handful of nominees. They then meet with the winner to begin the quilt-making process. The quilts, which are for decoration, are a representation of the peacemaker as a whole, and every one is unique.

Marys quilt, an asymmetrical blue piece, reflects her love for nature and her experience working outdoors, both as a raft guide and an arborist. Long, thin pieces of fabric run vertically through the quilt as trees, and a path of small stepping stones meanders at its base.

To Poole, the stones represent her process of moving forward deliberately and carefully since seeing Alan Kurdis photograph.

Its just that person who takes a step, and then takes a breath, and then another step, Poole said. Its this theme of one step at a time."

***

Though Poole makes a point of interacting with people who oppose her work, she doesnt always dwell in that place. She spends some days on her computer in the office, but other days she works directly with refugee families. Sometimes that means driving out of town to a friends farm to slaughter a goat for Easter dinner. Other days it means organizing a drivers education course for refugees who have never driven, or leading an information session about one of their home countries for Missoulians.

So, its everything, Poole said.

Welcoming families of color in a majority-white state has its own challenges, and Poole, who grew up in Virginia, noticed how her 2-year-old son reacted when the first refugee family arrived. He was terrified, she said, because he had never seen someone with dark skin. This isnt a response Poole wanted to foster. Now, he attends day care every Friday at Soft Landing Missoula.

Were giving our children the opportunity to not be so frightened by those that are different from us, Poole said.

Along with other Missoula community members, Poole has helped to bring displaced families, including children who have spent their entire lives in refugee camps, to Missoula. Though first taken aback by the title of peacemaker, Poole identifies with a simple and effective approach to seeking peace. Even if you dont believe world peace is achievable, she said, it can be promoted daily in interactions with others, and with yourself.

So, to me its those steppingstones, Poole said. To me, its those little tiny pieces.
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KG, MTD Deutschland Verwaltungsgeschellschaft mbH, MTD Europe Holding GmbH, MTD Holdings, MTD Hungaria Kft., MTD International Operations Inc., MTD Investments Australia Pty Ltd., MTD LLC, MTD PRODUCTS ITALIA S.R.L., MTD Poland Sp. z.o.o., MTD Products AG, MTD Products Australia Party LTD, MTD Products Benelux B.V., MTD Products Company, MTD Products Czech Spol. s.r.o., MTD Products Denmark ApS, MTD Products Inc., MTD Products India Private India Limited, MTD Products Limited, MTD Products New Zealand Limited, MTD Products Nordic AB, MTD Products S.A. de C.V., MTD Products Singapore, MTD Schweiz AG, MTD Southwest Inc., Mac Tools Canada Inc., Maquinas y Herramientas Black & Decker de Chile S.A., Microalloying International Inc., Microtec Enterprises, Moeller Manufacturing & Supply LLC, Monarch Mirror Door Co., NEWFREY LLC, NFASTECH COMPANY LIMITED, NIscayah, NSW Fabristeel Netherlands B.V., National Manufacturing, Nelson Bolzenschwei-Technik GmbH & Co. KG, Nelson Bolzenschwei-Technik GmbH Verwaltungs GmbH, Nelson Fastener Systems, Nelson Fastener Systems de Mexico SA de CV, Nelson Saldatura Perni S.r.l., Nelson Soudage de Goujons SAS, Nelson Stud Welding (Tianjin) Company Ltd., Nelson Stud Welding Canada Inc., Nelson Stud Welding Inc., Nelson Stud Welding India Private Limited, Nelson Stud Welding International LLC, New FEP Co. LLC, Newell Brands - Tools Business, Nippon Pop Rivets & Fasteners LTD., Niscayah Asia Limited, Niscayah Group AB, Niscayah Holdings Limited, Niscayah Investments Limited, Niscayah Teknik AB, Novia SWK SAS, OSI Security Devices, Onglin International Limited, P I H Holdings Limited, P&B Re Holdings LLC, PIH Services Limited, PIH Services ME LLC, PIH Services ME Ltd., PIH Services ME W.L.L., PIH U.S. LLC, PIPELINE EQUIPMENT AND SERVICES SARL, PORTER-CABLE ARGENTINA LLC, PT Stanley Black & Decker, Pacom Group AB, Pacom Systems (North America) Inc., Pacom Systems Espana S.L., Pacom Systems Pty Limited, Paladin Brands Group Inc., Paladin Brands Holdings Inc., Paladin Brands International Holdings Inc., Panalok Limited, Pengo Corporation, Pillo Health, Pinnacle Electronic Systems, Pipeline Induction Heat Limited, Pipeline Induction Heat Limited, Powers Fasteners Australasia Pty Limited, Powers Fasteners Inc., Powers Fasteners Inc. (Panama), Powers Rawl Pty. Ltd., Powers Shanghai Trading Ltd., Precision Hardware, Prikos & Becker LLC, Pro One Finance SAS, QRP Inc, RCTENN LLC, RIGHTCO II LLC, Rawl Australasia Pty. Ltd., Rawlplug Unit Trust, Refal Industria e Comercio de Rebites e Rebitadeiras Ltda., Remington LLC, SBD Cayman LLC, SBD European Investment Unlimited Company, SBD European Security Holdings S.a r.l., SBD European Security International Unlimited Company, SBD European Security Investment Unlimited Company, SBD Holding AB, SBD Insurance Inc., SBD MDGP Partnership Holdings LLC, SBD MDGP Partnership Holdings S.a r.l., SBD Manufacturing Distribution & Global Purchasing Holdings L.P., SBD Niscayah S.a r.l., SBD Property Holdings LLC, SBD UK Canada Holdings Inc., SPIRALOCK GLOBAL VENTURES LIMITED, STANLEY BLACK & DECKER HUNGARY KORALTOLT FELELOSSEGU TARSASAG, STANLEY BLACK & DECKER IBERICA S.L., STANLEY BLACK & DECKER MOROCCO SARL, STANLEY BLACK AND DECKER CYPRUS INTERNATIONAL HOLDINGS LTD, STANLEY BLACK AND DECKER CYPRUS ONE HOLDINGS LTD, STANLEY BLACK AND DECKER CYPRUS S1 HOLDINGS LTD, STANLEY BLACK AND DECKER CYPRUS S2 HOLDINGS LTD, STANLEY ENGINEERED FASTENING EASTERN EUROPE SP.Z O.O., SWK (U.K.) Holding Limited, SWK (UK) Limited, SWK Utensilerie S.r.l., Scan Modul, Security Group, SecurityCo Solutions Inc., Shanghai Emhart Fastening System Co. Ltd., Sidchrome Tool, Sielox Security Systems, Societe Miniere et Commerciale SAS, Sonitrol, Sonitrol Distribution Canada Inc., Sonitrol Security Systems of Buffalo Inc., Southern Monitoring Services Limited, Specialty Bar Products Company, Spiegelberg Manufacturing Inc., Spiralock Corporation, Stanley Access Technologies LLC, Stanley Atlantic Inc., Stanley Black & Decker (Barbados) SRL, Stanley Black & Decker (Hellas) EPE, Stanley Black & Decker Asia Holdings LLC, Stanley Black & Decker Asian Holdings B.V., Stanley Black & Decker Australia Pty Ltd., Stanley Black & Decker Austria GmbH, Stanley Black & Decker Belgium BV, Stanley Black & Decker CCA S. de R.L., Stanley Black & Decker Canada Corporation, Stanley Black & Decker Cayman Holdings Inc., Stanley Black & Decker Cayman International Financing LLC, Stanley Black & Decker Centroamerica S. de R.L., Stanley Black & Decker Chile L.L.C., Stanley Black & Decker Colombia Services S.A.S., Stanley Black & Decker Czech Republic s.r.o., Stanley Black & Decker Deutschland GmbH, Stanley Black & Decker Distribution SAS, Stanley Black & Decker Finance 1 LLC, Stanley Black & Decker Finance 2 LLC, Stanley Black & Decker Finance Limited, Stanley Black & Decker Finance Unlimited Company, Stanley Black & Decker Finland Oy, Stanley Black & Decker France SAS, Stanley Black & Decker France Services SAS, Stanley Black & Decker Hermosillo S. de R.L. de C.V., Stanley Black & Decker Holdings Australia Pty Ltd, Stanley Black & Decker Holdings S.a r.l., Stanley Black & Decker IP Holdings Limited, Stanley Black & Decker India Private Limited, Stanley Black & Decker International FZE, Stanley Black & Decker International Fiance 2 Unlimited Company, Stanley Black & Decker International Finance 1 Limited, Stanley Black & Decker International Finance 2 Limited, Stanley Black & Decker International Finance 3 Limited, Stanley Black & Decker International Finance 3 Unlimited Company, Stanley Black & Decker International Finance 4 Limited, Stanley Black & Decker International Finance 4 Unlimited Company, Stanley Black & Decker International Finance 5 Unlimited Company, Stanley Black & Decker International Finance L.P., Stanley Black & Decker Ireland Unlimited Company, Stanley Black & Decker Italia S.r.l., Stanley Black & Decker Latin American Holding BV, Stanley Black & Decker Latin American Investment Unlimited Company, Stanley Black & Decker Limited, Stanley Black & Decker Limited Liability Company, Stanley Black & Decker Logistics BV, Stanley Black & Decker MEA FZE, Stanley Black & Decker Manufacturing SAS, Stanley Black & Decker Middle East Trading FZE, Stanley Black & Decker NZ Limited, Stanley Black & Decker Netherlands B.V., Stanley Black & Decker Norway AS, Stanley Black & Decker Partnership Japan, Stanley Black & Decker Partnership Japan Holdings S.a r.l., Stanley Black & Decker Polska Sp. z o.o., Stanley Black & Decker Precision Manufacturing (Shenzhen) Co. Ltd., Stanley Black & Decker Romania SRL, Stanley Black & Decker Slovakia s.r.o., Stanley Black & Decker Sweden AB, Stanley Black & Decker Turkey Alet Uretim Sanayi ve Ticaret Limited Sirketi, Stanley Black & Decker UK Group Limited, Stanley Black & Decker UK Limited, Stanley Black & Decker de Monterrey S. de R.L. de C.V., Stanley Black and Decker Commercial Private India, Stanley Black and Decker Security Solutions Mexico S.A. de C.V. (fka DEWALT INDUSTRIAL TOOLS S.A. DE C.V.), Stanley CLP3, Stanley Canada Holdings L.L.C., Stanley Chiro International Ltd, Stanley Convergent Security Solutions Inc., Stanley Engineered Fastening Benelux B.V., Stanley Engineered Fastening France SAS, Stanley Engineered Fastening India Private Limited, Stanley Engineered Fastening Industrial Deutschland GmbH, Stanley Engineered Fastening Italy S.r.l., Stanley Engineered Fastening Spain S.L.U., Stanley Europe BV, Stanley European Holdings B.V., Stanley European Holdings II B.V., Stanley Fastening Systems Investment (Taiwan) Co., Stanley Fastening Systems L.P., Stanley Fastening Systems Poland Sp. z o.o., Stanley Feinwerktechnik GmbH, Stanley Grundstuecksverwaltungs GmbH, Stanley Healthcare Solutions France Sarl, Stanley Housing Fund Inc., Stanley Industrial & Automotive LLC, Stanley Infrastructure LLC Formerly f/k/a International Equipment Solutions ("IES"), Stanley Inspection L.L.C., Stanley Inspection US L.L.C., Stanley International Holdings Inc., Stanley Israel Investments B.V., Stanley Logistics L.L.C., Stanley Pipeline Inspection L.L.C., Stanley Safety Corporation LLC, Stanley Security AS, Stanley Security Alarmcentrale B.V., Stanley Security B.V., Stanley Security Belgium BV, Stanley Security Canada ULC (fka 3xLogic Holdings Inc.), Stanley Security Denmark ApS, Stanley Security Europe BV, Stanley Security Federal Systema LLC, Stanley Security Holding AS, Stanley Security Limited, Stanley Security Malaysia Sdn. Bhd., Stanley Security Nederland B.V., Stanley Security Oy, Stanley Security Singapore Pte. Ltd., Stanley Security Solutions (NI) Limited, Stanley Security Solutions - Europe Limited, Stanley Security Solutions Australia Pty Ltd, Stanley Security Solutions Inc., Stanley Security Solutions India Private Limited, Stanley Security Solutions Limited, Stanley Security Sverige AB, Stanley Technical Services Ltd., Stanley Tools SAS, Stanley U.K. Holdings Ltd., Stanley UK Acquisition Company Limited, Stanley UK Services Limited, Stanley Works (Europe) GmbH, Stanley Works (India) Private Limited, Stanley Works (Malaysia) Sdn Bhd, Stanley Works (Wendeng) Tools Co. Ltd., Stanley Works Asia Pacific Pte. Ltd., Stanley Works China Investments Limited, Stanley Works Holdings B.V., Stanley Works Limited, Stanley-Bostitch S.A. de c.v., Stanley-Bostitch Servicios S. de R.L. de C.V., Stichting Beheer Intellectuele Eigendomsrechten Blick Benelux B.V., SureHand Inc. f.k.a. SBD Aura Inc., Sweepster Attachments LLC, THE BLACK & DECKER CORPORATION, TOG Holdings Inc., TOG Manufacturing Company Inc., TSI Monitoring LLC, TSI Sales & Installation LLC, The EAP Acquisition Co. LLC, The Farmington River Power Company, The Ferry Cap & Set Screw Company, The Stanley Works (Langfang) Fastening Systems Co. Ltd., The Stanley Works (Shanghai) Co. Ltd., The Stanley Works (Shanghai) Management Co. Ltd., The Stanley Works (Zhongshan) Tool Co. Ltd., The Stanley Works Israel Ltd., The Stanley Works Limited, The Stanley Works Pty. Ltd., Tong Lung Metal Industry, Troy-Bilt LLC, Tucker Fasteners Limited, Tucker GmbH, Tucker S.R.O., Universal Inspection Systems Limited, Venus Enterprise Co. Ltd., Visiocom International Pte Ltd, Voss Industries Inc., Wintech Corporation Limited, XMARK Corporation, XMARK Corporation., Yong Ru Plastics Industry (Suzhou) Co. Ltd, and Zag USA Inc..

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EnerSys provides various stored energy solutions for industrial applications worldwide. It operates in three segments: Energy Systems, Motive Power, and Specialty. The company offers uninterruptible power systems applications for computer and computer-controlled systems, as well as telecommunications systems; switchgear and electrical control systems used in industrial facilities and electric utilities, large-scale energy storage, and energy pipelines; integrated power solutions and services to broadband, telecom, renewable, and industrial customers; and thermally managed cabinets and enclosures for electronic equipment and batteries. It also provides motive power products that are used to provide power for electric industrial forklifts used in manufacturing, warehousing, and other material handling applications. In addition, the company offers mining equipment, diesel locomotive starting, and other rail equipment. Further, it provides specialty batteries for starting, lighting, and ignition applications in transportation; and energy solutions for satellites, military aircraft, submarines, ships, and other tactical vehicles, as well as medical and security systems. Additionally, the company offers battery chargers, power equipment, battery accessories, and outdoor cabinet enclosures, as well as related after-market and customer-support services for industrial batteries. The company sells its products through a network of distributors, independent representatives, and internal sales forces. The company was formerly known as Yuasa, Inc. and changed its name to EnerSys in January 2001. EnerSys was incorporated in 2000 and is headquartered in Reading, Pennsylvania.
Fresh Del Monte Produce Inc., through its subsidiaries, produces, markets, and distributes fresh and fresh-cut fruits and vegetables in North America, Europe, the Middle East, Africa, Asia, and internationally. It operates through three segments: Fresh and Value-Added Products, Banana, and Other Products and Services. It offers pineapples, fresh-cut fruit, fresh-cut vegetables, melons, and vegetables; non-tropical fruits, such as grapes, apples, citrus, blueberries, strawberries, pears, peaches, plums, nectarines, cherries, and kiwis; other fruit and vegetables, and avocados; and prepared fruit and vegetables, juices, other beverages, and meals and snacks. The company also engages in the sale of poultry and meat products; and third-party freight services business. In addition, it manufactures and sells plastic and box products, such as bins, trays, bags, and boxes. The company offers its products under the Del Monte brand, as well as under other brands, such as UTC, Rosy, Fruit Express, Just Juice, Fruitini, Mann's Logo, Arcadian Harvest, Nourish Bowls, Broccolini, Caulilini, Better Burger Leaf, RomaLeaf, and other regional brands. It markets and distributes its products to retail stores, club stores, convenience stores, wholesalers, distributors, and foodservice operators. Fresh Del Monte Produce Inc. was founded in 1886 and is based in George Town, Cayman Islands.
WASHINGTON, D.C.  The big city got a taste of a Big Sky Country tradition at the Montana State Society Testy Fest here on Saturday.

The nations capital doesnt share many things in common with rural Montana, but for one night, those with a connection to Montana celebrated one of the states delicacies, Rocky Mountain oysters, or bull testicles.

Each summer, Montana celebrates Rocky Mountain oysters at a festival far away from any city lights at the Rock Creek Lodge east of Missoula. This festival has a reputation for rowdiness, a place where participants really let loose. The Montana State Society offers a PG version for those who are living in D.C. and share a love for Montana but still want to join in the fun.

Jane Visser, president of the Montana State Society, says its important for people to understand the origins of the festival in Montana. The tradition of Rocky Mountain oysters originally was never supposed to be a culinary experience. Instead, the tradition actually embodies the practical spirit of Montanas ranching communities.

Each spring marks calving season throughout much of the West. When calves are castrated, ranch hands would grill up the testicles in the same fire in which branding irons were prepped. Without much regard for special seasoning, they snacked on the grilled testicles as a way to not waste any part of the animal. In a way, the Testicle Festival celebrates Montanas ranching communities and unique tradition of those communities.

Visser says the society is where the Big Sky meets the Beltway by bringing together people who are originally from Montana, may be living in Washington temporarily, or anyone who has some connection to the Treasure State.

The DC Testy Fest got its start 13 years ago. Visser says it was born on a whim from the state society board members, all volunteers. When the society first hosted what is now its most notable event, things were a little more low-key. Visser said the society found random ranches willing to provide the main ingredient, and then they rented a commercial kitchen, concocted a makeshift breading, and fried up the Rocky Mountain oysters themselves.

When we first doing the festival, the do-it-yourself, makeshift nature definitely gave the festival its own charm, said Visser. But now we have gone from amateur hour to a well-oiled machine. Each year, we figure out where we dropped a ball or two the previous year and we make it better.

Now, the Montana State Society flies Frank McGraw, the chef from the Rock Creek festival, and his wife to Washington. McGraw uses the same source of bull testicles that the original Rock Creek festival uses, and he prepares them, freezes them and flies them out to Washington.

The event has become a yearly tradition for many people in the D.C. area, and the events T-shirts have become collector's items.

Each year has a theme that tends to a be a little cheeky, and our T-shirts feature those themes, said Visser. This year, we are celebrating the 10-year anniversary of the Original Sack Lunch theme, which is when the DC Testy Fest started to catch some momentum. Other themes have been Members Only, Legends of the Ball, the Royal Ball, and Sometimes You Feel Like a Nut.

Molly Keating is originally from Wyoming, but is a recent transplant to the D.C. area.

"Beer, nostalgia and testicles is really all a girl from the West needs," said Keating.

Ryan Lane, who has lived in the D.C. area for 10 years, has attended the festival for three.

"These Rocky Mountain oysters are the best east of the Mississippi River," said Lane. "This inspires me to visit the homeland of Rocky Mountain oysters."

A ticket to the DC Testy Fest gets participants all-you-can-eat Rocky Mountain Oysters and unlimited beer and Crown Royal. Food trucks are at the event for those who may not have quite the adventurous spirit (or stomach) to try the Montanan delicacy. The state society also brings in a country band to really capture the Treasure State spirit.

Visser hopes those who come to the DC Testy Fest can appreciate the unique delicacy and the community from which it comes.

I hope people walk away from DC Testy Fest with an impression of Montana people being genuinely kind and fun-spirited, said Visser.

While some might be a bit nervous to try a Rocky Mountain oyster, Visser says dont knock it till you try it.

Testes are tasty, said Visser.
GSK plc, together with its subsidiaries, engages in the creation, discovery, development, manufacture, and marketing of pharmaceutical products, vaccines, over-the-counter medicines, and health-related consumer products in the United Kingdom, the United States, and internationally. It operates through four segments: Pharmaceuticals, Pharmaceuticals R&D, Vaccines, and Consumer Healthcare. The company offers pharmaceutical products comprising medicines in the therapeutic areas, such as respiratory, HIV, immuno-inflammation, oncology, anti-viral, central nervous system, cardiovascular and urogenital, metabolic, anti-bacterial, and dermatology. It also provides consumer healthcare products in wellness, oral health, nutrition, and skin health categories. The company offers its consumer healthcare products in the form of nasal sprays, tablets, syrups, lozenges, gum and trans-dermal patches, caplets, infant syrup drops, liquid filled suspension, wipes, gels, effervescents, toothpastes, toothbrushes, mouthwashes, denture adhesives and cleansers, topical creams and non-medicated patches, lip balm, gummies, and soft chews. It has collaboration agreements with 23andMe; Lyell Immunopharma, Inc.; Novartis; Sanofi SA; Surface Oncology; Progentec Diagnostics, Inc.; Alector, Inc.; and CureVac AG., as well as strategic partnership with IDEAYA Biosciences, Inc. and Vir Biotechnology, Inc. The company was formerly known as GlaxoSmithKline plc and changed its name to GSK plc in May 2022. GSK plc was founded in 1715 and is headquartered in Brentford, the United Kingdom.
EDINA, Minn.  Wally McCarthy, a giant of the car-selling business with one of the most heavily-advertised names in the state of Minnesota, has died.

He was 94.

There arent any more like him, said Paul Rubin, a business partner who knew McCarthy for 33 years. He was 6-3, and I always thought he was Moses when I saw him.

His career is a classic rags-to-riches story  the hometown kid who sold Edsels in the 1950s and rose to own some of the nations largest General Motors dealerships.

McCarthys life in cars began in 1949, when he was hired as an accountant and manager of an Oldsmobile dealership in South St. Paul, Minn. At various times, he sold Plymouths, Edsels and used cars.

Only four years later, he opened his first dealership, McCarthy Motors in South St. Paul.

He shifted in and out of several dealerships  some still thriving, some defunct, others with new owners.

In 1962, he opened Wally McCarthys Oldsmobile in Richfield, Minn., on the site of the Best Buy headquarters at Penn Avenue and Interstate 494. (The dealership was the stand-in for Gustafson Motors in the 1996 movie Fargo.)

McCarthy bought Long Cadillac in Roseville, Minn., in 1973. At the time, he also owned Wally McCarthys Oldsmobile in Roseville, Wally McCarthys Oldsmobile in Richfield and Wally McCarthys Pontiac-GMC-Hyundai in White Bear Lake, Minn.

In 2008, he was the states only Hummer dealer  and he was awarded for being the states top Cadillac dealer for 15 years.

Rubin was a manager for a Toyota dealership when he met McCarthy. An auto parts supplier introduced them, and concocted a plan for them to become co-owners of a new Pontiac dealership.

Fifteen years later, Rubin bought out McCarthys share, and today he owns what is now the White Bear Lake Superstore, selling Buick and GMC products.

In the world of car dealers, McCarthy stood above everyone else, said Rubin. I remember when someone said they wanted to meet him, it was like having an audience with the pope, said Rubin.

McCarthy was warm  even affectionate  toward Rubin.

Rubin recalled how McCarthy would introduce him: This is Paul, my partner, and he has two dads. That means my dad and him.

McCarthy was Rubins mentor and his inspiration. In 33 years he never told me what to do. We never had a disagreement, said Rubin.

We used to race to see who would get to work the earliest. I would say, 6:45! and then he would say, 6:30!

Said Rubin: Wally bled Oldsmobile. He bled General Motors.

McCarthy competed against the other big Oldsmobile dealer in the Twin Cities  Jim Lupient.

They were the fifth- and sixth-largest in the country, said Rubin. They competed, and their supposed animus drove them to become multimillionaires.

In retirement, McCarthy volunteered for Catholic Charities, feeding and housing homeless people at the Dorothy Day Center in St. Paul.

When interviewed Friday, Rubin paused  and made a comment illustrating McCarthys legacy of kindness.

I have a (business) partner, too. He is Lee Gatrell. I am saying that to you right now, said Rubin, his voice cracking. And wouldnt I be a terrible person if I didnt say that, the way that Wally used to say that about me?
NorthWestern Energy (NWE), our monopoly utility, knows that polls show a big majority of Montanans support clean energy resources such as wind, solar and storage technologies. Thats why the pamphlets that come with your electric bill give the impression that NWE is greener than Kermit the Frog. NWEs actions, though, suggest a different image  Darth Vader.

Montanas Renewable Portfolio Standard, passed by the Legislature in 2005, requires public utilities to generate 15 percent of their electricity from new renewable sources. NWE has yet to fully comply with this law, and instead has tried to duck responsibility. In the recent legislative session, the company lobbied for bills that would torpedo rooftop solar, and attacked Community Renewable Energy Projects.

Utilities in states like Wyoming and Iowa, with no better wind than we have in Montana, are receiving billions for investment in wind energy. Meanwhile, NWE is stuck in neutral and slipping towards reverse. Their latest 20-year plan calls for no new wind or solar, only more gas power plants.

We need less talk and lots more action from NWE if our state is to move away from 19th century fossil fuels to a clean energy future.

Jerome Walker,

Missoula
A furniture store that has resided in the Washoe Brewery Building on Park Avenue since 2007 is making the most of Smelter City history with a new business concept.

Last summer shop owner Renee Amato transitioned Black Dog Furniture to Black Dog Antiques, where the shelves are now lined with antique and retro odds and ends on the first floor of the four-story building.

But thats not all the former California resident has been up to since she purchased the property 11 years ago.

Amato has transformed the upper stories of the building into a living space, replete with some pretty swanky interior decorating.

Recently the Anaconda resident, who lives near the top of the building, converted the second story into three bedrooms, a bathroom and a kitchen for guests. The bathroom and kitchen are the most recent additions, which Amato said she refurbished almost entirely with items from her store. Similarly, Amato used barn wood from Opportunity and the Washoe Brewery to create the floors and trim of the new additions.

Aside from containing antiques and living quarters, the building also contains a lot of Anaconda history.

Boasting 13,500 square feet, the Washoe Brewery Building was completed in 1905 and cost $80,000 to build  by todays standards, thats equivalent to over $2 million.

According to a plaque on the buildings exterior, the structure was originally intended to house the upstart Washoe Brewery.

But the Washoe Brewery didnt last for long.

This is because the building was purchased by a rival business, Anaconda Brewing Company, whose owners shut down the new operation and sat on the building.

The building stood vacant for years until finally in 1933 Rocky Mountain Brewing launched its operations in the Park Avenue structure and continued to operate until 1955.

As for Amato, she moved to Anaconda fulltime in May 2016.

The Anaconda resident said she grew up in California and had a career as a chief-marketing officer at a financial institution in Los Angeles.

Knowing that she never wanted to stop working, Amato decided to transition into retirement by moving from California and becoming a small business owner.

Having visited Montana in the past, she began looking at commercial properties in the Big Sky State and eventually settled on the brewery building.

 I like the people, said Amato on her move to Anaconda. I like the small-town feel and the fact that you can walk anywhere.

Amato started her antique business with just three rooms of items. Today, the business takes up the entire first floor and has over 39 dealers who rent shelf space or sell on consignment.

In addition, Amato said, the store contains a room devoted to holiday and Christmas decor, a bookstore and booths with themes such as rustic cowboy and kitschy kitchen, as Amato described them.

Amato said many items are sourced locally, including some old Anaconda bar tokens that she pointed out to The Montana Standard.

People love the mining things, said Amato, noting that collectors have an affinity for antiques that harken to Anacondas history as a smelting town.

She added that theres been a lot of interest in hunting and trapping memorabilia, including bear and wolf traps, which she said customers like to use for decoration.

On a sunny afternoon in late May, two vacationers from Idaho stopped off Montana Highway 1 to take a look at Black Dogs goods.

Larry Joseph of Nampa, who was examining one of the bear traps, said he and his wife Rose like to go antiquing whenever they travel.

We stop at every store, he said, noting that Rose, a quilter, is especially drawn to arts and crafts.

Meanwhile, the brewery building has been included on the National Register of Historic Places.

The imposing Italian Renaissance-inspired brewery with its signature corner tower is a bold reminder of an industry important to Anacondas residents, the plaque on the outside of the building reads. An architecturally impressive landmark and gateway to Anacondas east side, the Washoe Brewery symbolizes the private enterprise that flourished in this company town.
OTTAWA A Federal Court has approved a proposed $100-million settlement of two massive class action RCMP harassment lawsuits, a plan that could quietly resolve the complaints of more than 1,000 women.

Once a 30-day appeal period ends, female Mounties who endured workplace harassment in the past 43 years may apply to have their complaint privately evaluated, and compensation paid out, via an independent confidential and non-adversarial assessment process headed by retired Supreme Court justice Michel Bastarache.

Payments could range from $20,000 to $220,000 per claim. Judge Ann Marie McDonalds ruling Tuesday said it is a fair and reasonable agreement that is in the best interests of all women in the class as a whole.

But for individuals who had pursued separate legal claims and have not yet had their day in court, like Atoya Montague, there is no resolution. Montague is a civilian employee in B.C. who sued the RCMP in 2013 alleging sexual harassment. Now shes also battling RCMP efforts to fire her.

Montague says despite a scathing report by former auditor general Sheila Fraser that examined the RCMPs handling of Montagues claim and that of three others, she is no further ahead.

The Liberal government, which promised in its election platform to take action to ensure an RCMP workplace free of harassment and sexual violence, says it is studying the Fraser report. That report is dated March 30 but was released just two weeks ago.

In it, Fraser detailed a troubling refusal by the RCMP to acknowledge problems exist: the Mounties concluded harassment occurred in only one of the four cases that she examined.

There is a strong predisposition within the RCMP to defend its actions in order to protect its image, Fraser said.

More than two weeks later, the claims of Montague, Susan Gastaldo and Alice Fox, remain in limbo.

Only one of the four women, Catherine Galliford, resolved her legal claim against the RCMP. She accepted a confidential settlement offer in May 2016 and retired from the force.

Montague was diagnosed with post-traumatic stress disorder that her psychiatrist Dr. Greg Passey said is directly linked to the humiliating and sexually degrading treatment she suffered at work. Montague took medical leave in 2012.

Once an employee has been absent for two years, the RCMP may initiate discharge proceedings.

In February  as the Fraser review was underway  Supt. Sean Sullivan recommended Montague be let go, saying a workplace accommodation of her disability could not be afforded short of undue hardship.

Montague is fighting back.

After the release of the Fraser report, she wrote Public Safety Minister Ralph Goodale and Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and appealed to them to halt the RCMPs discharge proceedings.

Montague says its a violation of her charter rights to be fired for having a disability, let alone one caused by her employer.

Separately, Passey, her Vancouver-based psychiatrist, wrote to Goodale and Justice Minister Jody Wilson-Raybould to challenge the government to live up to its promise.

If your office allows the RCMP to proceed with Ms. Montagues discharge it will fly in the face of everything the prime minister and you have publicly stated about wanting to change the culture of the RCMP and ensuring a safe respectful workplace for women, wrote Passey.

A discharge prior to the RCMP even attempting to negotiate a settlement or allowing the lawsuit to be heard by the courts is simply an extension of the abuse of power that she and every other woman has had to endure by the RCMP.

Passey wrote in a letter to Montagues B.C. superiors she has been off duty sick (ODS) for bona fide medical disorders that have arisen as a direct result of inappropriate behaviour by a commissioned officer and other Mounties.

The officer named in Montagues civil suit, Insp. Tim Shields, was a former high-profile spokesperson for the B.C. Mounties. Now retired, he is on criminal trial for sexual assault of another female civilian employee. He pleaded not guilty, and has denied the separate allegations Montague made against him, which have not yet been tested in civil court.

On a drive to B.C.s interior, her lawsuit alleges, Shields showed her his erection through his jean shorts and made sexual advances towards the plaintiff, asking the plaintiff to have sex with him and advising her that he could easily pull over the car so that he could perform oral sex on her. On another occasion, it says, Shields exposed himself to her. It alleges other incidents of sexual harassment and intimidation by other Mounties.

Montague is the only one of the three cases studied by Fraser currently facing discharge.

Her pleas to the Liberal government for help have fallen on deaf ears.

The minister doesnt direct litigation in respect of the operations or general management of the Force, said Dan Brien, spokesperson for Goodale.

Staff Sgt. Julie Gagnon, a media relations officer at RCMP headquarters, emailed a reply to the Stars inquiries about whether the RCMP had changed its approach since the Fraser report, made any decisions to offer to settle those cases, or rescind the discharge order and accommodate a return to work for Montague.

Gagnon said the Montague and Gastaldo civil matters remain before the court. She did not reference the Fox case.

The RCMP is committed to resolving all complaints and to acting in good faith in its negotiations, and has been trying to assist these individuals throughout. The RCMP has been taking steps to advance this litigation, said Gagnong. No adjournments have been requested by the RCMP.

Fraser said in an email to the Star she could not comment on the discharge proceedings other than to say it is so unfortunate that these cases drag on so long that it makes it difficult for people to return to work. And they get caught with the policy of two-years absence.

We saw little to no attempt to mediate these cases, even though one at least, was judged to be a good one to reach a settlement. That certainly would be preferable to litigation.

In her report, Fraser urged the government to bring in civilian management of the RCMP saying civilian leadership is necessary to bring about the required organizational change.

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OTTAWAThe Defence Department says a painstaking review of dusty personnel files in the national archives may be needed to determine how many people were forced out of the military for being gay or lesbian.

The Trudeau government has signalled its intention to apologize to former military members, hoping to make amends to those who endured federal discrimination over the decades due to their sexual orientation or gender identity.

The policies had their roots in government efforts that began as early as the 1940s to delve into the personal lives of employees who were considered security risks.

However, inquiries to Defence  including a formal request under the Access to Information Act  reveal the department has no firm sense of the numbers affected between 1969, when homosexual acts were decriminalized, and 1992, when military restrictions on gays were lifted.

Read more:

LGBTQ forced out of military and federal government jobs file lawsuits

National Defences human resources system does not include information on a persons sexual orientation, nor does it record the specific reason why a person was released from the Armed Forces, spokeswoman Suzanne Parker said in a written response to questions from The Canadian Press.

Due to these limitations, it is impossible to provide a tight estimate of the number of Forces members released between 1969 and 1992 due to their sexual orientation, Parker added.

A February 2016 briefing note to the senior associate deputy minister of defence, released under the access law, recommended that further work be done to determine the number of people discriminated against and whether the federal government should offer a redress package.

The government now faces a brewing class-action lawsuit in Federal Court that would cover members of the military and other federal agencies who were investigated, discharged, terminated, sanctioned or faced threat of sanction by the government after June 27, 1969 because of their sexual orientation, gender identity or gender expression.

The lawyers chose the date of decriminalization as the starting point because, since homosexual acts were illegal until that point, breaking a law would have provided the government with legal grounds for disciplining or firing employees.

The government is committed to conducting archival research to try to determine the number of people affected by the policies, Parker said. It may entail pulling and reviewing every single personnel file from Library and Archives Canada to determine the circumstances of each case.

Todd Ross, one of the lead plaintiffs in the court case, joined the Forces in 1987 at age 18 and came under investigation by the military police. He eventually admitted being gay while attached to a polygraph machine, an experience that was incredibly traumatic, his lawyers plan to argue in court.

Ross accepted a discharge rather than spend the remainder of his naval career performing general duties, with no hope for promotion or advancement, they say.

In 1967, the military issued Canadian Forces Administrative Order 19-20, Homosexuality  Sexual Abnormality Investigation, Medical Examination and Disposal, which formally banned gays from serving.

Openly homosexual recruits were prevented from enlisting, and soldiers discovered to be gay were dismissed, says the heavily censored February 2016 briefing note. Any personnel who suspected another member of being gay or lesbian was required to inform a commanding officer.

The policy was loosened somewhat in 1988. The order to inform superiors was dropped and dismissal of homosexuals was no longer automatic, the note points out. However, those who did not quit upon discovery were denied access to promotions, security clearances and transfers.

The official military restrictions on gays were lifted in 1992 after it became clear they violated the Charter of Rights and Freedoms.

Defence records indicate that 43 Canadian Forces members were released under CFAO 19-20 between January 1985 and January 1988, says an internal draft note from March of last year, also disclosed under the access law. Between January 1988, when the interim policy came into force, and October 1992 when the policies on homosexuals were revoked, about 47 members were affected. Statistics prior to 1985 were not available.

However, another version of the draft note excludes the figures and says the number of people affected by CFAO 19-20 is not known.

Regardless of the numbers originally mentioned in the draft document, we are now actively trying to identify these individuals, Parker said.

 Follow @JimBronskill on Twitter

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TORONTOLawyers for a Canadian accused in a massive hack of Yahoo emails will be in an Ontario court Monday to fight a judges decision to deny the man bail.

Karim Baratov is appealing an April ruling by Ontario Superior Court Justice Alan Whitten, who found the 22-year-old was too much of a flight risk to be released on bail.

The judge also said Baratovs parents would not make suitable supervisors because they had not questioned his growing wealth or his business activities while he was living with them.

Baratov was arrested in March under the Extradition Act after U.S. authorities indicted him and three others  two of them allegedly officers of Russias Federal Security Service  for computer hacking, economic espionage and other crimes.

The breach at Yahoo affected at least a half billion user accounts, but Baratov is only accused of hacking 80 accounts.

In an application for a review of the bail decision, Baratovs lawyers argue Whitten made a number of errors in principle.

They say the judge made findings related to the applicants conduct that are not supported by evidence and are in fact contrary to the evidence.

The defence had proposed that Baratov be released on house arrest in the care of his parents, who offered close to $1 million in money and assets as collateral.

Baratov, who lived in Hamilton, would also have been required to turn in his travel documents and abstain from owning or using any computer or electronic communication device.

On April 11, lawyers for Karim Baratov, a Canadian man accused in a massive hack of Yahoo emails, said he was ?very disappointed? his bail was denied.

But Whitten said Baratov would be particularly motivated to flee given that he could face as much as 20 years in prison if convicted in the U.S., and would be able to ply his alleged trade from anywhere in the world.

The judge also said the potential financial loss that could come about if Baratov were to violate his bail would mean nothing to someone with allegedly endless sources of income, and pointed to Baratovs social media photos  particularly one in which he posed with a fan of $100 bills  as a sign of the young mans cavalier attitude towards money.

American authorities have alleged in court documents that Baratov, who was born in Kazakhstan, posed an extremely high flight risk in part due to his alleged ties to Russian intelligence agents and his financial resources.

A hearing later this month is expected to set the date for Baratovs extradition hearing.

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OTTAWACanadas capital will do everything it can to prevent an attack when it hosts the countrys 150th birthday next month but no amount of preparation can guarantee 100 per cent safety, Ottawas mayor says.

When you see a tragedy that took place in London and on London Bridge and in Manchester, you think could that happen here and sadly, the answer is yes, Mayor Jim Watson said Sunday, the day after the latest attack in Britain, on London Bridge, that left seven dead and scores injured.

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said a Canadian was one of those killed. Family members identified her as Christine Archibald, originally from British Columbia.

Read more:

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British police make 12 arrests after seven killed in London attack

With Ottawa preparing to host one of the largest Canada Day celebrations, Watson said there will be extra security measures and a noticeable police presence on July 1, but thats no guarantee.

Theres no 100 per cent solution to terrorism. Watson said after taking part in a tree-planting ceremony at his city hall.

Its always a wake-up call for us in roles of leadership that we have to be vigilant in the world we live in. A simple knife and a motor vehicle can be the new weapon of choice for a terrorist or for someone who wants to cause harm to people in a community.

Watson described the extra precautions Ottawa took for its most recent outdoor New Years Eve celebrations in response to Decembers truck attack on a Berlin Christmas market. A truck driven by a man who claimed affiliation with Daesh, also known as ISIS or ISL, rammed the market killing 12 people and leaving dozens injured.

Ottawa placed front-end loaders and dump trucks at key cross streets to protect a long human chain of hundreds of schoolchildren carrying torches to mark the start of 2017 and the Canada 150 festivities, said Watson.

He said trucks were specifically brought in to ensure those children were not going to be harmed or run over.

Watson said similar precautions will be taken for the upcoming Canada Day celebration, which usually sees hundreds of thousands filling Ottawas streets each July 1, but will likely be larger this year.

Liberal MP David McGuinty, who is to chair a new, top-level national security committee, said the federal government is consulting with communities across Canada on their Canada Day security requirements.

Municipal leaders across Canada observed a moment of silence Sunday in honour of those killed in London at the closing session of a meeting of the Federation of Canadian Municipalities in Ottawa.

The organizations outgoing president, Clark Somerville, told the gathering in his final speech that for every deranged individual who takes a life, there are many more who represent the best of humanity.

This is what our cities and communities are made of. Were strong, resilient and unbreakable.

Municipal politicians across Canada and across the world express solidarity with Londoners, and their embattled Mayor Sadiq Khan, who found himself the recipient of a Twitter attack from U.S. President Donald Trump.

At least 7 dead and 48 wounded in terror attack and Mayor of London says there is no reason to be alarmed!  Trump said in one of several Tweets that criticized Khan.

Khans spokesperson responded with a statement that said: He has more important things to do than respond to Donald Trumps ill-informed tweet that deliberately takes out of context his remarks urging Londoners not to be alarmed when they saw more police  including armed officers  on the streets.

Some of Canadas mayors took to Twitter to express their support for Londoners following the attack, including for Khan.

Winnipeg Mayor Brian Bowman tweeted strength to London Mayor @SadiqKhan and the people of London.

Montreal Mayor Denis Coderre also expressed his solidarity with Khan and Londoners in condemning barbaric terrorist attacks.

Toronto Mayor John Tory tweeted that Canadas largest city stands in solidarity with London against Terrorism.

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When Calvin Miller first went to camp at the age of 11, he didnt expect it to change his life.

It was a good way to blow off steam, he said. I was definitely a troublemaker as a kid . . . so you know my poor mother needed to find a way to deal with my angst and camp was the answer.

But he said the experience  which continued for more than a decade as he went from camper to counsellor  ended up being transformational.

Being able to persevere is something I learned at camp, he said. Camp gives kids so much opportunity they wouldnt have otherwise had . . . I wouldnt have been able to learn the lessons I did in the city.

Now Miller, 27, is helping raise funds to allow other kids to have the same opportunity he did, through an annual canoe portage through downtown Toronto.

More than 100 former campers made the 10-kilometre trip on foot Saturday, raising more than $175,000 (high E. coli levels in the lake prevented the traditional paddling portion).

Kate Horton, the executive director of Amici Camping Charity, said they are sending more than 250 children and teens from low-income families to camps across Ontario this year.

Kids really learn the skills needed to become leaders in this world. They learn teamwork, resiliency, problem-solving, creativity, she said. She says they commit to ensuring the kids can return to camp every year if they want to.

Two of those kids are Nicholas Costache, 13, and Adrian Costache, 11, who are heading to their second year of camp on July 1 with assistance from Amici.

Adrian is a better swimmer since going to camp, and Nicholas was able to overcome his nerves to scale up ropes.

Its not just the nature, its the whole impact, says their mother, Corina Ivan. They are more independent, they learned to take turns, they understand other peoples feelings.

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Over the past five years, Toronto has added more residents than almost any other city in Canada, and older communities are feeling the growing pains.

In the High Park neighbourhood, dozens of lawns are dotted with plastic signs reading Say No to Double Density  a reference to a pair of development proposals which could add six midrise and highrise towers, with a total of over 1,700 apartments, to a two-block area nearby.

These new constructions would fit in between a handful of rental apartment buildings already on the properties, roughly doubling the number of residential units in the two blocks.

One of the biggest concerns is losing the character of the neighbourhood, said Cathy Brown, who lives in a mid-century building on one of the proposed development sites.

Right now you can walk through, its peaceful, its relatively quiet, added Brown, who co-chairs High Park Community Alliance, the local resident group fighting the developments.

The new buildings would create more traffic, overcrowd local schools, jam up High Park and Keele subway stations, limit public recreation space, worsen wind tunnels and literally cast a long shadow across the neighbourhood, say Brown and other community members.

Residents of the Distillery District and Parkdale and Leslieville, have cited nearly identical concerns when highrise development proposals threatened to increase density in their own neighbourhoods.

Density is a loaded word, and thats part of the problem, said Peter Halsall, Executive Director of the Canadian Urban Institute think tank.

Density in and of itself isnt a good or bad thing. Its the composition of the density that makes it work or not work.

If a neighbourhood is designed properly, higher density should mean greater access to day-to-day amenities within walking distance, Halsall said.

Weve decided (in low-density neighbourhoods) that its okay to have to get in your car to get something, but for those of us who live within walking distance of those amenities, we wouldnt trade it.

Jennifer Keesmaat, Chief Planner for the City of Toronto, says opposition to large development proposals should not be dismissed as mere NIMBYism.

Its about the livability of our neighbourhoods, Keesmaat said.

We ought to be having conversations about, Do we have enough park space? Do we have enough schools? Do we have the daycare spaces ... to be absorbing all this growth? she added.

Some sections of Toronto, like north Etobicoke and parts of Scarborough, are ready to be developed but havent attracted developer interest yet, while sought-after areas like King St. W. and Spadina Ave., or Yonge St. and Eglinton Ave. have grown beyond what was anticipated in municipal and provincial policies, Keesmaat said.

Between the 2011 and 2016 census, Torontos population increased by over 116,000 people. Much of that growth was focused downtown. Along the lakeshore and the Yonge St. corridor, the population increased by 10 per cent or more in that five year period.

One of the great things about a place like Toronto is, its attracting the young, bright people into the inner city, said James McKellar, director of the Brookfield Centre in Real Estate and Infrastructure at York University.

The problem is, people should have more than a highrise to live in, and theyve got to have more (affordable options) than a $1.5 million house, said McKellar.

We should be less concerned with neighbourhood density, and more concerned with finding affordable places downtown for middle- and working-class Torontonians to live, he added.

We have to find ways to regenerate older neighbourhoods without ruining them, he said.

That could mean adding stacked townhouses, building homes into city laneways, or carving out space in large houses for apartment suites, McKellar said.

In the ideal scenario, every one of our neighbourhoods will have a mix of housing types and tenures, said Keesmaat, adding that this means not only mixing low rise, high-rise and single-family dwellings, but also owned and rented homes.

We would like to see even more mid-rise buildings precisely because they are a gentler form of density but, even so, they can cause controversy in communities.

Its up to city planners to work with developers, to ensure that building projects create livable communities, Keesmaat said.

In the High Park area, that process is just beginning. Brown and other residents have offered their input at community meetings. Over the next several months, the city will conduct a character study of the area and review the development applications before issuing recommendations for the projects to the developers.

Its difficult to hear but the city goes through evolutions and right now this neighbourhood is evolving, and it needs somebody to think about it with a longer term view, said Matt Kingston, spokesperson for Minto developers, one of the companies proposing to build in High Park.

If you look at the site, you have a 161 hectare park and two TTC subway stations within ... walking distance.

Kingston acknowledged the communitys criticisms.

The concerns on green space are real, the concerns on more people are real, he said. At the end of the day the city... has requirements and if you dont meet them, you have to make improvements (to your plan).

Brown said she hopes the proposals will be scaled back, to include fewer units.

This is very simplistic, but I like to think of the neighbourhood like a boat, Brown said. Its weighted enough, but if you add too much, its just going to sink. Its not going to be workable.

Clarification - June 5, 2017: This story has been edited from a previously published version to make clear that Toronto has added more residents than almost any other city in Canada.

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How very easy it was to scoff at them, as many did, as some still do.

The Toronto 18: hapless wannabe terrorists. Couldnt even organize a one-car tailgate party much less take Parliament hostage and behead the prime minister.

Those were but boastful aspirations, bravado stories they told each other whilst training in the woods, like weekend paintball warriors.

Nonsensical plans they revealed to an RCMP informant who  defence lawyers argued  may have nudged them towards grandiose plotting.

Amateur does not equal not being dangerous, that undercover operative, Mubin Shaikh, stresses, more than a decade on. Weve seen more than enough in the past 10 years to show what kind of damage a perceived bumbling idiot can actually do.

So, people can remain in their denial. They were in denial 10 years ago. But seeing whats happening with ISIS and everything else, I would hope that people would have a few more wits about themselves.

It doesnt take an explosive or a suicide bomber or bristling weaponry to wreck havoc, as we were reminded once again over the weekend, with terrorist attacks in London, hardly a fortnight removed from the horror of Manchester  22 killed, dozens more injured. And all they were doing was attending an Ariana Grande concert. Sometimes a vehicle aimed at strolling pedestrians is enough. An eight-inch knife wielded by a purposeful assailant, like the blade that stabbed an officer to death, among five killed, at Westminster in March. Go forth and rampage, ISIS  also known as Daesh and Islamic State  has urged. And too many delusional miscreants have obeyed.

The Toronto 18 long pre-dated ISIS, spawned by an earlier generation of ideological mass-murderers.

Fahim Ahmad, leader of the cabal  he surprisingly pled guilty  was yet again denied his application for parole. The parole hearing took place May 26 and a decision was rendered that day; the boards written reasons for the decision were released last week.

A husband and father, Ahmad was no impressionable recruit, no marginalized young man playing terrorism dress-up, all hat and no horse.

In convicting him on three terrorism charges, delivering a 16-year sentence, Justice John Sproat cut to the quick of the thing. I reject the argument that Ahmad was a hapless fanatic who posed no risk, he wrote in his judgment.

Ahmad throughout was explicit in discussing the political, religious and ideological objectives of the group. Their actions were motivated by interpretation of Islam which required an attack upon the near enemy, including the Canadian military and Parliament. The purpose was to intimidate the public and politicians in order to secure a change in government and policy and the release of Muslim prisoners.

Ahmad, 32, remains one of those prisoners, at least until his sentence expires next Jan. 24. It is unusual in Canada for a felon to be kept behind bars beyond his statutory date (after two-thirds of the sentence has been served). And Ahmad is a first-time offender.

At the hearing, the parole panel was presented with documentation actually favourable to Ahmad: A psychological extremism assessment that deduced him to be a moderate to low-moderate risk to commit another terrorism-related offense; the proposal that Ahmad would better benefit from non-institutional (outside prison) intervention targeting thought distortions, beliefs, ideologies, attitudes and attributions that promote jihad. Further, limiting his Internet access.

While behind bars, Ahmad has not been a problem inmate. Overall, your behaviour is described as respectful and you have apparently used your time while incarcerated to make some positive changes in your life.

He has a supportive family. The Salvation Army had agreed to let him reside at one of their community-based facilities. An imam had agreed to provide one-on-one counseling.

And yet the two-member parole panel said no.

Distilled to its essence, the parole board viewed dimly  dubiously  Ahmads assertions that hed changed his view about terrorism. When challenged by the Board that you appeared to minimize your role and misstate the aim of your terrorist group to the psychologist (training to fight overseas, as opposed to admission to the Board . . . of an intent to use terror to change Canadas policy on troop deployments to Afghanistan), you equivocated between the two positions to the point that it became unclear which one you truly believed, leading the Board to conclude that you were telling the Board and the psychologist what you felt at the time each wanted to hear.

This indicated a continuation of your ability to use deception and manipulation to further your own ends, consistent with your offense cycle.

Further, Ahmad claimed to have finally got around to reading the Quran and now would like to fight against the scourge of ISIS. You admitted . . . that now you are prepared to fight against ISIS, showing the Board that you are still very involved in the same mindset as you were when this began, noting simply that you have just changed sides.

Still minimizing, still exculpating, still blaming the informant for entrapment.

There were multiple attempts to talk him out of it, Shaikh told the Star on the weekend, discussions on how they were under surveillance, an actual surveillance camera that was pulled out of an exit sign. Did any of those things make him stop or slow down? No it didnt. Im forced to conclude that he was committed 100 per cent to his cause.

The conundrum arises from a country that talks a lot about counter-radicalization but has done just about nothing to put imam counseling in place in prisons or hire Muslim chaplains.

The catch-22 is that they have no specific programs for incarcerated terrorists, says Shaikh, who now works as a terrorism consultant, mostly in the U.S. So, because he didnt obtain any counseling the board says, well, you havent had any counseling. Thats one thing. The other side of it is the larger question of how is he going to land in the new environment in which hell find himself? The fact that he continues to blame the agent in the case tells you a lot. It tells you that he will fall back into the usual tropes. And yet Shaikh is a strong believer in de-radicalization as an antidote for those, like Ahmad, who fell in thrall to jihad terrorism.

Absolutely. Its a case-by-case basis. But, number one, where a person shows they want to change and, number two, where they receive appropriate care and counseling. Then theres a very good chance of rehabilitation.

Shaikh is skeptical about Ahmads epiphany, however.

He hasnt even shown remorse for his actions. Theres no guilt, just guilt for being caught.

His particular case  he doesnt show a lot of promise.

But hell walk out of prison free and clear and un-monitored in eight months.

Rosie DiManno usually appears Monday, Wednesday, Friday and Saturday.

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In the U.S. and Europe, many people worry that if prominent politicians signal that they dislike and fear immigrants, foreigners and people of minority religions, they will unleash peoples basest impulses and fuel violence. In their view, social norms of civility, tolerance and respect are fragile. If national leaders such as U.S. President Donald Trump flout those norms, they might unravel.

The most careful work on this general subject comes from Duke University economist Timur Kuran, who has studied the topic of preference falsification. In Kurans view, there is a big difference between what people say they think and what they actually think. Sometimes for better or sometimes for worse, peoples statements and actions are inhibited by prevailing social norms. When norms start to disintegrate, we can see startlingly fast alterations in what people say and do.

Kurans leading example is the collapse of communism in Eastern Europe, which, he says, was long sustained by the widespread misconception that other people supported communism. Once prominent citizens started to announce, in public, that they abhorred communism, others felt freer to say that they abhorred it too, and regimes were bound to collapse.

Kurans theory can be applied broadly. Writing in the late 1990s, he predicted the backlash against affirmative action programs, contending that a lot of people opposed such programs even though they werent saying so. Millions of people favoured same-sex marriage before they felt free to announce that they did. When professors keep quiet after left-wing students shut down conservative speakers, it may not be because they approve; they might be capitulating to social norms on campus. There is a strong taboo on anti-Semitism, which limits its public expression.

Its hard to test these kinds of ideas rigorously, but in an ingenious new paper, a team of economists has done exactly that.

Leonardo Bursztyn of the University of Chicago, Georgy Egorov of Northwestern University and Stefano Fiorin of the University of California at Los Angeles designed an elaborate experiment to test whether Trumps political success affects Americans willingness to support, in public, a xenophobic organization. They find that it does  big-time. Its a little finding with big implications.

The experiment is pretty complicated, so please bear with me. Two weeks before the election, Bursztyn and his colleagues recruited 458 people from eight states that the website Predictwise said that Trump was certain to win (Alabama, Arkansas, Idaho, Nebraska, Oklahoma, Mississippi, West Virginia and Wyoming). Half the participants were told that Trump would win. The other half received no information about Trumps projected victory.

All participants were then asked an assortment of questions, including whether they would authorize the researchers to donate $1 to the Federation for American Immigration Reform, accurately described as an anti-immigrant organization whose founder has written, Ive come to the point of view that for European-American society and culture to persist requires a European-American majority, and a clear one at that. If participants agreed to authorize the donation, they were told that they would be paid an additional $1.

Heres where things get interesting. Half the participants were assured that their decision to authorize a donation would be anonymous. The other half were given no such assurance. On the contrary, they were told that members of the research team might contact them, thus suggesting that their willingness to authorize the donation could become public.

For those who were not informed about Trumps expected victory in their state, giving to the anti-immigration group was a lot more attractive when anonymity was assured: 54 per cent authorized the donation under cover of secrecy as opposed to 34 per cent when the authorization might become public. But for those who were informed that Trump would win, anonymity didnt matter at all. When so informed, about half the participants were willing to authorize the donation regardless of whether they received a promise of anonymity.

As an additional test, Bursztyn and his colleagues repeated their experiment in the same states during the first week after Trumps election. They found that Trumps victory also eliminated the effects of anonymity  again, about half the participants authorized the donation regardless of whether the authorization would be public.

The upshot is that if Trump had not come on the scene, a lot of Americans would refuse to authorize a donation to an anti-immigrant organization unless they were promised anonymity. But with Trump as president, people feel liberated. Anonymity no longer matters, apparently because Trumps election weakened the social norm against supporting anti-immigrant groups. Its now OK to be known to agree that for European-American society and culture to persist requires a European-American majority, and a clear one at that.

Nothing in these findings demonstrates that Trumps election is leading to an erosion of social norms against incivility and hatred, let alone against violence. But theyre suggestive. Sometimes people dont say what they think, or do as they like, because of their beliefs about the beliefs of their fellow citizens. A nations leader can give strong signals about those beliefs  and so diminish the effects of social norms that constrain ugly impulses.

Cass R. Sunstein is a Bloomberg View columnist. He is the author of #Republic: Divided Democracy in the Age of Social Media and a co-author of Nudge: Improving Decisions About Health, Wealth and Happiness.

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WASHINGTONU.S. President Donald Trump argued in favour of his controversial travel ban as London authorities responded to reports of a string of attacks Saturday night.

One tweet read: We need to be smart, vigilant and tough. We need the courts to give us back our rights. We need the Travel Ban as an extra level of safety!

Trump began tweeting about the incidents an hour or so after initial news reports. First, he retweeted a Drudge Report item about the attacks, then provided his own message about the travel ban.

A few minutes later Trump tweeted a message of support for Londoners: Whatever the United States can do to help out in London and the U. K., we will be there  WE ARE WITH YOU. GOD BLESS!

Earlier this week, the Trump administration asked the Supreme Court to immediately reinstate its ban on travellers from six mostly Muslim countries and refugees from anywhere in the world. The administration argues that the U.S. will be safer if the policy is put in place.

Lower courts have blocked the Trump policy, saying it was stepped in animus and directed at a single religious group.

Canadian officials were monitoring developments in Saturdays attack, urging Canadian citizens in the British capital to avoid the area.

Awful news from London tonight, tweeted Prime Minister Justin Trudeau who was scheduled to attend the annual Parliamentary Press Gallery dinner in Ottawa.

Horrified by the events in London, Conservative Leader Andrew Scheer said in a tweet. Canada will always stand by the people of London.

Our hearts are heavy with news of the violence in London today. To the people of Britain: you are in our thoughts and prayers, Ontario Premier Kathleen Wynne tweeted.

Canadian diplomats in England were advising Canadians to avoid the area around London Bridge and the nearby Borough Market until the areas were deemed safe.

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A Canadian woman who was one of the victims in a horrific killing spree in London on Saturday night is being remembered as a loving daughter and sister who believed everyone deserved respect.

Christine (Chrissy) Archibald, 30, of Castlegar B.C., southeast of Kelowna, was with her fiance in London when she was attacked by three terrorists who initially used a van to mow down pedestrians on London Bridge.

Archibald was one of the victims struck by the van, and the first victim of the ambush to be identified. The couple had reportedly just left a restaurant and were walking on London Bridge, with Archibald a bit behind her fiance, Tyler Ferguson, when he heard tires screech and looked back as the attack unfolded.

The three terrorists got out of the vehicle, went down a set of stairs and stabbed people in several restaurants in Borough Market. The three men were later shot dead by London police.

According to family friends Eileen and Patrick Audet, Archibald worked in a shelter for the homeless in Calgary, where she lived before moving to Holland to be with Ferguson, a Canadian accountant.

Archibald died in his arms after the attack, according to a CBC report.

In a Facebook post Sunday, Fergusons brother Mark decried the violence and mourned the loss of the woman who would have been his sister-in-law.

I cant even believe this is real! My brother and his fiance were on London Bridge last night. She was one of the victims struck by the van. They tried everything but werent able to save her. His life, and all those close to her have been changed forever, he said.

Adding that his heart goes out to Archibalds family, Mark wrote: These senseless acts of terror must stop.

Fergusons sister Cassie posted on Facebook: Hearing his painful sobs on the phone while hes alone trying to deal with this tears me apart. I have no words.

Archibalds parents issued a statement through the government in Ottawa: She had room in her heart for everyone and believed strongly that every person was to be valued and respected. . . . She would have had no understanding of the callous cruelty that caused her death. Please honor her by making your community a better place. Volunteer your time and labor or donate to a homeless shelter. Tell them Chrissy sent you.

A neighbour said the family is well respected in the community, and Archibalds parents, retired teachers, are active in their local Catholic church, where the father, Greg, plays guitar.

Archibald attended the church with her two sisters and parents when she was younger. The three daughters at one time were all involved in Highland dancing, the neighbour recalled.

British counterterrorism investigators searched two homes Monday and detained "a number" of people in the investigation into a van and knife attack in the heart of London that left seven people dead and dozens hurt.

Archibald was a graduate of Mount Royal University in Calgary, where she received a diploma in social work in 2015.

Our deepest condolences go to her family and loved ones, as well as to members of our community who are grieving her loss, the university said Sunday.

Kathy Christiansen, executive director at Alpha House, the shelter in Calgary where Archibald was a social worker for five years before leaving for Europe in February, issued a statement Sunday night saying: Chrissy was a bright light to many, and her generosity, kind spirit and huge heart for her work in responding to issues of addictions and homelessness at the centre inspired us all.

Borrowing a line from the familys statement of remembrance, a hash tag was created on Twitter Sunday called #tellthemChrissysentyou to urge donations to homeless shelters in her memory.

We grieve with the families and friends of those who have lost loved ones, and wish all those injured a speedy and full recovery, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said.

Read more:

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British Prime Minister Theresa May said, We believe we are experiencing a new trend in the threat we face as terrorism breeds terrorism and attackers copy one another. She said five credible plots have been disrupted since March.

It is time to say, enough is enough, she said.

Forty-eight people, including two police officers, were treated at hospitals. Twenty-one remained in critical condition Sunday. Among the wounded were German, French, Spanish and Australian citizens, officials said.

Although none of the assailants in Saturdays attack were identified, counterterrorism police conducted a raid Sunday in Barking, in east London, in connection with the assault and arrested 12, seven women and five men between the ages of 19 and 60. Searches there continued, police said, suggesting that they had identified at least one assailant.

Daesh, also known as ISIS, claimed responsibility for the attack, saying it was carried out by a detachment of Islamic State fighters.

But analysts said the terrorist group considers anyone whose actions were inspired by the group to essentially be a member.

This is how ISIS decentralizes its terrorism, said Laith Alkhouri, a director at Flashpoint, a business risk intelligence company in New York that tracks militant and cyber threats. As of now, theres no indication that ISIS orchestrated or directed these attacks.

On Sunday, Mays Conservative Party and the opposition Labour Party announced they were suspending campaigning for parliamentary elections  less than a full day in the case of Labour  out of respect for the victims. However, the right-wing, populist, U.K. Independence Party continued with scheduled campaign events.

May said the election would go ahead Thursday as planned.

The prime minister led an emergency meeting of her security cabinet on Sunday. In a statement afterward, she said the government would intensify its counterterrorism efforts to deal with Islamist radicalism at home and to try to restrict the safe spaces it needs to breed, both on the Internet and in British communities.

May has been pressing for a tougher line against Islamist extremism for some time. By stating that police and security measures were insufficient, she was announcing a new effort, if re-elected, to break down what she considers to be essentially self-segregated communities and to be less delicate of their sensitivities.

Labour Leader Jeremy Corbyn criticized the prime minister.

You cannot protect the public on the cheap, Corbyn said in a speech. The police and security services must get the resources they need, not 20,000 police cuts. Theresa May was warned by the Police Federation, but she accused them of crying wolf. 

With files from Alyshah Hasham, Fakiha Baig and Star wire services

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HONG KONG  Thousands of Hong Kongers attended a candlelight vigil on Sunday to commemorate victims of the Chinese governments 1989 brutal military crackdown on protesters in Beijings Tiananmen Square, while Taiwans president called on Beijing to face up to the history.

Hundreds if not thousands of unarmed protesters and onlookers were killed late on June 3 and the early hours of June 4, 1989, after Chinas communist leaders ordered the military to retake Tiananmen Square from the student-led demonstrators. Commemoration of the events, whether public or private, remains taboo in mainland China.

Taiwanese President Tsai Ing-wen said in posts on Facebook and Twitter that 28 years ago, the actions of students and citizens who challenged the political system in China inspired a generation.

She appealed to Beijing to face up to June 4 with an open mind and said Taiwan was willing to share its experiences of transitioning to democracy in the late 1980s to ease the pains of such a transition in the mainland.

For democracy: some are early, others are late, but we will all get there in the end, Tsai wrote on Twitter.

While mainland Chinese are only dimly aware of what happened at Tiananmen Square nearly three decades ago, the subject is openly discussed in Taiwan, a self-governing island, and Hong Kong, a special Chinese region with much autonomy and legally entrenched freedom of speech and other civil rights unseen on the mainland.

The annual evening vigil in Hong Kong is the only large-scale commemoration on Chinese territory of the Tiananmen bloodshed. Some 110,000 people attended on Sunday, according to organizers, while police estimated the turnout at 18,000. Last year, the numbers were 125,000 and 21,800, respectively.

People held up their lit cellphones  some with pictures of candles showing on the screen  as a band played upbeat songs to rally the crowd and activists gave speeches about the importance of getting young people to attend.

I dont want this part of history to become blurred, said office worker Emily Yu, 42, who attended the gathering in Victoria Park. It was really a massacre of people. Those young people came out and did all they could for freedom and democracy but didnt achieve it.

Eloise Wu, 36, who works for a non-governmental organization, said: We dont want to let people think weve forgotten, as if with the passing of time its like, Oh, this never really happened. No. Every year we remember.

In Taiwan, dozens of people gathered at Taipeis Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall on Sunday night, holding three minutes of silence as they remembered the victims of the crackdown.

In her posts, Taiwanese President Tsai also called on Beijing to allow a pro-democracy activist from Taiwan who was detained in the mainland in March to come home. Lee Ming-che, detained on suspicion of conducting activities harming Chinas national security, has previously conducted online lectures on Taiwans democratization and managed a fund for families of political prisoners in China.

Relations between Beijing and Taiwan have been near an all-time low since Tsai, whose Democratic Progressive Party has advocated for Taiwans formal independence, took over as president a year ago. Since then, Beijing has cut off contacts with Taiwans government and discouraged mainlanders from visiting the island as tourists.

The authoritarian Communist Party rulers in Beijing insist that Taiwan and the Chinese mainland are part of a single Chinese nation and have vowed to take control of the island by force if necessary.

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LONDONBritish police arrested a dozen people Sunday in a widening terrorism investigation after attackers using a van and large knives turned a balmy evening of nightlife into a bloodbath and killed seven people in the heart of London. Daesh, also known as ISIS or ISIL, claimed responsibility.

Although the attackers were also dead, authorities raced to determine whether they had accomplices, and Prime Minister Theresa May warned that the country faced a new threat from copycat attacks.

The countrys major political parties temporarily suspended campaigning with only days to go before the general election. May said the vote would take place as scheduled Thursday because violence can never be allowed to disrupt the democratic process.

Read more:

Canadian killed in London terror attack, Trudeau confirms

Trump blasts London mayor on Twitter, calls for end to political correctness in response to attack

Police officers outside a property in East Ham that was raided Sunday.









The assault unfolded over a few terrifying minutes late Saturday, starting when a rented van veered off the road and barrelled into pedestrians on busy London Bridge. Three men then got out of the vehicle with large knives and attacked people at bars and restaurants in nearby Borough Market until they were shot dead by police.

They went This is for Allah, and they had a woman on the floor. They were stabbing her, witness Gerard Vowls said.

Florin Morariu, a Romanian chef who works in the Bread Ahead bakery, said he saw people running and some fainting. Then two people approached another person and began to stick the knife in ... and then I froze and I didnt know what to do.

He said he managed to get near one attacker and hit him around the head with a bread basket.

There was a car with a loudspeaker saying go, go and they (police) threw a grenade. ... and then I ran, he said.

London police said officers killed the attackers within eight minutes of arriving at the scene. Eight officers fired some 50 rounds, said Assistant Commissioner Mark Rowley, the forces head of counterterrorism.

Daeshs statement Sunday from its Aamaq news agency claimed the groups fighters were responsible, according to the SITE Intelligence Group. Daesh has urged supporters to weaponize vehicles in attacks against the West.

It was the third attack in Britain this year that Daesh has claimed  after a similar attack on Westminister Bridge in March and the Manchester concert bombing two weeks ago  and one of several involving vehicles in Europe, including last years Bastille Day rampage in the French city of Nice.

The three attackers Saturday were wearing what appeared to be suicide belts, but the belts turned out to be fake. Investigators were working to determine whether others assisted them, Rowley said.

A bystander was also wounded by the gunfire, but the civilians injuries were not believed to be critical.

Forty-eight people, including two police officers, were treated at hospitals. Twenty-one remained in critical condition Sunday. Among the wounded were German, French, Spanish and Australian citizens, officials said.

Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said a Canadian was among the dead. A French national was also confirmed dead.

Counterterrorism officers raided several addresses in Barking, an East London suburb, and arrested 12 people there Sunday, police said.

Neighbours at the site of one raid in Barking said a man who lived there resembled one of the attackers shown in news photographs.

Hes lived here for about three years, Damien Pettit said. Hes one of our neighbours. Ive said hello in passing more than 50, 60 occasions. He has two young kids. He was a very nice guy.

Armed officers also conducted a raid in the East Ham area of the city. Video showed police shouting at someone: Get on the balcony. Stand up and show us your hands!

UK Prime Minister Theresa May has strongly condemned the recent terror attacks in London and Manchester, saying tougher measures are needed as "terrorism breeds terrorism" and attackers copy each other.

The rampage was the third major attack in Britain in the past three months, including a similar vehicle and knife attack on Westminster Bridge in March that left five people dead.

On May 22, a suicide bomber killed 22 people and injured dozens at an Ariana Grande concert in Manchester, in northwest England. Grande and other stars are performed a benefit concert for victims under tight security Sunday in Manchester.

I dont feel or smell or hear or see any fear in this building. All we feel here tonight is love, resilience, positivity, said Pharrel Williams, who performed alongside Miley Cyrus.

Daesh claimed responsibility for the Manchester bombing, but there was no immediate claim of responsibility for the London attack, which the prime minister linked to Islamic extremism.

May said the attacks were not directly connected, but we believe we are experiencing a new trend in the threat we face as terrorism breeds terrorism and attackers copy one another. She said five credible plots have been disrupted since March.

It is time to say, enough is enough, she said.

Britains official terrorism threat level was raised from severe to critical after the Manchester attack, meaning an attack may be imminent. Several days later it was lowered again to severe, meaning an attack is highly likely.

Home Secretary Amber Rudd said Sunday that the level would remain at severe because police believe there are no perpetrators still on the loose.

London Bridge and a large area on the south bank of the River Thames remained cordoned off Sunday, and police told people to avoid the area.

Hours earlier, the area packed with bars and restaurants around the foodie magnet of Borough Market had been a scene of panic, as people barricaded themselves in pubs and restaurants or fled through the streets.

Medics treated the wounded near the market as shocked people cried and shouted around them. Police officers yelled at people to run from the area, and blasts were heard as officers performed a series of controlled explosions.

A 19-year-old student nurse believes she owes her life to a taxi driver who warned her about the attack in London Bridge on Saturday. Rhiannon Owen was using an ATM when a taxi driver shouted at her "You have to run! They've got a knife!

Renan Marquese, a sous-chef at a tapas restaurant, said he was working when he heard chaotic sounds outside.

When I open the door I see three dead people on the floor, he said. People running everywhere, police shouting to run away.

He said that he helped a man and his partner, even taking the woman into his arms because she was too upset to walk properly. He said it took him 20 minutes to carry her across the bridge, stumbling all the way.

It was really scary, he said.

Amid the violence and fear were stories of compassion and heroism. The British Transport Police said one of their officers, among the first to arrive, took the attackers on armed only with his baton and was seriously wounded. He was later described as being in stable condition with injuries that were not life-threatening.

Witnesses described how passersby threw chairs and beer glasses at the attackers in an attempt to stop them.

Richard Angell, who was in a restaurant, said he looked out and saw a guy who is throwing a table at somebody, and its very unclear about what is happening. And it turns out to be a heroic guy who saw what was happening and just bombarded these terrible cowardly people with stuff.

Vowls also saw people striking back at the attackers and said he joined in.

I went Oi, terrorists, cowards, Oi! he told The Associated Press. Then he picked up a chair.

I chucked it, but I think I missed one of them, and then I picked up a stool, and I threw it at him. And he looked at me. He started running toward me, and then he decided not to.

Then I was screaming at them, picking up bottles from a beer barrel. I was just throwing it at them, trying to get them to chase me so I could get them out into the main road where the police could see them and obviously take them down.

Correction: The subheadline has been changed from a previous version that misstated Theresa Mays quote.

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MANILA, PHILIPPINESPhilippine President Rodrigo Duterte said Sunday that he will not negotiate with militants aligned with Daesh, also known as ISIS, who are holding hostages in a besieged southern city, and that he has ordered troops to kill the gunmen even if they slaughter the hostages.

The tough-talking Duterte issued his strongest warning yet to the local and foreign militants, whose stunning siege of Marawi has dragged on for nearly two weeks. Troops have battled to regain control of most of the lakeside city, but the militants, who are believed to be holding a Catholic priest and many other hostages, continue to control pockets of territory.

At least 178 people have been killed in Marawi, the heartland of Islamic faith in the southern Philippines, since hundreds of gunmen waving Daesh-style black flags rampaged across the city on May 23, burning some buildings and occupying others as they battled troops backed by airstrikes and artillery fire.

The dead include 120 militants, 20 civilians and 38 soldiers and police officers.

Read more:

Trapped civilians seek food, water as Philippines siege continues

200 people, including children, held hostage in the Philippines, priest says

I was asked if I could negotiate. Im telling you now, you can kill all those youre holding now, but I wont talk to you, Duterte said in a speech before peace talks advocates at an air base in the central city of Lapu-Lapu. My order really is to shoot you and to shoot you dead.

While he sounded tough, Duterte said troops have held back from indiscriminately bombing away at the militants with newly acquired fighter jets and ending the urban insurrection in a day because the government has to assure the safety of civilians trapped in the fighting.

Nearly 1,500 residents have been rescued from neighbourhoods at the scenes of clashes, including 179 people who were plucked from danger after troops held their fire for four hours Sunday in a humanitarian pause to allow the rescue in specific areas, military spokesperson Brig. Restituto Padilla said.

Marawi officials estimate that about 2,000 residents remained trapped in their houses and many have run out of food and water.

Officials say they have no idea how many civilians are being held hostage by the gunmen, but a Catholic priest, the Rev. Teresito Suganob, said in a video that he and about 200 other captives, including children, were being held by the militants. Suganob apparently spoke under duress in the video, which recently appeared online.

The Marawi siege followed an unsuccessful May 23 army raid that attempted to capture a top terror suspect, Isnilon Hapilon, who has been designated by Daesh as its leader in Southeast Asia.

Hapilon, who was wounded in an airstrike in a nearby town in January, was reportedly wounded anew in the foot by gunfire but escaped. Gunmen loyal to him swept through the city of 200,000 people, torching buildings and taking hostages. Up to 90 per cent of Marawis people have fled to safety.

Duterte has declared martial law across the southern third of the Philippines to deal with the most serious crisis of his year-old presidency.

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Weve seen great waves of progress on womens issues in Ontario and Canada, and progress intensifies as we make more room at the table for diverse perspectives. Eliminating barriers for women and women of colour entering politics is an important step in the process.

We have a long road ahead. Transformational change is needed to address sexual harassment and assault within political spaces. The instinct to protect powerful men over girls and women navigating the Canadian political arena remains too prevalent.

While it has been thrilling to see the government champion initiatives aimed at improving economic outcomes and leadership opportunities for women, including the Ontario Securities Commissions comply or explain rules; greater attention is needed to consider and eliminate the barriers to economic success faced by women of colour in particular.

To the Canadian intersectional feminists fighting for the freedom and safety of women everywhere: continue the good fight.

In the words of Maya Angelou, Each time a woman stands up for herself, without knowing it possibly, without claiming it, she stands up for all women.

Important work is underway. This week the Ontario government announced a law to create safe access zones around abortion clinics, allowing women to access facilities free of harassment. Following the lead of three other provinces with similar rules in place, violators could be fined or face prison.

This move comes as the latest addition to an agenda focused on the protection and prosperity of women and girls set by Canadian womens rights activists, and prioritized by Premier Kathleen Wynne.

While the U.S. elected a president who publicly condoned sexual harassment and whose administration is clawing back on hard fought womens rights, the premier of Ontario has consistently sought opportunities to improve the lives of women and girls.

Much of the work began in March of 2015 when the Ontario government launched, Its Never OK: An Action Plan to Stop Sexual Violence and Harassment. The plan infused an unprecedented $41 million over three years into services for victims of sexual assault, campaigns and programs aimed to prevent sexual assault and harassment in workplaces and on campuses, and even targeted funding to arts programs who help sexual assault survivors heal from their trauma and provide awareness to communities.

It will be nearly impossible to measure the positive impact of the #WhoWillYouHelp and #ItsNeverOk campaigns and award-winning ads that were launched as a part of the action plan. The ads garnered millions of views worldwide and seek to include bystanders in the fight against sexual harassment and violence against women.

Whats important is that Wynne didnt leave this progress to the minister of the status of women alone. The premier looked for opportunities in nearly every portfolio to advance womens issues.

As a part of the highly controversial but much needed updates to the sexual education curriculum, the premier partnered with the minister of education to champion the inclusion of consent.

In September 2016, Wynne worked alongside the attorney general to change the Residential Tenancies Act, allowing tenants attempting to escape domestic or sexual violence to break a lease. This came just months after piloting a program providing free legal advice to survivors of sexual assault.

Wynne stood at the forefront of the call for a national public inquiry into Missing and Murdered Aboriginal Women and Girls  ahead of federal leadership on the crisis. Her team collaborated on long-term strategic solutions through the Joint Working Group on Violence Against Aboriginal Women.

Working alongside the minister of health, the premier launched an Ontario Fertility Program in 2015 funding in vitro fertilization. When pursued privately, the procedure can cost more than $10,000, leaving it out of reach of many Ontario families looking to grow while experiencing infertility. In its first year the program has already been accessed by more than 5,000 families.

Just this week the province included a provision within Bill 68, The Modernizing Ontarios Municipal Legislation Act, requiring municipalities and school boards to formalize policy extending and expanding parental leave for councillors and school board trustees.

Having seen first hand, and far too many times, the pain inflicted on women and girls through sexual violence and harassment, I offer kudos to the collective womens movement in Ontario; you are catalysts for much needed change. Keep pushing. And lets work proactively to ensure everyone is lifted along the way.

Tiffany Gooch is a political strategist at public affairs firms Enterprise and Ensight, secretary of the Ontario Liberal Party Executive Council, and an advocate for increased cultural and gender diversity in Canadian politics.

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Keep Your Dirty Government Fingers Off My Medicare, said a sign waved at Sarah Palins Death Panel Tour events. It was roundly mocked by progressives for its ignorance of who delivers assisted health services in the U.S.

We should have listened more carefully to the subtext.

The death panel nonsense was among the creation moments for Trumpism. Like many populist conservatives, then and now, Palin effectively played on the fears of working class voters about government. What the confused sign wavers were signalling in part was their deep anger at being left behind by politicians and governments and their fear of losing their few remaining benefits.

Their rage at being ignored by elite leaders, or worse being pitied, as their social station, standard of living, and childrens prospects began to fall, was of huge benefit to Trump as he successfully manipulated their rage into a cynical victory.

American law professor Joan Williams has just written a powerful book dissecting these discontents, The White Working Class. Among her searing insights is that class consciousness on the left has been replaced by class cluelessness, even callousness.

The disrespect of the white working class by a generation of politicians in America is reflected in a few shocking statistics: after decades of increasing longevity among all Americans, in 2013, for white working class men, it began to fall; one-in-four white children lived in a poor neighbourhood in 1970, today its 40 per cent!

Populists have been especially successful in exploiting divisions over values. Liberals are seen by those who hold them as wilfully disrespectful of their views about religion, family, abortion, etc. As Williams points out, if as a politician you see your base as family, you dont hound a Latino pro-life voter out of your coalition; as you would not publicly insult your bigoted Aunt Mary at a family dinner  out of respect.

Attacking climate change deniers as scientifically illiterate dim bulbs, is hardly likely to change attitudes. As Williams suggests, using a farmer to describe the damage to his family and their land is more respectful as a persuasion tool, its also likely to be more effective.

Canadians now have a quiet social conservative as Harpers successor. Who do you think is more likely to shift that communitys views on gay rights? A hard-edged leader who refused to permit discussion, a shirtless leader accepting kisses in a Pride parade, or one who says simply he respects every Canadians rights, including LGBTQ rights, adding that his is going to prove that to Canadians in more meaningful ways than a parade.

Liberals and New Democrats do no disservice to their values and convictions in addressing those who differ with respect, even respectful criticism. Smacking someone as demonstrably nicer and more thoughtful about inclusion, differences, and social tolerance as Andrew Scheer, as Harper-lite, is very likely to backfire.

Perhaps we are seeing the arrival of a politics that puts a premium on civility, grace, and argument, not insult; a politics that can embrace a spectrum from a passionate young Sikh lefty to a mild-mannered right wing conservative with a smile. And if that is to be sustainable, as Williams chastises American progressives, it starts with respect; not empathy, and not pity, for those whom the elites have failed.

Canadians rightly take pride in our leadership on diversity and tolerance. It is a very good thing that those who made that a core message to Conservatives won more votes than the candidates who flirted with racial and ethnic division. But it is also important for Liberals and New Democrats to advance their political attack within the boundaries of respectful discourse. The Conservative candidates who did not, got trounced.

Virulent populism took root in the U.K., the U.S. and elsewhere in the years since 2008 for many reasons. High among them was the deep frustration that white working class voters felt about being left out, ignored, disrespected.

Was it expressed in racist, sexist and Islamophobic terms? Yes, too often. The more powerful pushback against those divisive values is surely to address the underlying causes of that anger, not attacking as deplorable, the social victims who fall prey to populisms seductive power.

When progressives can point to rising incomes, falling addiction, better health care, access to housing and education for non-elite families, populists fail. Until we do, they can prevail.

Robin V. Sears, a principal at Earnscliffe Strategy Group and a Broadbent Institute leadership fellow, was an NDP strategist for 20 years.

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Theres a new option in Butte for people seeking adult, teen and child counseling services.

Katie Crowe, a native of Butte, in April opened a mental-health practice at 27 W. Park St. in Uptown Butte.

A licensed clinical professional counselor with a specialty in play therapy, Crowe graduated from Butte High School and the University of Montana with a degree in psychology and minor in human and family development. She received her masters in counseling from Idaho State University in Pocatello, Idaho, and worked in Idaho and Wyoming in the mental-health industry before returning to Butte.

Play therapy is a specialized form of psychotherapy using specific techniques to help clients process life experiences through their senses and emotions, Crowe said in a letter to area mental-health professionals. Working with children has always been a passion of mine and I am excited to offer this specialization to the population in my home town.

According to Crowe, play therapy has been an accepted practice for more than 10 years. It works best for kids three to 12 years old and involves children playing with a toy while a therapist learns about the childrens life as they play.

Experts say children lack the ability to clearly communicate what is going on at a young age, Crowe explains in her letter. (But) playing is something they understand. (Play can) teach us how they see the world around them  (and) how they think about people in their lives.

Crowe said play therapy can help children struggling with depression, anxiety, trauma, abuse, ADHA and grief, among other mental-health issues.

I am thrilled to join the mental health community with my private practice here in Butte, said Crowe. I am honored to be back in my home town offering a service which can positively impact the neurological development of children impacted by difficult experiences as well as teens and adults in addressing their mental health concerns.
Re: Martha Henrys Twelfth Night falls short, Review, May 31

Martha Henrys Twelfth Night falls short, Review, May 31

Karen Frickers review of Stratfords Twelfth Night is maddening, saddening and disappointing, coming 30 years after the Non-Traditional Casting Project was founded by Actors Equity in the U.S., back in the mid-80s, to examine problems of racial discrimination in theatre, film and television. Canadian Actors Equity followed suit with our own symposium on the issue later that decade and the work has continued through our unions ever since.

Frickers review states: Three of the four romantic leads in the show are played by Black actors, and the Sea Captain (Matthew G. Brown) who rescues shipwrecked Viola (Sarah Afful) is also Black, and speaks with a slight African accent. This is intriguing  Illyria, where the play is set, was in Shakespeares time understood to be in the Western Balkans; is Henry resetting the play in the Middle East or Africa, or making some reference to immigration?

So the reviewer can suspend belief that we are in 2017 rather than the 16th century; that we are in Stratford, Ont., rather than the Balkans; that the 21st-century actors have significantly different views than the 16th-century characters they are portraying. All of these anachronisms can be overlooked  but skin colour or accent? No, that is the bridge too far.

To use and impose historical references, linked to diverse casting, as a centrepiece of her critical analysis is a step in the wrong direction for Frickers contemporary audience.

A quick look at the Ottoman Empires history suggests the presence of people with dark skin (both those of Turkish descent and their slaves from Northern Africa) in the Balkans at the time of the plays authorship. In fact, based on the reviewers apparent world view, this is, in fact, the only anachronism in the production that might be historically arguable.

But this is not about historical accuracy  this is about live theatres unique opportunity to suspend mere realities and look for deeper truths. The first step in this process is simple: hire the best actor for the role  whose job it is to convince the audience they are who they say they are. In our diverse society, audiences are sophisticated enough to understand that.

When Canadas two major festivals, Stratford and Shaw, endeavour to be inclusive in their casting of not just Shakespeare, but also Shaw, Coward, Sheridan and Euripides, without having to find historical justification for casting the best actor for the roles, and then to find themselves criticized for a single production that includes this act, it creates a negative reaction to the inclusivity that I and many of my colleagues have fought mightily for over the past 30 years.

I would hope that the reviewer would be informed by not only the historical context of the plays she is writing about but to the historical context of the Canadian theatre community to which she belongs and how the efforts of this diverse community have changed the face of our artform.

For indeed this is a Canadian director, with a Canadian cast, at a Canadian festival, in a Canadian interpretation of an international play for a Canadian audience.

Brenda Kamino, Toronto

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Everyone seemed to be laughing at Jim Cramer, manager of the Action Alerts PLUS portfolio, when he said he liked Canada Goose Holdings (GOOS) - Get Free Report . Those critics will be laughing no more.

Shares of Canada Goose are up roughly 10% Friday after the company reported a robust earnings report. Exceptional revenue growth north of 20%, expanding gross margins and a strong outlook through 2018 have investors cheering the stock.

"Canada Goose is going higher," Cramer said on CNBC's "Stop Trading" segment, before turning his attention to another earnings story.

On Thursday after the close, Workday (WDAY) - Get Free Report beat on earnings per share and revenue expectations. However, shares initially traded lower by 3%, before rebounding to slightly positive territory in early-Friday trading. "Will you give me a break?" Cramer asked, referring to the stock trading lower rather than higher.

Management is crushing it right now, as Workday added key customers that include Amazon (AMZN) - Get Free Report , Walmart (WMT) - Get Free Report and Target (TGT) - Get Free Report , he explained.

Earnings of 29 cents per share came in 13 cents per share, or 81%, above analysts' expectations. Revenues grew 38% year over year, Cramer noted, pointing out that Workday has vastly improved its rate of growth. There's revenue acceleration going on at Workday, he said.

Both Workday and Canada Goose are doing very well, Cramer concluded.

Click here for the latest business headlines.

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At the time of publication, Cramer's Action Alerts PLUS had no position in any companies mentioned.
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.
Ciena Corporation provides network hardware, software, and services that support the transport, routing, switching, aggregation, service delivery, and management of video, data, and voice traffic on communications networks worldwide. The company's Networking Platforms segment offers hardware networking products and solutions that optimized for the convergence of coherent optical transport, optical transport network switching, and packet switching. Its products include 6500 Packet-Optical Platform, 5430 Reconfigurable Switching System, Waveserver stackable interconnect system, and the 6500 Reconfigurable line system, and the 5400 family of Packet-Optical platforms, as well as Z-Series Packet-Optical Platform; 3000 family of service delivery switches and service aggregation switches, and the 5000 family of service aggregation switches, as well as 8700 Packetwave Platform and the Ethernet packet configuration for the 5410 Service Aggregation Switch; and 6500 Packet Transport System. This segment also sells operating system software and enhanced software features embedded in each of its products. The company's Blue Planet Automation Software and Services segment provides multi-domain service orchestration, inventory, route optimization and analysis, network function virtualization orchestration, analytics, and related services. Its Platform Software and Service segment offers OneControl unified management system and platform software services, as well as manage, control, and plan software. The company's Global Services segment provides consulting and network design, installation and deployment, maintenance support, and training services. The company sells its products through direct and indirect sales channels to network operators. Ciena Corporation was founded in 1992 and is headquartered in Hanover, Maryland.
In the wake of President Donald Trump firing FBI Director James Comey and the appointment of special counsel, many citizens may feel powerless to comprehend, let alone influence, where this story leads next.

Recently, a small group of Montana citizens committed to calm, thoughtful, nonpartisan engagement joined together to ensure our representatives in Washington, D.C., hear our concerns about Russias meddling in the 2016 presidential race. That is the concept behind a group we formed called Montanans for National Security, and you are invited to join our efforts.

On Jan. 6, the Office of the Director of National Intelligence issued a declassified document that listed a number of troubling conclusions: Russian President Vladimir Putin ordered an influence campaign aimed at the 2016 presidential election; that Russias goals included undermining public faith in the U.S. democratic process; and that Moscow is likely to apply lessons learned to future influence efforts worldwide, including those targeting U.S. allies.

Since then, the story has taken many additional unexpected twists and turns, including the resignation of National Security Adviser Michael Flynn, the recusal of U.S. Attorney General Jeff Sessions, Russian efforts to influence the French presidential election, President Trumps firing of James Comey, and the appointment of special counsel by the Justice Department. While we support the special counsel appointment, we were deeply disturbed by the findings and events leading to that decision, and struggled to answer a simple question: What can we do about this?

This is where the Montanans for National Security comes into play  because we have a plan.

With two Senators for a population far lower than most states, Montanans have an out-sized voice in what happens next. That means we have a power and also a responsibility to our great nation to engage carefully and forcefully on this issue. U.S. senators have access to the highest level of classified information, and the U.S. Senate has the power to determine where the Russia investigation goes next. Now that it appears the president has taken actions to interfere with the FBIs investigation, Congress response is more important than ever.

Congress must conduct vigorous oversight over the FBI's investigation into the Trump campaign's collusion with Russia to ensure the White House does not impede the work of FBI investigators. We strongly support the immediate establishment of an independent commission to investigate possible coordination between the Trump campaign and Russias efforts to influence the 2016 election, with findings that could be made public.

In order to further Montanans understanding of these issues, we have invited Sens. Jon Tester and Steve Daines to join us for a town hall style meeting in Montana to discuss their own (unclassified) assessment of Russian interference in the 2016 election and exchange ideas with constituents on what Congress should do in response.

When that town hall meeting happens, we need you to be there with us. This historic, massive issue is too important to go without public input.

Take a moment and reflect on the intelligence communitys conclusion that Putins goals included undermining public faith in the U.S. democratic process. Whether Putin accomplishes his goal is largely up to us. The time to act against him is now.

When we come together  not as Democrats or Republicans, but as Americans  to ensure that Congress conducts a thorough and impartial investigation that follows all leads, regardless of where they go, we will have shown the world how robust and strong American democracy really is.

If you are interested in joining our effort to host both our senators for a public discussion in Montana about Russias interference in the 2016 election, please email mt4america@gmail.com with contact information, and well help you get involved.

-- Andrew Person, a former Democratic legislator, lives in Missoula. This guest opinion has been signed by Montanans for National Security members Julie Sirrs, Andrew Person, Charlie Cromwell, Danny Tenenbaum, Tom Leonard, and Randy LeCocq. The group includes Iraq and Afghanistan veterans, former Defense Intelligence Agency officers, and former diplomats from the U.S. Department of State.
OGE Energy Corp., together with its subsidiaries, operates as an energy and energy services provider that offers physical delivery and related services for electricity, natural gas, crude oil, and natural gas liquids in the United States. The company generates, transmits, distributes, and sells electric energy. It provides retail electric service to approximately 879,000 customers, which covers a service area of approximately 30,000 square miles in Oklahoma and western Arkansas; and owns and operates coal-fired, natural gas-fired, wind-powered, and solar-powered generating assets. As of December 31, 2021, the company owned and operated interconnected electric generation, transmission, and distribution systems, including 16 generating stations with an aggregate capability of 7,207 megawatts; and transmission systems comprising 54 substations and 5,122 structure miles of lines in Oklahoma, and 7 substations and 277 structure miles of lines in Arkansas. Its distribution systems included 350 substations; 29,494 structure miles of overhead lines; 3,365 miles of underground conduit; and 11,125 miles of underground conductors in Oklahoma, as well as 29 substations, 2,795 structure miles of overhead lines, 349 miles of underground conduit, and 662 miles of underground conductors in Arkansas. The company was founded in 1902 and is based in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma.
Dollar General Corporation, a discount retailer, provides various merchandise products in the southern, southwestern, Midwestern, and eastern United States. It offers consumable products, including paper and cleaning products, such as paper towels, bath tissues, paper dinnerware, trash and storage bags, disinfectants, and laundry products; packaged food comprising cereals, pasta, canned soups, fruits and vegetables, condiments, spices, sugar, and flour; and perishables that include milk, eggs, bread, refrigerated and frozen food, beer, and wine. The company's consumable products also comprise snacks, such as candies, cookies, crackers, salty snacks, and carbonated beverages; health and beauty products, including over-the-counter medicines and personal care products, such as soaps, body washes, shampoos, cosmetics, and dental hygiene and foot care products; pet supplies and pet food; and tobacco products. In addition, it offers seasonal products comprising holiday items, toys, batteries, small electronics, greeting cards, stationery, prepaid phones and accessories, gardening supplies, hardware, and automotive and home office supplies; and home products that include kitchen supplies, cookware, small appliances, light bulbs, storage containers, frames, candles, craft supplies and kitchen, and bed and bath soft goods. Further, the company provides apparel, which comprise casual everyday apparel for infants, toddlers, girls, boys, women, and men, as well as socks, underwear, disposable diapers, shoes, and accessories. As of February 25, 2022, it operated 18,190 stores in 47 states in the United States. The company was formerly known as J.L. Turner & Son, Inc. and changed its name to Dollar General Corporation in 1968. Dollar General Corporation was founded in 1939 and is based in Goodlettsville, Tennessee.
Mugshots.com Writing Staff. Knox County, TN  Raynella Dossett Leath has been exonerated in the death of her husband. She was convicted of his murder in 2010 and sentenced to life in prison. Post-conviction evidence emerged that secured her a new trial. After the prosecution presented its case in her new trial, the judge granted the defense motion for a judgment of acquittal.

On the morning of March 13, 2003, 57-year old David Leath was found dead from a gunshot wound to the head by his wife Raynella Dossett Leath. She frantically called 911, telling the operator that her husband shot himself.

The police began investigating the shooting as a homicide rather than a suicide primarily because the gun had been shot three times. Two missed the victim, and the third shot hit him the forehead. Gunshot residue was found on his hands, but none was discovered on Dossett Leath. There was no physical evidence to link her to the shooting.

In November 2006, she was charged with first-degree murder. She went to trial in March 2009. Her first trial ended in a mistrial after the jury was unable to reach a unanimous verdict. Her second trial began in January 2010. The Knox County medical examiner, Dr. Darinka Mileusnic-Polchan, testified that the victim was shot once in the forehead and that the shot was fired from 12 to 14 inches away. She also testified that his toxicology showed medications in his system that would have made it impossible for him to have shot himself. She added, Mr. Leath was incapacitated.

The lead police investigator testified that there were no fingerprints on the gun, which would have been impossible if he shot himself. He also told the jury that the victim appeared to have been tucked into the bed. After two day of deliberations, the jury convicted her of first-degree murder, and she was sentenced to life in prison.

In 2015, her new lawyers filed a post-conviction petition seeking a new trial. Medical records that were never introduced at trial showed that Leath was suffering from mood changes, faulty memory, and feelings of frustration and being demoralized.

The petition also included two witnesses who claimed to have seen police officers removing the gun used in the shooting and declaring that the gun had been secured. However, they were seen doing so before the crime scene technicians who are responsible for photographing the crime scene arrived.

The defense also included testimony from professor of pathology at the University of Kentucky who concluded that the drugs in Leaths bloodstream were at levels within the therapeutic range and thus he was not incapacitated at the time of the shooting.

Finally, the petition included evidence that during her trial, the trial judge was under the influence of painkillers and being investigated by the Tennessee Bureau of Investigations. They claimed he wasnt focused on the trial because he was too preoccupied with obtaining more drugs. Evidence showed that he was prescribed at least 150 OxyContin pills during a one month span. Shortly after the trial, he stepped down from the bench and was subsequently convicted on state and federal drug charges.

Dossett Leath was granted a new trial. Her trial began in May 2017. After both sides completed presenting evidence, the judge granted the defense motion for a judgment of acquittal.
- A Tanzanian witch doctor has shocked Kenyans after claiming to have helped top politicians to win party nominations ahead of the August General Election

- The witch doctor by the name Sarbil Mohamed confessed to a local TV station that most of the politicians from Central Kenya had won the Jubilee primaries due to his charms

- Mohamed said he was paid millions to come to the country to carry out rituals for the leaders ahead of the August General Election

Its now confirmed that some top politicians from Kiambu and Central Kenya sought a witch doctor to help them win the Jubilee nominations.

A witchdoctor from Tanzania says that all politicians from Kiambu, Muranga, Kirinyaga and Machakos sought help from him to win the party nominations.

According to a story done by Kameme TV, a witchdoctor by the name Sarbil Mohamed, said that its not a secret that majority of politicians seek their help during election period.

During Jubilee nominations, top politicians from the above counties sought my help, they are housing me here in Mombasa until august when the general election will be held,'' Mohamed is quoted.

READ ALSO: Bus owners have this message for Uhuru after he launched SGR train

Tanzanian witch doctor Sarbil Mohamed.

READ ALSO: Anne Waiguru slams newspapers, TV, reveals why they are banned in her house

In a video seen by Tuko.co.ke, Mohamed says that he helped politicians from Kiambu, Muranga, Machakos and Kirinyaga County.

He says every politician from Kiambu that he treated got the certificate noting that they contributed the money to cater for his expenses.

The politicians from Kiambu, Muranga, Kirinyaga and Muranga seeking different seats sought my help and I treated them to win, I am in the country curtesy of them and I will leave the country once they win the general election,'' Mohamed is quoted.

READ ALSO: Woman takes her own life at politicians house

A witchdoctor from Tanzania says that all politicians from Kiambu, Muranga, Kirinyaga and Machakos sought help from him to win the party nominations.

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According to reactions from Kenyans on social media, leaders who received their certificates through the help of witchdoctors will fail in the August General Election as they underrated the power of almighty God.

James Mukeu, a resident of Ribai Ward said some politicians were using some powers to blind the voters noting he was personally duped to vote for candidates he didnt want.

I can agree with what Mohamed is saying, during nomination, I found myself voting to some candidates I didnt expect, I pray that people may turn to the house of God and believe in his powers,'' Mukeu said.

Watch the video of the witch doctor from Tanzania below.

Have anything to add to this article or suggestions? Share with us on news@tuko.co.ke

Watch what people think of Muthama's role in NASA:

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- A senior al-Shabaab commander has surrendered

- Bishar Mumin Afrah, a top commander of the terror group, surrendered to the Somali National Army (SNA) in Hiran, Somalia

- According to reports, the commander surrendered carrying two AK 47 rifles and several rounds of ammunition

One of al-Shabaab's most wanted top commanders has surrendered.

Bishar Mumin Afrah, a senior commander of the militant group, is reported to have surrendered to the Somali National Army (SNA) in Hiran, Central Somalia.

READ ALSO: Uhuru should have recognized Raila for the sake of peace  former Presidential candidate weighs in on Madaraka day OUTRAGE

Bishar Mumin Afrah, a senior commander of the militant group, is reported to have surrendered to the Somali National Army (SNA) in Hiran, Central Somalia.

READ ALSO: Uhuru should have recognized Raila for the sake of peace  former Presidential candidate weighs in on Madaraka day OUTRAGE

TUKO.co.ke has learnt that Afrah surrendered to the 52th Division of the SNA in Buloburte town.

SNA commander Ahmed Mohamed Tredishe confirmed the surrender of Afrah and said the official had two guns with him including several rounds of ammunition.

Afrah deserted al-Shabaab and surrendered to SNA, carrying with him two AK47 assault rifles and large amounts of ammunition, Tredishe is quoted.

Terror group al-Shabaab is yet to release a statement concerning the surrender of its former commander.

READ ALSO: Powerful Jubilee CS EXPOSED for allegedly supporting ODM

Terror group al-Shabaab is yet to release a statement concerning the surrender of its former commander.

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Somali President Mohamed Abdullahi Farmajo in February, 2016, offered amnesty to all al-Shabaab militants who renounce the terror group.

He promised demobilisation and reintegration into the society for the group members.

Al-Shabaab emerged in 2006 from the now-defunct Islamic Courts Union, which once controlled Somalias capital of Mogadishu.

The militant group launched its own insurgency on major Somali cities in 2009, taking control of Mogadishu and southern Somalia.

In 2015, the militant group launched a deadly assault on Garissa University College.

Have anything to add to this article or suggestions? Share with us on news@tuko.co.ke

Watch Mr. Messo recap the hottest news that happened in Kenya in the latest TUKO Hot Video.

Source: TUKO.co.ke
MUSCATINE  Children learned how to cast a fishing rod, tie on bait and clean fish Saturday morning at Discovery Park.

The Muscatine County Conservation Board held its 37th annual Kids Fishing Seminar, with help from the Iowa Department of Natural Resources. Kids received fishing demonstrations and learned how to identify different fish species before participating in a fishing derby.

Allison Poppe, of Muscatine, said this was her fifth year attending the fishing seminar.

"I like seeing what kind of fish there are," said Poppe, who explained she had seen bass, blue gill and catfish during the morning.

"The catfish is the best because of how it feels," she said.

Poppe said seeing the fish reminded her of her two goldfish at home, and was excited to meet some of her pets' relatives.

Poppe's grandfather takes her fishing at West Lake during the summer, so she felt confident casting a fishing line Saturday. Some children at the seminar, though, held a fishing rod for the first time.

Conservation Board Naturalist Michelle Berns said the event is way for children, from kindergarten to 5th grade, to be outside, experience nature and learn some new skills. She added some adults were learning for the first time too.

"The fishing seminar is important for adults who didn't have the experience fishing when they were growing up," Berns said. "They can come and learn, and maybe start a tradition with their own family. Then their kids can carry on the tradition."

Berns said it was the perfect weekend to hold the seminar because it coincided with the Iowa DNR's free fishing weekend.

"People can come out and fish and don't even need a fishing license," she said.

Berns said she hopes letting families fish for free will encourage them to obtain a fishing license and continue the practice throughout the summer.

She said about 100 people participate in the fishing seminar each year, and have the chance to win door prizes afterward.

During the fishing derby, kids were split up into three age groups and competed for prizes. Children claimed prizes for catching the first fish, the biggest or smallest fish, and for having the most fish caught.

This year's Kids Fishing Seminar was asponsored by the Muscatine Chapter of the Izaak Walton League, Muddy River Bait and Tackle, Amy Bakke Design Creative, Blain's Farm and Fleet, Monsanto, Walmart, Mealy Holdings and Lloyd and Dorothy Deahr.
- President Uhuru Kenyatta has attacked Chama Cha Mashinani party leader Isaac Ruto

- Uhuru has accused Ruto of being a traitor

- The President say Ruto won the Bomet Gubernatorial seat because of his support and that of his deputy William Ruto

President Uhuru Kenyatta has attacked the fifth National Super Alliance (NASA) co-principal Isaac Ruto.

The president has gone hard on Governor Isaac Ruto whom he accused of betrayal, saying the Bomet Governor clinched the gubernatorial seat in 2013 thanks to the immense Jubilee Party support.

Speaking in Olenguruone ton on Saturday, June 3 2017 during a Jubilee campaign, Uhuru said Isaac Ruto mainly relied on his support and that of William Ruto to win in the 2013 General Election.

READ ALSO: KANU politician DIES barely TWO months to the ballot

If it were not for us, Governor Ruto would not have won in the 2013 Election. Uhuru told his supporters.

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Governor Ruto ,who is seeking to defend his seat against Jubilees Joyce Laboso on a Chama Cha Mashinani ticket recently joined the National Super Alliance member as a fifth co-principal ,a move that Uhuru termed as betrayal.

READ ALSO: Kabogo shifts blames to IEBC over his BIG loss during party primaries

READ ALSO: Kiambu Senator Wamatangis campaign truck KILLS a second person

Other principals making up the NASA pentagon include flagbearer Raila Odinga, his running mate Kalonzo Musyoka, Ford Kenyas Moses Wetangula and ANCs Musalia Mudavadi.

Watch what people think of Muthama's role in NASA:

Have something to add to this article? Send to news@tuko.co.ke

Source: TUKO.co.ke
- It remains to be understood how this State House operative timed this live TV coverage moment with his phone camera

- He snapped a photo of Raila being shown to be seemingly napping during their NASA rally in Kakamega

- He then took it to social media where he led a battalion of Kenyans to dis the presidential aspirant

The past week has been a busy one for two major presidential aspirants ahead of the August 8 General Election.

Since presenting their papers for clearance with the IEBC, President Uhuru Kenyatta and NASA presidential aspirant Raila Odinga hit the road campaigning for the camps.

Both have held a series of rallies across the country, leaving many wondering at what time they do get adequate rest.

So it came as no surprise when an operative aligned with the Jubilee Party hit out at Raila Odinga when he dared show how tired he was at their Kakamega rally held on Saturday, June 3, at Bukhungu stadium.

READ ALSO: Kiambu Governor Kabogo threatens to lead a DEMO if IEBC fails to heed to his demands

Dennis Itumbi

READ ALSO: Campaign Truck belonging to a rich Juibilee politician KILLS a second person(Photos)

A moment in time is all it takes for detractors to tear you down regardless of anything positive you do.

Such was the case when in a moment of time, a media houses camera caught National Super Alliance presidential candidate Raila Odinga with his eyes closed.

This moment in time was all it took for Director of Communications in the Office of the President, Dennis Itumbi, to lead many of Jubilee Partys supporters in merciless attacks on the former premier without asking for the context in which Raila closed his eyes.

READ ALSO: Dont follow Uhuru like a HOUSEFLY, Raila warned by former DISCIPLE

Below are some of the reactions to Itumbis assault on Raila:

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READ ALSO: Jubilee governor embarrassed in front of Uhuru, Ruto

Itumbi was appointed to State House during President Uhuru's regime.

READ ALSO: Vera Sidika rekindles her BEEF with Huddah Monroe,calls rival a BAD name

The attacks were, however, met with responses in support of Baba and those tearing Itumbi apart as can be seen below:

READ ALSO: Bride-to-be, 41, sets her wedding dress on FIRE after catching her fiance cheating (photos, video)

NASA pentagon leaders Ruto, Kalonzo, Raila, Mudavadi and Wetangula.

READ ALSO: At last! Elderly couple receives government housing after living in metal shack for 50 YEARS (photo)

Have something to add to this article? Send to news@tuko.co.ke

Watch what Kenyans think of Muthama's role in NASA:

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Chicago, IL (UroToday.com) Prior studies assessing the biologic characterization of papillary renal cell carcinoma (PRCC) utilizing the TCGA (The Cancer Genome Atlas) dataset were limited by the fact that only 3% of the 161 patient samples assessed were patients with metastatic disease. As the majority were localized m0 disease, the authors of this study wanted to focus their attention on patients with advanced PRCC.To that effect, in this study, fresh frozen paraffin-embedded (FFPE) tissue from 169 patients with advanced or metastatic PRCC from multiple institutions were collected. Then, diagnosis and PRCC subtyping was centrally confirmed by 2 board-certified pathologists to ensure validity. DNA was extracted and comprehensive genomic profiling (CGP) was performed in a CLIA-certified central laboratory.Of the 169 pts, 39 (23%) were type 1, 108 (64%) were type 2 and 22 (13%) were unclassified. Sixty-seven samples (39%) were from a metastatic site biopsy while 102 were from the kidney (61%) itself. Across the board, approximately 2.4 genomic alterations were noted.When looking at the subtypes, commonly altered gene mutations were MET (33%: 8 activating mutations, 5 amplifications), TERT (30%), CDKN2A/B (13%), and EGFR (8%) in Type 1 PRCC, and CDKN2A/B (18%), TERT (18%), NF2 (13%), (13%), and MET (7.4%, 5 mutations, 3 amplifications) in Type 2 patients.Genomic alterations in the MET gene was significantly associated with type 1 PRCC (p = 0.0002) while mutations in NF2 and in SWI/SNF complex genes were both significantly associated with type2 PRCC (p = 0.02 and p = 0.007, respectively). When compared to the TCGA dataset, which contained less aggressive disease, the authors noted that there were a higher frequencies of MET and NF2 gene mutations, genomic alterations in SWI/SNF with type 2 PRCC, and CDKN2A/B alteration in both type 1 and type 2 disease.When comparing biopsies from metastatic sites to primary tumor specimens, metastases had lower MET alterations than primary tumors (type 1: 15% vs 38%; type 2: 4% vs 10%).Ultimately, the authors conclude that the genomic alteration profile is significantly different between advanced for localized PRCC, as revealed by the differences between their cohort and the TCGA cohort. They hope these findings lead to potentially new targets for PRCC.Limitations:1. While the prior studies were primarily m0 patients, it is quite possible that they also included locally advanced or N+ disease. This was not made clear by the authors of this abstract, nor was it able to be assessed.2. The authors never clearly define what advanced PRCC is.Discussion Points:Metastatic PRCC, when compared to clear cell RCC, is much less common. PRCC tends to be a more locally aggressive disease. As such, the volume of metastatic PRCC that a single-institution is likely to see is quite low. Therein lies the importance of multi-institutional studies. Future multi-institutional studies are needed to assess any potential actionable medications  the SWOG 1500 study compares conventioned VEGF inhibition (sunitinib) against MET inhibition (cabozantinib, crizotinib, savolinib) in PRCC patients.Presented By: Sumanta K. PalCo-Authors: Daniel M. Geynisman, Siraj Mahamed Ali, Evgeny Yakirevich, Phil Stephens, Jeffrey S. Ross, Vincent A. Miller, Jon Chung, Toni K. ChoueiriInstitution(s): City of Hope Comprehensive Cancer Center, Duarte, CA; Fox Chase Cancer Center, Philadelphia, PA; Foudation Medicine, Inc., Cambridge, MA; The Warren Alpert Medical School of Brown University, Providence, RI; Albany Medical College, Albany, NY; Dana-Farber Cancer Institute and Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, MAWritten By: Thenappan Chandrasekar, MD, Clinical Fellow, University of Toronto, Princess Margaret Cancer CentreTwitter: @tchandra_uromdat the 2017 ASCO Annual Meeting - June 2 - 6, 2017  Chicago, Illinois, USA
6 A portrait of former CNRPs President Sam Rainsy is displayed at the main gate of the partys headquarters as VOA journalists pass by during the election night of June 2, 2017. Mr. Rainsy once announced that the June 4 commune elections results could lead his return from exile. (Aun Chhengpor/VOA Khmer)
Michael Bloomberg is on a mission to ensure the U.S., one of the worlds top polluters, upholds its commitments to the Paris climate pact, even if it is not formally a part of it.

U.S. President Donald Trump recently announced the U.S. will withdraw from the Paris agreement on climate change, saying the deal was too costly and would cause U.S. businesses to lose 7 million jobs by 2025.

Bloomberg, the billionaire former mayor of New York City, has pledged up to $15 million to support the U.N. Framework Convention on Climate Change, or UNFCCC, the agency that helps countries implement their commitments to the Paris Agreement. The money represents the amount the U.N. stands to lose from Washington, according to a statement on Bloombergs website.

Americans will honor and fulfill the Paris Agreement by leading from the bottom up  and there isnt anything Washington can do to stop us, Bloomberg said.

Cities, states, businesses

The New York Times reports Bloomberg is also spearheading an effort by American cities, states and companies to submit a plan to the U.N., pledging to meet the U.S. greenhouse gas emissions targets.

The newspaper says the unnamed group currently includes 30 mayors, three governors, more than 80 university presidents and more than 100 businesses. The account said the group has entered negotiations with the U.N. to have its plan accepted, along with the climate plans of U.N. member-nations.

It was not immediately clear whether the groups submission would be accepted. Christiana Figueres, a former U.N. climate official, told The Times the U.N. does not have a structure to accept such a submission.

Letter to UN

The New York Times says that in a draft letter to U.N. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, Bloomberg wrote the U.S. non-national actors could achieve its emissions goals without the backing of the U.S. government.

While the executive branch of the U.S. government speaks on behalf of our nation in matters of foreign affairs, it does not determine many aspects of whether and how the United States takes action on climate change, he wrote.

Bloomberg also wrote, The bulk of the decisions which drive U.S. climate action in the aggregate are made by cities, states, businesses, and civil society.
Cambodians vote Sunday to elect more than 12,000 district officials, but the ballot is also seen as a showdown between the two major parties amid threats of civil war and a crackdown on political dissent in the lead-up to national elections slated for the middle of next year.

Prime Minister Hun Sen and his Cambodian Peoples Party (CPP) believe the communal poll will provide an important test of their popularity, which has been under pressure from a burgeoning youth vote and changing attitudes.

Supporters of the opposition Cambodia National Rescue Party (CNRP) have been buoyed by their partys standing at national elections in 2013 when the ruling CPP was returned to power, but with its majority reduced to 68 seats, from 90, in the 123-seat National Assembly.

The CNRP scored 55 seats, defeating all the smaller parties in its path, after Cambodias youth sided with the opposition and demanded change. More than 70 percent of this countrys population is younger than 30, a legacy of a postwar baby boom.

Bo Pao, executive of Youth Education for Development and Peace (YEDP), said differences between young and old are taking their toll. Older voters are attracted to the security provided by the CPP, which ended the wars in 1998 and ensured a peace that has enabled economic growth.

The local nature of these elections has not stopped Hun Sen from weighing in at the national level, warning Cambodia could return to war if the CPP were to lose. Politics have also been marred by the beating of opposition parliamentarians, criminalization of defamation laws and banning of anyone with a criminal conviction from contesting elections.

Defamation suits and the constant threat of prison prompted opposition leader Sam Rainsy to resign and return to self-imposed exile in France with his deputy, Kem Sokha, taking up the leadership role of the CNRP.

Hun Sen has also curtailed political street rallies.

The U.S. State Department has called on the government to avoid threats and political intimidation.

But hopes are high that there will be no repeat of the violence that followed the 2013 general election, when at least five people were killed.

Son Chun Chuon, program director at Khmer Kampuchea Krom for the Human Rights and Development Association, said this years commune elections were better organized than previous efforts following reforms to the National Election Committee (NEC).

About 12,000 local positions, including commune chiefs and district counselors, are being contested by 12 political parties.
Cambodia's main opposition party made significant gains in local elections Sunday which could threaten Prime Minister Hun Sen's grip on power.

Announcing preliminary results, opposition party spokesman Yim Sovann said his party won about 46 percent of the popular vote - up from 30 percent in the last local elections five years ago.

"This is a huge victory for the Cambodia National Rescue Party," Sovann told a news conference.

A pro-government news site said preliminary results suggested the opposition had won a little more than one third of the communes.

Official results will be announced June 25.

The vote is also seen as a showdown between the two major parties amid threats of civil war and a crackdown on political dissent in the lead-up to national elections slated for the middle of next year.

Prime Minister Hun Sen and his Cambodian People's Party (CPP) see the communal poll as an important test of their popularity, which has been under stiff pressure from a burgeoning youth vote and changing attitudes.

Supporters of the opposition Cambodia National Rescue Party (CNRP) have been buoyed by their party's standing at national elections in 2013 when the ruling CPP was returned to power, but with its majority reduced to 68 seats, from 90, in the 123-seat National Assembly.

The CNRP scored 55 seats, annihilating all the smaller parties in its path, after Cambodia's youth sided with the opposition and demanded change. More than 70 percent of this country's population is under the age of 30, a legacy of a post-war baby boom.

Bo Pao, Executive of Youth Education for Development and Peace (YEDP), said differences between young and old are taking its toll. Older voters are attracted to the security provided by the CPP, which ended the wars in 1998 and ensured a peace that has enabled economic growth.

The local nature of these elections has not stopped Hun Sen from weighing in at the national level, warning Cambodia could return to war if the CPP was to lose. Politics has also been marred by the beating of opposition parliamentarians, criminalization of defamation laws and banning of anyone with a criminal conviction from contesting elections.

Defamation suits and the constant threat of prison prompted opposition leader Sam Rainsy to resign and return to self-imposed exile in France with his deputy, Kem Sokha, taking up the leadership role of the CNRP.

Hun Sen has also curtailed political street rallies.

The U.S. State Department has called on the government to avoid threats and political intimidation.

But hopes are high that there will be no repeat of the violence that followed the 2013 general election, when at least five people were killed.

Son Chun Chuon, program director at Khmer Kampuchea Krom for the Human Rights and Development Association, said this year's commune elections were better organized than previous efforts following reforms to the National Election Committee (NEC).

About 12,000 local positions, including commune chiefs and district counselors, are being contested by 12 political parties.
A litany of killing, rape, mutilation, pillage and torture committed by successive governments and armed groups in Central African Republic from 2003-15 may constitute crimes against humanity, the United Nations said in a report on Tuesday.

The 368-page mapping report by the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights, based on more than 1,200 confidential and open sources, is meant to help authorities identify cases as they establish a Special Criminal Court to try the worst crimes committed in the landlocked, isolated nation.

"The point is to send a signal, particularly to the 'big fish' ... that we have documented their crimes and will continue to document their crimes," Andrew Gilmour, U.N. assistant secretary-general for human rights, told Reuters.

Repeated political crises in CAR have fueled conflict since 2003. The most recent violence erupted in 2013 when a mostly Muslim rebel coalition overthrew the then-president Francois Bozize, prompting reprisals from Christian militias.

Tit-for-tat violence is on the rise again despite a successful presidential election last year. In the past two weeks alone, fighting between militia groups has killed about 300 people and displaced 100,000, the worst bout of displacements since 2013.

The U.N. report said that perpetrators have enjoyed near total impunity throughout the period in question due to persistent insecurity and a feeble justice system, which has fueled cycles of abuse.

It said that ending a decade and a half of impunity would not be easily achieved. Even before the latest violence, armed groups controlled more than half the country, making it difficult for victims come forward and for witnesses to testify.

"Critical preconditions for an effective judicial process which functions in accordance with international human rights standards, are not yet in place," the report said, cautioning that "the rushed or ill-timed introduction of transitional justice measures ... may prove counter-productive."

After seizing power from President Ange-Felix Patasse in a March 2003 coup d'etat, forces loyal to Francois Bozize killed and tortured civilians in order to settle personal scores and pillaged U.N. and other diplomatic facilities, the report said.

A decade later, Christian anti-Balaka militia again killed unarmed civilians, conducted public lynchings and mutilated victims in so-called "cleansing operations" against Muslims in retaliation for similar abuses by mostly Muslim rebels, it said.

The report called on the Special Criminal Court, agreed to in 2015, to maximize the use of foreign judicial personnel given the dearth of expertise in CAR and to collaborate closely with the International Criminal Court, which has been investigating alleged war crimes and crimes against humanity since 2012.

It did not determine whether any of these acts constituted genocide but suggested there are grounds for further investigation as to whether they were.

It also said that investigations and indictments could help deter violent acts such as repeated attacks on displaced persons camps, humanitarian workers and U.N. peacekeepers.

The report also recommended that a truth commission accurately document past violence, allow victims to tell their stories and reveal underlying causes of conflict.
A conservative group in Chancellor Angela Merkel's party is urging a change of approach to climate change, arguing that the melting of sea ice could carry more opportunities than problems.

Lawmaker Philipp Lengsfeld wrote on Twitter Sunday that the Berlin Circle group wants "massive course corrections in climate and energy policy." Lengsfeld said its statement was originally published Tuesday  before President Donald Trump announced the U.S. withdrawal from the Paris climate accord, which Merkel criticized.



The statement doesn't mention the accord, but says the goal of limiting the global temperature rise to below 2 degrees Celsius isn't realistic.



The Berlin Circle, which has criticized various Merkel policies, includes a clutch of lawmakers in her Christian Democrats but not the party's heaviest hitters. It's been fairly isolated so far.
Israel and Senegal have mended diplomatic ties that ruptured after the West African country co-sponsored a U.N. Security Council resolution in December condemning Jewish settlement construction.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu met with Senegalese President Macky Sall in Liberia on the sidelines of the Economic Community of West African States summit.

Israel announced its ambassador will return to Senegal, which, in turn, will support Israel's nomination for observer status at the African Union.

Senegal, New Zealand, Malaysia and Venezuela sponsored last December's Security Council resolution demanding that Israel end its settlement activity on occupied territories Palestinians hope will be part of an eventual independent state.

Netanyahu recalled his countrys envoys to Senegal and New Zealand. Israel has no diplomatic ties with Malaysia and Venezuela.

The resolution passed in the 15-member Security Council because the United States, under the administration of former president Barack Obama, broke with its long-standing approach of diplomatically shielding Israel and did not wield its veto power, instead abstaining.

The vote also soured Israeli relations with Washington.
Michel Kafando has been sworn in as Burkina Faso's interim president, with the task of steering the West African country back to civilian rule.

Kafando pledged to respect both the constitution and the transitional charter during a nationally-televised ceremony Tuesday in the capital, Ouagadougou.

The new president is now tasked with naming a prime minister and helping to create a 25-person interim government that will lead Burkina Faso to new elections in a year.

Burkina Faso's military took power November 1st after the abrupt resignation of longtime president Blaise Compaore.

Kafando was chosen as interim president Monday by a committee of army representatives, politicians and civil society and religious leaders. The 72-year-old leader will not be allowed to run for president in the upcoming elections.

Before stepping down, Mr. Compaore ruled Burkina Faso for 27 years. He resigned in the face of violent protests against his efforts to change the constitution so he could run for another term.

On Saturday, army-installed leader Isaac Zida said he had restored the constitution following two weeks of military rule. The African Union had threatened Burkina Faso with sanctions unless he returned power to a civilian-led government.
Despite a lull after hostilities earlier this week, tensions remain high across the militarized border between Ethiopia and Eritrea.

Eritrea claimed Thursday it had killed more than 200 Ethiopian troops and wounded more than 300. A Ministry of Information statement did not say how many Eritrean troops were killed or wounded.

There has been no independent confirmation of the figures released by Eritrea in a government statement Thursday.

In an interview with VOA's Horn of Africa Service, Ethiopia's Communications Minister Getachew Reda suggested the figures are inaccurate but stopped short of denying them.

He also said Ethiopia has no interest in disclosing its assessment of damages during the battle.

'Active hostilities'

Reda added that "active hostilities ... launched by the regime in Asmara" were stopped, and Ethiopia was prepared to repel what it views as Eritrean hostilities.

What we do next will ultimately depend on what the regime in Asmara decides to do next, Reda said.

Awet Weldemichael, a professor of history at Queens University in Kingston, Canada, said despite the fact that these clashes were dismissed by some as skirmishes similar to others that have periodically flared up, they were quite serious.

These involved heavy bombardment using medium- and long-range artillery weapons and it went on both sides," Weldemichael said. "These were not mobile units or militia using their handguns or light weapons. So that makes it different in scale which means that there are damages endured by either or both sides."

He also said the Eritrean ministry statement issued Thursday that cited casualties must be viewed cautiously and skeptically since there is no independent media on the ground to corroborate it.

U.S. State Department spokesman John Kirby issued a statement Tuesday stating that the U.S. is concerned about military action and called on both governments to exercise restraint and engage in political dialogue, referencing the 2000 Cessation of Hostilities Agreement.

On Wednesday, U.N. Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon held a pre-scheduled meeting with Ethiopian Prime Minister Hailemariam Desalegn and discussed the conflict, stressing that both parties need to continue the application of restraint and a peaceful resolution through political means.

Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma, chairperson of the Commission of the African Union (AU), similarly stated that Ethiopia and Eritrea need to refrain from statements and actions likely to aggravate the situation and further endanger regional stability.

Time for solutions

International observers said the June 12 clash between Eritrean and Ethiopian forces is just the latest of a long series of violent incidents that have erupted between the two nations over the past five years.

Among those closely following the events is Cedric Barnes, the Nairobi-based Horn of Africa project director for the International Crisis Group.

Since 2011, there have been eight confrontations along the militarized border, Barnes said. Some have directly involved the national militaries of the two countries, while others involve rebel groups supported by one side or the other.

Once it seems that this action has died down and various forces withdrawn maybe to their original positions it [reoccurs] nevertheless and shows how tense the border is, how vulnerable it is to flare ups, Barnes said.

He said that reliable information about the latest incident is difficult to come by with many of the accounts coming from people who are not on the ground. Tensions have heightened recently with Ethiopia threatening to take proportional military action if it saw a threat.

It is very difficult to say that what particularly precipitated this incident apart from the fact that the very presence and unresolved nature of that border means that the tensions can spill over very quickly, Barnes said.

He said that over the past several years Eritrea has become more confident in its international standing and better funded due to its participation in the Saudi-led coalition in Yemen, the United Arab Emirates use of Eritreas port of Assab and its engagement with the European Union.

Eritrea was really on the back foot, but now it feels a little bit more secure and Ethiopia is more concerned about the capacity of Eritrea to cause it trouble, he said.

However, Weldemichael, of Queens University, said the responsibility is now squarely on the governments of Ethiopia and Eritrea.

The international community has lost years worth of opportunities to push both in the right direction, he said.

"Whatever the reality on the ground, this is tragic. Its going to be another tragedy of epic proportions for these two countries to go back to conflict however low intensity," Weldemichael said.

"Its high time that the international community gears up to address the root causes of this problem and compel the two countries to abide by international law and normalize relations, he added.
U.S. Secretary of Defense Jim Mattis used a top regional security forum in Singapore this weekend to try and reassure Asia that the United States is not backing away from

its enduring commitment to the region. How convinced Washingtons allies and partners in the region will be, remains to be seen, analysts say.



Mattis did not say much on the sidelines of the meetings, noting that he was largely at the Shangri-La Dialogue to listen. He met with regional allies and partners in between sessions at the forum, including holding a tri-lateral with Japan and South Korea. Early Sunday, he had a unique get-together with all 10 defense chiefs from the Association of Southeast Asian Nations.

Enduring commitment



In his speech, however, the Trump administrations first real address to the region as a whole, he talked at length about the importance of rules-based international order and how every country, both big and small, should have a voice in shaping the international system.





He said the United States is a Pacific nation and that five states  including his home state of Washington  have shorelines along that big body of water.



Since Trump stepped into office, both Mattis and Secretary of State Rex Tillerson have made several trips to the region, a point the secretary of defense says highlights Washingtons enduring commitment to the security and prosperity of the region.



That enduring commitment is based on strategic interests, and on shared values of free people, free markets and a strong and vibrant economic partnership, a partnership open to all nations regardless of their size, their populations or the number of ships in their navies, or any other qualifier, he said.



He also pledged that the United States would continue to expand its ability to work with others to secure a peaceful, prosperous and free Asia, one with respect for all nations upholding international law.



We recognize no nation is an island isolated from the others, we stand with our allies and the international community to address pressing security challenges, and do so together, he said.



Lingering questions



Kurt Campbell, former assistant secretary of state for East Asian and Pacific affairs said Mattis's speech did a very good job in describing continuity in the United States position toward the region.



If it was his speech on its own, I think I would be reassured. I think the larger challenge though, it comes in a larger context, Campbell said.



The speech was strong and reassuring, Campbell said, but it came just after the president pulled out of the Paris climate change accord. Last week at NATO President Trump chose not to affirm Article 5 of the NATO charter  which states that an attack on one is an attack on all.



A first for any president, Campbell adds.



Shortly after that, speaking on the campaign trail, German Chancellor Angela Merkel said: the times in which we could rely fully on others  they are somewhat over.





President Donald Trumps policy moves, be it the Paris agreement or his earlier departure from the Asian regional economic trade bloc  the Trans Pacific Partnership  have raised questions about the road ahead both in Europe and Asia.



Some wonder if Trumps America First policy moves are a sign Washington is abdicating its global leadership role. Others have noted the space it has created for China to assert its expanding economic and diplomatic clout.



Campbell said that what was clear from the defense secretarys speech was that there is an undeniable gap between the strong traditional approaches of Secretary Mattis, Tillerson, others and the president.



We don't have an answer yet about where we are going on TPP, we dont have an answer yet on trade, we dont have an answer yet for our support for institutions, Campbell said. The region is patient, they have given the United States the benefit of the doubt, but that wont last very much longer.



Power of the purse



Some, however, are not as worried, noting that the president has only been in office for several months and that the frequent visits his officials have made to the region highlight a continued commitment to the region.



In addition to Mattis and his delegation, U.S. lawmakers also attended the security forum, including bi-partisan delegations from the Senate and the House Armed Services Committee. The house delegation was led by Republican Mac Thornberry, who said that much like Mattis they were there to convey their commitment to the region.



Thornberry recently introduced legislation in the House that if approved, would authorize $2.1 billion in spending for the Asia Pacific for capacity building, military training and munitions.



Congress is a co-equal branch and so I think youre going to see a continued effort on behalf of Congress to engage, our presence here is an example of that, we also have power of the purse, said Democratic Congresswoman Stephanie Murphy. Where you make investments also demonstrates your commitment.



Thornberrys legislation is for one year. In the Senate, John McCain has introduced multi-year funding stream for the Asia Pacific region.
German Chancellor Angela Merkel said Sunday in a statement that she had learned with sadness and dismay about the attacks in London.

Today, we are united beyond all borders in horror and sorrow, but also in determination, she said.

She added ... in the fight against every form of terrorism, we stand firmly and with determination at Britains side.

Shocking and cowardly

French President Emmanuel Macron said French citizens were among those wounded in Saturdays abominable and cowardly attack and France will continue fighting terrorism with all our strength alongside Britain and all other countries concerned.

London has a large French population, and the Elysee Palace said security would be tightened for expatriates voting in London Sunday in the upcoming French parliamentary election.

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi condemned the attacks, saying they caused shock and anguish.

Islamic terror not yet confirmed

Australian Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull said Sunday two Australians were affected by the attack. One was confirmed to be in a hospital, and Australian officials were working to determine the status of the second person.

While the British authorities have not confirmed that the attackers were by Muslim extremists, Turnbull has assumed that they are.

This attack is yet another cruel example of the new reality in which we live, the ever-present threat of murderous Islamist terrorists, intent to harm our communities, our way of life and the freedoms we hold dear, he said.

Russian President Vladimir Putin said he condemns the attack.

The Kremlin said Putin sent a telegram to Prime Minister Theresa May saying joint efforts to fight terrorism should be stepped up.

NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg said We stand together with the people of London.

This has been a terrifying experience for many people, said Cressida Dick, Londons Metropolitan Police commissioner of the London Bridge attack that killed seven people and wounded 48. She said increased patrols will include armed officers. British police traditionally do not carry weapons. She urged London residents to remain calm and be very vigilant.
Officials in Pakistan say counterterrorism forces have destroyed a major suspected Islamic State stronghold in the countrys southwest, killing 12 hardcore terrorists.

A military statement Sunday said the intelligence-led raid targeted the militant hideout in the hilly Mastung district in Baluchistan province and the ensuing gunfight that lasted for two days also injured five security forces, including two officers.

Terrorists were hiding inside a cave for planning, coordination and execution of terrorist activities in Baluchistan. It added that the successful operation foiled attempts to undertake terrorist activities in the province, particularly in its capital city of Quetta.

Mostly members of a banned Sunni militant organization, Lashkar-e-Jhangvi or LeJ, were occupying the base, a provincial government official told VOA. He requested anonymity because the military alone is authorized to publicly share details of such security operations.

Pakistani authorities believe LeJ operatives have aligned themselves with the Syrian-based terrorist group to help it establish a foothold in the country.

It was one of the biggest operations in last many years in a single [Pakistani] district, killing hardcore mid-level and senior leadership of the terrorist outfit, the official explained. He added that the militants were somehow related to all major terrorist attacks that have struck Baluchistan recently, he added.

IS has claimed responsibly for major suicide bombings in recent months that killed scores of people in the province and elsewhere in Pakistan. The latest such attack took place near Quetta last month when an IS suicide bomber killed 25 people and wounded dozens of others.

Local media said that the counterterrorism operation in Mastung was launched after intelligence reports suggested two Chinese nationals kidnapped from Quetta last week were being held in the area, though officials declined to comment on the reports.

The abductees, a man and a woman, were Chinese-language instructors based in the provincial capital.

Pakistan officials maintain that IS does not have an organized presence in the country, but acknowledge the groups recruiters have been approaching people, particularly university and students through social media.

Baluchistan is at the center of a massive mega project of constructing road and rail links, as well as power plants, in Pakistan with Chinese financial assistance of more than $50 billion.

The largest Pakistani province is rich with minerals and other natural resources, but it is also allegedly host to a number of militant groups, including members of the Afghan Taliban. Additionally, ethnic Baluch separatists have also been waging a low-level insurgency in Baluchistan for decades.

Brahumdagh Bugit, one of the key insurgent leaders living in exile abroad, dismissed Sunday's official claims security forces targeted religious extremists in his native province. Pakistan Army is attacking civilians in Mastung & Kalat with gunship helicopters for past several days. Celebrating [the holy Islamic month of] Ramadan by killing Baloch, Bugti alleged in a statement posted on his Twitter account.
U.S. Vice President Mike Pence said Saturday that its great to have a president who is more concerned with Des Moines than Denmark, after rolling up to a political fundraiser on a motorcycle.

Pence was in Iowa Saturday at a fundraiser for Senator Joni Ernst dubbed Roast and Ride, a barbecue to honor U.S. veterans.

He was referring to President Donald Trumps decision this week to withdraw the United States from the Paris climate accord. He said the president would deliver the tax cuts he promised and repeal the health care reform law passed during the administration of President Barack Obama.

The rally welcomed motorcycle enthusiasts, with the states Republican Party chairman urging the crowd, Rev your engines if you love Joni Ernst!

And Pence quipped, Its great to be back on a Harley.

Haley: Trump believes climate changing

Also Saturday, U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations Nikki Haley told CNN, President Trump believes the climate is changing and he believes pollutants are part of the equation.

Reporters did not get an answer when they asked White House officials Friday about whether the president believes in climate change. In the past, Trump has called climate change a hoax, but he has not declared an opinion since taking office.

Haley added that the president knows that its changing and that the U.S. has to be responsible for it, and thats what were going to do.

Haleys remarks were released ahead of a Sunday airing of CNNs program State of the Union.

Infrastructure plan

Next week Trump is expected to begin a push for his plan to reinforce U.S. infrastructure by overhauling the nations airports, roads and railways. He is expected to propose privatizing the nations air traffic control system and plans to meet with transportation officials to discuss regulatory reform for roads and railways.

Trump has asked Congress for an allotment of $200 billion over the next 10 years to go toward reforming U.S. infrastructure. His plan is meant to encourage state and local governments to lease assets to the private sector to generate funding.

While the Trump White House is still struggling to answer questions about Russian involvement in last years U.S. presidential election, the infrastructure project enjoys broad support from the American public.
Rick Perry twice ran for president and appeared as a contestant on TV's Dancing with the Stars.

But since becoming President Donald Trump's energy secretary, Perry has kept a low profile and rarely has been seen publicly around Washington. Comedian Hasan Minhaj joked at the White House Correspondents' Association dinner that Perry must be "sitting in a room full of plutonium waiting to become Spider-Man. That's just my hunch."

In truth, Perry has been busy  but far away from the capital.

He has toured Energy Department sites around the country, represented the Trump administration at a meeting in Italy and pledged to investigate a tunnel collapse at a radioactive waste storage site in Washington state.

Perry has visited a shuttered nuclear waste dump at Nevada's Yucca Mountain and cautiously began a yearslong process to revive it.

Asia trip

On Thursday, Perry embarked on a nine-day trip to Asia, where he planned to check on the progress made since a 2011 nuclear meltdown in Fukushima, Japan, and reaffirm the U.S. commitment to help decontaminate and decommission damaged nuclear reactors. Perry also was to represent the United States at a clean-energy meeting in Beijing.

The former Texas governor says he's having the time of his life running an agency he once pledged to eliminate. Perry has emerged as a strong defender of the department's work, especially the 17 national labs that conduct cutting-edge research on everything from national security to renewable energy.

"I'm telling you officially the coolest job I've ever had is being secretary of energy ... and it's because of these labs," Perry, 67, told an audience last month at Idaho National Laboratory, one of several he has visited since taking office in March.

"If you work at a national lab ... you are making a difference," Perry said.

The energy chief soon will have a chance to back up those words when he and other officials head to Capitol Hill to defend a budget proposal that slashes funding for science, renewables and energy efficiency.

Paris accord

Perry probably will be asked to defend Trump's decision to withdraw from the landmark Paris climate accord. Perry said Thursday that the U.S. remains committed to clean energy and that he was confident officials could "drive economic growth and protect the environment at the same time."

The administration has called for cutting the Office of Science, which includes 10 national labs, by 17 percent. The proposed budget would reduce spending for renewable and nuclear energy, eliminate the popular Energy Star program to enhance efficiency and gut an agency that promotes research and development of advanced energy technologies.

Perry, who served 14 years as Texas governor, likened the spending plan to an opening offer that he expects to see significantly changed in Congress.

"I will remind you this is not my first rodeo when it comes to budgeting," he said during a recent tour of the Oak Ridge National Laboratory in Tennessee. "Hopefully we will be able to make that argument to our friends in Congress  that what DOE is involved with plays a vital role, not only in the security of America but the economic well-being of the country as we go forward."

Energy lobbyist Frank Maisano said Perry's actions show instincts honed in his tenure as Texas's longest-serving governor.

"He's trying to find out what he needs to find out  hearing about these issues from the front lines," Maisano said.

While Perry will never match the scientific expertise of his most recent predecessors at the Energy Department, nuclear physicists Steven Chu and Ernest Moniz, his political skills may offset that knowledge gap, Maisano said.

Renewable energy support

During his Oak Ridge visit, Perry pledged to be "a strong advocate" for Oak Ridge and other labs. He has spoken out in favor of renewable energy, such as wind and solar power, noting that while he was governor, Texas maintained its traditional role as a top driller for oil and natural gas while emerging as the leading producer of wind power in the United States and a top 10 provider of solar power.

Abigail Hopper, president and CEO of the Solar Energy Industries Association, said she had "a very positive conversation" with Perry at a meeting in April.

"He was very interested in our technology and how it can be utilized," she said in an interview.

Perry also "knew exactly where Texas was in solar installation," Hopper said  No. 9 in the nation, compared with its top ranking among wind-producing states.

Hopper, a former Interior Department official under President Barack Obama, said she and Perry did not discuss her federal service  but did talk about how national labs can boost the solar industry.

"It was good to make that connection between the research and how it translates into the marketplace," she said. "He gets it."
Stories of heroism are being shared in the wake of eight minutes of terror that struck the Borough Market district of London late Saturday.

Seven people died in a stabbing rampage carried out by three men, who also drove a van at Saturday night revelers. Several of the nearly 50 people wounded in the attack remain in a critical condition, police officials say.

But police say there could have been more casualties if staff and customers in pubs and restaurants had not reacted promptly, and others hadnt intervened to slow the attackers.

A speedy response by armed police  the three attackers were shot dead within eight minutes of the alarm being raised  also reduced the number of casualties.

One of the attackers, described by witnesses as a clean-shaven man between 25 and 30 years old, stabbed about half-a-dozen people in the Globe pub before he was shot dead by police. Lewis Bennett told the Guardian newspaper:"People started screaming and running out the back door. He was shouting Allah Akbar, Allah Akbar and he had a British accent."

Bennett said the assailant lunged at police as they entered via a backdoor. One policeman knelt on the floor and fired two shots at the attacker, taking him out instantly.

Unarmed police contained assailants

Before armed officers arrived, unarmed police did their best to confront the attackers. According to the Ken Marsh, chairman of the London police association, three officers from the Metropolitan Police were injured as well as an officer from another police force.There were reports that one of the officers, a rugby-player, grappled with an assailant.

One of the first to intervene as the assailants, armed with long hunting knives, went on their frenzy after crashing their van near London Bridge underground station was a transport policeman who reacted to screams and rushed to confront the attackers. He was stabbed several times, suffering serious but not life-threatening injuries, according to police.

As the attack unfolded, shock and confusion gave way to panic, but staff at several restaurants reacted quickly, locking doors and shepherding customers to cellars or kitchens.

A taxi driver, who picked up two people fleeing the Black & Blue restaurant in Borough Market, told Sky News they thought their actions had saved lives.

They described to me how they prevented the guys from getting into the restaurant, the taxi driver said.

He added: They tried to break in. She managed to hold the door for a few seconds, but then I think they were overpowered. They managed to escape from a rear door, possibly saving a good 20 peoples lives, as they mentioned whilst I took them home. At the pub, as staff and customers retreated, some hurled bottles and cutlery at the attackers.

Likewise, at the Sheaf pub, where the bouncers reacted quickly as fearful people ran in seeking sanctuary.

We didnt really know what was going on, said Will Orton, 25. The bouncers did a really good job, they shut the doors and locked everyone in.

Defending the wounded

Elsewhere in the area, home to many restaurants and pubs that draw large crowds of mainly young people on the weekends, some bystanders sought to defend those being attacked. One man, who gave his name as Gerard, told the BBC he saw the attackers stab one woman a dozen times and heard another wounded man covered in blood pleading for help.

He gave chase as the assailants moved on, shouting at people to run, warning them, Theyre terrorists, theyre stabbing everyone!

At the Southwark Tavern, he saw the men stab a bouncer. With no weapons of his own, he resorted to throwing bottles at them, pint glasses, stools. Customers joined in, throwing chairs, glasses and other large objects to keep the attackers from entering.

Earlier, Holly Jones told reporters she saw a man driving a white van veer onto the pavement at speed.

He swerved right round me and then hit five or six people, she said. He hit about two people in front of me and then three behind and then swerved back into the road. He did this three times before he drove off. It was a blur. Im in total shock. Two of the injured had badly mangled legs.

Gratitude for police response

Many of those caught up in violence spoke of their relief at the quick arrival of armed police.

It was one of those adrenaline-pumping moments, said one young man named Will. It was nerve-wracking for me and the wife. For me the priority was too get out of this safely. I am really impressed how quickly the police and emergency services got here. All credit to them.

Metropolitan Police Assistant Commissioner Mark Rowley said: Armed officers responded very quickly and bravely, confronting three male suspects who were shot and killed in Borough Market. The suspects were wearing what looked like explosive vests but these were later established to be hoaxes.

A counterterrorism official told VOA the fact the men wore such vests meant theyd decided this was a suicide mission.

They would have known we would shoot them on sight with those vests on, he said.

London Mayor Sadiq Khan said he was appalled and furious at attack. He praised the police.

We have the best police and security services in the world. They plan, prepare and rehearse for these sorts of incidents and we saw their swift response last night. We saw the speed with which they shot the terrorists and how they helped the injured as well, Khan said.
Hundreds of protesters gathered Sunday in the northwestern U.S. city of Portland, Oregon, for rallies for and against President Donald Trump, which included some clashes with police and arrests.

The "Trump Free Speech" rally took place on a federally administered site, and drew counter-protests across the street, including one named "No Nazis On Our Streets."

Portland Mayor Ted Wheeler had asked the federal government to revoke the permits for the pro-Trump rally. He had also reached out to the organizers and personally asked them to cancel it in light of a recent stabbing attack on a Portland train. In that attack, a man shouting anti-Muslim insults at two teenage girls was confronted by other riders, and he responded by stabbing three of them, two of whom died.

"I urge them to ask their supporters to stay away from Portland," Wheeler wrote in a Facebook post earlier this week. "There is never a place for bigotry or hatred in our community, and especially not now."

The rally went ahead, with people there saying they were defending their rights.

"It's OK to be a conservative in Portland," organizer Joey Gibson said.

With the people at dueling rallies near City Hall chanting slogans and waving flags and signs, police in riot gear blocked crosswalks and lined a number of downtown parks.

Late in the day, police used flash grenades and pepper balls to disperse a group of protesters, after saying the group was throwing objects at officers.

Witnesses told VOA that tear gas had been fired by police, but that they had seen no further escalation. They did not know why the tear gas had been used.

"I'm honestly terrified of violence," Lauren Cary, a Portland resident attending the "No Nazis on Our Streets" rally told VOA. "There have been talks of the oathbreakers and other militia groups showing up."



"But I also think it's important to say 'get the hell out' of my city to Nazi scum," she added.

Portland Police said a total of 14 people were arrested Sunday, and that officers seized a number of weapons, including knives, bricks and sticks.

No place for bigotry or hatred

A number of small altercations took place between the opposing demonstrations, the majority of them verbal assaults, according to The Oregonian.

Portland Mayor Ted Wheeler had asked the federal government to revoke permits for the "Trump Free Speech Rally," which is taking place in a park under federal jurisdiction. Wheeler said he also reached out to the organizers of the rally and personally asked them to cancel it, particularly in light of the recent tragedy.

I urge them to ask their supporters to stay away from Portland, Wheeler wrote in a Facebook post earlier this week. There is never a place for bigotry or hatred in our community, and especially not now.

The rally did not heed the mayor's calls.

On May 26, a man on a train in Portland targeted two teenagers with an anti-Muslim rant, then killed two people and wounded another who confronted him.

Portland Police have said one of the two young women on the train was wearing a hijab, and that the attacker ranted on many topics using "hate speech or biased language."
Chef Majed cracks eggs into a mixer and blends mayonnaise when we meet in Washington. He tosses fresh greens in a food processor, and he seasons the mix. Its part of a thick, yellow sauce hell use to coat chunks of chicken skewered for kabobs, just like his mom used to make.

The kitchen plays a big role for every family in Syria, he tells me. My mother is an excellent cook. I used to help her and learn from her.  I havent seen her in five years. I wish I can see her and taste her cooking, because I consider her the greatest.

Majed, who asked VOA not to use his last name, began his journey to America when his parents urged him to leave Syria amid constant war.

Watch: Aspiring Chefs Thrive at Washington Restaurant Incubator

First stop, Jordan

He found refuge in Jordan where he stayed for three years. But social media reminded him of why he fled.

My hometown was subject to shelling and strikes. We werent able to see or go back to our house. I  started to see my city and my home in pictures on Facebook and on the internet. I saw pictures of my home in ruins.  It hurts me to think about it now.

Meanwhile, he struggled to find a job.

The Jordanian police prohibited me from working, and there was no help from the government. I was living in a house, and I had to pay rent.

When he ultimately found work, he found new challenges.

I had to keep it a secret. In a secret place. In any moment I could have been taken away by the police, deported back to Syria or taken to a camp.

Love and marriage

But as in many great stories, love happened, and Majed got married.

I wasnt able to prove my marriage for eight months in the Jordanian court, he says with a smile. It was problematic yet comical at the same time. My wife was pregnant and about to give birth at any moment, and we werent married by law. And in our countries this is a very big problem.

But then his phone rang, and his life was again about to change. He and his fledgling family, he now had two daughters, were going to the U.S. as refugees.

I was so happy, he says.

Foodhini

Chef Majed now cooks for an online restaurant called Foodhini that works with immigrant and refugee chefs who prepare traditional dishes from the lands they fled.

Owner Noobstaa Philip Vang's parents came to the U.S. as refugees after the Vietnam War.

I  was just really missing some of my moms home cooking and wished I could just go to auntie or grandma in the neighborhood and just buy some of their food, he says.

And so, Foodhini was born. Its one of 70 food businesses growing at Union Kitchen in whats called a food incubator, where fledgling businesses without the means for a brick-and-mortar operation rent space in a professional kitchen.

And while the kitchen, the country and the language are new, Majeds cooking transports him back to the old life that he knew.

Any dish I make reminds me of Syria. Reminds me of my country, my family, my mother. Every dish is a reminder.

Seemingly worlds away from the ravages of war back home, Majed now optimistically looks toward the future.

Like any father I have a dream for my girls that they have a bright future. I have worked to give them a generous life so that they wouldnt be in need of anything  whether it be schools, university, or anything. When they told me I would be coming to America, I dreamed like anybody else that I would live with my wife and kids a bountiful life. And God willing, life will be good and I will be able to provide.
Rights activists in Hong Kong are set to commemorate the anniversary of Chinas Tiananmen Square protests, once again calling on China to revise its official explanation of the event.

Sunday marks 28 years since Chinese tanks rolled into crowds of demonstrators in Tiananmen Square, opening fire and killing hundreds of pro-democracy activists. Some estimates put the total number of dead in the thousands.

Chinas government refers to the event as the June 4th Incident and downplays its severity. Discussion of the event in media or textbooks is largely forbidden.

But in Hong Kong, activists remember the June 4 protests every year and mourn the victims. Richard Choi of Hong Kongs Alliance in Support of the Patriotic Movement in China told reporters this week that the groups work will remain unfinished until the government revises its official explanation of the event.

Keeping memories alive

While some say that Chinese born after 1989 are largely unaware of the Tiananmen Square protests, Choi said students and other young adults in Hong Kong are keeping the memory alive.

Various student groups have held their own memorial activities in various forms over the past two or three years," he said. "I think the younger generation does still care about June 4.

Britain gave Hong Kong back to the Chinese in 1997, but it has retained much of its traditions of free speech and association. Critics, however, say those freedoms are being weakened as time goes on.

Lee Cheuk-yan, another leader of the Alliance in Support of the Patriotic Movement in China, told reporters a candlelight vigil his group is hosting Sunday also is a way to express anger at Chinese authorities ahead of the 20th anniversary of the British turnover of Hong Kong to Beijing July 1.

HRW: China buries the truth

Human Rights Watch called on Beijing this week to acknowledge its role in the deaths of the Tiananmen Square protesters in 1989, and allow Chinese citizens to commemorate the event. It also called on Chinese leaders to release people imprisoned for speaking out about the protests in the past.

While President Xi Jinping preaches openness on the world stage, his government buries the truth about the Tiananmen Massacre through silence, denial and persecution of those who mark the occasion," Sophie Richardson, the groups China director, said. She added, Until Beijing reverses course and owns up to its past atrocities, Xis calls have little credibility.

The Tiananmen Square protests were born out of peaceful protests held in public in several Chinese cities in April 1989, calling for freedom of expression and an end to government corruption. The Chinese government responded by declaring martial law in May.

On June 3 and 4, members of the military opened fire on the demonstrators in Beijing. Some fought back by attacking military convoys and setting military vehicles alight. The government responded by cracking down on dissent and arresting thousands for counterrevolution, arson and disrupting social order.

While some of the protesters and supporters have since died or otherwise gone silent in the past 28 years, new evidence illustrating the event is still surfacing. On June 1, The New York Times published photographs taken at Tiananmen Square in 1989 by David Chen, then a university student and pro-democracy organizer, who moved to the United States in 2012.

Twenty-eight years have passed, Chen told the Times. The world should know what happened.
June 5th marks the 50th anniversary of a preemptive Israeli airstrike that destroyed the Egyptian air force on the ground, paving the way for Israel to defeat Egypt, Jordan and Syria in what came to be known as the "Six Day War."

Israels lightning victory over its Arab neighbors in June of 1967 stunned the world and surprised even the Israelis themselves. Most analysts agree that the Six Day War transformed the Arab-Israeli conflict, the Middle East as a whole, and U.S.-Israeli ties forever.

Tamara Cofman Wittes, a Middle East expert with the Brookings Institution, listed some of the far-reaching changes that followed the conflict in 1967: You know, the Israeli pushback of the combined Arab armies and the conquest of territory suddenly gave Israel cards to play in negotiations with the Arab states that it did not have before. There's a direct line from the 1967 wars outcome in Israel's conquest of Sinai and the Egyptian-Israeli Peace Treaty.

And in some ways, it was the defeat in 1967 and the need to get the Sinai back that helped shift Egypt out of the Soviet orbit toward the United States," Cofman Wittes added. "And ultimately, to get Egypt to conclude that historic peace with Israel, which really changed the fundamental reality of the Arab-Israeli conflict and began a diplomatic process led by the United States that we are still involved in today.

Sarah Yerkes, another Middle East expert, works for the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace. In her view, it is key that Israel won control of Jerusalem and increased the buffer zone separating the Jewish state from its neighbors: At that time in 1967, when you have enemies coming from all sides, expanding your territory is important, just militarily and strategically.

However, that expansion meant that Israel was suddenly controlling a large Palestinian population. The occupied territory and the claims by both Israelis and Palestinians for their own independent state form the crux of the unresolved conflict five decades later. Two generations of Israelis and Palestinians have never known anything but physical and psychological separation, and that has framed their views.

Young Israeli and Palestinian are more skeptical than their parents and grandparents of the prospects for a two-state solution," said Cofman Wittes. "Majorities of Israelis and Palestinians still prefer a two-state outcome to any other outcome of their conflict. But they believe less and less that its going happen in their lifetimes.

The Brooking Institution analyst said that skepticism is a real obstacle to any leader who might want to take big steps toward peace.

During a recent visit to Israel, President Donald Trump said he is personally committed to helping Israelis and Palestinians achieve a peace agreement, and that he believes leaders on both sides want peace.

Carnegie analyst Sarah Yerkes cautions that even if Israeli and Palestinian leaders could overcome domestic pressures to try to forge a peace deal, the negotiations themselves would require a lot of U.S. manpower and focus. She also noted the Trump administration continuing inability to fill key positions at the State Department to sustain such an effort.

Cofman Wittes, who describes herself as skeptical about the near-term chances for an agreement resolving the Middle East crisis, said Trumps avowed intention to move the peace process forward as best he can should be taken seriously.
June 5th marks the 50th anniversary of a preemptive Israeli airstrike that destroyed the Egyptian air force on the ground, paving the way for Israel to defeat Egypt, Jordan and Syria. It became known as the "Six-Day War." Analysts agree that the war transformed the U.S.-Israeli relationship and the balance of power in the Middle East. VOAs Diplomatic Correspondent Cindy Saine reports from the State Department.
South Africa's anti-graft watchdog will investigate the government's providing of protection services to former African Union (AU) Commission chair Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma, its spokesman said on Sunday.

Dlamini-Zuma, once married to President Jacob Zuma and seen as a front-runner to succeed him, in March concluded her five-year tenure as AU Commission chairwoman and has made several public appearances in South Africa since.

An investigation into Dlamini-Zuma, seen as Zuma's preferred candidate by political analysts, is bad news for the scandal-plagued president who survived a no-confidence vote by his own party's highest body last week.

The Democratic Alliance (DA), the largest opposition party, in April complained that Dlamini-Zuma is enjoying protection services afforded to visiting heads of state or elected representatives, while she holds no official position.

"Dlamini-Zuma is a clear candidate in the ANC leadership succession race, and her use of VIP Presidential Protection as she campaigns is clearly another ANC abuse of public money," the Democratic Alliance said in a statement on Sunday.

The Public Protector's spokeswoman, Cleopatra Mosana, said the anti-graft watchdog will investigate Dlamini-Zuma's use of VIP protection services.

"Yes it will," she said, without elaborating.

The African National Congress' women's league endorsed the party veteran and former minister as presidential candidate in January, though the ruling party has not officially given the go-ahead to campaign for an elective conference in December.
Joint patrols by three Southeast Asian countries in the Sulu Sea may be the start of a larger regional effort to keep Islamic militants at bay, officials said Sunday.



The patrols will be conducted by forces from Indonesia, the Philippines and Malaysia, starting with sea operations this month, with air and land patrols starting at a later date.



The initiative in the Sulu Sea, an area bounded by the Malaysian state of Sabah and the southern Philippines, is a collective agreement that is followed by the operational level, Indonesian Defense Minister Ryamizard Ryacudu said. It will feature joint command posts and exercises between the trios ground forces.

Islamic militants in region



Joint patrols are an attempt to prevent and protect our border, to close the border so that militants dont go to other areas, Ryamizard said. If the situation escalates and extends to other waters, we would like to request other countries to join.



Indonesia has the worlds largest Muslim population. Ryamizard was speaking at the Shangri-La Dialogue, a security conference in Singapore attended by defense ministers and experts from 39 countries.





The presence of Islamic militants has been felt in the region. Philippine troops are struggling to end a bloody siege by 500 Islamic State group-aligned extremists in the southern city of Marawi, one of the boldest militant attacks in Southeast Asia in years.



Forty foreigners involved in the Marawi attack may have found a path through the Sulu Sea, said Ricardo David Jr., undersecretary for defense policy at the Philippine Department of National Defense.

They have a back channels corridor in our country, probably in the area of Sulu Sea and Celebes Sea, that they can proceed to Mindanao and link with the terrorist units in the area, he said.



The joint patrols are not conducted under the umbrella of the 10-member Association of Southeast Asian Nations, of which Indonesia, the Philippines and Malaysia are part.



ASEAN is not a military bloc. It is a defense corporation. If there are any issues, we have to find commonalities out of the organization, Ryamizard said.

Common enemy



Still, the objectives are aligned.

The very threat we face is a common enemy. Terrorists are the enemy. Especially in ASEAN, we dont have any differences. I believe this can be a framework for other countries like the Middle East, he added.



Singapore Defense Minister Ng Eng Hen said that he has offered assistance in the form of an information-sharing center at Changi Naval Base.



China has been asked to contribute its ships. Responding to a question from a member of the Chinese delegation, Ryamizard said: It is like peace patrols. It is very important to underline that it is joint peace patrols.



The inclusion of China is sensitive as the country has pitted itself against smaller Southeast Asian neighbors in claiming disputed islands, coral reefs and lagoons in the South China Sea.



The three-day security conference, which ends Sunday, also focused on the nuclear ambitions of North Korea.
Syrian government forces pounded parts of the southern city of Daraa with air strikes and artillery fire, activists reported Sunday, one day after rebels attacked government positions in the southern city.



Much of Daraa has been reduced to rubble and the two sides are exchanging fire through the shells of buildings, according to footage released by Syrian military media and the al-Qaida-linked Abaa News Agency over the weekend.



Local opposition activist Ahmad al-Masalmeh recorded 90 missile and bomb strikes by government forces by the afternoon. Syrian military media footage showed clouds of smoke and dust rising over the city.



At least 31 fighters have been killed in the clashes since late Friday, with fatalities distributed nearly evenly between the two sides, according to the Britain-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights monitoring group.



The fighting has underscored the frailty of the "de-escalation" agreement brokered by Russia, Turkey, and Iran one month ago. The three powers are supposed to guarantee cease-fires across four zones in Syria, including Daraa. Russia said it would delineate the four zones by Sunday, but no announcement has yet been made.



Earlier in the weekend, rebels, including al-Qaida-linked fighters, attacked government and allied positions in the city's Manshiyeh district.



"The regime sent 200 of its men to Manshiyeh yesterday. The fighters were afraid of an operation, so they attacked first," al-Masalmeh told The Associated Press.



Casualties could not be independently verified, but a rebel operations room said several Hezbollah fighters had been killed. The Lebanese militant group has deployed thousands of its fighters to Syria in support of President Bashar Assad's forces.



The Observatory said at least three different parts of the city came under rocket and missile attack by government forces on Sunday, and that rebels returned fire.



Syrian military media distributed footage showing its planes and artillery striking built up areas.



The government and its allies have sent reinforcements to the city, including at least seven tanks and 20 other armed vehicles, according to al-Masalmeh, who said rebels could see the government's troop movements on the highway connecting Daraa to Damascus.



Daraa saw some of the earliest demonstrations against the Assad family's four-decade rule in 2011. A violent government crackdown and the rise of an armed insurgency eventually plunged the country into civil war.



The fighting has displaced half of Syria's population and claimed some 400,000 lives.



Daraa's population was around 100,000 before the war.



Elsewhere in Syria, the U.S.-backed Syrian Democratic Forces reported capturing a third dam from Islamic State militants on the Euphrates River in the north on Sunday as they approached Raqqa, the militants' de facto capital. A spokeswoman for the SDF said Saturday the group would launch its battle for Raqqa "within days."



The Kurdish-led group aims to establish an autonomous zone along the Turkish border.
A few hundred meters from Washington's National Cathedral, one of the country's largest Christian churches, Sikhs gathered at the citys gurdwara  a Sikh place of worship  Saturday for an afternoon of workshops, music and art to honor victims of gun violence.

The Sikh community is no stranger to gun violence, Amrita Bamrah of the Sikh American Legal Defense Fund (SALDEF) said in her opening statement at the event.

SALDEF organized the event in solidarity with Wear Orange  a campaign started by friends of a Chicago victim of gun violence who chose to wear orange, symbolizing the color hunters wear to protect themselves in the woods.

The Washington Sikh community's SALDEF Wears Orange observance, followed National Gun Violence Awareness Day, marked nationwide on Friday.

Sikhs increasingly targeted

Devout male Sikhs are required to keep their hair long and wear turbans as a commitment to their faith. Followers of the Sikh faith, a monotheistic religion that originated in northern India, are often confused with Muslims, and have increasingly been the victims of hate crimes over the past year, according to reports by Georgetown University's Bridge Initiative and the Southern Poverty Law Center.

In March, a Sikh-American in Washington state was shot in the arm in his own driveway and told to go back to your own country.

The most deadly attack on Sikhs in the U.S. occurred on August 5, 2012, at a gurdwara in Oak Creek, Wisconsin. Six Sikhs were fatally shot by a white supremacist who shot himself to death as police closed in.

At Saturday's event in Washington, there was scarcely any talk about policy or American gun laws. "We're just creating a space to honor lives  a kind of vigil through art and performances," Bamrah told VOA. "It's not at all focused on policy."

Mixed views on gun policy

Though members of the Sikh-American community, like many others, are divided in their opinions about laws limiting private ownership of firearms, those who took part in the Washington Gurdwara's event could at least agree that they would work together to combat gun violence and to increase awareness of the issues within the Sikh community.

I was a gun owner at the age of 18 and I still am, Kamal Saini, the son of one of the victims of the Oak Creek shooting, told attendees.

Saini, a member of the U.S. Marine Corps, which he called arguably the biggest gun club in the U.S., said he decided to enlist to honor his mother.

My mom was very patriotic. ... She loved the American dream  running a business, driving American muscle. She loved this country, she really did.

But he worries that an unwillingness to talk about guns in the Sikh community, even after Oak Creek and other tragedies, will only lead to more Sikhs being killed.

The important thing is to go out and go to events like this  where its non-political-friendly, where I can actually speak from the heart, he told VOA.

Before Sainis speech, Vishavjit Singh, an activist known as Sikh Captain America, conducted a workshop asking attendees to guess how many Americans die every day as a result of gun violence (93, according to government data). Then he asked everyone to estimate how many of those killed by guns were victims of homicide (34 percent), suicide (62 percent) or terrorism (a minuscule amount).

Like Saini, Singh also believes that regardless of political leanings, the Sikh community needs to pay more attention to gun violence in America.

There are three reasons why South Asians should be worried about gun violence, Singh told the attendees, as he listed criminal incidents, Sikh-on-Sikh crimes and hate crimes.

Over the past year, at least two Sikh men were shot and killed in New Jersey and South Carolina in armed robberies at gas stations. Neither incident was found to be motivated by racial or religious discrimination.

This problem impacts us and were going to have to be part of the solution ourselves, he said.

Following the speeches and a musical performance with a classical Indian interlude, attendees were invited to express their feelings through painting and posing for pictures. And, as is common at any Sikh gathering, the event concluded as it began three hours earlier  with plenty of food.
Afghanistans Taliban has stormed a key northern district as the turmoil-hit nation reeled from last weeks deadly suicide bombings with demands growing for the national unity government to quit for failing to provide security.

Insurgents assaulted Imam Sahib early Sunday and are said to be moving closer to the district center after inflicting heavy casualties on government forces and overrunning surrounding villages, according to a Taliban spokesman.

But district governor Imamuddin Qureshi told VOA that Afghan forces are fiercely retaliating to push the Taliban back and military reinforcements have also arrived from the provincial capital of Kunduz to assist them. He confirmed the clashes killed at least six soldiers and 10 insurgents.

Separately, authorities in southern Kandahar province confirmed two policemen shot dead six colleagues and wounded many others at a security installation early Sunday. The assailants, suspected Taliban infiltrators, were killed while trying to flee by Afghan troops.

The Taliban confirmed the assailants were its members who joined the police ranks just to carry out such an attack.

Intensified insurgent battlefield attacks come as demands for President Ashraf Ghanis national unity government to quit continue to grow after terrorist attacks last week in Kabul.

A massive suicide truck bomb on Wednesday ripped through the highly-secure diplomatic sector of the capital, killing at least 90 people and wounding more than 450 others, including foreigners.

The deadliest terrorist strike in years outraged residents and they took to the streets demanding Ghani and his Chief Executive Abdullah Abdullah resign.

An anti-government demonstration on Friday turned violent, prompting Afghan security forces to open fire on the crowd. One of several people killed in the clashes was about to be buried in a Kabul cemetery Saturday when three suicide bombers struck the crowd.

Abdullah and several ministers, who were also present at the funeral service, narrowly escaped the attack that killed at least eight people and wounded more than 100.

Nearly 700 casualties in the three back-to-back incidents in Kabul have made the last week the bloodiest for the Afghan capital in three decades. The Taliban said it had nothing to do with the attacks and blamed internal rivalries in the government.

Speaking after the attack on the funeral, Abdullah demanded thorough investigations into the bombing, which appears to have deepened his rifts with Ghani.

Will soon announce our position towards terrorists within the system and on holding them to account at the national level, said Foreign Minister Salahuddin Rabbani on his official Twitter account after the bombing. Rabbani, who was also at the funeral, is a member of Abdullahs Jamiat-e Islami political party.

Opposition politicians have also intensified their demands for Ghani and Abdullah to step down for failing to undertake promised reforms to security and other government institutions to rid them of corrupt elements.

I have spoken with a broad spectrum of Afghanistans political leaders, highlighting the importance of unity. They agreed that working together is essential to stop the cycle of violence. Calm is now called for, said Tadamichi Yamamoto, head of the U.N. Assistance Mission in Afghanistan. He reiterated his call for seeking a negotiated settlement to the Afghan conflict.

Meaningful steps must take place now to obtain an immediate, nationwide halt to violence. I encourage all parties to enter discussions toward that end, said Tadamichi.

The United States also called for Afghan leaders to stay united under the challenging circumstances.

The enemy seeks to manipulate the peoples anger and sadness to create division and sow instability, a U.S. embassy statement quoted Special Charge dAffaires Ambassador Hugo Llorens as saying.

Now is the time, to stand unified and announce to the enemies loud and clear that Afghans, along with their international partners, will not allow cowards to break the Afghan resolve to achieve a prosperous, stable, and peaceful nation, noted the American diplomat.

A presidential statement said Ghani chaired a meeting Sunday of his National Security Council to discuss security for the Kabul Process meeting scheduled for Tuesday where delegates will discuss how to bring an end to the increasingly deadly Afghan war.

The controversy-marred presidential election in 2014 prompted the United States to help mediate a deal between Ghani, an ethnic Pashtun, and Abdullah, an ethnic Tajik, to form the unity government.

But differences over a number of issues, including appointments to key posts in security and other government institutions, critics say, have hampered international-backed efforts to bring security and political stability to the conflict-shattered country.

The internal rifts coupled with rampant corrupt state institutions are blamed for the deterioration in national security and territorial insurgent gains on the battlefield.
Protests were underway Saturday in more than 135 cities in the U.S. and around the world to demand an impartial investigation into any potential collusion between President Donald Trump's campaign and Russia to influence last year's election in Trump's favor.

The "March for Truth" protests were organized by a national coalition of 17 activist groups, including the Women's March and the Progressive Democrats of America.

The coalition is demanding that an independent commission be established to oversee an impartial probe and that ongoing congressional investigations be "properly resourced and free of partisan interests."

Both houses of Congress are investigating potential Trump campaign links to Russia and Moscow's meddling in the election. In addition, the Justice Department appointed former FBI Director Robert Mueller as a special counsel to probe whether Trump campaign aides illegally colluded with Russia.

The investigations were launched after U.S. intelligence agencies concluded Russia had hacked the computer servers of the Democratic National Committee last year to try to harm the campaign of Democratic Party candidate Hillary Clinton, whom political analysts say Russian President Vladimir Putin despised.

So far, though, no evidence has been released showing any collusion between the Trump campaign and Russia during the election.

Democratic Representative Jamie Raskin of Maryland, who spoke at an anti-Trump rally in Washington, told VOA he would like to see an additional investigation of any potential collusion, on top of the three current investigations.

"No Democratic politicians, no Republican politicians. An independent, nonpartisan commission outside of Congress to investigate what happened and deliver us a report," Raskin said.

Trump has rejected allegations of collusion and dismissed the U.S. intelligence community's assessment that Putin ordered an influence campaign aimed at disrupting the November election. Putin has repeated there is no evidence of Kremlin involvement in the election.

WATCH: Protesters chant demanding justice

"March for Truth" organizers were also demanding that Trump release his personal tax returns. Trump has repeatedly refused to disclose them, raising the ire of critics who contend his refusal leaves citizens without information regarding his potential conflicts of interest or how his proposed tax policy overhaul may help enrich himself. There is no law compelling a U.S. president to release tax returns.

The "March for Truth" protests were the latest in a number of weekend anti-Trump protests since his election, including the Women's March in January and the March for Science in April.

While anti-Trump protesters in the U.S. capital held their event near the Washington Monument on Saturday, a group of about 250 Trump supporters gathered a few blocks away, in front of the White House, for a "Pittsburgh Not Paris" rally to celebrate Trump's decision to pull out of the Paris climate change agreement.

Trump announced Thursday his decision to pull out of the global climate agreement, joining Syria and Nicaragua as the only countries that are not part of it.

Steve Buckingham, the executive director of the Fairfax County (Virginia) Republican Committee, co-sponsored the event. He told VOA the "Pittsburgh Not Paris" rally was meant to show Trump that his supporters backed his decision.

Like several others at the rally with whom VOA spoke, Buckingham said he thought other countries weren't contributing enough financial support under the current agreement and that it would hurt the U.S. economy if America honored the deal signed by former President Barack Obama.

"It was weak. There were no enforcement mechanisms, the goals were based on hope and suggestion, and it was just a bad agreement for us to be in. So we're glad that President Trump is keeping his promises and pulling us out of agreements like that," he said.

WATCH: Pro-Trump protesters chant near White House

The name for the pro-Trump rally was a reference to one of the lines in the speech Trump gave when he announced the decision to pull out of the agreement. Trump said the accord did little to help the environment and unfairly punished the U.S. by holding it to tougher standards than other top polluters.

Trump rejected the accord as an attempt by "foreign lobbyists" who want the U.S. "tied up and bound down" so that their countries can have the "economic edge."

"I was elected to represent the citizens of Pittsburgh, not Paris," Trump said.
Soldiers with automatic rifles hovered in the background of polling stations as voters in the tiny Southern African nation of Lesotho cast ballots Saturday  prompting concerns from election officials and politicians in a nation with a troubled political history.



Why would there be soldiers in a peaceful exercise of democratic rights? There has not been a security concern, said Moeketsi Majoro, the spokesman for the current opposition, All Basotho Convention, to VOA. Why are they fully armed? So the first impression is that they are there to intimidate.



Thats because the military has long been tightly entwined with this nations political woes. The army led a 1986 coup to push out a long-serving government. In this century, Lesothos military has been involved in a number of political actions, including an action that pushed ABC leader and then-prime minister Tom Thabane into exile in 2014, after just two years in power.



In the capitol, Maseru, election officials at several polling stations quietly voiced their concerns about the soldiers presence, to VOA. The head of the nations electoral commission said, in a tweet, that he also was concerned and that he had reported their presence to observers.

This vote is, for many, a final shot at much-needed peace and stability after five years of fractious politics that saw two coalitions collapse. Most recently, the opposition ousted Prime Minister Pakalitha Mosisili in a no-confidence vote earlier this year, prompting these snap elections. This contest is yet again a battle between Mosisili, who leads the Democratic Congress, and Thabane, his old rival.



VOA spotted squads of soldiers at five polling stations in the capital, and approached one group of five. They were friendly, relaxed  and even, they said, bored. They said they had been ordered to assist the electoral commission and to stay outside the stations through ballot-counting. Each soldier held an automatic rifle.



Thabane said security-sector reforms are a crucial part of his plan if he wins.

Lesotho must now become a full member of the international community that lives according to the basic principles of democracy, he said after voting on Saturday. Regular elections are some of those. Control of the army, control of the police by civilian authority  all those things are part and parcel of true democracy. This hasnt happened quite a lot in Africa. I am meaning before I retire to make Lesotho a beacon of hope for all Africa.

Some 1.2 million voters took to the polls to choose seats in 80 constituencies. The largest party or coalition will choose the prime minister. Lesotho has a king whose role is largely ceremonial, and who is not allowed to vote. Results are expected Monday.

Augustine Mahiga, head of the observer mission for the Southern African Development Community, says he hopes not to be back in under five years, and is confident that the regional bodys push for reforms will finally take hold.



Of course we would have liked to see a normal voting cycle, which is five years, he said. But this is the third within five years, not even exhausted five years. This what the SADC heads of state have always been expressing concern about the political situation in Lesotho, and we think this time around the leadership and the government that will come in place, and other stakeholders, will embark on a serious exercise to engage in reforms.



These are not the only changes that voters want to see in this impoverished, yet water- and diamond-rich nation.

Joseph Khabane shivered as he waited in a snaking queue just outside Lesothos capital. The 60-year-old is unemployed, and so had all the time in the world to cast his vote.



But, he said, he was so eager that he arrived before the station opened at dawn, huddling with hundreds of others who wrapped themselves in traditional wool blankets in the pre-dawn chill.



We have to vote. Definitely we have to vote, so that we elect someone who we think is going to make life easier for us because so far, the previous government did not help. We are getting poorer and poorer in their service. So we want some change.
National parks traveler Mikah Meyer recently celebrated a milestone. He's exactly one-third of the way through his three-year journey to visit all 417 sites within the U.S. National Park Service. He spent it exploring white sand dunes and mystical caves at two of New Mexico's national park sites.


J. David Cox, president of the American Federation of Government Employees, gets a hug from member Verna Pitts at union headquarters. (Astrid Riecken/For The Washington Post)

The federal workforce. Blech. Blech, now more than ever, or so it seems, in the minds of the new administration. A waste of your money, President Trumps budget director, Mick Mulvaney, said in March about federal climate-change research. Can we really continue to ask a coal miner in West Virginia or a single mom in Detroit to pay for these programs? he had said about public broadcasting. Taxpayers are stuck paying for overly generous compensation, Rep. Mark Meadows (R-N.C.), chair of the House subcommittee on government operations, said about federal employees as a whole  the big morass of some 2.8 million civil servants nationwide.

Donald Trump, master of punchy catchphrases, had spent his campaign and the early days of his presidency promising to do the same thing: Drain that swamp.

The swamp was the federal government of Washington.

The epicenter of the swamp was metaphorically at 80 F St. NW, in the office of a stocky 66-year-old man named J. David Cox.

Cox is the president of the American Federation of Government Employees, the largest federal workers union in America. More than 300,000 dues-paying members, and about 400,000 more also protected by default. Every Zip code in America, as Cox likes to say. Coast to coast, Guam to Europe.

The Environmental Protection Agency, with its 31 percent proposed budget cut for 2018? AFGE represents a portion of its employees. The Department of Commerce, with a 16 percent cut? An AFGE agency. Department of Energy? Transportation? Labor? Justice? Health and Human Services? The Census Bureau?

AFGE, all of them, and all of them earmarked for slashes in what Cox had deemed the worst budget Ive ever seen.

And also: Federal employee morale is about as low as Ive ever seen it, in my pushing-40 years of experience in the federal system.

Federal employees had become a punching bag, and so on a recent Friday, Cox took his lunch to his desk and set about dialing a few local union chapters to see just how punched his members felt.

His first number: a prison guard in Pennsylvania, the president of a local Bureau of Prisons union.

Now, they havent taken your keys away from you, where you cant get out, have they, Chris? Cox joked.

Nah, not yet anyway, the man laughed.

The hiring freeze, yall are still affected? Is morale up or down?

Its not good. Especially because of the budget. We told our congressmen we were going to get billboards and put them up saying they dont support law enforcement.

His second number: the president of an EPA chapter in Michigan.

How are you all doing, Tad? he asked. I want you to know, I appreciate you.

Were running a long fight, the man sighed. Weve been trying to talk to congressmen out here to tell them about their constituents who work in our laboratories. But I had two constituents who were afraid to come to a meeting with their own congressmen because they feared reprisal. This is the environment thats been created. We are citizens afraid to talk to our own elected officials.

Organize, organize, organize, Cox told him. Mobilize, mobilize, mobilize.

Three floors down from Coxs office another EPA chapter president named Nate James had come to AFGEs offices for a meeting. As he waited in a conference room, he talked about what it was like to work at the headquarters of the agency that hed always associated with clean air and water, but which had come to represent controversy and politicization.

Its deadly quiet in the office, said James. Normally were upbeat, but its deadly quiet. He had put out a call for questions to his offices 2,500 employees, thinking that giving his colleagues a venue to talk about things might ease some of their stress. But out of all the employees, only two questions came in. One asked for any information, any at all, about what might happen to the agency.

The other one said, We want to do good work, but how hard do you work on something that might be shut down?

In the 1880s, a senator from Ohio named George Pendleton  Gentleman George  sponsored a bill to save the federal government from itself. The workforce was at the time truly a swamp, one of back-scratching cronyism and patronage. His bill, the Pendleton Civil Service Reform Act, ended up creating the modern federal workforce  professionalizing it and making it into a meritocracy. It also became something else: a reliable ladder rung for reaching the middle class, a pathway to the American Dream.

In the 1960s, J. David Cox decided to become a nurse, enamored of the profession after watching the nurses who worked so hard to care for his ailing father. Some schools he applied to wouldnt have him; nursing was for women, they told him. But he did become one, joining the psychiatric division of a federal hospital, and also joining the union there, where he became a chapter officer. He rose through the ranks and eventually became the boss of the whole thing, devoted enough to AFGE that his wife sometimes sighed that his gold AFGE ring might as well be a second wedding band.

The matters of navigating a psychiatric ward are not entirely separate from the matters of navigating Capitol Hill, and now Cox is using all of his experience and training to try, he hoped, to save the federal government from cutting itself to ribbons.

We got to pull every Republican our way, and we got to hold every Democrat, Cox told his staff at one morning meeting.



Cox testifies during a Senate Committee on Veterans Affairs hearing in May on pending legislation. (Astrid Riecken/For The Washington Post)

He wants to get the word out about potential perilous outcomes of the 2018 budget proposals, he said. Encourage members to call their representatives in Congress, to visit them at their home offices. Recruit new members, because due to job attrition and retirement, AFGE had to obtain 5,000 more a month just to end up breaking even. It was better to grow  to show Congress that they were a voice to be reckoned with.

The unions largest agencies, the Departments of Defense and Veterans Affairs, had received proposed increases, not decreases, but the increases looked like they might come in the form of equipment and not people, Cox thought, so they still worried him.

Mr. Bill? he said now, turning toward one of his staff members. I want another 10,000 members.

Ill get them for you, the man said. In Pittsburgh last week, we had the phones going, we had the popcorn machines popping, and we made over 200 calls.

A few weeks later, Cox went to New York to mobilize more.

He had reserved a room at the federal building downtown for a Lunch-and-Learn, a recruitment event where workers listened to a presentation and then got a coupon for food.

So youre the voice I keep hearing, one employee told Cox, laughing about the recorded calls she received with Coxs voice on them.

He guffawed. You know, once I was walking through airport security and one of the agents said to me, Youre the man who calls me all the time. 

The Transportation Security Administration? An AFGE agency.

A group of about 30 people sits around the table and after Cox explained what he saw as the benefits of joining  collective bargaining, negotiating retirement and health benefits  he made a plea:

Brothers and sisters, who would like to pick up that ink pen, turn that page over, and become the newest member of the AFGE?!

A man in a collared shirt and khaki pants raised his hand. He would. He would be the newest member.

Cox erupted into applause, and the rest of the room followed. Yall go downstairs now, he said. Yall go downstairs and send me up some more EPA folk.

Another Friday, another morning. Earlier in the week, Congress had approved a bill to fund the government through the end of 2017. It had not yet incorporated many of the proposed cuts that the White House had wanted for 2018, but Cox felt like he was merely treading water before the next big wave hit.

We scraped by this time, Cox told the staff at the morning meeting. But come this fall, its going to be a bloodbath.

He got on the phone to do an interview with an NPR affiliate that wanted to hear about what could happen next. What are you getting ready for? the interviewer asked him.

Were bracing, he said. And he wanted to make it clear, he said, that cuts would not only mean fewer government employees but also fewer government services. Longer lines in the airport, he said. Worse air for children with asthma.

That was good, his chief of staff told him when the call was over. Especially the part, he said, where Cox had emphasized that it wasnt just about jobs that would be cut, but service to the American people.

All right, what do I have next? Cox said, looking through the rest of his schedule. Nine more events. Interviews, and phone calls, and an EPA appreciation event.

The mood was buoyant now, but the general tone of the past several weeks had been one of anxiety and trepidation.

On a mass phone call earlier in the week  a monthly Q&A that was open to any federal employee around the country who wanted to join in  the AFGE staff could hear the worry in the callers voices.

In a typical month, they might expect 5,000 callers to dial in, and Cox would stay on the line and answer any unique questions.

But at this one, Coxs staff had sat in their conference room in Washington and watched on a screen as the numbers ticked up and up from around the country: 1,209 callers on the line, then 2,930, then 5,214, and then suddenly more than 7,000 federal workers were all lining up in a queue to share what terrified them. Do you think there will be a shutdown? asked someone from Georgia. If there is, would it be like last time where most of us ended up working anyway? asked someone from New York.

Cox talked and talked until his voice was hoarse, until one of his staffers said, Last question, even though there were still more in the queue.
Ever since taking office, President Trump has been condemning leaks, leakers and the journalists they leak to.

Ive actually called the Justice Department to look into the leaks, Trump said in February. Those are criminal leaks.

Only days after he took office  as we know from a leak  Trump asked then-FBI Director James B. Comey to consider jailing journalists who publish government secrets.

And just a few days ago, Trump again ranted about leakers who should be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law.

So, I think we understand the presidents position  except that hes in favor of leaks that damage his political opponents. Recall his campaign cry: I love WikiLeaks!

(Peter Stevenson/The Washington Post)

Paul Steiger stakes out the opposite position. The revered former managing editor of the Wall Street Journal (and founder of ProPublica, the investigative nonprofit) put it this way:

It is not the publishing of these secrets that threatens national security. Publishing these secrets threatens the secret-keepers. It protects the public interest by letting us know what powerful people are doing when they think no one is looking.

Accepting a journalism award, Steiger summed it up: We need more journalists revealing more secrets, not fewer.

Hes right. In a government increasingly obsessed with secrecy, and guilty of rampant over-classification, leaks are necessary and, largely, a very good thing.

And although there are legitimate national security concerns in some cases, Id far rather live in a leaky America than one sealed up tight  with whistleblowers and journalists behind bars.

[Could reporters be hunted down if Trump goes after leakers?]

Lets look back at what we wouldnt know without leaks, bearing in mind that not all leaks are created equal. Some are document dumps; others the result of dogged reporting and the cultivation of confidential sources.

The Pentagon Papers. Perhaps the most famous leak of all, Daniel Ellsbergs decision to copy and hand to the New York Times the secret history of the Vietnam War told Americans that thousands of young Americans had been killed fighting a war that couldnt be won. Was it illegal for this former Pentagon official to steal and publicize the documents? Certainly, though he avoided conviction. Was there a greater good? No doubt.

Watergate. The crimes of Richard Nixon and his aides, as revealed in large part by The Washington Post, brought down the president and sent MANY government officials to jail. Was it wrong for Deep Throat, as FBI official Mark Felt was then known, to guide the investigation? Americans were better off knowing the truth.

Red Cross failures. After the 2010 Haiti earthquake, the Red Cross raised a half-billion dollars but misused the funds. NPR and ProPublica used leaks and confidential sourcing to show that an ambitious plan to build housing resulted in just six permanent homes. Congressional inquiries and reform followed.

Government surveillance of U.S. citizens. Edward Snowdens leak of documents from the National Security Agency in 2013 allowed the Guardian and The Washington Post to reveal the shocking way Americans were being spied on. As Post executive editor Martin Baron wrote in 2014: In constructing a surveillance system of breathtaking scope and intrusiveness, our government also sharply eroded individual privacy.

The inside story of Theranos. Acting on a tip, the Wall Street Journal used confidential sources and documents to reveal how this blood-testing company, a darling of the tech world, was allegedly lying about its practices, misleading investors and putting patients at serious risk. The companys president resigned, and criminal and civil investigations followed.

Without leaks, would we know about the governments drone-warfare program, which has killed many civilians, including children and U.S. citizens? Would we be aware of the CIAs black sites, where terrorism suspects were tortured in remote parts of the world?

[Trumps tough talk on leaks is one thing. His actions tell another tale.]

In recent weeks, leaks informed the public about Michael Flynns conversations with Russian diplomats about lifting sanctions and indirectly caused Trump to fire his national security adviser. And leaks revealed that the president spilled classified information to Russian visitors to the Oval Office.

Susan Hennessey, a Brookings Institution scholar and former National Security Agency lawyer, told me that these most recent disclosures  involving transcripts of highly classified telephone intercepts  are beyond anything shes seen before. This information is really, really sensitive, she said. Whats more, she thinks such leaks are less necessary now that government investigations of Russian election interference are going forward on several fronts.

But even Hennessey sees why theyre happening: One need not condone the leaks to view them at least in part as an adaptive response to a system failure.

Theres little chance that the system, which discourages openness and punishes truth-tellers, will correct itself. Leaks and anonymous sourcing are imperfect, sometimes troubling, and certainly must be handled with great care. But theyre as necessary as ever.

Leakers  and the journalists who depend on them  deserve to be honored, not jailed.

This column has been updated.

For more by Margaret Sullivan, visit wapo.st/sullivan.
A former D.C. charter schoolteacher has been charged with sexually abusing a teenage boy he paid to do yardwork at his Maryland house.

Howard Earl Alpert, 73, of Bethesda, was arrested Friday and charged with a fourth-

degree sex offense and the sexual abuse of a minor. Police said the young man he abused was not a student at Washington Latin Public Charter School, where Alpert taught science until resigning last week.

Alpert met the teenager two years ago, according to an arrest warrant that details his interactions with the boy.

The boy was 13 at the time and began working for Alpert for $10 an hour, according to the warrant. Alpert would invite him inside to talk and eat, and on the third visit began hugging him goodbye, the warrant says. The hugs eventually became longer and Alperts behavior increasingly inappropriate, according to the warrant.

Among the behavior described in the warrant: Alpert texted the young man often, took pictures of him shirtless and, at one point, touched him beneath his underwear.

The young man told police Alperts conduct was not consensual and made him feel very uncomfortable.

Montgomery County police began their investigation into Alpert about a week and half before arresting him. They ask anyone who has information about inappropriate contact he may have had with juveniles to call the Special Victims Investigations Division at 240-773-5400.

Calls to Alperts home for comment were not returned.

His LinkedIn profile describes him as a graduate of Yale University and says he worked for Hoboken Charter School before coming to Washington Latin Public Charter School in August 2010.

A letter sent home from the school informed parents about the charges and Alperts sudden resignation earlier in the week. We have accepted his resignation and shut off his access to the school premises, reads the letter signed by school head Peter Anderson.

The letter said the school is cooperating with police and that it was asked not to share additional information about the case because of the ongoing investigation.

Though we have no evidence at this time of anything occurring at Latin, it is possible our students may come forward with additional information, the letter reads. We strongly encourage them to share this information with us as soon as possible.
BLOOD DONATIONS

Blood drives June 16, 1:30-6 p.m. St. James Episcopal Church, 14 Cornwall St., Leesburg, 800-733-6727

Inova Blood Donor Center Mondays noon-8 p.m., Tuesdays 10 a.m.-6 p.m., Fridays 6 a.m.-4 p.m. and Sundays noon-4 p.m. Dulles Town Center, 45745 Nokes Blvd., Sterling. 866-256-6372 or inova.org/donateblood.

FIRST AID

First aid/adult, infant and child CPR/AED (Automated External Defibrillator) Fauquier Health Medical Office Building, 500 Hospital Dr., Warrenton. Call for schedule. 540-316-3588. Registration required.

HEARING

Disability Resource Center Technical assistance through the state Department for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing and presentations to businesses, groups and schools. Third Tuesdays 2-5 p.m., Workplace, 205 Keith St., Warrenton. Call for an appointment, 800-648-6324; TDD, 540-373-5890. Free.

MENTAL HEALTH

Counseling for sexual violence survivors Provided by Loudoun Citizens for Social Justice. 703-771-9020.

Crisis Intervention Treatment and Assessment Center Provides emergency mental-health, substance-use and developmental services to Loudoun residents. Daily 7 a.m.-11 p.m. 102 Heritage Way NE, Suite 102, Leesburg. Emergency services are available 24 hours a day at 703-777-0320.

Crisislink Suicide and crisis intervention. Community education, a volunteer crisis response team and CareRing, a telephone outreach program for the elderly and disabled. 703-527-6016, volunteer@crisislink.org or crisislink.org.

Psychiatric Rehabilitation Services This mental-health nonprofit organization is accepting clients from ages 16 to 30 for a coordinated services program with Loudoun County to help young people with their first experience of psychosis find hope and recover. For information, call Lisa Beran at 703-388-6572 or go to prsinc.org.

Piedmont Chapter, National Alliance on Mental Illness Serves Fauquier, Orange, Madison and Rappahannock counties. Support group, education classes and events for people living with mental illness and their family members. First Wednesdays 7-9 p.m. Fauquier Hospital, 500 Hospital Dr., Sycamore Room A, Warrenton. 571-426-8213.

Mental health first-aid A public education program offered by the Loudoun County Department of Mental Health, Substance Abuse and Developmental Services to help residents understand mental illness and seek intervention. Go to loudoun.gov/mhfirstaid.

Northern Virginia Chapter, National Alliance on Mental Illness Support group, classes and programs for people living with mental illness and their loved ones. naminorthernvirginia.org.

PREGNANCY, PARENTING

Adoptive family preservation Adoptive families discuss common experiences; registration required. Third Tuesdays 12:30-2 p.m., Ashburn Library, 43316 Hay Rd. Call 703-941-9008, Ext. 23, or email jmellario@umfs.org.

Birthright of Loudoun County Free pregnancy tests, baby clothing, transportation and support throughout pregnancy, 823 S. King St., Leesburg. 703-777-7272.

Bond Between Us A nonprofit organization that offers support to birthparents when children have been placed for adoption. Fourth Tuesdays 7:30 p.m. Call for location. 703-771-7844.

Breast-feeding made simple Tuesday 6-8:30 p.m. Fauquier Hospital Family Birthing Center, 500 Hospital Dr., Warrenton. 540-316-3588. Register. $25.

Breast-feeding support Mondays 9:30-10:30 a.m., Fauquier Hospital Family Birthing Center, 500 Hospital Dr., Warrenton. 540-316-3588.

Dad support New and expectant fathers share ideas. First Tuesdays at 7 p.m. Inova Loudoun Hospital, 44045 Riverside Pkwy., Leesburg. 703-858-6360.

For the Childrens Sake A group for separating or divorcing parents to share advice. Four-hour session weekly. Information: 703-391-8599 or fitsfoundation.org.

La Leche League Mother-to-mother support and breast-feeding information. 10 a.m. second Wednesdays in Warrenton, 540-351-6103. Third Fridays 10:15-11:45 a.m., call for location, 703-444-7386. Second Fridays 10:15 a.m., Ashburn Library, 43316 Hay Rd., 703-829-0349. Thursdays 10 a.m.-noon, Panera Bread, 43670 Greenway Corp. Dr., Ashburn, lllashburn@gmail.com. Third Fridays 10:15 a.m., Christ the Redeemer Church, 46833 Harry F. Byrd. Hwy., Sterling, 540-338-4637.

Loudoun Fatherhood Program Fathers discuss the joys and challenges of being a parent. Meets every other Saturday for two hours for four months; sponsored by Northern Virginia Family Service. 571-748-2796. Free.

Loudoun Nurturing Parenting Program Positive parenting techniques; children attend with parents. Registration required. Call 703-771-3973, Ext. 27, or email nurturingprogram@lcsj.org. Free.

Mothernet/Healthy Families Loudoun Program links first-time parents with medical, social and educational resources to give children a socially and physically healthy start in life. Family-support workers meet with participants in homes. English-Spanish translation provided. 703-444-4477, Ext. 217, or inmed.org.

New mother support Wednesdays 9:30-11:30 a.m. Inova Loudoun Medical Pavilion, 224 Cornwall St., Leesburg. Babies welcome. 703-858-6360.

Online childbirth education program Inova Loudoun Hospitals web-based program uses animation, videos and interactive activities to guide users through the basics of childbirth, breast-feeding and caring for newborns. 703-858-6360 or thebirthinginn.org/classes.

Parenting Alone group For parents of school-age children who have lost a spouse or partner to cancer. Second Tuesdays 5:30-6:30 p.m. Inova Loudoun Hospital, Radiation Oncology Center, 44035 Riverside Pkwy., Suite 100, Leesburg. Call 703-698-2536 or email jennifer.eckert@inova.org.

Pregnancy and childbirth support Childbirth Solutions Resource Center, 8393 W. Main St., Marshall. 571-344-0438.

Young parent services Support for teenage parents. Loudoun County Department of Family Social Services, 52 Sycolin Rd., Leesburg. Call for times. 703-771-5375.

SENIORS

Chair yoga Age 55 and older. Mondays 11 a.m.-noon, Carver Center, 200 Willie Palmer Way, Purcellville. Wear comfortable clothes. Bare feet or socks are encouraged. 571-258-3400. $2 drop in.

Exercise equipment Age 55 and older. Weights, treadmills, bikes and a cardio-glide. Instruction provided. Weekdays 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Leesburg Senior Center, 102 North St. NW. 703-737-8039. Free.

Eye care LensCrafters staff members clean glasses and make minor repairs. Second Wednesdays 1-2 p.m. Senior Center at Cascades, 21060 Whitfield Pl., Sterling. 703-430-2397. Free.

Inova Loudoun mobile van Blood pressure checks. Second and fourth Tuesdays 9:30 a.m.-noon, Senior Center at Cascades, 21060 Whitfield Pl., Sterling, 571-258-3280; first Wednesdays 9:30 a.m.-noon, Leesburg Senior Center, 102 North St. NW. 703-737-8039.

Laughing yoga for seniors Improve flexibility and balance. Thursdays 9:30-10:30 a.m. Leesburg Senior Center, 102 North St. NW. 703-737-8039. Free.

Loudoun Adult Day Centers For seniors with physical limitations or memory loss, a safe and social environment, therapeutic activities, individualized care and respite for caregivers. Limited transportation. Sliding-scale fees. Weekdays in Leesburg, 7:30 a.m.-5:30 p.m., 703-771-5334; Purcellville, 571-258-3402; and Ashburn-Sterling, 571-258-3232.

Senior Outreach Services Free and confidential assistance from an Area Agency on Aging case manager. Call for an appointment or sign up at the Senior Center at Cascades. First and third Wednesdays 11 a.m.-4:30 p.m. Senior Center at Cascades, 21060 Whitfield Pl., Sterling. 571-258-3280.

Senior Outreach Services Free and confidential assistance from an Area Agency on Aging Elder case manager. Sign up in the Leesburg Senior Center lobby. Second and fourth Thursdays 11 a.m.-noon and 12:30-4:30 p.m. Leesburg Senior Center, 102 North St. NW. 703-737-8039. Free.

Senior Outreach Services Free and confidential assistance from an Area Agency on Aging Elder case manager. Call for an appointment or sign up at the Carver Center. First and third Mondays, 12:30-5 p.m. Carver Center, 200 Willie Palmer Way, Purcellville. 703-737-8741. Free.

Tai chi for seniors Stretching and strengthening movements. Mondays 11 a.m. Leesburg Senior Center, 102 North St. NW. 703-737-8039. Free.

Zumba gold class Age 55 and older. Wear rubber-soled shoes and comfortable clothing; bring water and a towel. Tuesdays 11 a.m., Tuesdays and Fridays 1 p.m. Senior Center of Leesburg, 102 North St. NW, Leesburg. 703-737-8039. $24 per month.

Zumba For people 55 and older learning Zumba for the first time, or those who prefer a lower-impact version. The fitness program combines Latin and international music with dance. Thursdays 11 a.m. Senior Center at Cascades, 21060 Whitfield Pl., Sterling. 571-258-3280. $12.

SUPPORT GROUPS

Al-Anon Service Center of Northern Virginia A volunteer is available 24 hours with information for spouses, family members and friends of problem drinkers. 703-534-4357 or 877-339-8350. Mondays 8 p.m. Emmanuel Episcopal Church, 125 W. Washington St., Middleburg, 540-554-2747; Tuesdays 7:30 p.m. St. James Episcopal Church, 14 Cornwall St. NW, Leesburg, 877-339-8350; Fridays 8:30 p.m. Grace Episcopal Church, 6507 Main St., The Plains, 800-344-2666; Tuesdays 12:15 p.m. Warrenton Church of Christ, Route 29 N., 540-347-7448; Tuesdays 7 p.m. and Saturdays 8:30 p.m. Warrenton Presbyterian Church, 91 Main St., 800-344-2666.

Alcoholics Anonymous Various meeting times and locations in Loudoun County. 800-208-8649 or 703-876-6166. nvintergroup.org.

Alzheimers caregiver support For those who care for people with Alzheimers disease and other forms of dementia. Fourth Wednesdays 4-5:30 p.m. The Villa at Suffield Meadows, 6735 Suffield Lane, Warrenton. 540-316-3800.

Alzheimers caregivers support For those caring for people with Alzheimers disease and other forms of dementia. Second Mondays 7-8:30 p.m. Galilee United Methodist Church, 45425 Winding Rd., Sterling. 703-430-9229. galileeumc.org.

Alzheimers caregivers support Emotional, educational and social support for family members and friends of people with the disease. Third Saturdays 10 a.m. Loudoun County Area Agency on Aging, 20145 Ashbrook Pl., Ashburn. Call 703-771-5407 or email lesley.katz@loudoun.gov.

Alzheimers caregiver support group Fourth Thursdays 3-4 p.m. Carver Center, 200 Willie Palmer Way, Purcellville. 540-903-6831 or alz.org.

Alzheimers support First Tuesdays 10-11 a.m. Spring Arbor Assisted Living, 237 Fairview St. NW, Leesburg. 540-338-6520.

Alzheimers support First Wednesdays 4 p.m. Leesburg Adult Day Center, 16501 Meadowview Ct., Leesburg. 703-771-5334.

Alzheim ers support First Thursdays, noon, Lansdowne Woods of Virginia, 19375 Magnolia Grove Sq., Lansdowne. 703-283-6554.

Alzheimers support Fourth Thursdays 3-4 p.m. Carver Center, 200 Willie Palmer Way, Purcellville. 571-258-3400.

Talk About Curing Autism A nonprofit organization educating and supporting families affected by autism. tacanow.org.

Autoimmune support Last Thursdays 6:30-7:30 p.m. Jackson Building, 209 Gibson St., Leesburg. autoimmunesupport@

hotmail.com.

Bereaved parent support One-on-one counseling is available. Spiritual Care Support Ministry Center, 76 W. Shirley Ave., Warrenton. 540-349-5814 or scsm.tv.

Bereavement support Age 18 and older. Third Mondays 1 p.m. Fauquier Hospital Chestnut Room, 500 Hospital Dr., Warrenton. Sponsored by Capital Caring. 703-957-1800.

Breast cancer support Fourth Tuesdays 7-8 p.m. Fauquier Hospital Tower, Chestnut Room, 500 Hospital Dr., Warrenton. 540-349-0588.

Breast cancer support For those with new diagnoses or starting treatment. Register if attending for the first time. Fourth Mondays 5-6:30 p.m. Inova Loudoun Hospital Radiation Oncology Center, 44035 Riverside Pkwy., Suite 100, Leesburg. 703-858-8857.

Breast cancer support For those who have finished treatment, have had a recurrence or have metastatic breast cancer. Register if attending for the first time. Fourth Mondays 6:30-8 p.m. Inova Loudoun Hospital Radiation Oncology Center, 44035 Riverside Pkwy., Suite 100, Leesburg. 703-858-8857. Free.

Breast Cancer Support Assistance Fund Loudoun County residents who have received a diagnosis or have undergone treatment in the past 12 months are eligible to apply for financial assistance. Areas included are wigs, bras, puffs and prostheses, mammograms and medical bills, food and help with utilities, rent or mortgage, and transportation costs. The Pink Assistance Fund has been established by the Loudoun Breast Health Network. lbhn.org.

Cancer support Oncology nurses, social workers and spiritual-care providers offer education and support to patients, families and caregivers. Second Mondays 5:30-6:30 p.m. Fauquier Hospital Sycamore Room, 500 Hospital Dr., Warrenton. 540-316-2273.

Cancer support Life with Cancer, for patients, family members and friends. Second Thursdays 7 p.m. Ashburn Presbyterian Church, Room 202, 20962 Ashburn Rd. 703-729-2012 or ashburnpresbyterian.org.

Caregiver support Emotional, educational and social support. Encourages caregivers to maintain their physical and emotional health while caring for people with dementia or other chronic illness. Fourth Thursdays 3-4 p.m. Carver Center, 200 Willie Palmer Way, Purcellville. 540-903-6831.

Caregiver support and resource group Wednesdays 10:30 a.m.-noon (no meeting first Wednesdays), Spiritual Care Support Ministry Center, 76 W. Shirley Ave., Warrenton. 540-349-5814. scsm.tv.

Caring for Aging Parents Support group. Confidential. Fourth Wednesdays 7:30 p.m., Family Focus Counseling Service, 20-B John Marshall St., Warrenton. 540-349-4537.

CHADD parents support For parents of children with ADD/ADHD. Fourth Sundays 3 p.m. KinderCare, 44051 Ashburn Village Shopping Plaza. chadd.novaloudoun@gmail.com.

Chronic illness support Tuesdays 1:30-2:30 p.m. Spiritual Care Support Ministries, 76 W. Shirley Ave., Warrenton. 540-349-5814 or scsm.tv.

Coffee and Conversation Support for those discouraged because of illness, bereavement, caregiving or a loved one in the military. Thursdays 10 a.m.-noon. Spiritual Care Support Ministry Center, 76 W. Shirley Ave., Warrenton. 540-349-5814.

Compassionate Friends For parents who have experienced the death of a child. First Wednesdays 7:30 p.m. St. James Episcopal Church, 14 Cornwall St. N W, Leesburg. 540-882-9707.

Creating and Connecting Two-hour art therapy and relaxation workshop for cancer patients. Every other month, 12:30-2:30 p.m. Inova Loudoun Hospital Radiation Oncology Center, 44035 Riverside Pkwy., Suite 100, Leesburg. Call for dates. 703-858-8850.

Depression and Bipolar Support Alliance of Western Loudoun Saturdays 3 p.m. Purcellville Library, 220 E. Main St., Carruthers Room. Call 703-431-7160 or email kathy@dbsanca.org.

Drop-in grief support Second and fourth Wednesdays 1-2 p.m. St. Davids Episcopal Church, 43600 Russell Branch Pkwy., Ashburn. Sponsored by Capital Caring. 703-597-1781.

Families Overcoming Drug Addiction Support group. First and third Thursdays at 6:30 p.m. Fauquier Hospital Sycamore Room, 500 Hospital Dr., Warrenton. myfodafamily@gmail.com or 540-316-9221.

Gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender youth and parent support A group in partnership with Metro DC PFLAG. Fourth Sundays 4-6 p.m. Unitarian Universalist Church, 22135 Davis Dr., Sterling. 703-328-6518.

Griefshare Nondenominational seminar and support group. Tuesdays 7:30-9 p.m., and Wednesdays, 1-2:30 p.m. Spiritual Care Support Ministry Center, 76 W. Shirley Ave., Warrenton. 540-349-5814. Free.

Grief support Sponsored by Hospice Support of Fauquier County. Individual counseling available. First and third Thursdays 3:30-5 p.m. Hospice Support Office, 42 N. Fifth St., Warrenton. Registration required. Email hospicesupport@verizon.net or call 540-347-5922.

Grief support Wednesdays, 10:30 a.m.-noon, Spiritual Care Support Ministry Center, 76 W. Shirley Ave., Warrenton. 540-349-5814.

Hospice support Free medical-equipment loan facility for Fauquier County residents. Especially needed are donations of wheelchairs, bedside commodes, rolling walkers, electric hospital beds, shower benches and chairs, adult diapers, lift chairs, Ensure and hospital bed mattresses . 540-347-5922.

Look Good, Feel Better For women undergoing or emerging from cancer treatment. Every other month, 6:45-9 p.m., Inova Loudoun Hospital Radiation Oncology Center, 44035 Riverside Pkwy., Suite 100, Leesburg. Call for dates. 703-776-2820. Free.

Loudoun CHADD support Led by Children and Adults With Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder. Third Thursdays 7 p.m. Leesburg Town Hall, lower-level conference room, 25 W. Market St. 703-669-2445.

Lyme disease support Fourth Sundays 2-4 p.m. Inova Loudoun Hospital, 44045 Riverside Pkwy., Conference Room A and B, Leesburg. Go to natcaplyme.org or email loudounlymeadvocates@gmail.com.

Lyme disease support Third Thursdays 7-9 p.m. Fauquier Hospital Chestnut Room, 500 Hospital Dr., Warrenton. Call 540-341-8245 or email phillipsgeo@comcast.net.

Lyme disease support Age 18 and older. First Tuesdays 6:30-8 p.m. Carver Center, 200 Willie Palmer Way, Purcellville. Email charphealy@yahoo.com.

MADD Loudoun victim support For those who have been affected by drunken driving. Third Wednesdays 7:30 p.m. 210 Wirt St., Leesburg. 540-338-6491.

Man-to-Man cancer support Sponsored by Loudoun Cancer Care Center, for prostate cancer patients and their families. Second Tuesdays 6:30-8 p.m. Senior Center at Cascades, 21060 Whitfield Pl., Sterling. 703-858-8857 or karen.archer@inova.org.

Menopause support Third Thursdays 6:30-9 p.m. Inova Loudoun Hospital, 44045 Riverside Pkwy., Leesburg (second floor, Patient Education Room). 703-858-8060.

Mens grief support Second Mondays at 7 p.m. Fauquier Hospital Sycamore Room, 500 Hospital Dr., Warrenton. 703-568-3346. Free.

Multiple sclerosis support Saturdays 10:30 a.m. Fauquier Hospital Chestnut Room, 500 Hospital Dr., Warrenton. 540-349-2826.

Multiple sclerosis support Last Sundays, September-June, 2-4 p.m. Cascades Library, 21030 Whitfield Pl., Potomac Falls. Call ahead to confirm. 703-771-4256.

Nar-Anon family support For those affected by loved ones with addiction. Meaningful Mondays, 7-8 p.m., Galilee United Methodist Church, 45425 Winding Rd., Sterling. 703-203-9792; Wisdom Wednesdays 7-8 p.m., St. Francis de Sales Catholic Church, 37730 St. Francis Ct., Purcellville, 703-606-7125; Serenity Thursdays, 7-8 p.m. Leesburg Presbyterian Church, 207 W. Market St., Leesburg, 703-606-7125.

Overeaters Anonymous For fellowship and support. For locations and times, go to oa.org.

Parkinsons social Coffee and conversation. Third Wednesdays 10 a.m.-noon, Tribute at One Loudoun, Welcome Center, 20618 Easthampton Plaza, Ashburn. parkinsonsocialnetwork.org or 703-378-7221. Free.

Parkinsons support Open to those with Parkinsons disease, their family members and caregivers. First Tuesdays 1:30-3 p.m. Call for Ashburn location. 571-442-8851.

Pet Loss support Saturday 10-11:30 a.m. Spiritual Care Support Ministry Center, 76 W. Shirley Ave., Warrenton. 540-349-5814. Free.

Postpartum support Second and fourth Wednesdays 1-2:30 p.m. Inova Loudoun Cornwall Campus, 224 Cornwall St., Leesburg. Call 703-909-9877 or email lamckeough@gmail.com. Registration required.

Reach to Recovery Home visit program for mastectomy and lumpectomy patients. Temporary prostheses, exercise instruction and encouragement. 703-938-5550.

Sexual assault and incest survivors group counseling Services provided by Loudoun Citizens for Social Justice and the Loudoun Abused Womens Shelter are free and confidential. 703-771-9020.

Sexual assault survivors empowerment support Sponsored by Sexual Assault Victims Volunteer Initiative. Child care available with 48 hours notice. Mondays; call for times and locations. 540-349-7720.

Spiritual support group For cancer patients, family members and friends. Third Tuesdays 6:30-8 p.m. Inova Loudoun Hospital Radiation Oncology Center, 44035 Riverside Pkwy., Suite 100, Leesburg. 703-858-8850.

Stroke support Wednesday, noon-1:30 p.m. Fauquier Hospital Chestnut Room, 500 Hospital Dr., Warrenton. 540-316-3588. Free.

Stroke survivors and caregivers support Second Wednesdays 11 a.m.-noon, Inova Loudoun Hospital, 44045 Riverside Pkwy., Leesburg, second floor, Patient Education Room. 703-858-6199 or jill.lieb@inova.org.

Suicide counseling Third Wednesdays 7-8:30 p.m. Leesburg Town Office, Conference Room 2, lower level, 25 W. Market St., Leesburg. 703-587-1618 or survivorsofsuicideloss

leesburg@gmail.com.

Womens support Sponsored by Services to Abused Families. Tuesdays 6:30-8 p.m. Confidential location. 540-825-8876.

Widows and widowers support Third Mondays 11 a.m. Leesburg Senior Center, 102 North St. NW. 703-737-8039.

Womens cancer support Woman to Woman, first Wednesdays 6:30-8 p.m. Inova Loudoun Hospital Radiation Oncology Center, 44035 Riverside Pkwy., Suite 100, Leesburg. Registration required. 703-858-8850.

MISCELLANEOUS

Brain trauma survivors brown-bag lunch For survivors and caregivers. First Tuesdays, noon-1:30 p.m., Inova Loudoun Hospital, 44045 Riverside Pkwy., Leesburg, second-floor Patient Education Room. Call 703-737-3150 or email jberg@braininjurysvcs.org. Free.

Child developmental screenings For ages 2-5. Children may not be kindergarten-age-eligible. Sponsored by the Loudoun County school systems Child Find Center. 571-252-2180.

Cholesterol screenings Weekdays, 6 a.m.-8 p.m. Fauquier Health LIFE Center, 500 Hospital Dr., Warrenton. 540-316-2640. Registration required. $35.

Diabetes Show-and-Tell June 13, 6:30 p.m. Fauquier Hospital Bistro on the Hill, 500 Hospital Dr., Warrenton. Beth Potter will discuss how to read labels and how to make low-carbohydrate substitutions for your favorite foods. David Martin will demonstrate how to prepare healthy dishes. Participants can sample cloud bread and cauliflower mash. 540-316-3588 or fauquierhealth.org. Registration required. Free.

Emergency food supplies Loudoun County residents in need can receive a free three-day supply of groceries. Supplies are distributed Mondays through Saturdays by Loudoun Hunger Relief. Call 703-777-5911 or go to loudounhunger.org.

Fauquier free walk-in medical clinic Call Thursdays from 12:30 to 1 p.m. to register for the clinic, which begins at 5:30 p.m. Patients are seen by appointment Tuesdays and Wednesdays. Fauquier and Rappahannock residents only. Bring proof of address for the first visit. Patients cannot have Medicaid, Medicare or private insurance. Information: 540-347-0394 Tuesdays or Thursdays, 9 a.m.-4 p.m.

Fauquier Hospital Bistro Senior Supper Club Nutritious meals and fellowship for people 55 and older. Tuesdays and Thursdays 4:30-6:30 p.m. Fauquier Hospital Bistro on the Hill, 500 Hospital Dr., Warrenton. 540-316-3588. $5.49.

Foster care and adoption information session For Childrens Sake of Virginia provides loving, safe, nurturing homes to children placed through social services. The organizations goal is to successfully return each child back to the childs biological family or to another permanent situation. 11 a.m. Saturday, Cascades Libraray, 21030 Whitfield Pl., Potomac Falls. 703-444-3228. Free.

HEROES (Hometown Enabling Relationships, Opportunities and Empowerment through Support) is a program for military families. Support to military members and families, from pre-deployment up to two years post-deployment. Assistance includes financial help, job placement, family care and mental-health services. caring@purbap.org or heroescare.org.

Inova Loudoun Hospital Mobile Health Services Blood pressure screenings, Tuesday 10 a.m.-noon, Dulles South Multipurpose Center, 24950 Riding Center Dr., South Riding; Wednesday 10 a.m.-noon, Leesburg Senior Center, 102 North St., Leesburg; June 13, 9 a.m.-noon, Senior Center at Cascades, 21060 Whitfield pl., Sterling; June 5, 11 a.m.-noon, Lovettsville Community Center, 57 East Broad Way, Lovettsville; June 19, 9-11 a.m. William Watters House, 22365 Enterprise St., Sterling; June 22, 10 a.m.-noon, Carver Center, 200 Willie Palmer Way, Purcellville; Call 703-858-8818 or go to inova.org/mobilehealth. Free.

Loudoun Cares information and referral help line Call 703-669-4636 for help in finding resources for county residents on issues of eviction, utility cutoffs, health care and employment.

Motor skill screenings Birth to 21 months. First Thursdays, Blue Ridge Speech and Hearing Center, 19465 Deerfield Ave., Suite 201, Lansdowne. Call for an appointment. 703-858-7620. Free.

Northern Virginia long-term care ombudsman Call 703-324-5861 for help with complaints related to long-term-care facilities.

Road to Recovery Free rides to appointments for cancer patients. Call 410-781-6909 or email jen.burdette@cancer.org. Free.

Safe sitter babysitter training Saturday 8:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m. Fauquier Hospital Sycamore Room, 500 Hospital Dr., Warrenton. 540-316-3599. Register. $60.

Safe sitter classes For girls and boys ages 11-14. First Saturdays except for holiday weekends. 7:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m. Inova Loudoun Hospital, 44045 Riverside Pkwy., Leesburg. To receive a Safe Sitter Certificate, students must pass practical and written tests on babysitting and handling an emergency. Take a lunch from home or buy one in the cafeteria. $70, includes handbook and snacks. Registration required. 703-858-8818 or charlene.martin@inova.org.

Documentary on end-of-life care: Being Mortal June 22, 2 p.m. Fauquier Hospital, 500 Hospital Dr., Warrenton. A discussion will follow the film. Sponsored by Capital Caring and Fauquier Hospital. Email ccagle@capitalcaring.org. Free.

Seven Loaves Food Pantry Individuals and families can receive a three-day supply of food, distributed Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays, 10 a.m.-noon. Go to sevenloavesmiddleburg.org or call 540-687-3489.

Tree of Life Food Pantry Serving western Loudoun County. Food is delivered Wednesdays and Saturdays. 703-554-3595.

 Compiled by Sandy Mauck

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Loudoun County and Fauquier County health calendar

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Loudoun County and Fauquier County health calendar

Loudoun County and Fauquier County health calendar

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Loudoun County and Fauquier County health calendar
Inova Loudoun Hospital gets Level III trauma center status

Inova Loudoun Hospital has received Level III trauma center designation from the Virginia Department of Health, meaning it will be able to treat patients with more serious, possibly life-threatening injuries. It is the first trauma center in Loudoun County.

According to the Virginia Department of Health, Level III trauma centers provide prompt assessment, resuscitation, stabilization and emergency operations, and can also arrange for the transfer of a patient to a facility that can provide more intense trauma care if needed.

In Virginia, the trauma center designation process is voluntary and meant to identify hospitals that will make a commitment to provide a higher level of care for multiple injured patients.

Inova Loudoun submitted paperwork six months ago. State health officials reviewed the care provided for patients during that time and made an on-site visit.

The new facility will be called the Inova Virts Miller Family Emergency and Trauma Center at Inova Loudoun Hospital.

State agency offers employment help for veterans

A Virginia Employment Commission Veteran Services representative will visit the Loudoun Workforce Resource Center in Leesburg 1 to 4 p.m. Tuesday to provide information on employment and training assistance for veterans.

All military veterans are eligible for job referral, training and placement assistance through the Virginia Employment Commission. The commission also serves active-duty personnel who are transitioning out of the military. To make an appointment for Tuesday, call Ashley Moslek at 571-814-0320.

The Workforce Resource Center is at 102 Heritage Way NE, Leesburg. For information, call Shelley Rodriguez at703-777-0150 or go to loudoun.gov/wrc.

Public meeting on new bike and pedestrian trail

Representatives of the Loudoun County Department of Transportation and Capital Infrastructure will discuss alignment options Wednesday for the proposed 1.1-mile bicycle-pedestrian trail from Franklin Park to West Main Street and South 32nd Street in Purcellville.

The meeting will be at 7 p.m. at Emerick Elementary School, 440 S. Nursery Ave., Purcellville.

For information about the trail, email gary.pozzouli@loudoun.gov. Status reports on the project can be seen at loudoun.gov/underconstruction.

Enjoy Coffee Witha Cop in Purcellville

The Purcellville Police Department will host a Coffee with a Cop event for residents to ask questions and learn about the departments work in the towns neighborhoods. The event will be 7:30 to 10 a.m. Saturday at Veloville USA: Bicycles and Coffee, 600 E. Main St., Purcellville.

For information, email cmcalister@purcellvilleva.gov or call 540-338-7422.
THE DISTRICT

Man charged with robbing PNC Bank

D.C. police thanked the public Saturday for tips that helped authorities make an arrest in a bank robbery that occurred days earlier.

Marquese Kelsey, 30, of no fixed address, was arrested and charged with robbing a PNC Bank in Northwest Washington on Thursday, the police and FBI Violent Crimes Task Force said.

Police said the incident occurred about 3:10 p.m. in the 800 block of Seventh Street. A teller was handed a note demanding money and complied. Police did not disclose how much was taken.

 Theresa Vargas

MARYLAND

Man fatally shot in Prince Georges

Prince Georges County police are investigating the death of a man who was found shot in Langley Park on Friday night.

Authorities had not released the mans name or age as of Saturday. Officers were responding to shots fired just before 11 p.m. Friday in the 8200 block of 14th Avenue when they found the man outside suffering from multiple wounds. He was taken to a hospital where he was pronounced dead.

Police are asking anyone with information about the shooting to call 866-411-TIPS.

 Theresa Vargas
A D.C. man driving a stolen motorcycle was killed Saturday night when he collided with a car in Upper Marlboro, Maryland State Police said Sunday.

The motorcyclist was traveling south on MD 202 just after 10 p.m., police said, when he crossed in front of a car that was making a left turn from Robert Lewis Avenue.

The man, who police did not publicly identify, was pronounced dead after being transported to a nearby hospital. The motorcycle had been reported stolen from Howard County.
A birthday party with a DJ spinning hip-hop and R&B at a Barnaby Woods home led to the detention of the 41-year-old host and put strain on a Northwest Washington neighborhood that cherishes its tranquility.

The woman who threw the party in her rental home, C. Nicole Mason, is a noted public speaker and author on social justice and womens and minority rights, and she said her Chevy Chase neighbors and the police singled her out because she and most of her party guests are African American.

Barnaby Woods is one of the Districts most exclusive neighborhoods, home to doctors, lawyers, judges and Cabinet secretaries. It is where Mike Pence rented in the days leading up to his swearing in as vice president.

At least one of her immediate neighbors is defending Mason, calling her May 28 party loud, but not over the top. Others, none of whom would consent to be identified by name, described the party as horribly loud. Many of her detractors were surprised to learn she was taken away in handcuffs but all said they were pleased the music stopped.

Mason said she filed a complaint May 31 with the D.C. Office of Police Complaints, an independent civilian oversight panel. The director, Michael G. Tobin, said he could not confirm the filing because names on all complaints are kept confidential.

Most of Masons complaint centers on her belief that police did not give her enough time to turn down the music, but she also said that one responding officer, who is white, appeared not friendly and a bit hostile and seemed surprised that it was me, an African-American woman, that had come to the door. The other officer who responded is black.

Investigators will be left to sort through diverging accounts of what happened starting about 10:30 p.m., when authorities said they received several calls complaining about loud music at the party in the 6600 block of 31st Street NW.

In an interview, Mason said she turned down the music within seven to 10 minutes of police showing up at her door and that it was completely off before he put me in the squad car.

A D.C. police spokesman said an officer waited in his cruiser for 21 minutes after making initial contact and saw Mason standing in her yard, but not taking any steps to comply. As the time approached 11 p.m., the music remained at the same volume, police said. The spokesman, Dustin Sternbeck, said the officer decided an arrest was the only way to resolve the issue.

Mason said she was handcuffed and taken to the Second District station, fingerprinted, photographed and briefly jailed. She was later released with a criminal citation ordering her to court. She said guests at the party, including lawyers and doctors, followed her to the station in a show of support.

Theres not a lot of black people in the neighborhood, and I think people responded to the number and volume of black people at the party, Mason said, adding that she moved from New York to the Barnaby Woods subdivision of Chevy Chase in September because of the Districts progressive reputation and quality elementary school for her two children.

I thought it would be a great place to raise a family, Mason said. But now, she said, it feels smothering. It doesnt feel as welcoming as some indicated it would be. It is not as progressive as it looks on the outside.

Many of the homes in Masons neighborhood began flying gay pride rainbow flags and posted signs with the message Hate Has No Home here when Pence moved to nearby Tennyson Street ahead of Donald Trumps inauguration.

Mason took issue with neighbors who complained but first called the homeowner, who lives down the street, and not her directly.

The owner of the house declined to comment.

Noise in residential neighborhoods in the District must be kept below 55 decibels between 10 p.m. and 7 a.m., the equivalent to a conversation in a restaurant, office or a quiet suburb. A shout from one back yard to another could easily be unlawful, and while some residents believe the decibel level cutoff too low to be practical, others demand strict adherence, attaching the same social norms as in an Amtrak quiet car.

The ordinance states that police must give a potential violator a reasonable time to comply, though that period is not defined. Conviction is punishable by a $1,000 fine and up to 10 days in jail.

Police can enforce the law by issuing a criminal citation. Most of the time, that happens at the scene, but police can take someone into custody and issue the citation at the station, as they did with Mason. Police said 37 people in the District have been taken into custody so far this year on allegations of violating the noise ordinance.

Sternbeck, the police spokesman, denied race played a factor in the call and said the officers who responded to Masons house advised her to turn the music low enough that it couldnt be heard from the street.

Sternbeck said when the music hadnt been turned down 20 minutes later the officer had sufficient probable cause to support an arrest. He felt that just issuing a citation would have been ineffective in abating the loud music.

Mason countered: There was no reason for an arrest. No escalation. No argument. No resistance. There was nothing except seven minutes that elapsed between the time he told us to turn it down and we did. In her complaint, she said she was arrested 15 minutes after the officers first arrived.

Before the party, Mason said she distributed gift baskets to her immediate neighbors informing them of the party and inviting them to attend. The baskets held wine, chocolate and ear plugs.
District residents Chris Schriever, 41, left, and his partner Edward Palmieri, 41, play with their 3-year-old twins, Helen, right, and Gavin Palmieri at their family home. The two became fathers with the help of a surrogate in Vermont. A 25-year-old law that banned surrogacy contracts was recently reversed by the D.C. Council. (Astrid Riecken For The Washington Post )

Edward Palmieri and Christopher Schriever were on the George Washington Bridge, barreling north on Interstate 95, when their twin babies were born. The couple arrived at the hospital after dawn to meet their children and settled into a room that had been reserved for their new family.

Kelli Rapp, a Vermont woman they had contracted with to carry their children, was recovering from an emergency Caesarean section in a room nearby. The Washington couple spent the next two days wheeling the babies bassinets between their rooms, visiting with her family and extended relatives.

The first days after birth were a mix of complete joy and fear: This is really happening, Palmieri said. It was such a process.

The couples journey to parenthood involved an egg donor, a surrogate, legal teams in six states, and well over $150,000 spent over the course of 2 years.

Three years later, they have reason to hope that the path to parenthood will be more streamlined for other District residents: A 25-year-old law that banned surrogacy contracts was recently reversed by the D.C. Council. That means would-be parents will no longer need to leave the District to contract with a surrogate. The law, passed in December, became effective in April after a required congressional review.

The shift signals sweeping changes in how reproduction is being re-engineered. State and city governments are rethinking old policies, as gay rights and infertility advocates, joined by a lucrative fertility industry, are protesting barriers to building families. Many see more-permissive surrogacy laws as a natural progression from marriage equality.

In the District, we are a place where we respect all couples and how they choose to start a family, said D.C. Council member Charles Allen (D-Ward 6), who introduced the citys bill. Thats what we are about.

Massachusetts is now considering a law that would codify surrogacy rights that have been bestowed by courts over time. And in New York, one of five states that still bans the practice, a legislative committee on Tuesday approved a pro-surrogacy bill that has been stalled in Albany for several years.

And yet even as laws expand, opponents of surrogacy, including some feminists, human rights advocates and religious conservatives, say the practice is an unnatural kind of social engineering that exploits women. Ethical concerns have caused other countries, including much of Western Europe, to restrict paid surrogacy.

People dont really understand the harm and damage this does to women, and the real medical risks, said Jennifer Lahl, president of the California-based Center for Bioethics and Culture. She attributed the growth of surrogacy in the United States to rugged individualism and a headfirst trust of technology.

But supporters say that surrogacy represents a rare chance to create families for some people, and in the absence of laws regulating surrogacy, would-be parents and surrogates are both vulnerable.

Becoming a parent should be a joyous occasion, not an illegal act. We need to legalize and regulate compensated surrogacy contracts sensibly, said New York state Sen. Brad Hoylman (D), a gay father who is expecting a second child with help from a surrogate in California.

More than 2,000 babies are born in the United States to surrogates each year, according to conservative estimates, triple the number a decade ago. Its a business with potential to bloom in the District, which is home to a sizable gay community and reputable fertility clinics, and it has favorable adoption laws.

The D.C. law, along with a handful of other friendly statutes, streamlines the process for intended parents, allowing them to secure legal parenting rights during pregnancy that become effective at birth, so that their names can be printed on the birth certificate and they can avoid subsequent adoption proceedings.

The law applies to any would-be parent, regardless of whether they are married or single or gay or straight, or biologically related to the child or not.

For those interested in pursuing surrogacy, the law did a 180-degree turn, said Diane Hinson, an attorney focused on assisted reproduction whose firm in Chevy Chase, Md., maintains a map of the nations changing surrogacy laws. It went from the worst of the worst to the best of the best, she said.

In the absence of federal regulations, states vary widely in approaches to surrogacy. A majority of states have a law or court ruling that guides surrogacy decisions, though they vary in how restrictive they are. In many states, decisions are left to judges and can be unpredictable.

Virginia has a law that limits compensation to medical and ancillary expenses and says that the surrogate cannot consent to transfer her parenting rights until three days after the birth of the child.

Maryland has no state law, but a favorable ruling by the highest court has created a legal environment in which many family courts are friendly to the practice.

When it passed the surrogacy ban in 1993, the District was one of the only places that made it a criminal offense to contract with a surrogate inside the jurisdiction. Even unpaid surrogacy was punishable by a $10,000 fine or a year in jail.

At the time, in vitro fertilization was in its infancy. As the technology developed and became more widely used as a means to become pregnant, surrogacy evolved. Now surrogates are almost always contracted to carry a fetus conceived with someone elses egg and sperm.

Gestational surrogacy, in which the surrogate is not biologically related to the baby, avoids some legal challenges. But many opponents say ethical and physical risks remain.

During a D.C. Council hearing in 2013, when the council first considered overturning the surrogacy ban, several opponents warned about the ethical concerns that arise when the fertility industry profits by renting wombs.

Some questioned the long-term health risks to women who take hormone treatments to donate their eggs and the consequences of turning a normal biological function of a womans body into a commercial transaction.

The new D.C. law sets out guidelines for surrogacy agreements: A surrogate has to be over 21 and have given birth to her own child. Both parties must obtain independent counsel and undergo a psychological evaluation. Surrogates in the District can be paid, and the law also permits traditional surrogacy, now rarely practiced, in which the carrier is genetically linked to the child.

Compensation for surrogates typically runs upward of $30,000, according to lawyers who negotiate surrogacy agreements.

Rapp, 38, a hospital secretary from Windsor, Vt., said she was so delighted when she had her own son five years ago and that she wanted to help someone else who could not have the same joy. It was my way to say Thank you for my son, she said.

She applied to Circle Surrogacy, a Boston-based agency, and was matched with Palmieri and Schriever.

The couple, now both 41, had talked about having a family from the early days of their relationship. Palmieri, an attorney for Facebook, and Schriever, who has a marketing firm, had been together for a decade when they embarked on the long process of making their hopes become reality.

By the time they met Rapp, the couple had already tried twice with another surrogate in West Virginia, but neither pregnancy was viable.

The embryos transferred to Rapps uterus were created from donated eggs that had been fertilized with sperm from each man, so they did not know who the biological father would be. They were thrilled when Rapp became pregnant with twins.

Schriever said it was surreal to share a pregnancy with someone in another state, but he said they felt very comfortable with her. She was like a member of the family, he said.

The couple traveled to Vermont for the first sonogram and another visit at 18 weeks when they found out they were having a boy and a girl. In between, Rapp recorded the heartbeats during doctor visits for them and emailed pictures of the sonograms.

And as her belly grew, the men said they sent Rapp thank you notes and flowers and had cookies delivered to her house.

Rapp said she was protective of her role as the carrier and their role as parents. I knew from the very beginning they werent my children, she said.

Since the twins births three years ago, Rapp, Palmieri and Schriever have stayed in touch and are planning to see one another in Vermont this summer.

I love hearing stories about them and seeing the parents that Chris and Eddie are to them, she said. I am so proud that there are two wonderful people in this world because I could help.

On a recent night at the couples D.C. rowhouse, Palmieri assembled a racetrack with Gavin, and Schriever turned himself into a human jungle gym for Helen, who demanded to be thrown into the air Again! and Again! so she could touch the sky!

The couple said they are proud to live in a place that no longer considers the way they built their family a crime.

And they are hopeful that more people can experience what they described as the more mess and more love lifestyle that goes along with becoming a family.

We were determined to make it happen, Palmieri said. But there were a lot of head winds.
In 2015, Emily Bastina boarded a Bridj bus that took her from a pickup location on Independence Avenue in Southeast Washington to her workplace on K Street NW. The now defunct Bridj billed itself as the worlds first pop-up mass transit system. It used 14-seat buses and responded to ride requests via an app. (ASTRID RIECKEN/For The Washington Post)

In the weeks leading to its abrupt shutdown this spring, van-pooling service Bridj was planning a major expansion in the District. The pop-up bus service, then limited to a few neighborhoods, would have offered pickups anywhere in Washington, according to founder Matt George. The announcement was slated for the week after the April shutdown, he said.

But in the rough-and-tumble world of ride sharing, where launches are frequent and shutdowns even more so, long-term plans can turn on a dime.

Case in point: Bridj, where a deal with a large automaker (reported to be Toyota) fell through and the pop-up bus service was suddenly forced to reckon with a financial free fall. The Boston-based company raised $11 million in investor capital over four years and transported tens of thousands of passengers in the District, but by late spring  despite successes along some popular routes  its losses were piling up too fast.

The thing I equate it to is if youre in a fighter jet and youre three inches away from the refueling tanker, youre gonna drop out of the sky no matter how close you are to the fueling tank, George said.

And so Bridj went the way of Split, Sidecar and other shared-ride services that have launched in the District, gained a following among thousands, but failed to find a sustainable financial model.

Sidecar arrived in 2013 but was the first to go in late 2015. Split launched in May 2015 but halted service in October 2016. Bridj fell in April, two years after it arrived. And now Via, a New York-based ride-sharing service, has taken over as the resident alternative to Uber and Lyft  albeit with exponentially more financial resources than its predecessors.

For smaller firms such as homegrown Split, which raised $12.5 million by the time it disbanded last fall, keeping up with the ride-sharing bigwigs proved difficult  if not impossible.

[D.C.-based Split will discontinue ride-share service, citing market saturation]

Steep discounts and subsidized fares from the giants made Washington a tough market, said Ario Keshani, co-founder of the now-defunct Split. Split folded its service in October, months after Uber and Lyft began offering $3 rides and discounts up to 75 percent, respectively, to attract riders during Metros year-long SafeTrack program.

What has happened with Uber and Lyft is its become a strategic tool  spending money as a tool to get something done, Keshani said. And that makes it difficult to compete if you dont have the same resources.

Which begs the question: Why bother to try to break into a market where there are already deep-pocket competitors with billions in capital and who are willing to spend vast sums of it to crush the competition? (Uber lost $2.8 billion overall last year, while Lyft lost $600 million, according to Bloomberg.)

Via chief executive Daniel Ramot said the ride-share business is a difficult one, requiring economies of scale, and significant investments are needed to build a customer base. Via, which has raised $137 million to date, has exponentially more cash than the other apps ever did, he said.

Much like ride-splitting services such as UberPOOL and Lyft Line, Via takes passengers headed in the same direction on shared rides. But service isnt door-to-door.

Think of Via as a bus thats smart enough to come when you want it and where you want it, the company says on its website.

Passengers choose their pickup and drop-off points, and Vias algorithm chooses a nearby corner for a pickup and selects a drops-off point near a passengers destination  at most a couple of blocks away.

I think it is possible to turn a profit  its hard and it takes a long time and a lot of investment, Ramot said.

[With looming Metro disruptions, transportation companies ready their pitches to commuters]

So far, Ramot said, Washington is the smallest market for his app, which also operates in New York and Chicago. But profit isnt the focus in the District, he said, pointing to Vias discounted local fares of $2.95 per ride. The company is just trying to build ridership here. In New York, where rides start at $5, we really are trying to turning a profit  in a mature market where were achieving scale, he said.

Vias D.C. coverage area extends from Georgetown to Cleveland Park, and from Columbia Heights to NoMa and Capitol Hill. The company, which is focused on its existing routes and has made a point of not biting off more than it can chew. But the service has a mini-expansion planned that would extend the line to the H Street NE corridor beginning Monday.

In any case, I really hope well be around [for the foreseeable future], Ramot said. I really believe we will be.

So what happens to the start-ups that do shutter? Its generally not the end of the line. George, of Bridj, said hes shopping his technology platform to various companies, including some Fortune 500 and Fortune 50 firms, and values the software in the millions of dollars.

Company officials say their routing algorithms can prove lucrative in a market where automakers are shopping for tech to power their ride-pooling services and, eventually, self-driving cars.

They see it as a way to make sure theyve got chips on the table, Keshani said. If you believe that peoples behavior of getting around is changing dramatically, and youre an automaker, then you have to believe that your core business is gonna be impacted so youre going to want to be . . . on the side of the people that are actually impacting.

[Lyft drivers call for investigation into alleged wage theft]

Keshani knows firsthand automakers thinking in buying up the remnants of disbanded ride-sharing start-ups.

Last week , the Finland-based tech division of Split, which includes about a dozen engineers, was acquired by MOIA, a mobility-focused company under the Volkswagen umbrella, for an undisclosed amount thought to be in the millions. The automaker wants to launch a pooled-ride service in Europe relying partially on the software pioneered by Split.

Automakers have increasingly moved to acquire the remaining assets of disbanded ride-share companies, a practice that Ramot likened to fire sale acquisitions. General Motors acquired the remnants of Sidecar last year.

GM also invested $500 million in Lyft in January 2016, eyeing an eventual self-driving vehicle network. And later last year, Ford announced that it was acquiring Chariot as it aimed to introduce the San Francisco-based minibus service to cities nationwide.

In some ways, the District served as a testing ground for the routing software Volkswagen will use for MOIA, which computes the most efficient route for multiple trips, grouping passengers headed in the same direction into one vehicle. Thats a point of pride for Keshani, who will be bought out of the company he headed.

[New to D.C., ride-sharing service Via wants to replace the Red Line during SafeTrack]

When we started Split we werent dreaming of getting acquired a few years down the line. Obviously we considered it a very real and reasonable possibility, he said. I think we built a truly revolutionary start-up and service that for a good amount of time offered a totally different way for people to get around town  offered a way for people to get around town that was a little more ecological, a lot more economical. That in itself was a big success for us.
THE DISTRICT

Youth is arrested in Northwest robbery

A man was beaten and robbed Saturday in Northwest Washington, police said. Authorities arrested a 17-year-old and charged him in the robbery and several other offenses.

The robbery was reported at 12:30 a.m. in the 5300 block of Rock Creek Church Road. In addition to that crime, police said, the teenager was charged in the theft of two cars, one on Friday and one on Sept. 29.

He was also charged with breaking into four cars in January in the 4800 block of North Capitol Street NE.

 Martin Weil

MARYLAND

Motorcyclist dies in Pr. Georges crash

A D.C. man driving a stolen motorcycle was killed Saturday night when he collided with a car in Upper Marlboro, Maryland State Police said Sunday.

The motorcyclist was traveling south on Maryland Route 202 just after 10 p.m., police said, when he crossed in front of a car that was making a left turn from Robert Lewis Avenue.

The motorcyclist, identified by police as Michael R. Davis, 36, of the District, died at a hospital. The motorcycle had been reported stolen from Howard County, state police said.

 Ann Marimow

Driver, 19, dies

after striking a tree

Police are investigating the death of a Germantown teenager after the car he was driving struck a tree early Sunday.

Howard County police say Pierce B. English, 19, was heading south on Route 94 in Woodbine just before 4 a.m. when his vehicle swerved off the road and hit a tree.

Police say that English was not wearing a seat belt and that no passengers were in the car. The collision resulted in the closure of a section of Route 94 for three hours Sunday morning.

 Ann Marimow

VIRGINIA

Cardboard boat

rules regatta

The Fairfax County Fire Department tweeted on Sunday a picture of Fireboat 422, one of the competitors in the days cardboard boat regatta at Lake Accotink.

The post asked whether followers of the account thought the Greater Springfield Volunteer Fire Departments entry would float or sink.

Well, as it turned out, the vessel  its cardboard hull painted bright red  floated. It did very well, and, according to a fire department source, even helped out a few cardboard craft that did not appear quite so sea- or lake-worthy.

 Martin Weil


Border Patrol agent Emmanuel Santos searches for illegal immigrants trying to hide in the undergrowth along the Rio Grande border near Laredo, Tex., on Thursday. (Matthew Busch/For The Washington Post)

 This scrappy city of rickety homes on the U.S.-Mexico border cannot afford an ambulance or a gas pump. The mayor earns $100 a month. The nearest supermarket is a half-hour drive.

Yet El Cenizo is leading the charge to block a tough new Texas immigration law that requires police to hold criminal suspects for possible deportation, before the measure takes effect Sept. 1. The lawsuit filed by the city pits Mayor Raul Reyes and his tiny outpost of Democrats against the states powerful Republican Party. Almost everyone in town is an immigrant from Mexico  or is related to one  and many are here illegally.

People have been posting that they should make an example out of me and that they should lock me up, Reyes , who helped draft the federal lawsuit, said in an interview at City Hall. Its a sacrifice Im willing to make for this cause. I know I will be on the right side of history.

The mayors move puts this city of 3,300 residents at the heart of a new war raging in Texas over an old issue: illegal immigration.

On one side is Gov. Greg Abbott (R) and the GOP-led state legislature. Emboldened by President Trumps blunt rhetoric on illegal immigration, they passed a law in May that forces sanctuary cities such as El Cenizo to help detain and deport those who are in the country unlawfully. Uncooperative local governments face large fines, police chiefs and sheriffs could be jailed, and elected officials could lose their jobs.

El Cenizo Mayor Raul Reyes in City Hall. (Matthew Busch/For The Washington Post)

On the other side are progressive activists such as Reyes, part of a fast-growing younger generation that is largely Hispanic and U.S. born but lacks the political power of conservative white voters. With him are advocates who have pressured Dallas, Houston and other cities to resist cooperating with Immigration and Customs Enforcement because they fear it will lead to racial profiling or deportations for minor offenses.

Tensions boiled over in Austin on May 29, as protesters gathered outside the state capitol. Lawmakers nearly came to blows after a Republican from the Dallas area boasted to several Democratic colleagues of calling immigration authorities to come arrest demonstrators.

Rep. Matt Rinaldi (R) said he made the call because some protesters held signs openly declaring their undocumented status. The Democrats say there were no such signs and accused Rinaldi of racial profiling. Democrats said that proved the anti-sanctuary city law will result in the unfair targeting of Latinos.

Appearing with Neil Cavuto on Fox News on Thursday, Rinaldi defended the law as simply keeping criminal aliens  murderers, rapists, child abusers  from being shielded from federal authorities.

In an interview with The Washington Post, Rinaldi called the sanctuary city law a very strong policy that deals particularly with criminal aliens or illegals responsible for thousands of crimes. The law forbids law enforcement authorities from racially profiling suspects, he said.

In a video statement on Facebook to announce that he had signed the law, Abbott singled out for criticism the sheriff of Travis County, which includes the liberal city of Austin, who won her seat last year promising not to honor requests from ICE to hold people in the local jail for federal immigration violations.

This law cracks down on policies like the Travis County sheriff, who declared she would not detain known criminals accused of violent crimes, Abbott said in the video. Those policies are sanctuary city policies and wont be tolerated in Texas.



Andrea Morales, 45, left, and Julieta Lopez, 48, who work for Webb County, pass out food to residents outside of the Webb County El Cenizo Community Center in El Cenizo, Tex. (Matthew Busch/For The Washington Post)

Reyes, El Cenizos 34-year-old mayor, has gotten mixed reactions from residents of this impoverished enclave on the humid banks of the Rio Grande. It sprung from a shantytown of landscapers, farmworkers and house cleaners who could not afford the rent in nearby Laredo, a bustling hub of 250,000 people about 17 miles to the north.

For down payments as small as $50, they bought plots of land and built trailers and, later, cinder-block houses. Some are patched together with duct tape, tarps and aluminum foil to block the searing sun.

Hes trying to defend us, said Maria Magdalena Rangel, a 72-year-old immigrant from Mexico who arrived at a local Lutheran church Thursday for a weekly ration of bread and tomatoes. He sees the injustices that are happening with the people.

Others say they fear the mayors defiance will irritate the U.S. Border Patrol and inspire them to make more arrests.



A horse feeds on grass in a front yard in El Cenizo. (Matthew Busch/For The Washington Post)

The divisions underscore how illegal immigration has evolved as an issue in Texas, home to an estimated 1.6 million undocumented immigrants.

Latinos are expected to outnumber whites in the state over the next few years and already comprise a majority of the public school student population. Political scientists saw a modest jump in Latino voter turnout in the 2016 presidential election, although Hispanics remain significantly less engaged in politics than whites.

Despite the recent immigration crack down, Texas has taken a nuanced  at times progressive  approach. Under then-Gov. Rick Perry (R), Texas was the first state to allow undocumented students to qualify for in-state college tuition. In 2012, the state Republican Party, backed by business interests, called for a national guest-worker program, although the plank was later removed from the platform.

The state GOPs attitude has shifted further to the right, more closely mirroring the national party and its hard-line illegal immigration stance; Trump tried to punish sanctuary cities with an executive order in January that was temporarily blocked by a federal judge.

The whole attitude toward immigration and illegal immigrants residing in Texas has changed and hardened since the early 2000s, said Ray Sullivan, a Republican operative who advised former Texas governors Perry and George W. Bush. Sullivan credited concerns about crime, a sense that the border is still not secure, and the rise of Trump for the shift.

Many Texas liberals also have staked out a more radical position, quietly pushing officials in Democratic-leaning cities to keep federal immigration authorities at arms length. The anti-sanctuary city law is in some ways a backlash to their success.

They contend that the federal governments failure to enact comprehensive immigration reform has forced local governments to act on their own to protect communities in which citizens and unlawful residents live interdependently, often within the same family.

Liberals argue that communities suffer when local law enforcement works closely with immigration officials, sowing a fear that can discourage people from reporting crimes or cooperating with investigations. ICE sometimes leaves people to languish in local jails for weeks before picking them up, which they argue violates their constitutional rights.

El Cenizo declared itself a sanctuary in 1999 and vowed to fire any city official who reported an immigrant to authorities. The city holds its council meetings in Spanish, the predominant language. And when outside volunteers tried to patrol the border with Mexico, the city created a $500 park usage fee to keep them out of El Cenizo.

Reyes said crime is rare. He said the city has not had a single homicide during his seven terms in office, dating to 2004.



Residents of El Cenizo  from left, Hilario Reyes, 76, Jose Pacheco, 76, Jose Alvarez, 64, and Alberto Martinez, 62  play dominoes in the Webb County El Cenizo Community Center. (Matthew Busch/ For The Washington Post)

At the community center Thursday, Jose Guadalupe Alvarez shrugged as he played dominoes over popcorn and hot coffee. The 64-year-old retired construction worker said he worries that the mayors defiance will make Border Patrol agents more aggressive.

Where are you going to hide so many people? This is a small town, said Alvarez, a legal permanent resident who helped build hospitals in other towns, although his own does not have one. Its taunting the immigration agents. Most of us are illegal. Thank God I fixed my papers.



Border Patrol Assistant Chief Patrol Agent Gabriel Acosta radios to his unit as he searches along an area of the Rio Grande where a sensor tripped signaling movement along the border. (Matthew Busch/For The Washington Post)

U.S. Border Patrol agents say there is value in working closely with state and local police, including in El Cenizo, to prevent public safety threats and to bust drug traffickers and human smuggling rings operating along the border.

Gabriel Acosta, the assistant chief patrol agent in charge of the Laredo sector, acknowledged that immigrants whose only offense is the civil violation of being in the United States illegally are sometimes deported, but he said they have some recourse because they can go before a judge.

I totally sympathize and understand what theyre going through, but at the end of the day, its the law, Acosta said as he patrolled Thursday night. All were doing is enforcing the law.

Angel Garza Reyna, 18, shown in his room in El Cenizo, just received a full scholarship to Duke University in Durham, N.C. (Matthew Busch/For The Washington Post)

To federal officials, illegal immigrants are lawbreakers. But in El Cenizo, they are Margarita, who cleans houses and sells tamales on the side; Maria, whose son graduates from high school Friday and will join the Army; and Angel Garza Reyna, 18, the pride of El Cenizo, who just received a full scholarship to Duke University, according to the mayor and a letter he provided to The Washington Post.

Angel, brought to the United States illegally at 11 months old, has Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals, a temporary reprieve from deportation instituted under President Barack Obama that, for the teenager, expires next year. He rises before dawn to catch a ride to a magnet school in Laredo. His bedroom wall is plastered with academic medals. Crammed into one corner is a donated Hamilton upright piano, on which he taught himself to play Chopin.

He wants to be a doctor, because El Cenizo doesnt have one.

Undocumented residents here worry that authorities will soon go door-to-door to root them out. The mayor said he has heard that domestic violence victims are afraid to report crimes. And people fret that going to the supermarket or buying gas could put at risk the lives they have built in the United States.

This is worse than the wall, said Ricardo Molina, a school board member. Scaring people to death.



A car is parked in the grass in El Cenizo. (Matthew Busch/For The Washington Post)

Somashekhar reported from Washington.
Even though she was born with a heart defect, Candace Martinez managed to give birth to a daughter, Elliott. (COURTESY OF CANDACE MARTINEZ)

For years, the one thing standing between Candace Martinez and motherhood was her heart. She was born with a defect that a generation earlier would have led to death as an infant, but modern medicine  open-heart surgery at 5 weeks old to switch two misconnected arteries  had saved her. At age 18 she experienced heart failure: Her heart muscle couldnt pump enough blood to oxygenate her body. At 19, she got a pacemaker.

Martinez survived, but she always assumed that the life modern medicine had given her would not include having children. Pregnancy and childbirth long were thought to be too tough on women with congenital heart defects like hers.

Not anymore. Recommendations adopted in January by the American Heart Association suggest that, with careful supervision and management, many complex congenital heart defects should not be a deterrent to pregnancy.

For Martinez, 33, of Bakersfield, Calif., the recommendations couldnt have come soon enough. After spending the early part of her pregnancy in the Ronald Reagan UCLA Medical Center and the rest of it near the hospital, she gave birth to a baby girl on Valentines Day. The pregnancy wasnt exactly easy: Martinezs heart at one point started beating abnormally and doctors administered electric shock to get it back to a normal rhythm. But her daughter is healthy and she is, too.

Where we used to think pregnancy was not feasible or a prohibitively high risk for women with complex heart defects, said her UCLA cardiologist Jamil Aboulhosn, one of the authors of the new AHA guidelines, many of these women can actually tolerate pregnancy, but theyre still high-risk pregnancies that should occur in places with appropriate infrastructure and practitioners who know how to care for such patients.

It is easy to forget how risky pregnancy and childbirth are in general. Maternal death  historically a leading cause of mortality for women  remains a concern today, and cardiovascular diseases are the top culprit. Among women who die during pregnancy or within a year afterward, cardiovascular causes account for more than 4 in 10 deaths, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

The heart has to work hard to grow a baby, explained Brian Koos, Martinezs obstetrician at UCLA. Pregnancy increases a womans blood volume by 50 percent, and her heart must work 30 to 50 percent harder to pump enough oxygenated blood throughout the body. The mothers heart rate rises in the second half of pregnancy, and she is at a higher risk for an irregular heartbeat, called arrhythmia, and for blood clots, Koos said.

Pregnancy for women with complex heart defects can be even more of a threat. The new recommendations focus on complex congenital heart disease, such as having a ventricle with two outlets, having extra or missing or transposed arteries  as Martinez had  or having only one ventricle. An estimated 10,000 babies are born in the United States with these defects each year, and more than 117,000 adults are living with them.

Women who have impaired heart function dont have the cardiac reserve thats required to meet these demands, Koos said. But women have always had the choice to conceive, and motherhood is a very strong force, Koos added.

Until the 1960s, fewer than 10 percent of infants with complex congenital heart disease survived to adulthood, Aboulhosn said. But advances in cardiac surgery in the 1960s and 1970s substantially extended survival for these children. Surgeries such as the atrial switch, which Martinez had to correct the flow of oxygenated blood in her heart, and the Fontan procedure, which redirects blood to the pulmonary artery in those with a weak or absent right ventricle, became more common. By the 1980s, they were the standard of care for complex heart defects. By the 1990s, an arterial switch replaced the atrial switch, with seemingly better outcomes. (See sidebar.)

A 2013 study found that more than three-quarters of infants born between 1979 and 2005 with complex congenital heart defects survived past their first birthday.

Today there is virtually no [heart] defect that cant have some form of surgical intervention performed from the time of birth, said Mary Canobbio, a cardiac nurse at UCLA and chair of the group that wrote the AHA recommendations.

More than 90 percent of these children now reach adulthood, which has led to uncharted territory: caring for adults with complex congenital heart disease.

Doctors were reporting on the outcomes of these surgeries in the 80s, but no one was addressing pregnancy, Canobbio said. Pregnancy was discouraged in these women, but some conceived anyway, forcing medical professionals to learn how to care for them.

We showed that yes, they can get pregnant. The next question was Should they get pregnant? and that is the issue that has really plagued cardiologists, Canobbio said. Debate continues today, particularly regarding women in areas without a cardiac center for adults with congenital heart disease.

While careful management of these pregnancies has allowed better outcomes, that doesnt mean all women with a complex congenital heart defect should conceive. A womans cardiologist considers her clinical history, medications and the results of exercise stress tests, an EKG, an echocardiogram and other assessments to determine her risk.

The risk of becoming pregnant remains too high for some, such as those with Eisenmenger syndrome, a condition involving pulmonary hypertension (high blood pressure in the lungs), reversal of blood flow and cyanosis, in which oxygenated and unoxygenated blood mix together. The overall U.S. maternal mortality rate is two deaths per 10,000 women, or 0.02 percent. In women with Eisenmenger, its 30 to 50 percent, and more than a quarter of their babies die.

Most women with congenital heart disease who die as a result of pregnancy had conditions considered too risky for them to have attempted childbirth, Canobbio said.

It is critical that these patients be given counseling well before they get pregnant, Canobbio said. If we dont get the problems controlled before pregnancy, we potentially have a disaster.

After conception, a woman like Martinez needs care from an obstetrician, a cardiologist, a nurse with specialized training and an anesthesiologist  a multidisciplinary team whose cooperation and communication are vital to her management. One major risk is heart failure: The heart simply may not be able to keep up with pregnancys demands. Another is arrhythmias, both during and after pregnancy. Treatment might involve medication, a pacemaker insertion, bed rest or a cardioversion, in which an electric jolt resets the hearts rhythm.

Fetal risks exist, too. Miscarriages occur more often in some of these women. More than a quarter of newborns have complications, such as being underweight, not growing well in the womb and respiratory distress at birth.

The data show we can get you through a pregnancy if youre clinically stable at the time of conception, Canobbio said. What we dont know is if the burden of pregnancy is going to shorten the mothers life span.

But thats the risk you take, said Erica Thomas, a 37-year-old from Costa Mesa, Calif., who was born with a single ventricle, an atrial septal defect (a type of hole in the heart) and a missing tricuspid valve. What saved her life was the Fontan procedure she had as a newborn.

The majority of my younger years were all survival, Thomas said. They didnt expect me to live, and it was about being a guinea pig. When she was 6, her parents moved the family from Colorado to Los Angeles because high altitude was too risky for her. Today, she has a healthy 5-year-old daughter and 2-year-old son.

My husband and I never thought we would be able to have our own biological children, Thomas said. Were just grateful to have had that opportunity.

Before getting pregnant, we asked Mary [Canobbio] a lot of questions because I wasnt sure I wanted to be a guinea pig when Im bringing another life into this. But knowing there were other people who went before me really helped us in making our decision.

In her first pregnancy, Thomass water broke at 35 weeks, five weeks before a planned induction, and she suffered complicated swelling and pain postpartum. In her second pregnancy, her water broke at 23 weeks, requiring hospitalization in hopes of getting her pregnancy to last 10 more weeks.

She made it, but her son was still preterm, as up to 65 percent of these womens children are. Thats why many women like her stay in the hospital or in a hotel close to a center for adults with congenital heart disease for weeks leading up to their induction date. That strategy paid off for Martinez when her daughter came early.

I got to hold her immediately, and that was amazing, said Martinez, who just experienced her first Mothers Day as a mother. She was so tiny, and it just melts your heart.
For four years, Jed Meltzer studied communication disorders at the National Institutes of Health, using brain-imaging technology to pinpoint the impact of strokes on speech. His postdoctoral training, he wrote on his blog, comprised some of the most scientifically satisfying years of my life.

I got to collect amazing, irreplaceable data, and I got to learn from the best and work with unparalleled resources. Most importantly, I got to publish several papers that established my scientific reputation and positioned me to move into a faculty position in 2010.

But now that data is useless for Meltzer and about a dozen other scientists caught in a dispute that is unusually fierce, even for the highly competitive world of elite biomedical research.

The leadership at the National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders, where Meltzer worked, has banned the use of data collected over 25 years from more than 1,000 volunteers in the lab of neurologist Allen R. Braun, citing serious and widespread record-keeping errors, all of them clerical matters related to forms used for matters such as screening volunteers or logging physical exams.

But there have been no allegations that data was altered, plagiarized or fabricated, and no ones safety was threatened  the kind of misconduct that usually leads to such severe penalties in scientific research. Many people say the harsh punishment stems, instead, from a long-standing conflict at the institute, whose leadership has forced numerousscientists like Braun to leave in recent years.

Critics contend that millions of dollars worth of research has been squandered at a time when NIH faces the prospect of sharp budget cuts from the Trump administration.

The penalty is absolutely bizarre, said David Poeppel, a professor of psychology and neural science at New York University who has followed the controversy in his field. Its actually unheard of. Its also unclear whos being served by that. Certainly not the taxpayer.

NIDCD Director James Battey and other leaders of the 29-year-old institute  one of the smallest parts of NIH  declined to comment. In letters to Meltzer and others, however, Battey contended that a February 2016 audit conducted by a contractor hired by NIDCD concluded that the work in Brauns lab was irretrievably compromised and we felt that the only course was to close the studies.

But those affected say the audit widely mischaracterized the procedures in Brauns lab.

Violations in Brauns lab were like a low-grade fever, said Nan Bernstein Ratner, a professor in the University of Marylands Department of Hearing and Speech, who has worked with some of the affected researchers and has lost data that might have been used in two papers. We are not talking about something that compromises the publishability of the data. It doesnt impact the interpretation of the data. It doesnt impact the veracity of the data.

[At NIH, one woman says gender bias blocks promotions]

Braun, 71, studied language and communication disorders. He and other researchers used imaging technology in an attempt to determine the brains role in aphasia, stuttering and other conditions that affect communication.

He was at least the sixth scientist forced out since Andrew J. Griffith took over in 2009 as science director of NIDCD, which has just 16 laboratories, according to people familiar with the conflict.

Braun was forced to retire in June 2016, just one day before an institutional review board, which oversees research conduct at several institutes, was scheduled to issue a decision that might have allowed researchers to continue their work. Griffiths alleged interference with the oversight process is one of Brauns many complaints against NIDCD.

The NIH has procedures in place for resolving allegations involving its scientists. That Dr. Griffith could apparently short-circuit these procedures and unilaterally try to terminate the career of a distinguished researcher is nothing short of vindictive and should not have been tolerated, said George M. Chuzi, Brauns attorney.

Some of the scientists have filed complaints with the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission that allege various forms of discrimination, according to interviews and documents reviewed by The Washington Post. In one case, a researcher reached a legal settlement after filing an EEO complaint. Others did not fight their departures.

After Griffith closed the lab of Konrad Noben-Trauth in 2011, he required the tenured scientist to sit in an office with the door open each day so that administrators could check on his whereabouts, according to numerous accounts from people aware of the punishment. Noben-Trauth also had to check in and out with Griffiths office any time he left the building, they said.

Noben-Trauth, 57, finally quit and went to law school. He graduated, but before he could begin a new job, he was diagnosed with terminal brain cancer.

An NIH spokeswoman said that other NIDCD and NIH leaders, including Griffith; Carter Van Waes, NIDCDs clinical director; and Michael Gottesman, NIHs deputy director of intramural research, could not comment on the various complaints. They would not address Brauns case because it is in litigation, an apparent reference to the 2016 complaint he has filed with the federal Merit Systems Protection Board.

In letters to Meltzer and Ratner, NIDCD has made clear that it considers the matter closed. The institute released a statement to The Washington Post on Saturday that emphasized the importance of rigorous record-keeping and data collection in studies that involve human subjects.

Van Waes said in the statement that if researchers can demonstrate that all of the data for all of the participants was collected in compliance with the approved protocol, then the NIDCD will consider additional requests for publication based on the data.

Meltzer said that offer was made previously but that the standard is impossible to meet, because inconsequential records from years ago may no longer be available. Ratner also said it is unlikely to change anything.

Theyre not going to allow anyone to publish anything, Meltzer said.

Braun and Noben-Trauth also declined to comment.

[Patient safety issues prompt leadership shake-up at NIH]

The scientist who almost certainly has lost the most to the publication ban works in the tiny field of stuttering research, most of which is funded by NIH. He lost data that would have been used in about 15 papers, according to people familiar with his work. The scientist declined to discuss his situation.

Theyve essentially vaporized five years of his life, Ratner said. The irony of doing that is that these were the five years promised him to build his career. Thats what the NIH postdoc program is.

The researchers have repeatedly asked NIDCD to consider alternatives to the publication ban, including transferring custody of the information to another academic institution or allowing peer-reviewed journals to decide whether the results were contaminated. (The NIDCD did not order that articles already published be retracted.)

They have complained about the wasted effort of volunteers with strokes, stutters and other disorders  as well as comparison volunteers without hearing or speech conditions  who took part in the tests. Meltzer estimated that more than 1,000 volunteers had taken part in various studies over the years, many of which have been published.

Its an enormous waste of taxpayer dollars to conduct 25 years of research and flush it all down the toilet, Meltzer said.

The battle over publication of the research was first reported by Science magazine.

Before researchers at NIH or universities can launch studies that involve human subjects, they must spell out how they intend to conduct their work. These written plans include everything from the specific language in consent forms to the ways researchers will protect volunteers. Once approved by an institutional review board, the formal plans become known as protocols. Numerous researchers can conduct a variety of studies under one protocol.

Brauns plan was first approved in 1992, leading to years of published research. It was amended from time to time over the years.

In 2013, outside experts were brought in to evaluate Brauns work, a periodic review that all researchers undergo. The panel, known as a Board of Scientific Counselors, gave Braun an outstanding review  a score of 2 on a descending scale of 1 to 9  and recommended he receive an additional staffer.

Instead, the final report was changed by NIDCD, and Brauns resources were slashed, according to Poeppel, one of the experts who conducted the review.

Were more than a little bit annoyed to do the work and then be summarized as saying something completely different, he said in an interview. When you give someone a score of 2, its incompatible with saying and your research program should be cut. Its just not logical. Honestly, dont waste my time.

[Retired Army major general to head troubled NIH clinical center]

In March 2015, a new volunteer in Brauns study was mistaken for another volunteer with the same name and underwent an MRI, according to documents related to the case obtained by The Post. No harm came to the volunteer; in fact MRIs are considered almost no threat to anyone in good health.

Braun reported the mistake to Van Waes. His lab was closed the next month and its work suspended.

Braun launched his own review and found 107 instances in which medical histories and physical exams could not be located for volunteer control subjects  the healthy people who are used for comparison to those who have hearing or language disorders. However, all but two had been given those tests during the previous two years when they volunteered for other experiments at NIH. And every person underwent additional safety screening before having an MRI.

In May 2016, the institutional review board found serious, continuing noncompliance in Brauns record-keeping and agreed with the suspension of his research. But it said the lab might be able to resume its work if Braun submitted an acceptable remedial plan.

He did so. But NIDCD forced Braun to retire in June 2016, a day before the review board was scheduled to consider his plan.

Those who lost the data for their research remain in limbo.

Those people are looking at black holes in their [resumes], Ratner said. They were employed to do something and that something was to do research and publish it. And they cant do that.
After my father died, I retreated to a place in California Ive long cherished for its peacefulness. On a hike, I took a wrong turn and got caught in an endless thicket of branches and brambles. But I couldnt go back. I could readily see the trailhead below through the thorns. Theres only one way to go, I told myself, and that was forward.

It could hardly be a coincidence that just three weeks earlier, when my father was dying, I had spoken those same words: The only way is the way forward. Like that wrong turn while hiking, my fathers last illness thrust my family and me down a painful path, and we had no choice but to keep going.

My father, so alive, so witty and loving, had been in the middle of a conversation when he had a stroke. Two days later, in the hospital, unable to control his airway because his swallowing muscles were paralyzed from the stroke, he inhaled his secretions and began struggling to breathe.

My dad had always been clear about the circumstances under which he would choose not to live. His wife, my siblings and I knew what he would want us to do. It was a difficult decision, made at a meeting with doctors, hospice nurses and social workers, but a decision without moral ambivalence for any of us: The time had come to stop the antibiotics and IV fluids. In addition, we refused a feeding tube that the doctors had suggested but we knew he would not want. The time had come to let him die.

While morphine eased my fathers breathing, our emotional pain sharpened. His death was now inevitable. Before our decision, he had had a serious bleed in his brain, paralyzing his body and slurring his speech. After our decision, he was bound to die. The difference in trajectory cannot be underestimated. Its the difference between hope and utter resignation.

[They said my dad was having a stroke. I wish Id been able to handle it better.]

My mind played tricks on me as we waited: Isnt there some other way? I kept thinking of Beethoven, who, in his last string quartet, incorporated this question: Does it have to be? He answers straightaway in a determined allegro: Yes, it has to be. The words became a mantra for me: Yes, it has to be. As a doctor, Ive seen so many families struggle to accept similar losses, but now it was my turn to experience the nearly unbearable command of these words.

Grieving begins, really, with the knowledge of our mortality. I had begun preparing for my fathers death. Intellectually vibrant though he was  his extraordinary memory a Google for our family  he was 94. He would not live forever. This was my experience of the first stage, still full of hope.

The next stage came when I arrived at the hospital on the day of his stroke. As a physician, I knew how bad it was. I saw the CT scan, with what doctors called the moderate-size bleed on the left side of his brain. As he developed complications, my grief intensified. I took in, as though drinking in gulps, his gestures, his nods, his efforts to speak. I took in the smell of his hair, the feel of the bristles of his little mustache. I took in his racing heart, the living warmth of his skin, the squeeze of his hand when he couldnt talk. I took in the single tear that rolled down the side of his face. I took in his breaths. I was fully present during his last moments, as his breathing stuttered and his jaw slackened, as though I were memorizing everything.

Naturally, the grieving continued. Grieving is both universal and unique. The intense cramp around the heart, cries and tears, the waves of sorrow, these are all our common responses to loss. They have a biological feel and cannot be so different from what some animals undergo when they mourn. There is also a strong sense of disbelief that someone who has always been there and has been a reliable part of your life has suddenly vanished forever.

Handbooks on grieving tell you some specific things about losing a parent. For example, a parents death shatters the myth we children nurture of their immortality. So true, in spite of everything I knew about death. I cried: Why did my father have to die at 94? Why couldnt he have lived to 96? Its irrational, but such thoughts make sense in light of our commonly held belief that death, while inevitable, lies somewhere vaguely in the future.

More truisms about parental loss: The death of a father or a mother can leave a person feeling adrift as that last remnant of seemingly supernatural protection breaks loose.

Then theres the accompanying loss of identity. Parents are keepers not only of childhood memories but also of the entire context in which we children grow up, which makes us feel even more bereft when they are gone.

And finally, parents may have been friends and confidants, as my father was to me, especially after my mother died 10 years ago. He and I spoke every night. He infused his attention with an unconditional love impossible to find anywhere else.

My mother had had a stroke years earlier, in exactly the same part of the brain as my father did. At the time, she was in her late 70s, and she survived for seven more years. These were difficult years, spent in a wheelchair, requiring my fathers full-time care. Slowly, imperceptibly, she faded, slipping into ever greater passivity, until in the end an aide dropped her and she didnt survive the fall. Sad as we were, wed all had a long time to prepare.

With my father, it was so different. He was full of plans. He was going to travel with his wife to Europe. He was slated to receive an achievement award in his native Vienna for his scholarly contributions. We were going to meet in California for my beloved retreat at a Zen monastery. We were supposed to enjoy the smell of the Pacific Ocean and walk in the Marin headlands where I ended up hiking alone. He was supposed to stay in the room next to mine. His death was a shock.

My siblings and I grieved his death according to our personalities.

My sister, practical and forward-moving, makes every effort to put aside the painful memories of the hospital as best she can. I, an introvert and a doctor, have immersed myself in them. My brother, who deals with most difficulties by going on long, arduous runs, went running. Uncomfortable expressing emotions, he has avoided the topic of my fathers death. But he also sent me this poem, exploring the conflicts in his relationship with my dad that remained unresolved:

We had no foundation.

I built ruins upon ruins,

that crumbled into dust and blew away

Where shall I lay my weary head?

My house is made of the stuff of dreams,

flitting like ghosts in the sunlight,

dust devils meandering without destination.

The drums of war deep into the night.

Where is our peace?

Three weeks after my fathers death, I went on my hike and got lost. Eventually I emerged from the brush and found the trailhead. I got into the car, returning it on time to the rental place. My arms were scratched up. My legs were black and blue from some falls Id taken.

A few days later, my body erupted in blisters and sores. First the rash appeared on my arms. Then it traveled to my neck and face. It covered my trunk, groin and finally encircled my ankles. I had developed an allergic skin reaction, maybe to some poison oak that I hadnt noticed. The rash was so bad it could only have been invented in hell.

Weeks later, the pain, redness and itch slowly faded away. The memory of it, a reminder that there is no way but forward as painful as that may be, will remain with me always.

Wellbery is a family physician and medical educator at the Georgetown University School of Medicine.

[Read more:]

[Dinner-part diagnosis: The occupational hazard of being a doctor]

[This physician wants her patients to use fewer medications]

[]
 Rep. Juan Vargas, a California Democrat whose district runs the length of the states border with Mexico, introduced a set of bills last fall aimed at helping U.S. military veterans who were deported after they were convicted of crimes. The bills stalled, casualties of what he called bad timing during the presidential campaign.

Vargas reintroduced the bills last week, because now he sees a real opportunity. He and six other Democratic members of Congress spent Saturday in this Mexican border town visiting deported veterans to press the issue, thinking that President Trump might be receptive to the argument that they are veterans first and deportees second.

These veterans, who agreed to serve in the U.S. military in exchange for a chance at U.S. citizenship, sit at the intersection of an issue with broad bipartisan interest  the treatment of those who fought for the nation  and immigration, an issue that resonates with the Democratic base.

Hopefully someone in the administration, this time, will say, Were doing such a horrible job. The world hates us now. This is something we can do thats positive, Vargas said in an interview, noting that the administration has been mired in bad news and that the previous White House failed to take up the issue. Its a good opportunity for them to do something unambiguously positive: to help veterans.

Vargas and his delegation brought their message Saturday to the Deported Veterans Support House in northern Tijuana. Here, they met with veterans who served but then had problems before they obtained full citizenship, finding themselves ejected from the United States after running afoul of the law.

Hector Barajas, who is leading an effort to get his peers back into the United States, made his case in front of the delegation and reporters. Barajas was deported after a crime  he fired a gun. He was honorably discharged from the Army, and after serving a prison sentence he was sent back to Mexico. He mistakenly thought hed be given citizenship automatically after his service. California Gov. Jerry Brown (D) recently pardoned Barajas.

Barajas shared a pledge Saturday that the members of Congress signed, which read in part: We believe that anyone who is willing to join the U.S. military, fight and give their life for the U.S., should be a citizen and not subject to deportation from the country they serve.

Edwin Salgado came to the United States when his parents brought him over the border when he was 3. He later served in Kuwait, joining the Marines at 18 because he felt it was something I had to do for my country.

He was sent back to Mexico after a conviction on drug and weapons charges. He spent a year in prison.

Salgado said he didnt realize veterans could be deported and he hopes the laws will change. Im allowed to go back when I die, he said in an interview prior to the event. One way or another, Ill find my way back there.

Rep. Raul M. Grijalva (D-Ariz.) said that is something that struck him, too: Deported veterans get military burials but are kept out of the country while theyre alive. HR 1470, which he introduced in March, aims to prevent the deportation of veterans who commit non-serious crimes. It has 51 co-sponsors, all Democrats.

Grijalva said the national discussion about immigration might work out in the bills favor. Rep. Joaquin Castro (D-Tex.) said he thinks the issue has broad support.

The terrain is tough in Congress right now, Castro said. Most people, regardless of their political affiliation, are very surprised and concerned to hear that veterans have been deported, even though they put their lives on the line for the United States.

Among the other bills that have been introduced or reintroduced since March, one would let deported veterans temporarily return to the United States for health care and another would ensure that noncitizen service members receive instruction about naturalization.

Letting noncitizen veterans who engage in criminal activity, whether violent or nonviolent, stay in the United States doesnt sit well with Jeff Schwilk, founder of San Diegans for Secure Borders and a retired Marine. Schwilk said the military has long had a fast-track citizenship program for foreign national service members.

If deportees didnt apply for U.S. citizenship while in the military, that was their choice, he said. I dont think they should be held to a lesser standard. When were in the military, were held to a higher standard. Crimes that are not crimes in civilian life are crimes in the military, and we all know that, from the day we are sworn in as soldiers or Marines or airmen.

That might be one of the efforts biggest hurdles, trying to draw sympathy for people who committed crimes. Their numbers are difficult to estimate  advocates say it ranges from several hundred to several thousand  but they represent a tiny fraction of the foreigners who have served in the U.S. military.

But Rep. Vicente Gonzalez (D-Tex.) said the issue often receives the wrong emphasis: This is not an immigration issue, he said. This is a veterans issue.

He met with White House officials several weeks ago and wrote a letter to Trump, urging him to sign an executive order to stop veteran deportations.

Gonzalez was encouraged by something Trump said about deported veterans during the campaign: I think that when you serve in the armed forces, thats a special situation, and I could see myself working that out, Trump said then. Absolutely.
A memorial service was held Sunday for the victims of an armed attack at the Resorts World Manila in Pasay City, Philippines. The suspected gunman was identified as Jessie Carlos, a former government employee who was heavily in debt. (Mark R. Cristino/European Pressphoto Agency)

Middle East

Four Arab nations cut diplomatic ties to Qatar

Four Arab nations cut diplomatic ties to Qatar early Monday morning, further deepening a rift between Gulf Arab nations over that countrys support for Islamist groups.

Bahrain, Egypt, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates announced they would withdraw their diplomatic staff from Qatar, a gas-rich nation that will host the 2022 FIFA World Cup. Saudi Arabia said Qatari troops would be pulled from its ongoing war in Yemen.

All the nations also said they plan to cut air and sea traffic to the peninsular country. It wasnt immediately clear how that would affect Qatar Airways, one of the regions major long-haul carriers.

Qatari officials did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

Bahrain blamed Qatars media incitement, support for armed terrorist activities and funding linked to Iranian groups to carry out sabotage and spreading chaos in Bahrain for its decision.

 Associated Press

Philippines

Police: Casino attacker was indebted gambler

The lone suspect in a deadly attack on a casino and shopping complex in Manila was a heavily indebted gambling addict, Philippine police said Sunday, bolstering their claim that the assault was not terrorism-related.

The mans family confirmed his identity as Jessie Carlos, a married father of three and former Finance Department employee who owed more than $80,000.

The revelations confirm that this is not an act of terrorism, the Manila police chief, Oscar Albayalde, said at a news conference. This incident is confined to the act of one man alone, as we have always said.

The Islamic State asserted responsibility for Fridays attack on Resorts World Manila, where 37 patrons and employees died, mostly of inhaling smoke from fires set by the attacker. But authorities rejected the militant groups claim, saying there is no evidence to back it and noting that the assailant shot no civilians during the two-hour ordeal, despite being heavily armed.

The country has faced a Muslim insurgency in its south for decades, and Manila has been on edge since government forces recently began battling Islamist militants in Marawi on Mindanao island.

On Sunday, Carloss father told reporters his son had no links to terrorism. Carloss mother wept and asked for forgiveness.

 Associated Press

Troops pound Daraa after rebel attack: Syrian government forces pounded parts of the southern city of Daraa with airstrikes and artillery fire, activists reported Sunday, one day after rebels attacked government positions in the city. Much of Daraa has been reduced to rubble, and the two sides are exchanging fire through the shells of buildings, according to footage released by the Syrian military and the al-Qaeda-linked Abaa News Agency over the weekend. At least 31 fighters have been killed in the clashes since late Friday, with fatalities distributed mostly evenly on both sides, according to the Britain-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights.

Bahrain closes prominent newspaper: Bahrain shut down a prominent independent newspaper until further notice over an article about unrest in Morocco, the latest move tightening expression in the island nation as authorities wage a crackdown on dissent. The closure of the daily al-Wasat marks the third time that authorities have ordered it to stop publishing a print edition since the islands 2011 Arab Spring protests. A statement by authorities linked the closure to a story affecting the relations of the kingdom of Bahrain with other countries.

9 killed during argument, Russia authorities say: Russian investigators said a drunk man fatally shot nine people after an argument erupted during dinner. The Investigative Committee said a suspect has been arrested in connection with the shootings in Redkino, about 75 miles northwest of Moscow. The investigators said survivors told police that the suspect had quarreled with others at the dinner, left the house, returned with a hunting rifle and opened fire.

Cambodia opposition claims strong election showing: Cambodias opposition claimed a strong showing in local elections that could shake Prime Minister Hun Sens longtime grip on power. A spokesman for the opposition Cambodia National Rescue Party said it won about 500 communes out of the countrys 1,646. Hun Sen has repeatedly warned of civil war if his Cambodian Peoples Party loses the majority in city and village councils to the main opposition party.

 From news services
President Trump gestures while speaking at the White House on June 1 about withdrawing the United States from the Paris climate-change accord. (Pablo Martinez Monsivais/Associated Press)

In announcing the United States withdrawal from the Paris climate agreement, President Trump said, So we are getting out, but we will start to negotiate and we will see if we can make a deal thats fair [Trump to pull nation out of global climate pact, front page, June 2]. As a former member of the U.S. climate team under Presidents George W. Bush and Barack Obama, I cant understand what leverage Mr. Trump expects to have. Each signatory country established its own emission-reduction target voluntarily and is not penalized for missing or changing its targets. Other countries will have to weigh the benefits and costs of negotiating with a recalcitrant U.S. administration that will likely seek to weaken the agreement.

Mr. Trump could have ratcheted down the U.S. target without withdrawing. But withdrawal was a campaign promise, and given his thin track record to date, its perhaps understandable he would prioritize fulfilling this promise over protecting the climate. Mr. Trump may discover that withdrawal means that cooperation from other countries is not forthcoming on his priorities, such as combating international terrorism.

Keith Kozloff, Takoma Park

President Trumps withdrawal from the Paris climate accord is unfortunately consistent with the United States history of nonengagement in international environmental agreements. The United States is among the handful of countries that refuses to ratify the U.N. Convention on the Law of the Sea. It is also not a party to the Convention on Biological Diversity.

Other environmental treaties in which we refuse to take part address critical concerns ranging from toxic chemicals to preserving migratory species. While we have great scientists and many exemplary programs in these areas, our refusal to engage with the world community is contributing to the overall strong downward trend in global environmental sustainability.

Peter Jenkins, Bethesda

The writer is president of the Center for Invasive Species Prevention.

How far will President Trump push his agenda? Joining Syria and Nicaragua in rejecting the Paris climate accord puts the United States on a diminished path as a leader in recognizing the catastrophic effects of global warming on the future of planet Earth. Whats more, Nicaragua didnt sign on because its leaders wanted a tougher, nonvoluntary climate agreement.

The overwhelming majority of scientists, including Nobel laureates, make no equivocations as to the primary cause of climate change: human activity and an enormous reliance on the burning of fossil fuels.

Mr. Trump seemingly relied on ideologues motivated by myths and junk science to make his case. Syria, Nicaragua and the United States. It just doesnt seem possible.

Harry A. Tenney, Charlottesville, Va.
President Rodrigo Duterte reviews police academy graduates as he arrives for the commencement at the Philippine National Police Academy in March in Cavite, Philippines. (Romeo Ranoco/Reuters)

Rodrigo Duterte is not afraid of the International Criminal Court  or so he likes to say.

Asked about the possibility of an ICC investigation, the Philippine president dismissed it with a curse. When a critic vowed to submit evidence of possible crimes against humanity, he told him to go ahead.

A year after Duterte swept to power on a promise to kill all the countrys suspected drug users, with an estimated 9,000 people dead and many missing, a growing number of experts say the Philippine president will be investigated by the ICC.

In October, when the death toll stood at several thousand, lead prosecutor Fatou Bensouda warned the country without naming Duterte directly, saying she was deeply concerned about these alleged killings and the fact that public statements of high officials of the Republic of the Philippines seem to condone such killings.

In the months since, Dutertes calls to kill  or, more recently, rape  without fear of consequence have not let up, nor has the violence. Those who speak out against the killing risk public shaming, even prosecution. Domestic efforts to systematically investigate and prosecute drug war cases have thus far failed.

The office of the ICC prosecutor declined to comment on if or when it plans to pursue a preliminary examination, the first step in the process. But experts in international justice predict the court can and will move ahead  and many in Manila hope they are right.

I think that the situation is ripe for the prosecutor to start an investigation, said Alex Whiting, a professor at Harvard Law School who previously worked in the Office of the Prosecutor. Im surprised it hasnt happened sooner.

In a letter written from her jail cell, Sen. Leila de Lima, a longtime critic of Dutertes human rights record who faces dubious drug charges, told The Washington Post the ICC is the last hope for the Philippines to see an end of the killings.

If the ICC is the last hope, it is probably a distant one, at least in terms of timing. While Philippine police and plainclothes assassins conduct daily raids in some of the Philippines poorest communities, often shooting to kill, the ICC operates over a span of years.

The Philippines signed the Rome Statute, the treaty that created the ICC, in 2011, which means the court has jurisdiction for crimes within its mandate committed there. However, it can only assert that jurisdiction if it is clear local authorities have failed to investigate and prosecute crimes.

In April, a Philippine lawyer, Jude Josue Sabio, hand-delivered a complaint to the ICC, accusing the president and 11 associates of mass murder and crimes against humanity. The move made headlines but will probably not sway the court either way, several lawyers said.

So far, Dutertes strong political support, combined with his reputation for silencing critics, have kept Philippine institutions from pursuing criminal charges or from conducting any sort of comprehensive, independent investigation into the deaths.

At the moment, we see little effort by the Philippine authorities to investigate, said Peter Bouckaert, emergencies director at Human Rights Watch and the author of a report on extrajudicial killing in the Philippines under Duterte. If the killings continue, and the Philippine authorities continue to block any effective domestic investigations and prosecutions, the likelihood of an ICC investigation will increase.

There are political considerations, too. On one hand, the ICC, which started operation in 2002, has a relatively small budget and is already pursuing 10 preliminary investigations and 10 situations under investigation.

On the other, the court is fighting to stay relevant.

The United States and China never signed the treaty. Russia signed but never ratified and then withdrew last year, much to Dutertes pleasure. South Africa, Gambia and Burundi have, at various times, threatened to withdraw.

The fact that the court has faced criticism, particularly criticism for pursuing too many cases in Africa, could push prosecutors to take on Duterte, experts said. In some ways, Dutertes very public, high-profile exhortations to violence have left the court with little choice, Bouckaert said.

There is also the question of what a preliminary examination, even an eventual prosecution, would mean for the Philippines or for its relationship with other countries, including the United States.

In Manila, the prospect of an ICC preliminary examination is now seen as one of the last remaining ways to get Dutertes attention  to persuade him to change course.

Though he has repeatedly dismissed the court, there is a sense in the capital that he does, in fact, fear it  or at least fears the political and economic hassles it could bring. It may be the only thing hes afraid of, said a senior Western diplomat in Manila.

Although the effort to charge or extradite Duterte would take years, if it happens at all, it could have an immediate impact on his reputation at home and abroad.

Sen. Antonio Trillanes, a vocal Duterte critic, said the president could shrug off an ICC move in the short run, decrying foreign intervention and playing to national pride. But over the long run, he may have trouble defending any move that hurts the countrys standing.

Opening a preliminary examination would send an important signal that the courts investigators and prosecutors are watching, said Mark Kersten, an expert on international justice at the Munk School of Global Affairs at the University of Toronto.



While there are good reasons to be skeptical of the deterrence effects of the ICC, the fact that it even just might influence Dutertes behavior should be reason enough for chief prosecutor Fatou Bensouda to proceed.



The tagline accused of crimes against humanity will probably not help his relationship with the United States.

President Trump may not have flinched at praising Dutertes drug war in a phone call, but other branches of the U.S. government might be persuaded to take a more public stand against alleged rights abuses if a crimes against humanity mention was thrown into every news account of what is happening in the Philippines.

It is unfortunate that it has not acted sooner because, of course, that fact would have been part of the story when it was revealed what Trump said to Duterte, Whiting, the former ICC prosecutor, said.

It's not that it would have necessarily made a difference to Trump himself, he added, but it would serve as an important marker and signal that it would matter to many U.S. allies who are members of the court.

Kimberly dela Cruz contributed to this report.

Read more:

Duterte says he may widen martial law to include all of the Philippines

Duterte plays a winning hand with foreign policy, but will his luck run out?

False prophet: Duterte, the Catholic Church and the fight for the soul of the Philippines

Todays coverage from Post correspondents around the world

Like Washington Post World on Facebook and stay updated on foreign news
John Stokess favorite bridge in the whole of the British capital is London Bridge because of the spectacular views it offers.

Stokes, 69, works as a tour guide on an open-top double-decker bus. On Saturday night he was giving his spiel to about 50 tourists on London Bridge.

I always tell everyone to get out their cameras, get ready to take a picture of the Tower Bridge all lit up. Its the most beautiful part of our tour, he said Sunday. But the bus was moving very slowly. We then noticed someone lying on the pavement  and then a little further up we saw someone else  and then someone doing CPR on a man. We were really alarmed.

As video footage and eyewitness reports emerged from the terrorist attack on Saturday night  the third in Britain in three months  it was clear that the incident was meant for all the world to see.

At around 10 p.m., a white van mowed down pedestrians as it zigzagged across London Bridge, which offers what may be the best vantage point for viewing Tower Bridge, a symbol of London itself.

1 of 39 Full Screen Autoplay Close Skip Ad  Britain probes attack in central London that left seven dead and dozens injured View Photos London Bridge and nearby Borough Market were the site of chaos after a van plowed into pedestrians and attackers with knives went into the crowd. At least 12 suspects have been arrested. Caption London Bridge and nearby Borough Market were the site of chaos after a van plowed into pedestrians and attackers with knives went into the crowd. At least 12 suspects have been arrested. June 5, 2017 People attend a vigil at Potters Field Park in London to remember the victims of the attack on London Bridge and Borough Market. Hannah Mckay/Reuters Wait 1 second to continue.

I saw blinding white headlights weaving through cars and coming at us. It hit directly to the right of me, said Dan Nguyen, an American tourist who was on London Bridge.

I looked ahead and saw there was a distance to go before the end of the bridge, so I braced myself to jump off the bridge into the river. Then I saw my girlfriend limping and sobbing so I ran back towards the scene to drag her away, he told the BBC.

At the south end of the bridge, three assailants  wearing fake explosive vests  leapt out of the van and began stabbing people as they plowed through a bustling restaurant area.

They tore through nearby Borough Market leaving a trail of blood in their wake  seven people died and dozens more were injured.

Some patrons threw glasses, stools and chairs at the attackers.

According to his mother, Daniel ONeill, 23, was injured after an attacker plunged a knife into his stomach and said, This is for Islam.

Speaking to reporters outside of Kings College Hospital, Elisabeth ONeill said that her son was still in shock, but he was able to speak. These people say they are doing this in the name of God which is an absolute joke.  If it wasnt religion, theyd find some other excuse.

London tourists gathered Sunday in Parliament Square, in view of the Elizabeth Tower, also known as Big Ben. (Chris Ratcliffe/Bloomberg News)

They are callous, they are barbaric, and they are absolute cowards. Were going to carry on as normal.

Situated south of the River Thames, the bustling London Bridge area is popular with tourists and locals who adore its nooks and crannies, its restaurants and pubs, its elegant riverside walk.

Its an area with tourist attractions like the Shard, the tallest building in the country, which towers dramatically over the scene.

Borough Market is also a big draw. During the day, its a food lovers paradise  vendors from around the world sell dishes with enticing aromas and tourists from around the world buy them. It is perhaps not surprising that a number of nationalities have been reported among those who were wounded, including French and Australian. Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau confirmed that a Canadian citizen was along those who died.

As the attack unfolded, confusion rippled through the neighborhood.

Through the window, I saw people covered in blood. One person had blood on his neck and chest, and stumbled away. Another woman was lying on the ground  I really hope she isnt among the people were praying for today, said Richard Angell, a 33-year-old who on Saturday evening was dining on Middle Eastern cuisine at a nearby restaurant.

When he was able to leave the restaurant 30 minutes after, he said he saw wallets, high heels and blood on the ground. People had left everything behind.

There was a lot of screaming and people ran away as helicopters circled over us, said German tourist Alex Rumpf, 60, who was staying at the Novotel Southwark hotel.

A nurse at a nearby hospital, who wanted to remain anonymous because she was not authorized to speak to the media, said a vast amount of the serious injuries were from stab wounds.

Many victims were brought to Kings College and St. Thomas Hospital on the south side of the river, she said. The nurse described some of the injuries as catastrophic, including one victim with a slit throat.

The incident itself was neutralized, very quickly, according to police. Within eight minutes of receiving the first emergency call, the three suspects were shot dead by eight police officers who collectively fired about 50 times.

There was still a security cordon around the area on Sunday afternoon as the police continue to piece together what happened.

But less than 24 hours after the attack, there was also a palpable sense of defiance in the London Bridge area and beyond.

Angell, who was only yards away from the attackers, said he was planning to go back to the restaurant where he was dining to pay his bill and thank the staff.

My friends and I have already agreed that we will go back to have a beautiful meal and to double the tip. The staff thought of us and our safety, he said.

Charles Dickens Primary School sent a note to parents in response to the incident, saying that it would continue to learn about and celebrate our religious and cultural differences across the school.

This is our city, the mayor of London, Sadiq Khan, said. We will never be cowed by terrorism.

At Walthamstow Central in northeast London, passengers were greeted by a defiant message on the subway stations information board.

London Bridge will never fall down, it read.
British Prime Minister Theresa May calls for greater control over the Internet in the wake of Saturdays terrorist attack. (Will Oliver/European Pressphoto Agency)

 Following the third deadly terrorist attack Britain has suffered in less than three months, Prime Minister Theresa May vowed to review her countrys counterterrorism strategy.

While May condemned what she called the evil ideology of Islamist extremism, the thrust of her new counterterrorism demands focused on a far more technical matter: the Internet.

We cannot allow this ideology the safe space it needs to breed, May said Sunday, speaking outside 10 Downing Street. Yet that is precisely what the Internet  and the big companies that provide Internet-based services  provide.

It has become a common practice among those behind Europes terrorist attacks to communicate with one another via encrypted messaging platforms such as Viber and WhatsApp.

In a March vehicle attack outside Parliament that killed four pedestrians and a police officer, the perpetrator, Khalid Masood, 52, was revealed by British media to have been communicating on WhatsApp just minutes beforehand. This prompted Britains Home Secretary Amber Rudd to implore that messaging services dont provide a secret place for terrorists to communicate with each other.

It remains unclear, however, whether Masoods use of WhatsApp was relevant to his crime.

The suicide bombing last month outside a Manchester concert, where 22 were killed, fueled speculation from May and others in the government about the problem of such messaging, but there has been no confirmation the technology played a role.

It is also unclear whether any of the three known assailants in Saturdays attack relied on encrypted messaging in hatching their plot.

But May argued Sunday for increased government surveillance of cyberspace, already a component of the Conservative Partys platform in Britains upcoming snap election later this week.

We need to work with allied democratic governments to reach international agreements that regulate cyberspace to prevent the spread of extremist and terrorism planning, she said. And we need to do everything we can at home to reduce the risk of extremism online.

Similarly, her partys manifesto already has called for a regulatory framework in law to ensure that digital companies, social media platforms and content providers abide by standards that prevent abusive behavior.

In the beleaguered Europe of 2017, having struggled to prevent an unprecedented spike in terrorist violence, Mays proposal is nothing new.

In recent years, variations of cyber-surveillance measures already have been imposed in nations such as France and Germany, more accustomed to the type of violence that now seems to have set its sights on Britain.

The problem, security analysts say, is that these surveillance measures arent always effective.

The technical stuff is important and essential  disrupting these networks, etc.  but all youre doing there is managing the problem, said Raffaello Pantucci, a counterterrorism expert at the Royal United Services Institute, a London-based think tank. And how do you make the problem go away?

In France, for instance, the country that has endured most of Europes recent terrorism, the government passed sweeping surveillance legislation following the January 2015 attack on the editorial offices of Charlie Hebdo.

To the chagrin of information activists, the new laws permit the French government to monitor the private communications of individuals without having secured judicial authorization. Among other things, the laws also require Internet service providers to share metadata with French intelligence services.

Despite the adoption of these laws, even deadlier attacks in France were soon to follow.

In November 2015, 130 people were killed in an Islamic State-orchestrated assault on a concert hall and cafes across Paris. In July 2016, a lone wolf attacker, allegedly inspired by the Islamic State, plowed through celebrating crowds on an ocean promenade in Nice, killing 86. A host of smaller-scale incidents have happened periodically since.

The German Parliament adopted a controversial anti-terror surveillance law in October, a measure that, in part, allows the government to intercept communications of foreign nationals and organizations in Germany.

That law took effect earlier this year. But despite earlier surveillance techniques already in place, a Tunisian man who unsuccessfully sought asylum  who had pledged his allegiance to the Islamic State  plowed a truck through a Berlin Christmas market, killing 12.

Youre dealing with ingrained ideologies and fundamental global shifts and patterns. Its difficult to imagine how a single Western government can eradicate it, Pantucci said.

In the wake of Saturdays attack, it is not clear what prompted the police roundups of 12 people just hours later. Nor is it clear, despite the prime ministers speech, whether the perpetrators made use of encrypted messaging platforms.

Mark Rowley, Londons assistant police commissioner, said that three assailants had been shot dead at the scene, but that they were not believed to have had accomplices.

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Less than 24 hours after terrorists killed seven people and injured dozens more in the heart of London, the latest attack to hit Britain this spring became a campaign issue Sunday, with just four days before an unpredictable national election.

Rival party leaders lashed out at one another as police raided homes and carried out a dozen arrests, and as the nation mourned. Tens of thousands attended an Ariana Grande benefit concert that was originally intended to honor the dead from last months suicide bombing in Manchester but was expanded to recognize the newest victims in London.

Following the May 22 attack in Manchester, Saturday nights van-and-knife rampage was the second mass-casualty attack to intrude on the homestretch of a parliamentary campaign that was once thought certain to end in a landslide for Prime Minister Theresa May and the Conservatives. The race has tightened in recent weeks, and terrorism has introduced an unexpected variable.

With her premiership on the line, May took an aggressive and combative tone Sunday, telling the nation that enough is enough and insisting there is far too much tolerance for extremism in our country.

Things need to change, May said in a speech outside the prime ministers residence at 10 Downing Street.





She blamed the attack on the evil ideology of Islamist extremism, called for a thorough review of the nations counterterrorism policies and suggested she will take a much tougher line if she wins Thursdays vote.

The speech was criticized by the opposition Labour Party as a thinly veiled jab at their far-left leader, Jeremy Corbyn, whom May has often accused of coddling anti-Western militants. May, Corbyns backers said, had politicized the attack.

But by evening, Corbyn had hit back with his own political response to the killing, accusing May and her Conservative allies of weakening security services through years of austerity.

You cannot protect the public on the cheap, Corbyn said in a speech in the northern English city of Carlisle that ended a brief pause in formal campaigning. The police and security services must get the resources they need, not 20,000 police cuts.

Corbyn also derided President Trump, accusing him of lacking both grace and sense after the U.S. leader twisted a quote from London Mayor Sadiq Khan in order to launch an attack on the Wests most prominent Muslim politician.

May, who has gone to great lengths to cultivate ties with Trump, had earlier defended Khan while carefully avoiding any criticism of the U.S. president.

The multilayered controversy came as investigators were just beginning to unravel details of the assailants and the plot behind the killings, which jolted the country Saturday night.

1 of 39 Full Screen Autoplay Close Skip Ad  Britain probes attack in central London that left 7 dead and dozens injured View Photos London Bridge and nearby Borough Market were the site of chaos after a van plowed into pedestrians and attackers with knives went into the crowd. At least 12 suspects have been arrested. Caption London Bridge and nearby Borough Market were the site of chaos after a van plowed into pedestrians and attackers with knives went into the crowd. At least 12 suspects have been arrested. June 5, 2017 People attend a vigil at Potters Field Park in London to remember the victims of the attack on London Bridge and Borough Market. Hannah Mckay/Reuters Wait 1 second to continue.

At just after 10 p.m. that night, three men plowed a rented Renault van into a crowd of pedestrians on London Bridge, then got out and used knives to slash bar and restaurant patrons at the nearby Borough Market.

The attackers were fatally shot by police within eight minutes of the first emergency call, with eight officers firing a total of 50 rounds at men who had donned camouflage and fake suicide vests to carry out the carnage.

British authorities did not identify the victims. But Canadas prime minister and Frances foreign minister confirmed that their nationals were among the dead.

Mark Rowley, assistant commissioner of Londons Metropolitan Police, said in a late afternoon news conference on Sunday that investigators were still trying to confirm the identities of the attackers and that they were increasingly confident there were no other perpetrators. He said police had more to do to determine whether the assailants had help in planning the attack.

Rowley praised the performance of officers in responding to the attack  a view that was echoed almost universally Sunday  and described the number of shots fired as unprecedented in a country where most officers do not carry a firearm and those who do rarely, if ever, use it.

The fusillade, Rowley said, was necessary to be completely confident [officers] had neutralized the threat that those men posed.

[Attack leaves several dead in terrorist incidents on London Bridge ]

At least 48 people were injured in the attack  including one bystander who was shot by an errant police bullet and was expected to recover. Four officers were among the injured. Rowley said Sunday that 21 of those injured are in critical condition.

As doctors and nurses tended to the wounded, police carried out raids in the East London neighborhood of Barking in a signal that authorities are probing at least the possibility that others may have been involved in the planning of the attack. A dozen people were arrested, police said.

In Barking, neighbors said police had taken at least five people away early Sunday from a mixed-income, 10-story building believed to have been home to one of the attackers. Neighbors said that they heard loud bangs during the raid and that one of the men who was ultimately arrested had tried to flee.

Even as the investigation intensified, authorities did not raise the nations threat level, as they had after the bombing in Manchester last month. The decision suggested authorities did not believe another attack is imminent, though under the existing severe rating, one is considered highly likely.

Investigators were focused on the likelihood that the attack had been inspired, if not directed, by the Islamic State, which claimed responsibility Sunday (although similar claims in the past have been shown to be unreliable). The militant group has called on its followers to carry out attacks in the West, especially during the Muslim holy month of Ramadan.

On Sunday night, the SITE Intelligence Group said in a news release that the pro-Islamic State (IS) Nashir News Agency called for additional revenge attacks against Western states involved in the coalition. It added that the group distributed a poster bearing a message in Arabic, English, and French across its Telegram channels on June 4, stating, Revenge  No compromise . . . in the security of Muslims, and showing London Bridge, a lorry, and the silhouette of a fighter bearing a knife.

Saturdays killings follow both the Manchester attack and a March attack that was eerily similar in style to the one that unfolded at and around London Bridge. In March, an attacker rammed pedestrians on a different Thames River crossing and stabbed to death a police officer at the gates of Parliament.

The three recent attacks were not connected, May said. But she described it as a new trend in which terrorists are copying one another and often using the crudest means of attack.

May did not detail her plans for confronting the threat. But she floated the idea of tougher prison sentences for less serious terrorism-related offenses and called on tech companies to do more to crack down on extremist content online.

Facebook responded with a statement calling for strong partnerships between tech firms and policymakers.

May also seemed to acknowledge Sunday that British security services are struggling to keep up as the scale of the threat grows. The services say they have disrupted at least 18 plots in recent years. But they have about 3,000 suspected extremists on watch lists  far too many to actively monitor at all times.

Previous attacks have been carried out by people who had been flagged to the security services for concern but had been judged to be peripheral to any active plots.

May had returned from the campaign trail to 10 Downing Street late Saturday for emergency meetings with security officials. On Sunday morning, all the major parties, including Mays Conservatives, suspended campaigning.

[Vehicle and knife assault near British Parliament kills 4, injures 40]

Amid speculation that the election could be postponed, May quickly announced that it would go ahead as scheduled, a position that was endorsed by her rivals. Corbyn told Sky News that democracy must prevail. If we allow these attacks to disrupt our democratic process, then we all lose.

Adding to the growing political debate over the attack were Sunday morning tweets by Trump, who took aim at political correctness, the push in the United States for tougher gun laws and Khan, Londons mayor. Trump chided Khan for attempting to calm the public by assuring that there was no need to be alarmed.

Khans comments were in reference to an escalated police presence on London streets. But Trump incorrectly implied they were a comment on the attack itself.

Khans office released a statement saying the mayor has more important things to do than respond to Donald Trumps ill-informed tweet.

Trumps tweets were widely mocked in Britain, where the overwhelming mood was one of unity against terrorism and praise for security services.

The police cordon around London Bridge and Borough Market was gradually reduced Sunday as forensics teams continued to secure evidence and heavily armed officers guarded empty streets. On several streets leading toward Borough Market, tourists and London residents had dropped flowers. Signs reading ISIS will lose. #Love will win were attached to street signs.

On Sunday evening, Grande, the pop star who performed in Manchester on the night of the concert attack, sang again in a charity concert to benefit the victims.

I love you guys so much, an emotional Grande told the crowd of 50,000 that had packed into a cricket ground amid extraordinary security. This night is the kind of thing the world really needs right now.

William Booth and Rick Noack contributed to this report.

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A wounded Afghan man sits on a wheelchair after being treated at an Italian aid organization hospital following a series of explosions Saturday in Kabul. (Wakil Kohsar/AFP/Getty Images)

Hundreds continued to protest for the third day Sunday near the site of a deadly bomb blast in Kabul, demanding greater security and the ousting of the U.S.-backed government of President Ashraf Ghani.

Protesters staged a sit-in under tents in the blazing heat  while fasting for the Muslim holy month of Ramadan. They clapped and chanted God is great a few hundred yards from the crater left by a massive truck bomb that killed nearly 100 on Wednesday. About 500 anti-government protesters also rallied for change in the western city of Herat.

The peaceful protest took place in a capital that remains tense after anti-government protests Friday and a gruesome triple suicide bombing that killed 20 Saturday at a funeral for a protester, according to the public health ministry. Demonstrators said they were angry that the government could not keep the country safe, and they demanded the arrests of security forces who allegedly fired into the crowd Friday, killing six.

The duty of the government is maintaining of security. No one can prevent protests. Why were they not able to prevent the attacks with all the money and resources they have accumulated from the world? This shows their failure, said Jawed Kohistani, a retired general and military analyst who spoke at the demonstration.

An intelligence official for the National Directorate of Security said Sunday that agents had arrested a panicked, barefoot man who fled from the funeral bombing. They believe there may have been a fourth suicide bomber. The man left behind high-top sneakers at the scene fitted with explosive devices, the official said.

The embattled Ghani, in a video statement released Saturday evening, blamed savage terrorists trying to break down the nations spirit for the violence.

They want to create confusion, division, lack of confidence and a vacuum in the nation and the government, the president said. He promised reforms in military and civilian sectors of the government and vowed to prosecute the culprits who fired on protesters.

Security experts say that if the protests catch hold and widen, they could weaken Ghanis fragile coalition government, already worn thin by the Taliban insurgency and militants linked to the Islamic State.

About 200 protesters  most of them from Afghanistans Tajik ethnic group  hunkered down under two tents on an avenue leading to the presidential palace Sunday in Kabuls diplomatic zone. Some had spent two nights there already, breaking their daily fast with the traditional iftar meal at the site.

They accused Ghanis government of killing the protesters and of orchestrating the suicide attacks to wipe out and subdue the Tajiks, the second-largest ethnic group after the Pashtuns, Afghanistans traditional rulers.

Ghani, like most of the Taliban insurgents, is a Pashtun.

They are bullying us, tearing us apart so that they can rule on us. This movement will become nationwide. Our blood from drops will become a river and will turn into a flood and will submerge our enemies, said Faizullah Jalal, a Kabul University professor who spoke at the demonstration.

Organizers hope to expand the protest beyond the Tajik ethnic group to include those from the Uzbek and Hazara minorities as well.

One of the protesters, Rahim Frotan, 26, said he had spent three days and two nights at the protest because we dont want any more suicide attacks in Kabul. He said Ghanis security team should be fired  they have all failed us.

The protesters had their own security. Abdul Hameed Khorasani, brandishing an assault rifle and several magazines, said he expected that more protesters will join the crowd Monday. Khorasani said they will put together their demands in a draft, but they will not back away from their key demand  the end of Ghanis government.

Sharif Walid contributed to this report.

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A van driving at high speed mowed down pedestrians on London Bridge late Saturday night before the occupants got out and began stabbing patrons at nearby bars and restaurants, witnesses said in an attack that police described as the latest in a string of deadly terrorist strikes to hit Britain this spring.

Witnesses described a rampage that left a trail of bloodied bodies on the bridge and in the adjacent Borough Market  both of which are London landmarks.

The low-tech but high-profile attack will raise questions about how British security services failed to stop yet another mass-casualty strike after years of thwarting such attempts.

Police said in a 4 a.m. news conference on Sunday that six people had been killed, and that officers had shot dead the three attackers. London Ambulance Service tweeted a statement saying it had taken at least 48 patients to five hospitals across London.

The attacks set off scenes of panic in the heart of London on a cool June evening as the citys streets were filled with people heading home from dinner or out for a drink.

1 of 39 Full Screen Autoplay Close Skip Ad  The scene after a van hits pedestrians on the London Bridge View Photos Witnesses reported that a white van was traveling fast when it mounted the sidewalk and plowed into a group of people crossing the Thames River on foot. Caption London Bridge and nearby Borough Market were the site of chaos after a van plowed into pedestrians and attackers with knives went into the crowd. At least 12 suspects have been arrested. June 5, 2017 People attend a vigil at Potters Field Park in London to remember the victims of the attack on London Bridge and Borough Market. Hannah Mckay/Reuters Wait 1 second to continue.

In packed pubs  normally scenes of Saturday night revelry and merriment  patrons threw chairs, bottles and glasses at the attackers as the assailants used long knives to slash their way through crowds. Tourists gaped at the carnage from the roofs of double-decker buses.

Londons Metropolitan Police said the attacks were being treated as terrorist incidents.

British Prime Minister Theresa May, who returned from the campaign trail to 10 Downing Street for emergency meetings with security officials, had earlier described the terrible incidents as a potential act of terrorism.

Mays Conservative Party later said it had suspended national campaigning for the general election, which is scheduled for Thursday. Other parties were expected to follow suit.

London Mayor Sadiq Khan issued a statement condemning a deliberate and cowardly attack on innocent Londoners and visitors to our city enjoying their Saturday night.

People in London should expect more police on the streets in the coming days, Khan said in a television interview on Sunday morning. But Londoners should not be alarmed and should not let terrorists disrupt daily life or the upcoming election, he said.

We cant allow them to do that, Khan told Sky News. We are not going to be cowered by terrorism.





In a dawn news conference, Assistant Police Commissioner Mark Rowley said the three attackers had been shot dead and that authorities did not believe anyone else was directly involved in carrying out the carnage.

Rowley said the men had not used explosives, despite a widely distributed photo that appeared to show one of the assailants lying prone with metal canisters strapped to his body. Rowley said the vest was a hoax.

Saturday marks the third major attack in Britain this spring. The evenings carnage carried grim echoes of a similar incident in late March, when a driver swerved into pedestrians at Westminster Bridge, another Thames crossing, killing four. The driver then stabbed to death a police officer at the gates of Parliament.

May had lowered the nations threat level only days ago  from critical to severe  after having raised it following a bombing last month at a Manchester pop music concert that was claimed by the Islamic State and that killed 22 people.

But even with the lower threat level, the nations intelligence services had continued to judge that another attack was likely.

Witnesses reported that a white van was traveling fast  approximately 50 mph  when it mounted the sidewalk and plowed into a group of people crossing the Thames River on foot just after 10 p.m.

The van collided with a guardrail. Bystanders said they thought the crash may have been an accident, until the occupants got out.

The three men who had been in the vehicle immediately began stabbing people on the bridge with knives before making their way to Borough Market, a foodie paradise nestled under the archways of railway viaducts that attracts locals and tourists from around the world.

It was in the market, located just south of the bridge, where police killed the attackers and ended the rampage.

I heard many gunshots, and I heard people running away, said Joe Dillon, 23, who was nearby when the attack occurred. Police officers were shouting: Get out of here, you need to go! I heard at least eight rounds of gunshots, but Im not sure who was shooting.

Cellphone video from a restaurant in the market showed people diving under tables amid the sound of breaking glass as officers rushed in and ordered patrons to stay down.

Tamara Alcolea, 24, who works as a bartender in a pub called Southwark Rooms, which is near the bridge, said the first indication that something was wrong was when she heard that someone had been stabbed in the proximity of London Bridge.

Then we heard gunshots, and people started to hide beneath the tables, Alcolea said. We locked ourselves in the office. From the window, I could see an injured person being treated by emergency personnel. Then the police came in and told us to run. Everyone was panicking.

As Alcolea recounted her story, she saw two friends who she had lost track of during the melee. She cried and hugged them as they reunited outside a police cordon.

Chris Jacobs, 52, and his wife Kavita Jacobs, 49, were woken up by police officers banging on their door on the third floor of an apartment building at Borough Market.

I heard gunshots as we left the building, said Chris Jacobs, who stood next to a petrol station outside the cordon, with no shoes on and holding his dog.



Alex Shellum, an eyewitness, told the BBC he was at the Mudlark pub in the London Bridge area when at around 10 p.m. a woman probably in her early 20s staggered into the pub and she was bleeding heavily from the neck and from her mouth. It appeared to myself and my friends that her throat had been cut.

Another witness, identified by the BBC as Gerard, said he saw three men running with knives: They said, This is for Allah. Then they ran up and stabbed this girl, I dont know how many times, 10 times, maybe 15 times.

He said he and others threw whatever objects they could find  including bottles, glasses and chairs  at the attackers in a futile attempt to stop the rampage.

Within minutes of the attack, dozens of police cars sped to London Bridge and to Borough Market, with helicopters hovering overhead. Police closed the bridge and urged the public to avoid the area.

The incident caused chaos in the heart of London in an area normally bustling on a Saturday night. Pedestrians near the bridge said they were ordered by police to run, and video footage showed people fleeing in a panic. Other images showed members of the public being escorted away from the bridge by police with hands on their heads.

Two hours after the incidents began, police were still widening cordons and pushing bystanders farther back from the scenes, as the sound of explosions  apparently controlled blasts carried out by police  echoed through the night.

British leaders scrambled to respond to the attacks.

May, a Conservative Party member who had been out campaigning ahead of an election slated for Thursday, returned to Downing Street and was being briefed by security officials.

Jeremy Corbyn, leader of the opposition Labour Party, said on Twitter: Brutal and shocking incidents reported in London. My thoughts are with the victims and their families. Thank you to the emergency services.

President Trump was briefed on the incident, and immediately took to Twitter to say: We need to be smart, vigilant and tough. We need the courts to give us back our rights. We need the Travel Ban as an extra level of safety!

After taking criticism online for trying to use the attack to advance a policy goal that is now under review in the courts, he sent a follow-up tweet minutes later: Whatever the United States can do to help out in London and the U. K., we will be there  WE ARE WITH YOU. GOD BLESS!

The White House later issued a statement saying Trump and May had spoken by phone and that the U.S. president had offered his condolences for the brutal terrorist attacks.

A spokesman for the U.S. Department of Homeland Security said the agency was monitoring the incidents in London.

At this time, we have no information to indicate a specific, credible terror threat in the United States, the spokesman said.

William Booth in London and Devlin Barrett in Washington contributed to this report.
Teva Pharmaceutical Industries Limited, a pharmaceutical company, develops, manufactures, markets, and distributes generic medicines, specialty medicines, and biopharmaceutical products in North America, Europe, and internationally. The company offers sterile products, hormones, high-potency drugs, and cytotoxic substances in various dosage forms, including tablets, capsules, injectables, inhalants, liquids, transdermal patches, ointments, and creams. It also develops, manufactures, and sells active pharmaceutical ingredients. In addition, it focuses on the central nervous system, pain, respiratory, and oncology areas. Its products in the central nervous system include Copaxone for the treatment of relapsing forms of multiple sclerosis; AJOVY for the preventive treatment of migraine; and AUSTEDO for the treatment of tardive dyskinesia and chorea associated with Huntington disease. The company's products in the respiratory market comprise ProAir, QVAR, ProAir Digihaler, AirDuo Digihaler, and ArmonAir Digihaler, BRALTUS, CINQAIR/CINQAERO, DuoResp Spiromax, and AirDuo RespiClick/ArmonAir RespiClick for the treatment of asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. Its products in the oncology market include Bendeka, Treanda, Granix, Trisenox, Lonquex, and Tevagrastim/Ratiograstim. Teva Pharmaceutical Industries Limited has a collaboration MedinCell for the development and commercialization of multiple long-acting injectable products, a risperidone suspension for the treatment of patients with schizophrenia. The company was founded in 1901 and is headquartered in Tel Aviv-Yafo, Israel.
Morgan Stanley is the 6th largest financial institution in the US. The company is ranked 61st on the Forbes Fortune 500 list and is the 39th largest bank in the world. A financial holding company, Morgan Stanley provides a full range of financial services to clients around the world.

Morgan Stanley was formed in 1935 as a result of the Glass-Steagall Act. Glass-Steagall separated commercial and investment banking in a way that forced the then-largest bank J.P. Morgan & Co to split into two groups. J.P. Morgan & Co. chose to retain the commercial side of the business while partners Henry S. Morga, grandson of J.P., and Harold Stanley took the investment end. In its first year, Morgan Stanley did 24% of the IPO business and maintains a lions share of the market to this day.

The original company existed and grew through acquisitions until 1987 when it merged with Dean Witter Discover & Co. The new Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Discover & Co existed for 14 years until 2001 when the name was shortened back to Morgan Stanley.

The bank is credited in part with both beginning and ending the financial crisis of 2007/2008. The Process Driven Trading unit lost $300 million in one day due to a short-squeeze that popped the bubble in the housing market. After teetering on the brink of failure Morgan Stanley agreed to become a bank holding company regulated by the Federal Reserve, a key factor in the original decision to split from parent J.P. Morgan & Co. Ironically when given the chance, present-day J.P. Morgan refused to buy Morgan Stanley but that was for the better.

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Gallagher Risk Management Services (Hawaii) Inc., Arthur J. Gallagher Risk Management Services Inc., Arthur J. Gallagher Risk Management Services of Utah Inc., Arthur J. Gallagher School Risk Purchasing Group LLC, Arthur J. Gallagher Service Company LLC, Arthur J. Gallagher Services (UK) Ltd, Ashmore & Associates Insurance Agency, Atlantic Risk Management Corp., Atrex Insurance (Cayman) SPC Limited, Avantek Pty Ltd, Axe Insurance PCC Limited, BIS Insurance Services, Baker - Tillys employment benefits solutions, Ballard Benefit Works, Bankers Financial Benefits, Barmore Insurance Agency, Behnke & Co. Inc., Bellisle Pty Ltd, Belmont Associates Consultants, Belmont Insurance Holdings Limited, Belmont International, Belmont International Limited, Benefit Development Group, Benefit Management Group, BenefitLink Resource Group, Benefits Planning & Insurance Agency, Benefits Unlimited, Bennett & Shade Co., Bergvall Marine, Bergvall Marine A.S., Besselman & Little Agency, Big Savings Insurance Agency Inc., Blenheim Park Ltd, Blenheim Park Services Limited, Blue Holdings Pty Ltd, Blue Horizon Insurance Services, Blue Water Benefits, BluePeak Advisors, Blueleaf Consulting Pty Ltd., Bluewater Incorporated Cell Insurance Company, Bollinger Inc., Bollinger Insurance Services Inc., Bowen Miclette Britt & Merry of Arkansas Inc., Brendis & Brendis, Brim AB, Broker Benefit Services, Brokerage Professionals, Brown Hobbs & McMurray Insurance, Bultman/Bell Associates Inc., Burkwald & Associates, Burns-Fazzi Brock & Associates, Bushong Insurance Associates, C&B Consulting Group, CGM Gallagher Insruance Brokers (Trinidad & Tobago) Limited, CJM Solutions Inc., CMA Solutions LLC, Cairnstone Financial, California Insurance Center, Capital Bauer Insurance Agency, Capitol Benefits Group, Capsicum CRLA LLP, Capsicum Re Brasil Participacoes Ltda, Capsicum Re Latin America Corretora De Resseguros Ltda, Capsicum Reinsurance Brokers Bermuda Limited, Capsicum Reinsurance Brokers Miami Inc., Carefree Marketing Inc., Carpenter Cammack & Associates, Cashan & Co., Castle Insurance Associates, Centennial Insurance Agency, Charity First Insurance Services Inc., Charles Allen Agency, Charter Lakes Insurance Agency, Chris Schroeder Insurance, Christie-Phoenix, Cintran Claims Canada Limited, Classic Insurance Services, Cleaveland Insurance Group, Cohen & Lord Insurance Brokers, Cohn Financial Group, Coleman Group Holdings Limited, Coleman Holdings Limited, College and University Scholastic Excess Risk Purchasing Group LLC, Commercial Insurance Brokers, Complete Benefit Alliance, Complete Financial Balance, Complete Financial Balance Pty Ltd, Consolidated Casualty Specialties LLC, Construction Risk Solutions, Contego Underwriting Limited, Contego Underwriting Ltd, Continental Excess & Surplus, Convergence Risk Services Ltd, Copper Mountain Assurance Inc., Cornwall & Stevens Co., Corporate Benefit Advisors, Corporate Life Consultants, Countrywide Accident Assistance Limited, Coverdell & Company Inc., Coverdell Canada Corporation, Cowles and Connell, Craig M. Ferguson & Co., Crist Elliott Machette Insurance Services, Crombie Lockwood (NZ) Limited, Davis-Poston & Associates, Denman Consulting Services, Detlefs Johnson & Partners, DiBrina Group, Dickinson & Associates, Discount Development Services L.L.C., Discovery Benefit Solutions, Dodson-Bateman & Co., Donald P. Pipino Co. Ltd., E. S. Susanin Inc., EHE Holdings LLC, EHS Holdings Limited, Elantis Premium Funding (NZ) Limited, Elantis Premium Funding Limited, Elite Benefits Insurance Marketing Services, Employee Benefits Analysis Corp., Employee Benefits of The Carolinas, Encore Insurance & Bonding, Everett James, Evolution Risk Services Limited, Evolution Technology Services Limited, Evolution Underwriting Group, Evolution Underwriting Group Limited, Evolution Underwriting Limited, Excel Insurance Services, FYI Direct Canada Corporation, FYI Direct LLC, Farallone Pacific Insurance Services, Fenchurch Faris Limited, Fidelity Benefits & Insurance Services, Financial Profiles Inc., Finergy Solutions Pty Ltd, First Agency, First Iowa Insurance Agency, First Premium Inc., First Premium Insurance Group, Fish & Schulkamp, Fishermans Insurance Services, Foley Healthcare Limited, Fortress Financial Solutions Pty Ltd, Fortress Insurance LLC, Foundation Strategies, Fox Lawson & Associates, Franklin-Case Agency LLC, Fraser MacAndrew Ryan Limited, Friary Intermediate Limited, Fuller & O'Brien, G.S. Chapman & Associates Insurance Brokers, G.S. Levine Insurance Services, GBS (Australia) Holdings Pty Ltd, GBS Administrators Inc., GBS Insurance and Financial Services Inc., GBS Retirement Services Inc., GBS Specialty Markets LLC, GGB Finance 1 Limited, GGB Finance 2 Limited, GGB Finance 3 Limited, GGB Finance 4 Limited, GPL Assurance, GPL Assurance Inc., Gabor Insurance Services, Gale Smith & Co. Inc., Gallagher (Bermuda) Insurance Solutions Ltd., Gallagher - Grace/Mayer Insurance Agency, Gallagher Bassett Aires Inc., Gallagher Bassett Canada Inc., Gallagher Bassett Insurance Services Ltd., Gallagher Bassett International Ltd., Gallagher Bassett NZ Pty Ltd., Gallagher Bassett Services Inc. , Gallagher Bassett Services Pty Ltd., Gallagher Bassett Services Workers Compensation Victoria Pty Ltd., Gallagher Benefit Services (Canada) Group Inc., Gallagher Benefit Services (Holdings) Limited, Gallagher Benefit Services Inc., Gallagher Benefit Services Management Company Limited, Gallagher Benefit Services Pty Ltd, Gallagher Benefits Consulting Limited, Gallagher Bomford Couch Wilson, Gallagher Burgess, Gallagher Canada Acquisition Corporation, Gallagher Caribbean Group Limited, Gallagher Clean Energy LLC, Gallagher Communications Limited, Gallagher Community Clinic RPG LLC, Gallagher Consulting Ltda, Gallagher Corporate Services LLC, Gallagher Coyle, Gallagher CyberRisk, Gallagher Energy Risk Services Inc., Gallagher Fiduciary Advisors LLC, Gallagher Holdings (UK) Limited, Gallagher Holdings Bermuda Company Limited, Gallagher Holdings Four (UK) Limited, Gallagher Holdings Three (UK) Limited, Gallagher Insurance Brokers (Barbados) Limited, Gallagher Insurance Brokers (St. Kitts & Nevis) Limited, Gallagher Insurance Brokers (St. Lucia) Limited, Gallagher Insurance Brokers (St. Vincent) Limited, Gallagher Insurance Brokers Jamaica Limited, Gallagher International Cash Management s.r.l., Gallagher International Holdings (US) Inc., Gallagher Investment Advisors LLC, Gallagher Inwest Group, Gallagher Koster, Gallagher Lambert Group, Gallagher Madison Risk & Insurance Services, Gallagher Mauritius Holdings, Gallagher Mississippi Brokerage LLC, Gallagher RE Colombia Ltda Corredores de Reaseguros SA, Gallagher Risk & Reward Limited, Gallagher Risk Group LLC, Gallagher Risk Placements Pty Ltd, Gallagher SKS, Gallagher Service Center LLP, Gallagher-Tarantino, Galtney Group, Game Day Insurance Inc., Gardner & White Corp., Gardner Marine Agency, Garza Long Group, Gatehouse Consulting Limited, Gault Armstrong Kemble Pty Ltd, Gault Armstrong SARL, Giles Group, Giles Holdings Limited, Giles Insurance Brokers, Gillis Ellis & Baker Inc., Goodman Insurance Agency, Grandy Pratt Co., Greenseed Alternative Mangaers Platform Ltd, Grossman & Associates, Group Benefits of Arkansas, Group Insurance Associates, Gruppo Marcucci, HLG Holdings Limited, HMG-PCMS Limited, HPF Investments LLC, HR Owen Insurance Services Limited, Hagan Newkirk Financial Services, Hagedorn & Company, Hardman & Howell Benefits, Harlequin Insurance PCC Limited, Hartstein Associates Inc., Healthcare Professionals Purchasing Group LLC, Healthcare Risk Solutions, Heath Lambert Group Ltd., Heath Lambert Limited, Heath Lambert Overseas Limited, Heiser Insurance Agency, Henderson Phillips Fine Arts Insurance, Herbruck Alder & Co., Heritage Insurance Brokers (CI) Limited, Hesse & Partner AG, Hesse Consulting, Hexagon ICC Limited, Hexagon Insurance PCC Limited, Hill Chesson & Woody, Hogan Insurance Services, Home & Travel Limited, Honour Point Limited, Horseshoe Corporate Services Ltd, Horseshoe Fund Services (Cayman) Ltd, Horseshoe Fund Services Ltd, Horseshoe Fund Services USA Inc., Horseshoe ILS Services UK Ltd, Horseshoe Insurance Advisors US LLC, Horseshoe Insurance Advisory Ltd., Horseshoe Insurance Services Holdings Ltd, Horseshoe Insurance Services Holdings US Inc., Horseshoe Management (Gibraltar) Limited, Horseshoe Management (Ireland) Ltd, Horseshoe Management Ltd., Horseshoe PCC Limited, Horseshoe Re Limited, Horseshoe Services (Cayman) Ltd, Horseshoe Services (Pty) Ltd, Horton Insurance Agency, Housing Authorities Services Risk Purchasing Group LLC, Human Resource Management Systems, I-Protect Underwriting Pty Ltd, IBIS Advisors, IBS Reinsurance Singapore Pte Ltd, ILS Fund Services Ltd., ISG International, ITI Solutions, Igloo Insurance PCC Limited, Independent Benefit Services, Independent Fiduciary Services, Ink Underwriting Agencies Limited, InsSync Group Pty Ltd, Inspire Underwriting Limited, Instrat Insurance Brokers, Instrat Insurance Brokers Pty Ltd, Instrat Integration Holdco Pty Ltd, Insurance Acquisitions Holdings Limited, Insurance Associates Inc., Insurance Dialogue Limited, Insurance Dialogue Ltd., Insurance Plans Agency, Insurance Plus Risk Purchasing Group LLC, Insurance Point, Insurance Risk Managers of Missouri Inc., Insure My Villa Limited, Insure Pty Ltd, Integrated Healthcare Strategies, InterNational Insurance Group, InterPacific Underwriting Agencies, Intermountain Financial Benefits, Interstate Insurance Underwriters, JPGAC LLC, James F. Reda & Associates, James R. Weir Insurance Agency, Jenkins and Associates, Joe E. Martin Inc., John P. Woods Co. Inc., Jones Brown, Jones Brown Group Inc., Jones Brown Insurance Solutions Inc., Joseph Distel, Joseph James & Associates Insurance Agency, Just Landlords Insurance Services Ltd, KDC Associates, KRW Insurance Agency, Kahl Insurance Services, Kaler Carney Liffler & Co. Inc., Kane Group - Insurance Management Operations, Kelly Financial, Kent Kent & Tingle and RBS, Keyser Benefits Corp., Kingspark Enterprises Pty Ltd, L&R Benefits, LSG Insurance Partners, Learn About Money Limited, Lewis & Associates Insurance Brokers, Leystone Insurance & Financial, Life Plans Unlimited, Lincoln Financial Management, Longfellow Financial, Lucas Fettes Limited, Lucas Fettes and Partners Limited, Lutgert Insurance, MA Underwriting Pty Ltd, MDM Insurance Associates, MG Advanced Coal Technologies-1 LLC, MGA Insurance Services, MRS Holdings Ltd., Madison Scott & Associates, Managed Healthcare Solutions, Mannequin Insurance PCC Limited, Marchetti Robertson & Brickell Insurance, Marine Insurance Service, Martin Gordon & Jones Inc., McDowall Associates Human Resource Consultants, McIntyre Risk Management, McLean Insurance Agency, McNeary, McPherson Benefits Group, McRory & Co., Mecacem Insurance SPC Ltd, MedInsights Inc., Melton Insurance Associates, Memberworks Canada LLC, Merit Insurance, Metcom Excess, Metzler Bros. Insurance, Meyers-Reynolds & Associates, Mid America Group, Midwest Surety Services, Mike Henry Insurance Brokers, Mike Henry Insurance Brokers Limited, Mike Henry Insurance Funding Limited, Miller Buettner & Parrott, Miller-Harrison Insurance Services, Milne Alexander Pty Ltd, Minvielle & Chastanet Insurance Brokers, Monument Insurance (NZ) Limited, Monument Llc, Monument Premium Funding Limited, Mortgage Insurance Agency, Murphy Consultants, Mutual Insurance Services, NationAir Aviation Insurance, National Administration Co., National Ethics Association, National Transportation Adjusters, Nelson/Monarch Insurance Services, Nicoud Insurance Services, NiiS/Apex Group Holdings, Nonprofit Insurance Risk Purchasing Group LLC, Noraxis Capital Corp, Nordic Forsakring & Riskhantering AB, North Alabama Insurance, Nourse Insurance Brokers, O'Gorman & Young, OAMPS (UK) Limited, OAMPS Gault Armstrong Pty Ltd, OAMPS Limited, OAMPS Special Risks Ltd, Offshore Market Placements Limited, Optimum Talent, Orb Financial Services, Orb Financial Services Limited, Osprey Insurance Brokers Limited, Oval Group, Oval Healthcare Limited, Oval Insurance Broking Limited, Oval Limited, Oval Management Services Limited, Oxygen Insurance Managers, P2 Group, PEN Insurance Management Advisors Ltd, PT IBS Insurance Broking Service, Pacific Insurance Agency, Palmer Atlantic Insurance, Palmer Atlantic Insurance Ltd, Palmer Atlantic Risk Services Ltd., Park Row Associates, Parkstar Enterprises Pty Ltd, Parmia Pty Ltd, PartnerSource, Pastel Holding (NZ) Company, Pastel Holdings Pty Limited, Pastel Purchaser (NZ) Limited, Pastel Purchaser Pty Limited, Pavey Group Holdings (UK) Limited, Pavey Group Holdings Limited, Pavey Group Limited, Pearson Dunn Insurance Inc., Pen Underwriting Canada Limited, Pen Underwriting Group Pty. Ltd., Pen Underwriting Limited, Pen Underwriting Pty Ltd, Persing Dyckman & Toynbee Inc., Personal Advice Services Pty Ltd, Petty Burton Associates, Pointer Insurance Agency, Portmore Insurance Brokers (Wilshire) Limited, Portmore Insurance Brokers Limited, Potter-Holden & Co., Powell Insurance Agency, Premier Insurance Services Inc., Premier Risk Services, Premium Finance Corporation, Preston-Patterson, ProSource Financial, Professional Agents Risk Purchasing Group LLC, Professional Claims Managers, Proinova AB, Proinova Agency AB, Pronto California Agency LLC, Pronto California General Agency LLC, Pronto Florida Claims LLC, Pronto Florida General Agency LLC, Pronto Franchise LLC, Pronto General Agency Ltd, Pronto General Agency Management LLC, Pronto Holdco Inc., Pronto Holding California LLC, Pronto Holding Florida LLC, Pronto Insurance Agency of Laredo Inc., Pronto Premium Finance LLC, Property & Commercial Ltd., Property Insurance Initatives Limited, Property and Commercial Limited, Protected Insurance Company, Protection Plan Association Inc., Protek Group Limited, Providium Consulting Group, Ptarmigan Underwriting Agency Limited, Ptarmigan Underwriting UK Limited, Purple Bridge Claims Management Limited, Purple Bridge Finance Limited, Purple Bridge Group Limited, Purple Bridge Investments Limited, Purple Bridge Online Services Limited, Purple Bridge Publishing Limited, Quantum Underwriting Solutions Limited, Quillco 226 Limited, Quillco 227 Limited, R. L. Youngdahl & Associates, R.G. Speno Inc., R.W. Scobie, RA Rossborough (Guernsey) Ltd., RA Rossborough (Insurance Brokers) Ltd, REGENCY Group inc., RGA Referencing Limited, RGA Underwriting Limited, RIL Administrators (Guernsey) Ltd., RJ Dutton Inc., RSM Insurance Services Limited, Reassurance Holdings Inc., Rebholz Insurance Agency, Reid Manson Ltd., Reimbursement Services, Rentguard Limited, Reward Management Limited, Reynolds & Rodar Insurance Group, Riley & Associates, Rio 587 Limited, Rio 588 Limited, Risk & Reward Group, Risk Management Partners Limited, Risk Placement Services Inc., Risk Planners, Risk Services (NW) Limited, Risk Services (NW) Ltd., Risk Solutions Group Limited, Robert A. Schneider Agency, Robert Keith & Associates, Roberts & Roberts Insurance Service, Robinson-Adams Insurance, Rossborough Healthcare International Ltd, Rossborough Insurance (IOM) Ltd., Rossborough Insurance Services Ltd. (Jersey), S. A. Freerks & Associates, SEG Insurance Ltd, SGB-NIA Insurance Brokers, SHILLING Ltd, SKANCO International, SMERI AB, SRS Underwriting Pty Ltd, Secure Enterprises Pty Ltd, Securitas Re, Sellers Group, Sentinel Indemnity LLC, Septagon Insurance PCC Limited, Shuford Insurance Agency, Sigma II Insurance Agency, Sinclair Billard and Weld Limited, Sobieski & Bradley, Solid Benefit Guidance, Spanjers Insurance Agency, Spataro Insurance Agency, Specialised Broking Associates, Specialty Risk, Stackhouse Poland, Stackhouse Poland Bidco Limited, Stackhouse Poland Group Limited, Stackhouse Poland Holdings Limited, Stackhouse Poland Midco Limited, Stackouse Poland Limited, Stanton Group, Stark Johnson & Stinson Inc., Steel Agency, Strata Solicitors Ltd, Strategic Health Plans Corp., Strathearn Insurance Brokers, Strathearn Insurance Brokers (Qld) Trading Trust, Strathern Insurance Group Pty Ltd, Strathern Integration Holdco Pty Ltd, Strathern Unit Trust, Strong Financial Resources, Summit Insurance Group, Sunday and Associates, Sunderland Insurance Services, Super Advice Corporate Services Pty Ltd, Taylor Benefits, Texas Insurance Agency, Texas Insurance Managers, The BeneTex Group, The Buchholz Planning, The Chapman Group, The Commonwealth Consulting Group, The Daniels Group Inc., The EHE Group LLC, The EHE Insurance Agency LLC, The Eagle Insurance Agency LLC, The Eriksen Group, The Forker Company, The Gleason Agency, The Great Lakes Agency, The HR Group, The Hawk Agency, The Human Capital Group, The Lance Group, The Levitt/Kristan Co., The MW Bagnall Company, The Old Greenwich Consulting Group, The Parks Johnson Agency, The Plus Companies Inc., The Presidio Group, The Producers Choice, The Rains Group, The Splinter Group, The Titan Group, The Treiber Group, The Woodsmall Companies Inc., Title & Covenant Brokers Ltd., Title Investments Limited, Tom Sherwin Insurance Agency, Total Reward Group, Total Rewards Group (Holdings) Limited, Towle Agency, Transwestern, Tri-State General Insurance Agency, Triad Insurance Agency, Triad USA, Tribeca Strategic Advisors, Trinder & Norwood, Trip Mate, Trissel Graham & Toole, Tropp & Co., Tudor Risk Services, Tyloma Holdings Limited, Uni-Care Inc., Unison Inc., Universico Group, Unoccupied Direct Limited, V2V Holdings LLC, VEBA Service Group, Vasek Insurance Services Limited, Velo ACU LLC, Velo Holdings Inc., Verbag AG., Vertrue LLC, Victory Insurance Agency, Vincent L. Braband Insurance, Vital Benefits, Voluntary Benefits Solutions, W. E. Kingsley Co. Inc., WM. W. George & Associates, Walker Taylor Agency, Welling Associates, Wesfarmers Insurance - Insurance Brokerage Operations, Western Benefit Solutions, White & Company Insurance, Whitehaven Insurance Group, William Gallagher Associates Insurance Brokers, William H. Connolly & Co., Williams Insurance Agency Inc., Williams-Manny Insurance Group, Winn & Company Insurance Brokers, Wischmeyer Benefit Partners, Woodbrook Underwriting Agencies, Woods & Grooms, WorkCare Northwest, Worksite Communications, Y. S. Liedman & Associates, YOA Capsicum Reinsurance Broker Limited, Zenor Limited, Zuber Insurance Agency, and e3 Financial.

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The following companies are subsidiares of Mohawk Industries: A&S Energie NV, A&U Energie NV, Aladdin Manufacturing Corporation, Aladdin Manufacturing Of New York LLC, Aladdin Manufacturing of Alabama LLC, Alsace Logistique S.A., Avelgem Green Power CVBA, Avon Pacific Holdings Ltd, B&M NV, BGE Mexico S. de R. L. de C.V., Berghoef GmbH, Berghoef-Hout B.V., Bienes Raices y Materiales del Centro S. de R.L. de C.V., C.F. Marazzi S.A., Canterbury Spinners Ltd, Carpet Foundation Ltd, Cevotrans BV, Ceramus Bahia S/A  Produtos Ceramicos, DT Mex Holdings LLC, DTM/CM Holdings LLC, Dal Italia LLC, Dal-Elit LLC, Dal-Tile Chile Comercial Limitada, Dal-Tile Colombia S.A.S., Dal-Tile Distribution Inc., Dal-Tile Group Inc., Dal-Tile I LLC, Dal-Tile Industrias S. de R.L. de C.V., Dal-Tile International Inc., Dal-Tile Mexico Comercial S. de R.L. de C.V., Dal-Tile Mexico S. de R.L. de C.V., Dal-Tile Operaciones Mexico S. De R.L. De C.V., Dal-Tile Peru SRL, Dal-Tile Puerto Rico Inc., Dal-Tile Services Inc., Dal-Tile Shared Services Inc., Dal-Tile Tennessee LLC, Dal-Tile of Canada ULC, Daltile, Daltile, Dekaply NV, Durkan, Dynea NV, Eliane Argentina Sociedad Anonima, Eliane S/A - Revestimentos Ceramicos, Emilceramica India Pvt Ltd., Emilceramica S.r.l, Emilgermany GmbH, Emilgroup Asia Ltd, Explorer S.r.l., F.I.L.S. Investments Unlimited Company, Feltex Carpets Ltd, Feltex Carpets Pty Ltd, Feltex New Zealand Ltd, Fibremakers Australia Pty Ltd, Flooring Foundation Ltd, Flooring Industries Limited S.a r.l., Flooring XL B.V., Floorscape Limited, Godfrey Hirst & Co Pty Ltd, Godfrey Hirst (Singapore) Pte Ltd, Godfrey Hirst Australia Pty Ltd, Godfrey Hirst Group, Godfrey Hirst NZ Ltd, Hytherm (Ireland) Limited, IVC BVBA, IVC Far-East Trading (Shanghai) Co. Ltd., IVC France S.a r.l., IVC GROUP LIMITED, IVC Green Power NV, IVC Group, IVC Group GmbH, IVC Luxembourg S.a r.l., IVC Rus OOO, IVC US Inc., International Flooring Systems S.a r.l., International Vinyl Company - Vostok OOO, KAI Group, KAI Keramica Ltd, KAI Mining EOOD, KERAMA CENTER OOO, Kerama Baltics OOO, Kerama Export OOO, Kerama Marazzi OOO, Kerampromservis (LLC), Khan Asparuh - Transport EOOD, Khan Asparuh AD, Khan Omurtag AD, Koninklijke Peitsman B.V., Kraj Kerama OOO, MG China Trading Ltd., MI Finance SRL, MUD (Holding) Brazil Ltda., Management Co EAD, Marazzi Acquisition S.r.l., Marazzi Deutschland G.m.b.H., Marazzi France Trading S.A.S., Marazzi Group, Marazzi Group F.Z.E., Marazzi Group S.r.l., Marazzi Group Trading (Shanghai) Co. Ltd., Marazzi Iberia S.L.U., Marazzi Japan Co. Ltd., Marazzi Middle East FZ LLC, Marazzi Schweiz S.A.G.L., Marazzi UK Ltd., Mohawk Assurance Services Inc., Mohawk Australia Pty Ltd, Mohawk Canada Corporation, Mohawk Capital Finance S.A., Mohawk Capital Luxembourg SA, Mohawk Carpet Distribution Inc., Mohawk Carpet Foundation Inc., Mohawk Carpet LLC, Mohawk Carpet Transportation Of Georgia LLC, Mohawk Commercial Inc., Mohawk ESV Inc., Mohawk Europe BVBA, Mohawk Factoring II Inc., Mohawk Factoring LLC, Mohawk Finance S.a r.l., Mohawk Foreign Acquisitions S.a r.l., Mohawk Foreign Funding S.a.r.l, Mohawk Foreign Holdings S.a r.l., Mohawk Foreign Investments Inc., Mohawk Global Investments S.a r.l., Mohawk Holdings International B.V., Mohawk Industries Inc., Mohawk International (Europe) S.a r.l., Mohawk International (Hong Kong) Limited, Mohawk International Capital N.V., Mohawk International Financing S.a.r.l, Mohawk International Holdings (DE) LLC, Mohawk International Holdings S.a r.l., Mohawk International Luxembourg S.a r.l., Mohawk International Netherlands B.V., Mohawk International Services BVBA, Mohawk KAI Luxembourg Holding S.a r.l., Mohawk KAI Luxembourg S.a r.l., Mohawk Luxembourg Capital S.A., Mohawk Luxembourg Financing S.a r.l., Mohawk Luxembourg Holdings S.a r.l., Mohawk Luxembourg Investments S.a r.l., Mohawk Luxembourg Pacific S.a r.l., Mohawk Marazzi International BV, Mohawk Marazzi Russia BV, Mohawk New Zealand Limited, Mohawk Operaciones Mexicali S. de R.L. de C.V., Mohawk Operations Luxembourg S.a r.l., Mohawk Pacific Investments S.a r.l., Mohawk Resources LLC, Mohawk Servicing LLC, Mohawk Singapore Private Limited, Mohawk Trading (Shanghai) Co. Ltd, Mohawk Unilin Luxembourg S.a r.l., Mohawk United Finance B.V., Mohawk United International B.V., Mohawk Vinyl Financing S.a r.l., Molber Beheer B.V., Monarch Ceramic Tile Inc., P.F. Onroerend Goed B.V., PF Beheer B.V., Pergo, Pergo (Europe) AB, Pergo Holding BV, Pergo India Pvt Ltd, Polcolorit S.A., Premium Floors Australia Pty Limited, RR Apex LLC, Rata International Pty Ltd, Recubrimientos Interceramica S. de R.L. de C.V., Riverside Textiles Pty Ltd, S.C. KAI Ceramics SRL, Sibir Kerama OOO, SimpleSolutions USA LLC, Soft Step (Australia) Pty Ltd, Spano Group, Spano Invest BVBA, Spano NV, Stroyagromekhzapchast ChaO, Stroytrans OAO Orelstroy, Summit Wool Spinners Ltd, The Flooring Federation Ltd, Tiles Co OOD, Unilin (Malaysia) Sdn. Bhd., Unilin ApS, Unilin Arauco Pisos Ltda., Unilin BVBA, Unilin Beheer BV, Unilin Distribution Ltd., Unilin Distribution Ukraine LLC, Unilin Finland OY, Unilin Flooring India Private Limited, Unilin Flooring SAS, Unilin GmbH, Unilin Holding BVBA, Unilin Insulation BV, Unilin Insulation SAS, Unilin Insulation Sury SAS, Unilin Italia S.R.L., Unilin North America LLC, Unilin Norway AS, Unilin OOO, Unilin Panels SAS, Unilin Poland Sp.Z.o.o., Unilin SAS, Unilin Spain SL, Unilin Swiss GmbH, Unilin s.r.o., World International Inc., Xtratherm, Xtratherm Limited, Xtratherm S.A., and Xtratherm UK Limited.

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Public Storage is a REIT focused on acquiring, developing, owning, and operating self-storage facilities in the US and Europe. The company is a member of the S&P 500 and the FT Global 500 and is the worlds 4th largest REIT by market cap. Along with its holdings of self-storage facilities, the company owns a 42% stake in business park company PS Business Parks and is also in business selling packing and storage supplies. The company is headquartered in Glendale California.

The company was founded in 1972 by B. Wayne Hughes and Kenneth Polk who used the leverage of investments from RELPs to grow the business. The original plan was to use the storage warehouses as a means of generating income until the properties were more valuable. The surprise is that demand for storage space was high and led to unexpected profitability.

The company has more than 1,000 locations by 1989 and then, in 1995, it transformed itself into a publicly traded REIT. The transformation was spurred by tax changes that made RELPs obsolete. The transformation was done via a merger with Storage Equities which gave up its name in favor of Public Storage. The company grew again with the acquisition of Shurgard in 2006 but it has since been spun off as its own publicly traded company. Public Storage retains 36% ownership in Shurgard.

As of September 2022, the company owned and operated 2,807 self-storage facilities in 39 states. The total area of rental space exceeded 2 million square feet serving nearly 2 million customers and generating close to $3.5 billion in annual revenues. Shurgard lays claim to another 239 facilities in the EU which amounts to another 13 minion square feet of storage space. PS Business Parks, Inc, which trades under the ticker (NYSE: PSB) owns and operates 28 million square feet of commercial space.

Advantages of Public Storage include scale, leverage, and the balance sheet. The companys size and scale mean that more than half the US population lives within driving distance of a Public Storage facility. The company gives leverage through its three-pronged acquisition, development, and redevelopment strategy which are all supported by the balance sheet. The companys balance sheet is set up for growth and is able to self-fund most new projects.
Banco Santander (Brasil) S.A., together with its subsidiaries, provides various banking products and services to individuals, small and medium enterprises, and corporate customers in Brazil and internationally. The company operates in two segments, Commercial Banking and Global Wholesale Banking. It offers deposits and other bank funding instruments; debit and credit cards; digital prepaid solutions; payment platform; loyalty programs; employee benefit vouchers; payroll loans; digital lending and online debt renegotiation services; mortgages; home equity financing products; consumer credit; and local loans, commercial and trade finance, guarantees, structured loans, and cash management and funding solutions, as well as on-lending transfer services. It also provides funding and financial advisory services related to projects, origination and distribution of fixed-income securities in the debt capital markets, financing of acquisitions and syndicated loans, other structured financing arrangements, and subordinated debt and energy efficiency transactions; advisory services for mergers and acquisitions, and equity capital markets transactions; and stock brokerage and advisory, equity, and equity research services. In addition, the company structures and offers foreign exchange, derivative, and investment products for institutional investors, and corporate and retail customers; and provides market making services. Further, it offers instant payment services; range of products and services focused on the agribusiness sector; microfinance services; and online automotive listing and digital car insurance solutions, as well as digital trading platform. Additionally, it provides its financial services and products to its customers through multichannel distribution network comprising branches, mini-branches, ATMs, call centers, Internet banking, and mobile banking. Banco Santander (Brasil) S.A. was incorporated in 1985 and is headquartered in Sao Paulo, Brazil.
Toyota Motor Corporation designs, manufactures, assembles, and sells passenger vehicles, minivans and commercial vehicles, and related parts and accessories. It operates in Automotive, Financial Services, and All Other segments. The company offers hybrid cars under the Prius name, fuel cell vehicles under the MIRAI name; and conventional engine vehicles, including subcompact and compact cars under the Corolla and Raize names. It also provides mini-vehicles, passenger vehicles, commercial vehicles, and auto parts under the Toyota name; mid-size cars; luxury cars; sports cars under the GR Yaris, Corolla Sport, Corolla Cross, and Supra names; and recreational and sport-utility vehicles under the Highlander name. In addition, the company offers pickup trucks under the Tacoma name; minivans; and trucks and buses. Further, it provides financial services, such as retail financing and leasing, wholesale financing, insurance, and credit cards; and designs, manufactures, and sells prefabricated housing. Additionally, the company operates GAZOO.com, a web portal for automobile information. It operates in Japan, North America, Europe, Asia, Central and South America, Oceania, Africa, and the Middle East. The company was founded in 1933 and is headquartered in Toyota, Japan.
A Tennessee teen is encouraging others to break the mold after reportedly earning a spot at Yale University with an unusual essay about ordering pizza.

Carolina Williams announced that she had been accepted to the Ivy League school on Twitter earlier this month and shared a copy of her essay that appeared to draw high praise (and laughs) from an admissions officer.

I just want @PapaJohns to know that I wrote a college essay about how much I love to order their pizza and it got me into Yale, she boasted in a Tweet.

I just want @PapaJohns to know that I wrote a college essay about how much I love to order their pizza and it got me into Yale  pic.twitter.com/lDlzEErHCn  Carolina Williams (@justcarolina22) May 9, 2017

The 18-year-old, who told HuffPost that she will be the first in her family to attend college, had been tasked with writing about something that she loves to do. Williams said she genuinely loves ordering pizza.

Accepting these 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, consolation, and joy, a portion of her essay reads.

I came up with the idea all on my own and did not really tell anyone about it, she told HuffPost by email on Thursday. When my friends found out about it though, they thought it was hilarious.

Her admissions officer apparently did, too.

Recent high school graduate Carolina Williams, 18, holds up a Papa Johns pizza after getting accepted into Yale University. (Photo: Carolina Williams)

In a letter shared by the teen, the officer, who was not named, said she laughed so hard while reading it.

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, the officers accompanying message reads.

Another handwritten note, read: Yale would be lucky to have you.

Story continues

Of course, it wasnt just Williams creative essay that earned her a coveted spot among the 2,272 students accepted by Yale this year  making a slim, 6.9% acceptance rate.

Her application contained all the right ingredients, including a high GPA, volunteer work, as well as memberships with the English Honors Society, National Honors Society, Model UN and Youth in Government, the Tennessean reported.

But just as she had many choices on what to write about, she also had choices other than Yale.

In the end, she opted to go to Auburn University instead. One big reason, she shared, is that the Alabama school is much closer to home.

Welcome to @AUCampWarEagle Session 2, @justcarolina22! Be sure to stop by the Student Center for lunch



Her story: https://t.co/H60AO2iJfo  Auburn University (@AuburnU) June 1, 2017

I absolutely love Yale, but I felt so at home at Auburn, she told HuffPost. I love the South and the school spirit. I will be a part of the Honors College. Im so honored to have been accepted by Yale, though!

At Auburn, she plans to pursue a business degree while minoring in economics, she told the Tennessean, which also reported that the school provided scholarship opportunities.

Congrats!

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This article originally appeared on HuffPost.
Les emplois a Rennes sont abondants et varies. Il y a quelque chose pour tout le monde. Que vous soyez a la recherche dun emploi []
Our policy is intended to meet the needs of our patients while also respecting the sincerely held views of our pharmacists, Walgreens said in a January statement. (Photo: AP Images)

On Friday, the American Civil Liberties Union of New Mexico and the Southwest Womens Law Center filed two complaints on behalf of a mother and daughter with the New Mexico Human Rights Bureau. The complaints allege that a Walgreens pharmacy in Albuquerque, N.M., discriminated against a female patient by refusing to fill a prescription related to her birth control.

The daughter, who is not named in the filing to protect her identity since she is a minor, was experiencing difficulties with her period and went to her doctor for help. After trying and not finding relief with various other birth control methods, the doctor prescribed the young woman an intrauterine device (IUD).

Actions leading to complaints

In August 2016, her mother, listed by her initials M.S. in the complaint, went to a Walgreens pharmacy to fulfill the prescriptions her daughters doctor had written in preparation for the IUD insertion procedure. Those three prescriptions were a pain reliever, an anti-anxiety medication, and misoprostol, a synthetic hormone that softens the cervix in advance of an IUD insertion. Misoprostol is also commonly prescribed to treat stomach ulcers and can be used to induce abortion.

The Walgreens pharmacist that M.S. went to told her that he was unwilling to fill that prescription because of his personal beliefs. M.S. was told she could pick up the prescription at another Walgreens store, despite it being available at the pharmacy to which she had originally gone.

A representative for Walgreens explained to Yahoo Beauty in a statement that the drugstores policy regarding personal beliefs is such that pharmacists and other employees may step away from a transaction to which they may have a moral objection, and requires the pharmacist or other employee to refer the transaction to another employee or manager on duty to complete the customers request.

M.S. told the Albuquerque Journal that she told the pharmacist, Jesse Garrett, that he was discriminating against me, that he should be ashamed for judging us, that he didnt know my daughters medical history or her complications or conversation with her doctor. That he didnt know what the medication was for. And he just looks at me and says, Oh, I have a pretty good idea.

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The basis for sex discrimination

According to the complaint, the pharmacists behavior constitutes sex discrimination as [r]efusing to fill prescriptions that are directly tied to the attributes that make women different from men  i.e., the ability to become pregnant  constitutes sex discrimination.

As the ACLU explains, M.S. understood Mr. Garretts denial of services to be based on his assumption that her daughter would use the medication for a reproductive health purpose to which he was personally opposed. Indeed, the medication was prescribed to assist with a contraceptive procedure that only women receive. It is inconceivable that the same denial of service would have occurred if Mr. Garrett had assumed that the medication would be used to treat stomach ulcers  the only indicated usage for men. In other words, had the patient been a man, rather than M.S.s daughter, it is reasonable to assume that the prescription would have been filled at this location without delay.

Walgreens notes that their policys objective is to ensure that in these rare instances, patients  both male and female  are offered reasonable alternatives to access legally prescribed medications.

The New Mexico Human Rights Act states that it is an unlawful discriminatory practice for  any person in any public accommodation to make a distinction, directly or indirectly, in offering or refusing to offer its services, facilities, accommodations or goods to any person because of race, religion, color, national origin, ancestry, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, spousal affiliation or physical or mental handicap And so, the ACLU and SWLC say, Walgreens is in violation of the New Mexico Human Rights Act by filling, or not filling, prescriptions differently based on the sex of the person for whom such a prescription is required.

The complaint outlines that Walgreenss protocol for employees refusing to fill a prescription because of personal beliefs is to transfer the prescription to another Walgreens location.

In a statement to the Albuquerque Journal in January, Walgreens said, We take very seriously our responsibility to serve the prescription needs of our patients. While we cannot comment on the specifics of this incident, we can tell you that our policy is intended to meet the needs of our patients while also respecting the sincerely held views of our pharmacists. We believe our policy has been very effective in doing that.

Similar cases

The company faced a similar suit in 2012, when an Albuquerque-area pharmacist refused to fill a birth control prescription, citing religious beliefs. Shortly after, Walgreens pledged to fill birth control medications as efficiently as other prescriptions without imposing any burden on the customer.

A representative for Walgreens tells Yahoo Beauty, We have expressed our desire to work closely with the ACLU of New Mexico to address its concerns, and also as we review our policies and evaluate other services to help meet the needs of patients and customers. Additionally, we have taken the opportunity to retrain all of our pharmacists and store leadership in New Mexico on policies and procedures relating to conscientious objection, to ensure that were providing the highest level of patient care and service.

According to the National Womens Law Center, there have been reports of pharmacies  and not just Walgreens  refusing to fill prescriptions for birth control or emergency contraception in at least 25 U.S. states.

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Quora

Photo: Quora

This question originally appeared on Quora. Answer by Hudson George Thomas.

1.The Tesla Key is in the shape of Tesla Car and have interesting functions.

Image & Info Source: The Model S Key Fob

tesla fob

Photo: Quora

2.Tesla was founded by Martin Eberhard and Marc Tarpenning and both of them are not with Tesla now.

Image & Info Source: Martin Eberhard & Marc Tarpenning, Founders Of Tesla, Talk EVs

Elon-Musk-Biography-05_grande

Photo: Quora

3.Elon planned to name the first 4 cars as Model S, Model E, Model X and Model Y.

All the 4 models could be collectively called as SEXY. Ford already have a trade mark on model E and hence Elon had to change the plan from Model E to Model 3 which is kind of reverse of letter E. An early brochure from Tesla below

Image & Info Source: "Ford Tried To Kill SEX"

sexy-tesla-750x392

Photo: Quora

Now Elon plans to have S3XY :)

4.All the patents Tesla produces is free to use to any.

In a blog Elon offered all the patents by Tesla will be open to OEMs to encourage electric vehicles . Below is the image of The nouveau Tesla Patent wall welcoming all OEMs to use the patents for electric vehicles.

Info Source: All Our Patent Are Belong To You

Image Source: The nouveau Tesla patent wall: ALL OUR PATENT ARE BELONG TO YOU

14825641653_d1e3ed2067_o

Photo: Quora

5.Teslas Chinese website domain name was http://Tousule.cn

and was based on the Chinese pronunciation of Tesla. Also tesla.cn was already registered by a firm in Guangzhou and was a blank page. Later Tesla bought the domain name and hosted the products.

http://Tousule.cn: Old screen shot and the webpage is not loading now. The url was masked as the image was used in a Quiz event.

tesla screenshot

Photo: Quora

http://tesla.cn

: Screen shot from latest webpage loaded with new models :)

new tesla screenshot

Photo: Quora

Story continues

Edit 1 : Thanks for the great response. Here is a bonus!!

6. Meaning of Tesla Logo!! The Logo is inspired from Electric Motor Cross-section. Elon has confirmed the same in a tweet. Below image will help to understand the logo better.

Info Source:

Image Source: Elon Musk confirms that Teslas logo is the cross section of an electric motor

tesla-logo-3

Photo: Quora

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Theres been no shortage of speculation about who  if indeed, anyone  will be getting any remaining money owed to Aaron Hernandez, the former New England Patriots star who died by suicide in his prison cell in April. While questions remained about whether the star tight end had retained any of his substantial net worth after entering prison, a new report finds that Hernandezs Westwood Estates home in Massachusetts owes tens of thousands in unpaid real estate taxes.

The town of North Attleborough, located about 40 miles outside of Boston, is seeking more than $93,000 in past-due funds going back to 2014, the Sun Chronicle, a local publication, reported Wednesday.

The estate was purchased by Hernandez in 2012 for $1.3 million. The towns list of delinquent taxpayers lists Hernandez in addition to an LLC at the same property. Per the Sun Chronicle:

A town list of delinquent taxpayers lists Hernandez with a debt of $17,640 for the property at 22 Ronald C. Meyer Drive. A separate owner under the entity Avy Jay LLC is charged with $75,259 at the same property.







The LLC is registered under Hernandezs name with a Columbus, Ohio address.

North Attleborough town treasurer Christopher Sweet told the Sun Chronicle that several unanswered bills have been sent to the LLC. However, water, sewer and electric payments are all up to date for the business. The property is currently listed for $1,299,000 on Zillow, where external and internal photos of the property can be seen.

Read: Multiple Handwritten Suicide Notes Found In Aaron Hernandez's Prison Cell

Should the home sell, its possible that monies from the sale would go to the family of Odin Lloyd. Hernandez was serving a life sentence for his 2013 murder at the time of his suicide, and Lloyds mother Ursula Ward has filed a wrongful death lawsuit against Hernandez's estate. As the New York Daily News reported Friday, his estate is currently valued at $0.00. The families of Safiro Furtado and Daniel de Abreu  whose 2012 double homicide Hernandez was acquitted of five days before his suicide  have also filed wrongful death suits against his estate.

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Hernandezs conviction for the Lloyd murder was overturned by a judge in May after a legal rule known as abatement was invoked. The decision was made on the basis that Hernandez had not exhausted all of his appeals for his conviction.

Read: Aaron Hernandez's Prison Friend Kyle Kennedy Releases Statement Requesting Suicide Note

The idea is that if an appeal hasnt happened, theres a chance the conviction has an error in it, Rosanna Cavallari, a professor at Suffolk University, told CNN in April. Rather than have someone with that incomplete decision that theyre guilty, the state chooses instead to say the conviction is abated as if it had never happened.

Hernandez, 27, was found hanged in his prison cell April 19 at Souza-Baranowski Correctional Center in Shirley, Massachusetts. According to a suicide note found in his prison cell and addressed to his fiancee Shayanna Jenkins, Hernandez reportedly wrote, Youre rich!

Aaron Hernandez

Photo: Reuters

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KABUL (Reuters) - Afghan authorities will investigate violent clashes that left at least five people dead during an anti-government protest over this week's devastating truck bomb attack in Kabul, the deputy interior minister said on Saturday. The rally on Friday saw hours of angry confrontation between stone-throwing protesters and police, who fired into the air to drive back crowds trying to cross security cordons and reach the presidential palace. Streets in the center of the Afghan capital were closed on Saturday as authorities tried to prevent a repeat of the violence, which has heaped pressure on President Ashraf Ghani's government over its inability to ensure security in Kabul. The demonstration followed the explosion of a huge truck bomb on Wednesday that killed more than 80 people and wounded 460 - one of the deadliest attacks seen in Kabul since the U.S.-led campaign that toppled the Islamist Taliban in 2001. Deputy Interior Minister Murad Ali Murad said the attorney general would investigate allegations of violence by police as well as by demonstrators, some of whom appeared to be armed. It would be up to the investigation to determine whether any mistakes had been made by security forces. Murad updated the death toll from the demonstration to five and said 23 were wounded, mostly members of the security forces. Intelligence officials blamed the Taliban-affiliated Haqqani network, an Islamist militant group that has been linked to several similar attacks in the past. The violence further complicated the situation confronting U.S. and coalition officials as they work on plans expected to see an increase of between 3,000 and 5,000 in the number of foreign troops in Afghanistan. As well as stoking anger against the government, the protests also sharpened long-running tensions between rival political and ethnic groups and drew accusations that armed infiltrators had joined the protest to stir up trouble. "While peaceful demonstrations are welcome in a democracy, some narrow political elements used this opportunity to spark violence, resulting in more death and suffering," the U.S. Embassy in Kabul said in a statement. With much of the capital locked down by security forces, a group of around 200 protesters remained near the blast site in the center of town, sheltering from the sun in open tents. Otherwise, security authorities in Kabul told people not to attend protests and demonstrations, citing the risk of attacks on large gatherings of people. While unusually large, Wednesday's truck bomb scarcely differed from a long series of previous high-profile militant attacks that have killed hundreds of civilians in Afghanistan since most international forces left the country in 2014. In the first three months of the year at least 715 civilians were killed across the country, after almost 3,500 in 2016, the deadliest year on record for Afghan civilians. (Reporting by Sayed Hassib, Mirwais Harooni and James Mackenzie; Editing by Mark Heinrich)
By Mirwais Harooni and Akram Walizada KABUL (Reuters) - Protesters demanding the resignation of the Afghan government after this week's devastating truck bomb clashed with riot police in Kabul on Friday in a confrontation that resulted in at least four deaths. The protests added to pressure on President Ashraf Ghani's fragile and divided government, which has been powerless to stop a string of attacks in the capital that have killed hundreds of civilians in recent months. Wednesday's bomb attack, at the beginning of the Muslim holy month of Ramadan, was one of the worst in the Afghan capital since the U.S.-led campaign to topple the Taliban in 2001. More than 1,000 demonstrators, many carrying pictures of bomb victims, rallied in the morning near the site of the blast, which killed more than 80 people and wounded 460. They held Ghani and Chief Executive Abdullah Abdullah responsible. "The international community has to put pressure on them and force them to resign," said Niloofar Nilgoon, one of a relatively large number of women taking part in the protest. "They're not capable of leading the country." Protesters also carried banners bearing slogans such as "Ghani! Abdullah! Resign!" and pictures of Ghani and other leaders with their faces crossed out. Riot police used water cannon and tear gas to block protesters from reaching the road leading to the presidential palace. There were regular bursts of gunfire as they shot over the heads of the crowd, many of whom threw stones at security forces. At least four people were killed and another 15 wounded, said the city's Italian-run Emergency Hospital, which is located near the protest site. Some of the bodies, wrapped in white shrouds, were carried by protesters. A statement from Ghani's office repeated its condemnation of Wednesday's attack and urged demonstrators not to allow "opportunists to disrupt their civic movement and use this opportunity to sow chaos for their own benefit". ALARM But in an already tense political climate, the violence underlined the risk of protests exacerbating divisions and resentments between ethnic and political groups within the government camp. Abdullah appealed for calm in a televised address. In a sign of how alarmed Afghanistan's international partners have become at the violence and possible impact on political stability, the United Nations special representative in Afghanistan, Tadamichi Yamamoto, also appealed for restraint. "I strongly discourage any actor from seeking opportunistically to use these very emotional and fragile moments to destabilize the situation and risk further harm to civilians," he said in a statement. Amnesty International condemned the security forces' actions, which it said showed "contempt for the lives of ordinary people" and called for an investigation. "While there are reports that a minority of protesters used violence, including throwing stones at the police, this does not justify such an excessive and deadly response," it said. As well as criticizing the government, some protesters demanded that Ghani execute prisoners from the Haqqani network, the Taliban-affiliated militant group that intelligence officials blame for the attack. "Until we do that, we won't have peace. The only way to get security is to punish criminals," said protester Asadullah, who like many Afghans goes by only one name. A spokesman for the U.S. State Department said Wednesday's attack was "horrific and barbaric" and Afghans were "naturally expressing their anger and shock at the events". "What is needed now is for all Afghans to come together to take steps towards peace, he said. The unrest and the increasingly fractured political landscape complicates the choices facing U.S. President Donald Trump's administration as it prepares its new strategy for Afghanistan. Officials are considering plans to increase the number of American troops in the country by between 3,000 and 5,000 to help break what U.S. commanders say is a stalemate in the war. Taliban insurgents now control or contest about 40 percent of the country. Even before the attack, 715 civilians had been killed in the first three months of the year after nearly 3,500 in 2016, the deadliest year on record for Afghan civilians. (Additional reporting by Sayed Hassib and Samar Zwak in Kabul and David Brunnstrom in Washington; Writing by James Mackenzie; Editing by Tom Heneghan and Bill Trott)
Crowds turned out in Washington DC on June 3 to join the March for Truth, a nationwide demonstration that calls for urgent investigations into Russian interference in the US election and Russian ties to US President Donald Trump.

Marches were expected to take place in scores of towns and cities across the US.

The footage here shows people gathered in Washington DC, chanting: Theres no conceivable justification for blocking an investigation.
UN ambassador Nikki Haley says president believes pollutants play role, as EPA head Scott Pruitt avoids directly responding to queries

Nikki Haley discussed the Paris climate agreement withdrawal: Just because we got out of a club doesnt mean we dont care about it. Photograph: Burhan Ozbilici/AFP/Getty Images

Three days after Donald Trump announced that the US would pull out of the Paris climate accord, senior members of his administration could not present a united front in response to questions about the presidents beliefs on climate change.

Trump has repeatedly called climate change a hoax, tweeting in 2012 that it was created by and for the Chinese in order to make US manufacturing non-competitive.

UN ambassador Nikki Haley said in interviews broadcast Sunday that Trump believes the climate is changing, partly because of pollution. But Scott Pruitt, administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), passed up five chances to say whether Trump subscribed to such mainstream scientific belief.

Asked by State of the Union host Jake Tapper if saying the Chinese invented climate change to achieve an economic advantage was a big box of crazy, Haley said: President Trump believes the climate is changing and he believes pollutants are part of that equation. So that is the fact. That is where we are. Thats where it stands.

He knows that its changing and the US has to be responsible for it and thats what were going to do. Just because we got out of a club doesnt mean we dont care about it.

On CBSs Face the Nation, Haley added that Trump was absolutely intent on making sure that we have clean air, clean water, that he makes sure that were doing everything we can to keep Americas moral compass in the world when it comes to the environment.

On ABCs This Week, however, Pruitt responded to host George Stephanopouloss first question on the subject by saying: I think the president made it clear that the climate changes. And I think what needs to be emphasised here with respect to the Paris accord was about the efficacy of the agreement as it relates to the environment, how it impacts the economy.

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The president said on Thursday that engagement internationally is something thats going to continue but what Paris represents is a bad deal for this country and as such is something we need to exit.

Pruitt was asked if it mattered whether the president said climate change was a hoax. He said: With respect to the Paris accord, the focus is on the efficacy, the merits of the deal and the demerits of the deal. The president indicated very clearly that engagement by this country internationally is going to continue.

Pruitt also heralded US efforts to reduce carbon dioxide emissions, saying: Were leading by example  we are leading with action, not words. The former Oklahoma attorney general, who regularly sued the EPA in that role, has said carbon dioxide emissions are not a primary cause of global warming, a position rejected by the vast majority of climate scientists.

Stephanopoulos asked Pruitt a third time why the president couldnt say openly whether he believed in manmade contributions to climate change.

Well, frankly, I think the whole question is an effort to get it off the point and the issue of whether Paris is good for this country or not, said Pruitt. And the president has indicated the climate changes.

Asked a fourth time, Pruitt said: What matters is what you do about it. What matters is what steps you take to address CO2 reductions. And what matters when you look at Paris is that China and India didnt take any steps, while this country did. The environmental left has a very short memory. When Paris was executed they criticised it, said it did not hold China and India accountable.

Stephanopoulos tried a fifth and final pass: Do you know if President Trump still believes climate change is a hoax?

Our discussion has been about the efficacy of the agreement, Pruitt said. Thats what we spent the last several weeks focused upon. He put America first. He said he could put jobs and the environment first, by the way.

The Paris accord, agreed in 2015 and signed in 2016 under the Obama administration, sets voluntary targets for the reduction of emissions which cause climate change. The US will join only Syria and Nicaragua  the former racked by civil war, the latter believing the terms of the deal not strict enough  on the sidelines.

The former vice-president and environmental campaigner Al Gore appeared across the political talk shows on Sunday. On CNN, he called the decision to pull out of the Paris deal reckless and indefensible.

It undermines Americas standing in the world, Gore said. It threatens the ability of humanity to solve the climate crisis in time.

Gore met Trump and his daughter, Ivanka, in New York City in December, to discuss the president-elects campaign-trail threats to leave the Paris deal.

Saying he had spoken to the presidents daughter a number of times since then, Gore added: I thought that he would come to his senses on it, but he didnt.
Russian president calls allegations of interference in US presidential election useless and harmful chatter at St Petersburg economic forum

Vladimir Putin has said the US needs to stop the useless and harmful chatter about Russian interference in the presidential election, arguing that Donald Trumps electoral strategy was entirely responsible for his victory.



Speaking at the St Petersburg economic forum, Putin claimed there was no concrete evidence for US intelligence agencies allegations of Russian hacking, and said cyber specialists can make anything up and blame anyone.

The Russian president added that this attempt to solve internal political issues using instruments of foreign policy was damaging international relations.

The problem is not here, the problem is within American politics. Trumps team was more effective in the electoral campaign, Putin told the events moderator, the US television presenter Megyn Kelly.

In all honesty, I myself sometimes thought that the guy was going too far, but it turned out he was right: he found an approach to those groups of the population and those groups of voters he counted on, and they came and voted for him, Putin said.

Hillary Clintons campaign team was blaming the Russians rather than admitting its own mistakes, he said.

Its easier to say we are not guilty, the Russians are guilty  It reminds me of antisemitism: the Jews are guilty of everything, Putin said at the end of his comments, which drew titters from the audience.

If the information about the Democratic party favouring Clinton was true, is it really important who leaked it? he asked, echoing his previous statements on Russian hacking.

US intelligence agencies say Russian spies hacked into a wide range of institutions and agencies during the US election campaign. They have accused two Kremlin spy agencies  the GRU and the FSB  of hacking Democratic party emails and giving them to the website WikiLeaks.

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Earlier this week, Putin for the first time allowed that patriotically minded Russian hackers could have been responsible for the hack, but then argued that the cyber-attacks could have been contrived to point the finger at Moscow.

Kellys repeated questions about the investigations into Trumps ties with Russia provoked one of Putins most fiery performances in years, laced with numerous jokes at the Americans expense.

Asked about Russian officials meeting with members of Trumps team during the campaign and transition, Putin declared they had just shared general words about building relations and that allegations of collusion were some kind of hysteria, and you guys just cant stop.



Do we need to give you a pill? Does anyone have a pill? Give them a pill, really, honestly. Its surprising, he said, raising a laugh even out of the impassive Indian PM, Narendra Modi, who was seated next to him.

Austrias chancellor, Christian Kern, and Moldovas president, Igor Dodon, also took part in the discussion.

Besides praising Trumps electoral campaign, Putin refused to condemn the US presidents decision to withdraw the US from the Paris climate accord, making light of the issue and questioning whether the countries of the world were really in a position to halt climate change.

Somehow we here arent feeling that the temperature is really rising, but we should be thankful to President Trump. There was snow in Moscow today; [in St Petersburg], its rainy and cold  now we can blame all this on him and American imperialism, Putin joked.

Putin told Kelly, in English, Dont worry, be happy, assuring her that the agreement would take effect in 2021, so there was still plenty of time to reach an agreement.

It wasnt clear what he was referring to in this comment, since the accord took effect in November 2016.

One area where Putin was critical of Trumps policy was regarding the US presidents demand that Nato members raise their military spending to 2% of GDP.

If they arent planning to attack anyone, then why increase spending? That of course worries us, Putin said.
China has nothing to gain by strong-arming its way in the Asia Pacific, Australia's prime minister said Friday, warning that a "coercive" Beijing would only face resentment in the region.

Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull, speaking at a regional security conference in Singapore, said it was inevitable that China play a bigger regional role to match its rising economic weight, but cautioned against threatening its smaller neighbours.

Turnbull's address at the Shangri-La Dialogue, an annual defence and security summit, follows China's moves to build a series of artificial islands on shoals and reefs in contested waters in the South China Sea, which has sparked concern among its neighbours.

Beijing claims almost the entire sea, pitting it against the Philippines, Brunei, Malaysia and Vietnam which have partial claims.

"A coercive China would find its neighbours resenting demands they cede their autonomy and strategic space, and look to counterweight Beijing's power by bolstering alliances and partnerships, between themselves and especially with the United States," said Turnbull.

"Just as modern China was founded in 1949 on an assertion of national sovereignty, so will 21st century China best succeed by respecting the sovereignty of others and in so doing build a reservoir of trust and cooperation with its neighbours," he added.

Turnbull also urged Beijing to help bring North Korea "to its senses" and exercise its influence over Pyongyang.

On Monday the North test-fired a ballistic missile for the third time in less than three weeks, its 12th this year.

"The North Korean regime, the Pyongyang government, is endangering the peace of the region and indeed the peace of the world by conduct that is persistently reckless, dangerous and indeed unlawful," Turnbull said.

Turnbull also said that countries in the region should not see US President Donald Trump's recent decisions to withdraw from the Trans-Pacific Partnership free trade pact and the Paris climate agreement as disengagement from the global community.

"While these decisions are disappointing, we should take care not to rush to interpret an intent to engage on different terms as one not to engage at all," he said.

US Defense Secretary Jim Mattis is scheduled to speak to the conference Saturday as US allies in the region will be looking for clear signals about America's regional security goals under Trump.
By Anthony Boadle BRASILIA (Reuters) - Brazil's once all-mighty Workers Party, driven into the political wilderness by its fall from power in the midst of a massive graft scandal, is struggling to find its footing ahead of next year's general election. Some analysts say the party is many years away from ever winning back the power it once firmly held. But party members are optimistic, saying that their single biggest asset, the charisma of its founder and former Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva, remains a potent political force, despite Lula's facing five corruption trials. A return of the PT, the Portuguese acronym by which the party is known, worries investors who fear it would reverse the unpopular fiscal reforms proposed in President Michel Temer's austerity drive. At a convention this week aimed at rebuilding the party as an effective opposition to the Temer government, members waving red flags and chanting "Lula for President" clamored for him to run again next year, or earlier if the embattled Temer is ousted by one of Brazil's top courts. "His popularity is unique in Brazil. No one else has the ability to mobilize the people like him. His candidacy will pull up the party and the left-wing social movement as a whole," Carlos Zarattini, the party's leader in the lower chamber of Congress, told Reuters. A former union leader who led strikes in the early 1980s that helped dismantle a two-decade military dictatorship, Lula rose from poverty to the presidency on the back of his ability to electrify crowds at campaign rallies. Opinion polls show Lula ahead for the 2018 race, though he is burdened by having the highest rejection rates among all potential hopefuls whose supporters would likely unite against him in a run-off. The real question is whether he will make it to the start line. A conviction for corruption followed by the loss of a first appeal would disqualify him from running. A ruling in the first graft case against him is expected by July. Lula has already said publicly that he wants to run in 2018, but has not yet made it official to avoid compounding his legal problems, aides said. Rallying supporters at the PT convention on Thursday, the 71-year-old leftist leader made no mention of a presidential bid. Instead, he portrayed the cases against him as political persecution by Brazil's elites who he said are undoing the social welfare policies that helped lift millions out of poverty during his time in office and that of his impeached successor Dilma Rousseff. Lula called on the PT to join ranks around a new program that will reconnect the party with its roots in the working classes. 'A VERY WEAKENED PARTY' That platform will be radical to recover support in the party's traditional base among workers and peasants, leaders said. It will include land reform opposed by the country's powerful farm lobby and a tax on wealthy Brazilians. The PT is also calling for legislation to "democratize" the media which the party says has hounded Lula because it is controlled by a small group of rich families. "In this crisis, the PT is recovering its identity as the party of the working classes," said Julio Turra, a party founder and a leader of Brazil's largest labor confederation, the CUT, which represents 23 million workers. He said the renewal of the PT will require self-criticism of mistaken economic policies of Rousseff that helped plunge Brazil into recession and caused widespread unemployment. Analysts say the fall of the PT was so great that the party will take a long time to recover and will be in no shape to win an election any time soon. In the 2016 municipal elections, which usually serve as a good indicator of the support in the next presidential race, the PT lost 60 percent of the mayor's offices it held, including Brazil's largest city, Sao Paulo. "It is a very weakened party. The only thing it has left is Lula," said Claudio Couto, political science professor at the FGV think tank in Sao Paulo. "It still has a capacity to mobilize people with Lula, who is perhaps the greatest mass leader Brazil has had," Couto said. "But if they launch his candidacy now and he gets banned, that would be worse for the party." (Reporting by Anthony Boadle; Editing by Mary Milliken)
cameronabadi

Two weeks ahead of local elections in Cambodia, the countrys long-serving prime minister issued a stern warning to undecided voters. In a May 25 speech that the local Cambodia Daily described as a mammoth three-hour rant, Hun Sen accused the main opposition party of plotting a color revolution to overthrow the government and said the armed forces stood ready to see off any challenge. Delving into specifics, he then announced that he was willing to eliminate 100 or 200 people in order to preserve his partys hold on power.

Hun Sen has been no stranger to violent rhetoric during his 32 years in power, but such a chillingly specific threat spoke to the depth of his partys concern ahead of the June 4 elections. Warnings of a destabilizing color revolution have become a mainstay of government rhetoric since 2013, when tens of thousands of Cambodians poured into the streets to protest alleged widespread voter fraud at that years national election. (The language is taken straight from Chinese media, which regularly scaremonger about color revolutions, by which they mean not popular uprisings but illegitimate, foreign-influenced coups.)

While commune elections dont usually attract much attention outside Cambodia  the poll wont elect a new government, only local officials in each of the countrys 1,646 communes  a strong showing for the opposition could give it vital momentum heading toward the next national election, scheduled for mid-2018. It could also be the final push for Hun Sen to discard the remaining substance of Cambodian democracy. This reflects the broader retreat of democratic principles in Southeast Asia, a region that has seen serious reverses in Thailand, where a coup brought Gen. Prayuth Chan-ocha to power in 2014, and the Philippines, where a drug war waged by President Rodrigo Duterte has claimed more than 8,000 victims. With China eager to back potential autocrats, and the United States in retreat from global affairs and human rights promotion, Hun Sen and others see a chance to solidify power and cast off the troubling trappings of democracy.

In 2012, the Cambodian Peoples Party (CPP) won around 60 percent of the vote and gained control of more than 97 percent of commune councils, amid scattered claims of intimidation and flawed voter lists, but hemorrhaged support at the following years national election. Then, as now, the main challenger was the Cambodia National Rescue Party (CNRP), which has effectively harnessed the deep public discontent linked to the government land grabs, deforestation, and myriad varieties of corruption that have flourished on Hun Sens watch, salting the stew with potent anti-Vietnamese appeals. On a stop during the official two-week campaign period, CNRP President Kem Sokha said his party was primed to win a majority at both upcoming elections, declaring that support for the CNRP was stronger than at any other time, both in the city and in rural areas.

The rising opposition poses a potentially existential threat to the CPP, which was installed into power by communist Vietnam after its 1979 overthrow of the murderous Khmer Rouge regime. In the years since, the CPP has repeatedly trumpeted its role in ending Cambodias nightmare and depicted itself as the only thing preventing the country from spiraling back into chaos. But that message is increasingly lost on a young generation with little or no experience of the countrys past turmoil and which has become fed up with the lack of opportunities and endemic corruption that has mushroomed under Hun Sen.

The Cambodian people are ready to go for the election on June 4, said But Buntenh, a dissident monk who heads the Independent Monk Network for Social Justice, which sits outside the official, CPP-controlled Buddhist hierarchy. Most of them think this is a time to change to a real democracy.

But whether Asias longest-serving autocrat will allow even the possibility of change is another question. Hun Sens threats carry weight. Twenty years ago next month, Hun Sens forces launched a lightning strike against his royalist rival and coalition partner, Prince Norodom Ranariddh, murdering many of his key commanders. Human Rights Watch, a longtime nemesis of the Cambodian leader, claims that more than 300 people have been killed in politically motivated attacks since 1991. In that time, Hun Sen has ruled Cambodia through guile and manipulation, underpinned by a supple form of patron-client politics that has bound him closely to a mesh of loyal political, military, and business elites.

In 2013, reeling from the CPPs loss of support, Hun Sen promised reforms. He reshuffled his cabinet (twice) and announced wage hikes for soldiers, teachers, and garment workers. He pledged to wipe out illegal logging and timber smuggling. After being caught out by the CNRPs use of social media in 2013, the 64-year-old strongman even became an avid convert to Facebook, using it to soften his belligerent public persona and project a more responsive, populist image to the public.

At the same time, the government has launched an unprecedented political crackdown. Over the past two years, it has arrested a wide array of individuals including two opposition senators, a prominent land rights activist, and a group of staffers from the Cambodian human rights organization ADHOC. (Another local human rights group puts the current count of political prisoners at 25.) In February, the government tweaked political party rules to give the courts the power to abolish political parties on a range of vague pretenses, a move that forced exiled longtime opposition leader Sam Rainsy to resign as president of the CNRP. Kem Sokha, who took over the top CNRP job in March, was also targeted last year by a sex scandal involving a young hairdresser, leaked phone conversations, and confected allegations of witness tampering. In July 2016, this political sparring reached a horrific climax with the killing of Kem Ley, a grassroots political organizer, who was gunned down at a Phnom Penh petrol station and has since become an icon of opposition to CPP rule.

Phay Siphan, a spokesman for the Council of Ministers, as Cambodias cabinet is known, denied any political motive to the recent arrests, saying that those in jail had simply violated the law. He also said Hun Sens threats had been blown out of proportion by the foreign press and accused the CNRP of campaigning to incite the people against CPP members.

While political crackdowns are seasonal events in Cambodian politics, usually coinciding with the electoral cycle, the current repressive phase has gone further than at any time since the mid-1990s. They seem more draconian, sinister, and clever than usual, said Sophal Ear, the author of Aid Dependence in Cambodia: How Foreign Assistance Undermines Democracy. I guess the message is: If you cant beat them, dissolve them.

Former opposition leader Sam Rainsy said in this context there was no way the upcoming election could be seen as even minimally free and fair and called on the United States and Western governments to stand up for democratic principles. Only the prospect of international isolation can push Hun Sen to reverse his authoritarian drift and to show more respect for democratic rules and principles, Sam Rainsy said in an email.

Cambodias autocratic turn has been aided by the decline of Western leverage as Chinese power has risen in the region. Over the past two decades, Hun Sen has been one of the greatest beneficiaries of Chinas economic and political emergence, receiving billions of dollars in soft loans and infrastructure funding. Cambodia has been an enthusiastic participant in Chinas new Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank, and when Chinese President Xi Jinping presided over last months showcase Belt and Road Forum in Beijing, Hun Sen was among the 28 world leaders in attendance.

In return for Chinese support, the Cambodian government has supported Beijings position on a range of issues, including Chinas contentious claims in the South China Sea. The Cambodian government has even started promoting a Khmer-language edition of Xis doorstopper, The Governance of China.

The long-term effect of Chinese backing has been to effectively mark an end to the era inaugurated by the 1991 Paris Peace Agreements, which created the countrys current democratic political system, and the subsequent United Nations peacekeeping mission that presided over landmark elections in 1993. While Cambodian democracy has always been shallow, a side effect is that the countrys political space has been subject to close scrutiny by Western governments, international development agencies, human rights monitors, and a bevy of local civil society groups, many of them supported by foreign donor funding.

Foreign scrutiny has produced a seesawing political climate, in which periods of repression have alternated with phases of relative freedom, carefully calibrated to maintain the support of traditional aid donors like the United States, Australia, and the European Union. Now, with domestic support rising and Beijing offering an escape hatch from Western pressure to improve governance and respect for human rights, Hun Sen has the ability to make the current crackdown a more permanent feature of the Cambodian political landscape.

As elsewhere in Southeast Asia, Chinas aggressive strategic push has been matched by the apparent retreat of U.S. influence under President Donald Trump. As if to preempt American criticisms of the upcoming election, the Cambodian government has taken recent steps to unilaterally downgrade its relationship with Washington, canceling a planned bilateral military exercise and kicking out a U.S. naval engineering battalion that was building schools and maternity wards. In April, the Cambodian Foreign Ministry issued an 11-page white paper defending its record and slamming Western governments for colluding with nongovernmental organizations and media outlets that have twisted historical facts and events in an attempt to portray a negative image of Cambodia  another distinct echo of China, which regularly publishes such white papers lauding its own human rights and attacking the West. Lao Mong Hay, a human rights activist and longtime critic of Hun Sens government, said the prime minister was unlikely to give up power willingly, unless he suffered a big defeat at the 2018 election.

Even if the aging Cambodian leader survives these elections without a repeat of past events, it will not resolve the contradiction at the heart of Cambodias political system: that true reform would undermine the powerful interests that have propped up the CPP for so long. One way or another, Hun Sen will have to find ways to address the rising expectations of a young, connected, and increasingly demanding population. Hes been in power 32 years. His party has been in power 38 years, Sophal Ear said. At some point, things change whether you want them to or not.

Photo credit: TANG CHHIN SOTHY/AFP/Getty Images
Marawi (Philippines) (AFP) - Efforts to rescue up to 2,000 civilians trapped by fighting between troops and Islamist militants in a southern Philippine city failed Sunday when a proposed truce ended in a hail of gunfire and explosions, authorities and witnesses said.

The civilians were pinned down nearly two weeks ago in the centre of Marawi on Mindanao island, where gunmen loyal to the Islamic State group are holding out against a military assault.

The government said 178 people have been killed so far.

Local authorities said government officials, working through intermediaries, had reached agreement with the militants to observe a four-hour ceasefire Sunday to let the trapped civilians leave.

But the officials failed to secure agreement from their own military for the truce, provincial crisis management committee spokesman Zia Alonto Adiong told AFP.

He said the military only allowed rescuers to access areas on the fringes of zones held by the militants, and barred them from entering bombed-out city blocks.

As a result only some 170-plus trapped residents were led to safety Sunday, according to the military.

"We felt a bit disappointed and betrayed. We're talking about lives of people, my God!" Adiong said.

"There are 2,000 people who need immediate help (after) 13 days without food."

Gunfire and explosions, including from several artillery shells, later forced the rescuers to retreat, AFP journalists saw. There were contradictory reports on who was firing.

"The military... did not approve entry into high-risk areas to avoid putting our humanitarians in danger and any possibility that may complicate the situation," President Rodrigo Duterte's spokesman Ernesto Abella said in a statement.

The chief delegate for the International Committee of the Red Cross in the southern Philippines told AFP those rescued Sunday were mostly men and appeared to be in relatively good health.

By contrast, 14 of the nearly 200 rescued on Saturday had to be hospitalised, Roberto Petronio said.

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"These were mostly children who were suffering from diarrhoea and malnutrition," he added.

- Hardline groups -

The military has bombarded Marawi with air strikes and waged fierce street-to-street battles with hundreds of gunmen since they began a rampage through residential areas waving the black flags of the IS.

A total of 120 gunmen including eight foreign fighters, 38 soldiers and police and 20 civilians have been killed, officials said, giving lower figures than previously for civilian deaths.

Scores of people made a daring dash for safety on Saturday, including one of Marawi's most respected politicians who had hidden 71 Christians in his home and led 144 people through downtown streets strewn with rotting corpses.

Sunday's ceasefire deal was initially reached following a meeting last week between Duterte and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF), the nation's biggest rebel organisation which offered to broker a halt in hostilities using contacts with the fighters in Marawi, Adiong told AFP.

Unarmed MILF rebels were to have escorted the civilians to safety during a four-hour period ending at noon (0400 GMT).

The main Muslim rebel groups like the MILF have signed accords with the government aimed at forging a final peace, giving up their separatist ambitions in return for autonomy.

But small hardline groups, including the Maute and Abu Sayyaf, which are involved in the Marawi battle, have refused to negotiate and sought to unite behind IS.

Indonesia's Defence Minister Ryamizard Ryacudu said on Sunday there are about 1,200 IS operatives in the Philippines.

He was speaking at a security forum in Singapore. Philippine Defense Undersecretary Ricardo David, speaking at the same event, put the figure at about 250-400.

The clashes in Marawi 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.

Shortly after the violence erupted 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.
Arabella Kushner, Ivanka Trump, and Jared Kushner (Photo: Sol Tucker/Instarimages)

If youve ever been to temple, you know that what you wear matters. While the main purpose is religion, in reform synagogues, at least, people watching plays a part. In true Jewish form, we looked at what the Trump/Kushner clan was wearing on the final day of the Jewish holiday Shavuot. It was a little shocking when we noticed Ivankas daughter Arabella in a dress designed by John Galliano as they went to and from services. Why? Because hes been called anti-Semitic. And theyre Orthodox Jews. Supporting a possibly anti-Semitic designer. On a holy day.

The 5-year-old was innocently riding her scooter in Washington, D.C., as the family went to and from a Chabad, according to Daily Mail, where they were likely attending Shavuot services. The little girl was wearing a multicolored camo print dress that retails for $115. How do we know its John Galliano? His signature is scribbled all over it, including prominently on a black side panel of the skirt.

Galliano was caught on film using anti-Semitic and racist language (a criminal offense in France) in a Paris bar in 2011, and subsequently let go from Dior. One of the things he said was, I love Hitler. Jared Kushners paternal grandparents were Holocaust survivors.

Its bad enough that an Orthodox Jewish family would support an anti-Semitic designer on any day of the week, but on a Jewish holiday, in a place of worship  not the smartest wardrobe choice.

The Kushner/Trump family (Photo: Sol Tucker/Instarimages)

This comes as a surprise, as Ivanka is usually very aware of dressing appropriately for her religion. During her trip to Israel last month, she wore a hat, and not because it was super chic. But because Orthodox Jewish women follow the concept of Tzniut, which is Hebrew for modesty or humility in both dress and behavior. So, they cover their heads. Too bad they hadnt covered something else this holy holiday.

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A 101-year-old drug that is often used to treat people in Africa with parasitic infections may help ease some of the symptoms of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) in children, a new study finds.

However, researchers are urging caution about the preliminary results of the drug, called suramin. The study was extremely small and involved only boys, who were given just one dose of the drug.

The study was well designed, but the findings don't necessarily suggest that suramin works to treat autism, said Dr. Jay Gargus, a director of the Center for Autism Research and Translation at the University of California, Irvine, who was not involved in the study. [Beyond Vaccines: 5 Things That Might Really Cause Autism]

"I don't think the suramin is the important part of the paper," Gargus said. "The important part of the paper is how [the author] goes through carefully describing what kinds of measures he's going to do, how he's going to do this, how he's going to work his way through understanding what these drugs do."

Still, the initial results are encouraging, said study lead researcher, Dr. Robert Naviaux, a professor of genetics and co-director of the Mitochondrial and Metabolic Disease Center at the University of California, San Diego. "A single treatment with low-dose suramin was safe and produced significant improvements in the core symptoms and metabolism associated with ASD," Naviaux said in a statement.

Suramin study

The study included 10 boys with ASD, ages 5 to 14. Five of the boys received a single, low-dose infusion of suramin, and five received a placebo. The study was double-blinded, meaning that neither the participants nor the researchers knew which of the participants received the drug, and which received the placebo.

After the treatment, the boys in the suramin group showed improvements in their social communication, speech and language. They acted calmer and were more focused, showing fewer repetitive behaviors and less need to use their coping skills, the researchers said. These differences were documented with observational techniques, interviews and questionnaires.

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Reports from the boys' parents suggested that the five boys who received suramin improved for three weeks, then gradually decreased toward their original baseline over the next three weeks, the researchers said in the study.

"We had four nonverbal children in the study," Naviaux said, adding that the two who received suramin said the first sentences of their lives about one week after the treatment. This did not happen in the two nonverbal kids given the placebo, Naviaux said.

Moreover, the boys who received suramin made more progress during their speech therapy and occupational therapy programs than the boys given the placebo, Naviaux said.

How suramin works

The German dye manufacturers, Frederich Bayer and Co., developed suramin in 1916, initially calling it Bayer 205. The drug proved to be effective against parasites that cause African sleeping sickness.

Suramin works by stopping certain molecules from binding to proteins called "purinergic receptors," which are found on every cell in the body. Naviaux's idea is that cells that are stressed release certain molecules, and that these molecules then bind to purinergic receptors and impair cell function.

Although it's unclear what causes autism, the condition might be driven, in part, by impaired communication between cells in the brain, gut and immune system, he said. Other causes likely include genetic and environmental factors, he said.

In people with autism, suramin may stop the molecules from binding to purinergic receptors, and let the cells function more normally, Naviaux said. [10 Things You Didn't Know About the Brain]

Earlier studies in mice with autism traits showed that the drug alleviated some symptoms of the condition. For example, in 6-week-old mice with traits of autism, suramin improved social behavior, metabolism and motor coordination, according to a 2013 study published in the journal PLOS ONE.

In another study, published in 2014 in the journal Translational Psychiatry, adult mice that received suramin showed improved social behaviors and metabolism, but no motor skill improvement.

Reactions and concerns

Other researchers call Naviaux's ideas about the role of purinergic receptors in autism an "emerging hypothesis," but say it's a "creative way of thinking about" the molecular processes behind autism, Gargus said.

Gargus noted several limitations in the study. For instance, all five boys in the suramin group developed a temporary rash, but none in the placebo group did. It's possible that parents in the suramin group noticed this and realized that their child had received the drug, inadvertently "un-blinding" the study, Gargus said. The researchers mentioned this as a possible limitation in the study, too.

What's more, the boys in the placebo group showed very little improvement  an anomaly in neurobehavioral testing, because usually the placebo effect is strong, and the group given the placebo shows some kind of improvement, Gargus said.

Gargus added that given the number of tests in the study, it's not surprising the autism group scored better than the placebo group on some of the measures. "If you give enough scales, one of them is probably going wind up showing you a significant effect," Gargus told Live Science. [Typical Toddler Behavior, or ADHD? 10 Ways to Tell]

Suramin is not approved to treat ASD by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, and the drug is not commercially available. Naviaux has filed a patent application related to antipurinergic therapy for ASD and related disorders, and two of the study's authors have connections to pharmaceutical companies.

The study was published online May 26 in the journal Annals of Clinical and Translational Neurology.

Original article on Live Science.

Editor's Recommendations
Amazon.com (ticker: AMZN) stock joined a select club by hitting the $1,000-per-share mark this week for the first time. The tech giant joins companies like Alphabet ( GOOG, GOOGL), Priceline Group ( PCLN) and Berkshire Hathaway ( BRK.A, BRK.B), among a few others, who have reached the $1,000 barrier at least once.

Amazon has been on a tear in 2017. The stock is up 30 percent, and is up a staggering 1,500 percent since 2009, when the stock market began its current eight-year climb. In April, AMZN reported revenues of $35.7 billion, with earnings of $1.48 per share. Sales rose by 23 percent during the three-month reporting period, and its cloud-based business services skyrocketed by 42 percent for the quarter.

It's also worth noting that AMZN's stock price has split three times since the company's initial public offering 20 years ago -- in 1998 (a two-for-one and three-for-one split, respectively) and in 1999 (a two-for-one split).

FANG stocks lead the way. If the past really is prologue, as is often the case on Wall Street, there's a good case to be made that Amazon is undervalued.

[See: 7 of the Tech Stocks to Buy in 2017.]

"We're not surprised Amazon and Alphabet are testing the $1,000 price point," says James Wang, a research analyst for ARK Invest's actively managed ARK Web X.0 exchange-traded fund ( ARKW). "The FANG stocks continue to rally due to consistent double-digit revenue growth despite their large scale, defying the law of large numbers."

FANG is an acronym for four large-cap growth stocks -- Facebook ( FB), Amazon, Netflix ( NFLX) and Google.

Wang says that most people professional investors believe fast-growing tech stocks, like Amazon, are overvalued, but he thinks the opposite is true. "For example, the S&P 500 trades at a [price/earnings-growth ratio] of 2.9 -- far above the generally considered fair value of 1," he says. "Facebook, by contrast, has a PEG of 0.5 and adjusted for earnings growth, Facebook trades at one-fifth of the market average."

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Internet companies currently account for 10 percent of the market capitalization of the Standard & Poor's 100 index, Wang says. "We believe next generation technologies like artificial intelligence and blockchain have the potential to push this toward 20 percent over the next decade," he says.

Others say Amazon's seemingly unique ability to blend high-concept technologies into the lives of ordinary Americans on an everyday basis must be factored in when discussing the firm's future growth prospects.

"Artificial intelligence, preemptive marketing and a barely-tapped international market are just three of the many reasons that Amazon is just now hitting the upsweep of its growth potential," says Krista Fabregas, an analyst at FitSmallBusiness.com, who closely tracks Amazon. "By successfully injecting itself seamlessly into everyday life at home and elsewhere, Amazon makes its business to know what you like, what you want, as well as where and how you do things.

"Through this business model, Amazon is driving toward one goal -- to deliver whatever you need better than anyone else," Fabregas says. "So far, it's reached close to $1,000-per-share by targeting the U.S. consumer on a 2-to-1 ratio over all international shoppers. As it begins to tap international markets with the same determination, its value could easily rise again by half."

The only scenarios where Fabregas sees AMZN stock declining is a not-so-likely perfect storm of cataclysmic events. "Being a highly leveraged company, Amazon's stock could tumble in a perfect storm of crippling cyberattacks, loss of market euphoria, and forced liquidation via margin calls," she says. "But I'm sticking with the glass half full on this one since so far, Amazon comes out of every dip on the crest of the next wave."

Looking at Amazon in a different light could be another path to profits for investors who view the tech giant as undervalued.

"While retail has been a dismal sector so far this year -- with names like Target ( TGT), Macy's ( M) and Kohl's ( KSS) down over 20 percent already -- Amazon has been the beneficiary," says Liz Miller, president of Summit Place Financial Advisors in Summit, New Jersey.

[See: 9 of the Market's Best Growth Stocks.]

Miller says too many investors continue to think of Amazon as a technology stock, but it's more appropriately the leading retail stock in the S&P 500. "What is abundantly clear this year is that while traditional retail is nearly crumbling, consumers have not reduced their discretionary spending," she says. "They are increasingly transitioning to shopping exclusively on the internet. Amazon is a prime beneficiary of this growth because the company almost single-handedly created this trend."

The case for Amazon being overvalued. But other Wall Street observers say Amazon's amazing run is likely unsustainable, due to a combination of tougher competition and the high likelihood the company is due for an operational and strategic stumble or two.

"I believe Amazon is overvalued," says Joe Sterf, founder of Pennsylvania-based AverageJoeFinance.com, a personal finance site geared to helping millennials manage their money.

Most experts that say it's undervalued base their analysis double-digit projected growth rates, Sterf says. "Anything dealing with projected growth rates is fraught with risk. These rates assume Amazon will continue to execute perfectly and that no competitors will challenge them, even though major players like Walmart ( WMT) and Target are constantly trying to take back market share."

Sterf also points out that Amazon is currently overvalued, based on fundamentals. It has a price-earnings ratio of 187 while the average P/E of the S&P 500 is about 25. "So yes, Amazon is growing faster than the S&P 500, but I wouldn't pay over seven times the average stock to buy it," he says. "Walmart, Amazon's main peer, only has a P/E of 18. Given these comparisons and the fact that Amazon stock is up over 30 percent on a year-to-date basis, I would wait for a pullback before buying any shares."

That said, hitting the royal $1,000 mark is a significant achievement, the Wall Street version of Tom Brady winning five Super Bowls or the Beatles landing 17 No. 1 worldwide hits. These marks aren't crested often, and with good reason.

But that doesn't mean investors should go "all in" on Amazon -- not until they've done their due diligence, talked to a financial pro, and can sleep at night with significant cash steered to a high-flying stock.

[See: 9 of the Most-Loved Stocks in the Trump White House.]

Because you know the old saying -- the bigger they are, the harder they fall.

Brian O'Connell is a contributing financial writer for U.S. News & World Report. A former Wall Street bond trader and the author of two best-selling books; "The 401k Millionaire" and "CNBC's Creating Wealth", he has 20 years experience covering business news and trends, particularly in the financial, technology, political and career management sectors. His byline has appeared in dozens of top-tier national business publications, including CBS News, Bloomberg, Time, MSN Money, The Wall Street Journal, CNBC, TheStreet.com, Yahoo Finance, CBS Marketwatch, and many more. Visit his web site at: https://brianoco.contently.com/. Or, visit this Amazon.com link for a list/review of some of his book titles. Reach out to him on LinkedIn.
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 []
Fridays Google Doodle honored Gilbert Baker, the creator of a rainbow flag that became a symbol of the LGBT community, on his 66th birthday. Baker died March 31 this year.

Today we celebrate Gilbert Bakers pride, creativity, and the lasting impact hes had on strengthening and uniting people all over the world, Google wrote.

Read: Twitter Reacts To Ivanka Trump Supporting LGBT Community After She Wished For A Joyful Pride 2017

Apart from the U.S., the doodle appeared on Google's homepage in most South American countries including Argentina, Brazil, Colombia and Chile. European countries such as Germany, Spain, Hungary and Greece could view it on the search engine's homepage. In Asia, only Japan and South Korea could view the doodle.

Baker was born in Chanute, Kansas, in 1951 and grew up in Parsons. He designed the rainbow flag in 1978 in a bid to replace an earlier symbol for gay pride  a pink triangle. This was the symbol the Nazis used to mark people sent to concentration camps for being homosexuals. Bakers rainbow flag widely became the symbol of LGBT rights causes and a symbol of gay pride.

We needed something beautiful, something from us, Baker said during a 2015 interview with the Museum of Modern Art in San Francisco. The rainbow is so perfect because it really fits our diversity in terms of race, gender, ages, all of those things. Plus, its a natural flag  its from the sky! he added.

The flags original colors were hot pink, red, orange, yellow, green, turquoise, indigo, and violet. They represented sex, life, healing, the sun, serenity with nature, art, harmony, and spirit respectively. Now, the modern day flag comprises of only six colors.

Despite the changes, Baker remained proud of his work.

Together, were changing our world, our planet, from a place of hate and violence and war to a place of love and diversity and acceptance, he said in 2009. That is why were here. Thats the big, long rainbow  from before me to well after me, he added.

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Baker came out as gay at the age of 19.

[Gay] people were psychopaths, criminals. I was afraid my family would lock me up and give me electroshock. I was a screaming queen, he told the Miami Herald in 2013.

My parents didnt talk to me for ten years, but it allowed me to get past my own suicidal urges, it allowed me to become the artist that was inside of me and it allowed me to say - Well, you know, I can have a dream and I can go for it, Baker said in an interview with Refinery29 in June 2015.

After leaving the army, he found a home in the LGBT community in San Francisco.

For me and, really, a whole generation of people, that was really a defining time, Baker said in an interview with New York Times in 2008.

Baker died in his sleep March 31 at his residence in New York City. Doctors revealed hypertensive and atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease to be the cause of his death.

Related Articles
Since its publication in 1985, Margaret Atwoods chilling novel The Handmaids Tale has never been far out of the public consciousness. But recent real world events, coupled with the premiere of Hulus acclaimed TV version, have brought the book back into the popular culture in a major way. With two episodes left until the series wraps up its freshman year  and a Season 2 already announced  Atwood and showrunner Bruce Miller anchored a panel at this years edition of BookCon in New York City on June 3, to discuss the legacy of the novel and the timeliness of the new TV version. Here are five things we learned from their conversation.

Gilead is a neighbor of Oceania

Atwood has often cited George Orwells dystopian classic 1984 as a major influence on The Handmaids Tale, and she revealed to the BookCon crowd that she still has her original copy, which she purchased from a drugstore in her native Canada as a young reader in the early 50s. This was the early days of paperbacks, and they had cheesy covers on them because that would encourage people to buy them, she remembered. Thats how I read a lot of classic books  youd buy this cheesy cover, and it would turn out to be William Faulkner! In the case of 1984, the cover featured a lot of cleavage and leering, a far cry from the sobering subject matter that lay inside. But Atwood wasnt disappointed by the contents of the book. A lot of kids in their early and later teenage years are attracted to this kind of book. Its about inventing a world thats different what we think it is.

The book and the show deliberately echo the real world

One of the rules that Atwood followed in writing The Handmaids Tale was to find real-world analogs for all of the seemingly fantastical aspects of Gileads theocratic society, whether it was the rise of the religious right in America or concerns about environmental disasters. And one of the things she appreciates most about the series is that Miller employed a similar approach. You tapped into the core premise, which is Nothing goes in [to Gilead] that doesnt have a real-life reference, she told him. Its not just making stuff up, you have to be able to point to the real world. For his part, Miller  who wrote and filmed the first season against the backdrop of the 2016 presidential election  says that it wasnt hard to find real world incidents to draw on, which was emotionally taxing, but creatively rewarding. The fact that it was tethered to the real world is something we tried to keep going in the show. Otherwise, it just turns into coming up with cruel things to do to people, mostly women, and that doesnt seem to be a very good enterprise to me.

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The series may have discovered the final TV taboo

So far in The Handmaids Tale series, viewers have been forced to see characters raped, mutilated and killed. And both Hulu and MGM gave the shows makers the freedom to depict all of that upsetting imagery, but they did balk at one surprising thing. The most controversial [moment] was showing someones period on her underwear, Miller said, referring to a scene in Episode 3 where the titular Handmaid, Offred (Elisabeth Moss), discovers  to her relief and fear  that she hasnt been impregnated in one of the breeding ceremonies shes forced to participate in. Its not like those ads in which bodily fluids are blue, Atwood joked. At least it was the right color.

What to read next

Asked by an audience member what books or TV series theyd recommend as additional reading/viewing for Handmaids Tale fans, both Miller and Atwood turned to history, rather than fiction. If you want to creep yourself out, watch a series called The Rise of the Nazi Party, Atwood advised. That will make you feel very weird. (That 10-part series is currently streaming on Acorn TV.) Miller, meanwhile, recommended The Rise and Fall of the Third Reich, a chronicle of the Nazis rise to power told by journalist William Shirer, who experienced some of it firsthand. That on-the-ground detail was really important to us on the show, he said, pointing to a scene he considers to be one of the most crucial in the entire series: a seemingly simple moment where June  Offreds name in pre-Gilead times  and Luke are cuddling in bed together after shes been fired from her job. We always try to focus on those little tipping points. To me, that scene is the moment when it became a totalitarian state. When the state gets into your bedroom, than it controls the total person. Thats why that scene is in there.

Serena Joy and the Commander arent as wealthy as youd think

Given that the still-young republic is struggling to find its economic footing, it might be surprising that Gileads upper echelon seem so well off, with Fred and Serena Joy Waterford (Joseph Fiennes and Yvonne Strahovski) inhabiting a large house capable of hosting lavish dinner parties. But Atwood and Miller encourage viewers to look beneath the opulent surface of their home. None of that is new stuff thats being made, the author remarked. Its old stuff. And, in some cases, its old stuff that doesnt belong to them. Miller revealed that the beautiful art lining the walls of their home are paintings that have been liberated from Bostons famed Museum of Fine Arts. (In actuality, of course, the production didnt raid that institution; instead, they had another artist reproduce some of the images housed in its collection.) Theyre sucking off the bigger stuff that came before, he said. But theres no computers and no TVs. They dont have a lot of those expensive things, so that theyd have money left over for this kind of opulence.

The Handmaids Tale releases new episodes Wednesday on Hulu.

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New Delhi (AFP) - India's environment minister Friday said his country is committed to the Paris climate accord irrespective of the position of other nations, after the US announced plans to pull out of the global pact.

"As far as the Paris accord is concerned... our government is committed irrespective of the stand of anyone, anywhere in the world," Harsh Vardhan told reporters.

President Donald Trump announced Thursday that the United States will withdraw from the Paris climate accord and accused China and India of benefitting from the deal at the expense of the US.

His announcement triggered a furious backlash from global leaders, including the Chinese premier who said Beijing "will steadfastly" implement the Paris climate pact.

During a visit to Russia Friday Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi reiterated his country's commitment to reduce emissions.

"Paris or no Paris, our conviction and our traditions say that we cannot snatch the rights of our future generations," said Modi while on stage with Russian President Vladimir Putin at the St Petersburg economic forum.

The prime minister, however, refused to directly comment on Trump's decision to ditch the Paris agreement.

India, which accounts for 4.1 percent of global emissions but is the world's third largest carbon-emitting country, has not agreed to cap or cut its emissions outright like other countries.

Instead Delhi says it will increase its use of green energy and reduce its emissions relative to its gross domestic product by up to 35 percent by 2030 from 2005 levels -- meaning emissions will continue to grow but at a slower rate.

India has long insisted that it needs to keep burning cheap and plentiful coal to cut crippling blackouts and bring electricity to millions of poor residents living off the grid.

In his speech Trump repeatedly painted the pact as a deal that failed to "put America first" and was too lenient on economic rivals China, India and Europe.

China and the US, the world's first and second biggest polluters, respectively, are together responsible for some 40 percent of the world's emissions.

India is investing billions in clean energy infrastructure to cut down on emissions as it battles choking pollution.
By Dustin Volz WASHINGTON (Reuters) - Top U.S. intelligence officials will testify before a Senate panel next week on the law governing the collection of foreign intelligence, parts of which are due to expire at the end of the year, the Senate Intelligence Committee said on Friday. Director of National Intelligence Dan Coats, Acting FBI Director Andrew McCabe, National Security Agency Director Mike Rogers and Deputy U.S. Attorney General Rod Rosenstein will appear before the committee in both open public and closed-door hearings on Wednesday to discuss the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act, or FISA, the committee said in a statement. The next day, former FBI Director James Comey, who was fired by President Donald Trump last month, is scheduled to testify before the same committee. Comey had been overseeing an FBI investigation into Russian interference during the 2016 presidential election and possible collusion between Moscow and Trump associates, and the Senate panel is conducting a parallel probe. A part of FISA known as Section 702 will expire on Dec. 31 unless Congress votes to reauthorize it. The statute allows the NSA to collect digital communications of foreigners believed to be living overseas whose communications pass through American phone or internet providers. For technical reasons, it also incidentally collects data on Americans, a practice that privacy advocates have said evades Constitutional protections against warrantless searches. FISA and U.S. surveillance practices have come under increased scrutiny in recent months amid unsubstantiated assertions by President Donald Trump and other Republicans that the White House under former President Barack Obama improperly spied on Trump or his associates. A bipartisan coalition of lawmakers in the House of Representatives is working on legislation that would renew Section 702 but with additional transparency and oversight, among other changes, though it remains unclear if it would have enough support to pass Congress and be signed by Trump. A White House official told Reuters in March the administration supported the law's renewal and did not want to alter it. (Reporting by Dustin Volz and Susan Heavey; Editing by Frances Kerry and Bernadette Baum)
What the former FBI director tells a committee on Thursday could decide whether Trump survives his first term. The stakes have never been higher

James Comey will answer questions on whether the president tried to influence his investigation into improper contact between a top Trump adviser and Russian officials. Photograph: Jim Watson/AFP/Getty Images

When James Comey, the former FBI director, stands before a Senate committee on Thursday to give evidence about the president who fired him, it will be one of the most dramatic moments in US political history.

The stakes will be as high as they have ever been at a congressional hearing. The questions Comey will be asked by the Senate intelligence committee include whether Donald Trump tried to persuade him to stop an investigation into improper contacts between a top adviser and Russian officials, whether Trump sought to extract a vow of personal loyalty, and whether Comey was fired because he did not comply.

Trump has denied trying to make Comey drop the case, but if Comey contradicts him and is supported by other evidence, it would represent potential obstruction of justice by the president and mark a long leap down the road towards impeachment.

Even in the Teapot Dome scandal that shook Warren Hardings administration in the early 1920s, and in the Watergate affair half a century later, it was not alleged that the president himself tried to intimidate an investigator.

And the context  the possibility of collusion with the Kremlin to skew a presidential election  is far more grave that the issues of bribery and political dirty tricks underpinning those two other historical stains on modern American democracy.

For all those reasons, what Comey says on Thursday could help decide whether Trump survives in office through his first term. That is a milestone that is already in doubt since the appointment on 17 May of a special counsel to take over the broad investigation of Trump campaign links with the Kremlin.

There is speculation that the president might try to seek to invoke executive privilege to stop Comey testifying this week. Citing two senior administration officials, the New York Times reported that Trump will not seek to block Comeys appearance. Trump spokeswoman Kellyanne Conway, however, would not rule out the option, saying it was up to the president to make that decision.

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I dont think that Jim Comey is going to give a rats behind about what Kellyanne Conway has to say Richard Painter, chief ethics lawyer under George W Bush

Executive privilege would be a desperate gambit. No president has ever tried to use it to stop a former official, who was willing to speak, from giving testimony. Richard Painter, who was chief ethics lawyer in the George W Bush White House, pointed out that having fired the FBI director, Trump has little leverage to stop him speaking.

I dont think that Jim Comey is going to give a rats behind about what Kellyanne Conway has to say, Painter said.

In theory, Trump could get the justice department to go to court to get an injunction against Comey testifying, but government lawyers would face an uphill battle. The courts ruled in the course of the Watergate scandal that executive privilege cannot be used to hide inappropriate or unlawful conduct by the executive. And Trump himself has already put the substance of his conversations with Comey in the public domain by giving his version of them, claiming to NBC that the FBI director told him three times he was not under investigation.

It would be a huge political risk for the White House, given the low chance of success in court and the political costs of failing, said Matthew Miller, a former justice department spokesman.

Donald Trump has denied trying to make James Comey drop the case against Mike Flynn. Photograph: Joshua Roberts/Reuters

The White House has sought to block the congressional investigation of Trump-Russia links in other ways, taking the unprecedented step of instructing government agencies not to comply with requests for information from Democrats. But Trump cannot rely entirely on the loyalty of congressional Republicans. Most importantly, Richard Burr, chairman of the Senate intelligence committee, is showing growing independence from the White House. The most substantive evidence of that shift to date is the committees invitation to Comey to give testimony in open session.

There is also very little Trump can do to impede the work of the special counsel, Robert Mueller, who was Comeys predecessor as FBI director and whose appointment to take over the Russian investigation was a direct and unintended consequence of Comeys sacking.

Mueller has wide-ranging powers and will be hard to fire. On Friday, he was reported to have expanded the scope of his inquiry to include the lobbying work done by former national security advisor, Michael Flynn, while he was weighing in on US policy in Syria. It was also reported, by the Associated Press, that Mueller has taken over a criminal investigation involving Paul Manafort, Trumps former campaign chairman, and could also investigate the roles played by attorney general Jeff Sessions and deputy attorney general Rod Rosenstein in the firing of Comey.

Muellers investigation will seek to discover if there was collusion between the Trump campaign and a multi-pronged Russian operation to influence the outcome of the 2016 election by hacking and leaking Democratic party emails, the use of propaganda outlets like RT and Sputnik, and spreading fake news on social media.

The circumstantial evidence for such collusion is growing, as more meetings between Trump, his aides and Russian officials come to light, along with evidence that the presidents camp sought to cover up such contacts. It has also emerged, in a report by Yahoo News on Thursday, that in its first few days in office the Trump administration made a priority of trying to lift sanctions on Russia and was only stopped by state department officials raising the alarm in Congress, which moved to take control over the sanctions away from the presidency.

A fascinating figure

The Mueller investigation will take many months, maybe even years. The more immediate threat to the Trump White House comes from Comey. When he takes the oath in the Senate on Thursday it will bring into focus one of the most interesting figures in American public life.

Democrats denounced him as a Republican stooge when he broke with precedent last July and made critical statements about Hillary Clintons use of a private email server even as he announced there would be no charges against her. Clinton and her supporters have accused him of killing her campaign by his disclosure, 11 days before the election, that more evidence had been uncovered in the case. It later transpired that evidence amounted to nothing.

But Democrats have reappraised him as a result of his tenacity in pursuing the Trump-Russia investigation after the inauguration and his evident refusal to swear loyalty to Trump. The president switched from lionising Comey to declaring him a showboat and a nut job.

In reality, the ousted FBI director is a rare species in American politics, a public intellectual with a complicated personal history. He was born in Yonkers, New York, to an Irish Catholic and Democratic family, but turned his back on that inheritance and chose to study at the College of William and Mary in Virginia.

Integrity is important for this guy. This is not someone who will fudge things to advance the career of a politician Scott Horton, human rights lawyer

There, he abandoned his Catholic faith of his upbringing and experimented with different forms of evangelicalism. He wrote his thesis on how the evangelist preacher Jerry Falwell somehow embodied the teachings of the influential theologian Reinhold Niebuhr, who wrote extensively, in books like Moral Man and Immoral Society, about the intersection of faith, politics and social action, and who was a major influence on Martin Luther King.

As Comey rose through the ranks of the FBI, his politics seem to have moderated to mainstream Republicanism, and his church affiliation drifted from evangelicalism to Methodism. But his interest and attachment to works of Niebuhr remained a constant.

In March, the online magazine Gizmodo reported that Comey had set up a personal Twitter account under Niebuhrs name.

I consider him to be a fascinating figure in terms of his background, said Scott Horton, a human rights lawyer who has studied Comeys background. He is a person of the political right, who I think has remained in his heart a movement Republican but who saw the party floating away into something he didnt recognise. But Niebuhr has always been the guiding light.

He clearly thinks about this deeply. Integrity is really important for this guy. This is not someone who will fudge things to advance the career of a politician.

Karen Greenberg, the director of the centre on national security at Fordham University, said Comey was a very complicated and thoughtful individual and one who he has a conscience even though it may play out in ways other than how others expect.

Comeys appointment with fate on Thursday could turn out to be the most fitting climax in public life for a faithful student of Niebuhr, Greenberg said.

If you think of moral man caught in an immoral society, she said, for someone who truly understands Niebuhr and the inherent conflicts between power and justice, this all has an aura of destiny to it.
The sins of the father have shadowed Kushners slick ascent  now claims of contact with Moscow have landed him in a spotlight he had hoped to avoid

Jared Kushner during a meeting with the Vietnamese PM at the White House this week. Experts say Kushners past life in real estate makes him vulnerable to potential conflicts of interest. Photograph: Getty Images

In the middle of December last year, Jared Kushner, the smooth-skinned, impeccably tailored and inscrutable son-in-law of Donald Trump, was riding high. He was basking in the glow of having helped his father-in-law become the most powerful man on earth; was about to take up the role of senior adviser to the President of the United States, which would make him one of the most influential people in the administration; and on the home front he and his wife Ivanka Trump were sitting on a real estate pile worth up to $740m.

If hed just let his elegantly thin-lapelled suits and pinstriped ties do the talking, he might still be atop that wave, lauded by some as the one voice of reason and calm in a wild and unpredictable White House. But he didnt rest there.

Instead, he allowed himself to be lured by the Russian ambassador to the US, Sergey Kislyak, to a meeting with a top Russian banker, an alumnus of the countrys top spy academy with close ties to Vladimir Putin. Details of the discussion with Sergey Gorkov remain sketchy, but according to Gorkov himself Kushner was present in his capacity as CEO of Kushner Companies, the family real estate empire from which he had yet to step aside in preparation for his move into the White House.

Gorkovs description suggests that money matters may have been on the table between the two men. Even more incendiary was the alleged proposal that passed between the two men about setting up a back-channel between the Trump inner circle and the Kremlin, as revealed by the Washington Post.

With that one encounter, barely 30 minutes long, Kushner eviscerated his carefully cultivated image and propelled himself into the center of the inquiry into possible links between Trumpworld and the Russians. He now finds himself as a person of interest, though not a target, of the FBI investigation.

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Next Thursday the conflagration will flare up again with the testimony to the US senate intelligence committee of James Comey, the FBI director sacked by Trump. Kushner can expect to be dragged into that arena too, having reportedly argued firmly in favour of Comey being dumped.

The revelation of the Gorkov meeting in December has landed Kushner in a place that he has tried hard to avoid: the public spotlight. On a more visceral level, it has threatened the mission that has driven him ever since he was plucked from obscurity to lead the family business at the age of 24  his desire to redeem the Kushner name after the disgrace and imprisonment of his father.

'Jared was driven by a desire to vindicate his father. His pre-Trump life was focused on that single aim'

Charles Kushner served 14 months of a two-year sentence imposed in 2005 for illegal campaign donations, tax evasion and witness-tampering. In an act of retaliation against Charless brother-in-law, who had been cooperating with federal prosecutors, he had hired a prostitute to seduce his relative-turned-snitch, had filmed their embrace, and then posted the tape to his sister, who promptly presented it to law enforcement.

The trauma of the Kushner patriarchs downfall, and its seismic impact on Jared, who was obliged to step up and take his fathers vacant seat, offers an essential clue to understanding how he finds himself today in such troubled waters. It was always all about the father, said a former top executive in one of Kushners holdings who worked directly with him. Jared was driven by a desire for redemption, to vindicate his father. A great deal of his pre-Trump life was focused on that single aim.

While the elder Kushner was behind bars in a federal penitentiary in Alabama, his son spoke with him on the phone every few days and visited the prison regularly at weekends. After he was released in 2006, Charles once again became a fixture at Kushner Companies HQ. Daddy, Jared would call him in front of senior executives.

Such was the jolt of Charles Kushners incarceration, that by the age of 26 Jared was already taking the lead on billion-dollar real-estate deals. Part of the redemption strategy that he pursued as the new head of the family was to shift the business from its New Jersey base to the more glamorous and much more high-stakes environment of Manhattan  one of the many striking parallels between Kushner and his father-in-law, who also as a young man relocated the Trump real estate operation from the outer boroughs into heart of New York City.

The new Kushner Companies home at 666 Fifth Avenue, opposite the Rockefeller Center, was the manifestation in glass and aluminium of Jareds redemptive ambitions. It was bought in 2007 for $1.8bn, a record-breaking sum for an individual building in the US at that time. The vast expense caused jaws to drop in Manhattan real estate circles, and continues to cause the Kushner family palpitations given the vast debt burden and cost of planned redevelopment, forcing the company to go looking for loans in controversial locations.

FBI investigators delving into Kushners December meeting with the Russian banker Gorkov are likely to be alert to any sign that 666 Fifth Avenue came up in conversation. The Kushners have a hole of at least $250m to fill in the financing of the 41-storey tower, a particularly challenging task after negotiations with Anbang Insurance Group, a Chinese company with close ties to the Chinese government, collapsed in March.

Jared Kushner and Ivanka Trump make their way to board Air Force One before departing from Ben Gurion airport in Tel Aviv. Photograph: Mandel Ngan/AFP/Getty Images

The Senate intelligence committee has indicated that it plans to question Kushner when he appears before members as part of the Russia investigation about whether he addressed the issue of the financing of 666 Fifth Avenue with Gorkov. The White House has insisted that the subject never came up, but in his statement Gorkov said that for his part he saw the meeting as a stop on his tour of business circles of the US, including with the head of Kushner Companies, Jared Kushner.

Kushner stood down as CEO of Kushner Companies shortly before taking up his new role at Trumps side in the Oval Office. He has also gone some way to divesting assets that could cause a potential conflict of interest as he engages with federal government business.

But specialists in government ethics say that his past life as a real estate tycoon makes him vulnerable to potential conflicts of interest inside the White House. Kushner has provided the Office of Government Ethics with a 54-page filing listing his assets and stating which he has divested in a bid to avoid such conflicts, but a Washington Post analysis found that he is still hanging on to almost 90% of his holdings.

More importantly, the disclosure form reveals nothing at all about the sources of capital to which the Kushner empire is beholden for keeping its developments afloat.

Richard Painter, chief White House ethics lawyer under George W Bush, told the Guardian that Kushners filing fell far short of what was needed.

In real estate its not what you own, its what you owe, and to whom. With Kushner, we just dont know a lot of it, and thats a serious problem. If he wants to keep his job in the White House, he ought not to remain in the real estate business which is an industry that relies on deep bank loans and debt, Painter said.

Painter, now a law professor at the University of Minnesota, added that Charles Kushners disgrace could have added an extra layer of liability. The fathers criminal record could make it difficult for Jared to get good deals from US banks, forcing him to turn to non-traditional sources of financing from shadowy foreign banks, Russian or otherwise.

Since his new life as a public servant began on 20 January, Jared Kushner has cut an ethereal figure in the White House, his pale skin giving observers the impression that he needs to spend more time in the sun. People who have sat through meetings with him on the Middle East were surprised that he remained largely silent, and that when he did speak he tended to mumble in his trademark thin and reedy voice. Steve Bannon, Trumps chief strategist, reportedly has a pet name for him: the air  in reference to the way he glides in and out of rooms like a puff of wind.

But as Bannon knows to his cost, Kushner also wields a stealthy knife. His feud with Bannon is thought to have been seminal in at least temporarily sidelining the former Breitbart chairman within the White House  although Trumps nihilistic climate change move was signature Bannon, and demonstrated he remains a power in the land.

'In real estate its not what you own, its what you owe, and to whom'

Kushner is also known to have encouraged Trump to ditch Comey at a time when the FBI director was actively pursuing the Russia investigation. That piece of advice from a senior adviser who was supposed to offer the president cool and considered counsel now looks ill-conceived, to put it mildly.

At the centre of all this is the intriguing relationship between Kushner and Trump himself. At face value they are chalk and cheese: the younger man quiet and composed, the older man brash and impulsive.

But there are some common traits between Kushner and his father-in-law. Its not just their similar trajectories in the real estate world. They also have a staggering level of confidence-cum-arrogance that has allowed them to take on challenges that stretch them far beyond their own experience.

For Trump, it was the temerity of a reality TV star who thought he could be president. For Kushner, it was the chutzpah of a 36-year-old business executive without a single day spent in government who did not blink when he was given the job of bringing peace to the Middle East, dealing with Syria, ending the strife in Iraq, forging new relations with China, not to mention transforming the way that federal institutions do business. Thats his other nickname in the White House: Secretary of everything.

Theres one other example of Kushners Trump-like qualities that now seems pertinent: the boldness of a private citizen not yet in public office who allegedly discussed with a foreign banker the creation of a back-channel to the ruthless leader of a US adversary. That makes no sense in terms of normal White House protocol and procedure, said professor Jeffrey Berry, a political scientist at Tufts University.

At worst, Berry added, such a proposal could expose Kushner to prosecution under the Logan Act, the law that forbids anyone who is not in or authorized by government (in this case the Obama administration) from negotiating with a foreign power on behalf of the US. Theres no reason for him to be talking to a Russian banker about US policy, Berry said.

It all leaves Kushner so near and yet so far. He was so near to putting his fathers disgrace behind them and leading the family to a new exalted reputation. Now he has troubles of his own.
Comedian Kathy Griffin speaks during a news conference: AP

Kathy Griffin has branded Donald Trump a "bully" and said she was the victim of state censorship amid an ongoing row over a photo of the President's decapitated head.

The comedian said on Friday she may be facing a Secret Service investigation for posing with a bloodied and detached Donald Trump head, an image that both Democrats and Republicans have condemned.

Ms Griffin has apologised for the photo shoot, saying that she crossed the line, but apparently there is still a possibility that she may have committed a crime.

I am not afraid of Donald Trump. He is a bully," she said, in her latest remarks on the controversy.

Attorney Lisa Bloom added: The message is clear: criticise the President, lose your job."

Threats knowingly and willfully made against the president, president-elect, vice president or vice president-elect are considered a class E felony under federal law. That includes any threat to take the life of, to kidnap, or to inflict bodily harm upon those officials.

However, Ms Griffins photo mocking the President could also be considered protected speech, if the act did not constitute a knowing and willful threat against the President, according to the 1969 Supreme Court ruling Watts v United States.

At a press conference in which she again apologised for the photos, Ms Griffin said she has been contacted by the Secret Service, but did not provide further information about the probe or if she was co-operating, according to the Associated Press.

She said she would not refrain from mocking the President in the future.

Dmitry Gorin, a criminal lawyer representing Ms Griffin in the Secret Service investigation, said the shoot was parody and the comedian did nothing wrong.

Ms Griffin has been sharply criticised for the image, with some labelling her as an attention-hungry celebrity looking for a boost to her career.

At least four theatres have cancelled her scheduled performances, and Saturday Night Live star turned senator Al Franken withdrew an invite to Ms Griffin for an event promoting his new book, Giant Of The Senate.

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After hearing from many Minnesotans who were rightfully offended, I've come to the conclusion that it would be best for her not to participate in the event we had previously scheduled, the Minnesota Democrat said.

He said what Ms Griffin did was inappropriate and not something that should be anywhere in our national discourse.

CNN fired the comedian from its New Years Eve programme, which she has co-hosted for more than a decade.

Mr Trump has also lambasted the photo, saying that Ms Griffin should be ashamed of herself.

My children, especially my 11 year old son, Barron, are having a hard time with this. Sick! the President wrote.

Ms Griffin said the photo and video shoot were motivated by Mr Trumps comments in August 2015 about then-Fox News Channel anchor Megyn Kelly. Trump referred to blood coming out of Ms Kellys eyes and other parts of her body.
A recent lawsuit claims a double-amputee man was denied wheelchair assistance, causing a chain of events that led to his arrest. (Photo: Getty Images)

In a lawsuit filed recently, covering events that occurred in August 2016, yet another passenger comes to the fore to describe, if true, more bizarre, unfortunate, and horrible mistreatment at the hands of an airline. Michael Mennella, a double-amputee, describes in the suit being escorted off the plane by police at the behest of the flight crew  stemming from the fact that the airline neglected to reserve a wheelchair for the passenger at his request.

As detailed in the Miami New Times, Mennella, a resident of Miami, arrived at the airport for a trip to Las Vegas. He found out there that the wheelchair he had requested was not available. Mennella lost his feet in a car accident six years ago and requires assistance to travel, but without a wheelchair he had to make his own way to the plane, effort which caused him pain and inflammation.

Once Mennella was on the plane, the events apparently turned even more inconvenient for the man. Mennella claims he repeatedly requested water in order to take medication to alleviate his pain from boarding the plane. He says his requests were repeatedly refused. After attempting to make his way to the rear of the plane to procure water, on his stumps, he was allegedly accused of being a drunk and informed that the flight was being diverted to Dallas/Fort Worth due to his unruly behavior. It was there that the man was hauled off the plane by police.

Police reports from the event detail that officers determined Mennella was not intoxicated and would not be facing the lengthy incarceration he had been threatened with upon his arrest.

American Airlines has reportedly declined to comment, but the lawsuit claims an email Mennella sent to complain about his treatment was met with the following response: We believe our pilot made the correct decision in this situation and we apologize if you feel otherwise.

Ever since David Dao was forcibly dragged off a United flight, there has been a significant increase in stories of passengers claiming airlines have treated them egregiously  many with accompanying video offering corroborating details, as in the case of Dao. Mennellas story does not appear to have any such evidence and remains in the hands of federal courts.

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Mr Trump took Sadiq Khan's words out of context and criticised him for telling people 'not to be alarmed': AP

Donald Trumps aides are reportedly discussing a possible trip to London to show solidarity after the third terrorist attack in the UK in three months.

ABC News correspondent Jon Karl said: There is some discussion among the Presidents aides about possibly taking a trip to London at the end of the week to show solidarity with the people of London against terrorism.

He added the discussion was in the infancy stage and claimed it was aimed at deflecting attention from the recent dismissal of former FBI director James Comey while the US intelligence agency was investigating the President and his teams alleged links to Russia.

After seven people were killed and 48 injured by three men who drove a rental van over bystanders and randomly stabbed people in bars and restaurants around Borough Market, the President sent a series of tweets to condemn the attacks.

Mr Trump first retweeted an unconfirmed report of the attack from conspiracy outlet the Drudge Report, then he tweeted ridicule for London Mayor Sadiq Khan who had told Londoners not to be alarmed  a specific reference to the increased presence of police in the next few days.

At least 7 dead and 48 wounded in terror attack and Mayor of London says there is no reason to be alarmed! Mr Trump wrote.

At least 7 dead and 48 wounded in terror attack and Mayor of London says there is "no reason to be alarmed!"  Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) June 4, 2017

Republican strategist Rory Cooper responded that the Presidents tweet was embarrassing.

If America were attacked, our closest allies wouldnt be hurling petty insults, he said.

Downing Street and the White House could not be immediately reached for comment.

Ms May has been criticised for a soft-handed approach with Mr Trump during her first trip to Washington DC and when the President pulled out of the Paris climate change agreement.

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When Mr Trump was planning a state visit to the UK, hundreds of thousands of people signed a petition to bar his entry, forcing MPs to consider debating the issue in Parliament.

He previously said Mr Khan is one Muslim who could be exempted from his Muslim ban, which he first proposed in December 2015. Mr Khan responded he did not want Mr Trumps exception offer.

Mr Trump also accused people of being politically correct about terrorism, and tweeted that the latest attackers had used a van and knives, to discourage debate around the second amendment.

Shannon Watts, founder of anti-gun violence campaign group Moms Demand Action, responded: 93 Americans are shot and killed every day, and hundreds more are injured by gunfire. When will you be alarmed for us, sir?

Mr Khan blasted the sick and cowardly terrorists, who were shot dead by police within eight minutes of the first call to emergency services.

We are all shocked and angry today  but this is our city. We will never let these cowards win and we will never be cowed by terrorism, he said.

A total of 12 people have been arrested during a police raid in the hours after the attack.
Jeremy Joseph Christian shouts as he is arraigned in Multnomah County Circuit Court in Portland: Beth Nakamura/The Oregonian/AP

An alleged extremist accused of stabbing two men to death when they challenged him over an anti-Muslim rant on the first day of Ramadan yelled "death to the enemies of America" when he appeared in court.

Jeremy Joseph Christian, 35, launched the attack after passengers objected to him screaming abuse at two young Muslim women travelling on a train in Portland on 2 May, it is claimed.

Prosecutors claim Christian fatally stabbed Ricky Best, 53, and Taliesin Meche, 23, when the pair tried to protect the girls, who have not been named.

Micah David-Cole Fletcher, 21, was also wounded during the knife attack and remains in a serious condition in hospital.

The suspect has remained defiant after being arrested and charged with aggravated murder, attempted murder, intimidation and being a felon in possession of a weapon.

When he appeared in Multnomah County Circuit Court on Tuesday he yelled: "Leave this country if you hate our freedom - death to antifa [anti-fascism].

Free speech or die, Portland. You got no safe place. This is America - get out if you don't like free speech.

About a dozen protesters in the hall outside the courtroom erupted into shouting while the charges were read.

Mr Fletcher sat in the front row of the gallery during the arraignment, with a long, sutured wound visible on his neck.

If found guilty of the murder charges, Christian could face either life imprisonment or the death penalty.

Friday's stabbing attack came as some religious rights groups warn of a rising tide of anti-Islamic sentiment in the United States, blaming President Donald Trump for divisive anti-Muslim rhetoric.

One of the two women who was the target of the religious slurs on Friday, Destinee Mangum, who was with a friend wearing a Muslim head scarf, said in a video posted on CNN's website on Monday that she did not know the men who intervened and thanked them for putting their lives on the line.

Trump condemned the stabbings on Monday, calling them unacceptable. The victims were standing up to hate and intolerance. Our prayers are w/ them, he said on Twitter.

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Trump's remarks came after the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR) called on him to condemn the rampage and speak out against what the advocacy group sees as an increase in anti-Islamic sentiment. Anti-Muslim incidents increased more than 50 percent in the United States last year, it said.

Asha Deliverance, the mother of Taliesin Myrddin Namkai-Meche, one of the two men who was killed on Friday, in an open letter to Trump that was posted on social media on Tuesday, urged the president to condemn aacts of violence, which result directly from hate speech.

According to The Oregonian, a witness to the stabbings said Namkai-Mecheas last words before being taken away by paramedics were, "Tell everyone on this train I love them.

On Monday, Portland Mayor Ted Wheeler called on federal authorities to rescind a permit for a 4 June Trump Free Speech Rally and not to issue a permit for a 10 June. March Against Sharia. In a Facebook post, he said, Our community's anger is real, and the timing and subject of these events can only exacerbate an already difficult situation.

The Oregon chapter of the American Civil Liberties Union replied with a statement on Twitter warning against censoring unpopular speech.

The Federal Bureau of Investigation is investigating the attack to determine whether to charge Christian with terrorism or a federal hate crime, Portland FBI spokeswoman Beth Anne Steele said.

Additional reporting by Reuters and AP
By Idrees Ali and Lee Chyen Yee

SINGAPORE (Reuters) - The United States is encouraged by China's efforts to restrain North Korea but Washington will not accept Beijing's militarization of islands in the South China Sea, U.S. Defense Secretary Jim Mattis said on Saturday.

The comments by Mattis, during the annual Shangri-La Dialogue, show how U.S. President Donald Trump's administration is looking to balance working with China to restrain North Korea's advancing missile and nuclear programs while dealing with Beijing's activities in the South China Sea.

U.S. allies have been worried by Trump's actively courting Chinese President Xi Jinping to restrain North Korea, fearing Washington might allow China a more free rein elsewhere in the region.

Some allies have also expressed concern that Washington's withdrawal from the Trans-Pacific trade partnership and the Paris global climate accord signals the United States is diluting its global leadership role.

Speaking at the dialogue, Asia's premier security forum, Mattis said the United States remained fully engaged with its partners.

"Like it or not, we are a part of the world...What a crummy world if we all retreat inside our borders," he said.

"Once we have exhausted all possible alternatives, the Americans will do the right thing," Mattis added, paraphrasing a quotation by British wartime leader Winston Churchill. "So we will still be there and we will be there with you."

Nevertheless, reversing or slowing North Korea's nuclear and missile programs has become a security priority for Washington, given Pyongyang's vow to develop a nuclear-tipped missile capable of hitting the U.S. mainland.

The Trump administration has been pressing China aggressively to rein in its reclusive neighbor, warning all options are on the table if North Korea persists with its weapons programs.

"The Trump administration is encouraged by China's renewed commitment to work with the international community toward denuclearization," Mattis said.

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"Ultimately, we believe China will come to recognize North Korea as a strategic liability, not an asset."

However, Mattis said seeking China's cooperation on North Korea did not mean Washington would not challenge Beijing's activities in the South China Sea.

The U.N. Security Council on Friday expanded targeted sanctions against North Korea after its repeated missile tests, adopting the first such resolution agreed by the United States and China since Trump took office.

In another sign of increased pressure on North Korea, 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.

Japanese Defense Minister Tomomi Inada, speaking at the Singapore forum, said Tokyo backed the United States using any option to deal with North Korea, including military strikes, and was seeking a deeper alliance with Washington.

But she also said she was concerned about the situation in the South China Sea and in the East China Sea.

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. China and Japan both claim islands in the East China Sea.

LOW-KEY

China, which sent only a low-key delegation to the forum, said its ties with the United States were vital for the region.

"I believe that if China and the United States can ensure no conflict, as well as maintain mutual respect, cooperation and trust, it will contribute greatly to security in the Asia Pacific and the world," Lt Gen He Lei, the head of Beijing's delegation, told reporters.

Allies around the world have been concerned about the commitment of the United States since Trump took office on Jan. 20 because of his "America First" rhetoric and expectations that he would concentrate on a domestic agenda.

"We are still trying to figure out his (Trump's) policy in our region," said Malaysian Defense Minister Hishammuddin Hussein. "I would like to know very clearly what are the true intentions of the new administration."

Mattis sought to ease concerns for allies in the Asia-Pacific, saying the region was a priority and the primary effort was alliance building. He added, however, that countries must "contribute sufficiently to their own security."

In a sign of the U.S. commitment to the region, Mattis said that soon about 60 percent of overseas tactical aviation assets would be assigned to the region and he would work with the U.S. Congress on an Asia-Pacific stability initiative.

Mattis said the United States welcomed China's economic development, but he anticipated "friction" between the two countries.

"While competition between the U.S. and China, the world's two largest economies, is bound to occur, conflict is not inevitable," Mattis said.

While eager to work with China in dealing with North Korea, Mattis said the United States did not accept China placing weapons and other military assets on man-made islands in the South China Sea.

"We oppose countries militarizing artificial islands and enforcing excessive maritime claims," Mattis said. "We cannot and will not accept unilateral, coercive changes to the status quo."

(Additional reporting by Kanupriya Kapoor, Masayuki Kitano and Greg Torode; Editing by Raju Gopalakrishnan and Lincoln Feast)
MEXICO CITY (Reuters) - Mexico said on Friday that it will push for the Organization of American States (OAS) at an upcoming meeting to call for an end to violence in Venezuela and for a peaceful resolution to a recent wave of protests that has left over 60 people dead. "The OAS resolution on Venezuela should indicate our concern about the cancellation of elections, lack of respect for the National Assembly, the existence of political prisoners, the use of military courts to try civilians," Mexico's Foreign Ministry said in a statement. With international pressure mounting on President Nicolas Maduro's socialist government, foreign ministers from the 34-nation OAS bloc met in Washington on Wednesday to debate the situation in Venezuela. The meeting was adjourned after the Bahamas representative on behalf of the Caribbean Community (Caricom) proposed the meeting be suspended and that permanent representatives of the OAS meet again to continue to flesh out proposals. Mexico's Foreign Ministry said it "will work to generate a resolution that will achieve enough votes, at least 24 votes in favor of the 34 member states," when the OAS holds its general assembly on June 19-21 in Mexico's Caribbean resort city of Cancun. The Foreign Ministry said the resolution should call "for an end to violence and for the parties to solve the conflict via dialogue." Two months of protests against Maduro's government, as opposition supporters demand elections, freedom for jailed activists, and foreign humanitarian aid, have convulsed the South American OPEC nation. Mexico's top diplomat Luis Videgaray said on Tuesday that Venezuela is no longer a functioning democracy. That prompted Venezuelan Foreign Minister Delcy Rodriguez to say via Twitter a day later that she rejected his "vile and immoral declarations." Videgaray has been sharply criticized by Maduro's government but has nonetheless pledged to use all diplomatic channels to help reach a peaceful political solution to the bloody crisis in Venezuela. "Mexico will not respond to the disparaging remarks and will not change its position on the situation in Venezuela," Mexico's Foreign Ministry said. (Reporting by Anthony Esposito; Editing by Lisa Shumaker)
It's been less than 24 hours since President Donald Trump made the dramatic announcement that he's pulling the United States out of the Paris Agreement on Climate Change, and the administration is already on the defensive.

SEE ALSO: 8 things Trump said about the Paris Climate Agreement that are total BS

Appearing on  what else?  Fox & Friends on Friday morning, Vice President Mike Pence bemoaned the fact that climate change is only an issue for the far left and doubled-down on Trump's asinine "I represent Pittsburg, not Paris" line.

.@VP: "For some reason, this issue of climate change has emerged as a paramount issue for the left - in this country and around the world." pic.twitter.com/1UgRsgVkj1  Fox News (@FoxNews) June 2, 2017

It's an absurd statement that not only defies reality (just ask Pittsburgh's mayor) but shows how the GOP remains stuck in a 1990's mindset that climate change is only something discussed by far-left activists.

First of all, look, the Earth doesn't care what political party you are. Climate change is real and there's an overwhelming amount of data to support this.

Second, there's also plenty of evidence to prove Pence's partisan assertion is wrong.

While GOP leaders have remained as stubbornly focused on burning down climate change agreements as they were when refusing to ratify the Kyoto Protocol after it was negotiated in 1997, Republican voters are beginning to change their minds.

For instance, the Yale Program on Climate Change Communication found that a majority of people in every state in the union  even pro-Trump states like Oklahoma and Alabama  support U.S. participation in the Paris Agreement.

Image: Yale Program on Climate Change Communication

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That's not to say the anti-climate change messages Trump espoused on Thursday, and pence parried on Friday morning, don't play well with the ultra-conservative base. A recent Pew study showed that "conservative Republicans" are still very skeptical of climate change research, while "moderate and liberal Republicans" seem more in the middle.

But, as another Yale study notes, while that skepticism remains, that same base is shifting away from this anti-climate change stance at a staggering rate. According to the 2016 study, the number of "conservative Republicans" that believe in global warming increased by 19 percent from 2014 to 2016.

The number of "Liberal or Moderate conservatives" that believe in global warming also increased by double-digits, at 10 percent.

Image: Yale/George Mason University

So, despite Pence's steadfast refusal to acknowledge it, attitudes are shifting right under his feet.

Meanwhile, mayors and governors across the United States are pledging to follow the Paris Agreement while, on the international front, other world leaders are overwhelmingly in favor of the agreement, from allies like Canada, France, and Germany to antagonists like China.

There's no left-wing conspiracy among the 194 other countries who are still pledging to honor the Paris Climate Agreement.

Nor among the long list of businesses who have slammed the Trump administration for their decision.

And if none of these numbers convince the Trump administration of the changing attitudes toward climate change, maybe other numbers, like the 5.5 trillion tons of ice lost from Greenland and Antarctica in the past 18 years alone, eventually will.
Seven victims were killed Saturday night when a van drove into pedestrians on London Bridge before men jumped out and started attacking people with knives, according to witnesses and authorities.

Police shot three assailants dead in the attack, which also left 48 people injured.

Police carried out raids Sunday morning in east London and made 12 arrests, according to reports.

The attacks, which have been called "terrorist incidents" by the Metropolitan Police, began on London Bridge just after 10 p.m., when the nearby area was packed with revelers enjoying a Saturday night out.

Read: After Manchester Attack, How You Can Stay Safe in Case of Arena Attack

First, a van veered off the road, knocking down pedestrians on the bridge.

According to witnesses and police, three men then jumped from the van with large knives and began attacking people at bars and restaurants at the popular Borough Market, which is less than a quarter of a mile south of the bridge.

"Everyone was running," a witness told Sky News.

Armed officers responded and shots were fired. Authorities said three attackers were killed but the investigation is continuing.

A BBC reporter, Holly Jones, was on the bridge when the van mowed down pedestrians. She said she believed the van was traveling at about 50 miles an hour.

"He swerved right round me and then hit about five or six people. He hit about two people in front of me and then three behind," Jones told the BBC.

After the attackers fled, Gerard Vowls told The Guardian that he saw a woman being stabbed by three men at the end of London Bridge. He threw chairs and bottles at the attackers to try to make them stop, he said.

Read: Thousands Claim to Be Manchester Victims For Free Ariana Grande Tickets

"They kept coming to try to stab me. They were stabbing everyone. Evil, evil people," he said. "I want to know if this girl is still alive. I've been walking around for an hour and a half crying my eyes out. I don't know what to do."

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Late Saturday night, British Prime Minister Theresa May said the incidents, which come nearly two weeks after the deadly attack in Manchester, are being treated as a "potential act of terrorism."

"This is a fast moving investigation," she said. "I want to express my huge gratitude to the police and emergency services who are on the scene. Our thoughts are with those who are caught up in these dreadful events."

In a speech outside 10 Downing Street on Sunday morning, she said there is "far too much tolerance" of extremism in the UK, and it's "time to say enough is enough."

"That will require some difficult and often embarrassing conversations, but the whole of our country needs to come together to take on this extremism we need to live our lives not in a series of segregated, separated communities, but as one truly United Kingdom," she said.

It is the third terror attack in the UK in recent months.

Just three months ago, a vehicle slammed into pedestrians on London's Westminster Bridge outside the Houses of Parliament. Five people, including a police officer, were killed and more than 50 others were injured in the terror attack on March 22.

On May 22, a suicide bomber detonated a device packed with nails at Manchester Arena following an Ariana Grande concert. In what was Britain's deadliest terror attack since July 2005, the blast left 22 victims dead, including children, and more than 100 injured.

On Saturday night, the leader of the Labour Party, Jeremy Corbyn, shared his thoughts on Twitter.

Brutal and shocking incidents reported in London. My thoughts are with the victims and their families. Thank you to the emergency services.  Jeremy Corbyn (@jeremycorbyn) June 3, 2017

Following the attack, President Donald Trump touted his travel ban.

We need to be smart, vigilant and tough. We need the courts to give us back our rights. We need the Travel Ban as an extra level of safety!  Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) June 3, 2017

Whatever the United States can do to help out in London and the U. K., we will be there - WE ARE WITH YOU. GOD BLESS!  Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) June 3, 2017

Watch: After Van Terror Attack in Sweden, How to Protect Yourself in a Similar Incident

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The great thing about space is that theres always more to explore and more to discover. With all of NASAs current missions that are exciting and pushing the boundaries of space exploration as we know them, it can be easy to forget about all the missions still in the works. Whether its a routine resupply mission to the International Space Station or a mission to the sun, something exciting is always going on at NASA.

A look at plans for future missions shows they arent slowing down anytime soon. Progression and even launches for some missions will come this year but others are years off.

Read: NASA Mission To 'Touch The Sun' Named For Eugene Parker, Researcher Who Discovered Solar Wind

During 2017 you can expect to see a number of missions launch, including experiments to the space station. Other 2017 missions include, but are not limited to:

NASA's atomic clock

Photo: NASA

The Deep Space Atomic Clock is scheduled to launch into Earth orbit in 2017 although no month has been assigned yet. The tiny and precise instrument is going to help guide spacecraft traveling to distant destinations and help those craft better collect data. The clock is currently in the testing stages.

cold atom lab

Photo: NASA

The Cold Atom Laboratory will conduct experiments while on the International Space Station regarding the quantum phenomena that cant be observed on Earth. Its currently scheduled to be installed this month.

grace fo

Photo: NASA

The Gravity Recovery and Climate Experiment Follow-On is the second part of the GRACE mission that launched in 2002. The two missions measure gravity on Earths surface, not just over time but also from spot to spot.

Read: NASA Photos Of Mars Show The Red Planets Unique Beauty

2018

mars insight

Photo: NASA

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The Mars InSight mission will send back data researchers have never had access to about the red planet. Its scheduled to launch on May 5, 2018, and is expected to land on the planet on Nov. 28, 2018. The main goal of the mission is to help deepen the understanding about how rocky planets form and change over time. It will be the first lander to travel to Mars from the United States since the Curiosity lab in 2012.

solar probe plus

Photo: NASA

The Solar Probe Mission, recently renamed the Parker Solar Probe, for Eugene N. Parker the researcher who discovered solar wind, will launch in 2018. The probe will be the first to touch the sun.

2019

space launch system

Photo: NASA

The Space Launch System mission will be the first launch of the powerful rocket designed to send astronauts to deep space, beyond Earth orbit. The first launch, however, will not be manned. It was originally scheduled to launch in 2018 but has since been pushed to 2019.

2020

mars rover 2020

Photo: NASA

The 2020 Mars Rover is going to explore parts of the planet researchers have yet to reach. The hypothesis about the area is that it may have held an environment where microbial life was once possible. The rover will probe the rocks for signs of former life, and analyze and deposit samples possibly to be retrieved at a later date.

NISAR NASA

Photo: NASA

The NASA-ISRO Synthetic Aperture Radar satellite will be launched into orbit to study conditions on Earth, including ice sheet collapse and ecosystem changes from above. The findings will hopefully reveal information about how the Earths crust is changing.

2021

nasa redirect mission

Photo: NASA

The Asteroid Redirect Robotic Mission will be the first mission NASA ever conducts to visit a large near-Earth asteroid. It will remove a boulder from the asteroids surface and redirect it into orbit.

2022

psyche mission nasa

Photo: NASA

The Psyche mission will be the first to the metal asteroid that orbits the sun between Mars and Jupiter. The asteroid appears to be made of the same material as the inner core of planets. It's hoped the asteroid will provide more information about how planets form.

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Tangier (United States) (AFP) - On Virginia's Tangier Island, about 100 miles and a ferry ride from Washington, the waters of the Chesapeake Bay are edging dangerously close to William Eskridge's house.

Eskridge's family has lived here for the last 200 years. But perhaps not for much longer. The island is under threat from rapid erosion that is being accelerated by rising water scientists believe to be caused by climate change.

At least a hundred feet of land have recently eroded, the fisherman says.

"And it just seems like it's getting worse every year. I'm kind of fearful what it's going to be down the road."

Tangier Island is wedged between the eastern shore of Maryland and the Virginia coast.

Now measuring just 1.2 square miles, it has lost two-thirds of its landmass since 1850. If nothing is done to stop the erosion, it may disappear completely in the next 40 years.

The 450 or so inhabitants here -- most of whose families have lived here for several generations -- are keen to save their island, classified in the National Register of Historic Places.

Carol Pruitt Moore, who belongs to one of the island's old fishing families, remembers going to the beach as a child. Back then, the walk would take an hour. Now it takes only 10 minutes.

"Not to save Tangier," she says, would be "a tragedy."

Nevertheless, many residents support the rhetoric of President Donald Trump, who on Thursday announced the US withdrawal from the Paris climate accord.

The Republican billionaire, who has argued that environmental regulations are damaging for the US economy, won 87 percent of the vote in Tangier, where many don't believe the evidence that climate change is man-made.

"It has nothing to do with sea-level rise," a retired teacher who gave his name as Bruce says about the island's woes.

"I'm sure it will impact us in time, but we're talking about short-term erosion, which has been going on for decades."

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- Saving the harbor -

Tangier Mayor James Eskridge -- William's brother -- is pushing for the construction of a new sea wall to protect the town's main harbor.

The harbor -- a lifeline for the families making a living off the crab fishing industry -- is directly threatened by erosion. Its western entrance is growing wider as the water rises, making it increasingly vulnerable during storms.

But seeing the project become a reality has been painstakingly slow.

"This project here has been in the works for, I would say, almost 20 years," Eskridge said. "And since then, in 20 years' time, there's been so much erosion going on here that the original project would not work now."

The delays are frustrating Tangier's residents as the erosion visibly diminishes their island.

Now set to be completed by next year, the project will provide only a short-term band-aid for a much bigger problem.

- 'Sunken sand hill' at risk -

David Schulte walks on what was once the village of Canaan. Today, only a few gravestones on a beach remain. Abandoned in the 1930s, Canaan is a reminder that erosion has always been a problem on Tangier Island.

But Schulte -- a marine biologist with the United States Army Corps of Engineers -- says global warming is dangerously accelerating that phenomenon.

"The water is now high enough that it's striking above the sand line on the island," he says.

Tangier is particularly vulnerable because it's made of softer material than many other islands.

"The island is basically a sunken sand hill, it's not like the islands on the South Pacific that have more stone," Schulte says, adding that a peat marsh on top of the sand is "very soft organic clay soil."

"Once the water gets high enough to hit the peak directly, it's just tearing the island to pieces."

Saving the island in the long term would require constructing additional sea walls and bailing out water from the island's center, he says.

"We go offshore, we get some sandy material with a big dredge and we pump it on top of these present ridges and physically build up the land."

However, any such engineering plan would depend on Congress, which must approve a new study to determine what measures can be taken to save the island.

Lawmakers would then have to vote to finance the project, estimated at a cost of tens of millions of dollars.

Timing is also crucial. Virginia Marine Resources Commissioner John Bull says that if a decision to go ahead is to be made, it must be done quickly.

"The environmental changes we've been seeing indicate that at some point, it will be too late to save Tangier," Bull warned.
Washington (AFP) - Outrage erupted on both sides of the Atlantic Sunday after President Donald Trump lashed out at London Mayor Sadiq Khan in the wake of a terrorist assault in the British capital which left seven people dead.

In a series of tweets, Trump poured scorn on Khan's attempt to reassure the public after three assailants smashed a van into pedestrians on London Bridge then attacked revelers with knives.

"At least 7 dead and 48 wounded in terror attack and Mayor of London says there is 'no reason to be alarmed!'" the US president said in one message.

Khan, in an interview with the BBC shortly after the Saturday night attack, had asked Londoners and visitors to be calm and vigilant.

"You will see an increased police presence today, including armed officers and uniformed officers. There is no reason to be alarmed by this," he said.

Leading figures in the US and the UK lined up to dismiss the president's remarks, with Washington's acting ambassador to London coming out in support of Khan.

"I commend the strong leadership of the @MayorofLondon as he leads the city forward after this heinous attack," Lew Lukens said on the US embassy's Twitter account.

He also praised the "extraordinary" response from Londoners and emergency services.

Khan's spokesman issued a pointed statement saying that the mayor had "more important things to do than respond to Donald Trump's ill-informed tweet that deliberately takes out of context his remarks."

- 'Bloodshed must end' -

Trump initially said the attack showed it was time to "stop being politically correct and get down to the business of security for our people."

As the scenes of panic in London were still unfolding he tweeted that it underscored the need for his contested "travel ban" on several Muslim-majority nations.

But later on Sunday he condemned the attacks in more conventional terms, sidestepping the spat with Khan and saying he had spoken with Prime Minister Theresa to extend America's "unwavering support".

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"The United States will do everything in our power to assist the United Kingdom and its citizens as they work to protect their country and to bring those that are guilty to justice," he told journalists.

"This bloodshed must end. This bloodshed will end. As president, I will do what is necessary to prevent this threat from spreading to our shores."

On Sunday The New York Times said Trump had strained foreign ties with tweets which "mischaracterized" the position of London's first Muslim mayor.

"Mr. Trump either misunderstood what Mr. Khan had said or distorted it," the newspaper said, arguing that the tweets had further widened the president's rift with the US's traditional European allies.

"America is safer when we rally our friends and allies against the bad guys rather than pick fights with the good guys," the newspaper quoted Damon Wilson, President George W. Bush's top Europe adviser, as saying.

- 'Nasty and unbecoming' -

David Lammy, a Labor Party member of Parliament, tweeted of Trump's comments: "Cheap nasty & unbecoming of a national leader. Sort of thing that makes me want to quit politics on a day like this. Evil everywhere we look."

In the United States, former vice president Al Gore told CNN that "I don't think that a major terrorist attack like this is the time to criticize a mayor who is trying to organize his city's response to this attack."

Regarding the leader's plug for his contested travel ban -- which has been blocked by the courts -- Cecillia Wang, deputy legal director of the American Civil Liberties Union, tweeted "We need to be outraged when the president exploits a terrible violent crime to push his discriminatory and illegal policy."

"One of the things that concerns me about the president's tweets this morning were he in effect is calling for a Muslim travel ban again, even though the courts have continued to turn that down," Senator Mark Warner, the top Democrat on the Senate intelligence committee, said on television.

He said Trump had had ample time to tighten aviation security, adding, "Don't continue to call for this travel ban, which is, frankly a slap in the face to Muslim Americans and others, and this in many ways may actually incite more incidents."
By Syed Raza Hassan KARACHI, Pakistan (Reuters) - The Pakistani military said on Saturday its troops had killed five Indian soldiers in retaliation to Indian firing along the Line of Control in disputed Kashmir. Pakistan on Friday accused Indian troops of shooting without provocation in Nezapir sector, wounding two civilians. The Pakistani army spokesman said on Saturday that its troops had retaliated, killing five soldiers, wounding many, and destroying bunkers. India denied that any of its soldiers had been killed or wounded in any cross-border attack. "A woman was injured as Pakistani troops violated ceasefire twice in two sectors of Poonch district by firing mortar shells on forward posts and civilian areas along the Line of Control, army to retaliate." an Indian defense spokesman said. Pakistani troops fired indiscriminately with small arms and mortars along the Line of Control in Krishana Ghati sector, the spokesman said. Tension over the Himalayan region has run high between the two nuclear-armed neighbors since a Pakistani military court sentenced an Indian accused of espionage to death. Kulbushan Sudhir Jadhav was arrested on March 3, 2016, in Baluchistan province, which has seen a long-running conflict between Pakistani security forces and a militant separatist movement. India has managed to get a stay on Jadhav execution by approaching the World Court. Pakistan and India accuse each other of repeatedly violating a 2003 ceasefire. On the diplomatic front, relations have worsened following tit-for-tat expulsions of diplomats last year. (Additional Reporting by Fayaz Bukhari in Srinagar)
Employees at a Papa Johns in Washington state have been accused of selling cocaine out of pizza boxes. The arrests are the result of a six-month investigation that detectives dubbed Operation Extra Olives.

Five suspects ranging in age from 18 to 26 were arrested in Sammamish, just east of Seattle, with two men arrested for the selling of the drugs. The two men allegedly stashed drugs in the restaurant's sinks, soap dispensers and cash register as they sold the drugs, according to detectives.

Detectives seized nearly $30,000 in cash, a vehicle and the drugs.

READ MORE: Drug Bust In Ohio University Airport: Significant Quantity Of Suspected Cocaine Found In Unauthorized Plane

In December 2016, the sheriff's office said that Sammamish police received a tip that Papa John's employees were selling cocaine, according to a report by CNN. The two men sold drugs from the Papa Johns parking lot.

"What the detectives would do is they'd order pizza and go out and wait in the parking lot," said one detective. "The employee would bring the pizza out and in the box would be the cocaine."

According to local news station KIRO-7, the drug bust happened on Friday morning in the local Washington neighborhood.

Ann Michaelson, who lives across the street, was interviewed by KIRO-7, and said she woke up to the sound of a stun grenade. Then she heard a voice on a megaphone, telling the occupants to come out with their hands over their heads.

She said no one came out, but officers eventually went in.

READ MORE: National Pizza Day 2017: In-Store Offers, Promo Codes For Deals At Dominos, Papa John's And More To Celebrate

It was a big deal. It was all the time, Michaelson said. I feel really badly for all the young people that get caught up in that. My heart just aches for the families.

Officers went to two other homes, both in Sammamish, where they arrested a 19-year-old man and an 18-year-old man. Another 18-year-old man turned himself into the Sammamish police station later in the day.

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Papa John's customer Victoria Edwards told KIRO-7, You dont give it any thought, and you dont think like  is my pizza going to be covered in cocaine today?

She continued, saying that she would still continue to frequent the chain, but will be a bit more cautious.

Im going to take a bite, and make sure I dont get any weird post-nasal drip, and Ill let the kids have some, she said.

Papa John's released a statement Friday night.

"Papa John's has zero tolerance for this type of offensive and illegal behavior. The franchisee has confirmed that the employees involved with this situation are no longer employed and we apologize for their actions. The franchisee is working in full cooperation with local law enforcement to resolve this matter. Furthermore, food safety and sanitation is of the utmost importance to Papa John's. The franchisee took immediate action steps, with Health Department oversight, and the location was cleared to reopen."

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Environmental Protection Agency head Scott Pruitt said it is up to other countries to come to the negotiating table for a new global climate deal: Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images

The head of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has said it will be up to other countries to negotiate a new climate deal with the US, after Donald Trump announced he was pulling America out of the Paris Accord.

Scott Pruitt also said human activity did contribute to global warming, amid speculation about Mr Trump's views on the subject.

It came as the President's aides refused to say if he believes in climate change, having once called it a "hoax".

When asked about the joint statement issued by France, Italy, and Germany stating the Paris accord was not open to being renegotiated, Mr Pruitt did not seem concerned.

Speaking during a news conference at the White House, the EPA chief was bullish, telling reporters a seat at the negotiating table was a given because were the United States, adding: We have nothing to be apologetic about."

He repeated Mr Trumps rhetoric on putting America first and suggested that it was in every other country's interest to talk to the US about a restructured Paris accord or a new deal.

For more news videos visit Yahoo View, available on iOS and Android.

Mr Pruitt cited figures on carbon emissions reduction for the 2000 to 2014 period, spanning the previous Obama administration, but noted that the US did this through "innovation and technology, not government mandate".

He said that if former President Barack Obamas administration wanted the Paris accord to be enforceable, they should have ratified it as a treaty".

Mr Obama had the US join the agreement by way of an executive order instead of going through Congress for a formal treaty ratification because the administration felt climate deniers would block it. Mr Pruitt himself said he was not convinced anything could be done about the impact of human activity on climate change.

That process is what gave Mr Trump the authority to withdraw from the deal, but the US will still need to go through a formal four-year withdrawal process as outlined in the agreement text.

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Mr Pruitt said the Trump administration has been discussing next steps with the Department of Justice.

He also maintained Mr Trumps false narrative that the agreement did not hold China and India accountable, arguing that the agreement needs to be renegotiated because it puts America at an economic disadvantage".

Christina Hioureas, chair of the United Nations Practice Group at law firm Foley Hoag LLP in New York, told The Independent that although there may be other avenues under international law to hold accountable non-compliant States, thinking that the US economy could be hurt by implementing targets in the Paris accord is "miscalculated".

The Paris Agreement sets different standards for developed and developing countries and Mr Trumps requirement that burdens [of carbon emissions reductions]...[are] equally shared by countries all around the world shows an apparent lack of understanding of the purpose of the deal.

It was formulated to account for the historical climate damage done by wealthy countries to poorer countries and provisions to help developing countries grow their economies without over-reliance on the same fossil fuel method used by those wealthy countries.

France, Italy, and Germany have said they will step up efforts to support developing countries, in particular the poorest and most vulnerable, in achieving their mitigation and adaptation goals".

Helping smaller economy countries in Africa, Latin America, and Asia grow through through a cleaner energy mix will reduce emissions and limit global warming while pushing richer countries to curb their own emissions.

China signed a bliateral deal with the US under the Obama administration  ahead of the Paris signing  and estimated they would need until 2030 to reach a peak of carbon emissions  mostly through inexpensive coal burning  in order to build up their economy to a point where they can afford to start transitioning to more renewable sources of energy.

China will then begin to reduce carbon emissions and increase the proportion of renewable sources of energy. They are already a leader in solar panel production.

Mr Pruitt said the US would continue to export clean coal...innovation and technology and teach them about how to run their energy sector.

On a broader economic scale, withdrawal and non-compliance and scaling back of subsidies may result in a missed opportunity for the US to lead the charge, on renewable energy technology, said Ms Hioureas.

Several states and cities all over the US have already voiced opposition to the Trump administration.

The bipartisan US Conference of Mayors (USCM) said in a statement that mayors have vowed their continued commitment to reduce greenhouse gas emissions to alleviate the impacts of global warming despite what happens at the national level".

Republican governors of Vermont and Massachusetts have also expressed their commitment to improving and protecting the environment.

When White House Press Secretary Sean Spicer was asked about this, he said the administration believes in states rights and recognises that state and local officials will do what they feel will serve their citizens best.

He also said the President thinks renegotiating the Paris accord or a new deal is in the best interest of the country without providing specifics on why Mr Trump would not just change emissions reductions targets, cut funding to global climate funding schemes, or simply not be party to any global pact.

The White House did not respond to a request for comment on the matter.

There's no legal reason why it couldn't be amended, but I don't think it needs to be amended or 'renegotiated' in order to address the concerns raised by the President," Sue Biniaz, former US State Department Deputy Legal Adviser on climate, told The Independent.

Todd Stern, the Special Envoy on Climate Change during the Obama administration, said it was extremely hard to imagine any country wanting to renegotiate [the agreement] because they felt the US got a bum deal".

The other issue is figuring out what the President even means by that, Mr Stern added.
Mr Iger said that he was resigning 'as a matter of principle': Reuters

Disney boss Bob Iger has become the latest chief executive to quit Donald Trumps business advisory council, protesting the Presidents withdrawal from the Paris climate agreement.

Mr Iger wrote on Twitter that "as a matter of principle, I've resigned from the President's Council over the #ParisAgreement withdrawal".

He joins Tesla chief executive Elon Musk who earlier tweeted: Am departing presidential councils. Climate change is real. Leaving Paris is not good for America or the world".

Technology companies have been among the most vocal to oppose some of Mr Trumps controversial policies and in February Uber CEO Travis Kalanick quit the council after the administration implemented a travel ban on people from seven majority Muslim countries.

The council, created by Mr Trump in December, is designed to assist the administration when making decisions on policy. Stephen Schwarzman, CEO of Blackstone Group, leads it. Other members include PepsiCo chief Indra Nooyi and Jamie Dimon, the CEO of Wall Street giant JPMorgan.

Overnight Mr Trump cast the Paris agreements as a global conspiracy that damaged his countrys economic prospects, but said the US may attempt to re-join the pact if he can secure a better deal.

He had made pulling out of the pact  which has been signed by almost 200 nations  a cornerstone of his presidential campaign and said that by withdrawing he was underscoring his promise to put American workers first.

Jeff Immelt, the chief executive of the conglomerate General Electric, tweeted: "Disappointed with todays decision on the Paris Agreement. Climate change is real. Industry must now lead and not depend on government."

Former US President Barack Obama, German chancellor Angela Merkel and French President Emmanuel Macron also condemned Mr Trumps move.

Theresa May expressed regret over the withdrawal in a personal phone call with the US President.

Additional reporting by Reuters
Philippine authorities said Saturday they still did not know the identity of the gunman who killed 37 people when he torched a casino, but insisted he was not an Islamic State group terrorist.

The masked man stormed into the Resorts World casino and hotel complex in the capital of Manila on Friday with an M4 automatic rifle and a bottle of petrol, before setting alight one of the main gaming rooms.

Thirty-seven people died in the fire, dozens more were injured in a stampede to escape, and the gunman was found dead about five hours later in a hotel room after committing suicide by setting fire to himself, police said.

IS claimed responsibility, with a report on its self-styled Amaq news agency saying its "fighters" carried out the attack, but Philippine authorities continued to insist Saturday that a mentally disturbed man had been attempting a bizarre solo robbery.

"They (IS) may claim credit but, according to evidence, it is not so," presidential spokesman Ernesto Abella said.

"The evidence at this stage points to the actions of an emotionally disturbed person who was apparently engaged in criminal actions."

However Manila Oscar Albayalde told AFP on Saturday they did not know who the gunman was.

"None yet," Albayalde said in a text message when asked about any leads on the identity of the gunman.

Albayalde also added to a bewildering array of contradictory messages from authorities in the initial stages of the investigation by saying police now believed the gunman had arrived at the casino in a taxi.

"We have the taxi driver (who dropped off the gunman) already," Albayalde said, without elaborating.

But Albayalde and other police chiefs said repeatedly throughout Friday that recorded security footage showed the gunman drove to casino and parked his vehicle in the complex's car park.

"The CCTV (footage) shows that he parked his car, took out his gun and directly went inside Resorts World," Albayalde said on Friday.

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There was no explanation from police on Saturday for the change in such a crucial part of the investigation.

- Confusion -

Police had also given confusing or contradictory statements on other key parts of the incident on Friday.

National police chief Ronald dela Rosa initially said police had shot dead the gunman, but then later reported the assailant wrapped himself in a blanket and burnt himself to death.

Dela Rosa also said the gunman had not shot anyone, but Resorts World reported one of its security guards had suffered a gunshot wound.

Albayalde said Friday that the assailant was likely a foreigner, describing him as a caucasian who spoke English.

He and Dela Rosa said the man was trying to rob the casino, saying he fired at a stock room containing gambling chips and filled a backpack with chips worth 113 million pesos ($2.3 million).

But they said the man left the backpack in a bathroom after filling it up.

President Rodrigo Duterte imposed martial law last week across the southern region of Mindanao to crush what he called a rising threat from IS.

He made the move shortly after local militants who have declared allegiance to IS went on a rampage through the city of Marawi, 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 175 people dead.

A Muslim separatist rebellion in the south of the mainly Catholic 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 groups have rejected the peace process and in recent years sought to unite behind IS.

Duterte said last week he might declare martial law across the rest of the country if the terrorism threat spread.

The US embassy in Manila has issued a number of advisories in recent months advising Americans to avoid large parts of the central, southern and western Philippine because of the risk of being kidnapped by the militants.
Manila (AFP) - Philippine authorities said Saturday they still did not know the identity of the gunman who killed 37 people when he torched a casino, as dramatic security footage was released showing him calmly firing his automatic rifle at security guards and trying to steal gambling chips or money.

The masked man stormed into the Resorts World casino and hotel complex in the capital of Manila on Friday with an M4 automatic rifle and a bottle of petrol, before setting alight a number of different rooms in the complex.

Thirty-seven people died in the fires, dozens more were injured in a stampede to escape, and the gunman was found dead about five hours later in a hotel room after committing suicide by setting fire to himself, police said.

IS claimed responsibility, with a report on its self-styled Amaq news agency saying its "fighters" carried out the attack.

But Philippine authorities continued to insist Saturday that he appeared to be a mentally disturbed man who had been attempting a bizarre solo robbery, and he was not a terrorist.

"They (IS) may claim credit but, according to evidence, it is not so," presidential spokesman Ernesto Abella said.

"The evidence at this stage points to the actions of an emotionally disturbed person who was apparently engaged in criminal actions."

The footage indeed appeared to show the gunman firing into the air most of the time and not at people inside the casino, except for when confronted by security guards when he calmly shot at them, missed, then walked away slowly.

The video also showed him breaking into a secure room where chips and money were being kept, and apparently intent on stealing what he could.

The footage was shown at a briefing by Resorts World security officers, who said it appeared the gunman may have set alight the rooms as diversion so he could escape.

However Manila police chief Oscar Albayalde said on Saturday they had not identified the gunman.

Story continues

"We are doing everything we can to identify this person and ensure the safety of our countrymen," he said on government radio.

Albayalde also added to a bewildering array of contradictory messages from authorities in the initial stages of the investigation by saying police now believed the gunman had arrived at the casino in a taxi.

Albayalde and other police chiefs said repeatedly throughout Friday that recorded security footage showed the gunman drove to the casino and parked his vehicle in the complex's car park.

There was no explanation from police on Saturday for the discrepancy.

- Confusion -

Police had also given confusing or contradictory statements on other key parts of the incident on Friday.

National police chief Ronald dela Rosa initially said police had shot the gunman dead, but then later reported the assailant wrapped himself in a blanket and burnt himself to death.

Albayalde said Friday that the assailant was likely a foreigner, describing him as a caucasian who spoke English.

But Albayalde said Saturday the taxi driver who took him to the casino reported he spoke fluent Tagalog, the Philippines' national language.

President Rodrigo Duterte imposed martial law last week across the southern region of Mindanao to crush what he called a rising threat from IS.

He made the move shortly after local militants who have declared allegiance to IS went on a rampage through the city of Marawi, 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 175 people dead.

A Muslim separatist rebellion in the south of the mainly Catholic 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 groups have rejected the peace process and in recent years sought to unite behind IS.

Duterte said last week he might declare martial law across the rest of the country if the terrorism threat spreads.
DICKINSON  Sen. Heidi Heitkamp, D-N.D., along with local leaders in law enforcement, health care and drug treatment, gathered at CHI St. Alexius in Dickinson on Friday morning to discuss the communitys concerns and efforts to effectively combat the growing opioid abuse epidemic.

Heitkamp said it is important for communities to work together to get to the root of the issue in order to build

Theres a huge consequence for not dealing with this problem on the front end, Heitkamp said. Its not just Lets treat the Band-Aid, treat the symptoms, treat the symptoms. Weve got to get to the root cause. Weve got to build healthy communities.

Reed Reyman, president of CHI St. Alexius Health, said the Dickinson area has seen a 300 percent increase in opioid cases coming through their doors over the past three years or so. Since the oil boom three years ago, the hospital was getting about five opioid cases a month, that number has since doubled and only continues to increase, Reyman said.

An agent with the Southwest Narcotics Task Force said the area has seen a huge influx of heroin, fentanyl and carfentanyl over the past few years. The number of overdoses theyve responded to has also increased, including two overdoses in the same house within 24 hours a couple of months ago. The agent noted that the price for methamphetamine is approximately a fourth of what it was three years ago.

We cant jail our way out of this problem, but we also cant cut back on law enforcement services because once we do, the price goes down, it becomes more accessible and we have a bigger problem, Heitkamp said. This isnt just about curbing demand, weve got to fight on the supply side as well.

Jenn Gonser, a mental health technician at Badlands Human Service Center, lost her 16-year-old son, Dylen, to an overdose in January 2016.

He went to bed like any other child would on a Friday night and in the morning we found him, she said, holding back tears. We got the autopsy report back and he had three different types of opiates, he had cocaine, benzos and marijuana in his system.

Heitkamp is a co-sponsor of a bill that would establish a one-cent fee on each milligram of active opioid ingredient in prescription pain pills. The money, which Heitkamp says would currently total more than $1 billion, would then go to a national fund to help treat the epidemic.

John Vastag, CEO of North Dakota Assistive and head of the Mayors Blue Ribbon Council in Fargo, said while the federal and state government can help provide funding and legislation for programs, it is ultimately up to the communities themselves to get everyone involved to help with the problem.

Kayleen Wardner, founder of Western Edge Ministries and Hopes Landing, while providing something like psychological services can help someone, it is important to know that there has to be more done. People convicted of drug-related crimes and addicts can fall into a cycle of getting out of prison, being unable to find a job or place to live, selling drugs in order to get by and then being arrested and being sent back to prison.

Were recommending a nine-month stay at Hopes Landing, Wardner said. We see ourselves as that place where the ladies can go after the 30-day treatment and from what we have seen and studied that 30-day treatment is just the very beginning. The addictive brain doesnt have time to do a lot of healing in that time.
Saint Petersburg (AFP) - Russian President Vladimir Putin launched a blistering attack Friday on what he said were baseless accusations that Moscow was behind a hacking and influence campaign aimed at getting Donald Trump elected.

"This useless and harmful chatter needs to stop," the Kremlin strongman told Russia's annual showcase economic forum in Saint Petersburg.

"This is a transferral, I repeat, of internal political squabbling in the United States onto the international arena," he said.

"It is harmful, it damages international relations and the world economy and security issues and the fight with terrorism."

US intelligence has accused Putin of ordering a hacking and influence campaign to tilt last year's election in Trump's favour, after the billionaire pledged to boost ties with Moscow.

But Trump has failed to make good on Russian hopes that he will restore relations as a series of probes into potential collusion between his camp and Moscow have made the issue politically toxic.

Putin said the list of allegations against Moscow "reminds me of anti-Semitism. The Jews are blamed for everything". He also rubbished claims the Kremlin had struck secret deals with Trump's team.

Russia's relations with the West have slumped to their lowest point since the end of the Cold War due to the crisis in Ukraine and differences over Syria.

The West has slapped economic sanctions on Moscow, while Russia has responded with its own punitive measures.

At a meeting with US business leaders earlier Putin urged them to help Moscow establish a dialogue with Trump, as ties remains deadlocked amid probes into possible collusion.

"Help us to set up a normal political dialogues," Putin said.

"I ask you on behalf of Russia and appeal to the Americans: help the newly-elected president as well."

The president of the American Chamber of Commerce in Russia, Alexis Rodzianko, complained of the "psychological effect" of sanctions, saying Russians "think twice" about working with US companies as they are unsure whether they will be allowed to do business.

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After Trump's election, "there was a sense that things could change a lot and guess what? They didn't change very much," he told AFP.

Nevertheless now "there is less pressure on companies not to do business," while tensions with Moscow remain high in Washington, he said. "It's a very odd time in that sense."

- 'New phase of expansion' -

While much of the discussion in Saint Petersburg was dominated by politics Putin also attempted to burnish Russia's economic prospects as it inches its way out of the longest recession in two decades sparked by a slump in oil prices and Western sanctions over Ukraine.

"The economy has entered a new phase of expansion," Putin said.

Putin pointed to the third successive quarter of growth in the economy and said that the level of foreign investment had climbed to a three-year high despite ties with the West hitting their lowest ebb since the Cold War ended.

While Putin sounded bullish, analysts say that Russia's growth remains fragile and the creaking economy is in serious need of major reforms if it is to avoid long-term stagnation.

Putin repeated calls for bolstering the country's business climate and cleaning up the judiciary, but critics say the Kremlin leader has failed to make good in the past on pledges to make serious changes.
Republicans seem a bit investigation-shy these days, don't they? Well, as you might remember from election season, that wasn't always the case. During Bill Clinton's administration, House Republicans even called for an inquiry into Socks, the First Cat.

Socks was a fairly normal cat, and by most accounts, he seemed to be a good and cute boy. Adopted by Chelsea Clinton as a lost kitten, he enjoyed the things that most cats do: catnip (which press photographers used to lure him closer on the White House lawn), skulking around the grounds, and loathing his canine counterpart, Buddy the dog.

SEE ALSO: Dogs, ranked

So what was Socks's crime? For Indiana GOP representative Dan Burton, Socks himself wasn't the issue. The problem was that constituents liked Socks  so much, in fact, that they were sending him mail. Of course, since most of the letter writers were children, the White House would respond from Socks.

And Burton wanted to know why taxpayers were fronting Socks's postage.

A criminal mastermind.

Image: WILFREDO LEE/AP/REX/Shutterstock

The Chicago Tribune reported on Burton's "concern" in 1995. (If you'd like a quick character summary on Burton, he stopped using the House gym after Rep. Barney Frank came out as gay in 1987.)

Here's an excerpt from the letter he sent to the Clintons:

Seems like a lot!

Burton also suggested that the Clintons follow the precedent of Barbara Bush, who wrote a White House book from the perspective of her dog Millie, then donated proceeds to pay for the cost of Millie's personal correspondence.

Hillary Clinton did, in fact, compile a book of letters written to Socks and Buddy in 1998. However, proceeds from Dear Socks, Dear Buddy were donated to the National Park Foundation.

In the end, of course, nothing came of Burton's inquiry. A completely unaware Socks got off scot-free  and a lot of delighted kids received taxpayer-funded letters from their favorite cat.

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Image: Amazon

Incidentally, an Arizona newspaper study ranked Burton the fifth-biggest user of free Congressional mail in 2007, which many considered to be abusing the privilege.

As far as we know, Socks the cat  who was enjoying an idyllic Chesapeake Bay retirement at the time  did not inquire into Burton's $190,000 expenses.
Democrat Mark Warner says intelligence committee will discuss contacts apparently not yet fully revealed between Trump aides and Russia

James Comey will speak to senators in his first public comments since Donald Trump fired him. Photograph: Justin Sullivan/Getty Images

Two members of the Senate committee that will interrogate James Comey this week have previewed their questions for the former FBI director, saying they intend to ask him in detail about his interactions with Donald Trump and about the activities of Trump associates including Jared Kushner, the presidents son-in-law.

The Democratic senator Mark Warner said the intelligence committee hearing on Thursday would include discussion of contacts I dont think that have been fully revealed between Russian operatives and Trump associates.

An air of historic suspense has been building in Washington in anticipation of Comeys testimony. It will be the first time Comey has spoken publicly since he was fired by Trump a month ago.

The firing of Comey was followed by a flood of leaks from the executive branch pertaining to an FBI investigation, which Comey had been overseeing, of possible collusion between the Trump presidential campaign and Russian operatives, and other matters.

One such leak alleged Trump had told Russian officials in the Oval Office that firing Comey took the pressure off. Similar leaks indicated that the former national security adviser Michael Flynn had contacts with Russians the White House explicitly denied.

In a strange cameo, Russian president Vladimir Putin weighed in on that question, in an interview with NBC News Megyn Kelly to air Sunday night. Putin gave a seemingly far-fetched description of the circumstances behind a photo that emerged in March of him sitting next to Flynn at a banquet.

I made my speech, then we talked about some other stuff, and I got up and left, Putin said. And then afterwards I was told, you know there was an American gentleman, he was involved in some things. He used to be in the security services. Thats it. I didnt even really talk to him. Thats the extent of my acquaintance with Mr Flynn.

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Then Putin chuckled.

Trump has repeatedly denied wrongdoing in the Russian affair and dismissed allegations of inappropriate contacts between his team and Russia as fake news. Comeys testimony was an opportunity to sort out what was real and what was fake, Warner, from Virginia, said in an interview with CBSs Face the Nation.

As each week goes along, and more stories break, I think what the president deserves, and the American public deserves, is to go past reported press stories and actually get facts, Warner said. Of Comey, he added: Hes going to have a chance to tell his story.

Every one of us, Democrat and Republican, realize that this is one of the most important things well ever do, Warner said.

The Republican senator Susan Collins of Maine, also a committee member, said she and her colleagues were working overtime to prepare for Thursdays hearing.

Every member of the committee has been extremely active in reviewing the evidence that we do have so far, Collins told CBS. Its taking up a great deal of time. Ive made three different trips to CIA headquarters to go over the raw intelligence. Thats information that we dont usually get to see.

Collins said her questions would focus on Trumps assertion that Comey had assured him three times that he, the president, was not under investigation.

That phrase raises a lot of questions in my mind, said Collins. Does Mr Comey agree that that was what was said?

Warner said part of the focus would be on Kushner. We have a series of contacts as well between Mr Kushner, some may have taken place before the election, but obviously others after the election, he said.

As the committee previewed its game plan, a former top security adviser to Barack Obama attacked Kushner, calling allegations that he attempted to set up back-channel communications with Russia during the presidential transition period extraordinary, if not mind-boggling.

In her most extensive interview since leaving office, the former national security adviser Susan Rice said the Obama administration had gone to pains to ensure a transparent transition to the Trump White House.

The FBI is investigating contacts between Kushner and the Russian ambassadorto the US, Sergey Kislyak, who told superiors in December Kushner had suggested setting up a channel for communication that would be hidden from the US government, as the Washington Post first reported last month.

What Ive found most concerning about that report, which if true, is that Jared Kushner suggested to the Russian ambassador that they communicate using Russian communications in a Russian diplomatic facility to hide their conversation from the United States government, Rice said.

Thats extraordinary, if not mind-boggling, from the point of view of a national security professional. Ive worked in this field for 25 years, and I have never heard of such a thing.

Trump has also said those accusations are far-fetched.

It is my opinion that many of the leaks coming out of the White House are fabricated lies made up by the #FakeNews media, he tweeted, after the first reports about the alleged back-channel emerged.
By Kanupriya Kapoor and Fathin Ungku SINGAPORE (Reuters) - Southeast Asian nations plan to use spy planes and drones to stem the movement of militants across their porous borders, defense officials said at the weekend, as concerns rise over the growing clout of Islamic State in the region. Indonesia, Malaysia and the Philippines said they will launch joint air patrols this month at their shared boundaries in the Sulu Sea, in addition to existing maritime patrols. Authorities in the region have urged greater cooperation to counter the fallout from a raging battle with Islamic State-linked militants in the southern Philippines, the biggest warning yet that the ultra-radical group is building a base in Southeast Asia. "Our open borders are being exploited by terrorist groups to facilitate personnel and material," Le Luong Minh, Secretary-General of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) told the Shangri-La Dialogue, an annual regional security forum in Singapore. The region is home to 600 million people and includes Indonesia, which has the world's highest number of Muslims. Authorities in both Indonesia and Malaysia, also Muslim-majority, have said thousands of their citizens are sympathizers of Islamic State and hundreds are believed to have traveled to Syria to join the extremist group. Indonesian authorities blamed Islamic State for bombings last month that killed three police officers, the latest in a series of low-level attacks by the militants in the last 17 months. In recent months, dozens of fighters from Indonesia and Malaysia have crossed from their countries to Mindanao in the southern Philippines, intelligence officials have said, easily passing through waters that have often been lawless and plagued by pirates. Mindanao is the one region in the largely Catholic Philippines to have a significant Muslim minority. ASEAN made a joint pledge with the United States on the sidelines of the Shangri-La forum to help the Philippines overcome the militant assault in the city of Marawi. "What featured quite strongly in the U.S.-ASEAN meeting was the pledge by both U.S. and ASEAN members that we stand ready to help the Philippines...whether it's information, intelligence or otherwise," said Singaporean Defence Minister Ng Eng Hen. JOINT PATROLS, INTELLIGENT-SHARING Indonesia, Malaysia and the Philippines, with the assistance of neighboring Singapore, have carried out joint maritime patrols in the Sulu Sea since last year after a series of kidnappings by the pro-Islamic State Abu Sayyaf group. "We decided at least these three countries, to avoid being accused of doing nothing...We're doing joint maritime and air patrols," said Malaysian Defence Minister Hishammuddin Hussein, adding that the air patrols will be launched on June 19. "If we do nothing, they get a foothold in this region." Indonesian Defence Minister Ryamizard Ryacudu told Reuters his country will consider deploying drones and surveillance planes at its borders with the Philippines. The measures come amid concerns that fighters may try to escape the military offensive in the Philippines, and flee to neighboring countries. "We believe the elements involved in the Marawi clashes may try to escape through the southern Philippines and head either for Malaysian or Indonesian waters," said Malaysia's counter-terrorism police chief, Ayob Khan Mydin Pitchay. "This is one of their only ways out." Among other measures, Singaporean and Malaysian officials said monitoring and intelligence-sharing on specific individuals had been stepped up in the wake of the fighting in Marawi. Singapore's Home Affairs Minister K. Shanmugam on Sunday urged residents of the wealthy city-state to report friends or family suspected of being radicalised, according to local media. Security experts have warned that Southeast Asian countries are vulnerable to the spread of Islamic State as it suffers setbacks in Syria and Iraq. "We're seeing that, as Islamic State is losing ground on the battlegrounds of the Middle East, they're pushing their franchise overseas as energetically as they can," said Nigel Inkster of London's International Institute for Strategic Studies. "We're seeing this in the southern Philippines but there are other countries in Southeast Asia, particularly Indonesia, that are at risk." (Additional reporting by Greg Torode in Singapore and Rozanna Latiff in Kuala Lumpur; Editing by Raju Gopalakrishnan and Lincoln Feast)
UPDATE: 5:11 p.m. EDT  SpaceX has made another successful launch of its Falcon 9 rocket Saturday evening, sending a Dragon cargo spacecraft on its way to the International Space Station, the companys eleventh commercial trip to the ISS for NASA. The first stage of the rocket made a successful landing as well.

UPDATE: 4:29 p.m. EDT  With under 40 minutes before the SpaceX cargo mission takes off for the International Space Station (ISS), NASA said the weather forecast for the launch window had improved to 90 percent chance of favorable conditions.

The mission to resupply the ISS would be the eleventh for the Elon Musk company, and the first to fly a reused Dragon spacecraft. The Falcon 9 rocket carrying it was originally scheduled to take off Thursday evening, but the launch was scrubbed due to unacceptable weather conditions.

Original story:

Elon Musks company SpaceX will attempt to launch a Falcon 9 rocket Saturday evening, in a bid to send a refurbished Dragon cargo spacecraft to the International Space Station (ISS). The CRS-11 mission is the eleventh for the commercial space company and was originally scheduled for Thursday evening, but had to be postponed due to weather conditions.

The weather could play spoilsport once again Saturday, which has an instantaneous launch window at 5:07 p.m. EDT. According to forecast by meteorologists with the U.S. Air Force 45th Weather Squadron, announced Friday morning, there was a 60 percent chance of favorable weather at the time of the planned launch. That forecast was worse than the 70 percent favorable forecast announced Thursday night.

The primary weather concerns for Saturdays launch are anvil clouds, cumulus clouds and flight through precipitation, the forecast announcement on NASAs website said.

Read: International Space Station Getting Module To Study Neutron Stars

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The Dragon spacecraft is carrying about 6,000 pounds of cargo that includes a number of supplies, scientific modules and experiments. One of those modules will allow the space station to study neutron stars, while another will upgrade its microscope to enable 3D imaging. An experiment will allow scientists to study the behavior of flames in space. Some of the other experiments being sent to ISS can be read about on NASAs website.

CRS11

Photo: NASA/Glenn Benson

Following liftoff, the first and second stages of Falcon 9 will separate two minutes and 25 seconds later, according to the mission overview. The Dragon spacecraft will separate from the second stage about another eight minutes later, and head to the ISS, where the crew members will use the orbiting laboratorys 57.7-foot robotic arm to capture the spacecraft. The Falcon 9 first stage, meanwhile, would attempt to land at SpaceXs landing zone at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Florida.

Dragon will spend about one month attached to ISS, after which it will return to Earth. About five hours after Dragon leaves the station, it will conduct its deorbit burn, which lasts up to 10 minutes. It takes about 30 minutes for Dragon to reenter the Earths atmosphere and splash down in the Pacific Ocean off the coast of Baja California, SpaceX explained in the mission overview.

Read: Space Station Microscope To Get 3D-Imaging Upgrade

CRS-11 is the first SpaceX mission that will use a refurbished Dragon spacecraft, and Saturdays flight, if successful, will mark the 100th launch from Launch Complex-39A at the Kennedy Space Center, Florida. The company had launched its first reused Falcon 9 rocket on March 30.

NASA will start coverage of the launch at 4:30 p.m. EDT on NASA TV, and it can be seen on this page. The SpaceX webcast of the launch can be seen below.

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YouTube is live-streaming Ariana Grandes One Love Manchester concert, which will benefit victims of the tragic bombing at her Manchester Arena show last month. Tune in now to see Grande onstage at Manchesters Old Trafford stadium, along with special guests Katy Perry, Miley Cyrus, Pharrell Williams, Coldplay, Justin Bieber, Usher, Take That, and Niall Horan, among others.

Proceeds will go to the We Love Manchester Emergency Fund set up by the city of Manchester and the British Red Cross. If youd like to donate to the Red Cross, visit here.

The emotional evening is celebrating the triumph of the human spirit and the power of music to heal and unite. Last week, when announcing her return to Manchester for this benefit concert, Grande said in a powerful statement, We will not quit or operate in fear. We wont let this divide us. We wont let hate win.
Jack O'Neill's passion for surfing was such that even after losing an eye when he fell while riding a wave at the Hook in the 1970s, he did not stop surfing. The eye patch-wearing surfing pioneer, who helped invent the wet suit, died Friday at his Santa Cruz home at the age of 94, reports said.

Along with surfing, he also took up the cause of fighting for safeguarding the marine environment. He founded O'Neill Sea Odyssey, a marine and environmental education program for children, in 1996 and considered it to be his greatest achievement, reports said.

Read: Teenage Girl Dies While Surfing After Shark Attack Her In Australia

Children attending the program are educated about the importance of relationship between the living sea and environment which they learn through live experiences. They are taken on the legendary surfer's personal catamaran that sails through the Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary where they learn through their experiences of a living classroom, according to O'Neill Sea Odyssey website.

O'Neill transformed the surfing scenario in northern and central California's cold waters by inventing his industry-changing wet suits.

Around 65 years ago, O'Neill started a small surf shop in San Francisco and created his neoprene prototype wetsuit, which keeps then body warm and safe even in the chilled waters. He moved to Santa Cruz in 1959, at a time when the surfing scene was not like today, and he set up another shop at Cowell Beach, according to a local report.

"Guys were using sweaters from the Goodwill. I remember one guy got a jumper from the Goodwill and sprayed it with Thompson's water seal, and he set out there in an oil slick," O'Neill said in a 1999 interview to NBC affiliate KSBW8.

When O'Neill created his earlier wet suits, they were viewed with skepticism but that did not deter him to experiment with them further. His firm went on to become one of the world's biggest surf wear brands.

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In an interview in 2011 cited by the BBC, O'Neill said: "Surfing for me was a very important part of my life. I'd work downtown in San Francisco and I'd get all screwed up, and I'd go out and I'd jump in the ocean and everything would be all right again."

"All I wanted to do was surf, and when I opened that shop in my garage, I thought I would have a few guys there to sell suits and have guys to surf with. ... One of the guys up there told me: 'O'Neill, you are going to sell to the five guys on the beach and you are going to be out of business."

"Nobody is more surprised than I am about how this business has grown," he said.

O'Neill's son took over the business in 1985.

Meanwhile, the surfing fraternity mourned the veteran's death, according to a report. "It's a sad day for surfing," Mavericks big wave surfer Ken "Skindog" Collins told KSBW8 Friday.

"It's sad news. You drive by Pleasure Point, and you see that house every time, and you get a little reflection of how much surfing means to this community. And what he brought to this community," big wave surfer Peter Mel told KSBW8.

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A high school senior got accepted to Yale and it was her essay on pizza that helped get her in.

Read: Buon Appetito! The World's Largest Pizza Makes History by Stretching More Than a Mile

Pizza is Carolina Williams favorite food, and when the prestigious university in New Haven, Conn., prompted her to write about something that you love in 200 words or less, she picked her top indulgence.



I immediately thought about ordering pizza because that's literally what I love to do, she told Inside Edition. "I love pizza."

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, consolation and joy, she wrote.

Her essay dazzled the powers that be at Yale. The admissions officer even wrote a handwritten note with her acceptance letter.

As a fellow lover of pizza, I laughed out loud (then ordered pizza) after reading your application. Yale would be lucky to have you, the letter stated.

The Tennessee teen celebrated the big news by ordering Papa Johns, which is her favorite pizza.

But despite the Ivy League institution's offer, she's decided instead to attend Auburn University in Alabama.

Read: Girl Devours 2 Pizza Slices on 'Kiss Cam,' Steals Spotlight From Canoodling Couple

It was a really hard decision for me to make, but I love the South and Ill be closer to home, she admitted.

It doesn't hurt that Auburn has a Papa Johns on campus.

I love Auburn for lots of reasons, but I am very excited they have Papa Johns there, she added.

Watch: Off the Rails: Pizza Shop Delivers to Hungry Passenger on Stalled Amtrak Train

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(Reuters) - Texas Governor Greg Abbott has signed into law a more relaxed version of state voter-identification requirements than a previously enacted measure struck down by U.S. courts as racially discriminatory. The new measure was designed to remedy flaws the courts found in the original law by providing Texans an alternative to the type of government-issued photo ID they had been required to present in order to vote at polling stations. Voters will now be permitted to cast their ballots by furnishing some other documentation bearing their name and address, such as a bank statement or utility bill, if they also sign an affidavit attesting to having a "reasonable impediment" to obtaining a valid photo ID. Critics contend that the measure, passed by the Republican-controlled legislature last month and signed on Thursday by Abbott, a first-term Republican, is still aimed at discouraging racial and ethnic minorities, who tend to favor Democrats. They particularly object to provisions carrying a prison sentence of up to 10 years for lying on a voter-ID affidavit. The list of valid photo-IDs accepted under both the previous law and the revised measure includes a driver's license, U.S. military identification, U.S. passport and concealed handgun permit, but not a student ID card. Texas ranks as the most populous Republican-dominated state, with the Republican Party winning every statewide race for elective office for more than 20 years. But shifting demographics have given hope to Democrats that they can eventually turn the state to their column. The original voter ID requirements were signed into law in 2011 by then-Texas Governor Rick Perry, a Republican. Considered one of the nation's strictest such measures, it has been subject to years of court challenges, with the law's opponents saying it could exclude up to 600,000 voters. Supporters of such laws have countered they are necessary to protect the integrity of the election system, despite little evidence of actual voter fraud. The U.S. Supreme Court declined in January to hear an appeal by Texas seeking to revive the original law's requirements. (Reporting by Steve Gorman in Los Angeles; Editing by Lisa Shumaker)
WASHINGTON (Reuters) - U.S. President Donald Trump's administration has begun returning to Congress copies of a voluminous 2014 report describing the CIA's harsh detention and interrogation programs, U.S. officials said on Friday. The Trump administration's move means it could be more difficult for the full, 6,700-page report to be made public, because documents held by Congress are exempt from laws requiring government records to eventually be made public. The White House made the move in response to requests by Sen. Richard Burr, the Senate Intelligence Committee's current Republican chairman, officials said. In a statement emailed to Reuters, Burr said: "I have directed my staff to retrieve copies of the Congressional study that remain with the Executive Branch agencies and, as the Committee does with all classified and compartmented information, will enact the necessary measures to protect the sensitive sources and methods contained within the report." Sen. Dianne Feinstein, the Democrat who chaired the committee when the report was produced, had asked that it be distributed to multiple executive branch agencies, a move designed to make it eventually releasable to the public under the Freedom of Information Act law. Feinstein said in a statement that she was "concerned and disappointed" that Burr requested that the document be returned, calling it a departure from the committee's normal bipartisan nature. "No senator, chairman or not, has the authority to erase history. I believe that is the intent of the chairman in this case," she said. Sen Mark Warner, who succeeded Feinstein as the committee's top Democrat, said in a Twitter post he was "disappointed" with Burr's decision, and that the report "must be preserved so we can learn from past mistakes & ensure that abuses are never repeated." A declassified executive summary of the report was made public in December 2014. It concluded that the CIA's interrogation programs, using techniques such as waterboarding that most observers consider torture, were more brutal and less effective than the CIA had told policymakers. The report said that not a single terrorist attack was foiled as a result of the use of harsh interrogation techniques. The American Civil Liberties Union had filed litigation to have the full report released. But U.S. courts ruled that because the document was created by Congress, it was exempt from the Freedom of Information Act. At least one copy of the report, however, will not be returned to the committee. Thats because a copy has been preserved in former President Barack Obamas presidential archive, according to a Dec. 9, 2016 letter written to Feinstein by Obamas top White House lawyer at the time, W. Neil Eggleston. The CIA declined to comment. Burr's move was first reported by the New York Times. (Reporting by Mark Hosenball and Jonathan Landay; Writing by Warren Strobel; Editing by Bernadette Baum)
The administration of President Donald Trump has started returning to the Congress a 2014 report of the Central Intelligence Agency that described its detention and interrogation programs, including torture. The CIA report was written when the Democrats controlled the Senate.

The move by the current administration is in response to requests by Sen. Richard Burr, the Senate Intelligence Committee's current chairman. Burr, a Republican senator from North Carolina, referred to the report as "shoddy" and excessively critical of the CIA and former President George W. Bush's administration, the New York Times reported Friday, citing officials.

Read: Are Trump's Approval Ratings Better Than Obama and Bush?

In a statement emailed to Reuters, Burr said: "I have directed my staff to retrieve copies of the Congressional study that remain with the Executive Branch agencies and, as the Committee does with all classified and compartmented information, will enact the necessary measures to protect the sensitive sources and methods contained within the report."

The 6,700-page Senate report was written in 2014 under then-intelligence committee chairwoman Sen. Dianne Feinstein, the Democratic senator from California. The findings suggested that more prisoners were subjected to waterboarding than CIA had acknowledged in the past, according to a Times report.

The committee investigating into the interrogation tactics used by the CIA claimed it had obtained a photograph of a board surrounded by buckets of water, presumably used for waterboarding. This was at a prison in Afghanistan, at a facility commonly known as Salt Pit, where CIA had earlier claimed waterboarding was never used.

A covert officer described the prison as a "dungeon" and another officer referred to the prisoners there as dogs who had been kenneled.

The current administration's decision to return the copies of the report indicates its contents might be buried forever and never be made public, at least so long as Republicans control the Senate and the White House, reports said.

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Since its completion, the document has been a bone of contention between committee Democrats, civil liberties advocates who were concerned that the report will never become public and congressional Republicans who argued that it was overly critical of the CIA.

Meanwhile, the intelligence panel's Democrats criticized the Trump administration and Burr for returning the copies of the report, reports said.

Sen. Sheldon Whitehouse from Rhode Island released a statement which said: "When I served on the Senate Intelligence Committee, my colleagues and I worked hard to ensure a full accounting of the Bush Administrations turn down the dark road to torture... The reports public component has been stipulated as accurate by the United States military, and CIA objections were quietly taken down from the website. The report contains difficult facts to face, but they must be aired."

Sen. Feinstein also released a statement expressing her disappointment over Burr not consulting with the Democrats on the committee before demanding for the report to be returned.

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In his decision Thursday to withdraw from the Paris Climate Agreement, President Donald Trump strengthened support with his core base. The contentious move, however, represents yet another setback for Trump's sagging approval ratings, as seven of 10 Americans were in support of the agreement.

Trumps approval and favorability are already historically low at this point in his presidency. When he was elected, Trump's approval ratings hovered around 40 to 45 percent but has recently been dipping below 40 percent following increased media scrutiny and the passing of the unpopular American Health Care Act in the House of Representatives.

Trump's press is also unlikely to be positive in the near future. The latest news from the investigation into the Trump campaign and Russia has escalated with the announcement of a hearing Thursday by CIA Director James Comey. This comes in conjunction with the trickle of information from the investigation by Special Counsel Robert Mueller, who has been reportedly looking at the business handlings of Trump's son-in-law and aide Jared Kushner, former campaign chairman Paul Manafort and Attorney General Jeff Sessions.

READ MORE: Trump Approval Ratings: Comparing Trump's Ratings With Obama's And Bush's

Three tracking polls that were taken in the days before the withdrawal from the Paris Agreement: Rasmussen, Gallup, and Survey Monkey. All three gave similar results showing the presidents disapproval marks outweighing his approval by double digits.

In the Rasmussen Report, a historically right-leaning tracking poll, the president got his highest approval rating, 44 percent between May 30 and June 1. In the FiveThirtyEight tracking aggregator which weighs the polls by historic leanings, they adjusted that percentage down to 39 percent. By contrast, the approval tracker gave him a 56 percent disapproval rating.

In the Gallup Poll taken during the same time period, a similar result was shown, with Trump receiving 39 percent approval and 56 percent disapproval rating - adjusted to 40 percent approval and 54 percent disapproval rating. The SurveyMonkey poll taken between May 26 and June 1 showed 41 percent approval and 57 percent disapproval adjusted to 39 percent approval and 56 percent.

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The FiveThirtyEight aggregator averages 39.1 percent approval and 54.9 disapproval, with the trend showing a shrinking base of support and more and more Republicans disapproving of the president after a couple of weeks of negative press.

READ MORE: Are Trump's Approval Ratings Polls Biased? New Poll Shows 50% Of Americans Approve Of His Job Performance

The withdrawal from the Paris Climate Agreement has similar partisan approval, with one poll showing about 62 Americans preferring to stay in the agreement. Only about 56 percent of Republicans supporting the presidents decision to leave, with an overwhelming majority of Democrats (87 percent) and Independents (61 percent) wanting to stay in the agreement, according to a survey taken by Politico and Harvards School of Public Health.

On RealClearPolitics poll aggregator for "Trump's Favorability" and "Direction of the Country," there's been a similar backlash and gutting of support. His favorability is at 40.2 percent and his unfavorability is at 54.2 percent. An average of only 34.3 percent of Americans think the country is going in the right direction, while 57.8 percent think the country is going in the wrong direct.

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Photo: (Photo by Alex Wong/Getty Images)

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White House has dodged declaring presidents view on climate change, but Haley says leaving Paris accord doesnt mean we dont care about the environment

US ambassador to the UN, Nikki Haley, speaks to the media during the daily briefing in the White House. Photograph: Pablo Martinez Monsivais/AP

Donald Trump believes the climate is changing partly because of pollution, according to the US ambassador to the United Nations, Nikki Haley.



Speaking on the CNN programme State of the Union, due to air on Sunday, Haley was seeking to define the presidents thinking about climate change in the wake of his announcement that the US will leave the Paris climate accord, joining Syria and Nicaragua as one of three non-signatories.

President Trump believes the climate is changing and he believes pollutants are part of that equation, she said. So that is the fact. That is where we are.

The overwhelming majority of climate scientist believe human activity is the main driver behind the dangerous warming of the planet.

Haley continued: He knows that its changing and he knows the US has to be responsible for it and that is what were going to do. Just because we got out of a club doesnt mean we dont care about the environment.

Trumps views on climate change have been at issue all week. On Thursday, in a White House briefing to explain the decision to pull out of the Paris agreement, officials refused to confirm or deny whether the president believed that global warming was caused by human activity. Pressed on the issue by reporters, one of them said can we stay on topic, please.

White House spokesman Sean Spicer said earlier in the week he did not know the presidents views.

Honestly, I havent asked him that, he said. I can get back to you.

On Friday, after Trumps announcement on the Paris accord departure, Spicer was asked the same question.

I have not had the opportunity to specifically talk to the president about that, he said.

Trump has repeatedly described climate change as a hoax, on one occasion in 2012 saying it was a concept created by and for the Chinese in order to make US manufacturing non-competitive.

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Questioned on CNN about the decision to pull out of the Paris accord, Haley said: We have got a president who is going to look out for the environment. Its what we do. Its who we are. We are going to continue to be a leader in the environment.

The rest of the world wanted to tell us how to do it and were saying we will do it, but we will do it under our terms.

She later acknowledged that the US set its own emissions targets under the Paris agreement, which is voluntary and non-binding, but blamed the Obama administration for setting goals that were not attainable.

In the excerpts of the interview released on Saturday, Haley did not explain why the US did not stay inside the accord and amend US targets.
AP

The head of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has refused to answer the question of whether President Donald Trump believes climate change is real, one of several officials to sidestep the question as the fallout continues over the decision to withdraw from the Paris agreement.

In a White House briefing, Scott Pruitt repeatedly responded that the Paris agreement puts the US at an economic disadvantage when asked about Mr Trumps views on climate change.

The administrator said that the debate over the Paris agreement is not about whether climate change is occurring or not.

Mr Pruitt called the withdrawal of the US from the accord  signed by almost 200 countries  a courageous decision on behalf of America that puts the country first. We have nothing to be apologetic about", Mr Pruitt said.

The USs move to withdraw has been met with sharp criticism from world leaders, including former President Barack Obama, who used an executive order to push through US involvement in the deal, allowing him to bypass climate sceptics in Congress.

Long before he was president, Mr Trump called global warming an expensive hoax. He did not make such comments during his announcement of his decision on the Paris accord, hailing himself as someone who cares deeply about the environment.

Also asked about the Presidents views on climate change, White House press secretary Sean Spicer responded: I have not had an opportunity to have that discussion.

You should ask him that and I hope you have a chance, said Kellyanne Conway, a White House adviser, on the topic. When pressed, Conway said Mr Trump believes in clean air, clean water, a clean environment and believes we have to negotiate better deals for this country.

Interior Secretary Ryan Zinke told CNN that while he does not believe [climate change] is a hoax, he does not speak for the President. Mr Zinke later added that he had not asked Mr Trump about his thoughts on the topic.

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During a briefing in the West Wing on Thursday, a reporter asked a senior White House official if Mr Trump believes human activity contributes to climate change?

The official replied: I did not talk to the president about his personal views on what is contributing to climate change.

Mr Trump also avoided the question at a late - and unrelated - bill signing. Which marks a big change in recent years, and particularly since he became President.

Mr Trump's Twitter feed once was filled with references to so-called global warming being a total con job based on faulty science and manipulated data.

An Associated Press search of his twitter archives revealed at least 90 instances in which he has referred to global warming and climate change since 2011. In nearly every instance, he expressed scepticism or mockery.

This very expensive GLOBAL WARMING bulls*** has got to stop, he wrote in January 2014.

Often the president has pointed to cold weather as evidence the climate scientists are wrong.

Where the hell is global warming when you need it? he asked in January 2015.

I'm not a believer in man-made global warming, Trump told conservative radio host Hugh Hewitt in September 2015, after launching his bid for the White House. He bemoaned the fact that the US was investing money and doing things to solve a problem that I don't think in any major fashion exists.

I am not a believer, he added, Unless somebody can prove something to me ... I am not a believer and we have much bigger problems.

By March 2016, the president appeared to allow that the climate was changing  but continued to doubt humans were to blame.

I think there's a change in weather. I am not a great believer in man-made climate change. I'm not a great believer, he told The Washington Post. There is certainly a change in weather, he said.

In an interview with The New York Times in November, after the election said he was looking at [the issue of climate change] very closely.

I have an open mind to it. We're going to look very carefully, he added.

He went on to say that he thought there is some connectivity between human activity and the changing climate, but that, It depends on how much.

Asked about the comment several days later, Trump's now-chief of staff Reince Priebus told Fox News that Trump has his default position, which is that most of it is a bunch of bunk.

Last week, during meetings and summits with allies that focused on the issue - White House officials characterised his views as "evolving," but as yet it is unclear which way.

Associated Press contributed to this report
Paul Manafort was forced to resign from his position as Trump campaign manager amid revelations over business deals in Ukraine: Getty

Investigators are casting a wider net in their probe of alleged connections between Donald Trumps 2016 election campaign and the Russian government, reportedly taking over a separate criminal investigation into the President's former campaign chairman Paul Manafort. The revelations come amid reports that the Trump administration tried to end the Russian sanctions as soon as the President took office.

The special counsel investigating the ties  headed by highly respected former FBI director Robert Mueller  may also take a look into the roles of US Attorney General Jeff Sessions and Deputy Attorney General Rod Rosenstein in Mr Trump's decision to fire former FBI director James Comey.

The criminal investigation into Mr Manafort, who was forced to resign from his position within the Trump campaign amid revelations that he had lucrative business deals in Ukraine years ago, predates the probe into possible collusion between Russian officials and Trump associates. The counterintelligence probe into Moscows influence in the 2016 election began last July.

Mr Muellers special counsel hasnt commented publicly on the investigations, and the actual range of the investigation into the Trump campaigns connections to Russia is so far unknown. Reports have indicated that the scope has grown to include Mr Trumps son-in-law and senior White House adviser Jared Kushner.

Mr Manaforts connections to Ukraine are robust. He has received millions of dollars in payments from pro-Russia sources, and once worked closely with Russian politicians and a Russian billionaire. Those connections reportedly led some Russian officials during the 2016 campaign to discuss potential ways of influencing him, according to reports from US intelligence officials. Those discussions also focused on influencing former National Security Adviser Michael Flynn.

The drip of revelations about the extent of Mr Trumps team connections with Russian officials  and allegations that the President himself sought to obstruct justice in asking Mr Comey to stop his bureaus investigation into Mr Flynn  have rocked Washington in recent weeks and months. While far from a consensus, some members of Congress have called for Mr Trumps impeachment, and a growing number of Americans say that he he should be impeached regardless of whether his actions meet the high crimes and misdemeanours standard for removal from office established in the US Constitution.

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As things stand, impeachment seems unlikely. Even if allegations of collusion end up extending all the way to the Oval Office, Congress would still need to see it fit to act on those allegations. Mr Trumps party currently controls both chambers of Congress, including the House of Representatives where impeachment proceedings would take place.

Mr Flynn was forced to resign from his White House post less than a month into the Trump presidency after it was discovered that he had lied to Vice President Mike Pence about conversations with Russian officials during the transition period. He indicated to Mr Pence that he had not discussed US sanctions on Russia that were imposed for the Kremlins alleged meddling in the 2016 election. He had, in fact, done so.

But Mr Flynn was not the only member of the Trump team that discussed those sanctions in some form or another. The President himself sought to normalise relations between Washington and the Kremlin immediately after taking office, but encountered tough opposition from holdovers in government from former President Barack Obamas administration. As soon as taking over the West Wing, Trump officials instructed the State Department to begin exploring ways to lift the Russian sanctions imposed by Mr Obama.

State Department officials, however, were alarmed by that effort, and began lobbying Congress to impose laws that would block Mr Trumps administration from lifting those sanctions.

There was serious consideration by the White House to unilaterally rescind the sanctions, Dan Fried, who was serving as chief US coordinator for sanctions policy until he retired in late February, told Yahoo News. He said that he began receiving panicky phone calls from staffers in the State Department pleading with him to block Mr Trumps efforts.

Mr Sessions was forced to recuse himself from a Justice Department probe into the Trump-Russia ties earlier this year after it was revealed after he misled Congress in failing to disclose that he had come in contact with Russian Ambassador to the US Sergey Kislyak. Mr Kushner, alongside several other campaign officials, also spoke with Mr Kislyak either during the campaign or during the transition period following the election.

The special counsel probe could look eventually look into memos written by Mr Sessions and Mr Rosenstein that appeared to support a decision by Mr Trump to fire Mr Comey. While Mr Rosensteins letter in particular was touted by the White House as having been the impetus behind the ouster, but Mr Trump himself later indicated that he had made up his mind to fire Mr Comey regardless of Mr Rosensteins opinion.

Following his firing, reports have surfaced indicating that Mr Comey had kept meticulous notes on his interactions with the President, including a description of a dinner with Mr Trump in which the President allegedly urged the former FBI director to end his investigation into Mr Flynn.
Washington (AFP) - President Donald Trump does believe the world climate is changing and humans bear some responsibility, US Ambassador to the United Nations Nikki Haley said in an interview Saturday.

Amid furious worldwide criticism of Trump's decision Thursday to quit the Paris climate agreement, White House spokesmen had refused on Friday to say whether the president even believed the climate was changing. He said frequently during last year's election campaign that climate change was a hoax.

But Haley, in an interview with CNN to be aired fully on Sunday, did not hedge.

"President Trump believes the climate is changing and he believes pollutants are part of the equation," she said.

He "knows that it's changing and that the US has to be responsible for it and that's what we're going to do," she said.

Haley said the terms of the international agreement curbing global emissions -- signed by every country but Nicaragua and Syria -- were "too onerous" and placed American companies at a disadvantage.

Trump's decision has left the United States virtually isolated on the world stage, and his insistence that he will seek to "renegotiate" the international accord has done little to ease a wave of bitter condemnation.

Against that backdrop, a string of administration officials went on the offensive Friday to justify the Republican president's decision to abandon the 195-nation Paris deal.

Trump's top climate adviser Scott Pruitt was indignant: "The world applauded when we joined Paris. And you know why? I think they applauded because they knew it would put this country at a disadvantage."

Trump himself ignored a question about climate change when asked by journalists during an unrelated event Friday, although he did joke that Thursday's decision had proven "controversial."

White House press secretary Sean Spicer also refused to answer repeated questions on the subject.
The Trump administration has come under criticism from Democrats for considering to return to Russia two diplomatic compounds, one near New York City and the other on Maryland's eastern shore. Russian officials staying there were ousted by former President Barack Obama as a form of punishment for Moscow's interference in the 2016 presidential election, reports said.

Rep. Maxine Waters (D-California) criticized President Donald Trump in a statement, for reportedly considering the return of the two diplomatic properties seized from Russia in December. She said: "I am stunned by the audacity of this president that he would dare reverse any form of the punishments imposed on Russia for election meddling when he and members of his team are under scrutiny for coordinating with Russian operatives to undermine our democracy."

Read: Was Michael Flynn A Close Friend Of Russians? Sources Said So During Presidential Election

"Those compounds enjoyed diplomatic immunity, which meant that U.S. law enforcement could not enter and activities that took place there could escape U.S. prosecution, Waters added. If the reports are true and Donald Trump intends to reverse Obama era punishments for Russias meddling in the election as well as Russias aggression in Ukraine, then you can be sure that I will fight tooth and nail to stop him.

Rep. David N. Cicilline (D-Rhode Island) also released a statement saying that returning the Russian compounds rewards "Russia's bad behavior."

Not much is known about the two properties that Trump is considering returning to Russia.

The Maryland compound is located two miles away from the eastern shore of Centreville in Queen Anne's County, about 60 miles outside Washington, D.C. The Russian Federation, then U.S.S.R., reportedly purchased this 45-acre vacation estate to be used by officials in 1972. It was valued at $3 million in 1992.

The compound was described to have a tall chain-link fence surrounding it and there were video cameras to monitor the premises. At the time, a local newspaper reported "fears of nuclear submarines surfacing in the Chester River to pick up American secrets and defectors," but, the frequency of dinner parties, caviar and vodka eventually won the locals over.

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At the time when the property was purchased, neighbors were not intimidated by the Russian visitors, according to a report.

"As far as neighbors are concerned, you couldn't ask for better," Joe Handley, a former estate manager for Raskob, told the Washington Post in 1979. "They don't bother anybody."

Very little is known about the other property in Long Island's Nassau County. It is spread over 14 acres and was purchased by the Soviet government in 1954. The building in Upper Brookville village is reportedly known as the Norwich House on Mill River Road among the locals.

Recently, the property was assessed at a value of $9.4 million, according to county property records. Due to its status as a foreign government's embassy, it was partially exempted from taxes, according to the records.

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In sign of investigations breadth, special counsel Robert Mueller to consider questions over ex-national security advisers work for Turkish businessman

Robert Mueller will consider findings from a grand jurys investigation into Michael Flynns foreign lobbying. Photograph: Larry Downing/Reuters

A grand jury investigation into Michael Flynns foreign lobbying will be included in special counsel Robert Muellers scrutiny of possible collusion between Donald Trumps associates and Russia, it was reported on Friday.



It emerged last month that a grand jury in northern Virginia is examining former national security advisers work on behalf of a Turkish entrepreneur and has issued subpoenas to businesses that worked with him.

The findings will become part of Muellers investigation, Reuters reported on Friday, an early indication of the extent of his reach as special counsel.

Later on Friday, the Associated Press reported that Mueller has also assumed oversight of an ongoing investigation involving former Trump campaign chairman Paul Manafort, who was forced to resign in August 2016 amid questions over his past business dealings in Ukraine.

Flynn set up an intelligence consultancy in Alexandria, Virginia, after Barack Obama fired him as head of the Defense Intelligence Agency in 2014.

Among his deals under scrutiny is one with Ekim Alptekin, a Turkish businessman whose company, the Netherlands-based Inovo BV, paid Flynns consultancy $530,000 to produce a documentary and research on Fethullah Gulen, a Turkish cleric living in exile in a small Pennsylvania town.

Recep Tayyip Erdogan, the president of Turkey, blames Gulen for a failed coup last July, an allegation that Gulen denies.

Alptekin, chairman of the Turkey-US Business Council, told Reuters he had hired Flynn to provide research on how Gulen was poisoning the atmosphere between Turkey and the US. The fee given to Flynns company came mostly from his personal funds, he added.

The grand jury in Virginia has issued subpoenas to some of Flynns business associates involved in the work for Inovo, Reuters said. The subpoena seen by the agency seeks bank records, documents and communications related to Flynn, his company, Flynn Intel Group, Alptekin and Inovo.

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Flynns work for Inovo came under scrutiny after he published a commentary on a political news website calling Gulen a radical Islamist who should be extradited to Turkey.



The House of Representatives intelligence committee, also investigating Russian interference in the election, subpoenaed records from Flynn on Wednesday. The Senate intelligence committee has served subpoenas on Flynn and two of his businesses, and this week Flynn indicated that he would start turning over relevant materials.

The deputy attorney general, Rod Rosenstein, appointed Mueller, a former FBI director, on 17 May to oversee an investigation into any ties between Russia and individuals associated with the Trump campaign ahead of last Novembers presidential election. This followed Trumps decision to fire James Comey as director of the FBI.

Comey will testify next Thursday before the Senate intelligence committee in both an open session and behind closed doors, another potential political minefield for Trump.

In theory, the president could seek to invoke executive privilege in an attempt to block Comey from testifying, albeit at the risk of huge political blowback. Sean Spicer, the White House press secretary, said: That committee hearing was just noticed and I think, obviously, its got to be reviewed.

A reporter interjected: Thats not a no! Spicer replied: I was just saying, literally, my understanding is the date for that hearing was just set. I have not spoken to counsel yet. I dont know how theyre going to respond.

Spicer repeatedly parried questions about Trump and Russia, insisting that from now on he would now concentrate on the presidents agenda and refer all such inquiries to legal counsel.
The Senate Intelligence Committee has no 'smoking gun' in the investigation into the Trump campaign team and Russia but former FBI Director James Comey is set to testify before them: Andrew Harrer-Pool/Getty Images

The co-chair of the Senate Intelligence Committee said there is no "smoking gun" in the investigation of the Trump campaign teams alleged ties to Russia, but there is a "lot of smoke."

Committee Vice Chair Mark Warner told CNN that the committee is attempting to "sort through" information to determine whether or not Russia interfered in any with the 2016 US election as well.

Former FBI Director James Comey, unceremoniously fired by Donald Trump, is set to testify in front of the committee on 8 June.

Mr Warner said he and colleagues will have to determine whether there is any truth to the reports that Mr Trump asked Mr Comey and other authorities to "downplay" the Russia investigation in any way.

It has been reported that Mr Comey kept detailed memos of his conversations with the President. The memos are now property of the FBI and one allegedly shows, as reported by the New York Times, that Mr Trump asked Mr Comey to "let it go" when it came to the investigation into former National Security Advisor Michael Flynn allegedly receiving illegal payments from the Turkish government and his ties to Russia.

Mr Trump fired Mr Flynn and said publicly the reason was because Mr Flynn had lied to Vice President Mike Pence about his meetings with Russian Ambassador Sergey Kislyak ahead of Mr Trump's inauguration.

Clearly it would be very very troubling if the president of the United States is interfering in investigations that...affect the president and his closest associates, Mr Warner said.

Trump aide Kellyanne Conway confirmed to ABC News that Mr Trump will not use his executive privilege to prevent Mr Comey's testimony. Mr Warner said the White House would have been on shaky ground legally should they have prevented him from appearing before Congress.

Mr Comey is a private citizen now and so he may be allowed to speak publicly about non-classified information should he want to, regardless of whether he appears before Congress or not.

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Director of National Intelligence Dan Coats and National Security Agency Director Mike Rogers are also set to appear before the Senate on the matter.

Mr Warner told CBS he would ask Mr Comey and the others "what kind of pressure appropriate, inappropriate, how many conversations he had with the president about this topic, did some of these conversations take place even before the president was sworn in?"

The search for a new FBI Director continues according to the White House.
By Michelle Nichols UNITED NATIONS (Reuters) - The U.N. Security Council on Friday expanded targeted sanctions against North Korea after its repeated missile tests, adopting the first such resolution agreed by the United States and Pyongyang's only major ally China since President Donald Trump took office. The Trump administration has been pressing China aggressively to rein in its reclusive neighbor, warning that all options are on the table if Pyongyang persists with its nuclear and missile development programs. The United States has struggled to slow those programs, which have become a security priority given Pyongyang's vow to develop a nuclear-tipped missile capable of hitting the U.S. mainland. "The United States will continue to seek a peaceful, diplomatic resolution to this situation," U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations Nikki Haley told the council after the vote. But she added: "Beyond diplomatic and financial consequences, the United States remains prepared to counteract North Korean aggression through other means, if necessary." Adding names to the U.N. blacklist - a global travel ban and asset freeze - was the minimum sanctions measures the Security Council could have taken and comes after five weeks of negotiations between Washington and Beijing. "The Security Council is sending a clear message to North Korea today - stop firing ballistic missiles or face the consequences," Haley said. The resolution, adopted unanimously by the 15-member council, sanctions four entities, including the Koryo Bank and Strategic Rocket Force of the Korean People's Army, and 14 people, including the head of Pyongyang's overseas spying operations. North Korea's Koryo Bank handles overseas transactions for Office 38, a shadowy body that manages the private slush funds of the North Korean leadership, according to a South Korean government database. 'CRITICAL WINDOW' The measures adopted on Friday could have been agreed by the council's North Korea sanctions committee behind closed doors, but Washington convinced China to back a public vote on the blacklist, amplifying the council's unhappiness with Pyongyang's defiance of a U.N. ban on ballistic missile launches. The U.N. 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. "There is a critical window of opportunity for the nuclear issue of the peninsula to come back to the right track of seeking a settlement through dialogue and negotiations," Chinese U.N. Ambassador Liu Jieyi told the council. "It is incumbent on all parties concerned to exercise restraint and to do more to help ease the tension and build mutual trust." He again proposed a simultaneous freeze of North Korea's nuclear and missile programs and South Korea and the United States' joint military exercises. Russia said the suggestion merits "serious consideration." Haley said: "We want a negotiated solution, but North Korea must fulfill its basic obligations by first stopping all ballistic missile launches and nuclear weapons testing and taking concrete steps toward getting rid of its nuclear weapons program." U.S. Secretary of State Rex Tillerson told the Security Council on April 28 that it needed to act before North Korea does. Just hours after the meeting - chaired by Tillerson during his first visit to the United Nations as the top U.S. diplomat - Pyongyang launched yet another ballistic missile. 'UNFRIENDLY STEPS' 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. Pyongyang has launched several more ballistic missiles since then, including a short-range missile on Monday that landed in the sea off its east coast. Diplomats said it appeared China was still only likely to consider additional strong new U.N. sanctions measures, such as an oil embargo, a ban on Pyongyang's airline or tougher economic sanctions, if North Korea conducted a long-range missile launch or another nuclear test. The last round of complex sanctions imposed by the Security Council took three months to negotiate following Pyongyang's fifth nuclear test in September. Those measures aimed to cut North Korea's annual export revenue by a quarter. China has also been infuriated by the U.S. deployment of an advanced Terminal High Altitude Area Defense (THAAD) anti-missile system in South Korea, saying it was a threat to its security and would do nothing to ease tension with Pyongyang. Security Council veto power Russia backed the U.N. measures on Friday. Moscow's support had been unclear after the United States imposed its own sanctions on Thursday on Russian firms for their support of North Korea's weapons programs. "This step is something that is very puzzling and deeply disappointing," Deputy Russian U.N. Ambassador Vladimir Safronkov said of the U.S. sanctions amid battered U.S.-Russia relations. "Instead of trying to work through the bilateral backlog in our work, Washington is doing exactly the opposite and undertaking unfriendly steps, which make it more difficult to normalize our dialogue and make it more difficult to cooperate in international affairs," he told the Security Council. Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe on Saturday voiced support for the unanimous U.N decision and called on North Korea to refrain from repeated nuclear tests and missile launches. The United States is encouraged by China's efforts to restrain North Korea, U.S. Defense Secretary Jim Mattis said in Singapore on Saturday, adding the threat from North Korea was "clear and present". (Reporting by Michelle Nichols at the United Nations and Osamu Tsukimori in TOKYO; Editing by James Dalgleish and Kim Coghill)
The Labour leader condemned the PM for failing to join other European leaders in defending the Paris Agreement: Reuters

Jeremy Corbyn has accused Theresa May of being subservient to Donald Trump after she remained silent over the Paris Agreement on climate change and only expressed her disappointment after the US President announced his decision to quit the accord.

The Labour leaders remarks were echoed by Green Party co-leader Caroline Lucas, who condemned the Prime Minister for her slow and timid response and saying it was another sign of her weakness.

Ms Mays leadership qualities have come under scrutiny as Labour has closed a once seemingly unassailable gap in the polls. This was only exacerbated by her decision not to take part in the BBC leaders debate.

Mr Corbyn said the US withdrawal from Paris was reckless and dangerous.

There can be no question of watering those commitments down  the Paris deal cannot be up for renegotiation, he said, dismissing Mr Trumps suggestion he might be able to do this.

And he criticised Ms Mays decision not to add her name to a statement defending the Paris Agreement by the leaders of France, Germany and Italy.

Why does Theresa May not have her name on this joint statement? he said.

Given the chance to present a united front with our international partners, she has instead opted for silence and, once again, subservience to Donald Trump.

Ms Lucas also contrasted Ms Mays belated expression of her disappointment with the tough response from Europes leaders.

Theresa Mays slow and timid response to this reckless and irresponsible announcement by Trump is another sign of her weakness, Ms Lucas said.

A true global leader would be condemning the Presidents actions, and joining with other European countries to formulate an emergency plan to save the Paris Agreement.

Once again were seeing a weak Prime Minister failing to stand up tall on the world stage in the face of near-criminal behaviour from one of our closest allies.

She said the UK should be leading the way on tackling climate change but the Conservatives were dragging us backwards at home, and stepping back from making an impact internationally.

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Tim Farron, the Liberal Democrat leader, challenged Ms May to try to change Mr Trumps mind.

You have gone to Washington to hold Donald Trumps hand, now is the time to hold his feet to the fire, he said.

Scottish First Minister Nicola Sturgeon said it was an appalling abdication of leadership by the Prime Minister not to join her French, German and Italian counterparts in signing a joint declaration about the United States withdrawal from the Paris Agreement.

In the statement, Emmanuel Macron, the French President, Angela Merkel, the German Chancellor, and Paolo Gentiloni, the Italian Prime Minister, said they remained committed to the irreversible accord and regarded it as a cornerstone in the cooperation between our countries, for effectively and timely tackling climate change.

In a statement, Downing Street said Mr Trump had called Ms May to discuss withdrawing from Paris.

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, the statement said.

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.
Geneva (AFP) - The US withdrawal from the Paris climate pact could "in a worst case scenario" add a 0.3 degree Celsius rise in global temperatures over the 21st century, the UN said Friday.

The head of the World Meteorological Organization's atmospheric research and environment department, Deon Terblanche, underscored however that the likely impact of US President Donald Trump's widely-condemned decision remains far from clear.

"We haven't run new models overnight but the indications are that it could be in the worst case scenario in the order of 0.3 degrees Celsius," Terblanche told reporters in Geneva, referring to a possible rise over pre-industrial temperatures.

"That is the worst case scenario and this is probably not what will happen," he added.

Under the Paris deal agreed in 2015, world nations vowed steps to keep the worldwide rise in temperatures "well below" two degrees Celsius (3.6 degrees Fahrenheit) from pre-industrial times.

Trump announced Thursday at the White House his administration would immediately stop implementing the "bad" 195-nation accord brokered by his predecessor Barack Obama in 2015 in tandem with Chinese leaders.

Terblanche also cautioned "it is still fairly early days" to assess the impact of Trump's "complex announcement".

UN officials also stressed that the deal was structured to require action from multiple levels of government, including municipal, regional and federal authorities.

With some US cities and states immediately voicing support for the Paris deal following Trump's announcement, it is unlikely that the country as a whole will see zero implementation of the pact in real terms.

It will take several years before the world "will have a proper understanding of what the implications are" of the US withdrawal, Terblanche said.

The climate expert said WMO would not be complacent or overly discouraged, pledging to continue publishing evidence-based research highlighting the threats facing the planet.

"We will continue to make sure that the scientific knowledge is out there" in hopes of shaping better policy decisions, Terblanche said.

China and the European Union have swiftly moved to fill the leadership void on the Paris climate pact left by the US pullout.
Scott Pruitt insists America retains a seat at the negotiating table

Pruitt refuses to say whether Trump believes climate change is real

Scott Pruitt at the briefing, with Sean Spicer in the background. Pruitt said: The reason European leaders want us to stay in is because they know it will continue to shackle our economy. Photograph: AFP/Getty Images

The head of the Environmental Protection Agency has said America has nothing to apologise for on climate change and retains a seat at the negotiating table, claiming: After all, were the United States.

Scott Pruitt joined other officials in declining to say whether Donald Trump believes human activity contributes to climate change, a day after the president pulled America out of the landmark Paris agreement.

Pruitt claimed Trump wants better terms within the Paris framework or an entirely new deal, and dismissed warnings from world leaders that it is not negotiable.

Well, thats up to them, right? the EPA administrator told reporters. The United States has a seat at the table. After all, were the United States and we are leading with respect to CO2 reduction. We have made tremendous progress.

If nations around the globe want to seek to learn from us on what were doing to reduce our CO2 footprint, were going to share that with them, and thats something that should occur and will occur in the future. We will reach out and reciprocate with nations that seek to achieve that.

Trump announced on Thursday that the US, the worlds second biggest greenhouse gas emitter, would immediately stop implementing the 195-nation agreement brokered by Barack Obama in 2015. There was a global backlash, and the EU said on Friday it will increase cooperation with China to combat climate change.

Pruitt denied that America has abandoned the victims of climate change around the world, arguing that it has done a tremendous amount to reduce carbon output to 1990s levels and will stay engaged and continue to export relevant technology.

This is not a message to anyone in the world that America should be apologetic of its CO2 position. Were actually making tremendous advances. Were just not going to agree to frameworks and agreements that put us at an economic disadvantage and hurt citizens across this country.

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He echoed Trumps attack on members of the agreement as having economic rather than environmental motives. The world applauded when we joined Paris, and you know why? I think they applauded because they knew it was going to put this country at an economic disadvantage, and the reason European leaders want us to stay in is because they know it will continue to shackle our economy, though we are leading the world with respect to our CO2 reduction.

The EPA administrator was asked repeatedly whether Trump believes climate change is a hoax, as Trump previously claimed, but refused to give a straight answer. Theres enough to deal with with respect to the Paris agreement and making an informed decision about this important issue, he said. Thats where our focus has been the last several weeks.

For his own part, Pruitt acknowledged that global warming is occurring, and that human activity contributes to it in some manner. But he added: Measuring with precision, from my perspective, the degree of human contribution is very challenging.

Sean Spicer, the White House press secretary, was similarly evasive on the topic. Asked if he can talk to Trump about the cause of climate change and report back at the next press briefing, he replied: If I can, I will.

Spicer gave short shrift to suggestions that Trumps decision will lift China as a global leader. I think part of the reason the president said it was a bad deal yesterday was because countries including China were not making substantial progress in reducing their carbon footprint.

They werent doing enough and America was carrying the load, so I think by negotiating a better deal, hopefully we can get a better result for our country and the world.

Nicaragua and Syria are the only countries not party to the Paris accord; the former says it is not ambitious enough. Under a long exit process, Americas withdrawal will not be become formal until November 2020.
Following the release of an official toxicology report which determined that Chris Cornells death was in fact officially a suicide, his wife, Vicky Karayiannis, has released a pair of statements about the findings.

A toxicology report released by the medical examiner has confirmed that while there were multiple drugs in Cornells system at the time of his death, they did not contribute to the situation, and he officially died because of his suicide by hanging.

Chris Cornell and Vicky Karayiannis

Photo: Nicholas Hunt/Getty Images

It is my opinion that death was caused by hanging, Wayne County assistant medical examiner Theodore Brown wrote in a post mortem report obtained by Rolling Stone. Based on the circumstances surrounding this death and the autopsy findings, the manner of death is suicide.

Read:Brad Pitt Takes Chris Cornells Kids To Universal Studios

The report indicated that Cornell had ingested seven different drugs that were in his system at the time, though they didnt contribute to his cause of death. According to TMZ, the drugs included Naloxone (Narcan), Butalbital (a sedative), Lorazepam (Ativan), Pseudophedrine (decongestant), and barbiturates. He had also reportedly taken four 1 mg tablets of Ativan.

Following the ruling, Karayiannis released a pair of new statements. The first, which she released to the press, blamed the drugs in Cornells system for an altered state of mind, and expressed sadness that he had seemingly relapsed after several years of sobriety.

We have learned from this report that several substances were found in his system. After so many years of sobriety, this moment of terrible judgment seems to have completely impaired and altered his state of mind, she said. Something clearly went terribly wrong and my children and I are heartbroken and are devastated that this moment can never be taken back. We very much appreciate all of the love we have received during this extremely difficult time and are dedicated to helping others on preventing this type of tragedy.

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Karayiannis also released a second statement via a new letter to her husband as well, where she recalled how they first met, their love story over 14  years together, and apologized to him for not being there when he needed her most.

You had always said I saved you. You wouldnt be alive if it were not for me. My heart gleamed to see you happy living and motivated. Excited for life. Doing everything you can to give back, she said. We had the time of our lives in the last decade, and Im sorry my sweet love that I did not see what happened to you that night. Im sorry you were alone, and I know that was NOT you my sweet Christopher. Your children know that too so you can Rest In Peace.

The statements also came after Karayiannis previously said that she had several "unanswered questions" about her husbands death, prior to the toxicology reports findings.

Read: Vicky Karayiannis Knew Something Was Wrong Before Chris Cornells Death`

We are grateful for the outpouring of support as we mourn Chris passing, but we still have several unanswered questions about what led to his death, she said. "We believe the toxicology report will answer these questions.

Cornell was found in his hotel room at the MGM Grand hotel in Detroit just two hours after performing with his band at a concert on May 18.

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Vietnamese cops have smashed a multi-million-dollar drug ring that pumped out ecstasy pills from mobile labs, police and state media said Friday, in what could be the country's largest ever narcotics bust.

Fifteen people were arrested including the alleged ringleader Van Kinh Duong, who used live video or social media to monitor his labs as they moved house-to-house to evade authorities in Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City.

The labs churned out 'E' and other synthetic drugs, according to Cong An Thanh Pho Ho Chi Minh City on Friday, the southern hub's official newspaper.

Photographs showed bins full of white powder, cooking flasks and scales, along with suitcases stuffed with ecstasy pill packets.

"The pills were transported from Ho Chi Minh to Hanoi in suitcases of 5,000 pills weighing 50 kilograms (110 pounds)," the report said.

Police confiscated more than 500,000 ecstasy pills, 120 kilograms of unidentified powder -- together worth an estimated $8.8 million -- and $450,000 in cash at the bust in Ho Chi Minh City.

Since the start of 2016, the network had produced around 300 kilograms of narcotics, according to the report.

A police officer in Ho Chi Minh City, requesting anonymity, told AFP the sting followed a year-long surveillance operation.

The bust is believed to be the "biggest ever" in communist Vietnam, the officer added.

Vietnam has some of the toughest drug laws in the world, handing out heavy penalties to drug convicts.

Anyone found guilty of possessing more than 600 grams (21 ounces) of heroin, or more than 20 kilograms of opium can face the death penalty.

This week, five heroin traffickers were sentenced to death after police accused them of smuggling 102 kilograms of drugs into Vietnam from Laos.
Two weeks after 22 people were killed when a suicide bomber targeted an Ariana Grande concert in Manchester, United Kingdom, attackers drove a van at high speed into pedestrians on London Bridge in the U.K. capital Saturday night. Soon after, they started attacking people on the street and those returning home from bars in the nearby Borough Market area.

Authorities described the incident as a terrorist attack, which took place less than a week ahead of the June 8 general election. Six people were killed in the attack, according to authorities cited by Reuters. While reports said over 30 people were injured, a statement by London Ambulance Service said at least 20 people had been hospitalized.

Three attackers were shot dead by police, who believe there were no more of them, the Telegraph reported, citing police officials.

Read: Student Pilot Detained By British Police In Manchester Bombing

President Donald Trump used the occasion to send a reminder about the importance of enforcement of his executive order to restrict the travel of Muslims to the United States. Minutes later, he also offered help to London and the U.K.

A statement by the Department of State said: "The United States condemns the cowardly attacks targeting innocent civilians in London this evening. We understand U.K. police are currently treating these as terrorist incidents. The United States stands ready to provide any assistance authorities in the United Kingdom may request. Our hearts are with the families and loved ones of the victims. We wish a full and quick recovery to those injured in the attacks. All Americans stand in solidarity with the people of the United Kingdom."

The office of British Prime Minister Theresa May announced she will chair a meeting of the government emergency response committee, known as Cobra, on Sunday, reports said. "Following updates from police and security officials, I can confirm that the terrible incident in London is being treated as a potential act of terrorism," May said.

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The newly elected French President Emmanuel Macron tweeted: "In the wake of this new tragedy, France more than ever stands side by side with the United Kingdom... My thoughts are with the victims and their loved ones."

The Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau tweeted in English and French about the awful news from London and to direct Canadians in need of support to official channels.

The Australian Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull, said his countrys prayers and resolute solidarity were with the people of Britain. Australia's Foreign Minister Julie Bishop said her country stood ready to support the British government in responding to the attacks.

The president of the EU Commission, Jean-Claude Juncker said his thoughts and prayers were with the victims and their families.

The Mayor of Paris, Anne Hidalgo, tweeted: "The Parisians are alongside the Londoners. Our thoughts go to the victims and their loved ones."

Mexican President Enrique Pena Nieto tweeted: "Mexico condemns the Act of violence occurred in London. Our solidarity with the families of the victims and the wounded."

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi also took to Twitter on Sunday morning to condemn the London attacks.

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AFP/Getty Images

New York has become the latest American city to put into action its commitment to the Paris climate accord after Donald Trump signalled that the US would drop out of the deal.

Mayor Bill DeBlasio signed an executive order directing the city to develop a plan to honour the commitments now spurned by the federal government, which includes reducing greenhouse gas emissions by 80 percent by 2050 with the goal of hopefully keeping global average temperatures from rising beyond 1.5 degrees Celsius.

We here in New York City are shocked at the development this week in Washington, D.C., to see the president of the United States pull out of the Paris accord and literally set this nation, and the whole globe, on the path of denial, Mr DeBlasio said.

New York City is joined by several other American states and localities in vowing to uphold the previous American commitment to reach the goals laid out in the Paris agreements.

During Mr Trumps announcement to tell the world that the US was withdrawing, he said that he was elected to represent Pittsburgh, not Paris, leading the mayor of that Pennsylvania city to soon after say that Pittsburgh was still planning on going forward with reducing its carbon footprint. New York State, California, and Washington State have formed an alliance to work on reducing greenhouse gas emissions that are leading to rising global temperatures.

On the international stage, Mr Trumps decision to withdraw the US from the deal drew notable outrage. Leaders in Italy, Germany, and France released a rare joint statement condemning Mr Trumps actions, and said that the deal wasnt renegotiable even though the US President said he would seek a better deal than what Paris outlined.

The French ministry also trolled the White House, releasing an annotated version of a video that Washington released explaining why they had pulled out of the deal. The French described the deal as a well-negotiated  and critically important  piece of international diplomacy.
With President Donald Trump announcing that the United States wont be joining a huge number of its allies in supporting the Paris Agreement on climate change rules just a day ago, an extremely troubling development in Antarctica is helping to underscore just how bad of a decision that really was. A crack in the Larsen C ice shelf on the frigid continent has grown rapidly in the past week, and a complete break is expected imminently. When that happens, a chunk of ice as large as the state of Delaware will be released into the ocean, creating one of the worlds largest icebergs ever.

Don't Miss: Why Paris Agreement supporters should rally behind Tim Cook, and not Elon Musk

The crack, which is currently roughly 120 miles long, has grown by several miles in just the past week, and is now just eight miles from being complete. Researchers are pointing to the accelerated break  called calving  as a further sign that human-caused climate change is currently at a tipping point from which we may not be able to recover.

The shelfs calving, as troubling as it is on its own, is (unfortunately) just part of a bigger picture. Scientists believe that, once the shelf does make its way freely into the ocean, the event could further destabilize the rest of the glacier, leading to increased break-ups in the immediate future.

When it calves, the Larsen C Ice Shelf will lose more than 10% of its area to leave the ice front at its most retreated position ever recorded, Professor Adrian Luckman of Swansea University College of Science said of the calving. This event will fundamentally change the landscape of the Antarctic Peninsula.

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The flagship Android handset youve been waiting for years for Nokia to make is almost here. The Nokia 9 that HMD Global will unveil later this year has been featured in a variety of leaks and rumors so far. The latest one is a benchmark result from AnTuTu that lists the phones hardware.

Don't Miss: Tim Cook blasts Trumps withdrawal from Paris climate deal, vows to never waver

Posted on Weibo, the AnTuTu screenshot reveals that the Nokia TA-1004 has a 2560 x 1440 display, Qualcomm Snapdragon 835 processor, 4GB of RAM, 64GB of storage, and 13-megapixel cameras. The screenshot seems to indicate the phone will have a dual rear camera, as previously reported.

This information is in line with what we expected from a Nokia flagship this year. Earlier reports said the phone will offer the same high-end specs as the Galaxy S8, OnePlus 5, and any other flagship handset of the year.

HMD, meanwhile, is getting ready to launch the Nokia 3, 5, and 6 around the world. The company should unveil the Nokia 7, 8, and 9 at a later date, although we have no idea when itll happen. HMD did confirm itll have a bunch of Android devices in stores this year, including high-end handsets.

Given that the Nokia 9 model in this AnTuTu listing runs Android 7.1.1 Nougat, its likely the phone will be launched before Google rolls out the final version of Android O this summer. But the Nokia 9 should be upgraded to Android O in the future. After all, Nokia just confirmed that all its mid-rangers will receive the Android 8.0 update in the future.

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Microsofts E3 2017 press briefing is set for June 11, and theres a lot we hope to see during the stream. While these arent necessarily predictions, here are five amazing things that would make us happy. Project Scorpio and Crackdown 3, were looking at you.

1) Project Scorpio For $400: Every indication tells us Project Scorpio will likely be priced around $500, but it cant hurt to dream for something better. If Microsoft really wants to show up Sony and its PS4 Pro, it would kill to see Scorpio approach a comparable price range.

Assuming that dream comes true, the tables of the entire console war could turn dramatically. It would mean Microsoft has the most powerful and best value system on the market. In the absence of exclusive games, thatd be a really nice way to woo both average consumers and hardcore gamers to team Xbox. A premium machine just wont cut it in this PlayStation-dominated landscape, so we should all be dreaming of a cheaper cost.

2) Crackdown 3 In 2017: We first saw Crackdown 3 during E3 2014, and development on the Reagent Games project has essentially gone dark ever since. If this game doesnt have a massive blowout during E3 2017, its safe to assume the product itself may be in jeopardy. Thats not the message Microsoft wants to send after just having to cancel or downscale major exclusives like Scalebound and Phantom Dust.

Instead, we hope to see Crackdown 3 as the poster child for Scorpio. Back in 2014 Reagent advertised how the cloud could be used to make its explosions better. Its time to let that bygone Xbox One concept go and put all those effects behind Scorpios six teraflops of pure processing power. If you can, bring it up to 4K too. Seeing a sign that all that dark time was worth the wait would be pretty amazing.

3) Fable Announced As An Xbox One Exclusive: This E3 2017 dream has two parts that would make it much sweeter. It was a pity to see Microsoft abandon Fable and its developers after the cancellation of Fable Legends, but with IP in hand, theres still the chance to make things right. Xbox One players are dying for exclusives, so wed like to see a bunch of ex-Lionhead folks working on a proper Fable RPG at a new first-party studio. Give us more of that whimsical world and chicken chasing. If done right, Fable could be a Microsoft-owned Witcher 3.

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Fables Legends

Photo: Fables Legends

But, since this is the dreams list, thats not enough. Wed also like to see Microsoft use the new Fable as a chance to distance itself slightly from the Xbox Play Anywhere program. Make this game totally exclusive to Xbox One. With Scorpio on the market, gamers need a reason to invest in Xbox hardware. Putting everything on PC is insulting to early Xbox adopters, and it devalues the Xbox brand. Show us Microsoft still cares about the console business by making Fable a console game.

4) OG Xbox Backwards Compatibility: Microsoft seems like it's truly trying to bring all the best parts of PC gaming to its console platform. After all, since Microsoft also owns Windows 10, it makes sense to offer parity between devices. That being said, itd be incredible to see most Xbox games ever released running on Xbox One. Just like you can play most PC games on any rig, make Xbox a truly ubiquitous ecosystem.

The only way to do that is to bring OG Xbox backwards compatibility to Xbox One S, Scorpio or both. Fans have been asking to play those classics for years, and, if 360 backwards compatibility is any indication, we know Xbox President Phil Spencer listens. PS4 still cant play PSOne Classics. Itd be cool to see Microsoft jab at that weakness by unifying all of Xbox under one device family.

5) A Partnership With Square Enix For The Avengers: As stated above, Microsoft needs exclusive games. First-party development is a start, but third-party help could be even better. Insomniac turned heads with its Spider-Man PS4 reveal last year, and Square Enix may hold the key to offering an Xbox answer.

Since PS4 has Spidey, itd be a brilliant move for Microsoft to help Square fund its upcoming Avengers game. It sounds crazy, but, given Microsofts ties to Square with Rise Of The Tomb Raider, its actually fairly feasible. Nobody would see it coming, and, if the trailer is good, it will prove Xbox is back in a big way.

Microsofts E3 press briefing takes place June 11 at 5 p.m. EDT.

What do you hope to see from Microsofts E3 press conference? Are we dreaming too big with Crackdown and Scorpio? Tell us in the comments section!

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The crash of a small bus in Napa kills one and injures six and Israel reels under an Arab assault, vowing to make a last stand along the coast.
Former FBI Director James Comey is scheduled to testify before the Senate Intelligence Committee on June 8 in a public hearing that will begin at 10 a.m. The appearance will be the first time Comey has spoken publicly since President Trump fired him last month, and it comes as the law enforcement investigation into possible coordination between the Trump campaign and the Kremlin during the 2016 election is heating up.

Here's what you need to know about his testimony:

Why does the committee want Comey to testify?

The Senate Intelligence Committee is among several congressional committees investigating possible coordination between the Trump campaign and the Kremlin during the 2016 election, and there are few people on the planet who know more about that than Comey.

Until he was fired on May 9, Comey was leading the FBI's investigation into Russian meddling, which had started back in July. Now he personally might become a part of the probe, as investigators consider whether Trump obstructed justice in firing him or in interacting with him before his dismissal.

Comey has alleged in memos that Trump asked him to pledge loyalty and to shut down his inquiry into former national security adviser Michael Flynn. Even if Comey can't talk about sensitive details of an ongoing criminal investigation, legislators will likely want to inquire about his conversations with the president and the circumstances of his firing.

That could be interesting in its own right, and it could further legislators' look at Russian meddling.

Are there any limits to what Comey can say?

Investigators - led by newly appointed special counsel Robert Mueller III - are still working on the Russia case. Even before Mueller was appointed, Comey would almost certainly not have been willing to discuss the details of their work. That is still the case now that Mueller is in charge.

People familiar with the matter, though, say Comey has reached an understanding with Mueller's office about what he can and cannot discuss, and it seems Comey will be allowed to reveal at least some details of his exchanges with the president.

While Comey's memos on those exchanges already have been reported on, Comey could offer more detail and context. And his testimony would be the first time he has publicly commented. So far, the memos have only been described to reporters by people who have seen them or been briefed on their contents.

Can the White House stop this?

The president could possibly invoke some form of executive privilege - which is designed to keep sensitive decision-making processes involving the president secret - to stop Comey from testifying. The administration had discussions about privilege with former acting attorney general Sally Yates before she testified before the Senate Judiciary Committee on Russia and other matters last month.

In that case, though, Yates ultimately was allowed to testify, and the White House might be on even shakier footing to try to block Comey. The president, after all, has tweeted extensively about the Russia investigation and even mentioned conversations with Comey in his letter firing the FBI director. Trump claimed in that missive that Comey had told him three times he was not under investigation.

If the White House did block Comey, it would also spark a political outcry and perhaps damage Trump even more than any unflattering testimony.

Will this affect the Russia investigation?

Comey could say something that is of interest to the new special counsel, particularly on the question of whether justice was obstructed. But given that he has already been in touch with Mueller's office, that seems unlikely.

That's not to say the hearing won't be interesting.

Comey is a gifted orator who is not shy about claiming the spotlight. In 2007, he famously described to lawmakers how he raced to the hospital room of 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. The intervention has become lore in Washington and helped foster Comey's reputation as a fiercely independent official, unafraid to stand in the way of perceived wrongdoing and then expose it publicly.
As noted by Rakhmanov, the timing depends not only on gas turbine units - the shipbuilders will have to resume contracts on all major systems. "Therefore, it is very important here that we are able to comply with the warranty periods, the service life of equipment and the corresponding storage life," the head of USC said. As Izvestia was told at the Navy's Main HQ, the tandem power plant configuration of two M70FRU gas turbine engines is being considered as the core project. According to preliminary calculations, this should ensure the maximum power output of 14,000 hp. In this case, the ship will be able to move at a speed of 30 knots and the cruising range will be 4850 nautical miles (9,000 km). This is quite enough to go from the Baltic Fleets main base at Baltiysk to Russias Tartus naval base in Syria without fuel replenishment.

frigates at the PJSC "Baltic Shipyard" Yantar ". To the left of the wall stands the frigate "Admiral Butakov", launched in the water, the frigates "Admiral Istomin" (prepared for launching) and "Admiral Kornilov " standing in open pitches are visible. Picture taken in May 2017 via mil-avia.livejournal.com
ABCNews.com(WASHINGTON) -- President Donald Trump has filed for an extension on his 2016 tax returns, a White House official tells ABC News.



Filing an extension with the Internal Revenue Service gives people an extra six months to file their taxes, so Trump will now have until Oct. 18 to file his returns.



The White House has already dismissed the notion of making any of Trump's past tax returns public, claiming without providing evidence that he still remains under audit by the IRS -- which still wouldn't prohibit him from making any returns public.



Trump was the first candidate in recent history not to release any tax returns during his campaign for the nation's highest office. The move has raised questions about his net worth, his sources of income and how much Trump has paid in taxes over the last four decades.



Trump paid between about $72,000 in federal income taxes from 1975 to 1977 and paid nothing in 1978 and 1979, according to New Jersey gambling regulators. He also did not pay any income tax in 1995, according to The New York Times. He paid $38 million in taxes in 2005, according to the White House.



The president said during the campaign that he would release his tax returns after the audit was finished.

Copyright  2017, ABC Radio. All rights reserved.
Six policemen were killed and five others injured on Sunday in an attack in Kandahar provincial capital in Afghanistan, an official said. "The attack occurred in Kandahar city when the victims were asleep in a checkpoint," the official told Xinhua news agency. --IANS ksk/vt ( 54 Words) 2017-06-04-12:52:24 (IANS)
An intelligence-based operation was conducted in Mastung, some 50km south of Quetta, the provincial capital, over the past two days, Xinhua quoted an army statement as saying.

"Terrorists were hiding inside a cave for planning, coordination and execution of terrorist activities in Balochistan," the statement from the Inter-Services Public Relations of Pakistan army said.

"During exchange of fire 12 hardcore terrorists have been killed. Five security officials, including 2 officers, got injured," the army said.

The statement did not say which group the terrorists belonged to, however, local media quoted official sources as saying that the terrorists belonged to Daesh or the Islamic State.

The army said more details about the operation will be shared with the media later.

--IANS qd/

( 150 Words)

2017-06-05-03:20:14 (IANS)
Booklet named Aanch was launched in Lucknow today, where senior Congress leader and former Jammu and Kashmir chief minister Ghulam Nabi Azad and Congress leader Raj Babbar were also invited.

Under the section security, the booklet displayed a map where the Kashmir state was labeled as 'Indian occupied Kashmir', while explaining about the challenges faced by India with the construction of China Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC).

However, the Congress party swung into defensive mode, calling the gaffe a "printing error'.

"This is a printing error. However, we should have taken caution, we have committed a grave mistake, and we will ensure that such type of errors is not repeated," Congress leader Ajay Makhan told ANI.

Makhan went on to further add that the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) had committed the same mistake in 2014, where it had displayed the same map in their website.

"But the difference between Congress and the BJP is that we apologise for our mistake immediately. In 2014, the BJP displayed the map with same error in their website. Till now they have not apologised," he said. (ANI)
He was speaking at the 94th birthday celebrations of Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) president M. Karunanidhi here.

"The BJP and RSS believe there is only one idea and one culture that should run India, but we completely disagree with them. We'll never allow silencing of more than billion Indian voices," said Gandhi.

The Congress leader termed Karunanidhi as 'the voice of people of Tamil Nadu'.

"It's Karunanidhi's love for people that gave him strength and wisdom. This is a reason why Karunanidhi has never lost an election," he said.

Gandhi also said that "we value the Tamil language because we understand that Tamil language, Tamil culture, Tamil thinking makes India stronger".

The DMK organised a function at YMCA ground in Royapettah here where Karunanidhi's 60th year as a legislator was also celebrated. Karunanidhi, owing to his health, was however nor present.

His son and DMK working president M.K. Stalin hosted a lunch for the high-profile guests in the afternoon.

Meanwhile, West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee and Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) chief Lalu Yadav were among the one who gave a miss to the event. (ANI)
The Hurriyat on Saturday criticised Narendra Modi led National Democratic Alliance (NDA) government over the National Investigation Agency (NIA) crackdown against its leaders. The Hurriyat's criticism of the Modi government comes after the NIA, in a major crackdown on terror funding, conducted raids at Kashmiri separatist leaders' residences and offices today in Kashmir, Delhi and Haryana. Minister of State Home Hansraj Ahir also today said that the action against the separatism in Kashmir won't stop till the separatists are taught real meaning of 'Azadi'. Hurriyat leaders Syed Ali Geelani, Mirwaiz Umar Farooq and Mohammad Yasin Malik, in a joint statement, alleged that the NIA has been given the task "just to drag and involve Hurriyat leadership into fabricated cases to pressurise the leadership". "All these state sponsored tactics won't deter us from pursuing our mission, nor these coercions, suppressive and aggressive measures will make us to surrender," said the statement. The Hurriyat alleged that "India has simultaneously launched a propaganda war to discredit leadership and (Kashmiri) people's struggle for which tremendous sacrifices have been made". The Hurriyat leadership said that "it is their (centre's) frustration and we will continue to pursue our cause and won't budge in front of such dogmatic elements". The Hurriyat leadership warned Delhi of dire consequences "if all these harassing measures are not stopped forthwith and said that if these unnecessary raids are not stopped, people will take to streets and resent these arbitrary measures with their full might and will". However, the Hurriyat leadership is in a soup after a sting operation showed a Hurriyat leader Naeem Khan confessing receiving funds from Pakistan to spread unrest and separatism in Kashmir. After the expose, the Hurriyat suspended Naeem Khan. However, it didn't end the Hurriyat's woes as the NIA started its probe on May 20. In today's raids, the NIA seized at least Rs. 1.5 crore cash, and incriminating documents in the raids conducted at the locations related to the separatist leaders. The letterheads of Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) and Hijbul Mujahideen (HM), pen-drives, laptops were also seized from the locations. Some of the separatists' names whose locations were today raided are Hurriyat leaders Raja Kalwal and Naeem Khan. (ANI)
GRAND FORKS  Guests in Veterans of Foreign Wars caps filled the hallways at Grand Forks Red Roof Inn on Saturday, making it hard to squeeze past nearby booths and into a meeting room -- and once inside, nearly every seat was taken, most by men and women who could tell tales of years of military service, all waiting for a lengthy series of speakers to take the podium.

One of them was Alan Wondrasek of North Dakotas AMVETS, who began his remarks by reminding everyone that veterans, no matter which branch they served in, all benefit from their work together.

I thank the Air Force all the time for being able to jump out of a perfectly good airplane, he said, building a metaphor for the ways veterans can help one another today. Were all together in this -- one team, one fight.

The VFWs state convention kicked off on Thursday and finishes on today, drawing numerous guests to Grand Forks to mull top items for todays veterans. Saturdays speaker session offered a look into the front of North Dakota veterans minds, highlighting concerns over benefits changes in President Donald Trumps budget as well as plans for a Desert Storm memorial on the National Mall.

The new memorials location was approved by federal leaders earlier this year, and was discussed at length on Saturday by Scott Stump, president of the memorials Board of Directors. He noted the meaningfulness of the memorial for the sacrifice of soldiers who died in the conflict, waged from late 1990 to early 1991 to fend off an Iraqi incursion into Kuwait.

That sacrifice is no different than what was made at Bunker hill, Iwo Jima, D-Day, Vietnam, (or) Fallujah, Stump said.

A long list of state and local dignitaries offered supportive remarks for the gathered crowd of about more than 100, including representatives of North Dakotas federal delegation. City Council President Dana Sande and East Grand Forks Mayor Steve Gander both welcomed the convention to the area.

Moments during the gathering focused on looming challenges facing veterans, like an item in President Donald Trumps proposed budget that would cut certain veterans benefits once recipients become eligible for Social Security. State Commissioner of Veterans Affairs Lonnie Wengen excoriated the potential cut, as did Dan Stenvold, director at large for Vietnam Veterans of America.

Shaun Shenk is the incoming state commander of the North Dakota VFW, and he also raised concerns about shifting state funding for veterans programs.

Anything that impacts the well-being, the healthcare or lifestyle of veterans, the VFW is going to sit there and fight to get those services back, he said. And thats exactly what you heard today. Reducing services to veterans is unacceptable in any budget in any year.
Shah said the BJP workers have been struggling in Kerala since years.

Shah made the statement while delivering an address in Trivandrum on the occasion of the foundation laying ceremony of State BJP Office here.

"The foundation of formation BJP government in Kerala is completed today," the BJP president said.

"We will have offices in every district of India by December 2019," he added.

Shah's visit comes at a time when the Centre is facing crisis over its new cattle trade norm.

Banning of beef in the state has sparked outrage against the Centre's order.

Shah landed in Kerala for a three-day tour to prepare for upcoming 2019 polls.

The saffron party has not been able to make a strong electoral footprint in Kerala yet.

As in the last year's assembly elections, the BJP doubled its votes by 16 percent and achieved one seat for the first time ever.

Reportedly, Shah's visit to the state is the part of his 110-day tour across Indian states to prepare the ground for 2019 polls. (ANI)
Congress Vice President Rahul Gandhi, who called on DMK Working President MK Stalin at the latter's Cenotaph Road residence yesterday, has thanked the DMK leader for his hospitality. In what is being seen in political circles as cementing of ties between the next generation in the DMK and the Congress, party Vice President Rahul Gandhi yesterday called on Mr Stalin at the latter's Cenotaph Road residence and spent some time there.Mr Gandhi, who was in Chennai to attend DMK President M Karunanidhi's 94th birthday celebrations,spent some time at Mr Stalin's residence during which he even played with his grandchildren.Mr Gandhi posed for photographs with Stalin, his wife and grandchildren. Sources said that during nearly half-an-hour meeting, Mr Gandhi and Mr Stalin held discussions on several current issues in Tamil Nadu as well as at the national level.At the celebrations of Mr Karunanidhi's birthday, both Mr Stalin and Mr Gandhi complemented each other in their speeches. Praising Mr Karunanidhi for his long innings in politics, the Congress leader also said that Stalin had a big responsibility ahead.Thanking Rahul for his visit, Mr Stalin tweeted,''It was a pleasure hosting Thiru Rahul Gandhi ji at my residence. Thank you for coming and enquiring about Thalaivar' https://t.co/FqsZbIPNnW.''Mr Gandhi attending the birthday celebrations of Mr Karunanidhi is being seen in political circles as an effort to forge a unity among opposition parties in the run-up to the presidential elections where the opposition hopes to give a tough fight to the ruling NDA.It is notable that Congress President Sonia Gandhi had recently hosted a lunch for various opposition parties in Delhi where discussions were held on putting up a joint opposition front against NDA in the presidential polls.UNI AR SV SNU 1053 -- (UNI) -- C-1-1-DL0103-920832.Xml
Turns out, bed partners may unintentionally contribute to the perpetuation of insomnia. Preliminary results from a new study show that partners of people who have insomnia may try to be supportive by engaging in a range of behaviours that unintentionally contradict treatment recommendations. Results show that 74 percent of partners encouraged an early bedtime or late wake time, which is in direct conflict with the principles of cognitive behavioural therapy for insomnia (CBTI). 42 percent also encouraged doing other things in bed, such as reading or watching TV and 35 percent encouraged naps, caffeine or reduced daytime activities. "It is possible that partners are unwittingly perpetuating insomnia symptoms in the patient with insomnia," said lead author Alix Mellor from Monash University in Victoria, Australia. "It is therefore important for more data to be collected to determine whether insomnia treatments may better benefit patients and their partners by proactively assessing and addressing bed partner behaviours in treatment programs." The team studied 31 partners, including 14 women, of individuals seeking treatment for insomnia as part of a randomized, controlled trial investigating partner-assisted interventions for insomnia. Partners completed several questionnaires at baseline: the Family Accommodation Scale, Beck Anxiety Inventory and Dyadic Adjustment Scale. The insomnia patients also completed baseline questionnaires, including the Insomnia Severity Index, and kept a sleep diary for one week prior to starting treatment. Results also show that bed partners made accommodations that affected their own functioning, including their sleep and life outside of work. This may explain why partners who attempted to be helpful experienced more anxiety, even though the insomnia patients perceived the relationship to be more satisfying. "Our preliminary results suggest that while some of these behaviours make the patient feel supported, their partner may be experiencing more anxiety," said Mellor. The research abstract is published in an online supplement of the journal Sleep. (ANI)
A joint team of Special Task Force (STF) from Patna and district police arrested two smugglers and seized huge consignment of ganja worth more than Rs. 2 crore being smuggled from Tripura on a truck under Sadar police station area in Vaishali district late last night. Patna Special Task Force (STF) Police Superintendent Nilesh Kumar said here today that 1700 kgs of ganja were seized from the truck following a specific intelligence input. He said that two peddlers including the truck driver, both natives of Punjab were arrested from the spot. An intensive interrogation of nabbed peddlers is on to arrest other members of their gang, police added. UNI XC DH KK -- (UNI) -- C-1-1-DL0212-920962.Xml
General Rawat told ANI that everybody must pay homage to these brave soldiers who sacrificed their lives for the nation.

The Army Chief said, "I wish to inform you that for a soldier, work is his religion and therefore, we are often told that work is worship. Therefore, without mincing words any further, we must all pay our respect and homage to these brave soldiers who have attained martyrdom in the call for duty."

Two Army personnel were killed and four injured in an attack by terrorists on Army convoy in Jammu and Kashmir's Qazigund district yesterday. (ANI)
The Prime Minister had started his tour on May 29 with Germany being his first stop. After Germany he visited Spain.

Mr Modi's third stop was St Petersberg in Russia where he participated in the Annual Summit with President Vladimir Putin besides attending the St Petersburg International Economic Forum.

In Germany, Russia and Spain, the Prime Minister's main focus was inviting the companies of these countries to invest in India under the Make in India programme.

The most significant element of his Russia visit was the signing of agreement for unit five and six of Kudankulam nuclear power plant.

The Prime Minister, in his meeting with French President Macron, expressed India's firm commitment to the Paris Climate deal after expressing the same resolve to fight climate change at his meeting with Mr Putin in Russia .UNI AR SHK 1431

-- (UNI) -- C-1-1-DL0092-921097.Xml
Unidentified criminals shot dead the priest of atemple following land dispute at Kandhwara village under Town policestation in the district today. Police said here that the outlaws sprayed five bullets on the priestKrishna Yadav alias Krishna Baba (45) of the temple situated inside acremation ground. The priest died on the spot. The body has been sent to Siwan Sadar Hospital for autopsy, police added. The reason behind the priest`s murder was stated to be land dispute. The deceased was a native of Binbal Rasoolpur village underHussainganj police station in the district.UNI XC-DH KK -- (UNI) -- C-1-1-DL0212-921106.Xml
At least five farmers were injured when agroup of sloth bears attacked them at Sherwa village under Gobrahia Don police station area in West Champaran district late last night. Police said here today that bears attacked the farmers when they were guarding their fields. The injured farmers have been identified as Biranchi Kazi, NathaiMahto, Bantraj Mahto and Harikeshwar Mahto from Sherwa Don village and Mahant Musahar from Bankatwa village. While three of the seriously injured were undergoing treatment atMJK Hospital, two others had been admitted to Ramnagar primary health centre. Forest department authorities, who were informed about the incident, were trying hard to force the bears to return to the jungle. UNI XC-DH KK -- (UNI) -- C-1-1-DL0212-921109.Xml
Bihar Governor Ram Nath Kovind, RJD chief Lalu Prasad ,former chief minister Rabri Devi and former deputy chief minister Sushil Kumar Modi were among others who exercised their franchise in ongoing elections for 75 wards of Patna Municipal Corporations here today. Mr Kovind exercised his franchise at a booth located in a government middle school while Mr Prasad and his wife MrsRabri Devi cast their votes at a veterinary college. Union Minister and senior BJP leader Ramkripal Yadav, Mr Modi and former minister Nand Kishore Yadav also exercised theirfranchise at booths located in different loalities of Patna. Mr Modi,after casting his vote, told media persons that municipalelections should be held on party basis.It would help in fixing theresponsibility for carrying out works in different wards of PatnaMunicipal Corporation to further improve the basic amenities for the citizens. State Election Office sources said that a total of 16.65 lakhvoters are eligible to exercise their franchise to decide the fates of 1008 candidates, including 515 female candidates, in the voting which would come to an end at 17:00 hrs. Voters are exercising their franchise at 1512 booths in 75 wards of Patna Municipal Corporations.UNI KKS KK -- (UNI) -- C-1-1-DL0212-921143.Xml
In continuing drive against smuggling offoreign liquor into 'dry' Bihar, police arrested two peddlers andseized huge consignment of liquor from different police station areasin the district today. Sub Divisional Police Officer (Sadar) Dilnawaz Ahmed said here that 910 bottles of foreign and country liquor were seized from differentpolice station areas. He said two peddlers were also arrested during the drive. Mr Ahmed said police seized 604 bottles of foreign liquor from apick up van near Simri Bazar on National Highway 57. He said a peddler Anand Kumar from Nepal was arrested from the spot. The SDPO said that police seized 250 bottles of foreign liquor from a pick up van near Rampurdih village under Vishanpur police station in the district. The smugglers made good their escape abandoning their vehicle on the spot. In another raid, police seized 56 bottles of foreign liquor from theresidence of a peddler Shyama Devi at Ruda village under Sadar policestation area. The woman peddler escaped from her residence after shegot an inkling of the police raid. Similarly, police arrested a peddler Kishun Manjhi with countryliquor near Benara village under Keoti police station area in thedistrict.UNI XC-DH KK -- (UNI) -- C-1-1-DL0212-921158.Xml
The woman accused of shooting at police officers during an October pipeline protest is petitioning the court to get out of jail before her July 17 trial.

Red Fawn Fallis' Rapid City-based attorney Bruce Ellison said release from the Rugby jail to a Fargo halfway house would facilitate communication and improve her well-being prior to trial.

"Being released allows one to be more whole as a person and allows one to have much better, more frequent attorney-client contacts," Ellison said in an interview. "In a noncustodial setting, we can better go through videos, pictures and have open discussion. It gives the defendant more of an equal footing."

This latest request comes after U.S. District Judge Daniel Hovland released Red Fawn Fallis on a four-day furlough to attend her mother's memorial in Denver, accompanied by another attorney.

"She has proven that she will comply with court orders. So, we are hoping for a positive result this time, Ellison said.

But Assistant U.S. Attorney David Hagler has argued she remains a danger to the community and a flight risk. Hagler argued further that convenience to meet with an attorney is not a good enough reason.

U.S. District Judge Daniel Hovland has not yet ruled on the request, which follows a month-long dispute in Fallis' court case over whether she should be released, and if the judge's decision to detain her resulted from bias against the protesters.

Fallis, 38, is charged with felony counts of civil disorder and discharging a firearm in relation to a felony crime of violence  which, in this case, is civil disorder, an uncommon charge in federal court. She is also charged with possession of a firearm by a convicted felon. If convicted of discharging the firearm, Fallis faces a minimum of 10 years in prison.

Prosecutors allege she fired a gun three times while officers attempted to arrest her for instigating the crowd as Dakota Access Pipeline protesters were cleared from a northern "front line" camp on Oct. 27 in southern Morton County.

At a detention hearing, a South Dakota officer testified to seeing the gun go off as he tried to arrest her, then struggling to pull the pistol from her grip.

"I still recall seeing somebody with a flex cuff, about to put it on her wrist, and  when I heard a couple of gunshots ring out. At that point I looked down, and there's another gunshot rang out, and I could actually see the round impacting the ground right next to my knee," Pennington County Deputy Sheriff Rusty Schmidt said at a detention hearing on Dec. 15.

Fallis has pleaded not guilty to the charges. Ellison said he is still requesting and studying discovery materials and considering legal and factual defenses. Her supporters have questioned how she could have discharged a gun while pinned down by officers.

He said a recent release of documents leaked to a watchdog website, the Intercept, detailing private security and intelligence conducted by a company called TigerSwan and given to law enforcement has clarified new information he will request and could delay the trial.

"With these new documents coming out, we have a lot more discovery to do," Ellison said in an interview.

There has been heated back-and-forth since December about whether Fallis could be released to a halfway house. At one point in April, Magistrate Judge Charles Miller approved it. The day after, the government appealed. Hagler cited testimony that Fallis had brass knuckles and pepper spray when she was arrested and a 2003 criminal record from Colorado. According to Arapahoe County court records, Fallis was accused of driving the car for a shooter in Denver. She pleaded guilty to being an accessory to an attempted murder and served 30 months on probation, according to the records.

The U.S. Attorney's Office declined any further comment on the case, because it is still pending.

The next day, before the defense could respond, Hovland overturned the magistrate's decision.

Believing the order to be an example bias against protesters  Hovland has stated in civil cases that protests have been violent  Ellison asked the judge to recuse himself from the case.

Incredulous, Hovland denied the request. He wrote that the allegation of bias was "simply misguided and untrue. Ms. Fallis beliefs appear to stem primarily from her unhappiness in not being released to a halfway house or residential re-entry center for the next two months."

Ellison said his next move is to ask for a change of venue  to a place where jurors have been less exposed to media coverage, community discussion and personal dealings with the protests.

Nicholas Klinefeldt, a former U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Iowa and partner with Faegre, Baker, Daniels, said he was not surprised by Hovland's detention decisions.

"Given the fact that she apparently discharged a firearm during the course of her arrest, I would be very surprised if somebody under those circumstances were to be released pending trial," he said after reviewing the court documents.

Klinefeldt said that a motion for change of venue, while rare, could be granted, given "whats happening in North Dakota right now."

If the judge would change the venue, he might move it to Fargo or a neighboring state. However, the federal court already has access to potential jurors in all of western North Dakota, not just Morton County, where state court judges have dismissed motions to relocate, despite the conclusion of Diane Wiley, president of the National Jury Project, that it is "likely that the defendant protesters will not be able to receive fair trials."
The CISF officials intercepted one of the passengers named Aftab Sheikh who was flying from Delhi to Bangkok .

He had concealed a few Allen Keys in Power banks and sewn in the handle of his hand baggage. The passenger did not give a satisfactory reply. A few more Allen Keys concealed in zipping portion of Aftab's pant were found.

The CCTV footage revealed the interaction of Aftab with a fellow passenger named Shehzad Sheikh.

The CISF surveillance and intelligence staff from the boarding gate area (travelling in same flight) intercepted the latter.

The two passengers were interrogated separately. Approximately 5,000 USD were hidden inside the power banks of Shehzad's bag.

The two confessed carrying foreign currency. They admitted carrying keys for opening those concealments.

Aftab and Shehzad were handed over to Customs officials in writing for further recovery from their baggage.

The officials have recovered 60,000 USD from their bags (Power banks, Mobile Chargers, Biscuit packets and false bottom cavity) and further interrogation by the Customs is on. (ANI)
In yet another major breakthrough, the Punjab Police has arrested three terrorists and busted a terror module directly linked with Pakistan's ISI-backed banned terror outfit, International Sikh Youth Federation (ISYF). The arrested terrorists-- Gurdial Singh, Jagroop Singh and Satwinder Singh had been trained and tasked by the Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) to carry out terror attacks and target various 'anti-panthic and anti-Sikh forces/individuals' by Pakistan-based ISYF chief Lakhbir Rode, and Harmeet Singh alias Happy alias PHD. Preliminary investigations by the Punjab Police have also revealed that a part of the consignment of arms and ammunition seized by the Border Security Force (BSF) on May 21 this year close to the international border in Amritsar, was supplied by the ISYF. Two terrorists--Maan Singh and Sher Singh had been arrested by the BSF last month, while they were attempting to pick up the said consignment. According to a Punjab Police spokesperson, while Gurdial hails from Road Majara, Hoshiarpur, both Jagroop and Satiwinder are residents of Shaheed Bhagat Singh Nagar district. A .32 bore pistol, with one magazine and 10 cartridges and a .38 bore revolver, with 7 cartridges, were recovered from the suspects. While Gurdial and Jagroop were arrested from their native homes, Satwinder was apprehended at a Police Checkpoint close to his village in Pojewal Police station in Balachaur sub-division. The spokesperson said Gurdial Singh was the chief operative of this terror module and was introduced to Lakhbir Singh Rode, who is staying in an ISI provided safe house in Lahore cantonment, by Germany based Balvir Singh Sandhu. Gurdial had met Rode several times during his visits to Pakistan, as part of religious jathas, in the last six to seven years. During his last visit to Pakistan in November 2016, Gurdial had arranged a visa for Jagroop and he had travelled to Lahore. During the interrogation, the duo revealed that during his stay in Lahore (November 12-21, 2016), Jagroop met Rode and Harmeet through Balvir. Jagroop confessed that he was taken to the ISYF chief blindfolded at an undisclosed location and imparted a four-day training course by the ISI in handing AK-47 rifle and smaller weapons. He was also trained in techniques of sabotaging railway tracks by loosening the securing/fastening mechanisms of fish-plates, nuts and bolts. The spokesperson said that Satwinder was also an active member of this 'action group' and, along with Jagroop, he was directly in touch with his mentors in Pakistan and Germany. Both Gurdial and Balvir have terrorist backgrounds, with criminal cases registered against them in 1992 and 1988. A Thompson gun had been recovered from Gurdial in 1992. The terrorists were nabbed after a meticulous intelligence-led operation of Shaheed Bhagat Singh Nagar District police. They have been booked under Sections 121,121A, 120B of the Indian Penal Code (IPC), Sections 25, 54 and 59 of the Arms Act and Sections 15, 16, 17 and 18 of the Unlawful Activities Act. Further investigation is underway. (ANI)
Union Minister of State for Minority and Parliamentary Affairs, Mukhtar Abbas Naqvi, today said that the last three years of the Modi Government have been years of "Confidence, Commitment & Character". Addressing the people at various events during his visit to Rampur, Mr Naqvi said, ''the bold and tough decision of demonetisation to eliminate 'kubers of black money' was an example of confidence of Mr Modi."The surgical strike by India against "terror factory" in Pakistan and the entire world standing with India was an example of Confidence. "The positive change in perception and policy of the entire world towards India is a result of this confidence,'' he said.The Minister said that the Modi Government has worked with Commitment for ''happiness in the eyes and prosperity in life'' of the poor of the country.''The Commitment to make first right of poor, weaker sections on resources of the country has ensured their empowerment. The Modi Government removed corruption, the biggest obstacle in the development of the poor,'' he added.On corruption, the Minister said, ''creating corruption-free and development-oriented atmosphere is the Character of the Modi Government. Removing middlemen from power corridors; blockade of loot lobby; putting an end to VIP culture; removing the gap between the government and the common man is the change brought by this Government.''He said the Prime Minister has been successful in creating atmosphere of trust and development in the country. ''Credibility and prestige of his post was restored after years and the people have witnessed a decisive, transparent and honest system,'' he said.Mr Naqvi said that during the ten years' regime of the Congress-led UPA Government, the Nation witnessed that ''credibility and authority'' of the Prime Minister's post was getting damaged, because of which the country suffered a lot. ''The country has got a strong Prime Minister who can take bold and tough decisions in the interests of villages, farmers, poor, Dalit, youths and women,'' he said.The Minister said only a person like the Premier has the courage to take a bold decision like demonetisation which has resulted into an all-out attack against corruption.He also highlighted that the last three years of the Modi Government have been glorious and dedicated to "good-governance, 'Sabka Sath Sabka Vikas', Empowerment without Appeasement".Lamenting that the Congress Government and its allies failed to work, the Minister hailed the last three years of the Modi Government.Listing the works done for poor during the Modi Government's tenure, the Minister said the Union Government has provided more than 2-crore free domestic LPG connections to the poor families.'Jan Dhan accounts' of more than 26-crore people have been opened during this time, more than 13-crore poor people have been included in various social security schemes. ''Also, about Rs 50,000-crore of public money has been saved through Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) which has eliminated the middlemen,'' he said.On employment opportunities, Mr Naqvi said 7-crore-45-lakh people have been provided loans worth Rs 3-lakh-cr without guarantee. Out of these, 70 per cent of the beneficiaries were women and also a large number of people belonging to SC/ST and backward classes.More than 2-crore toilets have been constructed in 2016-17 while investment worth Rs 1-lakh-43-thousand-crore has come in the electronics manufacturing sector under "Make in India", he said.Informing the people about achievements of Ministry of Minority Affairs, Mr Naqvi said three years of the Modi Government were a reflection of an "empowerment without appeasement" policy.''Our focus was on "3E- Education, Employment & Empowerment". "Progress Panchayat", "Less Cash Chaupal", coordination meetings with the states were important measures.More than 2-lakh women were provided leadership training under "NaiRaushni". Budget of Minority Affairs Ministry has been increased after about 10 years in 2017-18. It has been increased to Rs 4,195-crore from Rs 3,827.25-crore in 2016-17,'' he said.The achievements of Ministry of Minority Affairs also include scholarships worth Rs 4,740-crore to 1-crore-82-lakh students; scholarships worth Rs 166-crore to 1,38, 426 girl students under "Begum Hazrat Mahal Scholarship; more than 5.20-lakh youths, including about 40 per cent women, covered under various job-oriented skill training; establishing 33 degree colleges; 223 multi-purpose "SadbhavMandap" and 18 Gurukul type residential schools in last six years; significant increase in annual Haj quota. Mr Naqvi also talked about "Tehreek-e-Taleem", campaign for education; organising "Hunar Haat", to provide market-opportunity to master artisans across the country; establishing "Hunar Hub" in all the states; organising "Usttad Samman Samagam"; establishing 5 international level educational institutes; 100 Navodaya type schools in minority concentrated areas and reviving option of sending Haj pilgrims through sea route also.UNI AE SNU 1640 -- (UNI) -- C-1-1-DL0100-921207.Xml
Irked over the destruction of the statue of former Prime Minister and Bharat Ratna awardee Rajiv Gandhi in Mirzapur after the visit of Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, state Congress unit has announced to launch a state-wide protest from tomorrow. "The present situation in UP is very conceding as their is no respect or honour for great personalities. Rajiv Gandhi was not only a Congress leader but a person who and his family sacrificed their lives for the country. We condemn the incident and demand immediate arrest of the culprits," said UP Congress president Raj Babbar here today. Mr Babbar, who is rushing to Mirzapur tomorrow morning, announced that a state wide protest would be held tomorrow against the incident. The statue, installed at a park at Awas Vikas colony in Mirzapur city, was found beheaded this morning by Congress supporters. Later, the head of the statue was recovered from a drain nearby. "The anti-social elements had written on the spot: 'Hamari Sarkar hai, usse Pakistan bhej diya hai(It is our government and we have sent it (the head) to Pakistan)," Mr Babbar said. A police complaint has also been lodged by the local Congress leader but the police was yet to lodge any formal FIR. Mr Babbar claimed that Gandhi was instrumental in giving voting rights to youths over 18 years in Panchayati Raj elections and even paved way for IT revolution in the country, but such act by the lumpen elements question about the law and order situation of the state under the BJP regime. "The incident happened just after UP CM visited the area, which is an alarming issue and proves that there is total anarchy in the state," he further alleged. Meanwhile, Mr Babbar, reacting on yesterday's flip flop on the map controversy, said that it was a printing error. "Kashmir is an intregal part of the country and Congress supports it since independence," he said while thanking the media in Lucknow for detecting the mistake in the booklet. UNI MB AD1605 -- (UNI) -- C-1-1-DL0108-921219.Xml
"NIA team members this morning arrived here and raided the residential premises of leading businessmen and traders of the city, Gandhi Nagar and Nehru market areas," intelligence sources here said.

They said the team has collected some vital documents during the raid.

"The raids...would continue," sources added.

Deputy Chief Minister Nirmal Singh yesterday here said that the Central and State Governments were not going to spare anybody at fault in terror funding case.

He said peace will soon be restored in the Kashmir Valley.

As per sources, hawala transaction works and money are also transferred from Pakistan to Kashmir with the help of traders and businessmen exporting and importing goods in Cross LoC Trade.

"NIA has got hold of the trick, and hence raids on many business houses dealing with exporting fruits and other goods to Pakistan are launched," the sources added.UNI VBH AD SNU 1709

-- (UNI) -- C-1-1-DL0108-921310.Xml
A Pakistani citizen was today told by External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj that his request for medical visa for his father's liver transplant would be met, provided his case was recommended by the neighbouring country's Advisor on Foreign Affairs Sartaj Aziz.Presenting his case on microblogging site Twitter, Saeed Ayub of Pakistan said,''i sold half of my assets 4 my father's liver transplant from india and now no medical visa for us.why only common man suffers.''Responding to him, Ms Swaraj said, ''My sympathies are with you. We will give you the visa. Sartaj Aziz Sahib should recommend your case.''Ms Swaraj is known for extending a helping hand to the people, who approach her through the social media.UNI AR RJ 2000 -- (UNI) -- C-1-1-DL0092-921598.Xml
The Taliban has rejected any role in the three consecutive explosions in Kabul, in which as many as 20 people were killed and 87 injured on Saturday afternoon during the funeral ceremony of Mohammad Salim Izadyar, the son of the deputy speaker of the Afghan Senate House. "The fighters of the group have no role in the explosions that took place during the burial and funeral ceremony in Sarai Shamali area of Kabul," the Khaama Press reported group's spokesman in a statement. Abdullah Abdullah, the Chief Executive of the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan, and Acting Foreign Affairs Minister Salahuddin Rabbani were both in attendance along with other government officials at the funeral at the time of the explosions. All were unharmed. Speaking at a press conference Saturday evening, Abdullah condemned the bombings and called for calm while an investigation into the attack is carried out. President Ashraf Ghani condemned the attack and said "the country was under attack." "I condemn the outrageous attack on mourners burying the martyred. The country is under attack. We must be strong and united," he said. (ANI)
At least six people were killed by militants who drove a van at high speed into pedestrians on London Bridge and then stabbed revellers in the nearby Borough Market area.For the main story on the attack:All three attackers were shot dead by police. More than 30 injured people were taken to hospital.The following is what is known so far:- Three attackers drove a white van at high speed into pedestrians walking on London Bridge, police said.A witness told Reuters that at least six people were hit on the bridge."It looked like he was aiming for groups of people. I froze because I didn't know what to do," Mark Roberts, a 53-year-old management consultant, told Reuters. "It was horrendous."Police said they responded to the incident on London bridge at 2208 (2108 GMT).- The men armed with knives left the vehicle and attacked people in the nearby Borough Market area on the south side of the Thames, witnesses said.Witnesses said the attackers stabbed people in the street and in pubs and restaurants in Borough Market.- Police said armed police had responded to the reports of stabbings in Borough Market and shots had been fired."Armed response officers then responded very quickly and bravely and confronted the three male suspects who were shot and killed on Borough Market," Mark Rowley, Britain's top anti-terrorism officer, said."The suspects had been confronted and shot by police within eight minutes of the first call. The suspects were wearing what looked like explosive vests but these were later established to be hoaxes," he said.The men were wearing what appeared to be canisters attached to their bodies. One of them was shown in a photograph lying on the ground outside the Wheatsheaf pub.Another man, was also reported to be an attacker, was pictured on the ground a short distance away. Witnesses said they heard gunfire in the area.The police said the vests were later established to be hoaxes. A Reuters reporter nearby said he heard loud bangs afterwards that may have been controlled explosions.- Terror attack? At 0025 British time on Sunday the incidents at London Bridge and Borough Market were declared as terrorist incidents."Following updates from police and security officials, I can confirm that the terrible incident in London is being treated as a potential act of terrorism," Prime Minister Theresa May said just over four days before voting is due to begin in a June 8 national election."This is a fast moving investigation," May said. "I want to express my huge gratitude to the police and emergency services who are on the scene. Our thoughts are with those who are caught up in these dreadful events."May will chair a meeting of Britain's "COBR" emergency response committee on Sunday morning. Intelligence and security chiefs as well as senior ministers and officials attend the meeting.London's Metropolitan Police Counter Terrorism Command is leading the investigation.- Who? It was not clear who might be responsible for the attack.Islamic State earlier on Saturday sent out a call on instant messaging service Telegram urging its followers to launch attacks with trucks, knives and guns against "Crusaders" during the Muslim holy month of Ramadan.- The attack came less than two weeks after a suicide bomber Salman Abedi blew himself up at a concert in Manchester on May 22, killing at least 22.Britain raised its terror threat to the highest level of "critical" and deployed troops on the streets on May 23, a day after the Manchester suicide attack. The critical level means another attack could be imminent. It was reduced to "severe", which means an attack is highly likely, on May 27.On March 22, Khalid Masood ploughed a rented car into pedestrians and stabbed a policeman to death before being shot dead. Five were killed by the attacker.- The United Kingdom is due to hold a national election on June 8.- US President Donald Trump tweeted: "Whatever the United States can do to help out in London and the UK, we will be there - WE ARE WITH YOU. GOD BLESS!"- A separate incident in Vauxhall, two miles away, was not related to the other two incidents police said. REUTERS SV 0915 -- (Reuters) -- C-1-1-DL0103-920793.Xml
Taiwan's president offered today to help China transition to democracy, on the anniversary of China's bloody crackdown on student-led pro-democracy protests in and around Beijing's Tiananmen Square.Tsai Ing-wen said that the biggest gap between Taiwan and China is democracy and freedom, needling Beijing at a time when relations between China and the self-ruled island are at a low point."For democracy: some are early, others are late, but we all get there in the end," Tsai said, writing in Chinese on her Facebook page and tweeting some of her comments in English on Twitter on the 28th anniversary of the June 4, 1989, crackdown."Borrowing on Taiwan's experience, I believe that China can shorten the pain of democratic reform," Tsai said.Beijing distrusts Tsai and her ruling Democratic Progressive Party because it traditionally advocates independence for Taiwan. Beijing says the island is part of China and has never renounced the use of force to bring it under its control.After nearly 40 years of martial law imposed by the Nationalists on Taiwan, the island in the late 1980s began its own transition to democracy, holding direct presidential elections since 1996."When democracy is in front of you, no country can ever go back," Tsai wrote.China's Taiwan Affairs Office did not immediately respond to a request for comment on Tsai's remarks. The Tiananmen crackdown is a taboo subject in China.However, tens of thousands of people were expected to gather later in the day in Hong Kong to mark the anniversary, the only place in China where such large-scale public commemorations happen.Beijing sent tanks to quell the 1989 protests, and has never released a death toll. Estimates from human rights groups and witnesses range from several hundred to several thousand.On Friday, Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Hua Chunying said that China had long ago reached a conclusion about the events of that period."I hope you can pay more attention to the positive changes happening in all levels of Chinese society," she said, without elaborating.In Beijing, security was tight as usual at Tiananmen Square, with long lines at bag and identity checks. The square itself was peaceful, thronged with tourists taking photos.One elderly resident of a nearby neighbourhood, out for stroll at the edge of the square, said he remembered the events of 28 years ago clearly."The soldiers were just babies, 18, 19 years old. They didn't know what they were doing," he told Reuters, asking to be identified only by his family name, Sun.While some search terms on China's popular Twitter-like microblog Weibo appeared to be blocked on Sunday, some users were able to post cryptic messages."Never forget," wrote one, above a picture of mahjong tiles with the numbers 6 and 4 on them, for the month and day of the anniversary. REUTERS SV 1012 -- (Reuters) -- C-1-1-DL0103-920810.Xml
The electoral process of electing a new Nepal Prime Minister will now take place on Tuesday.

House Speaker Onsari Gharti Magar has called for next parliamentary meeting on Tuesday at 1 p.m. local time.

Nepali Congress President Sher Bahadur Deub is the only candidate running for the Prime Minister's post.

The opposition parties have denounced the Prime Ministerial election claiming that they were not informed about it.

The House Speaker is required to announce the letter from President to start the electoral process but House Speaker Magar issued a notice regarding it as the parliamentary procession was disrupted by the opposition last week too.

The CPN-UML has been protesting against the halt in vote count of Bharatpur Metropolitan City as 90 ballot papers were found torn.

As per the law of Nepal re-polling is needed over.

The Election Commission of Nepal has also directed the district election office for re-polling which has angered the opposition.

A writ is also filed against the decision in Supreme Court and hearing is set to start from Monday.

It has reinstated its demand of resumption in vote count in Bharatpur to let the parliament commence.

Pushpa Kamal Dahal had resigned as the Nepal prime minister to pave the way for Nepali Congress Chief Sher Bahadur Deuba to become the next premier, as per an understanding the two leaders had reached in August 2016.

Earlier, President Bhandari allocated one week time for political parties to garner consensus over formation of unity government which expired on Tuesday. (ANI)
Source: Xinhua| 2017-06-04 07:20:20|Editor: Mengjie

The photo made available by U.S. space firm SpaceX on June 3, 2017 shows the company's Falcon 9 rocket launching at the Kennedy Space Center in Florida, the United States. U.S. space firm SpaceX on Saturday launched supplies to the International Space Station, including an experiment from a Chinese university that will test the effects of space environments on DNA. (Xinhua)

WASHINGTON, June 3 (Xinhua) -- SpaceX on Saturday launched a shipment of supplies for the astronauts living at the International Space Station, carrying for the first time an experiment independently designed by China.

The SpaceX Dragon cargo spacecraft lifted off on the company's Falcon 9 rocket at 5:07 p.m. EDT (2107 GMT) from the Kennedy Space Center in Florida.

About 10 minutes later, SpaceX successfully landed the rocket's first stage at the company's Landing Zone 1, just south of the launch site at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, as part of its effort to develop fully reusable rockets.

On this trip, the Dragon will deliver almost 6,000 pounds (2,700 km) of supplies, including solar panels, tools for Earth-observation and equipment to study neutron stars. If all goes well, it will arrive at the space station on Monday.

CHINESE EXPERIMENT

Among the cargo is a 3.5-kilogram device from the Beijing Institute of Technology that sought to answer questions like "Does the space radiation and microgravity cause mutations among antibody-encoding genes and how does it happen?"

The Chinese payload was first reported in 2015, when an agreement was reached with NanoRacks, a Houston-based company that offers services for the commercial utilization of the space station.

Under the agreement, NanoRacks will deliver the device to the U.S. side of the space station and astronauts there will conduct studies using the device in about two weeks, data from which will be sent back to the Chinese researchers.

There is a U.S. law in place, known as the Wolf amendment, that bans cooperation between the U.S. space agency NASA and Chinese government entities, but this deal is purely commercial and therefore considered legal.

NASA spokesperson Kathryn Hambleton confirmed to Xinhua that there is a Chinese experiment that is launched on this mission, known as SpaceX CRS-11.

"NASA complied with all legal requirements to notify the Congress of this activity, and all of the ISS partners approved the inclusion of the experiment," Hambleton said in an email.

"This is not the first Chinese experiment on the International Space Station (ISS)," the spokesperson said. "Chinese scientists have been investigators and co-investigators on international experiments conducted on the ISS, including for the Alpha Magnetic Spectrometer investigation on ISS."

GOOD STEP

However, Professor Deng Yulin, who led the Chinese research, said that this is the first time an ISS experiment has been independently designed and fabricated in China.

"This cooperation does not violate any laws and regulations, including the Wolf amendment. We do it in an open and visible way," Deng told Xinhua. "This is a new model of cooperation that we can follow in the future."

"We think it's really an important research and they have done a great job," Mary Murphy, senior internal payloads manager of NanoRacks, told Xinhua, calling the cooperation between the two "a good example."

Leroy Chiao, a former Chinese-American NASA astronaut and ISS commander, highlighted the significance of the Chinese project.

"I think this is a good step forward," Chiao said. "I have always believed that cooperation is the best way forward for both the U.S. and China, particularly using civil space exploration as an avenue."

Joan Johnson-Freese, a space policy analyst at the U.S. Naval War College, said that it evidences the growing importance of commercial space.

"Space is no longer just the purview of government activity," Johnson-Freese said. "Space is developing as an area of commercial activity, much like cars and computers, which is a big change from the past."

SpaceX CRS-11 was the 11th of up to 20 missions to the space station that the California-based company will fly for NASA. It also marked the first time that SpaceX has launched a spaceship that has been used on a previous mission to the space station.
Source: Xinhua| 2017-06-04 07:49:03|Editor: ying

A seller collects sweets for customers at a shop during the Muslim holy month of Ramadan in Sanaa, Yemen, on June 3, 2017. Muslims around the world celebrate Ramadan, the holiest month in the Islamic calendar, in which they abstain from eating, drinking and conducting sexual relations from sunrise to sunset. (Xinhua/Mohammed Mohammed)
Source: Xinhua| 2017-06-04 07:35:23|Editor: ying

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SAN FRANCISCO, June 3 (Xinhua) -- A study on young female mice reveals how puberty hormones might trigger changes in neural communication in the frontal cortices and impede some aspects of flexible youthful learning.

"We have found that the onset of puberty hits something like a 'switch' in the brain's frontal cortex that can reduce flexibility in some forms of learning," said Linda Wilbrecht, an associate professor of psychology and neuroscience at the University of California, Berkeley, and the senior author of the study published this week in the journal Current Biology.

The changes occurred in a region of the frontal brain that is associated with learning, attention and behavioral regulation.

Overall, children have been found to have greater brain flexibility or "plasticity" than adults, enabling them to more easily master multiple languages and other elementary scholastic pursuits.

While they continue to learn after puberty, their cognitive focus in adolescence is often redirected to peer relationships and more social learning.

If hormonal changes start as early as second or third grade, when children are tasked with learning basic skills, a shift in brain function could be problematic, noted Wilbrecht.

"Puberty onset is occurring earlier and earlier in girls in modern urban settings, driven by such factors as stress and the obesity epidemic, and has been associated with worse outcomes in terms of school and mental health."

For the study, Wilbrecht and her laboratory team at UC Berkeley and the University of California, San Francisco, induced puberty in some young female mice by injecting them with pubertal hormones such as estradiol and progesterone, and blocked puberty in others by removing their ovaries.

In measuring the electrical activity of brain cells in the frontal cortices of post-pubertal mice, they observed significant changes in the synaptic activity thought to regulate brain plasticity.

They also compared the higher-order learning strategies of pre-pubertal and post-pubertal mice by testing their ability to find Cheerios cereal hidden in bowls of wooden shavings scented with licorice, clove, thyme or lemon.

After each mouse figured out which scent was paired with the Cheerios, that pairing was changed so the mice had to use trial and error to adapt to the change and learn the new rule.

Overall, the researchers found that the post-pubertal mice had a harder time adapting to the rule changes than their pre-pubertal counterparts.

"These data demonstrate that puberty itself, not just age, plays a role in frontal cortex maturation," concluded the authors, who also noted that future studies on males will be needed to determine if the present results apply to the male brain.

"To our knowledge, this study is the first to demonstrate changes in cortical neurotransmission due to hormones at puberty," study lead author David Piekarski, a post-doctoral researcher in Wilbrecht's lab, was quoted as saying in a news release from UC Berkeley.
The SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket, with the Dragon spacecraft onboard, launches from pad 39A at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Cape Canaveral, Florida, June 3, 2017. Credit: NASA/Bill Ingalls

WASHINGTON, June 3 (Xinhua) -- SpaceX on Saturday launched a shipment of supplies for the astronauts living at the International Space Station, carrying for the first time an experiment independently designed by China.

The SpaceX Dragon cargo spacecraft lifted off on the company's Falcon 9 rocket at 5:07 p.m. EDT (2107 GMT) from the Kennedy Space Center in Florida.

About 10 minutes later, SpaceX successfully landed the rocket's first stage at the company's Landing Zone 1, just south of the launch site at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, as part of its effort to develop fully reusable rockets.

On this trip, the Dragon will deliver almost 6,000 pounds (2,700 km) of supplies, including solar panels, tools for Earth-observation and equipment to study neutron stars. If all goes well, it will arrive at the space station on Monday.

CHINESE EXPERIMENT

Among the cargo is a 3.5-kilogram device from the Beijing Institute of Technology that sought to answer questions like "Does the space radiation and microgravity cause mutations among antibody-encoding genes and how does it happen?"

The Chinese payload was first reported in 2015, when an agreement was reached with NanoRacks, a Houston-based company that offers services for the commercial utilization of the space station.

Under the agreement, NanoRacks will deliver the device studying the effects of space environments on DNA to the U.S. side of the space station and astronauts there will conduct studies using the device in about two weeks, data from which will be sent back to the Chinese researchers.

There is a U.S. law in place, known as the Wolf amendment, that bans cooperation between the U.S. space agency NASA and Chinese government entities, but this deal is purely commercial and therefore considered legal.

NASA spokesperson Kathryn Hambleton confirmed to Xinhua that there is a Chinese experiment that is launched on this mission, known as SpaceX CRS-11.

"NASA complied with all legal requirements to notify the Congress of this activity, and all of the ISS partners approved the inclusion of the experiment," Hambleton said in an email.

"This is not the first Chinese experiment on the International Space Station (ISS)," the spokesperson said. "Chinese scientists have been investigators and co-investigators on international experiments conducted on the ISS, including for the Alpha Magnetic Spectrometer investigation on ISS."

GOOD STEP

However, Professor Deng Yulin, who led the Chinese research, said that this is the first time an ISS experiment has been independently designed and fabricated in China.

"This cooperation does not violate any laws and regulations, including the Wolf amendment. We do it in an open and visible way," Deng told Xinhua. "This is a new model of cooperation that we can follow in the future."

"We think it's really an important research and they have done a great job," Mary Murphy, senior internal payloads manager of NanoRacks, told Xinhua, calling the cooperation between the two "a good example."

Leroy Chiao, a former Chinese-American NASA astronaut and ISS commander, highlighted the significance of the Chinese project.

"I think this is a good step forward," Chiao said. "I have always believed that cooperation is the best way forward for both the U.S. and China, particularly using civil space exploration as an avenue."

Joan Johnson-Freese, a space policy analyst at the U.S. Naval War College, said that it evidences the growing importance of commercial space.

"Space is no longer just the purview of government activity," Johnson-Freese said. "Space is developing as an area of commercial activity, much like cars and computers, which is a big change from the past."

SpaceX CRS-11 was the 11th of up to 20 missions to the space station that the California-based company will fly for NASA. It also marked the first time that SpaceX has launched a spaceship that has been used on a previous mission to the space station.
Source: Xinhua| 2017-06-04 08:00:27|Editor: ying

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SAN FRANCISCO, June 3 (Xinhua) -- A group of 14 researchers have called for their colleagues to share computer code related to their research.

The researchers, from universities across the United States and Europe, recently published a commentary in Nature Science, which has announced a pilot project to ask future authors to make their code available for review.

Members of the science community have discussed for years whether and how to share data from painstaking research and costly experiments, while some academic journals are turning their attention to another aspect of the research process: computer programming code.

Code is becoming increasingly important in research because researchers are often writing their own computer programs to interpret their data.

Ben Marwick, University of Washington (UW) associate professor of anthropology, is one of the authors of the Nature Science commentary, titled "Toward standard practices for sharing computer code and programs in neuroscience."

Making the programs behind the research accessible allows their colleagues to test the code and reproduce the computations in an experiment -- in other words, to reproduce results and solidify findings.

It's the "how the sausage is made" part of research, said Marwick. It also allows the code to be used by other researchers in new studies, making it easier for researchers to build on the work of their colleagues.

"What we're missing is the convention of sharing code or the tools for turning data into useful discoveries or information," Marwick was quoted as saying in a news release from UW.

"Researchers say it's great to have the data available in a paper -- increasingly raw data are available in supplementary files or specialized online repositories -- but the code for performing the clever analyses in between the raw data and the published figures and tables are still inaccessible."

The Nature Neuroscience pilot focuses on three elements: whether the code supporting an author's main claims is publicly accessible; whether the code functions without mistakes; and whether it produces the results cited.

Nature Publishing Group, the company behind Nature Research journals, has encouraged writers to make their code available upon request since 2014.

Currently, besides Nature Neuroscience, other Nature Research journals, such as Nature Methods and Nature Biotechnology, provide for code review as part of the article evaluation process.

"This is a commitment from a high-impact journal to raise software to the status of a regular research product," Marwick said about the Nature Neuroscience project.

"In the future, scientific disciplines will be shifting to a position where you need to share your code as well as your data. It will be easier to reproduce someone's new discovery, and incorporate their discoveries into your own work."
Source: Xinhua| 2017-06-04 08:20:33|Editor: ZD

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RIO DE JANEIRO, June 3 (Xinhua) -- Mexico's Veracruz have made a bid to sign Argentina international striker Lucas Pratto from Brazilian outfit Sao Paulo, the player's agent said on Saturday.

Pratto has scored nine goals in 16 appearances for Sao Paulo, whom he joined from their Brazilian rivals Atletico Mineiro in January.

Despite settling in quickly at his new club, the 28-year-old is prepared to listen to offers, according to his agent Matias Lahorca.

"[Veracruz president] Fidel Kuri has sent me a proposal and he is very interested in signing a player like Lucas Pratto," Lahorca was quoted as saying by Globo Esporte.

"It's not going to be easy because he recently moved to Sao Paulo and is the club captain. But Veracruz have been watching him for a long time and know that he would be a great signing."
Source: Xinhua| 2017-06-04 08:30:44|Editor: ying

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LONDON, June 4 (Xinhua) -- London police said Sunday that two incidents which took place late on Saturday are terrorist incidents.

"At 0025hrs 4/6/17 the incidents at #LondonBridge & #BoroughMarket were declared as terrorist incidents," police posted on its official Twitter account.

The Sun newspaper reported that up to seven people were killed.
Source: Xinhua| 2017-06-04 09:15:51|Editor: ying

Cambodian Prime Minister Samdech Techo Hun Sen (C) shows his ballot during the commune election in Kandal province, Cambodia, on June 4, 2017. The commune elections kicked off in Cambodia on Sunday after a two-week election campaign. (Xinhua/Phearum)

KANDAL, Cambodia, June 4 (Xinhua) -- The 4th commune elections kicked off in Cambodia on Sunday after a two-week election campaign.

A total of 22,148 polling stations opened at 7:00 a.m. local time and are due to close at 3:00 p.m. local time, according to the National Election Committee (NEC).

Twelve political parties contest in the elections, with the ruling Cambodian People's Party (CPP) and the opposition Cambodia National Rescue Party (CNRP) being the major contestants.

CPP's President and Cambodian Prime Minister Samdech Techo Hun Sen is scheduled to vote at a polling station near his mansion in Kandal province, roughly 10 km south of capital Phnom Penh, while CNRP's President Kem Sokha will cast his ballot in Phnom Penh.

The NEC said that approximately 7.87 million eligible voters are expected to vote in the elections which are held to choose 11,572 commune chiefs and councilors for the kingdom's 1,646 communes.

The preliminary election results are expected to be announced on Sunday evening and the official results will be released 21 days after the election.

Held once every five years, the commune elections are seen as a bellwether of the party's support ahead of the general elections in July 2018.

In the last commune elections in June 2012, the ruling CPP gained 61.9 percent of the votes, compared to about 30.6 percent for the opposition.
Source: Xinhua| 2017-06-04 10:01:20|Editor: ying

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YANGON, June 4 (Xinhua) -- The recent Cyclone Mora has destroyed or damaged some 20,000 houses in two states and one region in Myanmar, official media reported Sunday.

No deaths were reported in Myanmar.

The storm, that swept through the western coast on Tuesday, brought destruction to Rakhine and Chin states and Ayeyawaddy region, according to the Ministry of Social Welfare, Relief and Resettlement.

Those damaged or destroyed also included 325 schools, 32 office buildings, 57 religious buildings, 429 non-residential buildings, 23 hospitals and clinics, three bridges, 38 utility poles and 22 motor boats.

The storm began in the Bay of Bengal, headed north and left a trail of destruction.
Source: Xinhua| 2017-06-04 11:52:07|Editor: ZD

Photo taken on June 3, 2017 shows the female panda Xin Xin prior to the award ceremony in Chapultepec Park in Mexico City, capital of Mexico. The Chapultepec Park Zoo in Mexico City Saturday received a special award from China for its conservation and care of pandas. (Xinhua/Francisco Canedo)

MEXICO CITY, June 3 (Xinhua) -- The Chapultepec Park Zoo in Mexico City Saturday received a special award from China for its conservation and care of pandas.

"The pandas are magnificent ambassadors of friendship that have joined our countries for over 40 years," said Qiu Xiaoqi, Chinese ambassador to Mexico, at the award ceremony at the pandas' enclosure in Chapultepec Park.

He said this event showed bilateral relations were better than ever and that Mexico was a strategic partner with excellent political ties with China.

At the ceremony, Mexico City's Secretary of Environment Tanya Muller said the city views "biodiversity and conservation as very important."

The pandas' enclosure now is home to Shuan Shuan, daughter of Pe Pe and Ying Ying, who will turn 30 on June 15, and Xin Xin, daughter of Tohui, who will turn 27 on July 1.

Pe Pe and Ying Ying were one of the most prolific breeding panda pairs in captivity, having given birth to seven cubs. Among them, Tohui became the most emblematic panda in Mexico before passing away in 1983.

The average life span of pandas in the wild is 15 years, while those in captivity enjoy a much longer life due to better nutrition and living conditions.

According to Claudia Lewy, the director general of zoos and wild life in Mexico City, each panda here receives special treatment and has their own carer and area.

Besides eating 15 kg of bamboo, Shuan Shuan and Xin Xin are also served special food every day, including a dish of Mazuri animal feed, fiber, cooked rice, apples and carrots.
Source: Xinhua| 2017-06-04 11:57:09|Editor: ZD

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BRASILIA, June 3 (Xinhua) -- Former Brazilian lawmaker Rodrigo Rocha Loures, a special advisor to Brazilian President Michel Temer, was arrested on Saturday in a corruption investigation that also implicates the president, police said.

In a police video released last month, Rocha Loures was seen receiving a suitcase containing 500,000 reais (150,000 U.S. dollars) in cash that prosecutors say was a bribe from the owner of the world's largest meatpacker JBS company.

Investigators are now seeking to determine if Rocha Loures received the money on behalf of Temer to defend the interests of the JBS in the government.

The presidential office has not commented on the arrest of the former aide.

The owner of the JBS company reportedly turned over a tape in which Temer can seemingly be heard signing off on bribes and indicating that Rocha Loures could help the company with certain issues.

The Supreme Court has ordered an investigation against Temer and Rocha Loures for corruption, criminal organization and obstruction of justice, triggering the worst political crisis in Brazil since Temer took office last year.
Source: Xinhua| 2017-06-04 12:42:15|Editor: ZD

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MANILA, June 4 (Xinhua) -- Philippine police said on Sunday that they have identified the lone suspect who attacked a hotel in Manila last Friday, setting gaming tables alight and leaving 37 people dead in thick smoke.

According to the police, the suspect was a Filipino man.

The suspect, armed with an automatic rifle, stormed the Resorts World Manila around midnight Thursday. He later killed himself.

"He is heavily indebted due to being hooked in casino gambling according to his immediate family," the police said.
Source: Xinhua| 2017-06-04 12:42:16|Editor: ZD

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CANBERRA, June 4 (Xinhua) -- The Australian government on Sunday confirmed that no Australians have been harmed in a terror attack which occurred in the heart of London overnight, with Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull offering his "resolute support" to the British government and the people of London.

At least one person has been killed and dozens injured after a van was driven off the road on London Bridge in an attempt to hit pedestrians late Saturday night local time.

Men then exited the van and attacked nearby restaurants and bars, carrying knives and slashing at people.

On Sunday, Turnbull took to social media to condemn the attack and offer solidarity to one of Australia's oldest allies.

"Our prayers and resolute solidarity are today as always with the people of Britain in the face of the shocking terrorist attacks in London," he posted on social media platform Twitter.

In the wake of the incident, Foreign Minister Julie Bishop said that while no Australians were thought to have been hurt in the attack, she had spoken with Australia's high commissioner to Britain, former Foreign Minister Alexander Downer, who confirmed that consular support had been activated for families of Australian travelers and workers who held concerns.

"Our High Commission in London that tells me British Police are treating it as a terrorist attack. So until we know otherwise we can assume that this follows a similar pattern to those we have seen elsewhere," Bishop told Sky News on Sunday.

"He has activated our consular support. He has made contact with all our employees and their families at the High Commission and so far we have had no reports of any Australians involved."

Bishop said the nature of the attack - whereby a vehicle attempts to run down pedestrians - was reminiscent of a similar incident which occurred in London earlier this year.

"We have seen this pattern before, including in the Westminster Bridge attack earlier this year," Bishop said. "We are certainly all on edge given what has happened in the UK, in Manchester, in recent weeks."

Meanwhile, opposition leader Bill Shorten also set a message of support, tweeting that "Australian hearts go out to our oldest friends" on such a "dark night."
Source: Xinhua| 2017-06-04 12:57:18|Editor: ZD

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WUHAN, June 4 (Xinhua) -- A China shipbuilding firm on Saturday delivered the world's first semi-submersible aquaculture support vessel to Norwegian fish farming company SalMar ASA.

The Wuchang Shipbuilding Industry Group Co. Ltd. of the China Shipbuilding Industry Corporation delivered the vessel at its dock in Qingdao in east China's Shandong Province.

The vessel, 110 meters in diameter and 69 meters in total height, weighs 7,700 tonnes and can resist powerful typhoons of up to 36 meters per second in speed. It can accommodate water for farming 1.5 million fish while maintaining a death rate of less than 2 percent.

SalMar is one of the world's largest companies for producing and processing salmon.

Yan Jun, deputy chief engineer of Wuchang Shipbuilding Industry Group Co. Ltd., said the vessel is the world's first fully automated aquaculture support vessel. Its smart aquaculture system can release fish fry and perform feeding, environmental monitoring, cleaning and removal of dead fish.

The ship maker signed a contract in April with SalMar to add another five of the smart aquaculture support vessels.
Source: Xinhua| 2017-06-04 13:12:21|Editor: ying

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WASHINGTON, June 3 (Xinhua) -- U.S. President Donald Trump on Saturday offered help to Britain after two attacks in London killed six and injured at least 20.

"Whatever the United States can do to help out in London and the U.K., we will be there - WE ARE WITH YOU. GOD BLESS!" Trump wrote on Twitter.

He also spoke with British Prime Minister Theresa May to offer condolences and offered Washington's "full support" in "investigating and bringing those responsible for these heinous acts to justice," according to a White House statement.

The country condemned the "cowardly attacks" targeting civilians and stood ready to offer any assistance authorities in Britain may request, the statement said.

Unidentified attackers drove a van into pedestrians on London Bridge Saturday night and stabbed people in the nearby Borough Market area. British authorities have classified the incidents as terrorist attacks.

Six people have been killed and three suspects shot dead by police, local police said early Sunday.

The London Ambulance Service said that at least 20 people were being treated across London following the incidents.
Source: Xinhua| 2017-06-04 13:22:22|Editor: An

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Archaeologist Zhang Xufen shows unearthed tablets inscribed with Buddhist scriptures at the excavation site of the Fugan Temple, which disppeared for nearly a millennium, in Chengdu, capital of southwest China's Sichuan Province, June 2, 2017. Archaeologists have spent months excavating the lost Fugang Temple in downtown Chengdu. The Fugan Temple was a famous temple that lasted from the Eastern Jin Dynasty (317-420) to the Southern Song Dynasty (1127-1279). Archaeologists unearthed more than 1,000 tablets inscribed with Buddhist scriptures and over 500 pieces of stone sculpture as well as glazed tiles with inscriptions. (Xinhua/Liu Kun)

CHENGDU, June 4 (Xinhua) -- Archaeologists have spent months excavating a lost temple that disappeared for nearly a millennium in downtown Chengdu, capital of southwest China's Sichuan Province.

The Fugan Temple was a famous temple that lasted from the Eastern Jin Dynasty (317-420) to the Southern Song Dynasty (1127-1279).

Daoxuan, a famous Tang Dynasty (618-907) monk, once wrote that an official rite to pray for rain to end a persistent drought was held in front of the temple, and it rained as if the prayers had been heard in heaven.

The story was the record of how the temple got its name, Fugan, which means "perceive the blessing."

Famous Tang Dynasty poet Liu Yuxi left a poem to commemorate the temple's renovation, describing its heavenly appearance. The poem further noted the temple's important role at that time.

However, the building was worn down during the later period of the Tang and Song dynasties, with all traces of the temple disappearing during wars.

Archaeologists unearthed more than 1,000 tablets inscribed with Buddhist scriptures and over 500 pieces of stone sculpture as well as glazed tiles with inscriptions.

"We have only excavated a part of the temple's area, but already have a glimpse of its past glory," said Yi Li, who led the excavation project.

He said they have found the temple's foundation, ruins of surrounding buildings, wells, roads and ditches.

During the excavation, archaeologists found some 80 ancient tombs scattered near the temple, dating back to Shang and Zhou dynasties (1600-256 BC). In the temple's surroundings, they have unearthed large amounts of household tools and utensils and building materials dating back to various periods from the Song to Ming dynasties.

Chengdu became an economic and cultural center in western China during the Sui and Tang dynasties. The temple's discovery could greatly contribute to the study of the spread of Buddhism in China during that time, said Wang Yi, director of the Chengdu Cultural Relic Research Institute.
Source: Xinhua| 2017-06-04 13:22:23|Editor: ying

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JAKARTA, June 4 (Xinhua) -- Flood hit Central Sulawesi province in Indonesia, leaving one person dead and three others missing, a senior official of the disaster agency said here Sunday.

Heavy downpours triggered the overflow of two rivers in Tolitoli district and submerged surrounding areas, Sutopo Purwo Nugroho, spokesman of the national disaster management agency told Xinhua in a text message.

The current swept 15 houses and destroyed one bridge, cutting links with nearby provinces, Sutopo added.

Thousands of houses were inundated by the waters, but so far no evacuation was triggered, he added.

Local communities were warned to be alert on further risks of flood and landslides as the meteorology and geophysics agency has issued a warning of potential heavier rains in coming days, Sutopo said.
Source: Xinhua| 2017-06-04 13:42:27|Editor: Mengjie

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BEIJING, June 4 (Xinhua) -- China's top securities market regulator has rejected more initial public offering (IPO) applications from companies amid efforts to improve the quality of listed companies and protect the interests of individual investors.

The China Securities Regulatory Commission (CSRC) in May reviewed IPO application documents from 64 companies, while 9 of them, or about 14 percent of the total, failed to get the approval to go public, the Xinhua-run China Securities Journal reported over the weekend.

The 14-percent rate was higher than the 12 percent in April and the 11.6 percent for the first five months of this year, the journal reported, citing data from Wind Info, a leading financial information provider.

Inability to generate sustainable profit growth and malpractices in business operations and information disclosure were among the main reasons for the IPO rejections, noted the report.

Under the current IPO system, new shares are subject to approval from the CSRC.

In a similar vein, the CSRC on Friday approved the IPO applications of four companies, fewer than the seven approved last week.

The four companies will raise no more than 1.5 billion yuan (about 220 million U.S. dollars), much less than the 2.3 billion yuan approved to be raised by the seven IPOs in the previous week.
Source: Xinhua| 2017-06-04 14:07:32|Editor: Mengjie

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BERLIN, June 3 (Xinhua) -- Chinese Premier Li Keqiang's visit to Germany will push forward bilateral economic and trade cooperation, said commercial counselor of the Chinese Embassy in Germany.

"Economic and trade cooperation has always been the ballast of China-Germany relations. Premier Li's visit to Germany has made fruitful achievements in the economic and trade fields and will push forward Sino-German economic and trade cooperation," Wang Weidong told Xinhua in a recent interview during Li's two-day fruitful official visit to Germany.

Li's visit came as globalization is threatened by rising trade protectionism, Wang said, stressing that both China and Germany have made it clear that they would jointly promote trade liberalization and investment facilitation, support an early conclusion of the EU-China investment agreement and improve China-EU free trade cooperation.

Wang hopes that Germany would continue to play a positive role in urging the EU to make good on its promise to support the principles of the World Trade Organization and the EU's fulfillment of Article 15 of the Protocol on China's Accession to the WTO, as well as to stop using the "surrogate country" or similar approaches in anti-dumping investigations against China.

"China and Germany should shape innovation together to build a new engine for the development of bilateral relations," Wang stressed.

On the future of China-Germany economic and trade cooperation, Wang believed that bilateral trade would bring new growth opportunities via the Belt and Road Initiative and cross-border e-commerce.

The Belt and Road Initiative, proposed by Chinese President Xi Jinping in 2013, comprises the Silk Road Economic Belt and the 21st Century Maritime Silk Road, with an aim to build a trade and infrastructure network connecting Asia with Europe and Africa along the ancient Silk Road routes.

"To explore third markets together will become another new trend for the two countries. Small- and medium-sized enterprises will also share more international cooperation dividends," Wang said.

Wang pointed out that a platform should be set up to encourage local cooperation and to demonstrate the integrative innovation of large and medium-sized enterprises.

As the United States announced its withdrawal from the Paris Climate Agreement, China and Germany should convey to the international community a firm position on addressing climate change, Wang said.

"China and Germany have great potential for trade cooperation," Wang stressed, adding that "Chinese and German entrepreneurs should seize the opportunity to share the fruits of cooperation."

"At this important moment when the current world situation is undergoing great changes, Premier Li Keqiang's visit will surely play an important role in promoting exchanges and deepening cooperation between China and Germany," Wang said.
Source: Xinhua| 2017-06-04 14:27:37|Editor: ying

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KANDAL, Cambodia, June 4 (Xinhua) -- Since early Sunday morning, Cambodian voters have queued at polling stations across the country, waiting their turns to cast ballots in the 4th commune elections.

Cambodians are confident that their votes will bring good leaders to their villages and communes.

"The election is crucial to electing good commune chiefs and councilors who care about the people and devote their physical and mental energies to commune and village development," 56-year-old businesswoman Seang Chantheng told Xinhua after casting her vote at a polling station in the southern Kandal province.

She revealed that she voted for the ruling Cambodian People's Party (CPP) since the party has brought full peace and development to the country.

"The party I trust, the party I have always supported is the Cambodian People's Party and today I voted for the party," she said.

Eang Dane, 19, a high-school student in the capital of Phnom Penh, said she also cast her ballot for the CPP and believed that only leaders from the CPP could bring real development to the grassroots people.

"It was the first time I have voted, I'm really happy," she told Xinhua after voting at a station in Phnom Penh. "I love the CPP because the party has brought peace and development to our country."

Dane was confident that the CPP would continue to win the elections for further development in communes and villages, especially the development of roads, bridges, schools and hospitals.

Kim Sokhonn, a 46-year-old housewife who voted at a polling station in Kandal province, said she felt free to vote for the party she liked, and there was no intimidation.

"I hope that all political parties will accept the election results. I don't want to see the situation like it was in 2013," she told Xinhua, referring to the national elections in July 2013 in which the main opposition Cambodia National Rescue Party (CNRP) did not recognize the election results and staged mass protests for months.

Twelve political parties have contested in Sunday's elections, with the ruling CPP and the opposition CNRP being the major contestants, according to the National Election Committee (NEC).

CPP President and Cambodian Prime Minister Samdech Techo Hun Sen voted at a polling station near his mansion in Kandal province, roughly 10 km south of the capital on Sunday, while CNRP President Kem Sokha cast his ballot in Phnom Penh.

Hun Sen said during an election campaign on Friday that he was confident that the CPP would continue to win the majority in the polls.

"There is only the CPP that has sufficient capacity to govern Cambodia and to maintain the country's peace and development," he said, adding that the party has more than 5 million members.

Approximately 7.87 million eligible voters are expected to vote in the elections which are held to elect 11,572 commune chiefs and councilors for the kingdom's 1,646 communes.

The preliminary election results are expected on Sunday evening and the official results will be released 21 days after the votes.

Held every five years, the commune elections are seen as a bellwether of the ruling party's support ahead of the national elections in July 2018.

In the last commune elections in June 2012, the CPP gained 61.9 percent of the votes, compared to about 30.6 percent for the opposition.
ComebackTown is published by David Sher to begin a discussion on a better Birmingham.

David Sher is Co-Founder of AmSher Compassionate Collections and past Chairman of Birmingham Regional Chamber of Commerce, ONB, and CAP.

Let's turn Birmingham around. Click here to sign up for newsletter. There's power in numbers. (Opt out at any time)

Have you ever wondered why Atlanta grew and Birmingham stagnated?

In 1959, the Mayor of Atlanta sent us a letter spelling out how Birmingham could be a great city.

We paid no attention.

Many of us are glad Birmingham didn't turn out to be Atlanta, but it sure would have been nice to expand our economy, grow jobs, and retain our children and grandchildren.

In April, 1959 a resident of Homewood received a response from a letter he had written to Atlanta Mayor W. B. Hartsfield asking his opinion on the proposal to merge Homewood and Mountain Brook with Birmingham.*

If the cities of Mountain Brook and Homewood had followed Mayor Hartsfield's advice--Birmingham would certainly be a different city.

Mayor Hartsfield's letter could be perceived as 'elitist,' but his straight forward response is insightful and helps explain Atlanta's expansion and Birmingham's inability to compete.

Mayor W. B. Hartsfield's letter*

Memo: Mayor Hartsfield sent me a copy of the following letter that was mailed to a resident of Homewood. This is for your information.

City of Atlanta, Office of the Mayor, Atlanta Georgia

William B. Hartsfield, Mayor

April 14, 1959

Mr. ---------------

Homewood

I have your letter of April 13 with reference to a proposed merger of several contiguous municipalities to the City of Birmingham.

In answer to your question as to why annex only two municipalities when there are twenty-seven in Jefferson County, possibly the answer could be that these are contiguous or nearby and ought, normally, to be a part of Birmingham, and as such, could be more economically administered.

Possibly the other municipalities are so widely scattered that their annexation might not make geographical sense. I do not know all the details of your situation, but through friends, I understand that the communities of Homewood and Mountain Brook are the ones affected. As a frequent visitor to Birmingham, I have often wondered why they were not a part of Birmingham. They seem to be peopled by a class of people whose advice and counsel and whose vote and civic service are badly needed by Birmingham.

We had a similar situation in Atlanta; to wit, the Buckhead area, where all of our business, social, civic and financial leadership lived. Their inclusion into the City of Atlanta was one of the finest and healthiest things which has ever happened to our town. We took in over 100 square miles of contiguous territory. There are still many outlying towns not included. At the same time, we adjusted certain competing functions of city and county. This was known as 'The Plan of Improvement" and is the thing described in the Congressional Record.

When the limits of a city remain static for too long a time, there is a tremendous migration of new and youthful, active, child-raising citizens into the suburbs. These constitute the "cream of the crop." Unless some way is found to reach out and include these people in the active, voting management of the city, it will have a disastrous effect on the future management of the town.

Sometimes people in the suburbs say, "Why should I come in when I don't like the government?" The answer to that is, "How can it ever be changed unless they help do it?" So to those who talk about the difference in taxes, the answer is that the over-all advantages of good government far outweigh any small difference in governmental charges.

We are proud to say that in Atlanta, the very wealthiest of our citizens and the very largest taxpayers, after considering these facts, voted to come in and become a part of our city, and to this sort of broadminded civic patriotism, we attribute much of Atlanta's marvelous growth in the last few years. There is but one question the suburban citizen can honestly ask: "Would I live where I do, would the value of my home be unaffected, would my business and social life be just as satisfactory to me and my family if Birmingham could be picked up and moved a hundred miles away?" If he can answer this in the affirmative, he, indeed, has no concern in Birmingham or annexation, but if he can't, then every dictate of common sense and honesty should dictate that he should come in and become a real voting citizen of the town whose name he writes in the hotel register when he goes afield.

Best wishes.

Yours very truly,

W.B. Hartsfield, Mayor

Editor's note: Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport was named after Mayor Hartsfield. This is somewhat ironic. Take a look now at the size and scope of the Birmingham and Atlanta airports.

*Birmingham Public Library Digital Collections
Source: Xinhua| 2017-06-04 14:34:09|Editor: ying

A female contestant with fake facial hair competes for the "build-a-beard" category during the 3rd annual Facial Hair Competition held in Vancouver, Canada, June 3, 2017. The 3rd annual Facial Hair Competition kicked off in Vancouver on Saturday. About one hundred competitors from Canada and the United States participated in the competition to show off their beards and moustaches. (Xinhua/Liang Sen)
Source: Xinhua| 2017-06-04 14:37:41|Editor: Song Lifang

An Afghan security force member inspects the site of an attack in Kandahar province, Afghanistan, June 4, 2017. An insider attack claimed the lives of six police and wounded five others in the southern Kandahar province on Sunday, an official said. (Xinhua/Sanauallah Seaim)

KANDAHAR, Afghanistan, June 4 (Xinhua) -- An insider attack claimed the lives of six police and wounded five others in the southern Kandahar province on Sunday, an official said.

"The gruesome incident happened in Hajji Arab area of 15 Police District in Kandahar city today morning when the policemen asleep in their checkpoint," the official told Xinhua, but he declined to be named.

He said authorized officials would talk to media after an investigation.

Insider attacks in the past had also claimed the lives of security personnel in the Taliban birthplace Kandahar and in other parts of the war-battered country.
Source:Xinhua| 2017-06-04 14:49:15|Editor: Mengjie

Photo taken on June 3, 2017 shows the female panda Xin Xin prior to the award ceremony in Chapultepec Park in Mexico City, capital of Mexico. The Chapultepec Park Zoo in Mexico City Saturday received a special award from China for its conservation and care of pandas. (Xinhua/Francisco Canedo)
Source: Xinhua| 2017-06-04 15:23:10|Editor: An

Audiences view the creations at the finals of the 1st Lighting Design Award of College Students in Beijing, capital of China, June 4, 2017. Over 30 lighting creations designed by college students competed in the contest. (Xinhua/Lu Peng)
Source: Xinhua| 2017-06-04 15:52:58|Editor: MJ

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SINGAPORE, June 4 (Xinhua) -- Non-traditional threats to security in the Asia-Pacific region had taken the center stage of the 16th Shangri-La Dialogue which concluded here on Sunday, with participants calling for concerted efforts to address them.

At the three-day dialogue which opened on Friday evening, defense ministers, officials and experts from Asia-Pacific countries shared the same view that terror threat is on the rise and spreading, members of extremist groups are sneaking into the region and large-scale cyber attacks are nothing new.

TERROR THREAT ON RISE AND SPREADING IN ASIA-PACIFIC

As Europe has become a frequent target of terror attacks in recent years, a number of countries in the Asia-Pacific have also fallen victim, including Pakistan, Malaysia, Indonesia, Thailand, the Philippines and Afghanistan.

The car bomb explosion targeting government buildings and foreign embassies in central Kabul on May 31 left at least 90 people dead and 400 others injured.

The deadly attack targeting the convoy of Pakistani Senate's Deputy Chairman Molana Abdul Ghafoor Haideri in southwestern province of Balochistan killed at least 25 and inured 35 others on May 12.

These incidents have underscored the severity of terrorism in the region. It also tells that no country in the region can assume it will be spared from terror attacks.

In a plenary speech at the security forum on Sunday, Singaporean Defense Minister Ng Eng Hen said: "Closer to home, terrorism is our biggest security concern in Southeast Asia" and the threat in the region has heightened, including for Singapore, and is likely to worsen.

MEMBERS FROM EXTREMIST GROUPS SNEAKING INTO ASIA-PACIFIC

Just on the eve of Ramadan, the Islamic State (IS) called for an "all-out war" on the West. Participants at the forum warned that there is potential return of IS fighters from the Middle East as they are losing ground there.

Last week, IS-linked militants in the Philippines attempted to seized part of Marawi city in Mindanao, attacking innocents and killing police and military, and taking worshipers hostage, forcing President Rodrigo Duterte to cut short his visit and return home to handle the crisis. Mindanao is till under martial law.

IS also claimed responsibility for the brutal bombings that killed three police officers at a Jakarta bus station in late May.

U.S. Secretary of Defense James Mattis said Saturday in a plenary session at the forum that violent extremist organizations, fighters returning from the Middle East and local individuals radicalized by malicious ideologies, seek to gain ground in Southeast Asia.

The Singaporean defense minister said: "We know at least 31 terrorists groups in this region have pledged allegiance to IS, and there is evidence of increasing transnational cooperation among regional terror groups."

LARGE-SCALE CYBER ATTACKS NOTHING NEW IN ASIA-PACIFIC

The worldwide ransomware cyber attacks in May hit many countries in Asia-Pacific, with the National University of Singapore and two major hospitals in Indonesia experiencing nightmare.

Media reports said the latest cyber attacks undermined computers of at least two employees of the National University of Singapore (NUS), including a researcher who worked on a security project funded by the Ministry of Defense.

NUS computer science research fellow Prosanta Gope's computer was hacked after he clicked on a link from another colleague whose computer had also been hacked, the reports said.

Fortunately, no signs of data loss were detected.

At least two major hospitals in Indonesia were hit in the attack.

Dharmais Hospital and Harapan Kita Hospital in Jakarta were affected by the "ransomware," said Semuel Pangerapan, a director general at Indonesia's Communication and Information Ministry.

The hospitals canceled all surgeries planned for the day.

"A generation of criminals and terrorists is using a new generation of technology, attempting to divide us by exploiting platforms designed to bring us together," Australian Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull noted Friday evening in his keynote speech to open the security forum.

To win the war on multi-fronts, defense ministers, officials and experts called for concerted and coordinated efforts to deal with the challenges, including improving security mechanism, sharing intelligence and preventing extremists from entering the region.
Source: Xinhua| 2017-06-04 16:03:02|Editor: MJ

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ISLAMABAD, June 4 (Xinhua) -- Pakistan on Sunday condemned the act of terrorism in London and expressed solidarity with Britain and its people.

Six people have been killed and three suspects shot dead by police after the terror attack at London Bridge and Borough Market, local police said early Sunday.

Police in London say unidentified attackers drove a van into pedestrians on London Bridge Saturday night and stabbed people in the nearby Borough Market area. British authorities have classified the incidents as terrorist attacks.

"We are deeply shocked and saddened by the horrific act of terrorism in London in which, reportedly, six innocent people have been killed and dozens have sustained injuries," the Pakistan Foreign Ministry said.

"The people and government of Pakistan strongly condemn the terrorist attack and sympathize with the people and the government of the United Kingdom," a Foreign Ministry statement said.

Pakistan expressed deepest condolences to the bereaved families at the loss of their beloved ones and prayed for the speedy recovery of those injured.

"Terrorism is a global menace and hence a common challenge that needs to be tackled with collective effort and cooperation," the statement said.
Source: Xinhua| 2017-06-04 16:08:05|Editor: MJ

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LONDON, June 4 (Xinhua) -- Britain was struck again as unidentified attackers driving a van ran over pedestrians and stabbed them on Saturday night in London, leaving at least six people killed.

It came less than two weeks after the Manchester suicide bombing that killed 22 and injured 116 others.

Observers said the attacks may cast shadow on the upcoming general election, scheduled for June 8, as people become more concerned with security than other issues.

ATTACKERS SHOT DEAD

London police said they began to receive reports that a vehicle had struck pedestrians on London Bridge at 22:08 (2108 GMT) on Saturday.

Witnesses said a white van ran into people on a pavement at a high speed, and then three men jumped out of the van and attacked the public with long blades.

"The vehicle continued to drive from London Bridge to Borough Market. The suspects then left the vehicle and a number of people were stabbed," said Mark Rowley, assistant commissioner of London Metropolitan Police.

Borough Market, next to London Bridge, was busy at the weekend night with lots of people enjoying food and drinks in the bars.

Six people were killed and three suspects were shot dead by police, police said early Sunday.

The London Ambulance Service said that more than 30 people were being treated across London following the attacks.

Photos taken on site show that a possible attacker lay on the ground with canisters strapped to his body and dozens of people who were caught up in the attack were escorted to safety by police.

The Counter Terrorism Command is conducting investigation and additional police and officers will be deployed across London, Rowley said.

ACT OF TERRORISM

Prime Minister Theresa May, who had been campaigning in the general election, returned to Downing Street to be briefed by security officials after the attack.

She said the attack in London "is being treated as a potential act of terrorism."

It is the third attack in Britain so far this year. On March 22, 52-year-old Briton Khalid Masood drove a car into pedestrians on Westminster Bridge, injuring dozens of people. He then stabbed a police officer before he was shot dead at the scene. On May 22, Briton Salman Abede blew himself up at the Manchester Arena following a concert.

Professor Anthony Glees, director of the Center for Security and Intelligence Studies at the University of Buckingham, said one of the reasons behind the attacks is that Britain has looked vulnerable at the moment, "since the Brexit vote."

"In just a short period time we have seen the attack on Westminster and Manchester... It is the weak and vulnerable that are the first to be attacked in the jungle," he told Xinhua in an interview after the Manchester attack.

"We had the referendum, a change of government, the premature calling of a general election and in the days preceding the Manchester bombing we had a prime minister who had to change her party manifesto. We looked as if we were all over the place and that made us vulnerable," he said.

Dr. Imran Awan, associate professor of Birmingham City University, said Britain has long been a target of terrorist groups along with other European countries.

"But Britain and the United States as superpowers would be viewed as prized Number One targets, high up on the lists of ISIS and other terror groups," he told Xinhua.

Political analysts fear the attack would cast shadows on the upcoming general election. However, it is still unclear to what extent it will affect voters.

A British girl wrote on her social media account that she does not care about which party could win the election nor their manifesto, "I just wish there is no more terror attacks."
Source: Xinhua| 2017-06-04 16:08:07|Editor: MJ

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NEW DELHI, June 4 (Xinhua) -- Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday returned to New Delhi after completing his four-nation tour, the state-run broadcaster Doordarshan said.

Modi embarked on his tour to Germany, Spain, Russia and France on May 29 and concluded it on Saturday evening.

India has signed several agreements with the host countries during Modi's visit.

"Trade and investment, counter-terrorism and climate change were some of the key issues that the Prime Minister discussed with the leaders of the four countries," the broadcaster said.
Source: Xinhua| 2017-06-04 16:18:11|Editor: MJ

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DAMASCUS, June 4 (Xinhua) -- Syrian army and allied fighters on Sunday captured the last Islamic State (IS) stronghold in the northern province of Aleppo, a monitor group reported.

The Syrian army and fighters of Hezbollah, backed by Russia, entered the town of Maskanah, the last IS stronghold in Aleppo province, according to the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights.

Located in the southeastern countryside of Aleppo, capturing Maskanah is the latest in a string of successful operations the army and its allies to end the presence of IS in Aleppo.

The Observatory, which says it relies on a network of activists on ground, said the army has been combing the town since early Sunday in search of explosives and roadside bombs.

It added that the IS fighters and their families withdrew form the town before the army could place a full siege on it, following cutting the road between the town and northern province of Raqqa, the de facto capital of IS.

The wide-scale military offensive in the countryside of Aleppo was unleashed on Jan. 17, after the army forces wrested back control over the entire city of Aleppo city.

Now, the Syrian army is also active in the Syrian desert against IS, capturing large swathes of territories from the terror-designated group.
Source: Xinhua| 2017-06-04 16:23:15|Editor: MJ

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MOSUL, Iraq, June 4 (Xinhua) -- Iraqi paramilitary Hashd Shaabi units on Sunday recaptured the town of al-Baaj from Islamic State (IS) militants, as part of an operation to drive out the extremist militants from areas near Iraqi-Syrian border in west of Mosul, the Iraqi military said.

The Hashd Shaabi units, backed by the army's helicopter gunships, liberated al-Baaj, some 20 km east of the Syrian border, and raised the Iraqi flag over some of its buildings, Abdul-Amir Yarallah from the Joint Operations Command (JOC) said in a brief statement.

In the early morning, the paramilitary units broke into the town from three directions and fought sporadic clashes against IS militants, leaving heavy casualties among them and took full control of the town, Abu Mahdi al-Muhandis, deputy commander of Hashd Shaabi units, said in another statement.

The liberation of the town, which located in the rugged sprawling area in south of the town of Sinjar, some 100 km west of Mosul, is part of a major offensive designed to secure the border areas with neighboring Syria and cut off IS supply routes between Mosul and the Syrian city of Raqqa, the de-facto capital of the IS self-declared caliphate.

On May 29, the units made their first arrival at the Iraqi-Syrian border after they freed the town of al-Qahtaniyah, some 18 km east of the Syrian border.

The operations near the Syrian border came as Iraqi security forces, backed by the anti-IS international coalition, were simultaneously conducting a major offensive to dislodge IS militants from their major stronghold in western Mosul.

Mosul, 400 km north of Baghdad, has been under IS control since June 2014, when government forces abandoned their weapons and fled, enabling IS militants to control parts of Iraq's northern and western regions.
Source: Xinhua| 2017-06-04 16:48:25|Editor: MJ

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DUBAI, June 4 (Xinhua) -- The United Arab Emirates (UAE) on Sunday condemned the "terrorist crimes" that took place last night in central London, killing six people and injuring 48 others, UAE state news agency WAM reported.

In a statement released by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, it emphasised the UAE's firm and clear stance against extremism and terrorism.

"The terrorist crimes of London reaffirm the urgent need for concerted international efforts to counter extremism and terrorism in all its forms, and innocent civilians pay the price for these terrorist crimes," the ministry added.

The UAE foreign ministry called for "joint cooperation and response to this serious scourge that threatens the security and stability of the countries of the world."

The ministry expressed its sincere condolences to the families of victims of these terrorist crimes and wished speedy recovery to those injured.

Six people were killed and about 48 others injured by two bus stabbings and a stab in the British capital last night on the London Bridge and Borough Market, one of the most famous and oldest food markets in London, which was crowded with people at the time.
Source: Xinhua| 2017-06-04 16:48:26|Editor: MJ

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SOFIA, June 4 (Xinhua) -- At least nine illegal immigrants were killed when a minibus crashed in Bulgaria on Sunday before dawn, the Ministry of Interior said in a statement.

According to the statement, the minibus that carried 17 foreign citizens without identity documents, crashed on Trakia motorway near Pazardjik in the direction of Sofia.

Nine foreigners and the 16-year-old Bulgarian driver were killed in the accident. The driver did not have a driver's license, the statement said.

The surviving foreigners said they were from Afghanistan and Pakistan.

The cause of the accident is under investigation, the statement said.

Bulgaria is located on a direct route of refugee flows from Turkey to Central Europe. According to official data, during the first three months of 2017, Bulgarian law enforcement authorities arrested 256 foreigners trying to illegally enter the country from Turkey and 1,393 illegal immigrants trying to leave Bulgaria to central and western Europe.
Source: Xinhua| 2017-06-04 16:53:28|Editor: MJ

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PARIS, June 4 (Xinhua) -- French citizens are among the victims in the London attack Saturday night, and France is doing everything possible to help them, the French presidency said Sunday in a press release.

France will "continue with all its strength to fight terrorism alongside the United Kingdom and all the countries concerned," said French President Emmanuel Macron.

Macron expressed his "most sincere thoughts at this painful moment," to the victims' families and their loved ones, adding that the attack that struck London a few days after that of Manchester, is "another abominable and cowardly attack against our free societies."

In collaboration with the British authorities, security measures will be strengthened in London for the first round of France's legislative elections on Sunday for residents abroad, according to the French president.

Macron is in contact with the British authorities and is kept informed of developments and the elements of the investigation, according to the Elysee.
Source: Xinhua| 2017-06-04 17:03:30|Editor: An

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Members of the Cuban School of Wushu perform lion dance during a political-cultural event held to mark the 170th anniversary of Chinese presence in Cuba in Regla, Cuba, June 3, 2017. The 170th anniversary of Chinese presence in Cuba was commemorated in the coastal town of Regla Saturday, where the first 200 Chinese arrived in 1847. (Xinhua/Joaquin Hernandez)

HAVANA, June 3 (Xinhua) -- The 170th anniversary of Chinese presence in Cuba was commemorated in the coastal town of Regla Saturday, where the first 200 Chinese arrived in 1847.

A political-cultural event took place to remember this occasion, with the presence of a Chinese delegation headed by Ma Peihua, vice chairperson of the National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference, local authorities and the Chinese community in Cuba.

Ma stressed that the friendship between the two peoples has lasted for 170 years since the first Chinese migrants overcame adverse conditions to become active members of society and contribute to the island's economic development.

He also recalled that Cuba was the first country in Latin America and Western Hemisphere to establish diplomatic relations with the People's Republic of China, with bilateral relations now being "mature and stable."

"Our links are constantly operating at a high level. A sign of that is that President Xi Jinping and Premier Li Keqiang respectively made successful visits to Cuba in recent years," he said.

Ma stressed that relations between Beijing and Havana have withstood changing international situations and their peoples have enjoyed a deep friendship.

Ma said that China is ready to maintain friendly relations with Cuba and to deepen bilateral cooperation for mutual benefit.

Meanwhile, a retired army general of Chinese descent, Guillermo Chui, said that this date has great significance as it reaffirms that, after 170 years, the Chinese community is prominently participating in Cuban society.

As part of the commemoration, a cultural event was held in Havana showing Chinese martial arts and dances blended with traditional Cuban rhythms, such as rumba and guaguanco.
Source: Xinhua| 2017-06-04 17:28:34|Editor: MJ

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by Xinhua writers Wang Lili, Geng Xuepeng

SINGAPORE, June 4 (Xinhua) -- The relevant parties at the 16th Shangri-La Dialogue, particularly China, here on Sunday urged the adoption of diplomatic means instead of military or economic punishment to finally solve the nuclear threat on the Korean Peninsula.

The crux of the nuclear crisis is Washington and Pyongyang's mistrust to each other, pointed out He Lei, head of the Chinese delegation to the dialogue who also serves as vice president of the Academy of Military Science of the People's Liberation Army of China (PLA).

The United States should become more open-minded and exert more wisdom in dealing with the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK), he suggested.

According to Koh Chin Yee, CEO of the Singapore-based Longus Institute for Development and Strategy, the two adversaries continuously increase their chips to intimidate each other before finally threading on each other's bottom lines.

At the invitation of the London-based International Institute for Strategic Studies (IISS) that initiated the event, U.S. Secretary of Defense James Mattis delivered a speech Saturday, saying that Pyongyang constituted the most urgent and dangerous threat to the region.

The Trump administration has made it clear on several recent occasions that the United States is losing "strategic patience" and all options are on the table, indicating that the largest military power in the world might resort to the use of force in dealing with his long-time rival. America's recent military attacks on Syria and Afghanistan were interpreted as a strong warning against the disobedient Asian country.

It's better for the concerned parties to argue at the negotiation table than to cross fire at the battlefield, suggested Zhao Xiaozhuo, an attendee and research fellow from the Academy of Military Science of the PLA.

The use of force could terminate one problem for the time being, but it would generate 10 more problems, he warned.

In addition to military means, Mattis pledged in his speech to continue to increase diplomatic and economic pressures, until Pyongyang finally and permanently abandons its nuclear and ballistic missile programs.

Putting economic pressures on Pyongyang, according to the Asia-Pacific Regional Security Assessment 2017 published by IISS ahead of the security forum, is largely ineffective.

What's worse, the chance looks remote for Washington and Pyongyang to sit down to talk. An arduous task it surely would be, but if one side takes concrete steps toward that direction, there is always room for diplomacy.

The only way out of the nuclear mire lies in the endeavor in the field of diplomacy, as China has always advocated. China firmly supports a denuclearized and peaceful peninsula, and has all along called upon the relevant sides to return to the negotiation table, according to the Chinese delegation.

The three-day Shangri-La Dialogue organized by the IISS gathered senior military officials, diplomats and experts from over 30 countries.
Source: Xinhua| 2017-06-04 17:38:36|Editor: MJ

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BANJUL, June 4 (Xinhua) -- The Gambia's Interior Minister Mai Ahmad Fatty in his late night televised statement on Saturday condemned the deadly riot that took place in Kanilai, the home village of former president Yahya Jammeh.

The minister confirmed the arrest of 22 protesters, who on Friday took to street demanding the withdrawal of ECOMIG soldiers from their community.

He accused the protestors in Kanilai and the border villages of Cassamance in Senegal of protesting riotously without acquiring a permit from the police.

Some of the protesters were in possession of arms demanding the joint security including the ECOMIG forces to leave the village.

"During the exchange two protesters and one ECOMIG officer were injured. Unfortunately, one of the injured protestors died this morning at the Edward Francis Small Teaching Hospital in Banjul," Minister Fatty said.

"There were 22 people arrested from the incident while the village head of Kanilai and others went into hiding but efforts are on the way to find them," he stated.

Fatty said President Adama Barrow has convened an emergency security meeting with the security chiefs to address the circumstances prevailing in the country particularly the Kanilai incident.

He said the presence of the ECOMIG soldiers in the country was caused by the former president when he refused to step down and hand over power peacefully after he was voted out of office on December 1 presidential elections.

According to the Gambian minister, the Constitution has guaranteed the right for peaceful protest or freedom of assembly or association but it must be exercised within the confines of the law.

"You either abide by the law or you will be consumed by the law," he warned.
Source: Xinhua| 2017-06-04 17:53:40|Editor: MJ

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NEW DELHI, June 4 (Xinhua) -- Indian coast guard members Sunday rescued 27 workers from a flooded barge off coast in southern Indian state of Karnataka, officials said.

The barge flooded in the Arabian sea off Ullal coast in Dakshina Kannada, west of Bengaluru, the capital of Karnataka.

Reports said the barrage hit rock following which it flooded and began to sink with 27 people on board.

"The vessel, Dredger Ibis, was reported to be in distress on Saturday evening, following which the coast guard swung into action and rescued four people," a senior police official said.

"Due to inclement weather, the rescue operation had to be put on hold temporarily. However, the operation resumed today morning and remaining 24 crew members stuck on the barge were saved."

India's official broadcaster All India Radio said a lifeboat was used to rescue the stranded men instead of the earlier plan to use a helicopter to airlift the stranded crew.
Chinese doctors treat a child at the Juba Orphanage in Juba, South Sudan, June 1, 2017. (Xinhua/Gale Julius)

by Julius Gale

JUBA, June 4 (Xinhua) -- China on Saturday donated over half a million boxes of anti-malaria medicine to South Sudan to help the East African nation fight the deadly parasitic disease.

The donation worth 750,000 U.S. dollars was handed over to the ministry of health by the Chinese embassy in South Sudan at the capital Juba.

The medicine included tablets and injection doses for adults and children, as well as syringes.

He Xiandong, Chinese Ambassador to South Sudan, said the donation is part of Beijing's efforts to help South Sudan develop its health sector, adding that the donation is a gesture of true friendship and bilateral cooperation.

The envoy said the medicine would benefit at least 400,000 people across South Sudan.

"Public health is of vital importance to any country especially in South Sudan. That is why China attaches great importance to the cooperation between our two countries in the sector of public health," He said.

Health Minister Riek Gai Kok said the donation came at the right time when malaria cases are expected to rise between July and September.

The minister said China remains an important partner for development and stability. "Our partnership with China on daily basis is growing from strength to strength because China's contribution to our country is felt in the grassroots level," Kok said.

South Sudan's health system remains poor and underdeveloped following decades of civil war and conflicts.

The World Health Organization (WHO) said in April that South Sudan recorded steady increase in new malaria cases over the past five years as infections among people over five years increased from 700,000 in 2012 to 1.1 million in 2016 and another 600,000 children under 5 years also got infected.

The WHO said at least 391,000 new malaria infections and 19 deaths have been recorded since the start of 2017 across South Sudan.

Early this year, the two countries agreed to boost cooperation in the health sector by enhancing knowledge sharing, capacity building, and hospital-to-hospital collaboration.

The agreements seek to modernize the health facilities in South Sudan, hospital-to-hospital collaboration and allow Chinese health specialists to set up experimental operations and management units in the nation.
Source: Xinhua| 2017-06-04 18:23:51|Editor: MJ

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TEHRAN, June 4 (Xinhua) -- Iran's Foreign Ministry said the United States has not acted responsibly by moving out of Paris Climate Agreement, Tehran Times daily reported on Sunday.

"The withdrawal of the United States from the Paris accord indicates the irresponsibility of this country's government vis-a-vis the international community," Iranian Foreign Ministry Spokesman Bahram Qasemi was quoted as saying.

"Climate changes have caused big global challenges and combating the horrific consequences of them requires complete and sincere cooperation of all countries, particularly industrialized governments," said Qasemi.

The Iranian spokesperson urged the international community to compel the new U.S. administration to completely and precisely implement Washington's international commitments.

On Saturday, Iran's Vice President and Head of Environmental Protection Organization Masoumeh Ebtekar said that Paris climate accord is a global agreement and the U.S. withdrawal from the treaty does not inflict any harm on the accord.

Paris Climate Agreement should be regarded as a golden opportunity leading us toward convergence, Ebtekar was quoted as saying by official IRNA news agency.

Most of the world states are not satisfied with the U.S. president's quit decision and have criticized it, she said.

In an announcement on Thursday, U.S. President Donald Trump said he wants to free domestic oil and coal industries from the constraints of the Paris Climate Agreement, which went into effect in 2016.

The historic agreement, which involves a unified and worldwide effort to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and mitigate the effects of global warming from 2020, was signed in Paris in 2015. Since then, more than 190 nations have signed the deal, with 146 of those countries having already ratified it.
Nigerien President Mahamadou Issoufou (R) shakes hands with visiting Chinese State Councilor Wang Yong in Niamey, Niger, June 2, 2017. (Xinhua/Chen Chen)

NIAMEY, June 4 (Xinhua) -- Nigerien President Mahamadou Issoufou has expressed his country's readiness to enhance cooperation with China in various fields.

The president made the remarks on Friday while meeting with visiting Chinese State Councilor Wang Yong, who conveyed to the Nigerien leader Chinese President Xi Jinping's cordial greetings.

While asking Wang to extend his cordial greetings to President Xi, President Issoufou expressed appreciation for China's strong support for and generous assistance to Niger's economic development.

The Nigerien side greatly values its relations with China and stands ready to enhance mutually beneficial cooperation with China in various fields, said Issoufou.

The Chinese state councilor said Niger has been China's trustworthy friend and a partner of win-win cooperation.

Reiterating China's African policy featuring sincerity, real results, affinity and good faith, and a policy of upholding justice and pursuing shared interests, Wang said China will work with the Nigerien side to implement the outcomes of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation summit held in Johannesburg.

He expressed hope that China and Niger will turn the three major advantages in bilateral relations, that is, political trust, people-to-people friendship, and economic complementarity, into tangible and fruitful results that benefit the two peoples, thus pushing bilateral relations into new heights.
SINGAPORE, June 4 (Xinhua) -- With the surge of terror attacks worldwide and tensions high in Korean Peninsula, cooperation has become a consensus for the participants to the 16th Shangri-La Dialogue, who gathered here to address the security concerns in Asia Pacific.

In many ways, the Asia-Pacific now is in a paradoxical position.

The overall regional security situation is stable and the outlook is constructive with no major wars being fought here. However, traditional security issues are becoming more complex while new transnational crises arise, threatening the region's tranquility.

Global economic gravity is shifting eastwards, but the economies within the region are featured with imbalanced development, and some countries turn vulnerable when confronted with emergencies. As regional cooperation mechanisms mushroom, there is however a woeful lack of strategic mutual trust, and a unified and effective regional security architecture remains out of sight.

Such challenging environment affecting Asia-Pacific regional security begs answer to the question as what should be the way forward?

For long term peace and stability in the region, China has offered its own solution.

China has come up with the concept of common, comprehensive, cooperative and sustainable security and is following a path of security featuring wide consultation, joint contribution and shared benefits in the region.

"These have provided brand-new thoughts on solving the security dilemma in international relations, creating a new pattern for Asia-Pacific security cooperation, and maintaining lasting peace in the Asia-Pacific region," said Lt. Gen. He Lei, vice president of the Academy of Military Science of the Chinese People's Liberation Army, also head of the Chinese delegation to the dialogue.

As for the four key words of China's security concept, "common" means respecting and ensuring the security of each and every country; "comprehensive" refers to adopting a holistic approach to safeguarding security in both traditional and non-traditional fields, eyeing on both current issues and underlying threats; "cooperative" highlights dialogue and consultation and "sustainable" means the concept of focusing on both development and security, he said.

More than a concept provider, China has taken active actions to maintain, build and contribute to international and regional peace.

He said China has strived to develop and improve friendly and cooperative relations with other countries in the Asia-Pacific, with China-U.S. relations forging ahead positively and steadily, China-Russia comprehensive strategic partnership of coordination progressing at a high level and China-India strategic cooperative partnership deepening.

"On the South China Sea issue, China put forward and promotes a 'dual-track approach,' namely peacefully resolving disputes through negotiations and consultations by countries directly concerned and jointly upholding peace and stability in this region by China and ASEAN countries," said the senior Chinese military official.

"On the nuclear issue on the Korean Peninsula, China has proposed a 'suspension-for-suspension' initiative, namely the suspension of Democratic People's Republic of Korea's nuclear and missile tests and the suspension of large-scale joint military exercises between the United States and South Korea, as well as a 'dual-track' mechanism, which is aimed to advance and achieve the two tracks of denuclearization and building a peace mechanism on the Korean Peninsula," he said.

In addition, Asia-Pacific's economic interdependence and liberalization have become a regional engine for growth and are strong incentives to avoid conflict, especially with the China-proposed Belt and Road Initiative, which aims to build trade and infrastructure networks connecting Asia with Europe and Africa along the ancient Silk Road routes.

Promoting peace, pursuing stability and seeking development are the strategic goal and common aspiration of most countries in the region.

The new concept brought up by China on Asia-Pacific security cooperation is helpful to the building of a regional security framework which is oriented to the future, accords with regional realities and meets all parties' needs, said He.
Source: Xinhua| 2017-06-04 18:54:00|Editor: An

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NEW DELHI, June 4 (Xinhua) -- India on Sunday successfully test fired its first all weather tracked-chassis Quick Reaction Surface-to-Air Missile (QR-SAM), India's state-run broadcaster All India Radio (AIR) said.

The missile was launched from a mobile launcher in the Integrated Test Range (ITR) off Odisha coast at Chandipur at around 12:39 p.m. local time.

The broadcaster reported that the test was carried out for validating various parameters of the sophisticated weapon system to further strengthen its air defence system.
BERLIN, June 4 (Xinhua) -- German Chancellor Angela Merkel on Sunday condemned the renewed attack in London.

"I feel sad and dismay after I heard the attacks last night in London. At this time I convey my sympathy and solidarity to our British friends and all Londoners." Merkel said.

Unidentified attackers drove a van into pedestrians on London Bridge on Saturday night and stabbed people in the nearby Borough Market area. Seven people have died in addition to the three attackers shot dead by police in the attack.

Merkel offered her condolences for the victims, saying "today we are united across borders in horror and grief" and will fight terrorism together.

On the same day, German Foreign Minister Sigmar Gabriel also denounced the act.

"Once again the UK was hit by terror, once again the attack was on people who just wanted to spend a fun evening......We are on the side of our British friends, and will not be soft." Gabriel said.
PARIS, June 4 (Xinhua) -- Jean-Yves Le Drian, French minister for Europe and Foreign affairs, announced Sunday morning that four French citizens were injured in the London terrorist attack on late Saturday.

"There are today, at this time, four of our compatriots who are injured," said the head of French diplomacy on French radio channel Europe 1.

Among the French victims, one was critically injured, French government spokesperson Christophe Castaner told French press outlets.

Le Drian also shared "his total solidary with our British ally in the face of the terrorist attack suffered by London," in a Sunday statement.

The minister sent a "message of vigilance" to French residents in London, asking them to inform their loved ones of their well-being. The French ambassadorial services in Britain have been mobilized and are "working closely with British authorities, in order to assure the security of French citizens present in London."

Just after 10 p.m. local time on Saturday, a van slammed into pedestrians on London Bridge in the British capital, killing six people on the spot, according to witnesses. Three men then left the vehicle and rushed into the Borough Market, armed with knives, and launched a stabbing attack on passersby before being shot dead by police.

A seventh death was confirmed by British authorities on Sunday morning.

This attack occurred just five days before the British general election, and is the third deadly attack to happen in the United Kingdom in less than three months, including a bombing just two weeks before at an Ariana Grande concert in Manchester. Election campaigning has been put on halt in the wake of the attack.
Source: Xinhua| 2017-06-04 19:29:29|Editor: MJ

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LONDON, June 4 (Xinhua) -- London police have raided the home of one of the London Bridge attackers who was shot dead within eight minutes of launching his attack last night, Sky News reported.

Police had detained four men and one woman during the raid, launched by heavily armed police at 7 a.m.

One neighbour, Damien Pettit, said police had showed him a picture of the suspect, who he thought looked like one of his neighbours.

Pettit said the man was an "affable person", with young children, who had lived in the block for three years and used to work for TfL. He said he was someone who had tried to help in the community, including doing work with the homeless.

He said: "If it is him, it's not the person we know."
Source: Xinhua| 2017-06-04 19:39:33|Editor: Song Lifang

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MADRID, June 4 (Xinhua) -- Real Madrid will on Sunday night celebrate the conquest of the 12th Champions League title in the club's history with their supporters in the heart of the Spanish capital and also in the Santiago Bernabeu Stadium.

Two goals from Cristiano Ronaldo, plus further strikes from Cesemiro and Marco Asensio, gave Real Madrid a 4-1 win over Juventus in Cardiff on Saturday night, sparking scenes of celebration in the Spanish capital.

Thousands of supporters made their way to the Cibeles fountain, the traditional scene of Madrid's celebrations, even though the club announced the players would not be going there after returning from Wales.

The celebrations at Cibeles, which coincided with the news of the terrorist attack which claimed six lives in London, were more muted as a result and ended with some violent scenes as more radical fans threw rubbish containers at police, who responded by firing some rubber bullets.

Real Madrid have confirmed that the players will visit the Plaza Cibeles on Sunday night to dedicate the title to their fans. The team will travel down the central Paseo de la Castellana in an open-topped bus before returning to the Santiago Bernabeu Stadium where the celebrations are scheduled to continue at around 22.00 hours.

The Spanish capital will see tight security measures with vehicles weighing more than 3,500 kilos prohibited from circulating in major roads in the center of the city while the celebrations are being held.
Source: Xinhua| 2017-06-04 19:44:35|Editor: An

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KARIBA, ZIMBABWE, June 4 (Xinhua) -- Envoys from several developing countries in Asia and Africa have lauded China's cooperation with Africa in the energy sector.

The envoys noted that China was contributing immensely to the development of economies in Africa through investing in the priority energy sector.

They also hailed China's support for Zimbabwe's development during a tour of the Kariba South Expansion Project being undertaken by Sinohydro in the northern part of Zimbabwe along the border with Zambia.

Sinohydro, China's power engineering and construction heavyweight, has undertaken major power projects in several African countries, boosting Africa's energy generation capacity and helping mitigate acute power shortages.

Sinohydro has since 2014 been undertaking expansion work at Zimbabwe's second largest power plant, where it will add 2 x 150 megawatt (MW) units at a cost of 360 million U.S. dollars.

China's Exim Bank funded 90 percent of the project while Zimbabwe contributed the remaining 10 percent.

Work on the expansion project is now 85 percent complete and the first unit is expected to come on stream in December 2017 while the second one will be commissioned in the first quarter of 2018.

The 300-MW expansion is expected to go a long way in alleviating power shortages in Zimbabwe, which currently imports 300 MW from neighboring Mozambique ad South Africa to plug the power deficit.

Indian ambassador to Zimbabwe Rungsung Masakui told Xinhua that any friendly country working for the development of Zimbabwe was doing a commendable job.

"The 300 MW expansion project is a huge amount of green energy that will contribute immensely to the development Zimbabwe," Masakui said.

Indonesian ambassador Stephanus Yuwono said his country supported any country with the objective of helping Zimbabwe to develop, like what China was doing.

He acknowledged that Indonesia, in its small way, was cooperating with Zimbabwe in the education sector where it awards scholarships to Zimbabwean students to study in the Asian country.

"They (Chinese) have done several projects that help to improve the life standards of the African people and this is commendable," Yuwono said.

Dean of the Diplomatic Corps and Democratic Republic of Congo ambassador to Zimbabwe Mwana Nanga Mawampanga said China's win-win cooperation in Africa was commendable.

"They have built huge development capacity and they are bringing that excess capacity here to share it with us and help us in our development," he said.

He said Africans have to disabuse themselves from the Western allegation that China was coming to recolonize Africa, explaining that "China does not need to colonize Africa because it understands that by sharing what they have it makes them stronger".

Africa was united for political empowerment and it was now time for the continent to strengthen unity for economic development, Mawampanga added.

Kenyan ambassador to Zimbabwe Lucy Chelimo also lauded China's development partnership in Africa, saying its model of cooperation was the best to promote development on the continent.

"I would like to welcome the Chinese partnership that they have encouraged in Africa. They have been a great partner of development for Africa. Development partnership is the best because it gives countries opportunities to develop themselves and to be able to learn more instead of being given aid," she said.

She noted that China had done many infrastructure projects in Kenya, including building a super highway and the recently launched standard gauge railway.

"This shows that China is a great friend that we would like to continue working with in Africa," she said.

Namibian ambassador to Zimbabwe Balbina Des Pienaar said China was playing a significant role in technology transfer in Africa.

"Energy has been such a major challenge in Africa and the significant investment that we are observing in this project (Kariba South Expansion) in which China has contributed speaks volumes and one can not over emphasize the significant role that China is playing in assisting Africa to become self reliant in terms of energy generation," she said.

The Namibian envoy said what was commendable with Chinese energy investments in Africa was their integration of Chinese expertise with local expertise.
Source: Xinhua| 2017-06-04 19:54:39|Editor: MJ

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TEHRAN, June 4 (Xinhua) -- Iran's Foreign Ministry on Sunday strongly condemned recent deadly terrorist attacks in the UK's London, which killed at least seven people and wounded tens others.

Foreign Ministry Spokesman Bahram Qasemi said that the only way to get rid of terrorism is to avoid double standards and sincerely fight against the phenomenon, Tasnim news agency reported.

Qasemi offered his condolences to families of the victims of the attacks.

"Terrorism in all its forms and shapes and with any purpose and motivation is blameworthy, rejected and condemned," he was quoted as saying.

An increase in blind terrorist attacks around the world is a warning sign to the international community, he said, adding that Iran believes the only way to rid the world of "this inauspicious anomaly (terrorism)" is for all countries to honestly join hands in an international campaign against violence and extremism.

On Saturday night, a van slammed into pedestrians on London Bridge, killing six people on the spot. Three men then left the vehicle and rushed into the Borough Market, armed with knives, and launched a stabbing attack on passersby before being shot dead by police.

A seventh death was confirmed by British authorities on Sunday morning.
Photo taken on April 19, 2017 shows a general view of the "Big Ben" in London, Britain. (Xinhua/Tim Ireland)

LONDON, June 4 (Xinhua) -- With at least seven people killed and 48 others injured, and three attackers shot dead by police, London's emergency services and politicians reacted Sunday to the latest attack on the British capital.

British Prime Minister Theresa May held a meeting in Whitehall of the country's emergency service as the major political parties suspended campaigning for the general election. Only UKIP decided to carry on, saying to disrupt campaigning is what terrorists want.

With the election just four days away, cancelling campaigning for the second time is unprecedented. It was suspended for four days following the recent attack in Manchester.

May said the election will go ahead as planned on Thursday and campaigning will resume Monday.

She said in the light of changing threats there will be a major review of Britain's counter-terrorism strategy.

She added the new threat is that terrorism is breeding terrorism, with copycat attacks, adding "enough of enough".

May said there have been three acts of terrorism, all unlinked, in recent months, one in Manchester and two in London, but police and security services had disrupted five credible terrorist plots.

London Metropolitan Police Commissioner Cressida Dick said the three suspects were shot and killed just eight minutes after the first emergency calls were received by police that pedestrians had been struck on London Bridge. Those people headed to the city's Borough Market restaurant area where they started to randomly stab people with blades and knives, shouting "this is for Ala" as they struck people enjoying a night out.

A large area around London Bridge and Borough Market was sealed off by police, with people trapped inside buildings 12 hours after the attack told to stay inside until police reached them.

Dick praised police, emergency service workers and members of the public for extreme acts of bravery in the face of the attack, saying their actions had without doubt saved lives.

She said the killing of the three attackers meant the incident was over, but a widespread investigation would continue.

Met Assistant Commissioner said: "We are reviewing and planning to strengthen our policing stance across London over the forthcoming days, and there will be additional police and officers deployed across the capital."

Home Secretary Amber Rudd said: "This was a horrific attack in the heart of our capital city, targeted at people enjoying their evening with friends and family. As ever, in difficult and traumatic circumstances, I am extremely proud of and thankful to our police and emergency services who responded so swiftly and those who will work tirelessly as the investigation into this appalling act continues."

Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn said: "I hope we will reflect on the need to have sufficient police officers on our streets, but also sufficient intelligence to look at the terrorist threat.

"In response, as in Manchester, all communities must come together. Our strength is the strength of our community unity. That was shown in Manchester straight after the horrible event there and I'm sure it will be the same in London."

Political commentators are speculating that the wave of attacks will boost the governing Conservatives in Thursday's election.

Asked about that question, Corbyn refused to be drawn and said at the moment those who died should be mourned and those who helped during the London attack should be thanked.

London Mayor Sadiq Khan said: "What we witnessed last night was a terrible incident of terror. Our thoughts are with the victims and their families. London remains strong."

Dr Samantha Newbery, a lecturer in contemporary intelligence at the University of Salford, described counter terrorism as a very difficult task.

"It covers the whole range from identifying radicalised people, through to reacting to incidents," she said, adding that what potential terrorists "had in their heads" was difficult to know.

In Manchester, organizers of the Ariana Grande concert later Sunday will go ahead as planned. The event is to raise funds for the families of those caught up in the Manchester Arena suicide bombing on May 22 which left 22 dead.
Source: Xinhua| 2017-06-04 20:14:45|Editor: An

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SINGAPORE, June 4 (Xinhua) -- The 16th Shangri-La Dialogue concluded here on Sunday, and during the three-day forum, the Chinese delegation reaffirmed China's stances on multiple issues and successfully made China's voice heard.

The issues include U.S. arms sales to Taiwan, navigation in the South China Sea, the Korean Peninsula nuclear issue, the international and regional rules, among others.

Lt. Gen. He Lei, vice president of the Academy of Military Science of the Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA) said Saturday here at a press briefing that the Chinese government and Chinese people strongly oppose U.S. arms sales to Taiwan.

He Lei, who led a PLA delegation to the dialogue, said, "On the Taiwan issue, one should not just mention the Taiwan Relations Act, the three China-U.S. joint communiques should also be mentioned, thus giving a full picture of the issue."

The three joint communiques, namely the Shanghai Communique, the Joint Communique on the Establishment of Diplomatic Relations and the August 17 communique, form the political foundation of the China-U.S. relations.

Regarding navigation in the South China Sea, the senior Chinese military official said, "I think freedom of navigation can't equate to close-in surveillance," highlighting that freedom of navigation has never been a problem in the South China Sea.

"China firmly opposes close-in surveillance conducted by military aircraft and vessels in the adjacent waters and airspace of the Chinese islands, and such military activities do not fall into the category of freedom of navigation," He Lei said.

On the Korean Peninsula nuclear issue, He Lei attributed the root cause of the issue to the mutual strategic suspicion between the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK) and the United States.

He Lei said, "China has been making active efforts with regard to the issue which also involves China's interests," adding that China will continue to work with other regional countries in seeking solution to the issue.

The general also reiterated that China will continue to follow its three principles on the issue, namely sticking to denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula, sticking to peace and stability on the peninsula and sticking to peacefully resolving the issue.

On international and regional rules, the senior Chinese military official said China is both the defender and observer of these rules.

He Lei said, "It is well-known that the Charter of the United Nations is the most important international rule ... China is one of the initiating countries for drawing the charter and also one of the earliest signatories to the charter."

So far, China has signed more than 23,000 bilateral agreements and more than 400 multilateral agreements with related parties in the world, and China is also a member of all specialized agencies in the United Nations, which demonstrates that China is a country that abides by, supports and defends international and regional rules, He Lei said.

"International rules should be the rules that are accepted by most countries, or the ones that represent the interests of most countries in the world. As for regional rules, they should represent the interests of most countries in the region," he said.

He Lei noted that the Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the South China Sea, which was signed by China and ASEAN countries in 2002, and the framework of the Code of Conduct in the South China Sea, which was agreed on recently by China and ASEAN countries, represent regional rules.

The three-day dialogue, organized by the London-based International Institute for Strategic Studies, gathered senior military officials, diplomats and experts from nearly 40 countries.
Source: Xinhua| 2017-06-04 21:15:10|Editor: MJ

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CAPE TOWN, June 4 (Xinhua) -- The South African Presidency on Sunday denied allegations that President Jacob Zuma owns a palace in Dubai, the United Arab Emirates.

The story by the Sunday Times newspaper about Zuma owning a palace in Dubai "is a fabrication", presidential spokesperson Bongani Ngqulunga said in a statement.

"President Zuma does not own any property outside South Africa and has not requested anybody to buy property for him abroad," Ngqulunga said.

The Sunday Times said its reporters had made an investigative trip to Dubai last year, during which several independent sources told the newspaper that the Indian Gupta family had bought Zuma the house worth 330 million rand (about 25.8 million US dollars).

The newspaper also based the report on leaked e-mails that were believed to originate from the Guptas, who allegedly keeps close ties with Zuma.

The alleged Gupta emails disclose that Zuma would leave South Africa to live in Dubai after retirement.

Zuma has denied any plans to leave South Africa, and has said that he will be settling down in his Nkandla home, KwaZulu-Natal Province, when he retires.

In response to the Gupta emails, Ngqulunga said Zuma "has also not received or seen the reported emails and has no knowledge of them".

Zuma has been accused of allowing the Guptas to exert undue influence in the appointment of cabinet ministers and the awarding of lucrative contracts with state-owned companies, a charge that has been denied by both Zuma and the Guptas.
Source: Xinhua| 2017-06-04 21:15:12|Editor: MJ

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MANAMA, June 4 (Xinhua) -- Bahrain's Information Affairs Ministry issued an order on Sunday suspending Arabic daily Al Wasat until further notice.

The ministry said the decision was taken following the newspapers "recurrent violation of the law and spreading what would stir division within the community and undermine the Kingdom of Bahrain's relations with other countries."

The ministry specifically mentioned a column published on Sunday that defamed one of the Arab countries.

In January this year, the opposition linked newspaper's online version was suspended, accusing it of publishing materials that threaten national unity.

Al Wasat was briefly closed in 2015 and in 2011.
Source: Xinhua| 2017-06-04 21:40:26|Editor: MJ

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BAGHDAD, June 4 (Xinhua) -- Iraq on Sunday condemned the terrorist attack that took place on Saturday night in central London, leaving at least seven people killed and 48 others injured.

"The Iraqi Foreign Ministry condemns the terrorist attack that occurred in London, asserting its solidarity with the United Kingdom in face of chain terrorist acts," the ministry said in a statement.

The ministry reiterates Iraq's call for the need to strongly address all the incubators of terrorism and extremism and their media platforms that promote such rhetoric, the ministry said.

"The ministry expressed its condolences to the families of victims of the terrorist attack and wished speedy recovery to those injured," it added.

Unidentified attackers drove a van into pedestrians on London Bridge on Saturday night and stabbed people in the nearby Borough Market area, which was crowded with people at the time.

Seven people died and some 48 wounded by the attack, in addition to the three attackers who were shot dead by police.
Source: Xinhua| 2017-06-04 21:55:35|Editor: Lu Hui

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HAVANA, June 4 (Xinhua) -- Cuban Brigadier General Gustavo Chui, 79, is proud of the Chinese heritage that has run through his veins thanks to his father Joseph, a Chinese man settled in Santiago de Cuba, the second most important city in the country.

His father opened a bakery in the hot eastern Cuban city and changed his name to a much more handsome one of Jose.

Together with his Cuban wife Ana Hilda Beltran, Jose taught the little Gustavo a sense of justice and rebellion that led him to join the guerrilla forces led by Fidel Castro in 1956.

The young guerrilla man began as a soldier. His military career gained a marked rise after the triumph of the rebels on January 1, 1959 in the Cuban Revolution led by Fidel Castro. Then he became Brigadier General in 1980, a rank also reached by Chinese descendants Armando Choi and Moses Sio Wong.

Chui's military trajectory, closely linked to the contemporary history of Cuba, is a reflection of the struggles of the Cubans for the independence of the island.

The retired general has taken pride in the contribution made by the Chinese and their descendants to Cuba, which has left a deep trace in history and in the formation of the country.

"I feel a great pride for our ancestors who arrived 170 years ago in our homeland... They joined the 10-year Independence War that began on October 10, 1868, when Carlos Manuel de Cespedes, the 'nation's father,' set off the war (with the declaration of Cuban independence)," he said.

The first 206 Chinese landed on June 3, 1847 in the Regla town on the right side of the Havana harbor. They were considered as the seed of the greater Chinese community in America.

At that time, cheap labor from Asia began to be hired in Cuba. Hundreds of Chinese left their families with the dream of earning a living on the new land, but their fate was cruel.

They were recruited by commercial agencies established in Macao and Hong Kong, and were locked in barracks until boarding the ships that sent them to America.

Every Chinese had to sign a contract establishing his subordination to the same employer for eight consecutive years for a monthly salary of four pesos of silver, a food ration and medicines.

At the end of the contract term, they would have 60 days to return to their country on their own or seek a new employer.

However, after stepping on the Cuban soil, they were taken to smelly deposits, in which they waited for some rich land owners to buy them at a price between 60 and 160 pesos, according to their physical potential and skills.

Most of the Chinese were sent to sugar mills, coffee and tobacco plantations, while others were taken to the mines in the eastern part of the country or to docks and factories in Havana.

The regulations set for the employees included corporal punishment of 12 lashes for disobedience and 18 for recidivism.

If they fled, the rangers had the permission to hunt them and would receive a reward deducted from the wage of the fugitive.

In spite of the harsh conditions, the immigration of the Chinese did not stop and the community grew to have 24,647 Chinese in the island in 1931.

In 1954, a few hundred Chinese entrepreneurs ran small businesses in Havana, such as butchers, shoemakers, dry cleaners, food and cloth stores, canteens and restaurants.

Havana Chinatown, an area of about 40 blocks in the city center, was one of the largest in America. Since 1999, it has undergone rapid restoration and renovation.

In Chinatown, the Kwong Wah Po, the only Chinese-language newspaper, has been in publication in Cuba for almost 90 years.

The national census in 2012 indicated that the Asian population on the island, mostly of Chinese origin, took up one percent of the 11.2 million national inhabitants.

The Cuban government, from May 30 to June 4, organized a series of cultural celebrations to honor the Chinese heritage, of which men like Chui are very proud.
Source: Xinhua| 2017-06-04 22:10:46|Editor: MJ

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MANILA, June 4 (Xinhua) -- Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte on Sunday invited Muslim rebels to join the Philippine military in the fight against ISIS militants.

In a speech before the troops in Mactan in Cebu City in the central Philippines, Duterte said that he has accepted the offer of Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) founding chairman Nur Misuari to integrate some 2,000 to 3,000 MNLF fighters into the Armed Force of the Philippines to help crush the Maute group.

The government security forces are now fighting close to 200 to 250 Maute militants holed up in the southern Philippine city of Marawi. The group has pledged loyalty to the ISIS.

Fighting between the government troops and the Maute fighters broke out on May 23 when the militants tried to occupy Marawi in a bid to make it a caliphate for ISIS. The military said 120 militants, 30 civilians and 38 soldiers and policemen have been killed in the sporadic fighting.

"I am ready to integrate them (the 2,000 to 3,000 able-bodied MNLF fighters) into the AFP. I have no problem with that," Duterte said.

Duterte said Misuari made the offer during a "late talk" on Saturday night with him. "I accepted the offer," he said.

He added, "I am offering even to MILF (Moro Islamic Liberation Front). If you want to join us you are also invited including the regulars of the NPA (New People's Army)."

"To all the NPAs I can also take you in, just bring the guns, I will replace them with new ones, and you'll be enlisted in the armed forces," Duterte said.

Duterte did not give details on how these rebel forces will be integrated in the AFP.

Duterte declared martial law in Mindanao and nearby island provinces after the Maute group attacked Marawi on May 23.

The MNLF and the MILF were founded as separate movements with the aim of establishing an independent Islamic State.

The Moros have accused the central government of long neglecting the Mindanao region economically, encouraging Christian settlement and supporting corrupt politicians to weaken Muslim influence.

The MILF is now the biggest Muslim rebel group in the Philippines. The MNLF forged peace with the government in 1996. However, the agreement failed to bring lasting peace in Mindanao.

The Duterte administration has canceled its scheduled peace talks with the communist rebels.
Source: Xinhua| 2017-06-04 22:15:49|Editor: MJ

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PHNOM PENH, June 4 (Xinhua) -- Some 6.74 million, or 85.7 percent, of the 7.87 million eligible Cambodian voters cast their ballots in the fourth commune elections on Sunday, said Sik Bun Hok, president of the National Election Committee (NEC).

As scheduled, a total of 22,148 polling stations opened at 7 a.m. local time and closed at 3 p.m. local time, he said.

"The percentage of the people going to vote was very high," he said at a press conference on Sunday evening at the conclusion of the elections. "This truly reflects the progress in democracy in our country."

Commenting on the general situation during the elections, he said, "The elections had been conducted smoothly without any interference."

According to Bun Hok, the preliminary results would be released on June 4 and 5 and the official results will be publicized on June 25.

The elections were held to elect 11,572 commune chiefs and councilors for the country's 1,646 communes, according to NEC.

Twelve political parties had contested in the elections, with the ruling Cambodian People's Party (CPP) and the opposition Cambodia National Rescue Party (CNRP) being the major contestants.

Held once every five years, the commune elections are seen as a bellwether of the parties's support ahead of the general elections in July 2018.

In the last commune elections in June 2012, the ruling CPP gained 61.9 percent of the votes, compared to about 30.6 percent for the opposition.
Source: Xinhua| 2017-06-04 22:15:50|Editor: MJ

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ISLAMABAD, June 4 (Xinhua) -- Pakistani security forces have killed 12 hardcore terrorists in southwestern Balochistan province, the military said on Sunday.

An army statement said an intelligence-based operation was conducted in Mastung, some 50 km south of Quetta, the provincial capital, over the past two days.

"Terrorists were hiding inside a cave for planning, coordination and execution of terrorist activities in Balochistan," the statement from the Inter-Services Public Relations of Pakistan army said.

"During exchange of fire 12 hardcore terrorists have been killed. Five security officials, including 2 officers, got injured," the army said.

The statement did not say which group the terrorists belonged to, however, local media quoted official sources as saying that the terrorists belonged to Daesh or the Islamic State.

The army said more details about the operation will be shared with the media later.
Source: Xinhua| 2017-06-04 23:06:06|Editor: yan

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LONDON, June 4 (Xinhua) -- NHS England has said that 21 of the 48 people injured in the London Bridge attacks are in "critical condition,"Sky news reported.

The victims of the attack were taken to five hospitals across London.

The prime minister visited some of the injured in Kings College Hospital on Sunday afternoon.
Source: Xinhua| 2017-06-04 23:41:15|Editor: yan

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TEHRAN, June 4 (Xinhua) -- Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei on Sunday called on Saudi Arabia to stop what he called "crimes against the innocents" in Yemen.

"Saudi Arabia makes a mistake by bombing Yemeni people," he said, stressing that "Saudi Arabia is better to know that even if they insist on their current policy for 10 or 20 years, they won't be able to defeat Yemeni people."

"This is a crime that they are committing against the innocent people in Yemen which will bear no fruit," he said.
Source: Xinhua| 2017-06-04 23:41:16|Editor: yan

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ANKARA, June 4 (Xinhua) -- Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan calls on nationals to be more sensitive to leave a greener world to next generations ahead of June 5 World Environment Day, state-run Anadolu Agency reported.

Turkey acted in line with its responsibilities on the solution of environmental problems, Erdogan said in a statement released on Sunday, referring to his country's efforts on environmental issues.

He stressed that raising awareness on environmental issues is important from early childhood.

The goal of the government is to ensure "a greener, cleaner, more beautiful, and more livable Turkey," Veysel Eroglu, Turkish Minister of Forestry and Water Affairs, said in a statement on Sunday.

According to the official data, more than 3.5 billion saplings have been planted in the past 13 years across Turkey, and the natural parks in the country increased to more than 200.

The World Environment Day occurs on June 5 every year. This year's theme is "Connecting People to Nature," which encourages people to go outdoors and into nature to appreciate its beauty and understand its importance.
Source: Xinhua| 2017-06-04 23:46:19|Editor: yan

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BEIJING, June 4 (Xinhua) -- China on Sunday expressed strong dissatisfaction with and firm opposition to "irresponsible remarks" made by the U.S. Secretary of Defense James Mattis and Japanese Defense Minister Tomomi Inada on the South China Sea and Taiwan issues during the just concluded Shangri-La Dialogue.

Stressing China has indisputable sovereignty over the Nansha islands and their adjacent waters, spokesperson Hua Chunying said China has always been committed to peacefully solving disputes through consultation and negotiation with countries directly concerned.

China has always respected and maintained the freedom of navigation and overflight in the South China Sea in accordance with international law. Meanwhile, China firmly opposes certain countries' sabre-rattling in the region under the excuse of that freedom, which threatens China's sovereignty and security, Hua said.

China's construction projects on the Nansha islands are aimed at improving working and living conditions of staff there while better fulfilling its international obligations, Hua said.

She said necessary defense facilities built in a sovereign state's territory represents its self-protection and self-defense rights, and has nothing to do with the so-called "militarization".

The situation in the South China Sea has improved and shown positive development momentum, Hua said, citing the success of the first meeting of the China-Philippines bilateral consultation mechanism, and the agreement between China and ASEAN countries on the framework for the Code of Conduct (COC) in the South China Sea.

Hua said China hopes relevant parties will fully respect efforts made by countries in the region and play a constructive role in maintaining peace and stability in the South China Sea.

Regarding the Diaoyu Island issue, Hua said the island and its adjacent islets have been part of China since ancient times, so it is legal and justified for the Chinese official ships to patrol and conduct law-enforcement activities in relevant waters.

"China is firmly determined to safeguard its territorial sovereignty and maritime rights," Hua said, adding that the country's patrol and law-enforcement activities will continue.

Calling the Japanese side's remarks "running counter to the fact" and "not worth mentioning", Hua said China urges Japan to make constructive efforts to ameliorate China-Japan ties.

Talking about the Taiwan issue, Hua stressed China's position has been "clear and coherent".

She said China has always opposed the so-called "Taiwan Relations Act," which was unilaterally formulated by the United States, and asked the United States to abide by the one-China policy and principles enshrined in the three joint communiques.

China urges the United States to stop selling arms to Taiwan and terminate any official exchanges so as to guarantee the development of bilateral relations.

Hua also reaffirmed China's "clear and coherent" position on the Terminal High Altitude Area Defense (THAAD) issue, urging relevant countries to immediately stop the deployment of THAAD.
Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei casts vote in the presidential election at a polling station in Tehran May 19, 2017. Iran held the presidential election on Friday. (Xinhua Photo)

TEHRAN, June 4 (Xinhua) -- Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei on Sunday called for settling issues in the region through dialogue.

Foreigners, including Saudi Arabia, should stop their interference in the internal affairs of Syria, Yemen and Bahrain, Khamenei said, adding that the people of these states should decide the fate of their countries through political dialogue.

Certain foreign states should also stop sending arms to the terrorists inside the crisis-stricken regional countries, he stressed.

The Iranian leader also condemned what he called the "illogical" presence of Saudi Arabia in Bahrain and said the Bahraini government must engage in negotiations with the people of the country, according to Press TV.

Khamenei regretted that people in some Muslim countries, including Yemen, Syria, Bahrain and Libya, are facing numerous problems even in the holy fasting month of Ramadan.

The leader warned that enemies are waging "proxy wars" in Syria, Bahrain and Yemen as well as other parts of the Muslim world.

Khamenei also called on Saudi Arabia to stop what he called "crimes against the innocents" in Yemen.

"Saudi Arabia makes a mistake by bombing Yemeni people," he said. "Saudi Arabia is better to know that even if they insist on their current policy for 10 or 20 years, they won't be able to defeat Yemeni people."

"This is a crime that they are committing against the innocent people in Yemen which will bear no fruit," he added.

Khamenei also criticized U.S. President Donald Trump for casting support for Saudi Arabian rulers.

The United States is an "unreliable" state even for its friends, he said.
Photo taken on Feb. 22, 2017 shows elephants at the Tsavo West National Park, near Voi, Kenya. The Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS) conducted an aerial census which ended last weekend on elephants and other large mammals at the 48,656 square-kilometer Tsavo-Mkomkazi ecosystem straddling the Kenya-Tanzania border to strengthen their protection amid multiple threats. (Xinhua/Sun Ruibo)

ARUSHA, Tanzania, June 4 (Xinhua) -- Villagers in Tanzania's northern districts of Monduli are living in constant fear of possible danger to their lives from a herd of wild elephants that strayed into their areas, local authorities said Sunday.

The herd raided five villages of Nalarami, Moita, Bwawani, Kilimasie, Mbuyuni and Naiti.

Loserian Kimbele, Nalarami Ward Executive Officer, said: "We have reported the matter to the responsible authorities so that they come up with alternative measures to address the vice."

He said that the elephants' invasion caused fear and panic among villagers and destroyed 43 hectares of crops.

The herd posed a serious threat to the civilian life in the area, as villagers depend on farming left in the lurch due to crop devastation.

Iddi Kamata, Monduli District Commissioner confirmed the incident, saying that no causalities reported.

"We have tasked game rangers to chip-in the affected villagers and chase the elephants to the protected areas," he said.

According to the District Commissioner, there are about 43 elephants which strayed from either Tarangire National Park or Lake Manyara National Park, the sanctuaries which are close to the district.

He the elephants stormed into four villages of Moita, Bwawani, Kilimasie, Mbuyuni and Naiti.

The official said that the assessment carried out by wildlife officers in collaboration with the department of agriculture showed that more than 40 hectares of farms have been destroyed by jumbos in Naralami village.

"But, we're still assessing the impact of the stormed elephants in the area," he said.

One of the villagers, Tellosa Saning'o said that the elephants stormed the village for the past one week and they have informed the responsible authorities on the matter but nothing has been done.

"Most of our farms have been affected with the elephants. Nothing has been left in the farms," the mother of six said on Sunday.

She further said that some of the villagers have fled their homes fearing for their lives.

"Some of our children have failed to go to school for safety reason," the villager said, noting that most of the human activities have stopped in the area.

According to the law on compensation for destruction made by wildlife, Tanzanian Ministry of Natural Resources and Tourism is responsible for compensating those people who have been affected by elephants' invasion.
Source: Xinhua| 2017-06-05 04:02:36|Editor: yan

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CAPE TOWN, June 4 (Xinhua) -- The South African government on Sunday joined the international community in strongly condemning the latest terrorist attack in London.

The attack, which took place on Saturday night in London, claimed the lives of several people and left many others injured. This followed the attack about two weeks ago in Manchester where many civilians, mainly youth and children, lost their lives.

The South African government believes that acts of violence and extremism have no place in society and constitute a threat to peace, security and development, the Department of International Relations and Cooperation said in a statement.

The South African government reiterates its condemnation of terrorist attacks in any form and from whichever quarter, said the statement.

The South African High Commission in London is closely monitoring developments relating to the attack and stands ready to provide support to any South African citizen who may have been affected by the attack, according to the statement.

So far, there have been no reports of South African victims from the attack.

Also on Sunday, President Jacob Zuma extended his heartfelt condolences to the government and the people of the United Kingdom, in particular the families and loved ones of the deceased and wish the injured speedy recoveries.
U.S. President Donald Trump delivers a speech at the White House in Washington D.C., capital of the United States, on June 1, 2017. U.S. President Donald Trump said on Thursday that he has decided to pull the United States out of the Paris Agreement, a landmark global pact to fight climate change. (Xinhua/Mike Theiler)

By Peter Mertz

DENVER, the United States, June 4 (Xinhua) -- U.S. President Donald Trump's announcement of withdrawal from the Paris Accord has caused a firestorm at home and led to big companies' revolt, analysts said.

"It goes against smart, profitable economics, smart international policy, against American global leadership, and against ethical and moral stewardship of our planet," said Washington, D.C. political insider David B. Richardson, an attorney who worked on Capitol Hill in the 1980s.

The withdrawal from the world's pre-eminent climate control agreement - signed in Paris in 2015 by 197 countries - met with widespread and growing disdain from American businesses.

Leaving the Paris agreement "has no benefit other than pandering to the conservative movement's ideological opposition to multilateralism and environmental regulation," wrote Ben Adler Saturday in a Washington Post article.

America's 45th president narrowly won the 2016 election with a pro-business "Make America Strong" theme.

But when he ignored even conservative, pro-fossil fuel burning oil giants ExxonMobil and ConocoPhillips, who supported the Paris Agreement, he walked into a minefield, political pundits told Xinhua.

Since the president's announcement of withdrawal Thursday, a number of famous American business jumped away from offering support to his decision.

On Friday, Under Armour CEO Kevin Plank wrote in the Baltimore Sun, "I disagree with the decision to exit the Paris Accord."

"Sustainability has always been part of our DNA: it's integral to how we live and work and is essential to our environment," Plank wrote.

Ironically, Plank praised Trump's pro-business approach in February, words that were criticized by other business leaders.

On Thursday, it was Elon Musk of Tesla and Disney CEO Bob Iger who stepped down from Trump's business advisory councils to protest the decision to withdraw from the Paris climate deal.

"Protecting our planet and driving economic growth are critical to our future, and they aren't mutually exclusive," Iger said on Twitter.

"I deeply disagree with the decision to withdraw from the Paris Agreement," he added.

Musk, 45, whose net worth is 15.2 billion U.S. dollars, has founded and co-founded companies such as SpaceX, Tesla, OpenAI, Neuralink, and SolarCity.

"Climate change is real. Leaving Paris is not good for America or the world," said Musk, in an announcement Thursday he would leave Trump's council.

Trump created the business advisory group last December before taking office. It last met in February, and includes American business heavyweights Blackstone Group, PepsiCo, JPMorgan, and Chase & Co.

Several members of this 17-member council stepped down or resigned due to controversial Trump policies, but since the Paris announcement they are leaving in droves.

In addition, CEO Tim Cook of Apple, Andrew Liveris of Dow Chemical Co., and Travis Kalanick of Uber Technologies Inc. jumped ship in the past few days.

On Thursday, other business giants such as Salesforce, Microsoft, Google, and Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg used social media to express their disappointment.

Even those who announced to continue to serve on Trump's council, such as BlackRock Inc. Chief Executive Larry Fink also expressed different opinions.

In a statement, Fink said he disagreed with the decision to leave the Paris Agreement calling it "a critical step forward in addressing climate change."

Fink's company is the world's largest asset manager with 5.4 trillion U.S. Dollars under management.

"I am a strong believer that our industry needs to have a voice with governments around the world," he said.

Automobile giant General Motors announced Thursday it would stay on the president's forum, but Ford said in a statement Thursday, "climate change is real."

"We remain deeply committed to reducing greenhouse gas emissions in our vehicles and our facilities," Ford said in a statement.
Source: Xinhua| 2017-06-05 04:37:48|Editor: yan

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KAMPALA, June 4 (Xinhua) -- A faction of South Sudan rebels based in Yei River State in the southern part of the country on Sunday signed a peace agreement with the government ending fierce fighting that has displaced thousands of people.

Brig. Gen. Hillary Edson Yakani signed on behalf of the rebel group Sudan People's Liberation Army In Opposition (SPLA IO) while Maj. Gen. Marshal Babanen signed on behalf of government.

The event was attended by the South Sudan Minister of Cabinet Affairs and some generals from both sides.

In the communique issued at the end of the four-day negotiation here in Kampala, the SPLA IO declared a permanent ceasefire effective Monday.

Brig. Gen. Yakani said they will continue to persuade their colleagues still in rebellion to abandon the activity in a bid to rebuild the country.

Maj. Gen. Marshal Babanen told reporters that they expect to implement the agreement within 18 weeks.

He said rebels in other states in South Sudan have express willingness to abandon rebellion.

Fighting broke out in South Sudan in December 2013 after troops loyal to President Salva Kiir fought with those of his vice president then Riek Machar.

The fighting has forced hundreds thousands of people to flee the country.

Regional efforts to end the fighting have not yielded the required results yet.
Source: Xinhua| 2017-06-05 04:37:50|Editor: yan

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ATHENS, June 4 (Xinhua) -- Greek leaders expressed abhorrence over the latest terror attacks in London which left at least seven people dead, sending a message of solidarity with British people, Greek national news agency AMNA reported on Sunday.

President Prokopis Pavlopoulos conveyed deep condolences to the families of the victims along with sincere wishes to the injured for rapid recovery, said an e-mailed statement from his office.

"With determination and solidarity we will win the terrorism and the fear. The blind attacks in Britain bring us grief and rage. In these difficult moments, we stand on the British people's side," Prime Minister Alexis Tsipras said in a post on his twitter account.

"The third terror attack in three months in Britain. Wholehearted support! Our duty is to do whatever possible to put an end with terrorism," tweeted main opposition New Democracy party leader Kyriakos Mitsotakis.

The Greek Foreign Ministry also condemned the "bloody" terror attack.

"We express our solidarity to the British people and the government, and we send our sincere condolences to the victims' families," it said in an announcement.
Man shot dead in Dundonald Hill

After the shooting stopped, residents cautiously checked and saw Blackettes body on the steps.

A report was made to the Western Division police.

His body was viewed by the district medical officer and later removed to the Forensic Science Centre in St James where an autopsy is expected to be done tomorrow. Police said that it is believed that a gang from the Dibe area was responsible for the shooting. Up to press time, no arrest was made.

Police said Blackette lived in the area but moved to Arima.

This is the 222nd murder for the year, up to press time, as against 197 murders recorded for the corresponding period last year.

Investigations are continuing.
Genres : Action, Adventure, Animation, Crime, Comedy, Family

Starring : Will Arnett, Michael Cera, Zach Galifianakis, Mariah Carey, Ralph Fiennes, Rosario Dawson

Director : Chris McKay

Plot Synopsis

In the irreverent spirit of fun that made "The LEGO Movie" a worldwide phenomenon, the self-described leading man of that ensembleLEGO Batmanstars in his own big-screen adventure. But there are big changes brewing in Gotham City, and if he wants to save the city from The Joker's hostile takeover, Batman may have to drop the lone vigilante thing, try to work with others and maybe, just maybe, learn to lighten up.




Chinese businessman shot

Sunday Newsday was told that shortly after midday, two gunmen entered a Chinese restaurant at Cocorite Road and announced a hold-up. The bandits targeted an area of the restaurant where several electronic roulette machines, used for gambling purposes, were positioned. Customers of both the restaurant and those at the roulette machines were forced to lie on the floor.

The gunmen began to relieve them of their valuables including watches, cellular phones, wallets and jewellery. On hearing shouts, the owner Ling Lum Ma, 45, came to the front of the restaurant to see what was going on. On seeing his customers on the floor, Lum Ma confronted the bandits and was shot once in the chest.

As the businessman slumped to the floor, the bandits ran out of the restaurant and escaped in a car parked nearby. A report was made to the Arima police and the badly bleeding, semi-conscious man was rushed to the nearby district hospital and later transferred to the Eric Williams Medical Sciences Complex in Mt Hope where up to press time, he remained warded at the High Dependency Unit in a critical condition.

Police officers, on being alerted to the robbery and shooting, cordoned off several roads in the Borough in an ultimately futile attempt at intercepting the getaway car and arresting the bandits. Up to press time, officers were trying to secure closed-circuit tv (CCTV) images from cameras mounted on walls and near the ceilings of surrounding buildings outside the restaurant in an effort to identify the gunmen.

Investigations are ongoing.

It was not known if the roulette machines were broken into at the time of the robbery. Police were yesterday cautioning businessmen especially owners of bars and restaurants which have these electronic gambling machines to have proper security in place including CCTV cameras as bandits are specifically targeting establishments with these machines which are magnets for gamblers who spend big money hoping to win money.

A source said that a robbery at a bar in Toco several months ago, in which bandits broke open six electronic slot machines located inside the bar led to bandits making off with over $80,000 from the slot machines.
Poetry, Spoken Word therapy for TT

Rawlins, wearing a demure creole dress with a head scarf, delivered her lines from memory with meaningful gestures to her appreciative audience. Her poem described the trauma suffered by an aunt when her nine-yearold nephew is accidentally killed while playing with a loaded gun he found.

She was one of 55 entrants registered to participate in the Village Chat segment of the competition, which segment comprises short story, poetry and spoken word. The Best Village competition, now in its 54th year, is open to people of all ages who belong to community groups.

The role played by young people in channelling their creativity to speak out about what is troubling for them in our society is another encouraging aspect of why the Prime Ministers Best Village Trophy Competition continues to be so important year after year, said Camille Campbell, vice president of marketing at TSTT . This competition gives persons of all ages in Trinidad and Tobago the opportunity to develop and showcase their talents and in the process bring communities closer. As the largest indigenous telecommunications provider in TT , we complement this in our daily work to connect communities and make them safer. Supporting Best Village has the added bonus of nurturing young talent through promoting our local culture. Like Rawlins, many of the performances on the second day of the Village Chat focused on serious social issues.

Among these were performances by 20-year-old Leeum Quan Kep, who has been a semi-finalist in the National Poetry Slam competition and a finalist in the Secondary School National Poetry Slam, as well as being an up and coming artist, to use his words.

Quan Kep, who represented the St Johns Village Council, performed the ironic poem Crime Time, in which he observed that Our crime situation is a Lifetime movie because most of our life each time we see crime on the news we self-consciously liken it to a movie, not our reality. Continuing the focus on national news headlines was the Tobago Drama Guild and Hampden Village Council whose members performed a lively discussion of Problems with the Sea and Air Bridge.

This year also marks the return of Tobago to the Best Village competition after a three-year hiatus.

Reflecting on the benefits she has derived from entering the competition for the second time, Rawlins, who represented the Success Central Community Council, said, I realise that the spoken word helps me academically, also, because it made me braver. And I see the benefits of the Spoken Word competition because it helps you in the future when you have to express yourself. The competition rounds will continue at the Southern Academy of the Performing Arts, followed by two weeks of finals beginning on August 7 and the announcement of winners at the National Academy of the Performing Arts on August 19.
Sharma: I would go

I would go. I would demit office because if you have no confidence in me, there is no point in hanging on for the sake of it, Sharma said.

When you have this kind of tug-o-war and you have this kind of situation, it is going to be unworkable. I dont know but that could not be good for the Judiciary or the country.

I certainly would have resigned. If people dont have confidence in me, that is to say, they have spoken and what is the point in holding on. Sharma, who, in 2006, also faced controversy following moves to arrest him under the then Patrick Manning-led PNM government for allegedly attempting to pervert the course of justice in the trial of Basdeo Panday for not declaring his $10 million London bank account to the Integrity Commission, also claimed the JLSC members were likely to resign.

A tribunal subsequently found that Sharma was not guilty of any wrongdoing in the matter and he went on to serve as CJ for two more years, until 2008, when Archie was appointed to the position.

STAIN ON JUDICIARY The controversy surrounding the Judiciary deepened on Thursday when close to 500 attorneys from throughout the country gathered in the Convocation Hall, Hall of Justice, Portof- Spain, to debate five resolutions in a special meeting convened by the Law Association of Trinidad and Tobago (LATT). The association is led by Senior Counsel Douglas Mendes.

The resolutions, all of which pointed to a loss of confidence in Archie and the JLSC, dealt specifically with the Commissions handling of the latest round of promotions to the High Court bench on April 12, in particular Chief Magistrate Marcia Ayers-Caesars elevation to the Supreme Court and her subsequent resignation, days later, after news came to light that she had some 53 part-heard cases pending in Portof- Spain Eighth Magistrates Court over which she presided.

There have since been mounting calls for Archie, who is head of the JLSC, to resign. This reached a head around 8 pm on Thursday when Mendes announced to reporters that some 285 attorneys voted for the no-confidence motion against Archie while 150 lawyers voted against it.

Archie, who left Trinidad and Tobago for Barbados on Friday, where he was due to address a law conference, hosted by the Canadian Government and Barbados Bar Association, avoided comment on the raging controversy, saying only that had no intention of resigning.

But yesterday, Sharma claimed that the JLSC members - Justice Roger Hamel-Smith, Justice Humphrey Stollmeyer and Maureen Manchouk - were likely to resign. I have been led to believe that members of the Commission will resign. But the CJ, he seems firm in his decision not to resign, he said. I dont know if that happens, whether it will in some way or in any way influence the Chief Justice (to resign). Sharma, who served as CJ from 2002 to 2008, could not say what would be the fallout from Archies adamant stance to calls for his resignation.

LETTER SENT TO ARCHIE Law Association President Mendes yesterday told Sunday Newsday he had delivered a letter to the CJ on Friday informing him of the outcome of the meeting.

Thats all I am mandated to do, he said, declining comment on Archies statement that he would not resign.

I think we will have to wait until the Chief Justice comes back (from Barbados) to see what happens then. Senior Counsel Martin Daly, meanwhile, yesterday maintained that Archie should do the honourable thing and resign. He believes public pressure could cause the CJ to demit office.

Another Senior Counsel, Israel Khan, said Archie, the titular head of the Bar, should resign on moral grounds. I am of the view that the Chief Justice, morally, should resign but legally there is not sufficient information or evidence which could constitute misbehaviour in public office, he said.

So, legally, there is no basis for him to resign.

In any event, I do not expect this particular Chief Justice to resign.

He will cling to power and status right to the end. Khan stressed that a thorough investigation should be carried out into the Ayers-Caesar controversy.
Have a little patience

Speaking prior to a tour of the San Fernando West constituency yesterday, Sinanan while commenting on the water-taxis reduced sailing on Friday, also expressed surprise that two of the four water taxis had not been operational for some time. We had a challenge yesterday, Sinanan said, adding, The boat went down the night before so we had to pull one of the water taxi out so we had to cut short two of the sailings from San Fernando and we used the PTSC service to supplement. However, we have four water taxis in Trinidad and for some reason or the other, two were not working, we have sorted that problem out, well soon have the four water taxis working so even if we lose one or two, we will still have two water taxis, he said. There is a problem in Trinidad with maintenance and we intend to fix that. Regarding the much maligned seabridge, he said, We are going through some challenges and I am fairly certain between the next week or two, we should no longer have these problems. I just want to wait until the Is are dotted, the ts crossed and this problem will be a thing of the past. Just bear with me about two weeks again and we will solve this problem going forward, he said.

Sinanan continued: We will have another ferry here within the next two weeks I expect, so once that is sorted out, well have two ferries working, we should not have this problem going forward.

I just ask the population, just bear with us a little while again, we will solve the cargo problem and we will solve the passenger ferry problem, he said.

Flanked by both San Fernando West MP Faris Al Rawi and San Fernando Mayor Junia Regrello, Sinanan said the Ministry presently has an ongoing road maintenance program to rehabilitate roads before they fall into a state of disrepair.

What we are trying to do is avoid letting the road get to the position where we have to spend significant amounts of money, we trying to implement in the Ministry of Works more maintenance and road rehabilitation, if we can get that right, the country will save a lot of money trying to just pave all the roads just before elections, we want to start now to rehabilitate the roads so that we can at least save going forward, he said.

He said the Ministry was also addressing damage done to secondary roads by trucks saying the Licensing Department and traffic wardens would soon be enforcing the law regarding the use of these vehicles. We intend to put our foot down on that one because trucks are licensed for certain roads but what we find happening because of the traffic congestion and everybody want to get to and from, and in local parlance, pull the most trip for the day, they pass in all the back roads and once they pass twice, they damage the roads, Sinanan said.

We going to utilise the traffic wardens with the proper signage and the Licensing department will be definitely cracking down on this. When you license a vehicle, especially those vehicles you see sometimes with the S on it, those vehicles were licensed for specific roads and if they are found on roads they are not supposed to be on, then that is a violation, he said.

He also touched on the flooding along Mosquito Creek saying he had instructed NIDCO to place personnel at the pumps given the advent of the rainy season.

Meanwhile, Al Rawi, who also holds the portfolio of Attorney General, said the Works and Transport Ministry had been able to secure one billion dollars from the OAS contract through the courts and this money would be used to continue the San Fernando to Point Fortin highway.

And with the tour expected to visit kings Wharf, Al Rawi said public transportation was another significant issues in San Fernando as the city was plagued with traffic congestion and circulation.
Penal Pres takes Presbyfest crown

The competition is known for the involvement of all Presbyterian schools across the country and showcases the talents and abilities of students in the area of choral speaking, art, creative writing, singing and story telling. Speaking to Newsday via a telephone interview, Penal Presbyterian Primary School principal Lynda Nandlal said all students who participated in and supported the students in the competition did the school very proud.

They have worked really hard toward the competition and I must thank all the parents and teachers especially Mrs Annette Poliah and Ms Ingrid Kokaram who went beyond the call of duty to prepare the students for the competition. She said, Analysa Singh was placed first in the creative writing competition, in the under nine category of the art competition Ginnord Applewhite was placed third, and in the over nine category Adrian Lall was placed fourth. In the story telling competition Faith Babwah was placed first. Second place in the story telling competition went to Grant Memorial Presbyterian Primary School, while third place went to Tacarigua Presbyterian Primary School.

In the singing competition San Francique Presbyterian Primary School was place first, Exchange Presbyterian Primary School was placed second and Guaico Presbyterian Primary School was placed third. Grant Memorial Presbyterian Primary School took first place in the choral speaking category, while Rochard Douglas took second place and Tacarigua Presbyterian Primary School was placed third.
Al Rawi: More litigation coming

Trinidad and Tobago has awakened to work which has been going on for a considerable amount of time, Al Rawi said, adding, We have been telling the population on a continuous basis that action is being taken, there is a lot more action to come to the fore. Speaking at the San Fernando City Hall prior to a tour of the San Fernando West constituency with Works and Transport Minister Rohan Sinanan, Al Rawi noted that the previous Peoples Partnership Administration spent $1.2 billion in legal fees without any success in court.

This government is taking a very quiet and dedicated approach in dealing with corruption, you will see that we have passed over certain information to the police and you are beginning to see some of that work coming into the public domain. What I can tell you is that you will see in the civil courts, fruits which would have been ripened very shortly, he said.

So that we assure you that we are taking a very dedicated but measured approach to how we deal with corruption and the allegation of corruption and I want to tell you that this is not confined to the past Administration only, wherever corruption raises its head, including under a PNM government, you will see that we will take action with transparency, Al Rawi said.

Asked about the ongoing controversy regarding the Chief Justice and whether he should tender his resignation as being requested by the Law Association, Al Rawi said he did think the executive arm of government should become involved with the judicial arm.

The executive has no role in the judiciary, we simply take note of developments. There is an active democracy in this country, certain quarters have come out and been very democratic in their purpose, but government has no role in the positioning between the judiciary and certain elements that are questioning it, Al Rawi said.
Gopeesingh: All EFCL members to resign

In a media statement yesterday, the Caroni East MP noted that Piggotts resignation had come in the wake of, Serious allegations of corruption, big rigging, abuse of office, squander and worker victimisation. Details of these include the fixing of million-dollar contracts to favour cronies of the PNM; disbarring certain previous contractors, re-opening closed tenders, misuse of funds, awarding a deal in excess of $50 million to a contractor who scored the lowest in the evaluation process and overall abuse of the publics trust, Gopeesingh claimed.

He said the remaining directors had, No moral authority to continue to cling onto public office in the face of these extensive and shocking revelations which, if substantiated by the audit that is currently being undertaken by the Ministry of Finance and Attorney General, point to misconduct, illegal activities and gross misbehaviour in public life. As such, to preserve the integrity of the aforementioned Government-commissioned investigations, as well as the ongoing viability of the EFCL, the directors must immediately step down or be summarily fired, he stated.

He said Education Minister Anthony Garcia and Junior Education Minister Dr Lovell Francis, to whom the EFCL Board of Directors reports, should also be held responsible.

As the public officers with ministerial responsibility for EFCL, the buck stops with Mr Garcia and Dr Francis, he stated.
Give pre-adult girls a chance

What are you going to do with the people who find themselves in that difficulty? he asked on Friday while contributing to debate on the Miscellaneous Provisions (Marriages) Bill in the Lower House.

Are you going to jail them? Society must accommodate. Society also has to act with compassion. As adults, parents and leaders in society, we have an obligation to groom people with the right values so that they can make the right choices and not make those mistakes. Rambachan argued that human beings were not infallible.

If they do make mistakes, then we must have the space where we can help them rise again. I think this is what the Hindu Womens Organisation and the other groups are trying to say to this country and we cannot just ignore them, he said.

What do you do with a young woman at 14 years or 16 years, who gets pregnant as a result of a relationship with a person under the age of 18 and it is not rape? Are we in denial that there may be dozens, maybe hundreds of young people in this position. We cannot ignore the problem and we have to find a way to deal with it. Rambachan lamented that in the run up to the debate, the focus appeared to be solely on child brides in the Hindu and Muslim faiths.

In this regard, he took issue with National Calypso Monarch Dr Hollis Liverpools (Chalkdusts) winning 2017 composition, Arithmetic, which examined the child marriage issue.

In my humble view, the very venerable calypsonian, Chalkdust made it out to be in the minds of many, many people in this country, Hindus and non-Hindus alike - that Hindus are guilty of some crime and he viciously attacked not only Sat Maharaj but in my view, Hindus in general, without looking carefully at the position being articulated by Hindus who are in support of the age 18 but who want a window because there is none in this world who are infallible, he said.

There are none in this world who dont make errors and the society must always make space and the society must always prepare for those who fall through the cracks so, they are not allowed to fall deeper, and for them the laws must have that level of protection for those who are going to make errors. The Opposition MP said the fact that so many organisations have called for the legislation to be revisited reflected an evolution in the countrys political maturity.

That was demonstrated yesterday ( Thursday) in this country where the democracy matured in a way by the position that people took with respect to people who hold senior positions in this country, Rambachan said in an allusion to the overwhelming no-confidence vote against Chief Justice Ivor Archie and the Judicial and Legal Services Commission over the Marcia Ayers-Caesar d?b?cle at the Hall of Justice, Portof- Spain..

That was a good thing and, therefore, people are evolving in the society and people are running faster than the leaders and the leaders must now stop listen and catch up with where they are. Rambachan, in his contribution, also took Attorney General Faris Al Rawi to task for removing the initial three-majority criteria for passage of the legislation and replacing it with a simple majority.

I do not believe that the Attorney General is in a position to make the kind of determination.

You say you are asking for a simple majority. I think that is very dangerous.
Genres : Sci-fi

Starring : Bill Paxton, Mark Hamill, Klaus Kinski, Steven Vidler

Director : Steven Lisberger, William Malone, Rolf de Heer

Plot Synopsis

Three Full Length Sci fi Films Including SLIPSTREAM In the near future, where Earth has been devastated by natural disasters, and giant winds rule the planet, bounty hunter Matt kidnaps a murderer out of the hands of two police officers, planning to get the bounty himself. The police officers in turn try to hunt the two men down. Starring Bill Paxton and Mark Hamill. CREATURE A crew of scientists arrives on a far, cold planet to examine archaic artifacts of unknown origin. They discover that their German enemies already have a ship there. When they seek their help after a failed landing, they only find the Germans bodies, obviously slaughtered by one of the archaic creatures, awoken to new life. Now the alien is after them. Starring Klaus Kinski. INCIDENT AT RAVEN'S GATE Ex con Eddie Cleary gets a job working on his older brother s isolated farm. It s not long before bizarre things start happening, dead birds falling out of the sky, family pets attacking their owners, strange apparitions beginning to appear, and people who had been normal suddenly going insane. Starring Steven Vidler
Japan's swelling ranks of working women have grape growers 10,000 miles away cheering.

Chilean vintners have emerged as the biggest beneficiary of Japan's booming wine market. Their low-priced, fruit-driven product has found a receptive niche among women in their 40s and 50s, who have helped boost wine consumption to a new record every year since 2012.

"Women drink more as their participation in the labor market is increasing, and their disposable incomes are expanding," said Naoko Kuga, an analyst who tracks lifestyle changes at NLI Research Institute in Tokyo. "This trend works positively for wine consumption."

And for Chile. The Latin American nation overtook France as Japan's top wine supplier in 2015, commanding a dominant presence in supermarkets and convenience stores - fertile ground for marketers targeting women. Vina Concha & Toro SA, the Santiago-based producer of Casillero del Diablo cabernet sauvignons and merlots, reported a 24 percent jump in third-quarter sales volumes to Japan in November.
Nagano Prefectural Police have arrested a male Chinese national in the killing of a woman whose blood-soaked body of a woman was found in a love hotel in the town of Miyota early Friday, reports NHK.

Police have accused the man, a 24-year-old resident of Saku City, of stabbing Mayuka Tsukada, a 21-year-old resident of Tokyo's Shinjuku Ward, to death and stealing about 10,000 yen in cash inside a room at the Grand Bari Resort Hotel sometime between late Thursday night and early the next morning.

At around 1:45 a.m., police received a tip from a caller about a female acquaintance who was injured inside a room of the hotel. Officers arriving at the scene found the body of Tsukada collapsed and bleeding from the head on the floor of the bathroom in a state of cardiopulmonary arrest.

The woman was subsequently transported to a hospital in Saku where she was confirmed dead.

The suspect arrived at the hotel with the victim at around 11:00 p.m. on Thursday. After committing the alleged crime, the suspect fled the scene. He was later apprehended in Ueda City, located about 30 kilometers from the hotel.

The suspect and victim were not acquaintances. Police are now attempting to determine a motive for the crime.

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Though the prison population in Japan is remarkably small compared to other countries, there have been increases in recent years among certain demographics. The media is particularly sensitive to elderly inmates. Less remarked upon are female prisoners.

A Ministry of Justice study released last year stated that arrests of women had been on the increase since 1993 and numbered about 50,000 in 2015. Arrests of women stood at about 20 percent of all arrests, but the number of older women being arrested was rising, and at a higher rate than that for elderly men. Until 1998, less than 20 percent of women arrested were over 50. Since 2010 this cohort represents more than 40 percent of women arrested. The vast majority were for theft-related crimes, mainly shoplifting.

As a result there are more women in prison. A 2014 report by the online magazine News Post 7 said there were about 5,000 women in penal institutions that year - a fivefold increase over 1992 - as opposed to about 60,000 men. A 2017 article in the Nihon Keizai Shimbun says that the female prison population started to increase in 1990 and has risen to the point where the capacity for women inmates is insufficient to handle demand.

One problem is that it is difficult to find female guards. According to a 2017 article in the Nishi Nippon Shimbun, the turnover rate for female guards is just over 37 percent before the end of the third year of employment, about 2 times the turnover rate for male guards. The Justice Ministry told the newspaper that one reason is the higher average age of female prisoners, who are more difficult for guards to deal with.

There are 10 prison facilities in Japan that accept women and at least three have more prisoners than they can handle. Many of the remaining are at over 90 percent capacity, according to the Nishi Nippon Shimbun article. Meanwhile, male prisons nationwide are at 61 percent of capacity.
Tokyo Metropolitan Police have arrested the actor Ryo Hashizume for allegedly possessing stimulant drugs, reports TBS News

At around 9:30 p.m., police found Hashizume, 30, to be in possession of kakuseizai, or stimulant drugs, at the residence of an acquaintance in Saitama Prefecture.

During questioning by police, the suspect confirmed that a fine powder in his possession was kakuseizai. Police also retrieved drug paraphernalia from the residence. He was sent to prosecutors on Sunday.

The suspect is the son of Isao Hashizume, who is also an actor. "I really have no idea about the situation," the elder Hashizumi told Fuji News Network (June 4), adding that he last saw his son two days ago.

Ryo Hashizume has appeared in a number of films and television dramas since 2004. He appeared in "Tatara Samurai," a period film released last month.

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Fukuoka Prefectural Police have arrested about 10 persons, including the number-three boss the of Kudo-kai organized crime group, over the stabbing of a female bar employee in Kitakyushu City five years ago after her business began excluding criminal syndicates, reports the Sankei Shimbun.

Keigo Kikuchi, 44, and the other suspects have been accused of systematic attempted murder in the attack of the woman, the operator of a "snack" hostess club who was slashed in the face by a knife-wielding assailant as she exited a taxi in front of an apartment building in Kokurakita Ward on September 7, 2012.

The driver of the cab also suffered injuries to his left hand and head after he attempted to thwart the attacker. To this day, the man has a scar on his head and suffers from pain in his hand. The injuries suffered by the hostess required two months to heal.

Jun 05 () - 5aaaaaazaaeeYaacaaaaaaacaeaaaYaaaaeaYaacasaeassaSaaaeasaaea14aaeaaaaYa
The Libyan National Army (LNA) Loyal to General Haftar have taken control of a strategic military base in Jufra after a battle with militias supporting the UN-backed government in Tripoli, media reports said.

The takeover of Jufra oasis, 400 km south of Sirte, gives Haftars forces a boost in their advance towards Tripoli.

The attack on the city by the LNA coincided with Egyptian air strikes targeting notably the Jufra airbase used by forces affiliated to the UN backed government of national accord (GNA).

Over the past week, Egypt conducted air strikes in Jufra and the eastrn city of Derna in retaliation for a bus attack on Egyptian copts. Some analysts deem that some of these strikes are designed to give Haftar forces an upper hand in their war against the GNA.

Last month a raid on Brak Al-Shati air base near Sabha by forces loyal to GNA, killed 141 people, mostly soldiers within the ranks of General Khalifa.

The attack has effectively shattered a fragile truce in the southern area, which has become a de facto frontline opposing the two rival armies in Libya: the LNA backing the Tobruk-based parliament and the internationally recognized GNA.

The attack has sapped all recent efforts at finding common grounds for negotiations between Libyas rival governments and bodes ill for the settlement of the countrys civil war. The LNA officials vowed to take revenge, setting the tone of a vicious circle detrimental to the countrys stability and prosperity.
The Ohio River -- on it, in it, over it, beside it. No politics.
Genres : Horror

Starring : Trish Everly, Michael MacRae, Dennis Robertson

Director : Ovidio Assonitis

Plot Synopsis

MANY PEOPLE VISIT ... NO ONE EVER LEAVES.

Helmed by legendary producer/director Ovidio Assonitis, the man behind such cult favourites as The Visitor and Piranha II: The Spawning, Madhouse is a crimson-soaked tale of sibling rivalry taken to a terrifying and bloody extreme.

Julia has spent her entire adult life trying to forget the torment she suffered at the hands of her twisted twin Mary... but Mary hasn t forgotten. Escaping hospital, where she s recently been admitted with a horrific, disfiguring illness, Julia s sadistic sister vows to exact a particularly cruel revenge on her sibling this year promising a birthday surprise that she ll never forget.

An Italian production shot entirely in Savannah, Georgia, Madhouse (aka And When She Was Bad and There Was a Little Girl) fuses slasher elements with the over-the-top excess of 80s Italian terror resulting in a cinematic bloodbath so gut-wrenching that the British authorities saw fit to outlaw it as a video nasty .
i'm so happy this is going to be streamed on youtube, i don't have cable and wouldn't be able to watch it.

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I guess I'll watch it via Twitter.

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I always use YouTube but Twitter has a live broadcast link. I'm gonna try it. I have Freeform if all else fails lol

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<3 I was hoping for a watching post for this <3

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they better be doing pat downs, metal detectors, and full on bag searches. there's not another way.

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i'm sure they will. i think they advised people not to bring larger bags, and if they HAD to bring a bag, to try and make it a small one.

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they could just easily detonate in the line for the security checks or just randomly start stabbing people...there's really no way of anticipating or preventing another attack, just minimizing it i guess so i feel really unsettled about this but i commend them for not being afraid and standing unified.

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my boyfriend went to a manchester united game (or tribute for a player w/e) today and he said security was tight af. one man had his shoe basically torn apart by them.

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the attack in london is really affecting me.

i lived there for two years and apparently a canadian is one of the fatalities

most of my friends in the london area have checked in safe but i'm still wondering because the canadian expat community there is quite connected.



my mom's been freaking out saying she's happy i'm not there now as she knew this was imminent

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I just discovered that a friend of an online friend that I've had since the age of 14 was caught up in the attacks. She's fine, but apparently was close enough that she got blood on her jacket.



I hope this concert goes off without a hitch D:

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That video of the choir :(( I'm in tears

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If you still can't find it on Apple Music when the time comes, just check the onelovemanchester website (linked in the post) and a direct link should be there!

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i won't be able to watch but i really hope nothing happens at the concert :(

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I understand the concerns, and of course hope nothing happens tonight but I don't think it will. They were smart to quickly schedule the event, giving nefarious folks less time to make plans.

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Not to mention I'm sure they've gone the full nine years and beyond as far as security is concerned with an event like this

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I don't think it's safe to hold this concert. Just my opinion.

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why? i think one of the reasons it's happening so soon (other than getting money to those who need) is so there's no real time for anyone to plan something to attack an even this size; especially with all the extra security.

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the security is only centered in and around premises. it takes one sick individual to start stabbing people that are arriving to and lining up for the venue. there's really no way of preventing it so the timing is a bit unsettling but i do commend them for not backing down in the face of terrorism.

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that video made me lose it. I typically try to stay away from seeing photos and reading stories of victims in these kinds of situations because it just upsets me. It's so unfair.

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Not OT at all! I questioned whether or not to include it, but people are speculating that Robbie being on after them means there'll be some sort of rejoining :)

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https://pbs.twimg.com/media/DBfEodUUwAAPqT9.jpg



but i think he will



Edited at 2017-06-04 05:15 pm (UTC) based on this pic nobut i think he will

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Will Jason be there?



don't count on it, but it would be awesome if all 5 members peformed together. if they sing The Flood, i'm gonna lose it.

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Highly doubt Jason will turn up, Robbie on the other hand just played Manchester for his tour and doesn't have his next gig until Tuesday so... it could happen.

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I will completely lose my shit if the OG Take That lineup appear onstage together, and if the rumoured Liam/Noel reunion takes place...

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As much as I love the sentiment of the concert but doubt that Oasis show.



Because looking at the line up, which is great. I really doubt the management behind it would know to ask Liam and Noel, let alone call them up and tell them to put their bull aside and be there.

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Shoutout to the many, many police men and women who'll be working hard in Manchester this evening to help keep everyone safe. They've brought in pretty much every spare person possible across the north of England, my sister's partner works for the police and he should have had the day off today, but instead he's travelled the 3 hours from Durham to work a long shift in Manchester and won't get home until the early hours of tomorrow. Massive respect 

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!!!!!!!!!!!



Send a big thank you to your sister's partner from me! My niece is going tonight, and I'm thankful that he's travelled so far to protect everyone <3

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Thanks bb I'll make sure he realises how much everyone appreciates it  I hope your niece has a wonderful time tonight!

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based on the set list on twitter it seems like it'll be ariana throughout and the artists coming in for 1-3 songs then her again?

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Ariana's on last, those artists are re-joining her on stage I think.

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After several years of discussing the possibility of setting up a new shipyard in Saudi Arabia, the Kingdoms national oil company, Saudi Aramco, has entered into a new adventure. As one of the first NOCs, Aramco is diversifying its operations from upstream and downstream operations to become a major offshore services provider and operator. After decades of the hiring offshore rigs and vessels from third parties, such as Arabian Drilling Company, Aramco has now taken the step not only to own its own jack-up rigs but also to build them at a new shipyard in Ras Al Khair. Aramco has signed a joint-venture (JV) deal with UAE based engineering company Lamprell, Saudi national shipping company Bahri and Asian giant Hyundai Heavy Industries Company. As stated by Saudi officials, the yard will be the anchor project within the King Salman International Complex for Maritime Industries and Services located in Ras Al Khair, near the Jubail Industrial City on the Kingdoms east coast.

The current plans entail the set-up of the Gulfs largest integrated maritime yard, not only in production capacity and scale, but also in having Saudi Aramco as the main investor. This will present Aramco with the opportunity to design, construct and maintain around 20 jack-ups, while also having the capacity to support the manufacture, maintenance, repair and overhaul of offshore support vessels and commercial vessels. Taking into account that Saudi Arabias main shipping company Bahri is one of the partners, the yard is expected to also service very large crude carriers (VLCCs).

The original plans were put in place based on the assessment that the JV will offer Saudi Aramco a local provider for its offshore drilling and shipping activities. Cost optimization, reduced response times and higher agility is to be expected. Present capacity is slated to entail the construction of four offshore rigs, around 40 offshore vessels (including three VLCCs) and service of 260 maritime products per year. The first vessels and rigs are expected to be built from 2019 onwards, while full production capacity is projected to be reached in 2022. Related: Canada Pushes For Zero Emission Vehicle Strategy

Not mentioned in any of the current media reports is the fact that the Ras Al Khair yard, owned and paid for by Aramco, will not only be targeting local Saudi demand. The Ras Al Khair will be competing with existing yards in the GCC (UAE-Bahrain) and Asia. Looking at the current offshore rig market, this is a big gamble. Since the crude oil price crash, a long list of offshore rigs have been stacked while other projects have been put on hold. Commercial incentives for new builds are not easily found.

But the Ras Al Khair Yard is the new kid on the block, and it has lots of influence behind it. Aramco is the majority stakeholder, able to force other partners in the JV to comply to local demands and specifications. Looking at the offshore market at present, it could even be stated that Aramco will be able to force other yards out of business as it can demand that its co-investors build all new rigs in Saudi Arabia. With a list of 20 new builds already, Aramcos pulling power is not to be ignored. Related: Has Permian Productivity Peaked?

If Aramco is able to construct and operate the new yard to the highest standards while also supporting the schooling of Saudi offshore rig engineers in the coming years, current rig builders will be in trouble. The localization drive, as linked to Saudis Vision 2030 and Aramcos IKTVA, is a new influence that the market will need to get acquainted too. If Aramco succeeds here, other NOCs are sure to follow suit, leaving the traditional parties without any real options to survive the current onslaught. Offshore engineering companies, ship yards and rig providers will have to reassess their options. The traditional market structure may already be obsolete.

The $5.2 billion Ras Al Khair Yard project is a prime example of the ongoing changes within Saudi Aramco at present. The industry giant is going through dramatic changes, expanding beyond its NOC status and challenging on the international market. Aramco has entered the market with a bang, and markets should expect more big moves in the build up to what is being marketed as the biggest IPO in history.

By Cyril Widdershoven for Oilprice.com

More Top Reads From Oilprice.com:
President Donald Trumps decision to take the United States out of the Paris climate agreement, which he announced before an audience outside the White House on Thursday, has been met with criticism from other governments. The agreement reached in late 2015 is meant to coordinate international efforts to reduce carbon emissions and prevent the worlds temperature from increasing by 2 degrees Celsius.

Apart from Nicaragua, which believed the Paris agreement didnt go far enough in combatting climate change, and Syria which has chosen not to accede to the agreement as it remains embroiled in civil war, the United States is the only nation on earth to exit the agreement. Trumps offer to renegotiate the agreement was quickly rejected by other world leaders, who have vowed to press on with meeting the requirements of the accord.

According to the President and key Republicans who supported his decision, the Paris agreement would impact the American economy in the long-term, depressing growth and affecting the ability of American companies to compete internationally. Advocates of the agreement have argued it will not adversely impact American economic growth, and may even act as a further boon to the growing renewable energy sector.

Arguing for backing out of the agreement was a key factor of Trumps presidential campaign, which frequently invoked an America First economic policy. It is also in line with the administrations advocacy for greater oil and gas production, and comes as the EPA relaxes or removes Obama-era regulations on carbon emissions

Despite the economic basis for leaving the agreement, President Trumps choice was made in spite of considerable resistance from the private sector, including major energy companies. The CEOs of Goldman Sachs, Tesla and Walt Disney all criticized the decision, while Exxon Mobil and ConocoPhillips reiterated their support for the agreement a day before Trump announced the U.S. withdrawal. Chevron joined the chorus, arguing that the Paris agreement offered the first step in setting up a global framework to combat climate change. Related: Oil Prices Rise As EIA Confirms Strong Draw To Crude Inventories

For decades, the majors were among the worlds most ardent climate change skeptics. Yet big energy has spent the last several years transitioning towards an acceptance of climate change. Major U.S. energy companies all advocated staying in the agreement, placing them at odds with an administration that has positioned itself as very pro-oil.

At the annual investors meeting in Dallas, Exxon CEO Darren Woods argued oil demand will continue to grow, despite the policies enacted under the Paris agreement. Woods position echoes that of his predecessor Rex Tillerson, now US Secretary of State, who argued for staying in the agreement though he told the US Senate in January that efforts to predict climate change were very limited, and regarded the issue as an engineering problem requiring changes in technology, not energy consumption. While both Exxon and Conoco have advocated staying in the agreement, neither company joined a petition of twenty-eight major U.S. corporations, officially urging President Trump not to withdraw the US.

This equivocal position from Exxon was matched by that of Shell, which vowed that it would continue to take internal actions while working with the Trump Administration on new climate change policies. BP chief executive told Bloomberg on Thursday that the energy sector would have to transition towards low-carbon energy sources. Related: Clash Between Qatar And The Saudis Could Threaten OPEC Deal

While the majors have altered their stance on climate change in the last decade, chiefly to match changing politics in Europe and Asia and to improve public relations with populations growing more and more concerned about environmental issues, domestic energy companies are less concerned. The API has thus far taken no stance on withdrawing from the Paris agreement, while the Texas Alliance of Energy Producers argued the regulations would impose high costs on energy producers struggling with low prices.

Some within the industry have argued that the international agreement, which is voluntary, may have little actual impact; that the transition away from high-carbon energy sources is already underway, driven by technological innovation and changing economics, particularly the low price of solar and power and the improved competitiveness of natural gas, which emits less carbon than coal.

While the U.S. withdrawal signals less political support for the international accord, renewable energy companies like First Solar Inc. will continue to profit from the growing global demand for cheap solar power, while some oil and gas companies will suffer from low prices. The U.S. leaving the agreement will not stop Berkshire Hathaway from continuing its investment strategy into renewable energies, nor will it arrest coals downward spiral, despite the symbolic importance of Trumps policy: coal stocks slipped after the announcement, and overall the decision had little impact on energy markets, which were more responsive to news that US inventories are declining.

It will take years for the American withdrawal from the Paris agreement to be completely absorbed, and President Trump may ultimately change his mind, as members of his Administration argue for staying in the agreement. Major energy companies will continue to advocate for accepting climate change policies, however, in acknowledgement of the fact that international support for the Paris agreement remains strong outside the U.S.

By Gregory Brew for Oilprice.com

More Top Reads From Oilprice.com:
JIT would not find an iota of evidence against him or his family: Hussain Nawaz 04 June, 2017



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Hand Wash and Toiletries in Pakistan And the Role of DUPAS in Reshaping the Industry

Woke Bingo ISLAMABAD: Hussain Nawaz was quizzed by the Joint Investigation Team (JIT) probing the Panama Papers case for a fourth time in a week, the Supreme Court on Saturday dismissed his petition seeking replacement of two of the six members of the team and ruled that relationship alone with political rivals did not give rise to apprehension that the inquiry would be biased.



The JIT has been constituted by the Supreme Court to investigate money laundering allegations against the Sharif family.



After attending the four-hour session in the JIT secretariat, Hussain Nawaz again claimed before media persons that the investigation team would not find an iota of evidence against him or any of his family members.



He said that the Sharif family had faced political cases in the past but remained victorious in the end. What happened in the plane hijacking case? he asked, and said that the then president Pervez Musharraf had instituted fake cases against his father and other family members but could not prove even a single allegation.



Mr Nawaz expressed the hope that the Panama Papers case would also meet the same fate since it was baseless and there was no evidence (against him and his family members).



Had there been any evidence or truth in money laundering allegations or had there been any illegality in the purchase of Mayfair apartments, retired Gen Musharraf would have definitely proceeded against us, he said, adding that since the former military ruler knew there was no evidence, he did not pursue the matter.



The prime ministers son said that the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz considered the judiciary a sacred institution. If he noticed any unfair treatment or bias in the investigation, the matter would be reported to the Supreme Court, the media and public at large, he warned.



The Supreme Court dismissed the petition filed by Hussain Nawaz against the inclusion of Bilal Rasool of the Securities and Exchange Commission of Pakistan (SECP) and Aamer Aziz of the State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) in the JIT.



A three-member bench comprising Justice Ejaz Afzal Khan, Justice Azmat Saeed Sheikh and Justice Ijazul Ahsan observed that relationship alone with the political rival of the applicant or his father wont per se give rise to a reasonable apprehension that the investigation shall be biased or partial.



The judgement said that the ground mentioned about partiality and predisposition of Mr Aziz and Mr Rasool was not of a nature that could be considered on the basis of mere allegations and in the absence of anything concrete substantiating the same.



The allegations thus being premature and unsubstantiated dont warrant substitution of any member of the JIT at least at this stage, the SC ruled.



The judgement noted that the counsel for Hussain Nawaz did not cite any precedent in which on the basis of mere allegation, an investigation officer was changed or substituted.



During the hearing of the petition, the counsel Khawaja Haris cited the case of Dr Arsalan Iftikhar (son of then chief justice of Pakistan Iftikhar Mohammad Chaudhry) versus Malik Riaz Hussain. The case was based on the allegations levelled by Mr Riaz against Mr Iftikhar of getting undue financial benefits.



While the National Accountability Bureau was investigating the allegations, the apex courts special bench stopped it from proceeding against Dr Iftikhar and transferred the matter to a one-man commission comprising Dr Shoaib Suddle, the then federal tax ombudsman, after the counsel for the CJPs son raised objection to the investigation agency.



However, in the case of Mr Nawaz, the apex court bench observed, we dont find any substance in the application; therefore, we dont feel inclined to pass the order asked for.



However, the court said, In any case, if we notice any such thing evincing bias, partiality, or predisposition on the part of any member of the JIT in favour or against either of the parties during the course of investigation, we would pass an appropriate order in this behalf.



Mr Nawaz had argued that Mr Rasool of the SECP was a relative of Mian Azhar, a political rival of his father, and his spouse was an activist of the Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf, therefore, Mr Rasool was not expected to stay impartial during the investigation.



Similarly, the premiers son alleged that Mr Aziz appeared to be biased as he pressurised and even harassed Tariq Shafi during the course of the investigation. In the past, Mr Aziz was part of the Hudaibya Paper Mills investigation, therefore, he could not investigate the present case with a free mind, Mr Nawaz argued.



Talking to the media outside the Federal Judicial Academy where the JIT secretariat is housed, Special Assistant to the Prime Minister Asif Kirmani said that the PML-N respected the judiciary and continued to display respect for SC benches.



He recalled that Nawaz Sharif had led a long march in 2009 for the reinstatement of deposed judges and to uphold the rule of law.



Mr Kirmani said that some leaders were neither part of the long march nor had they supported the movement for the reinstatement of judges but now they were talking of independence of the judiciary to promote their vested interests.



He said that (Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf chief) Imran Khan had failed to provide details of his three-year finances but was demanding accountability of the Sharif family over the past seven decades.
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...
The Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), Lt. Gen Obed Akwa, was met with rage when he met officers and men of the Ghana Armed Forces (GAF) yesterday to assuage their pain following the callous murder of Captain Maxwell Adam Mahama when he was jogging at Denkyira-Obuasi in the Central Region on Monday.



The CDS made the appeal at an emergency meeting with ranks of the GAF at Burma Hall, Burma Camp in Accra.



The atmosphere at the hall was tense and the expression on the faces of the soldiers was that of anger, an indication that they wanted an opportunity to vent their anger on the murderers of their colleague.



Additionally, the soldiers did not see why the case should be handled by the Ghana police alone whereas the GAF has a Military Police (MP) Unit, which according to them, is very efficient in handling such high-profile crimes.



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, one fuming soldier stated.



This soldier was supported by a Muslim counterpart who supported his emotions with verses from the Quran to the applause of the soldiers present.



The soldiers were also impatient with the pace of the police investigation, which has so far seen seven suspects arrested for their alleged roles in the murder.



They were especially mindful of the videos of the gruesome act on social media, and wondered why the military police could not take over.



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 civilian police, one of them averred.



Some of the soldiers also called for a total boycott and discontinuation of all anti-lumbering and anti-galamsey operations.



I will suggest we leave the work for the police to also carry out so that we come back to our barracks, one soldier suggested.



Calm



The CDS, in an affectionate mood, impressed upon them to accept what had happened as a challenge and a test of their efficiency and not anything which is beyond their capabilities.



Every operation has its challenges and the nature of our mandate to defend our country against external invasion while supporting internal security like the police cannot be discontinued; however, we can call for a review of the rules of engagement, he stated.



Lt. Gen. Akwa further stated that the GAF was working very closely with the police to ensure that the perpetrators of the gruesome act were brought to face the law and appropriate punishment meted out to them.



Speaking on the welfare and future of the deceaseds immediate family, the CDS gave the assurance that the GAF would play its role as required, adding that a number of philanthropists and international groups had been finding out from him how they could support the family.



While expressing appreciation to the Commander in-Chief of the GAF, President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, Vice President Dr. Bawumia, the clergy and civil society groups, among others, for their respective assurances and solidarity, he also appealed to social media patrons to stop posting images on the criminal act since that creates embarrassment to the bereaved family.



Capt. Maxwell Adam Mahama was on military detachment at the Denkyiri-Obuasi area.



The people in the community claimed he was an armed robber and lynched him.



He is survived by a wife and two children.

Source: Daily Guide









Disclaimer : Opinions expressed here are those of the writers and do not reflect those of Peacefmonline.com. Peacefmonline.com accepts no responsibility legal or otherwise for their accuracy of content. Please report any inappropriate content to us, and we will evaluate it as a matter of priority.

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Police investigations have uncovered how residents of Denkyira-Obuasi gruesomely murdered Captain Maxwell Adam Mahama, a commander of military detachment stationed at Diaso in the Upper Denkyira West District of the Central Region, on May 29, 2017.



According to police investigations, the slain army officer was a victim of false alarm which led a mob to snuff life out of him.



So far, the police have arrested 15 people in connection with his murder, and they are undergoing interrogations to ascertain the role each one of them played. No woman has been arrested, even though the video footages circulating on social media clearly showed some women at the crime scene.



The Director General of Police Criminal Investigation Department (CID), DCOP Bright Oduro, at a press conference in Accra yesterday, said the late Captain Mahama was dispatched  three weeks before his death  to replace a colleague officer, who was the commander of the military detachment but was writing a promotional examination, to check galamsey (illegal mining) activities in the area.



On Monday, May 29, 2017, at about 8:00 am, the young soldier reportedly left the detachment base for a 20-kilometer jogging in mufti but carried his sidearm.



He jogged on the main asphalted Diaso-Dominase-Ayamfuri Road and came through Agona Port Police Barrier, James Nkwanta and Dankwakrom villages heading towards Dominase.



The CID boss said it was established that at about 8:55 that same morning, the deceased in a WhatsApp chat with a friend, stated that he was embarking on a 20-km walk and that he started at 8:00 am and so he would get in touch later.



At about 9:25 am, the soldier had walked about 10 kilometers to a place at the outskirts of Denkyira-Obuasi where a number of women were selling food items by the roadside.



Captain Maxwell Mahama then stopped to interact with the women and even bought some snails which he left with the women to be collected on his return from the exercise.



DCOP Bright Oduro indicated that while taking the money from his pocket to pay for the snails, the snail seller saw his pistol tucked on his waist and soon after he had left, she called the assemblyman of the area, William Baah, to report what she had seen.



Without verifying the information, William Baah, who is now in police custody, purportedly mobilized the townfolks to prepare to attack a suspected armed robber who had been sighted by the women selling on the outskirt of the town.



The assemblyman reportedly called a motor rider popularly known as Komoko and Charles Kwasi Buah  one of the suspects who went hiding in his girlfriends room at Gomoa Dominase near Kasoa and was apprehended yesterday morning  to proceed to confront the stranger.



The CID boss said investigations revealed that the assemblyman and his cohorts met Captain Mahama at a spot near the Denkyira-Obuase cemetery, about one-and-a-half kilometers away from the food seller, and accosted him without giving him the opportunity to identify himself.



DCOP Bright Oduro disclosed that they attacked Captain Mahama but he made efforts to reveal his identity while at the same time attempting to flee from his attackers.



Findings



The police officer told journalists that investigations revealed that while being attacked, the soldier jumped unto a different motorbike with intent to escape from the attackers but to no avail.



He also attempted to escape by jumping unto a timber truck by entering through the passenger side, but the attackers fired and shattered the windscreen, causing him to fall off, DCOP Bright Oduro narrated.



He said there were also sporadic shootings from the mob while others wielded clubs, cement blocks and machetes.



The CID boss said Captain Mahama was finally killed at about 10:00 am.



Arrests



He disclosed that nine more suspects had been arrested, bringing to 16, the number of suspects nabbed and linked to the murder of the army captain.



Seven arrested earlier included William Baah, the 36-year-old assemblyman; Bismark Donkor, 30, prison assistant; Philip Badu, 30; Yaw Annor, 32, mason; Kofi Badu, 29, farmer; Kofi Nyame, 29, farmer and Anthony Amoah, 23, okada (commercial motorbike) rider. They have been remanded by a Cape Coast District Court to reappear on June 19, 2017.



Kwasi Charles Buah, one of the two people who allegedly mobilized the youth to attack the captain and fled to seek shelter in his girlfriends house, was sent to the Cape Coast Regional Police Command for further investigations.



The eight others also attempted to escape to other places to hide but were grabbed from their various hideouts.



They are Dolly Kormla, Domeh Francis, Sonu Mwaunyo, Sonu Emmauel, Ernest Ally, Kojo Mfum, Issah Manu and Prince Amponsah.



DCOP Oduro added that a number of evidences had been collected linking the 16 arrested suspects to the crime.



Inspector General of Police David Asante Apeatu condemned the action of the residents and urged Ghanaians to desist from instant justice.



He said when the police visited the town after the killing, all the residents had fled the place, leaving only two women  a nursing mother and an old lady.



He said the police were searching for the snail seller who had been identified.



IGP Asante-Apeatu called for calm, promising that the Police Service would get to the bottom of the matter. Persons who violate the laws of the land in the manner akin to what has happened in the late Captains case, will be dealt with accordingly. The police are prepared to collaborate with all stakeholders to ensure that this canker of instant justice is permanently stamped out of our society.



We shall therefore stop at nothing to deal with perpetrators of this phenomenon. The police administration wishes to pledge its full support to him to achieve this goal. For the purpose of protecting sanctity of evidence, we have decided not to parade the 16 suspects currently in our custody. Ladies and Gentlemen, this is a war, not only for the security agencies, but for all of us, including members of the public, he charged.



Confidence



The Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), Lieutenant General Obed Boamah Akwa, stated with pain that justice delayed is justice denied but the military trusts the police will do their work to make sure that the perpetrators are punished.



Yesterday [Thursday], I held a durbar and the issues raised had to do with the speedy investigation and prosecution of those who carried out this dastardly act, and I gave assurance that a high powered team had been sent to the incident area, and I am happy to hear from the Director General of the CID and also from the IGP that indeed they are making progress. We look forward to a speedy investigation so that those who are found culpable face the full rigors of the law because justice delayed is justice denied, the CDS underscored.



He confirmed that the troops were in the area to fight galamsey activities and not to give protection to illegal miners as speculated by the public.



The late captain, after reporting for three weeks, was just jogging to familiarize himself with the environment when the unfortunate incident befell him, he added.

Source: Daily Guide









Disclaimer : Opinions expressed here are those of the writers and do not reflect those of Peacefmonline.com. Peacefmonline.com accepts no responsibility legal or otherwise for their accuracy of content. Please report any inappropriate content to us, and we will evaluate it as a matter of priority.

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Genres : Documentary

Plot Synopsis

There is nothing more important than keeping our kids safe, happy and learning at school. In the USA and other countries such as Germany and Russia, we have seen the horror of violence in schools. And in all schools, in all countries, students, teachers, families and police, tackle the seemingly endless problems of bullying and cyberbullling, of drugs, gangs and poverty. But what happens when Zero Tolerance Policies, that were originally well meaning and for very serious issues only, were pushed into the arena of daily school discipline by over- zealous policy makers and administrators? Thousands of children across the USA, some as young as five years old, were swept into the juvenile and criminal justice systems for "crimes" such as doodling on a desk, having to stay home to look after a sick parent or running in the hallway. In addition, School Resource Officers found themselves in a difficult position as they were often pressured into enforcing these new rules, and many teachers effectively lost authority of their classrooms. There is now a move by the Obama administration to reverse or soften these Zero Tolerance policies, but not everyone is in agreement.
FORT ANN  Lilly Montville stroked the brown coat of Luna  her small 9-year-old hand grazing the abandoned thoroughbreds ribs, which were clearly visible.

Shes definitely too thin, said Kiersten Vroman of Vertical Farm in Fort Ann. She probably needs about another 100 pounds or so put on her, which you have to do gradually or you can cause some other issues.

Luna was abandoned at a Warrensburg farm in March with two other horses, all of whom had pretty significant health issues, like many retired racing horses. Luna, the healthiest of the three, was taken in by the SPCA of Warren County, but with no holding facility for horses, the SPCA contacted Vroman at Vertical Farm, a horseback riding lesson and training facility in Fort Ann.

You would be amazed at how many thoroughbreds end up on the slaughter trucks to Mexico or Canada, said Vroman, who took in the animal and is now raising money to care for the 5-year-old mare.

Lilly, who has been riding horses for a year, immediately bonded with Luna and visits her three times a week to walk and groom her. Upon their first meeting, Luna gave Lilly the cold shoulder.

But after like the second time, Lilly said, she started just coming right over to me when we got down to her pasture.

The Montville family gives Luna the attention and social bonding she needs, Vroman said, because horses are wild by nature.

If you turn them out and leave them out, they can very quickly go back to being skittish and hyper, Vroman said. Because our goal at some point is to try to find a long-term home for her, we really want her to be well socialized.

But Lunas rehabilitation comes with a hefty price tag for feed, hay and trips to the veterinarian. Lilly, who has a passion for animals, was inspired to help.

She started crocheting book marks that look like horse tails and has been selling them for $1 at her school to raise money for Lunas care, which costs $200 a month just for hay and grain.

When she came home after that first day and had like $20, she thought that was so great, said Topher Montville, Lillys father.

Lilly feels a bond with the animal and has even met Lunas boyfriend, Inception, who whinnies every time Lilly takes Luna out of her field.

I was the first one to go down and brush her, Lilly said. After the first or second time she really adapted to me and noticed that I was coming when I would come. She has never bucked or reared while I was brushing her.

Vroman also wants to build a shed in Lunas field. She is looking to raise $900 and is already more than halfway to her goal. Any additional money raised will go into a maintenance fund for Lunas care.

If we can get her to a point where she is healthy enough to be ridden, Vroman said, our hope is just train her to be able to do some light riding.

She wants to find a permanent home for Luna, or be able to keep her at Vertical Farm, where she can be ridden. Vertical Farm is planning a horse show Sunday, and will hold a fundraising raffle to benefit Luna.

Vroman wants to find a solution to the problem with abandoned thoroughbreds, and thinks a retirement fund should be established for each race horse.

This is a huge financial industry, she said. Theres money when races are won. Money is put toward a jockey retirement fund. Nothing is put toward the horses. And then they retire off the track and nobody wants them.

Lillys goal is to be able to ride Luna one day.
It happens all the time: a resident makes an impassioned argument about some town policy, and all five Town Board members turn to look at their attorney. Their first question: What do you think?

The attorney is often the only unelected person seated at the table. But that person often can have as much power as he or she wants. They can shape policy or eliminate it with just a few words.

People tend to attach more weight to words that come out of an attorneys mouth, said Mark Schachner, whose law firm simply wont offer opinions on policy issues.

If I say, That intersection really needs work, because I just had to drive through there, its heard with much more weight than if a resident said the same thing, he said.

So the attorneys from Miller, Mannix, Schachner & Hafner are directed to sit silent while board members wrestle with policy decisions.

Sometimes when you sit there, you feel, gee, you have something you could add, Schachner said. Its sometimes hard to resist. But we actually feel very strongly: we are not elected by the citizenry to take a position on policy issues.

Other attorneys leap into the fray.

In South Glens Falls, attorney Mike Muller didnt just speak up when a resident asked for a water bill refund because he was double-billed. The attorney gave the entire presentation on the issue, upon the request of then-Mayor Joe Orlow.

Muller explained the problems with the bill, including the fact that the village had fixed the bill for future billing cycles. Then he told the board firmly that it has never granted refunds before. He repeated that several times, and board members agreed to not give a refund in that case. The owner sued, but lost.

Muller often speaks his mind at meetings  and board members welcome it. They often invite him to speak.

On a recent law to shovel sidewalks, Muller advised the board not to require shoveling within 24 hours. He said that would be a pain for many residents.

Thats a bit lickety-split, he said.

In Moreau, town attorney Malcolm OHara argued with the board over continuing a lawsuit about the leaking roof of the poorly built new highway garage. He said the case would not be worth it. He did not explain in public that the town had already lost the case against the only defendant who had any money. Residents felt betrayed when they learned the truth.

The towns law firm filed the lawsuit many months after being directed to do so by the town board. Although a member of the law firm, Karla Buettner, appeared to have delayed filing because she was trying to negotiate a settlement, her failure to file on time was widely seen as deliberately sabotaging the case.

The suit against IFIC, which held the construction bond on the highway garage, was thrown out due to the late filing. Now the town will likely have to shoulder the costs of repairing the building.

Other attorneys have found themselves at the center of controversies that shouldnt have involved them at all.

A Glens Falls-based law firm negotiated a settlement for Hoosick Falls on PFOA contamination. The settlement that Fitzgerald Morris Baker Firth negotiated was widely criticized by the public, and the village did not accept it after multiple meetings.

But while the debate over the settlement was going on, attorneys found themselves defending their own actions instead of the settlement.

The village attorney had recommended that the village hire the law firm for the negotiations. But what the village board didnt know was that their attorney was in talks with the law firm himself. His law firm was acquired by Fitzgerald Morris Baker Firth.

The public also criticized the law firm for hiring a public relations firm to provide the mayor with speeches and talking points about the PFOA settlement and charging Hoosick Falls. The law firm hired Behan Communications to handle the public relations work, paying the company directly and then billing the village.

Some attorneys said, off the record, that the PR deal and the law firm acquisition were shockingly unethical, and emphasized that they think attorneys should not get involved in writing speeches or otherwise advocating for municipal actions. Village board members fired Fitzgerald Morris Baker Firth.

But the law firms managing partner, John Aspland, defended both actions as commonplace and meaningless.

Acquiring the villages law firm was not a conflict of interest because both Asplands firm and the village law firm represented the village at the time, Aspland said.

As for taking on PR duties, Aspland said hes done it several times with various clients. He noted that lots of information needed to be communicated in the complex water-contamination case.

As for speaking up during policy decisions, Aspland says attorneys can help a board.

I guess I agree to an extent, you shouldnt be steering the conversation. But if you have information, I believe you have an obligation to make it known, he said.

Hes willing to offer possible solutions, and if asked, hes willing to recommend the solution he prefers.

You may also suggest maybe theres a better way to achieve it because youve already done this in another board you represent, Aspland said.

However, he draws the line at zoning questions.

If the board is trying to decide whether to allow a particular use in a zone, he stays quiet.

That is a policy decision that needs to be made by the board, he said.

In Moreau, a member of the town law firm made a different call. Attorney Karla Buettner told the board that a proposed use  a propane distribution facility  was allowed in a commercial zone. At least one planning board member thought otherwise, but in the wake of her advice, the board approved the facility. Neighbors and Supervisor Gardner Congdon challenged the decision, but the zoning board ruled 3-2 that the use should be allowed. In the zoning board meeting, board members pored over the code themselves, saying they were interpreting it. They did not ask their attorney to make a determination for them.

And that can be the difference. Attorneys said they are hard-pressed to avoid policy discussions when board members directly ask them for input.

If Im asked to try to figure it out, thats what Ill try to do, Aspland said.

Schachner also said that attorneys are often dragged into the debate.

I saw firsthand, he said of his earlier years, when he would represent applicants before planning and zoning boards. In certain municipalities, board members would turn to the municipal attorney and say, Should we deny the application? I was very offended the municipal attorney was making the call.

But some board members said attorney help is invaluable.

Having an attorney there is the most valuable thing you can have, because you dont know what youre doing. Because youve never done it, said former Moreau Supervisor Preston Jenkins.

He recalled a discussion about a proposed company moving into the industrial park. The attorney helped solve complex problems he didnt even know existed, such as the need to eliminate roads and extend utilities.

More than once, they put me on the spot, saying, you have to think before you do. There are problems you dont know about, he said. You would have thought they live in the town of Moreau. You would have thought they were taxpayers, they knew so much.
The dumbest question you can ask anyone is: How was your vacation?

As long as you werent painting the house all week, your time off is bound to be far better than the grind of a 40-hour week.

I returned from a two-week vacation on Wednesday and not many people asked how it was. I suspect that is because most of the people I work with know not to ask dumb questions.

The answer was that it was the best vacation ever.

It was one of those once-in-a-lifetime travelogues.

It was dreamy.

It was perfect.

Yeah, it was magical, and we didnt want it to end.

But more importantly, the three of us got to experience it together.

I appreciate us being together more these days.

My son turned 21 earlier this year and secured an internship in Pennsylvania for the summer, so we wont be seeing much of him.

By this time next year, he will have graduated and hopefully started a career. I doubt he will be close to home. I hope Im wrong.

I know that after I went off to college, I never lived at home again.

Thats hard to fathom because we really like having him around.

So when I asked him if he wanted to go on a two-week vacation with us, he immediately agreed.

The three of us have been through a lot together, and I doubt most people know how ridiculously silly we can be when we are together.

From dancing together in the kitchen while preparing dinner to group hugs in the parking lot when we leave him at college. We even have a little chant.

My wife has been sick on and off for some time.

But really, that is not a fair characterization. I dont consider her sick, or ailing in any way. Sure she has lost her hair, but she looks just as good in one of her three hats.

When the chemo drugs have gotten the best of her, she doesnt say much about it.

She just keeps going.

She finished her latest round of chemo three weeks before we left, and for two weeks we climbed cathedral towers, walked from one end of ancient cities to the other and dragged her up ancient stairs that would get the best of someone half her age.

Sure her feet were swollen, but she just kept going.

With little access to the internet, we looked at our phones a lot less and talked more.

We laughed.

We smiled.

And were amazed at what we saw.

I remember my son sitting by himself on this rock outcropping after hiking up to one particularly stunning vista and remarking, I could sit here forever.

And we did for a very long time.

Not saying anything while taking photos for other hikers at their request.

We all were smiling at our good fortune.

On the plane going home, I started making a top 10 list of all the great moments. There were so many memories, it became a top 20.

But here is what I remember most.

Sitting in our hotel room after watching one of the most stunning sunsets any of us had ever seen, my wife suggested we play charades.

We laughed at her.

No way, we argued.

But she started, and we each took a turn.

Then another turn, and another, acting out our clues while sipping the last of our bottle of wine, laughing and giggling at how ridiculous we were.

Outside, the sun dipped over the Alps and we watched Lake Como fall into darkness.

How was my vacation?

I was with my family playing charades.

It doesnt get any better.

Ken Tingley is the editor of The Post-Star and may be reached via email at tingley@poststar.com. You can read his blog The Front Page daily at www.poststar.com or his updates on Twitter at www.twitter.com/kentingley.
Turning the ship before it hits the iceberg
BOONE, Iowa -- The hog roast was popular once again, but the previous administrations health care reform also was on the menu after being roasted by the new vice president.

Vice President Mike Pence, speaking Saturday at U.S. Sen. Joni Ernsts annual "Roast and Ride" GOP fundraiser, said Congress must make it a priority to get to President Donald Trumps desk a bill that would repeal and replace the Affordable Care Act, known better to the folks at Saturdays event as Obamacare.

The U.S. House has passed a bill that would undo much of the health care reform implemented under former President Barack Obama. The U.S. Senate plans to craft its own health care bill in the coming weeks.

We must come together with Congress to repeal Obamacare, Pence said at Ernsts third annual Roast and Ride. The Obamacare nightmare is about to end, and its about time.

Pence was the main draw to the third annual event, which was held at the Central Iowa Expo. Then-candidate Trump spoke at least years event, and the inaugural event in 2015 included seven GOP presidential candidates --- but not Trump.

Pence, a motorcycle rider, did not participate in the fundraisers 49-mile motorcycle ride. But he hopped on a Harley-Davidson and rode roughly a couple hundred yards to the event stage.

Pence spoke about many of Trumps policy goals: reducing federal regulations, creating jobs, rebuilding the military, and reducing illegal immigration and abortion.

But health care reform was the topic on which Pence spoke most. He said Congress should pass a bill that repeals the Affordable Care Acts mandates, reform and strengthen Medicaid, and gives state flexibility to decide how best to cover the populations most vulnerable.

Congress must come together under the leadership of President Donald Trump and relieve Iowa and relieve America and repeal Obamacare, Pence said.

Chuck Grassley, Iowas longtime Republican U.S. Senator, said Congress has not yet done enough to help Trump pass the agenda upon which he campaigned.

Congress has a responsibility to help Trump deliver on those campaign promises, Grassley said. So far we have not produced the way we should produce, and I hope that we can get back to getting together in unanimity to get things done. Because theres so much that needs to be done.

The Iowa Democratic Party issued a statement criticizing Republicans plans for health care reform.

Since the Affordable Care Act was signed into law, 132,000 previously uninsured Iowans gained coverage --- cutting the uninsured rate in half and giving Iowa families the assurance that they would have access to the quality, affordable health care they deserve, state party chairman Derek Eadon said in a statement. In addition to the Iowans living without insurance before the ACA, the bill has provided assurance to 1.3 million Iowans with pre-existing conditions that they would not be denied the coverage they need.

Roughly 1,450 tickets were sold for the event, organizers said. It was difficult to determine whether that many made it to the event after a U.S. Secret Service security sweep of all vehicles helped cause a significant traffic backup just outside the event.

More than 300 participated in the motorcycle ride; that was the most in the events three years. Proceeds from the $20 registration fee for the ride go to the national nonprofit Hope for the Warriors groups that help post 9/11 military, veterans and their families.

Ernst kicked off the event at a motorcycle barn in Des Moines, where she said, God bless you all for being great patriots for helping to raise funds for the veterans charity.

Grassley does not ride, and joked, Im not going to be on a motorcycle. A lawn mower is safer and slower, too.

Ernst said she was thrilled to be able to persuade Pence to speak at this years event and chalked it up to, in part, Iowas primary position in the presidential selection process and the fact the state went for the Trump-Pence ticket in the 2016 election.

I do think they enjoy coming into Iowa. Iowa has been very supportive, not only of then candidate Trump but also the administration this year, Ernst said before hopping on her motorcycle at the start of the event. They just enjoy the opportunity to get out and see Iowans. It's good to have them here.

Ernst declined to speculate about Pences plans in 2024, should Trump serve two full terms, telling reporters I havent talked to the vice president about that but should he choose to do that, I think he will be an exceptional contender.

Grassley said he expected Pence would will be an heir apparent in 2024.

Ernst, a first-term U.S. senator from Red Oak who was among the Republicans whose names surfaced as possible 2016 running mates for Trump, said she thinks Pence was a great pick and she has no regrets --- never, absolutely not --- about the 2016 election.

I think Vice President Pence is tremendous and he brought a lot to that ticket, she said. I love working for the people of Iowa. I feel that my place is in the Senate and absolutely no regrets. Weve got a great administration.

Sen. Tim Scott, a Republican from South Carolina who also spoke at Saturdays event, stoked that flame a bit.

Im looking forward to the day when Mike Pence and Joni Ernst are on the same ticket, Scott said.

U.S. Rep. Steve King, R-Kiron, and Gov. Kim Reynolds also spoke at the event.

It was difficult to find a Republican at Saturdays event who had anything critical to say of the Trump administration.

Lamont Davidson, a ride participant from Lake Delhi, said the Trump presidency is off to a great start as far as he is concerned.

Im very passionate about our President Trump. Thats my big interest in this. I want to continue to see things improve under a Republican administration, said Davidson, who said he liked the presidents decision to phase out U.S. participation in the Paris energy accord aimed at curbing global warming.

That was wonderful because it seems like they just want our money while India and China gets a pass on this thing. It makes no sense and I'm thrilled that he did that, Davidson said. Im not disappointed in anything that Trump has done so far.

Grassley said he was opposed to the Paris agreement because it appeared some of the proposed goals might become enforceable in court. He said the United States has done a great deal to reduce carbon emissions and Iowans he talks to at town meetings are more concerned about health care, tax reform and the next farm bill than they are about global warming or Russian interference.

Right now in Washington, Russia is a front-burner issue. But when I come out here to my town-hall meetings, tax reform and the farm bill and health-care reform are the big issues, Grassley said. So I think its a little bit like Washington is an island surrounded by reality.

Eadon took a different view, calling the Trump-Pence plan a dangerous agenda that will reward the wealthy with tax cuts while reducing support for health care, college students and farmers by dismantling critical agriculture safety nets as part of an attack on rural Iowa.

Mike Pence and Donald Trump don't have a plan to provide care for the Iowans who need it, Eadon said. This isnt progress. It isnt common sense and its not what Iowans deserve from this administration.
Numb.

That was our reaction after Illinois lawmakers adjourned Wednesday without a budget. Over the past 704 days, we've experienced frustration, annoyance and outrage as bills went unpaid, state employees lost their jobs, and Illinois' credit rating tanked.

Maybe it's just a natural psychological progression to such unprecedented win-at-all-costs posturing among the state's so-called leadership. Yes, we're numb to the shameful, partisan-ridden incompetence atop Illinois that's rendered it completely non-functional.

House Speaker Michael Madigan, a Democrat, sidestepped a political minefield Wednesday, opting to adjourn instead of forcing votes on budget bills that were guaranteed to meet Gov. Bruce Rauner's veto pen.

Democrats blasted Rauner for rebuffing what they called concessions on his pet projects, especially a freeze on property taxes. The Republican governor railed that the so-called concessions were bogus, political maneuvers to shift the blame onto him and him alone.

Lawmakers gaveled out, and for a consecutive third year, Illinois is destined to bumble along without a real spending plan.

The fallout fell to earth almost immediately. Within hours, Southern Illinois University announced another 80 layoffs. It wasn't the first. It won't be the last.

Nothing's left but the finger pointing. And after more than two years of it, it's hard to take either side's blame-game with any seriousness.

Numbness is the only reaction left.

We thought long and hard last week about our position as the General Assembly moved toward adjournment. Fact is, it's all been said. No measure of rage or righteous indignation  from any corner of the state  will quash the personal feud between Rauner and Madigan. Neither man stands to benefit from sudden consensus. This is about the 2018 election. This is about Madigan's desire to oust Rauner and again make Illinois a one-party state. It's about Rauner's lust for weakening Madigan's veto-proof dominance in the House.

In the end, voters in Illinois might be left with a Faustian choice come 2018. Both sides own this now. No voter revolt in districts held by back-benchers of either party will fix it.

Lawmakers head into summer, trapped in a continuing session that will, now and then, call them back to Springfield. They'll bicker and point more fingers. They'll meet with editorial boards and make appearances on radio shows. They'll argue that they were powerless in all this, because the two men at the top weren't serious about governing. And, best-case scenario, they ram through yet another stop-gap budget that doesn't pay the bills.

Social services will fail. Schools will struggle to reopen in the fall. Roads will decay. Jobs, public and private, will be lost. Schoolchildren and the elderly will be paraded into legislative chambers and used as props for special interests.

It'll change nothing.

Next year, an election year, will be worse. It will be a session dedicated to crafting campaign commercials instead of policy. Legislative Republicans will face an onslaught of no-win votes; either way, they'll be trapped. Democrats, particularly in the Senate, will face a governor with no choice but to go all-in on the dysfunction and hope voters indict the other side.

Put plainly, this mockery of governance will continue for at least another year. And no amount of rage will change it.

We're numb now. Perhaps those in power have won.
Thumbs up to organizers for the Kwik Star Criterium for taking a huge step toward gender equality that few are willing to make.

The organizers of last week's event in the Village of East Davenport unveiled that female pro cyclists who make the podium would receive the same prize money as the men. Unsurprisingly, the number of women competing in the race doubled this year.

In too many cases, women make far less than their male counterparts in sport. But gender inequality persists throughout society, from CEOs to blue-collar work. Social scientists cite the requirements of motherhood as one reason women often have gaps in their resumes.

The move by the local Criterium speaks to a sweeping movement throughout sport to normalize pay between the sexes. It won't fix the overall parental leave problem, but it's the type of systematic change that's needed throughout society.

Thumbs down to Govs. Kim Reynolds and Bruce Rauner for remaining silent while their peers acted on climate change.

Governors in New York and California  two of the nation's largest economies  pledged to abide by standards outlined the Paris Climate Accord, from which President Donald Trump this week walked away.

Trump's goals are obvious, if incredibly myopic: Appease his base and stick it to his predecessor. But the two Republican governors aren't bound by such partisan spiteful small-mindedness.

Both Iowa and Illinois benefit from the technological advances that are remaking how Americans produce energy. Wind power is big in the Hawkeye State and growing. Same goes for Illinois, which also last year bolstered its commitment to nuclear energy.

Coal is going the way of the dodo, regardless of what government does or doesn't do. Accepting that fact would be good for Iowans, Illinoisans and the planet.

Thumbs up to Lyn Cochran, the incoming president of Scott Community College.

Cochran will replace Teresa Paper, who is retiring in August, college officials announced this week. She's an administrator at Iowa State University Extension. That experience should translate well into the realm of being the face of a community college.

Paper has done a yeoman's job throughout her five years atop SCC. We wish Paper well as she heads into retirement. And Cochran looks a fine choice to assume the mission Paper leaves behind.
Two months after initially planned, a public presentation by Mayor Steve Allender on the future of Barnett Arena has yet to be scheduled.

But in August, the deadline for making the arena compliant with the Americans with Disabilities Act will arrive whether the city has a plan for the arena or not.

Allender, though, appears unhurried to make a multimillion-dollar recommendation on whether to fix or replace the aging arena within Rushmore Plaza Civic Center.

Im going to present it as soon as humanly possible, but I cannot give a date, Allender said in a Journal interview last week. I already gave a date once, and thats come back on me.

In March, Allender estimated he would make the presentation to the city council at the end of April or start of May. After repeated delays, it has yet to be made. The next council meeting is scheduled for Monday.

The presentation of proposals for the arena's future is not included on that meetings agenda. The following meeting, on June 19, would then be the earliest date Allender could present a proposal to the council.

In a Journal interview, Alderman Ritchie Nordstrom said preliminary discussions seemed to point toward the June 19 meeting  the final city council meeting for members who lost or did not seek re-election  as a likely date for the presentation.

Its quite an undertaking, to be honest, Allender said. I chose to do the construction of the presentation myself because I intend to own it, and so fitting that project into the mayors time has been a little more of a challenge than I had anticipated.

On May 25, Allender estimated about four hours of work remained before he could begin presenting to city department directors and members of the civic center task force whose recommendations Allender used in the presentation.

Its a big job, and I am nearly complete, he said. Im getting very close.

The task force, a 10-member committee that first met in February 2016 to study the ADA issues within Barnett Arena, was expected to offer a recommendation on which option to pursue in December 2016. The task force has since provided Allender with its findings and cost estimates, though no formal recommendation nor any details of their findings was ever made public. The information, Allender said, provides the basis for his upcoming presentation.

Civic Center Executive Director Craig Baltzer said the Mayors office had been in contact with task force members to schedule a date for the private presentation before going public.

I think he wants to let some of the insiders know what hes doing, Baltzer said. In the meantime, Baltzer said his office is going on as business as normal until that happens.

One or the other

In past interviews, Allender has made clear the presentation will likely provide two options: make the arena compliant with the Americans with Disabilities Act while adding some functional upgrades such as a loading dock; or build a new arena on the current civic center campus.

But a final decision on which option is best, Allender said, is up to the public.

I am not selling a plan, he said. I am selling a direction. Im asking for help deciding on a direction. Once the direction is made, the planning will be the easy part.

But gathering public support for any proposal will be difficult, if history is any guide.

The last time the issue was discussed and considered by voters was in 2015, Allender said. In a March 2015 referendum, 60 percent of Rapid City voters rejected the proposal for a $180 million replacement and expansion of Barnett Arena.

The last time, people got a plan shoved up their backsides, and they didnt appreciate it, he said. Theres still trauma in the community because of it on both sides. Its very divided still, and thats why its a little bit risky to present anything now, but we do have a responsibility to do that and we will do that.

Nordstrom said he also learned something from the 2015 referendum process.

This time around I hope we get a point person or a leader that will be able to sell the project," he said. "We were lacking that last time around.

Though design plans and cost estimates are expected to be more modest than the $180 million price tag in 2015, no details have been made public yet.

As for the option to simply renovate and fix the current ADA issues, Baltzer said he hoped to see a long-range plan incorporated into its presentation.

If were going to fix ADA for now, when is the proper time to come back to this? he said. So in five years or 10 years or 15 years, this isnt a big surprise when were addressing the issue again.

Characterizing the arena as aging, Baltzer said its usefulness is a little less and less every year. If not now, then lets have a plan for later, he said.

Impending deadline

In the same month that Rapid City citizens rejected the $180 million expansion plan, former Mayor Sam Kooiker signed an agreement with the U.S. Department of Justice to bring the entire Rushmore Plaza Civic Center into compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act.

Aside from fixing issues within Barnett Arena, work was needed to alter the grading of parking lot ramps, increase the number of handicapped-accessible parking spots, lengthen the stairway railing ends, and modify the bathrooms, water fountains and dressing rooms. That work has since been completed at a cost of about $1.6 million, with $1.3 million coming from the city and $300,000 from the civic center.

In the agreement, it was stipulated that the city had 30 months to bring everything into compliance, including Barnett Arena. August will mark the end of that 30-month period.

Barnett is a big project, and so keeping in mind that the federal government seeks compliance as specified in our written agreement, thats what they will have, Allender said. The goal is compliance, and that goal is being pursued, and so I believe that we have a plan in place that will be satisfactory.

Nordstrom and Baltzer said they had heard rumblings that the city had been unsuccessful in trying to open a dialogue with the DOJ about filing for an extension. A DOJ official did not return repeated calls for comment on the matter.

Nordstrom, though, seemed unfazed about the lack of clarity related to the DOJs expectations and the impending deadline.

My opinion is that the DOJ has bigger problems to deal with than dealing with the city of Rapid City compliance issues, said Nordstrom, who faces an election to keep his council seat on Tuesday. Im not getting excited until the DOJ shows up at the door and says, Youre going to get fined.

In the meantime, Nordstrom said the plan was to just proceed with what were doing until we hear otherwise from the DOJ.

Baltzer, who became the civic center director after the referendum and DOJ agreement, said similar experiences with the DOJ in the past lead him to believe there is some wiggle room.

I dont believe its the Department of Justices goal to shut us down, he said. What theyre looking for is the best-case scenario for the ADA community.

Public opinion

This summer, Allender expects to be busy presenting the options to local organizations and citizens, with town hall meetings a possibility.

We will get this message out until every man, woman and child have an opportunity to view it and form an opinion, he said. Once thats complete, Allender expects to conduct a public opinion poll or city survey to gauge the citizenrys preference.

The people of the city need to be able to understand the presentation and accept it and be able to interact with us about it," he said. "This is an issue that not only failed community approval in the past but it caused an injury to the citys credibility, so it would not benefit anyone to slap together a presentation and go out in the community and throw a couple votes at it and see what happens.

In discussions with citizens while campaigning for re-election, Nordstrom said it was clear many people still didnt understand the Vision Fund, or if and how money from that local sales tax-supported fund is allocated to the civic center.

People havent got a good grasp of what that means and how that works, Nordstrom said of the funds mechanics.

Originally created in the post-flood 1970s when citizens approved a half-cent sales tax increase to fund construction of the civic center, the fund was later used as a resource for city infrastructure improvements and community development projects, too. In 2016, Allender and the city council formally approved reserving half of the funds resources  about $6.5 million  for future work on Barnett Arena.

Nordstrom, a supporter of the original expansion plan in 2015, also added that he believed the economic impact of the civic center on the local economy was an important message to get across to citizens.

A 2012 economic impact study by AECOM, an out-of-state consulting firm, estimated that the civic center annually infused about $64 million into the Rapid City economy, according to Journal archives.

As the calendar inches toward August and the presentation continues to be delayed, theres the fear that the window for public discussion and consideration is dwindling. Allender, though, said that is far from intentional.

If I could have gotten this out in April, I would have, he said, contending that public discussion is not being dampened by the delays. The longer it takes to get it out does not reduce the public window for evaluation of the proposal.

And while some expect the presentation, options and public opinion to mirror the process from two years ago when citizens rejected the expansion and sent city officials and council members back to the drawing board, Allender noted one big difference this time around.

The only thing that is not an option is to do nothing, he said.
News / National

by Staff reporter

A leader of a faction of the war veterans and Zanu-PF Bulawayo provincial secretary for security, George Mlala, has been accused of dropping Vice-President Phelekezela Mphoko's name to milk companies in the city, while clandestinely funding the opposition National People's Party (NPP) led by Joice Mujuru.The allegations are contained in a letter sent to War Veterans minister Tshinga Dube by the former operations manager of Bulk Commodities t/a as Cash and Carry, Oga Chafausipo Moyo.In the four-page letter, Moyo alleges Mlala has been siphoning money from the company in exchange for protection.Moyo alleged that Mlala would go to the company, which imports flour and maize for resale, to allegedly collect money on behalf of Zanu-PF, which he would convert to his personal use.The company, owned by Imran Shahzad, has been under investigations by the police, the Zimbabwe Revenue Authority and Bulawayo City Council (BCC) over allegations of illegally importing expired flour, maize and other commodities.Moyo alleged most of the agencies were bribed off.BCC allegedly confiscated contaminated flour, but it was allegedly returned after Mlala intervened."City health inspectors only monitored the loading of one truck of flour, which was destroyed, but the remaining 10 trucks of mealie meal and flour were not destroyed, but were repackaged and sold because some people were paid protection fees and some Zanu-PF party cadres were paid up to $35 000, which was said to be going to be handed over to Mphoko for protection," read part of the letter."The money was given to a man called George, who was driving a white Nissan Hard Body without number plates and was said to be going to the Vice-President."As a manager at the company, I suspected that he was using problems at our company to extort money from us. I then did investigations and I discovered that he was from Zanu-PF and his surname was Mlala. I learnt recently that they are now funding the Mujuru party."But Mlala denied the allegations saying he did not have any links with Shahzad and had never collected money on behalf of Mphoko or funded Mujuru's party."This comes as a shock to me. It's pure lies, yes I drive a Nissan Hard Body, which was given to me by Zanu-PF, but I don't know of the things you are talking about," he said.Dube confirmed receiving the letter, but refused to comment, saying he would hand it over to responsible authorities.Shahzad said some Zanu-PF members had targeted his business, which resulted in party youths demonstrating against his operations last year."There are Zanu-PF-linked people who borrowed money from me. I gave them money, now they don't want to pay back so they are now using all sorts of dirty tricks to try and force me to back down from demanding my money," he said.Shahzad confirmed that he was investigated over allegations of underhand dealings, but has been cleared because he was law-abiding."I have been investigated by everyone, but I am still here still open and doing business. You don't know the forces working against me," he said.Mujuru denied receiving money from Mlala, saying it was a big joke that Zanu-PF could fund NPP operations."Zanu-PF has no capacity to fund a mass-based party like NPP. No amount of besmirching can ever stop the people's train. Put simply, Satanists and Christians do not attend the same congregation," Mujuru's spokesperson Gift Nyandoro said.
Gov. Dennis Daugaard and other state officials will be in Sturgis on Tuesday, when the city serves as South Dakotas Capital for a Day.

Among the activities, which will include a stroll down the new Main Street, business tours and a community social, the governor will tour what Sturgis officials hope could be the next South Dakota state park.

The governor or his staff will tour the Sturgis watershed area south of the city, a pristine area of trails and ponds that the city hopes the state will make the next state park.

In January 2016, the city made its intentions known that it would be willing to sell a 640-acre parcel of land it owns south of town to the state Game, Fish & Parks Department.

The Sturgis City Council unanimously approved a resolution saying that the city no longer needs the area for municipal domestic water use and wants it opened to the public.

The resolution went on to say that because of its location and pristine condition, the city believes the highest and best use would be for a state park.

Sturgis City Manager Daniel Ainslie said the city has talked about possibly selling the watershed or "city dams" property for at least seven years.

Paul Coughlin, Habitat Program Administrator for the South Dakota GF&P, said the issue of the watershed property initially came up when the city expressed interest in buying a 62-acre section of the Marcotte Game Production Area owned by GF&P near Sturgis.

Also slated for review during the Capital for a Day event is the nearly completed Sturgis Main Street project. The initial completion date was set for June 30. The $3.5 million project is part of the Future Sturgis Initiative that started in 2009 with the goal of looking at long-term ways to change and enhance Sturgis over the years.

Mayor Mark Carstensen said the city is honored to be selected as South Dakotas Capital for a Day.

"We are pleased to welcome special guests Gov. Daugaard, Mrs. Daugaard and state officials to the City of Riders. Over the past several years, Sturgis has worked with various state departments on many initiatives and projects," he said. "We will share with the governor the positive results of our collaborative efforts."

Sturgis is well-known as a motorcycle mecca, but it is also known as a vibrant and growing community, Carstensen said.

"We've attracted numerous new families and retirees to enjoy our superb quality of life. Sturgis is recognized as a hub for firearms manufacturing, a regional center for health care and a community that works hard to provide a positive South Dakota experience to hundreds of thousands of visitors who enjoy visiting our city each year," the mayor said.
Joan Prather retired Wednesday after more than 16 years of serving as the executive director for the Stevensville Main Street Association.

Prather began working for the Stevensville Main Street Association in 2000 when 13 local businesses signed on for three years to create a budget to revitalize the downtown.

Prior to working as the executive director, Prather worked in the chamber of commerce and in the offices of a dental practice in Florence and the Stevensville Community Medical Center. When Prather started, there were six vacant buildings and gaps in the sidewalks of the Stevensville downtown.

When she was first hired, she only worked for the Main Street Association part-time, but that quickly changed.

People started to come find me at my receptionist job at the Community Medical Center to ask me Main Street questions, Prather said.

As a Bitterroot native, Prather said she already had a strong connection and sense of place in the area, but working for the Main Street Association only strengthened that.

We have it all right here, the scenic beauty, the river, the downtown with real character, Prather said.

One of the first tasks Prather took up was to broaden the scope of the First Friday celebration at 1888, a local jeweler. She recognized their success, and asked if the rest of the downtown could join in. Now, many different communities across western Montana also host a celebration of sorts on the first Friday of every month.

Prather worked within the national Main Street Associations framework for building a vibrant downtown. The four tenets are promotion, design, economic development and organization.

I always said one of my best qualifications for this job was being a past cheerleader, Prather said. The First Fridays provided a great social event for community and visitors.

In a way, Prather stayed a cheerleader, but for the town of Stevensville, rather than at any sporting event.

In addition to her work promoting Stevensville and drawing in visitors from both near and far, Prather oversaw the majority of the beautification projects in the downtown Stevensville area.

A streetscape improvement project Prather proposed received a community development block grant from the state in 2012. After securing private investment of more than $60,000, and working to secure different matching funds, the town had $400,000 to work with.

The streetscape project created bulb-outs slowing down traffic and making the streets safer for pedestrians. The bulb-outs gave businesses the opportunity to plant flowers and shrubs in front of their shops. Prather said many businesses saw an increase in the amount of people flowing in and out of their shops simply from the aesthetics of the plantings.

The project also put in bike racks, benches, and filled in old divots, the leftovers from garage fronts that altered the level of the road and sidewalk,

Prather said she is sad to leave before some of her other projects finished, but that she is happy of what she accomplished and looks forward to spending more time with her grandchild.

This job is absolutely the best thing Ive ever had happen to me, except for becoming a grandma, Prather said.

While the whole Main Street Association board of directors officially chose her successor, Prather said she knew who it would be as soon as she saw the pool of applicants. Lorraine Roach, the new executive director worked her first day on Thursday.

To find someone this familiar with the program in your community, it was just like woah, this is wonderful, Prather said.

Roach moved from Idaho to Stevensville last year. Shes spent the last few weeks shadowing Joan, meeting and getting to know individual businesses around town, but really shes been preparing for this job far longer than that.

With a background in business and hotel management, and a long-time certified member of the National Main Street Association, few applicants could hope to be as qualified as Roach.

I had people asking me, Do you have a replacement yet? And I said, Yes I do, its Lorraine Roach, They were like, Wow, how did you get her, Prather said.

Roach said she wants to build on the success Prather has had by increasing the feedback the association gets from residents and businesses. Her first plan is to send out a survey to local businesses asking them questions about what is most helpful to them and what changes would they like to see.

The Main Street Association recently subscribed to a program called Grant Station, which aggregates a list of grants provided by foundations and organizations around the country. Roach said she hopes use the subscription to assist local businesses in finding the right grants for them.

Roach said she really likes the character of the Bitterroot valley and looks forward to getting to know Stevensville even better.

One of the main reasons my husband and I moved here was because of the downtown, Roach said. Its vibrant because it really has a sense of place.
Editor's Note: Mary Moe resigned from the Montana Senate in January to leave Great Falls and head to Florida to help her daughter with her new triplets. She wrote about that decision and her experience in a recent Facebook post, which she agreed to let us share with Missoulian readers. Her reflection on the meaning of family seems particularly apt this graduation season.

Somewhere over Kansas I stopped crying. The land leveled out and dried up and parceled itself out in the brown and green rectangles familiar to all who fly over and to Americas farmlands. I settled down and drank in the peaceful emptiness below and reflected on the serene fullness of my heart. (Spoiler alert: This will take a while.)

For some reason, the first thing that came to mind was the comment of a fellow legislator back in January when I told him why I was resigning from my seat. But, Mary, youve just established yourself here. Cant you just hire a nanny for your daughter?

The comment shocked me at the time  not because it was promoting a more political or self-centered orientation, but because it missed the mark. Yes, I was leaving my Senate seat because my daughter needed me. But I was also leaving because I needed to. I didnt know how much I needed to at the time, but I do now.

I needed to get back on the horse that threw me. Ive always felt bad about how harried I allowed myself to get with my newborn children. I just couldnt accept the sleeplessness and mindlessness and enjoy the experience, even though I recognized how beautiful, elemental and ephemeral it was. I wanted to give myself the experience with these grandchildren that I was too worried and work-focused to savor 30 years ago. As I look back at my Facebook posts over the past 123 days, I think I got it right this time.

I needed to get back to basics. When I was teaching, I always had summers to take a step back, live in the moment with my family, read, write, and reflect. A time to get grounded. But when I entered higher education administration, there was no summer vacation. There was no vacation period. I got into the busy-doing-important-things mode and even when I retired, I didnt get out of it.

There is nothing like taking care of a baby to ground you. At 4 a.m. when its only you and those shiny eyes staring up at you, you think about just about everything. And as I waited for one baby to go back to sleep and another one to stir, I wrote. Ive always enjoyed writing, but this was different. I became interested in writing as a way to have a different kind of conversation, one that isnt mean or ugly, one that not only welcomes, but elevates all. I wanted to use writing as a way to reach out in the darkness, a way to find friendship and consolation and good will just by saying, isnt it wonderful what we all share  the kindness and the cleverness, yes, but also the flaws and foibles that make us funny, familiar, approachable.

Mostly, though, I left Montana because I wanted to be part of the Trespino family story, right at the heart of it. To call it a miracle is cliched, yet there it is: Everything about the story has been miraculous. Molly had had trouble getting pregnant, but she finally did. Until her second trimester, she was only supposed to have one baby, but in late September, they discovered three. That made it a high-risk pregnancy for her and for the babies, requiring her to be hospitalized at 26 weeks and deliver at 30 weeks. Yet her babies were all born relatively healthy, and all Molly lost was her voice. (Wretching with morning sickness for months damaged her vocal chords.)

All three babies stayed in the neonatal intensive care unit at least 10 weeks; James stayed nearly 18 weeks. Total cost for Tampa General alone was in the neighborhood of $2 million. Molly has a pre-existing condition that had disqualified her for affordable health care before Obamacare. Miraculously, she got pregnant while the Affordable Care Act was in place or their financial situation would be hopeless now.

Little miracles happened. A doctor ordered an overfeeding of James at one point that had the baby vomiting so violently he had to be resuscitated. Molly and husband Derek were furious. However, whenever a baby has to be revived, the hospital does blood work as a precaution. This time they discovered an infection that, had James not been overfed, would not have been discovered until it was too late. He would have died within 72 hours.

Five days before they were to move out of the house they had sold and into the house they had bought, the new lending institution called and said theyd decided not to give them the loan after all. Yes, the bank had signed a document ensuring them a loan for more than that amount before they ever put their house up for sale and, yes, they probably had legal recourse, but that would take a lot longer than 5 days. We were all heartsick, distraught. But a couple of can-do ladies who had handled the original loan on their sold house decided, "Were not going to let this happen. This little family has gone through enough.'' And they got er done in the nick of time.

Of course, the real miracle is just the miracle all babies share  those personalities, distinct and unique right from the start  the slow, almost imperceptible changes that ferry them from utter helplessness to minds and wills and bodies of their own. They talk to us now. They grab our noses and delight in our feigned pain. They can hold their heads up. They are drooling and fussing from the teeth soon to emerge. They are coming into their own. I fully expect that one fine day one of them will echo the remark my sister made to a nun who had moved her from the back of the classroom to the front in second or third grade: I know my rights. Thats the Sheehy/MacHale/American spirit we like to see.

As the plane drew close to Great Falls last night, I looked down in the twilight at the land I love, unfurling like a flag from horizon to horizon, enlaced with that sturdy, forest-green ribbon of river. From the plane, you can trace the rivers circuitous route in the curls around this bend and that one, curl after curl after curl, each representing years, decades, centuries, millennia of liquid lapping against solid. Such slow, hard work. And so inefficient. The shortest distance between two points is a straight line, after all.

So, yes, Senator, I could have written a check for a nanny. I could have visited for a week, stretching out the legislative transmittal break. I could have checked in on FaceTime every day and received texts with photos. But I had to be at the heart of it. And for 123 days, I was. I was that water, lapping against rock. It was slow, dull, mindless work, made inefficient because a current of love, rather than expediency, propelled it. The babies wont remember a bit of it, but Ill remember it every day for the rest of my life. It was, without question, a good decision  maybe the best I have ever made.

When I left Molly, she was standing on the porch with James, his bright eyes staring solemnly out of his moon face at the two of us in tears. We made it, Mom! Molly whispered to me as we embraced. We made it!

Yes, we did, my darling girl, I responded. And you know what? I had the time of my life.

I stopped crying somewhere over Kansas. I started again somewhere around Ulm. Im home now, but this magical interlude is over. For just as you can never step in the same river twice, you can never return to Infantia. Life moves on. May you float, as I do, on its current of love.
Enjoy the first large-scale museum exhibition dedicated to tramp art since 1975. More than 150 examples of tramp art, concentrating on works from the United States, with additional international examples.

For Immediate Release: October 24, 2016 (Santa Fe, NM) The Museum of International Folk Art presents No Idle Hands: The Myths & Meanings of Tramp Art, the first large-scale museum exhibition dedicated to tramp art since 1975. The exhibition will present more than 150 examples of tramp art, concentrating on works from the United States, with additional examples from France, Germany, Switzerland, Scandinavia, Canada, Mexico and Brazil to demonstrate the far reach this art form has had. Additionally, the show will analyze and dismantle the myths and misperceptions about tramp art, particularly as they relate to assumptions related to class, quality, and the anonymity of the makers.

Tramp art describes a particular type of chip-carved woodwork that was practiced in Europe and the United States between the 1870s and 1940s, making use of discarded cigar boxes or crates that were then notch-carved along the edges and layered. Objects made were primarily boxes and frames, but other household objects such as small private altars, crosses, medicine cabinets, wall pockets, clock cases, plant stands, and even furniture can be found.

"Tramp art's place in art history has been troublesome. It has had detractorspeople who regard it as 'the ugly duckling' of folk artbut also numerous champions," said Laura Addison, Curator of North American & European Folk Art at the Museum of International Folk Art, and the show's curator. "This exhibition will erase any doubts about the quality and craftsmanship of the work and situate tramp art as a practice at the crossroads of cultural transformation at the turn of the 20th century," she said. Addison also pointed out that by juxtaposing historic pieces with those by contemporary artists working in the tramp art style, the exhibition frames this art form as an ongoing tradition that continues to capture the public's imaginationmyths and all.

"The ingenious objects in the Tramp Art exhibition use recycled or repurposed wood, and highlight a moment in time a century ago when artisans, many of them immigrants to the US, created a new variety of folk art," said Khristaan D. Villela, Director of the Museum of International Folk Art. "They are a testament to the ability of untrained artists to produce objects of immense beauty and complexity," he said.

For many years, tramp art was believed to have been made by itinerants and hobos, thus its name. It has been demonstrated, however, that this belief, first put in print by Frances Lichten in a 1959 Pennsylvania Folklife article, is erroneous. Nonetheless, the name "tramp art" has remained the only terminology used for this practice, and the paucity of scholarly studies to dispel the mistaken notions about tramp art have allowed the myths to persist.

Whittling objects such as wood chains and ball-in-cage whimsies was a common pastime, including among railriding "hobos," and some examples of tramp art were likely by the hand of itinerant laborers or artisans. However, this style of carving was more commonly the practice of family men and blue-collar factory workers making functional domestic objects or gifts for the women in their lives. Efforts have been made in recent years to identify makers by name and unearth their biographies; these personal narratives illustrate a very different story of the makers of tramp art. As these makers and their stories come to light, it has become obvious that home and family are central to an understanding of the practice of tramp art.

No Idle Hands will present tramp art objects according to four primary areas: Introduction/historical context, home & nation, frames & boxes and devotional objects. Works in the exhibition will come from the Museum of International Folk Art permanent collection as well as loans from a number of private and museum collections across the country. An exhibition publication will accompany the exhibition, with essays by Laura Addison, Curator of North American & European Folk Art, Museum of International Folk Art; Leslie Umberger, a curator in the area of folk art and self-taught art at the Smithsonian American Art Museum; and Eric Zafran, a retired curator of European art, most recently at the Wadsworth Atheneum.

The Museum of International Folk Art Museum Shop is located in the museum at 706 Camino Lejo (Museum Hill just off Old Santa Fe Trail). 505-982-5186.

MUSEUM OF INTERNATIONAL FOLK ART

The Museum of International Folk Art is a division of the New Mexico Department of Cultural Affairs.

The Museum of International Folk Art's mission is "to enrich the human spirit by connecting people with the arts, traditions and cultures of the world." Founded in 1953 by Florence Dibell Bartlett, the museum holds the world's largest international folk art collection of more than 150,000 objects from six continents and over 150 nations.

The museum's collections represent a broad range of global artists whose artistic expressions make Santa Fe an international crossroads of culture. For many visitors, fascination with folk art begins upon seeing the whimsical toys and traditional objects within the Girard Collection. For others, the international textiles, ceramics, carvings and other cultural treasures in the Neutrogena Collection provide the allure. The museum's historic and contemporary Latino and Hispano folk art collections, spanning the Spanish Colonial period to modern-day New Mexico, reflect how artists respond to their time and place in ways both delightful and sobering. In 2010, the museum opened the Mark Naylor and Dale Gunn Gallery of Conscience, where exhibitions encourage visitors to exchange ideas on complex issues of human rights and social justice.

Over 90,000 national and international visitors visit the Museum International Folk Art every year. Through folk art, the museum encourages all to find a common ground upon which to craft better lives for all.

Museum exhibitions and programs are supported by donors to the Museum of New Mexico Foundation and its Director's Leadership Fund, Exhibitions Development Fund, and Fund for Museum Education, as well as by the International Folk Art Foundation, also established by museum founder Florence Dibell Bartlett.
News / National

by Staff reporter

The President Robert Mugabe left Harare for New York this Saturday (today) evening to attend a high level conference to support sustainable development goal (SDG) number 14 which urges member states to conserve and sustainably use the oceans, seas and marine resources for sustainable development.The President is accompanied by the First Lady, Dr Grace Mugabe, Minister of Foreign Affairs, Simbarashe Mumbengegwi and Environment, Water and Climate Minister, Oppah Muchinguri-Kashiri.He was seen of at the Harare International Airport by Vice President Emmerson Mnangagwa, Information, Media and Broadcasting Services Minister, Chris Mushohwe, Defence Minister Dr Sydney Sekeramayi, other several government ministers including Minister of State for Harare Metropolitan Province Mirriam Chikukwa and service chiefs.The conference in New York will be co-hosted by the governments of Fiji and Sweden at the United Nations headquarters in New York, from Monday to the 9th of this month and will coincide with World Oceans Day which is on the 8th of this month.The theme of the conference is, 'Our Oceans Our Future: Partnering for the Implementation of Sustainable Development Goal no.14'.The conference aims at engaging every socio-economic group in finding solutions and will also identify ways and means to support the implementation of SDG no. 14.The conference will also build on existing successful partnerships and stimulate innovative and new concrete partnerships to advance the implementation of SDG no. 14.It will involve stakeholders from governments, the United Nations system and inter-governmental organisations, international financial institutions, NGOs, philanthropic organisations, academic and scientific institutions and other actors to assess challenges and opportunities relating to as well as actions taken towards the implementation of goal number 14.World leaders will also share experiences gained at national and international levels in its implementation.They will also contribute to the follow up and review process of the 2030 agenda for sustainable development.The Ocean Conference is expected to adopt a declaration in the form of a call for action to support the implementation of SDG no. 14.Meanwhile, Mnangagwa is the Acting President.
*Guwahati, : An army official and a civilian were injured in an encounter with suspected militants of the outlawed NDFB (S) in Assam's Kokrajhar district on Thursday night, officials said on Friday.*

*The encounter took place at Raimora near Gossaigaon area, where the army official and a civilian were sustained injuries in suspected militants firing.*

*Kokrajhar district SP Rajen Singh said that, army captain Tripatpreet Singh of the Rajput Regiment and a civilian Rufon Tigga were injured in the encounter and both are undergoing treatment in Guwahati.*

*Tripatpreet Singh was admitted at an army hospital in Guwahati, while the civilian admitted at Guwahati Medical College hospital.*

*The encounter came following amid stepped of massive operations against the outfit group in Bodoland Territorial Area Districts (BTAD) and other parts of the state.*

*Meanwhile, army, Assam police and other security agencies had jointly launched massive operation against the attackers.*

*In the aftermath of 2014 carnage of the adivasis in BTAD area by NDFB (S), over 100 militants of the outfit were either killed or apprehended by the security forces.*

*On the other hand, security forces had apprehended a hardcore militant of the outfit from Molandubi area in Kokrajhar district on Friday.*

*The nabbed militant was identified as Dilip Rai and security personnel had recovered one 7.65 mm pistol with magazine, ammunition in possession from him.*

*(Reporting by Hemanta Kumar Nath)*
*Guwahati : When you think investments, think of Assam, proclaimed Industries and Commerce minister Chandra Mohan Patowary while attending the ongoing St. Petersburg International Economic Forum (SPIEF) at Russia. *

*Addressing the 'State Showcase 'Assam Session', the Assam minister informed that so far the State has recorded Rs 6,500 crore of investment last year generating over 40,000 employments - directly and indirectly. *

Big giants like Dabur, Hindustan Lever, Patanjali have invested in Assam, Patowary said.*

*The Assam minister underlined the healthy industrial ecosystem prevailing in the state and highlighted the strategic locational advantage of Assam as the centre of South-East Asian market. *

*Patowary deliberated at length on the business opportunities and possibilities in sectors like sugar, plastic, jute, food processing, energy etc. *

*SPIEF-2017, which is being held from June1 to June 4, 2017 is a Global Economic Forum in the world of business and economics. *

*This time, Prime Minster Narendra Modi is the Chief Guest at SPIEF-2017. *

*Chandra Mohan Patowary has represented the State in the Forum while Commissioner and Secretary of Industries and Commerce Ashutosh Agnihotri has also accompanied him. *

*Emphasis was laid on Assam as an investment destination and manufacturing

hub for trading with South East Asia and ASEAN in line with the Government

of India's Act East Policy. *

*The St. Petersburg International Economic Forum - 2017 has witnessed huge participation- representatives from 133 countries, including heads of states and government from emerging economies, heads of major corporations, and the world's leading experts in the fields of science, media and civil society. *

*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 last 20 years, the Forum has become a leading global platform for representatives of the business communities to meet and discuss the key economic issues facing the world.*

*(Reporting by Hemanta Kumar Nath)*
Guwahati: Journalists' Forum Assam (JFA) expressed shock and serious concern over the murder of three journalists in five months (since 1 January 2017) in the country and reiterated its old demand for a comprehensive national action plan to safeguard the scribes and ensure justice to the victims.

The third case of assassination of journalists has been reported from Madhya Pradesh, where Kamlesh Jain was shot dead in his office at Pipliyamandi locality of Mandsaur district on the evening of 31 May. Kamlesh, 42, was rushed to a nearby hospital, where the attending doctors declared him brought dead.

According to the police on duty, two miscreants entered into Kamlesh's office and one of them shot him. They also fled with their motorcycle soon after the incident. The police have reportedly detained two individuals suspecting their role in the crime.

Engaged with an Indore-based Hindi daily, the journalist exposed few local people involved in illegal liquor trade with a number roadside Dhabas (restaurant) and he even invited threats from them few days back with dire consequences.

'Kamlesh Jain is the third scribe victim this year till date after Hari Prakash and Brajesh Kumar Singh. They pursued critical & courageous journalism and paid heavy prices. Now the question that arises, how many journalists have to die to convince the Union government to adopt a specific protection law for the media persons,'A

questioned JFA president Rupam Barua and secretary Nava Thakuria.

In a statement, the JFA pointed out that the year started with bad news for the media fraternity as a Hazaribag (Jharkhand) based scribe was reportedly killed in a mysterious situation. Hari, 31, was missing for some days and his dead body was found on 2 January. A law graduate, Hari too used to work for a Hindi daily.

Next day, one more sad news broke from Bihar, as Brajesh, 28, was shot dead at Samastipur locality by some unidentified goons. He received serious injuries on his head and died on the spot. The central Indian State earlier lost two scribes last year namely Rajdeo Ranjan and Dharmendra Kumar Singh to assailants.

India as whole witnessed the murder of six scribes in 2016 and emerged as one of the worst places for working journalists like Syria, Yemen, Iraq, Libya, Mexico, Afghanistan, Burundi etc, where journalists are being attacked deliberately and justices were rarely delivered to the bereaved families.

The largest democracy in the globe lost five journalists to assailants in 2015, which was preceded by two cases in 2014. However 2013 reported as more as 11 journalists' murders in India, where three northeastern media employees (Sujit Bhattacharya, Ranjit Chowdhury and Balaram Ghosh from Tripura) also fell victim to the perpetrators.
Director General (DG) of Inland Revenue Department (IRD) Chuda Mani Sharma

Kathmandu, Nepal: The Special Court (SC) has on Sunday extended the remand of Director General (DG) of Inland Revenue Department (IRD) Chuda Mani Sharma by seven days.

The Commission for Investigation of Abuse of Authority (CIAA) had arrested DG Sharma on Friday afternoon from his office after multiple complaints were lodged against him.

He was presented before the SC by the CIAA maintaining that his remand is the custody was necessary for the further investigation. With the order, the CIAA will get seven more days for the investigation.

The CIAA had arrested Sharma on the charge of misappropriation of billions of rupees misusing the authority.
Nepali Congress President Sher Bahadur Deuba

Review Nepal

Kathmandu, Nepal: Rastriya Prajatantra Party (RPP), the fourth largest party in the legislative parliament and the agitating Rastriya Janata Party  Nepal (RJPN) has on Sunday decided to support Nepali Congress President Sher Bahadur Deuba's candidacy to the post of the Prime Minister.

Separate meeting of the parties had made the decision to support Nepali Congress President Deuba to the post of the Prime Minister. With the decision of the RPP and the RJP, to be formed Nepali Congress led government will exercise comfortable majority in the parliament.
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Shirley Contreras lives in Orcutt and writes for the Santa Maria Valley Historical Society. She can be contacted at 623-8193 or at shirleycontreras2@yahoo.com. Her book, The Good Years, a selection of stories shes written for the Santa Maria Times since 1991, is on sale at the Santa Maria Valley Historical Society, 616 S. Broadway.
News / National

by Staff reporter

A NOTORIOUS armed robber who has been on the run for more than eight years has been arrested.According to a police source, the suspect, Shepherd Samuriwo was arrested in Botswana by that country's intelligence organisation known as the Directorate of Intelligence and Security (DIS) in liaison with Zimbabwe's Republic Police's homicide department."Samuriwo was arrested in Botswana and was repatriated to Zimbabwe where he has been on the wanted list since 2009.He came to Zimbabwe last week and was first held in Plumtree before he was transferred to Bulawayo immediately after," said the source.The source added that Samuriwo had fled the country after he had committed more than five armed robbery cases involving substantial amounts of money."He fled the country and went to South Africa eight years ago and is suspected that he then went to Botswana last year where he was finally arrested," said the source.The source also said Samuriwo is expected to be transferred to Harare homicide section where his cases were being handled.
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News / Press Release

by MRP

For the benefit of those who are not in the picture about Mthwakazi Republic Party, let me try putting it in the simplest form of understand. MRP was launched on the 11th of January 2014 at Presbyterian church in Bulawayo CBD.Few days after its launch there were Prophets of doom who said the party was not going anyway. They called us all sorts of names and by that time we had no structures. Others said it was just a reactionary party, others were saying it was a secessionist party with nothing to offer and wasn't going anyway. On the other hand some were saying the leadership was too young to lead a formidable revolutionary party.All those words were said as a tool of discouraging us but not knowing we believed that MRP was a God's project which is here to change the status quo in Mthwakazi. Three years down the line from our formation we are still standing yet we don't have any donor funding. Now we have fully constituted party structures in Matabeleland North, Matabeleland South, Bulawayo, Midlands, Botswana, Jo'burg, Cape town, and the United Kingdom. We have supporters across the globe but surprisingly we still have prophets of doom claiming MRP will collapse soon. It will not die it is here to stay.Last year we were in Gadade commemoration where Chief Nhlanhla Ndiweni announced that he was not happy with Obert Mpofu and his Councillors and that he had written a letter to the Zimbabwean President asking him to recall Obert Mpofu. We all knew that the chief's grievance and requests to President Robert Mugabe were going to lend on deaf ears.Therefore we as MRP, the people's revolutionary party with people at heart and known for respect and tolerance but radical in approach, we saw it fit to take heed of the chief's cry and those of the people of Mthwakazi and get rid of Obert Mpofu and ZANU PF from Matabeleland.We all agreed that MRP will give the people of Ntabazinduna and Mthwakazi as a whole a lasting solution to their problems and the solution is for them as a community to agree on their preferred MP and Councillors who will work hand in hand with the chief and the community.The chief have a lot of very ambitious plans for his area but Obert Mpofu and his people are frustrating him hence the need to change leadership. These are but some of the reasons why MRP is standing in the 2018 elections. The people of Matabeleland are in need of leadership that will deliver, servants not masters. Leaders who will not be apologetic, leadership that will not submit to Harare.The party is very much aware that the current crop of MPs and Councillors from Matabeleland and Midlands are a bunch of failures. They are not representing the masses but Harare where their bread is buttered. It doesn't matter whether they are from the MDCs or Zanu PF, all are the same.The prophets of doom have already started prophesying our down fall on the alter of Zimbabwe Electoral Commission (ZEC), most of whom are not even locally based. We have thousands of people today in Mthwakazi who agree with MRP that they should be a paradigm shift in Mthwakazi. Its no longer business as usually for ZANU PF and MDCs.We are aware of ZANU PF's record of stealing elections and we will not seat back and watch. Efforts are being made to protect our votes. MRP is in the process of recalling 6 000 of its membership based in South Africa to come back home in January 2018 to help in campaigns as well as protecting our votes and thwarting any efforts by the war vets aligned to Zanu pf from beating and harassing Matabeleland villagers. Asifuni Bumbulu this time.MRP believes that Mthwakazi have enough resources, that can develop our state into a modern day developed independent state. The priority for Mthwakazi now is the fulfillment of Zambezi water project, the exploitation of Lupane Gas, road infrastructure development and above all Urban development particularly development of our provincial and district towns which is all possible and should be done within five years from next year.While the prophets of doom are busy discouraging us, some people are canvassing behind the scenes to stand as MPs, Councillors, and Senators on MRP tickets and we are spending most of our time In meetings with them. We are doing the best that we can and we mean business. We are encouraging all our people to register and vote MRP. The time for ZANU PF has expired, now is the time for new beginnings. We would like to take this opportunity to thank party members and surpoters for their unwavering support to the people's revolutionary party.The major problem in Matabeleland now is Shona dominance in work places, businesses, and farms, taking away our God given natural resources developing Harare at the expense of the suffering Mthwakazi people. The corruption taking place at Bulawayo City Council is coming to an end. Vote Team MRP 2018.
A woman seeking snack foods pulled out a gun in a Tenderloin store Wednesday, so desperate was she for a salty crunch. (Hey, lady we've all been there...almost.)

Police say that the treat thief entered a store on the 500 block of Larkin Street, which is between Turk and Eddy Streets, at 4:40 p.m. Wednesday, where she "brandished a handgun" and "demanded property."

The 32-year-old female shopkeeper fled in fear, according to a report from the San Francisco Police Department.

When the store staffer mustered up the courage to return to the scene, the gun-wielding woman had left the scene...and the only thing missing, police say, were multiple cans of chips.

No one was injured in the incident, police say, and the (slightly greasy-fingered, one speculates) suspect remains at large as of Thursday morning.
125 Years Ago

Bruguiers lumber: A new platform at the West Fourth street junction of the Riverside Electric railway has been built of cottonwood planks, which are old or older than any sawed timber in the Sioux City vicinity. They were taken from a barn at the old pioneer Bruguier place at the mouth of the Sioux.

Club reception: The University club gave a reception to the A and B classes of the high school at the First Congregational church Friday night which was very successful and pleasant. After an organ recital, Rev. Marc Darling spoke on The Scholars Mission.

Mayors stand: Three hundred or more ladies and gentlemen assembled at the First M. E. church Sunday in response to the call for a mass meeting to endorse Mayor Pierces stand on favoring prohibition. The group resolved that Mayor Pierce is the right man to discharge these duties and is deserving of the thanks of all good citizens.

100 Years Ago

No spy: After telling Mrs. James Pettit, 507 Ninth St., that he was a German spy and all-around bad man and threatening her with violence unless she delivered her valuables to him, a burglar took $10 from her and made his escape through a window. He didnt get her diamonds, which she had hidden.

Draft law: The citys registration totals 6,370 of men between the ages of 21 and 30 for possible war service under the selective draft act on Tuesday. Mayor Andrews warned that slackers could face imprisonment.

Canning time: Woodbury County women and girls are being asked by the Commercial Club to enlist in the campaign for canning all vegetables and fruits that can be preserved. The campaign has been launched by the extension department of the department of Iowa State college, which will send out instructors across the state to each the women how to can appropriate vegetables and fruits.

50 Years Ago

Vietnam casualty: Word has been received that Pfc. John A. Peterson, a 1965 graduate of Nester, S.D., High School, was killed in action May 28 near Da Nang. He enlisted in the Marines last Aug. 31 after attending South Dakota State University at Brooking.

Leash law duties: Enforcement of Sioux Citys leash law will be turned back over to the Sioux City Humane Society July 1 after five years as a city operation. The City Council voted to approve the three-year contract, for $15,665 a year. The society had requested the contract as a means of solving its financial problems.

Roe Dairy opens: Roe Dairy has opened its new drive-through dairy store Thursday across from Half Moon Lake, at 809 S. Lewis Blvd. Free ice cream bars and balloons will be given to children accompanied by their parents Thursday through Saturday. The main office and plant are located at 4613 Morningside Ave.

25 Years Ago

Nude dancing flap: For now the dancers will stay at Swedes Bar in downtown Lesterville, S.D., after the townsfolk in this tiny hamlet northwest of Yankton voted down an ordinance banning nude dancing. The nude dancers have appeared at Swedes for 26 years, attracting bus loads of patrons from the three-state area.

In the news: Journal Food Editor Marcia Poole has won the Nestle Nutrition Award for The Most Important Meal for her story examining breakfast habits of Siouxlanders. Ralph Swain, associate professor of mass communications at Briar Cliff College, spoke on being a Vietnam veteran during a program at his alma mater, Colorado State University.

School demolition: The 60-year-old McCook school is being demolished to make room for portable classroom units. The school held classes for North Sioux City and McCook Lake and has stood empty for the past 12 years. It opened in 1932.
SPENCER, Iowa -- Karen Amundson was more than impressed when she dropped her 7-, 8- and 9-year-old grand-nephews off at TechKnow for a recent Saturday morning Minecraft session. Now living in the Twin Cities, the Spencer native admitted the classroom, was noisy. But it looked like super fun.

There's no charge for the Saturday morning sessions that book capacity crowds of kids almost as soon as they are announced.

We post the dates on Facebook and usually overbook, TechKnow co-founder John Hass said recently.

TechKnow is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization open to members of all ages, with an emphasis on youngsters.

Im amazed how these kids are growing up in such a different environment than I did, Amundson said. I remember late high school when computers were just coming out and teachers and other kids would just look at the kids who had done their work on a computer -- almost as if they were cheating. Some teachers wouldnt even accept the printed copies.

The times have changed. For more than a year now, five Spencer Gen-Xers who share a common mindset, also want to share their Learn, Teach, Grow philosophy with the community. Four of the five founders, Matt Bathke, John Hass, Aaron Techen and Tony Virelli, are involved in technological businesses. The fifth, Torrey Proctor, teaches Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM) classes for pre-K to fifth grade students in Spencer.

As Virelli explained of TechKnows co-founders, Four of us have kids. My kids are 5. John and Aarons range from 3 to 10. And Torrey has two under 2. Its one of those things where we want our kids to have access to this stuff. While we could do this just for our kids, we realize that with the situation we are in financially, were able to do this for our community. We want our kids friends to have access to it, too. Our goal is to spark something in this area, so that we dont have to be the only ones teaching technology to kids.

Spencer physician Dr. David Keith has three of his six children involved at TechKnow. The eldest, Gracie, a sixth grader, says she is just getting the hang of Minecraft, a game about placing blocks and going on adventures.

Gracie Keith noted Minecraft has three modes. In Survival mode you can die, but you can always come back. But you lose all your stuff. In Creative you have all the blocks in the world and you can just build and build and build. Thats my favorite. In Hard Core you only get one life.

Watching his kids in action at TechKnow, the senior Keith said he remembered the first programming class his folks sent him to, where he learned BASIC syntax and how to make simple straight lines with color on Apple computers.

Its amazing what we have now," he said. "Our iPads and Kindles are so much more. I want to get my kids involved in the TechKnow Maker Camp. I want them to learn the creativity.

To do stuff like this -- to 3D print and learn stuff -- that is going to change the world. I want my kids to be inventive. At this point I want them to be enriched. Each is taking music lessons. I want to provide opportunities for them to explore. I keep thinking about the careers these children are going to have.

Virelli explains that Minecraft is one of the most popular attractions for youngsters. The program is on all 12 of the classrooms desktop computers. And students can bring their own portable devices, as well. Hasss 7-year-old son, Oliver, came with a tablet in hand. TechKnow also has special pressure-sensitive tablets for students to use.

Dozens of the students will be involved in TechKnows summer Maker Camp that begins this week. The dozen slots for each day were filled almost immediately after being posted on the TechKnow website. Maker Campers will create different technological devices through June. While most TechKnow activities are free, there is a fee to cover materials in the summer classes -- under $5 in most cases.

In addition to the Maker Camp, Proctor says TechKnow helped a group of Girl Scouts earn an education technology badge by working with the girls to design a game. We especially want to get girls interested in technology, he said.

SECOND GROUP

Virelli says TechKnow came about after he and two of the other founders were involved with a tech group that evolved into little more than an extension of the members work days. Thats what led the five to create a tech culture where people of like-minded interests could meet. But we wanted to take it a step further, he said.

We wanted to open it up so people who were not so much in the tech industry would feel welcome and actually learn. That is kind of where our slogan, Learn, Teach, Grow, came from. The whole concept is that you dont have to know anything to come to TechKnow.

You can come first to learn. Maybe by learning something in part, it will bring out an interest in you. So someone might talk about 3D printing, 3D modeling, or Raspberry Pis (small, single-board computers), or astro photography.

The teach part is where when you find something of interest you might talk at one of our events and help teach. Then we all try to grow together.

One growth that came out of curiosity for John Hass was a Bitcoin cryptocurrency ATM that he built using a Raspberry Pi. Hass said he believes his device, which is housed at TechKnow, is the only one in Iowa.

3D PRINTERS

Farmer Kelli Farrar, who taught art for 10 years, says she had time through the winter months to mess around with 3D printing at TechKnow. She just recently sculpted a symmetric 3D rhinoceros with a free, open-source computer program, then made the statue more life-like by putting motion in its feet and head before printing it in three dimensions.

I never would have tried it if someone hadnt help me start it, Farrar said. You can do a lot of reading and research online. But theres something nice about having people who have actually used the program right there with you explaining this is the way you do it...

"With a 3D printer, if you can dream it you can make it," Haas said. "Someday youll be able to download a 3D model of anything you want instead of running to WalMart and buying it. Theres already a Barbi 3D printer that lets you go online, download the shoes file, and youve got Barbi shoes!

MONTHLY MEETUPS

Monthly Meetups like Farrar became a part of, are held the first Tuesday of every month, and see many regulars who are involved in technology businesses in Northwest Iowa, along with new people all the time, Hass said.

Many regulars are techs who want to work here on the Silicon Prairie, instead of in Silicon Valley. This is a very stable market. And we have a better work ethic here than on the West Coast...

Discussions over the last year have ranged from cutting cable to streaming videos online, sound production, and picture editing. Proctor talked about teaching his STEM classes to the very young students.

We even had a couple drone racers up from Omaha to demonstrate their racing drones, Virelli said. When it comes to technology, were very lenient with the word. It doesnt have to involve electronics. At its core, the wheel is a technology.

John, Aaron and Matt have honey bees. Theyre looking at ways technology can advance honey production. We dont limit discussions at all. If you have an idea that you think might fit, were more than glad to listen.
SCHLESWIG, Iowa | Eight decades ago, Mayor Jimmy Schultz stood his ground at the center of Schleswig, possibly heading off a riot brought on by anti-German hysteria that gripped parts of Iowa in the days leading up to World War I.

"Schleswig had a community meeting leading into World War I and the citizens decided to keep the name of the town," said Larry Grill, a native of the Crawford County community and author of a book detailing the town's history.

"There was almost a violent reaction on the part of some people toward Germans here," Grill added.

The Schleswig Public Library hosts a major exhibit on how German immigrants have influenced Iowa culture. The exhibit, "German Iowa and the Global Midwest," from the Obermann Center for Advanced Studies at the University of Iowa will show in the library from Thursday through June 18.

At the center of the week-long display is a Germanfest program across the street from the library at Cheeta's Cafe and Lounge. A German meal will be served while German music is offered, most notably by Maria Petersen on her zither. The Germanfest, which opens at 4 p.m. Saturday, will conclude with a panel discussion.

Grill harkens back to the World War I era, highlighting a period of stark anti-German sentiment in the United States.

"A group billing themselves as, well, 'super patriots,' you might say, nearly lynched Henry Finnern, who edited the German language newspaper in Denison."

The violent faction of Crawford County residents secured a commitment from Finnern to refrain from publishing in return for his safety.

"And then the caravan came to Schleswig as an armed group," Grill said.

Fortunately, residents of Schleswig, which had been founded just 18 years prior, received advance notice. So, Schultz took his spot in the middle of town and everyone else hid.

"Mayor Schultz gathered the group around and welcomed them to town," Grill said. "He then told the group about the patriotism seen in Schleswig. He read a list of the men from Schleswig who had volunteered for military service. He also listed major contributions that citizens from Schleswig had made for war bonds.

"He then challenged the group to match that record in their communities," Grill added.

As the mayor spoke, his visitors glanced around and noticed that the ends of shotgun barrels began poking out from behind fences and below windows. The posse, in effect, had been surrounded.

"The mayor wished the group a safe trip home and they left," Grill said.

While folks in town stayed safe, there were things that changed as the United States entered the war. The Chicago-Northwestern Railroad dropped the name Schleswig from its route during the war. Instead, this stop became known only as "Stop No. 16."

Thankfully, Grill said, World War I didn't last for years and years. And, immediately after its conclusion in November 1918, the Spanish flu epidemic became everyone's focus. That epidemic, which killed millions of people across the world, found member of the U.S. public banding together in grief and in an attempt to fight the disease, not one another.

Schleswig, whose name comes from a city in Germany, came about after the railroad was placed in an area between the communities of Hohenzollern (named for Germany's royal family at that time) and Morgan. Those two towns seemed to pick up their buildings, literally, and moved to the railroad, establishing a town that some may have wished to name Holstein, after an area in Germany.

"The problem? There was already a Holstein just up the road," Grill said.

So, Schleswig became the name, a name that continues to be celebrated here.

"More Iowans consider themselves to have Germany ethnicity than any other," Grill said. "We want to honor the German culture that was here when Schleswig came into being, as most of the residents then were first- and second-generation immigrants."

You can still see evidence of the German culture here, most notably in the architectural style put into use by at least a half-dozen commercial buildings. Grill said that many tombstones in the cemetery just south of Schleswig also have names and words written in German.
SIOUX CITY | Gail O'Connor admitted she was "very afraid" when she arrived at UnityPoint Health-St. Luke's at 6 a.m. on April 3 to meet expectant mom Chelsea Miller for the first time.

Miller, who had a private doula for the birth of her son, Rayden, now 2, specifically requested the additional physical, emotional and informational support to help bring her daughter, Iris, into the world with minimal interventions.

O'Connor, who was getting her feet wet as a volunteer doula, recalled telling Miller, "Breathe," as she watched teary-eyed as Miller's boyfriend, Alex, stood behind Miller helping her to the floor and back up again as the contractions washed over her.

Miller, of Sioux City, said O'Connor encouraged her by saying, "You're made for this. Women do this all the time."

After laboring for several hours, Miller received a spinal block. About 10 minutes later, Iris was born at 2 p.m., weighing 7 pounds, 12 ounces.

"Even if you've never had a doula and you're uncomfortable maybe not knowing them, it's really worth it," Miller said glancing at O'Connor, as Iris napped and Rayden played with a toy truck. "It definitely helps you be more relaxed and focused on labor."

St. Luke's currently has a team of 14 volunteer doulas who are on call and available on a first-come, first-served basis. Amaris Garcia, volunteer doula program coordinator, said the hospital plans to train another group of volunteer doulas at the end of the summer.

Research shows that continuous one-on-one emotional assistance provided by support personnel, such as a doula, is associated with improved outcomes for women in labor, including shortened labor, decreased need for painkillers and fewer operative deliveries.

A review by British researchers of 22 trials involving 15,288 women in 2013 found that continuous support in labor increased the chance of a spontaneous vaginal birth, caused no harm and left women more satisfied with the birth experience.

Garcia said St. Luke's decided to offer the volunteer doula program to give mothers who couldn't afford to hire a private doula access to support. She said every mom should be supported in labor no matter who sho is or what kind of birth she's having.

"Even if she has an epidural or is getting pain medication, the doula's still there to give that support," Garcia said. "(The doula) can reassure and give confidence to her."

A woman who serves

When O'Connor, of Sioux City, learned that St. Luke's was forming a volunteer doula program that offered free training, she begged Garcia, a certified doula and childbirth educator who attended Miller's son's birth, to select her for one of the slots.

Back in the 1980s, O'Connor was living in Denver, Colorado, where women delivered babies with the help of other women in their backyards without doctors. Her interest in becoming a doula only grew when her daughter gave birth in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, where doulas are very common.

"Everybody had one. It was very natural," said O'Connor, who eventually would like to become a postpartum doula who offers breastfeeding assistance in the home, light housekeeping and cooking.

The word "doula" is a Greek word meaning "a woman who serves." Unlike a midwife, Garcia said doulas don't "catch" babies, but strictly offer non-medical support. They don't take the place of nurses, partners or family members.

"So many of these women just have such a heart to serve moms. They love to give of themselves," she said. "We're really amazed at how many of these women are volunteering their time to serve women in the community."

The volunteers attended a free two-day workshop in February where they learned about the birth process and how to perform comfort techniques to help mothers cope with labor. Garcia said doulas might suggest that the baby's father apply light massage or counter-pressure to ease pain.

The workshop was led by a trainer from the International Childbirth Education Association. The nonprofit organization seeks to educate, certify and support birth professionals who believe in the freedom to make decisions based on the knowledge of alternatives in family centered maternity and newborn care.

"They have to have that actual exposure to birth, so it's really been an asset to them," said Garcia, who oversaw a hands-on training session for the volunteer doulas in St. Luke's labor and delivery unit. She said the hospital's program is a step on the path to becoming a certified doula.

Unlike private doulas, who also work with clients before and after birth, a volunteer doula might not meet an expectant mother until the day she goes into labor. Garcia said St. Luke's is now offering a meet and greet with the volunteer doulas between 7:30 and 8:30 p.m. the fourth Thursday of each month in the hospital's atrium.

After reading about births where labor was induced or the baby was forcibly turned, O'Connor said she wants to strive to keep the experience as trauma-free as possible. She believes Iris' birth was a "breeze" because Garcia prepared Miller so well the first time.

"I just think keeping the mother calm is going to keep the baby calm. The baby should be born into a peaceful world," she said.
Jerry and Patty (Haupert) McGuire of Sioux City, Iowa, will celebrate 50 years of marriage with a mass at 5 p.m. Saturday at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church. A family dinner will follow.

Cards may be sent to: 2724 Oleander Court, Sioux City, Iowa, 51106.

The couple's children are: Tony and Melodie McGuire of Sioux City; Susan McGuire of Sioux City; Mary McGuire of Sioux City; Jonette Spurlock of Sioux City.

They have one step-grandchild and one step-great-grandchild.

Patty is retired from Spirit Lake Public Library. Jerry is semi-retired and works part-time as a grocer at Fareway.
Denny and Marilyn Watkins will celebrate their 50th wedding anniversary on Saturday with a family dinner.

Cards may be sent to: 3416 S. Coral St., Sioux City, Iowa 51106.

The couple were married on June 10, 1967, at Third Presbyterian Church in Sioux City.

They have two children: Chad and Heather Watkins of South Sioux City, Nebraska, and Amanda Watkins and Andrew Dunn of Newport News, Virginia. They have two granddaughters.

Mr. Watkins retired after teaching business education classes for 38 years in the Sioux City Community Schools. Mrs. Watkins is also retired.
Opinion / Columnist

My People,I am sure the last few days have all but confirmed to you that real African leaders do no waste time visiting useless local African hospitals for treatment as they could end up being exposed to dangerous opposition activists.letter to my people BY DOCTOR STOP ITFor now, we are not involving South Africans as we have given them a few years to become real Africans. Comrade Jacob Zuma is not disappointing in ensuring that South Africa becomes a fully-fledged African country as corruption is fast becoming one of the major economic activities.And when you throw in nepotism, cronyism, theft of national and natural resources, state capture, dictatorship and service delivery collapse taking place in Mzansi, then you have a real African country in the making.Angolan President Eduardo Dos Santos with his oil and diamonds is receiving medical treatment in Spain while President Buhari of mineral and oil-rich Nigeria has just gone a step further. He has spent several weeks receiving medical treatment in the seat of capitalism and western imperialism, Britain.Zimbabwe's very own Bobster who boasts that his country is the second most literate in Africa and has several critical minerals that include gold, diamonds and platinum gets medical treatment, including basic eye procedures like cataract removal in Singapore.We even had the luxury to misplace $15 billion with nobody being held responsible or asked to explain the whereabouts of money that can fund the country's budget for five years.So stories about The Bobster flying to Singapore or China for this or that treatment are simply old hat and not worth writing as that is the normal thing to do for African leaders.Simply put, Africa's leaders have collectively pulled the middle finger at their people and the health service delivery institutions, over whose destruction they presided.Don't believe stories that his children and in-laws also receive treatment in Singapore for toothaches and headaches. However, his daughter, Bona was airlifted to Singapore to deliver her child and after delivery, the new grandfather used a government plane to pick up his daughter and grandson.I have debate on the continued rise and rise of the country's future leader and that will be brought to an end for now. There is nothing wrong with children of African presidents being positioned strategically to take over power or economic interests, just as is happening in Angola where Isabel Dos Santos, the First Daughter is now Africa's richest woman.Why not celebrate when our own Bona is made member of the Censorship Board, or part of the leadership of a bank for young people.I hear some of you shout that it's now a Bonana Republic!Back to hospitals; in Africa, hospitals have become places where people go to die and not to be healed.Many years ago, upon entering a government public hospital, people would be met by the reassuring smell of disinfectants.Currently one can receive all sorts of receptions including flies, the smell of floor wax or the rather unsettling smell of something rotting somewhere in the vicinity.When rapists become prefectsThe whole world must have been very surprised when some politician took it upon himself to criticize me, adding that I was a very bad person who is not fit to be the mother of all of you.Privately I am aware that plans are already at an advanced stage to plan a Million Woman March, led by the Women and Youth Leagues and to protest against this politician believed to have been encouraged by Joice to make those scurrilous statements.However, it has been brought to my attention by some of my boys and girls who keep me updated on developments taking place around the country.Apparently, the wayward comrade who is leading a very obscure political party has very embarrassing skeletons in his cupboards other than the fact that he, like Joice, has been part of the establishment since 1980.He also stands accused of raping a woman who was trying to expose the murder and rape of thousands of people in the Midlands and Matabeleland provinces in the early 1980s.Other than the rape accusations, we wonder what else the former soldier may have done during that unfortunate chapter of our history.With love from BelarusWe notice some heavy diamond mining equipment is being shipped into the country through Manicaland. The equipment is being brought in from Belarus; the same Belarus that provided heavy equipment for retooling at Hwange Colliery Company; the same equipment which started breaking down after a few weeks.Is this part of what Ngwena bargained for when he visited that country? If we are to buy anything from those people, maybe we should just stick to helicopter gunships and not economic tools.Munhuwese kunaBona!UBona wezwelonke!Dr Amai Stopit! Ph.D (Fake)Feedback: Doctorstopit@gmail.com
SIOUX CITY | The Journal's annual Bike SUX ride attracted over 100 bicyclists Saturday to raise money for Mr. Goodfellow Charities.

Cynthia Donovan, a founding member of the eight-year-old event and Journal classified and digital advertising director, said it went well in the heat.

"Great weather, great turnout," Donovan said. "Everyone had a great time."

One hundred and ten bicyclists rode for the Journal-affiliated charity, Mr. Goodfellow, that gives gifts to almost 9,000 underprivileged area children at Christmastime.

Riders had an option of pedaling 19 miles or a blistering 50 miles in Saturday's weather that hovered in the 90s.

"It was really hot ...," Donovan said. "You can quote me on this, I felt like a sweaty pig."

The round trips started at Caribou Coffee on Hamilton Boulevard, went down the Perry Creek trail and then connected to the riverfront trail in Chris Larsen Park. The longer ride went through North Sioux City and then to Adams Nature Preserve.

Donovan said organizers won't know the full dollar amount raised until Monday. Last year's ride raised $11,000.

Bike SUX also held a bicycle raffle and each participant got a free Caribou coffee in the morning before they went on their way. A number of other local businesses donated prizes, Donovan said.

Going on 103 years, the Journal has sponsored Mr. Goodfellow Charities during the holidays to raise money to purchase toys for needy children in Siouxland. A daily front-page feature on the many businesses, groups and individuals that contribute $1,000 or more starts publishing near the end of the year. The drive culminates with the annual sale of the Little Yellow Dog pup. Last December, Aspen, at the time a 14-week-old Maltese, sold for $16,000 to an anonymous buyer.
To political scientists, they are of significant intrigue. To Democrats, they are a once-cherished commodity that slipped through their fingers.

They are the Obama-Trump voters.

Since November, voters who supported Democratic President Barack Obama in 2012 but backed Republican President Donald Trump in 2016 have been the subject of much analysis.

Political scientists and journalists have attempted to quantify them and understand their thought process. Democrats have tried to develop ways to win them back.

This week in Iowa, a new progressive advocacy organization published the findings of a series of focus groups it held with Obama-Trump voters.

The nonprofit Focus on Rural America is led by Patty Judge, Iowas former state agriculture secretary and lieutenant governor, and the Democrats unsuccessful challenger to U.S. Sen. Chuck Grassley in 2016. The groups goal is to inform progressive causes and organizations on how to speak to and address the concerns of rural Iowa voters, particular those who the party lost between the 2012 and 2016 presidential elections.

In recent years there has been a massive shift in how rural Americans participate in the electoral process, Sam Roecker, the organizations advisor and a veteran of Democratic political campaigns and consulting in Iowa, said in a statement. The goal of Focus on Rural America is to investigate this shift, engage rural communities in a discussion about the issues that motivate them, and develop a positive progressive message that will resonate in rural America.

The group isnt without available test subjects.

The University of Virginias Center for Politics compiled a U.S. map with county-level results showing the change in the Republican margins from the 2012 to 2016 presidential elections. The redder the county, the more it swung Republican.

Iowa, on this map, is quite red, especially in the rural northeast and across the entire southern third of the state.

Judge had a front-row seat in 2016. She said she knew the message being pushed by national Democrats was not playing well in Iowa.

As a lifelong Iowan and someone who has spent decades traveling to every corner of the state, Ive witnessed firsthand that the progressive messages that were using today arent resonating, said Judge said in a statement. Its time to take a serious look at this issue and develop economic messages and policies that will have a real impact in rural parts of our state.

The organization noted while 2008, 2012 and 2016 presidential election results were similar in some places, support for Democratic candidates dropped significantly in rural areas, such as Burlington and Knoxville.

The organization also discovered a few central themes from its first round of focus groups with Obama-Trump voters in Iowa:

*Those voters supported Obama and Trump because they saw them as change agents, a break from the status quo.

* They thought 2016 Democratic candidate Hillary Clintons message was mostly a continuation of Obamas policies, while they were able to clearly list Trumps goals, including his desire to shake up the nations capital.

* They felt Democrats stances on social issues went too far and dominated the partys overall message.

Judges new organization is not alone in the realization that Democrats need a better message to reach rural voters in Iowa and rural America at large. Some of the Democratic candidates for governor have made the same observation.

But Judges group is the first in Iowa to attempt to put some research and data behind the effort, and it plans to continue that effort. Whether that pays off for Democrats will not be known for another 18 months.
SIOUX CITY | The Sioux City Council on Monday could make a big splash in the efforts to raise hundreds of thousands of dollars to celebrate the commissioning of the USS Sioux City.

The council will consider a resolution to appropriate $50,000 to the USS Sioux City Commissioning Committee, which is tasked with planning and raising money for the commissioning, which will take place next summer in Annapolis, Maryland. The U.S. Navy has yet to set a date.

Mayor Bob Scott said the city should make a contribution and, if approved, it could provide momentum and spur local businesses to consider making donations, too.

"If we're going to ask the business community to step up and support this project, then I think we should," Scott said. "I think the city should be first in."

Earlier this year, ship sponsor Mary Winnefeld, committee chairman retired Rear Adm. Frank Thorp and others visited Sioux City to drum up excitement and support for the USS Sioux City's commissioning, a weeklong event that includes celebrations and receptions for the ship's crew, commanders and other dignitaries. The commissioning ceremony, which could attract thousands of spectators, marks the official declaration of the ship's readiness for service.

The committee hopes to raise $800,000 to $1 million for events, commemorative items and a legacy fund to pay for educational opportunities for the ship's crew members and their families. Donations are being sought in Annapolis, Sioux City and from national corporations.

Siouxland Chamber of Commerce president Chris McGowan, who's also serving as a committee co-chairman, said he hoped that $250,000 to $350,000 could be raised in Siouxland, and a donation from the city council could kick-start fundraising efforts, which will include private businesses and individuals.

"This is a great first step for our community," he said. "I think this represents a tremendous commitment by our city council for our community. It's a great honor for our community to have a ship named after Sioux City, and the council's consideration of this recognizes that."

In the meantime, the USS Sioux City is undergoing testing on Lake Michigan, near the Wisconsin shipyard where the ship was built. The ship was christened and launched in January 2016.

The USS Sioux City belongs to a new littoral combat class of ships designed to operate in shallow water close to shorelines and be used for mine detection, clearing mines, anti-submarine warfare and surface warfare.

Once commissioned, the USS Sioux City will go to its home base in Mayport, Florida, before it's deployed, likely to the Middle East.
SIOUX CITY | A man is dead after he was stabbed in Sioux City Saturday night.

Police are investigating it as a homicide, but no charges have been filed at this time, the department said in a Sunday morning press release.

Officers were dispatched to a physical disturbance around 10:30 p.m. near 420 17th St. involving a large group of people. Upon arrival, they learned an adult male had been stabbed and later died from his injuries, the release said.

Sergeant Jeremy McClure said the incident started as a fight over an alleged theft, during which time a knife was pulled. Further details -- including the identity of the man killed -- have not yet been released.

Neighbors react

Donivan Boger, who lives on Pierce Street not far from where the stabbing took place, said an otherwise routine Saturday evening was disrupted by the commotion of the incident.

"I was watching TV, and I heard a siren take off, and it seemed like it was out my front door, and that's why I went out the front door, and I see all the cops and everything up the street," Boger said.

Boger said he wasn't especially surprised by what happened.

"In the past six months, that's happened four or five times, that they had cops up there and they had stabbings and stuff up there," he said. "It's not out of the ordinary up at that apartment building."

Tom and Sue Callender, who live on Douglas Street not far from where the stabbing took place, said emergency vehicle traffic isn't unusual in the area, so the noise of ambulances and police cars didn't seem out of the ordinary.

"We hear sirens all the time," Tom Callender said.

Serious happenings aren't unheard of in the area, he said.

"We've had incidents up here, so we've kind of gotten used to some of these things," Callender said. "We've seen the police up here on the corner, on the corner of 18th and Douglas."
LE MARS, Iowa | Officials with the city of Le Mars have intervened in a dispute over plans for a 16-mile recreational trail that would connect Le Mars and Sioux City.

The proposed $10 million project hit a major stumbling block over the issue of what entity would own the segment in unincorporated areas of Plymouth County. Citing liability issues and the cost of maintaining the PlyWood Trail, the Plymouth County Board of Supervisors and county Conservation Board balked at taking ownership.

PlyWood Trail Executive Board of Directors member Ryan Meyer applauded recent action by the Le Mars City Council that he said helps push the trail closer to fruition.

In three separate votes, the council signed a letter of intent to serve as the contracting authority for developing and constructing the trail, approved engineering consultant agreements with McClure Engineering and Schlotfeldt Engineering, and agreed to work with Merrill and Hinton, two smaller Plymouth County towns along the route, to work out agreements over ownership and maintenance of the trail.

"The committee views all of these developments as favorable, and continues to work diligently with all the impacted individuals and stakeholders to bring the trail to life," Meyer said.

Meyer noted one other step was settled upon in the council meeting, with the PlyWood board agreeing to hold a public meeting to share information with all potentially impacted landowners along the trail.

Le Mars Mayor Dick Kirchoff said the trail will be a boon to the region. He faulted Plymouth County officials for not helping move it ahead. Kirchoff said his prime goal is to boost economic development, and contended the trail will draw workers and businesses to the area.

"The demand is there for the trail...It is called quality of life," Kirchoff said.

PlyWood concept dates to 2012

The PlyWood name is derived from the first few letters of Plymouth and Woodbury. The trail was first broached in 2012 by the Siouxland Interstate Metropolitan Planning Council.

In a best-case scenario, construction could start in late 2018, after financing is finalized and easements settled.

Fourteen of the 16 miles of the proposed route run in Plymouth County.

The city of Le Mars could take ownership of the trail in rural areas of the county by establishing so-called lineal parks, slender strips of right-of-way along the route, which would run roughly parallel to U.S. Highway 75. Under such a plan, the cities of Merrill and Hinton would control the trail through their respective boundaries.

At the southern end of the trail, in rural Woodbury County, Sioux City also could be asked to create a lineal park. Sioux City Parks and Recreation Department Director Matt Salvatore said the city is a partner in the project, but has not reached the point where the City Council has been asked to take action.

"I believe our city council is supportive of this project, and supportive of trails and quality of life developments in general," Salvatore said.

In Plymouth County, the trail would run for six miles in an abandoned railway, as verbally approved by the Iowa Department of Transportation, contingent upon final engineering plans. The other 10 miles would cross about 30 private landowners' parcels, where easements would be needed. It would also tie into an existing trail in Hinton, Iowa, on the west side of Highway 75.

A private group of trail enthusiasts, many of whom serve on the PlyWood Trail Board of Directors, have pledged to raise funds for the construction and future maintenance of the trail initially. They contended it made the most sense for the Plymouth County Conversation Board to take ownership. But that five-member conservation board board in February said they "couldn't commit to the project at this time."

Plymouth County Conservation Board Director Nick Beeck in February drafted a letter to the PlyWood board, advising the group it should look for a different entity to own the trail. Beeck in a May interview said "you hate to rule anything out," but the project as it was last presented could not get Plymouth County support.

The conservation board's decision is tied to the chilly reception the trail issue has received from the Plymouth County Board of Supervisors, which approves the conservation board's budget.

County Supervisors Chairman Don Kass, of rural Remsen, in February said the board is "not anti-bike trail," but contended only 2 percent of residents are avid bicyclists. Kass said it is not fair for the county to use tax money to give to the county conservation board for maintenance costs, since some county residents living some distance from the trail will never use it or "never lay eyes on it."

Backers plan to start private fundraising later this year. They have already received $1 million in seed money from the city of Le Mars. Wells Enterprises, the maker of Blue Bunny ice cream and the largest employer in Le Mars and the county, has pledged a seven-figure contribution.

State and federal grants will be sought for much of the remaining cost.
On a sunny October day, a small bus with 17 passengers left a mountain village in Italy, headed for the famed coastal town of Amalfi. The zigzagging road offered glimpses of spectacularly craggy cliffs, small red-roofed villages and the glittering Mediterranean. Inside the bus, increasingly raucous laughter, lots of loud chatter and the occasional whoop filled the air.

It wasnt a school field trip, a study-abroad program or a family reunion. Until the day before, most of the people had never met.

Other than three twosomes, all were complete strangers whod signed on to take a tour of the Amalfi Coast designated as a trip for solo travelers. Some strangers shared hotel rooms. Others opted for single accommodations. But the group seemed to jell early on, hence the hoots and hollers from the back of the bus on the first full day.

This was a convivial group with the 11 solo travelers joined by a mother-daughter pair, a European couple, and a husband and wife from Canada. The group ranged in age from 27 to 66. Most were Brits.

They bonded over hikes to the top of Mount Vesuvius and along the famed Path of the Gods, during excursions to Naples, Capri and Amalfi, and to the ancient city of Herculaneum. At the small, family-run hotel where the group stayed, buffet breakfasts and communal dinners also fostered camaraderie that seemed most pronounced during dinner, perhaps helped along by the wine.

Firm numbers are hard to come by, but travel experts say solo travel, whether as part of a group or totally alone, is on the rise.

The Visa Global Travel Intentions Study 2015 found that solo travel continues on an upward trend, with 24 percent of respondents saying they traveled alone on their most recent international leisure trip, compared with 15 percent in 2013. A 2016 TripAdvisor study, querying more than 36,000 travelers in 33 countries, found that 34 percent had traveled alone.

Janice Waugh, founder and publisher at SoloTravelerWorld.com, says the numbers of solo travelers have been growing dramatically, at least for the past five years.

Whether you go independently or with a group, you are leaving behind the life that defines you on a daily basis and entering into a world that, whether in a big or small way, is on your own terms, and youre following your own interests, she said.

At Exodus Travels, the U.K. company that operated the Amalfi tour, 66 percent of its bookings came from solo travelers in 2016, compared with 50 percent the previous year, according to marketing and PR manager Robin Brooks. Additionally, the number of U.S. travelers jumping on the solo bandwagon has exploded. From 2015 to 2016, Exodus saw a 141 percent increase in the numbers of Americans booking without a companion.

Solo travelers are a big part of all of Exodus tours, but the company has specifically designated 56 trips on its website as solo departures, catering to individuals rather than couples, families or groups of friends.

People are looking for new experiences, new challenges, and we see the increase in solo booking as a continuation of this track, Brooks said. Todays individuals and those of us who have that sense of wanderlust want to do things that make us happy, and if you dont have a traveling companion, that doesnt need to hold you back anymore.

Indeed, there are many reasons to travel solo, either by necessity or by choice.

Simon Pressley, 45, an underwriting insurance manager from Gillingham, England, was one of three men and one of the 11 solo travelers on the Amalfi trip. Hes unmarried, but many of his friends have young children at home and spend vacations with their kids.

So either I have the choice of sitting at home or going for the family holiday with my friends, said Pressley, whos been on numerous Exodus tours.

Instead, he opts for solo travel because he can decide exactly what he wants to do and when he wants to do it, without making compromises to fit a companions interests or schedules.

Caroline Woodhouse, a 50-year-old divorced law librarian from Bristol, England, finds that she has the time and urge to travel but not necessarily a regular travel companion, which until recently had been one of her college-age children. Another benefit of a group tour also appealed to her.

I have always organized every detail of all of our holidays and so was very attracted to the idea of someone else doing the hard work of drawing up itineraries, organizing travel, guides and accommodation instead of me, she said.

Woodhouse is planning a three-week trip to Peru as a solo traveler: Going on this kind of holiday will enable me to be more adventurous and go to some of the places I would never go on my own.

Nicola Roberts, 38, a real estate agent from Reading, England, had split with her boyfriend and needed a holiday.

Although I had friends and family to travel with, I decided to go alone and basically just try something different and do something a bit random, she said.

The Amalfi trip was the third Exodus tour for widow Moyra Storey, 66, a retired physiotherapist from Crieff, Scotland.
Ayman, who has been listening to the conversation in silence, joins in. Im a cartoonist, an artist, and Ive had exhibitions in Gaza. Hamas didnt like my cartoons and they forbade me to draw, and they also arrested me. After I spent time in a Hamas prison I decided to escape, he says.



They tied my hands and feet, they beat me, and after I was injured from the blows they transferred me to a hospital where I was for more than a month. In the meantime they also arrested my brother to get information out of him about me.

One day I even tried to commit suicide. I slammed my head hard against a windowpane and put my neck up against the broken glass. But they pulled me back and I wasnt successful, he says, pointing to an ugly scar on his neck. Im telling you, Gaza is on the brink of civil war and no one knows whats happening there. No one is interested.

Originally published in Commentary on June 2, 2017 as Gaza on the Brink

Updates throughout the day at http://calevbenyefuneh.blog spot.com. If you enjoy "Love of the Land", please be a subscriber. Just put your email address in the "Subscribe" box on the upper right-hand corner of the page.Twitter updates at LoveoftheLand as well as our Love of the Land page at Facebook which has additional pieces of interest besides that which is posted on the blog. Also check-out This Ongoing War by Frimet and Arnold Roth. An excellent blog, very important work.

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..Analysis from Israel..03 June '17..If you ask Palestinians in either Gaza or the West Bank whos responsible for their suffering, most would probably say Israel. But what would they say if they were safely overseas and no longer needed to fear their own governments? Thats not a question reporters, diplomats, or nongovernmental organizations usually bother asking. We now have an answer to it, at least with regard to Palestinians who fled Gaza. They left not because of anything Israel did, but because of persecution by Gazas Hamas-run governmentTheir testimony was brought byreporter Zvi Barel, who went to Greece in search of Syrian refugees but accidentally stumbled instead on Palestinians from Gazathousands of them, by their own count. One Gazan refugee estimated there were about 6,000 Palestinians from Gaza in Athens alone. The Badil Resource Center for Palestinian Residency and Refugee Rights says the real figure is probably higher.And thats just those who have been able to leave. Many would like to but are stuck in Gaza because the border crossing to Egypt is open only a few days per month. Even when its open, only a few hundred people per day can leave. Osama, one of the Palestinians Barel interviewed, said that when he left Gaza (via a cross-border smuggling tunnel) over 25,000 people were on the waiting list to leave via the official border crossing.And why have so many Gazans fled or tried to flee? The Palestinians Barel met had a uniform answer: Hamas. Not a single one of them even mentioned Israel in their responses.Theres a Palestinian doctor here who came with his wife and three children, Osama told Barel. Imagine, a doctor, a respectable person with a profession, has to flee Gaza only because he was suspected of disloyalty to Hamas.Naji, another Gazan, showed Barel a deep scar on his leg that he said came from being tortured in a Hamas prison.There are numerous UN agencies ostensibly devoted exclusively to helping the Palestinians, while human rights groups allocate disproportionate attention to this issue. In both cases, their only real interest in Palestinian suffering is finding some way to blame Israel for it. They couldnt care less about protecting Palestinians from the abuses of their own government. Thats why they keep issuing reports accusing Israel of being the key cause of Palestinian suffering, as one UN agency put it this week, despite all evidence to the contrary Yet their blatant bias often obscures a larger problem that affects even well-meaning journalists, NGOs, diplomats and almost everyone else involved in telling the world about whats happening in the West Bank and Gazaa failure to understand the way fear affects what people say in nondemocratic societies. For Palestinians, blaming anyone other than Israel for their problems risks serious repercussions from either their own governments or vigilante groups affiliated with both governments. And thats true not just in Hamas-run Gaza, as people like Ayman and Naji discovered to their sorrow, but also in the Fatah-run West Bank, where journalists businessmen , and Palestinian security officers have all suffered arrest and financial sanctions for daring to criticize the Palestinian Authority or its president, Mahmoud Abbas. Blaming Israel is always the safest solution, even in cases where its patently untrue.Responsible journalists, NGOs, and diplomats would take this fear factor into account and try to dig a little deeper to try to get at the truth. They would also recognize that the very fact that Israel is the one party no Palestinian fears to criticize is in itself a potent refutation of Palestinian claims that Israel is an oppressive regime. People who truly live under an oppressive regime are generally afraid to go on record criticizing it.Instead, these opinion shapers take everything they hear from Palestinians in the West Bank and Gaza at face value and parrot it uncritically. That does nothing to better the Palestinians lot, but a great deal to bolster the Palestinians own repressive governments by absolving them of all scrutiny and pressure to reform.The testimony of these Gazan refugees in Greece provides a rare opportunity to hear what Palestinians say when theyre out of reach of their own repressive governments and can speak freely. It thereby offers a glimpse at the true source of much Palestinian suffering  and a rebuke to all the journalists, diplomats, and NGOs who have collaborated with both Palestinian governments to hide this truth from the world.
CRS-11 Launch NASA TV

Major experiments that will look into the human body and out into the galaxy are on their way to the International Space Station aboard a SpaceX Dragon spacecraft following its 5:07 p.m. EDT launch aboard a Falcon 9 rocket.

The Dragon lifted off from Launch Complex 39A at NASAs Kennedy Space Center in Florida. About 6,000 pounds of research equipment, cargo and supplies are packed into the cargo craft that is now in Earth orbit and headed to the station.

NASA Television and the agencys website will provide live coverage of the rendezvous and capture beginning at 8:30 a.m. Monday, June 5. NASA astronauts Jack Fischer and Peggy Whitson will use the space stations robotic arm to capture SpaceXs Dragon when it arrives at the station.

Research materials flying inside the Dragons pressurized area include an experiment studying fruit flies to better understand the effects on the heart of prolonged exposure to microgravity. Because theyre small, age rapidly, and have a well-known genetic make-up, they are good models for heart function studies. This experiment could significantly advance understanding of how spaceflight affects the cardiovascular system and could aid in the development of countermeasures to help astronauts.

The Systemic Therapy of NELL-1 for osteoporosis investigation tests a new drug that can rebuild bone and block further bone loss, improving crew health. When people and animals spend extended periods of time in space, they experience bone density loss, or osteoporosis. In-flight countermeasures, such as exercise, prevent it from getting worse, but there isnt a therapy on Earth or in space that can restore bone. The results from this ISS National Laboratory-sponsored investigation build on previous research also supported by the National Institutes for Health and could lead to new drugs for treating bone density loss in millions of people on Earth.

Three payloads inside Dragons unpressurized area will demonstrate new solar panel technologies, study the physics of neutron stars, and host an array of Earth-viewing instruments.

This mission is SpaceXs eleventh cargo flight to the station under NASAs Commercial Resupply Services contract. Dragons cargo will support dozens of the more than 250 science and research investigations during the stations Expeditions 52 and 53.

The Dragon spacecraft is scheduled to depart the space station in early July, returning with more than 3,400 pounds of science, hardware and crew supplies.

For more than 16 years, humans have lived and worked continuously aboard the International Space Station, advancing scientific knowledge and demonstrating new technologies, making research breakthroughs not possible on Earth that will enable long-duration human and robotic exploration into deep space. A global endeavor, more than 200 people from 18 countries have visited the unique microgravity laboratory that has hosted more than 1,900 research investigations from researchers in more than 95 countries.

Keep up with the International Space Station, and its research and crews, at: http://www.nasa.gov/station

Get breaking news, images and features from the station on Instagram and Twitter at: http://instagram.com/iss and http://www.twitter.com/Space_Station

Learn more about SpaceXs resupply mission at: http://www.nasa.gov/spacex
Grand River Raceway hosted its ninth annual backstretch Open House on Sunday, May 28 and attendance topped last years record.

More than 500 people of all ages came for a rare glimpse of horse racing behind the scenes.

A full tour of the Open House stations included: a tour of the judges stand and announcers booth; a tour of the paddock, testing areas, starting car and track maintenance vehicles; a blacksmith station which included free horseshoes for kids compliments of System Fencing, Stalls & Equipment; a booth hosted by the Canadian Horse Racing Hall of Fame; kids crafts and facepainting, and local reinsman Bob McClure hosted a station explaining the role of a racehorse driver.

The most popular activity of the day was the unique opportunity to drive a racehorse with the Hands on Horses Program and the Ontario Harness Horse Association.

Grand River Raceway extends its gratitude to the following horsepeople and other volunteers who graciously committed their time and horses to help with this event: the Hands On Horses Program (Stacey Reinsma and Brian Tropea of the Ontario Harness Horse Association), Tanya Martin, AJ Moore, Linda Rainey, Bob McClure, Emilia Hautakorpia, Ben Hollingsworth, Jackie Panko, Keith Klages, Stacey Currie, Lynn Gibbings, Esa Myllymaki, Paula McGuire, John Braid, Chris Polifroni, Jane Belore, Debi OBrien Moran, Kyle Bossence, and George Ketros.

(Grand River Raceway)
Dr J Hanover paced the fastest mile in Canadian harness racing history winning a division of the Graduate Series in 1:46.4 early Saturday evening (June 3) at Mohawk Racetrack.

Doug McNair drove the four-year-old Somebeachsomewhere-So Perfect gelding for trainer Tony Alagna, local owner Bradley Grant and partners Robert Leblanc, Steven Wienick, and Irwin Samelman.

Dr J Hanover's winning time knocks two-fifths of a second off the former track and Canadian record set by Always B Miki last June on 2016 North America Cup Night in the Mohawk Gold Cup. It is also a world record for four-year-old pacing geldings and equalled Warrawee Needys overall world record for a four-year-old pacer.

McNair fired Dr J Hanover to the lead from post five over Roll Away Joe (Louis-Philippe Roy), but Boston Red Rocks (Brett Miller) was on the move from third at the :26.2 quarter mark and swept by with 1-2 favourite Lyons Snyder (Yannick Gingras) hot on his heels. Lyons Snyder took over by the :53 half-mile mark and was prompted through three-quarters in 1:20 with Boston Red Rocks moving back out and Dr J Hanover looming large on his cover. Boston Red Rocks struck in the stretch with Dr J Hanover flying outside to score the historic 1:46.4 victory, with his final quarter clocked in :26.1. Boston Red Rocks was defeated by three-quarters of a length while Roll Away Joe finished four and a quarter lengths back in third.

"I thought around the last turn he felt good," commented McNair, who drove Dr J Hanover for the first time. "At the head of the stretch he still felt good, and halfway down the lane I figured he had a pretty good shot but I couldn't believe it after. No one could believe it. That's a pretty big mile."

Winless in nine prior starts this season, Dr J Hanover was sent postward at odds of 15-1 and rewarded his backers with a $32.90 Win payout.

"They just told me he had pretty good gate speed. He's a nice horse and he's been racing on a small track the last six or eight starts. They told me if I can get him out of there, he should perform good and they were right."

The Alagna trainee now has nine career wins from 29 starts and earnings of $387,961.

Dr Jr Hanover's record-shattering victory occurred in a $67,230 second leg division of the Graduate Series for four-year-olds.

Driven by Jody Jamieson for trainer David Menary, 4-5 favourite Sintra was victorious in the other pacing division, fighting off Confederation Cup champion Western Fame in 1:49.3 to give him a perfect two-for-two record in the Graduate Series.

Sintra swept from third to first after a contested :26.3 opening quarter, clearing Western Fame (Trevor Henry) near the half in :53.3. The 4-5 favourite didn't face any serious threats through three-quarters in 1:21 until Western Fame launched his attack in the stretch. Western Fame appeared to gain the upper hand down the lane, but Sintra fought back to score by a nose while Easy Lover Hanover (Doug McNair) finished less than a length back in third.

Sintra's only loss this year in five races was in the Confederation Cup, where he finished third. The Mach Three-Dancin Barefoot gelding has won half of his 24 starts lifetime with tonight's Graduate win pushing his bankroll over the $400,000 mark for his Ontario-based connections, Brad Gray, Michael Guerriero, and Menary Racing Inc.

Dayson and driver Yannick Gingras also prevailed by a nose in a photo finish with Trolley and Marcus Miller to take the $100,845 trotting division in 1:52.3.

Trotting out from post five, Dayson worked his way to the top past the quarter in :27.3. The Ron Burke trainee was under immediate pressure as he cleared near the :56.1 half by Warrawee Roo (Sylvain Filion), who gained a short lead outside as they raced to three-quarters in 1:24.1. However, the 6-5 favourite rebuffed that rival turning for home, but 31-1 longshot Trolley made it a close call as he rallied off cover into the win photo. Trotting mare Broadway Donna (David Miller) also closed well from the outer flow to finish third, two and a quarter lengths behind the top pair and just in front of early leader Dia Monde (Randy Waples).

Dayson, who notched his first win in four outings this year, boasts 20 wins lifetime and earnings totalling $738,232. The Conway Hall-Nerveys Taurus gelding is owned by Burke Racing Stable LLC, Our Horse Cents Stables, J And T Silva Stables LLC, and Rossie Smith.

In Mohawk's weekly $34,000 Preferred event, six-year-old millionaire pacer McWicked powered home off cover with a big closing kick to prevail in 1:48.4 by a head over Great Vintage. David Miller drove the son of McArdle out of Western Sahara for trainer Casie Coleman and owner Ed James.

Great Vintage (Yannick Gingras) took the lead from eventual third-place finisher Nirvana Seelster (Trevor Henry) after the :26.3 opener and cruised through a half in :54.2 and three-quarters in 1:22.2 before McWicked unleashed a :25.3 closing kick to collar the pacesetter for his 19th career win.

For recaps of tonight's Somebeachsomewhere Stakes, click here.

To view Saturday's harness racing results, click on the following link: Saturday Results - Mohawk Racetrack.

For the official judges' report from Saturday's card, click the following link: Judges' Report - Mohawk - June 3.
Hambletonian hopeful Sortie, reunited with his recently legalized Cornell Collar, made short work of his Currier & Ives division on Saturday (June 3) at The Meadows, winning easily in a stake-fastest 1:54.

The $118,424 event for sophomore colt and gelding trotters was contested over three divisions, with Moonshiner Hanover and Fraser Ridge taking the other splits  both for trainer Chris Beaver.

One of the most promising freshmen of 2016, Sortie began using a Cornell Collar to help him breathe after an examination revealed he has a short epiglottis. However, minutes before his May 20 seasonal debut in a Pennsylvania Sire Stakes at The Meadows, trainer Noel Daley was informed that Cornell Collars werent legal in the Keystone State. Stripped of the device, Sortie won his PASS split handily, but his worried connections took their case to the PA Horse Racing Commission.

We got hold of one of the representatives on the board, Daley said. She said we were lucky, since they were having a meeting in two days. They brought it up, and they were very quick in getting it done. The horse obviously was good last week, but I dont want to be worried about it [his breathing].

Legal at last, Sortie quarter-poled to the front for Andrew McCarthy and won geared down, defeating early leader Dover Dan by one and three-quarter lengths. Always a Good Time completed the ticket.

Sortie pushed his lifetime bankroll to $166,397 for Patricia Stable, Joe Sbrocco, Mario Mazza and Sortie Stable. Daley indicated the son of Explosive Matter-Win B would race next in a PASS at The Downs at Mohegan Sun Pocono.

Moonshiner Hanover also enjoyed a successful freshman campaign, banking $264,671. But after off-season surgery to remove OCDs delayed his return to the track, Beaver opted to ease him back in a soft spot, a PA Stallion Series event. He not only won that race, but the strategy also brought dividends Saturday when the son of Andover Hall-Madam Hootch outduelled the 2-5 favourite, Giveitgasandgo, in the lane to prevail by a head in 1:54.3, with Lars Perry third.

What a decision Chris made to put him in the Stallion Series where he didnt have to go against the big dogs his first race, said winning driver Aaron Merriman. That was probably what got us the win today. He was even better than last start.

Synerco Ventures, Bill Manes and Beaver own the Hambletonian-eligible Moonshiner Hanover, a $27,000 yearling acquisition.

Fraser Ridges sire, Triumphant Caviar, won a Currier & Ives split in 2009 for Beaver. On Saturday, Fraser Ridge upheld the family honour by pulling the pocket down the backside for Jim Pantaleano, opening a daylight lead and coasting home in 1:55.1. Meme Hanover was second, four lengths in arrears, while Muay Hanover rallied for show.

I hoped he could follow cover as much as possible, but I dont think the horse on the front was very good today, and he had to get out, said Beaver, who owns the $29,000 yearling purchase with Donald Robinson, Robert Mondillo and RBH Ventures. As soon as hes out, hes fighting the driver. He wants to just go. Luckily, he cleared down the backside, and it worked out.

He indicated Fraser Ridge would race primarily in Ohio until the fall, when hes eligible to several rich late-season stakes.

In the $18,000 Winners Over $10,000 Life/Preferred Handicap Pace, Sam Hill, the amazing 11-year-old, pulled off a 27-1 upset for Chris Page, trainer John Sullivan and owner Don Tiger, scoring in 1:50. The Artsplace-Apple Of My Eye gelding now boasts $544,672 in career earnings.

(With files from The Meadows)
Equestrian Canada (EC) is pleased to inform the Canadian equestrian community that Horse Day 2017 is taking place June 3, 2017.

This year will mark the ninth anniversary of Horse Day, which was created to raise public awareness and promote the beloved horse. Across the country, events and celebrations will take place on June 3 to allow Canadians of all ages and experience levels to honour, discover and explore the equestrian world.

This years Horse Day will be a special year for the celebration of the horse, as 2017 also marks Canadas 150th anniversary, as well as the 250th anniversary of horse racing in Canada.

For many Canadians, Horse Day is the chance to get up close and personal with a horse for the first time. Horse Day is also the perfect opportunity to acknowledge the important contributions made by horses in our nation's heritage and how people of all ages and experience levels can continue to enjoy horses in sport and leisure.

Make Horse Day part of your year of celebration in 2017. There are many ways to jump in and get involved in Horse Day 2017. Find a Horse Day 2017 event near you. Want to host a Horse Day event? Register your event with EC.

Encourage youth between the ages of 3 and 16 to enter the Horse Day 2017 National Drawing Contest for the chance to win exciting prizes!

For more information on Horse Day 2017 contact Julie Cull, EC Program Manager, Participation and Equine Development by email at [email protected] or by phone at 1-866-282-8395 x 120.

To learn more about specific Horse Day initiatives in your local area, contact your Provincial or Territorial Sport Organization (PTSO).

(with files from Equestrian Canada)
Measures to allow such shops in El Segundo, Hermosa Beach and Manhattan Beach are all on their way to failing, based on semi-official election results
United States Court of Appeals, Tenth Circuit. UNITED STATES OF AMERICA, Plaintiff - Appellee, v. TOMMY LYNN RICHARDSON, Defendant - Appellant. No. 17-6026 Decided: June 02, 2017

Before LUCERO, O'BRIEN, and MORITZ, Circuit Judges.

ORDER DENYING CERTIFICATE OF APPEALABILITY, AND DISMISSING APPEAL

Tommy Lynn Richardson, with the help of his co-defendants, Lawrence Bothwell and Kenneth Boyce, enticed over 70 individuals to invest over $1.6 million in Bothwell Consulting (BC). They told the investors the money would be used to bring Menastil, a topical ointment used to treat menstrual cramps and other forms of pain, to market. But BC did not own the patent or distribution rights to Menastil. They also promised the investors an annual rate of return of 12 to 20 percent and assured them their investments were secured by a multi-million dollar trust. No trust existed and no investor ever received the promised return. Instead, Richardson, Bothwell, and Boyce used the money for their own personal benefit.

Richardson was indicted with conspiracy to commit wire fraud in violation of 18 U.S.C.  1349. He pled guilty pursuant to a plea agreement. Relevant here, the plea agreement provided: [A]s part of the sentence resulting from the Defendant's plea, the Court will enter an order of restitution to all victims of the Defendant's relevant conduct as determined by reference to the United States Sentencing Guidelines. (R. at 47 (emphasis added).) He waived his right to collaterally challenge or move to modify (under 28 U.S.C.  2255, 18 U.S.C.  3582(c)(2), or any other ground) his conviction or sentence, including any restitution, except with respect to claims of ineffective assistance of counsel that relate specifically to the validity of [Richardson's] guilty plea or the waivers in this paragraph. (Id. at 52 (emphasis added).) At the change of plea hearing, Richardson was again advised the Court will enter an order of restitution to all victims of [his] conduct, and that this includes his relevant conduct. (Id. at 134 (emphasis added).) And the district judge again emphasized that by pleading guilty, Richardson was giving up [his] right to indirectly challenge the sentence or conviction through a habeas corpus proceeding or some other indirect means of attack. (Id. at 136.) Richardson said he understood.

Nevertheless, after being sentenced to 68 month imprisonment (well below the recommended guideline range of 97-121 month imprisonment) and ordered to pay $1,698,117.50 in restitution, Richardson filed a pro se 28 U.S.C.  2255 motion. He claimed counsel was ineffective for not objecting to what he claims to be an illegal restitution order. The government argued his motion was precluded by the collateral attack waiver contained in his plea agreement. The judge agreed.

He concluded Richardson had knowingly and voluntarily waived his right to collaterally attack the restitution order. See United States v. Hahn, 359 F.3d 1315, 1325 (10th Cir. 2004) (en banc) (in determining whether a plea agreement waiver of appellate rights is enforceable, we consider whether: (1) the disputed claim falls within the scope of the waiver; (2) the defendant knowingly and voluntarily entered into the waiver; and (3) enforcing the waiver would result in a miscarriage of justice); see also United States v. Viera, 674 F.3d 1214, 1217 (10th Cir. 2012) (applying Hahn analysis to a collateral attack waiver). While a plea agreement's waiver of the right to collaterally attack a conviction or sentence does not waive the right to bring a claim that the guilty plea or waiver was the result of ineffective assistance of counsel, Richardson's ineffective assistance of counsel claim went only to counsel's alleged failure to object to the validity of the restitution order. Viera, 674 F.3d at 1217-18; see also United States v. Cockerham, 237 F.3d 1179, 1187 (10th Cir. 2001) ([A] plea agreement waiver of postconviction rights does not waive the right to bring a  2255 petition based on ineffective assistance of counsel claims challenging the validity of the plea or the waiver; [c]ollateral attacks based on ineffective assistance of counsel claims that are characterized as falling outside that category are waivable.). The judge also decided enforcement of the waiver would not otherwise result in a miscarriage of justice; the MVRA plainly authorizes full restitution to the victims of an offense and Richardson provided nothing demonstrating the losses making up the restitution order were not within the scope of the conspiracy or his relevant conduct. Hahn, 359 F.3d at 1327 (describing four scenarios where enforcement of a waiver would result in a miscarriage of justice).

Richardson seeks to appeal from the denial of his  2255 motion. He needs a certificate of appealability (COA) to do so. Miller-El v. Cockrell, 537 U.S. 322, 336 (2003) (a COA is a jurisdictional prerequisite to our review of a  2255 motion). The judge denied a COA so he renews his request here.

We will issue a COA only if the applicant has made a substantial showing of the denial of a constitutional right. 28 U.S.C.  2253(c)(2). When, as here, the district court denies a habeas petition on procedural grounds without reaching the prisoner's underlying constitutional claim, a COA should issue when the prisoner shows, at least, that jurists of reason would find it debatable whether the petition states a valid claim of the denial of a constitutional right and that jurists of reason would find it debatable whether the district court was correct in its procedural ruling. Slack v. McDaniel, 529 U.S. 473, 484 (2000). He has not met his burden.

He continues to argue the restitution order is illegal and counsel was constitutionally ineffective for not objecting to it. But unless he can overcome the collateral attack waiver contained in his plea agreement, he is out of luck. On that score, he offers nothing to refute the judge's analysis of the validity of the waiver. After a thorough review of the record, the judge's order, and Richardson's filings, we see no error in the judge's decision to enforce the waiver and therefore no reason to think jurists of reason could reasonably debate the correctness of the result reached.

We DENY a COA and DISMISS this matter.

The district judge denied Richardson's request to proceed on appeal without prepayment of fees (in forma pauperis or ifp) because he failed to show the existence of a reasoned, nonfrivolous argument on the law and facts in support of the issues raised on appeal. (R. at 255 (quotation marks omitted).) He has renewed his ifp request with this Court. We agree with the district judgethis appeal is frivolous. However, because we have fully addressed his COA application, his renewed request to proceed ifp on appeal is DENIED AS MOOT. The relevant statute does not permit litigants to avoid payment of fees; only prepayment of fees is excused. See 28 U.S.C.  1915(a) (allowing courts to authorize the commencement of a civil or criminal suit or appeal without prepayment of fees or security thereof) (emphasis added). All filing and docketing fees ($505.00) are due and payable to the Clerk of the District Court.

Entered by the Court:

FOOTNOTES

. Richardson targeted some of his victims through online dating websitesreaching out to vulnerable women, usually single mothers.

. We have liberally construed his pro se filings. See Ledbetter v. City of Topeka, Kan., 318 F.3d 1183, 1187 (10th Cir. 2003).

. He also argues that counsel was deficient for not filing a direct appeal. The judge did not specifically address this argument, most likely because Richardson only hinted at the argument in the district court. Nevertheless, this argument, too, is precluded by his collateral attack waiver under the Hahn factors. See Viera, 674 F.3d at 1217-19; see also United States v. Parker, 720 F.3d 781, 785-86 (10th Cir. 2013).

. The payment of filing and docketing fees is required in nearly all appeals, criminal as well as civil. See 18 U.S.C.  1913, 1917. However, there is an important exception; we excuse prepayment of fees to prevent forfeiture of potentially meritorious appeals because of a person's impecunious circumstances. Frivolous appeals are not among those so excused because, by definition, they are not potentially meritorious. Neitzke v. Williams, 490 U.S. 319, 324 (1989) (Congress enacted  1915(a) to ensure that indigent litigants have meaningful access to the federal courts; however, at the same time it recognized a litigant whose filing fees and court costs are assumed by the public, unlike a paying litigant, lacks an economic incentive to refrain from filing frivolous, malicious, or repetitive lawsuits); see also DeBardeleben v. Quinlan, 937 F.2d 502, 505 (10th Cir. 1991) (to proceed ifp on appeal, an appellant must show a financial inability to pay the required filing fees and the existence of a reasoned, nonfrivolous argument on the law and facts in support of the issues raised on appeal) (emphasis added).

Terrence L. O'Brien United States Circuit Judge
tech2 News Staff

A contractor doing maintenance work at a British Airways data centre inadvertently switched off the power supply, knocking out the airline's computer systems and leaving 75,000 people stranded last weekend, the Times newspaper reported on Friday.

Quoting a BA source, the newspaper said the power supply unit that sparked the I.T. failure was working perfectly but was accidentally shut down by a worker. An investigation into the power outage is likely to focus on human error rather than any equipment failure, it said.

BA had to cancel all flights from London's Heathrow and Gatwick airports last Saturday. It blamed a power surge that knocked out its computer system, disrupting flight operations, call centres and its website.

The outage is expected to cost the British Airways upwards of 100 million pounds, in lost business, compensation to passengers and additional customer care necessary. The airline did not provide any explanation for the outage after resuming operations, which led some local worker unions to blame the outage on jobs outsourced to Indian IT firms. It has now emerged that outsourcing to India is not the cause of the outage.

This is not the first time that a technical malfunction has left thousands of airline passengers stranded. In August 2016, a computer outage led to all Delta Airlines flights being grounded. Delta is a US based company, but the technical glitch lead to the grounding of all Delta flights worldwide. It took almost three days for the airlines to stabilise its operations after the outage.

With inputs from Reuters
tech2 News Staff

A new malware by the name of Fireball has been identified by the Check Point Threat Intelligence and research team as a high volume Chinese threat operation which has infected over 250 million computers worldwide.

Much like the WannaCry ransomware , which has recently plagued the world, Fireball also infects the host CPU and turns them into Zombies. Fireball has three main functionalities which are the ability of running any code on victim computers, downloading any file or malware, and hijacking and manipulating infected users web-traffic to generate ad-revenue.

The operation is being currently run by Rafotech, a digital marketing agency based in China. Rafotech uses Fireball to manipulate the victims browsers and turn their default search engines and home-pages into fake search engines. Fireball is spread mostly via bundling i.e. installed on victim machines alongside a wanted program, often without the users consent.

From a technical perspective, Fireball displays great sophistication and quality evasion techniques, including anti-detection capabilities, multi-layer structure and a flexible C&C, pointing to evidence that it is not inferior to a typical malware.

Fireball has the ability to spy on victims, perform efficient malware dropping, and execute any malicious code in the infected machines. The topmost infected countries are India (10.1%) and Brazil (9.6%). According to Alexas web traffic data, 14 of these fake search engines are among the top 10,000 websites, with some of them occasionally reaching the top 1,000.

The Indian Computer Emergency Response Team has issued a red alert advisory on the Fireball malware and has put up detailed instructions on how to identify if your computer has been infected. Telltale signs include a different home page and search engines than the one you have been using in the browser.
hidden

European private equity firm Investindustrial has invited the investment vehicle of Alibaba's founder Jack Ma to submit a joint bid of more than 800 million euros ($900 million) for L'Oreal's The Body Shop, sources familiar with the matter said on Friday, just days before a deadline for final bids. Hong Kong-based Blue Pool Capital has been asked to team up with Investindustrial and Brazil's GP Investments, one of Latin America's largest private equity firms, in making a bid for the British-based cosmetics retailer, the sources said.

European private equity investor CVC Capital Partners is also planning to submit a rival offer ahead of a June 7 deadline for final bids, the sources said, adding that another buyout firm, Advent, has decided to drop out of the contest. L'Oreal has asked prospective bidders to table offers of no less than 800 million euros, said the sources. L'Oreal, Investindustrial, GP Investments, Advent and CVC all declined to comment while no one at Blue Pool Capital was available for comment outside of regular business hours.

Investindustrial's Italian founder Andrea Bonomi told Reuters earlier this month that the buyout firm, which also has investments in luxury carmaker Aston Martin and shoemaker Sergio Rossi, was in the race for The Body Shop. The firm worked with GP Investments on an eventually unsuccessful joint bid for French holiday resorts operator Club Med back in 2014. L'Oreal said in February it was reviewing its strategy for The Body Shop, which it bought for 652 million pounds ($840 million) in 2006.

Founded in 1976 by British entrepreneur Anita Roddick, the company was a pioneer in the ethical beauty industry but has since fallen victim to increased competition from newcomers also offering similar products based on natural ingredients and no animal-testing. Last year The Body Shop, which has more than 3,000 stores worldwide, saw its revenue drop 4.8 percent to 920.8 million euros and its operating profit fall 38 percent to 33.8 million euros.

L'Oreal's advisor, Lazard, was originally hoping for a valuation close to 1 billion euros for the business, but the sources said such a price was challenging given the chain's recent struggles and poor performance. The Body Shop has also drawn interest from a handful of industry players including Brazilian make-up firm Natura Cosmeticos (NATU3.SA), which took part in the initial stages of the auction, the sources said. A spokesperson for Natura said, "The company is constantly looking for business opportunities and it is indeed participating in several of the phases of the process for The Body Shop transaction."

Reuters
tech2 News Staff

Google on 1 June, 2017 re-launched its previously dispatched Google contributor, which was a product designed to allow users to pay a monthly contribution of money for seeing fewer ads online. Google would then compensate the advertisers with the money provided by the users of this service.

The latest installment of Google contributor, features a new product called Funding Choices, which allowed users to pay a monthly contribution to see fewer ads online. The new site for Google Contributor, which is now live, offers various insights on how Funding Choices actually works. Each page without ads that is viewed by the user costs a little bit of money, which is $0.01.

Assuming $0.01 per page, $1 gets you 100 pages without ads, and Google is offering a $5 "Contributor Pass" to start out with. This seems to be reasonable enough, as long as sites stay around the $0.01 price point.

So far only 12 sites are participating in the program, including Business Insider UK, Eurogamer, and Popular Mechanics. Funding Choices is rolling out to North America, the UK, Germany, Australia and New Zealand, with more countries gaining access later this year. Google also confirmed that it will be joining an Ad filter feature on Google Chrome, early in 2018.

Google is also launching its own version of an ad-blocker, threatening to block adverts on websites that do not meet the standards developed by the Coalition for Better Ads, such as pop-ups or videos that play with sound or flashing lights.

The effort to neutralize ad blockers comes as ad-blocker usage continues to rise. As of December, 615 million, or around 11 percent of internet users, were running an ad blocker.
hidden

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 program 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 percent of its patrolling force by 2030.

Clad in the colors 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 license 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 programed 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."

Reuters
PTI

The Vadodara Municipal Corporation (VMC) will press into service 40 e-rickshaws to closely monitor cleanliness in the city. The launch of these vehicles, to be held tomorrow at Mahatma Gandhinagar town hall, coincides with the World Environment Day. "These e-rickshaws will move in different areas of the city to ensure cleanliness. A sanitary worker will double up as a driver and also pick up garbage as and when he spots it," municipal commissioner Vinod Rao told PTI.

"An official, who will be accompanying the worker, will carry a challan book to penalise individuals or establishments found littering," he said. On the occasion importance of waste segregation will

be highlighted and a mass pledge will be taken to separate waste at source, said Rao. "We have provided dustbin facilities to people in all the 12 wards of the city for effective implementation of waste segregation," said the civic chief.

Ranjanben Bhatt BJP MP from Vadodara said "Cleanliness was very close to Mahatma Gandhi's heart. The best tribute that we can pay to Bapu when we celebrate his 150th birth anniversary in 2019 is by keeping the city clean." Vadodara mayor Bharat Dangar said "Now the time has come to devote ourselves to cleanliness of our city." Vadodara city generates 1,200 tonnes of waste per day, said a civic official. The city was ranked tenth on the Swachh Bharat index this year.
tech2 News Staff

The detection of gravitational waves for the third time by the Laser Interferometer Gravitational-wave Observatory (LIGO) was the result of a massive collaborative efforts by over 1,000 scientists associated with research institutions and universities around the world. The discovery of gravitational waves for the first time in 2016 was the biggest science story of the year, if not the century. The signal was observed on 4 January, during a renewed campaign to hunt for gravitational waves after the LIGO facility received upgrades.

Tyson Littenberg, principal investigator of the LIGO research group at NASA's Marshall Space Flight Center says, "Up until the success of LIGO, almost everything we knew about the universe came from light. Gravitational wave observations are now firmly part of the toolbox for understanding some of the most exotic objects and violent events in the universe."

The gravitational waves were from a collision between two black holes almost three billion light years away. One of the two black holes was 39 times the mass of the sun, and the other was 19 times the mass of the sun. They spun around each other and collided to form a single massive black hole with about 49 times the mass of the sun. The signal detected from the event lasted only two tenths of a second, during which the black holes whirled around each other six times.

Erik Katsavounidis, senior research scientist in MIT, and part of the LIGO team, says "Coming from a field of looking for something rare, Ive always been hesitant, with one detection only, to declare victory. I can tell you Ive started sleeping much better after the second detection. Now this third one solidifies LIGO and LIGOs observations as the ultimate tool to see the mass spectrum of black holes in our universe."

One of the most interesting aspects of the new discovery is related to the way in which black holes spin, when whirling around each other and heading towards a collision. One of the two black holes spun in a different direction around its axis than the direction in which the the two black holes moved around each other. This is similar to the teacups on a funfair ride rotating in a opposite direction than the platform.

Georgia Tech Professor Laura Cadonati and LIGOs deputy spokesperson explains, "As an example, imagine a pair of tornadoes in a clockwise orbit around each other. Both tornadoes also spin on their own axes. It could be in the same clockwise direction as their orbit or it could be in the other direction. They could also be lying down on their orbital plane or at any angle in between. Black holes could do the same thing."

The Australian National University (ANU) contributed to improving the systems on the LIGO detectors, so that observations of longer duration could be undertaken, which increases the chances of finding gravitational waves. Professor Susan Scott from the ANU Research School of Physics and Engineering says "It's possible this is a binary system of black holes that formed in the early Universe and 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."

Sanjit Mitra from the Pune-based Inter-University Centre for Astronomy and Astrophysics (IUCAA), researchers of which have participated in the LIGO discoveries, said "The new event also provides new opportunities to test Einsteins theory of general relativity. For example, this allowed us to confirm Einsteins prediction that gravitational waves should not undergo dispersion  the phenomena of waves travelling at different speeds depending on their wavelength. Indian scientists played a leading role in deriving this result"

West Virginia University (WVU) has 6 professors and 2 students working on the LIGO project. Sean McWilliams, assistant professor of Physics and Astronomy at WVU outlines four significant aspects of the latest discovery. The new discovery provides more insight into the spins of black holes. At 49 solar masses, the new discovery is between the two previous discoveries, which were 62 and 21 solar masses. The third important point to note is that this is the most distant detection of such an event, at three billion light years away, the other two events took place less than 1.5 billion light years away. The final important aspect is that the discovery happened during the current campaign with upgraded capabilities, and there are plans to further upgrade the facility before the next campaign.

Jordan Camp, principal investigator for the Goddard LIGO team says "LIGO is unveiling a population of stellar-mass black holes far more massive than those that have been detected through previous observations. The mystery now is how these larger black holes form, and how they end up close enough to one another that we observe them merging so frequently."

India could play a role in such exciting discoveries in the future. India is all set to get its own LIGO facility by 2024, the first to be located outside the United States. The project is called IndiGO, and a site in Hingoli, in Maharashtra has been identified. The Indian LIGO facility is expected to be even more advanced than the two LIGO facilities in the United States, and experiments are already under way to create more precise detectors by using quantum mechanics to squeeze light.
United States Court of Appeals, Second Circuit. MICHAEL FRANCHINO, Plaintiff-Appellant, v. TERENCE CARDINAL COOK HEALTH CARE CENTER, INC., ROMAN CATHOLIC ARCHDIOCESE OF NEW YORK, DBA ARCHCARE, Defendants-Appellees. No. 16-2383-cv Decided: June 02, 2017

PRESENT: PETER W. HALL, CHRISTOPHER F. DRONEY, Circuit Judges, ALISON J. NATHAN, District Judge.* FOR PLAINTIFF-APPELLANT: MICHAEL D. DIEDERICH, JR., Stony Point, New York. FOR DEFENDANTS-APPELLEES: ERNEST R. STOLZER (Jessica C. Moller, of counsel), Bond, Schoeneck & King, PLLC, New York, New York. FOR AMICUS CURIAE: ANNE NOEL OCCHIALINO, Attorney (P. David Lopez, General Counsel; Jennifer S. Goldstein, Associate General Counsel; Lorraine C. Davis, Assistant General Counsel, on the brief), Office of General Counsel, Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, Washington, D.C., in support of Plaintiff-Appellant.

UPON DUE CONSIDERATION, IT IS HEREBY ORDERED, ADJUDGED, AND DECREED that the judgment of the district court is VACATED in part and AFFIRMED in part, and the case is REMANDED for further proceedings.

Plaintiff-Appellant Michael Franchino appeals from a judgment of the district court granting Defendants-Appellees' motion to dismiss. Franchino challenges the dismissal of his claims of unlawful discrimination and retaliation pursuant to Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 (Title VII), 42 U.S.C.  2000e et seq., and the Age Discrimination in Employment Act of 1967 (the ADEA), 29 U.S.C.  621 et seq. We assume the parties' familiarity with the underlying facts, the record of the prior proceedings, and issues on appeal.

Franchino is a Caucasian US-born male who worked for Defendant-Appellee ArchCare for eight years as a human resources staff member. In 2014, Franchino was 67 years old, and his employment with ArchCare was terminated. In connection with his termination, Franchino brought suit in the United States District Court for the Southern District of New York, asserting claims of discrimination on the basis of age, sex, and national origin/ethnicity, as well as claims of retaliation. The amended complaint alleges that Franchino's coworkers and supervisors frequently made comments and jokes that evinced an age-based animus, that he was terminated on the basis of false allegations of misconduct because his superiors sided with a younger Hispanic female employee who wanted Franchino to be fired, and that he was replaced by a younger female employee.

The district court granted defendants' motion to dismiss, concluding that the amended complaint did not plausibly allege any discrimination claims and that Franchino had withdrawn his retaliation claims. On appeal, Franchino argues that the district court erred in dismissing his discrimination claims and that his retaliation claims should be reinstated.

We review the district court's dismissal of Franchino's claims de novo, accepting all factual allegations in the complaint as true and drawing all inferences in Franchino's favor. Littlejohn v. City of N.Y., 795 F.3d 297, 306 (2d Cir. 2015). At the pleading stage, a plaintiff alleging discrimination bears only a minimal burden to show discriminatory intent. Id. at 311; see also Vega v. Hempstead Union Free Sch. Dist., 801 F.3d 72, 85 (2d Cir. 2015) (noting that plaintiff in employment discrimination case has minimal burden at the pleadings stage). To survive a motion to dismiss under Rule 12(b)(6), what must be plausibly supported by facts alleged in the complaint is that the plaintiff is a member of a protected class, was qualified, suffered an adverse employment action, and has at least minimal support for the proposition that the employer was motivated by discriminatory intent. Littlejohn, 795 F.3d at 311. Thus, at the initial phase of the litigation, a plaintiff's allegations need only give plausible support to a minimal inference of discriminatory motivation. Id.

An inference of discrimination can arise from circumstances including, but not limited to, the employer's criticism of the plaintiff's performance in ethnically degrading terms; or its invidious comments about others in the employee's protected group; or the more favorable treatment of employees not in the protected group; or the sequence of events leading to the plaintiff's discharge. Id. at 312 (internal quotation marks omitted). In addition, an inference of discrimination also arises when an employer replaces a terminated or demoted employee with an individual outside the employee's protected class. Id. at 31213.

Applying these standards, we conclude that Franchino's allegations are sufficient to state a claim with respect to age discrimination, but not with respect to sex or national origin/ethnicity discrimination. We also conclude that the district court did not err in deeming the retaliation claims withdrawn.

I. Age Discrimination Claims

The amended complaint includes the following age-related allegations. As an individual over the age of 40, Franchino is a member of a protected class under the ADEA, see 29 U.S.C.  631(a). He was replaced by a much younger employee, and the ArchCare personnel who were involved in Franchino's termination are all substantially younger than Franchino. App. 4, 7. Franchino was frequently the subject of derogatory age-based cartoons, comments, emails, and jokes in the workplace, and his superiors (in the Human Resources Department) were aware of but did not take any action to stop this conductsometimes even joining in and participating themselves. When Franchino was subject to a human resources investigation over false allegations of workplace misconduct, he was denied certain procedural rights and protections (such as the right to representation during a disciplinary hearing) that were routinely granted to younger employees as a matter of departmental policy. Reading these allegations together, they satisfy Franchino's minimal burden of providing plausible support for a minimal inference of age-based discriminatory motivation.

Contrary to defendants' arguments, the but-for causation standard that applies to Franchino's ADEA claim does not affect the analysis on the facts alleged here. Although Franchino must ultimately prove that age was the but-for cause of his employer's adverse action in order to recover, see Gross v. FBL Fin. Servs., Inc., 557 U.S. 167, 177 (2009), the allegations in the amended complaint are sufficient at this stage to plausibly allege the discriminatory motivation required under the ADEA. See Vega, 801 F.3d at 86, 91 (But-for causation does not  require proof that [the protected characteristic] was the only cause of the employer's action, but only that the adverse action would not have occurred in the absence of the [prohibited] motive. (alterations and internal quotation marks omitted)).

II. Sex and National Origin/Ethnicity Discrimination Claims

By contrast, we agree with the district court that the facts alleged in the complaint do not plausibly support even a minimal inference of discriminatory motivation on the basis of sex or national origin/ethnicity. The primary support for these claims comes from the allegations regarding Mercado, a co-worker Franchino had been assigned to monitor following complaints from employees in Mercado's department. The amended complaint alleges that Mercado's supervisor wanted her disciplined or terminated, but human resources officials supported Mercado. It is also alleged that, in an effort to save her job, Mercado falsely accused Franchino of sexually harassing a female employee. Franchino contends that his superiors treated Mercado more favorably because she was a much younger Hispanic woman. App. 5. With respect to the sex discrimination claim in particular, the complaint alleges that Franchino was replaced by a female employee.

Taken together, these allegations do not sustain Franchino's minimal burden to show discriminatory intent. Littlejohn, 795 F.3d at 311. The complaint provides no reason to conclude that Franchino's supervisors, Hill and Pizzarro, were motivated by discrimination on the basis of sex or ethnicity/national origin. On the facts alleged, Mercado was concerned that she may lose her job, so she acted vindictively toward Franchinonot because of his membership in any protected classes, but because she perceived him as threatening her continued employment.

As to Franchino's sex discrimination claim, the allegation that he was replaced by a female employee is not enough to make his claim plausible in the particular circumstances of this case. Franchino is correct that we have stated, as noted above, that an inference of discrimination may arise when an employer replaces a terminated employee with an individual outside the employee's protected class. See id. at 31213. However, for the purposes of 12(b)(6) analysis, we may not consider a particular allegation in isolation; instead, we must consider whether the factual content in a complaint allows the court to draw the reasonable inference that the defendant is liable for the misconduct alleged. Ashcroft v. Iqbal, 556 U.S. 662, 678 (2009). Considering the replacement allegation in light of the rest of the complaint, any suggestion of discriminatory motivation is undercut by the allegations that Mercado acted out of vindictiveness and self-preservation. Franchino therefore has not alleged a plausible claim of sex discrimination.

III. Retaliation Claims

Finally, we identify no error in the district court's determination that Franchino withdrew his retaliation claims. As the district court noted, Franchino's opposition to defendants' motion to dismiss explicitly stated: In the interest of judicial economy, Plaintiff hereby withdraws his legal claims of retaliation. Suppl. App. 44. Moreover, Franchino's opposition did not address any of defendants' legal arguments regarding retaliation, further confirming that the claims had been withdrawn. Because Franchino has offered no argument on appeal as to why he should be permitted to pursue claims that he expressly withdrew below, we decline to reinstate his retaliation claims.

* * *

We have considered Franchino's remaining arguments and conclude that they are without merit. Accordingly, we VACATE the judgment of the district court as to Franchino's age discrimination claim; we AFFIRM the judgment of the district court as to Franchino's sex and national origin/ethnicity discrimination claims and as to his retaliation claims; and we REMAND the case for further proceedings consistent with this order.

FOR THE COURT:

Catherine O'Hagan Wolfe, Clerk of Court

FOOTNOTES

. The amended complaint also asserted claims pursuant to the human rights laws of New York State and New York City. After dismissing Franchino's federal claims, the district court declined to exercise supplemental jurisdiction over these remaining claims.
How do we change the world? One random act of kindness at a time. Kindness is a gateway for all of us to connect and care for each other.  Morgan Freeman Whether its a supporting...

MAKING CONNECTIONS Editors note: The following random acts of kindness were emailed or called into County Press editor Jeff Hogan at jhogan@mihomepaper.com. The following acts of kindness experienced by County Press readers...

Ed-Tech students connect with community ATTICA TWP.  The Lapeer County Education and Technology Center (Ed-Tech) is a place where students can get a taste of the career opportunities that exist in their field of...
Amitabh in Malta for Thugs of Hindostan shoot

Megastar Amitabh Bachchan has landed in south European country Malta to join the shoot of Vijay Krishna Acharyas Thugs of Hindostan, which also stars Aamir Khan and Katrina Kaif. In the early hours of Mumbai morning, stepping on to the vehicle of air transport for distant land, to begin the shooting of Thugs of Hindostan in Malta, Bachchan posted on his blog. The film went on the floors in Malta last month.
Trump believes the climate is changing, says US envoy Nikki Haley

Getting out of a club doesn\'t mean US isn\'t going to care about the environment, Nikki Haley said.

Reuters, Washington :

US President Donald Trump "believes the climate is changing," US Ambassador to the United Nations Nikki Haley said on Saturday after Trump's decision to take the United States out of the Paris climate accord sparked dismay across the world.

"President Trump believes the climate is changing and he believes pollutants are part of the equation," Ms Haley said during a CNN interview released on Saturday. The interview will be broadcast on CNN's "State of the Union" today.

Trump "knows that it's changing and that the US has to be responsible for it and that's what we're going to do," she said.

On Thursday, Trump announced the United States would withdraw from the Paris climate change pact, tapping into his "America First" campaign theme. He said participating in the pact would undermine the US economy, wipe out jobs, weaken national sovereignty and put his country at a permanent disadvantage.

"Just because the US got out of a club doesn't mean we aren't going to care about the environment," she said.

Later on Saturday, Vice President Mike Pence said that remaining in the accord would have proved costly to US economic growth and to the working-class Americans at the core of Trump's political base.

"By withdrawing from the Paris climate accord, President Donald Trump chose to put the forgotten men and women of America first. And he always will," Mr Pence told a political rally in Iowa.

On Friday, nobody at the White House was able to say whether Trump believed in climate change. In recent years, he has expressed skepticism about whether climate change is real, sometimes calling it a hoax. But since becoming president, he has not offered an opinion.

The decision to take the United States out of the pact prompted a negative reaction around the world, and world leaders redoubled their commitment to an accord agreed to by every country on the planet save Nicaragua and Syria.

China and Europe on Friday pledged to unite to save what German Chancellor Angela Merkel called "our Mother Earth," standing firmly against Trump's decision.

The vast majority of scientists believe global warming is mainly the result of human activities, including power generation, transportation, agriculture and industry.

A small group of skeptics, some of them in the White House, believe the Paris pact threatened business.
Hurdles to Franco-German bargain on Euro zone are high

Reuters, Berlin :

Midway through their news conference in Berlin last month, French President Emmanuel Macron turned to German Chancellor Angela Merkel and laid out a quid pro quo on strengthening Europe's single currency project.

"Everyone has a job to do," Macron said.

"I have to press ahead with reforms that are necessary for our country and for restoring trust between France and Germany. And the chancellor must make a convincing case to her public, to her political class."

Macron campaigned on a promise to "rebuild" Europe through deeper integration of the euro zone, the 19-nation currency zone which ranks as one of the EU's biggest achievements but which critics say is still work in progress 18 years after its launch.

He seems determined to fulfill his side of the bargain.

Polls suggest his new party, la Republique en Marche, could win an absolute majority in parliamentary elections this month. That would make it easier for him to deliver on his plans to reform the French economy.

But in Berlin, questions remain about whether Merkel will embrace the leap in European integration that Macron wants.

That would mean taking on skeptics in her party who remain reluctant to compromise with the new president of France, a country they worry has a vision of a Europe in which Germany has to pay for the failure of others to knock their economies into shape.

Macron's team was elated with their Merkel meeting in Berlin. She agreed to work with them on a "roadmap" for euro zone reform and hinted at the possibility of radical steps that would require changes to the European Union's Lisbon treaty.

Last Sunday, she appeared to double down on the idea of closer European cooperation, telling a political rally in Munich that the continent may no longer be able to count on the United States and must take its destiny into its own hands.

But people close to the chancellor who spoke to Reuters on condition of anonymity said it would be wrong to interpret her recent remarks as a sign that Berlin is preparing to water down the principles that have guided it for years: those of a rules-based Europe where "responsibility" trumps "solidarity".




India, France show common front on climate change fight

French President Emmanuel Macron, left, welcomes Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, before their meeting at the Elysee Palace in Paris, France on Saturday.

AP, Paris :

French President Emmanuel Macron and the prime minister of India put forth a common front on the need to fight climate change on Saturday, with the French leader saying he would travel to India before year's end for a summit on promoting solar energy.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi closed a European tour meeting with Macron in Paris as world governments began adjusting to U.S. President Donald Trump's decision to withdraw from the landmark climate accord reached in and named for the French capital.

Modi delivered on France's hope that India would confirm its commitment to the Paris Agreement, saying that fighting on behalf of "Mother Planet" is a gift for future generations. India, the world's fourth-largest emitter of greenhouse gases, is a critical player in the climate pact.

"We are in favor of this Paris Agreement and we will continue to work in that direction, even beyond the Paris Agreement, even if this agreement did not exist," Modi said at the close of the two leaders' talks.

France and India have launched the Global Solar Alliance aimed at developing solar energy and making it accessible to all. Macron described it as a "concrete instrument" in the fight against climate warming, and said other countries would be brought in at the India summit. "We are both convinced our countries have much to do for ecological and environmental transition and for the fight against climate warming," he said.

The newly elected Macron, who has made on a mark on the international stage in the month since he was elected after talks with NATO leaders and the heads of the world's richest industrialized nations, further bolstered his diplomatic credentials in meeting with Modi.

Macron greeted the Indian prime minister with a bear hug in the courtyard of the presidential Elysee Palace, while Modi said later that Macron's victory over far-right leader Marine Le Pen in May "encouraged the entire world." Macron and Modi also discussed their countries' strategic partnership. India has bought 36 Rafale fighter jets, the delta-winged French aircraft that have been a hard sell. Macron said India's defense minister will be in Paris next week and the economy minister would be visiting before the end of the month.

The two countries' industrial and military partnerships "will intensify," he said.

Before his departure, Modi laid a wreath at the Arc de Triomphe in honor of Indian soldiers who fought in France during World War I.
MYMENSINGH: Female students of a residential hall of Bangladesh Agricultural University (BAU) demonstrated on the campus demanding end of water crisis in dormitory on Friday.
Alcohol-seeking behaviour increases after stroke

Life Desk :

Stroke occurs when blood supply to the brain is interrupted. It brings about changes to the brain and may lead to increase in alcohol-seeking behavior, as seen in animal models, reveal researchers.

Although it is known that excessive alcohol intake (more than two drinks per day) is a risk factor for stroke, there hasn't been much scientific study about how alcohol-related behavior might change after a stroke has occurred. The study was published in the Journal of Scientific Reports.

'Glucose and oxygen are two essential nutrients for the functioning of neurons, and without them, neurons begin to die rapidly.'

When researchers at the Texas A&M College of Medicine looked into the issue, they found that strokes in a certain part of the brain increase alcohol-seeking behavior and preference for alcohol.

"It's important because although stroke is a severe disease, more and more people are surviving and recovering after their first stroke," said Jun Wang, MD, PhD, assistant professor in the Department of Neuroscience and Experimental Therapeutics at the College of Medicine and co-principal investigator of this project.

"Therefore, it is important to study behavior change after stroke, and how that behavior can affect the chances of having another one, which is often fatal."

People who have had one stroke are often advised to limit their consumption of alcohol to help prevent a recurrence, but that may be difficult if damage caused by the stroke itself is encouraging them to actually drink more. That might help explain anecdotal reports that compliance with the instruction not to drink after a stroke is low.

"In an ischemic stroke, a blood vessel to the brain is blocked, which deprives the neurons in the brain of glucose and oxygen," said Farida Sohrabji, PhD, presidential impact fellow and professor in the Department of Neuroscience and Experimental Therapeutics at the College of Medicine and co-principal investigator of this project, who studies acute and long-term consequences of strokes, as well as novel stroke therapies.

"Neurons are very dependent on these two nutrients, and without them, neurons very rapidly begin to die."

After an ischemic stroke in the middle cerebral artery-one of the most common types of stroke in humans-the animal models showed much lower overall fluid intake but increased preference for alcohol over water when they did drink. These effects were significant even though the stroke only affected one side of the brain, leaving the other half of the brain without damage.

"Their preference for alcohol can be seen five days after stroke and through at least the first month after the stroke," Wang said. "Specifically, when given a choice between water and alcohol, they chose alcohol a higher percentage of the time than they did before the stroke."

What the researchers think is happening is that the stroke kills neurons in a part of the brain called the dorsal lateral striatum, and they stop inhibiting certain neurons in the midbrain. These midbrain neurons, which are now far more excitable, send a signal to a particular type of dopamine receptor, called D1.

These D1 receptor-containing cells, located in the dorsomedial striatum, were shown in Wang's previous work to compel the individual to perform an action-like having an alcoholic beverage. "This circuit is interesting because it means that when the dorsal lateral striatum neurons die, the result is increased excitement of the D1 neurons in the dorsomedial striatum," Wang said.

"It is this increased excitement that we think is causing alcohol-seeking behavior."

However, when the D1 receptor was inhibited, alcohol-seeking behavior in individuals with stroke damage decreased significantly while the control group didn't exhibit much of a change. "This is a hint at how the brain works," Wang said, "and although we're a long way off, something to inhibit this D1 receptor might be a possible therapeutic target for a drug to help people resist the urge to drink after a stroke."

"As much as possible, we tried to use a model that would replicate the experience of a human patient," Sohrabji said.

"Therefore, we think that these findings, although preliminary, might eventually help people who have experienced any type of brain injury, whether a stroke or an accident that causes traumatic brain injury."

This study was a collaboration between the laboratories of Wang, who studies alcohol use disorders, and Sohrabji, who studies ischemic stroke, and funded by a seed grant from the Texas A&M University Health Science Center Division of Research. Other funding for the research was provided by grants from the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA) and the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS).

Source: Eurekalert
Bolt skips training to mourn friend

Usain Bolt is working hard to be fit for next Saturday's season-opening 100 metres at the Racers Grand Prix track meet after the nine-time Olympic gold medallist took time off to mourn the death of a close friend.

In an interview aired on Jamaican national television Saturday, Bolt said he was unable to train for more than two weeks as he mourned the loss of his good friend, Germaine Mason.

The 34 year-old Jamaican-born Olympic high jump silver medallist died in a motor bike accident on April 20.


Oil cuts could lift prices up

Laurent Belsie :

For years, the world oil market has acted like a seesaw, balancing the world's motorists against oil producers. After the Great Recession, producers were on top, raking in profits from high oil prices.

Then, three years ago, the positions shifted. Oil prices plunged and motorists were riding high. Cheap gasoline put billions of dollars in their pockets, while producers struggled to pay bills.

Now, the teeter is beginning to totter again - and motorists, as well as trucking companies, airlines, and other oil consumers, could land with a thud as oil prices rise.

No one knows when this will happen. Prices could push to $100 a barrel or more by the end of next year, according to the most aggressive forecasts. Or they could stay at current levels for the next five years before rising.

What is clear is that the forces holding prices down are beginning to dissipate. A meeting of OPEC nations is bringing some of the changes into focus, and it's a reminder that the industry that literally fuels the global economy defies simple narratives. Oil-producing nations may no longer have the clout that they once did, but neither is an "end of oil" shift to clean energy ascendant.

And all this has repercussions for both consumers and the wealth of oil-reliant governments from Russia to Africa. "Markets don't work quietly," says Dan Dicker, an oil trader and analyst who writes the Energy Word blog letter. "When trends start developing, they go overboard - on both sides."

The latest move came on Thursday when the Organisation of Petroleum Exporting Countries (Opec) announced that it is extending for nine months an existing agreement to cut production. The original agreement called for Opec members to cut 1.2 million barrels per day (bpd) of production and for 11 nonmembers to trim an additional 600,000 bpd. Prices shot up 9 per cent in a day.

If Opec can maintain the discipline it has shown in the previous six months, it could begin to draw down the glut that has built up over the past three years because of overproduction, according to the International Energy Agency.

Already, the IEA reports that oil supply and demand are in rough balance and demand is climbing.

Looking beyond the next five years, oil prices appear bound to go up because the oil majors slashed their exploration budgets when prices were low. Thus, when maturing fields fall out of production, there will be very few oil discoveries to replace them right away.

The spoiler, which could keep prices weighed down for a while, is the US shale industry. Left for dead 18 months ago, when oil prices dipped below $40 a barrel, US producers have staged an unexpected comeback, slashing costs and ramping up production. US crude output has jumped 10 per cent in a year, and now nearly rivals the leaders, Russia and Saudi Arabia. Shale companies could boost their output by nearly 800,000 bpd this year, according to the IEA. That would counterbalance nearly half the cuts that the OPEC deal is supposed to maintain. US output could grow even more if oil prices don't crash again.

"We expect the US can grow oil production for 10 years or a little longer," R.T. Dukes, Research Director for energy consulting firm Wood Mackenzie, writes in an email. That assumes that oil prices gradually move up to around $70 or $80 per barrel. But even in the current range of $45 to $55, "we think the major plays will grow."

That makes the US shale industry -and the jobs that go with it - a big winner in the current environment.

But a rise in oil prices could make winners, also, of both green energy alternatives and oil-reliant nations in places like Russia and Africa.

The higher prices go, for one thing, the more consumers and carmakers have an incentive to invest in electric cars. "For the first time in a century, there is a real chance that the automotive ecosystem could change considerably in the years ahead," says Jim Burkhard, head of oil market analysis at market researcher IHS Markit in Washington. It could end "oil's de facto monopoly as a transport fuel."

A twist, of course, is that the faster a transition toward electrified transport occurs, the more it will dampen demand for oil. But it will take a minimum of 15 years for electrification to eliminate growing oil demand, says Antoine Halff, senior researcher at Columbia University's Center on Global Energy Policy.

In the near term, geopolitics is also in play. Oil-exporting nations that have been struggling economically would benefit from a price rebound. One of them is Russia, which has agreed to cooperate with Opec by trimming back production. Globally, Saudi Arabia remains a key player to watch. It changed course six months ago and engineered the Opec deal that has lifted prices and will begin to whittle down the glut.

The potential boom in electric transportation, like the resilience of US shale producers, complicates the Saudi calculus. But no one knows how that will play out, Halff says. "History shows that the market can always surprise you."

Courtesy: The Christian Science Monitor
United States Court of Appeals, Third Circuit. UNITED STATES v. JONATHAN COBB, Appellant No. 16-2684 Decided: June 02, 2017

Before: McKEE, RENDELL, and FUENTES, Circuit Judges.

OPINION*

Jonathan Cobb appeals the district court's amended judgment sentencing him to 180 months' imprisonment. For the reasons below, we will affirm the judgment of the district court.

I 1

When a defendant fails to object at the time of sentencing, we review a procedural challenge to the sentence for plain error. A plain error is a clear and obvious error that affects substantial rights. An appellate court should only exercise its discretion to correct a plain error if it seriously affect[s] the fairness, integrity or public reputation of judicial proceedings. Challenges to the substantive reasonableness of a sentence are reviewed for an abuse of discretion, regardless of whether they fall inside or outside of the guideline range. An abuse of discretion occurs when a district court bases its decision on a clearly erroneous finding of fact, an errant conclusion of law or an improper application of law to fact.

Cobb argues that his sentence is both procedurally and substantively unreasonable because the district court failed to neutralize the taint of the ineffective assistance of counsel Cobb received as required under Lafler v. Cooper. First, Cobb asserts that the district court accepted the government's claim that an 851 Notice would have been filed even if Cobb had pled guilty, and that the court failed to consider circumstantial evidence that indicated otherwise. Although it is clear that the district court accepted the government's representations about the 851 Notice, it only did so after Cobb's counsel conceded during the February 10, 2016 relief hearing that there was no direct evidence that would have contradicted the representations of the Assistant United States Attorneys involved. Given the absence of contradictory evidence, Cobb's attorney did not object when the district court found that the 851 Notice would have been filed whether or not Cobb would have exercised his right to trial. As the 851 Notice issue was settled by the time of Cobb's resentencing hearing, it was not procedurally unreasonable for the district court to fail to revisit the issue.

Cobb further argues that the district court erred in re-invoking the same 78% variance Cobb had received on his original sentence. He claims that the reasons for that original upward variance did not apply to the resentencing. Cobb claims that the justifications given by the district court for the original upward variance, which included information from Cobb's trial, were not relevant for resentencing purposes. An analysis of the resentencing transcript, however, shows that the district judge chose the 78% variance based on the seriousness of Cobb's crimes, the importance of deterrence, and Cobb's extensive criminal record. Those factors had not changed since Cobb's original sentencing, and it was therefore not unreasonable for the court to again impose a 78% variance. Additionally, despite Cobb's assertion that the district court incorrectly supplemented the reasoning behind Cobb's sentence with unspecified trial evidence, Lafler clearly indicates that the court need not disregard what occurred at trial when attempting to neutralize the taint of ineffective assistance of counsel.

Finally, Cobb argues that the district court gave no meaningful consideration to the arguments and evidence his attorney presented during the resentencing hearing. However, the district court need not explicitly address every argument made by the litigant or make specific findings about each of the  3553(a) factors. An examination of the resentencing transcript reveals that the district court stated that it intended to give full credit to Cobb's behavior and accomplishments in prison by reducing his sentence from 288 to 180 months. Though the resulting sentence is still significant, the reduction is also quite significant. Moreover, the district court specifically referred to several of the  3553(a) factors during Cobb's resentencing, including the seriousness of the offense, adequate deterrence to others, and protection of the public. Therefore, we find that there were no procedural defects in the district court's resentencing of Cobb.

II

In United States v. Tomko, we held that a sentence that is procedurally sound will not be considered substantively unreasonable unless no reasonable sentencing court would have imposed the same sentence on that particular defendant for the reasons the district court provided. Cobb's resentencing resulted in a reduced sentence of 180 months, 108 months fewer than his original sentence. A consideration of the substantive reasonableness of a sentence under an abuse of discretion standard gives district courts broad latitude in sentencing. The second sentence was clearly not substantively unreasonable under that standard.

III

For the aforementioned reasons, we will affirm the judgment of the district court.

FOOTNOTES

. We write only for the parties in this non-precedential opinion, so our factual recitation is brief.

. United States v. Flores-Mejia, 759 F.3d 253, 255 (3d Cir. 2014) (en banc).

. Fed. R. Crim. P. 52(b); United States v. Olano, 507 U.S. 725, 732 (1993).

. Olano, 507 U.S. at 732 (alteration in original) (citation and internal quotation marks omitted).

. Gall v. United States, 552 U.S. 38, 51 (2007).

. Pardini v. Allegheny Intermediate Unit, 524 F.3d 419, 422 (3d Cir. 2008) (citation and internal quotation marks omitted).

. Lafler v. Cooper, 566 U.S. 156, 170 (2012).

. App. 118.

. App. 120.

. App. 181-83.

. Appellant Br. at 3.

. Lafler, 566 U.S. at 171-72.

. Appellant Br. at 22.

. United States v. Cooper, 437 F.3d 324, 329 (3d Cir. 2006), abrogated on other grounds by Rita v. United States, 551 U.S. 338 (2007).

. App. 183-84.

. App. 181-82.

. United States v. Tomko, 562 F.3d 558, 568 (3d Cir. 2009).

. United States v. Levinson, 543 F.3d 190, 195 (3d Cir. 2008) (footnote omitted).

McKEE, Circuit Judge.
Higher gas price without proper supply

IN fact just on last May, the Energy Ministry officials had informed that after the proposed incorporation of imported liquefied natural gas (LNG) in the National Grid from the first quarter of 2018 - gas price would more than double if existing taxes were not removed - a matter of serious concern indeed. Moreover, the fact about a looming crisis is clear. Imposing of taxes in the name of collecting revenue, and especially from the gas sector has resulted in much controversy lately. The NBR is reported to have earned around Tk 7000 crore from the Gas sector. However, if NBR stops charging extra tax, our economy would benefit by around Tk 12,000 to Tk14, 000 crore, as we would be able to supply gas at reasonable prices. Coming to the cost breakdowns, price per unit of gas would be more than Tk 15 per unit after the first quarter of 2018, given the present hike in taxes. Additionally, several other taxes on imported gas, e.g. 10 percent import duty, 15 percent VAT, and 3 percent advance income tax (AIT) would push up the price further. This would make the price unbearable for consumers - not that the fact is not known or not being discussed but the fact is that the current gas price will have to be regulated in accordance with the peoples' purchase power parity. The government's concerned authorities must realise that 22.7 percent increase in last February following an added cost of 50 percent more for stoves will have an additional 60 percent extra cost in the consumers' bills. In a litany of cascade effects of every phase of gas price hike, people have been forced to pay high in transport fares and commodity prices. The point is simple, the price of gas or any other public utility cannot increase so quickly to take the people financially hostage. The Awami League-led government in its two successive tenures since 2009 has so far raised the prices of natural gas by upto 221 percent without ensuring uninterrupted supplies to the consumers.



We also have to follow what's happening in other countries, neighbouring India has taken an initiative to promote the use of energy efficient appliances while China has adopted a policy in its budgetary framework to provide subsidy to use energy efficient products. But Bangladesh, is still studying different mechanisms to set its own strategy to promote energy efficiency. We fear with increased hikes it may not be possible.
Verdict on Oishee`s death reference, appeal today

Court Correspondent :

The High Court Division of the Supreme Court yesterday fixed Monday to deliver its verdict on the death reference, and appeal of Oishee Rahman against the death penalty awarded to her for killing her parents in 2013.

A High Court bench of Justice Jahangir Hossain Selim and Justice Md Jahangir Hossain fixed the date yesterday morning. Earlier on May 7, the bench kept the death reference and appeal in the case waiting for

verdict on conclusion of the hearing.

On March 12, the High Court (HC) bench, started the hearing on the death reference and appeal. Deputy Attorney General Jahirul Haque Jahir on the day read out the paper book of the case in the court.

On November 12, 2015, Judge Syed Ahmed of the Speedy Trial Tribunal-3 of Dhaka sentenced Oishee Rahman to death for killing her parents. The tribunal also fined her Tk 20,000.

Besides, the tribunal jailed Mizanur Rahman Rony for two years and fined him Tk 5,000, in default, to suffer one month more in the prison and acquitted Asaduzzaman Johny.

Police, on August 16, 2013, recovered the decomposed bodies of Special Branch (SB) Inspector Mahfuzur Rahman and his wife Swapna Rahman from their Chamelibagh residence in the capital.

The main accused and daughter Oishee surrendered to the police admitting her involvement in the murder. On December 6, 2015, convicted Oishee filed an appeal with the High Court against the jusdgment of the tribunal.


SC dismisses Moudud`s review

I will not leave: Moudud; He must leave: AG

Court Correspondent :

The Supreme Court on Sunday rejected two appeals seeking review of apex court judgment cancelling High Court verdict to transfer the title of entry

of a Gulshan house in the name of BNP standing committee member Moudud Ahmed's brother Manjur Ahmed.

A five-member Appellate Division panel headed by Chief Justice Surendra Kumar Sinha dismissed the plea with observations, paving the way for the former law minister to leave House Number 159 in Gulshan-2 for sure.

One of the review petitions was filed by Moudud's brother Manjur Ahmed and another was filed by the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC).

Besides, the apex court also dismissed another review plea of ACC challenging Appellate Division judgment quashing a graft case filed in this regard against Moudud and his brother Manjur.

Moudud Ahmed in his instant reaction said he will not leave the possession of the house.

"I will not the leave the possession of house number 159 in Gulshan-2, where I have been living with my family for the last three decades. It is the matter between the owner of the house and me. It is not a matter of the government," he told journalists on the court premises after the verdict yesterday.

He said he has many memories attached to that house.

"Now I'm going to try to reach a mutual agreement with the main owner of the house. If the government asks me to leave the house, I will continue my legal battle," he said.

Meanwhile, Attorney General Mahbubey Alam said Moudud, according to the fresh order, must leave the house; otherwise, the government can take proper steps to take control over it.

"He (Moudud) must leave the house," he told reporters on the court premises after the verdict yesterday.

Earlier on August 2, 2016, the apex court cancelled a High Court order that had asked Rajuk to transfer the title of entry of the establishment in name of Moudud's brother.

According to sources, the real owner of that plot numbered 159 in Gulshan- 2 was a Pakistani citizen named Md Ehsan. It was registered in his wife's name.

But they fled Bangladesh for Pakistan in 1971, deserting the property. It was registered as an abandoned property in 1972.
Law enforcers` role questioned

Perpetrators to be brought to book: Home Minister

Special Correspondent :

Nagorik Samaj, a platform of concerned citizens, has alleged that law enforcers played a silent role during the Friday's arson attacks and vandalism on the indigenous locality at Longadu upazila in the hill district of Rangamati.

They arranged a protest meeting in front of National Museum at Shahbagh in the city on Sunday demanding exemplary punishment to the culprits. The Bangalee settlers set on fire over 200 houses and vandalised several other business establishments of the indigenous people on Friday, they claimed.

Raising question about the failure of law enforcement agencies to tackle the situation, the leaders of the Nagorik Samaj demanded proper investigation into the role of the police and other law enforcement agencies during the attacks.

"If anyone wants to enter the region, he will have to cross a number of security barriers. We wonder how those villages could be burned amid such high security. What were the law enforcers doing?" rights activist Khushi Kabir said in the rally posing questions.

"I feel very much ashamed that government is not capable to provide minimum security to its citizens. The authorities did not disclose the names those who were arrested in this connection.The authorities concerned must investigate into the mystery. We want to get answers to these questions," Khushi Kabir stated.

There is widespread allegation that the police and other law enforcement agencies were informed earlier by the victims to protect them. But the police did not take any step in this regard. The attack was made in presence of law enforcers. General Secretary of Bangladesh Adibashi Forum Sanjeeb Drong said: "It's a big question how the incident took place amid presence of law enforcers and various other agencies."

Meanwhile, the panic-stricken people who had fled away fearing more torture have started coming back slowly to the localities. But most of them have taken shelter at Tintila Buddhist Temple as there is no existence of their houses. The local army unit is now providing them food. Zonal Commander Lieutenant Colonel said, "We are serving food at two points. The army will provide food until the people are rehabilitated. General Secretary of Janasanghati Samity, Longadu Unit, Moni Shankar Chakma said, "In Tintala a total of 180 houses, 88 houses at Manikjor Chhara, 42 houses at Baittapara and four other shops were burnt into ashes. The residents of the areas have fled away fearing further attacks." Against this backdrop, Home Minister Asaduzzaman Khan Kamal yesterday said that the perpetrators who carried out the arson attack and vandalism on the houses of the hill people will face trial.

"The police filed case against 300 people while 12 have already been arrested. Police are kept vigil to arrest the other perpetrators. No one will be spared. The government is firm to ensure exemplary punishment to the culprits so that such incident cannot be re occurred in future," the Minister said while talking to the newsmen at his Secretariat office in the city.

BNP on Sunday termed the attacks on Chakma community as "brutal" and demanded immediate action against the perpetrators. In a statement, BNP secretary general Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir demanded exemplary punishment to the culprits. "Our party believes in warm coexistence of Bangalees and hilly people in the Chittagong Hill Tracts. So, we strongly denounce the brutal arson attacks on the hilly people and damage of their houses. Such ferocious attacks can no way be acceptable," Fakhrul said.

On the other hand, a delegation of Awami League- led 14-party alliance headed by Health Minister Mohammad Nasim will go to Rangamati on Tuesday to see the condition of the indigenous people.

"The arson attacks and vandalism on hill people's houses is a matter of grave concern. The culprits who were involved in the heinous incident will be brought to book," the Health Minister said.

Deputy Commissioner of Rangamati Md Manzarul Mannan had said the incident took place following the death of Organising Secretary of Awami Jubo League of Longadu unit, also a motor cycle rider that carries passengers in exchange of fare, who was found dead at Chaar mile area in Khagrachhari district on Thursday.

Several thousand people, mostly Bangalee settlers, gathered there when the news of Nayon's death spread out in the area. They brought out processions under the banner of Jubo League and Parbattaya Bangalee Chhatra Parishad registering protest against the killing of Nurul Islam Nayon.

At one stage, the mob became violent and set on fire the houses and vandalised several other business establishments, the DC had said.


$38b export target for next fiscal

Badrul Ahsan :

The government has set a total of $38.0 billion export target for the upcoming fiscal year (FY) 2017-18, sources said.

The target is 7.82 per cent or $1.0 billion higher than that of the current FY's target of $37.0 billion.

The Export Promotion Bureau (EPB) under the Ministry of Commerce has proposed the said amount to be set for the next fiscal.

The EPB would also project an additional $3.50 billion in earnings from services export, raising the next FY's total export target to $41.50 billion.

The proposals were placed at a meeting of the EPB last week when leaders of major export-earning sectors, including ready-made garments and frozen fish, differed with the projection.

Apparel sector leaders opined that the target would be achieved if cash support for new market exploration is continued, political stability ensured and local currency justifiably devalued.

The shrimp exporters also stressed the need for ensuring smooth supply of raw material for increased production.

The EPB expected the export receipts to reach $38.60 billion -- $35.24 billion from goods and $3.36 billion from service sectors -- by the end of the current fiscal, reflecting a 3.62 per cent growth over the previous fiscal.

"We have initially proposed the export earnings target for the FY'18 through consultation with all the stakeholders," acting Vice Chairman of EPB Avijit Chowdhury told The New Nation.

The proposal would soon be sent to the Ministry of Commerce for approval, he added.

In the current fiscal year, all major 10 export items have been projected to grow. Earnings from knitwear export would increase by 8.52 per cent, woven garments 5.77 per cent, home textiles 9.77 per cent, leather and leather products 9.02 per cent, medicines 8.32 per cent, jute and jute goods 9.39 per cent, engineering products 25.65 per cent and frozen and live fish 0.14 per cent.

"The proposed target can be achieved if the exchange rate of local currency depreciates against US dollar, cash incentive for exploration of new markets continues and political situation remains stable," said Mahmud Hasan Khan, Vice President of Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BGMEA).

Next year is also critical for the sector as the western retailers' ongoing safety initiatives will come to an end by then, he said, adding that the initiatives saw huge investment in safety with less focus on investment for enhancing productivity, he added.

BGMEA President Md Siddiqur Rahman at a recent press conference urged the government to fully withdraw source tax, applicable to sales, not to profit, to help the sector face the ongoing challenges.

He said the industry was passing through a tough time after the Rana Plaza collapse and around 1,200 factories especially small and medium-sized units were closed due to various reasons.

Frozen food industry insiders said $525 million in export earnings might not be possible unless necessary initiatives are taken to increase production of shrimp and allow introducing the low-rated and small-sized vennamei.

"The target for the next fiscal might not be achieved without the initiatives," an exporter said.

The EPB proposed export targets of $15.06 billion and $15.50 billion respectively from knit and woven products in the next FY. It also proposed $1.11 billion export target with a growth projection of 9.39 per cent for jute and jute goods sector.

The EPB expects the country to end the current fiscal year with $38.60 billion earnings -- $35.24 billion from goods and $3.36 billion from service sector.

Export data for service sector, however, is not available throughout the year, even in the previous years.

Bangladesh earned $34.25 billion in FY 2015-16, $31.20 billion in FY 2014-15, $ 30.18 billion in FY 2013-14 and $ 27.02 billion in FY 2012-13 through exports.
Apan Jewellers` 500kg gold confiscated It will be deposited with BB

Five hundred kilograms of gold and 427 grams of diamonds confiscated from five Apan Jewellersa showrooms on Sunday will be handed over to Bangladesh Bank by the Customs and Intelligence and Investigation Division (CIID). This photo was taken from S

Staff Reporter :

Customs Intelligence has confiscated 500 kilograms of gold and 427 grams of diamonds from five Apan Jewellers outlets and started a process to hand the amount over to the Bangladesh Bank (BB).

The Customs Intelligence and Investigation Division (CIID) officials seized the gold and diamonds on Sunday morning. "These will be gradually handed over to the central bank," said CIID Joint Director Shafiur Rahman. On Saturday, CIID Director General Moinul Khan announced seizure of the Tk 1.79 billion worth of gold and diamonds of Apan Jewellers.

The decision to confiscate 500 kilograms of gold and 427 grams of diamonds was taken after the owners failed to show documents in support of the stock, Khan added.

Customs detectives interrogated the three owners of Apan Jewellers --Dildar Ahmed, Gulzar Ahmed and Azad Ahmed -- twice following raids on their outlets.

Businessman Dildar came in the limelight after the rape of two private university girls allegedly by his son Shafat and his cohorts in Raintree hotel at Banani.

One of the rape victims filed a case with Banani Police Station on May 6 accusing five people, including Shafat

The four other accused are Nayeem Ashraf, Shadman Sakif, Shafat's driver Billal, 26, and his bodyguard Abul Kalam Azad. However, the police have managed to arrest the five rape accused. Customs Intelligence officials raided five outlets of the jewellery house and the process of handing over the gold and diamond to Bangladesh Bank already has been started, said AKM Nurul Huda Azad, CIID's Additional Director General.

The confiscated operation was prompted by the incident of Banani rape which brought up allegations against Ahmed Shafat, son of the owner of Apan Jewellers, of boasting about his father's wealth, the Customs Official said.

The CIID officials held 498-kg of gold and some diamonds from five outlets in Gulshan, Uttara, Mouchak and Shimanto Square on May 14 and 15. The authorities kept the ornaments at the respective outlets, in accordance with the rules, and asked the shop authorities to bring the documents to the CIID office. There was no transparency regarding the gold worth around Tk 250 crore, the CIID's additional DG said.

The owners were first interrogated on May 17 when they sought 15 days to produce the valid documents. They failed to meet the deadline and sought more time to gather papers.

Nurul Huda of the CIID said that most of the gold is undocumented. "Only a small portion, not more than 12kgs, belongs to customers who have already paid for the gold."

In a query, the Customs official said they have returned around 3 kg gold to the clients after verifying necessary documents.

The CIID officials in May went for the crackdown amid allegation by one of the Banani Rape victims that the prime accused Ahmed Shafat, son of one of the owners of Apan Jewellers, bragged about being a gold smuggler.
Conspiracy behind Rupganj arms haul: Asad

UNB, Dhaka :

Minister for Home Affairs, Asaduzzaman Khan, on Sunday said there must be some conspiracies and destructive attempts of miscreants behind concealing the huge haul of arms in Purbachal area of Rupganj in Narayanganj.

The investigation is underway to find out the culprits involved with the incident, he said while talking to reporters at his Secretariat office.

He, however, said, "We have secret information that there might be some more arms concealed there those are yet to recover."

Replying to a question over security during the holy month of Ramadan, the minister said militancy in the name of Islam is not accepted by the countrymen.
United States Court of Appeals, Fourth Circuit. UNITED STATES OF AMERICA, Plaintiff - Appellee, v. MAHBOBEH SHARIATI, a/k/a Mahboubeh Shariati, Defendant - Appellant. No. 16-4527 Decided: June 02, 2017

Before TRAXLER and HARRIS, Circuit Judges, and HAMILTON, Senior Circuit Judge. Helen Eckert Phillips, PHILLIPS & THOMAS, PLLC, Abingdon, Virginia, for Appellant. Dana J. Boente, United States Attorney, William Guappone, Tax Division, UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE, Washington, D.C., for Appellee.

Mahbobeh Shariati appeals her conviction and 30-day sentence for criminal contempt of court, 18 U.S.C.  401(3) (2012), based on her violations of three bankruptcy court orders. Finding no error, we affirm. Shariati filed a Chapter 11 petition in September 2013; the case was converted to one under Chapter 7 in April 2014. At the time she filed her petition, Shariati and her husband owned certain property in McLean, Virginia. However, because Shariati had transferred the property from herself individually to herself and her husband immediately prior to filing the petition, the trustee moved to avoid the transfer. 11 U.S.C.  548 (2012). The bankruptcy court entered an order in January 2015 granting the trustee's motion to avoid the transfer, vesting title in the trustee. The order directed Shariati to cooperate with the trustee and his agents in connection with the marketing and sale of the property. Shariati did not appeal the avoidance order.

The trustee enlisted a real estate agent to sell the property. However, Shariati refused to cooperate. Specifically, Shariati failed to respond to communications from the trustee or the real estate agent, failed to provide a set of keys as directed by the court, denied access to the property, and refused to move out. Ultimately, in July 2015, Shariati was physically removed from the property by the Fairfax County Sheriff's Department, with the aid of the U.S. Marshal service. After the property was sold in August 2015, Shariati appeared and disrupted the final inspection. Shariati was twice charged with trespassing. Shariati returned a third time, changed the key on the realtor's lockbox, and was found living in the house. After a hearing, the bankruptcy court held Shariati in civil contempt and referred the matter to the district court to initiate criminal proceedings.

Shariati was charged with three counts of criminal contempt for violating three bankruptcy court orders: (1) a March 23, 2015, order directing her to allow the trustee and his agents access to the property; (2) an April 23, 2015, order directing her to vacate the property by May 5, 2015; and, (3) a June 23, 2015, order directing Shariati not to appear on the property, communicate with potential purchasers, or otherwise interfere with the sale of the property.

Court-appointed counsel filed a motion on Shariati's behalf requesting a hearing pursuant to Faretta v. California, 422 U.S. 806 (1975), because Shariati insisted on representing herself. The court initially denied the motion, but later allowed Shariati to represent herself with standby counsel. At the conclusion of the contempt hearing, the district court found Shariati guilty of all counts of criminal contempt and sentenced her to 30 days' imprisonment. Shariati appeals.

Shariati raises two arguments on appeal. First, she asserts that the district court erred by failing to consider her arguments regarding her husband's interest in the property. To the extent that Shariati is challenging the sufficiency of the evidence, we find that the evidence clearly supported her conviction. In order to be convicted of criminal contempt under 18 U.S.C.  401(3), the court must find: (1) a reasonably specific order; (2) violation of the order; and (3) the willful intent to violate the order. United States v. Allen, 587 F.3d 246, 255 (5th Cir. 2009) (per curiam). One may be found in contempt under  401(3) only if [she] willfully violated a decree that was clear and left no uncertainty in the minds of those that heard it. United States v. Westbrooks, 780 F.3d 593, 595 (4th Cir. 2015) (internal quotation marks omitted). The evidence here amply supported each of these elements. Each of the orders issued by the bankruptcy court clearly specified what was expected of Shariati, she clearly violated each of those orders, and willfully did so.

To the extent that Shariati argues that she should have been allowed to introduce evidence of her husband's ownership interest in the property, that evidence was not relevant to the district court's findings as to her violations of the bankruptcy court's orders. Moreover, any evidence concerning her husband's interest in the property was properly addressed in the transfer avoidance proceeding and Shariati failed to appeal that order.

Second, Shariati claim that the district court erred in finding that she waived her right to counsel. We review de novo a district court's determination that a defendant has waived her right to counsel. United States v. Owen, 407 F.3d 222, 225 (4th Cir. 2005). A defendant may waive the right to counsel and proceed at trial pro se only if the waiver is (1) clear and unequivocal, (2) knowing, intelligent, and voluntary, and (3) timely. United States v. Bernard, 708 F.3d 583, 588 (4th Cir. 2013); see Faretta v. California, 422 U.S. 806, 835 (1975).

Our review of the record reveals that the district court fully complied with Faretta in granting Shariati's motion to proceed pro se after a thorough hearing. Shariati first appeared in district court on January 8, 2016, on a show cause order, and was appointed counsel from the federal public defender's office. When she returned on January 22, 2016, Shariati informed the court that she wished to proceed without counsel and to represent herself. The court advised counsel to remain until a February 26, 2016, status hearing, at which time Shariati again expressed her desire to represent herself. Counsel filed a motion for a hearing pursuant to Faretta, noting that in addition to her statements through counsel in open court, Ms. Shariati has filed more than a dozen pleadings on her own behalf and unequivocally informed undersigned counsel that she wishes to proceed without counsel. The motion was denied, but the district court agreed to consider the issue again at trial, if necessary. At trial, Shariati again insisted on self-representation. The district court conducted a Faretta inquiry and allowed Shariati to proceed pro se, with standby counsel. Shariati clearly, unequivocally, and knowingly, waived her right to an attorney and, therefore, the district court did not err in allowing her to proceed pro se.

Accordingly, we affirm Shariati's conviction and sentence. We dispense with oral argument because the facts and legal contentions are adequately presented in the materials before the court and argument would not aid the decisional process.

AFFIRMED

PER CURIAM:
United States Court of Appeals, Fourth Circuit. UNITED STATES OF AMERICA, Plaintiff - Appellee, v. CHARLES DENNIS BOLDEN, SR., Defendant - Appellant. UNITED STATES OF AMERICA, Plaintiff - Appellee, v. CHARLES DENNIS BOLDEN, Defendant - Appellant. No. 16-4579, No. 16-4580 Decided: June 02, 2017

Before TRAXLER and KEENAN, Circuit Judges, and HAMILTON, Senior Circuit Judge. Kevin D. Docherty, BROWN, GOLDSTEIN & LEVY, LLP, Baltimore, Maryland, for Appellant. Rod J. Rosenstein, United States Attorney, Martin J. Clarke, Assistant United States Attorney, Baltimore, Maryland, for Appellee.

Charles Dennis Bolden, Sr., pled guilty to two counts of conspiracy, three counts of attempted extortion, and two counts of theft from a program receiving government funds, in violation of 18 U.S.C.  371, 666(a)(1)(A), 1951(a) (2012), and was sentenced to 15 months' imprisonment. On appeal, he contends the district court erred in applying a two-level enhancement under U.S. Sentencing Guidelines Manual  2B1.1(b)(1)(B), 2C1.1(b)(2) (2015), based on its finding that Bolden caused a loss of more than $6,500.

Rather than reviewing the merits of Bolden's challenge to the application of USSG  2B1.1(b)(1)(B), 2C1.1(b)(2), we may proceed directly to an assumed error harmlessness inquiry. United States v. Gomez-Jimenez, 750 F.3d 370, 382 (4th Cir. 2014) (internal quotation marks omitted). A Guidelines error is considered harmless if  (1) the district court would have reached the same result even if it had decided the guidelines issue the other way, and (2) the sentence would be reasonable even if the guidelines issue had been decided in the defendant's favor. Id. (internal quotation marks omitted). This Court must be certain that the result at sentencing would have been the same absent the enhancement. United States v. Montes-Flores, 736 F.3d 357, 370 (4th Cir. 2013) (internal quotation marks omitted). Here, the district court stated that it would have imposed the same 15-month sentence even if it had found the  2B1.1(b)(1)(B), 2C1.1(b)(2) enhancement inapplicable, and thus we may proceed to review Bolden's sentence for substantive reasonableness. See Gomez-Jimenez, 750 F.3d at 383.

When reviewing the substantive reasonableness of a sentence, we examine the totality of the circumstances to see whether the sentencing court abused its discretion in concluding that the sentence it chose satisfied the standards set forth in  3553(a). Id. (alteration and internal quotation marks omitted). A successful objection would have yielded a total offense level of 14 and a Guidelines range of 15 to 21 months' imprisonment. Since the actual sentence imposed would fall at the bottom of the applicable Guidelines range if Bolden's argument had succeeded, the sentence is presumptively reasonable. See United States v. Louthian, 756 F.3d 295, 306 (4th Cir. 2014) (Any sentence that is within or below a properly calculated Guidelines range is presumptively reasonable.). Based on our review of the record, we conclude that Bolden has failed to demonstrate that the sentence is unreasonable when measured against the 18 U.S.C.  3553(a) factors, id., as he must do to rebut the presumption of reasonableness.

Accordingly, we affirm the district court's judgment. We dispense with oral argument because the facts and legal contentions are adequately presented in the materials before this court and argument would not aid the decisional process.

AFFIRMED

PER CURIAM:
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!)
United States Court of Appeals, Eighth Circuit. United States of America Plaintiff - Appellee v. Yusuf John Jones Defendant - Appellant No. 16-2657 Decided: June 02, 2017

Before LOKEN, BEAM, and BENTON, Circuit Judges.

A jury found Yusuf Jones guilty of being a prohibited person in possession of a firearm after a two-day trial. See 18 U.S.C.  922(g)(1); 924(a)(2). The district court sentenced him to 48 months in prison. Jones appeals, arguing the district court erred in denying his post-conviction motion for judgment of acquittal, or in the alternative for a new trial, because the evidence was insufficient to convict and the jury's verdict was against the weight of the evidence. See Fed. R. Crim. P. 29, 33(a). Reviewing these issues under well-established deferential standards, we affirm.

1. Sufficiency of the Evidence. We review this issue de novo, viewing evidence in the light most favorable to the jury's verdict, resolving conflicts in the government's favor, and accepting all reasonable inferences that support the verdict. United States v. Harris-Thompson, 751 F.3d 590, 598 (8th Cir.) (quotation omitted), cert. denied, 135 S. Ct. 415 (2014).

At 2:10 a.m. on the morning of July 12, 2015, just after downtown bars had closed, patrolling Des Moines police officers Shawn Herman, Emily Shoff-Salsbery, and Brian Joseph heard a loud noise when a Pontiac backed over a curb as it left the parking lot of the Kamodo Club. Herman drove their patrol car behind the Pontiac, and Shoff-Salsbery, in the front passenger seat, ran the license plate and learned that the registered owner had a suspended driver's license and an outstanding warrant. Herman activated the squad car's emergency lights. The Pontiac turned a corner, drove back into the Kamodo Club parking lot, and pulled into a parking spot adjacent to a white car. A passenger door opened while the car was still moving, and a male later identified as Jones hurried out as the Pontiac stopped and fled around the front of the adjacent car. The officers gave chase. Joseph apprehended Jones after he ran a total of 20 to 25 feet. Jones immediately stated, I don't have anything on me. I don't have anything on me.

Officer Herman testified that, as Jones exited the vehicle, I believe I saw him pull what I thought was a firearm out of his waistband. Officer Shoff-Salsbery testified that she initially saw Jones jump out of the Pontiac and run but was only able to see his back. However, after Jones turned around the front of the adjacent car, she saw him reach into his waistband, saw a dark object, and heard something drop. Officer Joseph testified that he was in the back seat of the squad car but could see out the front by leaning forward in between the two front seats. As the Pontiac pulled into the parking spot, he saw Jones jump out of the back passenger seat and run away. Joseph testified that Jones immediately grabbed at his waistline and was hunched over and then, as he started to run, pulled what appeared to be a firearm out  [A]s he ran [he] made a jerking motion with his body and continued to run past two cars.

Convinced that Jones had discarded what was probably a firearm, the officers secured him in the squad car and searched the area, including the tarmac under the Pontiac and the adjacent car. The two persons in the adjacent parked car remained in their vehicle, blocked by the squad car. After twenty minutes, they asked permission to leave, which the officers granted. Herman then went to where the front of that car had been and began probing a small area of grass with high weeds, along the path where Jones had fled. His foot found the firearm buried in tall grass, 23 minutes after Jones was arrested. Herman testified that [Jones] was fairly quiet in our squad car until I started getting very close to the firearm, at which time he was trying to get my attention and yelling for me. Shoff-Salsbery, who remained with Jones in the squad car, testified that he became significantly more agitated when the firearm was found.

On appeal, Jones argues that no reasonable jury could have found beyond a reasonable doubt that he possessed the firearm because there were contradictions in the testimony of the three officers, Herman's police report omitted several details in their testimony, DNA testing of the firearm was inconclusive, and no fingerprints were taken. He also notes that the two individuals in the adjacent car were allowed to leave without being questioned. We conclude these contentions are not a basis to set aside the jury verdict. The alleged contradictions in the officers' testimony were relatively inconsequential, and witness credibility is entrusted to the jury. United States v. Haney, 23 F.3d 1413, 1416 (8th Cir.), cert. denied, 513 U.S. 898 (1994). We do not weigh the evidence or assess the credibility of the witnesses. The jury has the responsibility of resolving conflicts or contradictions in testimony, and we resolve any credibility issues in favor of the verdict. United States v. Thibeaux, 784 F.3d 1221, 1225 (8th Cir. 2015) (quotation omitted).

As the district court noted in denying Jones's post-verdict motions, [e]ach officer testified to observing indications that Defendant had a firearm and discarded it during his flight, and felt so convinced of this that they searched the area for a firearm after they apprehended Jones. We agree with the district court that, based on the trial evidence, a reasonable jury could find that Jones had actual possession of the firearm and discarded it during his flight.

2. Jones further argues, for the same reasons, that the verdict was against the weight of the evidence and the district court erred in denying his motion for a new trial. Motions for new trials based on the weight of the evidence generally are disfavored.  A district court may grant a new trial for insufficiency of the evidence only if the evidence weighs heavily enough against the verdict that a miscarriage of justice may have occurred. Harris-Thompson, 751 F.3d at 600 (quotation omitted). Here, the district court carefully weighed the evidence, found the officers credible regarding the most important aspect of their testimony, and concluded it could not say that Jones's conviction was a miscarriage of justice. The district court did not abuse its discretion in denying his motion for a new trial.

The judgment of the district court is affirmed.

FOOTNOTES

. The Honorable Stephanie M. Rose, United States District Judge for the Southern District of Iowa.

PER CURIAM.
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Reading through Proverbs monthly for three consecutive months has been a blessing. Proverbs 23:29-35 is a very appropriate passage for the church today. Who has woe? Who has sorrow? Who has strife? Who has complaints? Who has needless bruises? Who has bloodshot eyes? Those who linger over wine, who go to sample bowls of mixed wine. Do not gaze at wine when it is red, when it sparkles in the cup, when it goes down smoothly! In the end it bites like a snake and poisons like a viper.Your eyes will see strange sights and your mind imagine confusing things. You will be like one sleeping on the high seas, lying on top of the rigging. "They hit me," you will say, "but I'm not hurt! They beat me, but I don't feel it! When will I wake up so I can find another drink?" (NIV)I wish that the Bible contained a verse that says pointblank, straight out, that drinking alcohol is absolutely wrong, a sin against man, and a sin against God. But it doesnt. I dont know why it doesnt. I can only guess (please note my danger in guessing) that God intends our dealings with alcohol to somehow facilitate our growth. Wine is used in many places in the Bible as symbolic of joy. However, Proverbs 9, 20, 21, 23, Leviticus 10, Romans 14, etc. point out the dangers of drinking alcoholic beverages especially in excess. My observations, as a public school teacher, pastor, food pantry worker, etc. lead me to the obvious conclusion that intoxicating agents (alcohol and other drugs) are a terrible blight on individuals and society. Without a doubt, use of intoxicants leads to much crime. Intoxicants are contributing factors in many burglaries, murders, car wrecks, child abuse cases, spousal abuse cases, accidental deaths, etc. Addictive desire to purchase intoxicants leads many to a life of stealing. Oftentimes they steal from people they know, family members, friends, co-workers, bosses, etc. Thus they destroy relationships, ostracizing themselves from the only people who have a reasonable chance of helping them to deal with their real problem. As I think back over my lifetime, I do not remember ever seeing a situation where intoxicants were a blessing to anyone involved. I do, however, recall multitudes of times where intoxicants were the direct cause of many tragedies.Seven years ago, I visited a man in a local hospital who was many years younger than me. He was in intensive care, close to death, unable to communicate, unable to eat. He had no injury or sickness other than that caused by excessive alcohol consumption. He was following in the footsteps of his father. Words of comfort to his mother and his daughter were impossible to find. Preaching his funeral was a tough task. That same week, I met with another young father for a Bible study in an effort to mentor him. He arrived with the smell of beer on his breath and admitted to drinking prior to driving to the church. Confronting that situation was necessary but difficult.What should I have said each week as the needy came into the food pantry, when it was obvious that their use of intoxicants had brought them to the lowest levels of poverty? What can I say to the man whose use of intoxicants in moderation is not a problem for him but leads his child to use in excess? It seems to me that Proverbs 23, etc. make it plain that a man or a woman ought to treat intoxicants as they would a poisonous snake.
CARBONDALE  Dozens gathered in Turley Park in Carbondale on a steamy Saturday afternoon to make a list of demands, most notably the independent investigation of Russian meddling in last years election and its potential influence on the White House.

One in attendance was U.S. Sen. Dick Durbin who made an appearance before the March for Truth Rally sponsored by Indivisible 57. During his talk Durbin praised the attendees, saying they embodied what the United States was founded for.

Ive seen more energy and emotion on a local level in Illinois politics than I have seen in a long, long time, Durbin said during a news conference after the event. Durbin praised the effort for its calm and collected approach to activism.

We dont need fist fights; we dont need name calling, he said.

Durbin came to speak about the need for an independent investigation into Russian meddling in the 2016 Presidential election. He described a scene where, Russian trolls in Moscow sitting in front of computers, filling the internet with suspicious leaks and false news.

Durbin often referenced a report published by 14 intelligence agencies confirming there was Russian interference last year, which Durbin said is enough for him to ask for a special investigation outside of the House and Senate Committees and outside the current FBI investigation. Durbin said this probe needs to have subponea rights.

The senator also praised the appointment of Robert Mueller as special counsel for the FBIs investigation into Russian influence last year and potential collusion between Donald Trumps campaign and Moscow.

I am certain he will put the country first, Durbin said of Mueller. Durbin said he respects Mueller and will side with whatever his findings are.

Lets get to the truth of it, Durbin said, adding that he wont presume anything until evidence is considered by the officials.

For many in attendance, the issues being discussed went well beyond party lines.

This is not about who you voted for, Shannon Griffin, on of the primary organizers of the event, said in her introduction for Durbin. This is about the democracy we hold dear.

Griffin also called for an end to what she described as partisan bias entering both the House and Senate security investigations.

In recent months, reports from the Washington Post and the New York times have revealed potential conflicts of interest and questionable behavior by White House and Trump campaign staff, relying heavily on leaked information. The White House has since made vows to aggressively go after leaks. When asked about what the Senate could do to help protect leakers, Durbin said this is move to pursue leaks is not uncommon, adding that at times leaks can be dangerous to national security.

I understand this president trying to close down the leaks. But, I will tell you in an open society it is likely that that information is going to get out, he said.

Durbin also briefly touched on Trumps decision to leave the Paris Accord. He described the decision as, disastrous, adding that the U.S. is now dead last in the stewardship of the planet.

Not wanting to dance around the issue, Durbin said jobs are being lost in the coal industry to automation and the competitive prices of natural gas as a result of fracking. He said protecting the coal industry is important but so is embracing renewable energy jobs. He said this is the real answer to re-energizing the regions economy.
ST. LOUIS  Splashes of color reflect back from the other side of a glass window to the beginning English class at the International Institute in St. Louis: red bindi dots on the foreheads of women from Nepal, one who wears a red and white cap on her head, and assorted gold, brown and blue prints worn by women from Somalia and the Congo, who sit at two other tables, their heads covered by hijabs and scarves.

Across the hallway, another classroom is filled with more men and women, these dressed in assorted, more mainstream clothing, one man wearing a black cap with the word "Chicago" emblazoned across the front.

These are just two classes on the main level of the International Institute in St. Louis, where new immigrants and refugees learn how to become acclimated to the United States, how to understand or improve their English, find jobs or access other services. For almost 100 years, this institute has helped immigrants and refugees settle into this country. Staff call the facility a "Welcoming Center for New Americans."

On Wednesday, nine students from Southern Illinois University law professor Cindy Buys' law class visited the center, to see first-hand the services offered to these immigrants and refugees.

"This is the first time that I have taught this standalone class on asylum and refugee law," Buys explained the day after her class' visit.

"My point in taking the students to the refugee resettlement center was really to give them a sense of what's happening on the ground, right now, to get a sense of how does the refugee resettlement process works in the United States, what kind of services are provided to them. We can look at statistics online about where they come from, but I think it's different when you see it in person."

Her main job is at SIU, but she manages to do one to two pro bono asylum cases a year, she said. Part of Thursday's class assignment was to take notes on a 2010 interview she conducted on a man who successfully sought asylum in the United States.

She noted the distinction between immigrants and refugees, noting that the latter is a person who is fleeing their home country because of a well-founded fear of persecution, based on race, religion, nationality, membership in a particular social group or political opinion.

About the International Institute of St. Louis

The International Institute of St. Louis serves both immigrant and refugee populations.

The organization was founded in 1919 by the Young Women's Christian Association, which had already established similar centers elsewhere. Eventually, the International Institute of St. Louis separated from the YWCA.

In 2019, the institute plans to celebrate 100 years of serving immigrants and refugees.

Two years ago, the Institute enlarged its reach, relocating from a 30,000-square foot space into a 130,000-square-foot space in St. Louis' Tower Grover East neighborhood, on a block with two-story townhouses and an occasional yard sign welcoming the newcomers. That space previously housed an all-girls schools operated by the Sisters of the Most Precious Blood.

This past year, the institute provided services to 8,149 people, some 1,158 of whom were refugees, according to Kelly Moore, the center's external relations manager.

The International Institute of St. Louis runs on a nearly $7 million budget, providing services that range from health and mental health services; education, particularly English-language classes; job-preparation and readiness and employment information; and entrepreneurial services. A telephone voice recording directs those wanting to hire an immigrant to make a selection from the outgoing message system.

The vast majority of the refugees served at this center come from four major countries: Syria, Somalia, the Democratic Republic of Congo and Iraq. This past year, the institute served 1,115 refugees, the bulk from Syria (279), Somalia (211), the Congo (190) and Iraq (150).

Moore said the center is already feeling the impact of the Trump Administration's decision to scale down, to 50,000 to 70,000, the number of refugees allowed into this country. Former President Barack Obama, in response to the Syrian refugee crisis, had increased to 100,000 the number of refugees a year allowed into this country.

"(We're seeing an) "extremely low numbers of arrivals," Moore said. "(Over) the next four or five months, we only expect 100 in total."

It is not known if any IISTL-affiliated immigrants and refugees have relocated into Southern Illinois, but at least one Kurdish immigrant, who claims to be fleeing persecution from ISIS, is being supported financially by CAIRS  the Carbondale Area Interfaith Refugee Support  and other local organizations, according to Father Bob Flannery, head of St. Francis Xavier Church in Carbondale. Flannery has also toured the center.

How the students were impacted

Back at their summer class at SIU, the students shared about their experience at the center. Several expressed regret that they were not able to talk to some of the immigrants or refugees to hear their personal stories, up-close.

At least three of Buys' students said they could see themselves working with immigrant and refugee populations; John Wagener, with a Hispanic population back in his hometown of Tulsa and Sheena Hart, perhaps through later volunteerism with the Institute.

Fellow student Amanda Lesinski said she took the class as a direct result of Trump's travel ban to Muslim countries. In an email to The Southern, she wrote that she plans to return to Corpus Christi, Texas  a town about 150 miles from the Mexico border  to practice law and offer pro bono help for asylum seekers fearing persecution from drug cartels and drug traffickers.

"In 2013, only 2.3 percent of Mexican asylum applications were granted," Lesinski wrote. "This number is in sharp contrast to approved applications from other countries."

"As a law student, when I read the Executive Order, I understood the legal ramifications for individuals who were caught up in the travel ban," Lesinski wrote. "It warmed my heart to see so many attorneys show up at international airports to file emergency briefs."

"Most of us enter the legal profession because we enjoy helping people and we want to protect the rights of all citizens  regardless of whether they were born in the United States or whether they obtained citizenship through another channel," she wrote. "  Immigration shouldnt be political  it should be based on morals and doing what we can for others."
EDITOR'S NOTE: This is the first of an occasional series from the Belleville News-Democrat on the problem with opioid addiction in Illinois.

The opioid epidemic is no secret.

Opioids, powerful, morphine-like painkillers, contributed to nearly 1,200 overdose deaths in Illinois in 2016, according to provisional data from the Illinois Department of Public Health. Heroin played a role in the deaths of another 1,000 people, most of whom likely started with prescription drugs, according to a 2014 survey by Washington University in St. Louis.

Drugs such as hydrocodone and oxycodone have been abused at record levels in recent years, according to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration.

Studies have shown that the dangers of opioids stem from the strength and length of prescriptions. In Illinois, these and other prescribing trends have grown worse in the past decade for Schedule II opioids, the most addictive type legally available.

This problem is a practice known as doctor-shopping, according to data collected by the Illinois Prescription Monitoring Program, which records many types of prescriptions so doctors and pharmacists can see what their patients are taking and help catch people seeking fraudulent prescriptions.

There were about 3 million Schedule II opioid patients in Illinois each year from 2008 through 2016. They lived in every part of the state, though prescribing trends varied in certain areas.

In the metro-east, for example, Madison County averaged 97,000 patients a year, 12,000 more than St. Clair County, and filled 30 percent more opioid prescriptions, even though the counties have almost the same population.

But perhaps no area in the state has been more afflicted as a region than the 16 southernmost counties: Hardin, Pope, Saline, Gallatin, Franklin, Massac, Union, Williamson, Alexander, Jackson, Johnson, Perry, Pulaski, White, Randolph and Hamilton. Opioid prescription rates there are stronger in several categories than other parts of the state.

The BND analyzed data from the PMP for Schedule II opioid patients from 2008 through 2016 and found:

 The number of prescriptions statewide increased 18 percent, growing almost every year, from 1.77 to 2.09 per patient. In the southern 16 counties, though, there were more prescriptions, and they grew faster than the rest of the state. Prescriptions there grew 30 percent, from 2.16 to 2.75.

 The length of pain treatment statewide grew nearly 50 percent, increasing almost every year. In the southern 16 counties, however, the length of pain treatment was consistently three weeks longer than the rest of the state. The average length of pain treatment in deep Southern Illinois grew from 46 days to 69, but in the rest of the state, the time grew from 27 days to 39.

Due to changes in PMP reporting forms, some data are reliable from only 2012 through 2016:

 Patients daily dose of opioids remained consistent, at about seven pills of 7.5-mg hydrocodone a day. In the lower 16 counties, however, daily doses were actually between eight and 10 mg less per day.

 Despite a smaller daily dose, over the course of a year, the average opioid patient in the lower 16 counties filled 38 percent more milligrams of morphine-equivalent opioids than in the remaining 86 counties. (Morphine equivalency is a standard that compares opioids to morphine.) In the southern region, patients filled an average of 2,600 milligrams per year  about four 10-mg hydrocodone pills a day for 65 days  compared with patients in the rest of Illinois who filled 1,900 milligrams a year  about four 10-mg hydrocodone pills a day for 48 days.

 For some of the most popular opioids, the number of weaker doses decreased while the number of stronger doses remained the same. For example, the number of 2.5-, 5- and 7.5-mg hydrocodone tablets, prescribed fell 42 percent while the 10-mg tablets shrank just 2 percent. For oxycodone tablets, the number of 2.5-, 5 and 7.5-mg pills decreased by 7 percent while 10-, 15-, 20- and 30-mg tablets grew by 37 percent.

 For hydrocodone tablets, the most popular type by far, the majority were prescribed to a much smaller number of patients. Of the nearly 10 million patients who filled prescriptions for hydrocodone tablets, 20 percent of them filled prescriptions for 60 percent of the drugs.

The reasons for such variations in opioid prescribing data are unknown.

Some have speculated that the 16 southernmost counties in Illinois filled prescriptions for more opioids because of a larger elderly population, but the data dont contain patient age.

The Illinois Department of Human Services, which runs the PMP, said it does not study those trends.

Further research is necessary, a department spokeswoman said in an email.

Recovery in deep Southern Illinois

Dr. Aaron Newcomb first became aware of the growing opioid epidemic during his medical residency nearly a decade ago. There was no a-ha moment for him; it just became more obvious over time.

It was just really painful for staff and everyone involved, he said. The situation sticks out like a sore thumb.

After graduating from the family medicine program at Southern Illinois University Carbondale in 2008, he opened his own practice in nearby Murphysboro. There, he noticed some providers werent as cautious with prescribing opioids as he was.

I just kind of went with what the patients wanted (at first), he said.

A year later, he moved back to Carbondale, where his medical partner wouldnt prescribe opioids at all. Patients in pain would see her, but when she wouldnt prescribe anything for them, they would turn to Newcomb.

I wanted to try to do the best I could to prescribe and relieve suffering, and, at the same time, I wanted to be prudent about it, he said.

As the opioid crisis worsened, Newcombs interest in best prescribing practices spurred him to learn more about addiction medicine, which gives people in opioid recovery a normal functioning life. He took a 50-hour course, passed a 400-question test, and became certified in the subspecialty in 2010.

Taking the next step, he and Shawnee Health Service, his hospital group, developed an opioid-treatment program, trained nurses and support staff, and wrote up rules and procedures for treating addiction. To help with the new effort and make sure there were no coverage gaps, Newcomb recruited another medical provider into the fold.

Dr. Jeff Ripperda, who practices in Murphysboro, took a shorter, eight-hour course on addiction treatment, but a lot of what he and Newcomb learned came from looking at their own prescribing habits.

Newcomb, for example, thought people were still on drugs when they had to take medication to stay opioid-free.

I felt like people werent really sober when they were taking it, he said. One patient he spoke with had been stable for more than a decade with methadone, which is often used to treat for heroin addiction. It didnt make sense to Newcomb that the patients success was due to taking one drug to break an addiction to another.

Ripperda was challenged to rethink his entire approach to painkillers.

It took me objectively examining my own habits against the data, admitting that I was actually doing my patients a disservice with my previous practices, telling this to the patients when I announced a change in approach, and dealing with some backlash because of the change, he said.

In 2005, prescribing 180 mg of morphine-equivalent opioids a day was not uncommon, Ripperda said. In fact, he, too, wrote a prescription for that amount for a woman who had arthritis and some surgeries, but she still felt awful. Previous doctors kept raising her dosage, expecting her pain to go down, but she became constipated and drowsy. She had been on such strong painkillers for so long that she suffered from opioid-induced hyperalgesia, a condition that ironically ratcheted up the pain she felt.

Looking back, Ripperda said he felt embarrassed by how much hed prescribed, and he never gave anyone 180 mg of morphine-equivalent opioids again. The woman he treated has since moved away, and he sometimes wonders about how shes doing and his responsibility for her health.

Other factors, they concluded, were more systemic.

The doctors medical school training presented them with a large obstacle. Both were in medical school as the reins were loosened on opioid prescribing.

I remember distinctly being taught that chronic pain served no purpose and we should do whatever it takes to get patients out of pain, Newcomb said. I dont recall ever having a lecture on (the) basic science of addiction, either in med(ical) school or residency.

In the early 2000s, when he was doing coursework, doctors werent trained well to recognize addiction, Newcomb said, and even when it was obvious, addicted people were looked down on by the medical community as morally incompetent.

Ripperda said he felt betrayed by his education. Throughout medical school and his three-year residency, which he finished in 2007, doctors were taught to treat pain as a fifth vital sign, he said. Even though pain is subjective and cant be observed, it was equal to body temperature, pulse rate, breathing rate and blood pressure.

Boy, did we make a big mess with those ideas, he said.

Meeting the communitys needs

Newcomb and Ripperda started treating for opioid addiction in 2011, but as soon as they started, federal regulations limited the number of patients they could treat.

Although the doctors got the mandatory training to treat for opioid addiction, the Drug Addiction Treatment Act, passed by Congress in 2000, had capped the number of patients they could see at 30, in part to limit the risk that patients would sell their medications.

As the opioid epidemic worsened, the Department of Health and Human Services reconsidered the cap, raising it from 30 to 100, and in August 2016, raised it again to 275. Doctors must wait a year before applying for the next level.

The cap is a conundrum of the opioid epidemic: Doctors must be trained to treat addiction, and their patient limits are capped, but theres no special training outside of medical school or residency about the drugs that cause addiction, and doctors can treat as many patients as they want with the pills.

Lacking reliable data on how many people are addicted to opioids, Newcomb estimated there could be anywhere from 5,000 to 10,000 people who need medication-assisted treatment in the 16 southernmost counties.

Newcomb, who thinks the anti-opioid addiction medication buprenorphine should be more common, would like to see that change.

We understand addiction like depression now  and buprenorphine is for opiate addiction like Prozac is to depression, he said. Until it is recognized that way, we will continue to have a paucity of use for the most effective treatment and the epidemic will continue to rage on.

But, given the number of doctors who treat with buprenorphine, that seems unlikely to change.

As of late March, there were 22 doctors treating opioid addiction in the lower 16 counties, according to the federal Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, or SAMHSA, which implements the public health goals of the Department of Health and Human Services. However, those doctors have applied to treat only 1,990 patients, or about 90 per doctor.

By Newcombs assessment of people in need, thats only 20 to 40 percent of the total demand, but the real number is even lower. Because at least one doctor retired, and others, including Newcomb and Ripperda, limit their practices so they arent overwhelmed, there are, at most, only 1,650 treatment spots.

Not all prescribers will choose to treat the maximum 275 patients with opioid use disorders due to a number of practice-related factors, SAMHSA said in an email.

Newcomb estimated that about 50 to 60 percent of his patients do fantastic on buprenorphine, commonly known as Suboxone, a brand name. About another 20 to 30 percent of people who take it are opioid-free, but they sometimes use other drugs. The remaining 10 percent of his patients are still disintegrated with addiction and are sometimes discontinued from treatment.

According to SAMHSA, buprenorphine can be taken indefinitely, and one study showed that more than 90 percent of patients treated for only six to 12 months relapse. For these reasons, Newcomb keeps patients on the drug unless they request to stop. About half of his patients are taking it long-term.

But the success of buprenorphine presents another conundrum in the opioid epidemic: As more people seek relief from addiction, they take up a limited number spots on doctors treatment lists, so fewer people may be able to receive treatment.

Outside of private doctors, opioid addicts can go to medication-assisted treatment centers  a facility set up solely to treat addiction  but there arent any in deep Southern Illinois. The closest ones are in Evansville, Indiana; Paducah, Kentucky; and Cape Girardeau, Missouri. None of these centers would say how many people from Illinois they treat.

The Comprehensive Addiction and Recovery Act, signed into law in July 2016, now allows trained nurses and physician assistants to treat up to 100 people with buprenorphine, according to Patsy Jensen, executive director of Shawnee Health Services where Newcomb and Ripperda work.

Shawnee plans to expand its treatment capacity in Carbondale with two addiction-focused nurse practitioners, but that still may not be enough.

Even with adding (mid-level practitioners), we still will not meet the community needs, Jensen wrote in an email.

Explaining the numbers  The data this story used from the Illinois Prescription Monitoring Program is available fo

Hope on the horizon

Today, both doctors have a positive outlook on the future use of opioids.

Much of the medical community no longer recognizes pain as a fifth vital sign, and doctors old prescribing habits are starting to change, they said.

Lawsuits, too, are trying to reclaim how the medical community views the dangers of opioids by going after the pharmaceutical companies that some allege marketed these drugs too forcefully.

One such lawsuit, filed in April in St. Clair County on behalf of Illinoisans, alleges that drug companies, through a sophisticated and highly deceptive and unfair marketing campaign that began in the late 1990s, deepened around 2006, and continues to the present, set out to, and did, reverse the popular and medical understanding of opioids.

Despite their broad reactions to opioids, both Newcomb and Ripperda still consider them important tools in alleviating some types of pain. Both still prescribe them, but they limit themselves based on their research, some of which can be found in the CDCs guidelines for prescribing opioids for chronic pain.

Ripperda has a strict 40 mg. morphine-equivalency dose limit per day, no matter the diagnosis. Newcomb tries to limit his patients to that, too, but some are on as much as 60 to 80 mg. And for end-of-life care, even higher doses of opioids is not controversial at all, he said.

Part of Ripperdas change was assessing how his own actions compared to trends, something he thought not enough medical providers are doing.

Physicians, nurse practitioners, and (physician assistants) are all generally not very good epidemiologists, he said. Advances in scientific data frequently require that we physicians admit that what we were doing before maybe wasnt helpful or, worse, was possibly harmful. Its hard to admit that.

Still, Newcomb and Ripperda are hopeful about the future, and they think that the medical profession is more aware of pain-management education and addiction.

We now know for a fact that people are born with structural brains susceptible to developing addiction and that active disease literally changes the biochemistry and anatomy of the brain, Newcomb said. It is a neurobiological disease, not just bad decision-making.

Ripperda added: I have the utmost faith that the next generation of physicians will be better at preventing, recognizing, and treating addiction than my generation is. Each generation of physicians has learned from the successes and failures of the generation before it. As long as medicine continues to attract bright, motivated people, this will always be the case.
Morgan Stanley chairman and CEO James Gorman said the market "overestimated the uncertainties in China," reaffirming the investment bank's bullish stance on the world's second largest economy.

Gorman told Xinhua on the sidelines of Morgan Stanley's China Summit, which ran from Wednesday to Friday in Beijing.

"China has recognized it has to slow the debt-to-GDP growth, deleverage and open up its capital market. All of these things happen in small steps, but generally I think China is relatively well-positioned to weather the challenges."

His remarks came amid jitters about the country's financial risks including bond default and debt problems.

Rating agency Moody's lowered China's long-term local currency and foreign currency issuer ratings from Aa3 to A1, the same level as Japan.

Gorman said he was not "terribly troubled by that" as the rating was still strong.

"The downgrade is a sign that China needs to start deleveraging, but I think the Chinese government was already on that path. The market reaction to it was relatively muted," Gorman said. "The economy is going through enormous transition but is fundamentally stable."

Chinese financial regulators are increasing risk control and deleveraging as a firmer economic footing in the first quarter provided more scope for adjustments.

Risks are common in an economy of China's size, Gorman said. "But if you see through the risks, China remains a pretty attractive investment opportunity."

The Chinese economy posted 6.9-percent growth in the first quarter of this year, the fastest increase in 18 months and above the 6.8 percent registered in the previous quarter. But concerns are on the rise that the momentum may soften soon and some analysts have predicted that growth has peaked and a downturn will take shape in the second half.

Gorman believes China's push for an economic shift from investment to consumption will sustain growth. "China can create a true high-income economy, and a domestic consumption- and service-driven economy. There has been steady progress."

Consumption contributed 77.2 percent of the economic growth in the first quarter, up from 64.6 percent in 2016, data from the National Bureau of Statistics showed. The proportion of services also improved.

In a lengthy report released in March, the New York-based investment bank predicted China would be able to avoid the middle income trap, with its per capita income reaching 12,900 U.S. dollars to become a high-income country in the next decade, up from the current 8,100 U.S. dollars.

The economic transition, however, will still be challenging, Gorman said.

He pointed out there was more to do in improving financial transparency and helping state-owned enterprises become competitive globally. "The Chinese economy is thriving because it is innovating," Gorman said, citing business leaders including Alibaba and adding that he hoped more Chinese tech firms would continue to innovate.

"It will have some tough moments over the next decade, which is unavoidable. But that does not change our long-term view on China, therefore, Morgan Stanley needs to have a bigger presence here."

Morgan Stanley's meeting assembled global investors looking for new opportunities in the country and executives from domestic listed firms eager to expand internationally.

"Global investors are more positive than a year or two ago. President Xi Jinping's strong leadership and important decisions have positioned China well for the future," Gorman said.

A pioneer in the Chinese market, Morgan Stanley will celebrate its 23rd anniversary here this year with more than 1,000 local employees.

During the interview, Gorman also said while politically the global picture is uncertain, economically the world is "solid and stable," with stronger growth in the United States and Japan, as well as the recovery in the European Union.
Research practices in China recently hit the international headlines again. Springer, the publishing behemoth jointly based in Germany and the U.S., retracted more than a hundred scientific articles authored by Chinese scientists from its journals.

Apparently, "fake" peer reviews were behind the latest retractions: Scrutiny of research articles undertaken by third parties were not conducted as independently or impartially as appearances may have suggested.

This kind of news, yet again, is really disheartening to the majority of Chinese scientists who rigorously comply with the requirement for ethical research, and it exasperates me. Admittedly, Springer pointed out that research fraud is a global problem; however, China is often singled out.

In response, Shang Yong, Executive Vice Chairman of the China Association for Science and Technology (CAST), pledged zero tolerance of academic fraud -- yet again. "China will resolutely contain the breeding and spread of academic fraud and deal with such misconduct seriously," he told Xinhua News Agency on May 25.

Last December, CAST implemented a regulatory framework to facilitate suppressing any misconduct. However, anecdotal evidence suggests it remains rampant in some sections of Chinese science, as admitted by researchers themselves.

The results of a new survey of Chinese biomedical researchers published in April 2017 in the journal Science and Engineering Ethics suggests some 40 percent of researchers in the country may have had dealings with research misconduct in one way or another.

Whether this is an accurate figure, the conclusion that Chinese academics feel research misconduct remains a major problem is unmistakable. Rather than focusing on the numbers, this calls for a renewed focus on the bigger issues, the underlying reasons for unethical behavior.

Shang Yong concurred, stating that "lessons should be drawn from scientific fraud and efforts are needed to reform the evaluation system for scientists, scientific projects and institutions for scientific research."

The one-size-fits-all evaluation system routinely applied for assessment of the country's researchers is long overdue for major reform. CAST is now taking the lead in addressing this at ministerial level -- good news for the majority of honest researchers.

Indeed, almost three-quarters of the respondents to the biomedical survey were of the opinion that the assessment system needs to change, with only 13 percent supporting further regulatory measures.

Among the most common types of misconduct reported were plagiarism -- reusing someone else's words or ideas without proper attribution -- and authorship issues. This could take the form of adding "famous" names to papers without those authors' consent, in the hope of securing an easier time through the peer-review process, often known as "gift authorship."

Education policy researcher Shuangye Chen of East China Normal University in Shanghai, quoted in a recent article about this problem on the whistle-blowing website RetractionWatch.com, referred to the complicated Chinese research ecosystem: "It's more complicated in the Chinese context. [] They try to do it as a kind of collective. They know that someone who is [up for promotion] needs this kind of paper or authorship. They would gift this kind of authorship, not as an individual act, but to benefit the whole group or the whole lab."

The underlying problem here is that research output is often exclusively based on the numbers of publications scientists have produced, without any consideration of quality. Most of the time, only publications achieved as "first author" count toward promotion, tenure, or award decisions, which has an additional negative side-effect in that it hinders research collaboration.

Collaboration is the bread and butter of the research enterprise; they are almost always more than the sum of their parts, so a system that actively discourages research collaboration raises eyebrows internationally.

The Chinese research evaluation system has long relied on external validation, particularly by counting articles published in internationally peer-reviewed journals. That may have been an appropriate approach 40 or 50 years ago, when the country's nascent research infrastructure and ecosystem could not rely on many experienced senior researchers.

However, today, thousands of highly qualified researchers return to Chinese universities and research institutes from abroad every year, and, in many disciplines, the domestic research community is on a par with their international counterparts.

There is no good reason to stick to counting numbers in evaluating research. China's domestic institutions are fully capable of embracing an approach that values quality rather than quantity.

Perhaps it's just a matter of political will to reform the system to make it more competitive and reduce the pressure that pushes some of our colleagues to commit academic fraud. Let's hope that the CAST initiative will lead to positive change, including in terms of international perceptions.

Richard de Grijs is a columnist with China.org.cn. For more information please visit:

http://www.china.org.cn/opinion/RicharddeGrijs.htm

Opinion articles reflect the views of their authors, not necessarily those of China.org.cn.
Eleven students from The Technology Center Family, Career and Community Leaders of America attended the South Carolina FCCLA State Conference and STAR Events competition March 10-12 at the North Charleston Convention Center.

While at the conference, students had the opportunity to compete in several STAR events categories. FCCLA offers 33 STAR (Students Taking Action for Recognition) events and the Technology Center competed in six of those categories. Ten of 11 Technology Center students were first-time competitors.

Tamyshia Owens, Lillian James and Alexis Colter competed in the Chapter Showcase Project Display category and received first place-gold. The title of their project was "Social, Academic Mentoring Program."

D'Zhane Bailey and ZanQuandria Reed competed in the national programs in the Action category and received first place-gold. The title of their project was "Bullying Stops Here!"

Desia Ryant competed in the Focus on Children category, also receiving first place-gold. The title of her project was "On Your Mark, Get Set, READ!"

In addition, Chamara Williams competed in the Job Interview category and received first place-gold for her project titled "Becoming a Pastry Chef."

Also earning first place-gold were Breannah Black and Mary Jennings, who competed in the Illustrated Talk category. The title of their project was "Stop, Click and Go!" This team presented a skit on the use of seat belts on school buses.

Brianna Grimes and Johnnedria Duley competed in the Entrepreneurship category, earning first place-silver. The title of their project was "Kids Having Fun While Learning!"

The students who received first place-gold awards will represent South Carolina in their respective STAR event categories this summer in Nashville, Tennessee.

The students are advised by Early Childhood Educational teachers and FCCLA advisers Teresa Brown and Mercedes Walker of The Technology Center.
"The only thing that really counts in life is what you do for someone else."

Retired Orangeburg County Director of Fire Services Gene Ball hopes hes remembered for following those words.

"I found an opportunity to be a help in a time of need," the 74-year old Ball said. "I think that is key. I found myself having a mission in life over the years. It is my destiny."

Ball retired June 2 from the fire district he helped form back in July 1997.

He will remain with the fire district, serving as a project manager and consultant reporting to the Orangeburg County Fire Commission. He also plans to volunteer with the Vance Fire Department.

Ball is also a pastor at Santee Bible Baptist Church. He will continue to serve as chaplain for the South Carolina State Association of Fire Chiefs after retirement.

Former Orangeburg County Chief Fire Operations Officer Teddy Wolfe will become the county fire service director. Wolfe has served the district for about 17 years.

Community servant

Born in Florence on May 26, 1943, Ball was raised in the city before moving to Elloree at the age of 6.

After leaving the area for a time, Ball moved back to Elloree at the age of 12. He stayed in the town through high school.

"Elloree was my home until I actually was married in 1970," Ball said.

Ball married his sweetheart, Judy, and the couple moved to Greenville were Ball began his journey of working for the Lord. The couple had one son, Stephen.

He graduated from Bob Jones University in 1973 with a degree in Bible and pastoral studies. Ball also did some masters level work at the University of South Carolina in Columbia in the area of education, but he says God had him heading into fire service.

Ball says the story began in April 1979.

"I was persuaded to take a fire course so that we would have enough people to fill the class," Ball said. "I had no desire to be in the fire department. I took that 42-hour course with the Fire Academy at what was to become the Santee Fire Department."

Ball said he found that serving in the fire district was a way to express his love and serve others.

"That way I could be out there when somebody was really in trouble," he said. "I could help them or put the fire out at their home or to speak to them afterward. That is what I have always viewed myself as: a community servant. I am not special, but I am just a regular country boy who found a niche in life."

Ball was initially involved as a chaplain and in administrative/grievance outreach.

"I found myself responding to more fires and going to fires because nobody else was available," he said. "There was a fire phone put in my home. There was no 911 system. We had seven telephones."

Ball was answering calls.

"We would discuss where the fire was, what the problem was and then we would call people from various places ... and get those people to go out," he said.

In time, Santee got its own radio tower. That helped propel the fire department into a more organized system.

Ball become a charter member of the 10-member Santee District Volunteer Fire Department. He served as lieutenant and then a battalion chief.

He became co-chief of the department in the early 1990s, a position he held for about 18 months.

In November 1992, Ball was named chief of the Santee Fire Department.

Ball became a certified fire marshal in 1991. He has taken more than 110 fire academy courses over the years.

He has also served as a fire academy instructor, arson investigator and fire and life safety educator.

Ball was with the department for about 20 years. He noted that he never had to respond to a fire during church services.

"It never conflicted," he said.

Ball took the Santee fire chief position with the stipulation that something be done about the areas Class 9 Insurance Service Office rating.

An ISO rating reflects the fire protection available to a home. The lower the rating, the lower the home insurance premiums.

"It was probably about two years before we actually did the rating because of record keeping, training and ... various things that had to be done to accomplish a fire rating," he said.

During his tenure, the Santee fire district's fire rating improved to a Class 4.

Before the county

fire district

Before the countywide fire district was created, the local fire departments were meeting in sheds and, in some cases, barns without any doors, Ball said.

"Pine Hill was given a building that was already old and they had one of the best buildings in the county at the time," Ball said. "The rest were like old sheds. The cracks in the doors, it would be near impossible to try to heat it in the wintertime."

Ball said some of the rural parts of the county did not have fire service. Departments had to be created in Sawyerdale and Four Holes for them to get service.

"Holly Hill was funded through the town and, yes, they had some pretty good equipment, but none of their equipment was newer than 20 years old," Ball said.

Vance had a pumper that was built in 1938 and Eutawville had a pumper, but the largest hose they had was a 1-inch diameter line, he said.

"That is what you fight a dumpster fire with," Ball said. "We had to find a method to the madness of trying to get it done in the most effective manner.

"The funding was just not there."

Fire district

created

The Santee fire district operated as a special purpose tax district that collected tax money to fund the areas fire service. Its success meant it served as the gold standard for what other departments could accomplish.

"We saw a great advantage in a funded system," Ball said. "Santee was getting tax money, so we could do things other fire departments could not do.

It would be impossible for the fire rating of the county to be improved unless there was some funding mechanism. Why could this not be extended to other areas of the county?"

In the early 1990s, officials began visiting other counties with fire districts.

"At this point in time, we had to do a lot of building coalitions," Ball said. "We began to have fire department meetings. It was everywhere from Springfield, to North, Branchville, Eutawville, Elloree, Wolfton and various places throughout the county."

Ball said the general consensus around 1993 was that there needed to be a countywide funded system.

But he says there were challenges.

"We were dealing with a previous county council which really did not want to hear about this countywide fire service," Ball said.

He said there were two members of council -- Danny Covington and Silas Seabrooks -- who were supportive.

"They really began to get a hold of this thing," Ball said. "They saw the importance of pursuing it and through a series of events ... we came to some conclusions and came with some ideas."

"We got out and had town meetings and met with town councils about seeking a county-funded source," Ball said. "They were on board with getting money in, but there was still the independence of both volunteers and the town systems. We had to come up with some alternatives."

Ball said there was some talk about regional systems. Before long, it became clear that a countywide system was the way to go.

"The funding was the key issue. How was it going to be funded?" he said.

He said there were some concerns early on.

"We were afraid that the smaller departments would be left out in the cold and the larger departments would be the grand recipients," he said. "This is where we had to come up with a certain funding formula."

A fire task force was formed which had the backing of Orangeburg County Council, and especially Chairman John Rickenbacker.

"He was very much in favor of seeing that all citizens in the county had a means of improving the fire service," Ball said.

In June 1994, the county funded what was called the Harry Askins report. The report was an assessment of all the needs of the fire departments.

The report led to the creation of the Orangeburg County Fire District, which is funded through a 17-mill tax.

Ball and six others who were involved in fire operations developed a 14-page fire plan that led to a countywide fire district ordinance designed to take into account regional concerns.

One of the fruits of their labors was the formation of the seven-member Orangeburg County Fire Commission and the Fire Advisory Board. The FAB is made up of fire chiefs and officers from seven different regions in the county and advises the Fire Commission on district needs.

Orangeburg County voters approved the countywide system in 1996 and in July 1997, the district was officially created.

Fire districts

growth

The district started with 88 pieces of equipment with the average age of a truck about 29 years old. Elloree had the newest truck at 22 years old, Ball said.

The districts 23 departments received $19,000 in the first year to purchase personal protective gear for each department's 10 to 15 members.

"For instance, Branchville had four sets of bunker gear," Ball said. "It was on the truck but nobody had personal gear. So what you had to do when you went to a fire, you put the bunker gear on  it may not fit. You had four and that was it."

He said the next effort was to purchase trucks.

"There was opposition at first and people said Why did not you not build the buildings first and put the truck in the building," Ball said. "Well you can't put the fire out with a building."

In September 1998, 15 new pumpers arrived from Pearce Manufacturing. The first trucks were purchased through a seven-year lease-purchase agreement.

The district got creative when it came to housing the new vehicles.

"We did things from making makeshift tents from what we found," Ball said. "In some areas, six posts went up and you put a tarp over the top of it so you could drive the truck under it until property could be found to build a station."

The station program began in 1999 when Orangeburg County Council came up with $3.1 million for buildings. The effort was financed through a 15-year bond which the district has since paid off.

"Today, the trucks are paid for and there is no debt in the fire service," Ball said with a smile.

Since the district's formation, 72 new trucks -- tankers and pumpers -- have been purchased.

About 50 different properties have been purchased and 39 new fire stations erected. Ball said 12 of the buildings have had additions put on them.

The district has received more than $11 million in federal vehicle and equipment grants, which in most cases require a local 5 percent to 10 percent match.

About 27 vehicles have been purchased using federal money over the years.

Ball credits Wolfe for being instrumental in the district's successful application for grants.

Today, the rural areas that once had a Class 9 ISO rating are now mostly a Class 4 and Class 5 rating. Ball said the initial goal was to reduce ratings to a Class 7.

He said the rating improvements have saved homeowners more than $4 million annually on home insurance premiums.

A fire complex and headquarters was built on 18 acres near Interstate 26 and U.S. Highway 301. This site includes an administration building, a central fire station, a maintenance building, a fire tower and burn building.

There were some challenges along the way.

Early on, some members of the North Volunteer Fire Department felt like they could provide adequate fire service without joining the county fire district.

Also, the district initially contracted with the town of Elloree to provide fire services outside the town.

But growth, good recommendations from other communities and economic benefits led both towns to join the district about five years after its inception.

Currently, Santee and Orangeburg are the only two areas not in included in the countywide district.

Looking back

Ball said he regrets the Santee department has not come into the countywide district.

"It was our recommendation that Santee would stay out of the county system for approximately five years to let the rest of the county catch up," Ball said.

Ball said the Santee district does have its own funding, but he is concerned about its future.

"I do not know how they will be able to survive the advances in technology and the need for equipment," he said.

The department does have the equipment it needs to fight fires, he said. "At this time they are holding their own."

Ball also regrets that the City of Orangeburg continues to cover an area outside the city without tax funding.

"In the long term, it is untenable," Ball said. "You cannot buy the kind of equipment you need to buy and maintain the system when you don't have money to do it with."

He is generally satisfied with how the district has grown.

"Now you can count on effective emergency response, in my case fire response, for every citizen in this county," he said.

Beyond his role as an administrator, Ball says he has also fought a lot of fires.

Ball says the largest that can he recall was the old Days Inn fire in Santee in February 2008.

"It was so involved," Ball said. "At the end of the day, I counted 72 firefighters that were dressed out in bunker gear on that scene. We had four different counties covered and numerous fire departments in our county. That is the largest turnout we have had."

Ball said several civilians were even helping fill up air packs and providing refreshments for the firefighters.

Perhaps the most expensive fire was the fire at Don's Car Crushing in September 2011, which required about $35,000 in foam.

"It was the fuel source and the manner in which it was stacked," he said.

Hes seen people lose their loved ones in fires and vehicle accidents.

"My faith in the life hereafter gives me hope that possibly these people may be there in their eternal state," Ball said. "A lot of things in this life are temporary.

We are blessed to know people and to be their friends while we can, but the time of exit does occur."

Looking ahead

As growth continues, volunteers get older and fewer young people step up, Ball believes the county fire service will become a paid service sometime in the future.

Currently, there are 400 volunteers. Most are over 35 years old and many are already retired.

"We are geared for that," he said. "Remember the City of Columbia at one time was all volunteer. Now today it is a paid service."

The district should continue keeping its fire trucks up to date and add new ladder trucks, he said.

"The big need in this county right now is ladder trucks," he said. "This is going to be a fortune."

Ball says West Middle's 1976 ladder truck is in ill repair and ladder trucks in Holly Hill and North are aging.

"With the industrial park out here and John Matthews park, they are going to have to have a ladder truck or they will lose their fire rating," Ball said. "When buildings are more than two stories high, you need a 35-foot ladder truck."

Ball said he can rest easy knowing he has left the district in good hands.

"Teddy has come through the ranks," Ball said. "He has earned his wings, so to speak, and he is ready to fly."

Ball said Wolfe has the technical expertise to see the district continues to move forward.

Personally, Ball says he will miss the day-to-day interactions of the fire district and the art of keeping all things working together.

"Disagreements and policy," he says are two things he will not miss.

He says he and his wife, who he praised for her support through all the years, have already traveled the world.

"I see myself as less active, but still active as long as my health holds," he said.
We have just completed another academic year and it was yet another historic period in Claflins illustrious history. We are extremely pleased with the accomplishments made in this current climate of uncertainty regarding national support for historically black colleges and universities. It is unfortunate that HBCUs must constantly defend reasons for their existence.

Research reveals that HBCUs represent 3 percent of two and four-year colleges and universities and enroll 10 percent of African-Americans attending them. Significantly, HBCUs graduate 25 percent of all African-Americans earning a bachelors degree and at an affordable cost.

Claflins academic year focused on a number of priorities that were achieved. Our strategically defined recruitment effort resulted in the largest freshman class in university history and enrollment reached 2,000 for an all-time high. With the board of trustees, alumni, faculty and staff giving their strongest support, the university was able to begin the year with a dynamic strategic plan, Claflin LEADS: A Shared Vision for the 21st Century. The plan provides our path and navigational tools to greater prosperity.

The plan also places much emphasis on student success beyond the walls of Claflin, an essential element of the universitys mission. When viewed in its entirety, the plan enhances the universitys prominence in higher education and sustains its relevance as a leading 21st century institution of higher education.

We are most pleased with the launch of the RN to Bachelor of Science degree in nursing. This was significant as Claflin has become a key player in credentialing nurses for upward mobility in the health care profession. In partnership with the Regional Medical Center and Orangeburg-Calhoun Technical College, this is another evidence of the universitys commitment to collaboration in addressing community and regional needs. Claflins commitment to partnering in preparing and developing teachers continued with the launching of a new Master of Education degree in curriculum and instruction.

Another signature accomplishment was the recognition of a faculty member in the Department of Mathematics and Computer Science who became the second Claflin faculty member to receive the prestigious National Science Foundation CAREER Faculty Award designation and a research grant of $550,000. This NSF recognition speaks volumes about the universitys world-class faculty and its research efforts to improve the human condition.

We are most proud to be the recipient of the UNCF/Lilly Endowment Career Pathways Initiative award along with Benedict College and Voorhees College.

As the lead institution for the Carolina Cluster Career Pathways Program, Claflin received $3.3 million of the $6 million grant among the three institutions. The Carolina Cluster Career Pathways Program will prepare students for high-paying private and public sector occupations in the Carolinas and elsewhere. It seeks to do this by guided pathways, curricular enhancements and integrated co-curricular engagement. This Carolina Cluster Pathway Program is our collaborative response to Americas need for talent and our graduates desire to be competitive in obtaining high-paying 21st century jobs.

Alumni support remains at a high level, which is crucial as we seek support from individuals, businesses and corporations. Support begins internally and when we cite that alumni annual support hovers around 50 percent, our case for support becomes more compelling.

But we can hardly rest on our laurels. We begin anew immediately after graduation and a new year will again test our resolve to continue Claflins path to certifiable excellence and greater prosperity. I want to thank all who contributed to the university this past academic year and look forward to your continued support.
Gov. Henry McMaster this past week put his signature on legislation improving the South Carolina Freedom of Information Act.

Changes have been a priority for the news media in South Carolina, with a number of lawmakers due praise for working diligently over more than a half-decade before finally achieving success this year.

The governor was joined at the ceremonial signing by representatives of the S.C. Press Association, the organization of the states newspapers that was out front all the way in seeing the reforms into law. The mood was celebratory as the FOIA is an essential tool for professional journalists to adequately do their job of serving as a watchdog on government.

Not to be lost, however, is the importance of the changes to every South Carolinian. The FOIA is not a law for journalists only. It provides government access for every citizen, including the many having never sought a public record or attended a public meeting. If and when their time comes, the strengthened law will be there to better serve them.

Key changes include:

 Criminal penalties for FOIA violations, which have never been imposed, were removed. Violators are now subject to awards for damages and attorney fees.

 The waiting period for response to a request for access to public records is reduced from 15 days to 10. If the records at issue are older than two years, an agency has 20 days to respond to an FOIA request. Before the change, no time limit existed for when documents had to be provided.

 Agencies are required to post fees for searching and copying documents. That fee schedule replaces the reasonable cost provision that has come to mean anything from an agency billing a person thousands of dollars for research to amounts far above market rates for making copies of documents. The bill requires agencies fees not to exceed the prorated hourly salary of the lowest-paid agency employee. Copying fees would have to be at the commercial rate and cannot be charged if documents are transmitted by electronic means.

 If a public record exists digitally, a person has the right to request and receive it via electronic transmission.

As much as the changes in FOIA are a peoples victory to be celebrated, the governor was on target at the signing ceremony in lamenting the absence of a key provision of the legislation.

At present, if an individual (or media organization) has a problem getting a request for public information filled, the person must file a lawsuit, hire an attorney and take the matter before a circuit judge. Depending on the severity of the situation, individuals and media likely and understandably will not want to spend the money and have so long a time go by as a request runs through the legal process.

The solution was creation an Office of Freedom of Information Act Review with the Administrative Law Court to hear direct challenges from citizens or media pertaining to alleged FOIA violations.

But Sen. Margie Bright Matthews of Colleton County for the second year objected to establishment of the Office of Freedom of Information Act Review based on cost and her assessment that people in her district cannot afford to go to Columbia to argue an FOIA matter.

So the legal remedy remains the circuit court, which requires hiring an attorney, though the compromise that got the bill through the Legislature and to McMaster requires an initial court hearing within 10 days. Previously cases could be delayed indefinitely.

"But it's still in circuit court, and that's a cumbersome way to go," McMaster said.

The governor and lawmakers championing FOIA as a vital tool for government transparency vow not to rest on the success of 2017. How much sentiment there will be for revisiting the law again soon is unknown. But if the FOIA is to become more functionally useful, giving people a way to seek enforcement of its provisions without spending thousands of dollars in legal fees remains a priority.
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Chinese Premier Li Keqiang (C), European Council President Donald Tusk (L) and European Commission President Jean-Claude Juncker co-chair the 19th China-EU leaders' meeting in Brussels, Belgium, June 2, 2017. [Photo/Xinhua]

Chinese Premier Li Keqiang wrapped up on Friday a two-day visit to Belgium, where he met with European leaders and reaffirmed their commitment to developing a stable relationship between China and the European Union (EU) in face of growing global uncertainties.

The two sides have also sent out positive signals to the world with their resolution to champion free trade and globalization, and to carry forward the global fight against climate change despite setbacks.

Stability amid uncertainties

During his stay in Brussels, the Chinese premier attended the 12th EU-China Business Summit, and co-chaired the 19th China-EU leaders' meeting with European Council President Donald Tusk and European Commission President Jean-Claude Juncker.

At both events, Li highlighted the importance of a stable and increasingly strong China-EU relationship in face of rising global uncertainties.

China highly values its relations with Europe and supports the EU countries to choose their own path of integration, Li told Tusk and Juncker during their annual meeting, adding that his country is happy to see an Europe that is unified, stable, open and prosperous.

The premier said he hopes the meeting could send a positive signal that the China-EU relationship remains stable and is steadily improving, and that they could respond to the global uncertainties with stability of their cooperation.

Noting that China and the EU have kept making new progress in their cooperation in recent years, Li urged the two sides to better align their development strategies, expand two-way opening up and push forward their negotiation on an investment agreement.

He encouraged the two sides to boost cooperation in such fields as infrastructure, aviation, information and network security, finance and renewable energy, among others.

The two sides should also take the opportunity of the "2018 EU-China Tourism Year" to further facilitate people-to-people exchanges, he added. ( Calling their meeting with the Chinese premier "constructive" and "fruitful," Tusk and Juncker told a joint press conference that the EU and China are important strategic and cooperative partners, and both sides attach great importance to their bilateral relations and cooperation.

Champions of free trade and globalization

Economic and trade ties topped the agenda of Li's Europe trip. In a keynote speech at the Business Summit, Li said both sides believe they should go with the tide of globalization and push forward globalization to make it fairer and more inclusive.

It is clear that globalization has brought tremendous benefits to China, the EU and the world, Li said, noting that globalization should not be blamed for the negative influence emerging along with it.

However, Li cautioned that China and the EU should take actions to tackle problems brought by economic globalization.

The current pressing task is to uphold the principles of fairness and free trade and revive the two engines of trade and investment, he added.

China always attaches great importance to fairness and sustainability while promoting free trade with the EU, Li said.

Noting that free trade and fair play complement each other, Li said he hopes that free trade can be sustainable, healthy and balanced.

The Chinese premier pointed out that since entering the World Trade Organization (WTO) in 2001, China has fulfilled its commitment.

He added that the EU should fulfill its obligations under Article 15 of the Protocol on China's accession to the WTO and thus send a signal that international rules should be respected and multilateral system protected.

According to Article 15, WTO members should have stopped using the surrogate country approach to conduct anti-dumping investigations on China by Dec. 11, 2016.

At the leaders' meeting, Tusk and Juncker acknowledged that preserving the current international system accords with the common interests of the EU and China, and those of the whole world, adding that global trading system should not be maintained in a selective approach.

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.

Solidarity on climate change

With Li's visit, China and the EU have demonstrated solidarity on climate change, Tusk told the joint press conference.

"Today we are stepping up our cooperation on climate change with China, which means that today China and Europe have demonstrated solidarity with future generations and responsibility for the whole planet," he said.

The EU side is willing to deepen cooperation on climate change and jointly implement the 2015 Paris Agreement, a landmark global pact to fight climate change, so as to bring benefits to the whole world, said Tusk and Juncker at the press conference.

U.S. President Donald Trump announced on Thursday that he had decided to pull the United States out of the Paris Agreement.

During their talks, Li told the EU leaders that China will strengthen cooperation with the bloc on climate change and jointly work to implement the Paris climate deal, and the goals of the UN 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.

Li's Brussels trip, which also included an official visit to Belgium, came after his official visit to Germany, where he attended the annual meeting between Chinese premier and German chancellor.
By Trend

President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev has extended condolences to Prime Minister of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland Theresa May over casualties after a terror act in London.

We were deeply saddened by the news of casualties and injuries as a result of a terror act in London, said President Aliyev in his letter.

This bloody incident is yet another reminder that terrorism is evil and that it is necessary and important to resolutely and consistently fight it in all its manifestations, he noted.

I share your grief, and on my own behalf and on behalf of the people of Azerbaijan, extend my deepest condolences to you, families and loved ones of those who died and the whole people of the United Kingdom, and wish the injured the swiftest possible recovery, President Aliyev added.
Brand Dubai, the creative arm of the Government of Dubai Media Office, and master developer Nakheel have signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to collaborate on city beautification projects.



The MoU will support Brand Dubais #DubaiSpeakstoYou initiative, and it seeks to launch unique art projects aimed at beautifying the city.



In the first flagship project under the MoU, Brand Dubai and Nakheel join hands to decorate the bridge leading to the East Crescent on Palm Jumeirah. The pillars of the bridge are decorated to look like tree trunks and the underside of the bridge will have installations featuring dense foliage.



The #DubaiSpeakstoYou initiative aims to implement art projects across the city to help realise the vision of Vice President and Prime Minister of UAE and Ruler of Dubai HH Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum to transform Dubai into an open-air art museum. These projects aim to highlight various aspects of Dubais rich diversity and pioneering spirit.



Director of Brand Dubai Maitha Buhumaid expressed her pleasure at the establishment of cooperation between Brand Dubai and Nakheel. She also expressed her appreciation for Nakheels contributions to the enhancement of Dubais artistic and cultural scene.



The MoU will help us in implementing innovative art projects that support Brand Dubais #DubaiSpeakstoYou initiative. Both our organisations bring significant capabilities to this partnership. Nakheel is a leader in the real estate sector with prestigious projects in Dubai that attract thousands of visitors and tourists every day. By combining our strengths, we have a great opportunity to initiate art projects that enhance the artistic and cultural environment of Dubai, she said.



Ali Rashid Lootah, chairman of Nakheel, expressed his appreciation for the public art initiatives that Brand Dubai has undertaken across Dubai.



He said: Our cooperation with Brand Dubai will enhance the aesthetic environment in the destinations we have developed and support Nakheels own efforts to provide the best services to customers. Brand Dubai is yet another example of our citys creative, innovative, forward-thinking approach. We are honoured and proud to be part of this initiative by drawing on the regions best artistic talent to bring this unique feature to Palm Jumeirah. This new work of art that forms part of this project will provide another attraction for residents and guests at our world-famous, flagship project.



He further said that Nakheel is an integral partner of Brand Dubais initiatives, which create public art projects to highlight Dubais achievements over the last few decades.



Project manager Shaima Al Suwaidi said: The joint initiative aims to build new conversations with the community through visually stunning artistic installations. With this initiative, we also seek to bring art closer to the public. The project forms part of our effort to install artworks that inspire innovation and encourage people to look at things in a new creative way. Brand Dubai is keen to work with both public and private sector organisations as well as artists on projects that enhance the cultural and artistic environment of the city.  TradeArabia News Service
Dubai Airport Freezone (Dafza) recently welcomed a delegation from Saudi Arabias Economic Cities Authority (ECA) aimed at discussing collaborative opportunities with the freezone and exchange experiences.



Dr Mohammed Al Zarooni, director general of Dubai Airport Freezone (Dafza), welcomed the delegation led by Mohanud Abdul Mohsin Helal, secretary general for Economic Development, said a statement from the company.



The delegates aimed to gain deeper understanding of Dafzas two decades of successful management and operations and exchange experiences in terms of investment and economic development, it said.



As a central player in the UAEs economic development and active contributor to gross domestic product (GDP), Dafza highlighted its efforts to uniquely enhance customer experience and efficiently attract foreign direct investments to the country.



Dr Al Zarooni took advantage of the two-day visit to reiterate Dafzas commitment to help achieve economic integration in the region. He also cited the UAEs historical relations with Saudi Arabia established by their respective leaderships to attain common growth.



He said: Based on its mission to create an ideal environment for the success of potential investments, Dafza looks forward to contributing to and supporting the development of Saudi economic cities under the ECA. Rest assured that we will live up to our commitment to support the transformation of these cities into highly competitive economic complexes.



With over 20 years of leadership in attracting biggest international companies and substantial foreign capitals, we vow to engage in effective and fruitful expertise exchange and knowledge sharing with the ECA, he added.



Al Zarooni continued: This falls in line with the directives of our wise leadership to help strengthen the countrys bilateral relations with its neighbouring GCC countries.



Dubais free zones have significantly helped drive the countrys economic development, with the emirate boasting of successful experiences, exceptional achievements, global infrastructure and facilities, and integrated local government bodies. The city provides an integrated experience to all its foreign investors, he concluded.



Helal, on the other hand, said: Similar to our other initiatives, our visit has certainly enhanced the process of experiences exchange and contributed to the development of best practices necessary to provide special services to investors.



Such information sharing also improves cooperation between the two parties to attract quality investments. During our visit to Dafza, we discussed re-exportation and promising investment opportunities to build vibrant free zone areas. We are confident that our visit will positively impact our partnership, he said.



As a government entity tasked to oversee the kingdoms economic cities, form strategic partnerships with the private sector to achieve its goals, and contribute to the countrys prosperity, ECA emphasises the importance of collaborating with our regional and international counterparts and promote sharing of experiences to help bolster Saudi Arabias comprehensive development in line with the aspirations of the Kingdoms Vision 2030, he added.



Both parties agreed to exchange knowledge and practices through a series of workshops, meetings and exchange programs covering registration laws, government service delivery, municipal services, planning, investment development, and various means for attracting investors, said a statement.



They will also cooperate on developing valuable common propositions and innovative investment opportunities for existing and potential investors of Dafza, it said.



The Saudi Economic Cities Authority is one of the main catalysts for the economic and social development of the kingdom. It aims to establish and create a dynamic environment enabling the private sector to recover and innovate to be an effective force in the development process.



Through the organisation, efficient supervision and provision of government services in economic cities are guaranteed, in addition to providing support for strategic initiatives and attracting qualitative investments, it stated.  TradeArabia News Service
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The following is the full text of the list of outcomes of the 19th China-EU Summit:

H.E. Li Keqiang, Premier of the State Council of the People's Republic of China, H.E. Donald Tusk, President of the European Council, and H.E. Jean-Claude Juncker, President of the European Commission, met in Brussels on 1 and 2 June 2017 for the 19th China-EU Summit. Premier Li and President Juncker jointly attended the China-EU Business Summit, China-EU SMEs Matchmaking Event and China-EU Dialogue on Innovation Cooperation.

The leaders of the two sides applauded the positive outcomes of the summit, and commended the fruitful progress of China-EU relations in politics, economy, culture, people-to-people and other fields. Following the principles of mutual respect, equality, mutual trust and mutual benefit, the two sides will continue to make full use of the 70 or so China-EU dialogue and cooperation mechanisms, including the Summit, the High-Level Strategic Dialogue, the High-Level Economic and Trade Dialogue and the High-Level People-to-People Dialogue, enhance the partnerships for peace, growth, reform and civilization, and further expand bilateral, regional and global cooperation.

China and the EU reached a series of new cooperation initiatives on deepening China-EU Comprehensive Strategic Partnership for mutual benefit, which include the following:

1. The leaders of the two sides agreed that as comprehensive strategic partners, strengthening China-EU cooperation in all respects is of greater strategic importance than ever before. The two sides committed themselves to upholding the purposes and principles of the UN Charter, safeguarding the WTO rules and fostering an open world economy.

2. The two sides acknowledged the unprecedented level of maturity attained in China-EU relations. The EU reaffirmed its commitment to the One-China principle. China reaffirmed its support for European integration.

3. The EU supported China's commitment to comprehensively deepening reform and its implementation of the 13th Five-Year Plan for economic and social development. China expressed its support for the EU's efforts to promote growth, investment and regulatory reform. The two sides will fully implement the China-EU 2020 Strategic Agenda for Cooperation, strengthen synergies between their respective development strategies, and push forward China-EU cooperation.

4. The two sides applauded the successful outcomes of the 7th China-EU High-Level Strategic Dialogue, and agreed to continue to conduct consultation and dialogue on foreign policy and regional affairs, and further enhance security and defense cooperation through the regular Security and Defense Dialogue. The two sides exchanged views on international and regional hotspot issues of shared interest.

5. The two sides agreed to hold ad-hoc expert level consultations on counter-terrorism, and promote multilateral and bilateral cooperation on countering violent extremism and terrorism through the Global Counter-Terrorism Forum and the Financial Action Task Force. The two sides welcomed the signing of the agreement on strategic cooperation between the Chinese Ministry of Public Security and Europol on 19 April 2017.

6. The two sides agreed to enhance synergies between the Belt and Road Initiative and the Investment Plan for Europe, and welcomed the signing of the Memorandum of Understanding Aiming at Facilitating a Co-investment Framework by China's Silk Road Fund and the European Investment Fund and the establishment of the China-EU Joint Investment Fund. The two sides committed to pushing forward relevant cooperation in the framework of multilateral development institutions such as the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank, the European Investment Bank and the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development.

7. The two sides committed to working closely with the German Presidency and other members of the G20 to ensure that the forthcoming summit in Hamburg will, building on the G20 Hangzhou Summit, deliver successful outcomes and contribute to strong, sustainable, balanced and inclusive growth.

8. The two sides discussed the EU's fulfillment of its obligations under Article 15 of China's WTO Accession Protocol and expanded common understanding on this issue. China underscored that the EU should honor its Article 15 obligations and send a signal of respecting international rules to the international community and market. The EU said it is in the process of amending the relevant legislation and commits to doing so in a non-discriminatory manner and consistent with WTO rules.

9. The two sides reiterated the importance of strengthening the WTO's central role in the multilateral trading system, committed to safeguarding the rules-based, transparent, non-discriminatory, open and inclusive multilateral trade system and welcomed the entry into force of the Trade Facilitation Agreement. The two sides agreed to work for a successful WTO Ministerial Conference in Buenos Aires in December 2017.

10. The two sides committed to holding the 7th High-Level Economic and Trade Dialogue (HED) before the end of 2017. As instructed by the leaders, the 7th HED should address issues of shared interest to the two sides in a balanced way.

11. The two sides viewed the ongoing Investment Agreement negotiations as a top priority. The two sides reaffirmed their commitment to speeding up negotiations in a cooperative and pragmatic spirit with a view to reaching an ambitious and balanced outcome as early as possible, in order to establish and maintain a friendly, predictable, business-conducive policy environment for investors from both sides.

12. The two sides signed the Joint Communique between the Ministry of Commerce of the People's Republic of China and the Directorate General for Agriculture and Rural Development of the European Commission on the Negotiation of the Agreement on Cooperation and Protection of Geographical Indications. Both sides expressed the intention to conclude the negotiations within 2017 and agreed to publish their respective GI names for opposition on 3 June 2017.

13. The two sides welcomed the preparatory meeting of the China-EU Steel Trade Mechanism held on 18 May 2017, and agreed that the China-EU Steel Trade Mechanism should, in accordance with the consensus of the 18th China-EU Summit, focus on steel trade. The two sides committed to resolving steel trade frictions through friendly consultations and mutually beneficially cooperation.

14. The two sides signed the Administrative Arrangement for the Intellectual Property Cooperation Project "IP Key China" between the Ministry of Commerce of the People's Republic of China and the European Commission. The two sides reaffirmed their full support for the China-EU IP Dialogue and committed to reinforcing their joint efforts in fighting infringement of intellectual property rights and to deepening cooperation on intellectual property issues.

15. The two sides welcomed the progress achieved under the China-EU Connectivity Platform, including improving customs clearance facilitation, enhancing harmonization of technical rules and standards in transport, strengthening cooperation in low-carbon and smart transportation, conducting investment and financing cooperation, and promoting substantial progress on viable demonstration projects.

16. The two sides welcomed the progress achieved under the Joint Statement on 5G cooperation of 2015 and committed to enhancing cooperation on cyber issues through the China-EU Cyber Taskforce, the China-EU Digital Economy and Cyber Security Expert Working Group and other mechanisms.

17. The two sides signed the Enhancing China-EU Trade Security and Facilitation Strategic Framework for Customs Cooperation 2018-2020 between the Government of the People's Republic of China and the European Union with the objective of enhancing customs connectivity, strengthening customs regulation, combating illicit trade and facilitating lawful trade.

18. The two sides reaffirmed the importance of addressing climate change and their commitment under the 2015 Paris Agreement, and agreed to step up cooperation to promote its implementation.

19. The two sides commended the progress achieved in the exchange and cooperation between their cities and companies on urbanization policies since the launch of the China-EU urbanization partnership five years ago, and reaffirmed their readiness to implement the Joint Declaration on the China-EU Partnership on Urbanization and take the partnership to a new level. The two sides held the 10th China-EU High-Level Regional Policy Dialogue and the 12th Seminar with the goal of supporting more cities and regions to participate in China-EU Regional Policy cooperation.

20. The two sides approved the Implementation of the China-EU Roadmap on Energy Cooperation/Work Plan 2017-2018, and agreed to focus cooperation on the making of energy policies and energy efficiency standards, low-carbon energy technologies, renewable energy, energy supervision and energy interconnection.

21. The two sides agreed to work towards signing the Memorandum on China-EU Circular Economy Cooperation and advance Inter-governmental Policy Dialogue and practical cooperation between enterprises, with the priorities on emission permit, environment management and economic transition through environmental protection, and supported the establishment of the China-EU Water Policy Dialogue.

22. The two sides welcomed the outcomes of the 8th meeting of the China-EU Bilateral Coordination Mechanism on Forest Law Enforcement and Governance, and committed to strengthening cooperation on such issues as desertification, wildlife trafficking, biodiversity protection, deforestation and prevention of illegally harvested timber from entering the market.

23. The two sides signed the Administrative Agreement between the Ministry of Science and Technology of China (MOST) and the European Commission on a co-funding mechanism for the period 2018-2020 to support collaborative research and innovation projects under joint flagship initiatives and in other areas, and the Research Framework Arrangement between the Chinese Academy of Sciences and the European Commission Joint Research Center. The two sides commended the success of the 3rd Innovation Cooperation Dialogue held on 2 June 2017 in Brussels, and expressed the readiness to continue research and innovation cooperation based on the principle of equality and mutual benefit.

24. The leaders of the two sides welcomed the progress made in the negotiations on the Bilateral Aviation Safety agreement and Horizontal agreement and encouraged the timely conclusion of these negotiations.

25. The two sides agreed to hold the 4th round of the High-Level People-to-People Dialogue in November 2017 in China, and committed to strengthening exchanges in the areas of education, culture, media, youth, gender equality and sport.

26. The two sides agreed to further strengthen the China-EU Migration and Mobility Dialogue and the implementation of its roadmap, and committed to streamlining the procedures of short-stay visa application for all non-diplomatic passport holders from both sides. To this end, the two sides agreed to hold expert consultations every three months.

27. The two sides reiterated their satisfaction with the discussions under the first China-EU Legal Affairs Dialogue, and agreed to hold the next China-EU Legal Affairs Dialogue before the end of 2017 and carry out exchanges and cooperation under the principles of equality, mutual trust, mutual respect, inclusiveness, mutual learning and mutual benefit.

28. The two sides expressed appreciation for the outcomes of the 2012-2017 China-EU Disaster Risk Management cooperation project, and agreed to continue to promote the building and development of the China-EU Institute of Emergency Management (CEIEM) and actively explore new areas of cooperation on emergency management.

29. The two sides agreed to hold a successful 2017 China-EU Blue Year and work towards the building of a China-EU Blue Partnership focusing on ocean management and other cooperation priorities.

30. The two sides signed the Arrangement on the Implementation of the 2018 China-EU Tourism Year between the China National Tourism Administration of the People's Republic of China and the Directorate-General for Internal Market, Industry, Entrepreneurship and SMEs of the European Commission, and agreed to hold a successful 2018 China-EU Tourism Year, with a view to improving the travel and tourism experience of the two peoples and creating more opportunities for economic cooperation.
Aluminium Bahrain (Alba), the Bahrain-based international aluminium smelter, has promoted Boris Santosi to the position of director of global export markets.



Santosi joined Alba in 2011 to set up the first overseas sales office in Switzerland from where he developed the European and Americas markets. He was promoted to senior manager sales Europe in 2016, said a statement from the company.



He holds a BA Hons in Geography from the School of Oriental and African Studies, University of London, a Masters in Engineering from RMIT University, Melbourne, Australia and a Postgraduate Diploma in Global Business from Oxford University, it said.



Albas chief executive officer Tim Murray said: Santosi has been a key player in the marketing group for several years.



I am confident that under his leadership, the companys global export team will continue to deliver superior customer service as well as increase our companys export sales with the ramp-up of Line 6 Expansion Project, he added.  TradeArabia News Service


Six people died and at least 30 were injured as a vehicle barrelled into pedestrians on London Bridge and three attackers embarked on a stabbing rampage at nearby Borough Market in the heart of the British capital on Saturday night, media reports said.



The incident was reported at 10:08 pm local time, NBC News reported, adding that within eight minutes, all of the suspects had been fatally shot by officers, citing authorities.



"At this stage, we believe that six people have died in addition to the three attackers shot dead by police. And at least 20 casualties have been taken to six hospitals across London," Assistant Commissioner of Metropolitan Police Mark Rowley was quoted as saying by Russian news agency Tass.



"The vehicle continued to drive from London Bridge to Borough Market. The suspects then left the vehicle and a number of people were stabbed," he added.



"The suspects had been confronted and shot by the police within eight minutes of the first call," Rowley said.



"The suspects were wearing what looked like explosive vests but these were later established to be hoaxes," he added.
Ericsson in Market Area Middle East and Africa has appointed Wojciech Bajda as head of Ericsson in Gulf Council Countries (GCC) and Global Customer Unit (GCU) Zain and a member of the Market Areas Leadership Team.



Bajda will be based in Dubai and he will be responsible for driving the companys business in the GCC markets in addition to driving the companys business for Zain Group within Ericsson.



Ericsson Middle East and Africa President Rafiah Ibrahim says: "The new leadership team is set to enable our customers current and future success with the ambition of becoming more responsive to their needs. Our focus remains to be our customers trusted partner of choice across the Middle East and Africa market and with this new team, I am confident that we will be able to achieve our wanted position."



Prior to assuming his current role, Bajda held the responsibility of driving Ericssons non-operator business across region Middle East.

He joined Ericsson in Poland in year 2000 as a sales manager and during his tenure in Ericsson, he has taken on different sales positions including key account manager for T-mobile, the biggest Ericsson account in Poland. In 2009, Wojciech started his international assignments with Ericsson and worked in Africa running Orange and Millicom accounts. Then, in 2013, he moved to Ukraine and led Ericsson business in Eurasia consisting of 11 countries from Belarusia to Mongolia.



Bajda graduated with M Sc In Electronics from Technical University of Lodz in Poland in 1999 and has completed MBA at University of Bradford UK in 2005.



Ibrahim says: "As we form the new Market Area Leadership Team, I would like to thank those leaving the previous regional Leadership Team. They have taken a key role in driving the company during times of change and we appreciate and value their contributions. - TradeArabia News Service
Airbus will showcase its wide range of innovative technologies, products and services, from market-leading commercial and military aircraft to helicopters and space systems at the Paris Air Show running from June 19 to 25.



In addition, there will be a new Digital Exhibition zone at the Airbus pavilion (located at the end of Chalet Row A), where traditional mock-ups give way to the latest digital immersive and interactive display technologies to convey an improved experience of Airbus products and services, in life-like virtual reality scenarios.



In the static display areas, visitors will see a plethora of Airbus real operational and development aircraft. Notably, this years show will be the first time that Airbus showcases publicly in the flying display its new A321neo and also the latest member of the A350 XWB family  the A350-1000. Both of these new models are currently well into their certification flight testing phases. The flagship A380 will also feature in both the static and flying displays.



Meanwhile Airbus Defence and Spaces exhibits will include the A400M, the C295 and the Eurofighter Typhoon. At the other end of the size scale, but every bit as cutting-edge, will be a collection of unmanned air systems including the Harfang, the DVF 2000 VT Aliaca, the DVF 2000 ER Arrano, and the Quadcruiser.



In the space perimeter will be a comprehensive portfolio of satellites, highlighting recent successes such as the first all-electric satellite in the three-tonne class, EUTELSAT 172B, or PeruSAT-1, which was delivered in only 24 months and hence set a new benchmark in terms of delivery time. Guests to the Airbus pavilion will also have the opportunity to experience a virtual reality visit to the International Space Station ISS, and see how with Space Tug, Airbus is getting ready to revolutionise the space business through on-orbit services.



Airbus Helicopters line-up on the static display includes the H130, the H135 equipped with the Helionix digital avionics suit, the H145M fitted out with HForce and a Tiger helicopter from the French army which will also perform flight demos during the show.



Show-goers will be able to discover at first-hand Airbus Helicopters innovative solutions for preparing the future of vertical take-off and landing (VTOL) with a mock-up of its new high-speed demonstrator at the Clean Sky booth. The future of unmanned flight is a key element in development with, on the military side, the VSR700 mock-up on the static display, and on the civil side a mock-up of CityAirbus, the urban air mobility solution for congested cities, at the Paris Air Lab booth.



As well as exploring all this latest hardware up close, or from afar as they perform their impressive air displays, visitors to our new Digital Exhibition concept area will be able to interactively immerse themselves in the fine details of every facet in Airbus group-wide activities  spanning not only commercial aircraft, defence and space, helicopters, services, but also other areas such as future research, the extended innovation ecosystem, electrification, urban air mobility, the Airbus Foundation as well as strengths in our workforce diversity.



Moreover, with special VR headsets, guests will be able to fly-through the International Space Station, experience a H175 helicopter search-and-rescue mission, sit inside the cockpit of an A400M as it takes off from rough terrain, or explore the latest Airspace cabin interior innovations. In addition to hosting these immersive VR scenarios, the Exhibition will also feature a unique HoloLens zone which projects dynamic 3D holographic models  such as the ExoMars Rover traversing a Martian landscape.



Airbus, which plans to recruit nearly 3,000 people in 2017, will be present throughout the week at the Avion des Metiers and Forum Emploi Formation areas dedicated to careers, training and employment in the aerospace industry.



Airbus will also demonstrate its commitment to diversity and inclusion in the industry through meetings and conferences. In addition, the company will formalise several partnerships with research centres, schools and universities to ensure that in the coming years, industrial and academic requirements converge, and provide the skills which it needs to continuously innovate.  TradeArabia News Service
Fairmont Quasar Istanbul opened its doors to the public in January this year and has since reported successful guest numbers from across the GCC.



A welcomed addition to the citys glittering skyline, Fairmont Quasar Istanbul has hosted over 5,000 travellers from the GCC since opening- a staggering 50 per cent of the hotels overall guests. The luxury property continues to deliver cultural elements and promotions ideal for the Middle East traveler including Ramadan special rates and increased family offerings.



Rising above the slopes of The Bosphorus, Fairmont Quasar, first hotel for Fairmont in Turkey, serves as a genuine hub for the well-travelled, uniting the sophistication of modern Istanbul with the unique lineage of its location, steeped in centuries of sacred history.



A new icon for the vibrant Mecidiyekoy district, Fairmont Quasar sits at a crossroads in Istanbul  where eclectic neighborhood bazaars and colorful side streets meet modern shopping centers and commercial properties. Set on the site of the 1930s Robert Mallet Stevens designed Art Deco liquor factory, Fairmont Quasar blends a sense of urban culture and industrial flair with the citys storied traditions and a strong sense of place.

According to Chris Cahill, CEO, AccorHotels Luxury Brands: Fairmont Quasar Istanbul is a landmark hotel for Fairmont  it brings the companys history of hospitality to the heart of one of the worlds most compelling cities. Istanbul is a city that has fascinated GCC travellers for millennia; a meeting point between East and West, old and new. We are set to become an intrinsic part of Istanbuls dynamic future, with timeless style, unrivalled service and an incredibly personal experience for every guest, whether travelling for business or leisure.



Fairmont Quasar Istanbul provides 209 guestrooms including 25 suites. Each has a wide panoramic view overlooking either the serene Bosphorus or the city skyline. Rooms are designed to maximize comfort and technology, with stylishly industrial touches, plenty of space and natural light.



The design details at Fairmont Quasar smartly mix glamour with culture. Blue leather-tufted headboards call to mind the Bosphorus; mini-bars are inspired by vintage travel trunks, leather-bound and studded; ensuite showers resemble traditional Turkish hammams. The Royal Suite is the star of accommodation, with numerous one-of-a-kind luxuries, while 40 Fairmont Gold rooms create a hotel within the hotel, where service and experience surpass all expectations.



Fairmont Quasar Istanbul is a destination for world-class dining, offering an array of fabulous food and beverage outlets, including:

 Aila  A Turkish-style ocakbas grill and live mezze kitchen, with a spice library and bar for a modern spin on classic cuisine.

 Stations  An atmospheric restaurant, already famous for its Sunday brunches, providing casual dining.

 Demlique  An exquisite cafe with dark-wood herringbone floor and distinctive geometric ceiling, celebrating the Turkish tradition of tea and coffee with sweet pastries and freshly baked bread;

 The Marble Bar  At the heart of the hotel, a legendary lobby bar where guests can partake in the art of the perfect cocktail;

 Ukiyo  Located on the fifth floor terrace with an infinity pool overlooking the Bosphorus views  the pinnacle of summer style.



Guests can relax during their stay in the Willow Stream Spa  a wonderfully serene escape from the bustle of the city. Nine treatment rooms, traditional hammam, an indoor pool, yoga room and state-of-the-art gym provide ample space to replenish the mind, body and spirit. Fairmont Fit, available to Fairmont Presidents Club members, delivers Reebok fitness apparel and footwear to guestrooms upon request.



The hotel offers an inspiring choice of spaces for private and business events, from a large scale launch or a society wedding in the Ballroom, to a small dinner in one of nine private rooms or high-level board meeting in one of two dedicated boardrooms.



Positioned within easy reach of Istanbuls most important cultural landmarks  Taksim Square, the Grand Bazaar, the Blue Mosque  as well as the financial district, Fairmont Quasar Istanbul offers an authentic experience of the city for leisure and business travellers. Access from Istanbuls two airports is easy and efficient, while guests traveling on a tight schedule have access to a private helipad.



Fairmont Quasar is the fifth property of parent company AccorHotels luxury brand portfolio within Istanbul, joining sister properties Raffles Istanbul, Swissotel The Bosphorus, Pullman Istanbul Airport and Convention Center and The Elysium Istanbul MGallery by Sofitel. AccorHotels presently has 32 hotel and resort properties across Turkey, with an additional three hotels slated for opening in Istanbul in 2017, including Galata Hotel Istanbul MGallery by Sofitel.



Kai Winkler joins Fairmont Quasar Istanbul as the general manager, bringing more than 20 years of luxury hospitality experience in Turkey and abroad, including most recently with Kempinski in China. Winkler said: I am truly happy to be back in Turkey to launch the first Fairmont hotel in the country. My team and I consider ourselves to be artisans of hospitality, reshaping the traditions of our industry with a contemporary approach. Our utmost aim is to create long lasting memories for our guests through genuine hospitality, unique services and a locally connected venue, designed with an innovative concept and a strong identity to differentiate us and make Fairmont Quasar the happening place in Istanbul. With this great team, which I am excited to lead, we very much look forward to becoming the talk of the town. - TradeArabia News Service


InterContinental Hotels Group (IHG) has announced the opening of Staybridge Suites Jeddah Alandalus Mall, one of the most important shopping destinations in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia.

The hotels connection to Alandalus Mall makes it an attractive location for families as well as transit guests to Makkah.



Business travellers and tourists can now choose this ideal location, situated in the heart of modern Jeddah. The hotel is linked to the most important and vital roads to the south, west and east, including King Abdullah Road and Prince Majed Road, which connect it to the new King Abdulaziz Airport, with a commute of less than 15 minutes. The hotel is also close to Al Haramain Train Station, allowing guests to reach the Grand Mosque in less than 20 minutes.



Hathal Al Utaibi, chief business development officer, Alandalus Property Co, said: We are honoured and delighted to partner with IHG in order to launch Staybridge Suites in Saudi Arabia. The kingdom maintains the largest economy in the Middle East, and as a result, corporate travel within the country, and particularly in Jeddah, is considerable. As the GCCs economy continues to expand, Jeddah will continue to grow as a commercial hub for industries such as engineering, real estate, construction, and IT/telecommunications. This means an ever-increasing number of visitors who need long stay options in the city. Staybridge Suites Jeddah Alandalus Mall now offers business travellers a world-class extended-stay experience whenever they make Jeddah their home-away-from-home.



The new hotel will comprise of 164 suites: a mix of studios, one and two bedroom suites, complete with spacious living areas, fully equipped kitchens, guest laundry rooms and high speed internet connections. Additionally, the Jeddah Alandalus Mall location will offer seven meeting rooms, a banquet hall, outdoor swimming pool, a spa, a gym, and a business centre.



Pascal Gauvin, chief operating officer - IMEA, IHG said: As part of IHGs diverse family of brands, Staybridge Suites endeavours to provide guests with the best extended-stay experience possible. We believe our unique offering, coupled with an excellent location near the heart of Jeddah, will allow Staybridge Suites to serve the needs of Saudi Arabias families, religious and leisure tourists, and business travelers alike.



IHG operates 78 hotels across five of the companys brands in the Middle East region (GCC, Levant and Egypt), including InterContinental Hotels & Resorts, Crowne Plaza Hotels & Resorts, Holiday Inn Hotels & Resorts, Holiday Inn Express and Staybridge Suites, with a further 27 in the development pipeline.



Introduced in 1998, Staybridge Suites is one of the fastest growing extended stay hotel brands in the world with more than 200 hotels since its launch. There are currently three Staybridge Suites across AMEA, with four in the pipeline in the Middle East, three of which will be in Saudi Arabia. - TradeArabia News Service


SALT LAKE CITY  The Mormon church and a Utah rock climbing coalition have reached a formalized agreement that will allow climbers to continue using prime routes on church-owned land in the Little Cottonwood Canyon while implementing plans to better protect the land.

Climbers have long flocked to the area about a mile from a massive church vault, but the paths they use to reach prime routes are eroding and could degrade Little Cottonwood Creek.

Salt Lake Climbers Alliance Executive Director Julia Geisler said the new agreement with The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints will allow the group to do infrastructure improvements to reduce erosion on the 140-acre parcel.

This lease not only secures access for climbing at the property, but also allows the community to be better stewards of the places we love to play, she said. The SLCA is actively planning for recreation infrastructure improvements to begin in 2018, including trail and staging area work that will reduce erosion and impacts on the Salt Lake City watershed.

Former Salt Lake City Mayor Ted Wilson was among the climbers who set the first routes on the granite in the canyon more than 50 years ago.

The church has always been gracious about it, said Wilson.

Climbers once considered the granite in Little Cottonwood Canyon too smooth compared to the quartzite of Big Cottonwood Canyon, but Wilson and other climbers got interested after seeing Yosemite Valley attract top athletes. While the route he and a partner first installed in 1961 is now considered easy by modern standards, Wilson said it helped dispel ideas about the terrain.

It was good enough that we would go back and tell our buddies, Wilson said. We were working against this myth that the rock was too smooth.

The lease agreement that also ensures access to nearly 600 climbing routes is set to be signed Saturday in the Gate Buttress parking area. The well-known routes there include Dihedrals, Kermits Wall, Lizard Head Buttress and Plumb Line.
The three commissioners of Johnson County taped a simple printout on their office wall below the American flag. It was a blue line graph, a projected revenue decline that would be swift and dramatic if oil and gas stayed at current levels. It was the spring of 2016 and the projections, put together by County Assessor Cindy Barlow, were fairly accurate.

A downturn in the oil and gas industry barreled across Wyoming like dark clouds on a bright day. The rig count fell to seven in the spring of 2016. As bad as it was for local and state governments, companies were also suffering, laying off workers and filing for bankruptcy protection.

Prices have since stabilized. The rig count is up to 25 and Wyoming has tightened its belt for the foreseeable future.

But even as a storm was brewing over Johnson County, skies were about to clear in another region of the country. The downturn was discriminate.

Of the 908 rigs operating in the U.S. this week, more than half are in Texas, and 362 of those are in the Permian Basin.

A handful of companies that operate in Wyoming have spoken openly about their Texas-eyed view of the world, and their plans to focus their spending in the Permian rather than Wyoming. The trend begs the question: is the Permian boom draining resources that would otherwise pour into the Cowboy State?

Some experts say its not that simple. Others say yes.

Many larger companies are shedding excess weight and zeroing in on premium drilling: wells that can make them a profit as the spot price bobs around $50 a barrel. The move to hunker around core assets has swept the industry. Wyoming, for many larger operators, is not a core area.

But the more nuanced story within the states borders is that as some companies are contracting around their key assets in distant plays, others are expanding their existing portfolios into that space. Smaller firms, hoping to flip acreage, are sticking their feet in the door while costs are low and leases are up for grabs. And for those with enough flexibility, the Permian may get the capital expenditures for now, but the Powder River Basin represents a future prospect.

They are gathering up leases and staking their claims in the Cowboy state.

One of the key plays everyone is talking about as the play in their back pocket for a rainy day is the Powder River Basin, said Frederick Lawrence, vice president of economics and international affairs at the Independent Petroleum Association of America.

***

QEP Resources announced recently that it was looking to divest its Pinedale assets after a long history in Wyoming. The company is the sixth largest producer in the Green River Basin for crude, drawing 1.5 million barrels of oil in 2016.

Its been a great asset, said CEO Charles Stanley on a call with investors recently. Its been the foundation of the company for a number of years and a platform for growth for us, but at this juncture, were running out of inventory to continue to grow production from the asset.

Its a trend thats running industry wide.

During the downturn you are going to shrink to grow, said Lawrence of the IPAA. Youre going to have balance sheets stressed, so you are going to sell off assets. You have a lot of companies saying Here are our top three assets, and in a lot of cases they are in the Permian/Delaware.

Much of that has to do with cost versus return. The ability for operators to keep their heads above water when the price of crude fell below $40 shattered assumptions about what the industry could achieve. A $50 WTI spot price means Wyoming companies are typically dealing with an even lower number, as the state is far from market.

But the industrys ingenuity is one of the reasons Texas is drawing business. Operators figured out how to work the Permian, which encompasses a broad swath of land in the western part of the state, applying new technology and driving down costs.

A slow transition to unconventional drilling, which had already swept other basins, couldnt have come to fruition at a better time in West Texas, some say.

It took a lot of work, but once you saw that transition from vertical well to horizontal well take place in the Permian, you really started to see major improvements on the well productivity, and the break-even was coming down, said Lawrence.

Many companies fell into bankruptcies in the downturn, but the commodity cycle was also stripping the industry down to its bare essentials. That process is continuing, less painfully than before, as operators adjust.

Even as attention is focused on the Permian, the balance of operations in Wyoming is changing hands.

***

In addition to QEPs outlook, companies like Linn Energy and a subsidiary of Devon Energy have also scaled back assets in Wyoming, while Denbury Resources, Jonah Energy and Meritage have stepped in to buy.

Jonah closed on a deal Thursday with Linn to acquire interest in more than 1,200 wells and 27,000 net acres in the Jonah and Pinedale fields. The Denver-based company had been eyeing those assets since its creation three years ago, said Paul Ulrich, director of government affairs for the firm.

I see an evolution in Wyoming, a significant change of operations in southwest Wyoming in new and old plays that to me means we are on the cusp of good solid growth, Ulrich said.

The focus on the Permian isnt bad news for Wyoming, he said.

When you lose operators and nobody steps in, you just have undrilled acreage, then you should start worrying, he added.

Linn also let go of non-operated interests in the Salt Creek field north of Casper, which were picked up by Denbury Resources, a company whose focus is on legacy fields and tertiary development.

That Salt Creek field seems to be very complimentary to their portfolio, and for Linn it was non operated interests so that is probably a good thing, said Lawrence with the Petroleum Association. You are seeing Devon selling their midstream assets to Meritage. You are seeing this all over the industry  more specialization.

Though companies may be letting go of assets that are less profitable, the buyers are likely smaller, and more invested in those acquired acres, wells or interests, he said.

***

Companies may not be able to spend in Wyoming, but they are still thinking long term. Jonahs growth, thanks to Linns divestment program, has significantly increased their dominance in the region. As companies contract around their best wells and leases, those that can are staking out claims in Wyomings PRB for the future. To some, the region west of the Black Hills and east of the Big Horn Mountain Range is virgin territory.

Its still rather undeveloped compared to a lot of the other main plays, said Lawrence of the IPAA. Its certainly one that seems to have a lot of oil potential and a lot of the larger independents, whether its Anadarko, Devon or EOG are increasingly adding acreage there.

EOG had limited action in the PRB last year, but in a May call with investors, an executive said the company would increase activities in the coming year.

In the Powder River Basin, we continue to delineate and analyze this large and complex basin, said David Trice, executive vice president of exploration and production for the company. While completions were limited in the first quarter, the results are consistently premium.

The interest from these larger independents may seem marginal now, but it is something to watch, said Lawrence with the IPAA.

What are the oil prone regions that companies like EOG have on the end of their presentations? he asked

***

The Permian boom isnt expected to last forever. Despite being a prolific basin, the Department of Energy recently said drilling productivity there had probably reached an apex and would decline. The number of drilled but uncompleted wells is expected to go up. And service companies are saying they will increase prices, which could eventually be good for Wyoming, some say.

Thats just the thin edge of the wedge, said Chuck Mason, an oil and gas economist at the University of Wyoming, about increased service costs. Over the course of time, as the prime spots get drilled and other spots get a little more expensive, then you are going to start seeing people looking around for suitable substitutes.

Some say Wyoming was the next best thing before the downturn drew attention back to premium plays. Many say it will be again, but likely not too soon.

Over the course of time, the odds will gradually tip in our favor, Mason said.

In places like Johnson County, the downturn has tightened budgets. Across the state, governments are winnowing their costs and hunkering down for a prolonged period of lower incomes. But many say the resources that lifted Wyoming, will again. And key oil plays like the PRB still have the attention of many operators in and outside of Wyoming, if not the capital.

We are like the wallflower at the dance, said Mason. Holding up the wall, waiting for someone to say, Ahh.
Ted says he likes his life. He rides his bike most places, meticulously washes that bike in a car wash every week and works. He works when he wants and however long he wants. He is his own man and makes his own life decisions. Ted is homeless and claims to have been content.

At least until he stumbled upon a briefcase filled with crisp $20 and $50 bills totaling $100,000.

According to writer Karl Smallwood, Ted was then told by screenwriter Wayne Powers that the money was his to keep and do with as he wished. The only caveat? That he would allow a film crew to document his life with the new found wealth. Ted Rodrigue, understandably, jumped at the opportunity.

When asked about the documentary, Reversal of Fortune, Powers said that the idea first began taking form when he lived in LA, where he was frequently asked for money by those living on the street. He often pondered, What would a homeless person do if I gave them a million dollars?

He wondered, as we all have: could a substantial amount of money change a persons life for the better?

After proposing his idea to an executive (and deciding on $100,000) Powers chose Ted after filming several conversations with him. He felt that Ted was a man whod been dealt a bad hand and deserved a break.

Ted had lived homeless for almost 20 years when the filming crew began chronicling his life. Mostly, Ted slept under a bridge, and on an average day he made about $20 collecting enough recyclables to buy himself food, alcohol and cigarettes. Some days he earned as much as $35.

The filmmakers observed and documented Teds day-to-day life. They did not interfere, although they did give Ted access to a financial adviser whose advice he was free to solicit or ignore as he chose.

So what was the result?

News of Teds wealth spread like a grass fire on a windy August day in Wyoming. His friends asked him for help. He paid off their debts and helped them with meals, booze, etc. Around this time, Ted also mysteriously found women were attracted to him.

About a year after Ted found the loot, Oprah did a show entitled, Are You Ready for a Windfall? On this episode, Ted revealed that hed spent or given away all $100,000 within 6 to 8 months of receiving it, and was, once again, homeless.

Ted did what many lotto winners do. He spent every penny that was given him; within a very short time. He bought a truck, rented a high-end apartment and furnished it with the best of everything. He ate in expensive restaurants, partied, and paid some friends debts.

Ted, and many people who have been given large gifts of money, went wild. And then broke. But now they tell an even more crushing story of betrayal, bitterness and depression because they were given much and squandered it without reservation.

Money, homes, cars and even respectable jobs do not bring us happiness. Never. Ever. The riches of this life come in the form of laughter with friends and a place we belong. The affluence of contentment comes when we are tired at the end of the day because we have worked hard at something that matters. We are rich when we are wise with what we have and when we recognize by Whom it was given.

A fortune like this is irreversible.
SHERIDAN  Cadets Don Coletta and Brent Miller, both of Sheridan, were honored in a ceremony last week at the historic Sheridan Inn.

Coletta, a six-year cadet, became only the fifth Wyoming resident to receive the award (and first since 1984), and was followed closely by Miller, a seven-year cadet. Both have served as cadet commander at the Civil Air Patrols annual Encampment, a week long intensive training seminar held at Camp Guernsey.

On average, only five cadets in 1,000 earn the Spaatz award, and only about 2,100 have been awarded since CAPs creation in 1941. Having two cadets from the same wing achieve this honor is indeed a rare and noteworthy event. USAF, national, and local dignitaries were expected at the ceremony.

The Gen. Carl A. Spaatz Award is Civil Air Patrols highest cadet honor. It is presented to cadets who have demonstrated excellence in leadership, character, fitness, and aerospace education. Cadets qualify for this prestigious award after devoting an average of five years to progress through 16 achievements in the CAP Cadet Program. The ultimate step a cadet must complete to earn the Spaatz Award is a rigorous four-part exam consisting of a challenging physical fitness test, an essay exam testing their moral reasoning, a comprehensive written exam on leadership, and a comprehensive written exam on aerospace education.

Upon passing the Spaatz Award exams, the cadet is promoted to the grade of cadet colonel. The Spaatz Award is named in honor of Carl Tooey Spaatz, the first Chief of Staff of the United States Air Force.
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Photo taken on June 3, 2017 shows the stumps at a funeral ceremony in Kabul, the capital of Afghanistan. At least six people have been confirmed dead and 87 others injured as three blasts hit a funeral ceremony in Kabul on Saturday, the Interior Ministry said. [Photo/Xinhua]

At least six people have been confirmed dead and 87 others injured as three blasts hit a funeral ceremony in Kabul on Saturday, the Interior Ministry said.

"Terrorists' attacks on a funeral ceremony here in Kabul claimed the lives of six people and injured 87 others," the ministry said in a statement.

Earlier reports said 18 people were killed and 12 injured.

Citing local officials, local TV channel Tolo said the blasts occurred when hundreds of people attended the funeral ceremony of Salim Ayzedyar in Sara-e-Shamali neighborhood in the 11 Police District of Kabul city Saturday afternoon.

Salim was the son of Alam Ayzedyar, the deputy speaker of the Upper House of parliament. He was killed in clashes between demonstrators and police in Kabul on Friday.
From June 26 to June 30, Trinity Evangelical Lutheran Church, 1240 S. Missouri, will sponsor "Mighty Fortress" Vacation Bible School program. This VBS program will be held from 9 a.m. to noon and is open to children 3 years old through the 5th grade. Students attending a "Mighty Fortress" will study the following Bible accounts: God's might as He tumbles Jericho's Walls; God delivers King Hezekiah's kingdom; God's word reforms King Josiah; King Jesus enters Jerusalem and Jesus wins the victory. Students will enjoy numerous fun activities as they meet and greet friends, enjoy snacks, sing songs and work on crafts. Please contact Tonya at the church office, 234-0568, for more information.
OGDEN, Utah  Alcohol will be banned at the beaches around Pineview and Causey reservoirs but still allowed for boats in the water under a new rule passed by Weber County commissioners.

The commissioners said they made the decision Tuesday based on conversations with homeowners, boat owners, anglers and state officials.

In addition to boats in the water, two campgrounds set back behind the beaches will also be exempt from the ban scheduled to take effect on June 14.

Heavy litter and public intoxication at the reservoir beaches led to more than a year of discussion on how to get crowds under control. On Memorial Day weekend, there were 16 incidents including a stabbing and near drowning, said Sean Harwood, Forest Service Ogden District Ranger.

Commissioner Jim Harvey said the decision was not easy.

I had dialogues on both side of the fence on this, Harvey said Tuesday. I have a tremendous respect and regard for law enforcement and what they are doing up there ... And Ive got a responsibility in this decision to support our partners.

But some people in the area dont think an alcohol ban is the right decision.

Tiana Bykowski, an emergency responder who volunteers to do beach cleanup, suggested keeping one of the beaches alcohol-friendly.

This ordinance kind of targets people who want free activities, Bykowski said. If I want to go and enjoy a picnic with my family and bring a bottle of wine ... I have to pay to go to Anderson Cove or buy a boat, because if I have a boat I can drink on it.

Weber County Commissioner James Ebert said on Wednesday that the commissioners opted not to extend the alcohol ban to the water because the U.S. Forest Service opposed the measure. Ebert said a water ban could be considered in the future, but that they first want to evaluate if the beach ban leads to improvements.

Harwood of the Forest Service said it wasnt just his agency, but everyone involved in the yearlong discussion, that agreed that the states stiff DUI laws that apply to boaters are sufficient to police the lake.

Weber County spokeswoman Holin Wilbanks echoed that point in explaining the decision.

Well expect our boaters to be responsible boaters, Wilbanks said. If not, theyll have to suffer the consequences.

Commissioner Kerry Gibson said he took all comments seriously and his final decision came down to what could reasonably and responsibly get enforced.

This is not one of those weird Utah things, Gibson said. We are in a situation here where we are actually catching up with the rest of the United States where its hard to find a public beach where alcohol is allowed.
Trusting Saudi Arabia to combat terrorists and extremists and drive them out, as President Donald Trump called on the kingdom and other Arab and Muslim nations to do in his Riyadh speech, is akin to forging an alliance with the Ku Klux Klan to combat racism and anti-Semitism. Saudi Arabia has for years promoted the very evil they now commit to fighting through a newly established Global Center for Combating Extremist Ideology. Never forget that 15 of the 9-11 hijackers were citizens of Saudi Arabia.

Trumps speech was written by Westerners, delivered by a Westerner and based on a faulty Western premise: that radical Muslims can be persuaded to abandon their goal of establishing a worldwide caliphate. It is a central theological principle of Wahhabism, an austere form of Islam based on a literal interpretation of the Koran, which Saudi Arabia has for years promoted in childrens textbooks, in mosques and through its media.

No reporter asked the central question that should have been put to Saudi Foreign Minister Adel al-Jubeir during his press availability with Secretary of State Rex Tillerson: Since Saudi Arabias domestic and foreign policy is based on a theological worldview, have those views changed and if so, how did that revelation come to you?

One indication the Saudis might be engaging in duplicity that is common practice throughout the Middle East comes in a Washington Post story. The Saudis, the newspaper says, helped block a Trump administration proposal to impose sanctions against a Saudi branch of ISIS: The plan to add the Islamic States Saudi affiliate to a U.N. list of terrorist groups was quietly killed two weeks ago in a bureaucratic maneuver at the U.N. Security Council, records show. U.S. officials familiar with the move said the Saudis objected to the public acknowledgement of the existence of a separate Saudi offshoot of the terrorist group inside the kingdom.

Here, a definition of duplicity may be helpful: Deceitfulness in speech or conduct, as by speaking or acting in two different ways to different people concerning the same matter. Arab and Muslim leaders have long said one thing to the West and the opposite to their own people. This is not breaking news. The surprise is that Westerners continue to fall for it.

Trumps speech was well delivered and he got some economic benefits from Saudi Arabia by signing a nearly $110 billion arms deal, effective immediately, plus another $350 billion over the next 10 years, which the president said would create thousands of new American jobs. All of that is good, but Saudi Arabia will stop promoting an ideology that encourages terrorism only if its god cancels the order for establishing a worldwide caliphate, the elimination of Israel and the vilification of Jews. This is what the secular West under several administrations has failed to grasp.

A policy forged in theology is not about to be changed by the urging of infidels.

Saudi Foreign Minister Jubeir also said, If we can change the conversation in the Islamic world from enmity towards the U.S. to partnership with the U.S., and if we can change the conversation in the U.S. and in the West from enmity towards the Islamic world to one of partnership, we will have changed our world and we will have truly drowned the voices of extremism and we will have drained the swamps ... from which extremism and terrorism emanates.

It is an interesting metaphor in a desert land.

Speaking of Iran and its recent election, Jubeir said, From our perspective, we judge Iran by its actions, not by its words.

Thats a suitable standard by which to judge the words of Saudi leaders. Without a change in their theological worldview, however, Im not buying it.
The past year has been a challenging one for Casper, but the citys fortunes appear to be improving.

After a bust that cost the city jobs and residents, the energy industry is showing signs of rebounding. And downtown Casper, after years of redevelopment, has begun to blossom with new businesses and vibrancy.

Given that outlook, the City Council was right to avoid significant cuts when it informally approved the budget last week. Now is the wrong time to impulsively cut municipal jobs and services, when the city appears so close to taking off again.

The energy downturn has meant less revenue for city coffers. With that in mind, Interim City Manager Liz Becher presented the Council with a plan to spend $5 million in reserves to maintain existing services and essential staffing levels. Bechers budget took into account the down revenues  it included eliminating 17 staff positions and consolidating resources  without harming residents quality of life.

During the recently concluded budget sessions, some members of the City Council raised the specter of steeper cuts. New Councilman Dallas Laird requested a concise budget -plan that did not rely on spending the $5 million in reserves. Other council members also asked city officials to provide more options that relied less on reserves and more on reductions.

To be clear, the City Council should be commended for exploring all of the available options. We have in the past advocated for council members who take an active role in the citys governance rather than simply rubber stamping the decisions of city staff. With a decision of this importance, and with so much at stake, its sensible to ask questions, seek additional information and ponder all the possibilities.

But severe cuts would have been the wrong move. After all, the city has reserves for exactly these types of situations.

And the cuts would have come just as the city is on the upswing and would have potentially threatened the gains recently made. They would have also had the potential to reduce the quality of life for the residents of Casper.

Consider what would happen if the city closes public pools or ends the restoration effort along the banks of the North Platte River. Those resources are part of why we enjoy living in Casper. Eliminating them would make our city a less pleasant place to live, to work and to raise children  a critical misstep as Wyoming seeks to keep its young people from moving to more populous areas.

Moreover, it would send the wrong message at a time when local entrepreneurs are working to attract new businesses. Developers have invested heavily in downtown, the east side and the Mesa project. We dont want investors to walk away from our downtown just as years of work by city officials and business owners begin to come to fruition.

The Council is now close to officially hiring a new city manager, Gillette Administrator Carter Napier, who has experience balancing a municipal budget amid a down energy economy. It makes even more sense to wait on budget cuts until Napier begins his new job. Then he and the Council can work together on a budget that is sustainable and prudent, while also ensuring the city can build on its recent successes.
Last week, the University of Arizona and Tucson Electric Power Co. marked completion of a new energy-storage system and solar array built by E.On North America at The Solar Zone at the UA Tech Park.

But it was more of a new beginning than an end for the 223-acre Solar Zone, which the UA rightly touts as one of the largest multi-technology renewable-energy demonstration sites in the world.

E.Ons Iron Horse Energy Storage and Solar Project is actually the first project for phase two of The Solar Zone on the northwest side of the UA Tech Park.

Iron Horse, which consists of a 10-megawatt capacity lithium-ion battery-storage facility and an accompanying 2-megawatt photovoltaic array, is also the first North American energy storage project for E.On, which is part of a German-based company that is one of Europes biggest electric utilities.

Bruce Wright, UA associate vice president of Tech Parks Arizona, said that by Labor Day, the UA will issue a formal call for new projects for phase two of The Solar Zone, but not for new solar arrays.

The phase-two projects will focus on energy storage; grid optimization and microgrids; distributed solar systems; and integrated and embedded solar materials.

This is an effort to move into some new areas of solar technology development and research, Wright said, adding that Tech Parks will court potential partners globally including Germany, Finland and Israel.

The UA also is exploring the use of solar energy in mining, agriculture, and defense and security systems, and the second phase of The Solar Zone includes plans for a solar education and visitor center.

Wright said the Tech Park is preparing a report on the performance of the Solar Zone installations, which host 10 companies and solar installations with a generating capacity of 25 megawatts  enough to power some 4,600 TEP homes.

Most of the projects planned for The Solar Zone came to fruition, with the exception of a 5MW thermal solar installation planned by the now-defunct Bell Independent Power Corp., which was replaced by other installations.

TEP buys the power from the Solar Zone installations under various power-purchase agreements.

The cost of power from the new E.On array is just 3 cents per kilowatt-hour  which TEP says is its lowest-cost renewable power deal yet, and perhaps one of the cheapest in the nation, according to solar-industry observers.

The cost of stored energy adds about 1.5 cents, but even with that cost its still far cheaper than the 10 to 12 cents TEP was paying on renewable-energy power contracts just a few years ago.

TEP will soon bid out 70MW of new energy storage, as part of a larger plan to add even more utility-scale renewables to reach about a third of its overall power generation portfolio, said Carmine Tilghman, TEP senior director of energy supply and renewable energy.

The E.On storage system mainly will be used for ancillary energy services, like frequency regulation and voltage control, which will help TEP make its power grid more resilient and reliable, said Mark Frigo, an E.On vice president for North American storage.

But TEP also plans to buy long-duration storage systems that can store power generated by photovoltaic systems for use when the sun goes down, Tilghman said.

Projects like this are going to allow us to integrate even more renewables, and bigger projects, to allow us to move away from fossil fuels, he said Thursday at a dedication event for the new E.On installations.

E.On has partnered with TEP on three other solar projects: a separate, 6MW photovoltaic array at the Solar Zone; a 13MW installation near East Valencia and South Craycroft roads; and a 17MW system at Fort Huachuca in Sierra Vista.

E.On is all in with TEPs vision for energy storage, said Steve Trenholm, president of E.On Solar Energy and Storage.

The company is building two more energy-storage systems attached to E.On wind-energy projects in Texas that are slated to come online by the end of this year.
PARADISE VALLEY  Its not exactly ocean-front property for Arizona.

But a new agreement signed here Friday at the annual summit of the Arizona-Mexico Commission is meant to lead to easy cruise-trip access for residents of the region  easier, at least, than now having to drive to Southern California or Texas.

The deal inked between Arizona Gov. Doug Ducey and Claudia Pavlovich, his Sonoran counterpart, would have Arizona firms service cruise ships that the Mexican government hopes will soon be docking in Puerto Penasco, Sonora.

Construction of the necessary pier and terminal, which has been stalled at about 50 percent completion, is now expected to resume, said Hector Platt Mazon, Sonoras tourism director.

And Pavlovich said the agreement she signed with Ducey, assuring the cruise companies they will have access to needed services, should help loosen up Mexican federal dollars.

I think it will make it easier, she said, predicting that Puerto Penasco, known as Rocky Point on this side of the border, will become the port of Arizona.

Platt Mazon said he intends to deliver the signed memorandum of understanding to Mexican federal officials on Monday.

Pavlovich said the idea has everything going for it.

She said Hermosillo, Sonoras largest city and its capital, is six hours from Puerto Penasco, too far to be a steady source of everything from linens to flowers for cruise ships that routinely need supplies for 3,000 passengers at a pop. She said Phoenix is just half as far away in driving time.

Platt Mazon said he, too, sees Puerto Penasco as becoming the home port of Arizona.

He cited figures that about 1.2 million Arizonans take a cruise each year. Add to that New Mexico, Nevada and California, and the potential cruise audience approaches 7 million.

This is within driving range of Rocky Point, Platt Mazon said. This causes a very interesting market for it.

He said talks are already under way with Carnival Cruise Line, which operates ships under several banners. The timing is excellent, he said, because cruise companies are planning voyages that far out.

Platt Mazon said the assurance that goods and services will be available from Arizona is crucial to making the port a success. He said the cruise companies already have relationships with U.S. suppliers.

So it will be easier for them to continue making business with the ones they already have business, he said.

Still, he acknowledged, there are other potential hurdles. One is the time it can take for people to cross back into the United States.

Platt Mazon said some of that is within the control of Sonora, like widening the road between Puerto Penasco and the border. The rest, however, may require the cooperation of  and funding from  federal governments in both countries.

Ducey said he sees having a cruise port within three hours of the states largest city as a new  and what might be unexpected  economic benefit.

We talk about the quality of life here, he told Capitol Media Services. We think our geographic location to a port like Puerto Penasco ... just provides another tourism opportunity for people in our state.

Ducey called it a big win for the state. Even for those who may not be interested in cruises, the promise of improved roads and a better border crossing has benefits.

As beautiful as it is here in the desert, we need an easy, convenient way to get to the beach, the governor said.

Theres tourism opportunities on both sides of the border, Ducey added. And this is one that Angela (his wife) and I and our family will certainly take advantage of.

Still, there is no guarantee that the port will be completed. Plans and construction began four years ago, with progress in fits and starts.
It would be understandable if you felt some vertigo after reading about the bribery indictment that shook the state Capitol last month.

When a key political player, a statewide elected official and a prominent businessman are accused of an elaborate vote-buying scheme, it has a way of making you ponder darker possibilities. If this scheme was going on under our noses, for example, what else dont we know about? And is it possible thats the way things really run?

After talking to some experts last week, I cant help but conclude a form of corruption plays a central role in Arizonas government, but the type of out-and-out bribes laid out in the indictment may not be so pervasive.

Bribery, of course, remains illegal. But what some researchers call legal corruption  the use of vast sums of private money to pervert government processes and decisions in favor of those donors  is pervasive.

When you peer into our politics, thats the bottomless hole that should cause your vertigo.

The indictment of lobbyist Jim Norton, businessman George Johnson and former corporation commissioner Gary Pierce and his wife, Sherry, leads us to this bigger problem, but indirectly. The upshot is that Johnson is accused of funneling $31,500 to the Pierces via Norton. In exchange, the indictment says, Gary Pierce voted the way Johnson wanted on a utility issue, saving Johnson from his tax obligation.

Theyve said they are innocent and will fight the charges.

Johnson, a longtime developer, runs a water and sewage company in San Tan Valley. He wanted ratepayers to  get this  cover the cost of the personal income tax he accrued from running the utility. The staff of the commission recommended against the idea, but Pierce and two other commissioners voted yes.

The result: Johnsons income taxes were paid for by customers  an unbelievable scam.

But that kind of deal, if it happened, may be isolated. Not all corruption comes in the form of cash in an officials pocket.

I spoke with an economist who researches political corruption in the states, Oguzhan Dincer of Illinois State University. He and his colleagues looked at measuring corruption according to the number of criminal convictions, but that captured too little of the problem. Instead, they chose to measure perceptions of corruption by surveying journalists who cover the state government  not a great measure, but better than mere convictions, they concluded.

They also separated the concept of illegal corruption from legal corruption. Dincer and colleague Michael Johnston define legal corruption as the political gains in the form of campaign contributions or endorsements by a government official, in exchange for providing specific benefits to private individuals or groups.

I asked Dincer if the 2010 Citizens United case has increased legal corruption in the states by essentially turning what was illegal  the unlimited spending of corporate and union money to influence politics  legal.

I think so, he said, because at the state and local level, you can influence everybody with very little money. The legislative politicians get away with murder at the local level.

Arizona ranked moderately high in the perception of illegal corruption, but those journalists surveyed called legal corruption in the state government extremely common. (I was not surveyed.)

So whats perhaps more important to the indictment story is who Norton and Pierce are, and what else they have been doing. Norton is a Republican lobbyist well-connected to Gov. Doug Ducey, a college friend, and linked to the movers of dark money in Arizona. The states first prince of dark money, Sean Noble, helps run the firm that Norton founded, Axiom Public Affairs.

It is telling that you have Jim Norton from Axiom, who is very close to Sean Noble, very close to the governor, very in favor of the use of dark money, Rep. Ken Clark, a Phoenix Democrat who has worked on campaign finance issues, told me.

He suddenly finds himself in trouble.

Pierce is also an important character. The original public allegations of misdeeds against him were not related to Johnson Utilities. They were about his dealings with Arizona Public Service, the states largest utility, and his son Justins run for secretary of state in 2014. The FBI interviewed him and APS officials in June of last year.

Bob Burns, a Republican corporation commissioner, has been running a one-man campaign to force APS to disclose how it spent money in the 2014 election. About $3.2 million was spent in dark money contributions to help corporation-commission candidates whom the utility supported. APS has never admitted nor denied being the source of the money, but Burns is trying to force it to disclose its political spending from that era and in the future.

They do have the legal right to spend it, Burns said.

If thats the case, then they need to report in a timely fashion so the voters and ratepayers know at the time they vote what is the situation.

We need to know how the utility was able to make this dark-money system work, he continued. Were pretty sure they took the money and donated it to a nonprofit organization that did not have to disclose their donors.

The same dynamic, and some of the same players, operates in the state Legislature as in the Corporation Commission.

Jim Norton was lobbying for George Johnson Utilities, Burns said. He was also lobbying for APS. He was also lobbying for the state Chamber of Commerce.

In the Legislature, its the Arizona Chamber of Commerce and Industry that pulls the strings. You may recall the conversation that reporter Ben Giles of the Arizona Capitol Times overheard on the floor of the state Senate near the end of the session. He overheard Sen. Steve Smith tell Sen. Debbie Lesko, who questioned whether the chamber supported a certain bill, We run everything through them. Everything.

The chamber has been a massive donor for and against initiatives and candidates, and one of its big supporters is Arizona Public Service, the utility that appears to have tried to pick its own elected regulators through donations of dark money in 2014.

Last session, the chamber notoriously pushed bills that will restrict citizens ability to put initiatives on the ballot.

Before that, in the 2016 session, the chamber supported a broad effort to let money flow more freely in Arizona politics.

SB 1516 reduced the states ability to force dark-money groups to disclose their donors, loosened rules on gifts to candidates and allowed the transfer of donations among candidates.

It was a massive expansion of the power of big money to pervert our political processes by making elected officials even more responsive to money than to their constituents.

The chamber, Clark said, has always been there shoulder to shoulder with APS when it comes to laws that undermine reasonable disclosure in our political system. It was APS and Chamber of Commerce lobbyists who we saw running around the Capitol convincing Republican legislators that it was OK to vote for this.

While its this legal corruption we should worry about, first and foremost, the pervasiveness of this sort of corruption may also facilitate illegal bribery, Dincer told me.

It seems to me theyre complementary, he said. Most of the states high in illegal corruption are also high in legal corruption.

Or, as Clark put it, This embracing of dark money has created an atmosphere of permissiveness.

If you feel woozy thinking about it, please sit down.
The Arizona Daily Star Sportsmens Fund Send a Kid to Camp program raises money so children from low-income households and military families can attend overnight YMCA, Boy Scout and Girl Scout camps and Camp Tatiyee, for school-age children and older teens with special needs, at little or no cost to their families.

Our goal is to raise $205,000 and send at least 700 local boys and girls to area camps this summer. So far, weve received 1,318 donations totaling $190,821, which puts us at 93 percent of the way to our goal. In April, we increased our goal by $5,000 to each camp so children on waiting lists can be accommodated. Camps are in full swing.

Since 1947, the Arizona Daily Star Sportsmens Fund has helped pay for 38,551 children to go to camp. Were one of the oldest 501c(3) charities in Arizona and one of the most efficient in our giving, with 97 cents of every dollar going to send kids to camp.

Your contribution qualifies for the Arizona tax credit of up to $800 for donations to qualifying charitable organizations. Donations are welcome throughout the year.

Recent donations include:

Lee Alter, $200.

American Legion Cocio-Estrada Ladies, Auxiliary 59, $50.

Vicente Amparano, $25.

Pat Banner, $50.

Donald Benze,l $50.

Marjorie Blaine, $150.

Mr. and Mrs. Dale Buchner, $300.

Barbara Burstein, $25.

Eric Creson, $100.

Donald Crowell, $250.

Dark Star Leather, in memory of Jay, Pauline and Rick Leece, $50.

Sarah Davis, $50.

Lawrence Desmond, $100.

Joan Dotson, $25.

Diana Dougherty, $25.

Thomas Ferguson, $200.

Radford and Patricia Fisher, $200.

Sally Garner, $100.

John Harlow, $100.

Dr. and Mrs. Thomas Hicks, $200.

Penn Hightower, $100.

Peter Hovell, $100.

Don and Peggy Huffman, in memory of George Ware, $100.

Robert Hughes, $800.

Kautz Family Foundation, $5,000.

Burt Kinerk, $100.

Frances Levinson, in memory of Jim DeCook, $50.

Dr. Frank Marcus, $200.

Barbara Martinez, $6.

Cathy McIntosh, $25.

Susan Meere, $50.

Cliff Myrick, $100.

Paul OHagin Sr., $250.

Richard Orielly, $250.

Charlene Owen, in honor of Fathers Day, $50.

Ruth Palmer, $100.

Elsa and Dan Reyes, $100.

Billy Schisler, $200.

Emilie Sikora, $50.

Moira Silverman, $36.

The Skinner Family, in memory of Don Skinner, $50.

Betty and Dick Southard, in memory of Frank Fitzpatrick, $100.

Oliver Stern, $1,000.

Burt Steves, $400.

Linda Strugala, $100.

Lawrence Tagg, $100.

Laura Tanzer and Michael Simons, $400.

Gary Theriaque, $100.

Pamela Tobak, $20.

Linda Tumellie, $200.

Phil Walthall, $100.

Johanna Watters, $50.

Donald Whiting, $10.

Rob and Jody Wilson Charitable Fund, $500.

Mr. and Mrs. Alan Winner, $30.

One anonymous donation of $100.
An AARP television advertisement airing in Arizona again this week takes aim at federal health reform and is targeted to U.S. Sen. Jeff Flake.

Republicans have a slim 52-48 majority in the Senate, and opponents of the American Health Care Act of 2017 (AHCA) are heavily lobbying Republican senators like Flake who are viewed as possible no votes.

The AARP ad features a couple visiting a financial-services company not-so-subtly called Ryan and Associates (House Speaker Paul Ryan has been one of the bills most-vocal proponents).

One of the first things the financial adviser tells the couple in the ad is that since they are over 50, their health insurance is about to get more expensive due to a so-called age tax in the bill.

And also, the mans asthma means insurers can charge consumers thousands more, the adviser tells the bewildered couple.

Flake responds

Reactions to the ad from health-care experts contacted by the Star last week were mixed, with some critics pointing out that the health-care bill that passed the House 217-213 on May 4 will be changed before the Senate votes on it.

When asked for a response to the ad, thats what Flake, an Arizona Republican, said, too.

The AHCA isnt expected to come up for a vote in the Senate, so the Senate is drafting its own legislation, Flake spokesman Jason Samuels wrote in an email. Once that bill is written, released, reviewed, and scored well have more clarity on its impacts.

The ad started airing May 23 on Tucson and Phoenix television stations and will run until June 11.

It targets five U.S. senators, including Flake, say AARP officials. The other senators are Lisa Murkowski and Dan Sullivan of Alaska, Cory Gardner of Colorado and Dean Heller of Nevada. Tell your senator: Vote no on the healthcare bill, the ad says.

AARP, the nations largest seniors group, made a six-figure buy for the ad in Arizona, as it did in each of the other three states targeted, said Alez Juarez, communications director for AARP Arizona.

Support for the ads claims

The language of the AHCA does not include the term age tax thats used in the ad. But the ad does give consumers accurate information about the bill passed by the House, said health-policy expert Dr. Dan Derksen, who is director of the Arizona Center for Rural Health at the University of Arizona.

The AARP isnt referring to some possible legislation, whatever ends up being introduced by the Senate. Its absolutely accurate on the AHCA, Derksen said.

The House version of the AHCA does allow insurers in 2018 to charge older enrollees five times more than younger enrollees, Derksen said. Under the current Affordable Care Act law, which was passed under President Obama, insurers are allowed to charge older enrollees up to three times more than younger people.

So the AARP ad is correct, Derksen said.

The AHCA also allows states to waive many of the Affordable Care Acts most popular consumer protections and thereby stop requiring insurers to include essential health benefits such as preventive services, newborn care and maternity coverage, Derksen said. It would also enable states to go back to charging more for pre-existing conditions if a person had not maintained continuous coverage, he said.

Criticism

And therein lies one of the problems that critics have with the ad. Most people with a pre-existing conditions arent going to allow their coverage to lapse, said Ray Magnuson, a Tucson health-insurance broker and owner of Magnuson & Associates. He calls the ad disingenuous and misleading.

All these ads are in that gray area where you cant say its an outright lie, he said. But its making assumptions.

States will indeed be allowed to apply for waivers under the AHCA, and they will be able to apply to charge more for pre-existing conditions. However, in order to get a waiver the states have to jump through five different steps, said Maguson, an incoming regional vice president of the National Association of Health Underwriters.

I think the ad is a lot of political posturing, said Naomi Lopez Bauman, director of health-care policy for the conservative-leaning Goldwater Institute in Phoenix.

We already know the House bill is completely independent of what the Senate is working on. ... The Senate has signaled quite clearly they are working on their own legislation, she said.

Lopez Bauman thinks the Senate bill will address the so-called age tax and look more at income rather than age when structuring premium subsidies.

There is a lot to be sorted out and were still early in the process, she said. The ad is not particularly educational. Its political.

The purpose of the ad is to make sure folks in Arizona know were watching, said AARPs Juarez.
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.
Donald Trump may be soliciting bids to build a wall along the border, but the governors of Arizona and Sonora are doing what they can to maintain the flow of goods, services and people.

Doug Ducey praised the long relationship between the two border states at a meeting Friday of the Arizona-Mexico Commission. At the same time, he acknowledged the new administration in Washington which not only wants to build a wall but is also actively pushing to deport Mexican nationals and renegotiate the North American Free Trade Agreement that has helped spur this states economy.

But Ducey told Capitol Media Services that he and Sonora counterpart Claudia Pavlovich just need to keep doing what they have been, regardless of whats happening in Washington.

We invested in this relationship over the two years previous to a new election, he said.

So I think in many ways we can be a model and an example for a relationship that can work, that can help benefit Arizonas and Americas economy, Ducey continued. And this has been a net positive for the job growth and economic growth of Arizona and we intend to continue it.

Pavlovich said shes not going to let the actions and rhetoric coming from Trump affect what she and Ducey are trying to do here.

We have maintained this relationship she said, noting the current political climate. We have to do our job and build bridges between us.

Were going to create jobs for both states, Pavlovich said.

Theres a lot at stake.

The Eller College of Management at the University of Arizona pegs Arizonas experts to Mexico last hear at $8.32 billion. Imports came in at $7.45 billion.

And Pavlovich, for her part, professed not to be overly concerned that all that is going to fall apart, no matter who is in the White House.

Everything, I think, is going to be all right, she said.

All that, of course, presumes that the free trade agreement, even if altered, is maintained.

Trump has made no secret of his feelings.

NAFTA has been a catastrophe for our country, he said earlier this year at the White House. Its been a catastrophe for our workers and our jobs and our companies that our leaving our country.

But Trump has backed away from earlier threats to walk away from it entirely, instead more recently suggesting there needs to be major changes, one he quipped will put an extra F in the term NAFTA, that additional letter representing the word fair.

Ducey wants a voice in what emerges.

As a border governor, well ask for a seat at the table, he said.

This has been an important relationship for us, Ducey continued. So if were going to renegotiate this agreement and find ways to improve it, Id like to be a part of it.

Pavlovich said she wants the focus of NAFTA talks to be not so much in ideologies and policies but the well-being of our people.

And the well-being of our people is that we continue with a treaty with certain things that we have to renegotiate that didnt exist when we signed, she said.

Those issues include digital trade as well as concerns about intellectual property rights and how the agreement works with state-owned enterprises. But Pavlovich said she agrees with Ducey that a fix is far better for the region than scrapping the agreement entirely.

You cant say goodbye to something that has given benefits for both countries, and also to Canada, she said.

Ducey said a prime example of how cross-border trade can benefit both countries was the announcement last year that Lucid Motors plans to build a $700 million plant in Casa Grande to manufacture luxury electric vehicles.

They were considering over 60 different markets in 13 different states, the governor said. What ultimately put the plant in Arizona, he said, was both the proximity to  and working relationship  with Mexico and Sonora where some of the parts will be built and shipped to Arizona.

Still, Ducey acknowledged that NAFTA, which took effect in 1994, needs updating.

Of course there is opportunity to improve it, he said.

So what does he hope for?
PHOENIX  A state regulator is taking the first steps to possibly kill a special tax break that was pushed through years ago by a now-indicted member of the Arizona Corporation Commission.

Andy Tobin wants his colleagues on the current commission to tell affected companies to immediately start putting the additional money theyre collecting from customers into an interest-bearing account, according to documents filed late Friday. In the interim, he said regulators will review the policy change enacted at the behest of Gary Pierce.

One of the companies that benefits is Johnson Utilities, the manager of which the federal indictment handed up last month says bribed Pierce to push for the change. Also indicted was Pierces wife, who the indictment says got more than $31,000 from George H. Johnson for minimal consulting work, and lobbyist Jim Norton who the indictment says acted as a go-between.

Tobin said having the money segregated will give the current commission members a chance to review the 2013 policy change to see if it really makes sense. The panel could vote to reverse the policy and, presumably, order a refund of the excess revenues.

The issue involves companies organized as S-corporations or as limited-liability companies.

In both cases, the companies have no earnings themselves, with those revenues passed through to the owners. And it is the owners who pay taxes on those earnings.

By contrast, C-corporations report and pay their own taxes. The commission policy has long been to allow those corporations to deduct those tax payments as an expense, essentially having the cost passed on to customers.

The change Pierce proposed  and the commission approved on a 4-1 vote  allowed the individual owners of the C-corporations and LLCs to charge their own personal income tax liability from those earnings to consumers.

One of the things Tobin told Capitol Media Services he wants to do as part of the investigation is speak to those who were on the commission at the time of the vote.

Of particular interest, he said, is the lone no vote by Brenda Burns.

It was a change in policy, Tobin said, saying he wants to find out what caused the shift.

The commissions documents show only her dissent. But the indictment quotes her as saying the change is neither justifiable nor good public policy.

She could not be reached for comment.

But Bob Burns, who was a commissioner then as now, said the change was justified.

It was a fairness argument, he said, given how C-corporations can charge their taxes to customers. And Burns said he looked at this in the context of the commissions role in setting rates for regulated monopolies like utilities.

A regulated business is a cost-recovery business, he said.

I read it as taxes being part of the cost to do business, Burns continued. And the record showed that smaller water companies were unable to earn the full return on equity authorized by the commission because of the tax costs, he said.

Burns said he supports Tobins desire to review the prior decisions of the commission. But he thinks it should go beyond that 2013 vote to what he called the related area of spending by outsiders, including Arizona Public Service and parent company Pinnacle West Capital Corp., on the 2014 election.

The connection, he said, is no stretch.

Pierce himself told Capitol Media Services last year that when the FBI came to talk with him, it was about the 2014 election.

Thats the one where two groups that wont disclose the names of their donors put $3.2 million into the race to elect Republicans Tom Forese and Doug Little. Thats also been the focus of efforts by Burns  unsuccessful to date  to get Arizona Public Service and parent Pinnacle West to disclose what they spent on the race and whether they were the source of any of that cash.

And there are other connections.

The federal probe appears to have been as an outgrowth of an investigation originally started with the state Attorney Generals Office.

That included allegations that Pierce, while on the commission, had met secretly with Don Brandt, the CEO of Pinnacle West, and Don Robinson, his predecessor, while the utility was in the middle of a rate case before the regulatory agency. These were laid out in a letter from a whistleblower, later identified as a former commission staffer, to Attorney General Mark Brnovich and others.

That state investigation also was looking into the role that Scot Mussi, head of the Free Enterprise Club, played in the 2014 Republican primary race for secretary of state.

Mussis organization spent more than $500,000 on behalf of Justin Pierce, Garys son, who lost the primary election to Michele Reagan.

Wil Cardon, the third candidate in that GOP primary, publicly charged during the race that the elder Pierce was using his position on the commission to get financial support for his sons campaign from companies that are regulated by the panel.

What all that means, Burns told Capitol Media Services, is the only reason there is an indictment now against Gary Pierce and others is because of the inquiry into that 2014 campaign.

There may be another shoe, Burns said, with the possibility of future charges.

The other thing that Tobin said in Fridays filing is that he wants a full review and audit of Johnson Utilities, which provides water and sewer service in Pinal County, within 90 days. He said that will determine if commissioners will tell the company to file for new rates and charges.

What it also will show, Tobin said, is whether the company has the capability to expand its service territory beyond its current customer base.